最新美国发明专利
Document Document Title
US08462298B2 Display with RGB color filter element sets
An electronic display containing a light source and a color filter set, the color filter set comprising: a green color filter having a green filter layer comprising a first pigment having its maximum absorption at a wavelength from 600 to 700 nm wherein at least 90 volume percent of the first pigment particles have a particle size less than 300 nm, and a second pigment having its maximum absorption at a wavelength from 400 to 500 nm wherein at least 90 volume percent of the second pigment particles have a particle size less than 300 nm, and wherein the green filter layer has a transmittance of 60% or more at a wavelength of 520 nm and of no more than 10% at a wavelength of 480 nm and of no more than 10% at a wavelength of 590 nm; a blue color filter having a blue filter layer; a red color filter having a red filter layer; and wherein the color gamut defined by the electronic display has a % NTSCx,y ratio greater than 88%.
US08462296B2 Projection-type display apparatus
A projection-type display apparatus, being suitable to be applied as a light source of a solid-state light source, in the place of a conventional lamp, comprises: a light source unit, which is configured to emit a white-color light therefrom; a light separation optic system, which is configured to separate the white color light from the light source unit into three primary color lights, R (red-color), G (green-color) and B (blue-color); R, G and B light modulating portions, each of which modulates each of R, G and B polarized lights separated, depending on a video signal, respectively; a light composing unit, which is configured to compose optical images, which are formed by the R, G and B light modulating portions; and a projecting portion, which is configure to project the optical image composed, enlargedly, wherein the light source unit emits a white color light emitting from a nearly point-like light source, including an excitation light from a solid-state light emitting element therein.
US08462295B2 Display device
Provided is a display device. The display device comprises: a liquid crystal panel; a first light guide plate disposed above the liquid crystal panel; a second light guide plate disposed below the liquid crystal panel; a light guide member emitting light incident toward the first light guide plate and the second light guide plate; and a light source disposed on a side of the light guide member. Because of the light guide member, the sizes of the light guide plates and the light source are not limited to each other and then disposed. Additionally, the display device uses one light source to realize two screens.
US08462294B2 Backlight unit and liquid crystal display device having the same
A backlight unit is provided and includes a light source emitting light, a light guide plate disposed parallel to the light source, and a reflective sheet disposed at a bottom of the light guide plate. One side of the reflective sheet is slanted toward the light guide plate. A reflective member includes three sides surrounding the light source and a slanted fourth side supporting a slanted bottom of the reflective sheet. A bottom cover contacts the three sides of the reflective member.
US08462288B2 Cable holding structure and cable holding method
A cable holding structure including a plurality of ribs 51 (52) stand on an inner surface of a housing 3, and holing cables 41, 43, wherein the ribs 51 (52) are arranged on a closed figure formed on the inner surface of the housing 3 at predetermined gaps (50) between the neighboring ribs 51 (52).
US08462268B2 Video processor timing generation
Embodiments of the present invention may provide a clock and timing generation scheme for a video signal processor (e.g., a scaler), which enables fast switching between different input video standards without disturbing the output clock or timing. The scheme also may minimize the number of video frames that are dropped or repeated at the output. This may be achieved by locking the video's output timing to the input timing and also by utilizing a frame buffer to remove instantaneous discontinuities caused when an input is changed.
US08462262B2 Portable terminal having a projection unit
A terminal includes a display, a body comprising a front side, a rear side, a left side, and a right side, wherein the body is sized to receive the display, the display being positioned to be viewable from the front side of the body, and a projector mounting portion located at an end of the body, the projector mounting portion comprising a front side, a rear side, a left side, and a right side. The terminal also includes a housing sized to slidably receive the projector mounting portion, wherein the housing is positionable between open and closed positions by providing relative linear motion between the housing and the body, wherein the open position relates to increasing the relative distance between the housing and the display, and the closed position relates to decreasing the relative distance between the housing and the display. The terminal also has a projector located within the projector mounting portion and is operable to project an image on an external surface when the housing is at least partially positioned in the open position, wherein the projector is located to project the image from one of the left or right sides of the projector mounting portion.
US08462253B2 Monitoring system for a photography unit, monitoring method, computer program, and storage medium
A coverage area picture imaging a maximum area is displayed on a coverage area picture display. A camera is moved within a predetermined range and a plurality of frames obtained as a result form a picture. The pixels of the picture is decimated in vertical and horizontal directions and form a thumbnail as the coverage area picture. The coverage area picture display presents a display indicating a direction in which the camera is currently directed for picture photographing. In accordance with the display, a photographing direction is controlled. A plurality of frames are photographed with respect to a designated position, then stored, and displayed. A whole picture display presents a whole panorama picture. A selective picture display presents a frame at the position designated within the whole panorama picture as a selected picture.
US08462250B2 Imager pixel architecture with enhanced column discharge and method of operation
A pixel circuit includes a photosensor and a floating diffusion node. A circuit is coupled to the floating diffusion node, for selectively providing a pixel output signal to a column line. A reset circuit, which resets the floating diffusion node, is configured to be activated by the column line. A pullup circuit is included for controlling the reset circuit through a signal on the column line. A discharge circuit, which is separate from the reset circuit, is used for discharging the pixel output signal on the column line. The discharge circuit includes a transistor having a first source/drain terminal coupled to the column line and a second source/drain terminal coupled to a fixed voltage level. The gate of the transistor activates the discharging of the column line.
US08462242B2 Image capture device having amplification circuit for amplifying signal from photoelectric conversion portion
An image capture device includes a plurality of image capture elements for capturing an object image, a plurality of vertical output lines for reading signals out of the plurality of image capture elements, and a plurality of processing circuits. Each processing circuit includes a first capacitor element having a first electrode connected to one of the plurality of vertical output lines, a differential amplifier having a first input terminal connected to a second electrode of the first capacitor element, a second capacitor element connected between the first input terminal and an output terminal of the differential amplifier, and a first switch configured to control conduction between the first input terminal and the output terminal of the differential amplifier. The image capture device further includes a plurality of third capacitor elements configured to hold signals from the differential amplifiers of the plurality of processing circuits and to limit an output frequency band of each differential amplifier, and a horizontal output line for sequentially outputting signals from the plurality of third capacitor elements.
US08462239B2 Solid-state imaging device and electronic imaging device having multi-stage element isolation layer
A solid-state imaging device and an electronic device that includes the solid-state imaging device prevents shifting of a photoelectric conversion region due to long-wavelength light passing to subsurface portions of the solid-state imagine device. The device include a photo diode having an upper layer of a first conductivity type formed over a second layer having an accumulation region of a second conductivity type. The upper layer is a light-receiving portion of the photodiode. A multi-stage element isolation layer is included and has a plurality of layers of the first conductivity type, such that a first lateral side of a first stage of the multi-stage layer abuts the accumulation portion, and a second stage of the multi-stage layer is separated by a width W from the accumulation region of an intermediate portion of a second conductivity type.
US08462236B2 Method of operating an image sensor
An image sensor may include a shared memory resource, which can be selectively used by a digital filter for image scaling or by a defect correction circuit.
