US08729382B2
A photovoltaic-charged secondary battery system is provided, in which an electrode for optical power generation and an electrode for charging and discharging generated electrical energy are integrated into a single cell structure, and the potential difference between the electrodes is systematically controlled, thus maximizing the conversion efficiency of optical energy, maximizing the utilization rate of cell energy, and extending the life span of the battery. Thus, the photovoltaic-charged secondary battery system may include a transparent electrode capable of transmitting light; a PN semiconductor layer formed on the transparent electrode and generating a current by incident light; and a secondary battery layer, formed on the PN semiconductor layer, in which the current generated by the PN semiconductor layer is charged.
US08729381B2
The invention provides for a nanostructure, or an array of such nanostructures, each comprising a rough surface, and a doped or undoped semiconductor. The nanostructure is an one-dimensional (1-D) nanostructure, such a nanowire, or a two-dimensional (2-D) nanostructure. The nanostructure can be placed between two electrodes and used for thermoelectric power generation or thermoelectric cooling.
US08729380B2
In the thermoelectric module composed of p- and n-conductive thermoelectric material legs which are connected to one another alternately via electrically conductive contacts, at least some of the electrically conductive contacts on the cold and/or the warm side of the thermoelectric module are formed between, or embedded into, the thermoelectric material legs composed of porous metallic materials.
US08729376B2
In a musical sound synthesizing apparatus, a loop part including at least a delay element is configured to receive an excitation signal in response to a sound generation instruction so as to synthesize a musical sound signal by looping the excitation signal therein. A waveform memory stores first waveform data representing sound which is generated by a natural musical instrument and which contains resonance, the first waveform data containing a plurality of frequency components having various levels. A waveform processing unit removes, from the first waveform data, one or more frequency component having a level that does not reach a predetermined level, to generate second waveform data. The second waveform data generated by the waveform processing unit is input as the excitation signal to the loop part.
US08729374B2
Method and apparatus for producing a record of a person's voice that stores a recording of an artist singing a song, stores a selected sequences of sounds of a person correlated with the words being sung in the song, processes the selected stored sounds so that the person's voice sounds as if the person were singing the song with the same pitch and timing as the artist singing the stored song, combines the processed selected stored sounds with the instrumental track of the song; and stores the combined processed selected stored sounds with the instrumental track of the song.
US08729369B1
A novel maize variety designated X08C937 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 X08C937 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X08C937 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X08C937, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X08C937. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X08C937.
US08729360B2
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated CV601120. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CV601120, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CV601120 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 CV601120 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 CV601120.
US08729353B2
The invention relates to the soybean variety designated A1036386. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety A1036386. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety A1036386 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety A1036386 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.
US08729349B2
A novel soybean variety, designated XB28A12 is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety XB28A12, cells from soybean variety XB28A12, plants of soybean XB28A12, and plant parts of soybean variety XB28A12. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety XB28A12 with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic trait, a mutant trait, and/or a native trait into soybean variety XB28A12, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety XB28A12, and methods of characterizing soybean variety XB28A12. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety XB28A12 are further provided.
US08729348B1
A novel soybean variety, designated XBP37008 is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety XBP37008, cells from soybean variety XBP37008, plants of soybean XBP37008, and plant parts of soybean variety XBP37008. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety XBP37008 with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic trait, a mutant trait, and/or a native trait into soybean variety XBP37008, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety XBP37008, and methods of characterizing soybean variety XBP37008. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety XBP37008 are further provided.
US08729346B2
A novel soybean variety, designated XB15E12 is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety XB15E12, cells from soybean variety XB15E12, plants of soybean XB15E12, and plant parts of soybean variety XB15E12. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety XB15E12 with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic trait, a mutant trait, and/or a native trait into soybean variety XB15E12, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety XB15E12, and methods of characterizing soybean variety XB15E12. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety XB15E12 are further provided.
US08729342B2
The present invention relates to the treatment of banana and potato plants with a composition containing natamycin and at least one phosphite containing compound.
US08729340B2
The present invention relates to a Solanum lycopersicum histidine decarboxylase-2 (SlHD-2) gene-derived fruit-specific expression promoter, to a 5′ untranslated region (5′-UTR), to a (5′UTR), —specific expression vector comprising same, to a method for the fruit-specific expression of an exotic gene using the expression vector, to a plant transformed with the expression vector, and to a seed thereof. According to the present invention, a gene introduced from a transformed plant can be specifically expressed fruit tissue as compared to the widely used conventional Cauliflower mosaic virus-derived CaMV 35S promoter which induces the expression of an exotic gene in the whole tissue. Further, the present invention can be valuably used in the development of a transformed plant, which seeks to produce valuable substances from fruit.
US08729334B2
The present invention relates to a method for determining a genotoxicity of a test substance, comprising the steps of: (a) transforming a fish with a nucleotide sequence encoding a non-fluorescent fluorescence protein with a mutation; (b) treating a test substance to the transformed fish; and (c) measuring a fluorescence in the test substance-treated fish, wherein the fluorescence is generated by reversion of the non-fluorescent fluorescence protein to the fluorescence protein due to a back mutation of the nucleotide sequence in the test substance-treated fish. According to the present invention, MutaFish system, Zebrafish (Brachydanio rerio) line, in which the fluorescence protein variant, preferably wild type EGFP variant (EGFPmut) is transformed, provides a much excellent animal system for measuring a genotoxicity of a test substance via production of a fluorescent fry larvae generated through reversion of the fluorescent protein variant caused by treatment of the test substance. Accordingly, the MutaFish system of the present invention may determine a genotoxicity of a test substance in much more simple and high-throughput manner in an eukaryote to which the conventional methods (e.g., Ames test) may be not applied.
US08729323B2
There is provided a process for converting high free fatty acid containing feedstock such as acidulated soapstock into hydrocarbon compound especially fuel range hydrocarbons using amidation as a pretreatment step followed by hydroprocessing.
US08729317B2
The present invention relates to a process for producing product comprising ethanol which comprises contacting a feedstock comprising acetic acid and hydrogen in a reaction zone at hydrogenation conditions with a catalyst composition comprising at least one active metal that may include a Group VIII metal and tin and from 0.01 to 0.5 wt. % cesium on a support comprising tungsten or oxides thereof.
US08729308B2
The present invention refers to a new process for the synthesis of tapentadol comprising the quantitative resolution of the racemic mixture (V) to obtain the stereoisomer of (S)-3-(dimethylamino)-2-methyl-1-(3-nitrophenyl)-propan-1-one (VII) according to the Scheme 2 below using the (2R,3R)—O,O′-dibenzoyltartaric chiral acid wherein said resolution is quantitative. The present invention also refers to some intermediate compounds of the new synthesis process of tapentadol.
US08729305B2
The invention relates to a polymorphic form of (−)-modafinil that produces a powder X-ray diffraction spectrum comprising intensity peaks corresponding to interplanar spacings of about 14.14, 10.66, 7.80 and 4.02 Å, and a process for the preparation thereof.
US08729303B2
The present invention relates to a 2,2′,6,6′-tetrasubstituted aminophosphine ligand and its synthesis method. The structure of the ligand is shown as below. Its synthesis method comprises: Step (1) coupling 2,6-dinitrochlorobenzene as the starting material to obtain 2,2′,6,6′-tetranitrobiphenyl; Step (2): hydrogenating the 2,2′,6,6′-tetranitrobiphenyl with Pd/C to obtain 2,2′,6,6′-tetraminobiphenyl; Step (3): reacting the 2,2′,6,6′-tetraminobiphenyl with a phosphine halide to obtain the 2,2′,6,6′-tetrasubstituted aminophosphine ligand. The ligand of the present invention is an achiral compound, and its preparation method is simple. The ligand can be converted to a chiral bimetallic catalyst with single configuration eventually through introduction of external chirality. Moreover, the ligand can be used in various asymmetric reaction catalyzed by metals with high reactivity and stereoselectivity.
US08729302B2
A method of producing an acid halide, including: reacting a compound represented by the following Formula (III) with a basic compound and a compound represented by the following Formula (IV) to obtain a compound represented by the following Formula (II); and reacting the compound represented by Formula (II) with an acid halogenating agent to obtain a compound represented by the following Formula (I):
US08729293B2
The invention relates to Fatty Acid Acetylated Salicylate Derivatives; compositions comprising an effective amount of a Fatty Acid Acetylated Salicylate Derivative; and methods for treating or preventing an inflammatory disorder comprising the administration of an effective amount of a Fatty Acid Acetylated Salicylate Derivative.
US08729291B2
A process for preparing urethanes by reacting aromatic diamines with a dialkyl carbonate, wherein the alkyl radical of the organic dialkyl carbonate comprises 2-18 carbon atoms and one or more heteroatoms and the reaction is performed in the presence of a catalyst.
US08729287B2
The invention relates to a method for producing 6-chlorodibenzo[d,f][1,3,2]dioxaphosphepin (formula 1), comprising the following steps: a) addition of 2,2′-dihydroxybiphenyl, which is suspended in an inert solvant. into a reactor to an excess of phosphorous trichloride under inert gas and stirring; b) discharge and neutralization of the resulting gases from the reaction mixture; c) separation of the excess phosphorous trichloride and the solvant; d) obtention of 6-chlorodibenzo[d,f][1,3,2]dioxaphosphepin.
US08729285B2
A copper complex compound represented by Formula (1) is disclosed. in the formula, groups represented by R is a substituent, n is an integer of from 1 to 5 and the total carbon number contained in (R)n is 14 or more. A toner for electrophotography containing the compound is also disclosed.
US08729282B2
The invention relates to a process for the manufacture of a 1,2-epoxide by catalytic oxidation of a terminal olefin with hydrogen peroxide wherein the catalytic oxidation is performed in a biphasic system comprising an organic phase and an aqueous reaction medium, wherein a water-soluble manganese complex is used as oxidation catalyst, wherein a terminal olefin is used with a solubility at 20° C. of at least 0.01 to 100 g in 1 liter water, and wherein the molar ratio of terminal olefin to hydrogen peroxide is in the range of from 1:0.1 to 1:2.
US08729281B2
The invention provides a process for making hydroxymethylfurfural comprising exposing a saccharide, e.g. glucose or fructose, to a metal complex of an N-heterocyclic carbene.
US08729275B2
The present invention relates to a new process for preparing dithiine-tetracarboxy-diimides.
US08729271B2
The present invention aims to provide novel compounds of formula [I] or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof that are based on a glycine uptake inhibiting action and which are useful in the prevention or treatment of such diseases as schizophrenia, Alzheimer's disease, cognitive dysfunction, dementia, anxiety disorders (generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, social anxiety disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, specific phobia, acute stress disorder, etc.), depression, drug addiction, spasm, tremor, pain, and sleep disorder:
US08729270B2
Embodiments relate to the field of chemistry and biochemistry, and, more specifically, to anti-cancer compounds, synthesis thereof, and methods of using same. Disclosed herein are various heterocyclic compounds and methods of using the novel anti-cancer compounds to inhibit the growth of a cancer cell, for instance a leukemia, non-small cell lung, central nervous system (CNS), skin, ovarian, renal, prostate, breast, or colon cancer cell. Other embodiments include methods of treating cancer in a subject, such as using the disclosed heterocyclic anti-cancer agents.
US08729267B2
The present teachings generally relate to fluorescent dyes, linkable forms of fluorescent dyes, energy transfer dyes, reagents labeled with fluorescent dyes and uses thereof.
US08729264B2
Provided is an agent for the prevention and/or treatment of a skin disease containing, as an active ingredient, a pyrazolopyrimidine derivative represented by the formula (I) (wherein each symbol is as defined in the specification), or a pharmacologically acceptable salt thereof, and the like.
US08729263B2
The present invention provides a compound of formula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; a method for manufacturing the compounds of the invention, and its therapeutic uses. The present invention further provides a combination of pharmacologically active agents and a pharmaceutical composition.
US08729261B2
The present invention relates to a method for recrystallizing fine spherical cyclotrimethylenetrinitramine (Research Department Explosive, hereinafter, referred to as “RDX”) particles, and the method for recrystallizing fine spherical RDX particles according to the present invention may include (a) introducing a powder material containing RDX into a container, (b) introducing a dimethylether compressed gas into the container and dissolving the RDX to form a RDX solution, (c) releasing and decompressing the RDX solution into atmospheric pressure to form crystallized RDX particles, and (d) separating and collecting the RDX particles.
US08729255B2
Disclosed is a method of chlorinating a carbohydrate or derivative thereof, for example, a sucrose-6-ester at the 4,1′, and 6′ positions, with irreversible removal of HCl formed during the reaction to form the chlorinated carbohydrate or derivative thereof, for example, a 4,1′,6′-trichloro-4,1′,6′-trideoxy-6-O-ester of galactosucrose (TGS-6E). The irreversible removal of HCl can be carried out by an irreversible physical process and/or an irreversible chemical process. Sucralose, an artificial sweetener, can be prepared by deesterification of the TGS-6E. The chlorination reaction takes place at low temperatures and the desired chlorinated product is obtained in high yields and in high purities.
US08729250B2
The invention provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising short single stranded oligonucleotides, of length of between 8 and 26 nucleobases which are complementary to human microRNAs selected from the group consisting of miR19b, miR21, miR122a, miR155 and miR375. The short oligonucleotides are particularly effective at alleviating miRNA repression in vivo. It is found that the incorporation of high affinity nucleotide analogues into the oligonucleotides results in highly effective anti-microRNA molecules which appear to function via the formation of almost irreversible duplexes with the miRNA target, rather than RNA cleavage based mechanisms, such as mechanisms associated with RNaseH or RISC.
US08729249B2
Antibody capable of binding specifically to the human c-Met receptor and/or capable of specifically inhibiting the tyrosine kinase activity of said receptor, with an improved antagonistic activity, said antibody comprising a modified hinge region. A composition comprising such an antibody antagonist to c-Met and its use as a medicament for treating cancer.
US08729238B2
The present invention is directed to a method of producing nano- and microcapsules from spider silk proteins The invention is further directed to nano- or microcapsules obtainable by this method as well as pharmaceutical, cosmetical and food compositions containing same.
US08729235B2
The invention provides an isolated major ampullate spidroin protein, which consists of from 150 to 420 amino acid residues and is defined by the formula REP-CT. REP is a repetitive, N-terminally derived protein fragment having from 80 to 300 amino acid residues. CT is a C-terminally derived protein fragment having from 70 to 120 amino acid residues. The invention further provides an isolated fusion protein consisting of a first protein fragment, which is a major ampullate spidroin protein, and a second protein fragment comprising a fusion partner and a cleavage agent recognition site. The first protein fragment is coupled via said cleavage agent recognition site to the fusion partner. The invention also provides a method of producing a major ampullate spidroin protein and polymers thereof.
US08729228B2
This invention relates to a method of producing a modified (poly)peptide, said method comprising the step of modifying in an organic solvent a crown ether-bound (poly)peptide at one or more carboxylic groups by esterification or thioesterification and/or at the amino group of the N-terminal amino acid by amidation or alkylation. Furthermore provided are (poly)peptides and antibodies obtainable with the method of the invention as well as medical uses thereof.
US08729225B2
The invention relates to kinase ligands and polyligands. In particular, the invention relates to ligands and polyligands that modulate GSK3 activity. The ligands and polyligands are utilized as research tools or as therapeutics. The invention includes linkage of the ligands and polyligands to a cellular localization signal, epitope tag and/or a reporter. The invention also includes polynucleotides encoding the ligands and polyligands.
US08729218B2
The present invention relates to a manufacturing method of polyaspartic acid. More particularly, the present invention relates to a manufacturing method of polyaspartic acid comprising steps of carrying out condensation polymerization of maleic anhydride and ammonia in the presence of a polar solvent without active hydrogen to give polysuccinimide and hydrolyzing the resulting polysuccinimide to obtain polyaspartic acid. Specifically, the present invention is characterized in that the quality of the synthetic product, polysuccinimide and polyaspartic acid, is improved by minimizing the decomposition and the degradation of the maleic acid during the process of the polymerization resulted from the introduction of substituent to maleic acid.
US08729217B2
The present invention provides a semi-conductive polyimide film having: a common logarithm of a surface resistivity at 25° C. and 60% RH of 9 to 15 log Ω/square; a common logarithm of a volume resistivity of 8 to 15 log Ω·cm; a fatigue stress in accordance with a fatigue test complying with JIS K7118, upon a number of repetition being 107, of 160 MPa or more; and a number of durable bending in accordance with an MIT test complying with JIS P8115 of 2,000 times or more, and an intermediate transfer belt and an transfer transportation belt using the semi-conductive polyimide film.
US08729215B2
Embodiments according to the present invention relate to sacrificial polymer compositions that include polycarbonate polymers having repeat units derived from stereospecific polycyclic 2,3-diol monomers. The sacrificial polymer compositions also include an acid generator that is selected from at least one photoacid generator and/or at least one thermal acid generator. In addition, embodiments according to the present invention relate to a method of forming a structure that includes a three-dimensional space interposed between a substrate and an overcoat layer, and a method of temporarily bonding first and second substrates together, which make use of the polycarbonate polymers.
US08729211B2
Fluorocarbon- and urethane-(meth)acryl-containing additives and hardcoats. The hardcoats are particularly useful as a surface layer on an optical device.
US08729209B2
The present invention relates to an organopolysiloxane composition that can be vulcanized at room temperature into an elastomer that is crosslinked by polycondensation and that does not contain alkyltin-based catalysts which exhibit toxicity problems. The invention also relates to novel polycondensation catalysts having a guanidine structure, in silicone chemistry, and to the uses thereof as catalysts for the organopolysiloxane polycondensation reaction.
US08729198B2
Disclosed are compositions that include: a) a thiol-terminated polymer; and b) a sulfur-containing ethylenically unsaturated silane. Related products, such as sealants, that include polymers derived from such compositions, are also disclosed.
US08729197B2
Room temperature curing epoxy adhesives that show good adhesion to plastic substrates are described. The adhesives contain an epoxy resin component comprising a first epoxy resin and a second epoxy resin; a first amine curing agent having an equivalent weight of at least 50 grams per mole of amine equivalents; a second amine curing agent having an equivalent weight of no greater than 45 grams per mole of amine equivalents; an acetoacetoxy-functionalized compound; a metal salt catalyst; and a multifunctional acrylate.
US08729189B2
The present invention provides a propylene-based block copolymer having high melt viscoelasticity, excellent balance between rigidity and impact resistance, good molding processability, and excellent molded product appearance, a composition containing the copolymer, and molded products obtained therefrom. The propylene-based block copolymer comprises 5 to 80% by weight of a room temperature n-decane-soluble portion (Dsol) and 20 to 95% by weight of a room temperature n-decane-insoluble portion (Dinsol) (the total amount of the Dsol and the Dinsol is 100% by weight), and satisfies the requirements [1] to [3]: [1] the molecular weight distribution (Mw/Mn) of the Dsol is 7.0 to 30, [2] the molecular weight distribution (Mw/Mn) of the Dinsol is 7.0 to 30, and Mz/Mw thereof is 6.0 to 20, and [3] the pentad fraction (mmmm) of the Dinsol is not less than 93%.
US08729174B2
A substantially non-elastic incompressible composition, which substantially does not quickly self-level under standard operating conditions, includes: a suspending agent which reacts substantially as a solid when subjected to forces below a critical force, and which becomes substantially flowable when subjected to forces above said critical force; ceramic microparticulates dispersed within the suspending agent; flexible-walled microparticulates dispersed within the suspending agent; and celled macroparticulates dispersed within the suspending agent. The composition provides an incident energy absorbing property. The incident energy may include sound energy, and the microparticulates and macroparticulates may convert some of the sound energy into heat, or may diffract the sound energy.
US08729173B2
The mechanical properties of a polymer protective coating formed from an aqueous dispersion of a polymer having a low glass transition temperature are significantly improved by including in the dispersion solvent softened polymer nanoparticles made from a polymer having a high glass transition temperature.
US08729169B2
Disclosed are a novel anti-oxidant for rubber and a synthetic rubber including the same. The disclosed anti-oxidant contains a thio compound. The rubber including the anti-oxidant has excellent thermostability at a temperature of 100° C. or higher, and the anti-oxidant shows a low volatility due to its high molecular weight thus being applicable to manufacture environment-friendly rubber.
US08729167B2
This disclosure generally relates to chain end modified elastomeric polymers and branched modified elastomeric polymers, their use in the preparation of elastomeric compositions, and articles prepared from chain end modified elastomeric polymers and branched modified elastomeric polymers. An elastomeric polymer composition is provided including the reaction product of at least a living anionic elastomeric polymer, a silane modifier compound, and a modifier compound.
US08729166B2
Embodiments in accordance with the present invention encompass polymer compositions that act as both a tack agent and a fluxing agent for the assembly of microelectronic components onto a variety of substrate materials. Such polymer compositions embodiments encompass a sacrificial polymer, a carrier solvent, a thermal acid generator and, optionally, formic acid.
US08729160B2
A method includes adding at least one copolymer or a salt thereof acting as a plasticizer, blocking agent, or both a plasticizer and a blocking agent, to a calcium sulphate-based hydraulic binder. The copolymer includes an acrylic acid or a poly(oxy)alkylene copolymer.
US08729159B2
A fiberboard comprising dried plant fibers added with binder resins obtained from a reaction between a diisocyanate and a polyol derived from natural oils or fatty acids, and formed by pressing at a temperature range of 50° C. to 150° C.
US08729156B2
The invention provides a composition exhibiting improved impact resistance at low levels of impact modifier. The composition comprises a polyhydroxyalkanoic acid and: (A) an elastomeric compound of core-shell type wherein the amount of (A) is from 0.1 to 6% by mass of the composition; and (B) and an olefinic copolymer comprising an ethylenic monomer bearing an epoxy function; wherein the amount of (B) is from 0.01 to 0.6% by mass of the composition and the mass ratio of (A)/(B) is from 85/15 to 99.5/0.5.
US08729153B2
An aqueous pigment dispersion which contains C.I. Pigment Yellow 74, a styrene-acrylic-based resin with an acid number of 100 to 250, and a basic compound, wherein the styrene-acrylic-based resin includes at least styrene-based monomer units, acrylic acid monomer units, and methacrylic acid monomer units as component monomer units, and the weight average molecular weight of the resin is within a range from 7,000 to 15,000.
US08729148B2
Disclosed herein is a photocurable dry film including a structure having a photocurable resin layer sandwiched between a support film and a protective film, the photocurable resin layer being formed of a photocurable resin composition including ingredients (A) to (D):(A) a silicone skeleton-containing polymer compound having the repeating units represented by the following general formula (1) wherein X and Y, respectively, a divalent organic group represented by the following general formula (2) or (3) (B) a crosslinking agent selected from formalin-modified or formalin-alcohol-modified amino condensates and phenolic compound having on average two or more methylol groups or alkoxymethylol groups in one molecule; (C) a photoacid generator capable of generating an acid by decomposition with light having a wavelength of 190 to 500 nm; and (D) a solvent.
US08729147B2
A flexographic printing ink for use in a flexographic printing process with wet on wet capability, comprising a polymer and a combination of liquids comprising radiation curable monomers and/or oligomers, diluents, colorants, additives, and photoinitiators, the components having the Hansen Solubility Parameters adjusted to generate an ink with a capability to form a gel having the required physical characteristics, and that is in a liquid form in the presence of a small quantity of non reactive solvent, or is brought to a liquid state during the printing process. The disclosure is also directed to a flexographic printing process with wet on wet capability based on controlled polymer or polymer segment precipitation that leads to gel formation of ink compounds by controlling the solubility parameter of the ink system.
US08729142B2
There is provided a method for recovering hydrocarbon compounds from a gaseous by-products generated in the Fisher-Tropsch synthesis reaction, the method comprising a pressurizing step in which the gaseous by-products are pressurized, a cooling step in which the pressurized gaseous by-products are pressurized to liquefy hydrocarbon compounds in the gaseous by-products, and a separating step in which the hydrocarbon compounds liquefied in the cooling step are separated from the remaining gaseous by-products.
US08729134B2
Compounds of formula (I): wherein R1 and R4 are OR7, R2 and R3 are H or OR7, with the proviso that when R2 is OR7 then R3 is H, and when R3 is OR7 then R2 is H; R5 and R6 are independently H, OH, or OR7 with the proviso that when R5 is OH, R6 is not OH; R7 is alkyl, aryl or arylalkyl; the drawing “” represents either a single or a double bond; or pharmaceutically acceptable salt(s) or prodrug(s) thereof. These compounds are useful of treatment, prophylaxis, amelioration, or defense against and/or prevention of hormonal dependent conditions, cancer, and diseases and conditions associated with oxidant stress.
US08729131B2
The present invention relates to an agomelatine hydrochloride hydrate of formula I, preparation and use thereof, and to pharmaceutical composition containing it. The agomelatine hydrohalide hydrate obtained through the present method has significant increased solubility than agomelatine, and therefore is more suitable for manufacturing pharmaceutical formulations. In addition, the product enjoys higher stability and purity. Using the present method, product of high purity can be obtained through a simple process, free of any complicated steps. wherein X is Cl.
US08729130B2
Novel solid forms of tacedinaline (4-(acetylamino)-N-(2-aminophenyl)benzamide), including crystalline tacedinaline Forms A, B, and D, a novel crystalline tacedinaline TFA salt, and amorphous tacedinaline, are disclosed. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising crystalline tacedinaline Forms A, B, and D, the novel crystalline tacedinaline TFA salt, and/or amorphous tacedinaline, and methods of treating various conditions by administering those novel solid forms, are also disclosed.
US08729128B2
Lipoxin A4 and its analogs have been discovered to promote the cell proliferation of cornea endothelial cells, and thus promote the proper functioning of the labile tissue layer of cornea endothelial cells. These lipoxin compounds can be administered alone or in combination with other known compounds as a solution that can be topically administered to decrease the swelling of the cornea or maintain the clarity of the cornea. Lipoxin A4 or its analogs can also be combined with other known nutritive compounds to form a solution for storage of a cornea prior to transplantation.
US08729127B2
Dermatological disorders having an inflammatory or proliferative component are treated with pharmaceutical compositions containing on the order of 0.3% by weight of 6-[3-(1-adamantyl)-4-methoxyphenyl]-2-naphthanoic acid (adapalene) or salt thereof, formulated into pharmaceutically acceptable media therefor, advantageously topically applicable gels, creams or lotions.
US08729120B2
This invention is directed to a method of treating depression in a subject, comprising the step of administering a therapeutically effective amount of a conventional antidepressant and, in addition, administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of Formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof wherein Rx is a member Rx selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, lower alkyl of 1 to 8 carbon atoms, halogen selected from F, Cl, Br and I, alkoxy containing 1 to 3 carbon atoms, nitro, hydroxy, trifluoromethyl, and thioalkoxy containing 1 to 3 carbon atoms; x is an integer of 1 to 3, with the proviso that R may be the same or different when x is 2 or 3; R1 and R2 can be the same or different from each other and are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, lower alkyl of 1 to 8 carbon atoms, aryl, arylalkyl, cycloalkyl of 3 to 7 carbon atoms; R1 and R2 can be joined to form a 5 to 7-membered heterocycle substituted with a member selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, and aryl groups, wherein the cyclic compound can comprise 1 to 2 nitrogen atoms and 0 to 1 oxygen atom, wherein the nitrogen atoms are not directly connected with each other or with the oxygen atom.
US08729116B2
To provide a triazole compound which has remarkably excellent pesticidal activities. Optically active (+)-1-[2-fluoro-4-methyl-5-(2,2,2-trifluoroethylsulfinyl)phenyl]-5-amino-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazole represented by the following formula (I), which is obtainable by subjecting a racemic modification of 1-[2-fluoro-4-methyl-5-(2,2,2-trifluoroethylsulfinyl)phenyl]-5-amino-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazole to optical resolution:
US08729110B1
The present invention relates to novel 2-thio-1,3,4-oxadiazoles derivatives, processes for preparing them, pharmaceutical compositions containing them and their use as pharmaceuticals as modulators of sphingosine-1-phosphate receptors.
US08729103B2
One aspect of the present invention relates to heterocyclic compounds that are ligands for nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. A second aspect of the invention relates to the use of a compound of the invention for modulation of a mammalian nicotinic acetylcholine receptor.
US08729100B2
Methods and compositions for the treatment of alpha-adrenoceptor mediated conditions.
US08729097B2
Described herein are methods of inhibiting methionine aminopeptidase or SirT1, inhibiting angiogenesis, and treating disorders (or symptoms thereof) associated with methionine aminopeptidase, SirT1 and/or angiogenesis, wherein a compound of the invention is administered to a subject.
US08729089B2
Pyrido(3,2-d)pyrimidine derivatives represented by the structural formula (I): wherein: R4 is hydrogen, and R1, R2 and R3 together provide a specific substitution pattern, pharmaceutical acceptable addition salts, stereochemical isomeric forms, N-oxides, solvates and pro-drugs thereof, are useful in the treatment of hepatitis C.
US08729088B2
Provided herein are small molecule conjugates that are agonists or antagonists of one or more toll-like receptors. For example, such conjugates include a structure according to Formula I:
US08729085B2
A preparation for oral administration comprising: a pregelatinized starch comprising N-[4-[4-(1,2-benzisothiazol-3-yl)-1-piperazinyl]-(2R,3R)-2,3-tetramethylene-butyl]-(1′R,2′S,3′R,4′S)-2,3-bicyclo[2,2,1]-heptanedicarboxyimide hydrochloride (lurasidone) represented by the formula (1) as an active ingredient; a water-soluble excipient; and a water-soluble polymeric binder, the preparation exhibiting an invariant level of elution behavior even when the content of its active ingredient is varied.
US08729084B2
Novel compounds of structure Formula I: or an enantiomer, diastereomer, tautomer, prodrug or salt thereof, wherein A, L, m, n, o, p, R2, R3, R3, R4 and R5 are defined herein, are provided which are GPR119 G protein-coupled receptor modulators. GPR119 G protein-coupled receptor modulators are useful in treating, preventing, or slowing the progression of diseases requiring GPR119 G protein-coupled receptor modulator therapy. Thus, the disclosure also concerns compositions comprising these novel compounds and methods of treating diseases or conditions related to the activity of the GPR119 G protein-coupled receptor by using any of these novel compounds or a composition comprising any of such novel compounds.
