US08723124B2
Provided is a movable body spectrum measuring apparatus, which can discriminate a measuring object with high precision by photographic data from a spectrum sensor mounted on a movable body such as a vehicle and can process the photographic data in real time. A movable body spectrum measuring apparatus discriminates the measuring object around a vehicle on the basis of the spectrum data from an observation light. A spectrum sensor can measure wavelength information and light intensity information. The movable body spectrum measuring apparatus comprises a dictionary data storing unit storing, as dictionary data, the spectrum data containing the wavelength information and the light intensity information regarding a plurality of predetermined measuring objects, and an arithmetic device for discriminating the measuring object on the basis of comparison computation to compare the spectrum data of the observation light and the spectrum data stored in the dictionary data storing unit. The arithmetic device performs the computation to compare the spectrum data of the observation light with reference to only a partial wavelength band of the spectrum data stored as the dictionary data.
US08723123B2
A light detector includes a first light sensor and a second light sensor to detect incident light. A Ge film is disposed over the first light sensor to pass infra-red (IR) wavelength light and to block visible wavelength light. The Ge film does not cover the second light sensor.
US08723121B2
An identification system and method comprising a beacon unit using a highly collimated source of electromagnetic radiation, which emits towards a thermal imaging unit highly directional radiation. In this manner, improved visual identification of the beacon unit and the carrier associated therewith through the imaging unit can be achieved over both short and long distances. In particular, detection of the beacon unit is aided by emitting highly collimated radiation with high power density at great distances. When detected by the sensor array, an image of the emitted radiation is indeed displayed as a bright spot of light on the display, thus eliciting the attention of a viewer observing a scene through the imaging unit. Blooming of an array of sensing elements provided in the imaging unit may further be fostered by delivering a great amount of power to the imaging unit, thus improving detection of the beacon unit.
US08723120B2
A sensor element is provided for conversion of x-radiation into an electrical measurement signal, the sensor element including an x-radiation-absorbing fluid arranged in a housing, and a pressure sensor arranged to detect a pressure of the fluid on the pressure sensor and convert the detected pressure into an electrical measurement signal. A plurality of such sensor elements may be arranged in a matrix-type arrangement to form an x-ray detector.
US08723118B2
A dual-mode includes a light source configured to project a structured illumination from which visible light can be filtered. The dual-mode imager also includes a detector configured to capture both the structured illumination and visible light from the scene. A temporal or spatial filter is used to selectively block visible light from one or more portions of the detector while passing the structured illumination to the one or more portions of the detector.
US08723115B2
One embodiment relates to a method of detecting a buried defect in a target microscopic metal feature. An imaging apparatus is configured to impinge charged particles with a landing energy such that the charged particles, on average, reach a depth within the target microscopic metal feature. In addition, the imaging apparatus is configured to filter out secondary electrons and detect backscattered electrons. The imaging apparatus is then operated to collect the backscattered electrons emitted from the target microscopic metal feature due to impingement of the charged particles. A backscattered electron (BSE) image of the target microscopic metal feature is compared with the BSE image of a reference microscopic metal feature to detect and classify the buried defect. Other embodiments, aspects and features are also disclosed.
US08723105B2
A particle inlet system comprises a first chamber having a limiting orifice for an incoming gas stream and a micrometer controlled expansion slit. Lateral components of the momentum of the particles are substantially cancelled due to symmetry of the configuration once the laminar flow converges at the expansion slit. The particles and flow into a second chamber, which is maintained at a lower pressure than the first chamber, and then moves into a third chamber including multipole guides for electromagnetically confining the particle. The vertical momentum of the particles descending through the center of the third chamber is minimized as an upward stream of gases reduces the downward momentum of the particles. The translational kinetic energy of the particles is near-zero irrespective of the mass of the particles at an exit opening of the third chamber, which may be advantageously employed to provide enhanced mass resolution in mass spectrometry.
US08723099B2
An imaging apparatus includes a plurality of unit pixels arranged in a matrix and configured to generate a signal by photoelectric conversion, a plurality of pixel output lines connected to each column of the unit pixels, a plurality of column amplifiers configured to amplify a signal of the pixel output lines, and a driving circuit configured to generate a control signal of the column amplifiers. Each of the column amplifiers includes first and second input terminals, an output terminal, an input capacitance between the first and second input terminals, and a first switch between the second input and output terminals. The driving circuit is configured to generate the control signal so as to make a period for switching the first switch from a conductive state to a non-conductive state longer than a period for switching the first switch from the non-conductive state to the conductive state.
US08723096B2
An active photosensing pixel is disclosed, in which a two-terminal photosensing transistor has a first terminal coupled to a first node, a second terminal coupled to a first selection line and a control terminal connected to the second terminal. A driving transistor has a first terminal coupled to a first reference voltage, a second terminal coupled to an output line and a control terminal connected to the first node. A reset transistor has a first terminal connected to the first node, a second terminal coupled to a second reference voltage and a control terminal coupled to a second selection line.
US08723095B2
Electronic devices may be provided with image sensors. Image sensors may be configured to capture images during imaging operations and monitor ambient light levels during non-imaging operations. An image sensor may include image pixels that receive light and dark pixels that are prevented from receiving light. An image sensor may include an ambient light detection circuit. The ambient light detection circuit may include an oscillator, timing and control circuitry, and a counter. The oscillator may be switchably coupled to the image pixels and the dark pixels. The counter may be configured to count up oscillator cycles of the oscillator while the oscillator is coupled to the image pixels and to count down oscillator cycles of the oscillator while the oscillator is coupled to the dark pixels. The counter may provide a count value that depends on a signal from the image pixels and a signal from the dark pixels.
US08723092B2
The present invention relates to a light guide device for the introduction of sunlight into the interior of a building, having a multitude of movably mounted light deflection surfaces which are adjustable by control means depending on the position of the sun. According to the present invention the light deflecting surfaces of the light guide device are formed by serially arranged deflecting blades which may be swiveled about swivel axes which are approximately parallel to each other, the blades being mounted on a blade holder which is rotatable about a rotational axis which is essentially perpendicular to the direction of the swivel axes.
US08723089B2
An induction heating apparatus is capable of stop heating without excessively boosting output voltages of a booster circuit and a power factor correction circuit. The induction heating apparatus includes a boosting function unit, an inverter circuit, and a booster circuit controller. The boosting function unit includes a power factor correction circuit and a booster circuit, and boosts an input direct-current power to a direct-current voltage having a peak value larger than the peak value of the input direct-current power by turning on/off a switching element. The inverter circuit includes a heating coil, and inputs the direct-current voltage output by the boosting function unit to generate a high frequency current in the heating coil by turning on or off a different switching element. The booster circuit controller stops a boosting operation of the boosting function unit without a prescribed delay from the stop of an operation of the inverter circuit.
US08723088B2
Embodiments of the invention provide a system and method for induction heating a helical rotor of a progressing cavity pump in order to reduce the surface roughness of the rotor. In order to heat the rotor most evenly, it is desired to space the coil as closely around the rotor as possible. The invention provides a mechanism for threading the helical rotor through an induction coil having an interior diameter which is less than the major diameter of the rotor. The induction coil may include one loop and overlapping ends. The rotor to be heated is rotated about its longitudinal axis and advanced axially through the coil as it rotates. The axial speed and rotational speed are synchronized so that the rotor moves one pitch through the coil for each complete rotation.
US08723086B2
A heating device of a portable nature is disclosed. The heating device of a portable nature includes a heating element, a hinged coupled to the heating element, and an arm coupled to the hinge.
US08723070B2
A power switchgear according to the present invention includes a pass-through hole which is formed in a fixed side contact case that is supported by a fixed side insulation supporter to fix and retain the fixed side of a vacuum valve and has a larger inner diameter than an outer diameter of the vacuum valve so that the vacuum valve is capable of horizontally passing through and the fixed side end portion of the vacuum valve is placed by passing through; and a fixed side connection conductor attached to the fixed side contact case and connected to the fixed side end portion of the vacuum valve.
US08723065B2
A switch includes an insulative case with fixed electrodes and a movable electrode therein. The case includes a first surface configured to contact with a circuit board and a second surface configured to oppose to the circuit board via a gap. The movable electrode moves between a first position for placing the fixed electrodes in a conductive state and a second position for placing the fixed electrodes in a nonconductive state. Each of the fixed electrodes includes a contact terminal which contacts with the movable electrode and an external connecting terminal exposed on the second surface and soldered to a land of a wiring terminal on the circuit board. The external connecting terminal includes a first portion opposed to the land and a second portion connected to the first portion that has an area larger than an area of the first portion.
US08723064B2
A button mechanism includes a casing. A lock hole and an engaging portion are formed and disposed on a bottom of the casing, and a plurality of open slots is formed on a lateral wall of the casing. The button mechanism further includes a plurality of buttons respectively disposed on the corresponding open slots, a fixing component, and a supporting component. An end of the supporting component is engaged with the engaging portion. The supporting component includes a first part whereon a piercing hole is formed. The fixing component pierces through the piercing hole and the lock hole to fix the first part on the bottom of the casing. The supporting component further includes a second part connected to the first part and contacting against the plurality of first buttons for constraining movements of the plurality of buttons relative to the casing.
US08723063B2
A button assembly for displaying an illuminated symbol with a locking ring having an outer surface. A solid light guide is positioned within and spaced apart from the locking ring. The light guide has a top surface for displaying an illuminated symbol and a bottom surface with a light receiving member having a refracting surface with a first lens member for receiving and directing light to the top surface of the light guide. A resilient sealing member is mounted on the locking ring and interconnects the locking ring and the light guide. The sealing member has an unsupported portion that facilitates movement of the light guide relative to the locking ring.
US08723062B2
A key assembly for an electronic device having a one-piece keycap and an electronic device having such a keycap are provided. In accordance with one embodiment, there is provided a key assembly for use in an electronic device, comprising: a keycap having a plurality of rigid key portions separated by mechanically deforming portions; and a flexible member having opposed first and second sides, the first side having a plurality of key stems which are attached to the plurality of key portions, the second side having a plurality of actuators for actuating dome switches of the electronic device.
US08723057B2
Systems and methods for protecting a flight recorder are provided. In certain embodiments, a crash survivable memory unit, comprises a memory device that records flight data; a flexible insulation layer that inhibits thermal energy from conducting from an external side of the flexible insulation layer to an internal side of the flexible insulation layer, wherein the internal side faces the memory device; a microlattice layer abutting the internal side and enclosing the memory device, the microlattice layer configured to distribute thermal energy that passes through the flexible insulation layer substantially throughout the microlattice layer; and a heat absorbing material that impregnates the microlattice layer, the heat absorbing material configured to absorb the thermal energy in the microlattice layer; and an impact resistant layer encircling the flexible insulation layer, wherein the impact resistant layer absorbs shocks that result from other objects contacting the impact resistant layer.
US08723052B1
In some embodiments, a system includes a conductor on a first layer of a laminated composite assembly. The laminated composite assembly has an input, an output, a first electrical interconnect which couples the conductor on the first layer of the laminated composite assembly with a second conductor on a second layer of the laminated composite assembly, and a second electrical interconnect which electrically couples the first conductor with the second conductor. A width of the second electrical interconnect is greater than a width of the first electrical interconnect. A resistance of the laminated composite assembly as measured between the electrical input and the electrical output is less than the resistance of the laminated composite assembly as measured between the electrical input and the electrical output if the width of the first electrical interconnect were substantially equal to the width of the second electrical interconnect.
US08723051B2
A wiring substrate includes a substrate body formed of an inorganic material and including a first surface and a second surface, a first trench formed in a first surface side of the substrate body, a second trench formed in a second surface side of the substrate body, a penetration hole penetrating through the substrate body, a first plane layer filling the first trench, a second plane layer filling the second trench, and a penetration wiring filling the penetration hole. The first plane layer is a reference potential layer. The second plane layer is a power supply layer.
US08723048B2
Methods, systems, and apparatuses are provided for three-dimensional coiling via structures. A substrate includes a plurality of insulating layers, a plurality of trace layers interleaved with the insulating layers, and a three-dimensional coiling via. The three-dimensional coiling via includes a plurality of electrically conductive traces and a plurality of electrically conductive vias through the insulating layers. The electrically conductive traces are present in at least two of the traces layers and are coupled together by the electrically conductive vias. The electrically conductive traces are arranged to form at least one partial turn around an axis through the substrate.
US08723042B2
A flexible flat cable which includes wire cores, insulation coating layers surrounding the wire cores, shield coating layers surrounding the insulation coating layers, an upper insulation plate layer formed on the shield coating layers, a lower insulation plate layer formed under the shield coating layers and opposite to the upper insulation plate layer, and a shield plate layer formed under the lower insulation plate layer.
US08723027B2
A photovoltaic structure having an electrode of a glass substrate coated with a high work function metal to which a film of a combination of a non-conjugated conductive polymer and an electron acceptor such as fullerene, carbon, iodine, or potassium iodide is applied. The structure has a second electrode of a low work function metal that has been coated on the glass substrate. This glass substrate with the low work function metal is applied to the film. Among the non-conjugated polymers are polyisoprene, poly(β-pinene), cis-polyisoprene, styrene-butadiene-rubber copolymer, polynobornene and polyalloocimene. When light strikes this photovoltaic structure it is capable of generating electric voltage greater than 100 mV for a light intensity of about 5 mW/cm2.
US08723015B2
A photoelectric conversion device includes a plurality of photoelectric conversion regions disposed over a substrate, and a colored region disposed among the photoelectric conversion regions over the substrate, the colored region forming an image over the substrate.
US08723014B2
A musical tone control device capable of generating a hi-hat sound intended by the performer operates such that, when striking surface position information corresponds to a first position, instructions are provided to stop generating a musical tone with a first timbre (or that satisfies another predetermined condition), when the striking surface position has reached a predetermined second position higher than the first position after instructions are provided to generate the musical tone. Since, the performer's intention is reflected in the transition state of the striking surface position, a musical tone according to the performer's intention can be generated.
US08723011B2
There is provided a musical sound generation instrument. The instrument includes: a storage unit configured to store song data and audio data therein, wherein (a) the song data includes pitches and time information indicating sound generation timing of musical sounds of a song, and (b) the audio data is accompaniment data for the song of the song data; a musical sound data generator configured to generate musical sound data of prescribed musical sounds, based on manipulations of a plurality of playing elements; and an audio data player configured to read and play the audio data according to elapsed time information obtained by the time information included in the song data. The audio data player includes: a manipulation judging unit configured to determine whether manipulation timing of one of the playing elements synchronizes with the sound generation timing of the song data; and a player controller.
US08723002B1
A novel maize variety designated X18C097 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof, produced by crossing Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. proprietary inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprises crossing hybrid maize variety X18C097 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X18C097 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X18C097, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X18C097. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X18C097.
US08722995B2
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated CV363568. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CV363568, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CV363568 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to corn seeds and plants produced by crossing plants of variety CV363568 with plants of another variety, such as another inbred line. The invention further relates to the inbred and hybrid genetic complements of plants of variety CV363568.
US08722986B2
A soybean cultivar designated S100106 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar S100106, to the plants of soybean cultivar S100106, to the plant parts of soybean cultivar S100106, and to methods for producing progeny of soybean cultivar S100106. 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 S100106. The invention also relates to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines, or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar S100106, 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 S100106 with another soybean cultivar.
US08722974B1
A novel soybean variety, designated XBP31010 is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety XBP31010, cells from soybean variety XBP31010, plants of soybean XBP31010, and plant parts of soybean variety XBP31010. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety XBP31010 with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic trait, a mutant trait, and/or a native trait into soybean variety XBP31010, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety XBP31010, and methods of characterizing soybean variety XBP31010. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety XBP31010 are further provided.
US08722965B1
A novel maize variety designated X90C500 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof, produced by crossing Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. proprietary inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprises crossing hybrid maize variety X90C500 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X90C500 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X90C500, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X90C500. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X90C500.
US08722961B2
A hyperbaric dressing has a fluid impermeable sheet and a fluid permeable layer with a sheet of porous material positioned between these two layers with passageways to permit fluid to flow out of the dressing.
US08722959B2
A system for providing a force to a desired area on a curved body part of a person includes a dressing assembly shaped and configured to be placed on the desired area of the person, a releaseable circumferential member surrounding the curved body part that holds the dressing assembly against the desired area, a sealing subsystem for providing a fluid seal over the dressing assembly and the person's skin, and a reduced-pressure subsystem for providing a reduced pressure to the dressing assembly. When reduced pressure is supplied, the system generates the force against the desired area on the curved body part.
US08722957B2
Provided herein are methods of treating a composition. In one embodiment, the method includes contacting a sulfur-based bulk reductant with a composition that includes soil and/or water and further includes one or more oxidized organic and/or inorganic compounds. In another embodiment, the method includes contacting a sulfur-based bulk reductant with a composition that includes soil and/or water and further includes one or more chlorinated organic compounds. In still another embodiment, the method includes contacting a sulfur-based bulk reductant with a composition that includes soil and/or water and further includes one or more chemical warfare agents. Also provided herein are sulfur-based bulk reductants for use in remediation of contaminated soil and/or water.
US08722955B2
A device (SMB) for separation by simulated moving bed adsorption comprises a plurality of elementary adsorption zones Zi in series operating in a closed loop, and at least one singular adsorption zone with a dead volume which is greater than the adsorption zones Zi, the solid adsorbant of said singular adsorption zone having a granulometry which is lower than that of the solid adsorbant of the ordinary adsorption zones.
US08722954B2
The present invention is a method of reducing the formation of fouling deposits occurring in a caustic scrubber used to remove acid gases comprising: a) providing a caustic scrubber fed with an alkaline aqueous solution comprising essentially one or more of NaOH, KOH or LiOH, b) providing an olefin-containing hydrocarbon stream, contaminated with oxygenated compounds and acid gases, and said oxygenated compounds are capable to make polymeric fouling deposits in the presence of the alkaline solution of the scrubber, c) sending the above hydrocarbon stream to the caustic scrubber to recover an olefin-containing hydrocarbon stream essentially free of acid gases, wherein, d) an efficient amount of a solvent capable to reduce the formation of fouling deposits is introduced in the caustic scrubber and/or in the alkaline solution fed to the scrubber, e) the liquid outlet of the scrubber is sent to means to separate the solvent from the alkaline solution, and wherein the caustic scrubber has several stages with various caustic concentrations, and wherein the solvent injection and removal can be located at each stage.
US08722953B2
The invention relates to a process for preparing substituted or unsubstituted 1,7-diolefins by hydrodimerizing non-cyclic olefins having at least two conjugated double bonds in the presence of a reducing agent and of a catalyst, wherein the catalyst used is a metal-carbene complex.
US08722952B2
Disclosed is a process for production of benzene lean gasoline by recovery of high purity benzene from a narrow boiling benzene concentrated unprocessed cracked gasoline fraction. The process involves subjecting the feed material to an extractive distillation (ED) operation using an aromatic selective solvent in combination with a co-solvent.
US08722947B2
The present invention provides a gas oil composition for use in a diesel engine containing an FT synthetic base oil and having a sulfur content of 5 ppm by mass or less, an oxygen content of 100 ppm by mass or less, a bulk modulus of 1250 MPa or greater and 1450 MPa or less, a saybolt color of +22 or greater, a lubricity of 400 μm or less, an initial boiling point of 140° C. or higher and an end point of 380° C. or lower in distillation characteristics, wherein: (1) the cetane number in a fraction range of lower than 200° C. is 20 or greater and less than 40; (2) the cetane number in a fraction range of 200° C. or higher and lower than 280° C. is 30 or greater and less than 60; and (3) the cetane number in a fraction range of 280° C. or higher is 50 or greater.
US08722945B2
A process for the preparation of a fluoroiodoalkane represented by the structural formula CF3(CF2)n—I, wherein n is 0 or 1. The process has the step of reacting a source of iodine with a compound represented by the structural formula CF3(CF2)n—Y, wherein Y is selected from H, Cl, Br and COOH and wherein n is 0 or 1. The reaction is carried out at a temperature from about 100° C. to about 750° C. and at a pressure from about 0.001 to about 100 atm for a contact time from about 0.001 second to about 300 hours in the presence a catalyst. The catalyst is subject to one or both of the following: (a) treating the catalyst prior to the reaction via contact with a gas selected from the group consisting of hydrogen fluoride, trifluoromethane, hydrogen, hydrogen iodide, iodine, fluorine, and oxygen, wherein the contact is carried out at a temperature and for a contact time sufficient to reduce the length of the induction period of the catalyst; and (b) treating the catalyst after the reaction via contact with a gas selected from the group consisting of hydrogen fluoride, hydrogen, fluorine, oxygen, or air at a temperature and for a contact time sufficient to regenerate the catalyst.
US08722940B2
High molybdenum mixed metal oxide catalysts for the production of unsaturated aldehydes from olefins
A catalyst for the oxidation of an olefin to an unsaturated aldehyde comprising a mixed metal oxide having the formula (I): MoaWbMcM′dM″eZfOg (I) where M represents trivalent metals, M′ represents divalent metals, M″ represents monovalent metals, Z represents elements in the form of an oxide, a, b, c, d, e, f and g are numbers, and where the catalyst has an anion to cation molar (ACM) ratio greater than 1.00 and less than 2.00 and an M′ to M molar ratio between 1.95 and 2.15.
US08722930B2
A compound of formula (I) wherein R1 to R15, P1, P2, A, B and Q are as defined in the claims and pharmaceutically acceptable salts and esters thereof, are disclosed. The compounds of formula (I) possess utility as matriptase inhibitors and are useful in the treatment of matriptase dependent conditions, particularly cancer.
US08722929B2
This invention provides compounds of formula A and formula B which are modulators of potassium ion channels and are useful for the treatment of seizure disorders.
US08722924B1
An integrated facility for the co-production of ethanol and biodiesel fuel is provided. Ethanol and corn oil, the primary product and a by-product from the ethanol plant, are utilized as feedstocks for a biodiesel plant operating within the same general facility as the corn ethanol plant. By-products of the biodiesel plant, principally crude liquid glycerol and gaseous ethanol or methanol, are recycled to various parts of the ethanol plant.
US08722922B2
The disclosure provides a process for hydrogenation of polycarboxylic acids or derivatives thereof, including: hydrogenation of polycarboxylic acids or derivatives thereof in the presence of a catalyst, wherein the catalyst includes an active metal and a support, the support includes a Group IIA element and a Group IIIA element, and the active metal includes a Group VIIIB element.
US08722918B2
The present invention relates to a process for producing C1-C4 alkyl nitrite, comprising loading a resin catalyst layer and/or a porous filler layer into a reactor, passing nitrogen oxide, oxygen and C1-C4 alkanol as raw materials through the resin catalyst layer and/or porous filler layer in a counter current, parallel current or cross current manner, reacting under the conditions including a reaction temperature of from 0 to 150° C., a reaction pressure of from −0.09 to 1.5 MPa, a molar ratio of C1-C4 alkanol/nitrogen oxide of 1-100:1, a molar ratio of nitrogen oxide/oxygen of 4-50:1, to obtain an effluent containing C1-C4 alkyl nitrite, wherein said nitrogen oxide is NO, or a mixed gas containing NO and one or more selected from N2O3 and NO2.
US08722917B2
This invention relates to compounds useful for treating fungal infections, more specifically topical treatment of onychomycosis and/or cutaneous fungal infections. This invention is directed to compounds that are active against fungi and have properties that allow the compound, when placed in contact with a patient, to reach the particular part of the skin, nail, hair, claw or hoof infected by the fungus. In particular the present compounds have physiochemical properties that facilitate penetration of the nail plate.
US08722913B2
The invention relates to a method for producing dimeric and/or trimeric silicon compounds, in particular silicon halogen compounds. The claimed method is also suitable for producing corresponding germanium compounds. The invention also relates to a device for carrying out said method to the use of the produced silicon compounds.
US08722905B2
Disclosed is a dye, having a chemical formula: wherein each R1 is independently selected from hydrogen, —(CxH2x+1), —(CyH2y)—S—(CxH2x+1), or —(CyH2y)—N(CxH2x+1)2; Ar1 is wherein each R2 is independently selected from —(CxH2x+1), —(CxH2x)—S—(CxH2x+1), or (CxH2x)—N(CxH2x+1)2; Ar2 is wherein each R3 is independently selected from hydrogen, —(CxH2x+1), —(CyH2y)—S—(CxH2x+1), or —(CyH2y)—N(CxH2x+1)2; X is sulfur, oxygen, selenium, or N—R4, and R4 is —(CxH2x+1); m is in integer of 1 to 4; x is an integer of 1 to 20; and y is an integer of 0 to 20. The dye can be applied to a photoelectric conversion device.
US08722897B2
The present invention relates to metal thiourea complexes comprising N-substituted thiourea ligands and sulfur-coordinated metal ions, and methods for using the metal thiourea complexes for delivering otherwise unstable or impermeable metal ions to mammalian cells, for inhibiting cancer cell growth and inflammation, and for inhibiting the activities of associated drug targets under in vitro and in vivo conditions. The metal complexes of N-substituted thiourea are defined by the following formula (Ia or Ib) wherein R1 can be H, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl or heterocyclic groups; R2 can be H, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl or aryl groups; n=1 to 4; X− is a pharmaceutically acceptable anion (chloride, bromide, iodide, hexafluorophosphate, or triflate) and M is a coinage metal (Au, Ag, or Cu).
US08722892B2
The present invention relates to synthesis procedures and intermediates of a compound of formula: and the salts thereof.
US08722890B2
Compounds that inhibit protein kinases such as Aurora-kinases and the VEGFR and PDGFR families of kinases, with an improved safety profile due to low CYP3A4 inhibition, compositions containing the compounds and methods of treating diseases using the compounds are disclosed.
US08722885B1
A phosphorescent four-coordinated platinum (II) complex represented by formula (C) is disclosed: where Y represents N or P; R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R9, R10, R11, and R12 are the same or different, and independently represent hydrogen, or a substituted or unsubstituted organic group; and represents or
US08722881B2
A tetradendate amide based macrocyclic ligand and its Fe(III) complex which act as activators of hydrogen peroxide. The synthetic methodology to develop the ligands is new, simple and provides better yield for each step of the ligand synthesis. The Fe(III)-complexes and hydrogen peroxide together are can perform several environmentally benign oxidation reactions. Organic dye bleaching, bleaching of pulp and paper effluent and N-oxide synthesis may be performed using the newly developed catalyst and hydrogen peroxide. Alcohol oxidation and alkene epoxidation may also be performed using the catalysts and hydrogen peroxide.
US08722871B2
The present invention relates to DNA sequences encoding Vmp-like polypeptides of pathogenic Borrelia, the use of the DNA sequences in recombinant vectors to express polypeptides, the encoded amino acid sequences, application of the DNA and amino acid sequences to the production of polypeptides as antigens for immunoprophylaxis, immunotherapy, and immunodiagnosis. Also disclosed are the use of the nucleic acid sequences as probes or primers for the detection of organisms causing Lyme disease, relapsing fever, or related disorders, and kits designed to facilitate methods of using the described polypeptides, DNA segments and antibodies.
US08722866B2
The present invention concerns methods and compositions related to type 3 phosphodiesterases (PDE3). Certain embodiments concern isolated peptides corresponding to various PDE3A isoforms and/or site-specific mutants of PDE3A isoforms, along with expression vectors encoding such isoforms or mutants. In specific embodiments, methods for identifying isoform-selective inhibitors or activators of PDE3 are provided, along with methods of use of such inhibitors or activators in the treatment of dilated cardiomyopathy, pulmonary hypertension and/or other medical conditions related to PDE3 effects on cAMP levels in different intracellular compartments.
US08722865B2
Provided herein are isolated genomic polynucleotide fragments from the from the p15 region of chromosome 11 encoding human and tumor suppressing subtransferable candidate 4 (TSSC4) and methods of use.
US08722864B2
The present invention relates to methods and compositions for the synthesis, production, and use of pro-drug analogs of the analgesic acetaminophen. This invention relates to a method for the production of a broad group of glycosides of acetaminophen derivatives.
US08722851B2
A composition and method are disclosed that utilize an isolated polypeptide or analog thereof to inhibit the interaction of a mu-opioid receptor with filamin A. A contemplated polypeptide has an amino acid residue sequence illustrated by the formula: W-[X1X2X3 . . . X43X44X45]nValAlaX48GlyLeu[X51X52X53 . . . X94X95X96]m-Y, wherein the various elements are defined elsewhere. A contemplated method can be used to select a VAKGL-binding compound.
US08722849B2
The invention relates to polypeptides comprising an amino acid sequence which is an analogue of pramlintide, pharmaceutical compositions comprising these polypeptides, and these polypeptides for use as medicaments.
US08722842B2
The present invention provides an optical film exhibiting wavelength dispersion such that a retardation value is smaller on the shorter wavelength side, and capable of being also formed comparatively thinly.The optical film of the present invention is an optical film including a polyimide-based polymer represented by the following general formula (I).In the formula (I), m is 40% by mol or more and 100% by mol or less. R1 and R2 each independently denote a substituent having a carbon-carbon double bond or a triple bond. A, A′, B, B′, E, G, and H each denote a substituent, and small letters corresponding to these alphabets denote substitution number thereof. X and Y each independently denote bond part such as a covalent bond. The substituents having a carbon-carbon double bond or a triple bond represented by R1 and R2 are a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group, a substituted or unsubstituted vinyl group, and a substituted or unsubstituted ethynyl group.
US08722839B2
A fiber comprises a composition including a poly(phenylene ether) having less than or equal to 240 parts per million by weight of hydroxyl groups associated with ethylene bridge groups and less than or equal to 800 parts per million by weight of hydroxyl groups associated with rearranged backbone groups, both amounts based on the weight of the poly(phenylene ether). Fiber of low denier can be formed from this composition. The fiber can be formed by melt spinning.
US08722837B2
A composition is prepared by oxidative copolymerization of specific amounts of 2,6-dimethylphenol, 2,3,6-trimethylphenol, and a hydroxyaryl-terminated polysiloxane. The composition exhibits an increased heat resistance relative to a corresponding composition prepared by copolymerizing 2,6-dimethylphenol and hydroxyaryl-terminated polysiloxane, without 2,3,6-trimethylphenol. The composition is useful as a flame-retardant additive in polymer compositions that require high heat resistance.
US08722834B2
The invention relates to a process for producing equilibration products of organosiloxanes by rearrangement of the siloxane bond to a cation exchange resin, the organopolysiloxanes thus obtainable, and the use thereof.
US08722826B2
Biocompatible terpolymers are manufactured to include a zwitterionic monomer, an alkoxy acrylate monomer, and a hydrophobic monomer.
US08722804B2
Polymer blends and films made therefrom are provided. The polymer blend can include a first polyethylene having a density of less than about 0.940 g/cm3, a melt index (I2) greater than 0.75 g/10 min, and a melt index ratio (I21/I2) of less than 30. The polymer blend can also include a second polyethylene having a density of less than about 0.940 g/cm, a melt index (I2) of less than 1 g/10 min, a melt index ratio (I21/I2) greater than 30, and a molecular weight distribution (Mw/Mn) of less than 4.5.