US08462229B2 Detection of flicker within captured imaged frames
A readout frequency of a sensor of a digital image capturing device is set based on a frequency of alternating current (AC) mains so that a readout period of the sensor of the digital image capturing device is not an integer multiple of a flicker period. The flicker period is equal to half of a period of the AC mains. A first image frame and a second image frame are captured using the sensor of the digital image capturing device. The second image frame is captured later in time than the first image frame. Whether flicker has occurred in the first and second image frames due to a periodic fluctuation of light emitted by a light source powered by the AC mains is detected by comparing a brightness of an area of the first image frame to a brightness of a corresponding area of the second image frame.
US08462227B2 Digital camera module white balance calibration method and apparatus using only single illumination source data
A method includes determining white balance calibration color ratios for a plurality of illumination sources by using a representative camera of a given type to establish a set of ratios. Because the ratios are fixed for the given camera type, a plurality of cameras of the type may store the fixed ratios, and calibrate by measuring only the reference illumination source. Later white balancing is achieved by using the measured reference illumination source color ratios and the stored fixed ratios as scaling factors to map from the reference illumination source to any other illumination source. The method includes an off-line advance calibration procedure to obtain the fixed ratios, an on-line per camera calibration procedure to obtain color ratios for the reference source, and subsequent white balancing which uses the fixed ratios/scaling factors and the reference source color ratios.
US08462223B2 Image pickup apparatus, control method for the same, and program thereof
An image pickup apparatus including an image pickup device configured to obtain a captured image corresponding to an object image, an object detecting unit configured to detect a specific object in the captured image, an position obtaining unit configured to obtain a position at which the specific object exists in the captured image, a composition specifying unit configured to specify a recommended composition on the basis of the existence position of the specific object when the specific object is viewed as a main object, and an instruction control unit configured to instruct the execution of a predetermined operation which notifies a user of the recommended composition.
US08462221B2 Method for producing high dynamic range images
A method for producing a high-dynamic-range image, comprising: receiving a low-resolution image of a scene having a first resolution and captured at a first exposure level; receiving a first high-resolution image of the scene having a second resolution and captured at a second exposure level different from the first exposure level, the second resolution being greater than the first resolution; forming a residual image corresponding to high spatial frequency content in the first high-resolution image; forming a second high-resolution image having the second resolution and the first exposure level by combining the low-resolution image and the residual image; producing the high-dynamic-range image by combining the first high-resolution image and the second high-resolution image; and storing the high-dynamic-range image in a processor accessible memory.
US08462217B2 Image pickup device, flash image generating method, and computer-readable memory medium
When a displacement between a reference frame of a plurality of images acquired by continuous image pickup and a target frame is less than a first threshold indicating that such a frame is not likely to be affected by occlusion, smoothing is performed on an object area through a morphological operation with a normal process amount. Conversely, when a displacement between the reference frame of the plurality of images acquired by continuous image pickup and a target frame is larger than or equal to the first threshold, smoothing is performed with the process amount of morphological operation being increased than a normal process amount.
US08462211B2 Method of detecting objects
The invention, at the first frame, records the background, as the threshold of detection-constant image with the predeterming minimum threshold, and with each subsequent frame, corrects the background and threshold with formulas while producing the adaptation of a renewal-constant in each pixel depending on the presence of the detected object, defines the difference between the current frame and background, compares it with the threshold, combines elements exceeding a threshold into detection zones, performs rejection of the detection zones, divides the zones in order to separate shadows, forms a tracking zone, searches already-detected segment of objects, forming clusters of the tracking zones. The coordinates of the obtained rectangles are assumed as the coordinates of the objects located in the frame.
US08462210B2 Vehicle periphery displaying apparatus
A vehicle periphery displaying apparatus including an imaging device, a display device and a display controller is disclosed. The imaging device is configured to capture a vehicle periphery image with a wide horizontal filed of view. The display device includes a display screen, a dimension of the display screen in a vertical direction being larger than that in a horizontal direction. The display controller is configured to produce a predetermined-part image so that a part of the vehicle periphery image corresponds to the predetermined-part image. The display controller is further configured to cause the display device to display the vehicle periphery image and the predetermined-part image on the display screen such that the vehicle periphery image and the predetermined-part image are arranged one above the other in the vertical direction.
US08462208B2 System and method for tridimensional cartography of a structural surface
System and method for tridimensional cartography of a structural surface. Two wires are extended in front and along the structural surface so as to define a reference surface. A measuring unit comprising a laser arrangement and a camera is moved in front of the structural surface so as to progressively scan the surface. Tow distinct light planes directed toward the structural surface are projected by means of the laser arrangement. Images of the structural surface containing lines resulting from an intersection of the light planes with the structural surface and four reference points resulting from an intersection of the light planes with the wires are captured by means of the camera. The images are processed to determine the 3D coordinates of the lines defining the mapping in a reference system bound to the reference surface considering the position and the orientation of the measuring unit based on the reference points.
US08462203B2 Method and system for monitoring and controlling a glass container forming process
The present invention relates to a method and system for monitoring and controlling a glass container forming process. The radiation emitted by each hot glass container is measured with measurement unit immediately after the forming machine. The described method normalizes the measurement from glass container to glass container and thereby removes the effects of overall temperature variations between glass containers, changing ambient conditions, and other variations affecting the measurements, which provides a unique quality reference for each glass container. By reviewing this reference for each produced glass container, the quality of the produced containers can be improved.
US08462202B2 Imaging apparatus of electronic endoscope and electronic endoscope
An imaging apparatus is provided and includes: a solid-state imaging device that receives image light of an observed portion inside of a coelom to output an imaging signal of the image light; a cover glass disposed above an light receiving surface of the solid-state imaging device so that the cover glass and the solid-state imaging device are separated with a space; and a first circuit board disposed at a vicinity of an upper surface of the cover glass and including a peripheral circuit of the solid-state imaging device, the first circuit board having a thermal conductivity lower than that of a reference circuit board whose major component is alumina, the imaging apparatus being included in a front end of an electronic endoscope.
US08462201B2 Stereoscopic image displaying method and stereoscopic display device thereof
A stereoscopic image displaying method and a stereoscopic display device thereof is provided. The stereoscopic image displaying method includes a data providing step, a polarization adjusting step, and a backlight controlling step. The stereoscopic display device includes a display panel, a light modulation device, and a backlight module which are respectively configured to perform the data providing step, the polarization adjusting step, and the backlight controlling step. In the backlight controlling step, the time of turn-on and turn-off is adjusted. Alternatively, in the data providing step, black-image data is added.
US08462197B2 3D video transforming device
A 3D video conversion device is operable to convert a first MPEG stream to a second MPEG stream. The 3D video conversion device includes an input module operable to receive a multiple-view stream, a conversion module operable to convert the multiple-view stream. The conversion module includes a decoding module operable to decode the multiple-view stream, a reformatting module operable to generate 3D views from decoded information, and an encoding module operable to re-encode the 3D views to an STB format stream, and an output module operable to output a reformatted stream.
US08462191B2 Automatic suppression of images of a video feed in a video call or videoconferencing system
In one embodiment, a method for determining whether to suppress images of a video feed in a video call or videoconference is provided. A communications server receives a first video feed from a first client and determines whether a face is present in images of the first video feed. The communication server determines whether to suppress images of the first video feed from a second video feed based on whether a face is detected in images of the first video feed. The communication server suppresses images of the first video feed from the second video feed in response to determining to suppress images of the first video feed and disseminates the second video feed to a second client.