US08729079B2
The present application provides novel pyrimido-pyridazinone compounds and methods for preparing and using these compounds. These compounds are useful in treating inflammation in patients by administering one or more of the compounds to a patient. In one embodiment, the novel pyrimido-pyridazinone compound is of Formula (I) and R1 and R2 are defined herein.
US08729077B2
Disclosed are compounds, stereoisomers, tautomers, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, their preparation, use, and compositions thereof for treating an infection mediated at least in part by a virus in the Flaviviridae family of viruses.
US08729073B2
The invention relates to pyrazole derivatives of formula I having pharmacological activity and to processes of preparation of such compounds, to pharmaceutical compositions comprising them, and to their use in therapy and/or prophylaxis of pain.
US08729066B2
The present invention relates to novel bis-sulfonamide derivatives, processes for preparing them, pharmaceutical compositions containing them and their use as pharmaceuticals as modulators of chemokine receptors.
US08729060B2
The invention provides compounds of formula (I) wherein A, B, R1, F, G, n, n′ and the dotted line have any values defined herein, as well as salts thereof. The compounds have activity as anti-proliferative agents.
US08729058B2
A method of treating or preventing a systemic viral infection in a mammal by administering a pharmaceutically acceptable composition selected from the group consisting of squalamine, an active isomer thereof, and an active analogue thereof, via a dosing regimen that delivers effective antiviral concentrations of squalamine. Also compositions for achieving the systemic antiviral effect.
US08729056B2
The agent for the prevention and/or treatment of Hand-Foot Syndrome comprising a compound with anticholinergic activity can be provided. The agent for the prevention and/or treatment of Hand-Foot Syndrome comprising a compound with anticholinergic activity can be safely administered to the patients with Hand-Foot Syndrome, and has shown the superior preventive and/or treatment effect against Hand-Foot Syndrome.
US08729047B2
The invention provides compositions for inhibiting a redox-sensitive GTPase protein, including a Rho or Rab family GTPase, comprising an effective amount of a redox-sensitive purine compound and an effective amount of a redox agent. The invention further provides methods of inhibiting a redox-sensitive GTPase protein, including a Rho or Rab family GTPase, by administering compositions of the invention. Methods of screening for compounds that inhibit a redox-sensitive GTPase protein, including compounds that target and inhibit Rho or Rab family GTPases, are further provided.
US08729041B2
The present invention provides compositions and methods featuring miR-26 microRNA polynucleotides for the diagnosis, treatment or prevention of hepatic neoplasia.
US08729039B2
The invention consists of oligonucleotides which inhibit the immunostimulatory activity of ISS-ODN (immunostimulatory sequence oligodeoxynucleotides) as well as methods for their identification and use. The oligonucleotides of the invention are useful in controlling therapeutically intended ISS-ODN adjuvant activity as well as undesired ISS-ODN activity exerted by recombinant expression vectors, such as those used for gene therapy and gene immunization. The oligonucleotides of the invention also have anti-inflammatory activity useful in reducing inflammation in response to infection of a host with ISS-ODN containing microbes, in controlling autoimmune disease and in boosting host Th2 type immune responses to an antigen. The invention also encompasses pharmaceutically useful conjugates of the oligonucleotides of the invention (including conjugate partners such as antigens and antibodies).
US08729035B2
This invention concerns compounds with the formula: in which: R1═OH or NH2; OR2, OR3, OR4 and OR5 are alcohol, ether, ester, carbonate, carbamate, sulphonate or sulphamate groups; and if R5═H if R2═R3═R4, then R2, R3 and R4≠H; if R2═H, then R3≠H and R4≠H; if R3═H, then R2≠H and R4≠H; if R4═H, then R2≠H and R3≠H; if R5≠H if R2=H, then R3≠H and R4≠H; if R3═H, then R2≠H and R4≠H; if R4═H, then R2≠H and R3≠H, their use as antibiotic agents and the process for synthesizing them.
US08729021B2
A PTD-UQCRB fusion polypeptide, and a pharmaceutical composition for preventing and treating ischemic diseases, containing the same. The PTD-UQCRB fusion polypeptide of the present invention very effectively passes through a cell membrane to induce angiogenesis and does not cause cytotoxicity, and is thus useful for preventing and treating ischemic diseases.
US08729018B2
The present invention provides therapeutic agents and compositions comprising elastic peptides and therapeutic proteins. Such peptides exhibit a flexible, extended conformation. In some embodiments, the therapeutic protein is a GLP-1 receptor agonist (e.g., GLP-1, exendin), insulin, or Factor VII/VIIa, including functional analogs. The present invention further provides encoding polynucleotides, as well as methods of making and using the therapeutic agents. The therapeutic agents have improvements in relation to their use as therapeutics, including, inter alia, one or more of half-life, clearance and/or persistance in the body, solubility, and bioavailability.
US08729014B2
The present invention is directed to compounds, compositions and methods for treating or preventing viral infections, in particular, HCV in human patients or other animal hosts.
US08728997B2
The present invention provides a lubricating oil composition which is less in evaporation loss even having a low viscosity and excellent in lubricating properties such as low-temperature viscosity characteristics and anti-seizure properties and in oxidation stability, suitable for use in engines, automatic transmissions, manual transmissions, final reduction gear units, and continuously variable transmissions. The lubricating oil composition comprises (A) a lubricating base oil and (B) a poly(meth)acrylate additive in such an amount that the kinematic viscosity at 100° C. of the composition (Vc) is from 3 to 15 mm2/s, the viscosity index of the composition is from 95 to 200, and the ratio of the kinematic viscosity at 100° C. of (A) the lubricating base oil (Vb) to (Vc) (=Vb/Vc) is 0.60 or greater, further, (C) a metallic detergent, (D) an ashless dispersant and (E) zinc dithiophosphate, each in a specific amount.
US08728990B2
A composition and method of fracturing a subterranean formation. The composition includes: about 0.25 wt. % to about 3.0 wt. %, based on a weight of the hydrocarbon liquid, of a mixture of phosphate esters, said esters selected from the group consisting of: monoester PO(OR1)(OH)2, PO(OR2)(OH)2; diester PO(OH)(OR1)m(OR2)2−m where m=0, 1, or 2; triester PO(OH)(OR1)n(OR2)3−n where n=0, 1, 2 or 3; and phosphoric acid H3PO4 wherein R1 and R2 each have 2 to 18 carbon atoms; and about 0.2 wt. % to about 1.0 wt. %, based on the weight of the hydrocarbon liquid, of an acidic polynuclear aluminum compound having an Al:Cl mole ratio ranging from about 1.40:1 to about 2.2:1. The composition is added to a hydrocarbon liquid to fracture the subterranean formation with this hydrocarbon liquid. The hydrocarbon liquid containing the composition exhibits a substantially constant viscosity.
US08728974B2
Sorbents for removal of mercury and other pollutants from gas streams, such as a flue gas stream from coal-fired utility plants, and methods for their manufacture and use are disclosed. Embodiments include brominated sorbent substrate particles having a carbon content of less than about 10%. Other embodiments include one or more oxidatively active halides of a nonoxidative metal dispersed on sorbent substrate particles mixed with activated carbon in an amount up to 30% by weight.
US08728958B2
Novel gap fill schemes involving depositing both flowable oxide films and high density plasma chemical vapor deposition oxide (HDP oxide) films are provided. According to various embodiments, the flowable oxide films may be used as a sacrificial layer and/or as a material for bottom up gap fill. In certain embodiments, the top surface of the filled gap is an HDP oxide film. The resulting filled gap may be filled only with HDP oxide film or a combination of HDP oxide and flowable oxide films. The methods provide improved top hat reduction and avoid clipping of the structures defining the gaps.
US08728956B2
Methods of depositing a film on a substrate surface include surface mediated reactions in which a film is grown over one or more cycles of reactant adsorption and reaction. In one aspect, the method is characterized by the following operations: (a) exposing the substrate surface to a first reactant in vapor phase under conditions allowing the first reactant to adsorb onto the substrate surface; (b) exposing the substrate surface to a second reactant in vapor phase while the first reactant is adsorbed on the substrate surface; and (c) exposing the substrate surface to plasma to drive a reaction between the first and second reactants adsorbed on the substrate surface to form the film.
US08728953B2
A method of processing a semiconductor workpiece includes placing a back surface of the workpiece on a workpiece support in a chamber so that the front surface of the workpiece faces into the chamber for processing, and the back surface is in fluid communication with a back region having an associated back gas pressure. The method further includes performing a workpiece processing step at a first chamber pressure Pc1 and a first back pressure Pb1, wherein Pc1 and Pb1 give rise to a pressure differential, Pb1−Pc1, and performing a workpiece cooling step at a second chamber pressure Pc2 and a second back pressure Pb2, wherein Pc2 and Pb2 are higher than Pc1 and Pb1, respectively.
US08728950B2
Disclosed are a coating method of forming a coating with a stable thickness from a coating solution with a low viscosity employing a slit-type die coater and an organic electroluminescence element prepared employing the coating method. The coating method employing a slit-type die coater comprises the steps of allowing a lip tip of the slit-type die coater to bring close to the substrate to form a coating solution bead between the lip tip and the substrate, and coating on the substrate a coating solution ejected from a slit outlet at the lip tip while relatively moving the slit-type die coater and the substrate, thereby forming at least two coating layers in the stripe shape, featured in that the lip tip has at least one groove in the coating region in the coating width direction, and a pressure at the slit outlet of the coating solution of the bead is negative or zero.
US08728944B2
Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to methods for removing contaminants and native oxides from substrate surfaces. The methods generally include exposing a substrate having an oxide layer thereon to an oxidizing source. The oxidizing source oxidizes an upper portion of the substrate beneath the oxide layer to form an oxide layer having an increased thickness. The oxide layer with the increased thickness is then removed to expose a clean surface of the substrate. The removal of the oxide layer generally includes removal of contaminants present in and on the oxide layer, especially those contaminants present at the interface of the oxide layer and the substrate. An epitaxial layer may then be formed on the clean surface of the substrate.
US08728941B2
Disclosed is a thin-film transistor (10) manufacturing method that includes a process for forming a nitrate film (12x) that includes residual nickel (22) on a surface thereof, by bringing a nitric acid solution into contact with a polysilicon layer (11x); and a process for removing the nitrate film (12x) that includes residual nickel (22) from the polysilicon layer (11x) surface. With this surface treatment process, a polysilicon layer (11) with reduced concentration of a surface residual nickel (22) is provided, and a thin-film transistor (10) having excellent surface smoothness is attained.
US08728940B2
Memory arrays and methods of forming the same are provided. One example method of forming a memory array can include forming a first conductive material having a looped feature using a self-aligning multiple patterning technique, and forming a first sealing material over the looped feature. A first chop mask material is formed over the first sealing material. The looped feature and the first sealing material are removed outside the first chop mask material.
US08728938B2
The present invention relates to a method for producing a modified surface of a substrate that stimulates the growth of epitaxial layers of group-III nitride semiconductors with substantially improved structural perfection and surface flatness. The modification is conducted outside or inside a growth reactor by exposing the substrate to a gas-product of the reaction between hydrogen chloride (HCl) and aluminum metal (Al). As a single-step or an essential part of the multi-step pretreatment procedure, the modification gains in coherent coordination between the substrate and group-III nitride epitaxial structure to be deposited. Along with epilayer, total epitaxial structure may include buffer inter-layer to accomplish precise substrate-epilayer coordination. While this modification is a powerful tool to make high-quality group-III nitride epitaxial layers attainable even on foreign substrates having polar, semipolar and nonpolar orientation, it remains gentle enough to keep the surface of the epilayer extremely smooth. Various embodiments are disclosed.
US08728937B2
For semiconductor chips using thin film technology, an active layer sequence is applied to a growth substrate, on which a reflective electrically conductive contact material layer is then formed. The active layer sequence is patterned to form active layer stacks, and reflective electrically conductive contact material layer is patterned to be located on each active layer stack. Then, a flexible, electrically conductive foil is applied to the contact material layers as an auxiliary carrier layer, and the growth substrate is removed.
US08728936B1
The present disclosure is directed to a method of manufacturing an interconnect structure in which a sacrificial layer is formed over a semiconductor substrate followed by etching of the sacrificial layer to form a first feature. The metal layer is patterned and etched to form a second feature, followed by deposition of a low-k dielectric material. The method allows for formation of an interconnect structure without encountering the various problems presented by porous low-k dielectric damage.
US08728933B1
A method of kerf formation and treatment for solar cells and semiconductor films and a system therefor are described. A semiconductor film is backed by a first metal layer and topped by a second metal layer. A reference feature is defined on the film. An ultraviolet laser beam is aligned to the reference feature. A kerf is cut along the reference feature, using the ultraviolet laser beam. The beam cuts through the second metal layer, through the film and through the first metal layer. Cutting leaves debris deposited on walls of the kerf. The debris is cleaned off of the walls, using an acid-based solvent. In the case of solar cells, respective first terminals of the solar cells are electrically isolated by the cleaned kerf, and respective negative terminals of the solar cells are electrically isolated by the cleaned kerf.
US08728922B2
A method for producing monocrystalline n-silicon solar cells having a rear-side passivated p+ emitter and rear-side, spatially separate heavily doped n++-base regions near the surface, as well as an interdigitated rear-side contact finger structure, which is in conductive connection with the p+-emitter regions and the n++-base regions. An aluminum thin layer or an aluminum-containing thin layer is first deposited on the rear side of the n-silicon wafer, and the thin layer is subsequently structured so that openings are obtained in the region of the future base contacts. In a further process step, the aluminum is then diffused into the n-silicon wafer in order to form a structured emitter layer.
US08728919B2
A non-volatile semiconductor storage device includes a plurality of memory strings each having a plurality of electrically rewritable memory cells connected in series. Each of the memory strings comprising: a first semiconductor layer including a columnar portion extending in a vertical direction with respect to a substrate; a plurality of first conductive layers formed to surround side surfaces of the columnar portions via insulation layers, and formed at a certain pitch in the vertical direction, the first conductive layers functioning as floating gates of the memory cells; and a plurality of second conductive layers formed to surround the first conductive layers via insulation layers, and functioning as control electrodes of the memory cells. Each of the first conductive layers has a length in the vertical direction that is shorter than a length in the vertical direction of each of the second conductive layers.
US08728910B2
To provide an olefinic expandable substrate and a dicing film that exhibits less contamination characteristics, high expandability without necking, which cannot be achieved by conventional olefinic expandable substrates. In order to achieve the object, an expandable film comprises a 1-butene-α-olefin copolymer (A) having a tensile modulus at 23° C. of 100 to 500 MPa and a propylenic elastomer composition (B) comprising a propylene-α-olefin copolymer (b1) and having a tensile modulus at 23° C. of 10 to 50 MPa, wherein the amount of the component (B) is 30 to 70 weight parts relative to 100 weight parts in total of components (A) and (B).
US08728899B2
Memory devices and methods of forming include a mixed valent oxide located between a first electrode and a second electrode. Implantation of a metal below a surface of one of the electrodes allows formation of the mixed valent oxide with a direct interface to the electrode. An intermetallic oxide can be subsequently formed between the mixed valent oxide and the electrode by annealing the structure.
US08728897B2
A power SiGe heterojunction bipolor transistor (HBT) with improved drive current by strain compensation and methods of manufacture are provided. A method includes adding carbon in a continuous steady concentration in layers of a device including a subcollector layer, a collector layer, a base buffer layer, a base layer, and an emitter buffer layer.
US08728894B2
A method for fabricating an NMOS transistor includes providing a substrate; forming a gate dielectric layer structure on the substrate and forming a gate electrode on the gate dielectric layer structure. The method further includes performing a fluorine ion implantation below the gate dielectric layer and an annealing process in an atmosphere comprising hydrogen or hydrogen plasma. The method also includes forming a source region and a drain region on both sides of the gate electrode before or after the fluorine ion implantation.
US08728892B2
A method of designing a standard cell includes determining a minimum fin pitch of semiconductor fins in the standard cell, wherein the semiconductor fins are portions of FinFETs; and determining a minimum metal pitch of metal lines in a bottom metal layer over the standard cell, wherein the minimum metal pitch is greater than the minimum fin pitch. The standard cell is placed in an integrated circuit and implemented on a semiconductor wafer.
US08728890B2
Fabricating a semiconductor device includes: forming a gate trench in an epitaxial layer overlaying a semiconductor substrate; depositing gate material in the gate trench; forming a body in the epitaxial layer, having a body top surface and a body bottom surface; forming a source; forming an active region contact trench that extends through the source and the body into the drain, wherein bottom surface of the active region contact trench is formed to include at least a portion that is shallower than the body bottom surface; and disposing a contact electrode within the active region contact trench.
US08728880B2
A graphene electronic device includes a graphene channel layer on a substrate, a source electrode on an end portion of the graphene channel layer and a drain electrode on another end portion of the graphene channel layer, a gate oxide on the graphene channel layer and between the source electrode and the drain electrode, and a gate electrode on the gate oxide. The gate oxide has substantially the same shape as the graphene channel layer between the source electrode and the drain electrode.
US08728873B2
In various embodiments, a method for filling a contact hole in a chip package arrangement is provided. The method may include introducing electrically conductive discrete particles into a contact hole of a chip package; and forming an electrical contact between the electrically conductive particles and a contact terminal of the front side and/or the back side of the chip.
US08728871B2
A chip package is disclosed. The package includes a carrier substrate, at least two semiconductor chips, a fill material layer, a protective layer, and a plurality of conductive bumps. The carrier substrate includes a grounding region. The semiconductor chips are disposed overlying the grounding region of the carrier substrate. Each semiconductor chip includes at least one signal pad and includes at least one grounding pad electrically connected to the grounding region. The fill material layer is formed overlying the carrier substrate and covers the semiconductor chips. The protective layer covers the fill material layer. The plurality of conductive bumps is disposed overlying the protective layer and is electrically connected to the semiconductor chips. A fabrication method of the chip package is also disclosed.
US08728866B2
A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device comprises: forming a circuit pattern and a first metal film on a first major surface of a body wafer; forming a through-hole penetrating the body wafer from a second major surface of the body wafer and reaching the first metal film; forming a second metal film on a part of the second major surface of the body wafer, on an inner wall of the through-hole, and on the first metal film exposed in the through-hole; forming a recess on a first major surface of a lid wafer; forming a third metal film on the first major surface of the lid wafer including inside the recess of the lid wafer; with the recess facing the circuit pattern, and the first metal film contacting the third metal film, joining the lid wafer to the body wafer; and dicing the joined body wafer and lid wafer along the through-hole.
US08728860B2
Electrical characteristics of transistors using an oxide semiconductor are greatly varied in a substrate, between substrates, and between lots, and the electrical characteristics are changed due to heat, bias, light, or the like in some cases. In view of the above, a semiconductor device using an oxide semiconductor with high reliability and small variation in electrical characteristics is manufactured. In a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device, hydrogen in a film and at an interface between films is removed in a transistor using an oxide semiconductor. In order to remove hydrogen at the interface between the films, the substrate is transferred under a vacuum between film formations. Further, as for a substrate having a surface exposed to the air, hydrogen on the surface of the substrate may be removed by heat treatment or plasma treatment.
US08728857B1
A photovoltaic solar cell for generating electricity from sunlight is disclosed. The photovoltaic solar cell comprises a plurality of spaced-apart point contact junctions formed in a semiconductor body to receive the sunlight and generate the electricity therefrom, the plurality of spaced-apart point contact junctions having a first plurality of regions having a first doping type and a second plurality of regions having a second doping type. In addition, the photovoltaic solar cell comprises a first electrical contact electrically connected to each of the first plurality of regions and a second electrical contact electrically connected to each of the second plurality of regions, as well as a passivation layer covering major surfaces and sidewalls of the photovoltaic solar cell.
US08728852B2
A solid-state imaging device which includes a pixel section, a peripheral circuit section, a first isolation region formed with a STI structure on a semiconductor substrate in the peripheral circuit section, and a second isolation region formed with the STI structure on the semiconductor substrate in the pixel section. The portion of the second isolation region buried into the semiconductor substrate is shallower than the portion buried into the semiconductor substrate of the first isolation region, and the height of the upper face of the second isolation region is equal to that of the first isolation region. A method of producing the solid-state imaging device and an electronic device provided with the solid-state imaging devices are also disclosed.
US08728851B2
A method of manufacturing a solar cell comprises the steps of: forming a lower conductor layer on a front side of a substrate; firing the lower conductor layer at a first temperature to form a first portion embedded into a doped region of the substrate and a second portion; forming an anti-reflection coating (ARC) layer on the front side and the second portion, wherein the ARC layer covers the lower conductor layer such that the second portion is disposed in the ARC layer; forming an upper conductor layer, corresponding to the lower conductor layer and electrically connected to the lower conductor layer, on the ARC layer; and firing the upper conductor layer at a second temperature to form a first portion embedded into the ARC layer and a second portion, which is exposed out of the ARC layer.
US08728846B2
A thermoelectric device is disclosed which includes metal thermal terminals protruding from a top surface of an IC, connected to vertical thermally conductive conduits made of interconnect elements of the IC. Lateral thermoelectric elements are connected to the vertical conduits at one end and heatsinked to the IC substrate at the other end. The lateral thermoelectric elements are thermally isolated by interconnect dielectric materials on the top side and field oxide on the bottom side. When operated in a generator mode, the metal thermal terminals are connected to a heat source and the IC substrate is connected to a heat sink. Thermal power flows through the vertical conduits to the lateral thermoelectric elements, which generate an electrical potential. The electrical potential may be applied to a component or circuit in the IC. The thermoelectric device may be integrated into an IC without adding fabrication cost or complexity.
US08728841B2
A nitride semiconductor light emitting device, and a method of manufacturing the same are disclosed. The nitride semiconductor light emitting device includes a substrate, an n-type nitride semiconductor layer disposed on the substrate and including a plurality of V-shaped pits in a top surface thereof, an active layer disposed on the n-type nitride semiconductor layer and including depressions conforming to the shape of the plurality of V-shaped pits, and a p-type nitride semiconductor layer disposed on the active layer and including a plurality of protrusions on a top surface thereof. Since the plurality of V-shaped pits are formed in the top surface of the n-type nitride semiconductor layer, the protrusions can be formed on the p-type nitride semiconductor layer as an in-situ process. Accordingly, the resistance to ESD, and light extraction efficiency are enhanced.
US08728839B2
Some embodiments include methods of forming memory cells. Programmable material may be formed directly adjacent another material. A dopant implant may be utilized to improve adherence of the programmable material to the other material by inducing bonding of the programmable material to the other material, and/or by scattering the programmable material and the other material across an interface between them. The memory cells may include first electrode material, first ovonic material, second electrode material, second ovonic material and third electrode material. The various electrode materials and ovonic materials may join to one another at boundary bands having ovonic materials embedded in electrode materials and vice versa; and having damage-producing implant species embedded therein. Some embodiments include ovonic material joining dielectric material along a boundary band, with the boundary band having ovonic material embedded in dielectric material and vice versa.
US08728833B2
An improved method for encapsulating LEDs in a polymer coat is described. A substrate houses an LED, and a polymer layer is brought into proximity with the substrate and LED. The polymer layer is melted over the substrate, encapsulating the LED onto the substrate.
US08728830B2
The present invention provides a manufacturing method of a magneto-resistive element capable of obtaining a higher MR ratio, in a method of forming a metal oxide layer (e.g., MgO layer) by oxidation treatment of a metal layer (e.g., Mg layer). An embodiment of the present invention includes the steps of; providing a substrate having a first ferromagnetic layer; fabricating a tunnel barrier layer on the first ferromagnetic layer; and forming a second ferromagnetic layer on the tunnel barrier layer. The step of fabricating the tunnel barrier layer includes; the steps of; depositing a first metal layer on the first ferromagnetic layer; oxidizing the first metal layer; depositing a second metal layer on the oxidized first metal layer; and performing heating treatment on the oxidized first metal layer and the second metal layer at a temperature at which the second metal layer boils.
US08728829B2
Compositions and methods for binding to assay substrata in a stable and protective manner, thereby enhancing assay performance, are provided. The compositions comprise lyotropic materials (for example, lyotropic liquid and/or liquid crystalline materials) and may contain macromolecular standards, markers or capture compounds. The compositions are capable of binding to assay substrata such as that of chips that are employed for MALDI and SELDI mass spectroscopy analyzes and plates that are used for ELISA type assays.
US08728828B2
The present invention relates to a separation matrix comprised of porous particles to which antibody-binding protein ligands have been immobilized, wherein the ligand density is in the range of 5.0-10 mg/ml; the gel phase distribution coefficient of the particles expressed as Kav for a dextran of size 110 kDa is above 0.65 and the median particle diameter is between 65-84 μm. The carbohydrate material is preferably highly cross-linked agarose.
US08728812B2
Certain embodiments disclosed herein are directed to a method of producing pancreatic cells or pancreatic cell precursors by exposing human embryonic stem cells to an effective amount of at least one compound listed in Table I to differentiate the human embryonic stem cells into the pancreatic cells or the pancreatic cell precursors. Kits and pancreatic cell lines produced using the methods are also described.
US08728799B2
An apparatus and a method for isolating histological sections produced with a microtome and a microtome are suggested. A previously and currently produced histological section are connected to form a section strip. In order to simplify isolating the previously and currently produced histological sections from each other a nozzle device is provided by means of which the histological sections when positioned on a blade holder are subjected to an air stream of adjusted direction and intensity so that the previously produced histological section of the section strip is separated from the currently produced histological section that is positioned on the blade holder and is removed from the blade holder.
US08728796B2
Methods, processes and materials for the production and recovery of Tiacumicins produced by culturing a microorganism belonging to the species Dactylosporangium aurantiacum subspecies hamdenensis having the ability to produce and accumulate one or more Tiacumicin in a nutrient medium comprising a carbon source, a nitrogen source, trace elements such as inorganic salts, and an adsorbent, wherein said nitrogen source comprises fish powder, and wherein said Tiacumicin is produced in a yield greater than about 50 mg/L broth.
US08728795B2
The present invention relates to the use of nucleic acid sequences for regulating the transcription and expression of genes, the novel promoters and expression units themselves, methods for altering or causing the transcription rate and/or expression rate of genes, expression cassettes comprising the expression units, genetically modified microorganisms with altered or caused transcription rate and/or expression rate, and methods for preparing biosynthetic products by cultivating the genetically modified microorganisms.
US08728792B2
The present invention provides a modified ethylenediamine-N,N′-disuccinate:ethylenediamine lyase. The present invention also provides a protein that comprises the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 1; or a protein that comprises an amino acid sequence derived from the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 1 by deletion, substitution, or addition of one or more amino acid residues, and has an ethylenediamine-N,N′-disuccinate:ethylenediamine lyase activity.
US08728788B1
The present invention relates to 3-hydroxypropionate dehydrogenase variants. The present invention also relates to polynucleotides encoding the variants; nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides; and methods of using the variants.
US08728781B2
The present invention provides novel endophytic yeast strains capable of metabolizing both pentose and hexose sugars. Methods of producing ethanol and xylitol using the novel endophytic yeast are provided herein. Also provided are methods of fixing nitrogen and fertilizing a crop using the novel endophytic yeast strains provided herein.
US08728774B2
There is disclosed a method for producing L-amino acid, for example L-threonine, L-lysine, L-histidine, L-phenylalanine, L-arginine or L-glutamic acid, using a bacterium of the Enterobacteriaceae family, wherein the bacterium has been modified to enhance an activity of D-xylose permease.
US08728773B2
Process for the production of at least one organic compound having at least 3 C atoms or having at least 2 C atoms and at least 1 N atom by fermentation. In particular, the process comprises milling a starch feedstock, thus obtaining a millbase which comprises at least part of the nonstarchy solid constituents of the starch feedstock; suspending the millbase in an aqueous liquid and liquefying the millbase present in the aqueous liquid in the presence of at least one starch-liquefying enzyme, obtaining an aqueous dextrin-containing medium (1) which comprises at least a part of the nonstarchy solid constituents of the starch feedstock; and using the aqueous dextrin-containing medium (1) in a fermentation for culturing a microorganism which is capable of overproducing the organic compound; wherein enzymes which hydrolyze the dextrins to monosaccharides are being added in an amount of less than 0.001% by weight based on the total weight of the starch feedstock employed, or not at all.
US08728770B2
A method for the enzymatic saccharification of a lignocellulosic raw material, including adding a pretreated lignocellulosic raw material as a material suitable for an enzymatic saccharification reaction, together with an electrolyte containing a water-soluble salt, to water that contains a celluolose saccharification enzyme; saccharifying the raw material by an enzymatic saccharification reaction, as a suspension of the raw material having an electrical conductivity adjusted to 5-25 mS/cm; separating and recovering a reaction product and an enzyme-containing solution from the enzymatically saccharified treatment suspension; and recycling the recovered enzyme-containing solution as the enzyme for the enzymatic saccharification step.
US08728766B2
Aspects of the present invention include methods and compositions for determining the number of individual polynucleotide molecules originating from the same genomic region of the same original sample that have been sequenced in a particular sequence analysis configuration or process. In these aspects of the invention, a degenerate base region (DBR) is attached to the starting polynucleotide molecules that are subsequently sequenced (e.g., after certain process steps are performed, e.g., amplification and/or enrichment). The number of different DBR sequences present in a sequencing run can be used to determine/estimate the number of different starting polynucleotides that have been sequenced. DBRs can be used to enhance numerous different nucleic acid sequence analysis applications, including allowing higher confidence allele call determinations in genotyping applications.
US08728765B2
The invention is directed to systems, methods, and apparatus for carrying out multi-stage amplification reactions, especially under fluidly closed conditions. In one aspect, methods of the invention are carried out in a fluidly closed reaction system that permits the isolation of a portion of a first (or prior) reaction mixture and its use as a sample or specimen in a second (or subsequent) reaction mixture, thereby substantially avoiding interfering effects that first reaction components may have in the second reaction if both reaction mixtures were simply combined together. In this aspect, systems, methods, and apparatus of the invention may be used with any amplification reaction that permits multiple stages of amplification based on the use of nested primers.
US08728763B2
The present invention relates to methods, primers and probes useful for detecting the presence of mutant BRAF sequences in a sample, specifically for detecting the presence of the BRAF V600E, V600D, V600K, and V600M mutations.
US08728756B2
Survival of, or axon regeneration in a lesioned mature central nervous system (CNS) neuron is promoted by (a) contacting the neuron with a therapeutically effective amount of an exogenous activator of protein translation; and (b) detecting the resultant promotion of the survival of, or axon regeneration in the neuron.
