US08742476B1
A semiconductor device including: a first single crystal layer including first transistors, first alignment mark, and at least one metal layer, the at least one metal layer overlying the first single crystal layer and includes copper or aluminum; and a second layer overlying the metal layer; the second layer includes second transistors which include mono-crystal and are aligned to the first alignment mark with less than 40 nm alignment error, the mono-crystal includes a first region and second region which are horizontally oriented with respect to each other, the first region has substantially different dopant concentration than the second region.
US08742459B2
A III-N device is described has a buffer layer, a first III-N material layer on the buffer layer, a second III-N material layer on the first III-N material layer on an opposite side from the buffer layer and a dispersion blocking layer between the buffer layer and the channel layer. The first III-N material layer is a channel layer and a compositional difference between the first III-N material layer and the second III-N material layer induces a 2DEG channel in the first III-N material layer. A sheet or a distribution of negative charge at an interface of the channel layer and the dispersion blocking layer confines electrons away from the buffer layer.
US08742457B2
A device includes a substrate, isolation regions at a surface of the substrate, and a semiconductor region over a top surface of the isolation regions. A conductive feature is disposed over the top surface of the isolation regions, wherein the conductive feature is adjacent to the semiconductor region. A dielectric material is disposed between the conductive feature and the semiconductor region. The dielectric material, the conductive feature, and the semiconductor region form an anti-fuse.
US08742444B2
A semiconductor light-emitting device (A) having a simple configuration whereby it is possible to easily and accurately confirm whether or not ultraviolet light is being emitted, the semiconductor light-emitting device comprising: a semiconductor light-emitting element (1) for emitting ultraviolet light in an ultraviolet or deep ultraviolet region; a cap part (6) having a through-hole (63) in the top part through which ultraviolet light passes and encircling the semiconductor light-emitting element (1); a translucent cover (7) for transmitting ultraviolet light, the translucent cover being disposed so as to hermetically close up the through-hole (63); and a UV-excited phosphor (8) which is excited by ultraviolet light and which emits visible light, the UV-excited phosphor being disposed inside the cap part (6).
US08742426B2
A semiconductor device includes an AlGaN layer that is provided on a SiC substrate and has an acceptor concentration equal to or higher than a donor concentration, a GaN layer provided on the AlGaN layer, and an electron supply layer that is provided on the GaN layer and has a band gap greater than that of GaN.
US08742424B2
The present invention provides a shift register and a display device, each of which operates stably. The present invention relate to a shift register, comprising a thin-film transistor which includes a source electrode, a drain electrode, and a gate electrode, the thin-film transistor being a bottom gate thin-film transistor which includes a comb-shaped source/drain structure, the gate electrode being provided with at least one of a cut and an opening in at least one of a region overlapping with the source electrode and a region overlapping with the drain electrode.
US08742423B2
In a thin-film transistor array according to an embodiment of the present invention, thin-film transistors are disposed in a matrix array, the thin-film transistor including a gate electrode that is formed on a substrate, a gate insulating layer that is formed on the gate electrode, a source electrode that is formed on the gate insulating layer, a pixel electrode that is formed on the gate insulating layer, a drain electrode that is connected to the pixel electrode, and a semiconductor layer that is formed between the source electrode and the drain electrode, the gate electrode is connected to a gate line while the source electrode is connected to a source line, the thin-film transistor is formed within a region of the source line and the thin-film transistor array includes a stripe insulating film such that the source line and the semiconductor layer are covered with the stripe insulating film.
US08742417B2
According to this disclosure of a thin film transistor array panel and the manufacturing method thereof, dams have a function of forming a light blocking member by an inkjet printing method and are formed along with color filters. Spacers are formed by the inkjet printing method along with the light blocking member and color filters. Advantages of this panel and its manufacturing method are a reduction in an alignment error of the light blocking member and the color filters, reduced manufacturing cost, and a simplified manufacturing.
US08742405B2
The light-emitting unit has at least a first light-emitting element, a second light-emitting element, and a separation layer. The separation layer has a leg portion and a stage portion which protrudes outside of a bottom surface of the leg portion over the leg portion. An upper electrode of the first light-emitting element is electrically connected to a lower electrode of the second light-emitting element in a region where the upper electrode and the lower electrode overlap with the stage portion of the separation layer. By providing the separation layer, the light-emitting unit can be formed without using a metal mask. The upper electrode can be a composite material including an organic compound and a metal oxide or a stacked layer of the composite material and a metal material or a light-transmitting conductive material.
US08742401B2
A field effect transistor includes a plurality of trenches extending into a semiconductor region of a first conductivity type. The plurality of trenches includes a plurality of gated trenches and a plurality of non-gated trenches. A body region of a second conductivity extends in the semiconductor region between adjacent trenches. A dielectric material fills a bottom portion of each of the gated and non-gated trenches. A gate electrode is disposed in each gated trench. A conductive material of the second conductivity type is disposed in each non-gated trench such that the conductive material and contacts corresponding body regions along sidewalls of the non-gated trench.
US08742391B2
A non-volatile semiconductor memory includes a word line extending in a first direction, a first electrode connected to the word line electrically, an ion diffusion layer with connected to the first electrode electrically, a second electrode connected to the ion diffusion layer electrically and formed of a metal to be diffused into the ion diffusion layer when a positive voltage is supplied thereto, and a bit line extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, the bit line connected to the second electrode electrically. The ion diffusion layer has a first region disposed on the first electrode and a second region disposed between the first region and the second electrode, and the metal is more difficult to diffuse into the second region than into the first region.
US08742381B2
A radiation source includes an uncapped Mo/Si multilayer mirror, and a cleaning apparatus configured to remove a deposition comprising Sn on the uncapped Mo/Si multilayer mirror. The cleaning apparatus is configured to provide a gas comprising one or more of H2, D2 and HD and one or more additional compounds selected from hydrocarbon compounds and/or silane compounds in at least part of the radiation source, to produce hydrogen and/or deuterium radicals and radicals of the one or more additional compounds, from the gas, and to supply the hydrogen and/or deuterium radicals and radicals of the one or more additional compounds to the uncapped Mo/Si multilayer mirror to remove at least part of the deposition.
US08742379B2
A window unit may include: a window configured to allow a laser beam to be transmitted therethrough; and a holder for holding the window at a periphery thereof, the holder being provided with a flow channel thereinside configured to allow a fluid to flow.
US08742376B2
A mask drawing method includes: disposing a grounding body provided with a grounding pin at a plurality of different places on a mask substrate to measure resistance values; disposing the grounding body at a position where the resistance value is lowest, among the plural positions where the resistance values are measured; and irradiating an electron beam to the mask substrate to draw a desired pattern.
US08742372B2
Methods are presented for separating the effects of background doping density and effective minority carrier lifetime on photoluminescence (PL) generated from semiconductor materials. In one embodiment the background doping density is measured by another technique, enabling PL measurements to be analyzed in terms of effective minority carrier lifetime. In another embodiment the effective lifetime is measured by another technique, enabling PL measurements to be analyzed in terms of background doping density. In yet another embodiment, the effect of background doping density is removed by calculating intensity ratios of two PL measurements obtained in different spectral regions, or generated by different excitation wavelengths. The methods are particularly useful for bulk samples such as bricks or ingots of silicon, where information can be obtained over a much wider range of bulk lifetime values than is possible with thin, surface-limited samples such as silicon wafers. The methods may find application in solar cell manufacturing for improving the manufacture of silicon ingots and bricks, or for providing a cutting guide for wafering.
US08742359B2
An imaging apparatus has an imaging area formed by arranging a plurality of imaging blocks each including a pixel array, a plurality of vertical signal lines, a horizontal output line commonly provided for the plurality of vertical signal lines to read out signals read out to the plurality of vertical signal lines, a first scanning circuit, and a second scanning circuit, wherein signals of the pixels of a selected row in the pixel array are read out to the plurality of vertical signal lines in accordance with a driving pulse from the first scanning circuit, the signals read out to the plurality of vertical signal lines are sequentially read out to the horizontal output line in accordance with a driving pulse from the second scanning circuit, and a length in a row direction of the pixel array is smaller than a length in a column direction of the pixel array.
US08742358B2
A photonic radiation detection device includes a collimator, a detector, means for localization in the detection plane defining on the one hand the partitioning of the detection plane in physical or virtual pixels of transversal dimensions smaller than those of the collimator channels, and associating on the other hand one of said pixels to each photon interaction. The detection device has at least in one previously selected acquisition configuration, a degree of pixelation in the detection plane greater than 1 and a collimator-detector distance (c) greater than one tenth of the septal height (h) of the collimator. A method for dimensioning such a device includes, for at least one given spatial frequency, calculating and comparing merit indicator values for different acquisition configurations of a structural model of the detection device.
US08742348B2
A muon monitoring system for particle radiation therapy includes: a shield for a selective passing, by eliminating particles and radiation produced due to the high energy particles and radiation pulses, of the delay positrons emitted due to decay of muons stopped at a position corresponding to the Bragg peak position; a positron detector for detecting positrons from a designated direction and detecting the delay positrons passed through the shield opening by each of positron detecting plates for providing information of positron produced positions and time of delay simultaneous signals; and a control/analysis apparatus generating a delay signal at a timing delayed by a predetermined time period from a completion of irradiation of the high energy particle radiation pulses, and performing a process to generate μSR signals segmented for each positron generating position by analyzing detected results obtained by operating the positron detector for a predetermined number of times.
US08742344B2
An inspection apparatus includes: beam generation means for generating any of charged particles and electromagnetic waves as a beam; a primary optical system that guides the beam into an inspection object held in a working chamber and irradiates the inspection object with the beam; a secondary optical system that detects secondary charged particles occurring from the inspection object; and an image processing system that forms an image on the basis of the detected secondary charged particles. The primary optical system includes a photoelectron generator having a photoelectronic surface. The base material of the photoelectronic surface is made of material having a higher thermal conductivity than the thermal conductivity of quartz. A central portion of the inspection object is provided with a central flat portion 390. The periphery of the central flat portion 390 is provided with peripheral flat portion 392 via a step 391. The periphery of the step 391 is provided with an electric field correction plate 400. A surface voltage equivalent to a surface voltage applied to the inspection object is applied to an electrode 401 on the electric field correction plate 400.
US08742343B2
A method of axially aligning a charged particle beam involves an image data acquisition step and a calculation step. The image data acquisition step consists of obtaining first to third sets of image data by scanning a shielding member placed in the path of the beam with the beam while varying conditions of the excitation currents through first and second alignment coils, respectively. The calculation step consists of calculating the values of the excitation currents through the first and second alignment coils, respectively, for axial alignment of the beam, based on the obtained first to third sets of image data.
US08742342B2
A scanning electron microscope suppresses a beam drift by reducing charging on a sample surface while suppressing resolution degradation upon observation of an insulator sample. An electron microscope includes an electron source and an objective lens that focuses an electron beam emitted from the electron source, which provides an image using a secondary signal generated from the sample irradiated with the electron beam. A magnetic body with a continuous structure and an inside diameter larger than an inside diameter of an upper pole piece that forms the objective lens is provided between the objective lens and the sample.
US08742336B2
There are provided a bio-chip for secondary ion mass spectrometry and a method of fabricating the same, the bio-chip, which is a bio-chip for analyzing a biochemical material using the secondary ion mass spectrometry, including: a substrate; and core-shell particles positioned above substrate, wherein the core-shell particles each include a metal nanoparticle as a core and a metal shell surrounding the metal nanoparticle.
US08742334B2
A spinning cell device is described for fast and convenient standardization and analysis of constituents and isotopes in solid samples by laser ablation inductively coupled plasma (LA-ICP) spectrometry. The method and apparatus for performing the method require the sample under test and a standard to be spun during ablation allowing the quasi-simultaneous ablation of both materials. The aerosols resulting from the ablation of sample and standard are mixed in the ablation cell allowing quantification of the ablated metals by the method of standard addition or isotope dilution. The relative proportion of standard verses sample ablated can be changed by altering the trajectory of the laser beam. The ablated aerosol is swept into an inductively coupled plasma by a carrier gas and analyzed by mass spectrometry.
US08742328B2
Logging-while-drilling tools incorporating an electronic radiation generator, such as an electronic X-ray generator, and a method for using the same are provided. One example of such a logging-while-drilling tool may include a circumferential drill collar, a chassis disposed radially interior to the drill collar, and an electronic X-ray generator and an X-ray detector disposed within the chassis. The electronic X-ray generator may emit X-rays out of the logging-while-drilling tool into a subterranean formation. The X-ray detector may detect X-rays that return to the logging-while-drilling tool after scattering in the subterranean formation, which may be used to determine a density and/or a lithology of the subterranean formation.
US08742320B2
The present invention provides a highly reliable spectral module. When light L1 proceeding to a spectroscopic unit (4) passes through a light transmitting hole (50) in the spectral module (1) in accordance with the present invention, only the light having passed through a light entrance side unit (51) formed such as to become narrower toward a substrate (2) and entered a light exit side unit (52) formed such as to oppose a bottom face (51b) of the light entrance side unit (51) is emitted from a light exit opening (52a). Therefore, stray light M incident on a side face (51c) or bottom face (51b) of the light entrance side unit (51) is reflected to the side opposite to the light exit side unit (52) and thus is inhibited from entering the light exit side unit (52). Therefore, the reliability of the spectral module (1) can be improved.
US08742316B2
Provided is a photo detector. The photo detector includes: an avalanche photodiode; a bias circuit supplying a bias voltage to one end of the avalanche photodiode; a detection circuit connected to the other end of the avalanche photodiode and detecting a photoelectric current occurring in the avalanche photodiode; and a coupling capacitor connected to the one end or the other end of the avalanche photodiode and supplying a coupling voltage to drive the avalanche photodiode in a Geiger mode.
US08742314B2
A light amount detecting apparatus includes: a photoelectric converting element converting quantity of light inputted to current; a current/voltage converting device having a positive input terminal connected to a first terminal of the photoelectric converting element, a negative input terminal connected to a second terminal of the photoelectric converting element, a negative output terminal for reversing polarity of a current inputted to the positive input terminal and outputting it as a voltage, a positive output terminal for reversing polarity of a current inputted to the negative input terminal and outputting it as a voltage, a first negative feedback resistor connecting the positive and negative output terminals, and a second negative feedback resistor connected between the negative and positive output terminals, the current/voltage converting device setting the photoelectric converting element in zero bias and converting the converted current to the voltage; and an amplifying device for amplifying the converted voltage.
US08742313B2
A solid-state imaging device includes: a pixel array unit that includes a plurality of pixels arranged two dimensionally and a plurality of read-out signal lines used for reading out pixel signals from the plurality of pixels; test voltage applying units that are disposed at the read-out signal lines and apply test voltages of various voltage levels to the read-out signal lines; a reference voltage generating circuit that includes a MOS transistor used for generating a reference voltage and can change an operating point of the MOS transistor; and an operating point control unit that controls a process of adjusting the operating point of the MOS transistor based on the test voltages and the reference voltage.
US08742312B2
A planar detector for use in light curtains, which generates electric signals as a function of absorbed light and is provided with a plurality of tapping points for the generated signals. The magnitude of the signals at the respective tapping points is dependent on their distance to the partial surfaces where the light is absorbed. As a function of the magnitude ratios between the signals at several tapping points, the distance ratios of the respective tapping points to those partial surfaces, where the light is absorbed, can be calculated. The detector is configured as a flexible layered structure made of organic material. The tapping points are disposed at a distance from the edges of the layered structure. Electric connection lines to the tapping points are connected along their longitudinal extension to the layered structure of the detector.
US08742310B2
A high dynamic range imaging device including a first substrate with multiple pixels, each pixel having a photodetector associated with multiple read-out circuits. Each read-out circuit including a device for charging and discharging the photodetector that is associated with the read-out circuit. Each charging and discharging device being controlled by a charge and discharge activation signal imposing an integration time of the photodetector of each pixel associated with the read-out circuit. The device further including a second substrate, distinct from the first, with an electronic control circuit for controlling the charging and discharging devices, designed for generating multiple charge and discharge activation signals to be transmitted to the charging and discharging devices using electrical connections between the first and second substrates. Each pixel or group of pixels is associated to an activation signal imposing an integration time specific and appropriate to the pixel or group of pixels.
US08742308B2
An imaging array comprises a photodetector layer, a readout IC (ROIC) layer, and a charge storage capacitor layer which is distinct from the photodetector and ROIC layers; the layers are electrically interconnected to form the array. The capacitors within the charge storage capacitor layer are preferably micromachined; the charge storage capacitor layer can be an interposer layer or an outer layer.
US08742298B2
The invention relates to a dental firing or press furnace (10) that enables the production of at least one dental restoration part (62). The dental firing or press furnace is provided with a firing space (12) that is heatable with the aid of a heating device (22), preferably, a resistance heating device. A heat-conducting element (50) having a specific thermal conductivity of at least 100 W/mK is arranged on the floor of the firing space (12).
US08742295B2
In a power source of a welding system, an inverter rectifier output circuit and method for reducing the blocking voltages across saturable reactors associated with a rectifier coupled to a transformer winding in the inverter rectifier output circuit during both turn-on and turn-off transitions of the rectifier. At least a portion of a reverse recovery current associated with the rectifier is blocked by allowing blocking voltages to build across associated saturable reactors during a transition phase of the rectifier. During a turn-off portion of the transition phase, the blocking voltages are reduced using a RC circuit, thereby suppressing a peak voltage associated with the rectifier. During a turn-on portion of the transition phase, the blocking voltages are reduced using another saturable reactor in series with a free-wheeling diode.
US08742291B2
A method of controlling arc welding, which method shifting the speed of welding operation continuously and mildly. By so doing, a sharp change in the speed of weld wire supply, which is caused as the result of efforts to try to comply with an abrupt change in operation speed, can be moderated. This helps keeping a welding operation under a stable control.
US08742287B2
Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to apparatuses for sealing the tips of pump-out tubes of vacuum insulating glass (VIG) units, and/or associated methods. In certain example embodiments, a laser source used in sealing the pump-out tube is thermally insulated from the VIG unit and emits a laser beam through one or more windows in an oven towards a mirror located therein. The mirror is located so as to redirect the laser beam onto the pump-out tube to thereby seal it. For instance, a substantially horizontal laser beam emitted from a laser source located outside the oven enters into the oven through one or more windows and is reflected by a mirror towards the pump-out tube to be sealed. The repositioning of the laser source advantageously can change its effective focal length and/or the location of the laser beam, e.g., because of the fixed location of the mirror.
US08742283B2
A device for sustaining a plasma in a torch is provided. In certain examples, the device comprises a first electrode configured to couple to a power source and constructed and arranged to provide a loop current along a radial plane of the torch. In some examples, the radial plane of the torch is substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the torch.
US08742281B2
The invention relates to a spot welding cap changer (1) with a cap puller (2) and two cap magazines (3, 3A), the cap puller (2) having a gripper (20) with spring-loaded, pivotable jaws (21, 22), which in response to a turning and axial pulling-off movement detaches a spot welding cap (K) of a pincer spot welding head introduced into it from a shaft of the pincer welding head in such a way that it is clamped to prevent it twisting, and the cap magazines (3, 3A) holding spot welding caps respectively in a round cap carrier (31) such that they are circularly arranged in a directed and oriented manner and are respectively transported individually one after the other into an access position against a stop (32) by an advancing force (P).
US08742280B2
A welding system including a welding power source including power conversion circuitry adapted to receive primary power and to convert the primary power to a weld power output for use in a welding operation and a controller communicatively coupled to the welding power source are provided. The controller is adapted to determine a statistical signature of at least one parameter of a welding process and to utilize the statistical signature to determine at least one of an electrode type, an electrode diameter, and a shielding gas type during the welding operation.
US08742279B2
A tool for forming a trench and a plurality of cooling holes within the trench includes a body, the body including a ridge portion extending along a first side of the tool. The ridge portion is operable to mate with a workpiece to form a trench on the workpiece. A plurality of electrodes extend from the ridge portion and are oriented to form a plurality of cooling holes within the trench on the workpiece.
US08742278B2
A switchgear device, for breaking a bidirectional direct current in an electric line, having at least two connection terminals, and an even number of pairs of separable contacts, arc chutes associated with pairs of separable contacts, and tripping mechanisms associated with pairs of separable contacts and connected to one another by a mechanical link, each arc chute having an arc extinguishing chamber and permanent magnets for creating a polarity enabling an electric arc to be removed to an arc extinguishing chamber when current is flowing in the electric line in a predefined direction, the predefined direction being different for one half of the arc chutes.
US08742275B1
According to one general aspect of the invention, an input device includes a collapsible structure and a sheet of material. The sheet of material is disposed above the collapsible structure and includes an attached edge that is affixed to a housing of the input device, creating a pivot point. The sheet of material also includes a front edge opposite the attached edge, a left edge, and a right edge. The sheet of material has a width extending from the left edge to the right edge and a height extending from the front edge to the pivot point. A first opening is formed proximate the front edge of the sheet of material. The collapsible structure is disposed below a portion of the sheet of material located between the front edge and a midpoint of the height of the sheet. The collapsible structure is approximately centered between the left and right edges.
US08742271B2
A plug including a shell and a mounting body disposed inside the shell. The mounting body is provided with a first movable contact spring and a second movable contact spring, a phase contact and a zero contact, and a button assembly. A transverse block disposed above the first movable contact spring and the second movable contact spring includes a phase terminal and a zero terminal. The button assembly includes an electric magnet disposed on the mounting body and a sliding part having a cavity. The cavity of the sliding part is provided with a reset spring. A hook is disposed in a lower part of the cavity. The transverse block is connected with a pull block. An upper part of the pull block is connected with the electric magnet. The center of the pull block includes a limiting hole for accommodating the hook.
US08742265B2
Disclosed is a tire mountable apparatus and method that includes a substrate defining a longitudinal direction, a top surface and a bottom surface. The substrate has a plurality of conductor terminals arranged in a substantially linear relationship. A first support element is located below the bottom surface of the substrate and a second support element is located above the top surface of the substrate. The plurality of conductor terminals are positioned between the first and second support elements. The substrate may be a piezoelectric device having a piezoelectric layer arranged between first and second conductive layers. The plurality of conductor terminals may be arranged in a substantially linear relationship along a line about 80° to about 100° to the longitudinal direction of the substrate, and the longitudinal direction of the substrate being substantially perpendicular to the direction of rotation of the tire.
US08742250B2
A low-cost system for increasing the electricity generation of flat panel photovoltaic (PV) farms in which sunlight redirecting elements are positioned in offset spaces provided between adjacent panel assemblies and serve to redirect otherwise unused sunlight onto solar cells disposed on one of the panel assemblies. The redirecting elements are located in a prismatic volume bounded at its upper end by an inclined upper plane that extends across the offset space separating adjacent PV panel assemblies. The redirecting elements are either mounted to at least one of the PV panel assemblies, or placed on the ground between the assemblies. Each redirecting element includes multiple reflecting and/or refracting surfaces that utilize a disclosed microoptical arrangement (e.g., focus and steer or reorient and scatter) to distribute the redirected sunlight in a substantially homogenous (uniform) distribution on the solar cells.
US08742246B2
The invention provides a thermoelectric conversion module, which can implement a high power generation capacity and high reliability of electric connection between thermoelectric conversion elements and meet various diameters and lengths of a tube as a heat source. The thermoelectric conversion module includes a straight-chain module unit. In the module unit, plural P-type elements and plural N-type elements, which are alternately arrayed, are electrically connected in series by a braided wire A and a braided wire B. The braided wire A connects one end surface of the P-type element and one end surface of the N-type element. The braided wire B connects the other end surface of the P-type element and the other end surface of the N-type element. The braided wire B is shorter than the braided wire A. The thermoelectric conversion module including only the module unit is spirally wound around a tube as a heat source.
US08742244B2
An electronic hi-hat cymbal controller is disclosed. The controller includes a hi-hat cymbal stand having a pedal and a shaft. The pedal is configured and arranged to move the shaft. A lower cymbal is mounted to the hi-hat cymbal stand and an upper cymbal is mounted to the shaft. A sensor assembly is mounted to the hi-hat cymbal stand. The sensor assembly is configured and arranged to detect the position of the upper cymbal relative to the lower cymbal.
US08742242B1
A processor of a tuning apparatus receives a desired fundamental frequency or note and determines a frequency or note of at least one drumhead of a drum in response to the received desired fundamental frequency or note. An output at the processor outputs a value corresponding to the determined frequency or note of the drumhead.
US08742241B2
An electronic keyboard instrument capable of suppressing warpage of a keybed having a keyboard placed thereon and improving the appearance of the instrument by shared use of a backboard covering an instrument body and a speaker box. A piano body of an electronic piano has a keybed. A bottom board is disposed below the keybed in a manner spaced therefrom and extends further rearward than a rear end thereof. A front board is erected on a front end of the bottom board and connected to the keybed. The speaker box accommodates a speaker. A screen board is erected rearward of the front board in the speaker box on the bottom board, and connected to the keybed. A backboard is connected to the rear end of the bottom board in a manner covering the rear sides of the piano body and the speaker box.
US08742239B1
The present invention is a flexible container and pick holder for a musical instrument. The flexible container and pick holder has a plurality of thin slots on its face, in which can be placed musical instrument picks. The thin slots have a raised lip or ridge that keeps the pick at a small acute angle with respect to the face of the flexible container and pick holder. The material of the face of the flexible container and pick holder is such that the musician's thumb can easily swipe or move a guitar pick across it. The present invention can be positioned so that the musician can easily reach the face containing the picks using the thumb of the strumming hand.
US08742237B1
A haploid-inducer corn line, designated AX6012, the plants and seeds of the haploid-inducer corn line AX6012, methods for producing a corn plant, either inbred or hybrid, produced through use of the haploid-inducer corn line AX6012 are disclosed. This invention also relates to methods for generating homozygous diploid corn plants from heterozygous diploid corn plants.
US08742234B1
A novel maize variety designated X13C714 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 X13C714 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X13C714 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X13C714, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X13C714. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X13C714.
US08742229B1
An inbred corn line, designated XHA21BM, the plants and seeds of the inbred corn line XHA21BM, methods for producing a corn plant, either inbred or hybrid, produced by crossing the inbred corn line XHA21BM with itself or with another corn plant, and hybrid corn seeds and plants produced by crossing the inbred line XHA21BM with another corn line or plant and to methods for producing a corn plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic corn plants produced by that method. This invention also relates to inbred corn lines derived from inbred corn line XHA21BM, to methods for producing other inbred corn lines derived from inbred corn line XHA21BM and to the inbred corn lines derived by the use of those methods.
US08742224B2
The invention relates to the soybean variety designated A1026645. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety A1026645. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety A1026645 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety A1026645 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.
US08742220B2
A novel soybean variety, designated XB31N12 is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety XB31N12, cells from soybean variety XB31N12, plants of soybean XB31N12, and plant parts of soybean variety XB31N12. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety XB31N12 with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic trait, a mutant trait, and/or a native trait into soybean variety XB31N12, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety XB31N12, and methods of characterizing soybean variety XB31N12. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety XB31N12 are further provided.
US08742219B2
A novel soybean variety, designated XB31Q12 is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety XB31Q12, cells from soybean variety XB31Q12, plants of soybean XB31Q12, and plant parts of soybean variety XB31Q12. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety XB31Q12 with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic trait, a mutant trait, and/or a native trait into soybean variety XB31Q12, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety XB31Q12, and methods of characterizing soybean variety XB31Q12. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety XB31Q12 are further provided.
US08742215B2
A soybean cultivar designated S090082 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar S090082, to the plants of soybean cultivar S090082, to the plant parts of soybean cultivar S090082, and to methods for producing progeny of soybean cultivar S090082. The invention also relates to methods for producing a soybean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic soybean plants and plant parts produced by those methods. The invention also relates to soybean cultivars or breeding cultivars, and plant parts derived from soybean cultivar S090082. The invention also relates to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines, or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar S090082, and to the soybean plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid soybean seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing cultivar S090082 with another soybean cultivar.
US08742213B2
A soybean cultivar designated S090160 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar S090160, to the plants of soybean cultivar S090160, to the plant parts of soybean cultivar S090160, and to methods for producing progeny of soybean cultivar S090160. The invention also relates to methods for producing a soybean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic soybean plants and plant parts produced by those methods. The invention also relates to soybean cultivars or breeding cultivars, and plant parts derived from soybean cultivar S090160. The invention also relates to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines, or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar S090160, and to the soybean plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid soybean seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing cultivar S090160 with another soybean cultivar.
US08742211B2
A soybean cultivar designated S070140 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar S070140, to the plants of soybean S070140, to plant parts of soybean cultivar S070140, and to methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing soybean cultivar S070140 with itself or with another soybean variety. The invention also relates to methods for producing a soybean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic soybean plants and plant parts produced by those methods. This invention also relates to soybean cultivars, or breeding cultivars, and plant parts derived from soybean variety S070140, to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar S070140, and to the soybean plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid soybean seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing the cultivar S070140 with another soybean cultivar.
US08742208B2
Tetraploid watermelon inbreds are disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds and plants of the tetraploid watermelon inbreds, the methods of propagating the tetraploid inbreds through seeds and tissue culture. The invention also relates to methods of producing the triploid seedless watermelon seeds and plants by crossing the tetraploid inbreds with diploid watermelon inbreds, and to the triploid plants produced therefrom.
US08742205B2
Disclosed are mutant CDK inhibitor (CKI) polypeptides having dominant negative antagonist activity against wild-type CKI proteins, as well as related compositions, including nucleic acids and vectors encoding the mutant CKI polypeptides and transformed host cells and transgenic plants comprising such nucleic acids and vectors. Also disclosed are related methods for using the mutant proteins to modulate cell division in cells, particularly plant cells.
US08742199B2
An absorbent article including features facilitating toilet training of a wearer is provided. The article includes at least a first appearing graphic that changes from an initial, less visible state to a subsequent, more visible state in the absence of wetness, thereby to provide positive encouragement to a child during toilet training. The appearing graphic becomes less visible if subjected to liquid. A wetness sensation member may also be provided to give tactile, negative sensation to the child, thereby giving feedback received by at least two different senses. Additionally or alternatively, a second appearing graphic, different from the first appearing graphic, may be provided to increase a child's interest in the toilet training process. The first and second appearing graphics may become visible at different times, thereby providing a sequential or spaced reveal of the image.
US08742197B2
Methods and apparatuses herein may provide for the application of viscous fluids, such as adhesives, in pre-determined patterns to an advancing substrate. The fluid application apparatus may include a slot die applicator and a substrate carrier. The substrate carrier may include one or more pattern elements and may be adapted to advance the substrate past the slot die applicator as the slot die applicator discharges adhesive onto the substrate. In operation, the substrate is disposed on the substrate carrier; the substrate carrier advances the substrate past the slot opening of the slot die applicator. In turn, the substrate is intermittently compressed between the slot die applicator and the pattern surface of the pattern element. As the substrate is intermittently compressed, adhesive discharged from the slot die applicator is applied onto the substrate in an area having a shape substantially the same as a shape defined by the pattern surface.
