US08748683B2

Methods of forming ethylbenzene are described herein. In one embodiment, the method includes contacting dilute ethylene with benzene in the presence of an alkylation catalyst to form ethylbenzene, wherein such contact occurs in a liquid phase reaction zone and recovering ethylbenzene from the reaction zone.
US08748678B2

A synthetic fuel formula using a blend of High Density Synthetic (HDS) (e.g. Decalin and Tetralin), and Low Density Synthetic (LDS) (e.g. Synthetic Paraffinic Kerosene—SPK) is disclosed. This HDS and LDS blend has been shown to be useful as a jet, rocket and diesel fuel of standard density, and under low temperature conditions. The inventions described herein relate to 100% synthetic hydrocarbon fuels derived from various carbonaceous materials such as, but not limited to, biomass, municipal waste, natural gas, and coal. This 100% synthetic fuel can be universally used for both jet and diesel fuels. It meets Joint Battlefield Use Fuel of the Future (J-BUFF), or Single Battlefield Fuel (SBF) strategic requirements. The commercial advantage of the present invention is that it can be prepared from commercial available fuel stocks or co-processed using currently available chemical processes.
US08748670B1

The present invention provides methods comprising reacting a first carboxylic acid or ester with a second carboxylic acid or ester in the presence of a metal oxide comprising Zr, Ce, Mn and O to produce at least one ketone.
US08748668B2

Methods for preparing phosphonium salts by reacting a primary phosphine or a secondary phosphine with an ester compound selected from the group consisting of: a phosphate triester; a phosphonate diester; a sulfate diester; and a sulfonate ester; to form a phosphonium salt of formula VII wherein each of RQ, RX, RY, and RZ is independently hydrocarbyl and X− is a phosphate, phosphonate, sulfate, or sulfonate are provided herein. These phosphonium salts may find utility in a wide range of applications, including as surfactants, as polar solvents (ionic liquids), as antimicrobial agents, and as a component of spinning finish in polyamide fiber processing.
US08748660B2

The present invention relates to the improved and efficient process for the synthesis of antiepileptic drug Lacosamide in high enantiopurity (>98% ee) and better yield. More particularly, the present invention relates to improved and efficient, cost effective process for synthesis of desired (R) isomer of Lacosamide starting from commercially available (S)-benzyl glycidyl ether.
US08748649B2

The present invention is directed to compounds that are inhibitors of cysteine proteases, in particular, cathepsins B, K, L, F, and S, and are therefore useful in treating diseases mediated by these proteases. The present invention is directed to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds and processes for preparing them.
US08748648B2

The invention provides small molecule drugs that are chemically modified by covalent attachment of a water soluble oligomer. A conjugate of the invention, when administered by any of a number of administration routes, exhibits characteristics that are different from the characteristics of the small molecule drug not attached to the water soluble oligomer.
US08748645B2

Organosilanolate powders having a low cation to silicon ratio provide superior hydrophobing ability. The powders may be prepared on an industrial scale by hydrolysis of a silane with a basic salt solution, adding an inert organic solvent, and removing gaseous or alcoholic hydrolysis products by evaporation or distillation, precipitating the organosilanolate as a fine powder.
US08748639B1

The present disclosure sets forth the compound 3-azidopicric acid and a method of making the same. The method of producing 3-azidopicric acid is a two step reaction process of first reacting 3-aminopicric acid with sulfuric acid and sodium nitrite, and then reacting the result of the first step with phosphoric acid and sodium azide. Additionally described is a method of producing KDNP (4,6-dinitro-7-hydroxybenzofuroxan, potassium salt), by reacting 3-AzPA with potassium bicarbonate.
US08748628B2

Disclosed herein are a process and composition to make polymerizable resins containing oxazolidone, in which organic acid-catalyzed and/or thermal annealing process got involved and consequently promoted a unique intramolecular transformation from a linear urethane linkage to a cyclic urethane linkage for those specifically constructed urethane resins containing α-substituted β-ketone moieties.
US08748624B2

The present invention is directed to picolanmido-propanoic acid derivatives, pharmaceutical compositions containing them and their use in the treatment and/or prevention of disorders and conditions ameliorated by antagonizing one or more glucagon receptors, including for example metabolic diseases such as Type II diabetes mellitus and obesity.
US08748622B2

The present invention relates to a process for preparing 4-{4-[({[4-chloro-3-(trifluoromethyl)-phenyl]amino}carbonyl)amino]-3-fluorophenoxy}-N-methylpyridine-2-carboxamide, its salts and monohydrate.
US08748617B2

The present invention provides a new amide compound and salt thereof that is capable of inhibiting biofilm formation or removing deposited biofilms. The present invention also provides a biofilm formation inhibitor or a biofilm remover containing the amide compound or salt thereof as an active ingredient.An amide compound or salt thereof according to the present invention is denoted by General Formula (1): wherein R1 is a hydrogen atom or a hydroxyl group, R2 is a C5-12 alkyl group, and Q is a substituent denoted by Formula (Q1) or (Q2), wherein n and m are 0 or 1.
US08748610B2

A kind of new compounds, and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts, and hydrates are disclosed. The pharmaceutical composition thereof is also provided. And also are the medical uses of the compounds, pharmaceutically acceptable salts, hydrates and the pharmaceutical composition for treating the TRPV1-mediate diseases.
US08748609B2

Provided is a method for the synthesis of N-protected bis-3,6-[4-aminobutyl]-2,5-diketopiperazine including the step of heating a solution of ε-amino protected lysine in the presence of a catalyst selected from the group consisting of sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, and phosphorus pentoxide.
US08748608B2

Dopamine D3 receptor antagonists and partial agonists are known to modulate the reinforcing and drug-seeking effects induced by cocaine and other abused substances. By introducing functionality into the butylamide linking chain of the 4-phenylpiperazine class of ligands, improved D3 receptor affinity and selectivity, as well as water solubility, is achieved. A series of linking-chain derivatives are disclosed wherein functionality such as OH or OAc groups have been introduced into the linking chain. In general, these modifications are well tolerated at D3 receptors and achieve high selectivity over D2 and D4 receptors.
US08748605B2

Disclosed is a method for producing 4,6-dialkoxy-2-cyanomethylpyrimidine and also disclosed is a synthetic intermediate thereof. More specifically disclosed is a method for producing 4,6-dialkoxy-2-cyanomethylpyrimidine represented by general formula (2) (wherein R represents an alkyl group), comprising reacting a t-butyl cyanoacetate derivative represented by general formula (1) (wherein R has the same meaning as described above) in the presence of an acid, and also disclosed is a t-butyl cyanoacetate derivative represented by general formula (1) (wherein R represents an alkylgroup).
US08748594B2

A process for the preparation of topiramate in an one pot reaction comprises the following steps: A) reacting 2,3:4,5-bis-O-{1-methylethylidene)-β-D-fructopyranose with sulfurylchloride in xylene in the presence of an organic or inorganic base to form 2,3:4,5-bis-O-(1-methylethylidene)-β-D-fructopyranose sulfuryl chloride, B) adding a second organic solvent to the mixture obtained in step A) C) reacting the mixture obtained in step B) with ammonia to form topiramate.
US08748591B2

The present invention discloses a chimeric alphavirus comprising a Sindbis virus cDNA fragment, an Eastern equine encephalitis virus cDNA fragment, a Western equine encephalitis virus cDNA fragment or a combination thereof. The present also discloses the use of this chimeric alphavirus as vaccines and in serological and diagnostic assays.
US08748589B2

A complex crystalline sugar comprising D-psicose and D-allose and a method for producing the same are disclosed. The compositional ratio between D-psicose and D-allose in the sugar is about 1:1 to 1:4. A process for producing a complex crystalline sugar comprising D-psicose and D-allose, the process comprising producing a complex crystalline sugar comprising D-psicose and D-allose from a sugar solution containing D-psicose and p-allose and collecting the complex crystalline sugar. The solvent of the sugar solution used in the production of the complex crystalline sugar is water or a mixture of water and ethanol. The sugar solution containing D-psicose and D-allose is produced by a process comprising reacting D-psicose with L-rhamnose isomerase to convert D-psicose into D-allose. The L-rhamnose isomerase is derived from a strain (IPOD FERM BP-08593) belonging to Pseudomonas stutzeri.
US08748577B2

Disclosed are biologically active protein conjugates that comprise a biologically active polypeptide coupled via a peptide bond to a polypeptide comprising from 2 to about 500 units of a repeating peptide motif, wherein the biologically active protein conjugate exhibits a modified plasma half-life compared to the intrinsic half-life of the unconjugated biologically active polypeptide or protein. Also disclosed are methods of making and using the conjugated proteins, as well as methods for determining whether a given conjugate exhibits a modified half life relative to the intrinsic half life of the unconjugated polypeptide.
US08748575B2

Therapeutic peptides having guanylyl cyclase C agonist activity are disclosed. The therapeutic peptides are analogues of the E. coli STa peptide with non-natural amino acid, isosteric or D-amino acid substituents. The therapeutic peptides are useful in the treatment of chronic ideopathic constipation, inflammatory bowel disease, and other diseases. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising the therapeutic peptides are also disclosed.
US08748562B2

A process for producing higher molecular weight polyester includes heating a polyester to form a melt, and applying and maintaining a vacuum of between about 5 mm and about 85 mm of mercury to the melt while passing bubbles of gas through the melt until molecular weight has increased. The process may involve esterification of a diacid component and a diol component at elevated temperature. After the acid functional groups have essentially reacted, a vacuum of about 5 mm of mercury or less was applied and excess diol stripped off during transesterification, thereby increasing molecular weight.
US08748557B2

The present invention relates to an extreme low formaldehyde emission UF resin with a novel structure, and a process for its preparation. This UF resin is produced from formaldehyde, urea, a long chain multi-aldehyde prepolymer, and some modifiers. Its process follows three steps: weak caustic, weak acid and weak caustic. By using this prepolymer, the modified UF resin has stable alkyl ether structure, and the residual aldehyde groups on the UF polymer chain could accelerate cross-linking instead of dissociative formaldehyde. The UF resin made from this invention has extreme low dissociative formaldehyde and simple technology. The boards produced from this resin have good physical performance and water resistance. Moreover, the formaldehyde emission of the boards is extreme low, achieving Japan F⋆⋆⋆⋆ grade, the average emission value ≦0.3 mg/L.
US08748552B2

The present invention relates to polyalkylsilsesquioxane particulates and a method of preparing the same, and more particularly provides the polyalkylsilsesquioxane particulates, of which moisture content is low, water repellency is high, and hygroscopic property in storage is low, and a method of preparing the same by end-capping silanol groups (SiOH) on the surface of the polyalkylsilsesquioxane particulates with alkyl groups by adding an alkoxytrialkylsilane having a triorganosilyl group thereto.
US08748548B2

To obtain a hydrophilic macromonomer mixture which is a highly polymerized hydrophilic macromonomer, has few components not bonded to the polymer chain after polymerization, and is less likely to leaching. Provided is a macromonomer mixture containing macromonomer A being a macromonomer having a group obtained by further introducing a polymerizable group into a reactive group derived from a polymerization initiator at an end thereof; and macromonomer B being a macromonomer having a group obtained by further introducing a polymerizable group into a reactive group derived from a chain transfer agent at an end thereof.
US08748547B2

The present invention relates to an ethylene α-olefin copolymer having a narrower molecular weight distribution, and a uniform distribution of comonomer. The ethylene α-olefin copolymer according to the present invention has a uniform comonomer distribution and exhibits a lower density in the same comonomer content, unlike conventional ethylene copolymers having a random or blocky comonomer distribution.
US08748546B2

The present invention provides dual catalyst systems and polymerization processes employing these dual catalyst systems. The disclosed polymerization processes can produce olefin polymers at higher production rates, and these olefin polymers may have a higher molecular weight and/or a lower melt index.
US08748543B2

The polylactic acid film is obtained by melt extruding polylactic acid (A) prepared by melt kneading together polylactic acid (B) which comprises an L-lactic acid unit as the main ingredient and polylactic acid (C) which comprises a D-lactic acid unit as the main ingredient in a specific weight ratio, wherein the polylactic acid film has: (a) a stereocomplex crystal rate (S) defined by the following equation (i) of 90% or more: S={(ΔHmsc/(ΔHmsc+ΔHmh)}×100  (i) (in the above equation, ΔHmh is the melting enthalpy of a low-melting point crystal melting peak at a temperature lower than 190° C. obtained by differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) measurement and ΔHmsc is the melting enthalpy of a high-melting point crystal melting peak at a temperature of 190° C. or higher obtained by DSC measurement), (b) a haze of 10% or less, and (c) a haze change of 5% or less after it is heated at 140° C. for 10 minutes.
US08748542B2

A synthetic polymer has a water-soluble or water-swellable polyurethane backbone and terminal groups and/or intermediate groups of blocks of hydrophobes of alkyl- or aryl compounds containing a polymerizable cyclic monomer or a polymerizable double bond (or alkene) group or derivatives thereof. The blocks of hydrophobes are composed of two or more units of the same or different hydrophobes. These synthetic polymers are used as rheology modifiers, especially in latex paints.
US08748536B2

Multi-piece, solid golf balls containing an inner core, an intermediate layer surrounding the core, and an outer cover are provided. At least one layer is made from an epoxy composition comprising a curing agent such as zinc diacrylate or zinc dimethacrylate. The epoxy composition is produced by reacting an epoxy prepolymer with a curing agent. Preferably, the epoxy composition is used to form an intermediate and/or cover layer resulting in a golf ball having high resiliency, good impact durability, and soft feel.
US08748526B2

An object of the present invention is to provide: a thermoplastic elastomer composition, which is accompanied by less environmental burden, and which has flexibility, rubber elasticity, formability and recyclability; and a molded product obtained using the same. The present invention is directed to a thermoplastic elastomer composition comprising a thermoplastic resin (A) derived from a non-petroleum source, and at least one rubber (B) selected from a natural rubber, a diene polymer rubber, an olefin polymer rubber, an acrylic rubber and a silicone rubber, the thermoplastic elastomer composition being obtained by allowing the rubber (B) to be dynamically crosslinked with a crosslinking agent (C) in the presence of the thermoplastic resin (A). Preferred (A) is a polylactic acid, or a poly(3-hydroxybutyrate), and preferred (B) is a natural rubber.
US08748525B2

A polyester film is described, including a first polyester and a second polyester. The weight ratio of the first polyester to the second polyester ranges from 1:1 to 1:3. The glass transition temperature of the first polyester is higher than 140° C. and that of the second polyester is lower than 140° C.
US08748523B2

The object of the invention consist of a process for the manufacture of aqueous suspensions of calcium carbonate using an acrylic polymer with an average by weight molecular weight of between 8,000 g/mole and 15,000 g/mole and a molar content of less than 20% of polymeric chains of molecular weight less than 3,000 g/mole. It also concerns the aqueous suspensions obtained, possibly dried, and their uses in the paper, paint, plastics and mastics industry.
US08748521B2

The present disclosure relates to impact-modified polycarbonate compositions which comprise a graft polymer containing silicone/acrylate composite rubber as the graft base, wherein the content of silicone rubber is 65-95 wt. % (based on the graft base), talc having a d98 value (also called “top cut”) of less than 20 μm and phosphorus-containing flame retardant, the use of the polycarbonate compositions for the production of shaped articles and the shaped articles themselves. The compositions and moulding compositions according to the disclosure have an optimum combination of good flameproofing, good resistance to chemicals and hydrolysis and good mechanical properties (i.e. in particular a high E modulus and high notched impact strength aK).
US08748515B2

Settable gypsum compositions are described herein which include a gypsum slurry, comprising water; and a first additive comprising a vinyl acetate/ethylene copolymer in latex or emulsion form and a second additive which is at least one of (i) a wetting agent and/or a surfactant; (ii) a titanium coupling agent, (iii) a zirconium coupling agent, and (iv) mixtures thereof. The compositions demonstrate improved strength and gypsum core adhesion. Such compositions may also include at least one dispersant and/or a wetting agent and/or a surfactant. Such dispersants may be lignosulfonic acid, naphthalene sulfonic acid, and combinations and salts thereof and the wetting agent and/or surfactant may be N-dodecyl 2-pyrrolidone, ethoxylated alcohol, and combinations thereof. The dispersant and/or wetting agents and/or surfactants can further enhance rheological properties to benefit the enhanced strength gypsum compositions.
US08748513B2

Disclosed is an epoxy resin composition for printed circuit board, which includes (A) an epoxy resin; (B) a composite curing agent, including amino-triazine-novolac resin and diaminodiphenylsulfone mixed in a certain proportion; (C) a curing accelerator; and (D) an optional inorganic filler.
US08748506B2

Disclosed herein are ultraviolet (UV) curable coating compositions that provide transparent, flexible, and abrasion-resistant coatings when cured on a substrate. The coating compositions comprise an adduct of a multifunctional acrylate monomer component and an amino-organofunctional silane; an organic solvent component; an acid; a colloidal silica component; and a multifunctional urethane acrylate oligomer component. The amino-organofunctional silane is represented by the formula XaSi[Q1(NHQ2)bNZH]4-a, where X is an alkoxy group having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms; Q1 and Q2 are the same or different divalent hydrocarbon groups; Z is a hydrogen or a monovalent hydrocarbon group; a is an integer from 1 to 3; and b is an integer from 0 to 6. Also disclosed herein are processes for preparing such coating compositions and articles comprising coatings cured from such coating compositions.
US08748504B2

The present invention relates to the development and fabrication of thin-film polymer nanocomposites containing vertically aligned nanomaterials, such as single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs). In certain embodiments, the present invention utilizes liquid crystal mesophases of hexagonally packed cylindrical micelles that orient with their long axes parallel to an applied magnetic field, thereby directing the alignment of the nanomaterials, such as SWNTs, sequestered in the micellar cores. In certain embodiments, the mesophase may be a stable, single-phase material containing monomers that can be polymerized after nanotube alignment to form the nanocomposite polymer.
US08748503B2

Macro-photoinitiators having defined polymer chain structure are provided. The macro-photoinitiators are terminated with residues of thiol and/or hydroxyl functional photoinitiators. The macro-photoinitiators may be prepared by controlled radical polymerization methods, such as atom transfer radical polymerization and single electron transfer polymerization methods. Also provided are curable (e.g., photocurable) compositions that include the macro-photoinitiators of the present invention.
US08748500B2

A process for producing transportation fuels, such as gasoline and diesel fuel, from syngas with a low H2/CO ratio. The syngas is first converted to dimethyl ether which is then converted to gasoline by way of a dimethyl ether to gasoline process and to diesel fuel by way of a Fischer-Tropsch process.
US08748497B2

The present invention is directed to a stable fluorocarbon emulsion having a continuous aqueous phase and discontinuous fluorocarbon phase comprising two fluorocarbons and surprisingly demonstrates that perfluorodecyl bromide is as effective in stabilizing perfluorooctyl bromide emulsions of certain concentrations than much more highly concentrated perfluorooctyl bromide/perfluorodecyl bromide emulsions without the significant problems experienced in higher concentrated emulsions such as longer organ retention times, formation of PFDB crystals, larger emulsion particles, manufacturing problems and inability of repeat dosing inherent with higher concentrations of perfluorodecyl bromide.
US08748495B2

The present invention relates to a method for preparing a carotenoid oil suspension with low viscosity and high fluidity. The method includes the steps of mixing carotenoid crystals with tetrahydrofuran, heating the resulting mixture to a reflux temperature of about 50˜70° C. under stirring, and filtering-the resulting solution to remove fat-soluble fibers. The resulting filtrate is then condensed to dryness, mixed with a ketone solvent, heated to a reflux temperature of about 60˜80° C., and filtered to remove non-soluble phospholipids. The filtrate obtained is condensed to a residue, and absolute alcohol is added to the residue, and then crystallized under stirring at room temperature. The resulting crystals are filtered and dried to-provide carotenoid crystals. The carotenoid crystals are ground and mixed with plant oils to provide a carotenoid oil suspension with low viscosity and high fluidity, which provides easy filling, for example, into capsules.
US08748490B2

A treatment for bioprosthetic tissue used in implants or for assembled bioprosthetic heart valves to reduce in vivo calcification. The method includes applying a calcification mitigant such as a capping agent or an antioxidant to the tissue to specifically inhibit oxidation in tissue. Also, the method can be used to inhibit oxidation in dehydrated tissue. The capping agent suppresses the formation of binding sites in the tissue that are exposed or generated by the oxidation and otherwise would, upon implant, attract calcium, phosphate, immunogenic factors, or other precursors to calcification. In one method, tissue leaflets in assembled bioprosthetic heart valves are pretreated with an aldehyde capping agent prior to dehydration and sterilization.
US08748487B2

Disclosed is a raw material for cosmetic preparations having excellent gloss imparting properties and oxidation stability. Also disclosed is a cosmetic preparation having excellent gloss and feeling of use. The raw material for cosmetic preparations contains an ester compound of (A) benzoic acid, (B) an alcohol selected from the group consisting of neopentyl glycol, dineopentyl glycol, trineopentyl glycol, trimethylolpropane, ditrimethylolpropane, tritrimethylolpropane, dipentaerythritol and tripentaerythritol, and (C) a fatty acid having 3-28 carbon atoms and/or a hydroxycarboxylic acid having 3-28 carbon atoms. The cosmetic preparation contains this raw material for cosmetic preparations.
US08748486B2

The invention broadly relates to the use of α, β-unsaturated fatty acids to inhibit the filamentous growth of fungi and yeasts and to a method for producing same. In particular the invention relates to the use of optionally substituted C8 to C15 α, β-unsaturated fatty acids or salts, esters or amides thereof for inhibiting or retarding the yeast-to-mycelium transition of organisms having a dimorphic life cycle.
US08748482B2

The present invention relates to a lubiprostone crystal, the method for the preparation thereof, and a pharmaceutical composition or kit comprising the same, as well as the use of said crystal in the preparation of a medicament for the treatment of gastrointestinal tract diseases, especially constipation. The X-ray powder diffraction pattern of said crystal comprises characteristic peaks measured at the following 2θ reflection angles: 14.6±0.2°, 17.0±0.2° and 19.6±0.2°. As compared to amorphous lubiprostone, the crystal of the present invention has the advantages of relative high purity, stable properties and easy-for-storage and use.
US08748466B2

The present invention is directed to a new class of hydroxamic acid derivatives, their use as LpxC inhibitors and, more specifically, their use to treat bacterial infections.
US08748463B2

The invention provides novel classes of HDAC inhibitors. Methods of sensitizing a cancer cell to the cytotoxic effects of radiotherapy are also provided as well as methods for treating cancer and methods for treating neurological diseases. Additionally, the invention further provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising an HDAC inhibitor of the invention, and kits comprising a container containing an HDAC inhibitor of the invention.
US08748461B2

The instant invention describes compounds having metalloenzyme modulating activity, and methods of treating diseases, disorders or symptoms thereof mediated by such metalloenzymes.
US08748455B2

The present invention provides solid forms of the compound of formula 1 and pharmaceutical uses thereof.
US08748452B2

The present invention provides compounds useful as agents for the prevention or treatment of a disease associated with abnormal serum uric acid level and the like. That is, the present invention relates to indolizine derivatives represented by the following formula (I) having xanthine oxidase inhibitory activities and useful as agents for the prevention or treatment of a disease associated with abnormality of serum uric acid level, prodrugs thereof, salts thereof or the like. In the formula, ring U represents aryl or heteroaryl; R1 represents halogen, a hydroxy group or the like; R2 represents halogen, a hydroxy group, alkyl, alkoxy, alkyl substituted by fluorine, alkoxy substituted by fluorine or the like; m represents a number from 0 to 2; n represents a number from 0 to 3; and R3 represents hydrogen, fluorine or the like.
US08748450B2

This disclosure relates to novel morphinan compounds and their derivatives, pharmaceutically acceptable salts, solvates, and hydrates thereof. This disclosure also provides compositions comprising a compound of this disclosure and the use of such compositions in methods of treating diseases and conditions that are beneficially treated by administering a σ1 receptor agonist that also has NMDA antagonist activity.
US08748441B2

The subject matter of the present invention is the use of compounds of formula (I) in the form of a base, a hydrate or a solvate, or of mixtures thereof, as a medicament or for preparing a medicament intended for the treatment and/or prevention of disorders associated with the central nervous system (abbreviated to CNS) and/or associated with the peripheral nervous system (abbreviated to PNS).
US08748439B2

Disclosed herein are compounds that form covalent bonds with Bruton's tyrosine kinase (Btk). Also described are irreversible inhibitors of Btk, such as those having the structure: Methods for the preparation of the compounds are disclosed. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions that include the compounds. Methods of using the Btk inhibitors are disclosed, alone or in combination with other therapeutic agents, for the treatment of autoimmune diseases or conditions, heteroimmune diseases or conditions, cancer, including lymphoma, and inflammatory diseases or conditions.
US08748437B2

The invention provides a crystal of 2-(3,4-dichlorobenzyl)-5-methyl-4-oxo-3,4-dihydrothieno[2,3-d]pyrimidine-6-carboxylic acid (which has the chemical structure shown below) and a mixed crystal comprising such a crystal. The invention also provides methods of producing such crystals, pharmaceutical compositions comprising such crystals, and methods of modulating phosphodiesterase-9 activity and treating disorders such as overactive bladder syndrome by administration of an effective amount of the crystals.
US08748435B2

The present invention relates to pyrazolo pyrimidine derivatives, to methods of preparing these, to combinations and pharmaceutical composition comprising these, and to their use in the treatment of diseases and disorders which may for example involve autoimmune diseases, angiogenesis, pain, and/or inflammatory diseases.
US08748429B2

The disclosure generally relates to the novel compounds of formula I, including pharmaceutically acceptable salts, which are CGRP receptor antagonists. The disclosure also relates to pharmaceutical compositions and methods for using the compounds in the treatment of CGRP related disorders including migraine and other headaches, neurogenic vasodilation, neurogenic inflammation, thermal injury, circulatory shock, flushing associated with menopause, airway inflammatory diseases such as asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
US08748419B2

Provided are methods of treating obesity and effecting desired weight loss or preventing undesired weight gain by administration of a preferential muscarinic acetylcholine receptor M1 antagonist, optionally with at least one antidepressant other than a selective muscarinic acetylcholine receptor M1 antagonist. The preferential muscarinic acetylcholine receptor M1 antagonist, optionally can be administered with an anti-obesity agent, for example, an anorexiant. The invention also provides for pharmaceutical compositions and kits for administration of at least one selective muscarinic acetylcholine receptor M1 antagonist in combination with at least one antidepressant other than a selective muscarinic acetylcholine receptor M1 antagonist.
US08748414B2

The present invention relates to a complex made up of at least one molecule of statin or a derivative thereof, covalently bonded to at least one hydrocarbon radical including at least 18 carbon atoms and containing at least one 2-methyl-buta-2-ene unit, to nanoparticles of such a complex, and to a method for preparing same, said complex and/or said nanoparticles optionally being in the form of a lyophilizate. The present invention also relates to a pharmaceutical composition including at least one complex and/or nanoparticles such as previously defined. The invention finally relates to said complex and/or to said nanoparticles for the treatment and/or prevention of hyperlipemia and hypercholesterolemia.
US08748401B2

The present invention provides hydroxyl, keto, and glucuronide derivatives of 3-(4-(7H-pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-4-yl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)-3-cyclopentylpropanenitrile.
US08748400B2

This invention relates to the field of therapeutic agents for the treatment of Age-Associated Memory Impairment (AAMI). In particular, the present invention utilizes compositions comprising at least one compound capable of elevating ketone body concentrations in a mammal (e.g., ketogenic compounds), administered in an amount effective for treatment or prevention of loss of cognitive function caused by reduced neuronal metabolism in AAMI. In one embodiment, the composition includes medium chain triglycerides (MCT). In another embodiment, the compositions are administered in the presence of carbohydrate. The present invention also relates to oral dosage forms, in particular, a nutritional drink comprising at least one compound capable of elevating ketone body concentrations in a mammal.
US08748397B2

Lyophilized pulmonary surfactants having an increased specific surface area and porosity are described. Methods of making the lyophilized pulmonary surfactants are also described.
US08748395B2

Protein kinase inhibitors and more specifically inhibitors of the protein kinase c-Jun amino terminal kinase are described. Additionally, JNK inhibitor sequences, chimeric peptides, nucleic acids encoding same as well as pharmaceutical compositions for treating pathophysiologies associated with JNK signaling are described.
US08748385B2

This disclosure describes a novel population of cerebellum-derived neural stem cells that can be isolated from the adult brain, expanded, and differentiated into neurons, astrocytes and oligodendrocytes. This disclosure also describes compositions and methods for producing oligodendrocytes. Oligodendrocytes can be produced in vitro (e.g., in culture) or in vivo (e.g., for therapy or in a non-human transgenic animal) using the compositions and methods described herein.
US08748377B2

The present invention provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising at least one polypeptide having GLP-1 activity wherein an effective dose of said pharmaceutical composition comprises 15 mg, 30 mg, 50 mg or 100 mg of said polypeptide having GLP-1 activity. Also provided are methods of administering the pharmaceutical compositions of the invention.
US08748375B2

Methods for affecting body composition include the use of amylin agonists, such as pramlintide or davalintide. Total body weight may be reduced, maintained or even increased; however, the body fat is reduced or body fat gain is prevented, while lean body mass is maintained or increased.
US08748367B2

The present invention relates to the use of an antisecretory protein or homologues thereof having the same properties, or certain fragments thereof in the manufacture of a medicament or a medical food for inducing improved rescue of injured or diseased nervous tissue, proliferation, apoptosis, differentiation and/or migration of an embryonic stem cell, adult stem cell, progenitor cell and/or a cell derived from a stem cell or progenitor cell, for treating a condition characterized by or associated with loss and/or gain of cells. In a preferred embodiment, the condition is a neurotrauma or a condition or disease of the CNS and/or PNS and/or ANS, for example, Alzheimer's disease.
US08748365B2

Stability enhancement agents for use in a solidification matrices and solid detergent compositions are described. Stability enhancement is provided by a hydratable salt, water and phosphinosuccinic acid (PSO) derivative binding agents forming a dimensionally stable composition. Preferred phosphinosuccinic acid (PSO) derivatives include phosphinosuccinic acid and mono-, bis- and oligomeric phosphinosuccinic acid (PSO) derivatives. The stability enhancement composition for use in a solid detergent and solid detergent compositions are preferably biodegradable and substantially free of phosphate and NTA-free.
US08748364B2

Detergent compositions including at least one aminocarboxylate, at least one maleic/methylvinyl ether copolymer, an alkaline agent and optional additives. Embodiments of the present invention include reduced concentrations of aminocarboxylate compared to conventional compositions, while preventing scale accumulation and providing stain removal capability.
US08748333B2

Surface-modified zeolites and methods for preparing surface-modified zeolites are provided. A hybrid polymer formed from a silicon alkoxide and a metal alkoxide, a co-monomer, or both, is contacted with a zeolite suspension. The zeolite suspension comprises a sodium-, an ammonium-, or a hydrogen-form zeolite and a solvent. The hybrid polymer and zeolite suspension are contacted under conditions sufficient to deposit hybrid polymer on external surfaces of the zeolite to form a treated zeolite. Solvent is removed therefrom. The treated zeolite is dried and calcinated to form a dried and calcinated treated zeolite. Forming of the zeolite suspension and the contacting, removing, drying, and calcinating steps are provided in one selectivation sequence to produce a surface-modified zeolite from the ammonium-form zeolite and the hydrogen-form zeolite. If the dried and calcinated treated zeolite is a sodium-form zeolite, the sodium is exchanged with ammonium and then additionally dried and calcinated.
US08748324B1