US08728749B2
The present disclosure relates to methods for detecting and measuring the activity of lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) in solution (e.g. serum, plasma, cell culture media, aqueous solution) with fluorescent sterol substrates. The present disclosure also relates to a method for evaluating efficacy of a therapeutic agent for stimulating LCAT and for determining endogenous LCAT activity in a patient. Also disclosed are kits that are used to carry out the aforementioned methods and methods.
US08728746B2
The invention relates to a salmonella selective enrichment medium containing tetrathionate or a salt thereof and at least one type of magnesium salt and to a method for detecting salmonella in a sample by using said selective enrichment medium.
US08728744B2
The present invention relates to the identification of novel oral cancer and periodontal disease biomarkers. Further, the present invention provides novel methods of diagnosing and for providing a prognosis for oral cancer and periodontal disease. The present invention additionally provides novel methods of distinguishing between oral cancer and periodontal disease. Finally, kits are provided that find use in the practice of the methods of the invention.
US08728735B2
RBC and platelet (Plt) alloimmunization requires antigen-matched blood to avoid adverse transfusion reactions. Some blood collection facilities use unregulated Abs to reduce the cost of mass screening, and later confirm the phenotype with government approved reagents. Alternatively, RBC and Plt antigens can be screened by virtue of their associated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). We developed a multiplex PCR-oligonucleotide extension assay using the GenomeLab SNPStream platform to genotype blood for a plurality of blood group antigen-associated SNPs, including but not limited to: RhD (2), RhC/c, RhE/e, S/s, K/k, Kpa/b, Fya/b, FY0, Jka/b, Dia/b, and HPA-1a/b.
US08728730B2
Methods of identifying, diagnosing, and prognosing rheumatoid arthritis are provided, as well as methods of treating rheumatoid arthritis. Also provided are methods for identifying effective rheumatoid arthritis therapeutic agents and predicting responsiveness to rheumatoid arthritis therapeutic agents.
US08728729B2
An apparatus and system are provided for simultaneously analyzing a plurality of analytes anchored to microparticles. Microparticles each having a uniform population of a single kind of analyte attached are disposed as a substantially immobilized planar array inside of a flow chamber where steps of an analytical process are carried out by delivering a sequence of processing reagents to the microparticles by a fluidic system under microprocessor control. In response to such process steps, an optical signal is generated at the surface of each microparticle which is characteristic of the interaction between the analyte carried by the microparticle and the delivered processing reagent. The plurality of analytes are simultaneously analyzed by collecting and recording images of the optical signals generated by all the microparticles in the planar array. A key feature of the invention is the correlation of the sequence of optical signals generated by each microparticle in the planar array during the analytical process.
US08728723B2
The invention relates to a method for detecting, in vitro, an infection with a microorganism, such as the hepatitis C virus, in a biological sample, by simultaneously detecting an antigen of this microorganism and the antibodies against this same antigen, and also to the reagents and kits implementing this method.
US08728720B2
Methods of producing a nanostructure in a target film are provided. The method includes selectively irradiating at least one focusing element of a near-field focusing array that is in near-field focusing relationship with a target film in a manner sufficient to produce a nanostructure from the target film. Also provided are systems for practicing methods of the invention, as well as objects produced thereby.
US08728715B2
A method of forming a patterned photoresist layer having a hydrophobic surface is provided. The method includes forming a photoresist layer on a substrate and image patterning. The photoresist layer may comprise a polymeric material. The imaged photoresist layer may then undergo a two-stage post-exposure bake. A surface treatment may be performed on the photoresist layer in between the two-stage post-exposure bake. The surface treatment may include applying a siloxane solution on a partially post-exposure baked photoresist layer. The post-exposure baked photoresist layer may then be developed to form the patterned photoresist layer. The method may be used to form a hydrophobic photoimageable nozzle plate of a micro-fluid ejection head having improved mechanical properties and stable hydrophobic properties.
US08728698B2
The present invention is to provide a carrier and a developer, which have fewer occurrences of carrier adhesion and background smear, excellent granularity and longer durability. The carrier comprises the core material particles having magnetism and resin coating layer covering the core material particles, and wherein the weight average particle diameters is in the range of 22 m to 32 m, the proportion of the weight average particle diameters relative to the number average particle diameter is in the range of 1.00 to 1.20, the content of particles having a diameter of 20 m or smaller is 7% by mass, the content of carrier particles having a diameter of 36 m or smaller is in the range of 90% by mass to 100% by mass, and the proportion of the particle density of the core material particles is in the range of 85% to 100% of the true density of the core material particles.
US08728695B2
An electrostatic charge image developing toner includes toner particles containing a colorant, a binder resin, and a release agent; and an external additive, wherein the external additive contains inorganic particles which include a compound represented by Formula (1) below on the surfaces thereof: wherein in Formula (1), R1 and R8 each independently represents an alkyl group, R2 to R7 each independently represents an alkyl group or a substituted or unsubstituted phenyl group, and at least three groups of R2 to R7 each independently represents a substituted or unsubstituted phenyl group.
US08728681B2
The present invention relates to an inorganic ion conductive membrane, which is capable of obtaining a fuel cell with a stable operation in all temperature, high performance, and no leakage of fuels by manufacturing the inorganic ion conductive membrane, composed of an inorganic membrane, using an anodic oxidization reaction and applying the manufactured inorganic ion conductive membrane to the fuel cell, a fuel cell including the inorganic ion conductive membrane, and a method of manufacturing the inorganic ion conductive membrane and the fuel cell. The method of manufacturing the inorganic ion conductive membrane includes the steps of (a) disposing a conductive wire, made of the same materials as a metal tube, within the metal tube, supplying an anode current to the conductive wire, and supplying a cathode current to the metal tube and (b) applying an electrolyte to the metal tube and the conductive wire, thereby forming an inorganic membrane comprising a plurality of pores in at least some of an inside wall and outside wall of the metal tube to which the cathode current has been supplied.
US08728671B1
A positive electrode may include an electrically conductive scaffold, conductive catalytic A-site deficient perovskite particles chemically bonded to the scaffold, an ion and gas permeable ionomer connecting the particles, and a hydrophobic porous layer on the scaffold. A secondary air electrode may include conductive bi-functional catalytic A-site deficient perovskite particles including AI-site lanthanum cations and AII-site alkaline earth metal cations, an ion and gas permeable ionomer connecting the particles, and a conductive scaffold in electrical contact with the particles.
US08728660B2
An anode which can improve contact characteristics between an active material layer and anode lead and can prevent electrical resistance from increasing, a method of manufacturing the anode, and a battery including the anode are provided. An active material layer containing silicon as an element is provided on a current collector. An anode lead is bonded to the active material layer. At least part of a bond region between the anode lead and the active material layer is made of copper or an alloy containing copper. Thereby, the electrical resistance can be prevented from being increased even though the anode lead is bonded to the active material layer. The anode lead may be made of copper or an alloy containing copper. Otherwise, coating layer made of copper or an alloy containing copper may be provided on the surface of a base.
US08728654B2
An electrode is provided with a metal terminal extending from a battery module main body, a bolt which has an expanded section configuring a retaining section at a rear end portion and penetrates the metal terminal upward, and an insulating body which insulates the metal terminal and the battery module case one from the other. The insulating body is provided with a drop preventing section which abuts at least a lower surface of the expanded section of the bolt and prevents the bolt from dropping from the metal terminal.
US08728651B2
A valve regulated lead-acid (VRLA) battery having a plurality of stacked, interconnected spiral-wound cells. Each cell has a length (L) less than a diameter (D) and each cell has a non-conductive case containing spiral-wound positive and negative plates, a separator between the plates, an acidic electrolyte, and a positive post and a negative post disposed through the case for electrical connection to an adjacent cell in series.
US08728640B2
A battery pack and a method of fabricating the same. The battery pack includes a bare cell including an electrode terminal, a protection circuit board electrically connected to the bare cell, the protection circuit board including a plurality of metal tabs arranged at opposite ends thereof, and a case surrounding the protection circuit board, the case being perforated by a plurality of first apertures arranged at locations that correspond to ones of the plurality of metal tabs. The method includes arranging a bare cell having a cap plate and an electrode terminal passing through a terminal aperture in the cap plate, electrically connecting a protection circuit board to the bare cell, the protection circuit board having metal tabs arranged at both ends thereof and arranging a case to surround the protection circuit board, the case being perforated by a plurality of first apertures that are arranged at locations that correspond to ones of the metal tabs.
US08728634B2
A transparency includes a substrate having a first major surface and a second major surface. A first coating is provided over at least a portion of the first major surface, the first coating including one or more metal oxide layers. A second coating is provided over at least a portion of the second major surface, the second coating including one or more metallic layers.
US08728629B2
A connector terminal, fabricated from a metallic material for connector which material has a tin or tin alloy layer, formed on a copper or copper alloy base material, wherein the thickness of the tin or tin alloy layer at a contact site on the surface of the terminal is smaller than the thickness of the tin or tin alloy layer in the areas other than the contact site, and a copper-tin alloy layer is formed as an under layer of the tin or tin alloy layer at the contact site; and a connector terminal, fabricated from a metallic material for connector which material has a copper or copper alloy base material, wherein a copper-tin alloy layer is formed in a spot shape at a contact site on the surface of the terminal, and a tin or tin alloy layer is formed in the remaining areas on the surface.
US08728627B2
There is provided a manufacturing method of an aluminum structure, including a conductive treatment process of forming an electrically conductive layer on a surface of a resin molded body, the electrically conductive layer being made of one or more metals selected from the group consisting of gold, silver, platinum, rhodium, ruthenium, palladium, nickel, copper, cobalt, iron, and aluminum, and a plating process of plating the resin molded body subjected to the conductive treatment process with aluminum in a molten salt bath. The manufacturing method of an aluminum structure allows aluminum plating on the surface of even a porous resin molded body having a three-dimensional network structure. In particular, there is also provided a manufacturing method of an aluminum structure that can form porous aluminum having a large area.
US08728614B2
Disclosed is a backside protective film (1) for a solar cell, which sequentially has a first resin layer (11), a second resin layer (12) and a third resin layer (13). Both the first resin layer and second resin layer include a rubber containing reinforced aromatic vinyl-based resin having a maximum glass transition temperature of 90-120° C. and have a thickness of 10-300 μm. The first resin layer includes an infrared transmissible coloring agent, while the second resin layer includes a white-based coloring agent. The third resin layer includes a saturated polyester resin and has a thickness of 10-300 μm. The third resin layer has a dimension change ratio between before and after the film is left to stand still at a temperature of 135° C. for 30 minutes of ±0.5% or less.
US08728613B2
An identification document which includes anti-counterfeiting features to provide tamper evidence in response to counterfeiting attempts includes an image receiving area having one or more fixed or variable items of information. In one embodiment, a pattern of material is embedded into the image receiving layer in the vicinity of the one or more fixed or variable items of information in a predetermined configuration. The embedded pattern is comprised of a solvent insoluble material such that attempted delamination of the document using solvents results in visually detectable tampering.
US08728612B2
With a white image where the dryness factor is 40% to 80%, since drying has appropriately progressed, it becomes difficult for the white image and color ink to mix, and in addition, it is possible to suppress wetting and spreading of the color ink when a color image is recorded using an ink jet method with color ink which contains a colorant. Accordingly, it is possible to obtain an ink jet recording method where deterioration in image quality is suppressed.
US08728606B2
A circuit package for housing semiconductor or other integrated circuit devices (“die”) includes a high-copper flange, one or more high-copper leads and a liquid crystal polymer frame molded to the flange and the leads. The flange includes a dovetail-shaped groove or other frame retention feature that mechanically interlocks with the molded frame. During molding, a portion of the frame forms a key that freezes in or around the frame retention feature. The leads include one or more lead retention features to mechanically interlock with the frame. During molding, a portion of the frame freezes in or adjacent these lead retention features. The frame includes compounds to prevent moisture infiltration and match its coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) to the CTE of the leads and flange. The is frame is formulated to withstand die-attach temperatures. A lid is ultrasonically welded to the frame after a die is attached to the flange.
US08728603B2
A floor panel in the form of a multilayer, rectangular laminate with a soft core (10) of plastic, a décor film (12) on the upper side of the core (10), a transparent finishing layer (14) and a transparent lacquer layer (16) applied on the finishing layer (16), as well as a back-pull layer (18) on the back of the core (10), with a lockable tongue and groove connection at least at two mutually opposite edges of the panel (20, 22).
US08728602B2
Adhesive systems may be fabricated to include first and second solid adhesion structures. The first adhesion structure may require an applied normal preload force to achieve adhesion to a surface. The second solid adhesion structure may be separate from but joined to the first adhesion structure such that both adhesion structures are jointly adherable to the surface upon application of the normal preload force.
US08728599B2
This disclosure details methods and techniques for inhibiting natural gas hydrate formation in gas conduits. In one embodiment, an article is provided which comprises (a) a gas conduit defining a gas flow channel; (b) an interior surface of the gas conduit; (c) a hydrate inhibiting coating on the interior surface, wherein the coating comprises: (i) component A, a one- or two-part room temperature vulcanizable polyorganosiloxane composition comprising a surface-treated filler, a condensation catalyst, and a crosslinking agent; and any reaction products thereof; and optionally (ii) component B, a hydrate release-enhancing proportion of at least one polyorganosiloxane comprising one or more silanol or alkoxy-silyl groups and comprising from about 10 weight percent to about 85 weight percent of at least one hydroxy-terminated or alkoxy-terminated polyoxyalkylenealkyl radical; and optionally (iii) any reaction products thereof.
US08728597B2
A system comprising first and second fire-resistant parts for at least temporary fire-resistant sealing of an opening in a wall in which at least one transport device, such as a cable, conduit or tube, has been fed through or will be fed through. The first and second parts are each at least partly placeable in the opening. The first parts are designed to at least partly envelop the transport device and the second parts are designed to be placed between the first parts and/or between the first parts and an inner wall of the opening for the purpose of at least virtually completely sealing the opening. The first parts are substantially manufactured from a fire-resistant rubber. The second parts are manufactured from a fire-resistant material based on an elastomeric foam with a substantially closed cell structure. The foam includes at least one crust-forming, fire-retardant material.
US08728591B2
Disclosed is a polymer film excellent in performance of inducing Rth. The polymer film comprises at least one species of a compound represented by the formula (I) and a compound represented by the formula (I′):
US08728585B2
To provide a method for enhancing adhesion of a thin film, and a method for enhancing adhesion of a thin film provided with a surface function caused by the shape. Adhesion of a thin film can be enhanced by irradiating the surface of a parent material with a laser beam at a fluence in the vicinity of the machining threshold, scanning the irradiated part while overlapping to form a grating structure, and then forming a solid thin film in the grating structure. When the grating structure formed on the parent material is left on the solid thin film, adhesion of the thin film is enhanced and surface functions, e.g. reduction of friction and wear caused by the shape, suppression of adhesion of fine particles, and cell sensibility, can be exhibited in conjunction with the function of the solid thin film.
US08728575B2
A method for synthesizing a thin film, the method containing the steps of: (a) providing a substrate support assembly containing at least two selectively interdigitable substrate support fixtures; (b) loading a substrate for thin film synthesis onto said at least two fixtures; (c) interdigitating said at least two fixtures; (d) positioning said at least two fixtures in a reaction chamber and forming a thin film on a surface of the substrate; and (e) unloading the substrate from said at least two fixtures.
US08728568B2
The presently disclosed subject matter is directed to method for forming an encapsulant and coating electronic components such as those utilized in AMR technology with the encapsulant. The encapsulant comprises a wax, a tackifier, a polymer, a plasticizer, a thixotropic agent, and an antioxidant and is designed to protect electronic components from harsh environments such as those where high levels of humidity or corrosive liquids may be present. For example, the encapsulant exhibits minimal percent weight gain due to moisture vapor when subjected to temperatures ranging from about −40° C. to about 70° C. and relative humidities ranging from 0% to 85% over a period of 200 days.
US08728563B2
A method of manufacturing an endoluminal implantable surface, stent, or graft includes the steps of providing an endoluminal implantable surface, stent, or graft having an inner wall surface, an outer wall surface, and a wall thickness and forming a pattern design into the endoluminal implantable surface, stent, or graft. At least one groove is created in the inner surface of the intravascular stent by applying a laser machining method to the inner surface.
US08728561B2
Novel film compositions are described for use in the processing of meat products, particularly as sausage casings and wrappers for hams and other cured meat products. By combining gelatin and other hydrocolloid film forming polymer materials, edible film compositions are achieved by solution casting which exhibit superior and desirable properties for adhering to the meat product and presenting a shining, appealing surface.
US08728560B2
The invention relates to granulated pea protein composition characterized in that the protein content expressed in terms of a dry substance ranges from 70 to 95% by dry weight, preferably from 70 to 90% by dry weight, more preferably from 80 to 85% by dry weight, a mean diameter ranges from 150 to 300 μm, a compressibility value determined by the HOSOKAWA method ranges from 5 to 15%, preferably from 8 to 13% and a tamped density determined by the HOSOKAWA method ranges from 0.450 and 0.650 g/ml, preferably from 0.550 and 0.650 g/ml. The method for producing said granulated pea protein composition, the use thereof in the form of a raw material for producing textured pea proteins and the thus obtainable textured pea proteins are also disclosed.
US08728552B2
A process of preparing a hydrolysate of an edible solid substrate is provided. The edible solid substrate may be of animal or plant origin including edible animal meat, fish meat, shellfish meat or an edible plant or a combination thereof. The process includes preparing a fermented koji from a protein containing material and a carbohydrate, mixing the fermented koji with a selected edible solid substrate to form a mixture and hydrolysing the mixture in an environment with less than 2% salt content, preferably in a substantially salt-free condition. In another embodiment, the fermented koji may be prepared from an edible solid substrate itself. The hydrolysate may be further subjected to a moromi fermentation stage to obtain a food composition. Alternatively, a culture of a lactic acid bacteria may be inoculated to the mixture prior to the hydrolysis, which therefore eliminates the moromi fermentation and accelerated the process.
US08728549B2
Provided are skin treatment compositions comprising an Oenothera biennis oil in an amount of about 1% v/v to about 30% v/v, a vitamin B12 in an amount of about 0.07% m/v to about 1.0% m/v, and a vitamin E in an amount of about 4% m/v to about 12% m/v. Also provided are methods for treating eczema in a mammal through the application of the skin treatment compositions to an area on the mammal's skin that contains one or more signs of eczema.
US08728547B2
The invention provides methods for increasing resting metabolic rate, reducing waist circumference, and weight control by administering a composition comprising dietary fiber, phenylalanine, tyrosine, tea blend, caffeine, and Lycium plants or Lycium plant extract preparations to the subject. The invention also provides a food or dietary supplement formulation which contains dietary fiber, phenylalanine, tyrosine, tea blend, caffeine, and Lycium plants or Lycium plant extract preparations.
US08728544B1
A process, product, and product by process related to sonic welding, for quickly, compressing, shaping, and decarboxylating cannabinoids; preferably from Cannabis; for oral ingestion without using any liquids or solvents; such process breaks down the Cannabis plant's cellulosic structure; increasing oil extraction; while compaction decreases transportation and storage costs, making the end product desirable as an additional ingredient in other edibles.
US08728543B2
The teachings provided herein generally relate to the preparation and uses of compositions comprising extracts of Astragalus membranaceus. The extracts are prepared from Astragalus membranaceus and can comprise, for example, an acid-modified arabinogalactan protein composition having an arabinose:galactose ratio ranging from about 3.5:1 to about 5.0:1, from about 5% to about 10% rhamnose, from about 15% to about 20% galactose, and from about 10% to about 15% glucose. The compositions can be used in the treatment of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura and the formulation of medicaments for such treatments.
US08728525B2
The present disclosure relates to compositions of methods of making and compositions small compositions of particles of an active agent. In accordance with the method of production, the active agent is dissolved in an aqueous or aqueous-miscible solvent containing a dissolved phase-separation enhancing agent (PSEA) to form a solution in a single liquid phase. The solution is subjected to a liquid-solid phase separation to cause the active agent to form small spherical particles that are substantially amorphous or non-crystalline and are injectable through fine bore needles at high concentrations. The particles exhibit the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamnic properties of the active agent. The disclosure has special application for higher molecular weight proteins such as antibodies.
US08728519B2
The present invention relates to soft gelatin capsules characterized in that the shell includes a cyclodextrin and in that the filling material contains a liposoluble drug capable of forming a complex with said cyclodextrin for improving the solubility of the active ingredient upon disintegration of the soft gelatin capsule.
US08728510B1
A biocompatible carrier for delivery of a therapeutic substance or an active agent is disclosed. The carrier contains a bioadhesive material allowing for increased residence time of the active agent at the treatment site.
US08728504B2
A process for solubilizing hydrophobic active ingredients in aqueous medium, which comprises using, as an assistant, at least one hyperbranched polymer (A) which is obtainable by reacting at least one hyperbranched polymeric compound having at least one primary or secondary amino group per molecule (a), selected from (a1) hyperbranched polyamides and (a2) hyperbranched polyureas, with (b) at least one mono-, di- or oligosaccharide.
US08728493B2
Provided herein are water-soluble polymer conjugates and polymer-based compositions of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Also provided are methods for synthesizing and administering such conjugates and compositions.
US08728478B2
The present invention relates to methods and compositions for the treatment and prevention of diarrhea and diarrheal related diseases and disorders in both animals and humans. In some embodiments, the invention relates to the treatment of said diarrhea and diarrheal related diseases and disorders with a vaccine. In still further embodiments, the invention relates to the treatment of constipation using the disclosed methods and compositions.
US08728477B2
The present invention is directed to monoclonal, chimeric or humanized, antibodies or antibody-like molecules that recognize an epitope common to human acidic and basic isoferritins. The anti-ferritin antibodies or antibody-like molecules can be used in pharmaceutical compositions for immunotherapy or radioimmunotherapy to target various cancer cells in a mammal. A method for delivering anti-ferritin antibodies or antibody-like molecules to cancerous lymph cells, pancreatic cells, lymphatic endothelium cells, and liver cells is also disclosed, as well as methods for treating pancreatic cancer, hepatocellular carcinomas, Kaposi's sarcoma and Hodgkin's lymphoma.
US08728476B2
The invention relates to the field of molecular medicine. In particular, it relates to compositions and methods to enhance the clearance of aberrant cells, e.g. cancer cells or virus-infected cells, by the host's immune system. Provided is a composition comprising (i) a therapeutic compound that can trigger a host's immune effector cells against an aberrant cell, such as a therapeutic antibody, and (ii) at least one agent capable of reducing or preventing inhibitory signal transduction initiated via SIRPalpha.
US08728475B2
Methods of treating inflammatory disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis, by modulating TWEAK and TNF-α are disclosed, as are other methods.
US08728474B2
Compositions for cancer or infection treatment via immunopotentiation caused by inhibition of immunosuppressive signal induced by PD-1, PD-L1, or PD-L2 and therapies using them, immunopotentiative substrates included as the active ingredient, screening methods of the substrates for cancer or infection treatment, cell lines used for the screening methods, evaluation methods that select the substrates for cancer treatment, and carcinoma cell transplanted mammals used for the evaluation methods. The compositions of the present invention that inhibits the function of PD-1, PD-L1, or PD-L2 are useful for treatment of cancer or infection.
US08728464B2
Nanostructures such as nanowires, nanosprings, nanorods, and nanoparticles, when maintained in contact with a source of bone cells, enhance the proliferation of the bone cells and integration bone into the nanostructures. The nanostructures may or may not be coated with a metal or metal oxide coating and preferably are textured. Such coated or non-coated nanostructures may be utilized on the surface of bone implants to enhance osseointegration of the implants.
US08728462B2
Antimicrobial compositions comprising one or more compound components generally recognized as safe for human consumption, and related methods of use, such compositions and methods as can be employed in a wide range of agricultural, industrial, building, pharmaceutical and/or personal care products and applications.
US08728461B2
A novel lactic acid bacterium strain is found, which has a high IgA production-inducing ability and a high immunostimulating activity, and belongs to the genus Enterococcus. Thus, provided is an excellent lactic acid bacterium preparation for foods or feeds, which has a high enteric colonization rate. Specifically disclosed are: a novel lactic acid bacterium Enterococcus faecium NHRD IHARA (FERM BP-11090) which has a high IgA production-inducing ability and a high immunostimulating activity; and a lactic acid bacterium preparation for enhancing the production of immunoglobulin A, which comprises a culture of the bacterium strain, an extract of the bacterium strain, or a product of any treatment of cells of the bacterium strain.
US08728451B2
The disclosure provides styling cosmetic compositions comprising, in a cosmetically acceptable medium predominantly comprising water, at least one pseudo-block polymer, cosmetic treatment processes for shaping and/or holding the hairstyle employing the cosmetic compositions and also to uses of the cosmetic compositions for obtaining shaping of the hair that is persistent over time and shaping of the hair that is moisture-resistant.
US08728446B2
An oral hygiene tablet or capsule for direct oral delivery of active ingredients to humans and animals is provided composed of a tablet or capsule having an outer shell and inner cavity containing an active ingredient. Active ingredients contained and delivered by the oral hygiene tablet include mouthwash, toothpaste, medicament, mouth soothing and numbing agents, fluoride rinse, joint preserving agents, vitamins and herbal supplements. Other ingredients, such as flavor enhancers, scents, colorings and sugars may be included in the composition of the tablet or capsule. Delivery of the supplement ingredients is effectuated by simply placing the tablet into the mouth and allowing saliva to cause the outer shell to dissolve. The dissolution process can be accelerated by biting of the tablet/capsule and breaking it into smaller particles and/or by drinking water when the tablet is inserted into the mouth.
US08728437B2
A sulfate process for producing titania from a titaniferous material (as herein defined) including a step of leaching said titaniferous material with a leachant to form a process solution that includes an acidic solution of titanyl sulfate and iron sulfate, wherein said sulfate process further includes a filtration step comprising filtering said leachant to at least substantially remove titanyl sulfate particles from said leachant prior to supplying said leachant to said leach step.
US08728436B2
A cathode active material represented by the formula, LiFexPO4/C, wherein 0.9≦x<1, preferably 0.96≦x<1, which was obtained from carbon pre-coated off-stoichiometric FexPO4, wherein 0.9≦x<1, preferably 0.96≦x<1. The materials may be double-carbon-coated particles obtained by carbon coating a mixture of a lithium component and FexPO4/C sub-particles, wherein the FexPO4/C sub-particles may be obtained by carbon coating FexPO4.
US08728431B2
A method for preparing carbon nanotubes including attaching a catalyst consisting of a compound in which a transition metal element of Group 8, 9 or 10 is coordinated to a nitrogen-containing dendrimer compound having at least one nitrogen atom, to which a metal element may be coordinated, on a surface of a substrate, and thermally decomposing a carbon compound in the vicinity of the substrate while supplying the carbon compound on the surface of the substrate to which the catalyst is attached. The catalyst for producing the carbon nanotubes is a compound in which a transition metal element of Group 8, 9 or 10 is coordinated to a nitrogen-containing dendrimer compound having at least one nitrogen atom to which a metal element may be coordinated.
US08728429B2
In certain implementations, a method of manufacturing electrically conductive nanodiamond particles involves providing at least one type of carbon-containing explosive material and at least one type of non-explosive material; wherein the non-explosive material contains at least one or more than one element or species other than nitrogen that serve as a nanodiamond dopant; mixing the carbon containing explosive material with the non-explosive material; detonating the mixture under conditions of negative oxygen balance in the presence of a cooling medium; purifying the product of detonation from incombustible impurities; and carrying out additional processing for activation or enhancement of electrical conductance. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.
US08728417B2
The present invention describes a steam reforming furnace for the production of hydrogen, which employs a set of porous burners interposed between the tubes to be heated, improving compactness of the furnace.
US08728410B2
A device and method are provided for facilitating extraction of a fraction from a biological sample. The biological sample includes non-desired material and a fraction-bound solid phase substrate. The device includes an input zone for receiving the biological sample therein and a phase-gate zone for receiving an isolation buffer therein. An output zone receives a reagent therein. A force is movable between a first position adjacent the input zone and a second position adjacent the output zone. The force urges the fraction-bound solid phase substrate from the input zone, through the phase-gate zone and into the output zone.
US08728407B2
A holding device disposed in a bio-detecting instrument for holding a test strip is provided, wherein the holding device comprises a first casing, a second casing, an ejecting member, and an elastic member. The second casing is assembled with the first casing to form an accommodating space, wherein the sensing terminals are extended into the accommodating space. The ejecting member comprises a push rod configured to be reciprocated in the accommodating space. The elastic member is configured to be compressed by driving the ejecting member to an ejecting position, where the push rod enters the accommodating space and is adapted to push the test strip outward without being contact with the sensing terminals, and the elastic member is configured to be released by drawing the push rod back from the accommodating space to an initial position.
US08728403B2
The device described in the present invention can trap plugging particles contained in the liquid feed supplying a reactor functioning in gas and liquid co-current down-flow mode using a specific distributor tray comprising a filtration medium. The present device is of particular application to the selective hydrogenation of feeds containing acetylenic and dienic compounds.
US08728393B2
An apparatus and a method of sterilizing inner walls of containers, wherein the apparatus has at least one electron beam emitter with at least one electron beam accelerator and an outlet window for the electron beams, a conveying device for conveying the containers to be sterilized and a reciprocating device for permitting a relative movement between the containers and the outlet window in a longitudinal direction of the containers. A reflector apparatus is connected to the electron beam emitter in a positively locking and/or friction locking manner at least locally in a region of the outlet window and is capable of being introduced at least locally during a defined period of time into an interior space of the container to be sterilized, in order to apply the electron beams to the inner walls of the container.
US08728388B2
A method is provided that includes depositing metal powder over a seed crystal having a predetermined primary orientation, scanning an initial pattern into the metal powder to melt or sinter the deposited metal powder, and re-scanning the initial pattern to re-melt the scanned metal powder and form an initial layer having the predetermined primary orientation. The method further includes depositing additional metal powder over the initial layer, scanning an additional pattern into the additional metal powder to melt or sinter at least a portion of the additional metal powder, re-scanning the additional pattern to re-melt a portion of the initial layer and the scanned deposited additional metal powder to form a successive layer having the predetermined primary orientation, and repeating the steps of depositing additional metal powder, scanning the additional pattern, and re-scanning the additional pattern, until a final shape of the component is achieved.