US08722803B2
A polymer composition comprising (per cent by weight): a) 70-84% of a crystalline propylene polymer having an amount of isotactic pentads (mmmm), measured by 13C-MNR on the fraction insoluble in xylene at 25° C., higher than 97.5 molar %; b) 8-15% of an elastomeric copolymer of ethylene and propylene, the copolymer having an amount of recurring units deriving from ethylene ranging from 25 to 50 wt % and being partially soluble in xylene at ambient temperature; the polymer fraction soluble in xylene at ambient temperature having an intrinsic viscosity value ranging from 2.5 to 3.5 dl/g; and c) 8-15% of ethylene homopolymer having an intrinsic viscosity value ranging from 1.5 to 4 dl/g; said composition having a value of melt flow rate ranging from 55 to 90 g/10 min, and the amount of hexane extractables lower than 3.5 wt %.
US08722794B2
The present invention relates to a melt processable copolyetheramide made by reacting (a) one or more segments of polyamide hard blocks derived from a lactam-terminated diisocyanate and a lactam monomer, and (b) one or more segments of polyether soft blocks derived from a polyether diol. The invention further provides for methods of making said copolyetheramide, including a continuous extruder method of production.
US08722792B1
A dry erase writing surface is formed from a single component, 100% solids polyurethane, ambient cured, dry erase paint composition having at least ninety percent by weight low NCO isocyanate, a cure accelerating catalyst and a defoaming agent. The surface is ready for use in a day. The composition can additionally contain a diluent, vegetable oil or mineral spirits. The coating has a VOC of between 0 and 49 g/l. The coating is initially applied to the surface of the substrate to form a film thickness of 1-3 mils. The whiteboard is characterized as when tested by erasure of the dry erase markers, the marks are virtually invisible after 2500 cycles. The composition can be packaged as a kit with applicators.
US08722789B2
A composition includes specific amounts of a virgin poly(arylene ether) resin and a rubber-modified polystyrene that is preferably derived from post-consumer recycling. The composition includes about 0.2 to about 1.5 weight percent of polymerized acrylonitrile residue that can originate as a contaminant in the recycled rubber-modified polystyrene. The composition avoids the need for compatibilizing agents required by related compositions.
US08722787B2
The present disclosure includes a waterborne polyolefin based coating layer that has improved features as compared to epoxy coatings. The coating composition of the present disclosure include 40 to 80 weight percent (wt. %) of a base polymer; 10 to 30 wt. % of a polymeric stabilizing agent; 5 to 15 wt. % of a polymeric coupling agent; 0 to 35 wt. % of a polymeric performance improving agent; a neutralizing agent that partially or fully neutralize the polymeric stabilizing agent; and a fluid medium, where the wt. % values are based on the total weight of the base polymer, the polymeric coupling agent, the polymeric stabilizing agent and, when present, the polymeric performance improving agent (as used herein, this total weight of the base polymer, the polymeric coupling agent, the polymeric stabilizing agent and, when present, the polymeric performance improving agent may be referred to as the “solid content” of the coating composition).
US08722784B2
A polymer nanocomposite comprises a polymer; and a nanoparticle derivatized to include functional groups including carboxy, epoxy, ether, ketone, amine, hydroxy, alkoxy, alkyl, aryl, aralkyl, alkaryl, lactone, functionalized polymeric or oligomeric groups, or a combination comprising at least one of the forgoing functional groups. The variability in tensile strength and percent elongation for the polymer nanocomposite is less than the variability of these properties obtained where an underivatized nanoparticle is included in place of the derivatized nanoparticle.
US08722770B2
The present invention relates to an unsaturated polyester resin or vinyl ester resin composition, wherein the unsaturated polyester resin or vinyl ester resin composition comprises an unsaturated polyester resin or vinyl ester resin and a copper compound and an acetoacetamide compound having the following formula: whereby R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5 each individually may represent hydrogen (H), or a C1-C20 alkyl, C6-C20 aryl, alkylaryl or arylalkyl group, that each optionally may contain one or more hetero-atoms (e.g. oxygen, phosphor, nitrogen or sulphur atoms) and/or substituents; a ring may be present between R1 and R2, R2 and R3, R3 and R5 and/or between R4 and R5; R4 and R5 may be part of a polymer chain or may be attached to a polymer chain; and the resin being curable with a peroxide and the resin composition contains less than 0.01 mmol cobalt per kg primary resin system and less than 0.01 mmol titanium per kg primary resin system.
US08722764B2
Vinyl polymers formed by bulk or solution polymerization techniques are combined with nanoparticles to produce aqueous dispersions of nanoparticle/vinyl polymer composites.
US08722742B2
Use of chemical compounds obtained in silico for the preparation of pharmaceutical compositions to attenuate or inhibit Dengue virus infection. Particularly, through the interference or the modulation of several stages of viral replication cycle related with the entry of virus into host cells and the assembly of mature progeny virions. The invention also comprises the use of such pharmaceutical compositions for prophylactic and/or therapeutic treatment of infection caused by all four serotypes of Dengue virus and other flaviviruses.
US08722739B2
The present invention is directed to novel amino acid prostaglandin salts and methods of making and using them.
US08722734B2
The present invention relates to the a method of inhibiting bone resorption in a mammal in need thereof with an oral pharmaceutical composition comprising a cathepsin K inhibitor, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, or a mixture thereof, according to a continuous schedule having a dosage interval of once weekly, biweekly, twice monthly or once monthly.
US08722732B2
The invention relates to (among other things) oligomer-calcimimetic conjugates and related compounds. A conjugate of the invention, when administered by any of a number of administration routes, exhibits advantages over previously administered compounds.
US08722731B2
Provided herein are substituted furanyl compounds of formula (I), pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds, methods of their preparation, and methods of their use. The compounds provided herein are useful for the treatment, prevention, and/or amelioration of various disorders, including cancer and proliferative disorders. In one embodiment, the compounds provided herein modulate eIF4E activity. In one embodiment, the compounds provided herein modulate the Hedgehog pathway activity. In one embodiment, the compounds provided herein are used in combination with surgery, radiation therapy, immuno therapy and/or one or more additional anticancer drugs for the treatment, prevention, and/or amelioration of cancer and proliferative disorders.
US08722712B2
The present invention relates to substituted aryl 1,2,4-oxadiazoles derivatives, processes for preparing them, pharmaceutical compositions containing them and their use as pharmaceuticals as modulators of sphingosine-1-phosphate receptors.
US08722711B2
Provided are compounds having an excellent hypoglycemic action and a β cell- or pancreas-protecting action or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and a pharmaceutical composition having an excellent therapeutic effect and/or prophylactic effect on type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, and the like, which cause an increase in the blood sugar level due to abnormal sugar metabolism. A compound represented by general formula (I), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, is disclosed.
US08722709B2
Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists, of which the following is exemplary.
US08722708B2
Disclosed are compounds of the formula I or a stereoisomer, tautomer, or pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, wherein Q is a bond or —N(R5)—; T is a bond, —O—, —C(O)—; S, —N(R5)—, or —C(R6′R7′); U is a bond or —C(R6)(R7)— Y is C or N; Z is C or N; ring A, including variables Y and Z, is a three to nine membered cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, heterocyclyl, heterocyclenyl, aryl, and heteroaryl ring having 0 to 4, preferably 0 to 2, heteroatoms independently selected from the group consisting of O, S, N and —N(R)—, wherein ring A is unsubstituted or substituted with 1 to 5 independently selected R1 moieties and/or oxo when ring A is cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, heterocyclyl or heterocyclenyl; and R, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R6, R7 and R7′ are as defined in the specification; pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds of formula I and the method of inhibiting aspartyl protease, and in particular, the methods of treating cardiovascular diseases, cognitive and neurodegenerative diseases.
US08722706B2
The present invention relates to two phase systems of a bioactive ingredient in particle form that has limited or no solubility in a liquid medium, which provides stability to the bioactive ingredient that is similar to the bioactive ingredient when in the solid state. The bioactive ingredient may be capable of therapeutically treating for the presence of a cholinesterase inhibitor. The bio active ingredient comprises 1,1′-methlyenebis[4-[(hydroxyimino)methyl]-pyridinium]dimethanesulfonate.
US08722705B2
Methods of treating, preventing and/or managing cancer as well as and diseases and disorders associated with, or characterized by, undesired angiogenesis are disclosed. Specific methods encompass the administration of an immunomodulatory compound alone or in combination with a second active ingredient. The invention further relates to methods of reducing or avoiding adverse side effects associated with chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormonal therapy, biological therapy or immunotherapy which comprise the administration of an immunomodulatory compound. Pharmaceutical compositions, single unit dosage forms, and kits suitable for use in methods of the invention are also disclosed.
US08722700B2
This invention provides CCI-779 cosolvent concentrates which are useful in preparing a parenteral formulation of rapamycin 42-ester with 3-hydroxy-2-(hydroxymethyl)-2-methylpropionic acid (CCI-779) following admixture with a diluent.
US08722699B2
Provided herein are novel iso-ergoline derivatives and compositions thereof. In other embodiments, provided herein are methods of treatment, prevention, or amelioration of a variety of medical disorders such as, for example, migraine using the compounds and compositions disclosed herein. In still other embodiments, provided herein are methods of agonizing receptors such as, for example, the 5-HT1D and/or the 5-HT1B receptor, without agonizing the 5-HT2B receptor using the compounds and compositions disclosed herein. In still other embodiments, provided herein are methods of antagonizing or inhibiting activity at receptors such as, for example, the adrenergic alpha2A and/or the alpha2B receptors using the compounds and compositions disclosed herein.
US08722684B2
1-[2-(2,4-dimethylphenylsulphanyl)phenyl]piperazine exhibits potent activity on SERT, 5-HT3 and 5-HT1A and may as such be useful for the treatment of cognitive impairment, especially in depressed patients.
US08722683B2
The present invention is concerned with novel dual modulators of the 5-HT2A and D3 receptors of formula (I) wherein n, Y, R1, R2, R3, and R4 are as described herein, as well as pharmaceutically acceptable salts and esters thereof. Further the present invention is concerned with the manufacture of the compounds of formula (I), pharmaceutical compositions containing them and their use as pharmaceutical agents.
US08722682B2
The present invention pertains to a compound of formula (I) wherein R1, R2, R3, and R4 are each hydrogen or sulfate monoester with the proviso that R1, R2, R3, and R4 cannot simultaneously be hydrogen, processess for their preparation and their use as pharmaceuticals in the treatment of CNS disorders.
US08722681B2
This invention provides thiazolylpiperazine derivatives, and N-sulfonyl heterocyclic derivatives including phenyl- and benzyl-thiazolylpiperidine derivatives, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, which are useful active ingredients for administration in a method for the treatment of an α-synucleopathy such as Parkinson's disease, diffuse Lewy body disease, traumatic brain injury, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Niemann-Pick disease, Hallervorden-Spatz syndrome, Down syndrome, neuroaxonal dystrophy, multiple system atrophy and Alzheimer's disease. This invention also provides methods for making such derivatives, and pharmaceutical compositions including such derivatives together with pharmaceutically acceptable excipients.
US08722666B2
A drug for sedating a patient, and especially a smoker, during eye surgery. The drug includes a sedative such as midazolam in a mix with nicotine. The mixture is injected into the patient prior to the eye surgery.
US08722665B2
The present invention provides a compound of general formulae (8a-i), (11a-i), (14a-i), and (17a-i), useful as potential antitumour agents against human cancer cell lines. The present invention further provides a process for the preparation of Cinnamido-pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepines of general formulae (8a-i), (11a-i), (14a-i), and (17a-i).
US08722664B2
Spontaneously dispersible N-benzoyl-staurosporine compositions are disclosed for oral administration having high bioavailability levels and reduced variability of bioavailability levels of N-benzoyl-staurosporine, as well as their preparation and use in medical treatment.
US08722642B2
A method for obtaining a new antiviral compound with multiple action against many viruses, comprising modified highly purified yeast RNA, a pharmaceutical composition comprising such RNA, and a method for the treatment and prevention of viral disease comprising administering to a patient a composition comprising an amount effective to ameliorate the symptoms of viral disease of ribonucleic acid. The exogenous modified yeast RNA has a pronounced multiple anti-virus action in a wide range of concentrations. The modified yeast RNA is capable of inhibiting the reproduction of viruses from Orthomyxoviridae, Paramyxovirus, Hepatitis, Herpesviridae families, enterovirus and adenovirus. Also, the modified yeast RNA is capable of inhibiting the reproduction of influenza viruses, hepatitis C virus, genital herpes, human immunodeficiency virus and Coxsackie B virus.
US08722640B2
The present invention is based, at least in part, on novel, unimolecular STAT3 oligonucleotide decoys exhibiting increased in vivo stability as compared to previously known decoys which are effective in inhibiting STAT3 when administered systemically. The invention is also based on pharmaceutical compositions comprising these unimolecular decoys, and methods for using these decoys in the treatment of cancer.
US08722639B2
This invention relates to modulators of NADPH oxidase as a medicament for the treatment and/or prevention of hearing loss and/or phantom hearing. Such modulators preferably act by inhibiting NADPH oxidase activity, wherein the NADPH oxidase comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NO: 1, 3 or 5, or (ii) is encoded by a nucleic acid comprising or consisting of the sequence of any one of SEQ ID NO: 2, 4, 6, 23 or 24, or (iii) is a fragment of the protein according to (i) or (ii) and exhibits NADPH oxidase activity, or (iv) has a sequence at least 75% identical with the protein according to (i) or (ii) or with the fragment according to (iii) and exhibits NADPH oxidase activity. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions, medical uses and diagnostic uses of compounds of the invention.
US08722638B2
The present invention relates to methods and compositions for promoting or inhibiting capillary endothelial (CE) cell migration, promoting or inhibiting the formation of CE networks and promoting or inhibiting angiogenesis. Some embodiments relate to methods and compositions for treating angiogenesis-related disorders characterized by loss or decreased angiogenesis. One aspect relates to the use of at least one pro-angiogenic agent selected from at least one of an p190RhoGAP inhibitor, a TFII-I inhibitor or a GATA-2 activator for promoting the formation of CE networks and angiogenesis, and methods for treating angiogenesis-related disorders characterized by loss or decreased angiogenesis. Another aspect of the invention related to use of at least one anti-angiogenic agent selected from at least one of an p190RhoGAP activator, a TFII-I activator or a GATA-2 inhibitor for inhibiting the formation of CE networks and inhibiting angiogenesis, and methods for treating angiogenesis-related disorders characterized by uncontrolled or elevated angiogenesis.
US08722627B2
A peptidic hydrolyzate enriched in bioactive peptides is disclosed that is a proteasome activator. Cosmetic and pharmaceutical compositions are disclosed that include the peptidic hydrolyzate enriched in bioactive peptides in a physiologically acceptable medium. Also disclosed are methods for depigmenting, lightening and/or whitening the skin and treating hyperpigmentation blemishes as well as cutaneous signs due to photo-aging by administering the cosmetic compositions or pharmaceutical compositions.
US08722626B2
The present invention is related to the use of secretagogue peptides repeatedly administered as part of a pharmaceutical composition that prevent and eradicate the deposition of pathological fibrotic material in parenchymal tissues of internal organs like the liver, lungs, esophagus, small intestine, kidneys, blood vessels, joints, and other systemic forms of cutaneous fibrosis of any etiopathogenesis. Additionally, these peptides prevent and eradicate deposition of amiloid and hyaline materials in any of their correspondent chemical forms and tissue manifestations in the brain, cerebellum, blood vessels, liver, intestines, kidneys, spleen, pancreas, joints and the skin, among others. By this way, cellular, tissular and organ dysfunctions generated by these depositions are corrected. The peptides of the present invention are infiltrated or topically applied, contributing to prevent and eradicate keloids and hypertrophic scars in the skin, derived as sequelae of burns and other cutaneous trauma.
US08722625B2
It has been identified in accordance with the present invention that Nell1 is essential for normal cardiovascular development by promoting proper formation of the heart and blood vessels. The present invention therefore provides therapeutic methods for treating cardiovascular disorders by employing a Nell1 protein or nucleic acid molecule.
US08722619B2
The invention features echinocandin class compounds. The compounds can be useful for the treatment of fungal infections.
US08722606B2
An automatic dishwashing detergent composition having at least two components. The first component is a polymer containing polymerized residues of at least one C3-C6 carboxylic acid monomer and a hydroxy end group. The second component is a biodegradable builder selected from among nitrilotriacetic acid, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid, glycine-N,N-diacetic acid, methylglycine-N,N-diacetic acid, 2-hydroxyethyliminodiacetic acid, glutamic acid-N,N-diacetic acid, 3-hydroxy-2,2′-iminodisuccinate, S,S-ethylenediaminedisuccinate aspartic acid-diacetic acid, N,N′-ethylenediamine disuccinic acid, iminodisuccinic acid, aspartic acid, aspartic acid-N,N-diacetate, beta-alaninediacetic acid, polyaspartic acid, salts thereof and combinations thereof.
US08722603B2
The present invention relates to soap bars having improved lather. Specifically, by limiting amounts of myristic acid and keeping specifically defined ratios of sum of C8-C10 fatty acids to C12 fatty acid bars having substantially improved lather and unexpectedly obtained.
US08722602B2
Grease which includes a base oil containing at least 50% by mass of a specific diester compound of a glycol with a branched carboxylic acid, and a specific diurea compound as a thickener. The grease is excellent in low-temperature performance and has low oil separation tendency. In particular, when used in a rotation transmission device having a built-in one-way clutch, the grease can provide satisfactory clutch engagement performance (intermeshing) at low temperatures and is less apt to cause oil separation under high centrifugal force.
US08722590B2
A sintered, generally spherical ceramic body, having an alumina content of from about 52 to about 58 weight percent distributed substantially homogeneously throughout the body, a silica content from about 32 to about 39 weight percent distributed substantially homogeneously throughout the body, an apparent specific gravity of about 2.63 to about 2.67, and a bulk density of about 1.48 to about 1.56 grams per cubic centimeter.
US08722584B2
The present invention relates to the fields of microbiology, molecular biology and protein biochemistry. More particularly, it relates to compositions and methods for analyzing and altering (e.g., enhancing or inhibiting) protein folding and solubility (e.g., within periplasm). The present invention provides an engineered assay for protein folding and solubility in the E. coli periplasm based on co-translational translocation of a chimera comprising a protein of interest fused to TEM-I β-lactamase that is targeted for export via the signal recognition particle (SRP)-dependent pathway. Using an array of native and heterologous proteins, it is demonstrated that periplasmic folding behavior of proteins is intimately coupled to in vivo β-lactamase activity. As a result of this coupling, the reporter is useful for (1) facile discovery of extrinsic periplasmic factors that affect protein folding and solubility; and (2) genetic selection of solubility-enhanced proteins.
US08722577B2
The present invention relates to a composition containing (A) at least one specific carbamate fungicide, (B) at least one specific insecticide and optionally (C) at least one azole, the use of this composition for improving plant health and a method for improving plant health by treating a plant, its propagules or the locus where the plant is growing or is to grow with the above composition.
US08722576B2
A thermosensitive recording label is provided having a thermosensitive recording layer and a tackifier layer installed sequentially on a transparent film substrate. The thermosensitive recording label has excellent water and weather resistance.
US08722575B2
It is disclosed a packaging material (1) for a pharmaceutical product. The packaging material comprises a colored element (2) which at a predetermined temperature, below which the pharmaceutical product must be kept, discolors partially, revealing a marking. The element is formed by a first portion forming the marking (2′) printed with conventional ink, and a second portion (2″) printed with thermochromic ink. The thermochromic ink is colored below the predetermined temperature and becomes colorless when this predetermined temperature is reached or exceeded. The two portions are arranged so that the first portion is invisible below the predetermined temperature, but becomes visible when this temperature is reached or exceeded.
US08722572B2
A metal catalyst substrate 1 is equipped with a honeycomb body 2 in which a corrugated metal foil 4 and a flat metal foil 5 are multiply rolled, their leader portions being overlapped with each other. A restricting portion 8 is formed at a core portion 7 of the honeycomb body 2 by a portion of the core portion being deformed to restrict flow of exhaust gas in a core portion 7.
US08722563B2
Described herein is a catalyst precursor composition comprising at least one metal from Group 6 of the Periodic Table of the Elements, at least one metal from Groups 8-10 of the Periodic Table of the Elements, and a reaction product formed from (i) a first organic compound containing at least one amine group, and (ii) a second organic compound separate from said first organic compound and containing at least one carboxylic acid group. A process for preparing the catalyst precursor composition is also described, as is sulfiding the bulk mixed metal oxide catalyst precursor composition to form a hydroprocessing catalyst.
US08722558B2
Provided is a process for producing a regenerated hydrotreating catalyst by regenerating a spent hydrotreating catalyst in a prescribed temperature range, wherein the prescribed temperature range is a temperature range of T1−30° C. or more and T2+30° C. or less, as determined by subjecting the spent hydrotreating catalyst to a differential thermal analysis, converting a differential heat in a measuring temperature range of 100° C. or more and 600° C. or less to a difference in electromotive force, differentiating the converted value twice by temperature to provide a smallest extreme value and a second smallest extreme value, and representing a temperature corresponding to the extreme value on the lower-temperature side as T1 and a temperature corresponding to the extreme value on the higher-temperature side as T2.
US08722555B2
Translucent zirconia sintered bodies have had a problem that incorporation of titania improves translucency but lowers mechanical strength. The invention provides: a zirconia sintered body containing titanium oxide, the sintered body containing 6-15 mol % yttria and 3-20 mol % titania and having an in-line transmission of 50% or higher when examined at a sample thickness of 1 mm and a measuring wavelength of 600 nm; and a zirconia sintered body having especially high translucency which is a high-quality transparent zirconia sintered body that contains 3-20 mol % titania and 6-15 mol % yttria and has an in-line transmission, as measured at a wavelength of 600 nm, of 73% or higher and a haze value of 2.0% or less and that is highly translucent and is undimmed (cloudless). The invention further relates to a production process in which a powder having the composition is molded and thereafter subjected to ordinary-pressure primary sintering and hot isostatic pressing (HIP) under specific conditions.
US08722552B2
This woven/knit fabric contains composite yarn comprising a multifilament yarn A2 and a multifilament yarn B2, which satisfies the following conditions (1) to (3): (1) the ratio (WA2/DA2) of the yarn length of the multifilament fiber A2 during absorption of moisture and humidity (WA2) to the yarn length of the multifilament yarn A2 under conditions of 20° C. and 65% humidity (DA2) is 1.02 to 1.30; (2) the ratio (WA2/DB2) of the yarn length of the multifilament yarn A2 during absorption of moisture and humidity (WA2) to the yarn length of the multifilament yarn B2 under conditions of 20° C. and 65% humidity (DB2) is 0.9 to 1.1; and (3) the drying shrinkage stress (DS value) of the multifilament yarn A2 is 0.08 cN/dtex or more.
US08722549B2
A method of fabricating a semiconductor device having reduced plasma-induced damage includes providing a p-type semiconductor substrate. The p-type semiconductor substrate has a front surface including the semiconductor device and a back surface. The method further includes doping the back surface with an n-type dopant to form an n-type semiconductor region before forming metal interconnections on the front surface. The n-type semiconductor region and the p-type semiconductor substrate form a pn junction. The method also includes forming an insulation layer on an exposed surface of the n-type semiconductor region.
US08722542B2
A method for patterning a layer at a bottom of a high aspect ratio feature of a substrate is described. The method includes providing the substrate having a first layer with a feature pattern overlying a second layer. The feature pattern is characterized with an initial critical dimension (CD), an initial corner profile, and an aspect ratio of 5:1 or greater. The method further includes etching through at least a portion of the second layer at the bottom of the feature pattern to extend the feature pattern at least partially into the second layer while retaining a final CD within a threshold of the initial CD and a final corner profile within a threshold of the initial corner profile using a gas cluster ion beam (GCIB) etching process.
US08722541B2
A method of fabricating a semiconductor device is disclosed. The exemplary method includes providing a substrate including a device layer and a sacrificial layer formed over the device layer and patterning the sacrificial layer thereby defining a cut pattern. The cut pattern of the sacrificial layer having an initial width. The method further includes depositing a mask layer over the device layer and over the cut pattern of the sacrificial layer. The method further includes patterning the mask layer thereby defining a line pattern including first and second portions separated by the cut pattern of the sacrificial layer and selectively removing the cut pattern of the sacrificial layer thereby forming a gap that separates the first and second portions of the line pattern of the mask layer. The method further includes patterning the device layer using the first and second portions of the line pattern of the mask layer.
US08722540B2
A method includes bonding a wafer on a carrier through an adhesive, and performing a thinning process on the wafer. After the step of performing the thinning process, a portion of the adhesive not covered by the wafer is removed, while the portion of the adhesive covered by the wafer is not removed.
US08722539B2
A semiconductor electroplating process deposits copper into the through silicon via hole to completely fill the through silicon via in a substantially void free is disclosed. The through silicon via may be more than about 3 micrometers in diameter and more that about 20 micrometers deep. High copper concentration and low acidity electroplating solution is used for deposition copper into the through silicon vias.
US08722536B2
A circuit substrate uses post-fed top side power supply connections to provide improved routing flexibility and lower power supply voltage drop/power loss. Plated-through holes are used near the outside edges of the substrate to provide power supply connections to the top metal layers of the substrate adjacent to the die, which act as power supply planes. Pins are inserted through the plated-through holes to further lower the resistance of the power supply path(s). The bottom ends of the pins may extend past the bottom of the substrate to provide solderable interconnects for the power supply connections, or the bottom ends of the pins may be soldered to “jog” circuit patterns on a bottom metal layer of the substrate which connect the pins to one or more power supply terminals of an integrated circuit package including the substrate.
US08722531B1
A method for forming an interconnect structure includes forming a dielectric layer overlying a substrate, forming a metal-containing layer in the dielectric layer, forming a barrier layer overlying the metal-containing layer, and performing a thermal process to form a metal oxide layer underlying the conductive layer. The metal oxide layer is a barrier layer formed at the boundary between the dielectric layer and the metal-containing layer.
US08722527B2
The present invention discloses an integrated circuit (IC) comprising a bond pad (160); a substrate stack carrying a first layer (130) comprising conductive regions (135); and an interconnect layer (140) over the first layer (130) comprising a dielectric material portion (400) between the bond pad (160) and the substrate stack, said portion comprising a plurality of air-filled trenches (345) defining at least one pillar (340) of the dielectric material (400), at least said air-filled trenches (345) being capped by a porous capping layer (440). The interconnect layer (140), which typically is one of the uppermost interconnect layers of the IC, has an improved resilience to pressure exerted on the bond pad (160). The present invention further teaches a method for manufacturing such an IC.
US08722526B2
Embodiments relate to growing an epitaxy gallium-nitride (GaN) layer on a porous silicon (Si) substrate. The porous Si substrate has a larger surface area compared to non-porous Si substrate to distribute and accommodate stress caused by materials deposited on the substrate. An interface adjustment layer (e.g., transition metal silicide layer) is formed on the porous silicon substrate to promote growth of a buffer layer. A buffer layer formed for GaN layer may then be formed on the silicon substrate. A seed-layer for epitaxial growth of GaN layer is then formed on the buffer layer.
US08722519B2
A method for making a semiconductor device is provided which comprises (a) creating a data set (301) which defines a set of tiles for a polysilicon deposition process; (b) deriving a polysilicon deposition mask set (311) from the data set, wherein the polysilicon deposition mask set includes a plurality of polysilicon tiles (303); (c) deriving an epitaxial growth mask set (321) from the data set, wherein the epitaxial growth mask set includes a plurality of epitaxial tiles (305); and (d) using the polysilicon deposition mask set and the epitaxial growth mask set to make a semiconductor device (331); wherein the epitaxial growth mask set is derived from the data set by using at least a portion of the tile pattern defined in the data set for at least a portion of the tile pattern defined in the epitaxial deposition mask set.
US08722504B2
A method for reducing leakage current in DRAM capacitor stacks by introducing dielectric interface layers between the electrodes and the bulk dielectric material. The dielectric interface layers are typically amorphous dielectric materials with a k value between about 10 and about 30 and are less than about 1.5 nm in thickness. Advantageously, the thickness of each of the dielectric interface layers is less than 1.0 nm. In some cases, only a single dielectric interface layer is used between the bulk dielectric material and the second electrode.
US08722501B2
A method for manufacturing multi-gate transistor device includes providing a semiconductor substrate having a patterned semiconductor layer, a gate dielectric layer and a gate layer sequentially formed thereon, forming a multiple insulating layer sequentially having a first insulating layer and a second insulating layer and covering the patterned semiconductor layer and the gate layer, removing a portion of the multiple insulating layer to simultaneously form a first spacer around the gate layer and a second spacer around the patterned semiconductor layer, removing the second spacer to expose a portion of the first insulating layer covering the patterned semiconductor layer and simultaneously removing a portion of the first spacer to form a third spacer around the gate layer, and removing the exposed first insulating layer to expose the patterned semiconductor layer.
US08722490B2
A method of making a non-volatile MOS semiconductor memory device includes a formation phase, in a semiconductor material substrate, of isolation regions filled by field oxide and of memory cells separated each other by said isolation regions The memory cells include an electrically active region surmounted by a gate electrode electrically isolated from the semiconductor material substrate by a first dielectric layer; the gate electrode includes a floating gate defined. simultaneously to the active electrically region. A formation phase of said floating gate exhibiting a substantially saddle shape including a concavity is proposed.
US08722489B2
A method of fabricating a non-volatile memory is provided. A tunneling dielectric layer and a first patterned conductive layer are sequentially formed on a substrate. A patterned inter-gate dielectric layer and a second patterned conductive layer are stacked on a first surface of the first patterned conductive layer, and a second surface of the first patterned conductive layer is exposed. The second surface is adjacent to the first surface. The substrate is covered by a passivation layer, and a first sidewall of the first patterned conductive layer is exposed. A recess is formed on the first sidewall of the first patterned conductive layer, such that the first sidewall has a sharp corner. A portion of the passivation layer on the second surface is removed, such that the sharp corner of the first patterned conductive layer is exposed.
US08722486B2
When forming sophisticated gate electrode structures requiring a threshold adjusting semiconductor alloy for one type of transistor, a recess is formed in the corresponding active region, thereby providing superior process uniformity during the deposition of the semiconductor material. Moreover, the well dopant species is implanted after the recessing, thereby avoiding undue dopant loss. Due to the recess, any exposed sidewall surface areas of the active region may be avoided during the selective epitaxial growth process, thereby significantly contributing to enhanced threshold stability of the resulting transistor including the high-k metal gate stack.
US08722483B2
The invention discloses a method for manufacturing a dual-layer polysilicon gate. The method includes: depositing silicon nitride on silicon oxide of an integrated circuit to be processed; performing anisotropic etching on the silicon nitride to form sidewalls of silicon nitride on sidewalls of a first layer of polysilicon gate of the integrated circuit to be processed; manufacturing a second layer of polysilicon gate; and rinsing the sidewalls of silicon nitride.
US08722481B2
When forming high-k metal gate electrode structures in a semiconductor device on the basis of a basic transistor design, undue exposure of sensitive materials at end portions of the gate electrode structures of N-channel transistors may be avoided, for instance, prior to and upon incorporating a strain-inducing semiconductor material into the active region of P-channel transistors, thereby contributing to superior production yield for predefined transistor characteristics and performance.