US08742188B2
The present invention provides a process for preparing ethylene and/or propylene and an iso-olefin-depleted olefinic product, comprising the steps of: a) providing a C5 hydrocarbon-comprising stream, comprising C5 cyclopentene and C5 iso-olefins; b) subjecting the C5 hydrocarbon-comprising stream to an etherification process with methanol and/or ethanol wherein at least part of the C5 iso-olefins are converted with methanol and/or ethanol to an tert-alkyl ether, and retrieving an etherification product stream; c) separating at least part of the etherification product stream into at least an ether-enriched stream and a first iso-olefin-depleted olefinic product; d) converting at least part of the tert-alkyl ether in the ether-enriched stream to ethylene and/or propylene by contacting at least part of the ether-enriched stream with a molecular sieve-comprising catalyst at a temperature in the range of from 350 to 1000° C. and retrieving a second olefinic product comprising ethylene and/or propylene.
US08742185B2
The use of bio oil from at least one renewable source in a hydrotreatment process, in which process hydrocarbons are formed from said glyceride oil in a catalytic reaction, and the iron content of said bio oil is less than 1 w-ppm calculated as elemental iron. A bio oil intermediate including bio oil from at least one renewable source and the iron content of said bio oil is less than 1 w-ppm calculated as elemental iron.
US08742183B2
A process has been developed for producing aviation fuel from renewable feedstocks such as plant oils and animal fats and oils. The process involves treating a renewable feedstock by hydrogenating and deoxygenating to provide n-paraffins having from about 8 to about 24 carbon atoms. At least some of the n-paraffins are isomerized to improve cold flow properties. At least a portion of the paraffins are selectively cracked to provide paraffins meeting specifications for different aviation fuels such as JP-8.
US08742181B2
A process for isomerizing a (hydrohalo)fluoroalkene, the process comprising contacting the (hydrohalo)fluoroalkene with a catalyst a catalyst which is a chromia-containing catalyst supported on AlF3 or fluorinated alumina.
US08742178B2
An object of the present invention is to provide a technology which can suppress the blockage and abrasion of pipes and devices caused by the production of by-products and stably synthesize acrolein at a high yield, under a condition in which energy efficiency is improved by an elevated concentration of glycerol in a reaction liquid, in a process for synthesis of acrolein by reacting supercritical water and an acid with glycerol. An embodiment of the present invention includes: setting a concentration of glycerol in the reaction liquid at 30% by weight or lower; also cooling the reaction liquid to a temperature between a temperature (300° C. or lower) at which the reaction stops and a temperature (100° C. or higher) at which tar contained in the reaction liquid can keep a state in which its viscosity is sufficiently low; then separating and removing carbon particles from the reaction liquid; subsequently cooling the reaction liquid to a temperature which is a boiling point of water or lower and at which the tar component in the reaction liquid does not adhere to devices; and then decompressing the cooled reaction liquid.
US08742176B2
The invention relates to a method of producing optically active 4-chloro-3-hydroxybutanal compound (2) by reacting chloroacetaldehyde with aldehyde compound (1) in the presence of optically active pyrrolidine compound (5). wherein each symbol is as defined in the specification.
US08742169B2
The present invention relates to a method for producing acrolein, comprising step (1) of subjecting glycerol to dehydration reaction in the presence of a copper compound and a compound containing a heteroatom; step (2) of recovering acrolein generated in the dehydration reaction step (1); step (3) of recovering part or all of the copper compound which remained after the recovery of acrolein; step (4) of treating part or all of the recovered copper compound with at least one member selected from a group consisting of an oxidizing agent and acid; and step (5) of returning part or all of the copper compound treated in the above step to step (1); and a method for producing acrylic acid, comprising reacting acrolein obtained by the above method with molecular oxygen. The production method of the present invention enables efficient production of acrolein and acrylic acid from glycerol contained in plant oil and animal fats derived from carbon dioxide in air without depending on the oxidation of propylene derived from fossil resources.
US08742167B2
A highly pure asiaticoside and a pharmaceutical grade asiatic acid can be prepared, along with salts of asiatic acid, for use in formulating therapeutic compositions that are suitable for treating arthritis, psoriasis and other inflammatory diseases, as well as pulmonary fibrosis, diabetic nephropathy, and other fibrotic diseases.
US08742155B2
When an organoxysilyl or siloxy-containing ethylnorbornene compound is prepared by hydrosilylation of 5-vinyl-2-norbornene with a hydrogen organoxysilane or siloxy compound in the presence of a platinum catalyst, hydrosilylation is conducted in the co-presence of an ammonium salt. The organoxysilyl or siloxy-containing ethylnorbornene compound is effectively prepared at high reactivity and selectivity.
US08742152B2
The disclosure provides for metal catecholate frameworks, and methods of use thereof, including gas separation, gas storage, catalysis, tunable conductors, supercapacitors, and sensors.
US08742149B2
A water-insoluble cutting fluid base oil or grinding fluid base oil for metalworking includes a fatty acid polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether represented by the following formula (I-A), wherein a hydroxyl value of the fatty acid polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether is less than or equal to 2.0 mgKOH/g. R1—CO-(OA)n-OR3 (I-A) (In the formula (I-A), R1 represents a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated monovalent hydrocarbon group having 15 to 21 carbon atoms and R3 represents a linear, branched, or cyclic monovalent hydrocarbon group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms. In addition, A represents an alkylene group having 2 to 4 carbon atoms, OA represents alkylene oxide, and n represents 1 to 6 which is an average mole number of added alkylene oxide (AO)).
US08742136B2
It is an object of the present invention to provide a commercially advantageous method for producing a cyclic disulfonic acid ester with high yield, the present invention discloses a method for producing a cyclic disulfonic acid ester represented by the general formula (3), which comprises reacting a silver alkanedisulfonate represented by the general formula (1) with a dihaloalkane represented by the general formula (2) in a nonpolar solvent. Wherein X1 and X2 are each independently a chlorine atom, a bromine atom or an iodine atom; and Y and Z are each independently a substituted or unsubstituted alkylene chain which may have a heteroatom in the chain.
US08742129B2
New forms of Febuxostat have bean, prepared and characterized. These forms are useful for examples in the chronic management of hyperuricemia in patients with gout.
US08742126B2
The present invention relates to a compound of formula (I): The compound has apoptosis signal-regulating kinase (“ASK1”) inhibitory activity, and is thus useful in the treatment of diseases such as kidney disease, diabetic nephropathy and kidney fibrosis.
US08742113B2
To provide a novel furanone derivative, and a medicine including the same. The furanone derivative is represented by the formula (I): wherein A represents —COOR1 or a hydrogen atom; R1 represents a hydrogen atom, an optionally substituted hydrocarbon group, or an optionally substituted heterocycle; R2 and R3 are the same or different and each independently represent a hydrogen atom, an optionally substituted hydrocarbon group, an optionally substituted phenyl group, an optionally substituted heterocycle, an optionally substituted heterocyclic fused ring, or an optionally substituted amino group; or alternatively, R2 and R3, taken together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached, may form an optionally substituted heterocycle or an optionally substituted heterocyclic fused ring; and R4 represents a hydrogen atom or a halogen atom; with the proviso that when A represents —COOR1, R2 and R3 are not optionally substituted amino groups at the same time, and when A represents a hydrogen atom, R3 represents a hydrogen atom.
US08742112B2
A heterocyclic compound represented by formula (1): wherein A1, A2, R1, R2, R3, R4, n and so on are defined in tha description, has an excellent control effect on arthropod pests and is useful for control of arthropod pests.
US08742111B1
An improved process or method of synthesis of carfentanil and other potent opioid analgesics of the N-alkyl 4-substituted 4-piperidinylamide class which can be used as morphine substitutes.
US08742101B2
This invention is directed to a method for treating a host, especially a human, infected with hepatitis C, flavivirus and/or pestivirus, comprising administering to that host an effective amount of an anti-HCV biologically active pentofuranonucleoside where the pentofuranonucleoside base is an optionally substituted 2-azapurine. The optionally substituted pentofuranonucleoside, or a salt or prodrug thereof, may be administered alone or in combination with one or more optionally substituted pentofuranonucleosides or other anti-viral agents.
US08742099B2
Compounds of formula (I) wherein R1 is 2-indanyl, R2 is 1-methylpropyl, R3 is a group selected from 2,6-dimethyl-3-pyridyl or 4,6-dimethyl-3-pyridyl, R4 represents methyl and R5 represents hydrogen or methyl or, R4 and R5 together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached represent morpholino and pharmaceutically acceptable derivatives thereof are described, as are processes for their preparation, pharmaceutical compositions containing them and their use in medicine, particularly their use as oxytocin antagonists.
US08742091B2
Means for transferring efficiently a desired nucleic acid into a cell is provided.The present invention comprises using a complex comprising a collagen or a collagen derivative, and a desired nucleic acid.
US08742086B2
Polynucleotide encoding a mutant dehalogenase to allow tethering to functional groups and substrates
A mutant hydrolase optionally fused to a protein of interest is provided. The mutant hydrolase is capable of forming a bond with a substrate for the corresponding nonmutant (wild-type) hydrolase which is more stable than the bond formed between the wild-type hydrolase and the substrate and has at least two amino acid substitutions relative to the wild-type hydrolase. Substrates for hydrolases comprising one or more functional groups are also provided, as well as methods of using the mutant hydrolase and the substrates of the invention. Also provided is a fusion protein capable of forming a stable bond with a substrate and cells which express the fusion protein.
US08742082B2
The invention provides (1) genes differentially expressed in animals administered fatty acid amides that affect one or more of food intake, satiety, lipid metabolism, and fat utilization and (2) compositions and methods relating to the use of the genes to identify new compounds that affect one or more of food intake, satiety, lipid metabolism, and fat utilization.
US08742081B2
The present invention relates to a nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide having a fluorescence emission activity with a maximum emission at 505 to 515 nm, wherein said nucleic acid molecule is selected from the group consisting of (a) a nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2; (b) a nucleic acid molecule having the DNA sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1; (c) a nucleic acid molecule hybridizing under stringent conditions to the complementary strand of (i.) a nucleic acid molecule of (a), wherein said nucleic acid molecule of (c) encodes a polypeptide having at the position corresponding to position 146 of SEQ NO:2 a phenylalanine and at the position corresponding to position 203 of SEQ NO:2 a threonine; or (ii) a nucleic acid molecule of (b), wherein said nucleic acid molecule of (c) has at the positions corresponding to positions 438 to 440 of SEQ ID NO: 1 a nucleotide triplet selected from the group consisting of TTT and TTC; and at the positions corresponding to positions 609 to 611 of SEQ ID NO: 1 a nucleotide triplet selected from the group consisting of ACT, ACC, ACA, ACG; wherein the polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of (c) has a fluorescence enhanced by at least the factor of 2.5 as compared to the polypeptide having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 10; or (d) a nucleic acid molecule degenerate with respect to the nucleic acid molecule of (b). The present invention furthermore relates to a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention, a vector and a host cell comprising the nucleic acid molecule of the invention, a method of producing said polypeptide, a fusion protein comprising the polypeptide of the invention and methods of detecting the presence and/or localization of a protein of interest and methods of detecting the activity of a promoter.
US08742075B2
Monoclonal antibodies that specifically bind to ANGPTL3 are provided. Monoclonal antibodies that neutralize at least one activity of ANGPTL3 are provided. Methods of treating a disorder of lipid metabolism using neutralizing monoclonal antibodies are provided.
US08742074B2
A variant of a parent polypeptide including an Fc region, which variant exhibits increased binding to FcRn as compared to the parent polypeptide and includes at least one amino acid modification in the Fc region.
US08742073B2
A high temperature-stable and highly purified α-α cross-linked tetrameric hemoglobin suitable for use in mammals without causing renal injury and vasoconstriction is provided. The dimeric form of hemoglobin is degenerated and purification processes are performed on red blood cells obtained from whole blood. Controlled hypotonic lysis in an instant cytolysis apparatus prevents the lysis of white blood cells. Nucleic acids from white blood cells and the phospholipids impurities are not detected. The blocking of reactive sulfhydryl groups in hemoglobin by a sulfhydryl reagent is performed in an oxygenated environment. Flowthrough column chromatography is used to remove different plasma protein impurities. N-acetyl cysteine is added to the α-α cross-linked tetrameric hemoglobin solution to maintain a low level of met-hemoglobin. The stabilized hemoglobin is preserved in an infusion bag with aluminum overwrap to prevent formation of inactive met-hemoglobin from oxygen intrusion. The product finds use in tissue oxygenation and cancer treatment.
US08742064B2
Medical tubing (T), such as a guidewire, a stent, a catheter or a hollow needle, made of a kinked rigid-rod polyarylene exhibiting a outstanding characteristics including high torqueability, high pushability and high flexibility and which can be easily thin-wall extruded under especially harsh conditions.
US08742062B2
A polymer comprising sulfone groups, ketone groups and optionally substituted polyarylene groups, wherein the number of moles of sulfone groups over the number of moles of ketone groups ratio is greater than 1. A process for making such polymer, a composition comprising such polymer, and articles made therefrom.
US08742056B2
Disclosed is a solid resol-type phenolic resin having: methylol groups and dimethylene ether bonds, as functional groups bound to phenolic nuclei; a content of methylol group, per 1 mol of the phenolic nuclei, of 0.8 mol or more and 1.3 mol or less; a content of dimethylene ether bond, per 1 mol of the phenolic nuclei, of 0.1 mol or less; a weight-average molecular weight of a tetrahydrofuran-soluble fraction, measured by gel permeation chromatography (GPC), of 800 or larger and 4,000 or smaller; and a content of mononuclear phenolic compound of 10% by weight or less.
US08742054B2
A hybrid resin composition is described, the composition comprising: A. An A part composition comprising an aliphatic polyfunctional isocyanate compound and a free radical polymerization initiator; and B. A B part composition comprising an ethylenically unsaturated, substantially water-free polyester polyol and a polyurethane catalyst. The A part composition can contain a non-interfering solvent, e.g., styrene, and the B part composition typically has an acid value of 5 or less (based on solids). For outdoor use, the B part composition is preferably free of tertiary hydrogens, ether glycols and terephthalic acid residues.
US08742052B2
A polyurea compound obtainable by reacting one or more polyisocyanates with one or more non-chiral mono-amines (I) and one or more chiral mono-amines (II) and co-precipitating the reaction products to form the polyurea compound, wherein 2-98 mole % of the mono-amines in the polyurea compound are chiral mono-amines. The invention also relates to the use of said polyurea compound as a rheology modification agent, in particular as sag control agent (SCA) in coating compositions. The invention further relates to sag control agent compositions, coating compositions and coatings comprising the polyurea compound as sag control agent.
US08742050B2
Provided are two part hybrid adhesives that comprise an organoborane amine complex, a polyamine, a component polymerizable by free radical polymerization, and a polyisocyanate component. An isocyanate terminated prepolymer can advantageously be used in the practice of the invention. The adhesive is particularly well suited for low surface energy plastic bonding.
US08742047B2
A multifunctional polymerizable ionic liquid is described comprising an anion and a cationic group having at least two ethylenically unsaturated polymerizable groups, each bonded to the cationic group via a divalent non-alkyl linking group. The multifunctional linking groups independently comprise a heteroatom such as oxygen or nitrogen. The linking groups may independently comprise one or more linkages such as an amide, urea, or ether linkage and more typically a urethane or ester linkage. The ethylenically unsaturated polymerizable groups are typically (meth)acrylate groups. Coatings and coated articles are also described.
US08742039B2
A method for making a polyolefin composition according to one embodiment includes altering the concentration of the chain transfer agent present in the reactor to control the HMW and LMW fractions of the polyolefin composition.
US08742035B2
Embodiments of the invention provide a method of controlling a gas-phase polymerization process. The method includes determining a difference between a control variable of the polymerization process, such as the production rate, and the desired value of the control variable; adjusting or maintaining a first manipulated variable to at least partially compensate for the difference between the control variable and the desired value; and adjusting or maintaining a second manipulated variable to at least partially compensate for the effect of adjusting or maintaining the first manipulated variable. The first and second manipulated variables can include process variables such as the fluidized bed weight, the catalyst concentration, the concentration of one or more monomers, the flow of one or more comonomers, the ratio of one comonomer to another comonomer, the activator concentration, the ratio of an activator to selectivity control agent, the concentration of a chain transfer agent, and the retardant concentration.
US08742031B2
Heat-resistant polyimide copolymers having the following four components: pyromellitic dianhydride (PMDA), 1,4-diaminodiphenyl ether (DADE), biphenyltetracarboxylic dianhydride (BPDA), and 2,4-diaminotoluene (DAT) are provided. In an embodiment the molar ratio of (BPDA):(DADE):(PMDA):(DAT) is 2:2:m:m, in which m is an integer of 3, 4 or 5.
US08742025B2
Disclosed are an adhesive composition and a polarizing plate including the same and, more particularly, an adhesive composition including a vinyl-acrylate copolymer including a hydroxyalkylvinylether monomer as a repeating unit, a cross-linking agent, ionic solid, and a silane coupling agent and, in addition, a polarizing plate including the same. Such adhesive composition may have desired re-workability without decrease in durability caused by surface transfer of an ionic compound, and allow effective gelling of adhesive fraction, to thereby considerably reduce a curing period.
US08742017B2
There is provided an antistatic agent that preserves its antistatic property for a long period of time and has the appearance and the transparency that are not impaired when kneaded into a resin, and a resin composition containing the antistatic agent. An antistatic agent including a block copolymer which is obtained from a reaction product of a polyolefin (a) having one end being acid-modified and a diol and/or a diamine (b) having a polyoxyalkylene chain, and in which a part or all of acid groups remaining in the reaction product is neutralized with an alkaline substance. A thermoplastic resin composition including the antistatic resin. A film or sheet including the thermoplastic resin composition.
US08742015B2
The objective of the present invention is to provide a thermoplastic resin composition having an excellent balance of chemical resistance, heat resistance and impact resistance and a molded article comprising this thermoplastic resin composition. The present thermoplastic resin composition comprises a rubber-reinforced resin, an ethylene•(meth)acrylic acid ester•carbon monoxide copolymer, and polytetrafluoroethylene, and contents of ethylene•(meth)acrylic acid ester•carbon monoxide copolymer and polytetrafluoroethylene are respectively from 0.5 to 20 parts by weight and from 0.01 to 5 parts by weight, with respect to 100 parts by weight of the rubber-reinforced resin. A modified polyolefin resin may be contained.
US08742005B2
The present invention relates to an acrylate-based compound that includes an organic acid having two or more acrylate groups and one or more phenolic acid structures in one molecule, and a photosensitive composition including the same. It is possible to shorten a developing time in a photolithography process without damaging photosensitivity by using the photosensitive composition according to the present invention.
US08742002B2
A composition of a release coating, for furnishing a release liner with a layer of the release coating, has a release agent and 0.01% by weight to 30% by weight (based on the overall composition) of a finely particulate additive in the form of three-dimensional bodies based on polymers prepared from vinyl building blocks.
US08741999B2
The present invention relates to a process for preparing a polymer dispersion comprising polymerising one or more water soluble anionic monomers (m1) and one or more non-ionic vinyl monomers (m2) present in a reaction mixture further comprising a polymeric stabiliser (B) and a polymeric co-stabiliser (C). It further relates to a polymer dispersion, the use of the polymer dispersion and a process for producing paper.
US08741991B2
The present relates to nylon-5,10 molding compositions comprising A) from 40 to 90% by weight of a nylon-5,10, B) from 10 to 60% by weight of fiber-containing or mineral-containing fillers, C) from 0 to 20% by weight of further additives, where the total of the percentages by weight of components A) to C) is 100%. The present invention moreover relates to a process for the preparation of these molding compositions, to the use of these molding compositions for the production of moldings of any type, and to the resultant moldings, preferably motor vehicle bodywork parts or electronics components of any type, foils, and fibers.
US08741990B2
The invention relates to an adhesive composition comprising hydrophilic silicone elastomers and hydrophobic silicone elastomers and optionally water absorbent material, wherein the ratio between the hydrophilic silicone elastomers and the hydrophobic silicone elastomers is from 95:5 to 5:95. The adhesive is suited for medical use due to its skin-friendliness. The invention further relates to a medical device comprising said adhesive composition.
US08741977B2
An odor-absorbing foam composition comprising a cyclodextrin crosslinked with a polyurethane prepolymer. In one embodiment, the foam includes a ratio of the cyclodextrin to the polyurethane prepolymer selected to result in formation of the foam. The odor-absorbing foam may be used in a personal care product or wound care. A process for preparing a foam, including providing a cyclodextrin; providing a polyurethane prepolymer; combining the cyclodextrin with the polyurethane prepolymer; and allowing the polyurethane prepolymer to react with water and crosslink the cyclodextrin to form the foam. A process for preparing an odor-absorbing foam article such as a personal care product, including preparing the foam and applying it or the components thereof to a suitable substrate.
US08741976B2
A process for producing porous aerogels or xerogels includes a reaction of at least one polyfunctional isocyanate with an amine component. The amine component includes at least one polyfunctional substituted aromatic amine. The reaction is in the presence of a solvent and a catalyst. Aerogels and xerogels that can be obtained in this way can be used as insulation material and in vacuum insulation panels.
US08741974B2
A method for forming a filter in a fluid flow path in a microfluidic device is provided. The method includes introducing a photopolymerization reaction solution into the microfluidic device; and performing polymerization of photopolymerization reaction solution to form a filter in the fluid flow path in a microfluidic device.
US08741969B2
An object of the present invention is to provide an anti-adhesion membrane that has no toxicity to a living body, has flexibility allowing itself to fit an affected part as a hydrated gel, is uniformly crosslinked, and is immediately absorbed in a living body after maintaining its shape in the living body for a certain period of time.The present invention provides anti-adhesion material, which comprises a thermally crosslinked gelatin film, and has a water content of 60 to 85% calculated by the following formula (1): water content (%)=[(Ws−Wd)/Ws]×100(%) (1), in the formula (1), Ws representing a weight (wet weight) of the anti-adhesion material immersed in a phosphate buffered saline solution at a temperature of 25° C. for one hour, and Wd representing a weight (dry weight) of the anti-adhesion material dried completely using a vacuum drying apparatus.
US08741966B2
The present disclosure relates to lipid compounds of formula (I): wherein: R1 is chosen from a C10-C21 alkyl, a C10-C21 alkenyl having 1-6 double bonds, and a C10-C21 alkynyl having 1-6 triple bonds; R2 and R3 are the same or different and are chosen from hydrogen and a C1-C6 alkyl; X is chosen from O, S, SO, SO2, Si, and Se; n=1 or 3; and P1 is chosen from hydrogen; a C10-C21 alkyl, a C10-C21 alkenyl having 1-6 double bonds, a C10-C21 alkynyl having 1-6 triple bonds, optionally substituted; a group of formula (II) or formula (III), wherein P2, P3, and P4 are chosen from hydrogen, an alkyl, an alkenyl, and an alkynyl, optionally substituted; and a group of formula (IV) or formula (V), wherein P5 is chosen from hydrogen and a C1-C6 alkyl; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, complex, or solvate thereof. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions and lipid compositions comprising such compounds, and methods of use thereof, for example in the treatment of diseases related to cardiovascular, metabolic, and inflammatory conditions.
US08741963B2
The present invention relates to the use of the S1P receptor modulator 2-amino-2-[2-(4-octylphenyl)ethyl]propane-1,3-diol, administered at a daily dosage of 0.5 mg, for inhibiting or treating neo-angiogenesis associated with multiple sclerosis.
US08741962B2
The present invention relates to an improved process for the preparation of Rasagiline or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. The present invention also relates to Rasagiline salts, polymorphs thereof and process for preparation thereof.
US08741957B2
The present invention is in the field of pharmacotherapy of cognitive deficits in learning and memory by administering an α-aminoamide, particularly safinamide. Examples of disturbances in cognition that can be treated with compounds of the invention are the ones associated with disorders such as autism, dyslexia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, schizophrenia, obsessive compulsive disorders, psychosis, bipolar disorders, depression, Tourette's syndrome, Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and disorders of learning in children, adolescents and adults, Age Associated Memory Impairment, Age Associated Cognitive Decline, Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease, Down's Syndrome, traumatic brain injury Huntington's Disease, Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP), HIV, stroke, vascular diseases, Pick's or Creutzfeldt-Jacob diseases, multiple sclerosis (MS), other white matter disorders and drug-induced cognitive worsening.
US08741955B2
The present invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising D-serine transporter inhibitors and therapeutic methods using such pharmaceutical compositions in methods for the treatment of central nervous system disorders.
US08741948B2
The present invention relates to oral pharmaceutical compositions with controlled and/or programmed release containing at least one active ingredient having antimicrobial and/or anti-infectious activity for the treatment of infections of the large intestine, in particular the colon.
US08741946B2
Provided are compounds of Formula I: and pharmaceutically acceptable salts and esters thereof. The compounds, compositions, and methods provided are useful for the treatment of Flaviviridae virus infections (e.g. hepatitis C infections), particularly drug resistant Flaviviridae virus infections.
US08741945B2
The present invention pertains generally to certain compounds of the deoxyactagardine A and B type. Such compounds are suitable for use in the treatment of microbial infections, for example Clostridium infection, such as C. perfringens, C. difficile, C. tetani, and/or C. botulinum, in particular C. difficile, especially infection of the colon and/or lower intestines and diarrhea associated with the microbial infection.
US08741936B2
Disclosed are methods of modulating a stress activated protein kinase (SAPK) system with an active compound, wherein the active compound exhibits low potency for inhibition of at least one p38 MAPK; and wherein the contacting is conducted at a SAPK-modulating concentration that is at a low percentage inhibitory concentration for inhibition of the at least one p38 MAPK by the compound. Also disclosed are derivatives of pirfenidone. These derivatives can modulate a stress activated protein kinase (SAPK) system.
US08741933B2
Compounds of the present invention, and pharmaceutically acceptable compositions thereof, are useful as modulators of ATP-Binding Cassette (“ABC”) transporters or fragments thereof, including Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator (“CFTR”). The present invention also relates to methods of treating ABC transporter mediated diseases using compounds of the present invention.
US08741929B2
Methods of treating, preventing or managing mantle cell lymphomas are disclosed. The methods encompass the administration of an immunomodulatory compound of the invention known as Revlimid® or lenalidomide. The invention further relates to methods of treatment using this compound with chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormonal therapy, biological therapy or immunotherapy. Pharmaceutical compositions and single unit dosage forms suitable for use in the methods of the invention are also disclosed.
US08741925B2
The present invention relates to modulators of ATP-Binding Cassette (“ABC”) transporters or fragments thereof, including Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator, compositions thereof, and methods therewith. The present invention also relates to methods of treating ABC transporter mediated diseases using such modulators.
US08741920B2
The present invention relates to a composition comprising the compound of formula (1), and the compound of formula (B),
US08741912B2
The present invention relates to compounds useful as inhibitors of protein kinases, particularly of JAK family kinases. The invention also provides pharmaceutically acceptable compositions comprising said compounds and methods of using the compositions in the treatment of various disease, conditions, or disorders. The compounds are generally represented by structural formula I or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof:
US08741909B2
The present invention relates to compounds of formula (I) and to compositions comprising the same and to the use of the compounds and their compositions in treatment, for example in the treatment of inflammatory diseases, in particular respiratory inflammatory disease. The invention also extends to methods of making the compounds.
US08741904B2
Crystalline polymorphous forms of the rifaximin (INN) antibiotic named rifaximin δ and rifaximin ε useful in the production of medicinal preparations containing rifaximin for oral and topical use and obtained by means of a crystallization process carried out by hot-dissolving the raw rifaximin in ethyl alcohol and by causing the crystallization of the product by addition of water at a determinate temperature and for a determinate period of time, followed by a drying carried out under controlled conditions until reaching a settled water content in the end product, are the object of the invention.
US08741901B2
The compounds of the present invention are represented by the chemical structure found in Formula (I): wherein: the carbon atom designated * is in the R or S configuration; and X is a fused bicyclic carbocycle or heterocycle selected from the group consisting of benzofuranyl, benzo[b]thiophenyl, benzoisothiazolyl, benzoisoxazolyl, indazolyl, indolyl, isoindolyl, indolizinyl, benzoimidazolyl, benzooxazolyl, benzothiazolyl, benzotriazolyl, imidazo[1,2-a]pyridinyl, pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyridinyl, [1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a]pyridinyl, thieno[2,3-b]pyridinyl, thieno[3,2-b]pyridinyl, 1H-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridinyl, indenyl, indanyl, dihydrobenzocycloheptenyl, tetrahydrobenzocycloheptenyl, dihydrobenzothiophenyl, dihydrobenzofuranyl, indolinyl, naphthyl, tetrahydronaphthyl, quinolinyl, isoquinolinyl, 4H-quinolizinyl, 9aH-quinolizinyl, quinazolinyl, cinnolinyl, phthalazinyl, quinoxalinyl, benzo[1,2,3]triazinyl, benzo[1,2,4]triazinyl, 2H-chromenyl, 4H-chromenyl, and a fused bicyclic carbocycle or fused bicyclic heterocycle optionally substituted with substituents (1 to 4 in number) as defined in R14; with R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, and R14 defined herein.
US08741897B2
Compounds of Formula (IA), (IB), (IC), and (ID) wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, and R6 are as respectively defined herein for Formula (IA), (IB), (IC), and (ID), or a tautomer, prodrug, solvate, or salt thereof; pharmaceutical compositions containing such compounds, and methods of modulating the glucocorticoid receptor function and methods of treating disease-states or conditions mediated by the glucocorticoid receptor function or characterized by inflammatory, allergic, or proliferative processes in a patient using these compounds.
US08741887B2
Disclosed are compounds, compositions and methods for treating various diseases, syndromes, conditions and disorders, including pain. Such compounds are represented by Formula (I) as follows: wherein Y, Z, R1, and s are defined herein.
US08741883B2
The invention is in general directed to compounds and methods for diagnosing, preventing or alleviating the symptoms of amyloid-associated diseases, for example, neuronal diseases, such as, for example, Alzheimer's disease, methods of screening for compounds useful in preventing or alleviating the symptoms of amyloid-associated diseases, methods of diagnostic imaging of A-beta fibrils, and compounds and methods useful for studying normal or disease-associated cellular mechanisms relating to amyloid proteins.
US08741882B2
The preset invention relates to a new oral anti-diabetic compound prepared by synthesizing a steroid and a guanide or biguanide, which is eliminated via the hepatic route, instead of the renal route, to avoid adverse effects of administering metformin in diabetic patients with renal dysfunction. A pharmaceutical composition comprising the compound of the invention and the method for treating diabetes using the compound are also provided.
US08741874B2
Insecticidal compositions having insecticide and disinfectant activity are provided. Preferably, the insecticidal composition contains both an insect control agent and a disinfectant. Particularly low levels (i.e., below 20%) of at least one hydrocarbon are introduced as a solvent. The insecticidal compositions further comprise an emulsifier, buffer and antifoaming agent. These insecticidal compositions are particularly suitable for delivery in a spray for non-industrial environments. In use, the present insecticidal compositions may be applied directly to or in or around any area where it is desired to control pestiferous insects and the fungi, bacteria, viruses and other contaminants associated with them.
US08741873B2
The present invention is in the field of coagulation diagnostics and relates to a kit and method for preparing controls for use in test methods for determining thrombocyte function.