Systems and methods for separating components of a multilayer stack of electronic components. The multilayer stack includes an electronic assembly, a substrate, and a sacrificial anode portion that is located between the electronic assembly and the substrate and that operatively attaches the electronic assembly to the substrate. The systems and methods may include locating the multilayer stack within an electrically conductive fluid to form an electrochemical cell. The systems and methods further may include generating a potential difference between a cathode portion of the electronic assembly and the sacrificial anode portion such that the cathode portion forms a cathode of the electrochemical cell and the sacrificial anode portion forms an anode of the electrochemical cell. The systems and methods additionally may include separating the electronic assembly from the substrate by electrochemically oxidizing the sacrificial anode portion to dissolve the sacrificial anode portion within the electrically conductive solution.
US08748313B2

A method for making a mask for semiconductor manufacturing. The method includes providing a base layer, forming a conductive layer on the base layer, and forming a photoresist layer on the conductive layer. Additionally, the method includes exposing selectively the photoresist layer to an energy illumination, developing the photoresist layer by removing a first portion of the photoresist layer, and depositing a metal layer by an electroforming process. The electroforming process includes submerging the conductive layer into a chemical bath, and applying a deposition voltage across a negative electrode and a positive electrode. Moreover, the method includes removing a second portion of the photoresist layer, and removing a first portion of the conductive layer.
US08748308B2

A method of forming and structure for through wafer vias and signal transmission lines formed of through wafer vias. The structure includes, a semiconductor substrate having a top surface and an opposite bottom surface; and an array of through wafer vias comprising at least one electrically conductive through wafer via and at least one electrically non-conductive through wafer via, each through wafer via of the array of through wafer vias extending from the top surface of to the bottom surface of the substrate, the at least one electrically conductive via electrically isolated from the substrate.
US08748301B2

Provided are: a diffusing agent composition for ink-jet; a method for production of electrode and solar battery using the diffusing agent composition; and a solar battery produced by the method for production. The diffusing agent composition for ink-jet includes (a) a silicon compound, (b) an impurity-diffusing component and (c) a solvent, in which: the solvent (c) contains (c1) a solvent having a boiling point of no higher than 100° C. and (c2) a solvent having a boiling point of 180 to 230° C.; and the solvent (c1) is contained at a ratio of 70 to 90% by mass and the solvent (c2) is contained at a ratio of 1 to 20% by mass both relative to the total mass of the composition.
US08748297B2

In one embodiment, a method of forming a semiconductor device includes forming openings in a substrate. The method includes forming a dummy fill material within the openings and thinning the substrate to expose the dummy fill material. The dummy fill material is removed.
US08748293B2

The present invention provides a non-aromatic saturated hydrocarbon group-containing organopolysiloxane containing the following units (I) to (III): (I) a siloxane unit (T unit) represented by R1SiO3/2: 40 to 99 mol %; (II) a siloxane unit (D unit) represented by R2R3SiO2/2: 59 mol % or less; and (III) a siloxane unit (M unit) represented by R4R5R6SiO1/2: 1 to 30 mol %. There can be an organopolysiloxane, which is soluble in a nonpolar organic solvent so that the organopolysiloxane can be peeled in a short time, and which is hardly soluble in a polar organic solvent to be exemplarily used upon coating a photoresist onto a semiconductor side of a joined substrate and removing the photoresist therefrom so that the organopolysiloxane is not peeled from the supporting substrate upon coating a photoresist onto a semiconductor side of a joined substrate and removing the photoresist therefrom.
US08748288B2

A first bonding material layer is formed on a first substrate and a second bonding material layer is formed on a second substrate. The first and second bonding material layers include a metal. Ions are implanted into the first and second bonding material layers to induce structural damages in the in the first and second bonding material layers. The first and second substrates are bonded by forming a physical contact between the first and second bonding material layers. The structural damages in the first and second bonding material layers enhance diffusion of materials across the interface between the first and second bonding material layers to form a bonded material layer in which metal grains are present across the bonding interface, thereby providing a high adhesion strength across the first and second substrates.
US08748282B2

A semiconductor device is manufactured by forming a hole as being extended through a first insulating film and an insulating interlayer stacked over a semiconductor substrate, allowing side-etching of the inner wall of the hole to proceed specifically in a portion of the insulating interlayer, to thereby form a structure having the first insulating film projected out from the edge towards the center of the hole; forming a lower electrode film as being extended over the top surface, side face and back surface of the first insulating film, and over the inner wall and bottom surface of the hole; filling a protective film in the hole; removing the lower electrode film specifically in portions fallen on the top surface and side face of the first insulating film; removing the protective film; and forming a cylindrical capacitor in the hole.
US08748280B2

There is provided fin methods for fabricating fin structures. More specifically, fin structures are formed in a substrate. The fin structures may include two fins separated by a channel, wherein the fins may be employed as fins of a field effect transistor. The fin structures are formed below the upper surface of the substrate, and may be formed without utilizing a photolithographic mask to etch the fins.
US08748279B2

The present invention discloses a method of manufacturing semiconductor devices. The method includes a step of performing a chemical mechanical planarization processing on a poly-silicon layer before fabricating a poly-silicon gate such that the poly-silicon gates obtained in subsequent fabrication process are kept at the same height, which thus avoids the silicon nitride residues issue that occurs in the prior art. Therefore, the present invention is capable of enhancing product yield of semiconductor devices and improving device performances.
US08748278B2

A method for fabricating a semiconductor device is provided. A fin of a first conductivity type is formed on a substrate of the first conductivity type. A gate is formed on the substrate, wherein the gate covers a portion of the fin. Source and drain regions of a second conductivity type are formed in the fin at respective sides of the gate. A punch-through stopper (PTS) of the first conductivity type is formed in the fin underlying the gate and between the source and drain regions, wherein the PTS has an impurity concentration higher than that of the substrate. A first impurity of the second conductivity type is implanted into the PTS, so as to compensate the impurity concentration of the PTS.
US08748277B2

According to an exemplary embodiment, a method for fabricating a MOS transistor, such as an LDMOS transistor, includes forming a self-aligned lightly doped region in a first well underlying a first sidewall of a gate. The method further includes forming a self-aligned extension region under a second sidewall of the gate, where the self-aligned extension region extends into the first well from a second well. The method further includes forming a drain region spaced apart from the second sidewall of the gate. The method further includes forming a source region in the self-aligned lightly doped region and the first well. The self-aligned lightly doped region and the self-aligned extension region define a channel length of the MOS transistor, such as an LDMOS transistor.
US08748275B2

In sophisticated semiconductor devices, a semiconductor alloy, such as a threshold adjusting semiconductor material in the form of silicon/germanium, may be provided in an early manufacturing stage selectively in certain active regions, wherein a pronounced degree of recessing and material loss, in particular in isolation regions, may be avoided by providing a protective material layer selectively above the isolation regions. For example, in some illustrative embodiments, a silicon material may be selectively deposited on the isolation regions.
US08748270B1

An analog transistor useful for low noise applications or for electrical circuits benefiting from tight control of threshold voltages and electrical characteristics is described. The analog transistor includes a substantially undoped channel positioned under a gate dielectric between a source and a drain with the undoped channel not being subjected to contaminating threshold voltage implants or halo implants. The channel is supported on a screen layer doped to have an average dopant density at least five times as great as the average dopant density of the substantially undoped channel which, in turn, is supported by a doped well having an average dopant density at least twice the average dopant density of the substantially undoped channel.
US08748269B2

Quantum-well-based semiconductor devices and methods of forming quantum-well-based semiconductor devices are described. A method includes providing a hetero-structure disposed above a substrate and including a quantum-well channel region. The method also includes forming a source and drain material region above the quantum-well channel region. The method also includes forming a trench in the source and drain material region to provide a source region separated from a drain region. The method also includes forming a gate dielectric layer in the trench, between the source and drain regions; and forming a gate electrode in the trench, above the gate dielectric layer.
US08748259B2

Methods and apparatus for selective one-step nitridation of semiconductor substrates is provided. Nitrogen is selectively incorporated in silicon regions of a semiconductor substrate having silicon regions and silicon oxide regions by use of a selective nitridation process. Nitrogen containing radicals may be directed toward the substrate by forming a nitrogen containing plasma and filtering or removing ions from the plasma, or a thermal nitridation process using selective precursors may be performed. A remote plasma generator may be coupled to a processing chamber, optionally including one or more ion filters, showerheads, and radical distributors, or an in situ plasma may be generated and one or more ion filters or shields disposed in the chamber between the plasma generation zone and the substrate support.
US08748256B2

A method for forming an integrated circuit (IC) including a silicide block poly resistor (SIBLK poly resistor) includes forming a dielectric isolation region in a top semiconductor surface of a substrate. A polysilicon layer is formed including patterned resistor polysilicon on the dielectric isolation region and gate polysilicon on the top semiconductor surface. Implanting is performed using a first shared metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS)/resistor polysilicon implant level for simultaneously implanting the patterned resistor polysilicon and gate polysilicon of a MOS transistor with at least a first dopant. Implanting is then performed using a second shared MOS/resistor polysilicon implant level for simultaneously implanting the patterned resistor polysilicon, gate polysilicon and source and drain regions of the MOS transistor with at least a second dopant. A metal silicide is formed on a first and second portion of a top surface of the patterned resistor polysilicon to form the SIBLK poly resistor.
US08748238B2

An ultra high voltage silicon-germanium (SiGe) heterojunction bipolar transistor (HBT) is disclosed, in which, a collector region is formed between two isolation structures; a pseudo buried layer is formed under each isolation structure and each side of the collector region is connected with a corresponding pseudo buried layer; a SiGe field plate is formed on each of the isolation structures; each pseudo buried layer is picked up by a first contact hole electrode and each SiGe field plate is picked up by a second contact hole electrode; and each first contact hole electrode is connected to its adjacent second contact hole electrode and the two contact hole electrodes jointly serve as an emitter. A manufacturing method of the ultra high voltage SiGe HBT is also disclosed.
US08748237B2

A resistor structure incorporated into a resistive switching memory cell or device to form memory devices with improved device performance and lifetime is provided. The resistor structure may be a two-terminal structure designed to reduce the maximum current flowing through a memory device. A method is also provided for making such memory device. The method includes depositing a resistor structure and depositing a variable resistance layer of a resistive switching memory cell of the memory device, where the resistor structure is disposed in series with the variable resistance layer to limit the switching current of the memory device. The incorporation of the resistor structure is very useful in obtaining desirable levels of device switching currents that meet the switching specification of various types of memory devices. The memory devices may be formed as part of a high-capacity nonvolatile memory integrated circuit, which can be used in various electronic devices.
US08748221B2

The present invention discloses a nanoball solution coating method and applications thereof. The method comprises steps: using a scraper to coat a nanoball solution on a substrate to attach a plurality of nanoballs on the substrate; flushing or flowing through the substrate with a heated volatile solution to suspend the nanoballs unattached to the substrate in the volatile solution; and using the scraper to scrape off the volatile solution carrying the suspended nanoballs, whereby is simplified the process to coat nanoballs. The method can be used to fabricate nanoporous films, organic vertical transistors, and large-area elements and favors mass production.
US08748209B2

A semiconductor chip package structure for achieving flip-chip electrical connection without using a wire-bonding process includes a package unit, a semiconductor chip, a first insulative layer, first conductive layers, a second insulative layer, and second conductive layers. The package unit has a receiving groove. The semiconductor chip is received in the receiving groove and has a plurality of conductive pads disposed on its top surface. The first insulative layer is formed between the conductive pads to insulate the conductive pads. The first conductive layers are formed on the first insulative layer and the package unit, and one side of each first conductive layer is electrically connected to the corresponding conductive pad. The second insulative layer is formed between the first conductive layers in order to insulate the first conductive layers from each other. The second conductive layers are respectively formed on the other opposite sides of the first conductive layers.
US08748201B2

A process of producing a layer composite includes a luminescence conversion layer and a scattering layer, wherein a press having a first pressing tool with a cavity and a second pressing tool is used including introducing a first polymer including a luminescence conversion substance into the cavity, inserting a film between the first and second tools, closing the press and carrying out a first pressing, hardening the first polymer to form a luminescence conversion layer in the press, opening the press, wherein the luminescence conversion layer adhering to the film remains in the press, introducing a second polymer including scattering particles into the cavity, closing the press and carrying out a second pressing, hardening the second polymer to form a scattering layer disposed on the luminescence conversion layer, opening the press, and removing the support film with the layer composite including the luminescence conversion layer and the scattering layer.
US08748180B2

A microfluidic device for culturing cells, termed a microscale cell culture analog (μCCA), is provided. The microfluidic device allows multiple cell or tissue types to be cultured in a physiologically relevant environment, facilitates high-throughput operation and can be used for drug discovery. The microfluidic device uses gravity-induced fluidic flow, eliminating the need for a pump and preventing formation of air bubbles. Reciprocating motion between a pair of connected reservoirs is used to effect the gravity-induced flow in microfluidic channels. Bacterial contamination is reduced and high throughput enabled by eliminating a pump. The microfluidic device integrates a pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic (PK-PD) model to enable PK-PD analyses on-chip. This combined in vitro/in silico system enables prediction of drug toxicity in a more realistic manner than conventional in vitro systems.
US08748176B2

Choroid plexus epithelial cells are generated in a culture medium using embryonic stem cells and adding an effective amount of bone morphogenetic protein and/or other members of the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) superfamily. Generation of such choroid plexus epithelial cells are confirmed using a combination of genetic markers, antibodies, histology inspection, functional assays, and integration into the endogenous choroid plexus in mice.
US08748166B2

A system (10) for forming and maintaining a biological tissue by which a biological tissue can be artificially formed by culturing cells, which comprises a pulse pump (12), a circulation pathway (13) having such a circuit structure as allowing a liquid cell culture medium discharged from the pulse pump (12) to return into the pulse pump (12), and a cell culture section (14A) and a gas exchange section (14B) provided along the circulation pathway (13). The cell culture section (14A) holds a cell holder (H) in such a manner to form a first channel wherein the liquid cell culture medium flowing in the circulation pathway (13) passes through the cell holder (H) and returns into the circulation pathway (13) and a second channel wherein the liquid cell culture medium flowing in the circulation pathway (13) passes outside the cell holder (H) and returns into the circulation pathway thereby bringing about a difference in pressure between the liquid cell culture medium passing through the respective channels.
US08748163B2

Exemplary embodiments provide methods for treating a xerographic printed substrate with an enzyme solution to increase the surface free energy of the substrate. Other exemplary embodiments provide methods for making an adhesive medium with an enzyme-treated substrate.
US08748160B2

Systems, methods and media for carbonation of fluid in an algae cultivation pond via the use of backward-facing steps are disclosed. In a first aspect, a method for initiating carbonation of a fluid flow in an algae cultivation pond is disclosed. Fluid flow is initiated over a backward-facing step in the algae cultivation pond. A backflow region is generated in the fluid flow downstream of the backward-facing step. Carbon dioxide is provided to the backflow region.
US08748159B2

A rapid method for the quantitation of various live cell types is described. This new cell fluorescence method correlates with other methods of enumerating cells such as the standard plate count, the methylene blue method and the slide viability technique. The method is particularly useful in several applications such as: a) quantitating bacteria in milk, yogurt, cheese, meat and other foods, b) quantitating yeast cells in brewing, fermentation and bread making, c) quantitating mammalian cells in research, food and clinical settings. The method is especially useful when both total and viable cell counts are required such as in the brewing industry. The method can also be employed to determine the metabolic activity of cells in a sample. The apparatus, device, and/or system used for cell quantitation is also disclosed.
US08748155B2

Amino acid sequences of an enzyme involved in pyrethrin biosynthesis and a base sequence of the gene thereof; constructing vectors bearing the gene and transformants; and extractable from plant bodies producing pyrethrin by applying such creative techniques to plant bodies with faster growth aiming to provide a method to efficiently produce pyrethrin. A gene encoding a protein consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1. A protein consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2.
US08748153B2

A biosorbent for removing cationic and/or anionic metals from aqueous solutions, and a process for the production of the biosorbent. The biosorbent includes bacterial aggregates of Bacillus sp. VCHB-10, deposited as NRRL-B-30881, and treated with polyethyleneimine and glutaraldehyde. Among the metals in their cationic form, the following are considered: cations of Ag, Al, Au, Co, Cd, Cu, Cr, Fe, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Pd, Pt, U, Th and Zn. Among the metals in their anionic form, the following are considered: anions of As, Cr and Mo. Removal or recovery of metals from wastewater using the biosorbent is also described.
US08748150B2

The present invention provides methods and compositions to reduce growth of microbial colonies, including infections, and includes therapeutic compositions, methods for treatment of infections, and methods for identifying additional such compositions.
US08748132B2

A process for preparing an inclusion body-forming protein is provided. A nucleic acid fragment having a nucleotide sequence coding for a modified alkaline phosphatase signal peptide (modified APSP) where leucine at the 13th position in the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 1 is substituted with proline and/or alanine at the 21st position is substituted with the other amino acid, downstream of which nucleotide sequence is bound a nucleotide sequence of a gene of a protein of interest is also provided.
US08748131B2

Composition containing a chimeric neuregulin polypeptides and method of making such polypeptides are disclosed. The chimeric neuregulin comprises a first moiety of at least 10 amino acids, wherein the first moiety is derived from a first polypeptide; and a second moiety of at least 5 amino acids, wherein the second moiety is derived from a second polypeptide; wherein the first polypeptide is a neuregulin and the chimeric neuregulin exhibits an enhanced binding affinity to integrin, Erb 3, or Erb 4 comparing to that of the first neuregulin.
US08748130B2

The present invention is directed towards compositions comprising Ii-Key/HPV hybrid peptides. The hybrid peptides of the present invention are effective in the generation of CD4+ helper T cell immune responses directed towards the specific HPV epitopes encoded in the hybrid peptide. The inclusion of the Ii-key peptide in the hybrid causes the peptide to have greater immunogenicity as compared to control peptide. The inclusion of Ii-Key/HPV hybrid in a peptide vaccine formulation composing both HPV hybrid and HPV CTL epitope peptide (administered concurrently or sequentially) leads to a greater CTL activity against HPV CTL epitopes. The hybrid peptides of the present invention may be useful, for example, for the immunization of subjects against HPV.
US08748129B2

This invention concerns a method for the targeted integration of at least three copies of a gene of interest in the genome of a Yarrowia strain including the steps of: (a) cultivating a Yarrowia strain, said strain including a deletion among at least three genes, the phenotype associated with each of these deletions corresponding to an auxotrophy or to a dominant character for this strain; (b) transforming said Yarrowia strain thus obtained with at least three recombinant vectors that include selection markers allowing, for this strain, the complementation of auxotrophy and, potentially, of the dominant character resulting from each of these deletions; and (c) selecting, on a minimum medium, the yeasts having integrated said at least three recombinant vectors. This invention also includes a method for producing a polypeptide of interest using this method as well as a method for obtaining a modified Yarrowia strain including a deletion among at least three genes, the phenotype associated with each of these deletions corresponding to an auxotrophy or to a dominant character for this strain.
US08748120B2

In one embodiment of the invention, there is provided a method of selecting a surface chemistry for culturing a given cell line, including the steps of: (i) providing a first substrate having a plasma polymerized surface with first and second regions, said first region having a first concentration of carboxylic acid groups on said plasma polymerized surface and said second region having a second concentration of carboxylic acid groups on said plasma polymerized surface, wherein said first and second concentrations are different; (ii) culturing cells from said cell line on said plasma polymerized surface in each said region; (iii) observing activity of said cultured cells in each said region, said activity selected from the group consisting of alkaline phosphatase activity of the cultured cells, cell growth of the cultured cells, attachment of the cultured cells, and cell spreading of the cultured cells; and iv) selecting, based on a particular observed activity, a secondary substrate for culturing said cells wherein the secondary substrate has a plasma polymerized surface having a constant concentration of carboxylic acid groups thereon which is equal to the concentration of carboxylic acid groups in the region on said first substrate wherein the cells exhibit said particular observed activity.
US08748119B2

One aspect of the present disclosure encompasses methods for determining a protein kinase or phosphatase activity in a biological sample, comprising: contacting in a reaction mix a first test sample and a fluorescently-labeled peptide substrate capable of being modified by a protein phosphatase or a protein kinase, contacting the reaction mix with a TiO2 matrix, thereby partitioning fluorescently-labeled phosphorylated peptide from fluorescently-labeled dephosphorylated peptide; and determining the fluorescence of the fluorescently-labeled dephosphorylated peptide, thereby determining a protein kinase or phosphatase activity.
US08748113B2

Provided herein are compositions, methods, and kits useful for detecting whether a subject has or is likely to develop a cancer and for monitoring, staging and examining a cancer patient. Also provide herein are methods for screening compounds.
US08748112B2

The present invention is based on the discovery that the Notch signaling pathway is associated with cancer. Accordingly, the invention provides methods and compositions for treating cancer. Also provided are methods of modulating the expression and/or activity of proteins in the Notch signaling pathway for use in diagnoses and treatment of cancer in a subject.
US08748108B2

Disclosed are methods for classifying a patient with cancer as a candidate for therapy with a Bcl-2 family inhibitor comprising determining the level of at least one biomarker in a sample and comparing the biomarker level to a threshold level. Also described are methods for identifying classes of patients having a refractory cancer for second-line therapy comprising a Bcl-2 family inhibitor, where the method comprises determining the level of at least one biomarker in a sample and comparing the biomarker level to a threshold level.
US08748099B2

The invention provides for a diagnostic test to monitor cancer-specific genetic abnormalities to diagnose cervical cell disorders and predict which patients might progress to cancer. Genetic abnormalities are detected by identification in chromosomal copy number of chromosome 3 and chromosome 5 using FISH analysis of probes targeted to 3q and/or 5p.
US08748095B2

The present invention provides a polymorphism detection probe that can identify a polymorphism in an EGFR gene easily and with high reliability and a polymorphism detection method using the probe. The probe of the present invention is a probe for detecting a polymorphism in an EGFR gene, including at least one of an oligonucleotide (P1) and an oligonucleotide (P2), wherein: (P1) is a 22- to 50-mer oligonucleotide composed of a base sequence complementary to a base sequence including 334th to 355th bases in SEQ ID NO: 1 and having a base complementary to the 334th base in its 3′ end region; and (P2) is an oligonucleotide composed of a base sequence complementary to the oligonucleotide (P1).
US08748093B2

A method of detecting a fungus belonging to genus Geosmithia, including identifying a fungus belonging to genus Geosmithia using a nucleic acid represented by the nucleotide sequence defined in the following (a) or (b): (a) a partial nucleotide sequence of β-tubulin gene shown in any one of SEQ ID NOS: 1 to 3, or a complementary sequence thereof; (b) a nucleotide sequence including deletion, substitution, insertion or addition of one or several nucleotide(s) in the nucleotide sequence shown in any one of SEQ ID NOS: 1 to 3, or a complementary sequence thereof.
US08748090B2

The present invention relates to methods for screening for binding interactions using multiple sets of microparticles, wherein said set has the same identifiable characteristic and wherein one of more sets comprise subsets of microparticles and said subset presents at least one unique probe that acts as a binding partner for a target molecule in a biological sample. In particular, the invention provides for methods of detecting tissue-typing antigens in donor tissue or recipient tissue using these multiple sets of microparticles.
US08748089B2

This invention provides RNA, oligoribonucleotide, and polyribonucleotide molecules comprising pseudouridine or a modified nucleoside, gene therapy vectors comprising same, methods of synthesizing same, and methods for gene replacement, gene therapy, gene transcription silencing, and the delivery of therapeutic proteins to tissue in vivo, comprising the molecules. The present invention also provides methods of reducing the immunogenicity of RNA, oligoribonucleotide, and polyribonucleotide molecules.
US08748088B2

Provided herein are methods for detecting the presence of replication-competent HIV-1 virus in a subject who is being treated with an intensified highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART) regimen. These methods comprise selecting a subject who is being treated with an intensified HAART regimen including an integration inhibitor; obtaining a sample, e.g., a blood sample, from a subject; specifically amplifying a segment spanning two-long terminal repeat (2-LTR) junction of 2-LTR circles using PCR to determine the level of 2-LTR circles in the sample; and determining the presence of replication competent virus based on the level of 2-LTR circles in the sample. These methods can also be used to monitor an intensified HAART regimen by obtaining samples from the same subject at different time points during the HAART treatment, and comparing levels of the 2-LTR circles in those samples.
US08748082B2

A flexographic printing sleeve or plate is made by a method that includes providing a millable polyurethane, crosslinking the millable polyurethane, and forming a relief by at least laser engraving the crosslinked millable polyurethane. For example, crosslinking may be accomplished by a peroxide-based process or by a vulcanization process using sulfur. A relief in one example is formed by extruding the millable polyurethane, thermally crosslinking the polyurethane after the extrusion step and laser engraving the crosslinked millable polyurethane. A printing article is formed into the shape of a flat printing plate or a continuous in-the-round printing sleeve.
US08748074B2

Polymers and compositions for forming self-imageable films encompassing such polymers that encompass norbornene-type repeating unit having at least one phenolic functionality and maleic anhydride-type repeating unit, which can be formulated to be either positive tone imaging or negative tone imaging. The films formed thereby are useful as self-imageable layers in the manufacture of microelectronic, such as semiconductor, and optoelectronic devices.
US08748071B2

To provide an image forming method including conveying a toner by means of a toner supply device that supplies the toner from inside a toner housing container into a developer housing section of a developing device with the use of a screw pump, and forming an image on a recording medium by developing a latent image on a latent image bearing member to form a toner image with the use of a developer and by transferring the toner image to the recording medium by means of a transfer device, wherein the toner is formed by adding small particle size silica to toner base particles, and wherein when A represents the average degree of circularity of the toner, and B, expressed as percent by mass, represents the amount of the small particle size silica relative to the mass of the toner base particles, the expression −18A+17.92≦B≦−34A+33.96 is satisfied.
US08748068B2

A method of producing a patterned birefringent product, comprising at least steps [1] to [3] in this order: [1] producing a birefringent pattern building material comprising at least one optically anisotropic layer, which is formed by a process including: coating and drying a composition containing at least one rod-like liquid crystalline compound having at least two reactive groups and at least one chiral agent to form a cholesteric liquid crystal phase; and then subjecting the cholesteric liquid crystal phase to heating or exposure to radiation to form the optically anisotropic layer containing a polymer fixed by polymerization and fixing; [2] subjecting the birefringent pattern building material to a patterned exposure to light; and, [3] baking a laminate obtained after the step [2] at 50° C. or higher and 400° C. or lower.
US08748062B2

The present invention is a method of cleaning a substrate, comprising cleaning at least one surface of a substrate located in a liquid by injecting pressurized cleaning liquid containing bubbles or cleaning particles from a injection nozzle to at least one surface of the substrate.
US08748054B2

Mechanical stresses of the membrane of a fuel cell can be reduced by virtue of the fact that the supply of feed gas to a gas chamber of the fuel cell takes places, initially, by means of a first pressure increasing speed and then by means of a second pressure increasing speed. The first pressure increasing speed is slower than the second pressure increasing speed. Pressure surges are prevented in the membrane due to the lower pressure increasing speed in the first phase of the gas supply, and as a result, the life span of the membrane is increased.
US08748053B2

A system for bleeding the anode side of first and second split fuel cell stacks in a fuel cell system that employs anode flow-shifting, where each split stack includes a bleed valve. The system determines that one or both of the bleed valves is stuck in an open position if there is flow through an orifice and a bleed has not been commanded. A shut-off valve is then used to provide the bleed if the cathode exhaust gas is able to dilute the hydrogen in the bled anode exhaust gas. An outlet valve between the first and second split stacks is used to bleed the anode exhaust gas if the cathode exhaust gas is not significant enough to dilute the hydrogen in the anode exhaust gas. If the first or second bleed valve is stuck in the closed position, then the outlet valve is used to provide the bleed.
US08748049B2

At a start of a fuel cell, discharge of a generated water is ended at a proper timing. Supply of the reactive gas is started at a first flowrate. Then, in a case that the generated water retained by a reactive electrode is determined to outflow to an internal gas flow channel side among unit cells more than or equal to a preset determination cell number, the flowrate of the reactive gas is changed to a second flowrate that is smaller than the first flowrate.
US08748045B2

A lithium battery and a method for fabricating the same are provided. The lithium battery includes an anode, a cathode located opposite to the anode, a separator and an electrolyte solution. The separator is located between the anode and the cathode, wherein the anode, the cathode and the separator commonly define a containing region. The electrolyte solution is located in the containing region, and includes an organic solvent, a lithium salt and an additive. The additive includes a maleimide-based compound and a hydroxyl-containing species having a molecular weight less than 1000, and a content of the hydroxyl-containing species in the electrolyte solution ranges between 0.05 wt % and 5 wt %. The lithium battery and the fabrication method thereof can solve problems of water contained in the battery, and an environment with high dryness and low moisture content is unnecessary for fabrication, thereby reducing the production cost and enhancing the battery performance.
US08748039B2

An electrode of an energy storage device with less deterioration by charge and discharge can be manufactured. In addition, an energy storage device which has large capacity and high endurance can be manufactured. A manufacturing method of an electrode of an energy storage device is provided in which a high-wettability regions and a low-wettability region are formed at a surface of a current collector, a composition containing silicon, germanium, or tin is discharged to the high-wettability regions and then baked to form separate active materials over a surface of the current collector. Thus, an electrode of an energy storage device with less deterioration due to charge and discharge can be manufactured.
US08748038B2

A cathode active material, a cathode including the cathode active material, a lithium battery including the cathode, and a method of preparing the cathode active material, the cathode active material including a lithium-containing metal oxide and an organic material coated on the lithium-containing metal oxide, the organic material including an acrylate or methacrylate organic material including an alkyleneglycol unit.
US08748037B2

A cathode for use in an electrochemical device, the cathode including a polymer including a backbone, including a polyalkyleneimine-cobalt complex (PEI-Co complex), wherein polyalkyleneimine is coordinated to cobalt; and an electrode material effective for an oxidation-reduction reaction of oxygen, wherein oxygen is a cathode active material.
US08748036B2

A negative electrode active material of a non-aqueous secondary battery of the present invention includes a first active material, a second active material, and a third active material. The first active material is a carbon material having a D/G ratio of 0.15 or less, where G represents the peak intensity observed in a Raman spectrum from 1578 to 1592 cm−1 and D represents the peak intensity observed in a Raman spectrum from 1349 to 1353 cm−1 of Raman spectroscopy. The D50 of the second active material is 10 μm or less. The second active material includes at least one of a first carbon material having the D/G ratio of 0.2 to 2.0 and a second carbon material having the D/G ratio of 1.0 to 2.0. The D50 of the third active material is 5 μm or less. The third active material contains silicon and oxygen as constituent elements.
US08748029B2