US08722480B2
Transistors are provided including first and second source/drain regions, a channel region and a gate stack having a first gate dielectric over a substrate, the first gate dielectric having a dielectric constant higher than a dielectric constant of silicon dioxide, and a metal material in contact with the first gate dielectric, the metal material being doped with an inert element. Integrated circuits including the transistors and methods of forming the transistors are also provided.
US08722473B2
Semiconductor devices and methods of manufacture thereof are disclosed. A complimentary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) device includes a PMOS transistor having at least two first gate electrodes comprising a first parameter, and an NMOS transistor having at least two second gate electrodes comprising a second parameter, wherein the second parameter is different than the first parameter. The first parameter and the second parameter may comprise the thickness or the dopant profile of the gate electrode materials of the PMOS and NMOS transistors. The first and second parameter of the at least two first gate electrodes and the at least two second gate electrodes establish the work function of the PMOS and NMOS transistors, respectively.
US08722458B2
Provided are optical devices and systems fabricated, at least in part, via printing-based assembly and integration of device components. In specific embodiments the present invention provides light emitting systems, light collecting systems, light sensing systems and photovoltaic systems comprising printable semiconductor elements, including large area, high performance macroelectronic devices. Optical systems of the present invention comprise semiconductor elements assembled, organized and/or integrated with other device components via printing techniques that exhibit performance characteristics and functionality comparable to single crystalline semiconductor based devices fabricated using conventional high temperature processing methods. Optical systems of the present invention have device geometries and configurations, such as form factors, component densities, and component positions, accessed by printing that provide a range of useful device functionalities. Optical systems of the present invention include devices and device arrays exhibiting a range of useful physical and mechanical properties including flexibility, shapeability, conformability and stretchablity.
US08722441B2
A method for fabricating a light emitting device includes forming a trench in a first surface on first side of a substrate. The trench comprises a first sloped surface not parallel to the first surface, wherein the substrate has a second surface opposite to the first surface of the substrate. The method also includes forming alight emission layer over the first trench surface, but not over the remainder of the first substrate surface, and removing at least a portion of the substrate from the second side of the substrate to expose the light emission layer and allow it to emit light out of the protrusion or protrusions on the second side of the substrate. These protrusions may be elongated pyramids.
US08722434B2
An integrated circuit comprising trench MOSFET having trenched source-body contacts and trench Schottky rectifier having trenched anode contacts is disclosed. By employing the trenched contacts in trench MOSFET and trench Schottky rectifier, the integrated circuit is able to be shrunk to achieve low specific on-resistance for trench MOSFET, and low Vf and reverse leakage current for trench Schottky Rectifier.
US08722433B2
A method for fabricating light emitting diode (LED) dice includes the steps of mixing wavelength conversion particles in a base material to a first weight percentage, mixing reflective particles in the base material to a second weight percentage, curing the base material to form a wavelength conversion layer having a selected thickness, and attaching the wavelength conversion layer to a die.
US08722427B2
A method for determining the dissociation constant (Kd) by plotting resonance frequency shift as a function of time for various target analyte concentrations. From this graph, the fraction of saturation, i.e. equilibrium fraction of bound binding sites out of all available binding sites on the sensor surface may be estimated by taking the ratio of the equilibrium resonance frequency shift at a selected concentration to the equilibrium frequency shift of the sensor. The dissociation constant is the inverse slope of the line produced by graphing the fraction of saturation as a function of concentration. This method is particularly useful for the study of protein-protein and protein-mRNA interactions.
US08722419B2
Mass cytometry method. In one aspect, the method includes providing a sample having at least one cell type and mixing the sample with material such as nanoparticles functionalized with affinity molecules for the at least one cell type. The sample is transported through a suspended microchannel resonator to record a mass histogram and a cell count for the at least one cell type is determined from the histogram.
US08722416B2
An analytical method comprising performing a first fractionation of a polymer sample based on differences in crystallizability to provide a first set of sample fractions, performing a first analysis on the first set of sample fractions, performing a second fractionation of the first set of sample fractions to produce a second set of sample fractions, performing a second analysis on the second set of sample fractions, and synchronizing the first fractionation and second fractionation to provide about concurrent analysis of the polymer sample.
US08722411B2
An isolated polynucleotide is disclosed which comprises a nucleic acid sequence of a Brucella phage, the nucleic acid sequence being specific to the Brucella phage and comprising a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 387-393. An exemplary polynucleotide sequence is one which comprises at least 100 consecutive nucleotides of a nucleic acid sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 396. Uses of such sequences are further disclosed.
US08722407B2
A handheld tool is disclosed which may be used to transfer a plurality of plant tissue explants from a first container to a second container. The handheld tool may include a disposable tip member which couples the plurality of plant tissue explants through use of negative pressure. An automated system which transfers a plurality of plant tissue explants from a first container to a second container is also disclosed. The automated system may include a first presentment system which moves the first container to a region, a second presentment system which moves the second container to the region, and a robot system that transfers the plurality of plant tissue explants from the first container to the second container.
US08722398B2
The use of mesenchymal stem cells cultured in the presence of HS-2 for the treatment of bone fracture. Repair of bone fracture using such cells is enhanced compared with the treatment of bone fracture using mesenchymal cells cultured without HS-2. These mesenchymal stem cells may be formulated in a pharmaceutical composition and injected directly into tissues surrounding the fracture or used in a biocompatible implant or prosthesis.
US08722394B2
The invention relates to a laboratory apparatus, in particular for performing a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in a plurality of PCR-samples, which comprises an arrangement for tempering samples, the arrangement comprising a tempering block for the tempering of samples, the tempering block comprising a reception side, which provides receptacles for receiving sample vessels, and a contact side for the contact of at least one tempering device, at least one tempering device, arranged in an area of said contact side, a pressure device, which comprises a pressure element and an auxiliary element, said at least one tempering device being arranged between said auxiliary element and the tempering block, the pressure element being linked to said auxiliary element and to the tempering block, and being arranged to press said at least one tempering device against the tempering block by pressing said auxiliary element against said at least one tempering device, wherein at least one tempering device is shaped and arranged in said area to at least partially surround by itself said pressure element.
US08722391B2
A formulation and process for capturing CO2 use an absorption mixture containing water, biocatalysts and a carbonate compound. The process includes contacting a CO2-containing gas with the absorption mixture to enable dissolution and transformation of CO2 into bicarbonate and hydrogen ions, thereby producing a CO2-depleted gas and an ion-rich solution, followed by subjecting the ion-rich solution to desorption. The biocatalyst improves absorption of the mixture comprising carbonate compounds and the carbonate compound promotes release of the bicarbonate ions from the ion-rich solution during desorption, producing a CO2 gas stream and an ion-depleted solution.
US08722383B2
The present disclosure relates to isolated bacterial strains producing polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), microbial consortia including such strains, and cultures of such strains and microbial consortia. In particular, the present disclosure relates to compositions including such strains, microbial consortia, and cultures and methods of use thereof.
US08722382B1
A xylanase having increased enzymaic activity is disclosed. The xylanase has a modified amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2, wherein Tryptophan at position 125 is substituted with Phenylalanine and Phenylalanine at position 163 is substituted with Tryptophan.
US08722375B2
According to one embodiment, the disclosure provides a system for algal cell lysis. The system may include at least one algal cell, a plurality of metal nanoparticles, and an electromagnetic radiation generator. The generator may be able to generate radio frequency or microwave radiation that excites the plurality of metal nanoparticles, resulting in lysis of the algal cell. The disclosure also provides a system for recovery of a lipid from an algal cell similar to the above system but also including a separator. The disclosure further provides a method of recovering a lipid from an algal cell by supplying a plurality of metal nanoparticles to at least one algal cell, exciting the plurality of metal nanoparticles with radio frequency or microwave electromagnetic radiation, lysing the algal cell to release the lipid, and separating the lipid from the lysed algal cell.
US08722364B2
Disclosed are methods for increasing microbial catalase production. 1-10 g/L sodium hexametaphosphate was added to the culture medium between 30-40 hours of fermentation to inhibit proteinase activity and increase the production of catalase. This simple modification of fermentation procedure can result in up to 45% increase of the production of catalase.
US08722357B2
Systems and methods for automated laser microdissection are disclosed including automatic slide detection, position detection of cutting and capture lasers, focus optimization for cutting and capture lasers, energy and duration optimization for cutting and capture lasers, inspection and second phase capture and/or ablation in a quality control station and tracking information for linking substrate carrier or output microdissected regions with input sample or slide.
US08722352B2
Methods and kits for diagnosis and staging of non-septic shock are presented in which one or more trypsin protease activities are measured from a biological sample to so identify and/or stage non-septic shock.
US08722351B2
Methods and compositions, and a kit for diagnosing ovarian disorders including autoimmunity and ovarian cancer. Ovarian autoimmunity is associated with unexplained infertility or idiopathic premature ovarian failure that occurs in the absence of polyglandular disease. Methods and composition described herein are used to detect ovarian autoimmunity before the onset of ovarian dysfunction. Thus, those individuals are identified who would benefit from therapy to maintain, as well as restore, ovarian function.
US08722349B2
Methods of screening a bodily sample for endometriosis are provided. The bodily sample is preferably saliva. According to one embodied method, the bodily sample is subjected to a denaturing procedure, and a property of the bodily sample observed after the denaturing procedure is evaluated for the presence or absence of a factor correlating to endometriosis as part of an endometriosis screening procedure. The methods embodied herein are preferably conducted in combinations which permit for the evaluation of at least two different physiological factors correlating to endometriosis, because women with endometriosis do not always share the same factors. Also provided are screening kits, assay methods, and systems for endometriosis screening.
US08722342B2
A method for enhancing measurement sensitivity or avoiding hemoglobin influence in a latex agglutination or metal agglutination immunoassay method of a target antigen in a biological sample that uses calixarene in the immunoassay.
US08722341B2
Provided is an isolated mammalian negative strand RNA virus, metapneumovirus (MPV). Described are isolated mammalian negative strand RNA viruses identifiable as phylogenetically corresponding or relating to the genus Metapneumovirus and components thereof. Also described is mammalian MPV, subgroups and variants thereof, and genomic nucleotide sequences of different isolates of mammalian metapneumoviruses, in particular human metapneumoviruses. The use of the sequence information of different isolates of mammalian metapneumoviruses for diagnostic and therapeutic methods is provided. Nucleotide sequences encoding the genome of a metapneumovirus or a portion thereof, including both mammalian and avian metapneumovirus are described. Also provided are chimeric or recombinant viruses encoded by said nucleotide sequences and chimeric and recombinant mammalian MPV that comprise one or more non-native or heterologous sequences.
US08722337B2
The instant invention provides an intergrated kit with solutions and instruments to isolate various biological samples from biological samples. The kit enables an user to preserve specimens and isolate biomolecules with features and benefits of high quality, easy, fast, no toxicity, safe to user and environment, low demanding, cost-effective, reducing waste, saving nature resources and protecting environment, and leads to a low-carbon and Green economy in preparation of specimens. The integrated kit enables the user to extract biomolecules including DNA/ccfDNA, Large RNA/mRNA/ccfRNA, Small RNA/miRNA/ccfmiRNA, Protein, Lipid, Carbohydrates, and Metabolite using one seamless procedure.
US08722333B2
The present invention provides novel markers and assays for autism based on the association of GSTP1 with prevalence for having a child or children with autism or autistic disease. The invention relates to the use and application of GSTP1 as a susceptibility marker and teratogenic allele for autism. In particular the genotype of GSTP1 at amino acids 105 and 114, corresponding to nucleotides 313 and 341 are determined. GSTP1 may be combined with other markers in methods and assays for monitoring, managing, diagnosis, prenatal diagnosis, and assessment of autism. In addition, the present invention discloses a novel method for identifying individuals who are genetically susceptible to have offspring with autism wherein the genotype of GSTP1, alone or in combination with other genetic markers or other indicators of oxidative stress, is determined.
US08722328B2
Methods and materials for improving nucleic acid or protein recovery from samples preserved in liquid cytological preservative solutions by utilizing scavenging agents, such as hydrazine- and hydrazide-containing compounds, are provided. Lysis solutions comprising hydrazine- and hydrazide-containing compounds and kits comprising the same are also provided.
US08722326B2
The present invention is directed to methods and compositions for acquiring nucleotide sequence information of target sequences using adaptors interspersed in target polynucleotides. The sequence information can be new, e.g. sequencing unknown nucleic acids, re-sequencing, or genotyping. The invention preferably includes methods for inserting a plurality of adaptors at spaced locations within a target polynucleotide or a fragment of a polynucleotide. Such adaptors may serve as platforms for interrogating adjacent sequences using various sequencing chemistries, such as those that identify nucleotides by primer extension, probe ligation, and the like. Encompassed in the invention are methods and compositions for the insertion of known adaptor sequences into target sequences, such that there is an interruption of contiguous target sequence with the adaptors. By sequencing both “upstream” and “downstream” of the adaptors, identification of entire target sequences may be accomplished.
US08722315B2
An optical disc of the present invention includes at least a light reflection layer and a light transmission layer formed on a substrate, wherein recording and reading are performed by a laser beam through the light transmission layer, the light transmission layer is formed from a cured film of a ultraviolet-curable composition containing an epoxy acrylate resin obtained by reacting a half ester compound (A), which is obtained from a lactone-adduct of a hydroxyalkyl (meth)acrylate (a1) and a dibasic acid anhydride (a2), and an epoxy resin (B), and the film thickness of the light transmission layer is from 50 to 150 μm.
US08722312B2
The present invention discloses a method for fabricating a semiconductor nano circular ring. In the method, firstly, a positive photoresist is coated on a semiconductor substrate, then the photoresist is exposed by using a circular mask with a micrometer-sized diameter to obtain the circular ring-shaped photoresist, based on the poisson diffraction principle. Then, a plasma etching is performed on the substrate under a protection of the circular ring-shaped photoresist to form a circular ring-shaped structure with a nano-sized wall thickness on a surface of the substrate. The embodiment of present invention fabricates a nano-sized circular ring-shaped structure by using a micrometer-sized lithography equipment and a micrometer-sized circular mask, and overcomes the dependence on advanced technologies, so as to effectively reduce the fabrication cost of the circular ring-shaped nano structure.
US08722308B2
An aluminum-containing substrate can be provided for use in lithographic printing plate precursors. Before radiation-sensitive layers are applied, a grained and sulfuric acid anodized aluminum-containing support is treated with an alkaline or acidic pore-widening solution to provide its outer surface with columnar pores. The diameter of the columnar pores at their outermost surface is at least 90% of the average diameter of the columnar pores. Directly on this treated surface, a hydrophilic layer is applied, which hydrophilic layer contains a non-crosslinked hydrophilic polymer having carboxylic acid side chains.
US08722306B2
A radiation-sensitive resin composition includes a resin (A1) that includes a repeating unit shown by the following formula (1-1) and a repeating unit shown by the following formula (1-2), and a radiation-sensitive acid generator (B). The radiation-sensitive resin composition exhibits excellent sensitivity, and can reduce a mask error factor (MEEF). wherein R1, R2, and R3 individually represent a linear or branched alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, R4 represents a hydrogen atom, a linear or branched alkyl group having 2 to 4 carbon atoms, a linear or branched fluoroalkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, or a linear or branched alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and q represents an integer from 0 to 3.
US08722305B2
A method of preparing a carrier for electrophotography, including a core material and a coating material layer formed on the surface of the core material, including: coating the core material with the coating material; and burning the coating material with a high-frequency induction heater, wherein the core material has a saturated magnetization of from 40 to 95 Am2/kg.
US08722303B2
An image forming method using a two component developing system is provided in which a print speed is not less than 300 mm/s, a peak-to-peak voltage of an AC component in a developing bias is not more than 1.3 kV, a sufficient image density can be ensured, and a recorded image having a small amount of magnetic carrier remaining on the image and having high image quality can be obtained. A magnetic carrier that forms a two component developer contains a magnetic core and a resin. The magnetic core is a ferrite containing Sr and Ca inside thereof at the same time, having a small crystal grain diameter, a high density crystal-grain boundary structure, and an extremely large capacitance of the grain boundary. Use of the ferrite can provide the above method.
US08722294B2
A baroplastic includes a first resin with a first Tg; and a second resin with a second Tg that is lower than the first Tg by 20° C. or more, and has a photoreactive group.
US08722290B2
Provided is a toner wherein when a solid image formed by the toner is irradiated with incident light at an incident angle of −45° using a goniophotometer, a ratio (A/B) of a reflectance A at a light-receiving angle of +30° to a reflectance B at a light-receiving angle of −30° is about 2 or more and about 100 or less.
US08722287B2
The invention provides a phase shift focus monitor reticle, a manufacturing method thereof, and a method of monitoring focus difference using the phase shift focus monitor reticle. The phase shift focus monitor reticle comprises a shield comprising a plurality of light-transmitting portions with a certain width; and a glass layer positioned on the shield layer comprising a plurality of openings at the light-transmitting portions; wherein the width of the openings is half of the width of the light-transmitting portions; the depth of the openings is n*λ/(N−1), wherein λ is the wavelength of the lights incident on the phase shift focus monitor reticle in air, N is the refractive index of the glass layer, n is a positive integer. The invention can be applied to thicker photoresist and different process machines.
US08722284B2
Provided is a catalyst composition comprising an intermetallic phase comprising Pt and a metal selected from either Nb or Ta, and a dioxide of the metal. Also provided is a low temperature method for making such compositions that results in the formation of intermetallic phase with small crystallite size and thus greater mass activity. In particular, a Pt3Nb—NbO2 catalyst composition can be prepared that is useful as a fuel cell catalyst and offers a very stable chemical substrate along with good electrode activity and remarkable durability. The use of Pt3Nb—NbO2 can considerably prolong fuel cell lifetime by reducing Pt dissolution levels and subsequent voltage losses. The Pt3Nb—NbO2 can be used in the cathode and/or anode of a fuel cell.
US08722282B2
A power unit, a fuel cartridge, and a fuel cell system having the power unit and the fuel cartridge. The power unit includes a coupling unit to couple with the fuel cartridge. The coupling unit includes a nozzle that receives fuel supplied from the fuel cartridge, a selection key to selectively mate with the fuel cartridge, and an outer unit surrounding the nozzle. An end of the nozzle is located between the selection key and an end of the outer unit.
US08722280B2
A hyper-branched polymer having a degree of branching in the range of about 0.05 to about 1 includes a dendritic unit, a linear unit, and a terminal unit, wherein the hyper-branched polymer, an electrode for a fuel cell including the hyper-branched polymer, an electrolyte membrane for a fuel cell including the hyper-branched polymer, and a fuel cell including at least one of the electrode and the electrolyte membrane. Such a hyper-branched polymer included in a fuel cell provides excellent thermal resistance and phosphoric acid resistance and increase the performance of the fuel cell.
US08722279B2
Composition in the form of a solution and/or dispersion, comprising: at least one polyazole with an intrinsic viscosity, measured in at least 96% by weight sulfuric acid, in the range from 3.0 to 8.0 g/dl, and orthophosphoric acid (H3PO4) and/or polyphosphoric acid, wherein the polyazole content, based on the total weight of the composition, is in the range from 0.5% by weight to 30.0% by weight, the H3PO4 and/or polyphosphoric acid content, based on the total weight of the composition, is in the range from 30.0% by weight to 99.5% by weight, the H3PO4 and/or polyphosphoric acid concentration, calculated as P2O5 (by acidimetric means), based on the total amount of H3PO4 and/or polyphosphoric acid and/or water, is in the range from 70.5% to 75.45%. Additionally protected are particularly advantageous processes for preparation and for use of the inventive composition.
US08722276B2
A reactant flow field (19, 21) has multiple flow field channels (30, 32) and chambers (34). The multiple flow field channels (30, 32) and chambers (34) require reactant entering the flow field (19, 21) to traverse a flow transition (38) multiple times before exiting the flow field (19, 21).
US08722272B2
A fuel cell system module for use in an aircraft includes at least one fuel cell system component. The fuel cell system module is connectable modularly to a fuselage section of the aircraft. A housing element of the fuel cell system module is designed to form a section of an outer skin of the aircraft when the fuel cell system module is in the state connected to the fuselage section of the aircraft.
US08722268B2
A fuel cell system comprises a fuel cell stack, a cell voltage monitor, a hydrogen tank, a hydrogen supply channel, an ejector, a hydrogen off-gas channel, a purge valve, a compressor, an air supply channel, a pressure control unit for controlling air pressure, a pilot pressure input channel branching off from the air supply channel and inputting the air pressure to the ejector as pilot pressure, and a control unit for controlling the purge valve and the pressure control unit. The ejector includes a pressure control mechanism which increases the ejector's secondary-side pressure by increasing the area of the nozzle's ejecting hole when the pilot pressure input from the pilot pressure input channel rises. When electricity generation status of the fuel cell stack is judged to be poor, the control unit opens the purge valve after raising the air pressure and the pilot pressure by using the pressure control unit.
US08722265B2
A fuel cell system is provided which can extend the time during which a high-potential avoidance control is performed as much as possible, thereby reducing deterioration of a fuel cell. The fuel cell system includes: a fuel cell that generates electric power upon a supply of a reaction gas; a power storage device that is charged with at least a part of power generated by the fuel cell; and a controller that controls an output voltage of the fuel cell with, as an upper limit, a high-potential avoidance voltage lower than an open end voltage thereof. The controller variably sets the high-potential avoidance voltage in accordance with the amount of charge SOC of the power storage device.
US08722261B2
A recycler for a direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) that uses methanol as a direct feed fuel includes: a housing in which a gas-liquid mixture recovered from a stack is accommodated; a rotor rotatably mounted in the housing; and a motor to rotate the rotor, wherein, when the rotor is rotated by the motor, a phase separation occurs such that liquid in the gas-liquid mixture is collected mainly in an outer region of the housing and gas is collected in the center region of the housing due to the centrifugal force. Accordingly, as it is unnecessary to align a liquid outlet port of the housing with a gravitational direction, the recycler can be employed in a mobile apparatus whose orientation occasionally changes. Also, the recycler does not use a membrane whose performance is rapidly reduced over time so that effective performance can be maintained for a long operation time.
US08722260B2
An integrated apparatus includes: a gas-liquid separator that separates a gas and a liquid from a gas-liquid mixture fluid; a diluter disposed below the gas-liquid separator; and a communication pipe that communicates between the gas-liquid separator and the diluter, and that is disposed at a predetermined angle to a horizontal direction, and that introduces at least the liquid separated from the gas-liquid mixture fluid, into the diluter. The gas-liquid separator, the diluter, and the communication pipe are integrated.
US08722258B2
An open type fuel cell system is provided including a recirculating unit that recirculates hydrogen discharged from a main fuel cell into the main fuel cell and a reproducing unit that removes water and impurities produced in operation of the main fuel cell. The open type fuel cell system is adapted so that it does not discharge hydrogen supplied to a main fuel cell into the atmosphere.
US08722251B2
According to one embodiment, an active material includes a monoclinic system β-type titanium composite oxide. The monoclinic system β-type titanium composite oxide includes a first element including at least one of Mo and W and satisfies the following formula (1): B>A (1) In the formula, A is an intensity of a peak which is derived from (110) plane of the monoclinic system β-type titanium composite oxide in a wide-angle X-ray diffraction pattern. B is an intensity of a peak which is derived from (002) plane of the monoclinic system β-type titanium composite oxide in the wide-angle X-ray diffraction pattern.
US08722236B2
In one embodiment, a battery includes an exterior can, an electrode group, a lid attached to an opening of the exterior can, and anode and cathode terminal portions arranged in the lid. At least one of the terminal portions includes an insulating gasket having a cylindrical portion, an external insulator having a pedestal portion, an external terminal including a head portion and the axial portion extended from the head portion, an electrode lead located in the exterior can and connected to the external terminal, and an internal insulator to isolate the lid and the electrode lead. The cylindrical portion of the external terminal is fixed to a through hole of the lid and an attachment hole of the electrode lead by a caulking. The insulating gasket is formed of a resin in which the melting point is higher than those of the internal insulator and the external insulator.
US08722228B2
A battery includes a first battery. The first battery includes a first anode, a first cathode, and a dry electrolyte. The dry electrolyte is configured to be activated by a first biological fluid to electrically connect the first anode and the first cathode to generate an electrical current.
US08722227B2
Redox flow devices are described in which at least one of the positive electrode or negative electrode-active materials is a semi-solid or is a condensed ion-storing electroactive material, and in which at least one of the electrode-active materials is transported to and from an assembly at which the electrochemical reaction occurs, producing electrical energy. The electronic conductivity of the semi-solid is increased by the addition of conductive particles to suspensions and/or via the surface modification of the solid in semi-solids (e.g., by coating the solid with a more electron conductive coating material to increase the power of the device). High energy density and high power redox flow devices are disclosed. The redox flow devices described herein can also include one or more inventive design features. In addition, inventive chemistries for use in redox flow devices are also described.
US08722224B2
Disclosed is a battery pack configured to have a structure in which two or more battery modules, each including a plurality of battery cells or unit modules (unit cells) which can be charged and discharged, are mounted in a space defined between a pack case and a base plate, wherein cooling members, each including a heat dissipation fin disposed in contact with outsides of corresponding ones of the unit cells and a coolant conduit connected to a lower end of the heat dissipation fin to allow a coolant to flow therealong, are mounted at interfaces between the unit cells, the base plate, located below the battery modules, is configured to form a coolant flow channel having a coolant flow direction corresponding to the coolant flow direction in the coolant conduit, the pack case is coupled to the base plate in a state in which the battery modules are mounted on the base plate.
US08722218B2
A system and method for determining whether valves in a fuel cell system bleed manifold unit (BMU) are blocked with ice or have otherwise failed. The system opens a first bleed valve, closes a second bleed valve and opens an exhaust valve, and then reads a pressure signal to determine whether there is flow through a flow restriction to determine whether the first bleed valve or the exhaust valve is blocked. The system then closes the exhaust valve, leaves the first bleed valve open, and again reads the pressure signal to determine the pressure drop across the flow restriction, which will indicate whether the flow restriction the pressure sensor lines are blocked. The system then closes the first bleed valve and opens the second bleed valve to determine whether the pressure signal indicates a flow through the second bleed valve.
US08722212B2
A magnetic recording medium includes a non-magnetic granular layer, and a recording layer provided on the non-magnetic granular layer, wherein the recording layer includes a first granular magnetic layer provided on the non-magnetic granular layer, and a second granular magnetic layer provided on the first granular magnetic layer, and a non-magnetic material magnetically separating metal grains of the non-magnetic granular layer is different from a non-magnetic material magnetically separating magnetic grains of the first granular magnetic layer.
US08722200B2
A laminated plate includes two alloy plates laminated on respective sides of a core polypropylene-based resin in which the resin has a foamable property. Advantageously, the aluminum alloy plates are composed of temper treated material selected from an O material, an H22 material to an H24 material, an H32 material to an H34 material and a T4 material.
US08722199B2
It is an object of the present invention to provide an electrodeposited copper foil which has a lower profile and a higher gloss than low-profile electrodeposited copper foil conventionally supplied in markets. For achieving this object, the present invention employs an electrodeposited copper foil which has a super low profile, the surface roughness (Rzjis) of the deposit side of lower than 1.0-micron meter, and the gloss [Gs(60-deg.)] thereof of not lower than 400 irrespective to its thickness. The present invention also provides a manufacturing method of an electrodeposited copper foil obtained by electrodeposition using a sulfuric acid base copper electrolytic solution obtained by adding 3-mercapto-1-propanesulfonic acid and/or bis(3-sulfopropyl)disulfide, a quaternary ammonium salt polymer having a cyclic structure, and chlorine.
US08722196B2
Proposed are a composite material having a high adhesiveness, wherein non-penetrating pores that are formed in a silicone surface layer are filled up with a metal or the like without leaving any voids by using the plating technique and the silicone surface layer is coated with the metal or the like, and a method of producing the composite material. A composite material, which has a high adhesiveness between a second metal or an alloy of the second metal (106a, 106b) and a silicone surface, can be obtained by filling up non-penetrating pores that are formed in the surface of a silicone substrate (100) substantially with a second metal or an alloy of the second metal (106a) with the use of the autocatalytic electroless plating technique wherein a first metal located at the bottom of the non-penetrating pores as described above serves as the starting point, and coating the surface of the silicone substrate (100) with the second metal (106b).
US08722191B2
There is provided an intermediate layer material including a curing type resin composition and a fiber base material, to be used to form an intermediate layer of a composite laminate, wherein a cured material obtained by curing the intermediate layer material at a temperature of 180° C. has such properties as (i) a planar linear expansion coefficient (α1) equal to or lower than 20 ppm/° C., in a range equal to or higher than 25° C. and equal to or lower than a glass transition temperature (Tg); and (ii) a Barcol hardness equal to or more than 40 and equal to or less than 65, at 25° C.
US08722190B2
Provided are a reflector that reflects incident light and comprises crystalline plastic in which a crystal region and an amorphous region are mixed, wherein the amorphous region includes a plurality of orientation layers comprising amorphous particles that are oriented in a predetermined direction, and a method of manufacturing the same. The reflector, which has high reflectance, is formed by extending a crystalline plastic material exhibiting a superior extensibility to extend the amorphous particles in the amorphous region in the predetermined direction so as to form a plurality of extension layers in the amorphous region. According to the present invention, since a reflector having a superior performance with a very improved reflectance can be provided due to a high diffuse reflectance by the extension layers in the amorphous region without a foaming process or an additional additive to increase the reflectance, the manufacturing process of the reflector is simplified and the manufacturing cost is reduced so that productivity can be greatly improved.
US08722188B2
Disclosed is a process for producing ceramic particles, such as proppants, that have at least 10 percent total porosity. The process includes forming a particle precursor that includes 5 percent to 30 percent of a first ceramic material and at least 40 percent of a second ceramic material. The sintering temperature of the first ceramic material may be lower than the sintering temperature of a second ceramic material. Heating the precursor to a maximum temperature above the sintering temperature of the first material and below the sintering temperature of the second material. Also disclosed is a ceramic article that has a particular combination of chemistry and alumina crystalline phase.
US08722181B2
The present invention provides a resin composition of a saponified ethylene-vinyl ester copolymer can provide a molded product including layer of the resin composition with less thickness variation and excellent gas-barrier properties, even if the layer is subjected to stretch forming such as deep drawing forming and vacuum-pressure forming where the layer is applied with different tension from side to side thereof in short time. The resin composition comprises an EVOH resin having ethylene content of 20 to 60 mol % and a PVA having 1,2-diol structural unit in a side chain. The present invention also provides a multilayer structure using the resin composition.
US08722175B2
A liquid composition, which contains: a water-soluble organic acid represented by the following general formula (1); a water-soluble amine represented by the following general formula (2); a water-soluble organic solvent; and water, wherein an amount of the water-soluble amine contained in the liquid composition is 0.9 or larger molar equivalent relative to acid groups contained in the water-soluble organic acid, where R1 is a hydroxyl group, a methyl group, or a hydrogen atom; and R2 is a hydroxyl group, or a methyl group, where R3 is a hydroxymethyl group; R4 is a methyl group, an ethyl group, or a hydroxymethyl group; and R5 is a hydrogen atom, a C1-4 alkyl group, or a hydroxymethyl group. The water-soluble organic acid and the water-soluble amine form a salt in the composition.