US08462189B2 Optical scanner used in color image-forming device
An optical scanner used for an image-forming device to form a color image includes a plurality of photosensitive drums for superimposing a developer image formed on each of the plurality of photosensitive drums. The optical scanner includes a casing, a plurality of light sources, a deflector, an optical system, and a storage device. The plurality of light sources is provided in a one-to-one correspondence with the plurality of photosensitive drums. Each of the plurality of light source emits a laser beam. The deflector is provided in the casing for deflecting the laser beam. The optical system is provided in the casing for guiding the deflected laser beam to a corresponding one of the plurality of photosensitive drums to make the laser beam scan the corresponding one of the plurality of photosensitive drums. The storage device stores a characteristic related to the laser beam scanning the corresponding one of the photosensitive drums.
US08462188B2 Optical scanning apparatus and image forming apparatus using the same
Light sources emit light beams onto deflecting surfaces of a deflecting unit through incident optical systems. The deflecting unit deflects the light beams in a uniform direction to form images onto different surfaces to be scanned through imaging optical systems. An optical path length, or a distance from a deflection point of the deflecting unit to a surface to be scanned, of an imaging optical system to form an image onto a surface to be scanned closest to the deflecting unit is different from that of an imaging optical system to form an image onto a surface to be scanned farthest from the deflecting unit. Also, the following condition is satisfied: 0.85
US08462185B2 Recording medium removing apparatus, erasing apparatus, automatic document feeding apparatus, and recording medium removing method
According to one embodiment, an erasing apparatus including a recording medium removing apparatus includes: a thickness determining unit configured to determine whether the thickness of a recording medium is equal to or larger than a first threshold, a conveyance guide forming a conveying path for the recording medium; a conveyance guide displacing device configured to lift the conveyance guide if the thickness determining device determines that the thickness of the recording medium is equal to or larger than the first threshold, and a removing mechanism configured to remove, from a recording medium conveying path, the recording medium determined as unconveyable.
US08462183B2 Electronic apparatus and image forming apparatus
An electronic apparatus includes a main body; a maintenance member operated by an operator for maintenance; and a hand touch member disposed on the maintenance member. The hand touch member is formed of a conductive material, and is connected to a ground portion disposed in the main body.
US08462166B2 Graphics system which measures CPU and GPU performance
Analyzing an application executing on a target device. An application may be executed on a target device. Low cost measurement may be gathered regarding the application executing on the target device. In response to a trigger, high cost measurement data may be gathered regarding the application executing on the target device. The high cost measurement data may include graphics commands provided by the application. The graphics commands and related information may be stored and provided to a host. The host may modify the graphics commands to perform experiments to determine performance issues of the application executing on the target device. The host may determine whether the performance is limited by the CPU or the GPU and may determine specific operations that are causing performance issues. The host may provide suggestions for overcoming the performance issues.
US08462164B2 Apparatus and method for an interface architecture for flexible and extensible media processing
A method and apparatus for an interface architecture for flexible and extensible media processing. In one embodiment, the apparatus may include on-chip interconnection logic, such as, for example, a crossbar. The apparatus, which in one embodiment is a chipset, may include at least one on-chip, functional unit, which is coupled to the interconnection logic. The at least one functional unit to operate as media processing stage of a media processing pipeline. In one embodiment, the apparatus may further include an on-chip controller to enable at least one selected off-chip functional unit to operate as a media processing stage of the media processing pipeline. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the chipset may provide an internal media processing pipeline, which may be expanded, reduced or modified by the inclusion of at least one off-chip media processing stage. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US08462162B2 Systems and methods for financial planning using animation
A methodology of presenting an entity's financial information is presented. The methodology, in one aspect, can receive input data associated with the entity's financial information, and generate an animated representation of the entity's financial information along one or more determined timelines employing a plurality of graphical characters based on the input data, and can also display the animated representation.
US08462159B2 Subdividing geometry images in graphics hardware
A system may include a graphics memory, a data bus, a processor, and a vertex shader. The data bus may be operatively connected to the graphics memory. The processor may send vertex data to the graphics memory via the data bus. The vertex shader may read the vertex data from the graphics memory and may subdivide the vertex data into subdivided vertex data. The vertex shader may also write the subdivided vertex data to the graphics memory.
US08462151B2 Sending three-dimensional images over a network
A benefit is obtained for sending digital information over a network. The digital information is representative of three-dimensional images which include photographic images. The receiving computer renders the images from the received digital information, and a viewer at the receiving computer can interactively choose a viewpoint or perspective to view the images on a display of the receiving computer. The benefit to the sender can be monetary compensation and/or increased recognition of the sender, for example.
US08462150B2 Stereoscopic image display device
The present invention may provide a stereoscopic image display device capable of preventing crosstalk or reduction of viewing angles upon displaying stereoscopic images, and improving image quality such as contrast ratio; an optical filter for the stereoscopic image display device; polarizing glasses for observing stereoscopic images; or a method of improving stereoscopic image quality.
US08462137B2 Object detection calibration system of an optical touch screen and method thereof
A first image sensor captures a first image of a panel of a touch screen. The first image includes a first object, a second object, a first set of reference marks, a second set of reference marks, and a first boundary mark. The touch screen establishes relationships of relative positions among the first image sensor, the first object, the second object, and the reference marks according to positions of the first object, the second object, and the reference marks in the first image. And the touch screen calculates a relative position between the first image sensor and the panel according to the relationships of relative positions among the first image sensor, the first object, the second object, and the reference marks and relative positions among the first object, the second object, and the panel.
US08462136B2 Pointer detection apparatus and pointer detection method
A pointer detection apparatus and a pointer detection method of the cross point electrostatic coupling type are disclosed, by which a pointer on a conductor pattern can be detected at a higher speed. The pointer detection apparatus includes a conductor pattern, a spread code supplying circuit, a reception conductor selection circuit, an amplification circuit, an analog to digital conversion circuit, and a correlation value calculation circuit. The spread code supplying circuit supplies a plurality of spread codes at the same time. The correlation value calculation circuit determines correlation values between signals output from the analog to digital conversion circuit and the correlation calculation codes respectively corresponding to the spread codes. A pointer is detected based on the determined correlation values.
US08462134B2 Multi-finger mouse emulation
One embodiment of the present invention sets forth a technique for emulating left, right, and center mouse button functionality for a multi-touch input device to provide end-users with full mouse functionality. Various finger to mouse button mapping techniques are used to specify the left, right or middle mouse buttons. A single finger is used for tracking while a second finger or thumb is used to activate or deactivate one of the mouse buttons. Multi-finger mouse emulation enables more precise cursor control, while avoiding occlusion of the cursor and end-user fatigue, thereby improving the overall end-user experience.
US08462133B2 Clickable and tactile buttons for a touch surface
Methods and apparatus for provide physical buttons for use on a touch surface are disclosed. According to one aspect of the present invention, an apparatus includes a display arrangement and a first button attachment structure. The display arrangement includes a first surface which has a first touch-sensitive area. The first touch-sensitive area is capable of sensing touch. The first button attachment structure includes a first attachment area and a first button actuation area. The first attachment area is mounted on the first surface such that the first button actuation is aligned at least partially over the first touch-sensitive area. The first button actuation area is arranged to deform when a force is applied to the first button actuation area to engage the first touch-sensitive area.