US08728385B2
Metallurgical reactors having cooling capability and electrode feed capability are disclosed. The reactors may include a shell having a sidewall and a bottom, where the shell is adapted to contain a molten material. The reactors may include at least one consumable electrode protruding through an opening of the shell and into the molten material. The reactors may include a current contact clamp configured to conduct operating current to the electrode, where the current clamp is in contact with the electrode, and where the current clamp comprises at least one internal channel, wherein the internal channel is configured to circulate a cooling medium. The reactors may include an electric isolation ring disposed between the electrode and the opening of the shell, wherein the electric isolation ring is configured to sealingly engage the electrode and the opening so as to restrict flow of the molten material out of the shell.
US08728362B2
The present invention relates to a method for producing plastic profiles having a foam core in a coextrusion method, a material which can be foamed being co-extruded into the cavity of a plastic hollow profile, in particular in the solid state, and foamed therein. The method according to the invention is suitable in particular for the production of sash and frame profiles of windows.
US08728351B2
The present invention provides a conductive polymer solution capable of forming a conductive coating film having both superior preservation stability and water resistance. The conductive polymer solution of the present invention includes a π-conjugated conductive polymer, a polyanion, a compound having oxetane ring and a solvent; wherein, the amount of the compound having oxetane ring is within the range of 1 to 500% by mass based on a value of 100% by mass for the total amount of then-conjugated conductive polymer and the polyanion.
US08728348B2
Ways of applying microwaves to feedstock to be processed are disclosed. One embodiment relates to heating inter-layer water in vermiculite to expand the vermiculite. Another embodiment relates to heating water in oil-contaminated materials and waste products, such as drilling cuttings, contaminated soils and certain types of animal by-products, to drive out oil. In some embodiments a microwave tunnel applicator has the microwaves applied from beneath the feedstock.
US08728329B2
A method filters particles from small volumes of fluid in a tubular vial having an open top and closed bottom with a tubular plunger sliding in the vial to force fluid through a filter at the end of the plunger and into a cavity in the plunger. The filter is held by a cap placed over the end of the plunger. The vial's bottom has an upward extending protrusion mating with a conforming recess in the cap to direct fluid to the protraction and filter as the cap abuts the bottom of the vial. Channels in the bottom help direct fluid flow.
US08728328B2
A method of removing suspended solids from a gasification process water stream includes, in an exemplary embodiment, providing a gasification process water stream containing process derived suspended solids, settling at least a portion of the suspended solids from the process water stream in a settling apparatus, providing a filter apparatus having a plurality of filter elements, and removing a portion of the settled solids from the settling apparatus. The method also includes precoating the filter elements with the settled solids removed from the settling apparatus, directing a portion of the process water stream from the settling apparatus to the filter apparatus, and filtering the portion of the process water stream directed from the settling apparatus through the precoated filter elements to remove suspended solids particles to form a filtrate.
US08728324B2
Water soluble or water dispersible terpolymers are employed in high pressure steam generating systems to control deposit formation and contaminant transport in the aqueous medium in such systems. The terpolymer may comprise repeat units formed from acrylic acid, allylalkoxylated ethers, and allylhydroxylated alkyl ether.
US08728322B2
The present invention relates to a process for the purification of water, wherein a surface-reacted natural calcium carbonate is brought into contact with the water to be purified, the surface-reacted natural calcium carbonate being the reaction product of a natural calcium carbonate with an acid and carbon dioxide, which is formed in situ by the acid treatment and/or supplied externally.
US08728312B2
Disclosed are a method and an apparatus for filtering plasma using magnetic force. The apparatus for filtering plasma using magnetic force includes: an inlet into which blood is injected; a filter unit filtering plasma in the blood passing through the inlet by capillary force; a magnetic force receiving part made of magnetizable materials and assisting plasma filtering by applying pressure to the filter unit by movement due to magnetic force generated from the outside; an outlet discharging plasma filtered from blood; and a filter outer body surrounding the inlet, the filter unit, the magnetic receiving part, and the outlet.
US08728311B2
Magnetic handling structure comprising a retractable magnet and a probe for the manipulation of magnetic particles in biological samples and methods of handling magnetic particles in biological samples.
US08728298B2
A test method for the ketone number of an animal specimen is characterized in that a test parameter datasheet is set up by data modeling. Then a specimen from tested animal body is obtained. Next, the specimen is dripped onto the sensing end of an electrochemical test specimen, and an electrochemical tester is prepared. A test value correction procedure is built into or input to the electrochemical tester. With a parameter adjustment mode, the operational parameters of test value correction procedure unique to the electrochemical tester could be adjusted for adapting to the test mode of the species of tested animals. The sensing end of the electrochemical test specimen is inserted into the measurement slot of the electrochemical tester, so the ketone number of the specimen is displayed by the electrochemical tester.
US08728290B1
Disclosed is a novel microfluidic device enabling on-chip implementation of a two-dimensional separation methodology. Previously disclosed microscale immobilized pH gradients (IPG) are combined with perpendicular polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) microchannels to achieve orthogonal separations of biological samples. Device modifications enable inclusion of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) in the second dimension. The device can be fabricated to use either continuous IPG gels, or the microscale isoelectric fractionation membranes we have also previously disclosed, for the first dimension. The invention represents the first all-gel two-dimensional separation microdevice, with significantly higher resolution power over existing devices.
US08728274B2
The present invention relates to a method of treating an aqueous suspension of bleached pulp derived from an alkaline pulping process comprising dewatering and drying said suspension, wherein the pH of the suspension to be treated ranges from about 6.5 to about 12.
US08728264B2
Disclosed is a method for producing a hemocompatible article. A non-thermally stabilized polytetrafluoroethylene membrane comprised of non-oriented fibers is heated to a temperature of around 400° C. and above the gel point of the polytetrafluoroethylene, while the membrane is being applied against a forming mold. The membrane is applied against the forming mold by generating a pressure differential between opposing faces of the membrane to form a conformed membrane. The conformed membrane is then cooled, thereby producing the hemocompatible article.
US08728263B2
A composite structure is provided including a first fabric and a second fabric. A substantially elongate and substantially rigid first member is spaced apart from and coupled with the first fabric via the second fabric. A resin substantially is infused into the first fabric and the second fabric, and substantially encapsulates the first member to form a unitary structure.
US08728260B2
A process and system for making a laminated surface covering and the surface covering itself are described. The covering includes several layers bonded to each other. The system performs the process. One example of the process includes passing a first material across a first conveyor, passing a second material across a second conveyor, passing a bonding material across a third conveyor, contacting the first material and the second material to the bonding material, and heating at least one of the first material and the second material. The process also includes introducing the first material, the second material, and the bonding material into a pressure zone such that the bonding material is introduced between a bottom surface of the first material and a top surface of the second material. The process applies pressure to bond the first material and second material together via the bonding material to produce a laminated material.
US08728256B2
A heat-resistant aluminum alloy material with high strength and preparation method thereof are provided. The aluminum alloy material comprises (by weight %): Cu: 1.0˜10.0, Mn: 0.05˜1.5, Cd: 0.01˜0.5, Ti: 0.01˜0.5%, B: 0.01˜0.2 or C: 0.0001˜0.15, Zr: 0.01˜1.0, R: 0.001˜3 or (R1+R2): 0.001˜3, RE: 0.05˜5, and balance Al:, wherein, R, R1, and R2 include Be, Co, Cr, Li, Mo, Nb, Ni, W. The Al alloy has the advantages of narrow quasi-solid phases temperature range of alloys, low hot cracking liability during casting improved high temperature strength and high heat resistance.
US08728249B2
Proposed is a packing machine (1), in particular a roller or deep drawing machine, tray sealing machine or the like with components which have to be cleaned regularly, in which machine the cleaning of the components to be cleaned is improved. This object is achieved in that the packing machine (1) comprises a fluid supply unit (16) for providing at least one cleaning fluid.
US08728247B2
There is provided a substrate processing method capable of preventing pattern collapse when a rinse solution is removed from a substrate on which a microscopic resist pattern is formed and also capable of reducing cost for processing the substrate by decreasing an amount of usage of a hydrophobicizing agent. The substrate processing method includes a rinse solution supply process (step S12) for supplying the rinse solution onto the substrate on which the resist pattern is formed; and a rinse solution removing process (steps S14 to S16) for removing the rinse solution from the substrate in an atmosphere including vapor of a first processing solution that hydrophobicizes the resist pattern.
US08728236B2
Large area single crystal III-V nitride material having an area of at least 2 cm2, having a uniformly low dislocation density not exceeding 3×106 dislocations per cm2 of growth surface area, and including a plurality of distinct regions having elevated impurity concentration, wherein each distinct region has at least one dimension greater than 50 microns, is disclosed. Such material can be formed on a substrate by a process including (i) a first phase of growing the III-V nitride material on the substrate under pitted growth conditions, e.g., forming pits over at least 50% of the growth surface of the III-V nitride material, wherein the pit density on the growth surface is at least 102 pits/cm2 of the growth surface, and (ii) a second phase of growing the III-V nitride material under pit-filling conditions.
US08728230B2
A liquid aqueous suspension of polysaccharide, contains a mass concentration of at least one polysaccharide of between 15 and 35% in the form of partially hydrated particles dispersed in an aqueous solution of a strong base salt, excluding ammonium salts, with an ionic strength of between 1.25 mol/L and 15 mol/L, has a pH greater than 9 and contains at least one non-phyllitic crystalline mineral powder, referred to hereafter as filler, which is chemically inert in the aqueous suspension and which has a grain size of between 0.1 and 100 micrometers and an attapulgite in micronized form, the aqueous suspension being stable at least in a temperature range from 5 to 30° C. The suspension is suitable for use as an agent for thickening cementitious compositions.
US08728223B2
The present invention relates to dispersions comprising particulate materials and a solvent, with an optional dispersant. The solvent has a low dielectric constant, and the particulate material is present at high loading levels. The resulting dispersion has been found to be stable and have a low viscosity, even at high particulate material loadings. Various uses for these dispersions are also disclosed.
US08728221B2
A modified wet scrubber for removing airborne toner particles including, increased recirculation pumping capacity, and controlling the operating fluid level by relating the pressure differential between the inlet and outlet air streams to proper operating fluid level.
US08728218B2
Sorbent substrates for CO2 capture and methods for forming the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method for forming a sorbent substrate for CO2 capture may include forming a plurality of matrix rods from a sorbent material and forming a plurality of channel rods from a support material. The plurality of matrix rods may then be co-extruded with the plurality of channel rods to form a plurality of sorbent filaments comprising a matrix of the sorbent material in which channels of support material are positioned such that the channels extend in an axial direction of each of the plurality of sorbent filaments. The plurality of sorbent filaments may then be stacked to form a filament assembly in which the plurality of sorbent filaments are axially aligned. Thereafter, the plurality of sorbent filaments of the filament assembly may be bonded to one another to form the sorbent substrate.
US08728213B2
A radial seal is described for use in a filtration system having annular elements. The rings or annuli fit in a groove in an outer surface of a seal plate. Each annulus has an outer diameter larger than the inner diameter of a cylindrical housing of the filtration system. A gap in the annulus has a width selected to enable the annular element to deform sufficiently to permit insertion of the at least one annulus into the cylindrical housing. Two or more annuli can be configured such that the gaps of the annuli are misaligned when both annuli are installed in the groove, thereby minimizing leakage in operation. A registration system includes a registration element that cooperates with a registration element of the other annulus to ensure misalignment of the gaps of the pair of annuli.
US08728210B2
An exhaust gas treatment apparatus comprises an ammonia absorption system and an ammonia conversion system. The ammonia absorption receives ammonia-containing tail gas generated by a semiconductor process, and removes dust from the tail gas, absorbs and decomposes ammonia gas from the tail gas, converts the ammonia gas into aqueous ammonia, and emits the tail gas without the dust and the ammonia to an external environment. The ammonia conversion system receives the ammonia solution from the ammonia absorption system, and converts it into gaseous ammonia, and then converts the gaseous ammonia to produce liquid ammonia by vaporization and cooling-pressurized liquefaction. After that, the liquid ammonia is purified by a purification system to formed hi-purity liquid ammonia.
US08728208B2
An air cleaner is described comprising a housing having an air inlet and an air exhaust extending therethrough, a refill for containing a reservoir of liquid which is releasable from the housing, a nebulizer within the housing configured, in use, to be in fluid contact with the source of liquid to generate a mist of liquid droplets, said nebulizer being configured, in use, to eject the mist upwardly, a chamber within the housing in which the mist is retained, a fan within the housing configured, in use, to generate a flow of air through the air inlet and into the chamber such that at least some of the contaminants in the air flow are urged by the mist out of the flow of air and toward the refill. A refill for the air cleaner is also described as well as the use of said air cleaner.
US08728207B2
In the method according to the invention for separating mercury from waste gases of a cement production process, the mercury is sorbed on a sorbent, the sorbent is subsequently discharged from the process and supplied to a discharge reactor which is operated with a carrier gas. The sorbent is heated there to temperatures of more than 250° C. so that the mercury is discharged from the sorbent and changed into the gas phase, the gas of the discharge reactor that has accumulated mercury subsequently having the dust removed from it in a preliminary dust removal device, and only a part-flow of the gas which has been enriched and had the dust removed from it in this manner being drawn off at high temperatures and cleaned in a subsequent sorption stage, whilst the remaining part-flow is brought to the temperature required for the discharge of the mercury in the discharge reactor in a heat transfer system and is again supplied as a carrier gas to the discharge reactor.
US08728193B2
An air filter cartridge arrangement, an air cleaner assembly, and components therefor, are provided. The air filter cartridge generally has perimeter shape with a straight side and an opposite arched side. The filter cartridge includes a media pack comprising strips of single facer material, each strip comprising fluted sheet secured to a facing sheet. In an example depicted, arch-shaped sections of single facer material are nested within one another, to form media pack having a perimeter D-shape. An air cleaner assembly configured for receipt of filter cartridge is described. A particular assembly, convenient for mounting on the cowl, cowling or engine cover of an over-the-highway truck, is provided.
US08728190B2
A vortex finder support is provided for fixing a vortex finder in an inlet region of a cyclone that includes a waste gas conduit leading out of the inlet region. A sleeve-shaped support element is configured to be disposed in the waste gas conduit and associated to the vortex finder, the support element including at least one lateral mounting hole having an approximately rectangular cross-section. A ring is configured to surround the support element and at least one of surround and be integrated in the waste gas conduit, the ring including a lateral opening. At least one holt having an approximately rectangular cross-section is configured to extend through the lateral opening of the ring and the mounting hole of the support element so as to connect the ring with the support element.
US08728189B2
An embodiment of filter unit heat exchanger according to the present invention provides improved operability and manufacturability. Such device may include a housing substantially surrounding a heat exchange assembly. Provided through the housing are one or more tortuous fluid flow paths used to direct airflow therethrough around portions of the heat exchange assembly for efficient operation. The tortuous path(s) may be provided by one or more nozzle apertures on an input side of the housing and one or more diffuser apertures on an output side of the housing, where the nozzle apertures and diffuser apertures are offset to cause desired airflow deflection. The filter unit may include desired symmetries so as to improve manufacturability and/or installation.
US08728187B2
A safety cabinet adaptable for a variation in body height of a worker using the safety cabinet, that is, a safety cabinet which prevents various bacteria from proceeding from the outside of the safety cabinet into a working space of the safety cabinet and prevents bacteria or virus from proceeding from the working space to the outside of the safety cabinet irrespective of a change in opening area of a front opening, is provided.A flow velocity of a clean air supplied into the working space and a flow velocity of the air flowing through the front opening are set at respective velocities predetermined to keep a physical isolation for preventing the contamination in accordance with a size of the front opening.Further, in the safety cabinet, the size of the front opening communicating with the working space under the front surface shutter is adjustable between 200 mm and 300 m.
US08728180B2
A reformer is disclosed in one embodiment of the invention as including a channel to convey a preheated plurality of reactants containing both a feedstock fuel and an oxidant. A plasma generator is provided to apply an electrical potential to the reactants sufficient to ionize one or more of the reactants. These ionized reactants are then conveyed to a reaction zone where they are chemically transformed into synthesis gas containing a mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide. A heat transfer mechanism is used to transfer heat from an external heat source to the reformer to provide the heat of reformation.
US08728179B2
In one embodiment, the present invention is to an ethanol composition comprising at least 85 wt. % ethanol and from 95 wppm to 850 wppm isopropanol.
US08728178B2
An improved, environmentally friendly lighter fluid composition made from renewable resources is described that includes n-butanol and biodiesel. This lighter fluid has reduced VOCs compared to a petroleum-based lighter fluid. The fuel sources such as charcoal ignited with the lighter fluid composition maintain desirable temperature profiles. Food cooked using the lighter fluid composition as the ignition source have improved taste characteristics due to reduced VOCs. Methods of using the lighter fluid compositions are also described.
US08728176B2
A battery fabrication method comprises forming at least one battery cell on a battery substrate by depositing a plurality of battery component films on the battery substrate, the battery component films comprising at least a pair of electrodes about an electrolyte. An overlying protective multilayer coating is formed over the battery cell. A plurality of pulsed laser bursts of a pulsed laser beam is applied to the battery substrate, the pulsed laser bursts having sufficient power and duration to cut through the battery substrate and the overlying protective multilayer coating.
US08728167B2
A base component for a tibial implant has a lateral compartment and a medial compartment spaced from the lateral compartment defining an open central section therebetween. A connecting portion connects the medial and lateral compartments at an anterior end of the base component which anterior end is located adjacent the anterior tibia. The open central section of the base component intermediate the spaced medial and lateral compartments is open to a posterior end of the base component. The medial and lateral compartments have a bone contacting surface and a superiorly facing surface. The connecting portion has a curved anteriorly facing surface and has a first angled surface extending at an angle from adjacent the anterior end of the base component at a bone contacting surface of the connecting portion superiorly to a posterior end of the connecting portion. The first angled surface defining an anterior end of the open central section.
US08728161B2
A tissue prosthesis insertion system (80) includes a first assembly (10) comprising a plurality of nested tubes (12), one of the tubes being a carrier tube (14) which, in use, receives a component (16) of a tissue prosthesis at a distal end of the carrier tube (14). A magnetic mount (44) is carried at a proximal end of the first assembly (10). A second assembly (82) is removably attachable to the first assembly (10). An attachment device (92) is carried at a distal end of the second assembly (82), the attachment device (92) being responsive to the magnetic mount (44) of the first assembly (10), the magnetic mount (44) and the attachment device (92) carrying complementary engaging formations to facilitate hermetic sealing between the magnetic mount (44) and the attachment device (92).
US08728159B2
Disclosed is a mammary prosthetic implant with an expandable mammary prosthesis that expands to an enlarged state after implantation. A prosthetic device supports, and conforms to the shape of, the mammary prosthesis before, during, and after the mammary prosthesis is expanding within the implantation site. The prosthetic device has an absorbable main body formed of other than biological tissue, and is penetrable for the in-growth of dermal or subcutaneous tissue. The main body has an anterior end portion, an opposite posterior end portion, and a size relative to the mammary prosthesis upon implantation so that the anterior end portion engages an incised portion of a pectoralis major extending anteriorly of the mammary prosthesis while the opposite posterior end portion engages tissue inferiorly spaced from the incised portion of the pectoralis major and near the inframammary fold. Methods of preparing and using a prosthetic device as described herein also are disclosed.
US08728155B2
The present invention comprises a novel and safer mechanism of deployment using a self-positioning, self-centering, and self-anchoring method. To embody the present invention, a disk-based valve apparatus allowing the repositioning and retrieval of the implantable valve while working on a dysfunctional valve structure is disclosed. The disk-based valve apparatus may comprise one or more disks, either proximal or distal, a valve-housing component and a valve component. The one or more disks may be either proximal or distal, may be either connected to each other or disconnected from each other and may either be symmetrical or have different shapes and dimensions. The disk-based valve apparatus may be self anchoring, such as anchored by pressure from the one or more disk, or may be anchored using any anchoring.
US08728151B2
A woven textile vascular prosthesis including a tubular trunk and at least one fork, each fork having an apex located between outgoing tubular branches with a small diameter, wherein at least a portion of a wall of the prosthesis in a zone of the apex is woven more densely than in other zones having an original weave construction.
US08728145B2
Various stents and stent-graft systems for treatment of medical conditions are disclosed. In one embodiment, an exemplary stent-graft comprises first and second stents, which each may comprise a series of distal apices disposed distal to a proximal end of the graft, and a series of proximal apices disposed proximally beyond the proximal end of the graft. In one example, the first stent comprises a first uniform segment, and the second stent comprises a second uniform wire segment, where the first uniform segment comprises portions disposed both internal and external to the second uniform wire segment.
US08728144B2
This invention is an endoluminal device including a stent; a tubular graft supported by the stent, wherein the graft comprises a proximal opening and a distal opening; and a variable diameter ring adjacent one of said openings, wherein the variable diameter ring comprises a coiled length of wire having two ends and forming at least one winding around the tubular graft. This invention also relates to the methods of treating an aneurysm and making the endoluminal device.
US08728136B2
A device for the treatment of rhinitis by biostimulative illumination. The device comprises a pair of LEDs (504a; 505b) containing probes (202a; 202b) adapted to be inserted into the nostrils of a patient. A probes support casing (204), the probes being normally flexibly attracted one against the other. The casing accommodates an electric power source (502), an ON/OFF normally open micro-switch (504a) and circuit means for activating/deactivating the LEDs (504a; 504b). The casing (204) is made of at least partly elastomeric material whereby the micro-switch (504a) becomes activated by pressing against a side-wing (206a) of the casing also causing the probes to spread apart from each other and the micro-switch remains closed for as long as the probes are kept apart from each other.
US08728121B2
A puncture needle includes: a needle part that has a first needle part and a second needle part that are hollow, adjacent, and have resiliency; and a sheath that retractably accommodates the needle part; in which a bend part that separates distal end sides of the first needle part and the second needle part to be further apart than proximal end sides thereof is provided in at least one of the first needle part and the second needle part.
US08728114B2
The embolic protection device (10) has an expandable tubular structure supporting a filter mesh material (12). The embolic protection device is compressed to a small diameter for insertion into a patient's aorta, then expanded within the aorta with the filter mesh material positioned to allow blood to enter sidebranch vessels connected to the aorta and to prevent embolic material from entering the sidebranch vessels. The filter mesh material may be configured with waves or undulations (26) for increased surface area and/or with two layers of mesh material to provide additional protection against embolization and to prevent inadvertent occlusion of the sidebranch vessels.
US08728112B2
A vascular occlusion device for occluding a body vessel is disclosed. The device comprises a hub having proximal and distal ends and a plurality of anchoring struts. Each anchoring strut has a first end and a second end. The first ends are connected together at the hub. Each of the second ends extends freely from the first end to engage the body vessel for anchoring the device therein. The device further comprises a central strut attached to the proximal end of the hub. The device further comprises a proximal and distal members and an extracellular matrix material. The proximal and distal members are slidibly disposed about the central strut. The extracellular matrix material is disposed about the central strut between the proximal and distal members.
US08728110B2
A balloon dilation catheter includes a dilation balloon and a shaft having a coaxial portion including an outer tubular member having a bore, a proximate end and a distal end and a transition neck formed at the distal end of the coaxial portion, the transition neck having a proximate end at the distal end of the outer tubular member and a distal end, an access fitting adjacent the proximate end of the catheter shaft for directing a guidewire into the catheter shaft, an inflation port for directing an incompressible inflation medium into the catheter shaft, a guidewire tubular member disposed coaxially in the outer tubular member and extending continuously through the outer tubular member to the distal end of the outer tubular member and through the transition neck, the outer tubular member and guidewire tubular member defining a first, annular inflation/deflation lumen therebetween in fluid communication with the inflation port, at least one second inflation/deflation lumen formed through the transition neck, the second inflation/deflation lumen separate from and non-coaxial with the guidewire tubular member and having a cross-sectional area less than the cross-sectional area of the first inflation/deflation lumen and opening at a proximate end into the first inflation/deflation lumen and at the distal end of the transition neck whereby the second inflation/deflation lumen provides fluid communication from the first inflation/deflation lumen through the transition neck such that inflation fluid passing through the first inflation lumen may flow though the second inflation/deflation lumen and directly into the dilation balloon.
US08728102B2
A surgical fastener apparatus, for securing a surgical mesh material to body tissue including a pair of anchors each having retaining structure formed on an outer surface thereof; and a suture tether interconnecting the pair of anchors to one another. The pair of anchors having a substantially cylindrical body having a conically tapered distal end and a planar proximal end. The retaining structure includes a series of semi-circular angled projections having a planar proximal surface and a tapered distal end, wherein a center of each of the angled projections is spaced a distance from a longitudinal central axis of the body portion. The surgical fastener is made from a bioabsorbable material which reabsorbs into body tissue at an appropriate rate, such as for example, polyglycolic acid and polylactic acid.
US08728100B2
Suturing assembly providing bi-directional needle movement through uni-directional actuator movement
A suturing assembly includes shaft attached between a handle and a head. The handle includes a brace and an actuator attached to the handle, where the actuator has a neutral position that is distal the brace. The shaft defines a longitudinal axis of the assembly. The head includes a proximal portion housing a needle that is movable through a needle exit port, and a distal end spaced apart from the proximal portion by a throat. The distal end is radially offset from the longitudinal axis and defines a cavity. Movement of the actuator from the neutral position to the brace moves the needle both in a first direction out of the needle exit port into the cavity and in a second direction out of the cavity and into the needle exit port.
US08728099B2
A firing system for an applicator instrument adapted to dispense surgical fasteners includes a housing, an elongated shaft extending from the housing, a firing rod disposed within the elongated shaft, a firing rod release engageable with the firing rod for preventing distal movement of the firing rod during at least one stage of a firing cycle, a trigger mounted to the housing, and a firing spring having a first end connected with the firing rod and a second end adapted for being sequentially coupled and decoupled from the trigger during the firing cycle. The firing cycle includes an initial stage in which the trigger is open and decoupled from the energy storing element, and the firing spring is at least partially compressed, and a piloting stage during which the firing rod release is disengaged from the firing rod for enabling distal movement of the firing rod.
US08728098B2
An applicator instrument for dispensing surgical fasteners includes a housing, an elongated shaft extending from the housing, the elongated shaft having a proximal end coupled with the housing and a distal end remote therefrom, and a firing system for dispensing surgical fasteners from the distal end of the elongated shaft. The firing system includes a firing rod disposed in the elongated shaft, the firing system having a firing cycle with a first stage for advancing the firing rod toward the distal end of the elongated shaft at a first rate of speed and a second stage for advancing the firing rod toward the distal end of the elongated shaft at a second rate of speed that is greater than the first rate of speed.
US08728085B2
An assembly for use in cutting a bone during a surgical procedure comprises a cutting tool and a guide block. The cutting tool includes a blade and a drive unit for imparting a cutting motion to the blade. The guide block can be positioned against the bone and has a reference surface for guiding the blade during the cutting step, the guide block having a screen surface which provides a point of reference to indicate proper alignment of the blade. The cutting tool includes means for directing a collimated beam of light in a direction parallel to the blade, on to the screen surface on the guide block when the blade is in contact with the guide surface, the distance between the blade axis and the light beam being equal to the distance between the reference surface and the point of reference on the screen surface.
US08728082B2
A device to maintaining temporary engagement with a bone plate and a bone, the device comprising: (a) a first biased appendage positioned opposite a second biased appendage, the first and second biased appendages including an arcuate vertical profile that partially defines an interior region; (b) a platform concurrently coupled to the first and second biased appendages, the platform also partially defining the interior region, the platform including a through hole open to the interior region; and, (c) a first tab extending from at least one of the first biased appendage, the second biased appendage, and the platform, the first tab extending into the interior region to engage a bone plate.
US08728081B2
A system comprises an inflatable bone tamp including a plurality of linearly aligned expandable bodies. The system further comprises an elongated tubular shaft extending through the plurality of linearly aligned expandable bodies. The elongated tubular shaft includes a shaft wall and an interior partition structure. The system further comprises a plurality of channels extending through the shaft, each of the channels formed by a segment of the shaft wall and the interior partition structure and each of the channels in communication with the respective one of the plurality of expandable bodies via openings in the shaft. Each of the expandable bodies is independently inflatable.
US08728078B2
An external fixation system includes a clamp system configured to capture a fixation element. The clamp system has a first and a second jaw and a first and a second link attached to the first and second jaws that are configured to control the motion of the jaws. The links are arranged such that, when the first and second jaws are moved to a closed position, the action of trying to open the jaws is resisted by the position of the links, and to open the jaws, the links must be actuated.
US08728077B2
An electrode coupling output system provides indication to the physician, via electrode guidance instrumentation, concerning the electrical coupling of an electrode, such as an ablative or mapping electrode, with a patient. The output can be provided to the physician via an output device incorporated into the handle set of the electrode catheter. For example, a visual, audio or mechanical output can be provided via the handle set. Additionally or alternatively, the output can be provided to the physician via a navigation system. The indication may be provided by changing the color or other display characteristics of the electrode on the navigation system display or by way of providing a waveform indicating the electrode coupling. In this manner, electrode coupling information is provided to a physician in a manner that minimizes physician distraction.
US08728060B2
The invention relates to an infusion device for therapeutic use comprising a water-tight cover in the form of a housing, a housing part or a receptacle for holding said infusion device and a control system which is used for controlling the cover water tightness and comprises c) a medium arranged in the cover and characterized by at least one physical or chemical quantity variable according to the cover water tightness and d) an information system which automatically transmits at least one information signal when said quantity changes in such a way that the loss of the cover water tightness is indicated.
US08728053B2
A method, technique and system is disclosed for the delivery of therapeutic agents and/or into the bulk brain tissues and other parts, tissues and organs of the body, including vasculature. A novel form of coaxial catheter provides a means for implanting an outer tube into the brain, then inserting an inner tube into the outer tube and aligning them such that port holes on both of the tubes will overlap and permit a flux of the therapeutic agent to flow into the brain in such a way as to minimize the effects of trapped air, virtually eliminate backflow of the agent, and avoid the potential for additional damage to the brain since only one surgical placement of the outer tube is needed. Similarly, the method, technique system may be utilized to remove fluids or other medium from the brain, tissues, and organs to minimize the effects of escaped air or negative pressure.