US08741872B2
Kits and compositions for producing an alginate gel are disclosed. The kits and compositions comprise soluble alginate and insoluble alginate/gelling ion particles. Methods for dispensing a self-gelling alginate dispersion are disclosed. The methods comprise forming a dispersion of insoluble alginate/gelling ion particles in a solution containing soluble alginate, and dispensing the dispersion whereby the dispersion forms an alginate gel matrix. The methods may include dispensing the dispersion into the body of an individual. An alginate gel having a thickness of greater than 5 mm and a homogenous alginate matrix network and homogenous alginate gels free of one or more of: sulfates citrates, phosphates, lactates, EDTA or lipids are disclosed. Implantable devices comprising a homogenous alginate gel coating are disclosed. Methods of improving the viability of pancreatic islets, or other cellular aggregates or tissue, following isolation and during storage and transport are disclosed.
US08741871B2
A trehalose compound having high immunopotentiating activity and low toxicity is represented by formula (1). (In the formula, X and X′ each represents a phenyl, a naphthyl, R1—CHR1— (wherein R1 and R2 each represents a C7-C21 alkyl group or the like) or the like; and n and n′ each independently represents an integer of 0-3). The compound exhibits a high activating effect on macrophages and neutrophils.
US08741870B2
The present invention concerns a nucleotide aptamer having the sequence: 5′-AUGAUCAAUCGCCUCAAUUCGACAGGAGGCUCAC-3′(SEQ ID NO: 1) for use in the treatment and/or prevention and/or diagnosis of an Axl receptor tyrosine kinase induced disorder and a pharmaceutical composition comprising the same. The invention also relates to a method for the diagnosis of an Axl receptor tyrosine kinase induced disorder in a patient from which a sample is obtained and related diagnostic kit.
US08741860B2
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a diverse and abundant class of ˜22-nucleotide (nt) endogenous regulatory RNAs that play a variety of roles in animal cells by controlling gene expression at the posttranscriptional level. Increased miR-181a expression in mature T cells is shown to cause a marked increase in T cell activation and augments T cell sensitivity to peptide antigens. Moreover, T cell blasts with higher miR-181a expression become reactive to antagonists. The effects of miR-181a on antigen discrimination are in part achieved by dampening the expression of multiple negative regulators in the T cell receptor (TCR) signaling pathway, including PTPN22 and the dual specificity phosphatases DUSP5 and DUSP6. This results in a reduction in the TCR signaling threshold, thus quantitatively and qualitatively enhancing T cell sensitivity to antigens.
US08741854B2
Feed supplements for poultry raised using a rapid growth regimen are disclosed herein. The supplements include D-ribose in an amount effective to improve the resistance to cardiomyopathy in the poultry. Methods for feeding poultry are also disclosed herein.
US08741851B2
Disclosed herein is a peptide for inhibiting growth of bacterial pathogens in a biological sample, characterized by an amino acid sequence selected from a group consisting of Pro-His-Trp-Trp-Lys-Trp-Ala-Trp-Trp-His-His-Arg-Arg (SEQ ID NO:1), Lys-His-Trp-Trp-Lys-His-Asp-Trp-Trp-Arg-Trp-Arg-Arg (SEQ ID NO:2), and Ile-Leu-Trp-Trp-Leu-Leu-Ala-Trp-Trp-Arg-Trp-Pro-His (SEQ ID NO:3).
US08741850B2
Compounds of general formula (1): X1Y1X2Y2X3Y3X4Y4Y5X5X6Y6X7Y7X8X9X10 wherein X1-X10 are any natural or unnatural amino acids and Y1 is Gln; Y2 is Met or Leu; Y3 is He; Y4 is Pro or Ser; Y5 is His or Gly; Y6 is Gln or Pro; Y7 is He or Tyr or their homolog or ortolog are described; these compounds are able to bind to the VEGF receptors and to modulate the angiogenesis mediated by the VEG.
US08741846B2
Method for the production of a fibrinogen solution from an aqueous solution that contains functionally intact fibrinogen and is contaminated with profibrin and/or fibrin monomers and/or fibrin monomer complexes and/or fibrin split products, characterized in that the contaminations are precipitated using a non-denaturing precipitating agent at a temperature ranging from −4° to +4° and calcium ion activity not exceeding that of a 1,000 μM CaCl2 solution and are separated from the solution by means of filtering or centrifugation process.
US08741845B1
ClotBlock is a lyophilized fibrin hemostatic designed for use an adjunct or primary treatment in moderate to severe hemorrhage. It can be applied directly to the wound in a laparotomy procedure or as non-invasive sealant. Its crosslinking technology generates a strong and safe adhesive fibrin sealant required for high volume hemostasis. The attachment properties of the cake as well as the rapid formation of and stability of the fibrin clot ensures that a strong stable fibrin clot is formed within 1 to 5 minutes depending on the grade of the wound. The agent is safe, biocompatible, biodegradable and can be stored at room temperature for one year.
US08741834B2
The present application relates to dipeptide-like prodrug derivatives of 2-amino-6-({[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-1,3-oxazol-4-yl]methyl}sulfanyl)-4-(4-{[2,3-dihydroxypropyl]oxy}phenyl)pyridine-3,5-dicarbonitrile, processes for their preparation, their use for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of diseases, and their use for the manufacture of medicaments for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of diseases, especially of cardiovascular disorders.
US08741832B2
The present invention provides PEGylated hemoglobins and PEGylated albumins comprising polyethylene glycol (PEG) conjugated to hemoglobin or to albumin, wherein the PEG is a maleimide PEG, an alkylamide PEG, an iodoacetamide PEG, a p-nitro thio-phenyl PEG, a vinyl sulfone PEG, or a mixed disulfide PEG; and PEGylated albumins and PEGylated hemoglobins comprising polyethylene glycol (PEG) attached to a thiolated amino group of albumin or hemoglobin, wherein the amino group is thiolated using dithio sulfo succinimidyl propionate (DTSSP) or dithiosuccinimidyl propionate (DTSP) or dithiobispropionimidate. The invention also provides methods of preparing PEGylated hemoglobins and PEGylated albumins comprising a) reacting hemoglobin or albumin with a thiolating agent and with a PEGylating agent, and b) capping unPEGylated reactive thiols of hemoglobin or albumin with N-ethyl maleimide.
US08741831B2
The present invention is directed to the use of hydrophilic terpolymers in hard surface cleaners which provide easier cleaning for surface soils such as hard water stains, soap scum, limescale, mud, food, toilet stains, oil, grease, particulates and the like as well as anti-fog effects on hard surfaces such as glass, mirrors, ceramic and plastic by causing water droplets to coalesce into a film.
US08741823B2
There is provided a grease composition, in which a grease film on the surface of the applied part is made thicker compared with conventional grease compositions, this thickness is maintained for a long period of time, and as a result, a longer service life against seizure compared with conventional grease compositions is assured. The grease composition comprises a base oil and a thickener, wherein the thickener is a diurea compound obtained by allowing an amine mixture comprising alkylphenylamine, an alkyl group of which has 8 to 16 carbon atoms, and cyclohexylamine, to react with a diisocyanate compound, and an amount of cyclohexylamine in the total amount of the alkylphenylamine and cyclohexylamine is from 91 to 99% by mole.
US08741821B2
A method for reducing a friction coefficient adjacent a lubricated surface, and a lubricant composition for reducing a friction coefficient between lubricated surfaces. The method includes providing an amount of metal-containing dispersed in a fully formulated lubricant composition containing a base oil of lubricating viscosity, wherein the nanoparticles have an average particles size ranging from about 1 to about 10 nanometers. The lubricant composition containing the metal-containing nanoparticles is applied to a surface to be lubricated.
US08741820B2
[Object] To provide a lubrication kit which is capable of improving wear resistance and durability of a sliding portion mounted in a small electronic device and which is capable of reducing a sound generated during driving.[Solution] A lubrication kit used for a small electronic device having a sliding portion, according to the present invention comprises at least one lubricant selected from a lubricant (1) comprising an anti-wear agent and a base oil which contains a polyol ester oil and/or a paraffinic hydrocarbon oil and a lubricant (2) comprising an anti-wear agent, polytetrafluoroethylene particles, and a base oil which contains a polyol ester oil and/or a paraffinic hydrocarbon oil, and a surface-treating agent obtained from a fluorine type surfactant and a phosphoric ester having a hydrocarbon group in which a part or all of hydrogen atoms have been substituted with a fluorine atom.
US08741794B2
A glass substrate for a display, which is formed of a glass having a light weight and having high refinability with decreasing environmental burdens, the glass comprising, by mass %, 50 to 70% of SiO2, 5 to 18% of B2O3, 10 to 25% of Al2O3, 0 to 10% of MgO, 0 to 20% of CaO, 0 to 20% of SrO, 0 to 10% of BaO, 5 to 20% of RO (in which R is at least one member selected from the group consisting of Mg, Ca, Sr and Ba), and over 0.20% but not more than 2.0% of R′2O (in which R′ is at least one member selected from the group consisting of Li, Na and K), and containing, by mass %, 0.05 to 1.5% of oxide of metal that changes in valence number in a molten glass, and substantially containing none of As2O3, Sb2O3 and PbO.
US08741791B2
A crystallized glass with negative coefficient of thermal expansion includes 38 wt % to 64 wt % of silica (SiO2); 30 wt % to 40 wt % of alumina (Al2O3); and 5 wt % to 12 wt % of lithium oxide (Li2O) as a basic component, and further includes more than one component selected from the group consisting of 0.5 wt % to 15 wt % of zirconia (ZrO2), 0.5 wt % to 6.5 wt % of titanium dioxide (TiO2), 0.5 wt % to 4 wt % of phosphorus pentoxide (P2O5), 2 wt % to 5 wt % of magnesium oxide (MgO), and 0 wt % to 5 wt % of magnesium fluoride (MgF2) in addition to the basic components. The crystallized glass may have a high negative coefficient of thermal expansion so that it has an advantage that it can be used as a thermal expansion compensation material according to the temperatures of all kinds of glasses and similar products thereof.
US08741790B2
A PTFE/fiberglass composite for use as a conveyor belt comprises a fiberglass fabric having oppositely facing surfaces. The fabric has a structure defining a substantially uniform pattern of openings extending from one to the other of its major surfaces, with the average area of the individual openings being at least about 0.20258 mm2. PTFE films are laminated to the major surfaces of the fabric. The laminated films are interconnected by fluroropolymer ties extending through the fabric openings and are adhered to the major surfaces with a peel strength of between about 5-13 pli. The composite has a thickness of less than about 20 mils and a fiberglass content of less than about 25%.
US08741784B2
A process for fabricating a semiconductor device is described. A silicon oxide layer is formed. A nitridation process including at least two steps is performed to nitridate the silicon oxide layer into a silicon oxynitride (SiON) layer. The nitridation process comprises a first nitridation step and a second nitridation step in sequence, wherein the first nitridation step and the second nitridation step are different in the setting of at least one parameter.
US08741782B2
An ultra low-k dielectric material layer is formed on a semiconductor substrate. In one embodiment, a grid of wires is placed at a distance above a top surface of the ultra low-k dielectric material layer and is electrically biased such that the total electron emission coefficient becomes 1.0 at the energy of electrons employed in electron beam curing of the ultra low-k dielectric material layer. In another embodiment, a polymeric conductive layer is formed directly on the ultra low-k dielectric material layer and is electrically biased so that the total electron emission coefficient becomes 1.0 at the energy of electrons employed in electron beam curing of the ultra low-k dielectric material layer. By maintaining the total electron emission coefficient at 1.0, charging of the substrate is avoided, thus protecting any device on the substrate from any adverse changes in electrical characteristics.
US08741776B2
A method for patterning a plurality of features in a non-rectangular pattern on an integrated circuit device includes providing a substrate including a surface with a first layer and a second layer. Forming a plurality of elongated protrusions in a third layer above the first and second layers. Forming a first patterned layer over the plurality of elongated protrusions. The plurality of elongated protrusions are etched to form a first pattern of the elongated protrusions, the first pattern including at least one inside corner. Forming a second patterned layer over the first pattern of elongated protrusions and forming a third patterned layer over the first pattern of elongated protrusions. The plurality of elongated protrusions are etched using the second and third patterned layers to form a second pattern of the elongated protrusions, the second pattern including at least one inside corner.
US08741772B2
A resistive memory device having an in-situ nitride initiation layer is disclosed. The nitride initiation layer is formed above the first electrode, and the metal oxide switching layer is formed above the nitride initiation layer to prevent oxidation of the first electrode. The nitride initiation layer may be a metal nitride layer that is formed by atomic layer deposition in the same chamber in which the metal oxide switching layer is formed. The nitride initiation layer and metal oxide switching layer may alternatively be formed in a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) chamber or a physical vapor deposition (PVD) chamber.
US08741764B2
A semiconductor device has a semiconductor die and conductive pillar with a recess or protrusion formed over a surface of the semiconductor die. The conductive pillar is made by forming a patterning layer over the semiconductor die, forming an opening with a recess or protrusion in the patterning layer, depositing conductive material in the opening and recess or protrusion, and removing the patterning layer. A substrate has bump material deposited over a conductive layer formed over a surface of the substrate. The bump material is melted. The semiconductor die is pressed toward the substrate to enable the melted bump material to flow into the recess or over the protrusion if the conductive pillar makes connection to the conductive layer. A presence or absence of the bump material in the recess or protrusion of the conductive pillar is detected by X-ray or visual inspection.
US08741752B2
A method includes depositing a dummy fill material over exposed portions of a substrate and a gate stack disposed on the substrate, removing portions of the dummy fill material to expose portions of the substrate, forming a layer of spacer material over the exposed portions of the substrate, the dummy fill material and the gate stack, removing portions of the layer of spacer material to expose portions of the substrate and the dummy fill material, depositing a dielectric layer over the exposed portions of the spacer material, the substrate, and the gate stack, removing portions of the dielectric layer to expose portions of the spacer material, removing exposed portions of the spacer material to expose portions of the substrate and define at least one cavity in the dielectric layer, and depositing a conductive material in the at least one cavity.
US08741740B2
An SOI substrate is manufactured by forming an embrittled layer in a bond substrate by increasing the dose of hydrogen ions in the formation of the embrittled layer to a value more than the dose of hydrogen ions of the lower limit for separation of the bond substrate, separating the bond substrate attached to the base substrate, forming an SOI substrate in which a single crystal semiconductor film is formed over the base substrate, and irradiating a surface of the single crystal semiconductor film with laser light.
US08741729B2
A resistor and capacitor are provided in respective shallow trench isolation structures. The method includes forming a first and second trench in a substrate and forming a first insulator layer within the first and second trench. The method includes forming a first electrode material within the first and second trench, on the first insulator layer, and forming a second insulator layer within the first and second trench and on the first electrode material. The method includes forming a second electrode material within the first and second trench, on the second insulator layer. The second electrode material pinches off the second trench. The method includes removing a portion of the second electrode material and the second insulator layer at a bottom portion of the first trench, and filling in the first trench with additional second electrode material. The additional second electrode material is in electrical contact with the first electrode material.
US08741727B2
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device includes forming a flash memory cell in a first region, forming a first electrode of a capacitor in a second region, forming a first silicon oxide film, a silicon nitride film, and a second silicon oxide film in this order as a second insulating film, removing the silicon nitride film and the second silicon oxide film in a partial region of the first electrode, wet-etching a first insulating film and the second insulating film in the third region, forming a second electrode of the capacitor, and etching and removing the first silicon oxide film in the partial region.
US08741720B2
A semiconductor device and method to form a semiconductor device is described. The semiconductor includes a gate stack disposed on a substrate. Tip regions are disposed in the substrate on either side of the gate stack. Halo regions are disposed in the substrate adjacent the tip regions. A threshold voltage implant region is disposed in the substrate directly below the gate stack. The concentration of dopant impurity atoms of a particular conductivity type is approximately the same in both the threshold voltage implant region as in the halo regions. The method includes a dopant impurity implant technique having sufficient strength to penetrate a gate stack.
US08741714B2
Methods for preventing line collapse during the fabrication of NAND flash memory and other microelectronic devices that utilize closely spaced device structures with high aspect ratios are described. In some embodiments, one or more mechanical support structures may be provided to prevent the collapse of closely spaced device structures during fabrication. In one example, during fabrication of a NAND flash memory, one or more mechanical support structures may be set in place prior to performing a high aspect ratio word line etch for forming the NAND strings. The one or more mechanical support structures may comprise one or more fin supports that are arranged in a bit line direction. In another example, the one or more mechanical support structures may be developed during the word line etch for forming the NAND strings.
US08741710B2
Semiconductor devices are fabricated using a plasma process with a non-silane gas that includes deuterium, and which may result in improved device reliability and/or other improved device operational characteristics. One such method can include forming a gate oxide layer on a transistor region, which is defined on a substrate, and forming a gate electrode on the gate oxide layer. An etch stop layer is formed on the gate oxide layer and the gate electrode. A plasma process is performed on the interface between the gate oxide layer and the substrate using a non-silane treatment gas including deuterium. An interlayer dielectric layer is formed on the etch stop layer. A bottom metal line is formed on the interlayer dielectric layer.
US08741705B2
A method of fabricating Group III-V semiconductor metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) and III-V MOS devices are described.
US08741700B1
Methods for making non-volatile switches include depositing gate material in a recess of a substrate; depositing drain metal in a recess of the gate material; planarizing the gate material, drain metal, and substrate; forming sidewalls by depositing material on the substrate around the gate material; forming a flexible conductive element between the sidewalls to establish a gap between the flexible conductive element and the gate material, such that the gap separating the flexible conductive element and the gate material is sized to create a negative threshold voltage at the gate material for opening a circuit; and forming a source terminal in electrical contact with the flexible conductive element.
US08741695B2
A semiconductor device includes a metal substrate including a metal base plate, an insulating sheet located on the metal base plate, and a wiring pattern located on the insulating sheet, and a semiconductor element located on the metal substrate. The semiconductor element is sealed with a molding resin. The molding resin extends to side surfaces of the metal substrate. On the side surfaces of the metal substrate, the insulating sheet and the wiring pattern are not exposed from the molding resin, whereas the metal base plate includes a projecting portion exposed from the molding resin.
US08741662B2
Methods and kits for diagnosis and prognosis using biomarkers comprising albumin-bound protein/peptide complex (ABPPC).
US08741661B2
A method including: a) providing a first well with a first layer of a first flowable material and a second layer of a second flowable material, and a second well with a first layer of a first flowable material different from the first flowable material of the first well, b) locating the flowable material inlet within the first layer, c) sampling a first volume of the first flowable material, d) displacing the flowable material inlet relative to the first well to locate the flowable material inlet within the second layer, e) sampling a second volume of the second flowable material, f) displacing the flowable material inlet relative to the first and second wells to locate the flowable material inlet within the first layer of the second well, and g) sampling or dispensing into the second well a third volume of the first flowable material of the second well.
US08741657B1
The disclosure relates to a plasmon resonance-based method for gas sensing in a gas stream utilizing a gas sensing material. In an embodiment the gas stream has a temperature greater than about 500° C. The gas sensing material is comprised of gold nanoparticles having an average nanoparticle diameter of less than about 100 nanometers dispersed in an inert matrix having a bandgap greater than or equal to 5 eV, and an oxygen ion conductivity less than approximately 10−7 S/cm at a temperature of 700° C. Exemplary inert matrix materials include SiO2, Al2O3, and Si3N4 as well as modifications to modify the effective refractive indices through combinations and/or doping of such materials. Changes in the chemical composition of the gas stream are detected by changes in the plasmon resonance peak. The method disclosed offers significant advantage over active and reducible matrix materials typically utilized, such as yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) or TiO2.
US08741644B2
The present invention relates to a method for producing human mast cells from human pluripotent stem cells. More particularly, the present invention provides a method for producing human mast cells from human pluripotent stem cells, comprising the steps of: (a) culturing human pluripotent stem cells under a condition suitable for promoting differentiation of the human pluripotent stem cells into hematopoietic progenitor cells expressing CD34; and (b) culturing the cells obtained in step (a) in the presence of hematopoietic factors comprising thrombopoietin (TPO) and Flt3 ligand.
US08741642B2
Methods for the ex vivo generation of cells of the innate (NKT cells and NK cells) and adaptive (T cells) immune systems for use in adoptive cell transfer (ACT) are provided. The NKT cells render T cells resistant to immune suppression (e.g. they are resistant to the effects of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs)). The method involves culturing disease-primed immune cells (obtained from a cancer patient or from a patient with an infectious disease) with i) bryostatin and ionomycin (B/I) to activate and differentiate the cells; followed by sequentially culturing the cells with a) a combination of IL-7 and IL-15 and then b) IL-2, to further differentiate the cells and to render them immune resistant. The resistant immune cells are used to treat and prevent cancer and infectious diseases.
US08741641B2
Methods for evaluating the stage of ovarian cancer or the survival rate of an ovarian cancer patient
An object of the present invention is to provide a method for detecting cancer through identification of genes exhibiting characteristic behavior in the cases of cancer such as ovarian cancer, and a cell growth inhibitor. The present invention provides a method for detecting cancer, which comprises detecting canceration including malignancy of a specimen through detection of at least one alteration of a gene existing in a chromosomal region 2q14. 2, 3p24. 1, 3q26. 2, 3q29, 4q34. 2, 6q23, 9p21. 3, 11q13. 3, 13q22.1, 13q33. 1, 13q33. 3, 15q12, 15q15. 1, 17p12, 17p13. 1, 17p13. 3, 18q21. 1, 18q21. 2, 18q21. 31, 18q21. 32, 18q21. 33, 18q23, 20q13. 13, 20q13. 2, 20q13. 31, 20q13. 33, Xp11. 23, Xp13.1, Xp13. 3, Xp26. 2, Xp26. 3, or Xq28 in the specimen.
US08741639B2
An objective of the present invention is to provide methods for producing dendritic cells (DCs), which comprise the step of culturing DC precursor cells in the presence of a plurality of cytokines, produced dendritic cells, and uses thereof.The present inventors discovered that dendritic cells with a high IL-12 productivity can be obtained by culturing DC precursor cells in the presence of a plurality of cytokines, followed by about one week of culture in the presence of GM-CSF and IL-4. The present invention enables preparation of a large amount of DCs with a high IL-12 productivity from a small number of DC precursor cells, and therefore makes it easier to increase the number of DCs for administration in DC-based anti-tumor immune therapy, treatment of infections, etc. Thus, the effect of DC vaccines is expected to be enhanced.
US08741638B2
Methods for the maximizing parameter of the in vitro growth and expansion of mammalian cells, specifically postpartum-derived cells in containers such as roller bottles is described. Methods of optimizing growth rate and cell yield in such culture systems are provided. The methods are particularly adapted for human postpartum-derived cells, such as umbilicus-derived cells.
US08741634B2
Five novel plant transcription terminators MYB2, KTI1, PIP1, EF1A2, and MTH1 are isolated from soybean and their functions in the regulation of RNA transcription and processing in plants are described.
US08741632B2
Methods and devices for treatment of biomass comprised of crystalline structures are described that provide a combined mechanical, chemical and thermal effect (i.e., nano-hybrid pretreatment) to synergistically break down the crystalline structures. Such nano-hybrid mixing provides efficient, and cost-effective breakdown which enhances enzymatic accessibility to lignocellulosic materials. Methods and devices shown can be used to produce products such as pulp, chemicals, or biofuels.
US08741629B2
Methods for selective extraction and fractionation of algal proteins from an algal biomass or algal culture are disclosed. A method of selective removal of products from an algal biomass provides for single and multistep extraction processes which allow for efficient separation of algal proteins. These proteins can be used as renewable sources of proteins for animal feedstocks and human food. Further, lipids remaining in the algal biomass after extraction of proteins can be used to generate renewable fuels.
US08741618B2
Disclosed herein are conjugates comprising a biomolecule linked to a label that have biological activity and are useful in a wide variety of biological applications. For example, provided herein are labeled polymerase conjugates including a polymerase linked to one or more labels, wherein the conjugate has polymerase activity. Such conjugates can exhibit enhanced biological activity and/or superior detectability as compared to conventional labeled polymerases. Also disclosed herein are improved methods for preparing such conjugates, and methods and systems for using such conjugates in biological applications such as nucleotide incorporation, primer extension and single molecule sequencing.
US08741616B2
Cytochrome P450 BM-3 from Bacillus megaterium was engineered using a combination of directed evolution and site-directed mutagenesis to hydroxylate linear alkanes regio- and enantioselectively using atmospheric dioxygen as an oxidant. Mutant 9-10A-A328V hydroxylates octane primarily at the 2-positio to form S-2-octanol (40% ee). Another mutant, 1-12G, hydroxylates alkanes larger than hexane primarily at the 2-position, but forms R-2-alcohols (40-55% ee). These biocatalysts are highly active for alkane substrates and support thousands of product turnovers. These regio- and enantio-selectivities are retained in whole-cell biotransformations with E. coli, where the engineered P450s can be expressed at high levels and the expensive cofactor is supplied endogenously.
US08741612B2
The present invention provides a novel biosynthetic pathway for the production of isoprene from 3-methyl-2-buten-1-ol or 2-methyl-3-buten-2-ol. Further embodiments provide non-naturally occurring microorganism that have been modified to produce isoprene from 3-methyl-2-buten-1-ol or 2-methyl-3-buten-2-ol and methods of producing isoprene using said microorganism.
US08741609B2
The present compositions and methods relate to a lipase cloned from Geobacillus stearothermophilus, polynucleotides encoding the lipase, and methods of use thereof. The compositions and methods have particular application in detergent cleaning compositions and methods.
US08741605B2
The present invention provides gene sets the expression of which is important in the diagnosis and/or prognosis of breast cancer.
US08741604B2
This invention relates to binding members, especially antibody molecules, specific for interleukin 1 receptor 1 (IL-1R1). For example, isolated binding members specific for IL-1R1 which competes with IL-1 and IL-1Ra for binding to IL-1R1 and binds Il-1R1 with a KD of 10 pM or less when measured by Kinexa™. The binding members are useful for, inter alia, treatment of disorders mediated by IL-1R1 including rheumatoid arthritis, asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
US08741595B2
A process comprises (a) providing (1) at least one sample suspected of comprising at least one coliform strain, (2) at least one culture device comprising at least one culture medium that is hydrated or hydratable, and (3) at least one particulate concentration agent that is substantially optically transparent when in contact with the culture medium in the culture device when the culture medium is hydrated; (b) placing the particulate concentration agent in contact with the sample such that at least a portion of the coliform strain is bound to the particulate concentration agent to form coliform-bound particulate concentration agent; (c) placing the coliform-bound particulate concentration agent in contact with the culture medium; (d) incubating the culture device comprising the coliform-bound particulate concentration agent in contact with the culture medium, the culture medium being hydrated; and (e) optically detecting the presence of the coliform strain without separating the coliform strain from the particulate concentration agent.
US08741592B2
The present invention provides methods of screening an agent for an activity in an isolated organ, e.g., eye, from a teleost, e.g., zebrafish. Methods of isolating eyes from zebrafish are provided. Methods of screening an agent for an ocular activity in the isolated eye are provided. Methods of screening an agent for an ocular activity in a model of ocular disease or disorder are provided. Methods of screening an agent for an ocular activity in the isolated eye and for screening the agent for cell death and/or toxic activity in the eye or other organ or tissue are provided. The invention further provides high throughput methods of screening agents for an activity in isolated eyes of zebrafish in multi-well plates.
US08741590B2
A small diameter flexible electrode designed for subcutaneous in vivo amperometric monitoring of glucose is described. The electrode is designed to allow “one-point” in vivo calibration, i.e., to have zero output current at zero glucose concentration, even in the presence of other electroreactive species of serum or blood. The electrode is preferably three or four-layered, with the layers serially deposited within a recess upon the tip of a polyamide insulated gold wire. A first glucose concentration-to-current transducing layer is overcoated with an electrically insulating and glucose flux limiting layer (second layer) on which, optionally, an immobilized interference-eliminating horseradish peroxidase based film is deposited (third layer). An outer (fourth) layer is biocompatible.
US08741586B2
The present invention relates to a method of diagnosis and therapy of cancers expressing the HER2 receptor.The invention provides antibodies or fragments thereof that recognise an epitope of the HER2 receptor truncated form CTF-611, said epitope being defined by a sequence included in SEQ ID NO: 2, and that are capable of discriminating between CTF-611 and CTF-616 (represented by SEQ ID NO:7), preferably additionally capable of discriminating between CTF-611 and CTF-613 (represented by SEQ ID NO:6).The invention also provides a method of cancer diagnosis using the disclosed antibodies, which comprises the detection of the presence of the HER2 receptor truncated form consisting of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO: 1 in a patient sample.
US08741566B2
The invention provides compositions and methods for the detection of targets in a sample; in particular, an immunohistochemistry (IHC) sample. Probes and detectable labels may be provided in multiple layers in order to increase the flexibility of a detection system, and to allow for amplification to enhance the signal from a target. The layers may be created by incorporating probes and detectable labels into larger molecular units that interact through nucleic acids base-pairing, including peptide-nucleic acid (PNA) base-pairing. Optional non-natural bases allow for degenerate base pairing schemes. The compositions and methods are compatible with immunohistochemistry (IHC), but also could be used in immunocytochemistry (ICC), in situ hybrid.
US08741545B2
The present invention relates to a fluorine-free photoacid generator (PAG) and a photoresist composition containing the same. The PAG is characterized by the presence of an onium cationic component and a fluorine-free fused ring heteroaromatic sulfonate anionic component containing one or more electron withdrawing substituents. The onium cationic component of the PAG is preferably a sulfonium or an iodonium cation. The photoresist composition further contains an acid sensitive imaging polymer. The photoresist composition is especially useful for forming material patterns on a semiconductor substrate using 193 nm (ArF) lithography.
US08741540B2
A hard mask composition, a method of forming a pattern, and a semiconductor integrated circuit device, the hard mask composition including a solvent; and an aromatic ring-containing compound, the aromatic ring-containing compound including at least one of a moiety represented by the following Chemical Formula 1 and a moiety represented by the following Chemical Formula 2:
US08741538B2
A polymer compound that, within a chemically amplified positive resist system, exhibits a significant change in alkali solubility from a state prior to exposure to that following exposure, as well as a photoresist composition that includes such a polymer compound and a method for forming a resist pattern, which are capable of forming fine patterns with a high level of resolution. The polymer compound includes, as an alkali-soluble group (i), a substituent group in which a group selected from amongst alcoholic hydroxyl groups, carboxyl groups, and phenolic hydroxyl groups is protected with an acid dissociable, dissolution inhibiting group (ii) represented by a general formula (1) shown below: [Formula 1] —CH2—O-AO—CH2—]n (1) (wherein, A represents an organic group of 1 to 20 carbon atoms with a valency of at least n+1, and n represents an integer from 1 to 4).
US08741534B2
A process and system for making a resin emulsion suitable for use in forming toner particles including a silicone free anti-foam agent to control foam during formation of a polyester dispersion.