US08722166B2
Presented herein is a safety device for use by first responders and search and rescue teams (e.g., rescue personnel). In one arrangement, the device allows for safely extricating occupants from vehicle wreckage. In one arrangement, the safety device may be adhered to glass to permit breaking and removal of such glass without harming the occupants of the vehicle. In another arrangement, the safety device may be utilized to adhere over and cover sharp edges, which may cause injury to rescue personnel and/or victims during removal from a vehicle or other wreckage.
US08722158B2
Disclosed is a liquid crystal photo-alignment agent and a liquid crystal photo-alignment film manufactured using the same. The liquid crystal photo-alignment agent includes an epoxy compound represented by Chemical Formula 1, and a polymer including a polyamic acid, a polyimide, or a mixture thereof.
US08722156B2
An embodiment of the disclosure provides a liquid crystal compound having the following formula: wherein A1, A2, and A3 are independently hydrogen, halogen, cyano, thiocyanato, or —OCF3; R1 is hydrogen, halogen, C1-C12 alkyl, C1-C12 alkoxy, C1-C12 haloalkly, C2-C12 alkenyl, or C2-C12 alkynyl; R2 and R3 are independently hydrogen, halogen, C1-C6 alkyl, C1-C6 haloalkly, cyano, thiocyanato, or —OCF3; and Z is a single bond, —O—, —CH2O—, —C(O)O—, —OCO—, —C(O)NH—, or —CH═CH—. In another embodiment, a liquid crystal display including the liquid crystal compound is also provided.
US08722150B2
A process for the production of a dark-color multi-layer coating, comprising the successive steps:(1) applying an NIR-opaque coating layer A′ from a waterborne pigmented coating composition A to a substrate,(2) applying a coating layer B′ from a waterborne pigmented coating composition B onto the substrate provided with coating layer A′,(3) subjecting the coated substrate obtained in step (2) to a drying step,(4) applying a clear coat layer, and(5) curing the coating layers simultaneously;wherein both coating compositions A and B comprise aqueous microgel and sheet silicate,wherein the pigment content of coating composition A consists 90 to 100 wt. % of aluminum flake pigment and 0 to 10 wt. % of further pigment,wherein the pigment content of coating composition B consists 50 to 100 wt. % of black pigment with low NIR absorption and 0 to 50 wt. % of further pigment.
US08722149B2
The present invention provides aqueous self-inspecting wet coatings or films that dry to form translucent to clear weather-resistive barriers on a substrate, preferably a building substrate such as sheathing. The coatings comprise, as a wet film, one or more aqueous emulsion or dispersion polymer that can form a film in use conditions and less than 6% pigment volume concentration (% PVC), of one or more opacifier, one or more extender in amounts up to critical % pigment volume concentration (CPVC), optionally, one or more pigment, and substantially no void, hollow core, or hollow sphere containing pigment. The coatings or films enable one to apply the correct amount of coating to make a weather barrier that dries to a see-through coating or film.
US08722148B2
This invention relates to a coating composition comprising (A) 100 weight parts of at least one epoxy resin; (B) 40 to 900 weight parts of at least one alkoxy-containing aminofunctional silicone resin; (C) up to 50 weight parts of at least one organic hardener; (D) up to 100 weight parts of at least one epoxyfunctional silicone resin; and (E) up to 10 weight parts of at least one cure accelerator, provided the alkoxy-containing aminofunctional silicone resin (B) has a total alkoxy content ranging from 26 to 80 mol percent per mole of silicon (Si) in the alkoxy-containing aminofunctional silicone resin. Methods for preparing the above-described composition and for treating substrates are also disclosed.
US08722147B2
A corrosion resistant primer coating comprises one or more corrosion inhibiting additives; and one or more nonaqueous resins, and the method of making and using the primer coating. The corrosion inhibiting additive comprises metal ferrate(IV) compounds, metal ferrate(V) compounds, metal ferrate(VI) compounds, or a mixture thereof (collectively called the ferrate compound). The ferrate compound has a low solubility in water in the range of about 0.001 ppm to about 2000 ppm at a temperature in the range of about 0° C. to 71° C.A method of making the metal-1 ferrate compound suitable for the corrosion resistant primer coating comprises steps of (a) dissolving a highly soluble metal-1 salt in water, (b) dissolving and mixing an alkali metal ferrate compound and a metal-2 hydroxide in water, (c) adding the solution of step (b) to the solution of step (a) to form a preproduct, wherein the preproduct comprises the metal-1 ferrate compound; (d) filtering and washing the preproduct with one or more solvents to obtain the metal-1 ferrate compound; and (e) drying the metal ferrate compound in a low moisture environment to obtain the dried metal-1 ferrate compound; wherein the metal-1 ion and the metal-2 ion are the same or are different from each other.
US08722138B2
In a method of manufacturing a glass substrate for an information recording medium including a step for chemically strengthening the glass substrate by contacting the glass substrate with chemical strengthening processing liquid containing chemical strengthening salt, concentration of Fe and Cr is 500 ppb or less in said chemical strengthening salt, respectively. The concentration may be detected by the use of an ICP (Inductively Coupled Plasma) emission spectrometry analyzing method or a fluorescent X-ray spectroscopy analyzing method.
US08722136B2
Process and apparatus are generally provided for forming a thin film photovoltaic device. In one particular embodiment, the process includes: depositing a photovoltaic absorber layer on a glass substrate; heating the glass substrate to an anneal temperature; and quenching the glass substrate to cool the glass substrate to a quenched temperature in less than 10 seconds. The quenched temperature can be about 85° C. to about 200° C. less than the anneal temperature. The quenching atmosphere can have a quenching pressure of about 1 torr or more and can include an inert gas.
US08722135B2
An object is to provide a chemical solution application apparatus capable of applying a chemical solution evenly and without irregularity by a spin coating method. A plurality of nozzles are provided for applying a chemical solution to an application object that is fixed over a stage. Each of the nozzles is individually mobile in vertical and horizontal directions. For this reason, controlling a discharging point or pattern is possible, and application responding to a wider viscosity range of chemical solutions is possible. By implementing the present invention, a chemical solution application apparatus equipped with a discharging method of a chemical solution by which a coating film having a small film thickness distribution over an entire substrate and an even thickness can be obtained, as well as for which use efficiency is improved by cutting down on waste of a chemical solution to be discharged.
US08722133B2
The present invention herein provides an imidafenacin-containing orally rapidly disintegrating tablet which is excellent in the photostability.The present invention comprises the steps of: (A) granulating imidafenacin together with starch to thus give a granulated product having an imidafenacin concentration ranging from 0.001 to 3% by mass and a starch concentration ranging from 40 to 99.999% by mass; (B) covering the granulated product prepared in the step (A) with a non-cellulosic coating agent; and (C) blending the granulated product obtained in the preceding step (B) with an excipient and a disintegrating agent and then forming the resulting mixture into a tablet according to the compression molding technique.
US08722124B2
The invention concerns a process for the preparation of a beverage in a beverage machine with a capsule comprising an enclosure containing tea leaves comprising the steps of: a) introducing water in the capsule to submerge the tea leaves in the capsule enclosure, then b) introducing water at a soaking flow of at most 80 ml/min, then c) introducing water in the capsule until the required volume of beverage is delivered, wherein during at least one period of step b), water is introduced in the capsule at least once at a stirring flow superior the soaking flow to stir tea leaves.
US08722121B2
A candy holder for receiving and securing an elongated candy therein is provided. The candy holder includes a handle portion defining an elongated cavity with a central axis. The handle portion has a plurality of protrusions extending toward the central axis and circumferentially around an inner surface of the handle portion. A top portion of the candy holder has a lip defining an opening. The opening receives the elongated candy that is dimensioned to correspond to a size of the opening. The lip and protrusions apply friction to a surface of the elongated candy when the elongated candy is inserted therein.
US08722118B2
The present invention relates to a method for flavoring a cheese product by processing at least one initial cheese base, including a stage for the heat and mechanical kneading type treatment of the initial cheese base, after it has been split up, at a temperature T1 of at most 80° C., in order to secure a limited destructuring of the protein network of the initial cheese base, characterized in that at least one flavoring agent, selected from the group constituted by flavor fermenting agents that present an increased enzymatic activity and embrittlement of their cellular wall, flavor fermenting lysates, and amino group accepting compounds, is added to the initial cheese base and/or during the stage above.
US08722115B2
A method of improving health in an animal includes administering to the animal a nutritional supplement comprising an amino acid secretagogue composition, which stimulates the pituitary gland in the animal to produce growth hormone. The nutritional supplement may be administered orally. The nutritional supplement may comprise L-arginine hydrochloride, L-pyroglutamic acid, L-lysine hydrochloride, and cysteine. When desired, the nutritional supplement may consist essentially of L-arginine hydrochloride, L-pyroglutamic acid, L-lysine hydrochloride, N-acetyl-L-cysteine, L-glutamine, and schizonepeta powder.
US08722108B2
The invention relates to a cosmetic and/or pharmaceutical composition comprising, in a physiologically suitable medium, a carob peptide extract (Ceratonia siliqua L.) as an active agent for promoting aquaporin expression. The present invention also relates to the use of a carob peptide extract (Ceratonia siliqua L.), as an active agent for promoting aquaporin expression, in a cosmetic composition for improving the moisturization and the barrier function of the epidermis and for stimulating skin regeneration. The invention also relates to the use of this novel active agent for preparing a pharmaceutical, in particular dermatological, composition for regulating and/or stimulating aquaporin activity. The invention also relates to a cosmetic treatment method for preventing or combating dryness of the skin and mucous membranes and the manifestations of skin aging.
US08722102B2
The present invention relates to a composition for the treatment of skin and ear infections in humans and animals such as dogs, cats and horses. In particular, the present invention relates to a topical composition comprising acetic acid, an antibacterial and/or an anti-fungal, and preferably also an anti-inflammatory. More specifically, the composition of the present invention is a bandage, bedding, clothing, conditioner, cream, drape, dressing, film, foam, gauze, gel, lotion, mousse, otic solution, pad, patch, serum, shampoo, solution, spray, or wipe for treatment or prevention of skin infections, wherein the composition comprises about 0.1-10% acetic acid, about 0.1-10% boric acid, about 0.01-20% azole, and optionally about 0.01-20% corticosteroid.
US08722100B2
The present application discloses a fast-setting mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) with fluoride release for practical treatment of diseases in teeth and bone, e.g. for caries treatment and/or prevention. The cariostatic MTA contain calcia-silica-alumina cement with moderately increased tricalcium aluminate content allowing high calcium hydroxide release. The MTA composition support remineralization and biomineralization, and it is suitable for stimulation of hard tissue regeneration. MTA embodiments contain superplasticizer and nanosilicate for improved mechanical properties. The MTA compositions include optional radiocontrast and nano-enriched leachable fluorine, nitrate, strontium, and phosphate. The fast-setting MTA paste exhibits flow-to-clay-like consistency, which allows new practical applications including cavity lining, temporary restoration, bonding, and cementations in one MTA embodiment. The high calcium hydroxide and high fluoride release are suitable for caries prevention and treatment, and per se inhibition of dental symptoms.
US08722095B2
The present invention relates to a method of preparing hybrid organo/mineral nanoparticles comprising an organic fluorescent crystalline core encapsulated in an inorganic shell, and to nanoparticles that can be obtained by said method. The method of the present invention comprises the following steps: (i) a sol-gel mixture able to be obtained by a process comprising the addition, in at least one organic solvent, in the presence of water, of a fluorescent organic compound and at least one metal alkoxide is sprayed; (ii) the sprayed sol-gel mixture is dried, by evaporating the solvent and the water that are present in the sol-gel mixture. The nanoparticles of the present invention can be used for example as a tracer in medical imaging or as a chemical sensor.
US08722094B2
A powdery porous carrier comprising a porous silicon-containing carrier is impregnated with a solution containing an organic solvent and an active ingredient hardly soluble in water, and the organic solvent is removed to give a solid dispersion having the active ingredient supported to the porous carrier without a treatment with a supercritical fluid. The porous silicon-containing carrier has a heating loss of not more than 4% by weight at a temperature of 950° C. for 2 hours (e.g., a spherical silicon-containing carrier such as a spherical porous silica). The porous silicon-containing carrier may be a spherical silica having a mean pore size of 10 to 40 nm and an oil absorption of 175 to 500 ml/100 g. A pharmaceutical composition (e.g., tablets, granules, or capsules) may be prepared from the solid dispersion and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. This invention provides a solid dispersion and a pharmaceutical composition (or a pharmaceutical preparation) which allows improvement in a solubility and a bioavailability of an active ingredient hardly soluble in water (e.g., a fibrate compound).
US08722093B2
The present invention provides nanoparticulate policosanol, formulations including these particles, as a well as methods of using the particles and formulations for treatment and prophylaxis of various diseases and conditions.
US08722091B2
The present invention relates to a process for preparing submicron sized nanoparticles of a poorly water soluble compound by lyophilizing a dispersion or microdispersion of a multiphase system having an organic phase and an aqueous phase, the organic phase having the poorly water soluble organic compound therein. The method is preferably used to prepare nanoparticles of a poorly water soluble, pharmaceutically active compound suitable for in vivo delivery, particularly by parenteral routes.
US08722079B2
Effective treatments of dystonia and/or post-stroke spasticity for extended periods of time are provided. Through the administration of an effective amount of clonidine at or near a target site, one can relieve dystonia and/or post-stroke spasticity caused by diverse sources. When appropriate formulations are provided within biodegradable polymers, this relief can be continued for at least five days. In some embodiments, the relief can be for at least twenty-five days, at least fifty days, at least one hundred days, at least one hundred and thirty-five days or at least one hundred and eighty days.
US08722075B2
A method for promoting bone formation is provided. More specifically, a method for promoting bone formation by promoting osteoclast formation is provided. In one embodiment, an implant comprising an implantable material and an osteoclast stimulating substance is provided.
US08722071B2
The present invention provides polymer microcapsules of biocide, useful for preparing coating materials such as interior and exterior paints, which comprises of an active agent biocide and an encapsulating polymer. Microcapsules described in this invention are prepared by dispersing an organic phase containing an active agent either in dissolved state or dispersed state in a polymer solution using a low boiling point solvent, in an aqueous phase containing an emulsifying agent; agitating the emulsion at 800-1200 resolution per minute for 3-5 hours at 25 -27° C. to evaporate the low boiling point solvent and thus to permit the formation of the microcapsules; separating the microcapsules, washing with water and drying the microcapsules at temperature between 25-35° C.
US08722069B2
An oil-in-water emulsion includes, for 100 wt % thereof: a) 0.1 to 10 wt % of an emulsifying system including, for 100 wt % thereof: (i) 5 to 95 wt % of the mixture of the reaction products of a reducing sugar and 1,12-octadecanediol essentially consisting of hydroxyl-octadecyl polyglycosides of formula (I): HO—R—O-(G)n-H (I) and of polyglycosyl octadecyl polyglycosides of formula (II): H-(G)m-O—R—O-(G)p-H (II), where, in formulas (I) and (II), G is the remainder of the reducing sugar and R is the divalent radical octadecane-diyl-1,12, and where n, m and p, identical or different, each are, independently of each other, a decimal number between 1 and 5; (ii) 95 to 5 wt % of 1,12-octadecanediol; b) 0.01 to 5 wt % of at least one thickening and/or gelling agent; c) 10 to 50 wt % of an oil phase; and d) 89.89 to 35 wt % of an aqueous phase.
US08722066B2
The present invention provides, compositions, devices, and methods for affecting, among other things, weight loss and/or weight control, by sequestering nutrients or other compounds such as toxins from absorption in the digestive tract. The compositions, devices, and methods employ one or more members made of a compressible, absorbent matrix material. In various embodiments, the matrix material is suitable for routine use. The compressible absorbent matrix material has a size, shape and/or geometry configured for efficient packing into a small space, and/or configured to absorb and substantially retain digested material in the stomach. The devices and compositions may further comprise one or more hydrogel(s), soluble or insoluble fibers, waxes and/or gums to provide the desired mechanical properties and/or absorptive or shielding properties.
US08722065B2
The present invention discloses a novel tape preparation containing lidocaine at a high concentration. A tape preparation containing lidocaine at a high content, which has a lidocaine content of 10 w/w % or more, can be produced by using a lactic acid salt of lidocaine, while preventing the precipitation of a crystal of lidocaine.
US08722064B2
Compounds, particularly, glucopyranosyl lipid adjuvant (GLA) compounds, having the following structure (I) are provided: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein L1, L2, L3, L4, L5, L6, L7, L8, L9, L10, Y1, Y2, Y3, Y4, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, are as defined herein. Pharmaceutical compositions, vaccine compositions, and related methods for inducing or enhancing immune responses, are also provided.
US08722060B2
The invention is a method for reducing the symptoms of vertigo. The method is performed by delivering a therapeutically effective amount of presynaptic neurotoxin, such as Botulinum Toxin A, in a pharmaceutically safe form to suitable locations around the head and neck.
US08722049B2
The present invention provides compositions, methods, and assays for treating an inflammatory and/or autoimmune disease, and/or transplanted tissue rejection using anti-αβ TCR antibodies and antibody fragments. Anti-αβ TCR antibodies are antibodies which bind to a αβ TCR. Anti-αβ TCR antibodies produced by the hybridoma TOL101 MCB are also provided. Methods for treatment of an inflammatory disease, an autoimmune disease and for tissue transplant rejection using therapeutic dosing regimen of anti-αβ TCR antibodies and antibody fragments and for upregulating the numbers of Treg T-cells are also provided. The present invention also provides methods of treating inflammatory and/or autoimmune disease, and/or transplanted tissue rejection using a therapeutic amount of ex vivo expanded regulatory T-cells.
US08722033B2
Antigen binding proteins that bind to human IL-23 protein are provided. Nucleic acids encoding the antigen binding protein, vectors, and cells encoding the same as well as use of IL-23 antigen binding proteins for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes are also provided.
US08722029B2
Composition containing, in an aqueous medium: from 0.1% to 20% by weight of one or more volatile linear alkanes, from 0.5% to 25% by weight of one or more silicones having a viscosity of greater than or equal to 20 000 mm2/s, one or more non-silicone fatty substances, in a weight ratio of non-silicone fatty substance(s)/silicone(s) having a viscosity of greater than or equal to 20 000 mm2/s of less than or equal to 5. Use thereof for the cosmetic treatment of keratin materials, preferably keratin fibers such as the hair.
US08722026B2
Compositions and methods for lightening and/or depigmenting skin are provided, the compositions comprising compounds having the structure: or having the structure: as defined herein.
US08722017B2
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide for nanoprobes, methods of imaging, methods of imaging a target, methods of making nanoprobes, and the like.
US08722002B2
A method of recycling captured agglomerated soot captured by and collected from a diesel emission control after-treatment (DECAT) system, the method comprising collecting captured agglomerated diesel soot (CADS) as a feedstock, loading the CADS into a controlled thermochemical conversion (TCC) process reactor, employing time-phased heat and pressure in the controlled TCC process reactor until the CADS sufficiently decompose to reclaim solids, liquid fuels and gases, piping pyrolysis oils (tars) and vapors produced in the controlled TCC process reactor to chambers, cooling and condensing the pyrolysis oils and vapors into a liquid form, and recirculating a pyrolysis gas produced in the controlled TCC process reactor for use as a source of heat and power.
US08721999B2
Kainite mixed salt is treated with water to obtain solid schoenite and a schoenite end liquor. The latter is desulphated using recycled CaCl2 and thereafter evaporated to obtain camallite crystals, from which KCl is recovered, and a liquor rich in MgCl2. Gypsum produced during desulphatation is reacted with aqueous ammonia and CO2 to produce ammonium sulphate and calcium carbonate. The calcium carbonate is calcined to obtained CaO and CO2. The CaO is slaked and reacted with the MgCl2-rich liquor generated above to produce slurry of Mg(OH)2 in aqueous CaCl2. To this surface modifying agent is added while hot and, after cooling, the slurry yields surface modified Mg(OH)2. The filtrate rich in CaCl2 is recycled for desulphatation process above. The solid surface modified Mg(OH)2 may he calcined to produced MgO. The schoenite and KCl are reacted to produce solid sulphate of potash.
US08721995B2
Conversion of organosulfur compounds to hydrogen sulfide in mixed alcohol synthesis reactor effluent
Plants and methods are presented in which organosulfur compounds in a mixed alcohol synthesis reactor effluent are converted into hydrogen sulfide (H2S). The volatility and relative insolubility of H2S reduces the overall sulfur content of the mixed alcohol synthesis product stream while significantly reducing or even eliminating the need for process steps/equipment to remove organosulfur compounds from liquid and gaseous products.
US08721994B2
Apparatus for recovering hydroprocessed hydrocarbons with two strippers and common overhead recovery
An apparatus is disclosed for recovering hydroprocessing effluent from a hydroprocessing unit utilizing a hot stripper and a cold stripper. The cold stripper and the hot stripper utilize a common overhead recovery apparatus.
US08721970B2
A portable, relatively low power gas detector incorporates a single pellistor-type sensor for sensing an explosive gas of interest. Outputs from the sensor are corrected in accordance with ambient temperature and humidity and pre-stored correction factors based on characteristics exhibited by a plurality of similar sensors.
US08721968B2
An apparatus for imaging one or more selected fluorescence indications from a microfluidic device. The apparatus includes an imaging path coupled to least one chamber in at least one microfluidic device. The imaging path provides for transmission of one or more fluorescent emission signals derived from one or more samples in the at least one chamber of the at least one microfluidic device. The chamber has a chamber size, the chamber size being characterized by an actual spatial dimension normal to the imaging path. The apparatus also includes an optical lens system coupled to the imaging path. The optical lens system is adapted to transmit the one or more fluorescent signals associated with the chamber.
US08721964B2
An animal blood cell measuring apparatus comprising: a specimen preparation section for preparing a measurement specimen from blood of an animal; a characteristic information obtaining section for obtaining characteristic information indicating a characteristic of the measurement specimen, from the measurement specimen prepared by the specimen preparation section; and a controller configured for performing operations comprising: (a) classifying aggregate reticulocytes contained in the blood from other blood cells, based on the characteristic information obtained by the characteristic information obtaining section; and (b) outputting information regarding a number of the classified aggregate reticulocytes.
US08721960B2
The present invention provides a ferritic stainless steel comprised of, by mass %, C: 0.001 to 0.02%, Si: 0.01 to 0.6%, Mn: 0.01 to 0.6%, P: 0.005 to 0.04%, S: 0.0001 to 0.01%, Cr: 13 to 22%, N: 0.001 to 0.02%, Al: 0.005 to 0.05%, Sn: 0.001 to 1%, and a balance of Fe and unavoidable impurities, which steel satisfies the following formulae: 0
US08721959B2
A system for self-repairing matrices such as concrete or cementitous matrices, polymeric matrices, and/or fibrous matrices, including laminates thereof The system includes repair agents retained in and/or on vessels, such as hollow fibers, within the matrix. Upon impact, the vessel rupture, releasing the chemicals. For multi-layer laminates, the systems provides a total dynamic energetic circulation system that functions as an in situ fluidic system in at least one layer or area. The energy from the impact ruptures the vessels to release the chemical(s), and mixes the chemical(s) and pushes the chemical(s) and/or resulting compound through the matrix. The repair agents can withstand high temperatures, such as the heat of processing of many laminates, e.g., 250-350° F.
US08721958B2
A permeable material compacting method includes, forming a cavity between a membrane and a structure, porting fluid to or from the cavity, positioning permeable material adjacent the membrane, generating a differential pressure across the membrane, deforming the membrane, and decreasing volume of the permeable material.
US08721957B2
A forming method, in a mold fitted with a wall forming a cavity, of a container from an intermediate container including at least one lateral protrusion projecting toward the exterior of the container. The method includes a boxing operation of pushing the lateral protrusion by an insert movably mounted with respect to the mold between a retracted position in which the insert is retracted into a recess formed in the wall and a deployed position in which the insert protrudes with respect to the wall, in order to form, by overturning, a hollow reserve projecting toward the interior of the container. Also included is an operation to pressurize the intermediate container, including, prior to the boxing operation, injecting a fluid under pressure into the intermediate container; and a local pressurization operation, prior to the boxing operation, of injecting a fluid under pressure into the volume defined in said recess between the lateral protrusion and the insert.
US08721955B2
An apparatus for etching a pattern in an etching zone laid out on a substrate includes a pen that can be freely moved manually relative to the etching zone, the pen being equipped with an etching head able to etch the substrate at an etching point when etching is triggered, a measuring unit for measuring position and orientation of the etching head relative to the substrate, a control unit configured to calculate coordinates of the etching point as a function of the measured position and orientation of the etching head relative to the substrate, to trigger etching at the etching point if the calculated coordinates of the etching point correspond to coordinates of a point to be etched, the coordinates of the point to be etched being encoded in a prerecorded drawing of the pattern, and to automatically prevent etching otherwise.
US08721952B2
A method (and apparatus) for nano lithography, includes applying a pneumatic pressure to at least one of a surface of a semi-rigid mask or template and a portion of a surface of a resist-coated workpiece, and, by the applying of the pneumatic pressure, transferring a pattern from the mask to the workpiece.
US08721949B2
A method of making a passenger conveyor handrail includes forming a drive member having a plurality of longitudinally spaced drive surfaces. The drive member has a longitudinal stiffness for maintaining a desired spacing between the drive surfaces. The drive member is inserted into a molding device. A gripping surface portion of the handrail is formed using the molding device such that the gripping surface portion and the drive member are secured together. Another method includes forming a belt drive member having a plurality of teeth that establish a plurality of longitudinally spaced drive surfaces. The belt has a longitudinal stiffness for maintaining a desired spacing between the drive surfaces. Each of the teeth extends across an entire width of the belt. The belt is secured to a gripping surface portion of the handrail.
US08721939B2
A method of forming a graphitic carbon body employs compression and resistance heating of a stock blend of a carbon material and a binder material. During molding of the body, resistance heating is accompanied by application of mechanical pressure to increase the density and carbonization of the resulting preform body. The preform can then be subjected to a graphitization temperature to form a graphite article.
US08721938B2
A system and method for making a layered dental appliance. The system can include a mold comprising a negative of an outer shape of a layered dental appliance, and a dental core dimensioned to be at least partially received in the mold. The method can include positioning a first slurry in the mold, and pressing the dental core into the first slurry in the mold to form a first article comprising the dental core and a first layer formed from the first slurry. The method can further include removing the first article from the mold, and firing the first article. The method can further include positioning a second slurry in the mold, and pressing the first article into the second slurry in the mold to form a second article comprising the dental core, the first layer, and a second layer formed from the second slurry.
US08721937B2
This disclosure relates to a method of preparing polyamide particles. The method include spray drying a solution containing a polyamide to form polyamide particles having an average diameter of between about 0.5 μm and about 10 μm and at least about 85% of the polyamide particles having a diameter distribution of no more than about 1.5 μm.
US08721927B2
A cost-effective solution for the disposal of solvent deasphalting process bottoms that include spent solid adsorbent material containing ash-producing constituents, asphalt and process reject materials is provided by introducing them in the form of a flowable slurry into a membrane wall gasification reactor to produce a synthesis gas and, optionally, subjecting the synthesis gas to a water-gas shift reaction to produce a more hydrogen-rich product stream; process steam and electricity are produced by recovering the sensible heat values from the hot synthesis gas.
US08721919B2
In one embodiment, an organic-inorganic metal oxide hybrid resin having the following formula: wherein each R1 is independently a substituted or non-substituted C1 to C10 alkyl group; each R2 is independently a substituted or non-substituted C1 to C10 alkyl group or benzyl group; n is a positive integer from 3 to 30; and each Y is independently (MO4/2)l[(MO)(4-a)/2M(OH)a/2]m[MO(4-b)/2M(OZ)b/2]p, wherein M is a metal; l is a positive integer from 10 to 90; m is a positive integer from 2 to 20; p is a positive integer from 4 to 15; a is a positive integer from 1 to 2; b is a positive integer from 1 to 2; and Z is an organosilane group.
US08721918B2
A method for purifying fluoride etching solution is provided. The method begins with a reaction by hydroxide gas or solution to achieve a balance pH condition for the fluoride etching solution. Subsequently, the treated etching solution can be fed by constant velocity pump to a basic anion exchange resin column(s). The basic anion exchange resins remove various contaminants resulting in a saleable product to a wide range of industrial applications. The final solution is collected in a finished product storage tank. The degree of purification by basic anion exchange resin can be verified, if needed at all, thereby making ammonium fluoride (AF), ammonium bifluoride (ABF), anhydrous hydrogen fluoride (AHF) and fluoride mixture to meet the application of industries or different market's application. Further, the ion exchange resins can be regenerated as needed to extend the useful life and system capacity.
US08721912B2
A nanocomposite thermoelectric conversion material (100) includes a crystalline matrix (102) made of a thermoelectric conversion material; and phonon-scattering particles (108) dispersed in the crystalline matrix (102). Each phonon-scattering particle (108) includes at least one amorphous nanoparticle (106) coated with a crystalline film (104) having a nano-order thickness, and the crystalline structure of the crystalline film (104) is different from the crystalline structure of the thermoelectric conversion material. The nanocomposite thermoelectric conversion material (100) is produced by i) precipitating a matrix-precursor oversaturated with one element of the thermoelectric conversion material, around the amorphous nanoparticles, thereby producing nanocomposite particles, and heat-treating the nanocomposite particles, or ii) by precipitating only one element of the thermoelectric conversion material around the amorphous nanoparticles, thereby producing first nanocomposite particles, and then, precipitating the matrix-precursor made of the thermoelectric conversion material, around the first nanocomposite particles, thereby producing second nano composite particles, and heat-treating the second nanocomposite particles.
US08721900B2
A systematic packaging method, comprises providing a package, said package operable for packaging an object; and spreading and plating one or more conductive structures on said package; wherein said spreading and plating steps are performed by the methods selected from the group consisting of physically, chemistry deposit and selectively etching.
US08721895B2
A process for separating an aqueous emulsion including an aqueous phase and an non-aqueous phase into separated aqueous and non-aqueous phases, to provide a recovered non-aqueous phase, and to provide a recovered aqueous phase containing an acceptable level of the non-aqueous phase. In the process, at least one body, and preferably two or more bodies, of polymeric material with a high surface area, typically a foam material or polymer chips, is used in a horizontal flow treatment system to break the emulsion and thus provide both the aqueous and non-aqueous phases as two separate flows. A wide range of polymers can be used in the system as the polymeric material including polyurethane, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyester, and polyethylene. If a very low level of non-aqueous phase in the effluent is required, for example to meet potable water standards, then a Kozlowski polyurethane, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,239,040, is preferred as the last Polymeric material body.