US08462131B2 Electronic device having virtual keyboard with predictive key and related methods
An electronic device may include a housing, a touch screen display carried by the housing, and a processor being carried by the housing and cooperating with the touch screen display. The processor may be for operating a virtual keyboard on the touch screen display for receiving textual input from a user. The virtual keyboard may include keys with at least one remappable key with a set position in the virtual keyboard. The processor may selectively assign a predicted key value to the at least one remappable key based upon prior textual input.
US08462128B2 Song writing method and apparatus using touch screen in mobile terminal
A song writing method and apparatus using a touch screen in a mobile terminal are disclosed. The song writing method includes: displaying, upon activation of a song writing mode, an onscreen musical keyboard of an octave on the touch screen; identifying, when a key of the onscreen musical keyboard is touched, a musical note mapped to the touched key through computation of coordinates of the touched key; creating musical interval data on the basis of the identified note and the current octave level; and converting the musical interval data into sound data recognizable by the mobile terminal and outputting the sound data. Hence, various types of songs can be conveniently composed through the song writing method employing the onscreen musical keyboard. The applicability of the mobile terminal can be extended through a function that can mix a written song with contents generated through various musical instruments.
US08462125B2 Systems and methods for shifting haptic feedback function between passive and active modes
Systems and methods for shifting haptic feedback function between passive and active modes are disclosed. For example, one disclosed method includes receiving a first signal from a sensor, the first signal associated with a mode of interaction with a graphical user interface; receiving a second signal associated with an interaction with the graphical user interface; determining a haptic feedback effect based at least in part on the mode of interaction with the graphical user interface and the interaction with the graphical user interface; and generating a haptic signal configured to output the haptic feedback effect.
US08462115B2 Motion estimation device and power saving method thereof
A power saving method for a motion estimation device which has a fixed sampling period and includes a light source illuminating with an adjustable emitting cycle to provide the needed light for the motion estimation device during capturing images. The power saving method includes: capturing a first image at a first time; capturing a second image at a second time, wherein a time interval between the first time and the second time is identical to one emitting cycle which is an integral multiple of the sampling period; comparing the first image and the second image to obtain a displacement; comparing the displacement with at least one threshold value; and adjusting the emitting cycle of the light source according to a comparison result of comparing the displacement and the threshold value. The present invention further provides a motion estimation device.
US08462114B2 Computer navigation devices
An optical mouse includes an image sensor for providing image data via an analog-to-digital converter to a correlation circuit and a motion estimation circuit to provide output signals representative of motion of the mouse. The output signals may be disabled when the mouse is lifted away from the working surface. This may be achieved by high-pass filtering the signals, summing each frame in a summer to provide a single value, and comparing this to a threshold. If the filtered and summed value exceeds the threshold, this may indicate that the image contains in-focus objects, and that the mouse is on the working surface.
US08462111B2 Electronic device providing regulation of backlight brightness and method thereof
An electronic device includes a display module, a function key, a motion sensor, a determination module, and a regulation module. The motion sensor is operable to acquire a coordinate of the electronic device. The determination module is operable to determine whether the electronic device is in the upright position based on the coordinate. The regulation module regulates backlight brightness of the display module when the function key is operative and the specific application is not executed when the electronic device is in the upright position.
US08462110B2 User input by pointing
Presented is apparatus for capturing user input by pointing at a surface using pointing means. The apparatus comprises: a range camera for producing a depth-image of the pointing means; and a processor. The processor is adapted to determine from the depth-image the position and orientation of a pointing axis of the pointing means; extrapolate from the position and orientation the point of intersection of the axis with the surface; and control an operation based on the location of the point of intersection.
US08462106B2 Image magnification based on display flexing
Systems and methods control resizing a presentation of an image on a flexible display. A user flexes a flexible display in a particular manner to control magnification or size reduction of the image presented on the display. The amount of magnification or size reduction of the image presented on a flexible display increases along with the absolute magnitude of flexible display flexing. The flexible display can be double flexed within a defined time to indicate that another action is to be taken, such as fitting the presently displayed document to the width of the flexible display or fitting the entire document to the flexible display. The direction of flexing, such as flexing in a concave or a convex direction, is a flexing characteristic that causes other desired actions.
US08462103B1 Computer display screen system and adjustable screen mount, and swinging screens therefor
A dual screen display system (10) having, a base (24), a pair of electronic display screens (16), an arm assembly (20, 22) supporting the display screens (16) and connected to the base, swingable mountings (28, 30) for swingably mounting the display screens, the mountings being adjustable as to the angular orientation of each of the display screens relative to the arm assembly between a first arrangement with the screens in a common plane, and a second arrangement in which the screens are inwardly swung positions thereby to permit each of the screens to be swung into desired operative angular orientation, and adjustable movement limiting devices (54), engaging the swinging mountings and limiting movement of the screens. Also disclosed are interchangeable mounting brackets (80, 86) for mounting screens of varying sizes, or for mounting screens in various configurations, and hingeable screens (12A, 12B) swingable to display to opposite sides, and a swingable ball and socket mounting for mounting various articles in a desired orientation. Various alternative embodiments of support arm assemblies are disclosed.
US08462088B2 Organic light emitting display device
An organic light emitting display device comprises a first substrate and a second substrate, a display unit formed on the first substrate, and a film disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate and comprising an opening in a region corresponding to the display unit.
US08462086B2 Voltage compensation type pixel circuit of active matrix organic light emitting diode display device
A voltage compensation type pixel circuit of an AMOLED display device includes a driving transistor serially connected to a light emitting element between high-potential and low-potential power lines to drive the light emitting element in response to a voltage supplied to a first node, a first program transistor for supplying a data voltage of a data line to a second node in response to a scan signal of a scan line, a second program transistor for supplying a reference voltage from a reference voltage supply line to the first node in response to the scan signal of the scan line, a merge transistor for connecting the first and second nodes in response to a merge signal of a merge line, a storage capacitor connected between a third node and the second node interposed between the driving transistor and the light emitting element to store a voltage which corresponds to the data voltage in which the threshold voltage is compensated, and first and second reset transistors for initializing at least two of the first, second, and third nodes to an initialization voltage of an initialization voltage line in response to a reset signal of a reset line.
US08462073B2 Embedded printed edge-balun antenna system and method of operation thereof
An antenna module having a side-edge balance-to-unbalance (BALUN). The antenna module may include a flexible substrate with one or more layers that may be configured to receive one first and second conductive patterns, the substrate may have opposed first and second ends which may define a longitudinal length and/or opposed side edges situated between the first and second ends. The first conductive pattern may form an antenna loop situated adjacent to the first end of the flexible substrate and be suitable for transmitting or receiving signals at one or more frequencies. The second conductive pattern may form at least part of the BALUN and may include one or more of a center portion, side portions which may extend from the center portion at opposite sides of the center portion, and electrically neutral slots situated between a corresponding side portion and the center portion.