US08728047B2
The application discloses a body waste collecting device comprising a collecting pouch and an adhesive wafer for attachment to the skin, said wafer comprising a backing layer and a first and second layer of hydrocolloid adhesive, where the second layer of hydrocolloid adhesive is at least partly interposed between the first layer of hydrocolloid adhesive and the backing layer, the first and second adhesive layers consisting of a continuous phase and a discontinuous phase, wherein a) the discontinuous phase of the first adhesive layer comprises pectin, carboxymethyl cellulose, gelatine, guar gum, and potato starch, b) the discontinuous phase of the second adhesive layer comprises carboxymethyl cellulose, gelatine, and guar gum, c) the composition of the continuous phase of the first adhesive layer comprises a polyisobutylene, a styrene block copolymer, a butyl rubber, and a tackifier, d) the composition of the continuous phase of the second adhesive layer consists of polyisobutylene and styrene block copolymer.
US08728039B2
An anchoring system for an elongated medical article comprises an anchor pad and a retainer mounted upon the anchor pad. The retainer includes a base, a cover, and a compressible member including a receptacle into which the medical article to be retained is placed. When the cover is closed, the medical article is secured within the receptacle by the pressure of the compressible member and the cover upon the medical article. One or more biasing members act upon the compressible member to increase the frictional forces acting on the retained section of the medical article. The receptacle may form a channel that follows a curved path through the retainer. The retainer may also include guide extensions to support the medical article along a transverse bend toward the skin of the patient.
US08728031B2
A compound for injecting locally into an intratumoral space of a body made of a mixture of a biocompatible wax, admixed with biocompatible oil. The compound is liquid at a temperature above body temperature but compatible with the life of healthy cells. It exhibits an increasing viscosity with decreasing temperature and becomes a solid close to body temperature. The compound is then metabolized by the human body.
US08728026B2
Devices and methods for their use in increasing the aortic valve flow of a stenotic aortic valve are provided. The subject devices include an aortic valve isolation element and an aortic valve flushing element. The aortic valve isolation element is made up of a ventricular side aortic valve occlusion element, coronary ostia occlusion elements and an ascending aorta occlusion element. The aortic valve flushing element is made up of a dissolution fluid introducing element and a fluid removal element. In practicing the subject methods, a stenotic aortic valve is first isolated. Next, the isolated valve is flushed with a dissolution fluid, e.g., an acidic dissolution fluid, for a period of time sufficient for the aortic valve flow of the treated valve to be increased. In certain embodiments, the valve is also contacted with a dissolution fluid attenuating fluid, e.g., a buffer, during the flushing step in order to limit the contact of non-valve tissue with the dissolution fluid. Also provided are systems and kits that include the subject devices and can be employed in practicing the subject methods. The subject devices, methods, systems and kits find use in treating conditions associated with the presence of stenotic aortic valves.
US08728021B2
Disclosed are devices and methods of treating an ocular disorder including forming a self-sealing incision in a cornea into an anterior chamber of an eye; introducing through the incision a fluid drainage tube having a distal end, a proximal end and a longitudinal, internal lumen extending through the fluid drainage tube, wherein at least the proximal end passes through the anterior chamber; and implanting the distal end of the fluid drainage tube in fluid communication with the suprachoroidal space such that the proximal end of the fluid drainage tube remains in fluid communication with the anterior chamber.
US08728019B2
A hip orthosis, provided with a trunk engaging part and an upper leg engaging part which are intercoupled by coupling means, wherein the coupling comprise at least one resilient element for operatively preventing an adducting movement of an upper leg engaged by the upper leg engaging part by means of spring force.
US08728017B2
A capsular bag rehabilitation device has a belt body with an outer layer and an inner layer and a first space and a second space formed in between. The inner layer is provided with a plurality of vent holes connecting to the ambient environment and the second space. The outer layer, the inner layer, and airbag are welded at a predetermined interval distance. The unwelded parts form network air channels in the belt body. A controller has a first air duct, a second air duct, and a pump. The controller controls the pump to pump the first space through the first air duct, or withdraw air in the first space via the first air duct and pump it into the second space via the second air duct.
US08728015B2
The present invention is an electronically controlled wide band vibrating tampon (ECWVT) apparatus to provide relief from feminine menstrual cramps and comprises a controllable vibration generator with selectable wide band vibration sources, an electromechanical transducer aka a vibration transmitter, and a disposable vibration transmitting tampon head (VTTH) to be inserted into the user's vaginal canal for customized and maximized relief from a user's menstrual cramps. Since only the VTTH is disposable and all other parts are reusable, the disposable cost is minimized.
US08727995B2
Reduction of motion artifacts from flexible transducers are provided in ultrasound imaging. Temporal and/or amplitude modulation of an acoustic radiation force impulse pushing pulse may be designed to control the motion of a moveable transducer. The motion may be controlled to stabilize the transducer in one position or in a predictable (e.g. linear) movement in order to better estimate tissue displacement. Reduced motion artifact may be provided with transmitted waveforms requiring less time and power than required of a brute force approach. For example, pre-loading transmissions may not be provided. As another example, pre-loading transmissions may require less than 10 ms.
US08727990B2
An ultrasound system includes an ultrasound data acquisition unit and a processing unit. The ultrasound data acquisition unit transmits and receives ultrasound signals to and from a target object based on a plurality of steering angles to output a plurality of ultrasound data for obtaining a plurality of ultrasound images corresponding to the steering angles. The processing unit forms the ultrasound images based on the ultrasound data, decomposes each of the ultrasound images into a low pass image having a low frequency component and a high pass image having a high frequency component, performs a blending process of removing a seam artifact upon the low and high pass images for each of the ultrasound images, forms a plurality of restoration images by composing the blended low and high pass images, and forms an ultrasound spatial compound image based on the restoration images.
US08727980B2
An umbilical probe sensing system is described which includes an automated system for accurately obtaining physiological information from an infant in real time. The system may also automatically guide a healthcare provider with a recommended course of treatment for infant resuscitation based on the detected and monitored physiological data. Moreover, the automated system may also provide a real time record of the infant's physiological parameters and resuscitation treatment performed by a healthcare team.
US08727978B2
A heart monitoring system for a person includes one or more wireless nodes; and a wearable appliance in communication with the one or more wireless nodes, the appliance monitoring vital signs.
US08727975B1
A retractor for use in spinal surgery comprises a frame including a ring member defining a generally central interior space. A plurality of blades is releasably supported respectively to slidable arms each supported on the ring member for individual translational movement relative to the ring member. The blades define an initial substantially enclosed opening that is expandable for use in a surgical procedure. A clutch mechanism supported on the ring member is associated with each arm to individually selectively engage each such arm with a rotatable main gear such that upon rotation of the main gear by a single actuator any one, all or any desired combination of arms may be translated relative to the ring member to move the blades and expand the opening in one or more selected desired directions.
US08727973B2
A surgical apparatus, for positioning within a tissue tract to access an underlying body cavity, is provided. The surgical apparatus includes a first and second member. The first member has a proximal ramp section, an accordion section, and a retaining portion. The first member defines a first longitudinal axis, a first proximal end, and a first distal end. The second member has a tubular proximal section, a portal portion, and a distal flange. The second member defines a second longitudinal axis, a second proximal end, and a second distal end. The second member includes a retaining structure to couple the first member to the second member. The first member is located at least partially in the tubular section of the second member.
US08727971B2
A light-source driver for a light-source, detachable from an endoscope body includes a first switch, a pilot lamp, a warning lamp, a second switch, and a light switcher. The first switch switches between the On-state and Off-state in connection with the attachment and detachment of the light-source to the endoscope body. The pilot lamp indicates that the illumination light source is energized. The warning lamp indicates that the output voltage of a battery has dropped below a predetermined value. The second switch switches the warning lamp between the On-state and Off-state in connection with the On-state and Off-state of the first switch. The light switcher switches the pilot lamp to the Off-state and enables the second switch when the second switch is set to the On-state and the output voltage has declined to or below the predetermined value.
US08727959B2
A catheter pump intended to be inserted in the circulatory system, for example for assisting the heart, including a hollow catheter, a sheath, a drive cable, a drive shaft, a propeller, a proximal housing, a distal housing, and several filaments. Axial movement of the sheath in relation to the catheter brings the distal housing closer to the proximal housing so that said filaments are unfolded to form a cage. The propeller is pivotable between a first folded position, in which the propeller is parallel with the drive shaft and an unfolded position in which the propeller is perpendicular to the drive shaft. Axial movement of the sheath in a first movement unfolds the cage and in a second subsequent movement, actuation pins of the sleeve act upon a cam surface that unfolds the propeller.
US08727956B2
A waist and hip developer includes a track curving smoothly upwardly toward two distal ends thereof and having two stop members respectively located at two distal ends thereof, foot members affixed to the track for supporting the track on the floor steadily, a slide slidably coupled to the track with rollers thereof and movable back and forth along the track between the stop members, a seat rotatably supported on the slide with a ball bearing within a predetermined angle and selectively lockable to the slide with a lock screw, two grips respectively affixed to the two distal ends of the track, and a counter for counting of the number of reciprocating cycles of the slide moving by the user sitting on the seat.
US08727955B2
An abdominal exercise device includes two operating mechanisms and two connecting mechanisms. Each of the operating mechanisms includes an outer housing, a grip disposed at an end of the outer housing, and a rolling unit disposed at an opposite end of the outer housing. The rolling units of the operating mechanisms contact respectively two sides of the waist or hip of a user. The connecting mechanisms cooperate with the operating mechanisms to form a looped structure. Each of the connecting mechanisms includes an elastic connecting piece connected between the outer housings of the operating mechanisms, and a plurality of sliding units sleeved movably on the elastic connecting piece and movable upwardly and downwardly on the abdomen or back of the user.
US08727954B2
An air management system that allows safe and convenient forms of interval training exercise to be performed on pneumatically elevating rebound exercise equipment. The system includes at least one air intake valve and bleed valve. By providing repeatable degrees of difficulty for both air intake and air release from the extendable air springs employed for the exercise, competitive athletes and their coaches can design, employ, repeat, and compare individualized medium- or high-intensity interval protocols for optimal cardiovascular training programs.
US08727952B1
An exercise apparatus for performing a wide range of full body motions against cabled weight resistance by providing user-selectable arrangements of pulleys. A pulley carriage carries one or more carriage pulleys and is slidable on a vertical stanchion. Each pulley arrangement comprises the combination of a user-selectable, vertical height for the carriage pulleys together with user-selectable locations on the frame of the apparatus for attachment of a pair of hand pulleys, whereby the amount of slack in cables routed through the pulleys is adjustable by varying the height of the carriage pulleys.
US08727951B2
A weight training device comprising a hollow tubular body. A plurality of handle wells disposed in the hollow tubular body. A plurality of handles disposed in the handle wells, wherein the plurality of handles comprise axially-oriented handles and circumferentially-oriented handles, and wherein the axially-oriented handles are diametrically opposed to the circumferentially-oriented handles. A fill cap well disposed in the hollow tubular body. A fill cap disposed in the fill cap well and removably attached to the hollow tubular body, wherein the fill cap is threaded and is attached to a threaded extrusion of the hollow tubular body. A plurality of baffles disposed within the hollow tubular body, wherein the hollow tubular body is configured to be used partially filled with a fill material so as to create a randomly variable weight distribution. Two diametrically-opposed end caps are attached to the axial ends of the hollow tubular body.
US08727950B2
The present invention provides an armband designed for wearing by a person who uses a hand prosthesis or a person with impaired hand function. The armband both stabilizes the attachment of the prosthesis thereby allowing pulling exercises that would otherwise be impossible and provides connection to exercise machines allowing the wearer to carry out exercises that would otherwise require the wearer to grasp an operational portion of the exercise machine. The armband is constructed from a sheet of flexible material that is sized to be wrapped around a wearer's arm enclosing substantially all of the arm and the wrist or base portion of any hand prosthesis. The wrapped armband is tightened by attached cinching straps and D-rings are provided attached to the surface of the armband for attachment of portions of exercise machines. An optional shoulder harness can be attached to the armband for additional stability.
US08727944B2
A motor-generator system for a vehicle, in which power transmission between a crankshaft of an engine and a motor-generator is performed by a V-belt wound around pulleys thereof, includes a speed controller controlling the rotational speed of the V-belt within a predetermined range and provided on a crankshaft pulley mounted on the crankshaft. The motor-generator system, among others, can maintain the power transmission force of the V-belt at a high level.
US08727940B2
This power transmission control device is applied to a hybrid vehicle which includes an internal combustion engine and a motor (MG) as power sources. The power transmission control device includes a manual transmission and a friction clutch. When a clutch enters a completely disengaged state as a result of operation of a clutch pedal by a driver in a state where MG torque is adjusted to regeneration torque acting in a direction for decelerating the vehicle, the magnitude of the regeneration torque is decreased to “minute value A which is greater than zero,” and then maintained at the minute value A. Much energy generated as a result of regeneration can be stored in a battery (see the area shown by dots) as compared with the case where the regeneration torque is adjusted to zero immediately after the clutch enters the completely disengaged state. Accordingly, energy efficiency (fuel efficiency) is improved.
US08727929B2
A multi-step transmission having a housing accommodating eight shafts and four planetary gearsets (4, 5, 6, 7), and at least six shift elements comprising brakes and clutches which implement different transmission ratios between a drive shaft and output shaft. A carrier of gearset (4) is connected to shaft (14) which can be fixed, via brake (8), to the housing and further is connectable, via a first clutch, to shaft (15) which is coupled to a carrier of gearset (5) and is connectable, via a second clutch, to the drive shaft. A ring gear of gearset (6) is coupled to shaft (16) which can be fixed, via brake (9), to the housing. The drive shaft is additionally coupled to a sun gear of gearset (5). A ring gear of gearset (5) is connected to shaft (17). The gearset (5) is a plus planetary gearset.
US08727922B2
A tensioning apparatus or device for a flexible driving means, particularly a drive chain for an internal combustion engine, comprises a housing, a tensioning piston movably guided in said housing and an adjusting or regulating means for gradually adjusting the working stroke of the tensioning piston. The adjusting means comprises a locking bracket and an appertaining locking profile at the tensioning piston, two arch-shaped clamping sections of said locking bracket being engageable with said locking profile, and a resilient spring portion with a torsional area combining the clamping sections in spring-resilient manner. In a preferred embodiment, the locking bracket comprises a U-shaped section with a portion angled towards the housing wall and forming the torsional area. The housing is further provided with a guide projection projecting from said housing wall for axially guiding said angled portion of said U-shaped section of said locking bracket in the working stroke of said tensioning piston in torsion-proof manner.
US08727913B2
The present invention is directed to a golf ball possessing an overall unique and perceptively pleasing multi-color appearance and being constructed of at least two layers wherein each layer has at least two discrete color regions which contribute substantially to the golf ball's overall color appearance, the inner and outer layers being strategically positioned and aligned in relation to each other to create the overall golf ball color appearance. A resulting unique overall golf ball multiple color appearance is achieved by the positioning and aligning one layer about another.
US08727911B2
A golf club (40) having a club head (42) with a face component (60), an aft body (61), and a sound modifying sole and crown design is disclosed herein. The face component, which may be composed of a metal material, (60) has a striking area portion (72) and a return portion (74). The aft-body (61), which may be composed of a non-metal material such as composite or thermoplastic material, is composed of a crown portion (62) and a sole portion (64). The sound modifying design, which may include deep pockets or pillars extending from the sole portion (64) to the crown portion (62), alters the sound of the golf dub head (42) when it impacts a golf ball.
US08727908B2
A golf club head with a hollow comprises a face portion whose front face defines a clubface for hitting a ball, the face portion comprising a central thicker portion provided in a center region thereof and a peripheral thinner portion provided around the central thicker portion and with a thickness smaller than that of the central thicker portion, the inner surface of the peripheral thinner portion comprising a first region and a second region, the first region being provided with a plurality of first grooves which extend straightly in a certain direction, and the second region being provided with a plurality of second grooves which extend straightly in the different direction of first grooves.
US08727907B2
This invention provides a method of manufacturing a golf club head by processing a head base body having a face base surface which becomes a face surface by finishing. The head base body includes a main body portion having the face base surface, and projecting portions which project from the main body portion. The method includes a finishing step of performing the finishing while the head base body is fixed in position by supporting the projecting portions, and a separation step of separating the projecting portions after the finishing.
US08727905B2
A golf club incorporating an interchangeable shaft system includes a shaft, a shaft sleeve, a club head. The shaft sleeve is coupled to an end of the shaft and is received in a hosel included in the club head. The shaft sleeve is removably coupled to the club head. Hosel and shaft sleeve alignment features provide discrete orientations between the shaft and club head.
US08727896B2
The attraction systems include underground or underwater tunnels having a visitor transportation system with ride vehicles and multiple audio and video systems for providing an experience of three-dimensional (3D) or four-dimensional (4D) video installations. In addition, the attraction systems may have various special effects devices to enhance visitors' experiences. These underground or underwater tunnels may be built in cities, and especially, in historic city centers.
US08727891B2
A method for introducing an object with a unique identifier in a video game. A request to a server to introduce the object is made. An identity of a user of the video game is sent to the server. The server generates a token paired with the identity, embeds the token in a multimedia file, and sends the multimedia file to the video console. The video console reproduces the multimedia file and shows a message to the user so that the user executes an application in a smartphone. The application activates a reader to obtain the unique identifier of the object and activates a sensor element to be able to extract said token associated with the multimedia file. The smartphone sends the unique identifier of the object and the token to the server. The server pairs the unique identifier of the object with the identity of the user by means of the token and sends the unique identifier of the object to the video console to introduce it in the video game.
US08727888B2
A fan-based draft is disclosed whereby fans select an 8th round draft choice pursuant to a pre-designated voting structure within a reality show format. Fans select players from an eligible pool. NFL teams draft an 8th round choice based on fan selection. The player participates in the team's pre-season training. The player receives an incentive such as a signing bonus. The incentive is paid by the show and/or sponsor(s). Team expenses related to pre-season training are also paid by the show and/or sponsor(s). The player is eligible for a space on the team roster and/or a long-term contract; however the team is not required to provide either. A portion of profits earned are invested into a retired player's fund.
US08727882B2
A game controller operates in both a wired mode and a wireless mode, and is able to switch between these two modes without permanent disruption to an ongoing game. The game controller is configured to detect a condition that suggests switching from the wireless mode of operation to a wired mode of operation, convey the indication to a host game system, and transition from the wireless mode of operation to the wired mode of operation.
US08727877B2
In a computing machine having a processing unit, memory and a display device for playing a video game, the video game comprising at least one or more game characters, the at least one or more game character being controlled by a special purpose computing input device connected to said computer and operable by a game player, the video game further comprising character dialog between or among the at least one or more game characters, the character dialog comprising vignettes of dialog wherein movement from one vignette to another is determined by the game player introducing emotion into the dialog by means of the special purpose computing input device. The special purpose computing input device introduces emotion into the video game during a character dialog or character encounter along an axis of a joystick or other game controller element.
US08727869B1
Methods, apparatus, and computer-readable media for enabling real-time competition based on commodities. An exemplary computer-implemented method executed by one or more computing devices for enabling real-time competition based on commodities includes receiving information from a first user including a selection of a commodity and a competitive position corresponding to a criteria associated with the commodity, determining, based at least in part on real-time information regarding the selected commodity, whether the competitive position regarding the criteria is consistent with the real-time information, transmitting information to the first user indicating an outcome that is favorable based at least in part of a determination that the competitive position regarding the criteria is consistent with the real-time information, and transmitting information to the first user indicating an outcome that is not favorable based at least in part of a determination that the competitive position regarding the criteria is not consistent with the real-time information.
US08727867B2
A system and method are provided for playing a game of chance. The game of chance may include, for example, a lottery-type game. A result of the game of chance is revealed to a player in another medium. In one example, the result is revealed during multiple game instances of one or more online games. In one example, the online game includes a maze-based game similar to the well-known game of PAC-MAN.
US08727863B2
A video-based super-roulette gaming system which includes a main/primary roulette wheel and a secondary multiplier bonus wheel. The primary roulette wheel includes a number of ball pockets with betting marks and a circular runway for rotating a graphical game ball within the primary roulette wheel. The secondary bonus wheel rotates within the vicinity of the primary roulette wheel in order to provide multiplied potential win for a player(s). A bonus spot with a hole and a path located on the primary roulette wheel transfers the game ball from the primary roulette wheel to the secondary bonus wheel when the game ball lands upon the bonus spot. A multimedia device generates animation and/or sound during the transfer of the game ball from the primary roulette wheel to the secondary bonus wheel in order to enhance spontaneity and excitement of the player within the video-simulated casino environment.
US08727847B2
A system for playing games of deception and detection. The system allows human players to test their skills at discerning the accuracy or inaccuracy of statements made by other players and conversely, to test their skills at misleading other players. The system enables automated play, simulated opponents, multi-player games across wide or local area networks, evaluation of a players' abilities and performance, along with assistance in improving performance, various levels of play, different forms of input and feedback, upload and management of audio and video clips, management of live audio and video feeds to and from players, automatic timers, challenge matches, high score recording, betting, and tournaments.
US08727842B2
A filter fan includes a basic housing with a frame, wherein the frame is equipped with a quick fastening device in the form of spring-elastic clips. In order to prevent air and/or moisture from penetrating into a housing, the frame extends continuously and without openings around a circumference. The clips are molded onto the frame.
US08727837B2
A rotatable disc head for a floor treatment device includes a pair of coupling members which are pivotably connected to each other according to pivot axes which are transversely oriented with respect to each other. A rotation axis is defined which is transversely oriented with respect to the pivot axes. The coupling members are furthermore connected to each other by means of at least one elastically deformable connection element. One of the coupling members includes fitting means for mounting the coupling member to the rotary drive of the floor treatment device and the other coupling member includes carrier means onto which a floor treatment element, such as a grinding disc, can be mounted. The connection of the connection elements to one of the coupling members is an adjustable connection allowing displacements which are oriented transversely with respect to the rotation axis.
US08727833B2
A cerium based particle composition comprises: 50-90% by weight of cerium oxide, and at least 10% by weight of lanthanum oxide. The method to prepare the particle composition comprises: one or more water soluble salts of transition metal elements and/or alkaline metal elements are mixed with CeLaCl3 solution; the mixed solution is precipitated with carbonate(s) and/or hydroxide(s) to obtain rare earth carbonate(s) doped by said one or more transition metal elements and/or alkaline metal elements; the carbonate(s) is calcined and crushed to obtain the said particle composition. The said composition can be mixed with water, optionally at the presence of additive(s), in order to obtain an abrasive for polishing glass for liquid crystal display and hard recording medium, particularly in the use of polishing glass substrate industry.
US08727831B2
A method of machining a profile pattern in a ceramic coating of a turbine shroud is provided and includes applying the ceramic coating substantially uniformly onto the turbine shroud, positioning a machining tool proximate the ceramic coating, and removing material from the ceramic coating by activating the machining tool to machine the ceramic coating and by moving the machining tool across the ceramic coating in a movement pattern that generally corresponds to the profile pattern.
US08727826B2
A donor substrate may include a base substrate, a light-to-heat conversion layer, a transfer layer, and a rib structure. The light-to-heat conversion layer may be on the base substrate. The transfer layer may be on the light-to-heat conversion layer. The rib structure is on the transfer layer. The rib structure may include a plurality of tubes spaced apart from one another. In a laser induced thermal imaging process, the donor substrate including the rib structure may be easily removed from a display substrate without damage, thereby to form an organic layer pattern regularly on the display substrate.
US08727814B2
An electrical terminal of the type to be inserted into an aperture of an electrical panel member is provided. The electrical terminal includes a base and an insertion portion extending from the base to a first end. A slit formed through the insertion portion and extending from or between the base and between the first end defines a compliant portion having a first leg and a second leg. A substantially central axis extends between opposite ends of the slit so that a segment of the first leg is deformed in one direction away from the axis, while a segment of the second leg is deformed in a direction away from the axis opposite the first leg. The deformed first leg segment and the deformed second leg segment are offset from the center of the slit.
US08727813B2
A combination of a thin type battery and a circuit board is provided, including a thin type battery, a circuit board, and a joint connector. The thin type battery includes a shell body, a soft packaging cell, and an electric connector. The joint connector is disposed at the circuit board and connected electrically to a circuit of the circuit board. The soft packaging cell of the thin type battery is disposed in the shell body and includes a battery body and a top sealing area. The electric connector is connected electrically to the soft packaging cell. The electric connector can be plugged into the joint connector in a first direction or a second direction, so that the thin type battery can be plugged into the mobile electronic device through the electric connector in the first direction or second direction, to supply power.
US08727807B2
A coaxial connector includes a center contact, an outer contact and a dielectric insert received in the outer contact and holding the center contact. The dielectric insert may have structural features that extend axially along an exterior of the dielectric insert with air gaps between the structural features. The outer contact may include a rear housing that is interchangeably coupled to either a plug housing or a jack housing at the housing interface. The center contact may be configured to be terminated by a plurality of different termination techniques in different applications.
US08727804B2
A system for use with a hospital bed having circuitry and a standard AC power outlet spaced from the hospital bed is provided. The system includes a cable assembly couplable to the circuitry of the hospital bed. The cable assembly has power conductors and at least one data conductor. The cable assembly also has a plug including a first power coupler coupled to the power conductors and a first data coupler coupled to the at least one data conductor. The system also includes a second data coupler mountable adjacent the standard AC power outlet. The second data coupler is configured to couple to the first data coupler when the first power coupler is coupled to the standard AC power outlet.
US08727789B2
Electrical connectors for attachment to electrical contacts of light emitting devices as well as light emitting device packages and lamp assemblies that use such connectors are provided. Further, methods for assembling light emitting device packages that use such connectors are provided. The electrical connector, for example, can have a plug housing with an electrically conductive socket engaging connection for engaging a socket. The electrical connector can also have an electrically conductive member extending from the plug housing and connected to the socket engaging connection. The electrically conductive member can have an end distal from the plug housing that forms a contact base configured to attach to an electrical contact on a light emitting device.
US08727785B2
We present a tool that can enhance the concept of BWS training by allowing natural APAs to occur mediolaterally. While in a supine position in a 90 degree tilted environment built around a modified hospital bed, subjects wear a backpack frame that is freely moving on air-hearings, as a puck on an air hockey table, and attached through a cable to a pneumatic cylinder that provides a load that can be set to emulate various G-like loads. Veridical visual input is provided through two 3-D automultiscopic displays that allow glasses free 3-D vision representing a virtual surrounding environment that may be acquired from sites chosen by the patient. Two groups of 12 healthy subjects were exposed to either strength training alone or a combination of strength and balance training in such a tilted environment over a period of four weeks.
US08727784B1
A sports board training apparatus. Implementations may include a front surface and a rear surface, the front surface including a mock board layout resembling a basketball court. A plurality of lights may be mounted on the locations on the mock board layout corresponding with a plurality of shot locations. A timing clock may be mounted above the top side of the mock board layout and one or more game control buttons may be mounted on the mock board layout. One or more switches may be mounted on the rear surface. A microprocessor may be included and adapted to actuate each of the plurality of lights, receive inputs from the one or more game control buttons, and to receive signal from the one or more switches. The microprocessor, the plurality of lights, the timing clock, and the one or more switches may be electrically coupled with an electrical power supply.
US08727779B2
An authoring system is provided for generating a demonstration payload, which is installable on a target electronic device to create a demonstration environment on the target electronic device. The authoring system includes a build interface operative to receive authoring inputs which specify characteristics of the demonstration environment. The authoring inputs include specification of promotional media to be played during a promotional mode of the demonstration environment, and specification of mock user data to be accessible during a tryout mode of the demonstration environment. The system further includes an assembler module operative to generate the demonstration payload based upon the authoring inputs.
US08727772B2
An endodontic reamer/file for cleaning/shaping a tooth root canal having an elongated shank with a proximal end portion, a distal end and a tapered working portion having a longitudinal axis, the external surface of the shank working portion being defined by a plurality of at least two equally spaced apart continuous concaved helical flutes providing concave flute surfaces, the flute surfaces having therebetween an equal number of spiraled, spaced apart flanges, each flange having in a plane perpendicular the longitudinal axis a single outer end surface having opposed first and second ends, each first end forming an active spiraled leading scraping/cutting edge and each second end forming a passive spiraled edge.
US08727771B2
According to various embodiments, a dental prophylaxis angle is provided that includes including a content lumen within the body, wherein the proximal end of the body is attachable to a concentric drive dental handpiece and the distal end of the body includes a denial tip and a content portal proximate the dental tip. The dental prophylaxis angle can also include a collapsible container disposed within the content lumen and in fluid communication with content portal. The dental prophylaxis angle can also include a reciprocating advancement mechanism including a gripping section slidably attached to an exterior surface of the body and at least one member extending through the body and into the content lumen in communication with the proximal end of the collapsible container. When sliding the gripping section proximally along the longitudinal axis of the body the member at least partially compresses the collapsible container in the distal direction.
US08727768B2
A burner includes a generally cylindrical casing (1) and a burner head (2) mounted within the casing, the burner head including one or more vanes (9) rotatably mounted on the head and rotatable about the head to sweep through a region between the burner head (2) and the casing (1). The vanes (9) each include one or more gas outlets for introducing gas into an air flow through the region.
US08727764B2
A blade mould assembly with lockdown mechanism for opening, closing or clamping blade mould assemblies is provided. The blade mould assembly includes a top mould portion, a bottom mould portion, and a lockdown mechanism. The lockdown mechanism includes an upper frame coupled to the top mould portion including an upper bearing device, a clamping pin extending substantially horizontally in the upper bearing device, and a lower frame coupled to the bottom mould portion. The lower frame includes a lower bearing device adapted to engage the under bearing device, a protractile rod, a latching element coupled to the protractile rod including a pivoting component, an inward clamping side, and an outward sliding side wherein the outward clamping side includes a pivoting recess and the inward clamping side includes a clamping recess. A guiding pin extends substantially horizontally in the pivoting recess when the protractile rod is fully extended.
US08727763B2
Apparatus and methods of forming selected portions of integral sheets of material are disclosed. Unformed portions of the sheets may remain undistorted during the forming process, allowing them to contain text, art work, or other desired information without material risk of the information being degraded or becoming unintelligible during the forming process. This result may be accomplished, moreover, with less trim than usually occurs in conventional forming processes.