A battery pack (1) includes: multiple battery modules (3, 5, 7) stacked in a vertical direction with a predetermined gap (G1) provided between the battery modules (3, 5) and with a predetermined gap (G2) between the battery modules (5, 7); and a battery controller (13) attached to sides of the battery modules (3, 5, 7) in such a manner as to face the predetermined gap (G1).
US08748021B2

A battery module including a plurality of battery cells arranged in a first direction from a first end of the battery module to a second end of the battery module, each of the battery cells including a case including a vent, an electrode assembly housed in the case, and a terminal electrically coupled to the electrode assembly; a bus bar coupled between the terminals of adjacent battery cells of the plurality of battery cells; and a battery module cover covering the plurality of battery cells and including a degassing cover covering the vents of the plurality of battery cells, and a bus bar cover covering the terminals of the plurality of battery cells and the bus bar.
US08748020B2

An energy storage device includes an electrode unit in which a cathode having a cathode lead, an anode having an anode lead, and a separator located between the cathode and the anode to separate the cathode and the anode from each other are rolled together; a housing receiving the electrode unit; an electrolyte filled in the housing; an inner terminal arranged in the housing to face the electrode unit; and an outer terminal connected to the inner terminal. A groove is formed in a side of the inner terminal, and a side protrusion is formed on an inner wall of the housing at a location corresponding to the groove.
US08748013B2

An electroluminescent element which includes host materials and guest materials in a part of an electroluminescent layer. Device characteristics (luminous efficiency, luminous characteristics, or the like) of an electroluminescent element are improved by using host materials and guest materials which have a common skeleton (represented by the following general formula) for an electroluminescent layer interposed between a pair of electrodes in the electroluminescent element. In the common skeleton, X1 to X3, each of which may be the same or different, are individually a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a lower alkyl group, an alkoxy group, an acyl group, a nitro group, a cyano group, an amino group, a dialkylamino group, a diarylamino group, a vinyl group which may have a substituent, an aryl group which may have a substituent, or a heterocyclic group which may have a substituent.
US08748007B2

Disclosed are coating compositions, such as primer compositions, suitable for providing corrosion protection to metal substrates, as well as related coated articles and methods.
US08748005B2

The invention provides a PCB protective cover, an LCD device, and a method for manufacturing a PCB protective cover. The PCB protecting cover is made of an antistatic paper material. The invention provides a novel paper PCB protecting cover. The PCB protecting cover has the advantages of good mechanical strength, simple processing, and low cost, and has antistatic ability because of being added with an antistatic material, thereby greatly reducing the cost of the PCB protecting cover when satisfying the function requirement of the PCB protecting cover, and improving the overall competitiveness of the LCD device.
US08747994B2

The present invention provides an anti-reflective film that prevents wavelength dispersion from being applied to light transmitted through an anti-reflective film. The present invention is an anti-reflective film, which reduces reflection of visible light on a surface of a substrate by being mounted on the substrate, has a wavelength dispersion structure for applying first wavelength dispersion to visible light transmitting through the anti-reflective film, and contains a wavelength dispersion material for applying second wavelength dispersion to the visible light transmitting through the anti-reflective film, wherein visible light transmitted through the anti-reflective film has flat transmission wavelength dispersion in a visible light region.
US08747993B2

A sliding component has a multi-layer structure having a sliding portion configured to undergo sliding contact with a surface of another component different from the sliding component. A lubricating oil retaining/supplying structure retains a lubricating oil and supplies the lubricating oil to the sliding portion during sliding contact between the sliding portion and the surface of another component irrespective of a contact angle between the sliding portion and the surface of the another component.
US08747991B2

An optical device is provided and includes a substrate having a three-dimensionally random concave-convex shape on the surface thereof, and a hard coat layer formed on the substrate, wherein a projection height with the maximum frequency on the substrate surface falls within the range of 1.5 μm or more and not more than 10 μm. Projections larger than the projection height with the maximum frequency on the substrate surface have a height falling within +3 μm from a central value of the projection height with the maximum frequency. A length RSm in a lateral direction of concaves and convexes on the substrate surface is 55 μm or more and not more than 500 μm.
US08747986B2

A gas-barrier heat-seal composite film is provided. The gas-barrier heat-seal composite film includes a heat-seal layer including very low density polyethylene (VLDPE), low density polyethylene (LDPE), linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), high density polyethylene (HDPE), metallocene polyethylene (mPE), metallocene linear low density polyethylene (mLLDPE), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymer, ethylene-propylene (EP) copolymer or ethylene-propylene-butene (EPB) terpolymer, and a gas-barrier layer formed on the heat-seal layer, wherein the gas-barrier layer includes a plurality of composite layers, each including a polymer substrate and a single layer or multiple layers of metal or oxide thereof which is formed on one side or both sides of the polymer substrate, and the polymer substrate includes uniaxial-stretched or biaxial-stretched polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyimide (PI), ethylene/vinyl alcohol (EVOH) copolymer or a combination thereof. The invention also provides a vacuum insulation panel including the composite film.
US08747981B2

A form and force locking connection of special graphite parts is provided to form multi-part components, at which the joints/connection point has almost the same physical properties as the material surrounding the connection point. The form and force locking connection is achieved by the graphite parts being interlocked at the opposing front surfaces in a three-dimensional manner, so that one front surface of a first graphite part has the positive form of the interlocking and the front surface of a second opposing graphic part has the negative form of the interlocking, and the interlocking exclusively has evenly transitioned contours between side surfaces of the graphite parts.
US08747976B2

The present disclosure relates to a shape memory polymer material containing at least one two dimensional region having a first amount of stored stress in a first direction and a second amount of stored stress higher than the first amount of stored stress in a second direction, wherein the two dimensional region is capable of changing shape in only one of the first or second directions.
US08747972B2

To provide a packaging material for boiling treatment or retort treatment that is inexpensive and has excellent low-elution properties and transparency, as well as a pouch comprising the same.A packaging material for boil/retort treatment having at least a transparent gas barrier film layer, an adhesive layer and a sealant film layer in that order, the packaging material for boil/retort treatment being one in which, when it is heated at 121° C. for 2 hours by contact with a sufficient amount of 95% ethanol in a one-side elution test, the masses of the unreacted residual ε-caprolactam and ω-laurolactam eluting into the 95% ethanol are no greater than 0.15 mg and no greater than 0.04 mg, respectively, per square inch of the sealant film layer, and a pouch comprising the material.
US08747967B2

A liquid crystal display according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a first substrate and a second substrate facing each other, an alignment layer disposed on at least one of the first substrate or the second substrate, the alignment layer including at least one vertical alignment monomer and a photo-alignment layer separated from the at least one vertical alignment monomer, and a liquid crystal layer disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate. The photo-alignment layer includes a main chain and at least one side chain connected to the main chain, and the at least one side chain includes at least one vertical photo-alignment material.
US08747963B2

An apparatus and methods for forming a diamond film, are provided. An example of an apparatus for forming a diamond film includes an electrodeless microwave plasma reactor having a microwave plasma chamber configured to contain a substrate and to contain a reactant gas excited by microwaves to generate a microwave plasma discharge. Gas injection ports extend through an outer wall of the plasma chamber at a location upstream of the plasma discharge and above the substrate. Gas jet injection nozzles interface with the gas injection ports and are configured to form a directed gas stream of reactant gas having sufficient kinetic energy to disturb a boundary layer above an operational surface of the substrate to establish a convective transfer of the film material to the operational surface of the substrate.
US08747945B2

A method for coating a metallic substrate includes applying a powder coating composition to a majority of a surface of the metallic substrate, and applying an autodepositable coating composition to less than the majority of the surface of the metallic substrate. According to a preferred embodiment, the powder coating composition is applied to at least one continuous surface of the metallic substrate, while the autodepositable coating composition is applied to at least one discontinuous surface, such as an edge, of the metallic substrate.
US08747933B1

A can cooker includes a main body that is generally cylindrical in shape having a bottom portion, wall portion, neck portion, and lid ring. The bottom portion, wall portion, and neck portion may be integrally formed and connected to one another. A lid is sized and shaped to fit within a part of the neck portion. The lid includes an outer lip that engaged with lid ring on the main body in such a way that a seal is formed between the lid ring and the outer lip. The lid is secured to the main body through a plurality of latches. Handles may be placed on the exterior surface of the lid and main body to ease use and transportation of the can cooker.
US08747932B2

An apparatus for brewing a beverage, which includes an elongated member having a plurality of disks stacked along an axis of the elongated member; a filter having at least one slot and adapted to fit over the plurality of disks; and an elongated housing member having first and second slots on opposite sides of the elongated housing member, wherein the elongated housing member is adapted to fit over the filter.
US08747931B2

Generally, a bran processing system for the supercritical carbon dioxide extraction of bran extraction material from bran and fractionation of the bran extraction material. Specifically, a bran processing system for the isolation of a bran extraction material fraction enriched in ferulate-phytosterol esters or oryzanol.
US08747924B2

The present invention provide a method for the prevention and treatment of a neurodegenerative disease including Alzheimer's Disease, Huntington's Disease, and Parkinson's Disease, using a grape seed extract or one or more compounds derived therefrom. In particular, the present invention provides a method to treat a patient diagnosed with, or at the risk of developing, a neurodegenerative disease by administering a pharmaceutical composition comprising a grape seed extract or one or more compounds derived therefrom to the patient in a therapeutic amount to reduce the accumulation, aggregation or deposition of amyloid beta or its oligomers, and/or to reduce the misfolding, accumulation and/or aggregation of tau proteins or other proteins.
US08747920B2

The present invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions in the form of fixed combination comprising non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug or its single enantiomers or salts thereof, antipyretic-analgesic drug and proton pump inhibitor or its single enantiomers or salts thereof. The invention also relates to processes for the preparation of such compositions.
US08747918B2

Novel plant essential oil-based antimicrobial filming compositions that are useful in protecting, repairing and strengthening the natural slime coat found on fish are disclosed, which compositions are comprised of a mixture of plant essential oils having antimicrobial properties, filming agents, and surfactants.
US08747912B2

A drug delivery system for the controlled release of a pharmaceutically-active compound by oral route comprises an intercalate of a layered double hydroxide having, before intercalation, layers of metal hydroxides, and having intercalated therein a pharmaceutically-active compound having at least one anionic group. A preferred layered double hydroxide is one that has layers which comprise [LiAl2(OH)6]+. The drug delivery system has use in the delivery of drugs such as 4-biphenylacetic acid, Diclofenac, Gemfibrozil, Ibuprofen, Naproxen, 2-Propylpentanoic acid and Tolfenamic acid.
US08747908B2

The present invention provides wood preservative compositions comprising micronized particles. In one embodiment, the composition comprises dispersions of micronized metal or metal compounds. In another embodiment, the wood preservative composition comprises an inorganic component comprising a metal or metal compound and organic biocide. When the composition comprises an inorganic component and an organic biocide, the inorganic component or the organic biocide or both are present as micronized particles. When compositions of the present invention are used for preservation of wood, the micronized particles can be observed as uniformly distributed within the wood and there is minimal leaching of the metal and biocide from the wood.
US08747906B2

A method for treating myocardial or skeletal muscle anoxia which occurs in coronary or post-infarct disorders or during prolonged physical activity and muscle fatigue. This method comprises the administration of a combination composition comprising (a) an alkanoyl L-carnitine selected from the group consisting of isovaleryl L-carnitine, propionyl L-carnitine or the pharmacologically acceptable salts thereof or mixtures thereof; and (b) ribose or a phosphate derivative thereof.
US08747905B2

As described below, the present invention features compositions and methods related to the isolation, culture and therapeutic use of CD31-expressing cells.
US08747892B2

The present invention describes processes for the preparation of a lipid blend and a uniform filterable phospholipid suspension containing the lipid blend, such suspension being useful as an ultrasound contrast agent.
US08747887B2

A wound care bandage for treating a wound is provided. The bandage includes an SIS layer to be placed on the wound surface and a cover to placed over the wound. The bandage further includes a structure to provide a vacuum space. A method for promoting wound healing is further provided. The method includes applying the above-mentioned wound care bandage to the wound and creating a vacuum in the vacuum space to draw blood controllably from the wound into the SIS layer.
US08747885B2

The present invention provides to patches having excellent skin-permeability and therapeutic effect by the drug with lower irritation. In an external patch in which an adhesive layer containing an adhesive base and a drug are laminated with a backing, the external patch wherein the adhesive base contains 5-50% by weight of synthetic rubber polymer, 10-60% by weight of adhesive resin and 25-60% by weight of liquid paraffin, and the drug is etofenamate. According to the present invention, there is obtainable the patches having excellent skin-permeability and therapeutic effect by the drug with lower irritation.
US08747883B2

Polymeric articles capable of releasing drugs at therapeutic levels over extended periods of time, and methods for producing the extended release articles.
US08747877B2

Disclosed is a method of controlling ectoparasites that infest companion and livestock animals by applying to the animal an effective amount of 4-tert-butylphenethyl quinazolin-4-yl ether or 4-chloro-5-ethyl-2-methyl-N-[(4-tert-butylphenyl)methyl]pyrazole-3-carboxamide or 5-chloro-N-[2-[4-(2-ethoxyethyl)-2,3-dimethylphenoxy]ethyl]-6-ethyl-4-pyrimidinamine or 4-chloro-3-ethyl-1-methyl-N-[4-(p-tolyloxy)benzyl]pyrazole-5-carboxamide.
US08747871B2

What is described herein is a synergistic matrix composite for making a stable microemulsion in water of an active ingredient comprising a first matrix composition including by wt. (a) 5-30% of a C8-C18 N-alkyl pyrrolidone, (b) optionally, 5-60% of a water insoluble organic solvent soluble therein, (c) 30-70% of a non-ionic emulsifier, and (d) 1-15% of an EO/PO/EO copolymer, and, (e) optionally, 1-5% of a surface active buffering agent, e.g. a branched alkyl ethoxylated phosphate ester, a second matrix composition comprising a polar polymeric material, e.g. polyethylene glycol, and/or a neutralized derivatized vegetable oil, e.g. maleated linseed oil, which composite is capable of loading a higher amount of said active than either composition alone.
US08747868B2

The invention relates to a reaction product of a polar modified polymer and an alkoxysilane having at least one solubilizing functional group and at least one amino substituent.
US08747862B2

The claimed invention is directed toward an HIV-2 isolate designated NWK08F, including variants, and isolated proteins and nucleotides obtained from said isolates.
US08747860B2

The invention is directed to an improved method to manufacture virus for use in vaccine by culturing infected cells that have been modified to overexpress miR-144. The invention is also directed to manipulating the activity or level of miR-144 in subjects in order to modulate the antiviral and immune response systems.
US08747855B2

Provided are antibodies comprising an antigen recognition domain capable of binding an MHC molecule being complexed with a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) peptide, wherein the antibody does not bind the MHC molecule in an absence of the complexed peptide, and wherein the antibody does not bind the peptide in an absence of the MHC molecule. Also provided are methods of using same for diagnosing HIV infection and treating AIDS.
US08747852B1

Methods for treating pterygium recurrence following pterygiectomy, and for treating keloid recurrence, following surgical removal of the keloid, are disclosed. The methods include administering an anti-VEGF agent (e.g., antibody (e.g., bevacizumab) or small molecule inhibitor of VEGF signaling), or a combination therapy that includes co-administering an anti-VEGF agent, with an anti-inflammatory steroid and/or a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) to a subject.
US08747839B2

At least one embodiment of the invention relates to bone marrow precursor cells or bone marrow cells of a patient, the cells labeled with at least one contrast agent suitable for an imaging method, for use in an imaging method for diagnosing a metastasizing cancer, wherein the local accumulation of the labeled precursor cells or bone marrow cells indicates the presence of a metastasizing tumor growth. At least one embodiment also relates to a method for imaging a metastasizing tumor tissue in a patient, wherein a) bone marrow precursor cells or bone marrow cells are extracted from a patient, b) these precursor cells or bone marrow cells are labeled with at least one contrast agent suitable for an imaging method, c) the precursor cells or bone marrow cells thus labeled are retransplanted or reinjected into the patient, and d) the presence of metastasizing tumor cells is depicted with an imaging method. At least one embodiment also relates a method for imaging a metastasizing tumor tissue, wherein a suitable imaging method is used to image bone marrow precursor cells and/or bone marrow cells that are accumulated in a metastasizing tumor tissue and labeled with at least one contrast agent suitable for an imaging method.
US08747833B2

The invention features methods of diagnosis by assessing B7-H1 expression in a tissue from a subject that has, or is suspected of having, cancer, methods of treatment with agents that interfere with B7-H1-receptor interaction, methods of selecting candidate subjects likely to benefit from cancer immunotherapy, and methods of inhibiting expression of B7-H1.
US08747832B2

The invention provides polymers that include a biologically active molecule and methods for their use.
US08747831B2

Disclosed herein is a composition and method of making a polymerizable antibacterial/antimicrobial resin and using such a bioactive resin in formulated dental compositions.
US08747828B2

The invention relates to a cosmetic method for making-up and/or caring for keratin materials, in particular the skin, whereby a cosmetic composition is applied to the keratin materials, said cosmetic composition taking the form of an emulsion and comprising siloxane resins and a specific nonionic silicone surfactant. In particular, the invention relates to compositions used to care for or make-up the aforementioned keratin materials.
US08747825B2

Present invention relates to a process for permanent shaping of human hair used both for the permanent waving of human hair with an excellent waving effect as well as for the straightening of curled hair. Present invention is a process for permanent shaping hair wherein hair is optionally washed or wetted or shampooed and a composition comprising at least one reducing agent is applied and rinsed off from hair after a processing time of 1 to 30 min and at a temperature of 20 to 45° C. and a composition comprising at least one oxidizing agent is applied and processed for 1 to 20 min at a temperature range of 20 to 45° C. and rinsed off from hair wherein at least one of the two compositions comprise a thickening polyurethane polymer.
US08747818B1

This invention is related to a sunless tanning composition comprising at least one self-tanner and at least one vitamin D compound, wherein the at least one self-tanner is selected from dihydroxyacetone, erythrulose, or a mixture thereof.
US08747812B2

An aqueous negative contrast agent for CT imaging of the gastrointestinal tract and the preparation method thereof. The agent is used in biological and pharmaceutical field. Its components and the weight percent are: hydrogel matrix 0.01-1%, micro-/nano-particles of the materials with low densities 5-50%, stabilization agents 0.1-5%, the rest is deionized water. The preparation method is: stabilization agents are added into the hydrogel matrix made of natural or synthetic hydrophilic polymers, then micro-/nano-particles of the materials with low CT densities are added or prepared, and uniformly dispersed in the hydrogel matrix. The CT density of the resulted aqueous negative contrast agent for CT imaging of the gastrointestinal tract is −30 HU to −500 HU. It can decrease the CT density inside the intestine lumen to lower than −30 HU. The intestine wall can be depicted clearly and the CT signals intensities inside lumen are uniform. It is feasible for 3D images processing such as virtual endoscopy reconstruction with the negative contrast agent. The agent is safe, stable and nontoxic. It will not lead to diarrhea after administration. It is of great significance for the improved sensitivity and specificity of CT diagnosis for the diseases on the intestinal wall and lumen.
US08747811B2

The present invention relates to compounds which are perylenequinone derivatives, their stereoisomers and atropisomers. These compounds can be particularly useful as photosensitizers or sononsensitizers in photodynamic or sonodynamic therapy. The invention also relates to various methods for using these compounds in photodynamic and/or sonodynamic therapy. The compounds also are useful as therapeutic agents for treating various hyperproliferative disorders.
US08747803B1

A process of producing a less acidic ferrous sulfate includes the steps of placing iron shavings within a tank, introducing sulfuric acid and water into the tank, retaining the sulfuric acid and water and the iron shavings within the tank for a period of time so as to react the sulfuric acid and water and iron shavings in order to produce less acidic ferrous sulfate, and removing the less acidic ferrous sulfate from the tank. The iron shavings and the sulfuric acid and the water are reacted together in the tank for a period of time of between twelve and twenty-four hours. The less acidic ferrous sulfate is Fe(SO4)<1.0.
US08747802B2

Provided is a method for preparing manganese sulfate monohydrate, which comprises the following steps: (1) reacting MnO with (NH4)2SO4 solution under heat, and separating solid from liquid after reaction 2) determining the concentration of MnSO4 in the resulting solution of step 1), adding equimolar ammonium sulfide solution thereto to carry out reaction under agitation, separating solid from liquid after reaction, and then washing solid phase: 3) dissolving the solid phase with concentrated sulfuric acid, adding hydrogen peroxide to the obtained solution, heating to boiling, adjusting the pH value of the solution to 5-6, removing the solid phase through precise filtration, evaporating and oven drying the filtrate to obtain MnSO4.H2O product. The impurities are separated away and the amount of byproducts is reduced by this method, and the yield of manganese sulfate monohydrate is improved.
US08747795B2

Aspects of the present invention refers to a process for production of nickel carbonate including preparing a magnesium salt solution, contacting the solution with a stream of gaseous CO2, keeping pH between 4 and 10 and temperature between 0 and 100° C., during up to 5 hours to produce a first mixture, contacting the first mixture with a nickel sulphate solution to produce a second mixture, performing a separation of liquid and solid portions of the second mixture, and feeding the magnesium salt solution with the liquid portion. This process recycles the reagent used for producing nickel carbonate and yields a final product that is easy to handle and transport.
US08747793B2

The present invention relates to a hollow sphere with a mesoporous structure, and a method for manufacturing the same. The hollow sphere with a mesoporous structure comprises: a shell with plural mesopores penetrating the shell, wherein the shell comprises: a mesoporous silicon oxide material, and mesopores of the mesoporous silicon oxide material are arranged in Ia3d cubic symmetry. In addition, according to the method of the present invention, the aforementioned hollow sphere with the mesoporous structure can be easily obtained by use of mixed surfactants of a cationic surfactant and a non-ionic surfactant.
US08747791B2

The purpose of the present invention is to provide calcium phosphate porous material with small amount of the remaining polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons that are toxic substances. The present invention relates to a method for the production of calcium phosphate porous material of β-tricalcium phosphate comprising calcining micronized β-tricalcium phosphate wherein a temperature in a furnace is retained at a temperature in a range of 250-550° C. for a certain period of time, or wherein a temperature-rising rate in the furnace while in said range is decreased to one thirds or less of that during ranges before or after said range in said calcining step.
US08747783B2

One exemplary embodiment can be an acid alkylation system. The system can include a cooler-reactor and a settler. The settler can have a height and a width. Usually, the height exceeds the width. Generally, the cooler-reactor receives a feed of at least one of a stream including an olefin and a stream including an isobutane. Typically, at least a portion of one of the streams is bypassed around the cooler-reactor to the settler to control the temperature within the settler.
US08747781B2

A mechanical separator for separating a fluid sample into first and second phases is disclosed. The mechanical separator includes a float, a ballast assembly longitudinally moveable with respect to the float, and a bellows structure. The bellows structure includes a first end, a second end, and a deformable bellows therebetween. The float is attached to a portion of the first end of the bellows structure, and the ballast is attached to a portion of the second end of the bellows structure. The attached float and bellows structure includes a releaseable interference engagement therebetween. The float has a first density, and the ballast has a second density that is greater than the first density of the float.
US08747775B2

A food safety device for placement on a product is disclosed. The food safety device comprises one or more sensors that measure at least one condition of the product and/or its environment, one or more visual indicators that are configured to display a visual indication of freshness and/or safety of the product. An antenna transmits and receives data regarding the at least one measured condition of the product and the freshness and/or safety of the product. A logic module executes programmable logic to determine the freshness and/or safety of the product from the at least one measured condition of the product, to cause the one or more visual indicators to display a visual indication of the freshness and/or safety it determines, and to transmit and receive data regarding the at least one measured condition of the product and the freshness and/or safety of the product via the antenna.
US08747765B2

In one aspect, the present techniques include a heat exchange apparatus including: a) a body comprising an interior cavity, the body including: a first surface and a second surface defining at least a portion of the body and the first surface positioned exterior with respect to the second surface and the interior cavity, and the second surface positioned exterior with respect to the interior cavity and interior with respect to the first surface; b) a first conduit for conveying a fluid to the body; c) a second conduit in fluid communication with the first conduit wherein the second conduit is positioned at least partially within the interior cavity of the body; and d) a joint between the first conduit and the second conduit, wherein the joint moves between a first location and a second location based on the temperature within the interior cavity, wherein at least one of said first location and said second location is positioned intermediate the first surface and the second surface.
US08747762B2

Methods and apparatus for treating an exhaust gas in a foreline of a substrate processing system are provided herein. In some embodiments, an apparatus for treating an exhaust gas in a foreline of a substrate processing system includes a plasma source coupled to a foreline of a process chamber, a reagent source coupled to the foreline upstream of the plasma source, and a foreline gas injection kit coupled to the foreline to controllably deliver a gas to the foreline, wherein the foreline injection kit includes a pressure regulator to set a foreline gas delivery pressure setpoint, and a first pressure gauge coupled to monitor a delivery pressure of the gas upstream of the foreline.
US08747760B2

A catalytic converter includes a housing defining an interior space, with a monolith supported therein. The monolith includes a catalyst disposed thereon. The catalytic converter includes a flow directing mechanism defined by one of the housing and/or the monolith to re-direct a flow of exhaust gas across the monolith to obtain a more even flow distribution of exhaust gas across the monolith. The monolith may include different regions, with each region including a different catalyst density disposed thereon. The catalyst density of each region may be optimized for the flow rate of exhaust gas across the monolith through each region.
US08747754B2

A bipolar ionization tube includes a cylindrical glass tube having an open end and closed end. A cathode is positioned within and is circumscribed by an interior surface wall of the glass tube. An anode circumscribes an exterior surface of the glass tube, where the anode is adapted for electrical connectivity with a first conducting terminal of a power supply. An electrically insulated end cap has a groove for receiving the open end of the glass tube, and the end cap is secured to the glass tube with at least one sealant. An elongated conducting terminal having a first portion extends through the end cap and is adapted for electrical connectivity with a second conducting terminal of the power supply. A second portion of the conducting terminal extends into the glass tube and is configured for electrical connectivity with the cathode.
US08747749B2

A precious metal testing apparatus and methods adapted to analyze impurities in a precious metal test sample is described. The testing apparatus contains a test probe that has a replaceable portion and that is connected to a meter to measure resistance. The replaceable portion contains or forms a reservoir that includes at least one electrolyte component, a conductive member, and a fibrous tip. The electrolyte component is fluidly associated with a fiber tip and the conductive member contacts an electrical contact located outside the reservoir. Methods of testing and instructions regarding such methods are also included.
US08747744B2

An automatic chemical analyzer in which a reaction solution is stirred by air ejected from an air ejection hole placed above a reaction container. The reaction region can be washed and cleaned sufficiently without causing damage, such as exfoliation of a coating reagent. A reaction container disk is provided with a pore and a pressure detector connected with the pore. Before and after the stirring operation, the ejection hole (nozzle) ejecting air is moved and the output value of the pressure detector is compared with a previously measured normal value. With a discharge pipe and a suction pipe inserted to the opening of the reaction container to be close to both ends of the opening and the side wall of the container, the reaction region at the bottom of the container is washed by continuous discharge and suction of cleaning fluid.
US08747740B2

Haloamine biocides are prepared via multi-step processes in an integrated apparatus comprising an electrochemical cell and a mixing chamber, wherein active halogen donor species are electrochemically generated and subsequently reacted with amine-containing compositions to form haloamine biocide. Haloamine biocides prepared according to such processes are used to treat liquids in order to inhibit, reduce, and/or control microorganism growth therein.
US08747728B2

A polymer endoprosthesis is fabricated by a combination of injection molding and blow molding which form a tubular substrate of polymer material, followed by laser cutting, crimping and sterilization. After the injection and blow molding processes, a subtractive process is performed on the tubular substrate to transform it into a stent having a network of stent struts. The tubular substrate can be made in an injection mold and blow mold which are attached to each other. The transition from injection molding and blow molding can be performed while the injection molded substrate remains at a temperature at or above Tg of the polymer material.
US08747720B2

The processing window for thermosetting resins that contain particulate hardeners is prolonged using the combined steps of heat-treating the resin to form a low-viscosity resin mixture in which the particles are dissolved and then molding the low-viscosity resin mixture at temperatures below the dissolution temperature of the particles to infuse a fibrous preform. The infused resin preform is heated to the curing temperature of the resin to provide final curing of the resin.
US08747715B2

Multi-filament UHMW PE yarns can be produced according to processes that result in improved properties. The UHMW PE can have an intrinsic viscosity in decalin at 135° C. of at least about 30 dl/g, and can be processed under optimal conditions to achieve a gel spun yarn having a tenacity of greater than about 45 g/d (40.5 g/dtex).
US08747714B2

A method of simultaneously manufacturing multiple mesh-reinforced thermoplastic membranes including providing a roll of mesh reinforcing sheet having a first side and a second side and drawing the mesh sheet through a cutting device to the cut the mesh sheet longitudinally and create a plurality of mesh sheets. The method also includes separating the plurality of mesh sheets to create gaps therebetween and simultaneously extruding a molten thermoplastic layer onto both the first and second sides of the plurality of mesh sheets and over the gaps to create a single mesh-reinforced thermoplastic membrane. The mesh-reinforced thermoplastic membrane is then cut longitudinally along the gaps between the plurality of mesh sheets to create a plurality of mesh-reinforced membranes, each membrane having a pair of longitudinally extending gum edges.
US08747711B1

A sole assembly is formed by preheating a mold assembly, placing a quantity of rubber in a first portion of a lower recess of a mold assembly; placing a middle plate in contact with a bottom plate, and an upper plate in contact with the middle plate; subjecting the top, middle, and bottom plates to heat to semi-cure the rubber in the lower recess to form an outsole member; separating the top plate, the middle plate, and the bottom plate; placing the top plate in contact with the bottom plate, with polyolefin forming a midsole above the semi-cured rubber; subjecting the top and bottom plates to heat such that the polyolefin expands within the sole recess and the polyolefin and rubber in the sole recess fully cure, cross-link, and bond to one another to form a sole assembly; cooling the top and bottom plates; and removing the sole assembly.
US08747709B2

Modified lignin having covalently attached phosphorous containing groups and methods for preparing such compounds are described herein. The modified lignin described herein provides a renewable source of flame retardant material.
US08747705B2

Disclosed are new compound semiconductors which may be used for solar cells or as thermoelectric materials, and their application. The compound semiconductor may be represented by a chemical formula: InxCo4Sb12-zTez, where 0
US08747699B2

An aqueous solution containing a polymer dispersant and a metal compound, and an aqueous solution of a reducing agent, are joined together and uniformly mixed while being subjected to reduction reaction to give metal microparticles, in a thin film fluid formed between processing surfaces arranged to be opposite to each other so as to be able to approach to and separate from each other, at least one of which rotates relative to the other, by using a reaction apparatus of uniform stirring and mixing the above aqueous solutions.
US08747697B2

Provided herein are phosphor compositions that include a YAG phosphor that is substituted with gallium, such as YaCebAlcGadOz, wherein a, b, c, d and z are positive numbers. Also provided are solid state light emitting devices that include a YAG phosphor that is substituted with gallium.
US08747690B2