US08462071B1 Impedance matching mechanism for phased array antennas
A technique for improving impedance matching in a phased array antenna involves placing a segmented fence around the antenna elements of the array. The antenna elements are arranged above a ground surface such as a ground plane. The segmented fence includes spaced-apart conductive projections electrically coupled to and extending from the ground surface, such that the segmented fence partially terminates electric fields traveling in directions parallel to the ground surface. The segmented fence lies in paths extending in at least two directions along the ground surface to define fence enclosures that surround individual antenna elements. With dual-polarization or multi-polarization dipole antenna elements, the fence enclosures partially terminate the electric field in each direction parallel to the ground surface to simplify impedance matching without unduly restricting the magnetic field.
US08462069B2 Accessory system with integrated multiband antenna
An accessory system (202, 402, 502) for a portable radio transceiver (200) includes an accessory device (206) which includes a speaker and/or a microphone disposed external of the portable radio transceiver. A cable (204) containing two or more conductors is provided for operatively connecting the accessory device to the portable radio transceiver. At least one antenna (210, 212) for the portable radio transceiver is integrated within the cable. When the accessory system is used with a multi-band portable radio transceiver, two or more antennas can be included in the cable, each optimized for operation on a particular RF frequency band.
US08462063B2 Metamaterial antenna arrays with radiation pattern shaping and beam switching
Apparatus, systems and techniques for using composite left and right handed (CRLH) metamaterial (MTM) structure antenna elements and arrays to provide radiation pattern shaping and beam switching.
US08462059B2 Vehicle antenna
The invention relates to a vehicle antenna with a bottom part, comprising a metallic base area, a top latched with the bottom part, and a printed circuit board held between the bottom part and the top and carrying at least one transmission or receiver element,wherein the top has at least one latching hook for latching into a mounting opening of a body part.
US08462058B2 Aircraft antenna
A wireless communication device for an aircraft that includes at least one antenna, for example a wide-band antenna, and a transparent multilayered substrate, for example a side glazing, a front glazing or a porthole of the aircraft, adapted for receiving the at least one antenna. At least a portion of one layer of the substrate is at least partially reflective to electromagnetic waves transmitted or received by the at least one antenna, wherein the at least one portion of the layer of the substrate is located at least partially opposite the at least one antenna. The at least one portion of the layer of the substrate can be a de-icing or defogging heating film.
US08462047B1 Antenna, base station, and beam processing method
The present disclosure provides an antenna, a base station, and a beam processing method. The method includes: performing, by a hybrid network, phase adjustment for signals received from a base station transceiver, generating signals having a preset phase, and sending the signals to a power dividing apparatus; performing, by the power dividing apparatus, amplitude adjustment for the signals, and outputting multipath signals having an array amplitude and the preset phase to multiple antenna arrays; and transmitting, by the multiple antenna arrays, the multiple signals having the array phase and the array amplitude, where in the multipath signals, the array phase of each path of signals is the same as the preset phase, or the array phase of at least one path of signals is opposite to the preset phase. The present disclosure reduces the complexity and cost of a beamforming network.
US08462043B2 Method for detecting radar signals affected by interference
A method for detecting radar signals consisting in identification of Presumed Pulse Repetition Intervals (PPRI) by checking the set of hardware reported signals with the time-shifted set of the same signals and checking the set of PPRI with the time-shifted images of the same set of PPRI for validating radar signals. The checking of received signals and the validation of PPRI, use functions generating scores from the difference between values of characteristics of checked elements and the standard deviation of errors from calibration measurements of the same characteristics.
US08462042B2 Generating a kinematic indicator for combat identification classification
In accordance with a particular embodiment of the invention, a kinematic indicator generator may receive tracking data describing the position and velocity of a target. The tracking data may be used to identify an event describing an action of the target that may have occurred. The probability that the event occurred may be calculated and indicated by a confidence. The kinematic indicator generator may generate a kinematic indicator that includes the event and the confidence.
US08462039B2 Indoor electromagnetic environment implementing structure and a constructing method thereof
Disclosed is an indoor electromagnetic environment implementing structure. A shield room in a polyhedron structure for blocking electromagnetic waves output from the interior toward the exterior thereof and electromagnetic waves input from the exterior toward the interior when measuring a characteristic of the electromagnetic waves is installed, an electromagnetic wave absorber is installed at a door and a window on a wall through which the electromagnetic waves are output in the shield room, and a cover for covering the electromagnetic wave absorber with a size corresponding to the electromagnetic wave absorber is installed. In this instance, the cover transmits or blocks the electromagnetic waves according to utilization of electromagnetic wave measurement tests.
US08462029B2 Analog-to-digital conversion apparatus and signal processing system
An analog-to-digital conversion apparatus includes: a first analog-to-digital converter and a second analog-to-digital converter that are configured to convert an input analog signal into a digital signal; a difference imparting part configured to provide a difference of at least a fixed signal α between input analog signals to the first and second analog-to-digital converters, to input the input analog signals thereto; a first non-linear compensation part and a second non-linear compensation part that are configured to compensate non-linear distortions of a first output signal and a second output signal depending on the control variable signal to be supplied; and a non-linear detection part configured to estimate how much the non-linear distortions are compensated by the first and second non-linear compensation parts depending on a first signal by the first non-linear compensation part and a second signal by the second non-linear compensation part.
US08462028B2 Parallel to serial conversion apparatus and method of converting parallel data having different widths
Various exemplary embodiments of this disclosure provide parallel to serial conversion apparatuses that includes a bit-swapping circuit that generates bit-swapped parallel data by swapping bits of input parallel data, and a parallel to serial conversion circuit that acquires M1 and M2 bits of the bit-swapped parallel data in a first and a second mode, respectively. The parallel to serial conversion circuit generates serial data by arranging the acquired bits of the bit-swapped parallel data in a first specified order in the first mode and in a second specified order in the second mode The bit-swapping circuit swaps the bits of the input parallel data such that the parallel to serial conversion circuit acquires 1st to M1-th and 1st to M2-th bits of the input parallel data in the first and second modes, respectively, and arranges the acquired bits of the input parallel data in the same order.
US08462020B1 Attitude and configuration indicator display system and method
Attitude and Configuration Indicator Display System and Method within the context of an Electronic Instrument System in which the configuration status of a piloted craft; typically the instant positions of lift inducing elements and drag inducing elements, are represented by symbol groupings integrated with an a parent icon, typically a chevron-type symbol representative of the piloted craft. The symbol groupings receive data from associated on-board sensors and are displayed singly or in combination with each other anytime the piloted craft is not in a clean configuration to instantly alert the pilot(s) of the configuration status with a single glance directed to the attitude indicator.
US08462010B2 Methods and devices for augmenting a field of view
The present application discloses methods and systems for augmenting a field of view of a user. In one embodiment, a device may include a detector, a processor, and an array of visual indicators. According to an embodiment of the method, the detector may image an environment. The processor may identify within the environment imaged by the detector an object of interest. The processor may also determine a relative spatial location of the identified object of interest. Further, the array of visual indicators may be used to indicate the determined relative spatial location of the identified object of interest. In particular, a set of one or more visual indicators may be selected that has a relative spatial location in the array of visual indicators that is indicative of the relative spatial location of the identified object of interest.