US08727760B2
An apparatus for producing thermoplastic corrugated pipes may include an extrusion device with an extruder and an extrusion die device and a corrugator device with traveling mold jaws. The extrusion device and the corrugator device are positionally movable in relation to one another, for example for adjustment. The extrusion device is positionally movable in relation to the corrugator device in a horizontal plane, while the corrugator device is movable exclusively in height here.
US08727758B2
A mold device for forming a plastic container from a preform. The mold device comprises a mold defining a mold cavity and a central exterior rod system moveably disposed within the mold cavity. The central exterior rod system is positionable between an extended position engagable with the preform and a retracted position spaced apart from the preform. The central exterior rod system maintains a central orientation of the preform during formation.
US08727753B2
There is provided an air pump in which vibration noise generated in a drive unit of the pump is suppressed from being transmitted to the outside through a suction passage. A casing of the air pump has a suction port extending from an outer peripheral surface to inner peripheral surface of the casing, a noise reduction wall annularly formed on the outer peripheral surface of the casing such that the suction port opens in a region of the outer peripheral surface of the casing surrounded by the noise reduction wall, and a lid member closing the opening of the top of the noise reduction wall and cooperating with the noise reduction wall and the outer peripheral surface of the casing to define a noise reduction chamber communicating with the suction port. The noise reduction wall has an elongated noise reduction passage extending circumferentially in the noise reduction wall.
US08727750B2
A hot swap fan includes a fan and a puller structure. The puller structure covers a side surface of the fan. The puller structure includes a base, a holder, and a fixing structure. A first end of the base is pivoted to the fan. The holder and the fixing structure are on a second end of the base.
US08727745B2
A system for the metering and delivery of small discrete volumes of liquid is comprised of a small or minimal number of inexpensive components. One such component is a movable member, such as a miniature precision reciprocating displacement pump head, which is driven by an actuator that comprises a shape memory alloy material. The operating mechanism of the system is of little or minimal complexity. The system facilitates the precise metering and delivery of the small discrete volumes of liquid. Potential applications for the system include subcutaneous, long-term, automated drug delivery, for example, the delivery of insulin to a person with diabetes. In such an application, the small, simple and inexpensive nature of the invention would allow for its use as both a portable and a disposable system.
US08727740B2
An assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention for providing a substantially uniform output flow from at least one piston of a pump powered by a prime mover includes at least a first power piston disposed in a cylinder and reciprocatingly movable within the cylinder between an extension direction when supplied with power from the prime mover and an opposite retraction direction, and a synchronization element attached to the power piston to control the speed of the power piston in the retraction direction.
US08727733B2
A rotor blade and blade retention key assembly includes: a radially outer airfoil, a shank and a radially inner attachment dovetail. The attachment dovetail has a radially innermost surface formed with a notch at one axial end thereof, and a retention key is received in the notch, and rotatable from a retracted position where a retention key portion is substantially flush with the radially innermost surface, to an extended position where the retention key portion projects inwardly from said radially innermost surface and into a recess or pocket formed in a rotor wheel slot to prevent axial movement of the blade within the slot.
US08727732B2
A ceiling fan (10) is disclosed having a motor housing (11) suspended through a downrod (12). An electric motor (13) is mounted within the housing which drives an annular array of blade irons (14) each having a blade (15) mounted thereto. Each blade has three clearance or mounting hole (16) and a resilient annular grommet (17) is positioned within each mounting hole. Each blade iron (14) has a blade mounting portion (23) with a peripheral seat (23)′ and three blade fasteners (24). Each blade fastener is configured to pass through the fastener mounting hole and grommet. Each fastener has a neck (25) with an annular groove (26), and a head (27) having a diameter larger than that of the neck. The head is positioned directly adjacent the groove so that contact between the head and the grommet forces a portion of the grommet into the annular groove.
US08727727B2
A component is disclosed. The component includes a substrate comprising an outer surface and an inner surface. The inner surface defines at least one hollow, interior space, and the outer surface defines one or more grooves that extend at least partially along the outer substrate surface and have a respective base. One or more access holes are formed through the base of a respective groove, to connect the groove in fluid communication with the respective hollow interior space. The component further includes a coating comprising one or more layers disposed over at least a portion of the outer substrate surface. The groove(s) and the coating together define one or more channels for cooling the component. One or more trenches are formed through one or more coating layers and at least partially define at least one exit region for the cooling channel(s). A method of fabricating a component is also provided.
US08727710B2
A feather seal assembly includes a seal having a directional passage to direct an airflow generally non-perpendicular to the seal.
US08727709B2
A casing component (2) of a turbomachine, the casing component (2) comprising: a plurality of casing elements (14) which define a diameter of the casing component; and an actuation means operable to change the diameter of the casing component (2), wherein the actuation means changes the diameter of the casing component (2) as a function of a rotational speed of a rotatable component (4) disposed within the casing component (2).
US08727703B2
A gas turbine engine includes a diffuser section supplying cooling fluid, a rotatable shaft, shaft cover structure disposed about the rotatable shaft, support structure, and a cooling fluid channel between the shaft cover structure and the support structure. The support structure provides structural support for the shaft cover structure and receives cooling fluid from the diffuser section. One of the diffuser section and the support structure comprises a plurality of apertures through which at least a portion of the cooling fluid passes. The cooling fluid channel is in fluid communication with the apertures in the one of the diffuser section and the support structure for supplying cooling fluid to a blade disc structure located in a turbine section of the engine.
US08727701B2
A modular fan housing configured to hold an array of motors and fans is provided. The modular fan housing is configured for use in an air-handling system that delivers air to a ventilation system for at least a portion of a building. The fan housing comprises a plurality of modular units configured to be stacked adjacent to one another in at least one row or column to form an array. The modular units each include an interior surface and have a front end and a back end that define a chamber. The chambers are configured to receive the motors and fans. Sound attenuation layers extend along at least a portion of the interior surface of the corresponding chambers. The sound attenuation layers are positioned between at least some of the adjacent chambers.
US08727699B2
One embodiment of the present invention is a damping system for rotating machinery such as gas turbine engines. Other embodiments include apparatuses, systems, devices, hardware, methods, and combinations for damping systems. Further embodiments, forms, features, aspects, benefits, and advantages of the present application shall become apparent from the description and figures provided herewith.
US08727698B1
An electricity generating tower includes a tower wall whose inner radius profile has a hyperbolic shape for a least a portion thereof. Moisture is added to the top of the tower and mixes with air to generate a downdraft of wind within the interior of the tower. A base beneath the tower wall contains a plurality of radially extending wind tunnels each having a turbine arranged therein to convert the wind into electricity.
US08727685B2
A swage collar including a shank having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and an outside diameter, a flange extending circumferentially from the first end of the shank and having a outer diameter, and a scalloped shoulder formed at a location where the first end of the shank transitions to the flange. When the swage collar is swaged, the shoulder is deformed from an undeformed state to a deformed state such that the shoulder is blended with the outside diameter of the shank and the outer diameter of the flange. When the shoulder is in its deformed state, it includes multiple curved portions each having a radius of curvature that visually indicates all around the outside diameter of the collar a complete swage of the collar. Knurling located on the outside diameter of the shank and proximate to the second end is deformable and provides a visual indication of the application of an installation tool.
US08727677B2
A boring device includes a base on which a work is placed, a cutting tool inserted into the through hole of the work, a rotatingly driving device for rotating the cutting tool, and supporting jigs for supporting the cutting tool by bush surfaces. The cutting tool includes a tool body having a main flow path and second branch flow paths and cutting edges formed on the outer peripheral surface of the tool body. Recessed pockets are formed in the outer peripheral surface of the cutting tool at the respective portions opposed to the bush surfaces of the support jigs. A set screw is detachably fitted to each of the second branch flow paths. The set screw includes an orifice allowing the upstream side and the downstream side of each of the second branch flow paths to communicate with each other.
US08727671B2
A waste conveying system in which waste is collected/conveyed, e.g. by a suction system, in a waste container (10) of a regional waste space (16) or a transport container in which/from which the waste is then conveyed to further treatment. The waste space (16) and/or the waste container (10) or the transport container is arranged in a tunnel (20), such as a traffic tunnel, advantageously an underground tunnel, or in its vicinity, or there is a conveying connection from them to the tunnel (20) through which the waste is conveyed away.
US08727667B2
A system including a votex-induced vibration (VIV) suppression device dimensioned to suppress a vortex induced vibration of a support structure, the VIV suppression device having a base portion that encircles at least a portion of the support structure and a support member formed along the base portion. The system further including a collar having a body portion defining an annular channel and a flange portion extending outwardly from the annular channel, the flange portion dimensioned to form a receiving channel around the support structure for receiving the support member. The support member is received within the receiving channel to secure the VIV suppression device to the support structure and the VIV suppression device is capable of rotating around the support structure along the receiving channel.
US08727665B2
A method and an apparatus for introducing at least one pipe for at least one optical cable into a solid bed with the aid of a laying device. At least one groove is milled or cut in the bed and the at least one pipe is inserted in the groove. At least one side wall of the groove is configured with a step for supporting a filler material. After laying the pipe the remaining volume of the groove is filled. Alternatively, the pipe can be formed according to the groove. In addition, the friction between the at least one pipe laid in the groove and the side walls of the groove can be increased so that emergence of the at least one pipe of its own accord from the at least one groove is prevented.
US08727664B2
A berm to increase capacity of an existing landfill comprises a reinforced portion and backfill material. The landfill comprises a waste-receiving recess having a surface and an outer perimeter, an edge surface peripherally adjacent at least a portion of the outer perimeter, and an existing accumulation of waste within the recess having a collective top surface. The reinforced portion has opposing inner and outer surfaces and comprises structural fill material and a plurality of reinforcing members disposed therein. The backfill material has an inner surface adjacent the inner surface of the reinforced portion. The backfill material comprises contaminated fill material and is at least partially encapsulated by an impermeable membrane. At least a portion of the berm sits on at least a portion of the edge surface of the landfill. Portions of the berm are substantially parallel to corresponding portions of the outer perimeter.
US08727653B2
A multi-pocketed decorative fabric organizer that resembles a folding file and serves as a workspace when opened and then folds up in seconds keeping all the items and materials stored in it intact, and provides a portable and compact organizer for various purposes. The organizer consists of a hard surface that folds out to a writing or working space consisting of conveniently located plastic storage pockets and an exterior of decorative fabrics.
US08727651B2
An elevating container includes an elliptically shaped main tube, a non-circularly shaped moveable support unit which moves upwardly or downwardly along an inner surface of a storage tube of the main tube without rotating, and a driving unit fitted to the main tube to rotate in threaded engagement to the support unit without moving upwardly or downwardly. A seal section at the lower end of the inner peripheral surface of the storage tube and a sealing cylinder at the lower end of the support unit are air-tightly fitted to each other. In addition, positioning ribs are provided at the lower end of the storage tube, and positioning notches are provided at the lower end of the moveable support unit. When the positioning ribs and the positioning notches are engaged with each other, a circumferential misalignment between the main tube and the support unit is corrected.
US08727643B2
A device for use in connection with various viewing and imaging devices is disclosed. More specifically, a mount is provided that is both capable of being attached to preexisting viewing devices, such as spotting scopes, rifle scopes, and other magnification devices, and further accommodating preexisting image recording and/or displaying devices, such as cameras and cameras phones. Features and advantages of both preexisting viewing and image recording devices may therefore be used in concert with one another.
US08727641B2
An optical connector includes a substrate, a photoelectric element and a positioning element on the substrate, a lens element, and an optical fiber. The positioning element defines a through hole, in which the photoelectric element is received to allow visual inspection for determining if the photoelectric element is positioned to a designated position in relation to the positioning element, and includes a positioning structure. The lens element includes an incident surface, an emitting surface, a reflecting surface, a locating structure and a first lens formed in the incident surface, and a second lens formed on the emitting surface and optically aligned with the first lens via the reflecting surface. The lens element is precisely positioned on the positioning element by matching the locating structure with the positioning structure, to align the first lens with the photo electric element. The optical fiber is aligned with the second lens.
US08727636B2
A fiber optic interface device (10) with a positionable cover (100) is disclosed. The device includes a ferrule (50) supported by a housing (21). The ferrule has a front section (65) with a surface (66) and is configured to support at least one optical path interface (OPI) at the front-section surface. The cover supports a cleaning member (170) and is positionable in open and closed positions. In the closed position, the cleaning member is proximate to the at least one optical path interface, and in the open position the at least one optical path interface is exposed.
US08727633B2
A bearing support assembly (10) comprising a bearing (12) supported within a bearing block (14) is provided. A shaft (26) is arranged to rotate within the bearing (12) and a disc member (34) is carried on the shaft (26) proximate to the bearing block (14). A ring member (20) is secured to the bearing block (14) so that in the event of bearing failure the disc member (34) engages with the ring member (20) so as to support the shaft (26) in rotational motion. The disc member has a diameter that is larger than the outer diameter of the ring member. The ring member (20) is at least partially recessed into the thickness of the disc member (34). The assembly may be utilized in agricultural machinery which include rotors (30) which are supported on rotating shafts. The ring member (20) may provide a labyrinth seal which inhibits the ingress of particulate matter into the bearing.
US08727619B2
Disclosed is an radiographic image capturing system, which makes it possible to establish second β*-correction data for the replacement-use radiographic image capturing apparatus, even if a console is busy. The system includes: a radiographic image capturing apparatus provided with radiation detecting elements two dimensionally arranged, to output image data representing a radiographic image; a radiation source to emit radiation; a cradle provided in an image capturing room; and a console to create a radiographic image based on the image data. When the replacement-use radiographic image capturing apparatus is inserted into the cradle, the cradle reads out first β-correction data, therefrom, and then, based on the first β-correction data, the first α-correction data and second α*-correction data, the cradle calculates second β*-correction data corresponding to the radiation source currently residing in the image capturing room, so as to establish the second β*-correction data above-calculated for the replacement-use radiographic image capturing apparatus.
US08727617B2
A dental radiography device has an X-ray sensor (12) with a sensitive surface (22) for detecting X-rays and oriented towards the front face (16) of the sensor and a device for positioning the sensor made up of a receiver (32), for receiving the sensor, and an oblong arm (34) with an end (35) fixed to the receiver and an outwardly directed portion (34B) extending towards the front of the sensor and intended to extend out of the mouth of a patient, the receiver contained in a rear cylindrical space (33B) extending at the rear of a rear face (18) of the sensor opposite the front face (16), the rear cylindrical space (33B) defined by movement, along a lateral edge of the sensor, of a generating straight line (333) perpendicular to the sensitive surface.
US08727616B2
This document discusses, among other things, an apparatus and method for providing temperature information. In an example, an integrated circuit apparatus can include a first resistor configured to be coupled to a first terminal of a temperature-sensitive resistance, a second resistor configured to be coupled to a second terminal of the temperature-sensitive resistance, and a temperature information circuit configured to receive a first voltage from the first terminal of the temperature-sensitive resistance and a second voltage from the second terminal of the temperature-sensitive resistance. The temperature information circuit can provide the temperature information using the first and second voltages.
US08727612B2
An imaging thermographic measuring system to measure the thermal output (Qout) at a target object, such as a building wall, building facade, or the like, comprising a measuring station provided for the arrangement distant from the object with an electric imaging device to record a thermographic thermal image, with a temperature distribution to be allocated thereto, and with a temperature sensor distant from the object to measure a temperature (Tref) distant from the object; at least one thermal transition sensor provided to be arrange close to the object, a transmission arrangement to transmit values between at least one thermal transition sensor and the measuring station, with the thermal transition sensor being embodied to predetermine the test values to determine a thermal transition coefficient (h).
US08727596B2
A light source device comprising: a point light source for emitting light; a light source substrate directly mounting the point light source; a light source substrate cover having a through hole or a notch in a position to which the point light source corresponds, the light source substrate cover arranged opposite to a surface of the light source substrate on which the point light source is mounted; and a support member for supporting the light source substrate, the support member arranged to be opposed to the reverse side of the mounting surface of the light source substrate, the support member has a substantially same size with the light source substrate; wherein the light source substrate cover and the support member sandwich the light source substrate to support the light source substrate.
US08727588B2
A wheel loader, which is a construction machine, includes: a rear vehicle body and a front frame; an operating device provided at the front frame; and a working lamp unit attached to a sidewall of the rear vehicle body. The working lamp unit has a light source and a bracket including a downward illuminating portion that covers at least an upper part of the light source and that protrudes more in the light illumination direction than a lens surface of the light source and that is inclined downward with respect to a horizontal direction. Thus, there is obtained a construction machine including a working lamp, in which visibility can be ensured both in a distant area and in an area near the construction machine.
US08727587B2
A controllable on/off device for an auxiliary light contains: a lamp module having a body in which a driving unit connecting with an illuminating element, the body including a first conducting piece coupling with a cathode contact point of the driving unit and a second conducting piece coupling with a negative contact point of the driving unit; a base fixed under the lamp module and including a conduction element corresponding to the first conducting piece and the second conducting piece; a pivotal clutch mechanism defined between the lamp module and the base so that the lamp module is axially rotated and shifted between a first rotating range and a second rotating range and drives the lamp module to move vertically, such that the first conducting piece and the second conducting piece are driven to contact with or leave from the conduction element, thus turning on or off the illuminating element.
US08727583B2
A lighting assembly includes a lamp alignment assembly for positioning the lamps after the lighting assembly is installed. The lighting assembly includes a ceiling pan for mounting to the ceiling support and a lamp assembly attached to the ceiling pan. The lamp assembly is adjustable in a transverse and rotational direction with respect to the ceiling pan. A stop member on the ceiling pan is received in an aperture in the lamp assembly to limit movement of the lamp assembly on the base. The lamp assembly is provided with alignment springs to align the lamp assembly at predetermined settings. A sight window is formed in the ceiling to visually set the lamp assembly in a selected position. A locking member on the lamp assembly locks the lamp assembly in a fixed position on the ceiling pan.
US08727578B2
Provided are an optical element and a method for manufacturing the optical element, wherein the concave optical surface of the optical element does not adhere to the metal mold convex surface and excellent mold releasability is ensured by providing the end surface of the optical element with an end section which is continuous to the outer end section of the concave optical surface of the optical element and providing the end section with a tapered section having a tilt with respect to the flat surface formed by the outer end section of the concave optical surface at the time of forming the optical element by means of a liquid drop method. The tapered section can be used for alignment at the time of assembling the light emitting unit, and contributes to process time reduction and prevention of generation of failures.
US08727576B1
A nonimaging light assembly for flashlights, including a light source and a lens symmetrical about an optical axis for receiving light from the light source and producing therefrom a light beam having concentrated and divergent components resulting in a high intensity core beam surrounded by a smoothly transitioning lower intensity surround beam. In a preferred embodiment utilizing a light emitting diode as the light source, the combined light beam produced by the light assembly has a substantially circular cross section.
US08727573B2
An apparatus is described, including a light source, a lens and two reflectors. A first reflector is positioned to reflect a first portion of light from the light source, wherein the first portion of light is radiated from the light source in a central forward solid angle as defined by an outer edge of the first reflector. The lens is azimuthally horizontal to the light source for accepting a second portion of light from the light source emitted in a peripheral forward solid angle. A second reflector reflects the first portion of light after reflectance from the first reflector and the second portion of light after passing through the lens in a composite beam, wherein the first reflector and the lens are configured such that the first and second portions of light behave as though they were emitted from a point source at the second reflector focus.
US08727553B2
In a lighting device 12 according to the present invention, a first board 20a and a second board 20b on which a plurality of light sources 17 are mounted are arranged in a first board arrangement area 30a and a second board arrangement area 30b of a chassis 14, respectively, in respective predetermined orientations. The first board 20a includes a first board-side interlock portion 31a interlocked with a first chassis-side interlock portion 32a provided in the first board arrangement area 30a, and the second board 20b includes a second board-side interlock portion 31b interlocked with a second chassis-side interlock portion 32b provided in the second board arrangement area 30b. In arranging the first board 20a in the second board arrangement area 30b, the first board-side interlock portion 31a is not interlocked with the second chassis-side interlock portion 32b.
US08727548B1
The present invention relates to a device for tilting a mirror. The device includes a mirror for reflecting light from an object, a plate for supporting the mirror, and a plurality of coils for providing tilt motion to the plate and mirror in response to current from a controller. The device also includes an electrically conductive diaphragm sandwiched between the mirror and the plate for stabilizing the tilt motion of the mirror. The current from the controller flows through the diaphragm to the coils.
US08727543B2
A laser beam generated by a laser light source is reflected by a light beam scanning device and irradiated onto a hologram recording medium. On the hologram recording medium, an image of a scatter plate is recorded as a hologram by using reference light that converges on a scanning origin. The light beam scanning device bends the laser beam at the scanning origin and irradiates the laser beam onto the hologram recording medium. At this time, scanning is carried out by changing a bending mode of the laser beam with time so that an irradiation position of the bent laser beam on the hologram recording medium changes with time. Regardless of an irradiation position of the beam, diffracted light from the hologram recording medium produces a reproduction image of the scatter plate on the spatial light modulator. The modulated image of the spatial light modulator is projected onto a screen.
US08727540B2
An image projecting device for projecting an image on a screen is provided. The image projecting device includes a toppling detecting part that detects a toppling of the image projecting device; a toppling direction detecting part that detects a direction in which the image projecting device topples; and a controlling part that controls the image projecting device such that the image projecting device continues to project the image if the toppling detecting part detects the toppling of the image projecting device and the toppling direction detected by the toppling direction detecting part is directed toward the screen, while the image projecting device stops projecting the image if the toppling direction detected by the toppling direction detecting part is directed away from the screen.
US08727539B2
In at least one embodiment of the disclosure, a projector comprises an imaging unit that photographs a projection surface and acquires a first photographed image during a projection of a featured image at a first time point and acquires a second photographed image during the projection of the featured image at a second time point different from the first time point. An image processing unit generates a reference image based on the first photographed image and generates a comparative image based on the second photographed image. A movement detecting unit detects a change in a relative position of the projector with respect to the projection surface by using the reference image and the comparative image generated by the image processing unit.
US08727537B2
An image projection apparatus guides light from a light source to a first and a second image modulation elements and projects light modulated by the first and second image modulation elements towards an image plane. A first color separation element reflects first linearly polarized light of a first color light so as to guide the first linearly polarized light to the first image modulation element side, transmits second linearly polarized light of the first color light so as to guide the second linearly polarized light to the second image modulation element side, and reflects or transmits both of the first and second linearly polarized light of a second color light so as to guide both of the first and second linearly polarized light of the second color light to the second image modulation element side.
US08727528B2
An inkjet recording medium and a coating composition for forming an inkjet recording medium. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, an inkjet recording medium is disclosed comprising an inkjet-receptive coating on a paper substrate. The inkjet-receptive coating contains a synergistic combination of pigments, binder and a multivalent metal salt such that the inkjet recording medium exhibits improved inkjet print properties, particularly when printed with a high speed inkjet printer using pigmented inks.
US08727518B2
A method has been developed to enable a controller to select between two angles at which to position a wiper configured to wipe release agent from an image drum. The controller selects the position of the wiper with reference to the number of times the wiper has wiped the image drum and the number of media sheets that have contacted the image drum.
US08727510B2
A liquid ejection head includes a substrate in which a pressure generating chamber that communicates with a nozzle opening is formed; and a piezoelectric element having a piezoelectric layer, a first electrode that is formed on a surface of the piezoelectric layer on a side of the substrate so as to correspond to the pressure generating chamber, and a second electrode that is formed on a surface of the piezoelectric layer opposite to the side on which the first electrode is formed so as to extend over a plurality of the pressure generating chambers, wherein the second electrode is formed to extend to an outside of the pressure generating chamber in a longitudinal direction of the pressure generating chamber.
US08727507B2
Provided is an ink-jet apparatus that: has a wide control range of the direction for ink ejection; can correct a variation in the direction for ink ejection; and can improve the yield of a product when used for manufacture of electronic devices. The ink-jet apparatus includes: pressure chamber 110 configured with a pair of partition walls 111; nozzle plate 101 having nozzle 100; diaphragm 112 supported by partition walls 111; piezoelectric elements 131 and 132 that are in contact with diaphragm 112 for pressurizing pressure chamber 110; and piezoelectric elements 141, 142 and 143 supporting partition walls 111. A voltage can be applied individually to piezoelectric elements 131, 132, and 141 to 143. The widths of part A and part B of diaphragm 112, part A being in contact with a piezoelectric element, and part B being in contact with partition wall 111 satisfy a particular relationship.
US08727500B2
A heater chip has a substrate and at least one die, made of silicon, and a bond non-adhesively attaching them. The substrate, thick enough to resist bowing, has ink supply vias from back to front surfaces. The die has ink flow vias from back to front surfaces and circuitry including heater elements adjacent the front surface interspersed with ink flow vias. A metal through the die connects a conductor on a front of the substrate to a heater element on a front of the die. A wire bond connects to the front of the substrate, but is offset from die.
US08727497B2
A piezoelectric actuator is provided, including a piezoelectric layer arranged on one surface of a base member; a plurality of driving electrodes arranged on one surface of the piezoelectric layer; a plurality of leading electrodes led from the driving electrodes to apply a voltage to the driving electrodes; and a low dielectric layer arranged between the piezoelectric layer and the leading electrode, and having a dielectric constant lower than that of the piezoelectric layer. Surroundings of driving areas of the piezoelectric layer including areas facing the plurality of driving electrodes are joined to the base member. The plurality of leading electrodes extend to outside of the driving areas, respectively, some of the plurality of leading electrodes being led in a predetermined first direction, and others of the plurality of leading electrodes being led in a second direction different from the first direction.
US08727492B2
An image forming apparatus includes an image forming part to form an image by injecting a liquid. A waste liquid tank is detachably attached to the image forming apparatus to store a waste liquid discharged from the image forming part. The waste liquid tank has a memory element to store identification information A and waste liquid amount information B. A memory unit stores identification information C and waste liquid amount information D. A control unit determines a current amount of the waste liquid currently retained in the waste liquid tank at a predetermined timing in accordance with the identification information A and the waste liquid amount information B stored in the memory element and the identification information C and the waste liquid amount information D stored in the memory unit, and updates the current amount of the waste liquid in accordance with a subsequent operation of the image forming part.
US08727491B2
A fluid ejecting apparatus includes a fluid ejecting head that has a nozzle formation surface and ejects fluid from a nozzle formed as a hole through the nozzle formation surface. A fluid catching unit has an opening that faces the nozzle formation surface of the fluid ejecting head at the time of flushing, as waste fluid is ejected from the nozzle of the fluid ejecting head. The fluid catching unit receives the waste fluid ejected from the nozzle through the opening. A cover mechanism includes a cover member that moves between cover retracted positions. At the cover position, the cover member can close the opening of the fluid catching unit. At the retracted position, the cover member cannot close the opening during the flushing. Negative pressure is generated inside the fluid catching unit when the cover member is positioned at the cover position.
US08727479B2
An inkjet printer is provided that is configured to store a plurality of pieces of gap information respectively corresponding to a plurality of examined sections discretely arranged along a head moving direction on a recording sheet, each of the plurality of examined sections including a corresponding one portion of top portions and bottom portions on the recording sheet, and calculate interpolation gap information to be interpolated over a whole width in the head moving direction of at least one of a plurality of segments, each of which has a width in the head moving direction defined by two adjacent sections of the plurality of examined sections, based on the stored gap information.
US08727478B2
An ink loader enables identification of features on a solid ink stick placed on an ink stick support in the ink loader. The ink loader includes two optical sources configured to emit diffuse light toward different surfaces of the solid ink stick. Two corresponding sets of optical sensors are positioned to receive light reflected from identifying features, if present, on the solid ink stick. A controller receives signals generated by the two sets of optical sensors and identifies the ink stick with reference to the signals from the sensors.
US08727468B2
A recording apparatus includes a carriage configured to carry a recording head and to move in a main scanning direction, and a guide plate rail configured to guide the carriage when it moves. The carriage is provided with a sliding member movable relative to the carriage in a height direction of the carriage. The carriage and the sliding member have a switch member provided therebetween. The switch member moves in the main scanning direction relative to the carriage and the sliding member to cause the carriage and the sliding member to be relatively displaced in the height direction of the carriage.
US08727465B2
A method for supplying a liquid from a liquid tank to a head tank fixed to a liquid-jet head utilizing a liquid supply device in a liquid-jet apparatus is disclosed. The method includes jetting the liquid droplets from the liquid-jet head while maintaining a meniscus pressure of the liquid-jet head within a predetermined range; detecting the meniscus pressure of the liquid-jet head; carrying out, when the detected meniscus pressure is lower than the predetermined range, a first liquid supply operation such that the detected meniscus pressure of the liquid-jet head being lower than the predetermined range is restored to the predetermined range; and carrying out, while the first liquid supply operation is not being carried out, a second liquid supply operation such that the liquid is supplied to the head tank in an amount less than a liquid-jetted amount computed based on a liquid-jet signal.
US08727461B2
A furniture fitting for fastening a front panel to a drawer frame includes a connecting element associated with the front panel and which can be pre-mounted on the front panel, and a fastening device associated with the drawer frame and which can be connected to the frame and which has a frame plate. An adjusting plate and adjusting elements are arranged, in particular rotatably, on the adjusting plate and act on the adjusting plate, by which adjusting elements the adjusting plate can be adjusted relative to the frame plate in the height direction (HR) and in the lateral direction (SR). The connecting element can be hooked onto the adjusting plate and, while hooked in, follows the adjustment motions of the adjusting plate relative to the frame plate.
US08727451B2
A rotatable grading pick has a head portion, a shank portion extending rearwardly from the head portion, and a polygonal portion on the rotatable grading pick. At least a portion of the outer perimeter of the polygonal portion can be engaged by a tool so that the polygonal portion can be rotated, and the shank portion can be rotated to clear debris between the shank portion and a retainer placed around a part of the shank portion.
US08727436B2
A bicycle seat clamp assembly is disclosed herein which comprises upper and lower members to provide a vertical clamping force to the rails of a seat to attach a seat to the seat post. The upper and lower members are actuated by a horizontal fastening device which can be tightened or loosened with one hand. The bicycle seat clamp assembly provides for fine tuning of a front to back angular tilt as preferred by the user. Moreover, the seat post can be rotated to the forward direction or the rearward direction to increase a front to back adjustment range of the seat.