US08741527B2
A liquid developer includes: a carrier liquid; and toner particles that are dispersed in the carrier liquid and that includes a styrene-based thermoplastic elastomer, a styrene-based thermoplastic resin, and a quaternary ammonium base-containing polymer having a constituent unit expressed by Chemical Formula I: wherein R1 represents hydrogen or an alkyl group with a carbon number equal to or less than 3, R2 represents an alkylene group with a carbon number equal to or less than 18, R3 to R5 represent an alkyl group or an aralkyl group with a carbon number equal to or less than 18, X represents —COO— or —CONH—, and Y− represents a halogen ion or an anion having a —COO— group or a —SO3— group in the structure thereof.
US08741526B2
There is provided a developer that has excellent positive charging characteristics and charging stability, and which is compatible with high-speed developing. The developer of the invention contains toner particles and an insulating liquid, wherein a fatty acid ester is contained as the insulating liquid, a substance A expressed by the following formula (1) and/or a substance B expressed by the following formula (2) is further contained, and the total percentage in which substance A and substance B are contained is at least 0.1 wt % and no more than 3.0 wt %.
US08741525B2
The resin coated carrier is used with a toner in which an external additive having an average primary particle size of 50 nm or more is added to a toner particle, and has a carrier core and a resin coating layer on the surface of the carrier core. In the resin coated carrier, the following expression (1) is satisfied: 0.5≦−log {(A/C)/(B/C)}≦2.5 (1) wherein A represents a volume resistance value (Ω/cm) of the resin coated carrier in an electric field of 1000 V/cm that is obtained by conducting a stirring test, B represents a volume resistance value (Ω/cm) of the resin coated carrier in an electric field of 1000 V/cm before the stirring test, and C represents a volume resistance value (Ω/cm) of the carrier core in an electric field of 1000 V/cm.
US08741521B2
A toner containing toner particles, each toner particle containing: a releasing agent; a colorant; and a binder resin containing at least a crystalline polyester resin and a non-crystalline polyester resin, wherein in the case where a volume average particle diameter of the toner is defined as Dv, the toner contains a group of the toner particles having 4/5 Dv, and a group of the toner particles having 6/5 Dv, and wherein an endothermic value A of the crystalline polyester resin at a first temperature increase in DSC of the toner, an endothermic value B of the crystalline polyester resin at a first temperature increase in DSC of the group of the toner particle having 4/5 Dv, and an endothermic value C of the crystalline polyester resin at a first temperature increase in DSC of the group of the toner particles having 6/5 Dv satisfy the relation represented by the following formulas: 50<(B/A)×100<90, and 110<(C/A)×100<150.
US08741520B2
The present invention provides an image forming toner including at least a linear polyester resin (b1) as a binder resin, wherein the linear polyester resin (b1) is obtained by reacting a polyester diol (b11) having a polyhydroxycarboxylic acid skeleton, with a polyester diol (b12) other than the polyester diol (b11) in the presence of a chain extending agent.
US08741516B2
An electrostatic charge image developing toner includes toner particles containing a colorant, a binder resin, and a release agent and an external additive, in which the external additive contains inorganic particles which include saturated hydrocarbons having from 9 to 35 carbon atoms on the surfaces thereof.
US08741511B1
A method for forming an integrated circuit (IC) is presented. The method includes providing a wafer having a substrate prepared with a photoresist layer. The photoresist layer is processed by passing a radiation from an exposure source of a lithography tool through a mask having a pattern. The process parameters of the lithography tool are determined by performing a pattern matching process. The photoresist layer is developed to transfer the pattern on the mask to the photoresist layer.
US08741504B2
A solid catalyst having a close-packed structure has basic structural units present in the surface of the solid catalyst, the basic structural units including (i) a triangular lattice constituted of atoms of platinum, ruthenium, and at least one additional element which are disposed at the vertexes in the triangular lattice so that each atom of one of the elements adjoins atoms of the other elements or (ii) a rhombic lattice constituted of atoms of platinum, ruthenium, and at least one additional element which are disposed at the vertexes in the rhombic lattice in an atomic ratio of 1:2:1 so that each ruthenium atom directly adjoins a platinum atom and an atom of the additional element; and a fuel cell includes either of the solid catalyst as an anode-side electrode catalyst.
US08741486B1
In one embodiment, an energy storage device is provided which includes a cathode and an anode with a separator therebetween. At least one of the cathode or the anode has a rigid polymer matrix with an active material and elongated electrically conducting material having ion conducting moieties bonded thereto within the polymer matrix.
US08741482B2
Provided are a mixed cathode active material including layered structure lithium manganese oxide expressed as Chemical Formula 1 and a second cathode active material having a plateau voltage profile in a range of 2.5 V to 3.3 V, and a lithium secondary battery including the mixed cathode active material. The mixed cathode active material and the lithium secondary battery including the same may have improved safety and simultaneously, may be used in an operating device requiring the foregoing battery by widening a state of charge (SOC) range able to maintain power more than a required value by allowing the second cathode active material to complement low power in a low SOC range.
US08741476B2
A rechargeable battery includes an electrode assembly, a case housing the electrode assembly, an electrode terminal electrically connected to the electrode assembly and a cap plate sealing the case, the cap plate having an electrolyte injection opening. The electrolyte injection opening has a first opening having a first diameter and a second opening having a second diameter both defined by an inner wall of the cap plate, the second diameter being smaller than the first diameter, and a first guide portion between the first opening and the second opening. A sealing cap seals the electrolyte injection opening and includes a sealing member engaging the inner wall of the first opening and a fixing member coupled to the sealing member and engaging the inner wall of the second opening, wherein a portion of the fixing member is spaced from the inner wall of the second opening.
US08741471B2
A battery pack including a core pack including a plurality of unit cells, the plurality of unit cells including a first unit cell including a first electrode tab extending in a first direction, and a second unit cell including a second electrode tab coupled to the first electrode tab at a first coupling region at which the second electrode tab overlaps the first electrode tab; and a lead member coupled to the first electrode tab at a second coupling region at which the lead member overlaps the first electrode tab, the second coupling region being different from the first coupling region.
US08741470B2
An electrochemical device includes a plurality of unit cells, each having a first separator and a cathode and an anode positioned at both sides of the first separator, and a continuous single second separator interposed between adjacent unit cells in correspondence with each other in a laminated pattern and arranged to surround each unit cell. The first separator includes a heat-resisting porous substrate having a melt point of 200° C. or above and a first porous coating layer formed on at least one surface of the heat-resisting porous substrate and made of a mixture of a plurality of inorganic particles and a binder polymer. The second separator includes a polyolefin porous substrate and a second porous coating layer formed on at least one surface of the polyolefin porous substrate and made of a mixture of a plurality of inorganic particles and a binder polymer.
US08741463B2
A fuel cell assembly that includes at least one cell cartridge with two or more cell modules, a pair of electrodes and current collectors, each cell cartridge further having a fixing portion and module connecting portions; and an outer case for storing one or more cell cartridges, the outer case having a plurality of planar cartridge connecting portions.
US08741459B2
A device which judges a change of a capacity balance between a cathode and an anode of a secondary battery in a non-destructive manner is provided. The secondary battery has one of the capacities of the cathode and the anode greater than the other capacity. A battery ECU calculates an internal resistance (DCIR) of the secondary battery based on a current and a voltage of the secondary battery. When the calculated internal resistance (DCIR) is higher than the initial state in a low SOC region or a high SOC region, the battery ECU judges that the capacity balance between the cathode and the anode of the secondary battery has changed.
US08741451B2
A crystal foundation having dislocations is used to obtain a crystal film of low dislocation density, a crystal substrate, and a semiconductor device. One side of a growth substrate (11) is provided with a crystal layer (13) with a buffer layer (12) in between. The crystal layer (13) has spaces (13a), (13b) in an end of each threading dislocation D1 elongating from below. The threading dislocation D1 is separated from the upper layer by the spaces (13a), (13b), so that each threading dislocation D1 is blocked from propagating to the upper layer. When the displacement of the threading dislocation D1 expressed by Burgers vector is preserved to develop another dislocation, the spaces (13a), (13b) vary the direction of its displacement. As a result, the upper layer above the spaces (13a), (13b) turns crystalline with a low dislocation density.
US08741449B2
An anthracene derivative represented by the general formula (G1) is provided. The anthracene derivative represented by the general formula (G1) is a novel anthracene derivative having a wide band gap. Further, the anthracene derivative has a large energy gap and can be very suitably used as a material for a light-emitting element which exhibits blue light emission.
US08741440B2
A series of new non-stick ceramic coating materials prepared from organic-inorganic hybrid materials, including silica sol, MTMS, FAS and PDMS (Polydimethylsiloxane) using the sol-gel process. The hybrid materials have good mechanical properties and are fashioned into a main ceramic network and good non-stick properties from organic non-stick compounds. The non-stick ceramic coating consists of two layers applied to cookware and for other applications.
US08741438B2
Composite glass laminates having low tendency to creep contain a softening agent-containing polyvinyl acetal film wherein the polyvinyl acetal has a polyvinyl alcohol content of 12 to 16 weight percent, a molecular weight greater than 110,000 g/mol, and a solution viscosity of more than 80 mPas.
US08741415B2
Disclosed herein are composites as well as methods of making these composites. The composite may, for example, be used as light-weight, high-strength structural members and wall panels. In some embodiments, the composites can be prepared from a light-weight assembly using simple procedures. Also disclosed herein are assemblies for preparing the composites.
US08741398B2
The present invention provides a liquid crystal panel and an alignment film thereof, and the alignment film is made of a modified polyimide which has conjugated double bond at side chain. Resistance value of the alignment film is less than the resistance value of a liquid crystal material of the liquid crystal panel by properties of the conjugated double bond that can reduce the resistance value of a prior art polyimide. In addition, improving the imidization ratio of a modified polyimide alignment film is important. The present invention is conducted the charged ion from liquid crystal layer to the alignment film by the conjugated double bond of the modified polyimide at the side chain to prevent the increase in the ion density of the liquid crystal in part of this area, and improve the problem of image sticking.
US08741393B2
A composite sheet is manufactured by depositing a multi-layer coating on the outer surface of a substrate, the coating comprising a metal layer and an outer polymeric layer formed from a precursor comprising a composition capable of being polymerized and/or cross-linked by free-radical processes. After the precursor is applied, the composite sheet is exposed to beam radiation and ozone, which both promote conversion of the precursor. The function of the cured polymeric layer includes protecting the metal layer from corrosion. The use of both beam radiation and ozone promotes substantially full conversion and curing of the precursor, even in portions of the substrate that are geometrically shadowed from incident beam radiation.
US08741392B2
A novel activation/etch method is disclosed for conductive polymer substrates and conductive polymer composite substrates to achieve good adhesion to subsequently applied coatings. The method in a preferred case involves anodically polarizing conductive polymers/polymer composites in aqueous etching solutions.
US08741390B2
A method and composition for enhancing corrosion resistance, wear resistance, and contact resistance of a device comprising a copper or copper alloy substrate and at least one metal-based layer on a surface of the substrate. The composition comprises a phosphorus oxide compound selected from the group consisting of a phosphonic acid, a phosphonate salt, a phosphonate ester, a phosphoric acid, a phosphate salt, a phosphate ester, and mixtures thereof; an organic compound comprising a nitrogen-containing functional group; and a solvent having a surface tension less than about 50 dynes/cm as measured at 25° C.
US08741380B2
A fine metal structure having its surface furnished with microprojections of high strength, high precision and large aspect ratio; and a process for producing the fine metal structure free of defects. There is provided a fine metal structure having its surface furnished with microprojections, characterized in that the microprojections have a minimum thickness or minimum diameter ranging from 10 nanometers to 10 micrometers and that the ratio between minimum thickness or minimum diameter (D) of microprojections and height of microprojections (H), H/D, is greater than 1. There is further provided a process for producing a fine metal structure, characterized by comprising providing a substrate having a fine rugged pattern on its surface, applying a molecular electroless plating catalyst to the surface, thereafter carrying out electroless plating to thereby form a metal layer having the rugged pattern filled, and detaching the metal layer from the substrate to thereby obtain a fine metal structure furnished with a surface having undergone reversal transfer of the above rugged pattern.
US08741368B2
A method for deep-frying foods in which the foods to be deep-fried are delivered to hot oil or fat and transported out of the hot oil after a predetermined residence time, wherein a steam zone with superheated steam is generated above a free surface of the oil, which shields the oil from the ambient air, and from which a flow of steam corresponding to an amount of water evaporating from the deep-fried foods is withdrawn.
US08741365B2
The present disclosure relates in one embodiment to a method of producing a fermented food, wherein a raw food material is combined with a starter culture for fermentation, wherein at least one microorganism of the genus Bacteroides and/or at least one microorganism having at least a cell surface structure which corresponds to a human carbohydrate structure is added. Further disclosed are processing aids and fermented foods containing respective microorganisms.
US08741361B2
The present invention relates to the field of viral disorders, and in particular to viral obesity. Compositions comprising nutraceutical agents are provided for treating viral obesity. Additionally, compositions comprising nutraceutical agents targeting adenoviruses are provided.
US08741357B2
The invention provides a cosmetic or dermopharmaceutic composition containing an Euglena extract, its use to activate the cellular metabolism and in particular to protect and/or improve the state of the skin and to reduce the signs of ageing in particular and/or cutaneous fatigue.
US08741352B2
Described are packaged, sterile medical graft products containing controlled levels of a growth factor such as Fibroblast Growth Factor-2 (FGF-2). Also described are methods of manufacturing medical graft products wherein processing, including sterilization, is controlled and monitored to provide medical graft products having modulated, known levels of a extracellular matrix factor, such as a growth factor, e.g. FGF-2. Preferred graft materials are extracellular matrix materials isolated from human or animal donors, particularly submucosa-containing extracellular matrix materials. Further described are ECM compositions that are or are useful for preparing gels, and related methods for preparation and use.
US08741341B2
The invention provides a method of manufacturing and packaging a room temperature stable cannabinoid dosage in an oil-based carrier, wherein the method employs the use of blister packaging and an inert gas atmosphere during blister packaging. The invention also provides a room temperature stable cannabinoid dosage prepared by the methods of the invention.
US08741338B2
The present invention provides a system presenting site-specific accumulation through a ligand that specifically targets a receptor overexpressed on the surface of specific cells within a target organ, like, for example, tumor cells and/or vascular cells of tumor blood vessels. Moreover, this invention provides a method where, upon internalization of the previous-mentioned system by the target cells, triggered release at a high rate of the associated agent takes place, permitting efficient intracellular delivery and, thus, increased concentration of the transported cargo at the target site. Overall, this invention provides a method for the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of human diseases and disorders.
US08741325B2
The present invention provides a material for forming an antimicrobial surface coating with multi-level antimicrobial properties, which comprises one or more volatile or gaseous biocides, one or more nonvolatile biocides, and one or more polymers, wherein the volatile or gaseous biocides are encapsulated in the polymers to provide a sustained release of the volatile or gaseous biocides. The present invention further provides a method for preparing the material.
US08741323B2
To provide An external skin agent that prevents onset of atopic skin inflammations and is low irritant to skin, which is characterized by including: 1) clay modified by a compound having a quaternary amino group; and 2) a polymer or copolymer that has a side chain including a structure similar to a biological component.
US08741321B2
A capsule for cosmetic and/or dermatological ingredients and processes for the production thereof. The capsule comprises an envelope which is solid, semisolid and/or dimensionally stable and comprises one or more substances which are selected from waxes, emulsifiers, and natural and synthetic polymers. The capsule may also comprise a filling.
US08741318B2
One aspect of the present invention relates to a method of synthesizing a multicomponent and biocompatible nanocomposite material, which includes: synthesizing a gold/hydroxyapatite (Au/HA) catalyst; distributing the Au/HA catalyst into a thin film; and heating the thin film in a reactor with a carbon source gas to perform radio frequency chemical vapor deposition (RF-CVD) to form the nanocomposite material, where the nanocomposite material includes a graphene structure and Au/HA nanoparticles formed by the Au/HA catalyst and distributed within the graphene structure. In another aspect, a multicomponent and biocompatible nanocomposite material includes: a graphene structure formed with a plurality of graphene layers and Au/HA nanoparticles distributed within the graphene structure. The nanocomposite material is formed by heating an Au/HA catalyst thin film with a carbon source gas to perform radio frequency chemical vapor deposition (RF-CVD).
US08741316B2
The present invention includes compositions, methods, systems of making a composition that includes one or more active agent; a recognitive polymeric matrix; and a porosigen, wherein the composition comprises a porous recognitive, swellable hydrogel that dissociates under conditions of low water or humidity.
US08741305B2
The present invention relates to a protein composition suitable for inducing an immune response in a vertebrate comprising 2 to 10 protein variants of a single antigen, which is the APICAL MEMBRANE ANTIGEN 1 (PfAMA1 OR AMA1) of a Plasmodium species. The antigen comprises a plurality of variable amino acid positions, wherein the amino acid sequences of said protein variants, in combination, represent both the frequency of occurrence of each amino acid at said variable amino acid positions and the linkage between the variable amino acid positions, and wherein said frequency of occurrence is at least between 10% to 20% such as 10%, 11%, 12%, 13%, . . . , 20% in the single antigen, and wherein at least 75% of the linkages between the variable amino acid position is presented by the combination of protein variants.
US08741302B2
A medicament for the treatment or the prevention of a bacterial infection is disclosed which contains a polypeptide having a contiguous sequence of at least six amino acids of SEQ ID NO:1. Said polypeptide can be used for the preparation of a vaccine against an Enterococcus infection.
US08741301B2
The present invention provides a method for generating negative-stranded segmented RNA viruses using linear expression constructs in the presence of helper virus.
US08741297B2
The present invention concerns the preparation of substantially purified agonist anti-EDAR monoclonal antibodies or isolated monoclonal antibody fragments or antigen binding portions or fragments thereof. The invention further relates to isolated agonist anti-EDAR monoclonal antibodies or isolated monoclonal antibody fragments or antigen binding portions or fragments thereof as well as their use in the treatment of X-linked hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia and tooth agenesis. The invention also relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising said isolated agonist anti-EDAR monoclonal antibodies or isolated monoclonal antibody fragments or antigen binding portions or fragments thereof and to a method of treating X-linked hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia and tooth agenesis. Finally, the present invention concerns a pharmaceutical kit comprising said isolated agonist anti-EDAR monoclonal antibodies or isolated monoclonal antibody fragments or antigen binding portions or fragments thereof.
US08741289B2
Novel antibodies and antigen binding fragments that specifically binds to Sιglec-15 are described herein. In some embodiments, the antibodies or antigen binding fragments may block the biological activity of Sιglec-15 and are useful in composition for the treatment of bone loss, more particularly in bone diseases that have increased cell surface expression of Sιglec-15, such as conditions where there is an increase in the bone degradative activity of osteoclasts. The invention also relates to cells expressing the antibodies or antigen binding fragments such as monoclonal, humanized or chimeric antibodies. Additionally, methods of detecting and treating bone loss, bone-related diseases or cancer using the antibodies and fragments are also disclosed.
US08741281B2
The specification discloses compositions and methods for treating a soft tissue defect of an individual.
US08741274B2
The present invention relates to acrylic polymer beads having very low residual monomer content as well as to their use in hair care preparations in particular as styling agent.
US08741273B2
Agents for treating fibers containing keratin containing in a cosmetically acceptable carrier (a) at least one cross-linked, amphiphilic, anionic polymer, comprising at least one structural unit of formula (I) and at least one structural unit of formula (II); and (b) at least one non-cross-linked, amphiphilic, anionic polymer, comprising at least one structural unit of the formula (III) and at least one structural unit of the formula (IV), said agents being suitable for temporarily deforming hair and for conditioning hair, in particular in the form of a hair cream or a hair gel.
US08741272B2
The invention relates to the use, as an agent for treating human perspiration, in a cosmetic composition, of amino acid derivatives of formula (I) below: The invention also relates to a cosmetic process for treating perspiration and possibly the body odour associated with human perspiration, especially underarm odour. The invention also relates to novel amino acid derivatives of formula (II) that will be defined in detail hereinbelow, and to cosmetic or dermatological compositions containing them.
US08741267B1
A periodontal medicament composition comprising povidone iodine, an agar carrier, and optionally a bio-compatible, radio-opaque salt, for treating periodontal disease is disclosed, along with a method for preparing the same. A method is also disclosed for delivering the periodontal medicament composition, while in a liquid state, into the periodontal pocket of a patient afflicted with periodontitis whereupon due to the unique properties of the agar carrier, it solidifies to the contours of the periodontal pocket to form a periodontal medicament implant for releasing the povidone iodine over a period of time. In addition, a prepackaged periodontal medicament delivery system for treating the periodontal disease is disclosed which comprises (i) a tubular dispensing apparatus for retaining and storing one or more treatment units of the periodontal medicament composition in a solid state, and for delivery of the composition after conversion to a liquid state to the periodontal pocket of a patient afflicted with the periodontal disease; and (ii) a funnel-shaped tubular device adapted for coupling with the dispensing apparatus to facilitate the delivery of the periodontal medicament composition into the periodontal pocket. For storage and shipping or transport, the tubular dispensing apparatus and funnel-shaped tubular device are packaged in a light-resistant container.
US08741265B2
The invention relates to an alcohol-free cosmetic or pharmaceutical foam composition comprising water, a hydrophobic solvent, a surface-active agent, a gelling agent, an active component selected from the group of urea, hydroxy acid and a therapeutic enhancer and a propellant. The foam further comprises active agents and excipients with therapeutic properties having enhanced skin penetration.
US08741262B2
The present invention concerns a therapeutically labeled napthodianthrone or phenanthro[1,10,9,8-opqra]perylene-7,14-dione compound, which comprises a chemical element or an isotope that has an unstable nucleus and emits radiation during its decay to a stable form sufficient to destroy neighboring cells or tissues for use in a targeted radiotherapy to enhance curability of a warm-blooded animal that has been subjected to a necrosis-inducing antitumor therapy. A particular advantage of present invention is that viable rim resistant to a necrosis-inducing antitumor therapy such as vascular targeting agent (VTA) can be supplemented by one single or repeated doses of a therapeutically radiolabeled small molecule necrosis-avid chemical compound treatment to enhance the curability. Examples of necrosis inducing therapies are for instance minimally invasive tumor ablations applied chemically by percutaneous injection of ethanol or acetic acid, or physically by cryotherapy, microwave, focused ultrasound, interstitial laser therapy and radio-frequency ablation (RFA); by chemotherapies using cytotoxic agents or vascular targeting agents (VTA); and by external or internal radiotherapies.
US08741261B2
Methods and reagents for transition metal-promoted carbonylation via isocyanate using carbon-isotope labeled carbon monoxide are provided. The resultant carbon-isotope labeled compounds are useful as radiopharmaceuticals, especially for use in Positron Emission Tomography (PET). Associated kits for PET studies are also provided.
US08741247B2
A system and method for removing carbon dioxide from a gas stream. One aspect of the method includes introducing a carbon dioxide containing gas stream to an absorber; contacting the gas stream with an amine-containing solvent; absorbing, with the amine-containing solvent, the carbon dioxide from the gas stream, thereby removing the carbon dioxide from the gas stream; and forming a precipitate with the amine-containing solvent and the carbon dioxide.
US08741245B2
A method of recovering carbon dioxide, includes bringing gas to be processed containing carbon dioxide (CO2) and oxygen into contact with the CO2-absorbing solution in an absorption column to form a CO2-rich solution; circulating the solution in a regeneration column to thermally release and recover CO2 and recirculating the absorbing solution as a CO2-poor solution inside the absorption column; and performing heat exchange between the solution being delivered from the absorption column to the regeneration column and the solution recirculated from the regeneration column to the absorption column, wherein an alkanolamine aqueous solution containing a silicone oil and/or an organosulfur compound is added to the solution inside the absorption column and/or the solution recirculated from the regeneration column to the absorption column to adjust the composition of the absorbing solution inside the absorption column.
US08741237B1
The invention provides a method for extracting plutonium from spent nuclear fuel, the method comprising supplying plutonium in a first aqueous phase; contacting the plutonium aqueous phase with a mixture of a dielectric and a moiety having a first acidity so as to allow the plutonium to substantially extract into the mixture; and contacting the extracted plutonium with second a aqueous phase, wherein the second aqueous phase has a second acidity higher than the first acidity, so as to allow the extracted plutonium to extract into the second aqueous phase. The invented method facilitates isolation of plutonium polymer without the formation of crud or unwanted emulsions.
US08741234B2
A disposable blood analysis cartridge for analyzing a blood sample including an optical absorbance measurement channel is described. The optical absorbance measurement channel includes a plasma separation region and at least one sub channel including a cuvette that is in fluid communication with the plasma separation region and configured to receive a plasma portion of a blood sample that has been passed through the plasma separation region. A negative pressure may be applied to the cartridge to draw the sample through the plasma separation region and into the sub channel including the cuvette.
US08741229B2
The present invention is to present a sample analyzer, comprising: a reagent holder for holding a first and a second reagents; a display; a display controller for controlling the display so as to display a display screen including a first information displaying region for displaying one of a plurality of reagent information regarding the first reagent and a second information displaying region for displaying one of a plurality of reagent information regarding the second reagent; and a display switch receiver for receiving a display switch instruction of reagent information displayed in each of the first and second information displaying regions, wherein the display controller switches a first reagent information displayed in the first information displaying region to a second reagent information and switches a third reagent information displayed in the second information displaying region to a fourth reagent information, when the display switch receiver has received the display switch instruction.
US08741210B2
Porous spodumene-cordierite honeycomb bodies of high strength but low volumetric density, useful for the manufacture of close-coupled engine exhaust converters, gasoline engine particulate exhaust filters, and NOx integrated engine exhaust filters, are provided through the reactive sintering of batches comprising sources of magnesia, alumina and silica together with a lithia source, such as a spodumene or petalite ore.
US08741206B2
An improved stretch rod tip having a hollowed area for receipt of a portion of a preform and at least a portion of a sprue during stretch blow molding of a container. Upon hardening of the container, the received portion of the preform becomes a protective dome over the received portion of the sprue that is at least partially internal to the container and that greatly reduces cracking, shearing, or other fracturing of the container due to a drop impact.
US08741204B2
The invention relates to a device for hot embossing of a magnetic nanoparticle (N)-containing polymer layer and a method for hot embossing of a magnetic nanoparticle-containing polymer layer.
US08741200B2
The invention provides a method of making a flexible and self-supporting insulating end cone liner comprising resilient and compressible non-intumescent material molded into a single, continuous piece having a three dimensional cone shape, with the insulating material comprising inorganic fibers and a binder, as well as a method of making a pollution control device that includes such an end cone liner.
US08741198B2
A process for producing a fiber reinforced resin which comprises placing at least a reinforcing fiber substrate in a cavity of a mold, injecting a resin into the cavity, and curing the resin, characterized in that a substrate for forming a skin layer, and a resin distribution medium, which is located between the substrate for forming the skin layer and the reinforcing fiber substrate and in which the ratio of the coefficient of impregnation thereof to that of the substrate for forming the skin layer is 1.5-10, are disposed on at least one surface of the reinforcing fiber substrate via an interlayer having a cover factor of 90%-100% and comprising at least one woven fabric. The process diminishes pinhole generation in the skin layer in RTM, and can reduce the necessity of a repair step in, e.g., a painting step as a later step, thereby improving productivity.
US08741197B2
The invention provides an antimicrobial, antifungal and antiviral polymeric material, comprising rayon fibers and a single antimicrobial, antifungal and antiviral component consisting essentially of microscopic water insoluble particles of copper oxide incorporated in said fibers wherein a portion of said particles in said fibers are exposed and protruding from the surface of the fibers and wherein said particles release Cu++ when exposed to water or water vapor.
US08741185B2
The invention relates to a composite material of formula: (C—N—B-MR)x(Al-MR)y(R)z in which C—N—B-MR is one or more carbides, nitrides or borides of one or more refractory metals of group IV, V or VI of the Periodic Table and/or one or more aluminium carbides, nitrides or borides chosen from Al4C3, AlN, AlB2 and Al1-67B22; Al-MR is one or more aluminides of one or more of the above refractory metals, it being understood that: if MR=Nb, Ta, Hf, Zr, Ti or V, then Al-MR=Al3MR; if MR=W or Cr, then Al-MR=Al4MR; if MR=Mo, then Al-MR=Al8Mo3 or Al17Mo4 (≅Al4Mo), and R is a residual component other than carbon, comprising one or more phases chosen from Al4C3, AlN, AlB2, Al1-67B22 and MRtAlu(C—N—B)v in which t, u and v are numbers greater than or equal to zero, and x, y and z are the volume fractions of the respective components with x>y; x+y>0.5; x+y+z+1 and 0.01
US08741172B2
A lithium-titanium complex oxide whose total water generation amount and total carbon dioxide generation amount measured by thermal decomposition GC-MS are preferably 1500 wt ppm or less and 2000 wt ppm or less, respectively, is obtained by subjecting a mixture of titanium compound and lithium compound to a heat treatment at 600° C. or above, cooling the obtained reaction product to 50° C. or below, and then subjecting the cooled reaction product to a reheat treatment involving heating to the maximum temperature of 300 to 700° C. and then cooling, wherein the dew point of the ambience of the reheat treatment is controlled at −30° C. or below at a temperature of 200° C. or above.
US08741167B1
This invention provides a method of making a photovoltaic cell. The method uses an etching composition comprising one or more onium salts selected from the group consisting of iodonium salts and sulfonium and an organic medium to etch the anti-reflection coating. Also provided is a photovoltaic cell made by this method.
US08741147B2
A controller for blood treatment equipment comprising a treatment unit including a semipermeable membrane separating the treatment unit into a first compartment for the circulation of blood and a second compartment for the circulation of a treatment liquid is enclosed. The controller is adapted to receive one or more entries of information measured during the course of a treatment procedure, to calculate from said measured information a value of a significant parameter indicative of the progress of an extracorporeal blood treatment carried out by the equipment. The controller is also adapted to compare the calculated significant parameter to a prescribed reference value for the same parameter and to generate at least one output control signal responsive to said comparison for automatically controlling one or more operations performed by the equipment. Equipment comprising the controller and a control method the controller can be programmed to carry out are also disclosed.
US08741140B2
A filter media that inhibits the formation of static charge in a liquid flowing through the filter media comprises a filtration layer having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface and comprising a non-conductive fibrous material having a plurality of fibers, the fibrous material comprising a metal layer deposited on at least a portion of the fibers through at least a portion of the thickness of the filtration layer. The filter media or a filter apparatus incorporating the filter media does not require means for dissipating static charge from the fluid and, therefore, does not require grounding.
US08741137B2
Passing a fluid though a single filter module effectively removes at least two different types of impurities from the fluid. The fluid is directed through at least two different types of filtering media within the single module. The at least two different types of filtering media are separated from one another, within the single module, by a porous containment layer of the module; and, one of the at least two different type of filtering media forms a core of the module, which is surrounded by the porous containment layer.
US08741127B2
Reduction of sulfur-containing and nitrogen-containing compounds from hydrocarbon feeds is achieved by first contacting the entire feed with a hydrotreating catalyst in a hydrotreating reaction zone operating under mild conditions to convert the labile organosulfur and organonitrogen compounds. An extraction zone downstream of the hydrotreating reaction zone separates an aromatic-rich fraction that contains a substantial amount of the remaining refractory organosulfur and organonitrogen compounds. The aromatic-lean fraction is substantially free of organosulfur and organonitrogen compounds, since the non-aromatic organosulfur and organonitrogen compounds were the labile organosulfur and organonitrogen compounds which were initially removed by mild hydrotreating. The aromatic-rich fraction is oxidized to convert the refractory organosulfur and organonitrogen compounds to oxidized sulfur-containing and nitrogen-containing hydrocarbon compounds. These oxidized organosulfur and organonitrogen compounds are subsequently removed.