US08721891B2
A zeolite membrane excellent in separation performance and having an acid resistance, and a separation membrane employing the zeolite membrane are provided. A zeolite membrane comprising a layer wherein at least two different types of zeolite crystals are present in mixed state, wherein at least two types of the above at least two different types of zeolite crystals are detectable by an X-ray pattern obtained by X-ray diffraction under the conditions that (A) the output of X-ray is 1.2 kW, (B) an X-ray bulb of copper (Cu) is employed, and (C) the wavelength of X-ray is 1.54058 A. As an alternative, the zeolite membrane comprising a first layer containing zeolite crystals and a second layer containing different type of zeolite crystals from the zeolite crystals of the first layer, wherein the first layer and the second layer constitute a laminate structure, and the thickness of the laminate structure is at most 20 pm.
US08721890B2
A dehydrating system using multiple water separation membranes aims to prevent damage to the water separation membrane units and also to take appropriate measures against decrease in water permeation rate of the water separation membranes. Provided is a dehydrating system (100) for removing water from a target fluid, including at least two water separation membrane units (1, 2, 3) connected in series in a flow direction of the target fluid; two or more heat exchangers (11, 21, 31) respectively provided in front of the water separation membrane units (1, 2, 3), each of the heat exchangers (11, 21, 31) raising a temperature of the target fluid to a temperature which is lower than a boiling point of the target fluid but close to the boiling point.
US08721889B2
The present invention provides a method for treating wastewater in which the majority of solids and biological oxygen demand compounds are separated from the wastewater feed using a primary separation process, to produce a solids phase and a water phase. The solids phase is irradiated to reduce the level of pathogens such that it is safe to use as a soil substitute and/or additive so that the solids can thus be disposed of in an environmentally-friendly manner. In additional embodiments, the solids that have been disinfected by radiation are mixed with a suitable inert filler material to produce a soil substitute, fertilizer, compost, or other soil additive. The liquid phase is treated in a substantially smaller system than would be required for treating the full-strength wastewater that can include a suspended media biological regeneration reactor system. The liquid treatment system can include a high flux adsorbent material treatment system integrated with a low flux adsorbent material biological regeneration reactor.
US08721886B2
Provided are an apparatus and a method for river water purification using a treatment soil layer and a permeable filtering medium layer. The river water purification apparatus includes a treatment soil layer and a permeable filtering medium layer which are sequentially and alternately stacked. The treatment soil layer includes a plurality of unit soil layers which are arranged at intervals. A reservoir part which stores a predetermined amount of river water and supplies the river water to an inside of the unit soil layer is provided in an upper end part of the unit soil layer. The permeable filtering medium layer has a higher hydraulic conductivity than that of the treatment soil layer. The river water purification apparatus increases a treatment flux of river water regardless of a coefficient of water permeability of soil and effectively removes nitrogen, phosphorus and nutrient salts by stably forming an anaerobic condition.
US08721879B2
Hemodialysis dialysis systems are disclosed. Hemodialysis systems of the invention may include a dialysate flow path including a balancing circuit, a mixing circuit, and/or a directing circuit. The circuits may be defined within one or more cassettes. The fluid circuits may be at least partially isolated, spatially and/or thermally, from electrical components of the system. A gas supply may be provided in fluid communication with the dialysate flow path and/or the dialyzer to, urge dialysate through the dialyzer and blood back to the patient. The hemodialysis systems may include fluid handling devices actuated using a control fluid, optionally delivered using detachable pump. Fluid handling devices may be generally rigid and of a spheroid shape, optionally with a diaphragm dividing the device into compartments.
US08721867B2
A water electrolysis apparatus applies an electrolysis voltage between current collectors disposed on the respective sides of an electrolyte membrane thereby to electrolyze water to generate oxygen in an anode electrolysis chamber and hydrogen in a cathode electrolysis chamber under a pressure higher than a normal pressure. The water electrolysis apparatus is shut down by applying a voltage between the current collectors after the cathode electrolysis chamber stops supplying the hydrogen, reducing a pressure in at least the cathode electrolysis chamber while the voltage is being applied, and stopping applying the voltage when the pressure in the cathode electrolysis chamber is equal to a pressure in the anode electrolysis chamber.
US08721863B2
A method for plating a belt substrate including conveying a belt substrate through a plating tank, contacting an immersed cathode power-supply device and/or an auxiliary cathode power-supply device with the belt substrate conveyed into the interior of the plating tank such that the belt substrate becomes a cathode, and electrically plating a surface of the belt substrate in the interior of the plating tank while the immersed cathode power-supply device and/or the auxiliary cathode power-supply device maintains cathode power-supply to the belt substrate conveyed into the interior portion of the plating tank. The immersed cathode power-supply device and the auxiliary cathode power-supply device are positioned in the interior portion of the plating tank and are electrically connected by a short circuit wiring.
US08721862B2
The present invention generally relates to devices able to purify fluids electrically that are contained within pressure vessels, as well as to methods of manufacture and use thereof. Liquids or other fluids to be purified enter the purification device and, under the influence of an electric field, are treated to produce an ion-depleted liquid. Species from the entering liquids are collected to produce an ion-concentrated liquid. Increasing the exterior pressure on the device may reduce the pressure difference between the interior of the device and the exterior, which may reduce manufacturing costs or simplify construction.
US08721860B2
A technique for producing multiple protein blots from a single gel, including entering the number ‘n’ membranes to be blotted into microprocessor memory, determining calibration constants for a gel batch, inputting calibration constants into microprocessor memory, and calculating ‘n’ voltage/time profiles for simultaneous blotting. A gel layer from the gel batch is treated with a protein sample, ‘n’ membranes are placed onto the gel layer to yield a gel pack, and the gel pack is placed between an electrode plate maintained at a fixed first voltage and an array of ‘n’ spaced generally parallel electrodes. The voltage to each respective ‘n’ spaced generally parallel electrodes is varied over time according to a respective ‘n’ voltage/time profile to transfer proteins to each respective ‘n’ membranes to yield blotted membranes to yield ‘n’ respective blotted membranes.
US08721855B2
A crimp contact, a gas sensor including the crimp contact for outputting a signal from a sensing portion of a sensor element to an external device, and a method for manufacturing the crimp contact. The crimp contact includes a barrel portion crimped so as to fix a plurality of lead core wires (16) of an electrical lead connected to the external device. A hold portion constituting the barrel portion is formed such that the lead core wires 16 of the electrical lead are disposed in an U-shaped hold portion 77 so as to be crimped between an anvil 120 and a crimper 121. An outer surface of the U-shaped hold portion 77 has a plating layer 85 thereon to thereby constantly secure slidability between a sliding face of the crimper 121 and the outer surface of the U-shaped hold portion 77. The crimp contact is able to secure slidability between an outer surface of a hold portion and a sliding face of a crimper without applying any lubricant to the sliding face of the crimper, and can be used under a high temperature environment.
US08721846B2
A film forming method includes mounting a substrate on a mounting member after loading the substrate into a reaction chamber, adsorbing a compound of a first metal on a surface of the substrate by supplying a source gas containing the compound of the first metal into the reaction chamber, reducing the compound of the first metal adsorbed on the substrate by making a reducing gas contact therewith to thereby obtain a first metal layer, and alloying the first metal and a second metal to obtain an alloy layer of the first metal and the second metal by injecting the second metal into the first metal layer. The second metal is ejected from a target electrode facing the substrate by making a sputtering plasma contact with the target electrode, and at least a surface of the target electrode is formed of the second metal different from the first metal.
US08721843B2
An improved system and method for generating graphene involves producing a plurality of ionized carbon atoms in a plasma generation chamber and providing the plurality of ionized carbon atoms to a graphene generation chamber having a magnetic structure. The graphene generation chamber generates graphene from said plurality of ionized carbon atoms over said magnetic structure such that said graphene floats over said magnetic structure due to said graphene being diamagnetic. The rate at which the plurality of ionized carbon atoms is produced is controlled to control the rate of graphene generation. The magnetic field of the magnetic structure can be controlled to control the rate at which the generated graphene moves through the graphene generation chamber until it exits as a recovered graphene product.
US08721842B2
A catalytic reaction-rectification integrated process and a catalytic reaction-rectification integrated column, and the specialized device of such process is provided. The reactants are preheated and mixed with catalysts, and then fed into a jet agitation reaction section located in the middle of the catalytic reaction-rectification integrated column from a feeding inlet. The jet agitation reaction section is a kettle-like reactor located in the middle of the catalytic reaction-rectification integrated column. After pressurized by a centrifugal pump, the reactant materials are admitted into a subsonic or transonic agitator located within the reaction section. The reactant materials are ejected into the jet agitation reaction section at high speed, to efficiently mix the solid and liquid phases in the reaction section and to reinforce heat and mass transfer efficiency during the reaction. The liquid reaction mixture is separated and purified directly in the catalytic reaction-rectification integrated column.
US08721838B2
The present invention relates to a process for manufacturing high solids aqueous suspensions of mineral materials comprising the steps of providing at least one mineral material, preparing an aqueous suspension comprising the at least one mineral material, grinding the resulting aqueous suspension, centrifuging the ground aqueous suspension, and concentrating the centrifuged product of step d) by flash cooling; the high solids aqueous suspension of mineral materials obtained by this process, as well as the use thereof.
US08721836B2
Plasma processing with preionized and predissociated tuning gases and associated systems and methods
Plasma processing systems and methods for using pre-dissociated and/or pre-ionized tuning gases are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a plasma processing system includes a reaction chamber, a support element in the reaction chamber, and one or more cathode discharge assemblies in the reaction chamber. The reaction chamber is configured to produce a plasma in an interior volume of the chamber. The support element positions a microelectronic workpiece in the reaction chamber, and the cathode discharge assembly supplies an at least partially dissociated and/or ionized tuning gas to the workpiece in the chamber.
US08721832B2
Disclosed is a pressure-sensitive adhesive for single- or double-sidedly tacky pressure-sensitive adhesive strips that are redetachable without residue or destruction both by extensive stretching substantially in the bond plane and by peeling. The pressure-sensitive adhesive is composed at least of (1) a vinylaromatic block copolymer, (2) a solid tackifying resin having a softening temperature by the ring-and-ball method of more than 30° C. and (3) a resin which is liquid at room temperature (23° C.), wherein the fraction of liquid resin accounts for at least 40% by weight, based on the total amount of resin. Also disclosed are strips formed from the adhesive and the use of the strips to form redetachable bonds.
US08721829B2
The invention relates to a method of cutting off laminate layers for use in a fiber-reinforced laminate object comprising a number of combined laminate layers, wherein, along a section of the at least one rim of the laminate layer, a tapering cut is performed through the thickness of the laminate layer, whereby the thickness of the laminate layer is reduced. Since not only the number of laminate layers, but also the thickness of the individual laminate layers are reduced, a laminate layer is accomplished that can be used in a laminate object, by which both the issues of areas rich in resin, air pockets and the risk of delamination are reduced. The invention also relates to a laminate layer for use in a fiber-reinforced laminate object comprising a number of combined laminate layers and a fiber-reinforced laminate object in the form of the blade of a wind turbine, wherein the blade of the wind turbine comprises a number of combined laminate layers.
US08721826B2
A steerable kink resistant access device is provided having an elongated body and a steerable portion; methods for manufacturing the kink resistant device are also provided. The access sheath has an outside diameter sufficiently small so that it may be inserted into a body cavity or conduit. The access sheath typically has two internal lumen, a first lumen sized and configured as an access to a surgical site and a second lumen sized and configured to contain a tensioning device that, when acted upon, will deflect the steerable portion. The tensioning device may be directly or remotely attached to an actuation device that operates to control the tensioning and loosening of the tensioning device.
US08721822B2
A method of repairing a composite component having a damaged area including: laying a composite patch over the damaged area; activating the shape memory polymer resin to easily and quickly mold said patch to said damaged area; deactivating said shape memory polymer so that said composite patch retains the molded shape; and bonding said composite patch to said damaged part.
US08721820B2
A method for manufacturing a multilayer ceramic electronic component significantly reduces and prevents swelling or distortion when a conductive paste is applied to a green ceramic element body. A ceramic green sheet used in the method satisfies 180.56≦A/B wherein A is a polymerization degree of an organic binder contained in the ceramic green sheet, and B is a volume content of a plasticizer contained in the ceramic green sheet.
US08721805B2
A device and method of use for a towed portable cleaning facility is disclosed. The device employs storage tanks for both the storage and transport of cleaning fluids. The tanks serve the additional function of surrounding and enclosing the cleaning area an area that may be used for cleaning or storage. By utilizing the tanks as walls, the present invention provides a portable cleaning station. The device may further include the ability to treat and clean used fluids in order to either reuse or safely dispose of the used fluids as well as the ability to recover heat energy from an engine compartment to heat cleaning fluids.
US08721800B2
A method of controlling a washing machine, capable of detecting clothes contained in the washing machine by rotating a drum. The method includes supplying a predetermined amount of water when a barrel cleaning is executed, soaking an interior of a drum in water, draining water after the interior of the drum has been soaked in the water, and detecting clothes contained in the drum by rotating the drum. Whether to perform a barrel cleaning is determined according to the existence of the clothes in the drum, so that vibration and noise are prevented from being generated in the washing machine, and accident due to the movement of the washing machine is prevented.
US08721796B2
Embodiments of the present invention generally include an apparatus for plasma cleaning and a method for plasma cleaning. The apparatus can include a lid body having a first surface for facing a pedestal during cleaning and a second surface opposite the first surface and substantially parallel to the first surface, the second surface having a first indentation sized to receive a magnet assembly, one or more handles coupled to the second surface of the lid body, and the magnet assembly resting in the first indentation. The method can include removing a sputtering target from the processing chamber, sealing the processing chamber, introducing a gas into the processing chamber, applying an RF bias to a pedestal within the processing chamber, maintaining the pedestal at a substantially constant temperature, and removing material from the pedestal to clean the pedestal.
US08721794B2
Lignocellulosic biomass hydrolysate fermentation broth may be processed to produce a high solids syrup having relatively low viscosity that has a high energy content and may be burned in a fermentation production process. The high solids syrup was achieved through liquid/solid separation of broth or depleted broth producing a thin stillage with low suspended solids allowing evaporation to high solids while maintaining low viscosity.
US08721793B2
A feed pipe mixing system for delivering a homogenous massecuite product to a centrifuge comprising: a vertical feed pipe defining an upper end, and a lower end, the vertical feed pipe comprising: a mixing chamber disposed between the upper and lower ends of the vertical feed pipe and operable to mix a massecuite feed with feed water, surfactants, partially diluted molasses or a combination thereof to produce a massecuite product; a massecuite inlet disposed on the side of the vertical feed pipe above the mixing chamber, wherein the massecuite inlet is configured to deliver a massecuite feed into the vertical feed pipe; a massecuite outlet disposed on the lower end of the vertical feed pipe and configured to discharge the homogenous massecuite product from the feed pipe to a centrifuge; and a feed water pipe configured to deliver feed water, surfactants, partially diluted molasses or a combination thereof to the mixing chamber for mixing with the massecuite feed.
US08721786B2
A Czochralski process (“CZ”) crystal growth method and furnace having a heater capable of generating a heating zone, a crucible within the heating zone and capable of retaining a volume of molten crystal growth material forming a melt line oriented in a designated position within the heating zone, a seed growth rod retractable from the crucible with a rod retraction mechanism, for forming a crystal boule thereon proximal the melt line from the molten crystal growth material. The furnace causes relative movement between the crucible and heating zone as the crystal boule is retracted, so that the melt line is maintained in the designated position within the heating zone. In some embodiments relative movement is based at least in part on sensed weight of the growing crystal boule. In other embodiments the crucible growth rod retraction mechanism are fixed relative to each other by a gantry.
US08721780B2
An ink composition includes a slightly water-soluble alkanediol having 7 to 10 carbon atoms and cyclodextrin compound.
US08721775B2
The electronic air filter has a pair of pads between which a grid is sandwiched. The pads are composed of glass fiber or like filtering medium while the grid is composed of two or more pads of carbon interconnected by a network of filaments having a cotton core surrounded by a graphite sheath. The grid is connected to a source of electrical power at a voltage at which a corona field develops around the grid with resulting polarization of the grid.
US08721769B2
Device for compressing and drying gas includes a compressor and a dryer using a drying agent for drying gas connected thereto. The compressor includes two or more compressor elements with an inlet and an outlet which are connected together in series to form a first low-pressure stage. One or more subsequent high-pressure stages are each connected with their inlet to the outlet of a previous compressor element via a pressure pipe and an outlet pipe in which an after cooler is incorporated. The dryer has a drying section and a regeneration section. The drying section is filled with a drying agent for drying the gas and has an inlet connected to the outlet pipe of the compressor device, and an outlet that supplies compressed and dried gas. The regeneration section dries moist drying agent by a regeneration gas which is guided there via an inlet and an outlet with a regeneration pipe connected to the inlet. At least part of the regeneration gas is heated by a gas-gas heat exchanger with a primary part incorporated in a regeneration pipe and a secondary part that is fed by a pressure side of the compressor element. The gas-gas heat exchanger is provided with its secondary part in the pressure pipe extending between the low-pressure stage and the high-pressure stage.
US08721767B2
An electrostatic screen battery for emission control (ESBEC) system includes a plurality of screens. The screens are arranged in an alternating manner so that screens at a first electric potential are interposed with screens at a second electric potential. An ionizer is disposed upstream of the screens. An exhaust stream passes by the ionizer and then through the screens, where particulates are deposited onto the screens. In preferred embodiments the screens have hydrophobic surfaces.
US08721764B2
The invention relates to a method for operating a furnace, wherein a starting material comprising at least one metal element is molten, wherein the starting material is heated by at least one burner that is operated with a fuel volume flow of a fuel and an oxidant volume flow of an oxidant. An exhaust gas temperature of the furnace is monitored in an exhaust gas line at least at one measuring point downstream of a post combustion zone, wherein in a standard operational state a target fuel volume stream and a target oxidant volume stream is fed to the burner, wherein a change of the exhaust gas temperature is recorded at predetermined time frequencies and is compared to a predetermined threshold value. The invention is characterized in that when the change of the exhaust gas temperature per time unit is greater than the threshold value, the burner is put into a reduced operational state for a predetermined time, wherein the quotient of fuel volume stream to oxidant volume stream is lowered by at least one of the following actions: A) a predetermined sudden reduction of the fuel volume stream to a reduced volume stream and B) a predetermined sudden increase of the oxidant volume stream to an increased volume stream, said quotient being reset to the standard operating state after the reduction period.
US08721757B2
Air filter assemblies and components therefor are described. The air filter assembly typically includes an air filter cartridge. Air filter cartridges including a media pack comprising at least a first stack of single facer strips are described. In examples described, at least a portion of the first stack of single facer strips is arcuate. Air filter assemblies are characterized that are configured, for example, to advantageously use such air filter cartridges. Example air filter assemblies are described that include pulse jet air cleaning systems.
US08721756B2
The filter of the invention is a cartridge filter comprising a structure that can maintain a filter medium in an air stream to filter particulates to protect a gas turbine power system. The filter combines a mechanically adequate filter structure and an effective filter medium for to obtain a useful system.
US08721755B2
An apparatus is provided and includes an inlet, including a peripheral wall formed to define a pathway along which gaseous, fluidic and particulate matter flow and two or more nets sequentially disposed in the pathway, the two or more nets being suspended on the peripheral wall with substantially no clearance between each of the two or more nets and the peripheral wall and held sufficiently loosely to permit relative movement of each of the two or more nets such that an effective pore size of the two or more nets is variable over time to encourage fluidic condensation at the two or more nets and to permit a relatively substantial portion of the gaseous and particulate matter to continue to flow.
US08721753B2
A method of assembling a filter replacement assembly for use with a gas turbine engine. The method includes coupling a first container to a filter wall that is included in an inlet air treatment system. The first container defines a first cavity that is sized to receive at least one filter. A second container is coupled to the first container. The second container defines a second cavity that is sized to receive the at least one filter therein.
US08721739B2
The present invention is drawn to an agent and process for altering the color of keratin fibers wherein the agent comprises: (A) a color base composition containing a fatty substance having a viscosity greater than about 50 mm2/s at 40° C., a rheology modifying polymer; an alkalizing agent; a one short alkyl chain hydroxy compound chosen from monoalcohols and polyols; and an oxidative dye precursor; and (B) an oxidizing composition comprising an oxidizing agent; and wherein the pH of the agent for altering the color of keratin fibers is greater than 7.
US08721737B2
Disclosed are passive lower limb prosthetic devices comprising at least a two degree of freedom mechanism and a network of compression springs.
US08721736B2
A damping device (1) for a prosthesis, comprising a first member (2) for connection to a first component, a second member (3) for connection to another component, and a means (4) for coupling together the first member and the second member and for relative displacement of the first member and the second member. A damping element (5) is arranged to counteract a relative displacement between the first member (2) and the second member (3) when loading the damping device (1). The coupling means 4 comprises at least two linkage arms (6, 7), both being pivotally arranged in relation to the first member (2) and the second member (3). The linkage arms (6, 7) are arranged at different positions with respect to a main damping direction (8) of the damping device for substantially maintaining the relative orientations of the first member (2) and the second member (3) when the first member and the second member are displaced in relation to each other, during pivoting of the linkage arms (6, 7) and exertion of influence on the damping element (5).
US08721730B2
A distal femoral knee-replacement component provides additional points of cam action by either distinct bars or interconnected structural elements such as cam extensions to prevent early translation of the knee or dislocation of the femoral component over the tibial post which can occur in cruciate-substituting designs.
US08721721B2
Methods of selecting and implanting prosthetic devices for use as a replacement meniscus are disclosed. The selection methods include a pre-implantation selection method and a during-implantation selection method. The pre-implantation selection method includes a direct geometrical matching process, a correlation parameters-based matching process, and a finite element-based matching process. The implant identified by the pre-implantation selection method is then confirmed to be a suitable implant in the during-implantation selection method. In some instances, the during-implantation selection method includes monitoring loads and/or pressures applied to the prosthetic device and/or the adjacent anatomy. In some instances, the loads and/or pressures are monitored by a trial prosthetic device comprising one or more sensors. Methods of implanting meniscus prosthetic devices are also disclosed.
US08721718B2
Systems and methods for remodeling the annulus of a valve are disclosed. At least some embodiments disclosed herein are useful for resizing the mitral valve annulus in a safe and effective way. Such remodeling can be used to treat mitral valve regurgitation. At least some of the disclosed embodiments adjust the size of a valve annulus using magnetic forces. Other embodiments may include mechanisms for the manual adjustment of the annulus.
US08721699B2
A method for providing and adjusting cerebral cooling in response to changes in a physiological parameter. A spray having a boiling point between 38-300° C. is delivered to the surface of a patient's nasal cavities. The spray causes cooling by direct heat transfer through the nasopharynx and hematogenous cooling through the carotids and the Circle of Willis. A physiological parameter, such as cerebral temperature, changes in cerebral blood flow or brain oxygenation is monitored. The delivery rate of the spray is adjusted in response to the physiological parameter.
US08721698B2
A light therapy device is taught including a light emitting assembly having light emitting diodes (LEDs) as a light source. The light emitting assembly capable of generating 2,500 lux to 7,500 lux at 12 inches.
US08721694B2
A washer for use with a bone screw in the reduction and fixation of bone fragments includes a frusto-conical body having a leading end, a trailing end, an exterior surface and an interior surface. A central bore defined by the interior surface for insertion of a bone screw extends longitudinally through the washer. The interior surface is tapered resulting in the central bore's diameter being larger at the trailing end than at the leading end. The washer, when used in combination with a compression bone screw, improves seating of the bone screw head in the bone and results in enhanced compression.
US08721693B2
The cervical plate locking mechanism of the present invention is elegant in its design and effective in its performance, and utilizes a plate with holes that each incorporate a locking lip structure and locking screws that each incorporate a head portion having petal structures that are outwardly biased prior to insertion via an internally-disposed c-ring or the like. Advantageously, the lead-in torque of each of the locking screws is less than the lead-out torque of each of the locking screws. Thus, reverse threading or backing out is prevented. Alternatively, the cervical plate locking mechanism of the present invention utilizes a locking plate having petal structures that are inwardly biased prior to insertion of the head portion of the locking screws via an externally-disposed c-ring or the like.
US08721683B2
A tissue graft attachment device includes a platform member including a first edge and a second edge connected to the first edge by a top side and a substantially curved bottom side. The platform member defines a slot extending between the first edge and the second edge, a first opening between the slot and the first edge, and a second opening between the slot and the second edge. The tissue graft attachment device includes a first filament passing through the first opening, a second filament passing through the second opening, and a graft connecting element passing through the slot to form a loop.
US08721681B2
A barbed suture for connecting tissue, and a combination surgical needle with a barbed suture. The suture includes an elongated body and a plurality of barbs projecting from the body. Each barb causes the suture to resist movement in an opposite direction from which the barb faces. The disposition of the barbs on the body may be staggered, twist cut multiple spiral, overlapping, or random. Also, the configuration of the barbs may be a certain spirality angle α, barb cut angle θ, barb cut depth, barb cut length, barb cut distance, corrugated barb underside, arcuate barb base, or varying barb size.
US08721680B2
An apparatus for sealing a puncture through a vessel wall including a positioning assembly, a sheath releasably engaged with the positioning assembly, and a support member axially advanceable through the sheath. The positioning assembly includes a positioning element positioned at a distal portion of the positioning assembly and a sealant disposed at a distal portion of the positioning assembly. The sheath guides the sealant and positioning assembly to the puncture in the vessel wall.
US08721674B2
A device, method, and system of deploying an embolic protection device at a location distal to a treatment site in a vessel of a patient. A delivery catheter is encircled by a sealing member which is expandable from a delivery configuration to a deployed configuration. The device creates a seal to prevent the flow of blood during the treatment of vascular disease. A distal protection element is delivered by the delivery catheter and deployed to filter or remove embolic debris.
US08721673B2
The invention relates to medicine, in particular to reflexotherapy and can be used for producing long-term acupuncture action on a patient body. The inventive method for prolonged acupuncture treatment consists in determining acupuncture loci, in selecting the needle input and output points, in passing the needle through the selected needle input and output points, in keeping both needle ends outside the patient's skin, in securing the needle in this position by means of locks mounted on the needle ends and, after finishing the acupuncture session, leaving the needle in the patient's body for a specified time. Said method is characterised in that acusal tracts are formed in different histological layers of the patient's tissue by introducing needles and the points, situated in the area of the acupuncture loci and/or reflexogenic zone and/or indifferent zone, are selected as the input and/or output points for each needle. Said invention makes it possible to non-medicamentally treat the extended range of diseases and to increase the efficiency of prolonged acupuncture. Said method is carried out by using relatively simple and inexpensive facilities and makes it possible to carry out the efficient treatment practically devoid of side effects, thereby ensuring the extended use thereof in medical practice.
US08721665B2
An apparatus for the repair of a cardiovascular valve has leaflets comprising a grasper capable of grabbing and co-apting the leaflets of the valve. In a preferred embodiment, the grasper has jaws that grasp and immobilize the leaflets, and then a fastener is inserted to co-apt the leaflets. The apparatus is particularly useful for repairing mitral valves to cure mitral regurgitation.
US08721660B2
A fiducial marker system (210a-c) comprises a first unit and a second unit. The first unit is patient affixable and comprises a partly spherical inner surface having a first center point that is adapted to receive a touch probe measurement head for measuring the spatial position of the center point. The second unit is releasably attachable to an outer surface of the first unit, and has a second center point, wherein the first center point and the second center point are substantially identical when the second unit is attached to the first unit. For stereotactic therapy, a patient is imaged with the first and second unit assembled. Then the second unit is detached. A stereotactic frame (300) is attached to the first units via arms. Thus frameless imaging is provided in a frame based stereotactic surgery system with high precision. Repeated assembly of the frame (300) to the first units, remaining in the patient, provides advantageous fractionized stereotactic radiotherapy.
US08721652B2
The invention includes a system and method for the loosening of tissue. In one embodiment, a method of removing intervertebral tissue includes removing tissue with a loosening member to form a void, inserting a portion of the loosening member into the void, and determining the amount of tissue removed based upon the volume defined by the portion of the loosening member inserted into the void.
US08721651B2
Embodiments of the invention include templates and methods for evaluating the appropriate size and shape for a medical implant. In particular, some embodiments include expandable templates and methods for evaluating appropriate size and shape for implantation of a spinal rod.
US08721649B2
The devices disclosed herein can provide access to the central compartment by accessing the medial-inferior side of the acetabulum, where a gap in the labrum exists. A distending device access the peripheral compartment of a hip joint. The device can then be circumferentially looped around the femoral head, and further tightened. Tightening the circumferential device can cause a balloon of the device to be placed within the gap. The balloon may then be inflated within the gap to distend the femoral head from the acetabulum.
US08721635B2
A system and method for convectively heating tissue to smooth the surface of the tissue. A fluid, such as saline is distributed across a tissue surface. A bipolar tool is placed within the fluid, but not touching the tissue. An RF signal is sent from a generator through the electrodes to rapidly boil the fluid. Heat is then transferred from the boiling fluid to the tissue resulting in minimal heat damage to tissue. An impedance matching system is used to maximize power received at the bipolar from the generator. Additionally, a control system monitors the boiling fluid to limit arcing.
US08721634B2
A working end of a catheter includes at least one therapeutic element, such as a resistive heating element, usable to deliver energy for ligating, or reducing the diameter of, a hollow anatomical structure. In certain examples, the catheter includes a lumen to accommodate a guide wire or to allow fluid delivery. In certain embodiments, a balloon is inflated to place resistive element(s) into apposition with a hollow anatomical structure and to occlude the structure. Indexing devices and methods are also disclosed for successively treating portions of the hollow anatomical structure. In certain examples, marks along the catheter shaft provide visual verification to the physician of the relative position of the therapeutic element of the catheter. Embodiments of indexing devices may include pairs of rings and/or hinged arms that move a catheter a desired indexed position between successive treatments.
US08721626B2
In an embodiment, the invention provides a catheter suitable for use in performing a procedure within a vessel, lumen or organ of a living having a distal end which is steerable, such as upon the application of compression. The catheter may be of the over the wire type, or alternatively may be a rapid exchange catheter. The catheter may provide for a rotating element which may be used to open a clogged vessel, or alternatively to provide information about adjacent tissues, such as may be generated by imaging or guiding arrangements using tissue detection systems known in the art, e.g., ultrasound, optical coherence reflectometry, etc. For rapid exchange catheters having a rotating element, there is provided an offset drive assembly to allow the rotary force to be directed from alongside the guidewire to a location coaxial to and over the guidewire.
US08721622B2
A viscoelastic medium is useful for the manufacture of a medicament, such as a medical device, for treatment of increased intraocular pressure in the eye of a human or animal. The medicament is administerable into at least one sclerally penetrating fistula of the eye such that the fistula is filled with the medicament. The medium is also useful in a method of treating increased intraocular pressure in the eye of a human or an animal in need thereof, comprising the step of injecting the viscoelastic medium into at least one sclerally penetrating fistula in the eye such that the fistula is filled with the medium.
US08721610B2
A disposable pull-on garment has a front waist region and a back waist region opposite the front waist region. The disposable pull-on garment also has a chassis and front and back waist members attached to the chassis in the front and back waist regions, respectively. The front waist member has a first retraction force and the back waist member has a second retraction force. The disposable pull-on garment also has a pair of side members attaching the front waist region to the back waist region, thereby forming a waist opening and a pair of leg openings. Each of the pair of side members includes a waist zone and a hip zone. The waist zones have retraction forces which are about equal to the first retraction force, and the hip zones have retraction forces which are greater than the first or second retraction forces.