US08727432B2
A sunroof apparatus including a front panel and a rear panel closing a roof opening, having a slider coupling mechanism interlocking between a front slider actuating the front panel and a rear slider actuating the rear panel while achieving a simplified structure and compacted size thereof with its number of parts reduced. The coupling arm is swingably pivotally supported by the rear slider, and the coupling arm is provided with a stopper for regulating the back-and-forth movement of the rear slider by fitting to a locking hole formed in the guide rail, and the front slider is provided with a coupling pin and the coupling arm is provided with a coupling cam groove, and the front slider is moved backward so that the coupling pin and the coupling cam groove are engaged with each other to thereby swing the coupling arm so that the stopper is disengaged from the locking hole and the rear slider being interlocked with the front slider is rendered to be moved back and forth.
US08727422B2
The present invention provides a back door for an automobile including an inner panel and an outer panel made of resin. A pair of reinforcement metal plates is disposed on an inner wall of the inner panel at end portions in a left-to-right direction of a space formed between the inner panel and the outer panel integrated together. The reinforcement metal plates each include a damper attachment portion to which a damper-connecting member connected to a damper is attached, and a hinge attachment portion to which a hinge extending toward a car body is fixed.
US08727419B2
A window assembly (118) comprises: a window regulator (144) for driving a main window (124) up and down, a connection system (196) with a latch (198), a division bar (122), and quarter-light window (206) which may be driven down by the regulator (144) to a controlled index position at which the latch (198) disengages such that the quarter-light may be left in a slightly lowered index position while the main window may be further lowered, the latch reengaging once the main window is raised again, the raising and lowering of the quarter-light window (120) enabling the quarter-light to securely engage with a seal (246) positioned between its top edge (204) and an A-pillar (106) of the vehicle (100) and also allowing a door to which the assembly to be opened and closed without interference between the quarter-light and the seal (246).
US08727415B2
A vehicle bed extender adapted for simultaneous adjustment of both length and width. The extender includes a first side wall, a second side wall, and a connecting wall. The first and second side walls can attach to the vehicle storage bed, while the connecting wall attaches to the side walls in a sliding configuration along a direction nonparallel to the length and width of the bed extender. The connecting wall can also be composed of multiple cross members with middle portions of varying length such that the middle portions of the cross members are not vertically oriented. The vehicle bed extender can also be supported by a mount at the front end of the vehicle bed that supports the connecting wall.
US08727408B1
Tongs are provided having a base and two elongate, resilient fingers supported by and cantilevered from the base. At least one and preferably both of the fingers includes a tapered section having a taper increasing in thickness from a proximal location at or near the base to a distal location at or near the distal end. The tapered fingers are more flexible at proximal lengthwise portions near the base and more durable at distal lengthwise portions near the distal ends. The distal gripping faces of the fingers can flatten out, to conform to the shape of the object, and spread out the force on the object, allowing the object to be grasped both firmly and gently.
US08727406B2
A roundsling for lifting loads includes an inner non-interwoven structure and a covering which receives the inner non-interwoven structure, the covering taking the form of a hollow braided structure and its end portions being inserted in one another and being connected together to overlap one another in a connection zone. In a roundsling of this kind, there is formed, in that end portion which is on the outside in the connection zone, at least one lateral opening which leads to the circumferential surface of the end portion, and that there is held, in that end portion which is on the inside in the connection zone, a securing member which is passed through the opening in that end portion which is on the outside.
US08727405B2
A merchandising grapple is disclosed for removing retail items such as beverage cans, bottles, boxes, and the like from shipping containers in groups and placing them in groups on display shelves within a retail establishment. The grapple has spaced features that receive and hold the items in groups of several items and may have a handle for gripping the grapple and a slip joint for adjusting a width of the grapple. A method includes stocking display shelves by removing items in groups from shipping containers and placing them in groups on display shelves.
US08727397B1
An occupant reminder system to remind at least one occupant of a vehicle, prior to leaving such vehicle, that there is at least one other occupant in the vehicle (such as a child or pet). Upon initial setting and occupancy of a vehicle, the reminder system temporarily prevents the door of the responsible occupant from latching shut to assist reminding the responsible occupant of such at least one other occupant.
US08727394B2
An improved button-type latch to releasably secure a door, having a spring loaded latch bolt retained within a cylindrical housing. The housing further comprises a pair of leaf springs longitudinally directed toward a front of the button latch, the leaf springs cooperating with a retaining lip on the housing to capture a structure surface to maintain the button latch therein.
US08727384B2
A coupler for coupling a first fluid delivery device to a second fluid delivery device includes a base adapted for mounting at one of the opening of first fluid delivery device, a locking member coupled to the base about the base's longitudinal axis, with the locking member being movable along the base along the base's longitudinal axis between a locking position and an unlocking position. A connector member having a body adapted for releasably mounting at one of the openings of the second fluid delivery device is releasably engageable with the locking member and with the base wherein the fluid flow passageways of the base and the connector member are in fluidic communication. Further, the locking member is biased toward the connector member to thereby engage the connector member with a first force when fluid is flowing through the coupler and with a second lower force when fluid is not flowing through the coupler wherein when no fluid is flowing through the coupler, the connector member may be disconnected from the locking member by simply overcoming the second lower biasing force.
US08727383B2
A telescopic vacuum cleaner suction tube (1) having an outer tube (2) and an inner tube (3) with snap-in depressions (7). The inner tube is telescopically arranged in the outer tube. The suction tube also includes an antitwisting mechanism (4d; 16) and an interlocking device with a snap-in element (15) that is disengaged from a snap-in depression (7) by an actuating element (5) situated about diametrically opposite thereof. The interlocking device includes a spring (6) that positively encompasses at least the inner tube (3) and engages the snap-in element (15) into the nearest snap-in depression (7) of the inner tube (3). The interlocking device and telescoping tubes ensure that the tubes are always securely interlocked and able to withstand shock-like compressive forces, namely while simultaneously providing for an ergonomic handling.
US08727380B2
In a suspension tower structure for a vehicle (1) including a chassis frame (9) to which suspension towers (101) are attached, a front leg part (101a) and a rear leg part (101b) branched to be separated from each other in a vehicle length direction are provided in a lower part of the suspension tower (101), and lower parts of the front leg part (101a) and the rear leg part (101b) are attached to a main frame (10) of the chassis frame (9) extending in the vehicle length direction so as to be separated from each other in the vehicle length direction.
US08727361B2
A dolly for supporting a spool carrying a windable material, such as rope, utilizes a wheeled frame including an elongated section having two opposite ends, a pair of wheels, and at least one floor-engaging for supporting, in conjunction with the wheels, the dolly upon a floor. A U-shaped bracket assembly having two legs and a base which extends between the two legs is secured to the elongated section of the frame, and a first tipped member is journaled to one leg of the U-shaped bracket for acceptance by a centrally-disposed hole provided in one end of the spool. A second tipped member is journaled to a threaded rod mounted in the other leg of the bracket for acceptance by a centrally-disposed hole provided in the other end of the spool.
US08727360B2
This invention relates to a trailer comprising a body, a wheel assembly on each side of and floating relative to the trailer body, a linear actuator driving means adapted to selectively raise and lower body relative to its wheel assemblies while keeping the body substantially parallel to the ground throughout its range of movement and providing a mechanical advantage to the actuator.
US08727359B2
A roller skate having enhanced durability and stability is disclosed. The skate includes a platform for supporting a skater's foot. The platform includes a toe plate and heel plate connected by an adjustable connecting assembly. A front truck is affixed to the underside of the toe plate, while a rear truck is affixed to the underside of the heel plate. The front truck includes simple bracket arms for affixing a single front wheel which is capable of rotating, but not capable of tilting about the platform's longitudinal axis. Meanwhile, the rear wheel truck is mounted to the underside of the heel plate so as to permit both tilting movement about an inclined longitudinal axis, and also rotation about a transverse axis relative to the roller skate's platform. Preferably, the roller skate includes three wheels rotatably mounted to the rear wheel truck.
US08727357B2
A toolholder support member for retaining the shank of a toolholder has a bore to accept the toolholder shank. A retention member extends through the bore wall to engage a perforation extending through the shank or indentation within the shank, thereby retaining the shank within the receiving bore. The retention member is biased to provide resistance for insertion or extraction of the shank within the receiving bore. Furthermore, the retention bore is angled relative to the longitudinal axis of the receiving bore so that the force required to insert the toolholder within the receiving bore is minimized, while the force required to extract the toolholder from the receiving bore is maximized.
US08727349B2
The present invention provides lottery tickets each of which incorporates one or more set(s) of random results data generated by random data generating software. Each set of random results data corresponding to possible results of game play, a sports event or a sporting contest, and incorporates a verification code for each set of random results data.
US08727346B2
A device for positioning a plate element (7a, 7b, 7c) in an infeed station (2) of a machine for treating the element (1), fitted with a conveyor (8, 9), gripping the element (7a, 7b, 7c) which is found in a predetermined intermediate position, and carrying the element (7a, 7b, 7c) in a rated running into successive processing stations (3, 4, 6). The device includes a holding device (18) for temporarily holding the element (7a, 7b, 7c), the holding device moving longitudinally alternatively (A) from an upstream position to a downstream position, and vice-versa, to pick up the element (7a, 7b, 7c) in a rear position and bring it to the intermediate position, and to return empty. A motor (23) moves the holding device (18) longitudinally, from the upstream position to the downstream position, and vice-versa, as a function of the rated running. A detector (27) detects a rear longitudinal position in which the element (7a, 7b, 7c) is found, and emits a position signal. The motor (23) is able to move (A, Aa, Ab, Ac) the holding device (18) from the upstream position to various downstream positions, as a function of the signal emitted by the detection device (27), so as to bring the element (7a, 7b, 7c) from the rear position to the intermediate position.
US08727331B2
A sheet buffer apparatus retains a sheet to be conveyed to a post-processing unit and is configured to perform post-processing for a sheet. The apparatus comprises a buffer unit configured to perform buffer processing to retain a sheet to be conveyed to the post-processing unit and overlay the sheet to be retained and a succeeding sheet, a determination unit configured to determine whether a sheet is inhibited from the buffer processing by the buffer unit, and a control unit configured, when the determination unit determines that the sheet succeeding the sheet to be retained is a sheet for which the buffer processing is inhibited, to control the buffer unit not to perform the retaining of the sheet to be retained.
US08727329B2
A mounting and alignment system for selectively securing and accurately aligning a first plate relative to a second plate, the mounting system including a shank and a receiver arrangement with an annular locking ring and an annular receiver bushing. The bushing having an inner passage and an oppositely facing outer bushing surface. The outer bushing surface having at least one receiver bearing surface shaped to engage a bearing surface of an associated mounting opening in one of the plates to align the receiver bushing laterally within the opening. The inner passage of the bushing being shaped to receive and align with a shaft portion of the shank. The locking ring configured to secure the bushing axially within the mounting opening.
US08727323B2
Devices, systems, and methods employed in wet cleaning semiconductor devices are provided. In particular, systems that can deliver deionized water with the desired concentration of CO2 and methods of generating deionized water with a desired concentration of CO2 for use in wet cleaning of semiconductor devices are provided.
US08727316B1
A knife gate valve for specific environments comprises a knife valve with a body, a hand wheel, a yoke sleeve, a gland packing, a gland bushing, a stem, a wedge gate, seating surfaces and the like. All internal components of the device are provided with a high quality elastomeric liner. This surface is present on wetted surfaces such as body, seat and wedge surfaces exposed to the controlled material. This feature provides corrosion resistance, long life, and reduces leakage when compared to conventional valves. Its new style of internal design provides waterproof resistance for virtually types of industrial applications.
US08727311B2
The invention relates to a vacuum valve for interrupting, releasing or controlling a flowing medium in the interior (3) of the vacuum valve (1). A shaft (6) coupled to a valve drive (5) is routed gas-tight from the atmospheric area (4) to the interior (3) through a valve housing (2) by way of a sealing shaft penetration (20) so that a movement produced by the valve drive (5) can be transferred from the atmospheric area (4) to the interior (3) for the purposes of interrupting, releasing or controlling the flow.
US08727310B2
Packing followers for use with valves are described. An example packing follower for use with a valve includes a body having an elongated portion and a bore therethrough to receive a shaft. A portion of the bore is tapered to exert a force on a retainer that at least partially surrounds and is positioned within a groove of the shaft when the shaft moves toward an opening defined by the body. Additionally, the force has a first component in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the bore and a second component smaller than the first component in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the bore.
US08727309B2
Fluid valves having adjustable sealing characteristics are described. An example fluid valve includes a valve body having a flow aperture to enable the flow of fluid therethrough. Additionally, the fluid valve includes a seal surrounding the flow aperture and a sealing member having a shaft extending therefrom. The sealing member is movable relative to the seal and the flow aperture to control the flow of fluid through the flow aperture. Further, the fluid valve includes a support body movably coupled to the valve body and having a passage to receive the shaft. The support body holds the shaft and the sealing member to enable rotation of the shaft and the sealing member relative to the valve body and the seal, and at least one of the support body or the valve body includes at least one elongated opening to enable movement of the support body relative to the valve body to change an amount of engagement between the sealing member and the seal when the fluid valve is in a closed position.
US08727300B2
The disclosure relates to a mounting plate for fixing a machine base. The mounting plate comprises a slot in a second region, said slot comprising a first narrow section and a broad section for enclosing the machine base.
US08727294B1
A handgun holding system featuring a base plate with a pair of slots, each slot has a bracket that can slide and rotate within its respective slot. The first bracket has a spring clip for temporarily engaging the grip portion of a handgun, and the second bracket has a boot with an inner magnet for temporarily engaging the barrel of the handgun. The base plate can be mounted to a surface via a mounting means.
US08727293B2
A video support structure for supporting video, a video display system, and a method of securing the support structure are disclosed. The video support structure includes a first support member, a second support member, a portion of the second support member being receivable by a surface or space formed by the first support member, a pinnable joint having an opening in each of the first support member and the second support member, the openings being alignable to receive one or more pins, and the one or more pins, the one or more pins being configured to secure the first support member to the second support member to form at least a portion of the video support structure.
US08727280B1
A method and apparatus for operating an airfoil system. A gas may be generated. The gas may be sent into an inflatable airfoil system comprising an inflatable air foil and a section. The inflatable airfoil may have an inner end and an outer end in which the inflatable airfoil may be comprised of a number of materials that substantially pass electromagnetic waves through the inflatable airfoil. The section may have a number of openings in which the inner end of the inflatable airfoil may be associated with the section. The section may be configured to be associated with a fuselage. The number of openings may be configured to provide communications with an interior of the inflatable airfoil. The section with the number of openings may be configured to reduce reflection of the electromagnetic waves encountering the section.
US08727275B2
A nacelle is configured to be coupled to an underside of a wing and forms a clearance space between the nacelle and a leading edge slat of the wing. A portion of an outlet cowling moves longitudinally aft when a reverse thrust configuration is activated and the leading edge slat is deployed toward the nacelle. The outlet cowling also includes another portion located adjacent to the leading edge slat that does not move when the reverse thrust configuration is activated and thus maintains its clearance space from the leading edge slat.
US08727265B2
The invention is related to a helicopter (10) comprising a main rotor (12), a cycloidal rotor (14) and a rotating cylinder (18). The rotating cylinder (18) extends along a longitudinal axis of a tail boom (13). The cycloidal rotor (14) extends at least partly along said same tail boom (13) and rotates outside the rotating cylinder (18).
US08727257B2
A seat belt retractor for a safety belt of a motor vehicle having a belt shaft (1) rotatably mounted in a frame, a profile head (2) lockable in relation to the frame, a load limiting device (20) located between the profile head (2) and the belt shaft (1) for enabling the belt shaft (1) to undergo a load limited rotation in the belt webbing extraction direction (A) with the profile head (2) being locked and a load limiting level predetermined by the load limiting device (20) being exceeded.
US08727256B2
In case one of three clutch pawls protrudes outwardly from the side surface of a pawl base and engages with a clutch gear and the remaining two clutch pawls are not yet engaged with the clutch gear, the peripheral portion of a deforming through hole of the clutch pawl engaging with the clutch gear is plastically deformed and the clutch pawl is deformed in a substantially L-shape while engaging with the clutch gear. Then, the pawl base can be rotated further and the remaining two clutch pawls further protrude outwardly from the side surface of the pawl base and engage with the clutch gear.
US08727255B2
Disclosed are an automatic paper feeding sensing device and a paper feeding device for a paper shredder, and a paper shredder including the automatic paper feeding sensing device and the paper feeding device. The automatic paper feeding sensing device of the present invention includes a detection sensor fixed to an end of a sensor bracket disposed at a side of a paper feeding entrance of a paper shredder; and a rotating lever rotatably disposed between the paper feeding entrance and the detection sensor to open or close a front side of the detection sensor by the rotation thereof. The paper feeding device of the present invention includes a paper feeding section, a paper feeding entrance, a paper feeding rollers and a pressurizing portion. The paper shredder includes the paper feeding device of claim 5 with the automatic paper feeding sensing device of claim 1, the paper shredder including a cutter portion which comprises a plurality of cutter blades to shred paper and a driving motor configured to drive the cutter portion.
US08727252B1
A rock crusher is attached to a typical excavator that has a swing boom, an extension arm attached to the swing boom, and a bucket attached to the extension arm. The rock crusher has at least one blade fixedly attached within the bucket's interior and at least one anvil fixedly attached to the extension arm just above the bucket. At least one other blade is pivotally attached to the extension arm as well as to the swing boom via a linkage so that when the extension arm is drawn toward the boom by pulling back on the operator's stick, this second blade is crushingly pressed onto the material within the bucket.
US08727250B2
The present invention is generally directed to a system and method for obtaining a test sample from a seed or seeds. The method generally includes placing at least one seed into a seed sampling chamber, breaking the seed into a plurality of seed particles inside the seed sampling chamber, placing a sampling element into the seed sampling chamber, and collecting at least a portion of the plurality of seed particles with the sampling element by attracting at least a portion of the seed particles to a surface of the sampling element or by forcing at least a portion of the seed particles into a feature of the sampling element. In some embodiments, the method further includes using a sampling element transfer device to transfer the sampling element to an extraction well, which may be used to extract DNA or proteins from the collected portion of seed particles.
US08727247B2
A method for extracting copper, including: 1) inputting a copper cinder into a ball grinder to grind, screening, transferring resulting coarse grains to a first magnetic separator to yield a copper concentrate I and magnetic minerals, and returning the magnetic minerals to the ball grinder; 2) transferring resulting fine grains from the screening to a classifier to yield a deposited sand and an overflowing slurry, returning the deposited sand to the ball grinder, transferring the overflowing slurry to a flotation unit to yield a copper concentrate II and a gangue; 3) transferring the gangue to a second magnetic separator to separate a non-magnetic mineral from a magnetic mineral, transferring the non-magnetic mineral to a gravity concentrator to get a semi-qualified product, and transferring the semi-qualified product to a table concentrator to yield a copper concentration III; 4) discharging the gangue and the magnetic mineral.
US08727242B2
The present disclosure is directed to fuel injectors that provide efficient injection, ignition, and combustion of various types of fuels. One example of such an injector can include a sensor that detects one or more conditions in the combustion chamber. The injector can also include an acoustical force generator or modifier that is responsive to the sensor and can be configured to (a) induce vibrations in the fuel in the injector body and/or in the combustion chamber, (b) induce vibrations in air in the combustion chamber, (c) induce vibrations in a valve driver or other injector component to actuate a flow valve, and/or (d) control patterning of fuel injected into the combustion chamber.
US08727240B2
A fuel injector has a valve needle that has a maximum diameter at a flow-off edge, and a valve seat acting together with the valve needle using a sealing seat, the valve seat widening, starting from the sealing seat up to a discharge edge, and the flow-off edge of the valve needle being offset backwards, in relation to the flow direction, with respect to the discharge edge of the valve seat, when the fuel injector is closed. The flow-off edge of the valve needle is offset backwards with respect to the discharge edge of the valve seat in a predetermined range of 2 micrometers to 20 micrometers, in the direction of a longitudinal valve axis.
US08727239B2
A plumbing outlet fitting (2) with a liquid guide (3), which opens into a fitting outlet (4) in an area in which a plumbing functional unit (5) in the form of an insertion cartridge is provided. The outlet fitting is provided such that the clear open cross-section of the liquid guide (3) is adapted to the insertion cartridge (5) at least in the opening area of the fitting outlet (4), and the insertion cartridge (5) can be inserted into the fitting outlet (4) from the opening side and is removably held therein, The outlet fitting (2) can be used with a jet regulator or with another plumbing functional unit (5) without any significant limitations of the structural clearance.
US08727238B1
An irrigation sprinkler has a riser assembly that includes a rotatably mounted nozzle turret, a secondary nozzle holder removably mounted on the nozzle turret, and a turbine. A drive assembly is mounted in the riser assembly and couples the turbine and the nozzle turret so that pressurized water entering a lower end of the riser assembly will cause the nozzle turret to rotate. The nozzle turret has a primary nozzle and the secondary nozzle holder has at least one secondary nozzle.
US08727236B2
An electrically heated spray nozzle comprising a ceramic pin is described, the ceramic pin comprises a flow channel having at least one opening for a fluid to be atomized, wherein the ceramic pin includes a ceramic inner conductor and a ceramic outer conductor, between which a ceramic insulator is disposed.
US08727233B2
A method and apparatus is provided for starting and stopping a high pressure spray washer having a combustion engine driving a pump to provide high pressure fluid to a spray gun activated by a trigger. Pulling the trigger causes water to flow through the nozzle and pump and a sensor by the pump sends a flow start signal to a control module that activates an electric starter when an engine switch is turned on, thus starting the engine when it wasn't running. When the trigger is released flow to the pump stops and the sensor sends a flow stop signal to the control module. If a predetermined time passes before the sensor detects fluid flow to the pump as occurs when the trigger is pulled, then the engine is shut off. The time can be varied to adjust the time between releasing the trigger and shutting off the engine.
US08727223B2
There is provided in one embodiment an indicia reading apparatus having an image sensor array. The indicia reading apparatus can have a first operator selectable configuration and a second operator selectable configuration.
US08727222B1
The method for authenticating a code with geometric areas whose shapes and/or colors vary according to a message includes: a step (115) in which the code with variable geometric areas is generated, according to a message, to provide geometric areas; a step (120 to 130) in which a digital authentication code is generated to provide numeric values and a step (135) in which an image of the geometric code areas is formed, including a part of the digital authentication code in at least some of its geometric areas and/or in at least one space between geometric areas.
US08727219B1
An electronic card (e.g., an electronic payment card) or another device (e.g., a wireless telephonic device) is provided that may communicate dynamic magnetic stripe data to a magnetic stripe reader. Information may be embedded into a magnetic track of data representative of additional information such as, for example, a unique identification number or an additional track of magnetic stripe data.
US08727216B2
A portable memory module, which comprises an interface allowing the module to be connected to and disconnected from an electronic device by a user of the module such that the electronic device is in close physical proximity to the module when connected thereto; memory storing an identifier of the module; an emitter; and a processing entity configured to encode the identifier of the module into a signal that is transmitted via the emitter as a wireless beacon. The memory contains information that allows the module to be identified by an entity connected to the electronic device. The wireless beacon is configured to enable a location of the module to be determined by a detection sub-system. When the module is connected to the electronic device and the identity of the module is transmitted to a network entity via the electronic device, the location of the module can be used by the network entity to establish the location of the electronic device.
US08727215B2
A test device for a magnetic stripe decoder chip includes a signal generator, a chip slot, a signal conversion circuit and a control unit. The signal generator sequentially outputs a plurality of test waveform signals. The signal conversion circuit includes at least one transformer, the transformer is used for converting the test waveform signals into a plurality of false track signals, and correspondingly outputting the false track signals to one of track signal receiving ends of the magnetic stripe decoder chip. The control unit receives at least one decoding string generated respectively by decoding the false track signals through the magnetic stripe decoder chip, and compares the at least one decoding string with a test string represented by the basic track signal, thereby determining a decoding function of the magnetic stripe decoder chip.
US08727208B2
A pill identification device having a mechanical device that is adapted to roll a pill along various axes of the pill, an optical device to record or transmit images of the pill and an algorithm to compare an identifier of the pill to a database having known identifiers of known pills is disclosed. A method of identifying a pill using the pill identification device of the embodiment of this invention is disclosed herein. Also, a method of manufacturing the pill identification device of the embodiments of this invention is disclosed herein.
US08727195B2
Disclosed is a blade snap-off holder which enables a safe, easy and smooth operation for snapping off a blade tip of a cutter knife. The holder has an insertion opening on its wall. A tip of a knife blade inserted through the opening is received in a groove of a rotary member located inside the holder. The rotation axis of the rotary member extends substantially parallel to the score of the knife blade. When the rotary member is rotated and a bending force is applied to the tip of the knife blade, the blade tip received in the groove of the rotary member can be snapped off. A user only grasps this holder in one hand and rotates the operation lever with a finger, and then a blade tip can be snapped off cleanly and easily without any subtle control of a force.
US08727194B2
A center portion (30) of a V-shaped cutter blade (20) includes center large teeth (31) and center middle teeth 32 the tooth height of which is less than the tooth height of the center large teeth (31). End portions (50) of the cutter blade (20) each include first end teeth (51) and second end teeth (52) the tooth height of which is less than the tooth height of the first end teeth (51). Tooth tops of the first end teeth 51 of each end portion (50) are located on a straight line (L1), which extends through tooth tops of the center large teeth (31) located on one of the right half and the left half of the center portion (30).
US08727183B2
A water dispenser having a water reservoir for retaining water to be dispensed, a dispensing arrangement for flow-interruptible dispensing of water from the reservoir and a filtration unit in fluid flow connection with the reservoir, the filtration unit being located externally to the water reservoir.
US08727182B2
A feeder apparatus includes a hopper having a longitudinal axis and a wall having an external surface and an internal surface defining a thickness therebetween. The wall defines an infeed end for receipt of particulate material and an outfeed end for conveyance of the particulate material from the hopper. The outfeed end defines or has an outfeed aperture therein. A base disposed such that at least a portion of the base is substantially coextensive with the outfeed aperture. The base has at least one base aperture therethrough to facilitate conveyance of the particulate material from the hopper. The base aperture may be concentrically or eccentrically disposed relative to the longitudinal axis of said hopper. At least one of the base and the hopper is capable of rotation relative to another of the base and hopper, such that the base aperture is in at least intermittent in particulate flow communication with the outfeed aperture.
US08727172B2
A container comprises a receptacle defining a space where the receptacle comprises a wall having a draft. A divider is mounted to the receptacle such that the divider rotates between a first position and a second position such that when the divider is in the first position the space defines a single space and when the divider is in the second position the divider defines two spaces. In another embodiment a divider is mounted to the receptacle such that the divider translates between a first position and a second position such that when the divider is in the first position the space defines a single space and when the divider is in the second position the divider defines two spaces.
US08727168B2
A single use packing and dispensing technique includes a filter element as part of the packaging to permit a user to drain the packing fluid while retaining the primary package contents such as pickles, olives, canned vegetables, fruit, canned meats, poultry and fish. A strainer may be incorporated into any suitable aspect of the packaging along with a removable sealing element.
US08727165B2
A panel (10) for a modular bulk container is described. The panel (10) has a frame (16) and a door (18) pivotally attached to the frame (16) by a hinge (20). The frame (16) has a first frame surface defining a first imaginary plane and an opposing second frame surface defining a second imaginary plane. The door (18) has a first door surface. The hinge (20) is extendable from a portion of the frame (16). The hinge (20) has a single pivoting axis and is movable from a first position in the door closed condition wherein the hinge (20) is entirely located between the first imaginary plane and the second imaginary plane to a second position located outwardly from the first position in a door open condition wherein an angle between the first imaginary plane and the first door surface is less than 30 degrees.
US08727159B2
The present invention relates to cryogenic fluids. In another aspect, the present invention relates to additional protection of an apparatus containing equipment capable of operating at cryogenic temperatures and containing cryogenic materials. In one embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus includes a primary enclosure defining an internal volume. The primary enclosure includes primary walls, a primary ceiling, a primary floor, and a vapor venting system. The primary enclosure is fabricated from a low temperature alloy. At least of a portion of the primary floor forms a slope to a hydrocarbon outlet. A perforated plate is located on top of the hydrocarbon outlet. The perforated plate is fabricated from a low temperature alloy. A fire retardant agent applied to the exterior surface of the primary enclosure.
US08727155B2
A can body for a two-piece can made of a laminated steel sheet, the laminated steel sheet containing a steel sheet and a copolyethylene terephthalate resin layer containing at least hyone member selected from the group consisting of isophthalic acid and cyclohexane dimethanol as a copolymer component in a proportion of 5 to 20 mol %, and having a crystallization temperature of 120° C. to 140° C. on at least one side of the steel sheet; and satisfying the following relationships: r1≦r, 0.1≦r1/R≦0.25, and 1.5≦h/(R−r)≦4, wherein r1 represents the minimum radius of the can body, r represents the maximum radius of the can body, h represents the height of the can body, and R represents the radius of the laminated steel sheet having a circular shape before shaping whose weight is the same as that of the can body. The can body has a high strain level, and does not suffer from delamination and breakage of the resin layer.
US08727153B2
An improved bottle, retaining device and associated elements for carrying items is disclosed. The retaining device is adapted for holding a container (or containers) or other items; the retaining device being adapted to affix the container by way of the retaining device to a person or a personal item so ready access is provided for the held container/item.
US08727148B2
A cap is received on an associated bottle opening. The cap preferably includes an annular body and a sidewall that includes a thread member extending around at least a portion of an inner surface thereof. A closing surface extends substantially perpendicular to the sidewall and is dimensioned to cover the associated bottle opening. As disclosed, an opening in the cap closing surface has first, second, and third portions that each form distinct interconnected narrow, intermediate, and large pour opening portions. A lid is selectively received on the closing surface and includes a seal extending outwardly from a surface thereof. The seal includes similarly dimensioned first, second, and third portions that conform to and selectively seal with the first, second, and third portions of the cap opening. Another exemplary embodiment includes a tear-away panel portion that includes a tab to aid in removal of the panel portion and forming the opening.
US08727143B2
Providing for a sports equipment organizer that can support, store, display and provide ventilation for a helmet and/or other sports equipment is described herein. By way of example, the sports equipment organizer can comprise a mounting device that can be secured to a surface and to a first end of an extension arm, the extension arm having a second end that can be secured to a mounting arm having a mounting surface, upon which at least one head-ware device can be supported. In various embodiments, disclosed hangers or hanging racks can be suspended or secured to the extension arm to support additional sporting apparel or equipment. Particular embodiments facilitate pumped ventilation of the mounting surface, and rotating or folding the mounting arm or extension arm for compact deployment.