US08741124B2
A biosensor is disclosed comprising a support; a conductive layer composed of an electrical conductive material such as a noble metal, for example gold or palladium, and carbon; slits parallel to and perpendicular to the side of the support; working, counter, and detecting electrodes; a spacer which covers the working, counter, and detecting electrodes on the support; a rectangular cutout in the spacer forming a specimen supply path; an inlet to the specimen supply path; a reagent layer formed by applying a reagent containing an enzyme to the working, counter, and detecting electrodes, which are exposed through the cutout in the spacer; and a cover over the spacer. The biosensor can be formed by a simple method, and provides a uniform reagent layer on the electrodes regardless of the reagent composition.
US08741121B2
An electrochemical separation system may be modular and may include at least a first modular unit and a second modular unit. Each modular unit may include a cell stack and a frame. The frame may include a manifold system. A flow distribution system in the frame may enhance current efficiency. Spacers positioned between modular units may also enhance current efficiency of the system.
US08741119B1
An apparatus for real-time, in-situ monitoring of actinide ion concentrations which comprises a working electrode, a reference electrode, a container, a working electrolyte, a separator, a reference electrolyte, and a voltmeter. The container holds the working electrolyte. The voltmeter is electrically connected to the working electrode and the reference electrode and measures the voltage between those electrodes. The working electrode contacts the working electrolyte. The working electrolyte comprises an actinide ion of interest. The reference electrode contacts the reference electrolyte.The reference electrolyte is separated from the working electrolyte by the separator. The separator contacts both the working electrolyte and the reference electrolyte. The separator is ionically conductive to the actinide ion of interest. The reference electrolyte comprises a known concentration of the actinide ion of interest. The separator comprises a beta double prime alumina exchanged with the actinide ion of interest.
US08741114B2
There is provided a hard film excellent in wear resistance. The hard film in accordance with the present invention includes (TiaCrbAlcLd) (BxCyNz) in terms of composition, in which the L is at least one of Si and Y, and the a, b, c, d, x, y, and z each denote the atomic ratio, and satisfy: 0.1≦a<0.3; 0.3
US08741113B2
The present invention concerns an electrochemical pattern replication method, ECPR, and a construction of a conductive electrode for production of applications involving micro and nano structures. An etching or plating pattern, which is defined by a conductive electrode, a master electrode, is replicated on an electrically conductive material, a substrate. The master electrode is put in close contact with the substrate and the etching/plating pattern is directly transferred onto the substrate by using a contact etching/plating process. The contact etching/plating process is performed in local etching/plating cells, that are formed in closed or open cavities between the master electrode and the substrate.
US08741101B2
A liquid concentrator having an evaporator assembly and a cyclonic separator includes features designed to improve the performance of the liquid concentrator. A settling chamber is separated from a sump of the cyclonic separator. A liquid inlet opening into a mixing chamber of the evaporator injects wastewater at low pressures. Features to aid in the cleaning of the liquid concentrator include easy open doors and clean water injection ports for cleaning interior portions of the liquid concentrator. In one feature a settling tank is disposed below the cyclonic separator and has a width that is larger than the width of the cyclonic separator. In another variation, the cyclonic separator has a tubular body with an interior that is substantially unobstructed between an inlet from the evaporator assembly and an exhaust outlet. In yet another variation, the cyclonic separator has an upper chamber that is separated from a lower chamber.
US08741100B2
A liquid concentrator having an evaporator assembly and a cyclonic separator includes features designed to improve the performance of the liquid concentrator. A settling chamber is separated from a sump of the cyclonic separator. A liquid inlet opening into a mixing chamber of the evaporator injects wastewater at low pressures. Features to aid in the cleaning of the liquid concentrator include easy open doors and clean water injection ports for cleaning interior portions of the liquid concentrator.
US08741096B2
An apparatus for semiconductor processing capable of performing semiconductor processing such as etching, depositing, etc. on a surface of a substrate such as a wafer. The apparatus for semiconductor processing, comprises: a reaction chamber having a gate through which a substrate to be processed is transferred; one or more shower heads disposed at an upper side of the reaction chamber, for spraying gas so as to perform semiconductor processing; one or more wafer supporting units disposed at an inner lower side of the reaction chamber in correspondence to each of the shower heads, for supporting the substrate; a processing space forming unit disposed in the reaction chamber, for forming a processing space for semiconductor processing by sealing the shower heads and the wafer supporting units; and an exhausting system connected to the processing space forming unit for controlling a pressure and air exhaustion inside the reaction chamber and the processing space formed by the processing space forming unit.
US08741095B2
A plasma processing apparatus includes a vacuum evacuable processing chamber; a first electrode for supporting a substrate to be processed in the processing chamber; a processing gas supply unit for supplying a processing gas into a processing space; a plasma excitation unit for generating a plasma by exciting the processing gas in the processing chamber; a first radio frequency power supply unit for supplying a first radio frequency power to the first electrode to attract ions in the plasma to the substrate; and a first radio frequency power amplitude modulation unit for modulating an amplitude of the first radio frequency power at a predetermined interval. The plasma processing apparatus further includes a first radio frequency power frequency modulation unit for modulating a frequency of the first radio frequency power in substantially synchronously with the amplitude modulation of the first radio frequency power.
US08741091B2
A composite structure fabricated by thermoplastic welding, and a method for producing such structures. First and second composite parts are provided, having first and second surfaces, respectively, that define an interface where the parts are to be joined. The parts include a thermoplastic matrix. An insert is provided, which includes a film portion, which may include the same thermoplastic matrix. The insert is provided with an electric resistance heating element. The first and second parts are urged together using low fusion pressure while the insert is heated using the electric resistance heating element. After a selected period of time, the electrical supply to the resistance heating element is turned off. A high fusion pressure is then applied to urge the parts together. The weldment joint is allowed to cool. After cooling, excess material may be removed, to form a composite structure.
US08741087B2
A method and apparatus are provided which include providing a rotatable roller with a cylindrical surface adapted to wrap the donor element on the surface. A donor element is secured to the roller and a first portion of the donor element is wrapped onto the cylindrical surface while applying tension to the media. The tension is then decreased to alter a region of contact between the first portion of the donor element and the cylindrical surface. An additional portion of the donor element is then wrapped onto the cylindrical surface. The donor element is then transferred from the roller to a substrate.
US08741079B2
A process for forming a sheet metal component using an electric current passing through the component is provided. The process can include providing a double side incremental forming machine, the machine operable to perform a plurality of double side incremental deformations on the sheet metal component and also apply an electric direct current to the sheet metal component during at least part of the forming. The direct current can be applied before or after the forming has started and/or be terminated before or after the forming has stopped. The direct current can be applied to any portion of the sheet metal. The electrical assistance can reduce the magnitude of force required to produce a given amount of deformation, increase the amount of deformation exhibited before failure and/or reduce any springback typically exhibited by the sheet metal component.
US08741074B1
A non-chromate conversion coating for copper or other alloys. The conversion coating is composed of hydrotalcite-like compound (HTlcs). The conversion coating adheres well with the alloys, and provides excellent corrosion protection. In addition, corrosion inhibitive species were incorporated into the coating. The coating with inhibitors incorporated showed damage-responsive properties. The corrosion protection property of the conversion coating was further enhanced through applying a surface sealer. The coating has applicability in industrial heat exchangers that use reclaimed water.
US08741070B2
Disclosed are a liquid processing method, a liquid processing apparatus, and a recording medium that can prevent convex portions of a target substrate from collapsing when a rinsing liquid is dried. A base surface of a target substrate is hydrophilized and the surfaces of convex portions become water-repellent by surface-processing the target substrate which includes a main body, a plurality of convex portions protruding from the main body, and a base surface formed between the convex portions on the substrate main body. Next, a rinsing liquid is supplied to the target substrate which has been subjected to the surface processing. Thereafter, the rinsing liquid is removed from the target substrate.
US08741064B2
A substrate holder has two holder constituting bodies, each having a plurality of columns arranged on an imaginary circle, and substrate holding sections that hold circumferential portions of respective substrates. The holder constituting bodies hold the substrates so that either their front surfaces or their back surfaces face upward with a substrate having an upward facing front and a substrate having an upward facing rear being alternately arranged in a vertical direction. At least one of the holder constituting bodies moves in the vertical direction to change the positions of the holder constituting bodies relative to each other. A distance between a first pair of vertically adjacent substrates with their respective front surfaces facing each other is set to ensure treatment uniformity, and to be larger than a distance between a second pair of vertically adjacent substrates with their respective back surfaces facing each other.
US08741059B2
According to the present invention, there is provided a single-crystal manufacturing apparatus based on Czochralski method, comprising at least: a main chamber configured to accommodate hot zone components including a crucible; and a pull chamber configured to accommodate and take out a single crystal pulled from a raw material melt contained in the crucible, wherein the apparatus further comprises: a cooling pipe which is arranged above the crucible and in which a cooling medium is circulated; and a moving mechanism that moves up and down the cooling pipe, and the hot zone components are cooled down by utilizing the moving mechanism to move down the cooling pipe toward the crucible after growth of the single crystal, and a method for manufacturing a single crystal is also provided. As a result, there can be provided the single crystal manufacturing apparatus and the method for manufacturing a single crystal that enable cooling the hot zone components in the main chamber in a short time after pulling a single crystal having a large diameter, e.g., approximately 200 mm or above.
US08741055B2
A method for the production of an alkali activated hydraulic binder, with the binder comprising slag, natural aluminum silicates, and an alkali activator, and the binder being free of CaSO4. The slag is provided in amounts greater than or equal to 20% (w/w), and the natural aluminum silicates are different from furnace slag, and are provided in amounts from 5 to 75% (w/w). The alkali activator is provided in an amount which corresponds to a Na2O equivalent defined as (Na2O+0.658 K2O) (ASTM C 150) between 0.7 and 4% (w/w). The method includes the step of heat treating a mixture of the slag, the natural aluminium silicates, and the alkali activator at temperatures between 40° C. and 50° C. for 4 to 6 hours.
US08741053B2
A calcium phosphate cement composition kit comprising (A) a powdery agent comprising 100 parts by mass of calcium phosphate powder, and 5-50 parts by mass of a powdery apatite/collagen composite, and (B) an aqueous blending liquid; a paste-like mixture being obtained by blending the powdery agent with the aqueous blending liquid, in such a proportion that the aqueous blending liquid is 15-50 parts by mass per the total amount (100 parts by mass) of the calcium phosphate powder and the powdery apatite/collagen composite, and filled in a predetermined prosthetic site in a human body to form a hardened calcium phosphate/collagen composite.
US08741052B2
The present invention relates to a bitumen or asphalt formulation for the pavement of road surfaces, said formulation comprising a mixture of bitumen and aggregates, and an additive package evenly distributed therein, said additive package comprising from about i) 10 to 60% by weight of an amine or modified amine surfactant, ii) from about 20 to 90% of an asphalt rheology modifying component.
US08741051B2
Composition (C) for coating ingestible solid forms, comprising, per 100% of its mass—from 10% to 90% of a graft copolymer of polyvinyl alcohol and of polyethers (Pi), and—from 10% to 90% by mass of an auxiliary coating agent, characterized in that a non-zero mass proportion of said auxiliary agent is polydextrose. Processes for the preparation and use thereof.
US08741050B2
Dental articles are produced using relatively low sintering temperatures to achieve high density dental articles exhibiting strengths equal to and greater than about 700 MPa. Ceramic powders comprised of nanoparticulate crystallites are used to manufacture dental articles. The ceramic powders may include sintering agents, binders and other similar additives to aid in the processing of the ceramic powder into a dental article. The ceramic powders may be processed into dental articles using various methods including, but not limited to, injection molding, gel-casting, slip casting, or electroforming, hand, cad/camming and other various rapid prototyping methods. The ceramic powder may be formed into a suspension, pellet, feedstock material or a pre-sintered blank prior to forming into the dental article.
US08741047B2
A non-aqueous pigment ink that exhibits excellent color reproducibility and storage stability. The non-aqueous pigment ink contains two or more lake pigments and a non-aqueous solvent.
US08741046B2
A water-based black ink composition which exhibits a low intensity, colorless and neutral black color and provides a black recorded image the printed image of which has high density. The ink composition includes at least one compound represented by formula (1) or a salt thereof and an azo compound having λmax within the range of 550-660 nm. In the formula (1), R1 to R8 independently represent a hydrogen atom; a halogen atom; a sulfo group; a carboxy group; a sulfamoyl group; a carbamoyl group; a C1-C4 alkyl group; a C1-C4 alkoxy group; and a C1-C4 alkoxy group substituted with at least one group selected from a group consisting of a hydroxy group, a C1-C4 alkoxy group, a hydroxy C1-C4 alkoxy group, a sulfo group and a carboxy group. X represents a bivalent cross-linking group.
US08741043B2
A phase change ink composition suitable for ink jet printing, including printing on coated paper substrates. In embodiments, the phase change ink composition comprises both a crystalline compound and an amorphous compound which are derived from bio-renewable materials. The composition provides for a robust, rapid crystallization ink composition.
US08741036B2
A palladium first composition is disclosed, including a palladium salt and an unsaturated organoamine, wherein the composition is substantially free of water, and wherein the first composition forms a second composition including stable palladium nanoparticles and a palladium unsaturated organoamine. The composition permits the use of solution processing methods to form a palladium layer on a wide variety of substrates, including in a pattern to form circuitry or pathways for electronic devices.
US08741034B2
An object of the present invention is to provide an exhaust gas treatment system that effectively use heat recovered from an exhaust gas without any limitation in a CO2 chemical absorption equipment that requires enormous heat energy, and thus enabling reduction in running cost of the CO2 chemical absorption equipment. Disclosed is an exhaust gas treatment system with a CO2 chemical absorption equipment, which is provided with a heat recovery device that recovers exhaust heat from an exhaust gas discharged from a boiler; and a CO2 chemical absorption equipment that absorbs CO2 in the exhaust gas by bringing the exhaust gas into contact with an amine absorbing solution in a carbon dioxide (CO2) absorption column, heats the absorbing solution that have absorbed CO2 thereby releasing CO2 into a CO2 regeneration column, heats the absorbing solution after release of CO2 via a reboiler, and then circulates the absorbing solution in a CO2 absorption column; the exhaust gas treatment system comprising a heat exchange unit that applies heat recovered by the heat recovery device to the absorbing solution that is delivered to the reboiler from the CO2 regeneration column of the CO2 chemical absorption equipment.
US08741032B2
A separator tank (1) for separating oil and gas from water, and comprising an essentially cylindrical vertical tank casing (3) with a plurality of separator tank units (2). The separator tank units (2, 2′, 2″) are arranged on top of one another within a central area in an inner annular enclosure (4) that divides the separator tank into an annular outer area (5) and the central area. The flow paths of fluids to inlets (7) in the separator tank units (2) and from at least one second outlet (9) in the separator tank units are arranged at least in the annular outer area.
US08741027B2
A material supply apparatus and process for co-injecting heated solid metalliferous material and solid carbonaceous material via a solids injection lance into a direct smelting vessel are disclosed.
US08741023B2
A method of enriching the iron content of low-grade iron-bearing ore materials has been developed which produces a high iron ore concentrate suitable for processing into pig iron and steel. The process includes reducing the low-grade iron-bearing ore materials to a fine particulate form and treating a water slurry of this material by applying a combination of ultrasonic treatments in a plurality of high and low intensity magnetic separation operations to remove interfering materials and concentrate magnetic and paramagnetic iron-bearing materials into a high-grade ore stock.
US08741021B2
A controlled release fertilizer composition and methods to produce the controlled release fertilizer composition are described. The controlled release fertilizer composition comprises a water soluble fertilizer core that is coated with a polymeric layer, intermediate layer, and a sulfur layer. If desired, the sulfur layer can be coated with an outer water-insoluble layer.
US08741020B2
An object is to provide an exhaust gas purification filter that can achieve high trapping efficiency of particulate matter and low pressure loss, and the exhaust gas purification filter includes an inflow surface through which exhaust gas containing particulate matter flows in, a discharge surface from which purified gas is discharged, and a filter base body that is formed from a porous body, wherein the filter base body includes porous partition walls and gas flow paths surrounded by the partition walls, a porous film having a pore size smaller than that of pores of the partition walls is provided on each surface of the partition walls, and microgrooves having a depth shallower than the thickness of the porous film are formed on at least a part of a surface of the porous film.
US08741013B2
A dust bin for a robotic vacuum comprises a dust bin frame having a cavity defined therein to receive debris, a filter frame disposed within the dust bin frame and defining two filter openings at opposite sides thereof, and a central impeller disposed adjacent to or under the filter frame to draw air from outside of the dust bin into the dust bin. The dust bin also comprises two air filters, one air filter being located on each side of the central impeller, each air filter being inserted into one of the filter openings, each filter having an overhang around a perimeter thereof that includes a sealing face to form a vacuum-assisted seal with the filter frame when air is drawn into the dust bin.
US08741006B2
An ultra-hard construction is disclosed that is prepared by a method comprising the steps of treating a material microstructure having a polycrystalline matrix first phase material and a second phase material from at least a partial region of the material microstructure, wherein the second phase material is disposed within interstitial regions of the material microstructure, and wherein removal of the second phase material creates a porous material microstructure characterized by a plurality of empty voids and replacing the removed second phase material with a replacement material having a thermal characteristic that more closely matched polycrystalline matrix first phase that the second phase material.
US08740996B2
The invention concerns a method for coloring an optical lens comprising a transparent printing primer, capable of being colored by inkjet printing. Said coloring method uses a technique of inkjet printing of said printing primer to obtain a colored optical lens, independently of the chemical nature of the compounds constituting the substrate of said lens. The invention also concerns the resulting colored lens.
US08740994B2
The object is to provide a process for dyeing that can provide an excellent dyeing effect while utilizing an oxidase, and a dyeing agent for use in the process. Provided is a dyeing agent comprising a modified enzyme obtained by adding positive charge by a chemical modification with an amine to an enzyme selected from the group consisting of an enzyme specified as EC 1.10.3.1, an enzyme specified as EC 1.10.3.2, an enzyme specified as EC 1.3.3.5, an enzyme specified as EC 1.10.3.4, an enzyme specified as EC 1.10.3.3 and an enzyme specified as EC 1.14.18.1. A process for dyeing using the dyeing agent is also provided.
US08740992B2
A composition comprising (a) a homo- or copolymer obtainable by polymerisation of at least one ethylenically un-saturated nitrogen-containing heterocyclic compound and (b) a polyethyleneimine, is suitable for afterclearing a printed or dyed textile material, in particular cotton fibres dyed or printed with reactive dyes.
US08740974B2
A method of treating a diseased cardiac valve can include implanting a valve prosthesis by compressing the valve prosthesis to a compressed state for delivery and expanding the valve prosthesis to an expanded state for deployment. The valve prosthesis can include a valve fixation device having a plurality of struts, a first circumferential row of cells coupled to the struts, and a second circumferential row of cells coupled to the struts. The struts are substantially rigid such that the struts do not change dimensions between the compressed state and the expanded state. The valve prosthesis can also include a plurality of leaflets and a plurality of commissures. The valve is coupled to the valve fixation device such that the commissures are radially aligned with respective struts of the plurality of struts.
US08740972B2
An implantable medical support frame (104) having a central longitudinally extending axis is expandable from a collapsed configuration having a first diameter to an expanded configuration having a second diameter. The frame also includes an anchoring mechanism with an elongate member (110). At least a portion of the elongate member is slidably disposed within a retaining structure when the frame is in the collapsed configuration. When the frame expands from the collapsed configuration to the expanded configuration, a portion of the elongate member is advanced out of the retaining structure such that the portion of the elongate member protrudes radially outward of the frame at an angle to the axis, thereby forming an anchor. A length of the protruding portion of the anchor increases as the frame expands from the collapsed configuration to the expanded configuration.
US08740971B2
A vascular endoprosthesis (1) is disclosed which is capable of being arranged internally to the aortic arch (O), comprising: a tubular main body (2), to be housed in the internal lumen of the aortic arch (O); three tubular secondary bodies (3, 4, 5), originating from the main body (2) and to be housed in the right carotid artery (R), in the left carotid artery (L) and in the subclavian artery (S); and stent-type engagement means (10, 11, 13, 14, 15), intended to hold a longitudinal end portion (21, 22, 31, 41, 51) of the main and secondary bodies onto the internal wall of the respective vessel (FIG. 5).
US08740966B2
A stent for use in a medical procedure having opposing sets of curved apices, where the curved section of one set of apices has a radius of curvature that is greater than the curved section of the other set of apices. One or more such stents may be attached to a graft material for use in endovascular treatment of, for example, aneurysm, thoracic dissection, or other body vessel condition.
US08740965B2
A stent delivery system includes a self-expanding stent, an inner tube body which has a guide wire lumen, and a sheath which has the stent contained within the tip section thereof. The stent can be discharged by moving the sheath to the base end side relative to the inner tube body. The inner tube body is provided at a position within the base end section of the stent and is provided with an elastic member for pressing the stent in the direction to the sheath. The stent is gripped by the elastic member and the sheath and is adapted to be slidable relative to the sheath.
US08740963B2
A method of implanting a prosthesis in a patient at a treatment site includes providing a prosthesis delivery system with an inner sheath and an outer sheath. The prosthesis is loaded inside the inner sheath. The inner sheath containing the prosthesis is loaded within the outer sheath. The outer sheath is advanced in a patient towards the treatment site up to a given position at a distance from the treatment site. While retaining the outer sheath in the given position, the inner sheath is advanced out from the outer sheath to the treatment site to align the prosthesis with the treatment site and the inner sheath is retracted to at least partially implant the prosthesis at the treatment site. Upon completion of prosthesis implantation, both of the inner and outer sheaths are retracted from the patient.
US08740955B2
Osteosynthesis constructs for treating bone fractures and bone screws for use in such systems are disclosed. The bone screws include a threaded front section configured for engagement with cortical bone, a threaded mid-section and an unthreaded neck section configured for limited movement within the near cortex of the bone. Osteosynthesis constructs of the type disclosed promote secondary healing by allowing for substantially parallel motion at the near and far cortex within the effective motion range for callus formation.
US08740952B2
A bone plate system is disclosed which includes a bone plate having at least one plate hole, at least one pin adapted to be disposed in the at least one plate hole, and a polymer component disposed between the at least one pin and the bone plate. The polymer component includes a polymer that may be melted through the application of ultrasonic energy. The at least one pin is constructed of a material that will not melt under such application of ultrasonic energy. The re-solidified polymer component creates a bond between the at least one pin and the bone plate to provide a more rigid and secure mating therebetween, and to at least substantially prevent backout of the at least one pin with respect to the bone plate. A method of implanting the bone plate system is also disclosed.
US08740951B2
Anterior cervical instrumentation systems, methods, and devices are disclosed. Systems may facilitate immobilizing or providing support for the cervical portion of the vertebral column of a patient. A device may comprise a plate having two channels located in a proximal to distal direction, and may further comprise at least one aperture. The device may further comprise attachment elements such as attachment cross-links and spacer cross-links, and fasteners. The plate and the attachment elements may be secured to the vertebrae by passing fasteners through apertures and channels. The length of the plate, position and number of the attachment cross-links, position and number of spacer cross-links and degree of movement may be intraoperatively selected by the surgeon to provide an optimal application and procedural outcome. Uniform components of the devices and systems allow for a more streamlined and simplified method of treating spinal conditions.
US08740949B2
In some embodiments, a method comprises disposing a portion of a flexible fastening band into contact with a first bone portion and into contact with a second bone portion. The portion of the flexible fastening band having a substantially uniform shape configured to substantially compliment a shape of the first bone portion and a shape of the second bone portion. The method further includes inserting the portion of the flexible fastening band into a fastener and advancing the portion of the flexible fastening band through the fastener until the first bone portion and the and the second bone portion are stabilized.
US08740948B2
Spinal spacers for cervical and other vertebra, and associated systems and methods are disclosed. A device in accordance with a particular embodiment includes a hook member having a hook positioned to extend in a first direction, a post carried by the hook member and extending axially in a second direction transverse to the first direction, and a cam surface carried by the hook member. An actuator device is movably engaged with the post, and a spinal spacer is pivotably coupled to one of the actuator device and the post. The spinal spacer is axially movable relative to the hook member and has a spacing element in contact with the cam surface to pivot outwardly away from the post as the actuator device moves.
US08740944B2
A bio-compatible stabilization system includes one or more inserters and a connector for traversing a space between one or more bony structures. The stabilization system is designed to reduce or eliminate stress shielding effects while functioning as a tension band. The connector includes an extendable member and an over-extension limiter that limits extension of the extendable member.
US08740936B2
A device for pinching an opening in a vessel wall, comprising an introducer sheath, a lumen having a distal opening and a bleed hole; an anchoring having a cylindrical shape in a first constrained state and a flared shape in a second unconstrained state; a pincher member slidably disposed between the anchoring member and the introducer sheath comprising at its distal end a plurality of elongate pincher arms, each of the plurality of elongate pincher arms having a free distal end such that when the pincher member distal end is unconstrained, the free distal ends of the elongate pincher arms are biased to expand radially; and an interior support member slidably disposed in the anchoring member comprising a plurality of elongate support legs, each having a free distal end such that when the distal end of the interior support member is unconstrained, the free distal ends curve outwardly.
US08740931B2
A filter, configured to be disposed within a body lumen, that includes one or more filtering zones. The filter may include one or more sets of legs, configured to interact with the body lumen wall in order to stabilize the position of the filter and to create a filtering structure. In some embodiments the filter may be integrally formed form a single tube of material.
US08740928B2
With the invention, a gastric tube with an inflatable stopper and a supply cannula that can be introduced into the oesophagus and on which a lumen is superposed in the region of the inflatable stopper, which is connected to the interior of the inflatable stopper and permits a rapid volume equalization between different regions of the inflatable stopper, is to be improved in that the lumen which is located between the supply cannula and the inflatable stopper and connected to the interior of the inflatable stopper, can be produced in a technically simple manner and at the same time provides sufficient volume equalization between partial volumes of the inflatable stopper. This object is achieved by a gastric tube with an inflatable stopper in which a separate molding body is mounted on the supply cannula which determines the shape of the lumen.
US08740920B2
The invention provides devices, systems and methods for tissue approximation and repair at treatment sites. The devices, systems and methods of the invention will find use in a variety of therapeutic procedures, including endovascular, minimally-invasive, and open surgical procedures, and can be used in various anatomical regions, including the abdomen, thorax, cardiovascular system, heart, intestinal tract, stomach, urinary tract, bladder, lung, and other organs, vessels, and tissues. The invention is particularly useful in those procedures requiring minimally-invasive or endovascular access to remote tissue locations, where the instruments utilized must negotiate long, narrow, and tortuous pathways to the treatment site. In addition, many of the devices and systems of the invention are adapted to be reversible and removable from the patient at any point without interference with or trauma to internal tissues.
US08740909B2
A medical system includes parts used in a method for detachably establishing a spatial orientation between a body implant and an aiming device. A positioning arm being connected to the aiming device and an adaptor device being connected to or integrally formed with a bone stabilizing plate are hooked into each other. This is accomplished by means of an engaging element of the positioning arm, which engaging element is designed such that it may be coupled with an attachment element of the adaptor device. Further, there is provided a snapping mechanism which is designed to automatically engage in an interlocking element of the adaptor device, when the positioning arm, when hooked into the adaptor device, is rotated relative to the adaptor device towards a final angular position.
US08740907B2
A short main incision and portal incisions at portal positions strategically displaced from the main incision are provided in a patient's hip. One portal incision (acetabular portal) provides for a disposition of reamers in the patient's acetabulum to shape the acetabulum. A cannula is inserted through the portal incision to the acetabulum and the successive reamers of progressive size are inserted into the acetabulum through the main incision to progressively size and shape the acetabulum. An approximately hemispherical acetabular component is then disposed in the prepared acetabulum to provide for hip rotation relative to the femoral component. The other portal incision (femoral portal) provides for insertion into the patient's hip of a member for driving the femoral stem into a cavity in the patient's femur. The provision of the short main incision and the portal incision minimizes the patient's loss of blood, tissue trauma, length of operating time and patient recovery time.
US08740905B2
A bone fracture fixation system including a bone plate having a contour that substantially matches the contour of an underlying bone. The bone fracture fixation system can also include a jig that can be moved relative to non-parallel cannulas guided by the jig into operative position relative to a bone plate. In one embodiment, the jig includes grooves which do not completely surround the perimeter of the cannulas guided by the jig. The bone fracture fixation system can also include a jig including guides having a position and orientation which is adjustable relative to other ones of the guides. In one embodiment, the jig includes two portions that can articulate with respect to each other. The bone fracture fixation system can also include a wire bender that can bend a wire greater than 180 degrees so that both ends of the wire can be inserted into a fractured bone.
US08740896B2
Methods and apparatus are provided for non-continuous circumferential treatment of a body lumen. Apparatus may be positioned within a body lumen of a patient and may deliver energy at a first lengthwise and angular position to create a less-than-full circumferential treatment zone at the first position. The apparatus also may deliver energy at one or more additional lengthwise and angular positions within the body lumen to create less-than-full circumferential treatment zone(s) at the one or more additional positions that are offset lengthwise and angularly from the first treatment zone. Superimposition of the first treatment zone and the one or more additional treatment zones defines a non-continuous circumferential treatment zone without formation of a continuous circumferential lesion. Various embodiments of methods and apparatus for achieving such non-continuous circumferential treatment are provided.
US08740887B2
Methods, software, and systems are provided for determining an ablation target shape for a treatment for an eye of a patient. Techniques include determining wavefront information from the eye of the patient with a wavefront eye refractometer, determining anterior corneal shape information from the eye with a corneal topography device, and combining the wavefront information and the anterior corneal shape information to determine the ablation target shape.
US08740886B2
An apparatus for refractive ophthalmic surgery by laser radiation including a source of radiation which emits a processing beam a beam path for focusing and scanning. The beam path focuses the processing beam into a cornea of an eye and shifts a position of a focus therein. A beam splitting device generates several foci in the cornea and divides the processing beam into a primary beam and at least one secondary beam. The primary and secondary beams have substantially the same cross section as the processing beam which is incident on the beam splitting device and the beam-splitting device introduces a separation between the primary and secondary beams. The primary and secondary beams expand in the beam path. A contact glass induces a pre-defined geometric boundary surface at the cornea.
US08740884B2
An instrument for endoscopic applications, including a tubular member having a handling end portion having a flexible portion and actuating devices located at the other end portion, and longitudinal elements for transferring the movement of the actuating devices to the handling end portion resulting in a change of orientation thereof, whereby the handling end portion includes at least two independent flexible portions, whereby the actuating end portion has a corresponding number of actuating devices, and whereby each actuating device is connected by its own set of longitudinal elements to a part of the handling end portion for effecting a change of orientation of one of the flexible portions.