US08721609B2
An absorptive article (1) has: an absorptive body (10) which includes an absorption body; and an exterior body (20) which is provided to the outer surface side of the absorptive body (10) and which is provided with a belly-side portion (F) and a back-side portion (B). The belly-side portion (F) and the back-side portion (B) are joined together at joint sections (21, 22). Reduced strength regions (T) and unreduced strength regions (S) are disposed between the belly-side section (F) and the back-side section (B) at the positions of the joint sections (21, 22). A reduced strength region (T) includes a joint strength-reducing material for reducing the joint strength between the joint sections (21, 22), and an unreduced strength region (S) includes no joint strength-reducing material.
US08721604B2
An assembly for a drug delivery device is provided comprising a housing having a distal end and a proximal end, a dose button configured to be moved with respect to the housing for setting and delivering a dose of a drug from the device, and a blocking member. The blocking member is adapted and arranged to be releasably coupled to the housing such that, when the blocking member is coupled to the housing, movement of the dose button with respect to the housing is prevented. Furthermore, a drug delivery device is provided.
US08721594B2
A post-occlusion chamber collapse canceling system for a surgical apparatus that detects the breaking of occlusions by tissue fragments in the distal end of the aspiration path and produces a response consisting in a transitory blockage of the distal end the aspiration path to terminate the chamber collapse and a transitory venting of the aspiration line to relieve the vacuum, in a way that post-occlusion chamber collapses are cancelled.
US08721585B2
Systems and methods for integrating a continuous glucose sensor, including a receiver, a medicament delivery device, and optionally a single point glucose monitor are provided. Manual integrations provide for a physical association between the devices wherein a user (for example, patient or doctor) manually selects the amount, type, and/or time of delivery. Semi-automated integration of the devices includes integrations wherein an operable connection between the integrated components aids the user (for example, patient or doctor) in selecting, inputting, calculating, or validating the amount, type, or time of medicament delivery of glucose values, for example, by transmitting data to another component and thereby reducing the amount of user input required. Automated integration between the devices includes integrations wherein an operable connection between the integrated components provides for full control of the system without required user interaction.
US08721583B2
Certain embodiments disclosed herein relate to compositions, methods, devices, systems, and products regarding frozen particles. In certain embodiments, the frozen particles include materials at low temperatures. In certain embodiments, the frozen particles provide vehicles for delivery of particular agents. In certain embodiments, the frozen particles are administered to at least one biological tissue.
US08721575B2
A device for applying compression treatment to a part of a wearer's body includes at least one inflatable bladder formed from opposed layers of bladder material. The bladder is constructed so that when worn on the part of the wearer's body inflation of the bladder applies a compressive force to the part of the wearer's body to move blood within the wearer's body part. The at least one bladder has a generally S shape compression region with first, second and third spaced apart sections in fluid communication. At least one opening is formed between the first and second sections. The at least one opening extends through both layers of bladder material to provide communication from an area under the layers of bladder material to a location above the layers of bladder material.
US08721574B2
A skin stimulator which can be produced through a simple process in which a circular disc of a drum is formed by integrating a metal disc having needles on a circumferential surface thereof with a reinforcing resin material using insert injection molding and layering a plurality of metal discs and retainers, thus increasing productivity and economic efficiency, realizing stable operation and preventing foreign substances from being jammed in the drum, and which is configured such that, when pricking the skin with the needles, the needles do not give severe damage to the skin and can be prevented from being broken, thus being effectively used for a lengthy period of time, and in which each of the needles forms a polygonal cross-section of at least six sides instead of a circular cross section, so that, when pricking the skin with the needles, the contact surface of each needle relative to the skin can be reduced, thus minimizing the pain.
US08721570B2
A system for monitoring strain as an indicator of biological conditions, such as spinal fusion, glucose levels, spinal loading, and heart rate. The system includes an inter-digitated capacitor sensor, and RF transmitter, and an associated antenna, all of which are microminiature or microscopic in size and can be implanted in a biological host such as a human or animal. An inductively coupled power supply is also employed to avoid the need for implantation of chemical batteries. Power is provided to the sensor and transmitter, and data is transmitted from the sensor, when an external receiving device, such as a handheld RF ID type receiver, is placed proximate the location of the implanted sensor, transmitter and inductively coupled power supply. The implanted sensor, transmitter and inductively coupled power supply can be left in place permanently or removed when desired.
US08721569B2
A physical therapy device is disclosed. An example of the physical therapy device includes a cuff for attachment to a patient's limb. The example physical therapy device also includes a light emitter mounted to the cuff. The example physical therapy device also includes a tracking pattern corresponding to at least one physical therapy exercise. The patient performs the physical therapy exercise by moving the patient's limb in such a manner so as to track light from the light emitter on the tracking pattern.
US08721563B2
The present invention provides for exemplary embodiments of a single-insertion, multiple sample biopsy device. Exemplary embodiments of a single-insertion, multiple sampling device with integrated marker release.
US08721560B2
A method for use in an implantable medical device comprises the steps of monitoring respiration with an amplifier having a gain, generating a moving apneic threshold based on recent respiration cycles, accumulating differences between amplitudes of respiration cycles and the moving apnea detection threshold and comparing the accumulated differences against an apnea detection threshold to detect the onset of an episode of apnea. The method further comprises measuring respiration levels upon detecting the onset of apnea, confirming the episode of apnea based upon the respiration levels measured upon detecting the onset of apnea; and adjusting one of the gain of the amplifier and the apnea detection threshold so that the time from the detection of onset of apnea to the time of confirmation of the episode of apnea is within a predetermined time range following the detection of the onset of apnea.
US08721555B2
Photoplethysmography (PPG) is obtained using one red (e.g., 660 nm) and one infrared (e.g., 880 to 940 nm) light emitting diode with a single photo diode in combination with a pressure transducer thereby allowing both CVP and SpO2 to be measured simultaneously. The system also includes sensors capable of measuring position, angle and/or movement of the sensor or patient. Once the PPG signal is acquired, high pass adaptive and/or notch filtering can be used with one element of the filter from the red and infrared signals used to measure the arterial changes needed to compute SpO2 and the other element of the signal can be used to measure CVP changes.
US08721551B2
An ultrasound diagnostic system includes at least one oscillator unit, at least one communication unit which processes and wirelessly transmits reception signals outputted from the at least one oscillator unit and from which the at least one oscillator unit is detachable, and a diagnostic apparatus body which acquires the reception signals through wireless communication with the at least one communication unit to generate an ultrasound image of the reception signals. The diagnostic apparatus body acquires identification information of the at least one oscillator unit and the at least one communication unit to establish the wireless communication with the at least one wireless communication unit so that the reception signals of a probe are wirelessly transmitted to the diagnostic apparatus body. The ultrasound diagnostic system has replaceable oscillator units and is capable of flexible and smooth wireless connection between the diagnostic apparatus body and a probe having desired settings.
US08721545B2
The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for measuring an analyte in a host. More particularly, the present invention relates to systems and methods for transcutaneous measurement of glucose in a host.
US08721544B2
The analyte concentration, such as glucose, in a human or animal body is measured with an implantable sensor that generates measurement signals. The measurement signals are compressed through statistical techniques to produced compressed measurement data that can is easier to process and communicate. A base station carries the implantable sensor along with a signal processor, memory, and a transmitter. A display device is also disclosed that can receive the compressed measurement data from the base station for further processing and display.
US08721542B2
A physiological parameter system has one or more parameter inputs responsive to one or more physiological sensors. The physiological parameter system may also have quality indicators relating to confidence in the parameter inputs. A processor is adapted to combine the parameter inputs, quality indicators and predetermined limits for the parameters inputs and quality indicators so as to generate alarm outputs or control outputs or both.
US08721538B2
A surgical distractor for distracting tissue of a patient to access structure underlying the tissue of the patient. The distractor includes a tube having a distal end adapted for insertion in tissue, a proximal end opposite the distal end, an exterior surface adapted for contacting the tissue, and an interior surface opposite the exterior surface defining a hollow interior extending between the distal end and the proximal end for accessing structure underlying the tissue when the distal end is inserted in the tissue. The distractor is adjustable from a reduced configuration, in which the tube has a reduced width sized for inserting the distal end in the tissue, and an expanded configuration, in which the tube has an expanded width greater than the reduced width sized to provide the hollow interior with a size sufficient for accessing the structure underlying the tissue.
US08721517B2
An impeller for a pump is disclosed herein. The impeller can include a hub having a fixed end and a free end. The impeller can also have a plurality of blades supported by the hub. Each blade can have a fixed end coupled to the hub and a free end. The impeller can have a stored configuration and a deployed configuration, the blades in the deployed configuration extending away from the hub, and the blades in the stored configuration being compressed against the hub.
US08721516B2
The invention relates to a fluid pump, in particular to a liquid pump having a rotor (18) with at least one rotor blade (20, 21) for conveying the fluid, the rotor being variable with respect to its diameter between a first, compressed state and a second expanded state. In order to produce simple compressibility and expandibility of the rotor of the pump, it is provided according to the invention that at least one rotor blade is deformable between a first state which it assumes in the compressed state of the rotor and a second state which it assumes in the expanded state of the rotor by means of a fluid counterpressure (23) during a rotation of the rotor during pump operation.
US08721515B2
An implantable aortic blood pump includes a rigid body having wall extending along a long axis and defining an inflation port portion with an inflation aperture therethrough. The aperture is fluid communication with an inner surface of the body and on a fluid supply, the body is preferably independent of an external brace or an external stiffener, yet still has a cantilevered deformation of less than 8 millimeters in response to a 200 gram weight suspended from a front body edge. A deflecting structure of a membrane deflects in response to fluid pressure so as to pump blood when the pump is secured to a subject aorta.
US08721514B2
An implantable applicator (10) has at least one guide channel (12) for guiding a radioactive seed or source (66) to a target region. A plurality of imageable fiducials (40) are configured for attachment to the patient adjacent the target region. Electromagnetic sensors (18, 20, 22, 20′, 42) are mounted to the applicator and the imageable fiducials. An electromagnetic tracking system determines the relative position of the applicator mounted sensors (18, 20, 22, 20′) and the fiducial mounted sensors (42). A localizing processor (52) generates a map of the sensors which is combined (56) with a high resolution image (46). A comparing processor (70) monitors for changes in sensor positions, generates a movement correction transform (72) which transforms (74) the planning image into a transformed planning image (76). A brachytherapy treatment processor (60) generates a treatment plan (60a) from the planning image or the transformed planning image for controlling an auto-loader (64) which moves the radioactive source or seed (66) through the channels (12) of the applicator (10).
US08721513B2
An electric motor is provided with a hollow rotating drive shaft extending along the central axis of the motor, a stationary liquid supply line and a rotating union which communicates with the liquid supply line and the hollow interior of the drive shaft for supplying liquid to the hollow interior of the drive shaft.
US08721506B2
An exerciser including a movable body support mounted on an exerciser frame for movement along tracks provided by the frame. A movable foot support extends from the exerciser frame. The movable foot support is adapted to be engaged by the user's feet to absorb the energy of movement in a first direction and to provide the user with a bouncing movement, which the user may translate into a movement of the movable body support in the opposite direction. The movable foot support may be provided as an attachment and retrofitted to existing exercisers, and, in some embodiments, may comprise independently movable foot supports for each foot. The exerciser may include a resilient resistance system coupled to the movable body support and a set of pull lines with user grips trained over pulleys carried by the exerciser frame. Also disclosed are methods for enabling users to exercise.
US08721499B2
A method controls a clutch for vehicles. In a vehicle provided with a transmission such as a DCT or AMT which uses a dry clutch as a launch clutch, the clutch is controlled such that clutch control torque can smoothly vary when a driver manipulates an accelerator pedal during creep driving under a control logic so that the controlling of the clutch is converted into launch control, thus preventing the vehicle from jerking and improving the ride comfort of the vehicle, thereby enhancing the merchantability of the vehicle.
US08721491B2
A powertrain has an input member, an output member, a stationary member, and a motor/generator. The powertrain includes a hybrid transmission with a first and a second planetary gear set. In some embodiments, a third planetary gear set is added. The motor/generator is continuously connected for common rotation with the first member of the second planetary gear set. A first interconnecting member continuously connects the second member of the first planetary gear set for common rotation with the third member of the second planetary gear set. A second interconnecting member continuously connects the third member of the first planetary gear set for common rotation with the second member of the second planetary gear set. A torque-transmitting mechanism is selectively engageable to connect the first member of the second planetary gear set for common rotation with the input member.
US08721482B2
A hybrid drive system configured with a power split device that performs a differential operation with at least three rotating elements including an input rotating element, a reaction force rotating element, and an output rotating element that is connected to the output member so that driving force is transmitted. A reduction gear that performs a differential operation with at least four rotating elements including an input rotating element, a stationary element, a first output rotating element, and a second output rotating element. A control portion selects an operating mode of the hybrid drive system, from among a first split mode, and a second split mode.
US08721481B2
A motor unit includes a motor shaft for receiving a motor provided driving force and an auxiliary shaft for receiving an externally provided driving force. A first torque transmission path transfers the externally provided driving force to a drive mechanism and a second torque transmission path transfers the motor provided driving force also to the drive mechanism. A first one way drive is provided in the first torque transmission path between the auxiliary shaft and the drive mechanism such that when the drive mechanism is being driven by the motor provided driving force through the second torque transmission path, the auxiliary shaft is able to freewheel. The motor unit can drive any apparatus where the externally provided driving force is provided by manually operable pedals fixed for rotation with the auxiliary shaft.
US08721474B2
A golf ball 2 has a core 4, an inner cover 6 positioned outside the core 4 and an outer cover 8 positioned outside the inner cover 6. The core 4 has a spherical center 10 and a mid layer 12 positioned outside the center 10. The center 10 has a diameter of 1 mm or greater and 15 mm or less. A difference (H4−H3) between a JIS-C hardness H4 of a surface of the core and a JIS-C hardness H3 of an innermost part of the mid layer is equal to or greater than 10. The hardness H4 is greater than a JIS-C hardness H2 of a surface of a spherical body including the core 4 and the inner cover 6. A Shore D hardness H7 of the outer cover 8 is less than 40.
US08721466B2
A training ball for pool type games. The training ball may comprise an array of visually coded bounded shapes disposed on the spherical exterior surface, wherein each one visually coded bounded shape has a characteristic visual coding such as color, and a diametrically opposed corresponding visually coded bounded shape having substantially identical characteristic visual coding, and wherein the array covers substantially all of the spherical exterior surface of the solid sphere. All of the visually coded bounded shapes display characteristic visual coding which is easily visually discernible from each adjacent one of the visually coded bounded shapes. In an associated method of play or practice, a player may visually hypothesize a straight line passing through the center of the training ball using the opposed similar visually coded bounded shapes, mentally set up a shot, and then execute that shot.
US08721462B1
A bimetallic shaft for use in gearbox applications wherein the member of shaft that protrudes from the gearbox is designed and constructed from a corrosion-resistant metallic compound to prevent corrosion and wear to exposed shaft material. A gearbox comprising a bimetallic shaft having a corrosion-resistant material on the portion of the bimetallic shaft that protrudes from a gearbox housing, wherein a gearbox shaft seal radially surrounds the bimetallic shaft. A method of providing a bimetallic gearbox shaft comprising: a first shaft member comprising a non-corrosion-resistant material and having a first shaft axis, a second shaft member comprising a corrosion-resistant material and having a second shaft axis, and a joint that permanently affixes the first shaft member to the second shaft member such that the first shaft axis is aligned with the second shaft axis.
US08721461B2
A constant velocity joint may include a joint chamber and a cover defining a bore and configured to seal the joint chamber and prevent lubricant from leaving the joint chamber. A vent valve may be disposed within the bore and define at least one opening. The opening may be a one-way valve configured to exhaust gas from the joint chamber and while maintaining lubricant within the joint chamber.
US08721459B2
The present invention provides a push button release police baton in which the collapse of the extended sections into the larger handle section is accomplished by the use of a single axially positioned push button clutch alignment rod which aligns the clutch locking mechanisms located in the extended sections and releases the sections for collapse into the handle end section of the baton.
US08721458B2
Systems and methods are used to manage the contents of NVRAM in a wagering game machine. NVRAM may be pre-allocated for various purposes prior to loading a first wagering game on a the wagering game machine. A second wagering may be loaded on the wagering game machine. The second wagering game reuses the pre-allocated NVRAM portions for the same purposes as the first wagering game.
US08721454B2
Disclosed are systems and methods for managing Internet Protocol (“IP”) addresses in a network gaming environment comprising a plurality of gaming machines, having one or more in-game network devices. In particular an in-game switch is provided, which is configured to receiving an external IP address from a centrals DHCP server and to determine a scope of internal IP addresses associated with the one or more in-game network devices. Once the scope is determined, the in-game switch is configured to lease IP addresses from the address scope block to the associated in-game network devices.
US08721450B2
A gaming system and method which includes enabling a player to initiate a play of a game, for the initiated play of the game: (i) randomly generating a game outcome, (ii) displaying to the player the randomly generated game outcome, (iii) determining any award associated with the displayed game outcome, and (iv) displaying to the player any determined award, enabling the player to invite a quantity of other players to each initiate a play of at least one game, the quantity of other players being greater than zero, and if the player invited the quantity of other players, providing the player a benefit, an amount of the benefit being based on the quantity of other players invited.
US08721439B2
A system, method and apparatus provides a unique pool betting product where players make selections in a number of different events which occur in sequential legs or time periods. After some and preferably most of the legs have been completed, players who have correct “win” predictions for each of the events or legs that are completed and thus remain in contention for the Jackpot Pool, and potentially those still eligible for consolations prizes, will be offered an opportunity to sell their tickets, in whole or in part, to the game operator or through the game operator.
US08721435B2
A gaming device such as a slot machine is provided having a payout proportional to a wager value. In accordance with one or more embodiments, the gaming machine provides a player with the ability to flexibly and automatically increase and decrease wagers, thereby allowing the player to press his bets when he feels lucky, and to decrease his bets when he feels unlucky. Different proportional payout tables are provided for different levels of wagers.
US08721430B2
A gaming system which displays a plurality of reels. Each reel is associated with a display area which displays a symbol. A wager is allocated to each one of the display areas. An award is determined based, at least in part, on such allocation.
US08721425B2
A gaming system and method involving a fixed bonus code and dynamic game code wherein one or more players playing multiple designated electronic gaming machines attempt to match a dynamic game code to the bonus code to win a fixed jackpot or progressive jackpot. The game code symbols adjust randomly (i.e., change) responsive to each play of a corresponding electronic gaming machine. Once a game code symbol matches a corresponding bonus code symbol, the game code symbol locks up such that the matching game code symbol cannot adjust again until the jackpot is won based on each game code symbol matching a corresponding bonus code symbol. Different electronic gaming machines may be re-assigned to drive different game code symbols as needed.
US08721424B2
A slot machine comprising a display and a controller programmed to execute processing of: (A) variably displaying a plurality of symbols on the display, and then stop-displaying the symbols; (B) determining a prize based on the number of the symbols of each type stop-displayed on the display; (C) determining, when a plurality of prizes are determined in the processing (B), a priority order among the prizes; and (D) displaying sequence numbers on each of the symbols of the type corresponding to the prize determined in the processing (B), in descending order of the priority order determined in the processing (C).
US08721421B2
A gaming machine and method comprising a primary game with a plurality of gaming symbols and a separate bonus indicator. Operation of the bonus indicator is automatically initiated upon commencement of the primary game and play of the bonus indicator is of approximately the same duration as play of the primary game. The outcome of the bonus indicator may be entirely independent of the outcome of the primary game. A positive outcome on the bonus indicator may yield either a prize for the player or an opportunity to play a bonus round game. In its preferred embodiment, the invention includes a five-reel slot game as the primary game and a single-reel slot game as the bonus indicator.
US08721417B2
A system and method of conducting a poker game in a manner which contends with bad beats. It comprises the steps of: selecting a distinct percentage (e.g. 70.0% or 80.0%) as a Bad Beat Cutoff %; selecting a specified amount as the Bad Beat Amount; conducting the selected poker game variant in accordance with conventional rules of play; calculating and recording the win probability of each player if an all-in bet occurs; awarding the Bad Beat Amount to any remaining player that lost despite having a win probability greater than the Bad Beat Cutoff % at the point of said all-in bet; and awarding the remainder of each pot to the high hand. By contending with bad beats in all-in situations, the systems and methods disclosed herein will help alleviate bad beat frustration and make poker more enjoyable for many players.
US08721403B2
A knife storage and sharpening apparatus including a knife block having a plurality of elongate recesses each for receipt of a different knife and having a recess for receipt of a knife sharpening steel. The apparatus further includes another form of knife sharpening means specifically adapted for receipt in the recess for receipt of the steel. The knife sharpening means can be used to sharpen a knife while it is mounted in the sharpening steel recess. If the knife user prefers to use a sharpening steel, the knife sharpening means may be removed from the knife block to provide storage for the sharpening steel.
US08721402B2
A dust collection device for a sanding tool includes a bag having a sidewall with an inner surface and a coupler attached to the bag. The sidewall comprises at least one filter layer and an outer support layer. A sleeve having an outer surface, a sleeve sidewall, a first end, a second end, and at least one gap at either the first end or the second end is positioned within the bag. The sleeve's first end is positioned adjacent the coupler to direct incoming air towards the sleeve and the sleeve is positioned within the bag such that a bypass volume is present between the outer surface and the inner surface.
US08721401B2
A method for cleaning a polishing pad includes dispensing a first amount of deionized water on the polishing pad; cleaning the polishing pad with an acidity/alkalinity solution after dispensing the first amount of deionized water on the polishing pad; rinsing the polishing pad with a second amount of deionized water after cleaning the polishing pad with the acidity/alkalinity solution; removing the acidity/alkalinity solution from the polishing pad. In a subsequent CMP process, the method includes polishing a GST material device for obtaining an improved performance of the GST material device.
US08721400B2
A sanding or grinding tool has a drum provided with an abrasive cylindrical outer wall. The depth guide has a curved outer surface composed of a number of arcuate segments each having a radius which extends outward from the centre of the guide and which is of a differing defined length. The depth guide is rotatable in increments to cause each segment, in turn, to face the work piece. Each facing segment functions to define the depth of material removed from the surface of the work piece.
US08721398B2
A grinding apparatus includes a base, a case, a transmission module, an inlet water module and drain module. The case is positioned on the base. The transmission module is positioned on the base, and includes a motor and a grinding plate. The motor drives the grinding plate to rotate. The inlet water module is configured for feeding water onto the grinding plates. The drain module includes a drain pan and a drain pipe. The drain pan is detachably attached to the case, the drain pipe is connected to the drain pan, and is exposed from the case.
US08721392B2
A method for finishing an edge of a glass sheet comprising a first grinding step and a second polishing step using different abrasive wheels. The method results in consistent finished edge quality and improved edge quality in term of sub-surface damage (SSD). The method can be advantageously utilized to finish the edges of a thin glass substrate for use as substrates of display devices, such as LCD displays and the like.
US08721386B2
Noise-making devices are presented including: a compressible noise-making assembly, the compressible noise-making assembly configured for emitting a noise upon compressive deformation; a compression assembly for compressing and retaining the compressible noise-making assembly, the compression assembly including, at least two opposing surfaces defining a cavity for receiving the compressible noise-making assembly, the opposing surfaces each in mechanical communication with the compressible noise-making assembly, and at least two pulls each attached to one of the opposing surfaces such that when the two pulls are divergently pulled a compressive force is exerted upon the compressible noise-making device by the opposing surfaces.
US08721381B2
The present invention is to provide an organic light emitting display and a method of manufacturing the same. The light emitting display according to the present invention includes: a first substrate on which a plurality of light emitting devices having first electrodes, organic light emitting layers, and second electrodes are disposed; a second substrate disposed to face the first substrate; a dam member disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate to surround the plurality of light emitting devices; an inorganic sealing material disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate in an outer area of the dam member and attaching the first substrate to the second substrate; and a silicon filling material provided between the first substrate and the second substrate inward of the dam member to be in contact with the second electrodes.
US08721379B2
A fluid activated automatic release apparatus is configured to release a pressurized gas from a cylinder bottle and/or activating various mechanical release mechanisms. The apparatus may include a liquid sensor component moveably coupled to a cam member; and a piercing pin configured to engage a fluid container, responsive to rotatable movement of the cam member. The apparatus may include a liquid sensor component moveably coupled to a cam member; and a barrel device biased to move linearly responsive to rotatable movement of the cam member.
US08721372B2
Respective plungers are slidably supported in a stable manner without fluctuation, and reliable electrical contact is achieved.In a contact of the present invention, a first plunger and a second plunger include tip end portions provided on tip end sides, slidably supported, and contacting two respective members and sliding portions provided on proximal end sides, formed in halved shapes of the respective plungers, slidably overlapped with each other, and inserted in a compression coil spring. Each of the sliding portions is set to have a length to be slidably supported together with the tip end portion of the other plunger.
US08721365B2
An electrical connector for use with coaxial cables includes a deformable cylindrical casing and a slidably engaged shell.
US08721363B2
In accordance with one embodiment, an adapter for connecting a network device is provided. The adapter includes adapter housing. The adapter housing further includes a base and a wall, such that the wall extends axially from the base. The base of the adapter housing also includes an inner surface and an outer surface. The adapter includes a plurality of socket openings that extend across the base between the inner surface and the outer surface. The plurality of socket openings extend axially, the socket openings continue across the inner surface of the base through the first end of the rim and the second end of the rim. In one embodiment, the adapter includes a bypass circuit. The bypass circuit allows a network device to get power from a line side of a power meter and the consumer to get power from the load side of the power meter.
US08721357B2
A connector includes a body and a socket extending from the body. A blocking wall is located on the body. The socket includes a top wall, a resilient piece located on the top wall. The blocking wall is surrounded the resilient piece for preventing the resilient piece from destroying.
US08721348B2
A daughter card assembly is proved that includes a circuit board having a leading edge and a board surface that extends to the leading edge. The daughter card assembly also includes a guide element that is mounted to the board surface of the circuit board. The guide element includes a wall portion that is mounted to the board surface and a receptacle arm. The receptacle arm extends from the wall portion generally parallel to, and spaced apart from, the board surface in a mating direction. The receptacle arm and the board surface define a connector-receiving space therebetween. The daughter card assembly also includes an electrical connector that is coupled to the circuit board and disposed in the connector-receiving space. The receptacle arm engages an alignment module associated with a mating connector as the electrical connector moves in the mating direction.
US08721345B2
An apparatus for determining a change in test results includes a storage module, a pre-test module, a post-test module, a grading module and a summary creation module. The storage module stores a plurality of questions and a correct answer to each question. The pre-test module submits a group of pre-test questions to a user and receives answers to the pre-test questions from the user (“pre-test answers”). The post-test module, in response to the user being exposed to educational material related to the pre-test questions, submits a group of post-test questions to the user and receives answers to the post-test questions from the user (“post-test answers”). The grading module compares the pre-test answers and the post-test answers. The summary creation module creates a session summary including a comparison between the pre-test answers and the post test answers. The questions and answers are submitted and received over a computer network.
US08721342B2
A multi-mode athleticism movement measurement system includes an athlete-borne acceleration sensor and an athleticism processing device to determine athleticism information based upon one or more timing measurements from the athlete-borne acceleration sensor, the athleticism information corresponding to any of multiple athleticism measurement modes available on athleticism processing device and selectable by a user. A data link between the athlete-borne acceleration sensor and the athleticism rating processing device transmits the one or more timing measurements from the athlete-borne acceleration sensor to the athleticism rating processing device.
US08721330B2
A pulp chamber locator assists a dentist in performing a root canal procedure. The device includes a generally circular plate and a plurality of struts extending from the plate. The plate has a hole in the vicinity of its center. The device is inserted over a tooth, such that the struts engage the cemento-enamel junction of the tooth. The hole then indicates the proper point of entry for a dental instrument. The device may also include a rotatable indicator for showing the proper angle of entry, to insure that the instrument reaches the pulp chamber of the tooth. The dentist adjusts the position of the indicator, based on information provided by an X-ray or equivalent, and positions the dental instrument so as to be generally parallel with the indicator.
US08721322B2
A micro silicone mold mounted plunger injection system comprises a silicone cartridge assembly, a micro plunger injection assembly and a cold deck nozzle assembly. In this system, these three components are interconnected directly such that it has a greatly reduced material flow path length and diameter. The system is capable of displacing an amount of material in a single shot substantially equal to the desired shot weight required to make a component.
US08721321B2
A tool for forming a container from a construct. The container comprises a bottom wall and at least one sidewall foldably connected to and extending upwardly from the bottom wall to form an interior space of the container. The tool comprises a cavity having at least one peripheral wall for at least partially forming the sidewall of the container. The tool comprises a core operatively associated with the cavity and being operable to move within the cavity to position the at least one sidewall of the container relative to the bottom wall to form the interior space. The tool comprises at least one articulated section movably received in the cavity. The at least one articulated section being for gripping at least a portion of the at least one sidewall of the construct, when the core is moved relative to the cavity to form the interior space of the container.
US08721319B2
Apparatuses and methods for the production of superfine fibers.
US08721317B2
The invention relates to a device for granulating plastic strands having a cutting wheel (15), the individual blades of which graze past a counter blade (2) disposed in a blade carrier (1) when the cutting wheel is rotated, thus cutting the plastic strands (13) being guided over the counter blade into a granulate (14), wherein a rail (3a, 3b) composed of hard material running parallel to the counter blade is disposed adjacent to the counter blade and after said counter blade in the rotational direction of the cutting wheel that collects cut granulate and conducts said granulate into a discharge channel. The rail is held in a guide having an undercut (8, 9) in the blade carrier on both sides, wherein the undercut (9) facing the counter blade forms a separating strip (10), the thickness of which reduces outward in a blade-like fashion such that, along with the other undercut (8), the rail assumes an oblique position relative to the counter blade in the transverse direction, wherein the outer edge (11) of the undercut (9) facing the counter blade is in close proximity to the opposite front edge (12) of the counter blade and the other front edge of the rail protrudes in the direction of the cutting wheel.
US08721316B2
An automated material delivery system including a material handling assembly, a compaction member, a handling actuator, and a cutting actuator is provided. The material handling assembly is configured and arranged to guide material. The material handling assembly includes a tacking member that is configured and arranged to selectively press the material over a forming surface of a tool. The compaction member is spaced a select distance from the tacking member. The compaction member is further configured to selectively press the material over at least a portion of the forming surface of the tool. The handling actuator is coupled to selectively move at least one of the material handling assembly and the compaction member to move the material handling assembly in relation to the compaction member. The cutting assembly is positioned between the tacking member and the compaction member. The cutting assembly is configured and arranged to selectively cut the material.