US08727130B2
A sheet processing apparatus including a table to be loaded a first and a second banknote group partitioned by a header card recording the bar code number in the piling direction of the banknotes, a take-in portion to take in the banknotes of the first and second banknote groups loaded on the table and the header card, a discrimination portion to count the banknotes taken in by the take-in portion and discriminate the kind thereof, a plurality of stackers to sort and stack the banknotes discriminated by the discrimination portion on the basis of the kink thereof, and a sensor to detect the header card taken in by the take-in portion. The sheet processing apparatus additionally includes a controller to control so as to stop the taking-in of the second banknote group on the basis of detection of the header card by the sensor and after a lapse of a predetermined time, to start the taking-in of the second banknote group.
US08727128B2
A method and apparatus for separating material, particularly excavated material is presented. The method and apparatus utilize a releasable and interchangeable screen assembly which is positioned on top of a frame having a slanted grate. The screen assembly includes bar members which traverse the top of the screen and inverted hook members attached to a top surface of the bar members to enable an equipment bucket to engage the inverted hook members in order to lift and move the screen assembly.
US08727111B2
Proposed is a package for objects that have a portion of liquid, comprising a container (1) which consists of a liquid-impermeable material for receiving the object (9) and a dimensionally stable hollow body (10, 13, 15) which has at least one opening (12, 14, 16) and is arranged in the container (1) and receives the liquid that escapes from an object (9) arranged in the container (1).
US08727110B2
A jewelry storage organizer system is disclosed that provides for a more effective way to store and travel with a large variety of jewelry. The jewelry storage organizer system comprises a jewelry-organizing device, an earring-organizing device, and a necklace-organizing device. The jewelry storage organizer device comprises a singular sheet that comprises a plurality of tab closures, multiple ring bars, and at least one jewelry pocket for retaining jewelry. The jewelry storage organizer device can be hung on a door and rolled into a cylindrical configuration for storage or transportation. The earring storage organizer device comprises a singular sheet and a plurality of perforated tabs for retaining post earrings. The earring storage organizer device can be rolled up into a cylindrical configuration and can stand upright on its end. The necklace storage organizer device comprises a sheet and tab closures secured onto the front surface for retaining a necklace.
US08727108B2
A belt conveyor apparatus includes a tube sloping from a hopper at the lower intake. A belt passes along a floor of the hopper then up through the tube. The hopper floor has edge portions curving upward such that as the belt moves along the floor, side portions of the belt curve upward. Hopper sidewalls extend upward and outward from bottom inner edges thereof located above right and left sides of the middle portion of the belt, and outer edges of the belt are thus located under the sidewalls. Seal strips are to the sidewalls with lower edges sealing to right and left sides of the middle portion of the belt such that pockets are formed under the sidewalls between the curved side portions of the belt and the seal strips. A trap opening in the tube also allows oilseeds to drop out of the tube from under the belt.
US08727107B2
An apparatus comprises a frame having a first frame section connected to a second frame section. The frame also has at least one physical connection that allows the first frame section to move relative to the second frame section. A first roller is connected to the first frame section. The first roller has a crowned outer surface surrounding an axle. Also, first connectors connect the first roller to the first frame section. The first connectors allow the first roller to rotate around the axle and allow the first roller to move in a direction parallel to the axle. A second roller is also connected to the second frame section. At least one biasing member is connected to the first frame section and the second frame section. The biasing member applies a bias to cause the first frame section to move away from the second frame section. A belt substrate contacts the first roller and the second roller. A latch is connected to the first frame section and the second frame section. The latch allows the frame to collapse by moving the first frame section toward the second frame section and disconnecting the biasing member.
US08727106B2
A traction unit (1), particularly for packaging machines, comprising means for moving at least one grip element (2), which can move along a predefined closed path (3) and has at least two pairs of teeth (4a, 4b) which protrude substantially at right angles from the closed path (3), for the clamping of products (5) to be packaged and their traction along a portion of the closed path (3); the mutual transverse arrangement of the pairs of teeth (4a, 4b) being configurable by means of an adjustment device (6) which is located substantially outside the closed path (3), the movement means being located substantially inside the closed path (3).
US08727096B2
A shoe sorter switch for a conveyor includes a main body member positioned relative to the conveyor away from contact with any passing shoe of the conveyor. A plurality of subcomponents are mounted to the main body member and positioned to contact and direct passing shoes of the conveyor. The main body member and each of the plurality of subcomponents together define a plurality of precision fit couplings that each comprise a precision protrusion that is fit into a corresponding precision aperture. Related methods for assembling and installing the switch, including replacing damaged switch subcomponents without the need for any calibration to adjust the position of the replacement subcomponent relative to the main body member and to the conveyor are also provided.
US08727094B2
A coin separator and rejector apparatus that will electronically release and return jammed coins, tokens, slugs and the like is disclosed. A coin separator and rejector body is described having one or more downwardly inclined coin races formed therein. The rejector body has an upstream portion and a downstream portion. The coin races further comprise a first wall and a second wall wherein at least a portion of one of the race walls is pivotally connected with the rejector body. A first sensor is located in the upstream portion of the rejector body and a second sensor located in said downstream portion of said rejector body. An actuator is in mechanical connection with the pivotal portion of the race wall. A processor is in electrical communication with the sensors and with said actuator. A coin in an upstream portion of a coin separator and rejector is detected by the first sensor and sends a signal to the processor. The processor is programmed to wait a predetermined period of time to receive a signal from the second sensor indicating that the coin has progressed in the coin race to the second sensor. If the processor receives no signal from the second sensor after a predetermined time period has passed, the processor sends a signal to the actuator to open the pivotally connected portion of the separator and rejector to allow the jammed coin to be released from the separator and rejector.
US08727090B2
The present invention relates to a centrifugal force combined with sliding damping type clutch actuated by torque capable of controlling a clutch device to perform operations of coupling or disengaging with the driving torque, characterized in that a relay transmission structure assembly (104) is installed between a rotary prime motive end (101) and an output-end clutch structure (1052) is installed at an output end (102), the relay transmission structure assembly (104) is installed with a relay coupling structure (204) having an active side of relay coupling structure and a passive side of relay coupling structure, a limit-torque sliding damping device (106) is installed between the relay transmission structure assembly (104) and the static housing (107).
US08727082B2
The invention relates to a friction damper (1) and method related to the preparation of a friction damper, particularly for drum washing machines having a spin gear, with a housing and with a moveable tappet (4) which is arranged in the housing (2), parallel to the housing longitudinal axis (2a), and is led out of the housing (2) and which is provided at its end located in the housing with a moveably guided friction lining (8). The invention is distinguished in that the friction lining (8) or a body carrying the friction lining (8) is provided with a receptacle (22) for receiving an expandable body (23).
US08727081B2
A restraint device for being secured on a telescopic suspension comprising a first portion, which may be a fork band comprising a first restraining hook, a second portion comprising a body, a trigger, at least one magnetic member, and a second restraining hook, wherein the first restraining hook and the second restraining hook are configured to selectively engage one another to secure the suspension in a compressed position, and wherein the at least one magnetic member is configured to retract the second restraining hook when the device is disengaged to permit normal operation of the suspension.
US08727079B2
A structural member includes a box structure that encloses a beam, which may be a split beam or a split segmented beam. The structural member includes a pressure mechanism that varies a pressure force or a friction force between the beam and the box structure. Movement of the parts within the box structure, against the force of the pressure mechanism, as the structural member flexes, dissipates energy and adds to the damping of the structural member.
US08727078B2
The invention is an incrementally actuated eddy current braking system. The system comprises first and second primary members, which further comprise arrays of permanent magnets arranged in alternating polarity. The respective magnets of the arrays face one another. A means for incremental displacement is drivingly connected to at least one of the primary members enabling the movement of said members relative to one another.
US08727077B2
The invention relates to an elevator brake, said elevator comprising a hoisting machine (1) provided with at least a frame part (2) and a traction sheave (3), and a brake drum (4) arranged to be rotatable with the traction sheave (3) and provided with a braking surface (5), and a brake (6) having an effect on the rotary motion of the traction sheave (3), said brake (6) comprising at least one brake block (8) provided with a braking surface, which brake block (8) has been arranged to act on the braking surface (5) of the brake drum (4) with a force directed substantially towards the braking surface (5). To allow adjustment of the size of the air gap (8a) between the braking surface of the brake block (8) and the braking surface (5) of the brake drum (4), the brake (6) is provided with at least one eccentric adjusting element (11).
US08727066B2
A steering apparatus of a vehicle including a motor, a motor shaft, a power delivery section selectively engaged to the motor shaft, a variable steering section connected to the steering column and selectively engaged to the motor shaft to control an angle and a length of the steering column, a connecting section selectively engaged to the motor shaft and delivering the torque of the motor to the variable steering section, and a first converting section delivering the torque of the motor to one of the power delivery section and the connecting section, wherein the first converting section includes a motor clutch coupling a power delivery shaft of the power delivery section to or decoupling the power delivery shaft from the motor shaft, and a delivery member engaged to the motor shaft when the motor shaft is decoupled from the power delivery shaft by the motor clutch.
US08727058B2
A saddle type vehicle includes a head pipe that steerably supports a steering system including a front wheel, a main frame extending rearwardly downward from the head pipe, left and right lower frames extending substantially in parallel to each other rearward from a lower portion of the main frame, and a storage space provided between the left and right lower frames on the rear side of the main frame. The storage space permits a fuel tank as a vehicle component part to be disposed therein. A front cross frame is connected to a lower end portion of a main frame lower portion and extends in the vehicle width direction. Front end portions of the lower frames are connected to left and right end portions of the front cross frame.
US08727050B2
A system and control module for controlling an electrically heated catalyst includes a remote start module generating a remote start signal, a catalyst control module controlling the electrically heated catalyst based on the remote start signal and an engine control module starting the engine after preheating and/or when required by the vehicle to honor a request as defined in this document.
US08727042B2
Polycrystalline compacts include smaller and larger hard grains that are interbonded to form a polycrystalline hard material. The larger grains may be at least about 150 times larger than the smaller grains. An interstitial material comprising one or more of a boride, a carbide, a nitride, a metal carbonate, a metal bicarbonate, and a non-catalytic metal may be disposed between the grains. The compacts may be used as cutting elements for earth-boring tools such as drill bits, and may be disposed on a substrate.
US08727041B2
Expandable apparatus for use in subterranean boreholes include a tubular body having at least one opening and at least one member positioned within the at least one opening. The member is configured to move between a retracted position and an extended position. A sleeve member including a constricted portion may be disposed in the tubular body and may selectively retain the at least one member in the retracted position. In some embodiments, the sleeve member may be biased in an initial position. Methods of moving a member of an expandable apparatus include repeating retracting and expanding of the member. Methods of triggering an expandable apparatus include forming a constriction in a fluid flow path extending through a sleeve member to move the sleeve member in a downhole direction responsive to fluid flow.
US08727035B2
A system and a method manage temperature in a wellbore. A thermal barrier may be positioned within the drill pipe and/or the drill collars to obtain a desired downhole temperature and/or control the effect of thermal energy in high-angle and horizontal wellbores. Downhole measurements, such as real-time measurements and/or recorded measurements, may be used to update models, such as steady state models and/or dynamic models. The downhole measurements may validate the static temperature gradient and may provide information about the thermal characteristics of the one or more formations in which the wellbore is located.
US08727032B2
An agricultural implement including a hitch assembly configured to couple to a tow vehicle, a plurality of wing tool bars coupled transversely to the hitch assembly, and a plurality of wing frames pivotally coupled to the plurality of wing tool bars. Each wing frame is configured to support a plurality of row units and is positioned forward of a respective wing tool bar. Each wing tool bar is configured to transfer torque to the plurality of row units when the plurality of wing frames is in a ground engaging position.
US08727027B2
An expandable downhole seal includes a sealing portion and a deflecting portion adapted to move axially relative to each other to effect radial displacement of the sealing portion, wherein at least one of the sealing portion and the deflecting portion includes a swelling material. In use, radial expansion of the downhole seal may be achieved by the radial displacement of the sealing portion in combination with swelling of the swellable material. A support member is provided to support the sealing portion and deflecting portion.
US08727021B2
In one embodiment, a top drive system includes a quill; a motor operable to rotate the quill; a gripper operable to engage a joint of casing; a connector bi-directionally rotationally coupled to the quill and the gripper and longitudinally coupled to the gripper; and a compensator longitudinally coupled to the quill and the connector. The compensator is operable to allow relative longitudinal movement between the connector and the quill.
US08727019B2
A method of releasing a safety joint in a subterranean well can include disconnecting a tubular string at the safety joint without rotation of the tubular string. A safety joint for use in a subterranean well can include sections which are separated from each other in response to a predetermined number of relative longitudinal and non-rotational displacements between the safety joint sections. Another method of releasing a safety joint in a subterranean well can include fully actuating a jar multiple times, the jar being interconnected in a same tubular string with the safety joint, and then disconnecting the tubular string at the safety joint in response to non-rotational displacement of the tubular string.
US08727012B2
A gasket test protector sleeve is provided for subsea mineral extraction equipment. The gasket test protector sleeve includes a gasket test isolation portion. The gasket test isolation portion is configured to isolate a gasket between a first tubular and a second tubular of a subsea mineral extraction system. The bore protection portion is configured to protect a first bore of the first tubular during downhole procedures.
US08727011B2
A method of pressure testing a lower marine riser package includes forming an inflatable packer having exposed slats and an inflatable packer element. The packer is positioned within the lower marine riser package above the cap seal with the exposed slats above the packer element. The packer is inflated and fluid pressure is then applied to test the integrity of the cap seal. The packer may be inverted, then positioned below the BOP/riser connection, the packer inflated, and pressure increased above the inflated packer element to test the fluid integrity of the BOP/riser connection.
US08727006B2
Methods and apparatus for promoting the production of oil and/or gas from organic carbon-rich sedimentary rocks in a subterranean formation. Aspects of the method comprise detecting hydrogen starvation in the formation and remedying the hydrogen starvation.
US08727003B2
An ultra-lightweight, high strength ceramic proppant made from mixture of naturally occurring clays, preferably porcelain clay, kaolin and/or flint-clay, earthenware clay or other naturally occurring clays having an alumina content between about 5.5% and about 35%. The proppant has an apparent specific gravity from about 2.10 to about 2.55 g/cc, and a bulk density of from about 1.30 to about 1.50 g/cc. This ultra-lightweight proppant is useful in hydraulic fracturing of oil and gas wells, and has greater conductivity than sand at pressures up to 8,000 psi as measured by Stim-Lab after 50 hours and 275° F. on Ohio Sandstone, in the presence of deoxygenated aqueous 2% solution of KCI.
US08727002B2
Treatment fluids may be used to retard the deposition of silica scale in subterranean formations. Methods for treating a subterranean formation can comprise providing a treatment fluid having a pH of 6 or less that comprises an acidic base fluid and a non-polymeric silica scale control additive, and introducing the treatment fluid into at least a portion of a subterranean formation. The non-polymeric silica scale control additive retards deposition of silica scale in the subterranean formation.
US08727001B2
Methods are included that are useful in treating subterranean formations and, more particularly, to minimizing particulate migration over long intervals in subterranean well bores that may be horizontal, vertical, deviated, or otherwise nonlinear. In one embodiment, a method is presented comprising: providing a well bore comprising an open hole section of about 30 feet or more that comprises an open hole section with a filter cake neighboring at least a portion of a reservoir; allowing the integrity of at least a portion of the filter cake to become compromised; and treating at least a portion of the open hole section with a consolidating agent system in a single stage operation so as to at least partially reduce particulate migration in the open hole section.
US08727000B2
The present invention provides a method of liquefying a carbonaceous material in situ to produce liquid hydrocarbon comprising applying an aqueous solution to the carbonaceous material to facilitate a liquefaction reaction in a reaction zone in the carbonaceous material that liquefies the carbonaceous material to liquid hydrocarbon, wherein the aqueous solution comprises components selected from the group consisting of water, hydrogen peroxide at a (w/w) concentration range between 0.1% to 70%, methanol at a (w/w) concentration range between 0.1% to 30%, and a catalyst. The aqueous solution may be a superheated fluid, a supercritical fluid, a high-velocity superheated fluid or a high-velocity supercritical fluid. In an embodiment, the reaction zone is heated to a desired temperature by applying a first aqueous solution prior to applying a second aqueous solution that is a superheated fluid, a supercritical fluid, a high-velocity superheated fluid or a high-velocity supercritical fluid.
US08726996B2
A downhole tool assembly for use in a wellbore includes a tubular body carrying an explosive which is selectively detonated to create a dynamic underbalance or overbalance effect in the wellbore. The tubular body has opposite ends provided with plug assemblies including plug elements movable between a normally collapsed state and an actuable expanded state. The plug elements are adapted to be actuated to the expanded state between the tubular body and an outer extent of the wellbore before the creation of the dynamic underbalance or overbalance effect to isolate a discrete segment of the wellbore to which the dynamic underbalance or overbalance effect is confined.
US08726994B2
A double swivel for use with a top drive power unit supported for connection with a well string in a well bore to selectively impart longitudinal and/or rotational movement to the well string, a feeder for supplying a pumpable substance such as cement and the like from an external supply source to the interior of the well string in the well bore without first discharging it through the top drive power unit including a mandrel extending through double sleeves which are sealably and rotatably supported thereon for relative rotation between the sleeves and mandrel. The mandrel and sleeves have flow passages for communicating the pumpable substance from an external source to discharge through the sleeve and mandrel and into the interior of the well string below the top drive power unit. The unit can include a packing injection system, clamp, and novel packing configuration. In an alternative embodiment the unit can include a plug or ball insertion tool.
US08726993B2
Method and apparatus are provided for cementing wells and preventing fluid entry into the wellbore before the cement cures and increasing radial stress in the cured cement. Impacts or vibrations are applied to the casing during the time that the cement is curing. The source or sources of the impacts or vibration are placed in the casing during displacement of the cement slurry or soon after placement and are mechanically coupled to the inside wall of the casing. The sources may later be withdrawn from the casing or expendable sources may be used.
US08726990B2
A composition comprises: a treatment fluid comprising a lost-circulation material, wherein the lost-circulation material comprises a ceramic, and wherein the lost-circulation material has a median particle size in the range from about 0.001 millimeters to about 25.4 millimeters. According to another embodiment, a composition comprises: the treatment fluid comprising a lost-circulation material, wherein the lost-circulation material comprises a ceramic, and wherein the median particle size and the concentration of the lost-circulation material is selected such that the treatment fluid has a sealing pressure of at least 50 psi (0.3 MPa). A method of eliminating or reducing lost circulation from a well comprises: introducing the treatment fluid into at least a portion of the well.
US08726978B2
A heat exchanger element includes partition members that include first gas passages that are passages for first gas and second gas passages that are passages for second gas and that are provided above the first gas passages, the partition members operative to partition the first gas passages and the second gas passages; spacing members that form the first gas passages and the second gas passages and that maintain a gap between the partition members; and an adhesive that adheres the partition member and the spacing member with each other. At least one of the partition member and the spacing member is made of a liquid absorbing material, and the adhesive is a water solvent adhesive in which water-soluble flame retardant is impregnated.
US08726977B2
Pressure vessel assembly for a pressurized fluid system, comprises an enclosed outer casing, at least one internal tube extending within the casing, at least one fluid accumulator disposed within the at least one internal tube, and at least one cooling passage provided within the at least one internal tube and defined by a clearance between the at least one hydraulic fluid accumulator and the at least one internal tube. The pressure vessel assembly further includes a fluid storage compartment formed between the outer casing and the at least one internal tube. The fluid storage compartment is at least partially filled with a working fluid. The pressurized fluid system also includes a cooling fan allowing forced airflow through the cooling passage for forced cooling of the at least one hydraulic fluid accumulator and the working fluid in the storage compartment of the pressure vessel assembly.
US08726973B2
A method of producing an integral self supporting coating test piece from particulate material including the steps of (i) producing a reusable mould having a depression which conforms to the desired shape and volume of said coating test piece, the reusable mould including silicone rubber, (ii) roughening the surface of the reusable mould, (iii) heat treating the reusable mould, (iv) thermally spraying particulate material into the depression in the reusable, mould, and (v) removing the reusable mould from the solidified coating test piece.
US08726972B1
A cover for the clutch of a roller blind. The clutch includes a sprocket rotationally driven through the application of tension to a chain or cord received at least partially about the sprocket. The clutch also includes an abutment member against which a stopper on the chain or cord bears to limit rotation of the sprocket in a pre-determined direction. The cover comprises a plate member fixed to the clutch and prevented from rotation with the sprocket. The cover has a notch sized to receive at least a portion of the stopper when the stopper contacts the abutment member.
US08726941B2
An exit assembly comprises: a fluid inlet; an exit chamber; a fluid outlet; and a fluid diverter, wherein the fluid diverter is connected to the fluid inlet and the exit chamber, and wherein the shape of the fluid diverter is selected such that the fluid diverter is capable of displacing the pathway of the fluid from the fluid inlet into a first fluid pathway, a second fluid pathway, or combinations thereof. The fluid diverter increasingly displaces the pathway of the fluid from the fluid inlet into the first fluid pathway as the viscosity or density of the fluid decreases, or as the flow rate of the fluid increases, and the fluid diverter increasingly displaces the pathway of the fluid from the fluid inlet into the second fluid pathway as the viscosity or density of the fluid increases, or as the flow rate of the fluid decreases.
US08726938B2
The invention relates to a membrane valve, in particular for inhalation devices, comprising a planar membrane made of permanently flexible material, a frame, which has an air opening that is somewhat smaller than the membrane, at least one web, which connects the frame to a retainer that is arranged approximately at the center of the air opening, and a pin, the shaft of which extends through a fastening opening approximately at the center of the membrane and is located in a retaining opening in the retainer, wherein the membrane lies on the frame in the rest state and wherein the pin is spread to form a head, the distance of which to the membrane is small in comparison to the thickness of the membrane or which head lies on the membrane, and the diameter of the shaft near the head is greater than the diameter of the fastening opening,; and the diameter of the shaft at the free end of the shaft is approximately equal to the diameter of the fastening opening.
US08726930B2
A dual disk check valve is provided and includes a mechanical stop. The mechanical stop has a central portion and includes bars disposed in the central portion. The bars have substantially rectangular cross-sectional shapes and are disposed substantially in parallel with one another to define a slot in the central portion.
US08726927B2
A device for conveying and/or distributing fluids comprises a housing with connection portions, one or more threaded ring nuts which can be screwed to the connection portions for joining them, and a tightening seat formed in the housing. The device further comprises a first adapter with a portion for coupling with the tightening seat, a driving portion for engagement with an engagement portion of the ring nut and a first key seat shaped to receive a portion for coupling a tightening tool.
US08726923B2
A safety valve coupled to a container to release liquid within the container. The container defines an opening surrounded by a container surface. The safety valve includes a housing defining an interior containing a fusible member for actuating a plug between a closed position and an open position to release the liquid upon melting the fusible member. A main body has a first end for coupling to the housing and a second end for coupling to the opening of the container. The main body second end includes a main body surface defining axial bores for receiving screws to fix the main body to the housing. Upon coupling the safety valve to the container, a small gap is formed between the container surface and the main body surface to limit loosening of the screws.
US08726908B2
Described herein are systems and apparatuses for enhanced comfort through contact pressure reduction. In particular, the systems and apparatuses disclosed herein prevent or otherwise mitigate pressure by actively orienting a patient over an anatomy-specific pressure-mitigating contact surface on which the patient rests. A pressure-mitigating contact portion of the contact surface includes a plurality of independently pressurized chambers configured in a specific geometric pattern that is designed to mitigate contact pressure between a support surface (e.g., bed or chair) and a specific anatomic region of a patient's body when the specific anatomic region of the patient's body is oriented over an epicenter of the geometric pattern. In one embodiment, the geometric pattern includes a first independently pressurized relief chamber that intersects the epicenter of the geographic pattern, and second and third independently pressurized relief chambers that collectively encompass the first independently pressurized relief chamber.
US08726906B2
The present invention comprises systems, methods and devices for the delivery of compositions for occluding or of elements for opening conduits. The implantable occlusive material may be delivered pre-formed or in situ cured and, may be a resorbable or degradable material that supports tissue ingrowth or wound healing or a similar response that replaces the cured occlusive material leaving little or no original occlusive material in place. The delivery system is positioned to allow for placement of the occlusive material into the body conduit. Use of delivery systems, methods and devices for re-opening an occluded body conduit are also included.
US08726903B2
A respiratory therapy facemask configured to be positioned against a patient's face and adjacent the patient's mouth, includes a face plate configured for attachment to the patient and defining an opening, the face plate including a laterally extending track defining a slot. A tube rest assembly is configured for being slidably engaged in the slot and for securely accommodating an endotracheal tube. The tube rest assembly is configured for directly engaging the track for lateral movement in the opening.
US08726899B2
Provided is a solar light concentrating system which realizes suppression of power generation costs by applying a receiver 2 that is capable of suppressing a manufacturing cost to a low level, facilitating recovery work when a failure occurs, and quickly recovering a heating medium circulating inside in case of an emergency. The receiver 2 is formed by three-dimensionally combining multiple modules 20. At least a part of the modules is a trapezoid-shaped module 20B. The trapezoid-shaped module includes an upper header 21B, a lower header 22B being shorter than the upper header, and multiple heat receiving tubes 23 which connect the two headers. The heat receiving tubes are formed by successively altering their cross-sectional shapes in away that makes each heat receiving tube shaped like a wedge that becomes narrower from its top toward its bottom in a front view, and like a wedge that becomes wider from its top toward its bottom in a side view.
US08726897B2
A collapsible rack assembly for supporting a solar module and methods of assembling the same are provided. The assembly is movable from a collapsed position to an assembled position. The assembly comprises a plurality of collapsible frames, each of which comprises a first leg, a second leg, and a third leg. The first leg extends substantially parallel to a support surface. The second leg extends from the first leg at a first angle relative to the first leg when the frame is assembled and supports the solar module at the first angle when assembled. The third leg extends from the first leg at a second angle relative to the first leg when the frame is assembled. The second and third legs are rotatably connected to the first leg. When in the collapsed position the legs are nested so that one of the legs is disposed within another of the legs.
US08726893B2
A fuel control system and method for providing fuel to an internal combustion engine are provided. The fuel control system generally includes at least one valve device structured to deliver a fuel supply to the engine, a first fuel source structured to provide a primary fuel to the valve device, a second fuel source structured to provide an alternate fuel to the valve device, and an electronic controller structured to control the valve device. The electronic controller controls the valve device as a function of various data to selectively deliver the primary fuel and the alternate fuel to generate a fuel supply, e.g. as a mixture of the two fuels. The data used to control the fuel supply may include GPS data, engine data, environmental data, and/or other operational data.
US08726891B2
A method for providing air to a combustion chamber of an engine, the engine including a compressor and a boost tank selectably coupled to an intake manifold. The method comprises admitting air from the compressor to the intake manifold via a main throttle valve, storing some air from the compressor in a boost tank, and discharging some of the air stored in the boost tank to the intake manifold via an auxiliary throttle valve distinct from the main throttle valve.
US08726886B2
A fuel supply system includes a fuel supply pump and a jet pump utilizing flow from the supply pump to supply fuel to a fuel pump reservoir from a main fuel tank. The jet pump includes a body with a main inlet coupled to an outlet of the supply pump provided at its upper end. A nozzle is positioned on an interior of the body. A mixing tube is defined by the body downstream of the nozzle, and defines a channel extending along an axis. A suction inlet of the body is in fluid communication with the mixing tube channel. A jet pump outlet formed in the body is positioned at or above an upper portion of the reservoir such that fuel pours down into the reservoir. The body redirects fuel in a direction away from the axis for discharge through the jet pump outlet.
US08726880B2
A system for an engine includes a motor driver module, a target phase angle module, and a correlation control module. The motor driver module controls an electric motor of a camshaft phaser based on a target angle defined by a crankshaft position and a camshaft position. The target phase angle module selectively sets the target angle to a first phase angle before a deceleration fuel cutoff (DFCO) event and selectively transitions the target angle to a predetermined phase angle during the DFCO event. The correlation control module selectively compares a value of the crankshaft position with a predetermined crankshaft position range during the DFCO event.
US08726878B2
An internal combustion engine includes a cylinder head having a cylinder head base, a cylinder wall, and a piston which is movable along a cylinder axis and has a piston crown. A main combustion chamber is formed between the cylinder head base, the cylinder wall, and the piston crown. A precombustion chamber is inserted into a bore of the cylinder head and is fixed relative to the bore in the circumferential direction of the bore. The axis of the bore is at least substantially parallel to the cylinder axis, and a precombustion-type combustion chamber is formed in the precombustion chamber. At least one ring of transfer openings connects the precombustion-type combustion chamber to the main combustion chamber, and in each case, the angle which the transfer opening encloses with the cylinder axis differs for at least two transfer openings of the at least one ring.
US08726877B2
A motorcycle includes a frame and an engine, with the engine including components forming a crankshaft assembly, such as a flywheel, a pinion shaft supporting the flywheel for rotation, a piston assembly including a connecting rod with a base end portion having a bearing support structure, a bearing, and a crank pin. An uninterrupted oil passageway is formed by an axial hole in the pinion shaft, a radial hole in the pinion shaft, an aligned hole in the flywheel, an angled hole in the crank pin, at least one radial hole in the crank pin. The angled hole in the crank pin extends between the inner and outer surfaces, with the angled hole starting on the outer surface at a location along a distance L1 and extends to the inner surface exiting at a location inboard of the distance L1, the angled hole being linear along its length.
US08726875B2
A system for mounting a duct to a port mounting in an engine where the port mounting has an opening and a mounting surface that surrounds the opening. The system includes a flange with a tongue portion that mates with a shoulder of a mounting rail that does not extend over the mounting surface of the port mounting, which allows for easy installation in locations with limited space.
US08726868B2
A system for an engine drive that engages a timing band with a first camshaft, a driveshaft and a crankshaft is provided. The system further includes a gear drive including a first gear coupled to the driveshaft and a second gear coupled to a second camshaft. The second camshaft is positioned between the first camshaft and the driveshaft such that the shafts are horizontally coplanar.