US08740876B2
The present invention provides devices for creating an external percutaneous fluidic connections. In one embodiment, the device includes a first tube defining a longitudinal axis, and a first bolster supporting the first tube, a second tube, and a second bolster supporting the second tube. The first and second bolsters are magnetically attractable, and promote airflow to the skin.
US08740875B2
The present application relates to method of arresting telescopic endwise relative movement in a medical device between an end portion of an elongate member, preferably being a cylinder, and an end portion of a tube, preferably being a cylindrical tube, that receives the end portion of the elongate member. The method is of particular use in the construction of stent delivery systems. In one embodiment, the method comprises providing a length of deformable blocking material; imparting relative endwise movement to draw the blocking material, into the gap and reversing the direction until the blocking material length suffers deformation.
US08740871B2
A one-time use device to deliver preservative-free follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) solution is disclosed. The device includes a needle covered by a sliding needle shield, which covers the needle in all modes of the device. The device can be placed into a ready-to-use position in four or fewer user steps. The device has a knob for setting a desired dose of FSH. The knob includes longitudinally spaced elements respectively corresponding to the lock position and the seven or fewer discrete dosing positions. The device locks after one use and cannot be reused thereafter.
US08740865B2
Use of and performance of ostomy appliances are enhanced by providing one or more sensors to an ostomy pouch; collecting sensor data by sensors to form a history of events impinging on the ostomy pouch and conditions of the pouch over time; comparing the sensor data to historical sensor data for a similar ostomy pouch to predict a reduction in nominal wear time; and notifying a user of the predicted reduction in nominal wear time.
US08740863B2
A catheter assembly is provided comprising a catheter (3;530;630;730) including a catheter tube (32) and a connector (31;531) arranged in one end of the catheter tube. The catheter is preferably a urinary, hydrophilic catheter. Further, the assembly comprises a catheter receptacle (2;520;620;720) for accommodation of at least the catheter tube, wherein the receptacle is provided with an opening (22;622;722), said opening being connected to and closed by the connector (31;531) of the catheter.A method for producing such a catheter assembly is also provided.
US08740859B2
The present invention relates generally to a vascular access device having a septum positioned within a lumen of the device, the device further having a pusher for providing a fluid pathway through the septum. In particular, the present invention relates to systems and methods for improving flow of a fluid through the access device, while minimizing stagnation of fluids within the device. These systems and methods include various modified fluid pathways and interactions between the vascular access device body, the septum and the pusher.
US08740849B1
An intravascular catheter for peri-vascular and/or peri-urethral tissue ablation includes multiple needles advanced through supported guide tubes which expand with open ends around a central axis to engage the interior surface of the wall of the renal artery or other vessel of a human body allowing the injection an ablative fluid for ablating tissue, and/or nerve fibers in the outer layer or deep to the outer layer of the vessel, or in prostatic tissue. The system also includes means to limit and/or adjust the depth of penetration of the ablative fluid into and beyond the tissue of the vessel wall. The preferred embodiment of the catheter includes structures which provide radial and lateral support to the guide tubes so that the guide tubes open uniformly and maintain their position against the interior surface of the vessel wall as the sharpened injection needles are advanced to penetrate into the vessel wall.
US08740845B2
A method of fabrication of a medical balloon, and a balloon device useful for various medical balloon procedures, such as gastrointestinal, vascular, reproductive system, urinary system and pulmonary applications. At least two layers of a thermoplastic film are sealed at their peripheral edges and heat sealed at one or more locations inside an area enclosed by the sealed edges at predetermined locations, in one implementation of the balloon device. Such configuration enables the balloon to articulate to a desired shape upon inflation, with the desired shape being selected to accommodate a specific medical application.
US08740836B2
A dialysis machine includes: a hardware unit including at least one pump actuator, at least one valve actuator and a cassette interface, the cassette interface including: (i) a plate that abuts the cassette; (ii) at least one pump aperture defined by the plate; (iii) at least one pump head moveable out of and retractable into the at least one pump aperture to operate a pumping portion of the cassette; (iv) at least one valve aperture defined by the plate; (v) at least one valve apparatus moveable out of and retractable into the at least one valve aperture to operate a valve portion of the cassette; (vi) at least one sensor aperture defined by the plate; and (vii) at least one sensor located in the least one sensor aperture, the at least one sensor operable with a sensor portion of the cassette.
US08740834B2
Interventional procedures on the carotid arteries are performed through a transcervical access while retrograde blood flow is established from the internal carotid artery to a venous or external location. A system for use in accessing and treating a carotid artery includes an arterial access device, a shunt fluidly connected to the arterial access device, and a flow control assembly coupled to the shunt and adapted to regulate blood flow through the shunt between at least a first blood flow state and at least a second blood flow state. The flow control assembly includes one or more components that interact with the blood flow through the shunt.
US08740830B2
A cervical collar brace including a main body collar, a first chin side support pivotally mounted to the main body collar, and a second chin side support pivotally mounted to the main body collar. A cable adjuster adjustably secures the first and second chin side supports to the main body collar and includes a rotatable wheel, one or more cables, and one or more lift effectors for lifting the chin side supports in response to rotation of the rotatable wheel in a first rotation direction. A chin piece is provided for supporting a wearer's chin.
US08740829B2
A coupling device for an orthopedic brace includes an anchoring member for securing to a frame and protruding therefrom, and a subshell arranged to connect to the frame by the anchoring member. The subshell has a locking element for selectively positioning the subshell on the frame at a plurality of locations. The subshell may include an end portion or contoured edge extending beyond a portion of the frame so as to flex relative to the frame.
US08740822B2
An actuator is reduced in weight without impairing a walking assist function, and this reduces the inertial moment of a leg link. A drive crank arm on the output shaft of the actuator and a driven crank arm fixed to a second link portion so as to be concentric to the joint shaft of a third joint portion are connected to each other via a connection link. The connection link is placed so that a line connecting a pivot portion at which the drive crank arm is pivotally mounted and a pivot portion at which the driven crank arm is pivotally mounted obliquely crosses a line connecting the output shaft of the actuator and the joint shaft of the third joint portion.
US08740821B2
A treatment apparatus includes an ultrasonic vibration source, an ultrasonic treatment portion which is configured to treat living tissue by ultrasonic vibration transmitted from the ultrasonic vibration source, and a micrograin feeder which is configured to supply liquid containing micrograins to between the ultrasonic treatment portion and the living tissue. Whole micrograins within the micrograin-containing solution has a grain size equal to or smaller than an amplitude of the ultrasonic vibration.
US08740814B2
A guidewire includes a core shaft, a coil body that covers the core shaft, and a joining portion formed of metal solder that couples the core shaft and the coil body. The coil body includes a tungsten wire and a noble metal plating layer that covers at least a portion of a surface of the tungsten wire. A surface of the noble metal plating layer has a first uneven shape, including at least one recess and at least one protrusion.
US08740806B2
A sleep apnea diagnostic system includes a housing that is configured to be attached to near the nose of a patient's face to sense physiological information of a patient. The housing includes sensors to sense the physiological information. The physiological information may be, for example, air flow through the nose or the mouth or both. The physiological information further may be, for example, blood volume. The sleep apnea diagnostic system includes at least one processor in the housing or external to the housing or both to analyze the physiological information to determine whether the patient has experienced irregular or abnormal respiratory activity and to detect respiratory effort. The analysis may be real time or delayed.
US08740794B2
A method and apparatus is provided for diagnosing, assessing, or detecting brain injury and/or a neurological disorder of a subject. Objects are presented to the subject over a range of locations within the subject's workspace such that the subject can interact with at least some of the presented objects using either the right or left limb, or portion thereof, of a pair of limbs. Position data and/or motion data and/or kinetic data of the left and right limbs or portions thereof with respect to a presented object are obtained, and a data set is acquired for a plurality of presented objects. The acquired data set provides information about brain injury and/or a neurological disorder in the subject.
US08740788B1
Some embodiments includes an apparatus for retracting an animal tongue that includes a handle that is elongate and that includes a proximal portion and a distal portion and a tongue retraction cup coupled to the distal portion of the handle, the tongue retraction cup being generally concave and sized such that a first side of the tongue retraction cup extends over a first side of the tongue, a second side opposite the first side extends over a second side of the tongue that is opposite the first side of the tongue, a dorsal portion of the cup extends along the dorsal portion of the tongue and a posterior extending tip extends at least partially along the back of the tongue, the first side, second side, and posterior extending tip defining a tongue receiving cavity of the tongue retraction cup.
US08740780B2
An illumination apparatus for an endoscope guiding externally-entering light to a transparent light-guiding body including an annular-shaped annular portion, the annular portion including inner and outer circumferential faces, and making the light exit from the annular portion as illuminating light, wherein the light-guiding body includes: a notch portion formed by cutting out a part of the annular portion so as to form a line extending perpendicularly from the outer circumferential face toward the inner circumference side of the annular portion from a line extending from a point on an outer circumference of a circle in a cross section of the annular portion; and an incident portion that allows the light to enter in a direction along the line extending from the point on the outer circumference, the direction being a direction perpendicular to a cutout surface of the notch portion provided in the annular portion.
US08740778B2
In an electronic endoscope, an insert section has a beam splitter, a CCD, and an EMCCD at its distal end portion. When white light being normal light is applied to an internal body portion, the reflected white light is incident on the CCD through the beam splitter, and a normal image is produced. When the internal body portion is irradiated with special light being excitation light, weak autofluorescence is emitted from specific tissue of the internal body portion. The weak autofluorescence is incident on the EMCCD through the beam splitter. The EMCCD uses an avalanche multiplication effect in its electron multiplier. The EMCCD multiplies signal charge produced from the weak autofluorescence by the electron multiplier, and outputs a high level signal.
US08740775B2
A medical device for multiple bends, includes a distal-side traction member which is inserted through the distal-side bending portion and the proximal-side bending portion, which is configured to bend the distal-side bending portion in the bending orientation, and which includes a distal-side fixing portion fixed to the distal end of the distal-side bending portion in the axial direction, and a proximal-side traction member which is inserted through the proximal-side bending portion, which is configured to bend the proximal-side bending portion in the bending orientation, and which includes a proximal-side fixing portion fixed to the distal end of the proximal-side bending portion in the axial direction. The proximal-side fixing portion is disposed at substantially the same position as the distal-side fixing portion in a circumferential direction.
US08740773B2
An arthroscopic inflow and outflow sheath providing an improved inflow and outflow system reducing the diameter of a continuous flow system while providing fluid management during arthroscopy. The improved arthroscopic inflow and outflow sheath comprises an elongated atraumatic tube having an inner surface, outer surface, proximal end, and distal end. The atraumatic sheath further comprises a plurality of ribs extending from the inner surface of the tube and designed to contact an outer surface of the arthroscope thereby creating outer lumens facilitating the inflow and outflow of fluid to a surgical site. The distal tip of the tube is made of an elastic material having a higher modulus of elasticity than the modulus of elasticity in the material of the proximal end of the tube.
US08740772B2
A position information estimation system includes: a body-insertable apparatus that is inserted into a subject and moves through an inside of the subject; a receiving unit that receives information from the body-insertable apparatus; and an information processor that performs processes on the information acquired from the receiving unit. The receiving unit includes an acquisition antenna that includes a plurality of receiving antennas and acquires information from the body-insertable apparatus. The information processor includes: a calculation unit that calculates difference values between signal levels acquired from the plurality of receiving antennas and corresponding signal levels acquired from the plurality of receiving antennas; a determination unit that compares each of the difference values with a threshold and determining whether to estimate position information; and a position information estimation unit that estimates position information of the body-insertable apparatus when the determination unit has determined that it is necessary to estimate the position information.
US08740766B2
Devices and methods for intra-vaginal bowel control.
US08740765B1
Disclosed is a means and method for the treatment of migraine headaches and other disorders of the human body by the application of one or more intense magnetic pulses. By placing an intense magnetic field pulse(s) onto a certain region of the brain, an electrical current can be generated in the cerebral cortex that can stop a migraine headache in some patients or at least decrease its severity. The device to perform this function can be called a “magnetic pulser system.” This system can be made in one piece and powered by plugging into a household or automobile receptacle or from a battery. The pulser system uses capacitors that are first charged to a high voltage and then discharged into a coil that creates the intense magnetic pulse. Both visual and auditory signals can be provided by the pulser system to assist the patient in using the device.
US08740758B2
A rehabilitation device for legs has a foot piece mounted on a set of track rails, the foot piece is movable through knee extension and flexion, as well as through an elastic band looped around the back. By moving the foot piece, users are able to redevelop and strengthen muscles in the lower leg. Accompanying the foot piece on the track is a slider. The slider measures the distance the user is able to move the foot piece through a plurality of numbered holes in line with the track.
US08740756B2
An exercising apparatus and method. The apparatus has an endless sport mat with an outer layer made of elastic material and an inner layer made of a flexible abrasion resisting material, horizontally spaced rollers about which the endless mat is looped, including front and rear driving rollers, and at least three supporting rollers for supporting a selected middle body area of a user, and a rigid frame for housing the rollers. During three stages of advancement of the selected middle body area, (1) a portion of the endless mat is depressed between first and second rollers, (2) the depressed mat portion rotates the first roller and the endless mat is manually driven, and (3) the selected middle body area is massaged by the second roller while performing a propelling movement.
US08740750B2
In at least one embodiment, a device for controlling and/or regulating a training and/or rehabilitation unit comprises a training and/or rehabilitation unit, a sensor unit having sensors for determining oxygen concentration and for determining carbon dioxide concentration, a control unit for the sensors, a microcontroller in the control unit for controlling the heating power of heating elements of the sensors, depending on breath flow volume, for maintaining constant sensor temperatures, and a resistance and/or braking arrangement of the training and/or rehabilitation unit that can be controlled and/or regulated based on a breathing gas composition determined by the sensor unit. The device can be used to increase endurance, preferably by way of altitude training.
US08740749B2
The invention concerns an apparatus (1, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120, 130, 140) for physical exercises, comprising at least one element (2, 4, 4′, 23, 23′, 34, 34′, 55, 55′, 57, 57′, 65, 65′, 67, 75, 76, 80, 96, 96′, 105, 105′, 112, 114, 114′, 124, 124′, 125, 126, 133, 134, 137, 141, 141′) capable to interact with a user during the execution of a physical exercise, characterising in that it comprises vibrating means (5, 6, 11, 12, 78, 85, 97, 106, 116, 116′, 117) capable to produce at least one mechanical vibration of said at least one element.
US08740741B2
A differential axle assembly for a work machine having a differential lock capability. The differential axle has a differential gear housing, which utilizes a sealed housing on the outside thereof and a bleed flow path for pressurized liquid lubricant actuating a differential lock feature to provide adequate cooling flow for the differential gear set and differential lock mechanism under heavy duty circumstances.
US08740727B2
In a colored golf ball having a core, a cover of at least one layer encasing the core, and a layer of paint applied to a surface of an outermost layer of the cover, the outermost cover layer and/or the paint layer is colored with a fluorescent dye and titanium oxide, and the golf ball itself has a color tone which satisfies specific ranges in the Lab color system. The ball is endowed with an excellent spin performance and durability, an appearance characterized by outstanding visibility, stylishness and elegance, and an excellent weather resistance.
US08740714B2
A full-round head nail having an offset head is configured with a gusset formed integrally between an undersurface of the offset head and a superior portion of a shank. The head of the nail is relatively thin, and the shank is positioned radially off center of the round head such that no heel is formed at a point tangential to both the head and the shank. The gusset has a lofted surface tapering radially from a roundness at the zero heel to a taper at the toe. The gusset reinforces the junction of the shank with the head, supports the toe of the head, and distributes the force of a load on the head through a longitudinal axis of the shank, preventing the toe from bending or yielding and prevents the shank from yielding to the stresses of the load applied.
US08740707B1
The present invention provides a video game controller and apparatus that may be used by two or more players. The users physically manipulate the control device cooperatively to the kinesthetic feedback of the other player(s) to control the events of the video game. By working together through orientation of the controller, the players can jointly move the video game object on the screen and/or govern the play of the game.
US08740701B2
A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In embodiments, the operations can include determining audio playlists from a plurality of independent wagering game applications (“applications”). The audio playlists can include multiple sound content that is activated contemporaneously on a wagering game machine for each of the applications. The operations can further include determining sound classes assigned to the sound content and determining, from prioritization rules, priority values for the sound classes. The operations can further include comparing the priority values and generating sound balancing priorities for the sound content based on the comparison of the priority values. The operations can also include dynamically balancing the sound content, as presented on audio production devices, based on the sound balancing priorities.
US08740696B2
Certain embodiments provide a system and method for providing shared wins in a gaming system. Certain embodiments include establishing a shared win award, wherein the shared win award has an amount or value. One or more eligible players may be identified to participate in a shared win, wherein eligibility of a player is independent of player choice. A shared win event may be determined and at least a portion of the shared win award may be awarded to each of the one or more eligible players. At least one group of players may be defined as eligible to participate in a shared win. A sharing percentage of the shared win award may be assigned to each of the eligible players as a function of relative play among the eligible players. The sharing percentage assigned to a player may be adjusted based on play relative to other eligible players, for example.
US08740686B2
A system and method for playing a game of chance, either as a primary or secondary game offering, having a first winning criterion associated with matching player indicia on a player card to house indicia selected or otherwise determined by operator calls include awarding a first prize for every player card that satisfies the winning criterion after each operator call less than or equal to a first number of operator calls and awarding a subsequent prize for every player card that satisfies the same winning criterion after each call up to and including a second number of operator calls and continuing the game until at least all calls up to and including the second number of calls have been made.
US08740684B1
A plurality of first team player game pieces, a plurality of second team player game pieces, a football designation device, and a game board are provided for playing a football board game. At least one of the player game pieces may have an advantage over one or more of the other player game pieces. One or more of the player game pieces, may be allowed to move twice as fast as one or more other player game pieces, when a first designation is associated with the one or more player game pieces that are given the advantage. The player game pieces given the advantage may move from a “fast” space, marked with a graphic, to another “fast” space, marked with the same graphic, located a predetermined number of spaces away, such as two spaces away, in any direction.
US08740683B2
In a fantasy league draft, prior to a user-participant making a player selection at a given draft position, a programmatic determination is made as to a likelihood that a particular player will be available for selection in one or more subsequent draft positions. The draft positions may be ones assigned to a particular user-participant, or any draft position a user-participant wants to consider. In one embodiment, the determination is then communicated to the user-participant prior to the user-participant making the payer selection in the given draft position.
US08740682B2
A game machine is provided that displays an attack direction in a 3D virtual game space when a player character is attacked, such that the human player can readily recognize the attack direction. In the game machine that activates the player character and an enemy character that attacks the player character in a 3D virtual game space, the direction of the attack received by the player character from the enemy character is acquired based on player position information indicating the position of the player character and enemy position information indicating the position of the enemy character in the game space. Damage marks which are objects that indicate the attack direction are generated at positions corresponding to the attack direction in a player region set around the player character, and at least a part of the game space, including the player character and the damage marks, is displayed.
US08740667B2
According to one embodiment, a polishing method comprises pressing a substrate being rotated against a polishing pad being rotated and supplying slurry on the polishing pad, measuring a surface temperature of the polishing pad, and when the surface temperature is not less than a predetermined temperature, jetting jet stream containing supercooled droplets from a nozzle having a narrow portion toward the polishing pad.
US08740666B1
A method, system, and kit for securing an undergarment strap to an outer garment with a decorative article. The decorative article includes an ornament and first and second stud members extending generally in first and second directions from the ornament and terminating in first and second stud ends. The method includes moving the decorative article in first and second directions to penetrate the surface of the outer garment with the first and second stud members, and continuing to move the decorative article generally in the first and second directions to penetrate the surface of the undergarment strap with the first and second stud members, thereby securing the undergarment strap to the outer garment by the decorative article. The kit includes a container including at least one article of jewelry including first and second stud members, an elongated base member including first and second apertures, and a plurality of protective covers.
US08740663B2
A light emitting device package assembly includes a light emitting device package body, and first, second and third white light emitting devices on the package body, each of the first, second and third white light emitting devices emits light when energized having a chromaticity that falls within a respective one of first, second and third non-overlapping chromaticity regions in a two dimensional chromaticity space. The first, second and third chromaticity regions are spaced apart in the two dimensional chromaticity space by respective regions having at least the size of a seven step MacAdam ellipse. Related solid state luminaires and methods are also disclosed.
US08740662B2
A sealing arrangement (1) for a pivotally arranged boat drive in a hull of a boat, the boat drive extends through a hull opening in the bottom of the boat. The boat drive forms, together with the hull of the boat or with a connecting piece (2) set into the hull of the boat, an annular gap. The annular gap is bridged by at least two flexible sealing elements (5, 6), and the at least two sealing elements (5, 6) enclose at least one ring chamber (7) between them.
US08740654B2
A flexible organizational connect is shown and described. In one embodiment, the device comprises a flexible receiver assembly for receiving an interchangeable test adapter for a mass interconnect device. Typically, the flexible receiver assembly includes an integral structural unit and an interchangeable connection assembly. In other embodiments, a mass interconnect device includes an interchangeable test adapter and a flexible receiver assembly.
US08740651B2
A lead arrangement is provided for an electric connector. The lead arrangement includes a first lead lane that includes a pair of first differential signal leads, a pair of second differential signal leads and a first ground lead between the two pairs of differential signal leads. Each of the first differential signal leads, the second differential signal leads and the ground lead has a surface mounting segment adapted for being soldered onto a surface pad of a circuit board. The pair of first differential signal leads is a pair of transmitting differential signal leads Tx+ and Tx− in architecture of universal serial bus 3.0 (USB 3.0), and the pair of second differential signal leads is a pair of receiving differential signal leads Rx+ and Rx− in architecture of USB 3.0.
US08740645B2
A terminal fitting (T) includes a locking plate (19) extending from a first side plate (17) and a stabilizer (22) projecting from a second side plate (18). A cutout (35) is formed at the extending end edge of the locking plate (19) and engages the stabilizer (22) to restrict relative displacements of the locking plate (19) and the second side plate (18) to define a first linking portion (27) that links the base plate (16) and a first contact piece (23). A second linking portion (28) links the second side plate (18) and a second contact piece (24). A restricting portion (36) is formed on the locking plate (19) and restricts displacement of the second contact piece (24) away from the first plate-like contact piece (23).
US08740642B2
The present invention is premised upon a connector device and method that can more easily electrically connect a plurality of PV devices or photovoltaic system components and/or locate these devices/components upon a building structure. It also may optionally provide some additional sub-components (e.g. at least one bypass diode and/or an indicator means) and may enhance the serviceability of the device.
US08740637B2
A plug connector comprises: a housing and a releasing mechanism mounted on the housing and comprising a pulling portion and a latching member, the latching member defining a latching portion for latching a complementary connector, the pulling portion having a groove and the latching member having an ear portion engaged with the groove, the ear portion being able to rise out of the groove in response to a rearward movement of the pulling portion to move the latching portion from a latched position to a released position.
US08740633B2
A connector for a cash box comprises a male connector (20) disposed on the cash box (2) and a female connector (10) disposed on a cash box bracket (1). An elastic element (11) is disposed on the cash box bracket (1) and provides the female connector (10) with a thrust for matching the male connector (20) tightly. The elastic element (11) is further connected with a floating board (14) and provides the floating board (14) with a supporting force along the assembly direction of the cash box (2). A protecting cover device (30) is further disposed on the cash box bracket (1), located over the female connector (10), and comprises a protection cover bracket (31), a resetting torsion spring (33), and a cover body (32). The cover body (32) is pivoted to the protection cover bracket (31) with a shaft (34). The resetting torsion spring (33) is sleeved on the shaft (34), located between the cover body (32) and the protection cover bracket (31), and provides the cover body (32) with a torque force to cover the female connector (10) without any external force. The cover body (32) is opened by the side wall of the cash box to complete the connection when the cash box (2) is assembled.
US08740630B2
An electronic device with a connector system is provided to give a user an improved appearance, functionality, and aesthetics. A connector system may comprise a housing, a circuit board mounted within the housing, and a plurality of externally accessible connectors. The housing may have a front side and a back side. The plurality of externally accessible connectors may be mounted directly on the circuit board within the housing, so that the plurality externally accessible connectors may extend substantially perpendicular from the plane of the circuit board and face the back side of the housing. The plurality of externally accessible connectors may comprise substantially flat metal plate.
US08740627B1
Pursuant to some embodiments, a power outlet extension system comprises a base housing a drive motor, a telescoping extension mounted on the base, the telescoping extension having at least a lower section and an upper section, a power strip mounted on a first end of the upper section, the power strip in electrical communication with a power cable, the power cable extending through the telescoping extension and the base to a power outlet, the power cable further in electrical communication with the drive motor for selectively positioning the power strip by extending and retracting the upper section.
US08740624B2
Patient simulator systems for teaching patient care are provided. In some instances, the patient simulator systems include a patient body comprising one or more simulated body portions. Generally, the patient simulator systems of the present disclosure provide physiological modeling. In one embodiment, the patient simulator includes a maternal simulator comprising a maternal circulatory model, a maternal cardiac ischemia model, and a maternal respiratory model and a fetal simulator comprising a fetal circulatory model, a fetal cardiac ischemia model, and a fetal central nervous system model. A controller in communication with the maternal and fetal simulators coordinates parameters of the maternal circulatory model, the maternal cardiac ischemia model, the maternal respiratory model, the fetal circulatory model, the fetal cardiac ischemia model, and the fetal central nervous system model to simulate physiological characteristics of a natural mother and fetus. Methods of utilizing the patient simulator systems are also provided.
US08740622B2
The present invention is directed to methods and devices for teaching the proper configuration of the oral articulators, particularly the tongue, corresponding to particular speech sounds by providing intraoral tactile feedback. Intraoral tactile feedback is achieved by placing nodes in the oral cavity of the patient in locations corresponding to the proper lingual position required to produce a target sound. These nodes facilitate identification of the appropriate lingual position corresponding to a target speech sound by providing tactile differentiation when the target sound is properly produced.
US08740618B2
A refreshable tactile reader apparatus for Braille text and graphics, utilizing a plurality of compressible tactile pins that can absorb strong downward forces. Such strong forces transmitted through tactile pins can damage pin actuation mechanisms. The physical enclosure of the reader provides open channels that allow the apparatus to be more easily cleaned than prior art enablements.
US08740616B2
A dental implant system includes a base member that is adapted to be embedded within a patient's jawbone at a treatment site. The base member has a generally flat top defining an outer periphery, a buccal side, a lingual side, a bottom, and a central opening. The lingual side or the buccal side is longer than the other. The base member is configured to be positioned within a recess in the patient's jawbone. An implant screw includes a head and a threaded end. The threaded end is adapted to pass through the central opening of the base member and into the patient's jawbone, and the head is adapted to be seated within the central opening of the base member after the threaded end is screwed into the patient's jawbone. An abutment is configured to be placed onto the top of the base member.
US08740610B2
An in-mold shutter (140) for embedding in an injection mold (100, 200, 300) is described herein. The in-mold shutter (140, 240, 340, 440, 540) includes a shutter actuator (148, 548) that is configured to selectively engage a first mold shoe (130) of the injection mold (100, 200, 300) with a platen of a mold clamping assembly (996) to hold the first mold shoe (130) in an extended, (E), along a mold-stroke axis (X), during a step of molding a first molded article (102A) in the injection mold (100, 200, 300). Also described herein is a molded article transfer device (150, 250) for use with the injection mold (100, 200, 300). The molded article transfer device (150, 250) includes a shuttle (154) that is slidably arranged, in use, within the injection mold (100, 200, 300). The shuttle (154) defines a first aperture (156A), at least in part, that alternately accommodates: (i) a first mold stack (106A, 206A, 306A) arranged therein; and (ii) a first molded article (102A) received therein with opening of the first mold stack (106A, 206A, 306A).
US08740601B2
A 3-plate mold assembly with a common mold base comprises: a stationary mold mounted on a fixed side of an injection molding machine and a movable mold mounted on a movable side of the injection molding machine. The stationary mold comprises a stationary-side fixed plate on which are disposed four pillars to be inserted through a stripper and into a female insert assembly. When new products need to be produced, it only needs to replace the female and male insert and the rest parts of the stationary and movable molds don't need to be replaced, thus substantially saving production cost.
US08740597B2
An apparatus for shaping plastic preforms for providing plastic containers), having a plurality of shaping stations arranged on a movable carrier, wherein the shaping stations have blowing molds which accommodate the preforms and within which the preforms are shaped to provide the containers, and wherein the shaping stations each have charging devices which are movable relative to the preforms and which charge the preforms arranged in the molds with a flowable medium for expansion, and wherein the shaping stations have a valve arrangement which controls the feed of the medium to the preforms, with a clean chamber within which the shaping stations are conveyed with the charging devices, wherein the clean chamber is arranged against the surroundings by at least one wall. Flow connections for guiding the flowable medium are provided between the valve arrangements and the charging devices and the valve arrangements are arranged outside the clean chamber.
US08740592B2
An adjustable vane cell pump is provided having a rotor, which includes, but is not limited to bearing slots extending in radial direction, in which cane plates displaceable relative to the bearing slots are arranged. The vane cell pump further includes, but is not limited to an adjustable slide having a substantially cylindrical inner surface. The rotor is configured in order to driveably rotate about a rotary axis within the slide. The vane plates bear against the inner surface of the slide, and the slide further includes, but is not limited to a first and a second areal end face, as well as recesses, which outer-circumferentially extend parallel to the end faces.
US08740591B2
A vacuum pump comprises a casing having a bottom forming an aperture therein and a chamber slidably coupled within the casing. The chamber has a bottom forming an aperture therein. The vacuum pump further comprises a piston slidably coupled within the chamber. The piston includes an upper portion generally parallel to the chamber bottom. The piston further includes a hollow shaft extending from a bottom surface of the upper portion. The shaft has a first end adjacent to the upper portion and a second opposing end. The shaft is configured to fit within the chamber aperture and the casing aperture. The shaft includes at least one aperture positioned at the first end. The second end of the shaft is coupled to the casing at the casing aperture. The vacuum pump is configured to evacuate air from a flexible storage container by pushing the chamber in a downward direction.
US08740589B2
The invention relates to a vacuum pump, in particular a vane cell pump, having a housing in which a suction space is provided, and a housing passage opening into the suction space, wherein a suction non-return valve opening to the outside or into an external vacuum space is arranged in the housing passage, said valve being accommodated in a crucible-shaped housing and the crucible-shaped housing having a housing jacket, wherein the suction non-return valve can be latched in the pump housing passage.
US08740576B2
A pumping system and a method for pumping liquid from a lower level to an operatively higher level are disclosed. The pumping system includes a pumping device, a bent delivery conduit, a single control port opening and control elements. The conduit has an operatively inclined ascending conduit section; an operatively inclined descending conduit section and an operatively horizontal peak section between the inclined sections; one end of the ascending conduit fitted to the outlet of the pumping device and one end of the descending conduit being below liquid level of the higher level. The single port opening is provided at the junction between the horizontal peak section and the descending conduit section, and spaced apart from the ascending conduit junction. The control elements introduce pressurized air into and evacuate air from the delivery conduit through the single port opening.