US08721300B2
A reciprocating compressor or pump features a manifold arranged not only to define a hollow interior for receiving fluid discharged from a plurality of cylinders but also to define a base or frame on which the cylinders are carried. Unique valves formed in part by flexible material reduces the likelihood of fatigue and increases efficiency by retaining less heat relative to conventional reed valves. A compressor or pump mounted at an end of a handle extending parallel to a motor housing likewise extending from the compressor or pump provides an easy to carry portable assembly. A fan mounted between a motor and a compressor pulls air through the compressor inlet to both cool the motor and feed the compressor. A portable tool system powers both pneumatic and electric tools. Connecting rod structures for radial compressors or pumps provide improved strength and easier assembly.
US08721295B2
There are provided a vacuum pump self-diagnosis method, a vacuum pump self-diagnosis system, a vacuum pump central monitoring system capable of making self-diagnosis of a dry vacuum pump. A vacuum pump self-diagnosis method decides the occurrence of failure and generates an alarm when a predetermined alarm set value is exceeded by an integrated value or an average value of a current of a motor for rotating a rotor of said vacuum pump. In a vacuum pump self-diagnosis system for making self-diagnosis of a vacuum pump which comprises a casing and a rotor rotatably arranged in the casing for sucking and discharging a gas through rotations of the rotor, the rotor comprises a plurality of stages and a pressure sensor is provided between the rotor stages. A self-diagnosis unit is provided for calculating an integrated value or an average value of a current of a motor for rotating said rotor, and making self-diagnosis of the vacuum pump when the integrated value or average value exceeds a predetermined alarm set value. The self-diagnosis unit switches from one self-diagnosis calculation method to another or interrupts the self-diagnosis calculation based on a pressure value detected by said pressure sensor.
US08721294B2
An airfoil component includes an aluminum alloy body having at least an airfoil portion and a root portion. A metallic layer is located on at least a portion of the aluminum alloy body and an electrochemically insulating layer is located between and adjoining the aluminum alloy body and the metallic layer.
US08721293B2
A turbine wheel includes: a plurality of blades, a rotor including a disk having the blades mounted at a periphery thereof, each blade including an airfoil with a foot secured to a platform carrying an attachment member engaged in a housing that opens into the periphery of the disk and that extends axially between two opposite side faces of the disk, the housings being spaced apart from one another by portions of the disk that form teeth, and an axial retention plate retaining the blades on the disk and including a retention plate situated on one side of the disk. On the other side of the disk, the teeth of the disk present portions in relief that project radially and that form abutments pressing axially against the portions in relief that are formed under the platforms of the blades and that are set back relative to side faces of the attachment members situated beside a second side face of the disk, and side faces of the attachment members of the blade and of the disk at its periphery are situated in substantially a same plane on each side of the disk.
US08721286B2
A fan assembly includes a device for creating an air flow and an air outlet for emitting the air flow, the air outlet being mounted on a pedestal including a base and a height adjustable stand. The base includes an oscillating mechanism for oscillating the stand and the air outlet.
US08721281B2
A cooled blade for a gas turbine includes a blade airfoil extending between leading and trailing edges in a flow direction and on suction and pressure sides is delimited by a wall, which include an interior space in which cooling air flows towards the trailing edge in the flow direction and discharges to the outside in the region of the trailing edge. The pressure-side wall terminates at a distance in front of the trailing edge in the flow direction, forming a pressure-side lip, such that the cooling air discharges from the interior space on the pressure side. Multiple ribs subdivides the interior space, parallel to the flow direction, into a plurality of parallel cooling passages which create a high pressure drop and in which turbulators are arranged for increasing cooling. Before the outlet, multiple flow barriers are provided in the cooling air flow path, distributed transversely to the flow direction.
US08721274B2
A blower having a divergence guide portion to reduce flow loss and discharge noise and an air conditioner having the same are provided. The blower includes a scroll casing, suction holes provided at opposite positions of the scroll casing, a discharge hole provided at a top position of the scroll casing, a centrifugal fan received in the scroll casing, and a divergence guide portion gently diverging air to the discharge hole after passing through the centrifugal fan to diffuse the air to both sides of the discharge hole.
US08721269B2
A variable-pitch vane for a stator stage includes an active part of the vane either side of which are positioned a radially inner platform and a radially outer platform, where the active part of the vane, which has a surface forming a convex surface, and a surface forming a concave surface, separate the platform into a part positioned on the convex side and a part positioned on the concave side. Seen along the direction of the vane's axis of rotation, the part has an outer outline superimposed on a circle, at the distance of which, and inside which, is at least a part of the outer outline of the part of the platform.
US08721257B2
A gas turbine engine has a row of circumferentially spaced rotor blades and a plurality of seal segments circumscribing the rotor blade tips and attached to a radially inward side of a casing of the engine. The seal segments are spaced from the casing by a spacing cavity. A flow of relatively hot cooling air is routed to the spacing cavity to cool the seal segments. The engine has an external cooling arrangement for impinging relatively cold cooling air on a radially outward side of the casing. The engine has a wall containing a plurality of through-holes which is attached to a radially inward side of the casing adjacent the seal segments. The wall is spaced from the casing to define a heating control chamber between the wall and the casing. The engine has one or more closable ducts which allow air to be exhausted from the heating control chamber.
US08721256B2
A turbomachine including a shaft, a bearing for supporting the shaft and including an outer ring, and a support for the bearing, the support having a flange to which the outer ring is fastened by fasteners, is provided. Each fastener includes a fastener bolt and a nut screwed together. The turbomachine further includes, for each fastener, a position-retention device for retaining the bolt, and suitable for retaining the bolt in a position that is stationary relative to the bearing support or the outer ring, even in the absence of the nut. The head of the fastener bolt and the position-retention device may be of small dimensions, thereby enabling the fastening of the flange to the bearing support to be optimized, and in particular enabling the weight of the fastening to be optimized. A method of mounting the bearing of the turbomachine is also provided.
US08721251B1
A robotic device for carrying loads is movable in a vertical direction between rails arranged in multiple rows at various levels with respect to ground. The robotic device has a frame, wheels coupled to the frame for moving the frame along the rails, and a platform provided on the frame to carry a first load when the frame is moved in a vertical direction between first rails and second rails arranged above the first rails. Movable carriages are configured for being moved in the vertical direction at distance greater than a distance between the first rails and the second rails. A lifting mechanism moves the carriages in the vertical direction with respect to the frame. Support handles are arranged on the movable carriages and configured for providing engagement with the first or second rails to raise the frame above the respective rails to a level sufficient to disengage the wheels from the respective rails.
US08721242B2
A blind rivet includes a hollow rivet body having a longitudinally extending indented groove. The groove may be shaped to impart rivet setting characteristics that may be varied to provide desirable fastening characteristics for joints in a number of industries. The shape of the indentation on the rivet body may be varied to cause a portion of the rivet body to collapse and form a secondary head at a predetermined longitudinal location.
US08721241B2
Self-tapping blind rivet (10) having a mandrel (12) carrying a hole-forming tip (16) at its end facing the workpiece, wherein the tip (16) is performed as an apparatus for drilling the rivet's own placing hole, wherein a positive or non-positive connection is provided between the mandrel (12) of the rivet and the rivet shank (18) and, wherein a force application point (26) for a tool is provided at or in the rivet head (20), and a method for placing such a blind rivet.
US08721239B2
The invention relates to an apparatus for assisting the loading and unloading of a boat in relation to a boat trailer, including a snare at or toward a front of the boat, and a latch on the boat trailer which is adapted to adopt at least one of two positions, a first of which allows for a releasable engagement of the snare by the latch, and a second of which allows for a release from such engagement, and a lever to move the latch between the two positions.
US08721225B2
A method controls force transmission between a structure and its base during grouting-in the fastening parts of the structure in the corresponding bases on or in the seabed. The method may include connecting a bracket to at least one of the fastening parts of the structure; arranging an elastic material on the bracket; displacing the fastening part to an overlapping position with the base until the elastic material transmits at least a portion of the weight of the structure to the base; and filling an opening between the fastening part and the base with a curable mass.
US08721215B2
Provided is an asphalt composition that includes a sulfur modified polymer composition and method of making same. The inclusion of 50% by weight sulfur, or greater, into the polymer composition results in a composition that is softer and having an increased melting point, relative to the unmodified polymer composition.
US08721210B2
A multi-layered wiper for removing a product (e.g., a cosmetic product) from an applicator. The multi-layered wiper comprises a wiping body having a wiping face, an acute wiping tip, and vertical slits, formed of a first material, over-molded to a retention body, formed of another material harder than the first material. By virtue of having a multi-layered wiper comprising a wiping body, formed of a first material, over-molded to a retention body, formed of another material, harder than the first material, the multi-layered wiper is capable of providing exceptional installation characteristics, while simultaneously providing exceptional wiping characteristics.
US08721208B2
This is disclosed a portable printer that is easy to load with an ink ribbon cartridge and record members web supplies, that is simple, has relatively few parts, is lightweight and has a small footprint.
US08721207B2
A paper discharge apparatus includes a conveying path configured to convey a paper from an upstream portion to a downstream portion. A preventing mechanism is provided on the conveying path. The preventing mechanism is configured to prevent the paper from being conveyed to the downstream portion by pushing the paper or blocking the conveying path. A control unit is configured to bend the paper by preventing the conveyance of the paper by using the preventing mechanism, and then convey the paper to the downstream portion of the conveying path for discharge of the paper from the conveying path.
US08721206B2
An image recording apparatus includes: at least one roller pair which has a driving roller and a driven roller facing the driving roller and which rotates while interposing the recording medium therebetween to transport the recording medium in a first direction; a recording section which records an image on the recording medium transported by the roller pair; a position detecting section which detects a position of the recording medium with respect to the roller pair in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction before the recording section starts recording; a determining section which determines a rotation amount of the driving roller before the recording section starts the recording depending on the position in the second direction of the recording medium detected by the position detecting section; and a control unit which controls the driving roller based on the rotation amount determined by the determining section.
US08721204B2
A keyboard having improvements to the combination wave and curve keyboards of the prior art. In one embodiment, the invention provides a wave shape on a keyboard palm rest. In another embodiment, the invention provides a unique combination of a QWERTY keyboard, with both a wave and a curve, where the D and K keys are the low points of the wave. In another embodiment, a combination of more than one lateral waves and a constant radius curve is provided. Yet another embodiment provides the combination of a curved keyboard and a straight number pad.
US08721200B1
A protector for camera lens includes a shell, a lens, and a positioning member. The shell is formed with an aperture. The lens and the positioning member are received in the aperture, and the lens is restricted from dropping by the positioning member. The positioning member is formed with several axial notches, so that the positioning member is formed in a wave-shaped appearance. Thus, space between the lens and the shell is occupied by the positioning member. Acceptable tolerance of the lens and the shell is increased, and manufacturing precision requirement can be relaxed.
US08721196B2
A multi-electrode system includes a fiber holder that holds at least one optical fiber, a plurality of electrodes arranged to generate a heated field to heat the at least one optical fiber, and a vibration mechanism that causes at least one of the electrodes from the plurality of electrodes to vibrate. The electrodes can be disposed in at least a partial vacuum. The system can be used for processing many types of fibers, such processing including, as examples, stripping, splicing, annealing, tapering, and so on. Corresponding fiber processing methods are also provided.
US08721193B2
In one example embodiment, an electronic module comprises a plurality of components and flex circuit connectors each electrically connected to respective components of the electronic module. The electronic module may be an optical subassembly of an optical transceiver. Moreover, one of the flex circuit connectors may be physically connected to another of the flex circuit connectors.
US08721171B2
A switch device of the present invention includes a case having a through hole; a cylindrical member attached to the through hole of the case; and an operating member having a shaft section inserted into the cylindrical member and an operating section provided in an outer end portion of the shaft section, wherein the operating member is provided with an engaging projected section, and has a spring member, wherein the cylindrical member is provided with, in an end portion in an outer direction of the case, a release groove where the engaging projected section is movable in an axial direction, and a restricting projected section which restricts movement to the outer direction of the engaging projected section, wherein the cylindrical member is provided with a lock groove which locks the spring member.
US08721163B2
A machine (10) for mixing food products includes a motor (22) which turns a hollow shaft assembly (28) that carries an agitator (40). An assembly (70) for releasing the agitator (40) from the shaft assembly (28) includes a solenoid (71) which pivots an arm (74) that engages a plunger (80). The plunger (80) includes a pin (81) which is received in the hollow shaft assembly (28) and which engages the agitator (40) upon activation of the solenoid (71) to release the agitator (40) from the hollow shaft assembly (28).
US08721162B2
A method of controlling an integrated beverage system that comprises a dispensing module that dispenses one or more ingredients into a beverage container and a blending/mixing module that blends and/or mixes the ingredients in the beverage container, the method comprising: controlling the dispensing module and the blending/mixing module to prepare first and second beverages concurrently or sequentially.
US08721155B2
A light bar assembly and a backlight module are disclosed. The light bar assembly comprise a light source, a circuit board and a connector. The circuit board comprises a first supporting portion and a bending portion which is bent from the first supporting portion, and the light source is disposed on the first supporting portion. The connector is electrically connected to the light source, and the connector is disposed on the bending portion. Accordingly, by providing the bending portion on the circuit board and disposing the connector on the bending portion in the light bar assembly and the backlight module of the present disclosure, it is unnecessary to cut a portion of the light guide plate corresponding to the connector during the assembling process. Thereby, both the risk of light leakage from the backlight module and the product cost are reduced, and reliability of the backlight module is improved.
US08721146B2
A motor vehicle headlamp is provided with a first array of light-emitting diodes, which are activated by a first actuation unit for a first lighting function. The headlamp also exhibits a second array of light-emitting diodes, which are activated by a second actuation unit for a second lighting function. Additionally provided is a flat printed-circuit board with conducting paths for connecting light-emitting diodes with one of the respective actuation units. The light-emitting diodes are accommodated together on one side of the printed-circuit board.
US08721144B2
A method and a device for illuminating an edge region of a roadway by headlights of a vehicle are disclosed. The vehicle includes a camera. Activating takes place of at least one additional illuminating device or a masking of an headlight that is present on the vehicle. An additional illuminated region is generated which extends in the vertical and the lateral direction with respect to the vehicle. Activating the at least one additional illuminating device or headlight masking at least one headlight present in the vehicle takes place by a navigation system of the vehicle or in response to a decrease in the speed of the vehicle and/or by an object/traffic sign detection using the camera.
US08721139B2
A lighted bracket for a mud flap weight. The bracket includes a housing having at least one first aperture passing through it. The aperture is dimensioned and configured to attach the housing to a mud flap weight, and a light attached to the housing in a position such that illumination from the light passes through any openings in the mud flap weight.
US08721134B1
A retrofit kit for an existing light, that has a prewired assembly, including a housing having wiring to electrical mains, an LED light source, at least one control for said LED light source, both said LED light source and said control being wired to said wiring, and said housing having a at least one mounting device that fits on existing structure of the existing light. The mounting structure can include tabs, for example, that attach to hanging part of the light, or can include a part that attaches to the existing surfaces on the housing of the light that previously held the socket for the existing bulb.
US08721127B2
A lighting apparatus including a reflector having a reflective exterior surface partially enclosing an interior space and defining a focal point within the interior space, and a high pressure discharge lamp positioned substantially at the focal point of the reflective exterior surface. In some examples, the high pressure discharge lamp includes an arc tube containing mercury, a metal halide, or sodium. In some examples, the reflective exterior surface extends along a longitudinal axis and curves around the longitudinal axis. In some example, the reflective exterior surface defines an elliptical paraboloid.
US08721124B2
A retractable lamp assembly is provided for illuminating at least a portion of a work surface from a wide range of heights and angles by way of extendable shafts and pivot joints. The lamp may be stowed in a retracted or lowered configuration when not in use, in which a substantial portion of the extendable structure is stowed inside of a housing that is located substantially below the work surface, to provide a generally unobtrusive configuration. An upper cover serves as a light reflector when the lamp is in use, and may serve as a cover positioned at or near the work surface when the lamp is stowed. Optionally, the lamp assembly includes include power and data and wire management capabilities for use at the work surface.
US08721123B2
An apparatus includes a first flexible material that has a first area with a first texture that produces a first predetermined amount of diffusion of a beam of light, where the first texture produces at least some diffusion in the beam of light. The apparatus also includes a second flexible material attached to a first portion of the first area, where the second flexible material reduces the amount of diffusion of the beam of light produced by the first texture of the first portion of the first area. A light fixture includes a light fixture and the first flexible material coupled to a scrolling mechanism. The scrolling mechanism is operable to position a selected area of the first flexible material such that a beam of light from the light source passes through a first area of the first flexible material.
US08721122B2
A decorative system comprises a body, a biasing member, a head, and a light string system. The decorative system can further comprise a base. The biasing member is carried by the body such that a first end of the biasing member is in communication with the body and the second end is in communication with the head. The head is adapted to wobble or bobble relative to the body upon contact with the body or head. The decorative system can comprise an inner body and an outer body wherein the outer body is adapted to wobble or bobble relative to the inner body. The light string system can be carried by the body, the biasing member, and/or the head. The light string system comprises a plug for insertion into an outlet, wiring, a plurality of bulb assemblies, wherein each bulb assembly comprises a light source and a socket assembly.
US08721118B2
An apparatus creating a flickering flame effect. The apparatus includes a housing with an interior space with first and second stages. A drive mechanism generates a time varying electromagnetic field extending into the first stage. A first pendulum member is pivotally mounted in the interior space of the first stage and includes first and second magnets on first and second ends, with the first end proximate to the drive mechanism such that the first magnet interacts with the varying electromagnetic field to cause movement of the pendulum member. The apparatus includes a second pendulum member pivotally mounted in the second stage with a magnet on a first end proximate to the second end of the first pendulum member. A flame silhouette element extends from the second pendulum member, and a light source transmits light onto the flame silhouette, which is moving due to the magnetic coupling of the pendulum members.
US08721116B2
An LED panel assembly includes a circuit board having a plurality of LEDs. An LED seal louver is coupled over the circuit board. The LED seal louver includes a substrate and a pliable seal membrane. The substrate includes one or more substrate cavities. The pliable seal membrane is coupled with the substrate, and the pliable seal membrane includes a pliable material partially extending across the one or more substrate cavities. One or more LED passages extends through the pliable material adjacent to the substrate cavities. Each of the LED passages is sized and shaped to receive a single LED. Bulbs for one or more of the plurality of LEDs are correspondingly received within the LED passages, and the pliable material seals around each bulb with an interference fit. The bulbs are directly visible through the LED seal louver while the pliable seal membrane is sealed around the bulbs, and the circuit board is concealed by the LED seal louver and isolated from an environment exterior to the LED panel assembly.
US08721113B2
A cover and a lamp structure. The cover whose curvature has a light incident surface and a light outgoing surface, and includes a plurality of 3D micro-structures disposed thereon and arranged in the form of an array. When a light is emitted into the light outgoing surface from the light incident surface, the light emitting angle of the light outgoing surface is increased through the refraction of the 3D micro-structures, so that the occurrence of mura or spots due to uneven distribution of the light is avoid.
US08721110B2
An LED explosion-proof light comprises a front casing, a light source support disposed at a center of a space enclosed by the front casing, and cooling plates disposed between the front casing and the light source support; the cooling plates are in railing shape; a power supply is electrically connected with light emitting components in the light source support. The light emitting components comprise: an LED chip integrally packaged on a front side of a metal base panel; back of the metal base panel is securely attached to a light source backing panel, and their contact surface is applied with high-performance cooling cream. Lens components are disposed at a front side of the LED chip.
US08721105B2
An optical device for incapacitating individuals exposed to generated light. It has a housing with a head portion and window opening, a reflector with a focus facing the window opening, a power source, an electric lamp mounted at the reflector's focus. It emits a high intensity incoherent light beam of between 380-780 nm. It has a switching and isolation circuit connected to a pulse mode power conversion and a first control circuit to the electric lamp, and connected in parallel to a steady state mode power conversion and a second control circuit to the electric lamp. Both the pulse mode power conversion and control circuits are connected in common to the power source. The circuits apply pulses of power to the electric lamp temporarily increasing the total luminous flux to incapacitate one of more targeted individuals within a duration of less than 2 seconds.
US08721101B2
The present invention relates to light emitting devices and more specifically to light emitting devices comprising light guides making use of total internal reflection (TIR). The light emitting device (100, 600) comprises a substrate (3), a plurality of light sources (2) mounted on the substrate (3) and a light guide plate (4). Reflective shielding (5) is arranged to shield the light guide plate (4) at positions were the flux of the direct light of the light sources (2) towards the light guide plate (4) have their maximum density in a powered state of the light sources (2). The reflective shielding (5) enhances the mixing of light and avoids glare problems. In-coupled is transmitted within the light guide plate (4) by total internal reflection so that light from different light sources (2) is mixed within the light guide plate (4). Further, at least a part of the lower surface is provided with an optical structure (6) for out-coupling of light.
US08721095B2
According to various embodiments, selectively attachable under-bezel tabs include an adhering portion and a securing portion. An adhesive may be used to secure the adhering portion adjacent the edge of a display cover. The securing portion may be secured between a display surface and a display bezel. Accordingly, one or more under-bezel tabs may be adhered to a display cover in order to secure the display cover in front of a display. The display cover may be configured to protect or enhance the display. For example, a display cover may be configured to reduce glare or provide a privacy screen. The selectively attachable under-bezel tabs may be adhered to any of a wide variety of universal display covers, thereby adapting the universal display cover for use with displays configured with slotted bezels adapted to receive specialized display covers.
US08721093B2
An automatic focusing projecting device includes an image light source, a first image lens, an image sensor, a second image lens, a memory, a microprocessor, and at least a driving device. The image light source projects an image onto a screen through the first image lens. The image sensor senses the image on the screen through the second image lens. The microprocessor calculates sensed signals from the image sensor to get a definition of the image, and then saves the definition in the memory. The microprocessor compares the definitions when the first image lens and the second image lens are moved to different positions to move the first image lens and the second image lens and locate the first image lens and the second image lens at their focusing positions respectively where the definitions of the image are the greatest.
US08721078B2
An ophthalmic photographing apparatus includes an optical coherence tomography device provided to imaging a tomographic image of an examinee's eye. The device includes: an irradiation position changing unit for changing an irradiation position of measurement light emitted from a light source on the eye to change an imaging position on the eye; and a detector for detecting a interference state between the measurement light reflected from the eye and reference light, and a displacement detecting unit provided to detect displacement in continuity between a tomographic image having already been obtained in a first imaging region and a tomographic image to be obtained in a second imaging region different from the first imaging region.
US08721077B2
In depth-resolved imaging of scattering media, incident light interacts with tissue in a complex way before the signal reaches the detector: Light interacts with media between the light source and a specific depth, then scatters at that depth and the backscattered light again interacts with media on its way to the detector. The resulting depth-resolved signal therefore likely does not directly represent a physical or optical property of the media at those depths. Exemplary systems, methods and computer-accessible medium can determine physical or optical properties based on such depth-resolved signals. For example, almost all the light can interact with the media, and that the energy of the incident light at a certain depth is likely therefore related to the integral of the scattered light from all deeper locations. Based on the detected signals, the properties of the media can be estimated in an iterative way.
US08721069B2
A printing method for printing bars in a barcode by forming dots on a print medium. The method includes dividing the bars of the barcode into a plurality of segments, forming the dots such that a portion of bars in a first segment are shifted a predetermined direction relative to a portion of bars in a second segment, and printing the barcode by forming dots in each of the plurality of segments. The predetermined direction can be towards a least significant digit of information represented by the barcode when the barcode is seen from the front. In one embodiment, the plurality of segments equals three. Other printing methods, as well as printers for performing the methods, are also provided.
US08721062B2
The present invention relates to an ink jet recording method for recording a white overlaying layer and a pattern layer on a longitudinal film base material, printed matters obtained by the recording method, and systems for realizing the recording method thereof.
US08721061B2
A fluid ejection device includes a fluid recirculation channel, and a drop generator disposed within the channel. A fluid slot is in fluid communication with each end of the channel, and a piezoelectric fluid actuator is located asymmetrically within the recirculation channel to cause fluid flow from the fluid slot, through the recirculation channel and drop generator, and back to the fluid slot.
US08721060B2
A liquid circulation system includes an inkjet head formed with a common ink flow passage, an ink cartridge, a supply flow passage through which ink is supplied from the ink cartridge to an inlet of the common ink flow passage, a return flow passage through which the ink is returned from the outlet of the common ink flow passage to the ink cartridge, a tube pump sending the ink in the supply flow passage, a tube pump sending the ink in the return flow passage, a pressurization bellows unit pressurizing the ink in the supply flow passage, a pressure reduction bellows unit depressurizing the ink in the return flow passage, a pressurization regulator maintaining the inlet being a center value “+α” of a designated head value, and a differential pressure regulator by which a differential pressure of the ink between the inlet and the outlet is maintained to be “2α”.
US08721047B2
A liquid ejection head includes a member having a plurality of ejection openings for ejecting liquid, and a substrate having first and second element arrays having plural elements for generating energy used for ejecting liquid, and a supply port array having plural supply ports for supplying liquid to the elements. A wiring for driving the elements, which is connected to the elements of the second element array, passes between the supply ports of the supply port array and extends to a first element array side. A length of each of the supply ports of the supply port array is greater than a length of each of the elements of the first and second element arrays.
US08721046B2
An ink jet printing head includes a head portion, an ink tank, a first rigid circuit board, a second rigid circuit board, a flexible printed circuit board, and a connector. The connector is disposed on a top surface of the ink tank, the first rigid circuit board is disposed on a side of the ink tank, the second rigid circuit board is disposed between the ink tank and the head portion, and the flexible printed circuit board is disposed in a bent condition between the first rigid circuit board and the second rigid circuit board.
US08721040B2
A waste ink tank which is capable of collecting discharged ink includes an ink absorbing material which absorbs discharged ink and a recess which makes a suction force act on the ink absorbing material.
US08721035B2
An image forming method including applying a treatment liquid; and applying a first ink containing a pigment, water, and polymer particles of with the content is 1.0 mass % to 3.0 mass %, and applying a second ink having a different hue to the first ink onto the applied first ink at an ink droplet speed of 6 m/sec to 10 m/sec to form a multi-color image, in which an interval from a landing time point of the first ink to a landing time point of the second ink is 200 msec or less, and a dot diameter φ2 of the second ink, and a dot diameter φ1 of the second ink in an ink droplet amount equal to an ink droplet amount in the forming of the multi-color image satisfy a relationship of 0.90≦φ2/φ1≦1.10.
US08721032B2
The invention relates to a method for monitoring a performance of a jetting device, the jetting device being configured to expel droplets of an electrically conductive fluid wherein at least a part of the conductive fluid is positioned in a magnetic field, the method comprising providing an electrical actuation current in the part of the conductive fluid positioned in the magnetic field, thereby generating a pressure wave in the conductive fluid; characterized in that the method further comprises detecting a resulting electrical current, which electrical current is induced by a residual pressure wave in the part of the conductive fluid positioned in the magnetic field, thereby obtaining a detection signal and based on the detection signal determining whether the jetting device is in an operative state. The invention further relates to a printing device, employing the described method.
US08721030B2
A print media in a printing system includes multiple test patterns with each test pattern having one or more marks. Each test pattern can have a different number of marks. A method for detecting size variations in the print media while the print media is moving through the printing system includes scanning the test patterns as the print media is moving in a transport direction to produce test pattern signals, with each signal representing a respective test pattern, and analyzing the measured test pattern signals to determine whether a size variation has occurred in the print media. One or more compensation values can be determined based on the size variation. If a size variation is detected, the operation or setting of one or more components in the printing system can be adjusted based on the one or more compensation values.
US08721027B2
A discharge amount calculating device for calculating the discharge amount of a fluid from a fluid ejecting apparatus is disclosed, in which the fluid ejecting apparatus is capable of ejecting at least one fluid onto a target at a discharge amount of multiple stages. The discharge amount calculating device includes a plurality of calculating sections that calculate the discharge amount of the fluid at the respective multiple stages based on a bit number of input data, a desired number of calculating sections not exceeding 2n being provided, in which n is a positive integer, and a converting section that converts the inputted discharge amount data of n bits into bit number data corresponding to any one of the plurality of calculating sections, and outputs the converted data to the plurality of calculating sections.
US08721022B2
Images, one per page, are printed by a digital printer consecutively on a web of paper fed to travel forward. A timing mark is printed for each image. In case printing is temporarily halted, the web of paper is first fed backward, and then it is fed forward again. The number of timing marks in each of the backward feed and forward feed of the web of paper are counted. When the number of counts of the timing marks counted in the forward feed coincides with the number of counts of the timing marks counted earlier in the backward feed, printing of consecutive images is reinitiated from a position immediately following an image last printed before printing was temporarily halted.
US08721018B2
A piezoelectric actuator apparatus which is connectable to a power supply includes: a piezoelectric actuator which is provided with a plurality of piezoelectric elements each of which is sandwiched by two types of electrodes; a drive device which is connected to the power supply to drive each of the piezoelectric elements by changing a voltage between the two types of electrodes; a comparison section which compares a predetermined reference value with one of a supply voltage from the power supply to the drive device and an electric current flowing between the power supply and the drive device under the condition that the drive device applies the voltage to at least one piezoelectric element of the piezoelectric elements; and a judgement section which judges a degradation degree of dielectric strength voltage for the at least one piezoelectric element based on a comparison by the comparison section.
US08721016B2
There is provided an apparatus for and method of driving a multi-nozzle piezo-inkjet head based on a digital grayscale, the apparatus including: a control unit providing a pulse data signal having at least one pulse waveform according to graphic image data, controlling a voltage variation according to a frequency response characteristic of the multi-nozzle piezo inkjet head, and controlling a voltage amplification, so as to eject droplets of ink at a previously set jetting frequency according to the graphic image data; a variable voltage supply unit generating a varied operating voltage by varying a level of a previously set direct current voltage; and an amplification circuit unit generating a voltage driving waveform including at least one pulse waveform having the level of the varied operating voltage, and supplying the voltage driving waveform to the multi-nozzle piezo inkjet head.
US08721012B2
A reinforcement and adjustment device includes a rail, a reinforcement member, an extension support and an installation support which is movably connected to the extension support. The rail has a top wall, a bottom wall and a sidewall connected between the top and bottom walls. The sidewall has a first face and a second face which is located opposite to the first face. A space between the top wall, the bottom wall and the first face of the sidewall define a slide path. The second face of the sidewall defines a recessed reinforcement path. The reinforcement member is movably located in the reinforcement path of the rail. The extension support is fixed to the reinforcement member and engaged with the rail. The rail is reinforced by the reinforcement member and the extension support. The installation support is adjustable by the cooperation of the extension support, the reinforcement member and the rail.
US08721011B2
The assembly of an automatic opening and closing device and a retaining device for a displaceable part of an article of furniture. The automatic opening and closing device includes a first cursor (8) mobile such as to be selectively engageable with drawing pins (39, 40, 43) operatively connected to the displaceable part of the article of furniture; a first elastic elements (9), and a second elastic element. The retaining device includes a second cursor (21), mobile along a first sliding guide (20) on a base body (19) such as to be selectively engageable with the drawing pins; a hooking element (23) connected movably to the second cursor (21) and selectively slidable along a second sliding guide (22) or along a third sliding guide (24) provided in the base body (19), and blocking elements in the base body (19), associated to the third sliding guide (24) for releasably blocking the hooking element (23).