US08462008B2 System and method for introducing a substrate into a process chamber
A system and method for introducing a substrate into a process chamber is provided. A presence or absence of a substrate on a stage in an apparatus for manufacturing a semiconductor or a flat panel display may be determined by lift pins used for loading and unloading a substrate, the introduction of another substrate may be prevented and a broken state or the erroneously loaded state of the substrate may be detected. An opening or closing of a gate valve may also be determined, and the introduction of a substrate into the process chamber may be prevented while the gate valve is closed.
US08462007B2 Monitoring device, information processing apparatus, and alarm signal output method having an alarm storage unit for storing alarm signals for itself and other units
A monitoring device configured to be installed in an information processing apparatus to detect a failure of the information processing apparatus, and to output an alarm signal when the failure is detected, the monitoring device including an alarm signal generating unit that generates the alarm signal upon detecting the failure, an alarm signal storing unit that stores the generated alarm signal, an alarm signal output unit that outputs the stored alarm signal to outside, an alarm signal input unit that receives, when the monitoring device is in a standby state, another alarm signal from another monitoring device in an active state, and an alarm signal storage instructing unit that supplies to the alarm signal storing unit an instruction signal for storing said another alarm signal in the alarm signal storing unit.
US08462003B2 Transmitting and receiving digital and analog signals across an isolator
Various embodiments of systems for transmitting and receiving digital and analog signals across a single isolator, solid state lighting systems, and DC/DC converter feedback regulation control systems are disclosed. At least some of the circuits, systems and methods disclosed herein may be implemented using conventional CMOS design and manufacturing techniques and processes to provide, for example, a single integrated circuit or ASIC.
US08461995B1 Displaying advertisements based on electronic tags
A system is provided for displaying advertisements based on electronic tags. The system includes a mobile device, a server, and a display. The mobile device reads information from a plurality of radio frequency identification tags associated with a plurality of items and transmits the information. The server receives the information, selects an advertisement based on the information, and transmits the selected advertisement. The display receives the selected advertisement and displays the selected advertisement.
US08461994B2 RF receiver and RFID/USN system having the same
A radio frequency receiver comprises a first signal coupler coupling and branching a radio frequency signal received from a tag or a reader, a voltage regulator receiving the coupled signal and outputting a voltage-regulated signal having a predetermined level, a signal converter mixing the radio frequency signal transmitted from the first signal coupler by using the voltage-regulated signal as an oscillation frequency signal and generating a baseband frequency signal, a signal processor processing the baseband frequency signal and extracting tag information, and a data transceiver transmitting the tag information through a wire and/or wireless network.
US08461993B2 Wireless systems having multiple electronic devices and employing simplified fabrication and matching, and associated methods
A means and method to connect multiple IC chips to a single apparatus where the IC chips may function as a passive system or network in space. The collection of antennae and coupled near field devices form a pool of energy in which multiple devices may be introduced so as to provide a pool of energy and/or to function as a network or networks of devices including IC chips.
US08461991B2 Security light with plural possible directions of illumination
A security light is provided comprising a mounting base for attachment to a support therefor; sensor means on the mounting base for detecting the presence of a person or moving object within a radial range of the sensor means and within any one of a plurality of angularly adjacent sectors radiating from the mounting base that together cover an angular field of operation of the security light. A light source and reflector assembly has an angular field of illumination at least equal to the angular field of each of the angularly adjacent sectors and is angularly movable relative to the mounting base between a plurality of positions corresponding to the plurality of angularly adjacent sectors so as to be selectively directed in a direction in which the field of illumination covers an entire sector. A stepper motor is provided for rotating the light source assembly between said possible positions in response to activation of the sensor means associated with a particular one of the adjacent sectors and an associated microcontroller that is connected to said sensor means is programmed to cause the stepper motor to receive a required number of electrical pulses to move the light source assembly angularly, as may be necessary, such that it becomes directed towards a sector in which the sensor means detected the presence of a person or moving object.
US08461986B2 Audible event detector and analyzer for annunciating to the hearing impaired
An electronic device for analyzing signal content derived from audible events, the device aiding the hearing impaired by annunciating events of interest including dangerous events. The device detects the presence of an event of interest by comparing characteristics of detected acoustic events with pre-determined reference characteristics, provides non-audible annunciators to indicate the presence of an event of interest, the type of event, and the direction from which the event is detected.
US08461966B2 Systems and methods to determine kinematical parameters using RFID tags
Systems and methods to determine kinematical parameters of physical objects using radio frequency identification (RFID) tags attached to the objects. In one embodiment, one of a population of RFID tags is selectively instructed by an RFID reader to backscatter the interrogating electromagnetic wave and thus allow the RFID reader to measure the position, speed, acceleration, jerk of the object to which the tag is attached. The RFID reader combines the signal representing the backscattered interrogating electromagnetic wave and the signal representing the interrogating electromagnetic wave transmitted by the RFID reader to determine or monitor one or more of the kinematical parameters of the object.
US08461965B2 Portable radio frequency identification (RFID) reader
A particular portable radio frequency identification (RFID) reader includes an active antenna array including a plurality of antenna elements to receive RFID signals from RFID devices. The antenna elements include control circuitry to control a beam pattern generated by the active antenna array. The portable RFID reader further includes sum circuitry and difference circuitry. The sum circuitry is operable to determine a sum signal by summing the RFID signals received by at least two of the plurality of antenna elements. The difference circuitry is operable to determine a difference signal between the RFID signals received by at least two of the plurality of antenna elements. The portable RFID reader also includes a controller to electronically steer the beam pattern and to determine a direction from the RFID reader to a particular RFID device.
US08461957B2 In-molded resistive and shielding elements
An article of manufacture having an in-molded resistive and/or shielding element and method of making the same are shown and described. In one disclosed method, a resistive and/or shielding element is printed on a film. The film is formed to a desired shape and put in an injection mold. A molten plastic material is introduced into the injection mold to form a rigid structure that retains the film.
US08461955B2 Reactor and reactor manufacturing method
A reactor has a cylindrical molded coil assembly formed by covering a coil with a resin, wherein the coil assembly is sealed by an iron powder mixed resin to which iron powder has been admixed. The reactor has an axial core shaft, and single or multiple ring-shaped core members. The ring-shaped core members are disposed outside the outer surface of the core shaft such that the core shaft is inserted inside the inner surface of said ring-shaped core members, and the coil assembly is disposed outside the outer surface of the ring-shaped core member such that the ring-shaped core members are inserted inside the inner surface of said coil assembly. A protrusion protruding inwards from the inner surface of the coil assembly contacts the axial end surface of a ring-shaped core member.
US08461939B2 Waveguide orthomode transducer
A waveguide orthomode transducer includes a waveguide including a first waveguide portion and a second waveguide portion placed along a transmission direction of radio signals, the size of an aperture of the second waveguide portion smaller than the size of an aperture of the first waveguide portion, a first probe disposed at a first position, a second probe disposed at a second position, a third probe disposed at a third position, and a fourth probe disposed at a fourth position, wherein at least two of the first position, the second position, the third position, and the fourth position are located in the same plane perpendicular to the transmission direction of the radio signals.
US08461936B2 MEMS oscillator
A piezoresistive MEMS oscillator comprises a resonator body, first and second drive electrodes located adjacent the resonator body for providing an actuation signal; and at least a first sense electrode connected to a respective anchor point. The voltages at the electrodes are controlled and/or processed such that the feedthrough AC current from one drive electrode to the sense electrode is at least partially offset by the feedthrough AC current from the other drive electrode to the sense electrode.