A quaternary ammonium salt of the formula (1), a composition containing the quaternary ammonium salt and an organic solvent, and an electrochemical device using the salt wherein R1 and R2 are both methyl and X− is BF4− or N(CF3SO2)2−.
US08747680B1

A method of manufacturing a magnetoresistive-based device having magnetic material layers formed between a first electrically conductive layer and a second electrically conductive layer, the magnetic materials layers including a tunnel barrier layer formed between a first magnetic materials layer and a second magnetic materials layer, including removing the first electrically conductive layer and the first magnetic materials layer unprotected by a first hard mask, to form a first electrode and a first magnetic materials, respectively; and removing the tunnel barrier layer, second magnetic materials layer, and second electrically conductive layer unprotected by the second hard mask to form a tunnel barrier, second magnetic materials, and a second electrode.
US08747678B2

The invention provides hydrometallurgical processes by which dissolved nickel may be removed from water at ambient temperature and low system pressure.
US08747676B2

A support impregnated with selenium and capable of effectively removing a heavy metal from a process stream that is at an ambient temperature or is at an elevated temperature.
US08747674B2

A process for the treatment of water/oil (W/O) emulsions is described which includes the addition of an ionic liquid, under heating, to a water/oil emulsion containing between 0.5% and 85% of water per volume as a dispersion phase, until the concentration of the ionic liquid in the emulsion remains within the range of 0.01 μL/g to 100 μL/g. The ionic liquid used is a salt of a general C+ A− formula in a liquid state at temperatures below 150° C., where A− is an anion and C+ is a cation, which has at least a hydrophobic alkyl chain connected to a cation group. The heating method includes conventional heating and heating via microwaves. In the heating via microwaves, the salts of the general C+ A− formula present synergic behavior in separation efficiency in relation to conventional heating.
US08747673B2

A method of removing a nonpolar solvent from a fluid volume that includes at least one nonpolar compound, such as a fat, an oil or a triglyceride, is provided. The method comprises contacting a fluid volume with an expanding gas to expand the nonpolar solvent and form a gas-expanded solvent. The gas-expanded solvent may have a substantially reduced density in comparison to the at least one nonpolar compound and/or a substantially reduced capacity to solubilize the nonpolar compound, causing the nonpolar compounds to separate from the gas-expanded nonpolar solvent into a separate liquid phase. The liquid phase including the at least one nonpolar compound may be separated from the gas-expanded solvent using conventional techniques. After separation of the liquid phase, at least one of the temperature and pressure may be reduced to separate the nonpolar solvent from the expanding gas such that the nonpolar solvent may be recovered and reused.
US08747661B2

A process for bitumen extraction from hydrocarbonaceous solids, such as tar sand or oil shale, is performed in fluidized bed of a swirl reactor. This provides active interaction of three phases: 1) liquid phase—bituminous oil with solvent; 2) solid phase—sand grains, clay; 3) gaseous phase—steam and gasses. The process also involves the step of pressure decrease inside the reactor to activate a gas desorption dissolved in bituminous sand mixture. The process of separation of the bitumen and sand combines centrifuging and discharging individual products for further processing.
US08747659B2

A process for hydrotreating a first aromatics- and sulfur-containing hydrocarbon feed using a fresh supported CoMo catalyst, includes treating the fresh catalyst under first hydrotreating conditions with a second hydrocarbon feed having a lower aromatics content than the first feed.
US08747647B2

In a process for chlorine-alkali electrolysis, use is made of an oxygen depletion cathode. The process is run with a high excess of oxygen. The oxygen needed for this is provided for a device of the gas separation, for example a VPSA plant or an air fractionation plant. The large quantities of oxygen produced lead to considerable costs of the process. According to the invention, the oxygen-rich atmosphere remaining after passing through the process is fed back into the device for gas separation as input gas. The device the gas separation is therefore operated with an oxygen-rich input gas and therefore produces a larger quantity of oxygen-rich gas, which in turn is fed to the oxygen depletion cathode. As a result of the circulation of the gas, the economy of the overall process is increased considerably.
US08747640B2

Arrangements for plating a single surface of a thin foil are described. In one aspect, a metal foil is wrapped tightly at least partially around a plating solution drum. The drum is partially immersed in a plating solution such that the waterline of the metal plating solution is below a break point where the metallic foil strip begins to unwind from the plating solution drum. With this arrangement, one side of the metallic foil strip is exposed to the metal plating solution, while the opposing back side of the metallic foil strip does not come in substantial contact with the metal plating solution. In this manner, the exposed side of the foil is plated while the back surface of the foil is not plated. The drum may be rotated to convey the foil through the plating solution.
US08747638B2

A method for the electrochemical coating of a workpiece surface (2), micro- or nanoscale particles being introduced into the coating is provided. During coating, at least one jet composed of a jet medium comprising the micro- or nanoscale particles to be introduced is directed onto the workpiece surface (2).
US08747635B2

A gas sensor is provided with a multilayer body of solid electrolyte layers, a measurement electrode, a reference electrode, a reference gas introduction layer, a detection unit and a heater. The reference electrode and the measurement electrode are formed directly on the same first solid electrolyte layer. Thus, heat from the heater is transferred from a third substrate layer to the first solid electrolyte layer, and also to the reference electrode and the measurement electrode through the same first solid electrolyte layer. The reference electrode is covered with a reference gas introduction layer, formed of a porous body. The transference of heat from the heater to the reference electrode through the reference gas introduction layer is smaller than the transference of heat from the heater to the reference electrode through the first solid electrolyte layer on which the reference electrode is formed directly.
US08747634B2

A gas sensor including a gas sensor element, and an inner member surrounding the gas sensor element. The gas sensor element has a detection element having therein a space to which a gas to be measured is introduced, and a heater laminated on the detection element. The detection element includes a first oxygen pumping cell for pumping oxygen into or out of the space, an oxygen concentration detection cell, a detection electrode and a reference electrode. In side faces of the detection element along a laminating direction, a region from a front end of the inner member to a part of the detection electrode along a longitudinal direction is covered with a glass coat having a glass transition point of over 700° C. Further the detection electrode is controlled at a temperature range from 600° C. or more to not more than the glass transition point of the glass coat.
US08747632B2

A blood measuring apparatus includes: first and second chambers which communicate with each other through an aperture; first and second electrodes which are disposed respectively in the first chamber and the second chamber; and a controller: which performs blood measurement by causing a current to flow between the first and second electrodes in a state where diluted blood is contained in the first chamber and diluting solution is contained in the second chamber; and which performs electrolysis by applying a voltage between the first and second electrodes in a state where diluting solution is contained in the first and second chambers, thereby producing washing solution, and which performs washing on at least the aperture, and the first and second chambers by using the produced washing solution.
US08747629B2

A TMR sensor with a free layer having a FL1/FL2/FL3 configuration is disclosed in which FL1 is FeCo or a FeCo alloy with a thickness between 2 and 15 Angstroms. The FL2 layer is made of CoFeB or a CoFeB alloy having a thickness from 2 to 10 Angstroms. The FL3 layer is from 10 to 100 Angstroms thick and has a negative λ to offset the positive λ from FL1 and FL2 layers and is comprised of CoB or a CoBQ alloy where Q is one of Ni, Mn, Tb, W, Hf, Zr, Nb, and Si. Alternatively, the FL3 layer may be a composite such as CoB/CoFe, (CoB/CoFe)n where n is ≧2 or (CoB/CoFe)m/CoB where m is ≧1. The free layer described herein affords a high TMR ratio above 60% while achieving low values for λ (<5×10−6), RA (1.5 ohm/μm2), and Hc (<6 Oe).
US08747627B2

The invention relates to a method and to a device for reversing the feeding of a sputter coating system, particularly when coating a photovoltaic module, in clean rooms, having the following characteristics: a) a transport frame (11) for receiving a substrate wafer (19) of a photovoltaic module, b) a rotary device having means for mounting the transport frame (11), having means for rotating the transport frame (11), and having means for transporting the transport frame (11), c) means for precisely aligning the rotary device relative to the sputter coating system, d) a detection device (18) for checking a sputter process, and computer program having a program code for performing the process steps.
US08747617B2

A method of preparing a stable dispersion of flocculated filler particles for use in papermaking processes comprises sequential addition of a first flocculating agent to an aqueous dispersion of filler particles followed by shearing of the dispersion, followed by addition of a second flocculating agent to the dispersion and further shearing of the resultant filler flocs to the desired particle size resulting in shear resistant filler flocs with a defined and controllable size distribution. In addition, a neutralizing coagulant can be added to the dispersion to partially or completely neutralize the charge of the filler before the first flocculating agent is added.
US08747614B2

Provided is a conductive aramid paper comprising an aramid short fiber, an aramid fibrid, and a conductive filler, and having a density of 0.45 to 1.10 g/cm3, a tensile strength of 2.5 kN/m or higher, and a surface resistivity of 1.0×101 to 5.0×102Ω/□. This conductive aramid paper has an electric field relaxation function and an antistatic function enough to be favorably used as a material for reducing corona in rotating electrical machines, and also antistatic components for electrical and electronic devices, and sub-materials for processing or assembling any of these.
US08747613B2

The pressure diffuser incorporates a screen that has a considerable weight that is moved by a connecting rod in a reciprocating manner between an upper and lower position. The connecting rod is maneuvered by a hydraulic cylinder for vertically moving the screen in a first slow stroke concurrent with pulp-flow and moving the screen in a second fast stroke countercurrent to pulp-flow. The pressure diffuser has an inlet defined therein at the bottom of the vessel but the hydraulic cylinder is located at the top of the vessel. This design enables an increased active pressure area in the hydraulic cylinder for the fast stroke of the screen. This reduces the power-rating needed for the hydraulic system.
US08747612B2

The present invention relates to a process for the production of microfibrillated cellulose wherein the process comprises the steps of, providing a slurry comprising fibers, adding the slurry to an extruder, treating the slurry in the extruder so that the fibers are defibrillated and microfibrillated cellulose is formed. The invention further relates to a microfibrillated cellulose produced.
US08747609B2

A plasma processing apparatus includes a shower head that is installed within a processing chamber for processing a substrate therein so as to face a mounting table for mounting the substrate thereon and supplies a gas toward the substrate in a shower pattern through a plurality of gas discharge holes provided in a facing surface of the shower head facing the mounting table; a plurality of gas exhaust holes formed through the shower head to be extended from the facing surface of the shower head to an opposite surface from the facing surface; a multiple number of rod-shaped magnet pillars standing upright in a gas exhaust space communicating with the gas exhaust holes on the side of the opposite surface; and a driving unit that varies a distance between the magnet pillars and the gas exhaust holes by moving at least a part of the magnet pillars.
US08747607B2

A thermally cured silicon coating on a plastic, in particular a thermoplastic, can be adhesively bonded without use of an adhesive primer. Such thermally cured silicon coatings are produced by a process including: application of a silicon composition to the surfaces of a plastic or to the surface of a plastic treated with a plastic primer; air drying of the silicon composition to form a silicone film; baking at a temperature in the range from 80° C. to 200° C.; and application of a bonding agent composition to the silicone film during baking or during the phase of cooling to ambient temperature after baking.
US08747606B2

A method of forming an adhesive bond between a first substrate and a second substrate includes applying a semi-crystalline polymeric adhesive composition to a bonding area of the first substrate, and, after applying, disposing the second substrate adjacent to and in contact with the composition to form a workpiece. After disposing, the method includes heating the workpiece to cure the composition and thereby form a crosslinked polymeric adhesive material. After heating, the method includes cooling the workpiece such that the material has a crystalline molecular structure. Concurrent to cooling, the method includes imposing a stress on the material to thereby orient the crystalline molecular structure in a desired direction, and, after imposing, dissipating the stress along the crystalline molecular structure in the desired direction to thereby form the adhesive bond between the first substrate and the second substrate.
US08747605B2

Structural adhesives are prepared from an elastomeric toughener that contains urethane and/or urea groups, and have some terminal isocyanate groups that are capped with a phenol and other terminal isocyanate groups that are capped with a hydroxy-functional acrylate or a hydroxy-functional methacrylate. In certain embodiments, the presence of both types of capping on the toughener leads to higher impact peel strengths and a greater level of cohesive failure, than when the toughener is capped with a phenol an hydroxy-functional acrylate or hydroxy-functional methacrylate alone.
US08747604B2

The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a microfluidic chip, wherein said method comprises the steps of: providing a plate combined with a layer of inorganic silica gel of formula: (HsiO3/2)2n where n is an integer, and providing a lid; chemically activating the layer of silica gel and the lid, in order to make the layer of gel and the lid hydrophilic; mechanically combining the layer of gel and the lid to form a chip, such that the layer of gel forms an intermediate layer between the plate and the lid; annealing the chip, such that the layer of silica gel transforms into an intermediate layer made up of a SiO2 matrix for rigidly securing the plate to the lid. The invention also relates to a related chip and plate.
US08747600B2

A core layer is formed by bonding a plurality of wooden plates together by using an adhesive. The core layer is cut into a predetermined shape having notches. The core layer is placed on a die of a pressing machine by being positioned by using the notches and pins placed on the die. The core layer is press molded to firmly hold the pin by the outer edge of the notch and to harden the adhesive.
US08747578B2

A steel having excellent formability, fatigue endurance after quenching, low temperature toughness, resistance for hydrogen embrittlement, and corrosion fatigue endurance. A method includes heating a steel slab at 1160° C. to 1320° C., hot-finish-rolling the steel slab at a finisher delivery temperature of 750° C. to 980° C., and then coiling the hot-rolled steel at a coiling temperature of 560° C. to 740° C. after slow cooling for a time of 2 seconds or more to produce a hot-rolled steel strip having a structure in which the ferrite grain diameter df corresponding to a circle is 1.1 μm to less than 1.2 μm and the ferrite volume fraction Vf is 30% to 98%, the steel slab containing 0.18 to 0.29% of C, 0.06 to 0.45% of Si, 0.91 to 1.85% of Mn, 0.019% or less of P, 0.0029% or less of S, 0.015 to 0.075% of sol. Al, 0.0049% or less of N, 0.0049% or less of O, 0.0001 to 0.0029% of B, 0.001 to 0.019% of Nb, 0.001 to 0.029% of Ti, 0.001 to 0.195% of Cr, and 0.001 to 0.195% of Mo so that the carbon equivalent Ceq satisfies a value of 0.4 to less than 0.58, and the total x of multiplying factors including that for B according to Grossmann satisfies a value of 1.2 to less than 1.7.
US08747577B2

High yield ratio high-strength hot rolled thin steel sheet superior in weldability and ductility comprising, by mass %, C: over 0.030 to less than 0.10%, Si: 0.30 to 0.80%, Mn: 1.7 to 3.2%, P: 0.001 to 0.02%, S: 0.0001 to 0.006%, Al: 0.060% or less, N: 0.0001 to 0.0070%, containing further Ti: 0.01 to 0.055%, Nb: 0.012 to 0.055%, Mo: 0.07 to 0.55%, B: 0.0005 to 0.0040%, and simultaneously satisfying 1.1≦14×Ti(%)+20×Nb(%)+3×Mo(%)+300×B(%)≦3.7, the balance comprised of iron and unavoidable impurities, and having a yield ratio of 0.64 to less than 0.92, a TS×El1/2 of 3320 or more, an YR×TS×El1/2 of 2320 or more, and a maximum tensile strength (TS) of 780 MPa or more.
US08747565B1

A device for cleaning submergible surfaces includes a mandrel having a handle at a proximal end and a connector at a distal end. The handle can be removably mounted to an air tool. A cleaning tip holder has an opening at a distal end leading into an interior space. The cleaning tip holder can be connected with the mandrel connector and can be removably retained therewith. A cleaning tip includes a generally rectangular element having beveled front and side edges and can be removably retained partially within the cleaning tip holder interior space. In use, a cleaning tip is mounted in the cleaning tip holder interior space, and that combination is mounted to the mandrel connector. The mandrel handle is affixed to an air tool having an outlet hose, which, when activated, produces a reciprocating action in the device, creating a scrubbing action with the cleaning tip.
US08747564B2

A residue-removing solution for removing residues after a dry process, which includes an amine salt of a monocarboxylic acid and/or a salt of a polycarboxylic acid that forms a 7- or more-membered ring chelate with copper, and water, the residue-removing solution containing aqueous solution (A) or (B) as described herein. Also disclosed is a method for removing residues present on a semiconductor substrate after dry etching and/or ashing. Further, a method for manufacturing semiconductor devices is further disclosed, which includes subjecting a semiconductor substrate having Cu as an interconnect material, and a low dielectric constant film as an interlayer dielectric material, to dry etching and/or ashing; and bringing the processed semiconductor substrate into contact with the above residue-removing solution.
US08747562B2

A tobacco-free oral pouch product providing immediate and long lasting flavor release comprises a pouch wrapper and tobacco-free flavor beads contained within the pouch wrapper. The flavor beads comprise at least one of microcrystalline cellulose, pectin and sodium alginate, at least one polymer having a higher solubility in saliva than microcrystalline cellulose, pectin and/or sodium alginate, and at least one flavorant. The pectin and sodium alginate are cross-linked. The tobacco-free flavor beads provide immediate release of the flavorant upon placement of a pouch product in a user's mouth and long lasting release of the flavorant for about 15 minutes to about 80 minutes. The oral pouch product contains only tobacco-free flavor beads.
US08747560B2

A pedestal positioning assembly system for use in a substrate processing system includes a pedestal rigidly attached to a pedestal shaft, a reference rigidly attached to the substrate processing system, a lateral adjustment assembly to adjust a lateral location of the pedestal relative to the reference, and a vertical adjustment assembly to adjust a tilt of the pedestal relative to the reference. The lateral adjustment assembly and the vertical adjustment assembly are external to a processing chamber and are coupled to the pedestal disposed within the processing chamber through the pedestal shaft. The reference can be a ring and the lateral adjustment assembly substantially centers the pedestal within the ring. A method of adjusting a pedestal includes leveling the pedestal, translating the pedestal, calibrating the pedestal height to a preheat ring level, and checking the level and location of the pedestal while rotating the pedestal.
US08747558B2

The purpose of the invention is increasing the efficiency of utilizing an EL material and providing a deposition method and a vapor deposition apparatus which is one of the film formation systems which are excellent in throughput and uniformity in film thickness in forming an EL layer. According to the invention, evaporation is performed by moving or reciprocating an evaporation source holder in which a plurality of containers (crucible) each encapsulating an evaporation material are set only in an X direction while moving a substrate at regular intervals. Further, in the plurality of evaporation source holders, film thickness meters of adjacent evaporation sources are disposed alternately so as to sandwich the movement pathway of the substrate.
US08747545B2

The present invention provides a producing method of powder particles having an average particle diameter on the order of submicrons. Specifically, the producing method is a producing method of powder particles obtained by grinding a product to be ground by using plural grinding media, wherein the grinding media including at least one kind (grinding medium A) having an average particle diameter of 0.01 to 5 times and at least one kind (grinding medium B) having an average particle diameter of 10 to 450 times, with respect to the average particle diameter of the product to be ground before being ground, are used.
US08747522B2

In a method for adsorptively drying purified biogas and regenerating laden absorbents, foreign matter is not allowed to enter the purified biogas, the content of methane in the gas remains virtually unchanged and the effort involved in regenerating the laden adsorbent is reduced. Drying and regeneration are effected in a closed biogas cycle, wherein separate layers based on silica gel and molecular sieves are used as the adsorbent. The biogas to be dried first flows through the silica gel layer. The adsorbent is regenerated with exclusively heated, dried biomethane having a temperature of up to 150° C. which, after contact with adsorbent, is recirculated to the outflow of purified biogas. After regeneration, the bed is cooled by biomethane, which is subsequently recirculated to the outflow of purified biogas. Methane-containing water accumulating during drying and regeneration is recirculated to the biogas generation and/or purification.
US08747520B2

The present invention are methods for removing preselected substances from a mixed flue gas stream characterized by cooling said mixed flue gas by direct contact with a quench liquid to condense at least one preselected substance and form a cooled flue gas without substantial ice formation on a heat exchanger. After cooling additional process methods utilizing a cryogenic approach and physical concentration and separation or pressurization and sorbent capture may be utilized to selectively remove these materials from the mixed flue gas resulting in a clean flue gas.
US08747517B2

A method for isolating a nanoparticle is disclosed. A medium containing a nanoparticle is provided. The medium is acidified with a weak acid. An alcoholic solvent is added to induce the nanoparticle to precipitate from the medium. The precipitated nanoparticles are separated from the medium.
US08747500B2

A controlled zone gasification reactor for a plasma assisted gasification reaction system is disclosed for converting fuel, such as, but not limited to, biomass, to syngas to replace petroleum based fuels used in power generation. The system may be a modular system housed within a frame facilitating relatively easy transportation. The system may include a reactor vessel with distinct reaction zones that facilitate greater control and a more efficient system. The system may include a syngas heater channeling syngas collected downstream of the carbon layer support and to the pyrolysis reaction zone. The system may also include a syngas separation chamber configured to produce clean syngas, thereby requiring less filtering. The system may further include an agitator drive assembly that prevents formation of burn channels with in the fuel.
US08747498B2

A hydrogen generator of the present invention includes a reformer (16) for generating a hydrogen-containing gas through a reforming reaction using a raw material; a combustor (102a) for heating the reformer (16); a combustion air supplier (117) for supplying combustion air to the combustor (102a); and an abnormality detector (110a) for detecting an abnormality; and a controller (110) configured to control the combustion air supplier (117) such that the reformer (16) is cooled with a higher rate in an abnormal shut-down process executed after the abnormality detector (110a) detects the abnormality, than in a normal shut-down process.
US08747493B2

In one embodiment, the present invention is to an ethanol composition comprising at least 92 wt. % ethanol and from 95 wppm to 1,000 wppm isopropanol.
US08747488B2

A process for producing a solid electrolyte capacitor with an anode comprising a sintered fine NbOx powder, where 0.5
US08747474B2

Spinal plate positioning system including a spinal plate, centering member and implant, is used to position and center a spinal plate over an implant in an intervertebral space. Implant may include a centering feature which may engage a surface of centering member or spinal plate to aid in placement of spinal plate.
US08747467B2

The present invention is directed to a composition comprising a matrix suitable for implantation in humans, comprising defatted, shredded, allogeneic human muscle tissue that has been combined with an aqueous carrier and dried in a predetermined shape. Also disclosed is a tissue graft or implant comprising a matrix suitable for implantation in humans, comprising defatted, shredded, allogeneic human muscle tissue that has been combined with an aqueous carrier and dried in a predetermined shape. The composition and/or tissue graft or implant of the invention is usable in combination with seeded cells, a tissue growth factor, and/or a chemotactic agent to attract a desired cell.
US08747461B2

The present invention concerns a cardiac valve prosthesis system (10; 40) for implantation into the body of a mammal. The prosthesis system (19; 40) comprises a valve (16) mounted on an stent element (18) to form a stented valve element (12), and an anchoring element (14) to be arranged within the aorta of the mammal to be treated with the prosthesis and spaced-apart form the stented valve element (12). Further, the anchoring element (14) comprises a cylindrical tube element composed of fabric (22) supported by a metal mesh, and the stented valve element (12) and the anchoring element (14) represent two constructional distinctive elements being associated by ligament-like connecting means (30; 50), such, that the connecting region (28) between the stented valve element (12) and the anchoring element (14) is generally free from foreign material.
US08747459B2

A prosthetic valve assembly for use in replacing a deficient native valve comprises a replacement valve supported on an expandable prosthesis frame. The valve may be delivered transluminally or transmyocardially using a thorascopic or other limited access approach using a delivery catheter. Preferably, the initial partial expansion of the valve is performed against the native valve annulus to provide adequate anchoring and positioning of the valve as the remaining portions of the valve expand. The valve may be delivered using a retrograde or antegrade approach. When delivered using a retrograde approach, a delivery catheter with a pull-back sheath may be used, while antegrade delivery is preferably performed with a delivery catheter with a push-forward sheath that releases the proximal end of the valve first.
US08747446B2

A hair restoration caring device includes a treatment hood, a suspension member and a hair caring device. The treatment hood is to be disposed over a user's head. The suspension member is fastened to the treatment hood. The hair caring device is attached to the suspension member and is movable with respect to the user scalp. The hair caring device includes an outer casing mounted slidably on the suspension member, and has several downward combing projections and several light emitters installed above the combing projections respectively for radiating light waves. Each combing projection is aligned with a respective light emitter and is formed with an axial passage to permit past through of light waves of the respective light emitter.
US08747436B2

Surgical sutures having a core extending along a length thereof between a first end and a second end, and a plurality of sets of first and second projections, wherein the first projections extend in a direction of a first end of the suture and the second projections extend in a direction of a second end of the suture. The first projections may be sized and shaped, and positioned relative to the second projections so as to be capable of substantially shielding the second projections when the surgical suture is drawn through tissue by the second end thereof. The first projections may additionally or alternatively be capable of overlapping and substantially covering a distal end of the respective second projections when the suture is drawn through tissue by the second end.
US08747427B2

The present application is directed to apparatus, systems and methods for automated delivery of fluids. According to one aspect, it is especially useful in providing a restricted flow of fluid to a tool, for example, a cannula or a needle used in hair transplantation. According to another aspect, the systems and methods provided herein enable the hair harvesting or a hair implantation tool to be cleaned, flushed or lubricated.
US08747426B2

Vitrectomy probes and systems related thereto are disclosed herein. There are various example vitrectomy probes having an adjustable cutting port size. Various example features are described for adjusting the size of the cutting port. Further, there are examples included herein for adjusting the size of the cutter port while the vitrectomy probe is in operation.
US08747419B2

A trajectory guide for introducing an instrument into a human or animal subject is described. A guide stem can be removed in sections without disturbing the aligned instrument. An access port portion of the trajectory guide can be left in place, without disturbing trajectory alignment, and can allow overlying skin to be sutured closed. The access port can provide infusate delivery, such as using an injection port, catheter or the like. A fiducial marker arrangement can provide easy and accurate trajectory alignment, for use with the present trajectory guide, another trajectory guide, or without any trajectory guide.
US08747417B2

A lead implantation tool is disclosed herein. The tool may be configured to operably couple to a lead connector end of an implantable cardiac electrotherapy lead including an active fixation helix tip and wherein the lead connector end includes a contact pin proximally extending from the lead connector end. The tool may include a feature configured to couple to the contact pin and a first mechanism configured to convert linear movement into rotational movement of the contact pin relative to the lead connector end. The tool may further include a second mechanism that causes a stylet extending through the tool and into the contact pin to at least one of distally and proximally displace within the contact pin.
US08747414B2

A device for accessing a hollow organ comprises an elongated body sized for insertion into an entrance passage to the hollow organ, the elongated body including an outer sealing surface engaging an inner surface of the entrance passage and a working channel extending therethrough from a proximal port which, when the elongated body is in the operative position is proximal to a proximal opening of the entrance passage, to a distal port which, when the elongated body is in the operative position, extends distally past a distal opening of the entrance passage into the hollow organ and a plurality of suction holes formed through an outer wall of the elongated body, disposed around a circumference of a portion of the elongated body which, when the elongated body is in the operative position, is located within the entrance passage in combination with a vacuum channel formed in the elongated body for transferring a negative pressure to the suction holes to increase a sealing force applied by tissue of the entrance passage to the outer surface of the elongated body.
US08747411B2

A fluid delivery and bone screw driver apparatus attaches to a bone screw. An inner sleeve joins a material delivery source connected to one end of the inner sleeve to the bone screw connected to the other end. A removable liner communicates the material through the inner sleeve and into the bone screw. An outer sleeve seals the outer sleeve to the head of the bone screw. Rotating the outer sleeve tightens the seal and rotates the bone screw.
US08747407B2

A device, system and method for orthopedic spine surgery using a novel screw-based retractor, disclosed herein, that allows for access to the spine through a minimally or less invasive approach. The retractor device is designed as a co-molded part of the tulip of a pedicle screw assembly with opposed arms of the retractor spread apart to open the wound proximally. The arms are removed by separating the arms from the tulip and removing them from the incision. The retractor device is intended to be made of a relatively stiff material, sterile packaged and disposable after one use. A system and method for using the retractor and performing a minimally invasive spine surgical procedure are also disclosed.
US08747406B2

A plug for plugging a hole of a bone or implant body during injection of an osteoregenerative material comprising, generally, a plug body, the plug body configured to plug a hole of the body to prevent osteoregenerative material from leaking through the hole, and a tail, the tail attached to the plug body for use in removing the plug body from the hole. In one embodiment, the plug body has an insertion cavity on a trailing end thereof for use in inserting the plug into a hole of the body. The plug body preferably has a frustoconical configuration. The plug body is preferably made of a resilient material, such as silicon.
US08747404B2

A surgical instrument for supplying energy to tissue can comprise an end effector comprising a first jaw member and a second jaw member, wherein at least one of the first jaw member and the second jaw member is movable relative to the other of the first jaw member and the second jaw member to clamp tissue intermediate the first jaw member and the second jaw member. The instrument can further comprise an electrode configured to generate heat when electrical energy is supplied to the electrode, and, in addition, a tissue-grasping portion comprising a plurality of teeth, wherein the tissue-grasping portion is comprised of an electrically non-conductive material.
US08747401B2

The present disclosure includes an electrosurgical apparatus for treating tissue at a target site. The apparatus has a shaft with a proximal end and a distal end, and the distal end includes an active disposed laterally on the shaft distal end and return electrode. The return electrode may have a plurality of apertures through it, which are fluidly connected to a fluid delivery element, operable to deliver a conductive fluid to the shaft distal end. The return electrode may encircle at least a portion of the shaft and may extend distally and proximally from the active electrode.
US08747397B2

The resorbable cryoprobe device and process is a novel approach for treating localized disease allowing for the precise combined application of freezing temperatures and cytotoxic or cryosensitizing agents within a self-contained matrix/package for optimized tissue destruction. The cryopellet is comprised of a list of components including a source of cryogen to produce the sub-zero temperatures, a porous matrix to contain the cytotoxic agent, cytotoxic agent, and a delivery packet. Data presented herein demonstrates the efficacy of this approach in destroying cancerous tissue. For example, the application of freezing temperatures to −10° C. results in approximately 15% cell death, while exposure to cytotoxic agents such as TRAIL produces minimal cell death. The utilization of the cryopellet approach results in a synergistic effect yielding complete cell death at the same temperature. The innovation behind the resorbable probe application includes the strategic combination of agents to activate intrinsic or extrinsic cell death responses (including apoptosis and necrosis), unique packaging of the cryogen and cytotoxic agent, and a unique delivery system. The resorbable cryoprobe technology will assist directly in the treatment of cancer, as well as will likely lead to broader application for disease treatment.
US08747396B2

A cryosurgical probe assembly that includes a gas delivery assembly, including a stem and a fluid conduit subassembly bonded to the stem. The fluid conduit subassembly delivers and returns cooling fluid used for cryogenic cooling. The fluid conduit subassembly, comprises a shaft for providing a heat exchange surface for cryogenic ablation; a housing securely connected to said shaft; and, an insulation element slideably engaged with an inner surface of the shaft and slideably engaged with the stem. The cryosurgical probe assembly includes an adjustable sliding apparatus that includes a slider assembly securely attached to said insulation tube for slideably guiding the insulation tube along said shaft; and, a button assembly operatively connected to the slider assembly for allowing a user to actuate the slider assembly to provide a desired adjustment of the insulation tube relative to the shaft. A handle assembly is positioned about the housing.
US08747395B2