US08740575B2
A liquid ring pump is provided that includes an annular housing having an inner surface forming a housing cavity. The annular housing is filled with an operating fluid during operation of the pump. The operating fluid forms an eccentric liquid ring in the annular housing during operation of the pump. A rotor is disposed in the housing cavity and includes a plurality of rotor blades. A shaft extends into the annular housing into the housing cavity. The plurality of rotor blades extend radially outward from the shaft toward the inner surface of the annular housing. A liner formed from a corrosion resistant material is disposed substantially flush with at least a portion of the annular housing inner surface opposite a plurality of rotor blade ends.
US08740566B2
A brake system for a wind turbine with integrated rotor lock, generator and wind turbine are disclosed. The brake system includes a rotor lock system which is integrated in the brake system. One embodiment includes an actuator such as a hydraulic cylinder. Another embodiment includes a rotor assembly with a brake disc.
US08740565B2
A self-contained counter rotating turbo prop system is driven by a gas turbine engine through a reduction gearbox. A gear train housed separate from the reduction gearbox provides the counter-rotation of a first and second pluralities of propeller blades. The entire counter-rotating propeller system is disposed within cowlings and is separate from the gas turbine engine and reduction gearbox. The example counter rotating propeller system includes a collective blade angle actuation system that provides for adjustment of blade angle of both the first and second plurality of propeller blades with a single actuator.
US08740557B2
A strut configuration of a static vane ring used in a gas turbine engine having an enlarged end section at least at one of the opposed ends thereof to be welded or brazed to either an outer or inner duct wall of the vane ring. The enlarged end section provides a inner corner curve with a predetermined fillet radius between the strut and the duct wall.
US08740554B2
An air seal assembly for a gas turbine engine includes a first cover plate with a radially extending knife edge seal defined about and axis of rotation. The first cover plate is mountable to a first rotor disk for rotation therewith, the first radially extending knife edge seal interfaces with a vane structure. A second cover plate with a second radially extending knife edge seal defined about the axis of rotation, the second cover plate mountable to the second rotor disk for rotation therewith. The second radially extending knife edge seal interfaces with the vane structure.
US08740553B2
The invention relates to a nozzle stage for a turbomachine compressor, the stage comprising two coaxial shrouds, a radially inner shroud and a radially outer shroud, and radial vanes extending between the shrouds and being connected via their ends to the shrouds, together with a support for abradable material that is mounted by crimping onto the upstream and downstream edges of the inner shroud, the inner shroud presenting openings in which the radially inner ends of the vanes are inserted and fastened. The radially inner ends of the vanes are plane and do not have any projecting tenons.
US08740549B2
A lubrication system for turbocharger(s) ensures continuous lubrication of bearings and shaft of the turbocharger with lubricant retention during start and shut down of turbocharger-associated systems thereby enhancing the performance and turbocharger life. A shaft and bearings are lubricated by introducing pressurized lubricating oil through an oil inlet passage in the bearing housing and after lubricating, the lubricant returns to the engine oil sump located below the turbocharger through the oil outlet passage. A valve in the oil inlet pipe line permits lubricant flow to the bearings during engine running, and when the engine stops and oil pressure falls below the valve opening pressure, the valve shuts and traps the lubricant in oil inlet pipe that is above the valve. The oil outlet pipe retains sufficient lubricant in the bearing housing which lubricates the shaft and bearings post engine shutdown.
US08740546B2
A guide vane of a condensation turbine steam turbine is provided, wherein the guide vane includes a heating resistor. The guide vane includes fiber composite material at least in some regions. The heating resistor may be embodied as a heating wire or as a heating film. A condensation steam turbine having a guide vane as described above is also provided.
US08740545B2
Disclosed is an assembled helical turbine system, which can strengthen weakenings of a housing assembly, and simultaneously can be easily assembled/disassembled. The assembled helical turbine system comprises the housing assembly including a plurality of bearing spiders for rotatably supporting a rotating shaft of a helical turbine, and a plurality of side posts for connecting and fixing the respective bearing spiders to each other, the side posts being fixed in such a manner as to radially protrude by a predetermined length from peripheral surfaces of the bearing spiders; filling members for filling and reinforcing spaces between the peripheral surfaces of the bearing spiders and outlines of protruding portions of the side posts; and a housing supporter for supporting the housing assembly in such a manner that the housing assembly can be inserted into and withdrawn from the housing supporter, the housing supporter having catch grooves that are recessed in a shape corresponding to stoppers.
US08740538B2
A storage and retrieval system including a vertical array of storage levels, each storage level having storage locations, a multilevel vertical conveyor system configured to transport the uncontained case units to and from the vertical array of storage levels, each storage level being configured to receive uncontained case units from the multilevel vertical conveyor system, at least one autonomous transport confined to each storage level, the at least one autonomous transport being configured to transport the uncontained case units between respective storage locations and the multilevel vertical conveyor system, and a controller configured to effect operation of the multilevel vertical conveyor system and at least one autonomous transport for assembling orders of uncontained case units of different types without moving bundles of the same uncontained case unit type throughout the storage and retrieval system.
US08740529B2
An arrangement for attaching a bar of a hand-held motor driven tool, such as a chain saw, to a body of the tool includes at least one first engagement device, a cover portion adapted to bear against a bar such that the bar is arranged between the cover portion and the body, and at least one second engagement device is adapted to engage the first engagement device for securing a bar between the cover portion and the body. The second engagement device is arranged to move a first distance along the first engagement device in a direction of the rotation axis of the second engagement device for securing a bar between the cover portion and the body. The second engagement device is captively attached to a spring biasing member having an undistorted position and a distorted position.
US08740514B2
An apparatus for drilling holes in a glass plate has a supporting member for sucking and supporting a glass plate which is used for an automobile window or the like, as described later, and the supporting member is comprised of a suction pad for sucking the glass plate and a pair of supports for supporting the glass plate on an outer side of the suction pad. The supports are detachably mounted on the outer side of the suction pad, and the supporting member is adapted to rotate about the suction pad in an R direction. The apparatus for drilling holes in a glass plate further includes a hole forming means for forming in the glass plate holes shown in FIG. 7; a supporting means having the supporting member and for supporting the glass plate in which the holes are to be formed by the hole forming means; and a transporting means for transporting onto the supporting means the glass plate in which the holes are to be formed.
US08740502B2
An anchor includes a rotatable anchor rod an anchor plate and an anchor nut. The screw thread in the anchor nut matches the screw thread of the anchor rod only over part of the screw thread hole. Thus the anchor nut can only be screwed some way further onto the anchor rod, and up to a predetermined torque can be used for rotating the anchor rod during placement of the anchor. As soon as the anchor rod is firmly seated in the drill hole, as a result of the action of adhesive, mortar or expansion or spreading, the anchor rod forms a through-thread in the screw thread hole when the anchor nut is rotated relative to the anchor rod, and consequently the anchor nut can finally be screwed onto the anchor rod until it affixes the anchor plate in its final position to the ground.
US08740499B2
A passive ocean current deflector has an elongated conduit positionable in an ocean with its lower inlet end below the euphotic zone and anchored in place and its upper outlet end positioned in the euphotic zone and retained in place. Ocean currents direct cooler, nutrient rich ocean water into the inlet end and upwardly through the conduit to exit out the outlet end to intermix with water in the euphotic zone.
US08740485B2
A printing apparatus includes an open/close lid configured to close or open a paper conveyance path of a recording paper, and a locking member configured to hold a closing state of the open/close lid by engaging with an engaging portion of the open/close lid, and to be capable to move to a position engageable with the engaging portion of the open/close lid or a position of retracting from the position engageable with the engaging portion of the open/close lid. The locking member moves to the position engageable with the engaging portion of the open/close lid at non-print time, and further moves to the position of retracting from the position engageable with the engaging portion of the open/close lid at print time.
US08740483B2
An adjusting apparatus includes a shaft, a rack, and a gear. The shaft includes a cam portion contacting a bracket and a securing portion. The cam portion includes a first outer edge and a second outer edge connected to the first outer edge. The cam portion defines a pivoting axis. The distance between the first outer edge and the pivoting axis is less than the distance between the second outer edge and the pivoting axis. The gear is toothed and secured to the shaft and the rack defines a plurality of slots engaged by the toothed gear. The rack is used to drive the gear and the shaft to be rotated.
US08740482B2
A tape printer that includes a tape cassette having a housing, a tape, a head holder insertion portion, and a first support receiving portion that is a first indentation extending from the bottom surface in a direction toward the top surface, a cassette housing portion in which the tape cassette is inserted or removed, a head holder extending from the cassette housing portion in a direction of insertion and removal of the tape cassette with respect to the cassette housing portion and supporting a printhead, the head holder being adapted to be inserted in the head holder insertion portion, and a first supporting portion provided on the head holder to support a ceiling wall portion of the first indentation as the first support receiving portion, the first supporting portion being provided on an upstream side of the printhead in a feed direction of the tape.
US08740480B2
Described is a lens cap with an integrated threaded screw that allows the cap to be stored on the camera securely without the use of any additional hardware. In one embodiment, a standard camera lens cap has a screw as found on standard male tripod mounts protruding from the front of the lens cap. When the camera is in use, the screw protruding from the lens cap may be used to secure the lens cap to the threaded female tripod mount found on the underside of most cameras.
US08740476B2
A connectored cable including a cable having an optical fiber for transmitting an optical signal; and a connector that accommodates a substrate on which a photoelectric conversion portion that is optically coupled to an end face of the optical fiber is installed, and in which the optical fiber is wired so that at least three bent portions are formed, the orientation of the optical fiber in a front-rear direction being changed, the optical fiber being bent into a U shape at each of the bent portions, and so that one of two bent portions on a front side is located on a down side of the substrate and the other bent portion on the front side is located on an up side of the substrate.
US08740475B2
A high-frequency transmission module includes a first chip, a second chip, and a conductive wire. The first chip includes a first top surface and a number of pads arranged along a periphery of the first top surface. The pads include a first bonding pad. The second chip includes a second top surface and a second bonding pad on the second top surface. The second chip is positioned on the first top surface such that the pads are uncovered by the second chip and the second bonding pad is mostly closed to the first bonding pad. The conductive wire bonds to the first bonding pad and the second bonding pad to electrically connect the second chip to the first chip and is configured to transmit high-frequency signals between the first chip and the second chip.
US08740467B2
A knuckle-hub assembly including a knuckle and wheel bearing, and a retainer that is preferably arranged within a radial recess of the knuckle and a radial recess of the wheel bearing. The knuckle includes an inner radial surface defining a passage, the inner radial surface having a first radial recess. The first radial recess is preferably located in an intermediate region along a longitudinal axis of the passage. The wheel bearing includes an outer radial surface defining a second radial recess that is located in an intermediate region along the length of the bearing. The radial recesses of the knuckle and wheel bearing are generally axially-aligned upon installing the bearing in the knuckle's passage. The retainer has a generally constant cross-sectional profile about its circumference and includes an inner wall surface having a second portion and the first portion that is disposed at an angle relative to a first portion.
US08740459B2
A relative displacement device with both slight push force and strong elastic pull force includes two displacement members displaceable relative to each other. The displacement members are respectively formed with two turning displacement paths, which turn from a relative displacement direction in different directions. During displacement travel of the displacement members, the turning displacement paths intersect each other at different points as elastic pull points. Each turning displacement path has two path terminals and a turning point. The displacement reference line of the path terminals of one turning displacement path coincides with the displacement reference line of the turning point of the other turning displacement path. A first end of an elastic member is slidably pivotally positioned at the elastic pull point as an elastic pull end, while a second end of the elastic member is pivotally fixed at a fixed point of one displacement member as a fixed end.
US08740454B2
An optical fiber is provided with a first measurement portion and a second measurement portion provided with covering layers different at least in any one of heat capacity and heat conductivity. Then, the first measurement portion and the second measurement portion are located in the same measurement position and light is inputted from a temperature measurement device into the optical fiber. Thereafter, the temperature measurement device receives backscattered light generated inside the optical fiber to measure temperature distribution in a longitudinal direction of the optical fiber. An analyzer analyzes a variation over time of the temperature distribution outputted from the temperature measurement device to calculate a temperature and a wind velocity in a measurement position where the first measurement portion and the second measurement portion are located.
US08740449B2
A static mixing device that uniquely utilizes fluid shear, turbulence and impingement in a compact package to mix fluids, in particular liquids, entering the inlet of the device. The static mixing device enables a reduction in dead volume and/or pressure drop when compared to prior art static mixers.
US08740448B2
A micromixing chamber, roughly in the form of an hourglass, having a first outer end with a tangential inflow opening and a second outer end with a tangential outflow opening. The mixing chamber in the overall flow direction first narrows more or less gradually and subsequently widens more or less abruptly. The micromixer may be made at least partially of glass, or at least partially of a plurality of glass plates. A micromixer having a plurality of such micromixing chambers connected fluidically in series is also disclosed. Methods for manufacturing such a micromixing chamber of such a micromixer, as well as method for mixing by means of such a micromixing chamber or by means of such a micromixer, are disclosed.
US08740441B2
A backlight unit includes light emitting diodes (LED's) and light guide plate which guides light from the light emitting diodes to liquid crystal panel and is constructed so that light is emitted from light emission plane of light guide plate opposite to liquid crystal panel toward liquid crystal panel. Area of light emission plane of light guide plate is smaller than effective display area of liquid crystal panel and predetermined shape for diffusing or dispersing light is formed on a lateral side perpendicular to light emission plane of light guide plate and/or at an edge portion near the lateral side of the light emission plane.
US08740440B2
A light guide plate has a light guide plate body and at one side thereof a curvedly descending portion formed by curving front and rear surfaces of the light guide plate, with the surface to surface distance kept uniform, to a coaxial arcuate configuration so as to extend towards a direction of a rear surface of the light guide plate body. Spot light sources disposed in face to face relation with a free end face of the curvedly descending portion are arranged to be displaced towards the front surface of the light guide plate from a mid-center plane between the front and rear surfaces of the curvedly descending portion.
US08740436B2
A display assembly is disclosed providing a panel display, a light guiding element having a first surface and a second surface and a light source operable to illuminate the light guiding element. The display further includes a layer of reflective material in contact with the first surface of the light guiding element, wherein the first surface receives light from the light source and transmits the light towards the panel display and the second surface of the light guide.
US08740434B2
A light guide element, a light source module, and a display are provided. The display includes a display panel and the light source module. The light source module includes a light source and the light guide element, wherein light emitted by the light source is guided toward the display panel by the light guide element. The light guide element includes a plurality sidewalls and a bottom wall. The sidewalls surround the bottom wall and are connected with each other to form a light entering opening, a light exiting opening, and an inner reflection room. Each of the sidewalls and the bottom wall has at least one reflection surface, wherein the reflection surface faces the inner reflection room.
US08740433B2
A frame-supported vehicle, such as a bicycle or the like, has at least one frame component made of a light diffusing or fluorescent translucent or transparent material to form a leaky light pipe, and at least one light source in light communication with the frame component, whereby light propagates within the frame and is visible from outside the frame by diffusion or fluorescence or a combination thereof. The bicycle is highly visible at night, and may carry logos or other indicia that are enhanced by the background illumination, which may be redirected out of the tube.
US08740423B1
A unit that fits on a supporting stake that is used to support a landscape light. The unit is placed over the light supporting stake during placement of the stake into the ground and indicates whether or not the stake is level. The unit includes a sleeve that can absorb hammer impacts so the stake can be driven into the ground with the level-indicator in place whereby the levelness of the impact-receiving face of the ground light supporting stake can be monitored as the ground light supporting stake is driven into the ground so that the stake will be level without requiring a torpedo level on the side of the light. Once the stake is in place, the unit is removed and the light associated with the stake is placed on the stake.
US08740417B2
A lens comprising: a lens body; a total reflection surface provided on an outer side of the lens body, the reflection surface being in the form of a scalelike polyhedron; a recess formed on a bottom side of the lens body at a central region thereof for accommodating a LED, the recess having a side surface and a central surface; a micro lens array formed at the central surface of the recess; and a light-emitting surface provided at a top side of the lens body; wherein a substantially uniform circular light spot is formed by the lens.
US08740409B2
A small and thin, light-emitting-element mounting package is provided, in which light emitting elements may by independently controlled despite a side view type package, and a light emitting device using the package is provided. The light-emitting-element mounting package includes a lead frame. The lead frame has at least one set of a structure including a lower conductor layer, an insulating layer and an upper conductor layer in this order, and a mounting area exposed on a surface of the lower conductor layer.
US08740405B2
In one embodiment, a lighting apparatus includes a light source unit having light emitting units arranged in a longitudinal direction. A transparent cover member is formed in a substantially straight pipe shape and having openings at both ends for housing the light source unit along the longitudinal direction. The cover member has a higher thermal expansion coefficient than that of the light source unit. End plate members are fixed to the both ends of the light source unit and close the openings at the both ends of the cover member.
US08740397B2
A light trapping optical cover employing an optically transparent layer is described. The transparent layer has at least one corrugated surface formed by a plurality of isosceles right-angle prismatic corrugations configured to internally retroreflect light into the transparent layer. The corrugated surface also includes optical windows configured for inputting or outputting light to or from the transparent layer. The optical cover may further employ a focusing array of light collectors being pairwise associated with the respective optical windows.
US08740391B2
The present invention concerns a projection system for providing a distributed manifestation within an environment. The projection system includes a data generator for generating a plurality of data sets of associated state data and spatial coordinate data. The projection system also includes a projector in communication with the data generator for receiving the data sets. The projector is provided with a signal generating module for generating a plurality of electromagnetic signals, and a projecting module for projecting each of the electromagnetic signals towards a target location within the environment. The projection system also includes a plurality of receiving units distributed within the environment, each receiving unit having a receiver for receiving one of the electromagnetic signals when the receiving unit is positioned in the corresponding target location, each receiving unit being adapted to perform a change of state in response to the state data.
US08740388B2
A light source apparatus includes: a light source that emits blue component light; a polarization adjuster that adjusts a polarization state of the blue component light emitted from the light source; a separation optical element that separates the blue component light emitted from the light source into a first optical path and a second optical path according to the polarization state adjusted by the polarization adjuster, the first optical path being for using the blue component light as excitation light, the second optical path being for using the blue component light as reference image light; a luminous body provided on the first optical path and that emits reference image light in response to the excitation light; and a combine optical element that combines the first optical path and the second optical path into a single optical path.
US08740384B2
A method and apparatus for measuring a molecular composition of protein molecules. A fluid containing at least two varieties of protein molecules is irradiated with first and second laser light beams having different wavelengths. The molecular composition of the at least two varieties of protein molecules contained in the fluid is measured on the basis of an autocorrelation function of a scattered light signal from the at least two varieties of protein molecules irradiated with the first and second laser light beams having different wavelengths.
US08740379B2
An eyeglass retention system for coupling eyewear and headwear through the use of magnets attached to the temples or arms of glasses and magnetic or metallic elements attached to headwear. Vertical supports and other attachment structures prevent inserts from falling out while multi-point magnetic coupling and safety features enhance performance.
US08740370B2
A liquid composition used in combination with an ink containing a coloring material is ejected by the action of thermal energy from a recording head including a heating resistor having a protecting layer that is to come into contact with the liquid composition and that contains at least one of a metal and a metal oxide. The liquid composition contains at least either an organic compound having a carboxy group and an amino group or an amine oxide compound, an organic acid having a carboxy group, and water.
US08740361B2
A liquid container detachably mountable to a recording apparatus to which a plurality of liquid containers are detachably mountable, wherein the recording apparatus includes an apparatus antenna and photoreceptor means, the liquid container includes a container antenna communicatable with the apparatus antenna without physical contact therebetween; an information storing portion capable of storing at least individual information of the liquid container; a light emitting portion; and a controller for controlling light emission of the light emitting portion in response to a correspondence between a signal indicative individual information supplied through the container antenna and the information stored in the information storing portion.
US08740356B2
An ink-jet recording head includes a plurality of recording element substrates each having an ejection pressure generating element configured to generate pressure for ejecting ink from an ink discharge port. The plurality of recording element substrates each include a first surface on which the corresponding ejection pressure generating element is disposed and a second surface, serving as an end surface intersecting with the first surface, being at least partially formed by etching.
US08740353B2
A flexible wiring substrate that is used in a liquid ejection head having an element substrate provided with energy generating elements for generating energy for ejecting liquid includes: a bending portion; a base member including resin; electrical wiring lines formed on the base member and electrically connected to the element substrate, the electrical wiring lines extending over a ridge of the bending portion; and a metal layer that is arranged on an area of the base member in which no electrical wiring lines are provided and that is not electrically connected to the element substrate, the metal layer extending over the ridge.
US08740352B2
An inkjet printing apparatus suppresses air currents heading toward print head faces, and reduces the adherence of ink mist onto the print heads. The apparatus includes a carriage upon which is mounted one or more print heads with ink ejection ports formed thereon, a printing unit that prints an image onto a printing medium by causing ink droplets to be ejected toward the printing medium from the ink ejection ports while also causing the carriage to move with respect to the printing medium, and an airflow control mechanism formed on the surface of the one or more print heads or the carriage that faces the printing medium, the airflow control mechanism controlling air currents flowing into a lateral region extending along the carriage moving direction on either side of the region where the ink ejection ports are formed, and causing the air pressure to rise in the lateral region.
US08740351B2
The present invention provides an ink jet printing system and method which allows high-quality images to be printed while improving the gloss of an image surface, as well as a relevant storage medium. According to the present invention, an image is printed using a print head including multiple nozzle arrays provided for ink in respective multiple colors and in each of which multiple nozzles configured to eject ink are arranged; the print head ejects the ink in the multiple colors onto the same print area on a print medium during multiple scans. The multiple types of ink are ejected from the print head so that the connectivity of ink dots formed on the front outermost surface of a print area is higher than that of other ink dots formed in the print area.
US08740345B2
A printing apparatus is provided that can appropriately suction and hold a print medium on a platen by employing suction in accordance with the properties of different types of print media. In the printing apparatus, grooves are formed in the support face of the platen on which the print medium is held, and are extended in a conveying direction in which the print medium is to be conveyed. Groove suction holes are formed inside the grooves to apply suction. Rib suction holes are formed in the support face of the platen. The printing apparatus employs at least either the stiffness of the print medium or the print duty to control a ratio between the amount of suction applied via the groove suction holes and the amount of suction applied via the rib suction holes.
US08740341B2
An inkjet printing apparatus is provided that reduces a period required for detection of the ink ejection state for the individual ejection ports of a print head. The inkjet printing apparatus includes a carriage moving unit for moving a carriage in the main scan direction that crosses a conveyance direction in which a printing medium is to be conveyed. The inkjet printing apparatus also includes an LED and a photodiode, for receiving light emitted by the LED, both of which are employed to detect the ink ejection state for the ejection ports to be examined. The inkjet printing apparatus moves the LED and the photodiode in the main scan direction to move the inspection position, at which the ink ejection state is to be examined.
US08740335B2
An image forming apparatus includes a print head configured to fire ink droplets; a subtank configured to store therein ink and supply the ink to the print head; a subatmospheric pressure generating unit configured to generate subatmospheric pressure in the subtank; a main tank configured to supply ink to the subtank; a detecting unit configured to detect an amount of ink in the main tank; and a control unit configured to control the subatmospheric pressure generating unit to generate subatmospheric pressure in the subtank and control the print head to fire ink droplets when the detecting unit detects that an amount of ink in the main tank is less than a predetermined first threshold, and control the print head to stop firing ink droplets when a time elapsed after the subatmospheric pressure is generated in the subtank exceeds a predetermined second threshold.
US08740334B2
A method and system of facilitating development of fluids having a variety of elemental compositions are disclosed. A graphical user interface allows user interaction with a lab deposition system to control fluid drop ejection of fluids through multiple nozzles. Fluid drop ejection and drop formation can vary from fluid to fluid, and require adjustments to waveform parameters of a drive pulse applied to the multiple nozzles. The system implements a drop watcher camera system to capture real-time still and video images of fluid drops as they exit the multiple nozzles. The captured drop formation of the fluid drops are displayed to the user, and based on the images the waveform parameters are adjusted and customized specific for individual fluid. In addition to adjusting the drive pulse that effects fluid drop ejection, a tickle pulse can also be adjusted and customize to prevent clogging of the nozzles.
US08740319B1
A lockable cabinet comprising a case, a drawer, a ganging lock mechanism, and a lock box recessed into the case. The lock box contains an external lock for securing the cabinet through a hasp style locking structure. The ganging lock mechanism prevents drawers from slidably moving from the cabinet when in the locked position and allows the drawers to be slidably moved to an open position when in the unlocked position.
US08740317B2
A method, and a system using the method, of controlling a towing vehicle that is connected to a vehicle trailer. The method includes sensing a set of vehicle targets and a set of vehicle conditions in response to the set of vehicle targets. The method also includes determining a plurality of differences between the set of vehicle targets and the set of vehicle conditions, determining a trend of the plurality of differences, generating at least one of a symmetric signal and an asymmetric signal based on the trend, and actuating a vehicle system with the at least one of a symmetric signal and an asymmetric signal.
US08740309B2
There is provided a seat gap hiding structure in a vehicle seat where a cutout portion is formed on a seat cushion to arrange a seat belt therein, and a strip-shaped member is provided on a seat cover to correspond to the cutout portion at a part of the cutout portion, which is other than an arrangement position of the seat belt to cover a gap around the seat belt. One end portion of the strip-shaped member is fixed to the seat cover and the other end portion thereof is movably fixed to the seat cover using an elastic member. When the strip-shaped member is moved from an original position where the strip-shaped member covers the gap of the cutout portion, the elastic member generates an elastic force to return the strip-shaped member to the original position.
US08740308B2
The invention provides a collapsible seat suitable for forming from a sheet material. The seat includes a seat panel, a back panel linked to the seat panel along a first fold line, and a support panel linked to one side of the back panel via a first web defined by second and third fold lines. The support panel is adapted to be linked to another side of the back panel via a second web partially defined by a fourth fold line. The seat also includes a reinforcement panel having one end linked to the support panel along an eighth fold line and an opposite end. The reinforcement panel is adapted to be positioned generally horizontally and under the seat panel in use. The reinforcement panel includes twelfth and thirteenth fold lines intermediate the seventh fold line and the support panel such that the reinforcement panel is divided into first, second and third portions. The first and third portions are substantially identical in size.
US08740305B2
A soldier platform system and method includes a soldier platform system in a vehicle. In an embodiment, the soldier platform system includes a soldier platform system in a vehicle. The soldier platform system includes a seat assembly comprising a seat and straps. The straps are attachable to the vehicle. In addition, the soldier platform system includes a restraint harness belt. The restraint harness belt is attached to the seat assembly. The soldier platform system also includes a ratchet platform. The ratchet platform includes a platform upper assembly and a platform lower assembly. The platform lower assembly comprises a platform upper assembly actuator. The platform upper assembly actuator comprises a pedal sub assembly.
US08740304B2
The invention discloses an assistant standing seat comprising a base having a positioning nest and a locating recess, a driving module installed in the positioning nest of the base, a shearing device mounted in the locating recess of the base and a seat mounted on the shearing device, wherein the shearing device has a top plate, a bottom plate pivotally mounted to a front part of the top plate, a U-shape bracket pivotally mounted to a middle part of the bottom plate and a translational device moving between the U-shape bracket and the bottom plate. With the above seat, a user's weight can be distributed to the top plate and the U-shape bracket to decrease a resistance force of the translational device when the translational device moves, and further avoid a difficult elevation of the assistant standing seat.
US08740303B2
A chair including a seat member for supporting a user, a backrest member mounted on the seat member, an adjustable platform attached to the backrest member in which the adjustable platform is selectively adjustable to provide a desired contour for supporting the back of a user seated within the chair, and a multipoint adjustment mechanism configured to adjust the adjustable platform along multiple locations of the platform to provide a desired contour for supporting the back of a user seated within the chair. The chair may be custom fitted to a specific user where the curvature of a user's back (e.g., in the spinal region) is measured relative to an idealized curvature, and the multi-point adjustment mechanism of the chair may be dialed in to improve the user's posture as the user uses the chair.
US08740302B2
A safety device for children, specifically a cover for use with a variety of surfaces that provides a barrier to protect a child from the heat and/or contamination of a surface. In some embodiments, the device can prevent a child from being burned or uncomfortable by the heat of a swing seat or car seat by minimizing thermal transfer between a child's skin and the swing seat for an adequate amount of time. In some embodiments, the cover can be used in a planar configuration as a changing pad or play mat.
US08740301B2
A headrest for mounting on a vehicle seat of a vehicle includes a head pillow and an entertainment system. The entertainment system includes a display screen and a communication tool. The communication tool is electrically connected with the display screen, and is arranged to electrically communicate with an external electronic device in such a manner that the communication tool is arranged to electrically link the display screen with the external electronic appliance for establishing an interaction between the display screen and the external electronic appliance, such that a user is able to operate and control the external electronic appliance on the display screen through the communication tool.
US08740293B1
An acoustic insulator assembly for disposition adjacent a rear wall of a vehicle body, between the rear wall and a trim panel includes a substrate formed as a single unit from an acoustic fiber. The substrate includes a first portion, a second portion and a living hinge interconnecting the first portion and the second portion. The second portion is rotated about the living hinge into interlocking engagement with the first portion to define at least one air pocket with at least one baffle. The air pocket and the baffle limiting sound intrusion between a pressure relief valve in the wall of the body and a passenger compartment of the vehicle.
US08740288B2
A cab includes a driver's seat for an operator to sit and an air conditioner in its internal space. A floor plate forming the floor includes a tapered portion on a front side with respect to an operator sitting on the driver's seat and a rectangular portion on a rear side with respect to the operator as seen in a plan view, and the tapered portion is in a tapered trapezoidal shape having two parallel sides and a dimension in a width direction decreasing frontward. A through hole is formed in the floor plate of a region of the tapered portion and connects the internal space of the cab and an external space of the cab to each other. Accordingly, the pressure in the cab can effectively be reduced.
US08740282B2
A coming-off preventing contacting piece 6 that extendingly projects in the radial direction of a shaft 3 throughout the entire periphery is formed in an insertion-side part 3a of the shaft 3 that turnably supports a sun visor body 1, and a contacted piece 7 with which the coming-off preventing contacting piece 6 contactingly engages is formed on the sun visor body 1 side to prevent the sun visor body 1 from coming off the shaft 3. Thereby, even if the sun visor body 1 receives a high expandingly deploying force of a curtain airbag, the concentrated load per unit area applied to the coming-off preventing contacting piece 6 is kept low, and therefore the coming-off preventing contacting piece 6 is restrained from being broken.
US08740273B2
A clamping mechanism includes a mounting member, three sealing assemblies, three clamping assemblies, and six adjusting valves. The mounting member defines a receiving hole axially and three mounting holes radially, the three mounting holes communicate with the receiving hole. Each sealing assembly includes a top seal and a bottom seal sealing opposite ends of corresponding mounting hole. Each clamping assembly includes a holding member and a piston, a first end of the holding member extends through the axial hole and is received in the receiving hole, the piston is fixed to the holding member and divides the mounting hole into a first chamber and a second chamber. The six adjusting valves respectively communicate with the first chambers and the second chambers of the three mounting holes.