US08461933B2 Device and method for frequency calibration and phase-locked loop using the same
The frequency calibration device includes a logic unit for gating the clock signal according to a gating window signal to generate a gated clock signal, and a divider for dividing the gated clock signal by a divisor in frequency to generate a frequency indication signal, and output digits of the divider are set to the divisor in a calibration cycle, and the frequency indication signal is a most significant bit of the output digits.
US08461928B2 Constant-gain power amplifier
A method includes amplifying a non-constant-envelope input signal using a main amplifier having a first gain that varies depending on a supply voltage of the main amplifier. A constant-envelope signal is amplified using a reference amplifier having a second gain that varies depending on the supply voltage of the reference amplifier. Both the main amplifier and the reference amplifier are operated using a same variable supply voltage whose amplitude varies over time. A gain control signal is produced so as to compensate for changes in the second gain of the reference amplifier that are caused by the variable supply voltage. The gain control signal is applied in compensating for variations in the first gain of the main amplifier.
US08461925B2 Distortion compensating apparatus, amplifying apparatus, transmitting apparatus, and distortion compensating method
A distortion compensating apparatus that compensates signal distortion caused by an amplifier includes a distortion compensating process unit that using a distortion compensation coefficient, compensates distortion of an input signal; a memory unit that stores the distortion compensation coefficient; and an address generating unit that generates a first address that is based on electrical power of the input signal and for acquiring the distortion compensation coefficient from the memory unit and that generates a second address that is based on a phase of the input signal and for acquiring the distortion compensation coefficient from the memory unit. The distortion compensating process unit acquires the distortion compensation coefficient from the memory unit based on the first and the second addresses to compensate the distortion.
US08461923B2 Logarithmic mean-square power detector with servo control loop
A variable gain amplifier includes a plurality of amplification elements arranged to generate amplified representations of an RF input signal at a plurality of nodes. A plurality of controllable response elements each have an input coupled to a different one of the nodes to receive a different one of the amplified representations of the RF input signal. A scale factor generator is coupled to each of the controllable response elements. The scale factor generator receives a gain control signal and generates scale factor signals for varying the response of each of the controllable response elements such that as the scale factor generator sweeps through a full range of the gain control signal, the response of each of the controllable response elements is, in succession, increased smoothly to a peak and thereafter decreased smoothly to a lower level to produce a scaled output. A summing element is coupled to the controllable response elements for combining the scaled outputs of the controllable response elements to generate an output of the variable gain amplifier having a given gain range.
US08461917B2 Complimentary single-ended-input OTA-C universal filter structures
A complimentary single-ended-input OTA-C universal filter structures in terms of integrated circuits is provided. The integrated circuit comprises a plurality of amplifiers and a plurality of capacitors. In some capacitors, one electrode is electrically connected to the positive input of its corresponding amplifier, and the other electrode can be electrically connected to an electrical source. In addition, the negative input of one amplifier is electrically connected to the negative input of another amplifier. Besides, there are a head amplifier and a tail amplifier. The output of the head amplifier is electrically connected to the negative input of the head amplifier, and the positive input of the tail amplifier can be electrically connected to an electrical source.
US08461916B2 Filter circuit and integrated circuit including the same
A filter circuit includes a plurality of shifting units configured to each store an initial value, receive at least one input signal, and shift the stored value to a next shifting unit in sequence from among the shifting units in response to at least one input signal, and an initial value setting unit configured to set the initial stored values of the shifting units to different sets of initial stored values in response to different filter setting signals, respectively, wherein the different filter setting signals represent respectively different criteria for filtering the at least one input signal, wherein the initially stored values have a first logic value or a second logic value, wherein the filter circuit is configured to activate an output signal when the first logic value is shifted to a selected shifting unit among the plurality of shifting units.
US08461912B1 Switched-capacitor, curvature-compensated bandgap voltage reference
In a novel aspect, producing a reference bandgap voltage includes generating a proportional to absolute temperature (PTAT) voltage difference based on respective voltages across a first pair of diodes. The PTAT voltage difference is sampled and scaled using a switched-capacitor amplifier. The switched-capacitor amplifier also is used to sample and scale a difference in voltages across a second pair of diodes, one of which is biased with a PTAT current and the other of which is biased with a current that exhibits little or no linear temperature dependency. The scaled voltage differences are combined with a voltage corresponding to a voltage across the diode that is biased with the PTAT current so as to at least partially compensate for linear and non-linear temperature-dependent components of the voltage across the diode.
US08461905B2 Adaptive bootstrap circuit for controlling CMOS switch(es)
An adaptive switch circuit is provided, which includes a CMOS switch, an off-level voltage generator, and a booster circuit. The CMOS switch includes first PMOS and NMOS coupled transistors. The generator provides, via first and second outputs, first and second voltage levels, and includes second PMOS and NMOS transistors. The second PMOS transistor is series connected between VDD and a first bias source and the second NMOS transistor is series connected between VSS and a second bias source. The booster circuit, which is coupled to the generator between its outputs, and to the PMOS and NMOS gates of the CMOS switch, capacitively stores during off level first and second boost voltages, which are coupled to the PMOS and NMOS gates. The boost voltages are offset from VDD and VSS, respectively, each by approximately a threshold voltage of the respective transistor type.
US08461904B2 Switching device and semiconductor integrated circuit device including the same
A switching device includes a first switch disposed between a power source voltage and an intermediate node, the first switch forming a current path on the basis of an input signal, a second switch disposed between the intermediate node and a ground, the second switch forming a current path on the basis of a voltage of the intermediate node, and a transmission gate receiving the input signal, the transmission gate outputting the input signal on the basis of the voltage of the intermediate node.
US08461896B2 Compensating for wander in AC coupling data interface
Techniques are disclosed relating to reducing wander created by AC couplers. In one embodiment, an integrated circuit is disclosed that includes an AC coupler and a DC-level shifter. The AC coupler is configured to receive a differential input signal at first and second nodes, and to shift a common-mode voltage of the differential input signal. The DC-level shifter is coupled to the first and second nodes, and configured to reduce wander of the AC coupler. In various embodiments, the DC-level shifter is configured to supply a differential reference signal to the AC coupler, and to create the differential reference signal from the differential input signal at the first and second nodes by changing a common-mode voltage of the differential input signal.
US08461887B2 Integrated circuit
There is provided an integrated circuit in which a reference-signal source generates a reference signal having a basic frequency, a phase locked loop includes a voltage-controlled oscillator, a first frequency divider to generate a first frequency-divided signal based on the signal by N, a phase detector, a charge pump and a loop filter, the second frequency generates a second frequency-divided signal based on the signal generated by the voltage-controlled oscillator by M, wherein a minimum absolute value of a difference between the basic frequency multiplied by “K” and a frequency of the second frequency-divided signal is equal to or less than a low cutoff frequency of a bandpass filter or equal to or higher than a high cutoff frequency of the bandpass filter, the bandpass filter being represented by a transfer function from an input of the voltage-controlled oscillator to an output of the phase locked loop.