An ophthalmological device (1) includes an optical transmission system (5) for transmitting femtosecond laser pulses (L) onto a projection lens (3) for projection onto or into the eye tissue (21). The device (1) also includes a lens interchange device (4) designed for interchanging and connecting different projection lenses (3) to the optical transmission system (5). The lens interchange device (4) includes a number of different projection lenses (3) which are connected mechanically to one another and which can be fed to the optical transmission system (5) by a rotational or translational movement in order to connect the former to the optical transmission system (5). The lens interchange device (4) makes it possible for a user to flexibly and efficiently change the projection lens (3) so that the projection lens (3) can be changed or altered without great expenditure of time and without using a varifocal lens, even between different applications and treatment steps.
US08747393B2

A medical instrument with a shaft on whose distal end a tool is positioned and on whose proximal end a handle is positioned consisting of at least two gripping members, such that the tool can be actuated by a gripping member of the handle that is moveably configured and such that at least one gripping member of the handle consists of a rigid partial area and a pivotable partial area that can pivot around the rigid partial area. To create a medical instrument that is of simple structure and can be quickly and thoroughly cleaned, it is proposed with the invention that the pivotable partial area of the gripping member can be removably affixed to the rigid partial area of the gripping member by a catch mechanism.
US08747390B2

A drug delivery device which includes a fluid drug reservoir, a catheter, a controllable fluid transfer device, e.g., a pump mechanism or valve, and a drug delivery control means. The drug delivery control means comprises a controller, e.g., a microprocessor or microcontroller which is operable to automatically reduce the rate of drug delivery over a certain reduction interval (e.g., multiple days) from an initial dosage value to a final dosage value.
US08747385B2

Methods, devices, kits and compositions to treat a myocardial infarction. In one embodiment, the method includes the prevention of remodeling of the infarct zone of the ventricle. In other embodiments, the method includes the introduction of structurally reinforcing agents. In other embodiments, agents are introduced into a ventricle to increase compliance of the ventricle. In an alternative embodiment, the prevention of remodeling includes the prevention of thinning of the ventricular infarct zone. In another embodiment, the prevention of remodeling and thinning of the infarct zone involves the cross-linking of collagen and prevention of collagen slipping. In other embodiments, the structurally reinforcing agent may be accompanied by other therapeutic agents. These agents may include but are not limited to pro-fibroblastic and angiogenic agents.
US08747383B2

A method and system for wrinkle reduction. The method includes the steps of positioning and applying a patch to skin of a consumer and adhesively securing the patch to the skin. A chemical composition on the patch includes both active ingredients and adhesive. A pair of electrodes are connected to a battery-driven, microprocessor-based controller. A current is applied through the electrodes in the patch for a selected time. The chemical composition in the patch is propelled into the consumer through use of the current in order to relax the skin of the consumer. The patch is removed and any residue of the chemical composition is massaged into the skin.
US08747378B2

A tampon suitable for feminine hygiene and/or medical purposes is disclosed having a longitudinal body provided with a dome-shaped insertion end and a withdrawal end, from which withdrawal end a withdrawal cord extends. The tampon has compressed absorbent fibrous material and has an outer circumferential surface which is at least partially provided with longitudinal grooves that are separated from each other by longitudinal ribs. The path of the grooves and ribs of the tampon in the longitudinal direction are inclined and correspond to a continuous curved line that has only one point of inflection defining one convex part and one concave part that preferably does not show a maximum or a minimum.
US08747369B2

Some embodiments of a medical infusion pump system include a pump device having a flexible pushrod that can adjust from a curved configuration to a generally straight configuration. The flexible pushrod is part of a drive system of the pump device so that the flexible pushrod can be controllably and incrementally advanced toward a medicine reservoir to incrementally dispense the medicine therein. In particular embodiments, the flexible pushrod may comprise an anti-rotation mechanism, an anti-torsion mechanism, or a combination thereof.
US08747366B2

To develop a medical needle having a small protecting member that is not separate from a needle and a hub, is not obstructive to the performer during use, and is easy to switch from being in a usable state to being in a protective state.A pair of wings are pivotally connected to a hub provided at the tail end of a needle, the wings being provided on both sides of the axis of the needle; one or two or more link members are connected to the tip of each of the wings with joints interposed therebetween; the tips of the link members are pivotally connected to a cylindrical protecting member slidably fitted onto the needle; and, when the protecting member is moved toward the tip of the needle, the wings and the link members move in such directions as to become parallel to the needle while the protecting member comes to cover the tip of the needle, whereby the above object is solved.
US08747358B2

An injector system includes a powered injector, a pressurizing chamber in operative connection with the powered injection, a fluid path in fluid communication with the pressurizing chamber, and a manual control in fluid connection with the fluid path. The manual control includes at least one actuator for controlling the injector through application of force by an operator. The actuator provides tactile feedback of pressure in the fluid path to the operator via a fluid connection therewith. An injection system for use in angiography includes a source of saline, a pump in fluid connection with the source of saline to pressurized the saline, a source of contrast, a contrast valve in fluid connection with the source of contrast, a powered injector in fluid connection with the contrast valve, and a pressure isolation mechanism.
US08747353B2

A method for manufacturing a balloon catheter assembly includes forming a balloon from a polymer selected from the group consisting of polyamide, polyether block amide, and polyethylene terephthalate, forming a plurality of pores in the polymer, and mounting the balloon onto a catheter shaft. The shaft is configured to supply a fluid to the balloon to inflate the balloon, and the pores are configured to prevent the fluid from passing through the balloon.
US08747349B2

A breastshield is constructed of a low Durometer material. The breastshield includes a nipple tunnel that generally accommodates the shape of a nipple and an aperture that conveys fluids through the breastshield.
US08747343B2

A hemodialysis catheter is provided which includes a catheter body having a proximal and a distal end and defining at least one lumen. The at least one lumen includes a distal opening and a side opening formed through a sidewall of the catheter body. The side opening communicates with the at least one lumen, and includes guiding structure positioned adjacent a distal side of the side opening configured to smoothly redirect blood flow into the at least one lumen. The guiding structure may be defined by a raised wall, or in the alternative, an angled distal wall of the side opening.
US08747342B2

An air separator (1) comprises a first chamber (2) where blood or other fluid can be received, an inlet and an outlet port associated to the bottom wall (4) and in fluid communication with the first chamber. A first channel (14) extending along the lateral wall of the separator and has a first and a second portion (16 and 18). The channel second portion (18) terminally forms an orifice (15) facing the chamber and extending in an area closer to a top wall (5) of the chamber (2) than to the bottom wall of the same chamber. The orifice faces the top of the separator and has a flow passage cross section greater than that of a first portion (16) of the channel.
US08747340B2

Methods and systems relating to an ankle and foot support system are disclosed. In some embodiments, a covering having a cable tightening mechanism may be associated with a cable that is slidably engaged with the cover. In some embodiments, the cable may be slidably engaged with a tube guide that is attached to the cover. In some embodiments, the cable may form an exposed loop that associates with a loop receiving member. In some embodiments, the loop receiving member may be attached to the cover.
US08747339B2

The invention relates to a joint comprising a first joint arm (1) and a second joint arm (2), which is supported pivotally about a pivot axis (A) on the first joint arm (1) and with the first joint arm (1) encloses a spread angle (Φ), which is between a maximum spread angle (Φmax) and a minimum spread angle (Φmin), which is determined by the design of the joint. According to the invention, a locking device (15), which by moving a bar (8) can selectively be brought into a locking position, in which the first joint arm (1) and the second joint arm (2) are locked relative to each other, a release position, in which the first joint arm (1) and the second joint arm (2) can be pivoted freely relative to each other, and an angle limiting position, in which (i) the first joint arm (1) and the second joint arm (2) can be pivoted relative to each other up to a preset stop spread angle (ΦA) and (ii) a pivoting motion at larger spread angles (Φ) is blocked.
US08747332B2

Systems and methods for crossing stenosis, partial occlusions, or complete occlusions within a body lumen. The systems generally include an elongate member such as a hollow guidewire that houses a rotatable and translatable drive shaft. The drive shaft typically has a distal portion that is advanced to create a path in the occlusive material that is large enough to allow the hollow guidewire to cross the occlusive material.
US08747330B2

The invention provides a system for measuring respiratory rate (RR) from a patient. The system includes an impedance pneumography (IP) sensor, connected to at least two electrodes, and a processing system that receives and processes signals from the electrodes to measure an IP signal. A motion sensor (e.g. an accelerometer) measures at least one motion signal (e.g. an ACC waveform) describing movement of a portion of the patient's body to which it is attached. The processing system receives the IP and motion signals, and processes them to determine, respectfully, frequency-domain IP and motion spectra. Both spectra are then collectively processed to remove motion components from the IP spectrum and determine RR. For example, during the processing, an algorithm determines motion frequency components from the frequency-domain motion spectrum, and then using a digital filter removes these, or parameters calculated therefrom, from the IP spectrum.
US08747329B2

A system and method for managing respiratory insufficiency through remote patient care is described. A patient enrolled in remote patient care is identified with information including at least one of treatment profile and medical history. Collected device measures are received to record raw physiometry for a patient, wherein the patient is regularly monitored by a medical device. Derived device measures are generated to provide derivative physiometry based on the collected device measures. A patient status indicator is determined by analyzing the collected and derived device measures to diagnose a pathophysiology indicative of respiratory insufficiency.
US08747326B2

A manual pressurization electronic sphygmomanometer includes a specific component detection unit for detecting a synthetic wave of a manual fluctuation wave and a pressure pulse wave as a specific component from a cuff pressure signal obtained during pressurization; a derivation processing unit for deriving a pressurization target value based on the detection result of the specific component detection unit; and a display unit for notifying to urge pressurization up to the pressurization target value. The derivation processing unit calculates a pulse wave component based on the waveform before and after the specific component and the waveform of the specific component, and determines a value obtained by adding a predetermined value to the systolic blood pressure value estimated based on the amplitude of the pulse wave component as the pressurization target value.
US08747325B2

The invention application presents a fast, efficient, reproductive alternative of a non-invasive method for diagnosing the severity of heart failure based on a specific biomarker. An additional object of the present invention is a collector device for the biomarker from exhaled breath that is portable, simple, low cost and does not need to run on electric power. This invention advantageously permits the replacement of invasive diagnosis methods, favoring the patient's comfort in addition to the agility and speed of medical attention at hospitals, and may become a standard method for all suspected cases of circulatory disease and heart failure and, more specifically, decompensated heart failure.
US08747320B2

The present invention is made to accurately detect an absolute pressure even when a contact property between an elastic coupler and a body surface of an object is poor. An elastic coupler 20 is formed by an elastic material with flexibility to have two layers at least with different ultrasonic wave reflectance properties and attached to an ultrasonic wave transmitter/receiver surface, and a pressure calculating unit 30 detects the position of a boundary surface 22 between those two layers based on RF signal frame data output from an RF signal frame data selection unit 10, obtains positional change of the boundary surface based on the detected position of the boundary surface and the initial position of the boundary surface, which was obtained in advance, and obtains the absolute pressure applied to the object based on the positional change and a pre-set elasticity property of the elastic coupler. At this time, for example, an ID code is given to the elastic coupler by making the initial position or the like of the boundary surface of the elastic coupler be different in accordance with the type of the elastic coupler, the pressure calculating unit 30 identifies the ID code, identifies the type of the elastic coupler with reference to a coupler database, and reads the elasticity property corresponding to the ID code.
US08747319B2

The image display method comprises a three-dimensional image creating step that creates a three-dimensional image based on volume data; a cutting plane setting step that sets a cutting plane that cuts the three-dimensional image at an arbitrary position; and a positional relationship display image creating step that creates a positional relationship display image representing the mutual positional relationship between the three-dimensional image and the cutting plane, in which the opacity of the cutting plane in the positional relationship display image is adjusted so that a portion of the three-dimensional image that is hidden by the cutting plane is visually recognizable through the cutting plane in the positional relationship display image.
US08747314B2

A system comprises an external medical device configured to communicate with a first implantable medical device (IMD). The external medical device includes a communication circuit and a display. The communication circuit is configured to receive information associated with cardiovascular pressure from the IMD. The external medical device is configured to annotate a waveform on the display to indicate one or more events associated with cardiovascular pressure.
US08747313B2

A heart monitoring system for a person includes one or more wireless nodes; and a wearable appliance in communication with the one or more wireless nodes, the appliance monitoring vital signs.
US08747311B2

A measuring device and method is for enabling a user to measure and record changes in emotion during the day and translate it into a relative stress value per day. It may be used to accumulate the positive and negative emotional reactions that a user experiences during a predetermined time period. This method and device will provide a record of the associated distress and eustress and the cumulative effect therefrom on the individual. The user has a visual display of whether or not the emotions felt during a given day are positive or negative. The recognition of the stress level may remind or enable the user to take some action that will counterbalance excessive negative emotions known to contribute to major diseases and engage in activities that reduce or relieve the stress influences on the user before the end of each day.
US08747308B2

An attachment which can be used with a vaginal speculum. The attachment can be used with a vaginal speculum. The attachment has a pair of arms on one end which will engage the fornix lateral to the cervix of a women's vagina, and a U-shaped curved portion on the other end which will allow a doctor to engage the attachment with a vaginal speculum in order to spread a patient's lateral, as well as vertical, walls at the same time.
US08747305B2

To provide an endoscope system that includes a light source, an insertion part to be inserted into a living organism for guiding a illumination light emitted from the light source and a light returned from the living organism, a deflection optical system for outwardly directing the illumination light in a radius direction of the insertion part and for introducing a light inwardly returned from the living organism in the radius direction into the insertion part, a part for capturing the returned light, a part for detecting an insertion speed of the insertion part, a part for adjusting a frame rate for the image capturing of the image capturing part based on the detected insertion speed, an image forming part for arranging acquired images at a pitch based on the insertion speed to form an image of the inside of the living organism, and a part for displaying the formed image.
US08747303B2

The protective sheath front end of the disclosed curved section protective sheath for covering the curved section of an endoscope covers the outer periphery of the front end of the endoscope. A filamentous member is wound around the outer periphery of the protective sheath front end, affixing the protective sheath front end to the front end of the endoscope. An adhesive agent is layered on the outer periphery of the protective sheath front end so as to cover the filamentous member. A ring member is fitted to the protective sheath front end so as to cover the adhesive agent. The inner surface of the ring member is bonded to the filamentous member with the adhesive agent therebetween.
US08747302B2

Laparoscopic instruments and cannulas are provided for performing laparoscopic procedures entirely through the umbilicus. Generally S-shaped laparoscopic instruments placed through the C-shaped trocar sleeves or through the cannula and instrument holder unit provide markedly improved degrees of instruments' freedom during trans-umbilical laparoscopic procedures.
US08747301B2

A self propelling catheter introducer system for exploring a body cavity is disclosed which includes a flexible tubular catheter, an everting tube and a steering section located near the distal end of the catheter that is introduced in a body cavity. The steering section is adapted for pointing the distal end in a desired direction using a plurality of rods adapted to be extended and retracted.
US08747298B2

A probe manipulator which has a grip device that can be held by a user in order to facilitate manipulation of a probe when the latter has been inserted into a channel of an endoscope. Connection devices are provided for releasably connecting the grip device to the probe in such a way that the probe may be rotated or displaced by rotation or displacement of the grip device. The connection device is connectable such that the probe need not be fed through the grip device, but that the grip device may be placed at any point along the length of the probe.
US08747296B2

The invention relates to devices and methods for reforming tissue surrounding the airway of a subject suffering from obstructive sleep apnea so as to open the airway and alleviate the occurrence of apneic events. Devices comprise a combination of resiliently deformable material and bioerodible material. The deformable portion of the device has a preferred shape that corresponds to the desired final shape of the device once placed in an airway. In making a transplant-ready device, however, the deformable portion is placed into a deformed shape and constrained in that shape by the bioerodible material. After implantation, the device gradually assumes the preferred shape as the constraining bioerodible material erodes. As the device gradually reforms toward the preferred shape, it reforms the tissue into the therapeutically desirable configuration. The gradual nature of the shape change generally stabilizes the device in the tissue, and supports tissue reforming into a stable configuration.
US08747291B2

Centrifuges are useful to, among other things, remove red blood cells from whole blood and retain platelets and other factors in a reduced volume of plasma. Platelet rich plasma (PRP) can be obtained rapidly and is ready for immediate injection into the host. Embodiments may include valves, operated manually or automatically, to open ports that discharge the excess red blood cells and the excess plasma while retaining the platelets and other facts. Highs speeds used allow simple and small embodiments to be used at the patient's side during surgical procedures. The embodiments can also be used for the separation of liquids or slurries in other fields such as, for example, the separation of pigments or lubricants.
US08747290B2

The invention relates to a centrifuge for separating a sample into at least two components, comprising a chamber for receiving a sample to be centrifuged. According to the invention, the centrifuge further comprises a means for controlling the progress of the sample separation is located at the chamber.
US08747287B2

A chair-like exercising apparatus comprises a back, a seat, front legs, rear legs, and resistance element(s) which provide a broad range of resistance force adjustable by the user for the back extension exercise. The chair back pivotally connects to the rear legs directly, and pivotally connects to the front legs or rear legs through the resistance element(s). The resistance element comprises a compress-coil-spring cylinders (or constant-force-spring devices) and the cylinder holders (or the device holders). The resistance level of the back extension exercise is adjusted by switching the interchangeable compress-coil-spring cylinders (or constant-force-spring devices) of appropriate loads inside the cylinder holders (or device holders). A user sits on the chair and sway backward to perform back extension exercise after selecting an appropriate resistance level based on his/her physical condition. The apparatus is simple, affordable and can be used as a regular chair in its locked position. A regular back extension exercise with proper resistance force strengthens the low back muscles (erector spinae), improves and prevents the low back pain symptoms.
US08747278B2

Planet carrier of an epicyclic gear system with planetary shafts which are connected fixedly to the planet carrier, onto which planet wheels are mounted rotatably using planetary bearings, the teeth of the planetary wheels being helical or chevron teeth, the planet carrier being of the cage type, and where at least two separate planetary wheels are mounted on each planetary shaft, each wheel of which being supported by at least one double-row tapered roller bearing, the outermost bearing ring of each double-row tapered roller bearing being integrated into the planetary wheel concerned.
US08747271B2

A wheel assembly, for use on an off-highway vehicle, includes a generally cylindrical wheel hub extending axially from a first end to a second end around an inner volume. A hub adapter is secured to the second end of the wheel hub, the hub adapter including a peripheral shoulder, which has a first shoulder surface axially facing in a direction extending from the second end towards the first end. A first wheel rim is mounted to the peripheral shoulder of the hub adapter at the first shoulder surface.
US08747263B2

A transmission guide comprises a synthetic resin shoe and a more rigid synthetic resin base, integrally molded by two-member molding. The base is formed with a pair of spaced, opposed, side walls extending in the direction of elongation of the base along opposite edges of a shoe-supporting surface of the base. These side walls engage respective side edges of the shoe, and extend past the front surface of the shoe so that they can restrict lateral movement of a transmission chain sliding along the front surface of the shoe. Indentations in the side walls receive protrusions formed on the edges of the shoe. Edges of the openings of the indentations are chamfered or convexly curved to avoid interference with the movement of the chain along the guide.
US08747262B1

A jointed bat includes a barrel, a handle, and a glue. The barrel is tubular and has one end fixedly connected to a top cap and the other end having a tapered first joint portion. An opening is formed at the end of the first joint portion. The handle is tubular and has one end fixedly connected to a knob and the other end having a tapered resilient second joint portion. At least a relief slit is formed at an end of the second joint portion. A dam protrudes from the second joint portion and abuts against an inner wall of the first joint portion. The second joint portion penetrates the opening to fit inside the first joint portion. The glue is filled between and fixedly connected between the first and second joint portions. Therefore, requirements for precision in production of the barrel and the handle are reduced.
US08747260B1

A baseball training apparatus occludes peripheral vision of each eye across the nose region of a baseball player by creating a visual divide that extends from and immediately adjacent to the nose along the central sagittal plane. In various embodiments, the visual divide is extendible, removable and replaceable, pivotal, and may incorporate scribes to vary shape or geometry. The visual divide may further be mounted from a pair of glasses without lenses, though other embodiments with and without lenses are contemplated. The eye divider is used to align or confirm alignment of a baseball player properly with the pitcher, to ensure that the batter has both eyes facing the pitcher.
US08747258B2

The batting tee has a durable base having a bushing installed therein and telescoping metal ball support pipes extending upwardly therefrom. A protective boot may be installed over the base of the support pipe assembly and bushing to provide a more pleasing appearance and to preclude entry of debris into the threaded connections. The height of the telescoping pipe segments may be locked by a threaded collar at the top of each pipe section. A flexible rod serves as the penultimate component. A replaceable plastic ball holder extends from the upper end of the rod. The ball holder receives the greatest number of inadvertent strikes during play, and accordingly it may be easily replaced if damaged. The flexible rod can flex and bend when the replaceable ball holder is struck, thereby greatly reducing impact force upon the ball holder to provide greater longevity for the holder.
US08747257B2

The analysis method includes steps of acquiring measurement data obtained from swings and values of hitting results (flight distance or the like) (STEP 3); calculating a characteristic value (face angle or the like) from the measurement data (STEP 4); and determining an indicator for selecting a shaft of a golf club from the characteristic value and the values of hitting results (STEP 5). In the step of determining an indicator, when a hitting result of a golf club is an objective variable, and the characteristic value is an explanatory variable together with a predetermined shaft physical property (flex point or the like), and has a statistically significant relation with the hitting result, the characteristic value is determined as the indicator. A relational expression of the indicator and the hitting result is calculated for each value of the physical properties.
US08747251B2

A golf club head is provided with a crown, a sole, and a continuously extending rib (X). The rib (X) is provided on an inner surface of the head. Preferably, the rib (X) is substantially parallel to a toe-heel direction. When a maximum amplitude of vibration in a first-order mode in a state where the rib (X) is removed is defined as Ma1 and an amplitude ratio with respect to the maximum amplitude Ma1 is defined as Rh (%), disposal of the rib (X) satisfies the following items (a), (b), and (c): (a) the rib (X) crosses at least one of high Rh regions having the amplitude ratio Rh of equal to or greater than 80%; (b) no region having the amplitude ratio Rh of equal to or greater than 60% exists on a toe side than the rib (X); and (c) no region having the amplitude ratio Rh of equal to or greater than 60% exists on a heel side than the rib (X).
US08747238B2

Drive shaft assemblies for a surgical instrument. Various forms include a plurality of movably interlocking joint segments that are interconnected to form a flexible hollow tube. A flexible secondary constraining member is configured in flexible constraining engagement with the plurality of movably interlocking joint segments to retain the interlocking joint segments in movable interlocking engagement while facilitating flexing of the drive shaft assembly.
US08747235B2

A damper device including an input element to which power from a motor is transmitted; a first elastic body to which power is transmitted from the input element; a first intermediate element to which power is transmitted from the first elastic body; a second elastic body to which power is transmitted from the first intermediate element; a second intermediate element to which power is transmitted from the second elastic body; a third elastic body to which power is transmitted from the second intermediate element; and an output element to which power is transmitted from the third elastic body. A stiffness of the third elastic body is higher than a stiffness of the second elastic body.
US08747230B2

Methods for handling communication between players of an online casino game are provided. One method includes initiating a group session for the online casino game and assigning a first user and a second user to the group session. The method further includes hosting a group session of the online casino game, the group session defined by linked gameplay of the casino game by each of the first user and the second user. Then, during the group session, activating an instant messaging protocol to define a chat session between the first user and the second user. The method facilitates game play in a social environment and enables coordination of social game activity during game play.
US08747224B2

Provided is an operation device which allows various kinds of operation information to be input to a main body thereof as needed without unnecessarily increasing the weight of the operation device. The operation device includes: the main body having a shape elongated from one end to another end; a light emitting member provided to the one end of the main body; and a connection portion provided to the other end of the main body, to which an arbitrary one of a plurality of other operation devices is to be connected.
US08747219B2

A method includes receiving wagers from a player to play respective plays of a plurality of plays of a wagering game having event eligibility that includes a time value and a multiplier value. The method includes increasing at least one of the time value and the multiplier value as a function of the plurality of plays of the wagering game and decrementing the time value as time elapses. In response to a triggering event while the event eligibility is above an eligibility threshold, the method includes allowing the player to participate in one or more special events. The method includes allowing the player to configure at least one of a desired value of the multiplier value and a maximum value of the time value.
US08747217B2

A system for enabling a player to use residual credits on a gaming machine to provide the player with a chance to win a prize. The system includes means for determining a range of values as a function of a jackpot pool to generate randomly an outcome in the range of values, random number generation means for generating the random outcome, means for determining a range of outcome values of the player that provides a chance of the player winning the jackpot pool, and means for determining whether the generated random outcome matches any outcome value of the player.
US08747208B2

A system for conducting a lottery draw, the system including: (a) a database of pre-recorded video files of one or more humans, (b) a lottery number drawing means for randomly selecting one or more lottery numbers to determine one or more winning numbers for a game draw, and (c) display means for displaying one or more of the video files from the database based upon either (1) a predetermined characteristic of the game draw or (2) a number which is selected by the drawing means.
US08747206B2

Methods for facilitating cooperative group play of an online casino game are provided. One method includes initiating a group session of the online casino game over the Internet, the group session defined to include a plurality of players, and defining at least one group objective for the group session. The method then combines outcomes from gameplay of the online casino game of each of the plurality of players during the group session and compares the combined outcomes against the group objective. If the combined outcomes meet the group objective, then the method administers a prize associated with the group objective. The methods further facilitate game play in a social online environment, where the social interactions assist in advancing game play.
US08747205B2

A gaming machine and a method of conducting a game of chance on the gaming machine are disclosed. The machine receives a wager from a player to purchase a series of plays of the game. In response to the wager, the machine provides the player with the series of plays and randomly generating at least one outcome for each play. The machine provides an accumulation feature that accumulates an element of the game over a plurality of the plays in the series and redeems the accumulated element for a bonus in response to a predetermined event in the game. The predetermined event may, for example, correspond to collection of a predetermined number of the element or a certain position of the element on a trail, feature ladder, or meter.
US08747191B2

In an endless belt type grinding tool, a tension bar includes a front portion and a rear portion which are divided from each other in a tubular holding portion. The front portion and the rear portion forcibly abut against each other when the endless grinding belt wound around the drive pulley and the idle pulley is applied with a tension by the spring. The endless belt type grinding tool includes a locking member which, when the tension bar is pushed into the tubular holding portion against the spring, engages with the rear portion of the tension bar to retain the rear portion at the pushed position against the urging force of the spring. Thus, in a state in which the grinding belt is removed, it is possible to reduce damage even if the tension bar, which is being pushed in, accidentally jumps out.
US08747187B2

A method of shaping an ophthalmic lens to have a desired outline with a machining device including a blocking support for the ophthalmic lens and at least one first machining tool, the method includes: obtaining an inner cutting limit for the first machining tool; defining an initial blocking position for the ophthalmic lens and its desired outline; calculating whether at least a portion of the desired outline presents a non-zero intersection with the inner cutting limit; defining as the final blocking position either the unchanged initial blocking position if the calculated intersection is zero, or else a blocking position that is modified relative to the initial blocking position so that the desired outline as repositioned using the modified blocking position does not present an intersection with the inner cutting limit associated with the first tool; and blocking and shaping the ophthalmic lens with the desired outline.
US08747185B1

A jewelry item includes an elongated, arcuate strand received within a passageway formed in the lower periphery of a brassiere cup. Any one of a plurality of interchangeable ornaments is attachable to the upper end of the strand. For example, the upper end may be inserted into a receptacle depending from a select ornament, such as a gemstone or another decorative design element. When the brassiere is worn, the ornament is suspended near one or both breasts. An alternate embodiment includes a pair of arcuate strands joined at or near their upper ends, each of which fits within a designated passageway formed around each of the brassiere cups to further anchor the ornament in a desired position.
US08747178B2

It is a problem to provide an electric apparatus less in consumption power and long in life by the manufacture using the display device. An insulating bank is provided in a form surrounding the pixel portions on first electrodes over a substrate. The entire surface is applied, by a wet scheme (method), with an organic conductive film which has a thickness form of T2>T1>T3 under the influence of the insulating bank. Accordingly, the portion T3 has an increased resistance in a lateral direction, making possible to prevent against crosstalk. Due to a conductive polymer as a buffer layer, a display device can be provided which is low in drive voltage. Furthermore, because the portion T2 is increased in thickness, the electric-field concentration is relaxed at and around the pixel portion. This makes it possible to prevent the organic light-emitting element from deteriorating at around the pixel.
US08747177B2

A light-emitting display capable of maintaining low power consumption and improving display quality irrespective of the configuration of an auxiliary wiring. A second electrode and an auxiliary wiring are electrically connected to each other through a conductive contact section. Moreover, only a part of the auxiliary wiring is connected to the contact section. Even if the surface of the auxiliary wiring is oxidized, an increase in connection resistance is prevented. Moreover, a restriction on layout is not imposed at the time of forming the contact section.
US08747170B2

A disconnectable joint system includes first and second connectors and a coupling fastener. The first connector defines a first conductor bore to receive a first cable conductor, and a first coupling portion including a first coupling bore and a first integral interlock feature. The second connector defines a second conductor bore to receive a second cable conductor, and a second coupling portion including a second coupling bore and a second integral interlock feature. The first and second coupling portions are mateable in an interlocked position wherein the first and second interlock features are interlocked with one another, the first and second coupling bores are substantially aligned, and the coupling fastener can be inserted through the first and second coupling bores and tightened to securely couple the first and second connectors to one another. The first and second connectors can be separated upon removal of the coupling fastener.
US08747166B2

A connector etc. that prevents wrong insertion and does not require large rotation of plug etc., when inserting a plug to a socket, is provided. Plug-in connector 1 comprises pin plug 10 and receptacle 20, and pin plug 10 and receptacle 20 are connected. On pin cover body 14 of pin plug 10, plural pin plug key protrusions 15 are constructed separately along the circumferential direction, and on socket cover 27 of receptacle 20, plural sets 28a-28e of plural key grooves 28 separated along the circumferential direction, that plural pin plug key protrusions 15 fit into each set, are arranged with shifting along the circumferential direction. Receptacle 20 can be substituted by a socket plug 30.
US08747165B2

A connection module for a portable device having a reduced thickness and a slimmer shape. The connection module includes a case, an upper plug connection terminal unit, and a lower plug connection terminal unit. The case includes an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper plug connection terminal unit includes a plurality of upper connection terminals disposed along the upper portion. The lower plug connection terminal unit includes a plurality of lower connection terminals disposed along the lower portion. The plurality of lower connection terminals are spaced apart from the plurality of upper connection terminals and alternately arranged at staggered positions such that the plurality of upper and lower connection terminals engage each other when positioned on a same plane.
US08747164B2