US08740250B1
A seat-belt adjusting apparatus mounted on the seat below the head rest of a vehicle's seat which catches a seat-belt buckle such that it sits closer to the passenger's shoulder when disengaged. The adjuster has two parallel rods connected by a seat-belt buckle guard for catching a seat-belt buckle and two adjustable plates each having two parallel, hollow, cylindrical-shaped sides through which the parallel rods can be inserted such that the plates can freely slide between the ends of the rods and the seat-belt buckle guard. Each plate includes an aperture through which a pin from a head rest can be inserted such that the seat belt adjuster can rest on a vehicle seat and receive a seat belt having a seat belt buckle.
US08740248B2
A supporting foot for vehicles, such as semi-trailers or the like, comprising a foot element with a resting portion for resting on an underlying surface, and a compensating element for receiving a support unit and for compensating a positional offset of the supporting unit with regards to the foot element, wherein the support unit comprises a first supporting element and a second supporting element telescopingly coupled with the first supporting element, the second supporting element is movable between a first and a second position with respect to the first supporting element, and wherein the first supporting element is in engagement with the foot element when the second supporting element is in the second position.
US08740247B1
An airbag assembly for use in a vehicle includes at least one airbag panel that defines an inflatable portion and a non-inflatable portion. An external panel is connected to the at least one airbag panel at the non-inflatable portion thereof such that at least a portion of the external panel is positioned adjacent to the inflatable portion defined by the at least one airbag panel, wherein the external panel is non-inflatable.
US08740246B2
An inflation portion of an airbag is divided by a partitioning member into an upstream inflation portion and a downstream inflation portion. Part of the partitioning member forms a pair of overlapping portions overlapped with each other in a band-like shape inside the upstream inflation portion. The overlapping portions are joined to each other by a joint portion located at a boundary between the overlapping portions and non-overlapping portions. The partitioning member includes an opening, which is formed by cancelling the joint between the overlapping portions by the joint portion, and a pressure regulating valve, which includes a pair of valve bodies, which sandwiches the opening. Stress relaxation portions are provided at the overlapping portions. The stress relaxation portions relax stress acting on parts of the joint portion that are adjacent to the opening as the pressure regulating valve is opened.
US08740244B2
Embodiments of the invention provide airbags that are guided by the seat belt, but that are not installed or incorporated into the seat belt itself. The airbags may be installed on a seat side, seat backrest, or in the seat armrest. The airbags are associated with a guiding strip that uses the seat belt to guide the airbag into the proper position in front of the passenger.
US08740237B2
A bicycle assembly can include a front or rear suspension system with a shock absorber. A front suspension system can be a suspension fork. A rear suspension system can include a rear shock absorber. The shock can have a shock body and a pressurized main air chamber within the shock body to act as an air spring. The shock can also have a valve configured to receive a pump for adding air to the main air chamber. A secondary air chamber and a control member can be used to reduce the pressure within the main air chamber by venting the secondary air chamber to the atmosphere.
US08740236B2
A vehicle for infants includes a footboard, a front and rear chassis support fixed to it, wherein each chassis support supports at least one wheel, a steering bar which is connected to the front chassis support, and gripping at the upper portion of the steering bar. The vehicle furthermore includes a seat which is preferably fixed to the steering bar. The invention furthermore relates to a vehicle for infants with two front wheels and at least one, preferably two, rear wheels, wherein the vehicle includes a seat which is preferably fixed to a steering bar of the vehicle, and wherein the vehicle includes gripping at the steering bar which, however, does not function as handle bar, and wherein at least the front chassis support of the vehicle includes a steering mechanism which permits to steer the vehicle by ways of shifting of weight.
US08740225B2
The disclosed finger seals are designed to be operational under rotational velocity or a stationary condition. The contact surface of the finger seals is inclined in an axial direction. The rotational velocity of the bore does not affect the hydrodynamic lift and the finger seals can operate at any rotational speed, unlike prior finger seal where the hydrodynamic lift is generated by rotational velocity. Each finger seal is pressure balanced. The pressure chambers on the two sides of each finger seal are connected through the finger cutouts. The finger seal design is such that the fingers lift and move away from the bore surface in radial direction. In one form, each finger seal is designed with the specific required length to allow sufficient surface area for the hydrodynamic force such that the finger seals would be lifted from the bore surface at the design pressure.
US08740223B1
An apparatus and method for sealing an electrical connection, such as a connection between two electrical power cords, thereby protecting the electrical connection from moisture or water intrusion. The electrical connection is surrounded by a flexible, substantially water-impermeable material, such as a plastic sheet. The sheet has strips of adhesive around its perimeter. The sheet is folded around the electrical connection such that adhesive on one portion of the sheet is joined to adhesive on another portion of the sheet to form a sealed volume that surrounds the electrical connection. The electrical connection also may be sealed within a plastic sleeve having adhesive strips along the inside edge of the opening at each end of the sleeve.
US08740221B2
An apparatus for playing a skill game includes a generally vertically extending tube having a first, lower end; a second, upper end; and an axially extending passage. At least one outlet is located proximate the first end of the tube, and a play ball is supported by a flexible tether for swinging movement in a direction toward a scoring ball supported on the tube. The apparatus further includes a first receptacle for receiving the scoring ball if the scoring ball is appropriately struck by the play ball when a player swings the play ball in a direction toward the scoring ball supported on the tube.
US08740220B2
A method for playing a game wherein a positive outcome for a player requires both a superior ranking over other players or fixed outcomes, and an absolute minimum ranking, is disclosed. A machine incorporating the method described is also disclosed.
US08740219B1
An apparatus, system and method for an electronic poker game variation comprising generating a first electronic poker hand comprising at least one card and comparing the first electronic poker hand to a set of qualifying hands to identify a qualifying hand. A qualifying hand may comprise a hand one card short of a winning hand. At the conclusion of the game, offering a second chance to win to players with qualifying hands, the second chance comprising generating an extra card, creating a second electronic poker hand selected from the first electronic poker hand and the extra card and applying the winning hands to the second electronic poker hand to identify a second chance winner. The cost of an extra card may be the expected value of the extra card. The second electronic poker hand may be chosen by selecting the hand with the highest value.
US08740213B2
An image forming apparatus capable of printing a non-standard size image on a sheet of a size as desired by the user as possible, and preventing stoppage of printing the image even when there is no sheet of the size desired by the user in a sheet feeder. When image data is for a non-standard size, if there is a sheet feeder accommodating recording sheets of which vertical and lateral lengths corresponding to vertical and lateral lengths represented by the image data are designated, a control unit feeds the sheets from the sheet feeding cassette. If there is no such a sheet feeder, the control unit feeds recording sheets of a free size from a manual feed tray accommodating the recording sheets of the free size.
US08740209B2
A specimen carrier for use with an ex-situ lift-out (EXLO) milling process includes a carrier top surface having at least one specimen support area and at least one aperture formed through the specimen carrier top surface. The aperture includes a first opening having an open wider upper end and a narrower lower end. The first opening is bounded by opposed sidewalls in spaced-apart orientation that are inwardly inclined from the wider upper end to the narrower lower end. The aperture is configured to enable a specimen to sit over the opening and can be wedged between the first opening opposed sidewalls so that a region of interest to be milled is centered about the open end of the opening. Specimens so mounted can then be re-thinned via charged particle instruments such as focused ion beam (FIB) milling, broad beam ion milling, or via laser ablation.
US08740205B2
A conveyor and a deposition apparatus, and a maintenance method thereof are disclosed. The conveyor includes a frame; a lower support mechanism for supporting a carrier on which is longitudinally mounted a substrate and for transferring the carrier; and an upper support mechanism for supporting the carrier, in which the frame comprises a lower frame and an upper frame, and in which the lower support mechanism is provided on the lower frame and the upper support mechanism is provided on the upper frame, the upper frame and the lower frame being configured to be separately movable. Therefore, with the rotational movement of the upper frame, it is possible to arrange a cathode member in a space formed above the lower frame. This can make the spacing between the deposition treatment passage and the carrier transfer passage small. As a result, it is possible to make an inner court of the deposition apparatus narrow. Therefore, in the conveyor capable of transferring a carrier and in the deposition apparatus including the conveyor and further including a vacuum treatment apparatus and a transfer system, it is possible to make the installation area thereof small and narrow.
US08740203B2
Clamp devices configured such that dust does not enter insides of casings. The clamp devices each include the casing, and a clamp-side end section of a clamp arm is exposed from an opening of the casing. The clamp arm includes: a first circular arc section which is exposed from the casing when a workpiece is clamped by the clamp arm and is contained within the casing when the workpiece is not clamped by the clamp arm; and a second circular arc section which is exposed from the casing when the workpiece is not clamped by the clamp arm and is contained within the casing when the workpiece is clamped by the clamp arm. A first scraper and a second scraper are in sliding contact with the first circular arc section and the second circular arc section, respectively. The clamp device can also include a side surface cleaning scraper for making sliding contact with a side surface of the first circular section.
US08740202B2
An apparatus comprises a cavity coupled to a pneumatic controller configured to control pressure in the cavity; a piston configured to be pulled into the cavity when pressure in the cavity is below atmospheric pressure and to be pushed outward when pressure in the cavity is greater than atmospheric pressure; and a gripper arm mechanically coupled to the piston. The gripper arm may be configured to support a device under test. The gripper arm may be coupled to the piston through a pusher bar. The apparatus may further comprise a pneumatic control port; and a pneumatic bleed port. The pneumatic control port is coupled to the cavity, and the pneumatic bleed port is configured to bleed pneumatic pressure to atmosphere if the piston over-travels a predetermined position.
US08740199B2
According to one embodiment, a spring assembly includes: a substrate; a coil spring having an end turn portion fixed to the substrate; an inner wall provided at an inner peripheral side of the coil spring; and an outer wall provided at an outer peripheral side of the coil spring, wherein one of the inner wall and the outer wall forms a spring fixing wall configured to prevent the end turn portion of the coil spring from coming off in an axial direction of the coil spring, and wherein the other of the inner wall and the outer wall forms a support wall configured to prevent the end turn portion of the coil spring from moving in a radial direction of the coil spring.
US08740196B2
A linkage comprises a first rounded end providing a complimentary profile configured to mate with an inner radius of a loop element in a first drawbar spring, and a second rounded end opposite the first rounded end. The second rounded end provides a complimentary profile configured to mate with an inner radius of a loop element in a second drawbar spring. The linkage is configured to be positioned between the loop element in the first drawbar spring and the loop element in the second drawbar spring such that the first rounded end is mated with the loop element in the first drawbar spring and the second rounded end is mated with the loop element in the second drawbar spring to mechanically couple the first drawbar spring in series with the second drawbar spring.
US08740190B2
A support assembly includes a frame, a first ratchet, a second ratchet, a lift structure, a bridge member, and a saddle. Each of the first and second ratchets includes a linear rack attached to first and second side members of the frame, and a slide structure slideably mounted with one of the side members. Each slide structure includes a pawl that successively engages with teeth in the linear rack as the lift structure of the support assembly is extended upwardly and as the slide structure slides along the linear rack. The support assembly may be a jack stand that is co-located with a vehicle jack. A head of the vehicle jack pushes against a bottom surface of the bridge member of the jack stand to cause the lift structure to extend upwardly and the ratchet systems to engage in a locked position to hold a vehicle in a raised position.
US08740189B2
A lifting system for vertical adjustment of a transportation system structure consists of a foot that is fastened onto the transportation system structure and a foot cradle. The foot is bounded on opposite sides by two foot surfaces that are arranged at a foot-surface angle to each other. The foot cradle has two complimentary supporting surfaces against which the foot surfaces rest. The supporting surfaces are vertically movable, allowing the foot and transportation system structure to be raised or lowered, and the vertical adjustment thereby takes place.
US08740187B2
A split valve apparatus for the control, charging, discharging and/or regulating the flow of powders, liquids, slurries and/or fluids. The valve has two valve portions complementarily shaped such that the first can sealingly engage with and co-operate with the second to allow the flow of material therethrough. Each valve portion comprises a housing, a valve seat and a valve closure member, which is movable between two positions.
US08740177B2
An irrigation valve has a valve body with an inlet passage, an outlet passage, and a valve seat intermediate the inlet passage and the outlet passage. A diaphragm includes a valve seat engaging portion that cooperates with the valve seat to control flow through the valve. The valve seat and the valve seat engaging portion of the diaphragm are offset relative to the inlet passage to improve flow through the valve to reduce pressure and energy loss.
US08740176B2
A driving and adjusting device of a passive shuttle-type shut-off valve is provided. The problems of a big valve body structure size, a non-random angle installment, a single drive mode, low stability and reliability, a high temperature and poisonous material entering into the driving and adjusting device and unadjustable on-off speed and low volume in the prior device are solved. A main body (33) is connected with an upstream pipe (1) and a downstream pipe (3). A pressure port (2) on the upstream pipe (1) is connected with the driving device. A double acting cylinder (34) is provided in a valve sleeve (21). The left and right chambers of the double acting cylinder are connected with the valve clack (24). The driving device is composed of a regulating valve, a directional valve, a check valve, a boost-insulation valve and an accumulator (18). It can select the drive mode and adjust the on-off speed and the flow volume of the valve.
US08740172B2
A tipover prevention and seismic securement system for securing furniture and appliances from tipping over. The system employs a pair of identical mounts which are engaged to surfaces of the device to be secured and the securing position. A planar belt having apertures therein provides a tether between the two mounts through an engagement with projections on the mounts and apertures in the belt. Translating members secure the belt in its engagement to the mounts. The translating members once engaged must be unlocked to allow removal thereof and subsequent removal of the belt.
US08740170B2
An adjustable rotation base includes a base housing and a transportation arrangement. The base housing has a bottom side, an upper side for coupling with the supporting post to support the outer umbrella in an upright manner, and a receiving cavity indently formed on the bottom side of the base housing, wherein the base housing includes a stationary unit provided at the bottom side for sitting on the ground surface in a stationary manner, and a plurality of transferring wheels rotatably supported at the bottom side of the base housing. The transportation arrangement is provided at the base housing to operate the base housing between an idle mode and a transportation mode in which the stationary unit is upwardly lifted to allow the transferring wheels being sitting on the ground surface, such that the base housing is adapted to be transported on the ground surface via the transferring wheels.
US08740166B2
A support device including a keyboard platform and a bracket for mounting the keyboard platform a work surface to elevate the keyboard platform above the work surface. The keyboard platform is mounted on the bracket for sliding movement relative to an edge of the work surface along a horizontal fore-aft axis. The keyboard platform is mounted on the bracket for tilting movement about a tilting axis perpendicular to the fore-aft axis. The support device includes a lock movable between a locked position wherein sliding/tilting movement of the keyboard platform is prevented and an unlocked position wherein sliding/tilting movement of the keyboard platform is permitted. One aspect includes a clamp provided on the bracket and engageable with the work surface to elevate the keyboard platform above the work surface. One aspect provides a mouse platform pivotally attached to the keyboard platform and configured to support the mouse at a tilted position.
US08740164B2
The attachment device has a fixing member fixed to an attachment surface, first and second operating parts are configured to be manipulated from one side in the first direction parallel to the attachment surface, a first member fixed movably in the first direction relative to the fixing member, the first member being configured to move the display device in the first direction relative to the fixing member based on the operation amount of the first operating part, and a second member fixed rotatably relative to the first member, the second member being rotated based on the operation amount of the second operating part and being configured to move the display device in the second direction relative to the fixing member.
US08740150B2
An aerofoil connection on a fuselage airframe comprising a plurality of double-jointed coupling members. In each case at least two z-coupling members extending substantially parallel to a vertical axis of the aircraft and in each case at least two xz-coupling members are arranged in the region of two longitudinal edges of a fuselage airframe recess wherein the xz-coupling members are configured in each case for a first maximum of a load in the event of a crash and of a load in normal flight operation parallel to a longitudinal axis of the aircraft, and for a second maximum of a load in the event of a crash and of a load in normal flight operation parallel to the vertical axis. The xz-coupling members are capable of absorbing force components parallel to the x-axis as well as force components which arise parallel to the z-axis.
US08740123B2
Selectively replaceable wear elements for rolling mill laying heads. One replaceable wear element forms the end ring guide surface and is installed within the end ring inner diameter without removing the guide ring from the laying head. A plurality of wear element bodies may be installed about one or more portions of the end ring guide surface inner diameter. Size, configuration and material properties of the end ring guide surface wear element bodies may vary for different sections within the ring guide inner diameter. Another replaceable wear element is a tripper paddle that forms a laying head tripper mechanism guide surface. The tripper paddle and guide surface wear element bodies are replaceable external the end ring without removing the end ring or tripper mechanism from the laying head. Either or both types of wear element may be used in a laying head.
US08740120B2
A rotor (11) for cutting foodstuffs, intended for a food processor, includes: a rotary drive hub (14) and at least one blade (16a, 16b) attached to the hub (14) and extending radially from the latter. The blade (16a, 16b) has a first portion (20a, 20b) with a highly-sharpened leading edge for cutting the foodstuffs and at the end of which is provided a second portion (22a, 22b) with a non-sharpened leading edge for striking the foodstuffs so as to promote their bursting.
US08740106B2
An elastic clip for fixing a railway rail, comprising a head arch having a front end thereof inserted into a clip shoulder of a base plate or a tie; a first front arch extending in one piece from the head arch and upwardly curved in an oblique direction; a first toe extending in one piece from the first front arch and having a bottom thereof contacting a top of a flange of a rail; a second front arch extending in one piece from the first toe and upwardly curved in an oblique direction; and a second toe extending in one piece from the second front arch and having a top of a front end of thereof contacting a bottom of the head arch.
US08740103B2
An air conditioning system and a method of heating air flowing through a heater core of a HVAC module is disclosed. The method includes flowing essentially all of the air flowing through an evaporator through a heater core for all HVAC operating conditions. A flow control valve is opened long enough to allow a flow of hot coolant from an engine into the heater core. The valve is then closed to stop the flow of the hot coolant. When the temperature of the hot coolant is determined to have cooled to a predetermined temperature threshold, the flow control valve is then opened again to allow hot coolant to flow into the heater core.
US08740097B2
According to the invention, the cartridge (1) includes a thermostatic element (72) which is thermally activated by a mixture of a cold fluid and a hot fluid, which is mechanically connected to a regulator slide (70) and which is moved by a single lever (50) for controlling the flow rate and the temperature of said mixture. In order to improve cartridge temperature regulation within a large flow range, the cartridge includes second (30) and third discs (40) in addition to a first disc which is stationary relative to the cartridge body (10). The second disc is translationally stationary relative to the first disc and is capable of rotation under the action of the lever actuation via a nut partially containing a thermostatic-member-moving assembly (76, 78, 80) which is rotatably connected to the control lever about the axis (X-X) and which is provided with extensions (66) that engage mechanically with the second disc for rotating same. The third disc is rotatably connected to the second disc and is capable of translation under the action of the lever actuation. The third disc defines: (a) a cold fluid passage (41A) designed to establish a communication between an inlet (21A) and a return line (22A) for cold fluid, formed through the first disc via an inlet (31A) and a return line (32A) for cold fluid extending through the second disc in order to enable a high flow rate; and (b) a hot fluid passage (41B) designed to establish a communication between an inlet (21B) and a return line (22B) for hot fluid, formed through the first disc via a hot fluid inlet (31b) and a return line (32B) also extending through the second disc in order to enable a high flow rate.
US08740095B2
The present invention relates to a security element for security papers, value documents and the like, having a micro-optical moiré magnification arrangement having a motif image (30) that consists of a planar periodic or at least locally periodic arrangement of a plurality of micromotif elements (36, 38), and a planar periodic or at least locally periodic arrangement of a plurality of microfocusing elements for the moiré-magnified viewing of the micromotif elements (36, 38) of the motif image, the motif image (30) including two or more sub-regions (32, 34) having micromotif elements (36, 38) that differ from each other in their contrast, and wherein the shape of the sub-regions (32, 34) forms, due to the contrast differences in the micromotif elements (36, 38), a perceptible macroscopic piece of image information in the form of characters, patterns or codes.
US08740089B2
A medical information device (1) and two dimensional bar code (2) for storing an individual's emergency medical information on and/or providing remote access to the medical information. The medical information device may be updated by an individual over the Internet by sending updated information to a central location that updates the information in a central database. The medical information device is capable of storing medical information directly therein and/or of providing remote access to medical information stored in a central database. This is accomplished by using a two-dimensional barcode 2, such as a Quick Response Code (“QR code”) (3) or other matrix barcode, that is capable of storing text and/or URL information that may be opened by an electronic device or other imaging device, such as a smart phone.
US08740087B2
Disclosed herein is a transaction card with a three-dimensional tipping guide and techniques for using the card. The transaction card includes a base with a front and a back card surface wherein sets of indicators are visible along the outer areas of the front and back card surfaces. The card is configured to be rotated during usage. Also disclosed herein are accessory devices that support the transaction card.
US08740079B2
An optical code reader includes a manually operated focusing distance adjustment mechanism, which includes an electronic memory of a configuration parameter representing the desired focusing distance.
US08740076B2
A label for enabling verification of an object includes a scannable region that enables determination of auto-acquired unique spatial orientation of the scannable region with respect to a reference thereby enabling determination of a spatial orientation of the label with respect to the reference. The label is applied onto the object and a change in the spatial orientation of the label indicates tampering of the label, thereby enabling verification of the object. Further, a method for detecting tampering of an object includes providing label on the object. The label has at least a portion which is scannable region with a plurality of patterns and is associated with an external reference point. Further, the method includes determining a first and a second spatial orientations of the label based on computation between the patterns and the reference point, and generating an alert on noticing a change between first and second spatial orientations.
US08740075B2
An apparatus for and method of electro-optically reading targets arbitrarily oriented in a workstation, such as a dual window workstation, employs a solid-state imager for capturing return light from the targets over a field of view. The imager has an array of sensors arranged along mutually perpendicular array axes. An optical system splits the field of view into a plurality of subfields of view that extend through a workstation window to a target. One subfield is optically configured to enable the imager to capture light from the target along one array axis. Another subfield is optically configured to enable the imager to capture light from the target along the other array axis. A controller processes the captured light in both the one and the other subfields to enable the reading of the arbitrarily oriented target in the workstation independently of target orientation relative to the array axes.
US08740074B2
A liquid crystal panel includes an iris unit for limiting the incident range of light from an object to be shot, and a filter unit for assigning a exposure energy distribution varying with the position to incident light whose incident range is limited by the iris unit. The control unit controls the ON time and the OFF time of each pixel of the liquid crystal panel, and then a low pass filter operation on the captured image as an image processing can be optically replaced.
US08740068B2
A prepaid card processing system is operable for processing customized expiration dates of prepaid cards. The prepaid card processing system includes a database for storing program expiration parameters associated with an issuer prepaid card program; a set of card accounts created under the issuer prepaid card program, wherein each card account has an expiration date for a prepaid card associated with the card account; and one or more customized expiration parameters for the set of card accounts. The prepaid card processing system is operable to determine the expiration date for the prepaid card associated with the card account based on the program expiration parameters and the customized expiration parameters for the set of card accounts.
US08740067B1
Disclosed are various embodiments for implementing secondary verification of user accounts through the use of near field communication devices. A first account code and first verification code are stored in a memory accessible to a computing device, wherein the first account code is associated with a payment instrument. A second account code is received in a charge request from a transaction client. A second verification code is further obtained from a client device. A determination is made as to whether to approve charging of an account based at least on whether the second verification code received in the computing device matches the first verification code.
US08740065B2
Systems and methods for controlling access to wireless gaming devices and networks are provided. For example, access is controlled through one or more levels of security checks, such as a hard security check instead of or in addition to a soft security check. In a hard security check, the user employs an apparatus such as a card or other physical token that can be used to access the wireless gaming device. Such an apparatus may communicate information that identifies the user to the device or may simply be used to produce a signal without which the device is locked to users.
US08740062B2
A ZuluNumber, discerned from a QR code, is received from a client. A database is accessed to retrieve enhanced information associated with the ZuluNumber and store information from the client. The enhanced information is sent to the client for display or execution. The enhanced information is updated to reflect a change in ownership when a substantially equivalent first object having a first ZuluNumber is delivered due to closer proximity as opposed to a second object having a second ZuluNumber.
US08740050B2
A carton for holding a food product can comprise a tray and a lid. The lid can cooperate with the tray to at least partially close the carton. The carton further can comprise a hinge at least partially foldably connecting the lid and the tray. The hinge can comprise a first hinge fold line, a second hinge fold line, and a cut extending between the first hinge fold line and the second hinge fold line. The first hinge fold line and the second hinge fold line are generally aligned along a hinge axis, and the cut comprises a central portion that is generally parallel to the hinge axis and is offset from the hinge axis. Portions of a side panel of the tray are foldably connected to respective portions of a side panel of the lid along the respective first and second hinge fold lines.
US08740042B2
The invention provides a friction-welded part featuring easy design as well as a method of producing said part. The friction-welded part 1 is produced by friction-welding a first member 10 and a second member 20 together. The first member 10 is made of an aluminum alloy material, having a uniform cross-section portion 11 whose cross-sectional shape and size are not changed. The second member 20 is made of an aluminum alloy material, having a uniform cross-section portion 21 whose cross-sectional shape and size are not changed. According to the invention, the uniform cross-section portions 11 and 21 are friction-welded together to form the part 1. A heat affected zone “H” caused by friction welding is formed only in the uniform cross-section portions 11 and 21. The uniform cross-section portion 11 of the first member 10, and the uniform cross-section portion 21 of the second member 20, respectively, have a cylindrical shape, preferably having the same sectional dimension.
US08740041B2
A brazing ring with integrated fluxing product and methods for production thereof is described. The brazing ring has a c-shaped body with a plurality of channels extending the thickness of the ring and disposed about the circumference thereof. The channels are separated by radially extending flanges with enlarged distal ends that extend into the channels. The enlarged ends at least partially enclose the channels to aid in retention of a fluxing product disposed in therein. The c-shape may enable flexure of the ring for installation on a pipe or fitting and a friction fit to maintain an installed position. The brazing ring is formed by extruding a filler material to form a tube with the desired profile and compressing the fluxing product into the channels of the profile. The tube is subsequently sectioned perpendicularly to its length to produce a plurality of the brazing rings.
US08740037B2
A fastener cartridge can comprise a compressible, collapsible, and/or crushable cartridge body and fasteners embedded within the cartridge body which can be utilized to fasten tissue. In use, the fastener cartridge can be positioned in a first jaw of a surgical fastening device, wherein the first jaw can be positioned opposite a second jaw, or anvil. The anvil can be engaged with the fastener cartridge to compress, collapse, and/or crush the cartridge body and deform, or otherwise deploy, the fasteners contained therein. As the fasteners are deformed or deployed, the fasteners can capture at least a portion of the cartridge body therein along with at least a portion of the tissue being fastened. In various embodiments, the cartridge body can comprise a plurality of layers wherein at least one of the layers can be detached from the other layers and removed from the surgical site.
US08740033B2
A nailing gun includes a swing arm having a first end pivoted to a frame, and a second end movable between a first position proximate to a flywheel to drive a hammer rod to hit a nail, and a second position distal from the flywheel. A spring plate has a spring end portion resiliently supporting the second end of the swing arm. The stop member limits the spring end portion and the second end of the swing arm from moving relative to the frame. When a safety member is subjected to an external pressure, the stop member permits the second end of the swing arm to move together with the spring end portion to the first position. The spring end portion can stably retain the second end of the swing arm at the second position in case of no external pressure.
US08740027B2
A backpack for use in combination with a filter bag and a pneumatic sanding tool is described. The backpack comprises a backpack strap, a back panel, and an opening or a first mesh panel located in the back panel. The opening or the first mesh panel is positioned to direct exhaust air from the filter bag onto a person's back during use.
US08740025B2
Principles of the present disclosure contemplate use of a flexible sleeve to aid in donning and doffing garments, for example compression garments. The compression garment may be rolled around the sleeve via an eversion process. The compression garment may be unrolled from the sleeve and onto a limb via a reverse eversion process. Likewise, the compression garment may be unrolled from around a limb and onto the sleeve via an eversion process. By utilizing an eversion-based approach, compression garments may be donned and/or doffed more quickly and easily.
US08740021B2
A powered dispensing tool includes a housing, a motor positioned within the housing, a rack coupled to the motor for powered translation in at least one of a forward direction and a reverse direction, and a transmission selectively coupling the motor and the rack. The transmission includes an input ring rotatable in response to rotation of the motor in a first direction corresponding with powered translation of the rack in the forward direction, a first clutch member engaged with the rack through an intermediate gear, and a second clutch member that receives torque from the input ring and that is movable in response to rotation of the motor in the first direction toward a first position engaging the first clutch member. The second clutch member is also movable in response to rotation of the motor in an opposite, second direction toward a second position disengaged from the first clutch member.
US08740018B2
A feeder with variable rhomboidal walls includes a base housing, a soft hopper, a plurality of extrusion mechanisms, a pusher screw pole, a motor, and a decelerator. The extrusion mechanisms are respectively provided at four appropriate positions of the soft hopper, and are activated by protruding wheels with the aid of the motor in conjunction with the decelerator, so that the four extrusion mechanisms operate in pairs to squeeze the soft hopper while rendering a rhomboidal space change. Accordingly, a bridge effect associated with the prior art is eliminated to allow a raw material to fall and then to be dispensed by the pusher screw rod for further processing.
US08740017B2
A dispenser used when attached to an opening of a squeeze bottle discharge a content liquid when inverted. The dispenser has a first channel to discharge a straight forward-moving liquid and a second channel to discharge a foaming liquid. The first channel has a first through channel connecting a first inlet for the content liquid to a first outlet. The second channel has a conduit that has an opening at an inner bottom of the bottle, extends to a foaming chamber, serves as an air supply channel, and has an inner diameter; the foaming chamber is connected to the conduit and mixes the content liquid with air to foam the content liquid; and a second through channel connecting the foaming chamber to a second outlet.
US08740014B2
A dose counter for use with an inhaler comprising a container for medicament equipped with a reciprocal actuation means to dispense a dose of medicament therefrom, the dose counter comprising: a fixed ratchet member, a trigger member constructed and arranged to undergo reciprocal movement coordinated with the reciprocal movement between the actuation means and the container, said reciprocal movement comprising an outward stroke and a return stroke, a counter member constructed and arranged to undergo a predetermined counting movement each time a dose is dispensed, the counter member being biased towards the ratchet and trigger members and being capable of counting motion in a direction generally orthogonal to the direction of reciprocal movement of the trigger member, the counter member comprising: a first region for interaction with the trigger member which comprises at least one inclined surface which is engaged by the trigger member during its outward stroke causing the counter member to undergo counting motion, and a second region for interaction with the ratchet member which comprises at least one inclined surface which is engaged by the ratchet member during the return stroke of the trigger member causing the counter member to undergo further counting motion to complete said predetermined counting movement.
US08740006B2
A portable drip containment device comprises a tray formed of fuel and chemical resistant fabric. Side walls of the tray are supported by removable bolster segments formed of resilient open cell foam members enclosed within sleeves. The bolster segments are wrapped within a flap of material extending from under the side wall of the tray and around the bolster segments to secure them to the side walls. The outer edge or end of the flap is secured to the side wall. The bolstered side walls may be repeatedly driven across by industrial vehicles without harming the bolster or side wall. The modular bolster segments may be removed and easily stacked, and the tray folded and rolled into a compact modular form, for transport, storage, and reuse of the portable containment tray.