US08721000B2
An article of furniture and seating system are disclosed. The article of furniture comprises a base providing a seating area and a support coupled to the base. A linkage couples the support to the base so that the support can be presented in a generally upright position and in a generally forward position relative to the base. The seating system comprises a base comprising a seat and a backrest comprising a first surface and a second surface. A member couples the backrest for movement on a path of travel relative to the base. The backrest is moveable to an upright position and to a forward position. When the backrest is in the first position the first surface is presented in a generally downward orientation. When the backrest is in the second position the first surface is presented in a generally forward orientation.
US08720988B1
Certain embodiments described herein are directed to portable devices operative as high chairs. The devices are collapsible to facilitate easy set-up and take down and can be configured in many different manners. In certain embodiments, safety features may also be included in the devices.
US08720979B2
A 2-door or 3-door type vehicle having enhanced resistance against a side impact may comprise a reinforcement member that is configured to be inclinedly mounted at a side of the 2-door or 3-door type vehicle which is not equipped with a rear door for affixing the reinforcement member. The reinforcement member may be affixed to a center pillar and a side sill at respective opposite ends thereof. The reinforcement member may be affixed to a bulkhead which connects a side sill outer reinforce and a side sill inner reinforce of the side sill.
US08720978B2
A motor vehicle body with a front hood, a front window rising from a rear edge of the front hood, and an elongated cross member is provided. The elongated cross member includes a middle region curved channel-like in section in a vehicle longitudinal direction. A contact zone of the elongated cross member supports a lower edge of the front window and a longitudinal end supports the elongated cross member. A transition region is between the longitudinal end and the middle region and, in section in the vehicle longitudinal direction, is less curved than the middle region.
US08720975B1
A vehicle apparatus comprises a slider body having a substantially vertical slide slot and a substantially horizontal shear pin. The slider body further includes a headlamp mounting section and a hood bump-stop mounting section. An adjustable bumper is received by the hood bump-stop mounting section with an adjustable height. A reinforcement member is configured to be fixed with respect to a grille opening of the vehicle. The reinforcement member has a bore aligned with the slide slot for receiving a fastening pin and an aperture receiving the shear pin. A force greater than a predetermined force applied to the adjustable bumper results in the shear pin breaking off in the bore and the fastening pin sliding along the slide slot as the slider body moves downward.
US08720963B2
An apparatus for extracting an object from a cavity is disclosed. The apparatus includes a collet surrounded by a sleeve, which both extend into the cavity. Fingers of the collar of the collet are contracted to grasp the object by the advancement of the collet into the sleeve. The collet is advanced by rotating a nut, which is located outside of the cavity and engages with a threaded portion of the shaft of the collet. The shaft includes a groove extending through the threaded portion of the shaft. This groove engages with a protrusion extending from a handle to prevent the collet from rotating during rotation of the nut and advancement of the collet. The handle is located outside of the cavity and is held during the extraction.
US08720960B2
A lock device comprising a lock mechanism configured to be mounted on a door, the lock mechanism including a locking member having extended and refracted positions relative to the door for releasably securing the door relative to an adjacent structure, and the lock mechanism including a pivoting member operably connected to the locking member such that pivotal movement of the pivoting member about an axis moves the locking member between the extended and retracted positions, and an assembly including a handle manually pivotable about the axis, and a clutch mechanism connecting the handle to the pivoting member, the clutch mechanism at all times transmitting a torque below a predetermined value from the handle to the pivoting member, and the clutch mechanism at all times allowing the handle to pivot relative to the pivoting member when the torque exceeds the predetermined value.
US08720957B2
A locking assembly for a door of a storage container is provided. The storage container defines a door frame, and the door is movably mounted to the door frame. The locking assembly may include a first keeper secured to the door frame, a first locking cam configured to movably engage the first keeper, and a handle assembly coupled to the first locking cam. The handle assembly may be movable between a first position in which the handle assembly is in contact with the door frame and the first locking cam engages the first keeper to maintain the door in the closed position relative to the door frame and a second position in which the first locking cam disengages the first keeper to allow the door to open. The first and second positions of the handle assembly illustratively define an obtuse angle therebetween.
US08720950B2
A ring gear 15 of a pretensioner 8 includes a plurality of levers 17 and one arc-shaped stopper 16 to allow force transmission members to smoothly move in a pipe, to facilitate setting of a stopper for stopping rotation of a ring gear, and to reduce the cost with a simple structure. During operation of the pretensioner 8, the levers 17 are sequentially pressed by balls 12a to rotate a pinion 19 and a spool in a seatbelt retracting direction. When the ring gear 15 rotates by a predetermined rotation amount, an outer peripheral edge 16c of the stopper 16 contacts and presses the opposing ball 12a. Since the ball 12a is thereby clamped between the stopper 16 and an inner peripheral surface 10d1 of a pipe I0, the ring gear 15 is stopped.
US08720941B1
A bending cushion airbag can include a base portion and at least one pair of fluidly connected and substantially coplanar lobes. The fluidly connected lobes may be folded with respect to the base portion and sewn, or otherwise joined together, such that upon deployment/inflation, the lobes are prevented from returning to the coplanar state. In an inflated/deployed state, the lobes are configured to extend inboard from the base portion and at an angle (curved) relative to the base portion. For example, the inflated lobes may extend substantially perpendicular to the base portion, so as to form a bending cushion or pocket region near the junction of the base portion and the pair of lobes.
US08720939B2
An interior trim part for a bodywork component has a lighting system with a first component that generates a light signal and a second component that outputs the light signal toward the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle. The bodywork component has a moveable region (200) that can be moved with respect to a non-moveable region (300), from a stationary normal position into an open position displaced with respect to the non-moveable region (300). The first component of the light system generates, in the normal position of the moveable region (200), a light signal that is input into the second component which passes on the light signal in the manner of a lightguide.
US08720938B2
An air suspension system of a tandem axle assembly for a trailer includes a front axle air spring configured to be coupled to a front axle assembly of the tandem axle assembly and a rear axle air spring configured to be coupled to a rear axle assembly of the tandem axle assembly. The air suspension system further includes an air reservoir in fluid communication with the front axle air spring and the rear axle air spring and a ratio valve in fluid communication with the air reservoir, the front axle air spring, and the rear axle air spring. The ratio valve is positioned between the air reservoir and the front axle air spring. Further, the ratio valve is selectively operable to send a lesser amount of air from the air reservoir to the front axle air spring than to the rear axle air spring.
US08720935B2
A ski with a connecting device for connecting a ski binding to the ski. The connecting device includes a plate-type support body which has a fixing zone in its longitudinal middle portion for providing a rigid connection to the ski. At least the front end portion of the support body forms a flexural element extending freely with respect to the fixing zone and to the ski. The freely extending flexural element is made from plastic and is coupled with the ski via a coupling device. This coupling device comprises a connecting arm, which has a first articulated connection to the flexural element in its first end portion and a second articulated connection to the ski in its second end portion.
US08720932B2
A hitch receiver apparatus for a vehicle is provided in which a hitch receiver is disposed without being directly connected with a rear back beam, such that the hitch receiver is kept in the rear back beam when not being used, and the hitch receiver protrudes down under the rear back beam when using the function of a trailer.
US08720918B2
A foldable scooter includes a pedal, front and rear wheel assemblies, a riser and two handlebars. The pedal includes front and rear parts hinged together and has a latch rod at an underside thereof to prevent the two parts from rotating toward each other. The front and rear parts respectively have a front shaft and a rear shaft extended in a front-rear direction along the pedal. The front wheel assembly includes a head tube, a front fork, a front wheel and a connecting base positioned to a rear side of the head tube and the front shaft. A positioning lever between the connecting base and the front part secures the front wheel assembly. The rear wheel assembly is positioned to the rear shaft, and a locking mechanism between the rear wheel assembly and the rear part prevents them from rotating relative to each other about the rear shaft.
US08720914B1
A safety walker that provides a padded top member, a plurality of telescopic legs, a plurality of crossbars between the legs, a removable mesh seat, and a latchable door having a padded upper bar attached atop a U-shaped support base along with accessory attachments, including a holder frame for an oxygen tank, a table, and a receptacle bag. In addition to the telescopic legs, a hinge is disposed at each rear corner of the top member as well as between the crossbars to provide collapsibility.
US08720906B2
A manifold gasket includes a carrier frame with a plurality of media-conveying openings corresponding to openings communicating between two parts to be clamped, such as an intake manifold and a cylinder head. Elastomeric sealing material is molded to the carrier frame about the openings to seal the openings when clamped. A compression limiting device is disposed on the carrier frame and is isolated from direct contact with the carrier frame by intervening elastomeric bonding material to limit compression of said elastomeric sealing material when the gasket is clamped between the head and block. The elastomeric bonding material renders the compression limiting device free-floating relative to the carrier frame.
US08720904B2
A static sealing device for a wheel hub assembly, an inner ring operatively associated with a constant velocity joint, an outer ring coupled with the wheel hub, including a first sealing assembly arranged between the inner ring and an outer ring for protecting respective rolling bodies, and a second sealing assembly integrally carried by the inner ring, arranged straddling the wheel hub and the outer ring of the joint; wherein the first sealing assembly includes a shield anchored to the inner ring of the bearing and provided, on the first side of the joint, with a flange portion carrying an annular signal generating element towards the joint which leaves an annular radially inner area of the flange portion uncovered, defining an annular seat between it and the inner ring in which an edge radially folded on the outside of a tubular core of the second sealing assembly is coupled.
US08720885B2
A form conveyance device can reverse a form without pulling another form already stored in a storage unit into the conveyance path. A form conveyance device conveys a form on edge in forward and reverse directions and feeds the form into the storage unit. Such device includes a cylindrical support shaft, and a paper feed roller that is axially supported on the support shaft and can rotate in forward and reverse directions. Also included is an in-feed roller that is axially supported on the support shaft, can rotate only in the forward direction, and on the outside surface has in-feed tabs extending in the axial direction. A power transfer unit of the device is disposed between the paper feed roller and in-feed roller, and transfers drive power from the paper feed roller to the in-feed roller only when the paper feed roller rotates in the forward direction.
US08720882B2
A sheet feeding device includes a stacking unit configured to allow sheets to be stacked thereon; side end regulating members configured to make contact with both side ends of the stacked sheets so that positions of the side ends are regulated; a feeding unit configured to feed one sheet at a time from the stacked sheets; an air supply unit; and an air blow unit including a blow port from which air supplied from the air supply unit is blown against a side end of the stacked sheets, the air blow unit being housed in each of the side end regulating members. Each side end regulating member has an opening for exhausting the air that is blown from the blow port unit to the stacked sheets. An orientation of the blow port is adjustable about an axial line perpendicular to a plane corresponding to a surface of the stacked sheets.
US08720880B2
A post-processing device includes a transport section transporting a sheet; a load section loading the sheet thereon; a first aligner moving the sheet while being in contact with a surface thereof to align the sheet; a second aligner moving the sheet while being in contact with an edge thereof to align the sheet; an alignment controller controlling the aligners to align the sheet based on a first mode in which they simultaneously align the sheet, and based on a second mode, for every predetermined number of sheets, in which one aligner aligns the sheet after the other aligner completes the alignment process; and a transport controller causing the transport section to transport the sheet at a reduced speed for every predetermined number of sheets so that the sheet reaches the load section after completion of the second-mode alignment process performed after a previous sheet is loaded on the load section.
US08720877B2
In oscillating an oscillating body, a control unit obtains a load torque due to the gravity acting on a drive motor at least at one angular position defined about an axis of rotation. The control unit calculates a specified maximum acceleration depending upon if the load torque Q is acting in a direction in which it hinders the acceleration or deceleration of the drive motor 15 or is acting in a direction in which it assists the acceleration or deceleration. An acceleration for the oscillating body is set so as not to be greater than the calculated specified maximum acceleration. The control unit adjusts the acceleration of the oscillating body depending upon the load torque of when the oscillating body 13 is accelerating or decelerating.
US08720874B2
A lock pin assembly used for clamping two plates together, that have aligning bores for receiving the lock pin assembly. The lock pin assembly includes radially extending pins that can be forced outwardly from the center of a lock pin housing forming a part of the lock pin assembly. The actuator pins are forced outwardly and cooperate with a tapered surface on a bottom plate to create a clamping force relative to an end of the lock pin housing supportable on a top plate. The lock pin housing has cam tracks on an outer side thereof, and an actuator ring surrounds and supports the pin and carries cam followers sliding in the cam tracks. The cam tracks are made such that relative rotation of the lock pin housing and the actuator ring changes the axial location of the actuator ring along the housing. The actuator ring rests on the top plate and when the actuator pins are released so they can retract and the lock pin housing and the actuator ring are relatively rotated, the lock pin housing is raised relative to the two plates to aid in removing the lock pin assembly.
US08720869B2
A high-speed centrifugal atomization mixing net for an exhaust outlet pipe, including a spray pipe, a shaft sleeve, an induced air blade, and an atomization net. The spray pipe is capable of rotating. The shaft sleeve is fixedly disposed on the spray pipe. The induced air blade is disposed on the front of the shaft sleeve. The atomization net is disposed at the back of the shaft sleeve. A spray hole opposite to the shaft sleeve is disposed on a side wall of the spray pipe. Multiple inclined spray grooves are disposed on side wall of the shaft sleeve. An end of the induced air blade is bent. The bending direction of the induced air blade is the same as an inclination direction of the induced air blade. The bent part of the induced air blade is connected to an outer edge of the atomization net whereby forming a stop plate.
US08720866B1
A barrier is formed from a plurality of posts and a plurality of rails. Each post has an I-shaped cross section, with a pair of double-walled flanges separated by a single-walled web. Each rail is a channel-shaped member having an intermediate portion and opposed end portions. Each end portion has a rounded convex edge. The intermediate portion includes a flat section to which pickets or a fencing fabric may be attached. Each end portion also includes a flat section, which is recessed relative to the flat section of the intermediate portion. A rail is connected to a post by inserting the rail's end portion into the channel-shaped region of the post. The flat section of the rail's end portion engages the planar inner side of one of the post's flanges. Fasteners are inserted into aligned openings in the flange and the flat section to connect the rail to the post. When assembled, the post flanges and the flat section of the intermediate portion of the rail are coplanar.
US08720861B2
A tool for pumping the brake pedal of a vehicle does not require a person in the vehicle to pump the brakes. The tool permits a person to bleed the hydraulics when doing a brake job without the need for a second person. The tool, also referred to as a pedal pumper, or a pedal pumping device, may include straps on each end for extending the tool between the steering wheel and the brake pedal. When air is supplied to the tool, the air pressure may cause the tool to extend and depress the brake pedal. When the air pressure is released, the force of the tool is released and the brake pedal is allowed to return to its un-depressed position.
US08720860B2
A hand tool includes an elongated plunger assembly and a locking assembly. The locking assembly has a catch assembly with a release actuator. The release actuator is movable in a direction generally not aligned with the tool head plane of motion. The locking assembly catch member is structured to engage the plunger assembly body and maintain the plunger assembly body in a selected position. Further, the plunger assembly is disposed in a socket within the tool head and biased toward an extended position by a spring. The release actuator is, preferably, disposed on the neck of the hand tool just above the user's thumb. When the plunger assembly body is disposed within the tool head and a user desires to extend the plunger assembly, the user actuates the release actuator thereby removing the engagement of the catch member and allowing the socket spring to move the plunger assembly body to the extended position.
US08720857B2
Tunable fluid end embodiments comprise a family, each family member comprising a pump housing with at least one installed tunable component chosen from: tunable valve assemblies, tunable valve seats, tunable radial arrays and/or tunable plunger seals. For example, a tunable valve assembly or tunable radial array selectively attenuates valve-generated vibration at its source, thus reducing the likelihood of fluid end failures associated with fatigue cracking and/or corrosion fatigue. Adding tunable valve seats and/or tunable plunger seals to a fluid end facilitates optimal damping and/or selective attenuation of vibration at one or more predetermined (and frequently localized) fluid end resonant frequencies. Thus, the likelihood of exciting destructive resonances in a pump's fluid end housing is further reduced. Optimized vibration attenuation and optimized fluid end damping are provided by altering resonant frequencies in each tunable component in relation to one or more fluid end resonant frequencies and/or tunable component resonant frequencies.
US08720853B2
A container treatment machine with a tank and spaced-apart valve housings, wherein a pressure-resistant delivery pipe having a curved section is provided between the tank and each valve housing directly or via an intermediate flow regulator, the delivery pipe being composed, at least in its curved section, of a hard plastic which is pressure- and temperature-resistant, and is acid- and alkali-resistant and permissible for foodstuffs, in particular polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE or Teflon).
US08720850B2
There is provided a suck back valve system in which problems in the suck back function are resolved. In a suck back system including an integral-type suck back valve in which an on/off valve that performs opening and closing operations by a first pneumatic actuator has a suck back function of preventing liquid dripping by means of a diaphragm that moves with the closing operation and a protective on/off valve provided at the upstream side adjacent to the integral-type suck back valve as a measure against malfunction in the integral-type suck back valve and performing opening and closing operations by a second pneumatic actuator, an opening and closing control unit is provided that, during the fully closing operation of the integral-type suck back valve, completes the fully closing operation of the protective on/off valve earlier than full closing of the integral-type suck back valve.
US08720845B2
A wear compensator for a pivoting detent joint comprising a carrier base having a bearing housing and a bearing ring disposed in an interior channel of the bearing housing. A pivot cylinder is carried in the interior channel bearing against the bearing ring. An inner cone slidably carried in a cylinder recess of the pivot cylinder. A biasing element forcing the inner cone into the cylinder recess to biases the cylinder wall against the bearing ring. A support arm pivotally mounted to the bearing housing including a lower pivot block receiving and supporting the pivot cylinder in the interior channel, and an upper pivot block having an arm detent ring engaging a base detent ring carried by the bearing housing. Accordingly, the pivot cylinder rotates on the bearing ring and the arm detent ring rotates on the base detent ring to adjust the position of the support arm.
US08720837B2
A support frame for supporting an electronic device includes a fixing base for grasping the electronic device, two support assemblies, an angle adjusting mechanism connecting the fixing base to the support assemblies, and an adjusting plate. The angle adjusting mechanism includes a connecting member, a mating member, and an adjusting assembly. The connecting member is connected to the support assembly. The adjusting assembly includes an adjusting shaft and an adjusting cap engaged with the adjusting shaft. The connecting member and the mating member are sleeved on the adjusting shaft. The adjusting plate is sleeved on the adjusting shaft, and positioned between the connecting member and the mating member.
US08720833B2
A lawn bag apparatus to stabilize an opening of a lawn bag is disclosed, comprising a frame comprising a plurality of sidewalls arranged to approximate the opening, each sidewall comprising a midwall portion extending approximately vertically, an upper wall portion extending upwardly and outwardly from the midwall portion, and a lower wall portion extending downwardly and inwardly from the midwall portion, a first clamp positioned along one of the sidewalls, and a second clamp positioned along a sidewall opposite the first clamp, the first and second clamps being movable between an open, disengaged position and a closed, engaged position for detachably securing the frame to the lawn bag.
US08720829B2
A dispenser unit including a plurality of compartments, each being adapted for storing and launching a payload and including an opening through which the payload is launched by a control unit/. A door is associated with the opening and is driven by a driver. The dispenser unit includes one common door being arranged in such way that it is drivable to cover the openings of the compartments from which the payloads have been launched.
US08720811B2
An apparatus for storing, rotating and feeding a high pressure hose, including: a first rotatable drum with a helical groove; a second rotatable drum; and at least one actuator for rotating the first and second drums. For rotation of the first and second drums in first and second opposite directions, respectively, a hose and a cable are coilable into the helical groove such that the hose is in compressive engagement with the cable and the first drum. For rotation of the first and second drums in the second and first directions, respectively, the hose is uncoilable from the first drum and displaceable beyond the apparatus and the cable is coilable about the second drum.
US08720803B1
A multiple-line irrigation system includes a plurality of spans extending from a central pivot, a first pipeline for carrying water, and a second pipeline for carrying chemicals. Each span includes a distribution assembly which draws water and chemicals from the first and second pipelines independently of distribution assemblies in the other spans so as to distribute the water and chemicals as a mixture onto a field according to the requirements of the field under each span. Auxiliary lines coupled to the pipelines in the distribution assembly in each span include valves to regulate the supply of water and chemicals from the pipelines.
US08720798B2
The present invention is a drywall spray gun that disperses drywall material that includes a funnel-shaped hopper, a casing that houses a flip lever and a fan, a slide lock trigger and a trigger shield that protects the slide lock trigger from being struck or touched unintentionally and a rechargeable battery pack. The spray gun also includes a removable motor, a forearm rest, an adjustable nozzle and a corresponding stand with a bottom base, an upright vertical backing and a c-shaped top that secures the drywall spray gun in place while the drywall material is poured into the hopper.
US08720796B2
A rotation restricting mechanism is provided between a mounting shaft section of a rotational shaft and a mounting tube section of a rotary atomizing head. The rotation restricting mechanism includes a male spline member provided on the outer peripheral side of the mounting shaft section, and a female spline member provided on the inner peripheral side of the mounting tube section. By meshing engagement of the male spline member with the female spline member, the rotation restricting mechanism restricts rotational displacements of the rotary atomizing head relative to the rotational shaft.
US08720794B2
A system used for permeating or emitting a gas or a chemical at a constant, predictable and controllable rate uses an amorphous fluoropolymer material as a gateway. The system may comprise a tube assembly which holds a gas or liquid. The gas or liquid permeates though the fluoropolymer material to be released in precise quantity, resulting in known concentrations of the gas, when mixed with a flowing or carrier gas such as air or nitrogen.
US08720793B1
The invention is a guarded rail section for a movable bridge rail joint, the arrangement comprising: (a) a gage side guard plate having a gage side guard plate interior surface, (b) a field side guard plate having a field side guard plate interior surface, the gage side guard plate and field side guard plate defining a rail channel; and (c) a rail portion disposed in the rail channel, wherein the gage side guard plate interior surface defines an insert channel along its top portion, and there is provided a top portion insert removably attached into the insert channel.
US08720785B2
There is provided in one embodiment an apparatus having an image sensor array. In one embodiment, the image sensor array can include monochrome pixels and color sensitive pixels. The monochrome pixels can be pixels without wavelength selective color filter elements. The color sensitive pixels can include wavelength selective color filter elements.
US08720776B2
The present invention is directed to security systems that utilize electromagnetic radiation. The security system includes an authentication security document, an authentication system, and a process for authenticating security documents. The security document includes a document body with an RFID and body information pertinent to the security document. The RFID inlay includes a radiopaque material or other material that is opaque to ranges of electromagnetic radiation. The authentication system for secured documents includes an electromagnetic scanning device, a document with a document body, and the RFID device. The scanning device includes a secured device inlet suitable to accept the document body and a display that shows the results of the electromagnetic bombardment of the document body. The process for authenticating security documents includes positioning within the scanning device the security document to create a radiated image thereof that displays the inlay information.
US08720767B2
In one embodiment, a support structure comprises a base, a compliant layer, and a protective layer which is used to secure a semiconductor device, such as a lead-frame, to a window clamp during a bonding process. The compliant layer distributes even loading over the surface of the semiconductor device while clamped. In other embodiments, the compliant layer may be segmented into individual portions corresponding with openings in the window clamp. The window clamp may also have a compliant layer and a protective layer and may be used with or without a compliant layer on the support structure. Features on the protective layer may be included to support structures of the semiconductor device.
US08720755B2
A holster having a lever with a finger button portion and an engagement portion, wherein the engagement portion of the lever includes a locking projection extending from a second side of the engagement portion; wherein the lever is pivotally attached to the holster, approximately between the finger button portion and the engagement portion, such that the finger button portion is positioned above the frame/slide portion of the cavity and the engagement portion is positioned above the trigger guard portion of the cavity; one or more ridge segments positioned around at least a portion of the lever; and a lockout lever pivotably attached to the first side wall such that the lockout lever is able to be rotated between a locked position and an unlocked position, and wherein the lockout lever is positioned beneath the finger button portion of the lever when the lockout lever is in the locked position.
US08720754B2
A mechanical mechanism which allows a holster to firmly support and hold steady a pistol or revolver, allowing a smooth and quick release of this locking mechanism when required on the draw. This mechanical mechanism can grip the gun only on the trigger guard area, achieving a solid grip and smooth release by means of a sliding block formed around the shape of the front end of the trigger guard, which slides sideways out of the way as the gun is drawn upwards. Tension adjustment is achieved by applying more or less pressure on this sliding block as it moves up in its track, while the gun is drawn upwards. Total locking is achieved by means of a rotating lever, which locks the sliding block in place, preventing it from moving up at all, when securing the gun is required.
US08720752B2
A carrying assembly which may be detachably secured to a housing of an electronic device is disclosed. The carrying assembly includes a body and a positioning member. The body includes an opening and a first positioning portion positioned on a first surface of the body. The positioning member includes a second positioning portion and a top portion connected thereto. The second positioning portion detachably engages with the first positioning portion. The top portion protrudes from a second surface of the body through the opening, the second surface being opposite the first surface. When the top portion is pressed, the second positioning portion is separated from the first positioning portion, and a relative position between the body and the positioning member may be adjusted, thereby adjusting the length of the belt.
US08720745B2
A product dispensing system includes a partially-open container for retaining a supply of the product, a mechanism for dispensing a quantity of the product from the container, and a remotely-activated security device for selectively restricting the dispensing of product from the container. In one embodiment, the security device is in the form of a spherical enclosure that is mounted over the inlet port for a draw tube of the dispensing mechanism. In use, the security device includes an activation mixture, such as an expandable adhesive, that transitions the security device between a first state and a second state in response to an application of certain non-mechanical stimuli, such electromagnetic energy of a particular profile, the security device restricting the passage of the product through the draw tube when disposed in the first state and permitting the passage of the product through the draw tube when disposed in the second state.
US08720724B1
A mechanism is provided for physically protecting an interface on an electronic device having first and second protrusions, each having a surface. The mechanism includes first and second clamping mechanisms, a hinge assembly and a cover plate. Each clamping mechanism has a pair of blocks that are detachably fastenable together. As assembled along the protrusion surface of the device, the blocks form a channel that rigidly engages that surface. The hinge assembly forms a pivotable joint and can be removably attached to the first clamping mechanism to orient the pivotable joint substantially parallel to the interface. The cover plate can be removably attached to the hinge assembly for disposal to swing on the pivotable joint between closed and open positions. In the closed position, the cover plate securely connects to at least the second clamping mechanism.
US08720722B2
The presently disclosed device provides a method and means for ensuring that containers of all types and sizes are vented or purged to atmospheric or environmental conditions upon the interior or exterior of the container reaching a critical temperature pressure, or humidity. Specifically, the presently disclosed invention integrates shape memory polymer (SMP) based, thermally activated fasteners into the venting systems. The result is a venting system that increases munitions safety without compromising the venting effectiveness, structural integrity, or the required bullet/fragment impact resistance requirements of the system.
US08720713B2
A case is described for use, for example and without limitation, with a nipple shield or nipple protector. The case, which has an interior volume to contain a nipple shield/protector, generally provides a rigid container to protect a nipple shield/protector and to protect it from the environment. Certain embodiments provide rigid container that may be opened to place or remove a nipple shield/protector and closed to hold the shield/protector with a minimal amount of contact. The case may also include ventilation holes to permit drying of the contents of the case.
US08720712B1
A feeding bottle includes a hollow container having an inner surface, a top cap having a center opening, the top cap removably attached to a top portion of the hollow container, a nipple disposed through the top cap's center opening and held in contact by the top cap against the top portion of the hollow container, a collapsible liner disposed within the hollow container and configured to hold food, and a vacuum plate disposed within the hollow container, the vacuum plate having a shape and size such that the vacuum plate remains in moveable contact with the inner surface of the hollow container.
US08720705B1
A ribbon rack includes a retention base and a removable member. The retention base preferably includes an elongated base, a first hook plate and a second hook plate. The first hook plate extends downward from a first end of the elongated base and the second hook plate extends downward from a second end of the elongated base. The first and second hook plates are bent upward to form first and second hook ends. The first and second hook ends are sized to receive the elongated member. At least one figurine preferably extends upward from the elongated base. At least two holes are preferably formed through the elongated base to attach thereof to a flat surface. A second embodiment of the ribbon rack includes the retention base and an offset removable member. A third embodiment of the ribbon rack includes the retention base and an offset pivoting member.
US08720704B2
The present invention provides a modular system for at least one of displaying and storing at least one article. The modular system includes at least a pair of elongated support brackets; at least one elongated cross member and means for positioning each of the at least one elongated cross member and the at least said pair of elongated support brackets in a generally horizontal plane during use of the modular system. The at least a pair of elongated support brackets are disposed in a spaced apart parallel relationship with each other. The at least one elongated cross member is sized to at least span a distance between the at least pair of elongated support brackets. Additionally, the at least one elongated cross member may at least rest on a top edge of each of the at least the pair of elongated support brackets during use of said modular system.
US08720703B1
Apparatus for holding and drying brushes includes two brush holder components alternatively connectable to form a first configuration wherein brushes are held with the applicator portions thereof above the handles and a second configuration wherein the applicator portions are below the handles.
US08720701B2
One aspect of this disclosure is directed to a sub-rack module for supporting a personal computer chassis therein. The sub-rack module is configured to be received within a multi-position support rack. Due to the unique combination of the sub-rack and the multi-position support rack, the sub-rack modules can be positioned such that the back ends of the personal computer chassis form an air passageway in the center of the multi-position support rack, which allows for the air flow to be directed through the passageway and out through the front end of the personal computer chassis. This configuration allows for the high density storage of an array of personal computer chassis while providing adequate cooling for multiple units. A method for manufacturing this system is also provided.
US08720697B2
A securing device for securing a screening panel to a support frame of a vibrating screen assembly. The securing device has a body with a securing means at one end and a stub at the lower end. The securing means is shaped to mate with a complementary securing cavity in the screening panel and has a hole that receives a pin located in the securing cavity. The stub may be threaded to engage the support frame.
US08720696B2
A system, method and apparatus for separating materials of different specific gravities including a material flow-path surface having a trap structure with an oscillator coupled thereto to cause oscillation thereof while the surface is immersed in a standing fluid.
US08720692B2
A collapsible bin includes a base having a floor from which a plurality of spaced apart columns extend downwardly. A plurality of walls are hingeably connected to an upper surface of the base. A lid is securely received on upper edges of the walls when the walls are in the erected position. The lid can also be secured to the base when the walls are in the collapsed position. The bin is securely stackable in the collapsed and erected positions, with and without lids.
US08720690B2
A musical pizza box includes a box material foldable into a pizza box having a lid hingedly attached to a base and a pizza box audio module. The pizza box audio module preferably includes a speaker, a microchip board capable of receiving a microchip mounted on the microchip board, at least one power source, electrical wiring electrically connecting the speaker, the microchip board, and the power source, and an activation mechanism. When the box material is folded to form the pizza box, the microchip is mounted to the microchip board, and the lid is moved from a closed state to an opened state, the activation mechanism is triggered to cause any recorded audio message stored on the microchip to be emitted by the speaker. Methods of manufacturing a musical pizza box and methods of advertising are also disclosed.