A card edge connector is provided for mating with a printed circuit board (PCB) having a card edge. The connector includes a housing having a card slot. The card slot is configured to receive the card edge of the PCB therein. The card slot includes opposing first and second sides. Signal contacts are held by the housing. The signal contacts include signal mating segments arranged in opposing first and second rows that extend along the opposing first and second sides, respectively, of the card slot. The signal mating segments are arranged in differential signal pairs, wherein the signal mating segments within a differential pair are arranged within the same row of the first and second rows. A ground contact is held by the housing. The ground contact includes a base and first and second ground mating segments that extend outwardly from the base. The first and second ground mating segments are arranged along the first and second sides, respectively, of the card slot such that the first and second ground mating segments are configured to engage the card edge therebetween. The first and second ground mating segments include springs that resiliently deflect when engaged by the card edge.
US08747159B2

A connector module includes a single port connector and a circuit board capable of assembling with a multi-ports connector. The single port connector includes a receiving room and a number of first fixing pins formed at opposite sides of the receiving room along a longitudinal direction of the receiving room. The first fixing pins at each side of the receiving are arranged in a same way. The multi-ports connector includes at least two of the receiving room and the first fixing pins formed at opposite sides of each receiving room. The circuit board defines a group of first fixing holes corresponding to the first fixing pins formed at each side of the receiving rooms of the multi-ports connector. The single port connector is mounted on the circuit board by selectively inserting the first fixing pins into every two adjacent groups of the first fixing holes.
US08747158B2

An electrical connector is provided having a housing. Contact modules are positioned within the housing. The contact modules each have a dielectric body holding at least one conductive lead. The at least one conductive lead extends between a mating end and a mounting end. The mating end is configured to be electrically connected to an electrical component. The mounting end is configured to be electrically connected to a circuit board. Ground plates are positioned within the housing between corresponding contact modules. The contact modules and the ground plates form a contact assembly held by the housing. A conductive elastomeric material extends through the contact modules and engages the ground plates to electrically interconnect the ground plates.
US08747155B2

Devices and methods for assembling a connector are provided herein. In one aspect, an example method of assembly includes positioning an insert frame having an applicator portion supporting electrode contacts within an enclosure; attaching the electrode contacts to a circuit board substrate within the enclosure; forming an underfill layer by injecting a hardenable fluid medium through the applicator portion to fill a semi-confined space between the insert frame and the circuit board substrate; and detaching the applicator portion and applying an overmold. The applicator portion includes one or more lumens extending from an inlet opening to one or more exit openings to facilitate flow of fluid medium to desired locations. The inlet opening may be disposed on a portion of the applicator extending above the insert frame and have a diameter substantially larger than the exit opening to allow for fluid injection using an oversized injection nozzle.
US08747149B2

An electrical connector plug includes a casing an output/input port mounted having multiple upper terminals and multiple lower terminals, a trough defined between the upper terminals and the lower terminals, a circuit board inserted in the trough of the casing and having, a metal plate electrically connected to the ground terminal and a metal housing to entirely enclose the casing and to electrically connect to the metal plate such that the metal plate is able to transmit electromagnetic interference out via the metal housing.
US08747133B2

A card edge connector 100 includes a longitudinal insulating housing 1, a set of terminals 2 set in the insulating housing 1 and a lock mechanism 5 for locking a daughter card 9. The insulating housing 1 has an elongated slot 112 and a pair of towers 12 positioned at two opposite ends thereof. The lock mechanism 5 includes a locking portion 51 locking the daughter card 9 and an operating portion 52 moving the locking mechanism 5. A depression 55 is formed at one end of the lock mechanism 5 close to the locking portion 51. The card edge connector 100 further includes a handle column 6 received in the depression 55 and extending out of the depression 55. Hence, we can operate the lock mechanism 5 easily, and at the same time, the room the card edge connector occupies can be reduced.
US08747128B2

A locking device is provided for an electrical socket. The locking device includes a device body having a projecting member projecting from the device body, wherein the projecting member is adapted for engagement with an aperture provided in an electrical socket. The projecting member has first and second positions. In a first position the projecting member is adapted for engagement with the aperture and the locking device can be connected and disconnected from the socket. In a second position, the projecting member cannot disengage from the aperture and the projecting member is lockable in the second position. The electrical socket may be a power cable receiver on an electrical appliance, or a power supply socket.
US08747124B2

An eye-of-the needle (EON) pin contact is provided for being received within an electrical via that includes conductive material. The EON pin contact includes a compliant segment having two opposing spring arms and an opening defined between the spring arms. The compliant segment is configured to be received within the electrical via such that the spring arms engage the conductive material of the electrical via. A tip segment extends from the compliant segment. The tip segment is configured to be received into the electrical via before the compliant segment is received into the electrical via. The tip segment includes a broach that is configured to displace the conductive material as the tip segment is received into the electrical via to plow a path through the conductive material for reception of a corresponding one of the spring arms.
US08747117B2

The present invention is a visual cuing device which allows users to rapidly and easily identify ECG/EKG cardiac arrhythmias and twelve lead ECG/EKG arrhythmias. A visual cuing device contains a plurality of panels with a plurality of graphically displayed ECG/EKG abnormalities alternated with visually high-contrast, solid colored text sections. A visual cuing device may also contain additional tools, such as a heart rate reference line, time reference line or baseline window to aid in analysis and interpreting ECG/EKG strips. A visual cuing device may also be adapted to display using a touch screen or other user interface.
US08747105B2

An insert tube is used for the repair or improvement of a pre-heating tube for air arranged in an exhaust gas pathway of a fuel burner. A pre-determined radial gap exists between the outer surface of the insert tube and the inner surface of the pre-heating tube for air such that the insert tube can be slid into the pre-heating tube for air. The insert tube is provided in the vicinity of each end with at least one groove that runs around its circumference. In the groove there is arranged at least one sealing ring of an elastic material. The sealing ring mounted in the groove has an external diameter that exceeds the internal diameter of the preheating tube for air. The sealing ring forms a seal against the inner surface of the pre-heating tube for air and prevents leakage through the sealing ring.
US08747104B2

Liquated gas lighter with non-adjustable flame height, comprising a gas reservoir, a burner and a gas flow limiting device consisting of a microporous membrane gripped between a first seating body and a second seating body. First seating body has a through hole that comes out on one side directly into microporous membrane and on the other side into reservoir. Second seating body has a seating surface in contact with membrane, a groove formed in seating surface, an outlet duct and a linking passage between groove and outlet duct. Through hole is facing, at least partially and through microporous membrane, groove.
US08747101B2

The present invention provides a burner design and method for a high velocity oxygen fuel (HVOF) liquid fuel gun that generates turbulent atomization and uses one or more jets as an injection method for liquid fuel and oxygen to improve the combustion inside the combustion chamber. The burner uses preheated oxygen and preheated fuel to improve vaporization prior to combustion of the fuel.
US08747099B2

A tooling for injection-molding a part, the tooling including two cavity blocks each including a cavity formed therein of a shape corresponding to a shape of a part that is to be molded once the cavity blocks have been superposed, at least one of the cavity blocks including an ejection mechanism ejecting the molded part and including at least one ejector movable between a molding position and an ejection position. The ejector is guided to move between its two positions along a curved path, or a circular arc, of shape that corresponds to a shape of a portion of the mold part to be extracted from the cavity.
US08747097B2

Three-dimensional fabrication resources are improved by adding networking capabilities to three-dimensional printers and providing a variety of tools for networked use of three-dimensional printers. Web-based servers or the like can provide a single point of access for remote users to manage access to distributed content on one hand, and to manage use of distributed fabrication resources on the other.
US08747094B2

A multilayer molding apparatus, comprising: a fixed platen; a movable platen; an intermediate platen positioned between the fixed platen and the movable platen to be movable in the direction to come close or be opened, and having a surface facing the fixed platen, a surface facing the movable platen, and a housing space that goes therethrough from the surface facing the fixed platen to the surface facing the movable platen; and a rotary platen rotatably supported by the intermediate platen inside the housing space of the intermediate platen, and having at least one pair of parallel surfaces facing the fixed platen and the movable platen, wherein at least one of the surfaces of the intermediate platen facing the fixed platen and the movable platen is a mold mounting surface on which a mold can be mounted directly or indirectly.
US08747092B2

The invention disclosed apparatuses and methods to do nanoimprint lithography using a deformable mold. Generally, the apparatus has a chamber with a transparent section on its top wall, which is capable of vacuuming and pressurizing. The deformable mold fixed firmly onto a hollow mold holder around its full periphery is attached to top inner surface of the chamber and positioned underneath the transparent section. The central area of the mold is freely accessible from underneath through the opening of the mold holder. An enclosed volume referring to mold mini-chamber is formed between the mold/holder and top wall of the chamber. Inside chamber, a stage assembly is installed. A chuck to vacuumly hold a substrate is mounted on top of the stage assembly. At beginning of the imprinting, the substrate with a layer of resist is positioned underneath the mold at a predetermined gap between them. Then, the substrate is moved up to contact with the mold either under vacuum or under atmosphere. The substrate and mold may be pressed further by introducing higher pressure inside the chamber. After consolidating the resist, the substrate is separated from the mold by either direct pull-down enabled by stage movement or deforming the mold enabled by differential pressure between the mold mini-chamber and the bulk volume of the chamber, or mixing of both.
US08747080B2

A small-sized, low-profile fluid pump having high pumping capabilities includes an actuator and a planar section including a metal plate. The actuator includes a disk-shaped piezoelectric element attached to a disk-shaped diaphragm. As a result of application of a square-wave or sine-wave drive voltage, the actuator performs a bending vibration from the central portion to the peripheral portion. The peripheral portion of the actuator is not restrained. The actuator performs a bending vibration in the state in which it is in proximity to the planar section while facing the planar section. A center vent is provided at or in an area adjacent to the center of an actuator facing area of the planar section that faces the actuator.
US08747073B2

The present invention relates to an arrangement (1) for cable guiding, comprising a first guide member (40) adapted to enclose a first cable (10) along at least a part of the length of said first cable. The first guide member (40) has an outside surface adapted to form at least one first guide surface (41) supporting at least one second cable (20) along at least a part of the length of said first cable. The present invention further relates to a wind turbine comprising such an arrangement and to the use of such an arrangement.
US08747071B2

A drain pump that maintains pump performance and reduces noise and vibration accompanying water scooping of a rotary impeller includes a large-diameter blade divided into an inner blade and an outer blade. A radius of an impeller scooping up water is the sum of the lengths of the inner and outer blades in a radial direction. The large-diameter blade is divided at a position where the amount of generated air bubbles is large, and the inner and outer blades are alternately disposed. Accordingly, air bubbles are escaped to a downstream side in a rotational direction, so that the intensity of the collision between the blades and air bubbles is decreased reducing noise caused by the burst of air bubbles and vibration caused by a collision load of the flow of a gas-liquid mixture.
US08747068B2

Various methods related to air moving devices in electronic systems are disclosed. Various electronic systems including controlled air moving devices are also disclosed. Thus, in one method of controlling an air moving device in an electronic system, the air moving device is operable to accelerate between rotational speeds at a maximum angular acceleration. The method includes limiting an angular acceleration of the air moving device to a first acceleration limit less than the maximum angular acceleration when changing the air moving device from a first rotational speed to a second rotational speed.
US08747062B2

A pump casing for a centrifugal pump, which comprises an inlet opening, a discharge outlet, and a transition surface extending between an inner peripheral surface of the main pumping chamber and an inner peripheral surface of the discharge outlet, the transition surface arranged for separating an in use exit flow of material in the discharge outlet from an in use recirculation flow of material in the main pumping chamber. The transition surface has a cutwater having a profiled section which comprises a protrusion which extends irregularly from an otherwise generally rounded arched or U-shaped transition surface and is configured such that, in use, the velocity and/or turbulence resulting from the in use flow of the material being pumped in the main pumping chamber is reduced.
US08747055B2

A gas turbine engine includes a flex mount for a fan drive gear system. A very high speed fan drive turbine drives the fan drive gear system.
US08747052B2

An embodiment of the present invention is a technique to automate transfer of parts for high throughput. A boat transfer unit (BTU) arm carrying a boat containing a plurality of parts is rotated from an initial position to a first position that is below a process chamber. The BTU arm engages a boat support that supports the boat. The BTU arm is moved upward to a second position such that the boat partially enters the process chamber at a distance D with respect to an entrance opening of the process chamber. An elevator arm carrying a pedestal is engaged to lower side of the boat support. The BTU arm is moved away from the second position. The elevator arm is moved upward to fully insert the boat inside the process chamber.
US08747050B2

A substrate transport apparatus including a first shaftless rotary motor including a first stator and a first rotor, the first stator being linearly distributed and the first rotor being coupled to a first arm, a second shaftless rotary motor including a second stator and second rotor, the second stator being linearly distributed and the second rotor being coupled to a second arm, the second arm being connected to the first arm and a first substrate support being coupled to at least one of the first and second arms, wherein the first stator and second stator are configured so that the first and second arms and the first substrate support are inside the stators and a motor output at a connection between the first and second shaftless rotary motors and a respective one of the first and second arms is a resultant force disposed peripheral to the first and second arms.
US08747047B2

A device for unloading compartment trays holding rod shaped elements, for use in the tobacco industry, is disclosed. The device includes an inlet conveyor for full trays, an unloading conveyor for unloading rod shaped elements into a throat, a conveyor for out-feeding stacks of rod shaped elements that have been unloaded into the throat, and an outlet conveyor for empty trays. A linear transporter for the trays has a gripping unit that grips the full trays and moves the full trays for unloading into the throat, and a second gripping unit that grips the empty trays and moves the empty trays for cleaning in a cleaning mechanism.
US08747017B2

A resilient inflatable delineator pole. The delineator pole can include an elongated body enclosing an interior chamber, a flap disposed at a bottom end of the body and having an aperture defined therein, a retention structure for retaining a lower portion of the body within a granular medium, at least one valve disposed on the elongated body and in communication with the interior chamber, and a protective sleeve enclosing a portion of the elongated body.
US08747015B1

An assembly includes a fiber-reinforced composite structure, a bushing, and a fastener. The composite structure includes a composite panel on a first side, where the composite panel defines a hemispherical well. The structure further includes a plurality of stiffening ribs on a second side, which are affixed to the composite panel. The composite panel defines a first bore at the center of the hemispherical well, which extends through the structure. The bushing has a hemispherical end and a flat end, and defines a second bore from the center of the hemispherical end to the center of the flat end. The hemispherical end of the bushing is configured to nest within the hemispherical well defined by the composite structure such that the flat end of the bushing is flush with the surrounding composite panel. The fastener is configured to extend within both of the first bore and the second bore.
US08747014B2

An assembly comprises a shaft defining a longitudinal axis, a first component supported on the shaft, a second component supported on the shaft, and an isolator positioned between the first component and the second component. The second component configured such that the second component induces a force having a component parallel to the axis of the shaft. The force component parallel to the axis of the shaft induced by the second component is transferred directly to the shaft by the isolator and is isolated from the first component.
US08747004B1

An improved device for use as a lid with integral handle for attachment to a can, the lid portion having two concentric sets of threads to engage a container having one of two spout diameters, an applicator or swab being adapted to extend from the handle in which it is situated, the extension distance of the swab being adjustable within the handle, the swab being useful as an applicator for applying liquid coatings, solvents, adhesives, or other materials. The invention also includes a variety of attachments for use with the lid and handle.
US08746998B2

A dot impact printer including a printhead unit having a wire dot head that strikes an ink ribbon against a recording medium to print, and a head support frame that supports the wire dot head; a path forming member that forms the recording medium conveyance path at the printing position of the wire dot head; and a first contact group having at least three contact points disposed to the head support frame that contact the path forming member proximally to the wire dot head for positioning to the path forming member in the head pin projection direction.
US08746992B2

A camera lens accessory holder includes an attachment ring configured to couple to a camera lens accessory such as a lens cap or filter, a base coupled to the attachment ring and a holder mount coupled to the base opposite the attachment ring for removably attaching the holder to an external support structure. The base optionally includes a logo surface facing the attachment ring and optionally includes one or more visual elements such as a logo, text, photograph, or symbol. Some embodiments of a camera lens accessory holder include more than one attachment ring. Other embodiments are provided with means for attaching two holders to each other, one each on opposite sides of a flexible strap or belt. Some embodiments include a clip for attachment of a camera lens accessory holder to a belt, strap, or thin sheet of material.
US08746991B2

A method of repairing an embedded optical fiber of a composite material structure including an embedded optical fiber embedded in a composite material, includes removing a portion of the composite material including a damaged portion of the embedded optical fiber to form an opening portion; polishing an end surface of the embedded optical fiber exposed in the opening portion and an end surface of the composite material exposed in the opening portion; and performing position adjustment such that a core of the polished embedded optical fiber and a core of a replacement optical fiber are aligned with each other, butting the end surface of the embedded optical fiber and an end surface of the replacement optical fiber with each other, and connecting the end surface of the embedded optical fiber and the end surface of the replacement optical fiber together.
US08746985B2

A rolling bearing device for a wheel includes a fixed bearing ring in a tubular shape which is fixed to a vehicle side, and a rotary bearing ring which is rotatably passed through the fixed bearing ring, and includes a plurality of flange portions for mounting the wheel formed on an outer periphery at one end side thereof in an axial direction, and a spigot joint portion in an annular shape protruding in the axial direction formed in a one end part thereof in the axial direction. A circular recess is formed in the one end part of the rotary bearing ring in the axial direction. Thick wall parts for reinforcement are formed on an inner peripheral surface of the spigot joint portion at positions corresponding to regions between a part between the respective flange portions.
US08746981B2

The present invention pertains to a bearing or tolerance ring having multiple functional layers including an annular metallic band and an elastomeric layer. The tolerance ring also includes a low friction layer that is bonded to the other layers. The elastomeric layer of the present invention provides soft performance to reduce noise and vibration without diminishing performance.
US08746980B2

The present invention provides a sliding bearing which is inexpensive, has a simple construction, and is capable of keeping a frictional torque low. A sliding bearing (1) supports a heat roller such as a fixing roller, a pressure roller, and the like of an image-forming apparatus is constructed of an outer ring (3) and an inner ring (2). The outer ring (3) is made of synthetic resin and the inner ring (2) is made of a sintered metal, or the outer ring (3) is made of a sintered metal and the inner ring is made of synthetic resin. The outer circumferential surface of the inner ring (2) is formed as a convexly curved surface, and the inner circumferential surface of the outer ring (3) is formed as a concavely curved surface corresponding to the convexly curved surface. The outer ring (3) is composed of two radially halved parts. The inner ring (2) is fitted on the outer ring (3) by sandwiching the inner ring (2) between the radially halved parts of the outer ring (3) in such a way that the inner circumferential surface of the outer ring (3) and the outer circumferential surface of the inner ring (2) slide relative to each other.
US08746975B2

Systems, assemblies and methods for thermally managing a grazing incidence collector (GIC) for EUV lithography applications are disclosed. The GIC thermal management assembly includes a GIC mirror shell interfaced with a jacket to form a sealed chamber. An open cell, heat transfer (OCHT) material is disposed within the metal chamber and is thermally and mechanically bonded with the GIC mirror shell and jacket. A coolant is flowed in an azimuthally symmetric fashion through the OCHT material between input and output plenums to effectuate cooling when the GIC thermal management assembly is used in a GIC mirror system configured to receive and form collected EUV radiation from an EUV radiation source.
US08746973B2

Systems and methods for obtaining two-dimensional images of an object, such as a patient, in multiple projection planes. In one aspect, the invention advantageously permits quasi-simultaneous image acquisition from multiple projection planes using a single radiation source.An imaging apparatus comprises a gantry having a central opening for positioning an object to be imaged, a source of radiation that is rotatable around the interior of the gantry ring and which is adapted to project radiation onto said object from a plurality of different projection angles; and a detector system adapted to detect the radiation at each projection angle to acquire object images from multiple projection planes in a quasi-simultaneous manner. The gantry can be a substantially “O-shaped” ring, with the source rotatable 360 degrees around the interior of the ring. The source can be an x-ray source, and the imaging apparatus can be used for medical x-ray imaging. The detector array can be a two-dimensional detector, preferably a digital detector.
US08746969B2

A system for and method of determining thermal history of components which are subjected to high-temperature environments, such as in boilers, fuel cells, furnaces, engines and gas turbines, and temperature-monitoring materials and coatings for use in such a system and method.
US08746958B2

A beverage container for mixing a beverage is disclosed. The beverage container includes a cup having a stirring flap integral to an internal side wall of the cup. The stifling flap has a sine wave shape and comprises a top fin protruding near the top of the internal wall and a bottom fin protruding near the bottom of the internal wall of the cup. The top fin and the bottom fin are separated by a central portion. The cup is swirled in a circular motion by a person's hand to mix the liquid contained within. The central portion allows liquid to pass freely through the middle of the cup to gain momentum when the cup is swirled. The bottom fin has the shape of a lower case letter ‘h’, to allow solid material gathered in the bottom of the cup to pass underneath the bottom fin and mix with liquid.
US08746956B2

A vibrator arrangement for producing material columns in the ground comprises an elongate vibrating body with an outer surface having a girth and at least one projection extending at least partially around the girth of the vibrating body. A method of producing a material column in the ground may use such a vibrator arrangement.
US08746938B2

A light combined with a cable illuminates a cable-stayed bridge in which a deck slab is fixed by a cable, or a structure in which wires or cables are combined, so as to achieve improved visual landscaping effects. The light of the present invention comprises a frame (110), a lamp (120), a housing (130), and a switch (150). The frame (110) comprises: a through-hole (111) for the a cable (13) to pass therethrough; a plurality of lamp mounting grooves (112) formed along the circumference of the through-hole (111); and fastening holes (114) which are formed along the circumferential surface of the frame and communicate with the through-hole (111) in the horizontal direction, and each of which has an inner surface provided with a female screw thread. The lamp mounting grooves (112) are formed into steps such that lamp mounting grooves closer to the through-hole (111) are deeper than those farther away from the through-hole. The frame (110) further comprises a bar-shaped first fastening bolt (116) which passes through one of the fastening holes (114), and which has a circumferential surface with a male screw thread so as to engage with the female screw thread. The lamp (120) has light sources (121) fixed in the respective lamp mounting grooves (112) to emit light. The housing (130) accommodates the frame (110). The switch (150) controls the flickering operation of the lamp (120), and is installed within the housing (130).
US08746930B2

In various embodiments, direct illumination is provided from a primary light emitter and decorative illumination is provided from a secondary light emitter illuminating a shade.
US08746929B2

A lighting device combined with an air purification feature is disclosed. At least one function of the device is to provide high quality directional light for general lighting purposes. An additional function is to decompose VOCs and/or destroy microbes in the ambient air. The heat generated by white LEDs is utilized to generate air flow through the device. The geometry is designed to utilize the chimney effect and maximize volumetric flow. The circulated air is purified by a photocatalytic layer applied to the interior surface of the device. The lighting device can be built into pendant luminaires or lamps, thus ensuring vertical orientation of the light module. The exemplary embodiments may be applied in public places, hospitals, ward rooms, and other locations where a cost effective disinfection method is needed.
US08746921B1

A multi-distributive lighting mount includes a first mounting surface rotatably coupled to a second mounting surface. Longitudinally extending LED light modules are coupled to each of the first and second mounting surfaces. The direction of light for each of the first LED light module and the second LED light module is affected by the rotational positioning of the first mounting surface with respect to the second mounting surface. The first mounting surface can also include a first barrel portion and a second barrel portion. The second mounting surface can also include a first barrel portion and a second barrel portion. A pin extends through the second barrel portion of the first mounting surface and the second barrel portion of the second mounting surface to rotatably couple the first mounting surface to the second mounting surface and to act as the axis of rotation of the first mounting surface with respect to the second mounting surface.
US08746917B2

A fan base and illuminated mirror apparatus for use in cooling a user's neck and torso while the user is positioned adjacent the apparatus includes a base member having upper and lower portions. A fan member is pivotally coupled to the base member and selectively movable between upward and downward directed configurations. A length adjustable rod is coupled to the upper portion of the base member and extending upwardly therefrom, the rod being selectively movable between expanded and retracted configurations. A mirror is operatively coupled to an upper end of the rod such that the mirror is vertically displaced from the fan member, the mirror being movable between straight and tilted configurations. The apparatus includes a light coupled to the mirror and electrically connected to a power source, the light configured to illuminate the mirror when energized.
US08746915B2

Light-emitting die (LED) Lamps, heat sinks, and related methods are provided. An LED lamp can include a mounting substrate having a top surface, a bottom surface and side edges. An LED package can be disposed on the top surface of the mounting substrate with the LED package comprising an LED chip. The LED lamp can include a heat sink that can include a heat sink base and a spacer extending upward from the base. The spacer can have a mounting area or pad distal from the heat sink base on which the bottom surface of the mounting substrate is disposed. The spacer can also have a width that is less than a width between the side edges of the mounting substrate. The LED lamp can further include a lens disposed over the LED package and the mounting substrate.
US08746906B2

A light source module for macro photography is disclosed. The light source module is for connecting to a lens of an image capturing apparatus and bearing against a plane surface to capture the image of the plane surface. The light source module includes a barrel, a contact unit and a lighting unit. The barrel has a rear portion for connecting to the lens and a front portion opposite to the rear portion. The contact unit is arranged on an end face of the front portion. The contact unit has a plurality of contact pads arranged at intervals on the end face for contacting with the plane surface. The lighting unit is arranged on the inner surface of the barrel.
US08746896B2

A light source unit includes an excitation light source and a luminescent wheel on which luminescent light emitting areas including, on a reflecting surface, red and green luminescent materials which respectively emit light of red and green wavelength band, when receiving excitation light, and a diffuse transmission area which diffuses and transmits excitation light, are aligned end to end in a circumferential direction. An excitation light incident surface of a luminescent material layer of the luminescent wheel has a surface with a plurality of projecting bodies. Regular quadrangular pyramids are arranged thereon in a matrix with outer boundaries of bottom portions of adjacent regular quadrangular pyramids contacting each other. The pyramids rise at a rising angle of at least 30°, and a length of one side of an outer boundary of the bottom portion of the pyramid is between 10 and 100 μm.
US08746893B2

An image projection system whereby a position of a pointer on a projected image can be easily controlled from a location separated from the main control means. The system comprises a projector, a computer for controlling the projector to display a pointer on a projected image in accordance with an operational signal from a terminal, and a remote controller for the projector. The remote controller comprises a pointing device and a transmitter for transmitting an operation signal as an infrared ray operational signal. The projector comprises a receiver which is an infrared (IR) optical receiver having directivity, and receives the infrared ray operational signal.
US08746890B2

The polarization beam splitting element includes a one-dimensional grating structure having a grating period smaller than a wavelength of an entering beam and including a metal grating portion, and two light-transmissive members each having a refractive index higher than that of air. The one-dimensional grating structure is disposed between the two light-transmissive members. The grating period of the one-dimensional grating structure is 120 nm or less, a thickness of the one-dimensional grating structure is 100 nm or less and an inter-grating portion of the one-dimensional grating structure is formed as a vacuum space or formed of air or a dielectric material. The grating period Λ [nm], a filling factor FF that is a ratio w/Λ of a width w [nm] of the grating portion to the grating period, a refractive index na of the inter-grating portion and a wavelength λg of 550 [nm] satisfy (1.4na−2.9)Λ/λg−0.57na+1.32≦FF≦(1.4na−2.9)Λ/λg−0.57na+1.39 and 0.152np−1.375(Λ/λg)+0.5≦FF≦0.152np−1.375(Λ/λg)+0.6.
US08746887B2

A stereoscopic image projection system including: a beam projector for projecting a left eye image and a right eye image in a side by side format; a stereoscopic image adaptor for alternately projecting the left eye image and the right eye image onto a screen in a time sequence; and a shutter controller for synchronizing a time sequential operation of the stereoscopic image adaptor and opening and closing of right and left shutters of a user shutter glasses.
US08746886B2

The present invention provides methods, systems and software for scaling optical aberration measurements of optical systems. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method of reconstructing optical tissues of an eye. The method comprises transmitting an image through the optical tissues of the eye. Aberration data from the transmitted image is measured across the optical tissues of the eye at a first plane. A conversion algorithm is applied to the data, converting it to corrective optical power data that can be used as a basis for constructing a treatment for the eye at a second plane.
US08746876B2

Disclosed embodiments relate to eyewear configured to reduce stray light. An exemplary embodiment of the eyewear accounts for various design factors, including the cross sectional profile of the rim, the micro topography of the rim surface, the reflectivity, the theatre or room geometry, proximity of the eye to the lens, lens size, and the screen gain. An exemplary eyewear includes lenses connected to the rim sections of a frame, and a path may be defined through a maximum height of the outer flange portion of a rim section and a maximum height of the inner flange portion of the rim section. The path may be inclined at an angle relative to an angle α relative to a longitudinal axis defined by the lenses.
US08746870B2

In a matting agent coating device, a matting agent within a supplying section is supplied to a metering section. A supplied amount of matting agent at a surface of a metering roller is metered by a metering blade, and an excess amount is filtered at a slit portion. Matting agent is supplied to an application roller that is provided directly beneath. For example, a closed-cell sponge rubber is used as a material of the metering roller, and a size of closed cells is around 5 to 100 times an average particle diameter of the matting agent. The matting agent that has been supplied to a surface of the application roller is transferred and applied onto a recording medium. The matting agent is transferred from the application roller onto image portions of the recording medium due to tackiness of an ink film forming an image.
US08746867B2

Provided is an ink jet recording method including primarily applying a resin ink containing resin components to a recording medium to form a first resin ink layer, and secondarily applying the resin ink to the first resin ink layer to form a second resin ink layer, to thereby form a resin ink layer, wherein each of the primary applying process and the secondary applying process includes drying the applied resin ink.
US08746845B2

A liquid ejection head includes a substrate, a pressure chamber, first and second common liquid chambers, a filter for inhibiting inflow of foreign matter in liquid supplied to the pressure chamber, first and second supply openings respectively communicating with the first and second common liquid chambers, and a liquid receiving portion formed on an opposite surface of the substrate. The second common liquid chamber, the pressure chamber, and the first common liquid chamber are arranged in the listed order in a direction from an end of the substrate to a center of the substrate. The first common liquid chamber communicates with the pressure chamber via the filter, and the second common liquid chamber communicates with the pressure chamber through no filter.
US08746830B2

The image forming apparatus of the present invention includes an image forming member that jets liquid droplets onto a recording medium and forms an image on a front face of the recording medium, a tension imparting member that induces tension of 100 N/m to 1000 N/m in the recording medium image-formed on the recording medium front face by the image forming member, and a drying member that dries the image formed on the front face of the recording medium when tension induced in the recording medium by the tension imparting member to a residual moisture level of 3 g/m2 or less in the recording medium.
US08746826B2

A device and a method for managing a piezo inkjet head. The device includes: a piezo actuator connected to an inkjet head to generate pressure; a driver that controls driving of the piezo actuator; a sensing resistor connected between the driver and the piezo actuator, a signal amplifier connected across the sensing resistor to amplify the signal applied to the sensing resistor; a signal processor that removes noise of the signal output from the signal amplifier; a controller that determines a signal passing through the signal processor as a reference signal in a state in which bubbles are not introduced into the inkjet head; and a storage unit that stores the signal determined as the reference signal in the controller. The controller calculates a difference between the signal passing through the signal processor and the reference signal to generate a detection signal and determine a state of the inkjet head.
US08746817B2

A case structure of an electronic device includes a main case, a cover, and an elastic driving element. The main case includes a hollow portion, and a spring leaf structure protruding inwardly from a side of the hollow portion. The cover for covering the hollow portion includes a fastening portion, at least one fixing element, and a column portion. The elastic driving element is movably combined with the main case and includes a corresponding fastening portion and an operating portion. When the cover is combined with the main case, the spring leaf structure is pressed by the column portion to generate an elastic deformation; when the operating portion is moved to let the corresponding fastening portion detach from the fastening portion, the cover may detach from the main case with an elastic restoring force exerted by the spring leaf structure on the column portion.
US08746813B2

In a vehicle capable of performing regenerative braking and fluid pressure braking, in changing from the regenerative braking to the fluid pressure braking in response to a decrease of a vehicle speed due to braking, a fluid pressure braking force is increased from 0 at a first increasing rate when the vehicle speed falls to or below a first threshold value (V1), and the fluid pressure braking force is increased at a second increasing rate, which is higher than the first increasing rate, when the vehicle speed falls to or below a second threshold value (V2), which is smaller than the first threshold value (V1). With this configuration, while occurrence of a squeal noise of a wheel cylinder can be prevented by setting the first increasing rate of the fluid pressure braking force at a small value, a required braking force can be generated without any problem by setting the second increasing rate, to be used subsequently thereto, of the fluid pressure braking force at a large value.
US08746805B1

An apparatus for remotely locking a container includes a vehicle having a main frame and a tipper frame hingedly connected to the main frame, at least one of the main frame and tipper frame being configured to receive and support a container thereon; an actuator assembly for pivoting the tipper frame relative the main frame between a reclined, container loading and transport position and an inclined, dumping position; a container configured for receipt, transport and dumping of material, including a box defining a rear opening, and having a door hingedly connected with the container box to swing between an open, material dumping position and a closed position covering and sealing shut the rear opening; at least one lock mechanism connected to at least one of the box and the door; a locking assembly connected to the container; and, an actuator assembly connected to the tipper frame and physically separate from the locking assembly, and when the container is juxtaposed atop the tipper frame said tipper frame is in the transport position, the actuator assembly is operable upon actuation to engage with and cause the locking assembly to engage with the at least one lock mechanism to pull the door tightly against the box and seal closed the opening.
US08746802B1

A chair base having a retractable foot platform is preferably formed from steel and includes a movable carriage. The foot platform is affixed to linkages attached to a rotatable rod. By moving a handle attached to the rod, the retractable foot platform can be pivoted and extended or withdrawn as desired.
US08746800B2

A vehicle head restraint assembly includes a head restraint body for providing support to a vehicle occupant's head and a lower frame assembly for mounting the head restraint body to an associated vehicle structure. The head restraint body is longitudinally adjustable relative to the lower frame assembly. An upper frame assembly can be secured to the head restraint body and movably secured to the lower frame assembly for longitudinally adjusting the head restraint body relative to the lower frame assembly.
US08746799B2

A headrest support rod includes a shaft portion and a support portion. The shaft portion has a first end, a second end, and an annular wall. The annular wall defines a cavity that extends from the first end to the second end. The support portion is formed adjacent to the second end of the shaft portion. At least part of the support portion is a continuous extension of the annular wall of the shaft portion. The shaft portion and the support portion are unitarily formed.
US08746798B2

A vehicle seat assembly includes a support structure and a headrest supported by the support structure. The headrest includes a headrest body that is movable with respect to the support structure between a stowed position and a use position, and a locking mechanism for locking the headrest body in the use position. When the headrest body is in the use position, the locking mechanism is releasable to allow the headrest body to rotate rearwardly and slide downwardly to the stowed position.
US08746797B2

The invention relates to improvements in the object of patent P200603269 for “Automatic rotation system for tilting seats of chairs or armchairs”, comprising rotation supports formed by two parts (1 and 2) which are rotating in relation to one another, between which there is incorporated a rotating draw-spring (4), one of the parts (2) of each rotating support determining an annular channel (5), in which there is housed a ring (6) together with a high-viscosity silicone filler, such that said ring (6) is linked by pulling with the other part (1) of the rotating support, a braking action occurring on the rotation movement between the two parts (1 and 2) due to the friction of that ring (6) with the silicone in the channel (5).
US08746786B2

A sill arrangement of a motor vehicle body is provided that has a sill outer plate, a sill inner plate, and a side wall outer plate, the sill inner plate and the sill outer plate being connected to one another with at least one flange extending essentially in the sill longitudinal direction, and the side wall outer plate fastened at least regionally on a lower side of the sill outer plate at a distance from the connecting flange.
US08746781B2

A reinforcing unit for the vehicle body may include an insert member coupled to a front side member while being inserted in the front side member, and a fender apron lower reinforce member mounted in a fender apron to be coupled to the insert member, so that crash energy transmitted to the fender apron in a front offset crash of the vehicle may be transmitted to the front side member through the reinforcing unit of the vehicle body to be effectively distributed.
US08746778B2

A travel trailer is provided. The travel trailer may include a camping pod that contains tent fabric. The travel trailer may also have a telescoping member that is configured for raising and lowering the camping pod.
US08746771B1

A removable litter support assembly for installation on a interior wall of a transport vehicle. The removable litter support assembly includes a plurality of wall supports and a plurality of straps. Each of the plurality of wall supports are generally oriented vertical and parallel to each other and in a linear orientation and each of the plurality of straps are generally oriented vertical and parallel to each other and in a linear orientation. The linear orientation of the plurality of wall supports being parallel to the linear orientation of the plurality of straps.
US08746770B2

A tension bar for an edge lift anchor for a concrete panel, the tension bar being shaped to provide a central portion to lie adjacent a head portion of the anchor and legs extending from each end of the central portion, an inner side of each leg being profiled to lock into the surrounding concrete, the profiling being formed by a series of longitudinally spaced formations each of generally saw-toothed shape with a leading edge of each formation facing towards the head portion such that on application of tensile load to the tension bar, the leg will lock into the concrete with a generally compressive loading being applied to the concrete in the zone between the two legs.
US08746754B2

A locking device is provided for locking a container having sidewalls and at least one lid defining an open position and a closed position. The locking device may include an elongate lock member configured to engage the lid(s) and a lock housing that is associated with at least one of the sidewalls. The lock housing may be configured to at least partially receive the elongate lock member. The locking device may be designed to be installed on the container in the field, or the locking device may be integrally formed with the container. The lock housing may include a security element that is detectable by a security system to guard against theft of the container. In some cases, a security module is provided that releasably attaches to the lock housing to provide further alarm functionality.
US08746752B2

An inner tubular portion (15) and an outer tubular portion (16) form an insertion space (14) of a plastic pipe (11) and are integrally formed on a joint main body (13). A cap (29) is connected to the outer tubular portion (16) by projection-recess engagement. A retainer mechanism (27) of the plastic pipe (11) is provided between the outer tubular portion (16) and the cap (29). A cutout portion (20) is formed in the outer tubular portion (16), and a bulging engagement portion (24) is arranged on the cutout portion (20). The outer periphery of the bulging engagement portion (24) is connected to the cap (29) by the projection-recess engagement. A restricting portion is provided between the cutout portion (20) and the bulging engagement portion (24). The restricting portion is composed of a first tapered surface (21) and a second tapered surface (25). The first tapered surface (21) is provided on the cutout portion (20) and decreases in width toward the outer end. The second tapered surface (25) is provided on the bulging engagement portion (24) and engaged with the first tapered surface (21).
US08746748B2

A coupling system includes two base bodies, each having an aperture for a fluid, an interior predefined circumferential depression and a locking surface. An adapter piece including an aperture for the fluid has two ends and at least two predefined circumferential depressions, which run at least partially along a circumference of the respective ends, wherein the first base body is associated with the first end of the adapter piece and the second base body is associated with the second end of the adapter piece, wherein in a state in which they are pushed inside each other the circumferential depression associated with the respective end of the adapter piece and the interior circumferential depression of the respective base body are located opposite of each other and form a receiving space. In addition, latching elements are provided to prevent the respective latching element from accidentally sliding out of the associated receiving space.
US08746746B1

Example embodiments are directed to a fitting configured to transition from an open configuration to a closed configuration. In example embodiments, the fitting may include a first member, a second member, a first gusset base extending from the first member, a second gusset base extending from the second member, and a hinge connecting the first member to the second member. In example embodiments, the first gusset base may include at least one first gusset and the second gusset base may include at least one second gusset. In example embodiments a distance between outermost portions of the at least one first and second gussets may be substantially the same as a distance separating the first member from the second member.
US08746739B2

Disclosed is a restraint system for a vehicle, such as a wheeled vehicle, boat, or fixed or rotary winged aircraft. The system includes a control system integrated into the harness and strap of the restraint. This permits crewmembers to lock and unlock the restraint from a body worn control panel. Other auxiliary equipment also be operated from the control panel. In another embodiment, wiring for a communication system is integrated into the harness and strap.
US08746733B2

The pillar garnish has a main body, an extension part that is formed integrally with the main body, including a guide surface at an upper end of the extension part, the guide surface controlling a direction in which the air bag apparatus is unfolded so that the air bag apparatus is unfolded into the interior of the vehicle when the air bag apparatus is inflated, and a box portion that is formed integrally with the main body and the extension part, the box portion being positioned between the main body and the pillar. The box portion has a back wall portion and a pair of side wall portions that are adjacent to the back wall portion and the main body. The side wall portion has a thick portion and a thin portion, the thin portion being disposed closer to the main body than to the back wall portion.
US08746732B1

An airbag assembly can include an inflator that may exert forces on an airbag housing during deployment of an airbag from the housing. The airbag assembly can include a load distributing plate to distribute or delocalize the forces. In some arrangements, the load distributing plate can be attached to the inflator.
US08746729B2

A toe piece for a gliding apparatus, such as a touring ski, including two tightening elements relatively movable between a boot-tightened position, in which they engage respective lateral housings of the boot, and an open position to release the boot, the tightening elements forming a pivot axis for the boot and a stop movable between an active position in which the stop comes into contact with the front end of the boot so as to longitudinally position the lateral housings of the boot, and a retracted position in which the stop does not interfere with normal pivoting of the boot during an ascent phase, the stop being in an active position when the two tightening elements are in the open position and the movable stop is directly connected to the tightening elements, so that a relative displacement of the tightening elements causes the stop to switch between its active and retracted positions.
US08746722B2

A method of using a folding vehicle having a chassis that functions as a protective, carry-on casing is provided. The vehicle has a chassis with a center member, a rotatably-lockable front strut, a rotatably-lockable rear strut, and two pivot points for converting the vehicle from an operational state to a collapsed state; and, a drive member with a crankshaft. The crankshaft and the rotatably-lockable front strut pivot share a central axis of rotation; and, the releasably-lockable front strut and the releasably-lockable rear strut are configured to fold into a complementary relationship in the interior of the channel in the collapsed state. The channel functions as a protective, carry-on case for the folding vehicle in the collapsed state.
US08746712B2

In one aspect, a device for moving objects is provided that includes a carriage having a first planer bearing member coupled to a second planer bearing member therewith forming a recess, each of the bearing members having a plurality of holes therein opposite an intersection of the bearing members; at least one wheel coupled to the carriage member, the wheel having an axis parallel with the intersection of the bearing members; and a first and a second strap having ends removably attachable to each other, each of the straps passing through one of the bearing members.
US08746708B2

A creeper for car repair which belongs to the technical field of basic hand tools, includes a creeper body and an object scraper mechanism which is pivotally connected with one end of the creeper body. The technical solution provided by the present invention is equipped to an object scraper mechanism which is pivotally connected with one end of the creeper body for unfolding from the creeper body and being perpendicular to the service creeper body when the operator is standing upright and heavy objects are carried, as well as laying against the back of the service creeper body when the scraper mechanism is not being used and is folded, thus facilitating the object transportation and reducing the work intensity for the operators.
US08746707B2

Skate, either an in-line roller skate or an ice skate, comprising a frame carrying on or more sliding elements, and a skate boot provided with a sole, said boot being fastened to said frame through a fastening portion, wherein said fastening portion is located between said sole and said frame in a substantially central region in the longitudinal direction of said frame.
US08746705B1

An active roll control system that actively controls roll by changing roll strength of a stabilizer bar by varying a connection position of a stabilizer link, which connects both ends of the stabilizer bar on a subframe with a suspension arm, on the suspension arm. The suspension arm includes a rail unit that has a top opening and includes slide rails arranged in a vehicle width direction within the rail unit, and guides a connector connected with the lower end of the stabilizer link along the slide rails. In addition, an actuator unit of the suspension arm has a driving shaft connected with the connector and provides a forward and rearward driving force to the connector.
US08746697B2

A sheet transport mechanism includes a pair of transport rollers and a roller pressing mechanism. The roller pressing mechanism includes one pair of first levers, one pair of second levers, and an elastic member. The one pair of first levers are supported to swing around a first swing shaft. A rotary shaft of a second roller of the pair of transport rollers is rotatably supported by a bearing aperture formed at substantially a center of the first lever. In addition, the one pair of second levers are supported to swing around the second swing shaft. Both ends of the elastic member are connected to tip ends of the second levers. The end of each second lever rotates around the second swing shaft, and presses the first lever toward the first roller of the pair of transport rollers.
US08746695B2

The present invention relates to a paper money processing apparatus. In the paper money processing apparatus for sorting and counting paper money, the apparatus is divided into three parts in order for sections of a transfer path to open the whole transfer path. When jammed paper money is removed, portions separated from a fixed main body are linked with each other through links to remove the jammed paper money through only one operation.
US08746693B2

A reference member which regulates a position of one side end of a sheet along the sheet conveying direction is provided at one side of a sheet conveying path in the width direction so as to follow the sheet conveying direction and to be rotatable about its downstream end portion in the sheet conveying direction. Then, one side end of the sheet is skew-conveyed toward the reference member by a plurality of pair of skew-conveying rollers which is arranged in the sheet conveying path along the sheet conveying direction. Then, when forming an image on both faces of the sheet, a control portion rotates the reference member so that the sheet is displaced to the center side in the sheet conveying path compared to the case of forming an image on one face of the sheet.
US08746687B2

An image forming apparatus has a rockable member which is configured to rotate about an axis defined at a first end portion among: a first position at which a second end portion at a downstream side in the forward feed direction with respect to the first end portion is supported by the guide member having the first orientation; a second position at which the second end portion is located at a higher position that the second end portion when located at the first position; and a third position at which the second end portion is located at a lower position that the second end portion when located at the first position; and a signal generating unit configured to output a signal corresponding to the position of the rockable member. A photo sensor is provided to generate a signal in accordance with an orientation of the rockable member.
US08746675B2

A sheet feeder attracts an uppermost sheet of a sheet stack of a plurality of stacked sheets, and feeds the sheet in a sheet feeding direction. The sheet feeder includes an endless belt, a charging device, and a control device. The endless belt is made of a dielectric material, passes over upstream and downstream rollers, and is disposed above the sheet stack to face the sheet stack. The charging device applies an alternating voltage to an outer circumferential surface of the endless belt to form thereon alternating charge patterns. The control device separately controls the respective rotation states of the upstream and downstream rollers to make a sheet contact surface of the endless belt go slack in sheet attraction and make the sheet contact surface of the endless belt taut with tension into a substantially flat surface in sheet conveyance.
US08746674B2

A sheet transport apparatus in a sheet processing machine has at least one driven transport belt for the transport of sheet printing materials from a first location to a second location. It being possible for the transport belt to be driven at different transport speeds. The acceptance of the sheet printing materials at the first location is carried out at a relatively low transport speed, and the transfer of the sheet printing materials at the second location is carried out at a relatively high transport speed.
US08746673B1

A system includes a media path along which physical media travels. A media pick device picks and transports the media in the media path according to one or more pick parameters. A device monitor can monitor a media pick or jam event and provide a media pick event output. The media pick event output identifies a media fault relating to at least one of the pick or the transport of the media. A controller processes the media pick event output to control the media pick device.
US08746671B2

A sheet conveying system includes a sheet inserting apparatus that inserts a second recording medium between first recording media conveyed by a sheet conveying apparatus, and transmits a first time at which second recording media can be successively received hypothetically, and a second time indicating a difference between a conveying time from an accumulating unit of a second recording medium to a merging point at which a second recording medium is inserted and a conveying time from a sheet receiving surface of the sheet inserting apparatus to the merging point. The sheet conveying apparatus sets longer one of the received first time and second time as an insertion interval; and conveys first recording media such that an interval extended by an added value obtained by adding a conveying time corresponding to a length of second recording medium to the insertion interval is provided between the first recording media.
US08746670B2

A bundle of identical book blocks composed of a plurality of folded print sheets or signatures standing upright on lower edges of the printed sheets or book blocks. The book blocks are formed with first and last book block sections having different dimensions. A quadrangular bundle is formed from the book blocks by aligning first limit surfaces of the book block sections flush with each other along one of the two side surfaces or along the upper or lower surfaces of the bundle so that a second limit surface of the first book block section opposite the first limit surface of the first book block section projects with an offset with respect to a limit surface of the last book block section opposite the first limit surface of the last book block section. The bundle is compressed and then secured.
US08746669B2

To provide a chip supply pallet preventing destruction of a chip and preventing a reduction in a productivity from being brought about in exchanging a wafer sheet, the chip supply pallet includes a first member 33 having a tension ring 51 brought into contact with a wafer sheet from a lower side, and a fixing member 54 of fixing a ring frame holding the wafer sheet on an inner side on a lower side of the wafer sheet brought into contact with the tension ring 51, and a second member 34 having a fixed portion for fixing to a predetermined position of a chip supply apparatus and a held portion 36 of being held when the chip interchanging pallet 3 is transferred, and the first member 33 is configured to be able to rotationally displace relative to the second member 34 fixed to the predetermined position of the chip supply apparatus.
US08746667B2

A machine tool having a machine frame and a workpiece table. It is provided that the workpiece table (5), on one of its sides (14), is held on the machine frame (2) by a holding device (4), the holding device (4) having at least two holding elements (6, 7), which are spaced apart from one another on the said side (14) of the workpiece table (5) and which are disposed at differing height positions (9, 10), such that an upper and a lower holding element (6, 7) is realized, and at least one of the holding elements (6, 7) being equipped with at least one piezo actuator (24) for altering its length and, associated therewith, influencing the position of the workpiece table.
US08746666B2

A media carrier, adapted to hold a plurality of pieces of magnetic media, is disclosed. This media carrier can be placed on the workpiece support, or platen, allowing the magnetic media to be processed. In some embodiments, the media carrier is designed such that only one side of the magnetic media is exposed, requiring a robot or other equipment to invert each piece of media in the carrier to process the second side. In other embodiments, the media carrier is designed such that both sides of the magnetic media are exposed. In this scenario, the media carrier is inverted on the platen to allow processing of the second side.
US08746657B2

A multi-piece valve disk of a sliding and/or seat valve, a ring seal with an elastic sealing ring with an external sealing zone is placed in a ring groove of the valve disk onto a dimensionally stable backup ring, and where an elastic restoring region effectively positioned between the backup ring and the external sealing zone is arranged in the backup ring, the restoring region being embodied in one piece with the sealing ring of its material adjacent to the external sealing zone of the sealing ring.
US08746655B1

An actuator for a butterfly valve, having a gearbox, an actuator stem and a handle. The actuator stem is formed as a single piece, comprising a position indicator, seal disc, worm gear, and stem shaft with splines for fitting into the valve. The handle is also formed as a single piece, comprising the wheel or knob, shaft, and worm for operating the worm gear. By forming the gearbox as a single piece as well, the entire actuator can be made as three major pieces. Optionally, the gearbox can be formed with cylindrical fittings which press-fit over pins on the valve, replacing the conventional mounting bracket.
US08746645B2

A portable riser for supporting a laptop computer or other article at an angle to a supporting surface. The riser includes a base and lid attached to each other by a double hinge. Arc shaped legs deploy form the riser when the lid is moved from a closed position to an deployed position a position where the lid rests against the opposite side of the base. The legs are formed by deforming a sheet of flexible material that lies between the base and a cover plate. The lid and the sheet of flexible material are coupled to each other so that when the lid is moved from the closed to the deployed position, the sheet of material is deployed.
US08746644B2

An apparatus for hanging an article from a door. In one aspect, the inventive apparatus can comprise a mounting system that can be used to hang a mirror, piece of art, or other flat article that is positioned within a frame to a door without the need for a screw driver or any other tools.
US08746643B2

The inventive concept disclosed comprises a storage grate for grills of the type typically used in outdoor barbecue grills and particularly, kamado-style grills. The device is essentially a one-piece rod having been bent and formed into specific angles and segments, thereby allowing the device to be attached onto an outdoor cooking grill or kamado-style charcoal cooking grill as is marketed by many commercial brands. The device serves the purpose of short-term or long-term retention and storage of the grill used in the cooking process prior to, or after use of the grill for cooking.
US08746642B2

A mounting system for attaching an audio/visual device to a surface via a surface mounting member. The mounting system includes a support attachment bracket configured to operatively connect to the surface mounting member, a display mounting bracket configured to operatively connect to the audio/visual device, an adjustment mechanism configured to adjust a position of the display mounting bracket relative to the support attachment bracket between a collapsed position and a tilted position, and a locking feature configured to selectively engage a post for retaining the mounting system in the collapsed position. The locking feature is disposed on one of the support attachment bracket, the display mounting bracket, and the adjustment mechanism. The post is disposed on another of the support attachment bracket, the display mounting bracket, and the adjustment mechanism.
US08746639B2

A flat panel wall mount for mounting a flat panel to a wall has a wall bracket connecting with a mounting bracket. The wall bracket has a wall bracket left section and a wall bracket right section. The wall bracket left section connects to the wall bracket right section by connectors such as bolts and nuts. A wall bracket left section bottom joining tab is formed on the wall bracket and a wall bracket right section bottom joining tab is formed on the wall bracket. The wall bracket left section bottom joining tab connects to the wall bracket right section bottom joining tab. The wall bracket left section bottom joining tab is parallel to the wall bracket right section bottom joining tab.
US08746633B1

A cable positioning bracket is provided for mounting to a building component, e.g. a wall stud. The bracket has an anchor plate for being connected to the broad surface of the building component and a pair of side plates for being connected to the narrow surface of the building component. A pair of platforms are positioned adjacent to a slot for supporting one or more cables. A series of opposed tabs are provided in several embodiments, the tabs oriented to engage and support one or more cables. One side plate pivots away from the building component by means of a hinge plate to insert the cable or cables. The tabs may be formed with side strips surrounding a window, the strips allowing arcuate bending of the tabs to control tab flexure. A score line may be provided to enable bending to fit a building component of a different width.
US08746624B2

An airfoil boundary layer control system may be provided. The airfoil boundary layer control system may include at least one airfoil that may include a first surface and a second surface coupled together at a leading edge and a trailing edge; at least one hollow chamber defined within the at least one airfoil; and an aperture defined in the airfoil and positioned substantially near the trailing edge, the aperture coupled in flow communication with the at least one hollow chamber; a pressure source coupled in flow communication with the at least one hollow chamber.
US08746620B1

Methods and apparatus for an adaptable solar airframe are provided herein. In some embodiments, an adaptable solar airframe includes a solar PV system having at least one solar tracking system and being able to follow the sun position in order to increase sunlight collection and power output; and an expandable body having an aerodynamic cross-section that minimizes parasitic air drag at any given thickness of the body, further being at least partially transparent to sunlight, further enclosing the solar PV system, and further being able to change its shape in response to changes in the positions of the solar PV system.
US08746619B2

The present invention relates to a tail for improving anti-bird strike performance of an aircraft. A leading edge reinforcement having a shape of an isosceles triangle is located inside a tail leading edge. The leading edge reinforcement is spanwisely fixed in sections between respective spans formed by the wing rib inside the tail leading edge along the tail of the aircraft. An apex angle of the leading edge reinforcement is the same as an apex angle or arc transition of the tail leading edge skin. The leading edge reinforcement is fixedly connected with the small front beam by a leading edge reinforcement fixed surface. The present invention additionally installs a leading edge reinforcement in the original tail of the aircraft.
US08746605B2

Apparatus and methods are disclosed related to spooling and unspooling linear material. Such apparatus and methods can assist the user in deploying and/or retracting linear material.
US08746599B2

Systems and methods for processing and sorting a municipal solid waste stream are described herein. A system can include a processing sub-system configured to receive a municipal solid waste stream and to remove the non-processable waste, a processing apparatus configured and disposed to receive constituents of the municipal solid waste stream from the processing sub-system and reduce the size of the constituents of the waste stream to an average particle size of less than about ¾ inch, and separators configured to sort the waste stream into constituents based on density.
US08746592B2

An improved sprinkler has a flow altering device to change water direction and control the direction of a blade wheel. A gear set causes a sprinkler head's repetitive rotation. The sprinkler head includes a set of corresponding upper plate and lower plate to divide an interior chamber of the sprinkler head to two chambers: a control chamber and a gear chamber. A water inlet pipe connects only with the control chamber to provide water to enter the control chamber. The upper plate and the lower plate form a filtering channel interconnecting between the control chamber and the gear chamber. The water from the control chamber can flow into the gear chamber through the filtering channel. The filtering channel filters the large/coarser particle debris in the water and the water flowing into the gear chamber can lubricate and cool the gear set in the gear chamber.
US08746589B2

A boom structure for a mobile agricultural implement. The boom structure includes a first transversely extending beam member having a first protrusion. The boom structure includes a second transversely extending beam member having a second protrusion. The second transversely extending beam member is spatially offset from the first transversely extending beam member. A plurality of first coupling members are coupled to the first protrusion and a plurality of second coupling members coupled to the second protrusion. A plurality of connecting members are coupled to the first and second coupling members to connect the first and second transversely extending beam members.
US08746579B1

A card exhibiting enhanced detection is provided. A plurality of detector shapes that may be associated with a detection system increases detection effectiveness, while reducing adverse effects of detection systems that may be operating within a electromagnetic field environment.
US08746578B2

A storage device contains a smart-card device and a memory device, both connected to a controller. The storage device may be used in the same manner as a conventional smart-card device, or it may be used to store a relatively large amount of data in various partitions. One of these partitions may be a read-only partition that is normally accessible only for read accesses. However, it may sometimes be necessary to update or supplement the data stored in the read-only partition. This is accomplished by a host issuing an appropriate command to the storage device, which may be accompanied by an identifier for an appropriate level of authorization. The controller then changes the attribute of the read-only partition from “read-only” to “read/write” to allow data to be written to the partition. Upon completion, the controller changes the attribute of the partition back to read-only.
US08746576B2

Systems, devices, admixtures, and methods are described including transponder devices (e.g., a palatable transponder, an edible transponder, a palatable radio frequency identification (RFID) tag, an edible RFID tag, etc.) for admixing with a food product.
US08746575B2

The invention comprises an RFID card consisting of at least one upper layer, one lower layer, one functional layer comprising at least one electronic component, an antenna connected to the electronic component, wherein the card also comprises a compensator between the functional layer and the lower layer, the compensator being recessed at the location of the electronic component and of thickness substantially equal to the thickness of the electronic component on the functional layer and in that the layers are assembled together by adhesion. The invention also comprises the continuous manufacturing method of the RFID card and the machine according to the manufacturing method of the RFID card.
US08746571B2

An apparatus includes a battery in the housing, a first light indicator operative to emit light in a first color with the duration of a first time period after a predetermined triggering event, and a second light indicator operative to emit light in a second color with the duration of a second time period after the predetermined triggering event. The ratio between the first time period and the second time period monotonically depends upon a state of charge on the battery.
US08746568B2

Data transfer using barcodes is described. In one example data can be transferred between a first device and a second device in close proximity to each other using repeating barcode sequences. For example at the first device a data item can be encoded as a sequence of barcodes, each barcode includes an indicator of the number of barcodes in the sequence and the position of the barcode in the sequence. To receive the data at a second device the barcode sequence can be captured and stored, for example using a digital camera associated with the device, and the barcodes subsequently decoded using the captured sequence. The data contained in each of the barcodes in the sequence can be reassembled by the receiving device to obtain the transmitted data.
US08746565B2

Bar codes used for various applications. A bar code can be used for biometrics, or for computer data entry. A special bar code is described that has additional information, but can be read by other readers.
US08746564B2

Systems and methods for data reading, which in one example configuration is directed to an automated optical code data reader in the form of a tunnel or portal scanner having an open architecture configured with front and rear inverted U-shaped arches, a plurality of cameras (some or most of which have multiple fields of view) in each of the arches for reading the top five sides of an item being passed by a conveyor through a read region formed by the arches, and a bottom reader including one or more cameras under the conveyor for reading a bottom side of the item through a gap in the conveyors as the item is passed over the gap. Also disclosed are specific imaging schemes for providing effective views of the items with a minimum number of cameras.
US08746560B2

A system and method are provided for indicating an existence of a link to information pertaining to an article of commerce. The present disclosure provides for downloading a look-up table from a server database to a mobile device via a communication network. The look-up table is configured to store a plurality of UPC numbers associated with a plurality of articles of commerce and a plurality of information link indicators. Each information link indicator is associated with a respective UPC number and article of commerce and indicates the existence of a link via the communication network to information pertaining to the respective article of commerce. The mobile device allows a consumer to immediately determine if product information is available for a particular article of commerce, via a visual or audible indication on the mobile device, without access to the communication network.
US08746557B2

Under the present invention, item verification is automated and expedited. Specifically, items to be purchased can be scanned by the shopper using a barcode reader (e.g., a scanner) attached to or positioned near the shopping receptacle. As items are scanned, they are identified based on their barcode and added to an item list. Item verification can then performed at checkout using imaging technology. For example, the shopping cart or shopping basket can be brought into the field of view of a computer-connected camera. The camera and computer can, working from the customer's item list developed when the items are scanned, observe each product in the receptacle and “ring it up”. If all products can be accounted for, the customer is free to leave; otherwise the customer is denied egress, informed of the problem, etc. A store employee can also be signaled to investigate. The total time required to make the decision is the time to take a picture and process it, which by human standards is very fast; faster than existing verification methods.
US08746544B2

A collapsible cardboard box and lid. The box sides each comprise an outer face and an inner face flap connected by a fold-over region. Mitered edges of adjacent fold-over regions align to define mitered corners of the box opening periphery. Intermediate side flaps connected to the outer shell bottom are sandwiched between the side outer faces and inner face flaps, and a locking flap connected to one of the sides defines an interior bottom. The lid top face is connected to a first set of outer side faces connected by a fold-over region to inner side faces. One inner side face is connected to a top locking liner flap that extends to an abutment with the inner side face to define the lid interior. A second set of outer side faces connects to intermediate flaps sandwiched between the first set of outer side faces and inner side faces.
US08746542B2

A carton comprising an inner layer (100) and an outer layer (2), the inner layer comprises at least one side wall, which inner side wall comprises at least two layers (116, 118) of carton material in a face to face relationship with one another and the outer layer comprises a base portion (4) and at least one side wall (14, 22) about the inner layer side wall.
US08746538B2

A joining method that allows joining processing to be carried out simultaneously at a plurality of portions without being influenced by a supply time restriction on a joining material, and a semiconductor device manufacturing method using the joining method are provided. A chip and a lead frame are tentatively assembled having a solid solder block interposed therebetween. The solder block is provided with protruding parts that protrude in one direction. The protruding parts are inserted into solder supply ports of the lead frame, whereby the chip and the lead frame are tentatively assembled. Subsequently, the chip and the lead frame are fed into a reflow oven, and the solder block is melted and thereafter solidified. Thus, the chip and the lead frame are joined to each other.
US08746526B2

A fastener driver comprises a housing and a magazine configured to retain a plurality of fasteners. A driver assembly is positioned within the housing and is configured to provide an expulsion force that expels one of the plurality of fasteners from the magazine. The device further includes a lockout member configured to pivot about a pivot axis between an unlocked position and a lockout position. The pivot axis is configured to move relative to the housing when a work contact element is depressed. The driver assembly is prevented from providing the expulsion force when the lockout arm is in the lockout position. The pivot arm moves from the unlocked position to the lockout position when a low level of fasteners remains in the magazine.
US08746514B2

A dispensing device includes a housing having a material chamber in fluid communication with a material inlet port and a nozzle. The dispensing device also includes a valve in fluid communication with the material chamber and the nozzle. The valve includes a tip, a stem, and a seat. The stem is configured to move relative to the seat to control the flow of material exiting the housing through the nozzle. The tip is fixedly attached to the stem at a second distal. The tip includes a rounded head and a neck, the tip being fixedly attached to the stem by inserting the neck into a bore disposed within the stem.
US08746513B2

A shaker dispenser for containing and dispensing product includes a body, a handle, and a dispensing mechanism. The handle includes a base portion and a handle gripping portion that a user may grip to transport and use the dispenser. The handle is inserted within the body such that the entire handle, including the handle gripping portion, is within the body, thereby allowing the shaker dispenser to sit, if desired, on the end having the handle. The body includes indentations, or cut-aways, that allow the handle to be visible from at least one of: a front view, a side view, and a back view. A method of manufacture and use of a shaker dispenser is also described.
US08746512B2

A sealing structure which seals a container body and an aerosol valve without providing a seal member between them. An aerosol container employing the seal structure comprises a bottomed cylinder like container body and an aerosol valve firmly fixed to the opening of the container body. The seal structure between the container body of the aerosol container and the aerosol valve is formed of a valve support portion of the container body and a step portion of the aerosol valve. The aerosol container is manufactured by deforming a corner of the step portion into a curved surface shape from a square shape by applying an annular force to the step portion from a convex surface by plastically deforming a lower part of a cover cap and a part of the container body while pushing the cover cap downward.
US08746510B2

A device for dispensing a flowable material is disclosed. The device includes a container holding the flowable material therein and a pumping assembly attached to the container. The pumping assembly includes a pump and a placard portion configured for displaying viewable information thereon associated with the flowable material.
US08746506B2

A multi-tower modular dispensing system including at least a first dispensing head and a second dispensing head at a counter, a transfer unit located remotely from the counter, piping extending from the transfer unit to the counter, the transfer unit including a centralized ingredient system having a plurality of beverage ingredient sources, the centralized ingredient system configured to supply beverage ingredients to the piping for the dispensing of a first beverage at the counter, the piping including a main micro bundle, the main micro bundle including at least two separate beverage ingredient lines.
US08746505B2

A multi-sensory product able to disperse chemical actives using reeds or other wicks, as well as providing a light show is disclosed. The product includes a form-within-a-form design wherein the inner form or vase is able to store the chemical actives, as well as mount the reeds or other wicks. The outer vase complements the aesthetics of the inner vase while at the same time concealing the electronics of the device. The electronics of the device can include a power source, as well as a circuit board for driving LEDs mounted thereon. The LEDs can generate a light show which can be refracted and diffused through the glass or polymer material forming the inner and outer vases thereby creating an aesthetically pleasing and multi-sensory experience through the use of the product.
US08746499B2

In a container for solid, paste-like or flowable products, particularly food products, comprising a lower container part for containing the products and a container top part for closing the container, wherein the container bottom part has a rim which extends around the container bottom part opening, the container top part has a collar element which extends around the rim of the container bottom part and an essentially flat areal cover element connected to the collar element and releasably connected to the rim of the container bottom part when, after filling of the container bottom part with a product, the container is closed by the container top part.
US08746489B2

The present application provides a container, such as a metal or plastic can, that has a rim with an integral heat seal zone (26) and a heat sealable powder or hot melt coating (42) applied to the heat seal zone (26) of the upper rim. In another embodiment, the container includes: a sidewall having an upper rim, wherein the upper rim includes an upwardly inclined and integrally formed heat seal zone (26); a heat sealable coating (42) applied to the heat seal zone (26) of the upper rim; and a peelable foil lid (30) removably attached to the heat seal zone (26) of the upper rim.
US08746488B2

A can for packaging food, comprising a metal can body and a diaphragm lid (16) formed of lidding material which comprises a multilayer structure with at least an aluminum layer of from 6 to 90 microns thickness and a bond layer for fixing the lid (16) directly to the can body. One method for forming the can forms the lidding material by using an outwardly extending curl (20) at one end of the metal can body as the draw die. Lidding material which is carried by the body maker punch is drawn around the curl of the can body draw die so as to form the lidding material into a cup shape.
US08746487B1

A food container includes a glass container, a lid and a protective sleeve. The sleeve covers at least a portion of the side walls and bottom surface of the glass container. The lid has a perimeter that is absent of securing features for the container. The lid has a receiving feature which is engaged by a latch on the protective sleeve when the latch is moved from an open position to a locked position.
US08746481B2

A flexible plastic sheet cover for a produce container which is collapsible and has a plurality of ventilators wherein the improvement is having a seamed cover center and having seamless end bands that grip the end walls of the container and a method for making the cover from a tubular sheet.
US08746473B2

An improved coupler body having an area of increased material in the upper lock chamber.
US08746472B2

Wall mounting assemblies and methods are disclosed. The assembly includes a bracket that has two frame members coupled at a hinge. Each frame member has a hook for engaging a recess or slot on a panel. The assembly further includes a panel that has edges that are configured to engage the edges of adjacent panels, without the need for tilting the panel to engage. Each panel has two slots for receiving the bracket. Bending the two frame members on the bracket causes the bracket's hooks to lock into the slots on the panel.
US08746469B1

An improved fishing rod caddy that is removably mountable to the bed of a pickup truck is presented. The improved rod caddy securely holds fishing rods in a horizontal position in a pickup truck bed such that the rods are free from bending loads created by wind resistance and are protected from undue jostling, abrasion or marring during transport.
US08746466B2

A cable management frame assembly comprising a collapsible frame chassis and a plurality of positionally configurable cable management fixtures that can be affixed to the frame chassis without the use of tools or additional hardware such screws, nuts or bolts. A panel mount allows patch panels and equipment to be mounted to the frame chassis without the use of tools or additional hardware.
US08746460B2

The present invention describes an apparatus (1) for the sieving and fluid separation of a material containing fractions of a solid and fluid, the material being placed on an upper side of at least one sieving element (13), and the apparatus (1) being provided with at least one fluid-flow-generating device (5) for the production of a fluid flow through a portion of the material-carrying sieving element (13). The invention also describes a method of using the apparatus (1).
US08746458B2

The present invention discloses a method for axial separation by an eccentric inner surface of a permanent magnetic drum, comprising: adsorbing materials to be selected that flow through the inner surface field strength and the gradient area of a rotating eccentric drum (2) by using the energy on the inner surface of a rotating permanent magnetic drum (1), wherein materials with lower specific susceptibility pass through a selected material channel (14) consisted of the eccentric drum (2) and the outer surface of the arched drum of a field strength gradient regulating mechanism (5), and flow out of a low magnetic material outlet (9); materials with higher specific susceptibility are absorbed on the rotating eccentric drum (2), and in an area with higher eccentricity, materials with higher specific susceptibility are stripped off, fall into a high magnetic material groove (7), flow to a high magnetic material outlet (8), and then are collected. There also provides a device for axial separation by an eccentric inner surface of a permanent magnetic drum.
US08746457B2

The present invention discloses a method and a device for axial separation by the inner surface of a permanent magnetic arched groove, comprising: adsorbing materials to be selected that axially flow through the inner surface field strength and the gradient area of a rotating separation drum (2) by using the energy on the inner surface of a permanent magnetic arched groove (1); wherein materials with lower specific susceptibility pass through a selected material channel (13) and flow out of a low magnetic material outlet (9); materials with higher specific susceptibility are adsorbed on the rotating separation drum (2) and fall into a high magnetic material groove (7) under the action of its gravity; and materials with higher specific susceptibility flow through a high magnetic material outlet (8) and then are collected; thereby various materials with different specific susceptibilities can be separated.
US08746456B1

A food and/or beverage tray includes a tray body portion having an upper surface and a lower surface, a first portion of the lower surface of the tray body portion configured to rest on the forearm of the user, a second portion of the lower surface of the tray body portion configured to rest on the hand of the user; a notch provided in a first end of the tray body portion, the notch configured to receive a cross-sectional portion of an arm of the user near the elbow; and at least one finger aperture disposed through the tray body portion, the at least one finger aperture configured to accommodate a finger of the hand of the user, the at least one finger aperture being located proximate to a second end of the tray body portion that is disposed generally opposite to the first end of the tray body portion.
US08746455B2

A pill container includes: a container body defining a pill-storing space for storing pills therein and having a plurality of sides, top and bottom walls and a plurality of first side walls interconnecting the top and bottom walls, and disposed respectively at corresponding ones of the sides, each of the first side walls being formed with an access opening for access into the pill-storing space; a plurality of first doors connected to the first side walls for closing and opening the access openings in the first side walls, respectively; and a plurality of different first marks, each of which is provided on a respective one of the first side walls or a respective one of the first doors. The first marks respectively represent different times of a day for taking the pills.
US08746454B2

A secure package (1) for drugs, blocks access to the drugs such that, to gain access to the drugs, the user must execute two simultaneous actions. When one of the actions is interrupted, access is rendered impossible. The secure package includes a case (2), a blister (3), and an elastic biasing system (4). The blister (3) is a cellular card pack for dispensing pills. The blister (3) is mobile and can be moved in translation in the case (2) by being slid on its base wall (16). Thus, the blister can take up two positions, namely an initial rest position, wherein the position of the cells (10) does not correspond to holes (19) formed in the base wall (16) and a so-called active position, wherein the cells (10) are in a position corresponding to the holes (19) in the base wall (16).
US08746440B2

A continuous recovery system for an electrorefiner system may include a trough having a ridge portion and a furrow portion. The furrow portion may include a first section and a second section. An inlet and exit pipe may be connected to the trough. The inlet pipe may include an outlet opening that opens up to the first section of the furrow portion of the trough. The exit pipe may include an entrance opening that opens up to the second section of the furrow portion of the trough. A chain may extend through the inlet and exit pipes and along the furrow portion of the trough. The chain may be in a continuous loop form. A plurality of flights may be secured to the chain. Accordingly, the desired product may be continuously harvested from the electrorefiner system without having to halt the electrical power and/or remove the cathode and anode assemblies.
US08746429B1

The present device is an improved clutch system that conveys rotational energy from a power source to the gearbox input shaft of a motorcycle. A clutch basket is mechanically coupled to the power source and slidably engaged to pronged clutch drive plates, which are frictionally engaged to splined steel driven plates. A clutch hub engages the splined steel driven plates when pressurized air moves a piston against a pressure plate, causing the clutch hub and splined steel driven plates to engage. The rotating splined steel driven plates will then rotate the clutch hub to convey rotational energy to the gearbox input shaft of the motorcycle.
US08746428B2

A clutch device including at least one torque transmission device engageable and/or disengageable in an axial direction by a lever element and forming a friction-locking connection when engaged, at least one wear readjustment device that includes at least one rotatable ramp ring at least temporarily clampable by the lever element and at least one spindle drive rotatably supported to act on the ramp ring and including a spindle shaft, where the wear readjustment device includes at least one infinitely variable freewheel unit to rotate the spindle shaft in the case of a sensed wear condition of the torque transmission device, the infinitely variable freewheel unit including at least one wrap spring or at least one freewheel sleeve.
US08746424B2

A torque converter, including: a turbine with a turbine shell; and a damper assembly including: an output flange; a first cover plate; a first drive plate fixedly secured to the turbine shell; a first plurality of springs engaged with the first cover plate; a second plurality of springs engaged with the first cover plate and the output flange; a third plurality of springs engaged with the first cover plate and the first drive plate; and a single torque path from the turbine shell to the damper assembly, the single torque path formed by the first drive plate.
US08746409B2

A linear transmission assembly having a lubricant recovery module is composed of a movable member having a chamber; a first oil wick inserted into the movable member and the chamber and having a first oil-absorbable portion and a first oil-dischargeable portion; an oil tank mounted to the movable member and having an oil room for storage of lubricating oil; a second oil wick mounted to the oil tank and having a second oil-absorbable portion and a second oil-dischargeable portion, the former of which extends into the oil room for contact with the lubricating oil and the latter of which reaches the chamber; and a third oil wick having a third oil-absorbable portion and a third oil-dischargeable portion, the former of which reaches the chamber and the latter of which does not contact the lubricating oil. Thus, the lubricating can be prevented from overspill and staining the linear transmission device.
US08746398B2

An acoustic material can be electromagnetically tuned to produce alterations in its acoustical properties without physical contact. The acoustic material should contain a periodic structure and a medium that has acousto-elastical properties that can be altered through the application of electromagnetic radiation. Changes in volumetric properties such as density result in changes to the velocity at which sound passes through the material. The acoustic material can be a phononic crystal that undergoes a change in its acoustic bandgap after being subjected to electromagnetic radiation. This electromagnetic tuning ability results in the ability to change the acoustic properties of various phononic devices without physical contact.
US08746391B2

An electric vehicle includes a vehicle body frame, a seat, a driving wheel, a motor, a battery, an accessory, and an accessory box. The vehicle body frame includes a head pipe, a main frame connected to the head pipe, and a first seat frame attached to the main frame. The seat is fixed to an upper portion of the first seat frame. The driving wheel is rotatable relative to the vehicle body frame. The motor is connected to the driving wheel to rotate the driving wheel. The battery is configured to supply power to the motor. The accessory is configured to assist at least one of the motor and the battery. The accessory box stores the battery and the accessory. The accessory box is provided above a rear end of the main frame and under the seat.
US08746390B2

A body frame of a straddle-type vehicle is provided with a first cross tube 21 for interconnecting left and right main frames 13 in a right-left direction, and a second cross tube 22 disposed rearwards of the first cross tube 21 and for interconnecting the of left and right main frames 13. A shock absorber mounting portion 23 is mounted so as to interconnect the first cross tube 21 and the second cross tube 22. An extension/contraction axis L1 of a shock absorber 41 and a line L2 passing through an axis of the first cross tube 21 and an axis of the second cross tubes 22 are offset in a side view of a vehicle in a right-left direction.
US08746384B2

An electric vehicle capable of protecting a coupling portion between a wheel and an axle from disturbance. An electric vehicle includes an axle that is a hollow cylindrical shaft passing substantially coaxially through a wheel in a manner extending from both sides of the wheel. A motor shaft is inserted into a hollow portion of the axle substantially coaxially with the axle in a manner extending from both ends of the axle. In this case, a motor is connected to a base end of the motor shaft extending from one end of the axle. Between the wheel and the motor, there are provided a coupling portion for coupling between the one end of the axle and the wheel, and a labyrinth structure for sealing between the wheel and the motor in a manner surrounding the coupling portion.
US08746376B2

Embodiments relate to methods of fabricating PCD materials by subjecting a mixture that exhibits a broad diamond particle size distribution to an HPHT process, PCD materials so-formed, and PDCs including a polycrystalline diamond table comprising such PCD materials. In an embodiment, a PCD material includes a plurality of bonded diamond grains that exhibit a substantially unimodal diamond grain size distribution characterized, at least in part, by a parameter θ that is less than about 1.0. θ = x 6 · σ , where x is the average grain size of the substantially unimodal diamond grain size distribution, and σ is the standard deviation of the substantially unimodal diamond grain size distribution.
US08746368B2

A drill bit system for a drilling assembly is disclosed. The drill bit system may include a chassis, a head, and one or more compliantly coupled gauge pads. The head may include a first plurality of cutters coupled with an end of the head, and the head may be coupled with chassis. The one or more gauge pads may include a second plurality of cutters, and the one or more gauge pads may be movably coupled with the chassis.
US08746367B2

Methods and associated tools and components related to generating and obtaining performance data during drilling operations of a subterranean formation is disclosed. Performance data may include thermal and mechanical information related to earth-boring drilling tool during a drilling operation are disclosed. For example, a cutting element of an earth-boring drilling tool may include a substrate with a cutting surface thereon. The cutting element may further include at least one thermistor sensor coupled with the cutting surface, and a conductive pathway operably coupled with the at least one thermistor sensor. The at least one thermistor sensor may be configured to vary a resistance in response to a change in temperature. The conductive pathway may be configured to provide a current path through the at least one thermistor sensor in response to a voltage. Other methods, tools and components are provided.
US08746365B2

Shock waves produced during electro-hydraulic drilling can be reflected into a rock body where the reflected shock waves are converted from compression waves to tension waves, which are more efficient at breaking down the rock body. A system configured for electro-hydraulic drilling where shock waves produced during drilling are reflected into the rock body includes two electrodes and a shock wave reflector disposed at an electro-hydraulic drill head. The two electrodes are configured to (1) facilitate formation of a spark along a spark path spanning the two electrodes and (2) facilitate a pulse of electricity being passed through the spark to form a primary shock wave emanating from the spark path. The shock wave reflector is configured to reflect a portion of the primary shock wave such that the reflected shock wave is concentrated to a focal region within the rock body.
US08746364B2

An electric power tool includes a motor; a speed reducer for transferring a rotational power of the motor at a reduced speed; and a reduction ratio changing unit for changing a reduction ratio of the speed reducer. The speed reduction mechanism includes an axially slidable changeover member and a gear member, the changeover member being engaged with or disengaged from the gear member depending on an axial slide position thereof. The reduction ratio changing unit includes a shift actuator for axially sliding the changeover member, a driving state detector for detecting a driving state of the motor, a slide position detector for detecting a slide position of the changeover member and a controller for driving the shift actuator and for changing a drive control of the shift actuator depending on detection results of the slide position detector unit and the driving state detector unit, respectively.
US08746360B2

A plastic mulch retriever comprises a body and at least one set of cutting or digging elements mounted to the body to loosen plastic mulch embedded in the ground. At least one conveyor is mounted to the body rearward of the at least one set of cutting or digging elements. The conveyor engages the loosened plastic mulch and removes at least some of the ground material attached to the extracted plastic mulch. At least one storage device can be mounted to the body rearward of the conveyor to store the retrieved plastic mulch. Embodiments of the plastic mulch retriever comprise multiple sets of cutting or digging elements and multiple respective conveyors.
US08746355B2

A fire-extinguishing bomb that can be pre-programmed to explode 2-200 feet above the ground or tree line. The bomb employs a laser or barometric altitude sensor in combination with a GPS-altitude sensor for failsafe detonation with extreme accuracy at the proper altitude. The redundant failsafe altitude-dependent detonation system ruptures a container carrying a payload of wet or dry fire retardant/suppressant, preferably dry environmentally-friendly fire-retardant powder having no toxicity and having fertilizer properties. Upon detonation the device coats the ground below with a uniform fire extinguishing coating. The core components of the bomb can be biodegradable, or alternatively can be readily retrieved and reused after each activation, thereby increasing both economy and reducing environmental concerns.
US08746349B2

A drilling riser adapter variably connects and releases a riser from a subsea wellhead assembly. The drilling riser adapter has a hydraulically actuated engagement assembly for selectively engaging and disengaging a lower end of the marine riser. The drilling riser adapter also includes a control panel communicatively coupled to the engagement assembly for actuating the engagement assembly to engage and disengage the lower end of the marine riser. The drilling riser adapter also includes a hydraulic fluid pressure receptacle on the control panel for engagement by a remotely operated vehicle to supply hydraulic fluid pressure to the engagement assembly. The drilling riser adapter may be actuated subsea to release a first riser from the wellhead assembly, and connect to a second riser.
US08746343B2

A tubing string assembly is disclosed for fluid treatment of a wellbore. The tubing string can be used for staged wellbore fluid treatment where a selected segment of the wellbore is treated, while other segments are sealed off. The tubing string can also be used where a ported tubing string is required to be run in a pressure tight condition and later is needed to be in an open-port condition.
US08746335B2

A borehole is drilled from the surface to an underground shale matrix. A pipe is inserted into the borehole. Openings are created in the pipe in fluid communication with fractures in the shale matrix. The interior surface of at least one section of pipe is coated with a contaminant-capturing substance. Fracturing fluid including water, proppants and chemicals is pumped through the pipe and into the fractures in the shale matrix. The fluid re-enters the pipe from the shale matrix and moves toward the surface through the coated pipe section where contaminants are sequestered by the coating. Natural gas or oil from the fractured shale then enters the pipe and moves to the surface to be collected. The coated pipe section remains in the ground permanently such that the necessity of disposing of the captured contaminants is eliminated.
US08746324B2

The present invention relates to the field of magnesium and magnesium alloy processing, and discloses a use of aluminum-zirconium-carbon (Al—Zr—C) intermediate alloy in wrought processing of magnesium and magnesium alloys, wherein the aluminum-zirconium-carbon intermediate alloy has a chemical composition of: 0.01% to 10% Zr, 0.01% to 0.3% C, and Al in balance, based on weight percentage; the wrought processing is plastic molding; and the use is to refine the grains of magnesium or magnesium alloys. The present invention further discloses the method for using the aluminum-zirconium-carbon (Al—Zr—C) intermediate alloy in casting and rolling magnesium and magnesium alloys. The present invention provides an aluminum-zirconium-carbon (Al—Zr—C) intermediate alloy and the use thereof in the plastic wrought processing of magnesium or magnesium alloys as a grain refiner. The aluminum-zirconium-carbon intermediate alloy has the advantages of great ability in nucleation and good grain refining effect, and achieves the continuous and large-scale production of wrought magnesium and magnesium alloy materials.
US08746323B1

A continuous casting furnace is configured for efficiently continuously casting ingots, including titanium alloy ingots. The furnace is configured with an internal cutter for cutting an ingot within the furnace interior chamber. The furnace typically includes a first interior chamber in which a continuous casting mold is disposed and a withdrawal chamber which is separable from the first interior chamber to facilitate withdrawal of finished ingots therefrom while casting continues within the first chamber.
US08746321B2

The present invention is directed to a rolling protective shutter having an improved stopping mechanism that prevents the shutter from completely rolling up onto the shutter support member, and that is hidden within the shutter housing or the side tracks. The stopping mechanism may include a limit switch operatively connected to a drive motor to detect a disposition of the base slat of the shutter curtain proximate the shutter housing. The limit switch may actuate to turn off the drive motor at an appropriate position to retain the base slat within the side tracks and to prevent damage to the shutter housing due to engagement by the base slat.
US08746311B1

The present invention is a process for performing rigid-to-rigid substrate lamination implementing pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA). The process may include pressurizing a first sealed cavity to a first pressure. The process may further include creating a vacuum within a second sealed cavity, the second sealed cavity being sealed from the first sealed cavity by a flexible membrane. The process may further include applying the first pressure to a laminate assembly stack via the flexible membrane, the laminate assembly stack including a first substrate, a second substrate, and a PSA layer, the PSA layer being positioned between the first substrate and the second substrate. The process may further include applying the vacuum created within the second sealed cavity to the laminate assembly stack. The applied first pressure and the applied vacuum promote intimate contact between the first substrate and the second substrate of the laminate assembly stack via the PSA layer.
US08746307B2

A pneumatic tire having a belt structure includes: a first belt layer; a second belt layer in a radially inner position with respect to the first belt layer, a third belt layer in a radially inner position with respect to the first and second belt layers, each belt layer including a plurality of elongated reinforcing elements disposed at a first, second and third belt angle respectively. The first and second belt angles have an absolute value of 15 to 40 degrees; the second angle is of opposite sign with respect to the first belt angle; and the third belt angle has an absolute value of 40 to 90 degrees and is of opposite sign with respect to the second belt angle. The belt structure also includes a zero degree belt layer placed in a radially outer position with repeat to the first belt layer including elongated reinforcing elements arranged such as to form a belt angle which is substantially zero.
US08746301B2

A disclosed protective cover assembly includes features that maintain a suction cup in a desired orientation such that a release tab remains accessible and includes features that aid in positioning and that prevent errant premature release. The disclosed protective panel assembly includes an improved suction cup that provides for limited contact during positioning of the panel. Further, the assembly includes the clip that holds the suction cup in place while also protecting the release tab. The protective cover includes pad and cushion that pulls on the button of the suction cup to generate a vacuum within a desired range that does not affect the surface finish while generating a sufficient holding force.
US08746294B2

A metering device for powdery substances, particularly for preparing dental and dental laboratory powder compounds. The powder compounds can be filled into a storage container (1) and fed from the storage container (1) to a vessel (9) using a discharge device. The lower region (3) of the storage container (1) is tapered, and in the storage container (1) an insert (4) is arranged, which has at least one upwardly tapering section (5), wherein the insert (4) is arranged in the tapered lower region (3) of the storage container (1). A through-passage (7) remains clear between the lower edge (6) of the tapering section (5) of the insert (4) and the tapered lower region (3) of the storage container (1). The insert (4) and/or the storage container (1) is associated with a vibration unit (8). The vessel (9) receiving the metered powder can be placed on a weighing unit (10), wherein the weighing unit (10) and the vibration unit (8) are operatively connected to each other.
US08746291B2

A custom color paint or stain tinting system employs a dark-colored non-infrared-absorptive liquid base paint or stain and a point-of-sale array of concentrated liquid colorants which when dispensed into the base paint or stain provide custom-tinted non-infrared-absorptive paints or stains in lightened shades and a variety of tints. Dark custom-tinted paints or stains are tinted lighter from a dark-colored base, not darker from a white or light colored base as is done in conventional point-of-sale systems.
US08746286B2

A hydraulic accumulator has a first housing shell (2) and a second housing shell (3). The opening edges (5, 6) of the shells overlap in relation to the longitudinal axis (4) of the hydraulic accumulator (1) such that they define a partial volume of the hydraulic accumulator (1). The accumulator also has a separating element (7) separating inner working chambers (9, 10) from each other within the accumulator housing (8) in a medium-tight manner. The housing is formed by the housing shells (2, 3). The opening edge (5) of the radially outer-lying housing shell (2) is positively coupled to the circumference of the radially inner-lying housing shell (3) by reshaping.
US08746279B2

A valve assembly includes a housing with a housing control bore, a supply port in selective fluid communication with the housing control bore for receiving working fluid from a working fluid source, a control port in fluid communication with the housing control bore for communicating the working fluid to and from a working device switchable from a first mode of operation to a second mode of operation at a predetermined pressure, and a vent port in fluid communication with the housing control bore for selectively returning the working fluid to the working fluid source. A supply valve member is selectively seated and unseat with a supply valve seat. A bleed orifice is provided for communicating the working fluid from the supply port to the control port at a second pressure that is less than the predetermined pressure when the supply valve member is seated with the supply valve seat.
US08746275B2

A stepper-motor gas valve control is disclosed that includes a main diaphragm in a chamber that controllably displaces a valve relative to an opening in response to changes in pressure, to adjust fuel flow through the valve. A servo-regulator diaphragm is provided to regulate flow to the main diaphragm, to thereby control the rate of fuel flow. A stepper motor is configured to move in a stepwise manner to displace the servo-regulator diaphragm, to control fluid flow to the main diaphragm. A controller mounted on the stepper-motor regulated gas valve control receives and converts an input control signal from a heating system to a reference value between 0 and 5 volts, and selects a corresponding motor step value. The control responsively moves the stepper-motor in a step wise manner to displace the servo-regulator diaphragm and thereby regulates the rate of fuel flow through the valve.
US08746269B2

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for controlling a gas flow through a conjunction between one or more incoming streams and one or more outgoing streams through a conjunction. The method uses a biased mass flow imbalance value obtained by comparing the aggregate of incoming mass flow measurement value(s) with the aggregate of outgoing mass flow measurement value(s) and adding a bias component to provide the biased mass flow imbalance value. The flow of at least one of the incoming and outgoing streams (12, 14, 16, 18, 20) is adjusted to move the biased mass flow imbalance value towards zero. In addition, a conjunction pressure measurement (PC) is provided, which is used to adjust the bias component in response to a change in the conjunction pressure measurement (PC) relative to a pressure set point (PSP), to mitigate the change in the conjunction pressure measurement (PC) relative to the pressure set point (PSP).
US08746267B2

In some embodiments, a canopy structure includes a plurality of support members, each including a first leg and a second leg telescopically slideable within the first leg to infinitely adjust a height of the canopy structure. The canopy structure can include a plurality of eaves including scissor-jack members moveable between an extended position and a collapsed position. The canopy structure can include a plurality of locking members. The locking members can be coupled to the first legs. The locking members can be adjustable between a locked and an unlocked position. The locking members can be configured to apply a radial inward force received by an area of the second legs when the locking members are in the locked position.
US08746266B2

An apparatus for establishing dynamic ground contact is disclosed. A ground contact tip is attached to one end of an elongate member. The ground contact tip contains a connecting portion and a base portion that is opposite the connecting portion. A flexible core connects between the base portion and the connecting portion. At least one limiting ring is positioned on the flexible core. The elongate member is permitted to rotate through a range of angles while the flexible core allows the base portion to remain flat against the ground. At the maximum allowable angle, the limiting rings allow the ground contact tip to cease flexing and become rigid, so that the user can push against the ground at an angle, while the base portion remains flat against the ground.
US08746259B2

Disclosed is a substrate processing apparatus, a substrate processing method and a computer-readable medium capable of recovering an extended amount of discharged solution from a processing unit thereby reducing the amount of deionized water for the processing and the cost. The substrate processing apparatus includes, inter alia, a first and second discharge solution lines each connected to a downstream side of a discharge unit, and the discharged solution from each of the first and second discharge solution lines is independently delivered to the processing solution supply unit as a recovered solution. Also, the substrate processing apparatus includes a converting unit that converts flow of the discharged solution from the discharge unit either to the first discharge solution line or to the second discharge solution line. The processing solution supply unit selectively delivers the recovered solution from the first and second discharge solution lines to the processing unit.
US08746254B2

Smoking articles, filters, and methods for selectively removing selected components from tobacco smoke are disclosed. The smoking articles and filters include composites composed of a porous alumina and/or aluminosilicate matrix containing particles of activated carbon and zeolite molecular sieve adsorbents distributed throughout the matrix which can selectively remove selected components of tobacco smoke. The composites may be made by admixing the adsorbent mixture and a binder such as aluminum hydroxide or montmorillonite clay, adding an aqueous mineral acid to gel the mixture and drying and firing the gel paste. The proportions and adsorption capacities of the components can be selected to tailor the adsorption characteristics of the composites to selectively remove targeted constituents such as acrolein and 1,3-butadiene in tobacco smoke. Methods for making filters and smoking articles using the composites, as well as methods for smoking products comprising the composites, are also provided.
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