US08461883B2 Frequency generator
A frequency generator is used for generating a frequency within a frequency range. The frequency generator includes a variable current source, a voltage drop generation unit, a voltage source, a detection unit, a conversion unit, and an oscillating circuit. The variable current source is used for outputting a current according to a control signal. The voltage drop generation unit is used for generating a voltage drop according to the current. The voltage source is used for outputting a voltage range. The detection unit is used for outputting the control signal to the variable current source according to a relationship between the voltage drop and the voltage range. The conversion unit is used for outputting a digital code according to the relationship between the voltage drop and the voltage range. The oscillator circuit is used for generating the frequency according to the digital code.
US08461879B1 Low latency inter-die trigger serial interface for ADC
A packaged controller for closed-loop control applications includes two dice packaged together in a semiconductor package. The first die is optimized for digital circuitry and includes a processor, an ADC, a serial bus interface, and a sequencer. The second die is optimized for analog circuitry and includes a serial bus interface, a plurality of sample/hold circuits, and an analog multiplexer. The sequencer on the first die causes a series of multi-bit values to be communicated serially across a low latency serial bus to the second die, and thereby controls the analog multiplexer and the asserting of a sample/hold signal on the second die. Under control of the sequencer, multiple voltages are captured simultaneously on the second die, and then are multiplexed one by one to the ADC on the first die for conversion into digital values. The architecture reduces complexity and cost of the overall packaged controller.
US08461870B2 Non-volatile multiplexer-type programmable routing switch
A reconfigurable integrated circuit has non-volatile storage cells which form a plurality of programmable routing switches between basic tiles. The circuit includes a plurality of non-volatile storage cells providing a multiplexer-type programmable routing switch including a plurality of input terminals and an output terminal. The non-volatile storage cells are structured as a field effect transistor with a switch function and are placed in a propagation path of signal voltage from the input terminals to the output terminal, and the non-volatile storage cells configure the multiplexer-type programmable routing switch to selectively propagate the signal voltage from the input terminals, to provide a control circuit which directly writes conducted or non-conducted status for the non-volatile storage cells, erases the connection information, and reads to verify the conducted or non-conducted status of the non-volatile storage cells.
US08461869B1 Apparatus for configuring performance of field programmable gate arrays and associated methods
An apparatus includes a temperature sensor, a voltage regulator, and a field programmable gate array (FPGA). The temperature sensor and the voltage regulator are adapted, respectively, to provide a temperature signal, and to provide at least one output voltage. The FPGA includes at least one circuit adapted to receive the at least one output voltage of the voltage regulator, and a set of monitor circuits adapted to provide indications of process and temperature for the at least one circuit. The FPGA further includes a controller adapted to derive a body-bias signal and a voltage-level signal from the temperature signal, from the indications of process and temperature for the at least one circuit, and from the at least one output voltage of the voltage regulator. The controller is further adapted to provide the body-bias signal to at least one transistor in the at least one circuit, and to provide the voltage-level signal to the voltage regulator.
US08461864B2 Receiving circuit and methods for controlling and testing the same
A receiving circuit includes: a terminating resistor to set a terminating level of a transmission line for transmitting a reception signal including a signal having a first level indicating a preamble; a detection circuit to detect whether a level of the transmission line is the first level or a second level; and an adjustment circuit to adjust a resistance of the terminating resistor, the adjustment circuit adjusting the resistance of the terminating resistor to a value such that the detection circuit detects the level of the transmission line as the second level when a data request is output to a transmitting side.
US08461848B2 Cable diagnostics for Base-T systems
An apparatus and method for cable diagnostics is disclosed for deployment as part of an Ethernet communication system to conduct diagnostics. The system transmits one or more pulses which are Ethernet compatible and of finite duration. Reflections are detected and through processing and measurement of the amplitude and round-trip delay of the pulse's reflection, cable faults are located. In one embodiment, this innovation uses an IEEE 802.3 compliant transmit pulse, such as an auto-negotiation signal (AN pulse), to conduct cable diagnostics. The benefits of a standard compliant allow for use with any vendor on the far-end and the signal requires no special hardware or software to produce and, therefore, reduces system complexity and cost. To reduce incorrect measurements, the apparatus measures cable length and termination with multiple AN pulses. It then applies non-linear filters to redundant measurements in such a way that it produces accurate cable diagnostics information.
US08461845B2 Detection of the state of the elements of an electric branch comprising a load and a switch
A method for detecting the state of at least one element of a circuit comprising one or several loads, powered by an A.C. voltage and in series with at least one first switch. The state of the element is obtained by analyzing, at several times in a period of the A.C. voltage, the amplitude of a current sampled from the junction point of the load and of the first switch.
US08461843B2 Method and system for measuring resistivity anisotropy of layered rock samples
A method and apparatus for measuring the resistivity anisotropy of cylindrical rock samples is disclosed. The measurement setup includes two pairs of electrodes that contact the sample surface. The ring electrodes of the first pair are disposed on the cylindrical surface of the sample. The cap electrodes of the second pair are mounted at the sample ends. Two differences in potentials are measured. One of the cap electrodes and the nearest ring electrode are used to measure the first difference that results from current injected through the remaining cap and ring electrodes. The second difference is measured between the two ring electrodes, while current is injected through the first and second end cap electrodes. These two differences are inverted for the anisotropy coefficient, horizontal and vertical resistivity.
US08461840B2 Magnetic resonance method and apparatus to generate an image using a parallel acquisition technique
In a magnetic resonance a method and apparatus to generate images by a parallel acquisition technique, a first echo train is generated after a first excitation pulse, wherein the first echo train sufficiently densely scans a segment of k-space to be scanned for an acquisition of coil calibration data. Coil calibration data are acquired by means of the first echo train after the first excitation pulse. The acquired coil calibration data are stored in a coil calibration data set. A second echo train is generated after a second excitation pulse, wherein the second echo train undersamples a segment of k-space to be scanned for an acquisition of image data. Image data are acquired by means of the second echo train after the second excitation pulse. The acquired image data are stored in an incomplete image data set. An image data set is generated by substituting data missing in the incomplete image data set due to the undersampling by means of a selected PAT reconstruction technique using the coil calibration data. The first echo train and the second echo train are generated by an identical sequence technique such that each echo train has a series of echoes, with a time interval between successive echoes of the first echo train being shorter than a time interval of the second echo train.
US08461839B2 Magnetic resonance control system, method and apparatus for producing a 2D MR image
In a method and control system for producing two-dimensional diagnostic MR images using a magnetic resonance imaging scanner, a first three-dimensional MR image data set of a predetermined region within a body is produced using the magnetic resonance imaging scanner with an initial resolution. A second three-dimensional MR image data set of the predetermined region with a second resolution is then produced using the magnetic resonance imaging scanner, the second resolution being higher than the first resolution. Using the first three-dimensional MR image data set, layers are determined for the diagnostic two-dimensional MR images to be produced. The two-dimensional MR images are then computed from the second MR image data set for these layers automatically.
US08461837B2 Magnetic resonance method and apparatus with display of data acquisition progress for a subject continuously moving through the apparatus
In a method and magnetic resonance apparatus to display progress of the acquisition of measurement data of an examination region of an examination subject during continuous travel of the examination region through a magnetic resonance apparatus, a current projection image is calculated on the basis of current measurement data acquired from central k-space during the continuous travel of the examination region, and the currently calculated projection image is displayed. By the calculation of the projection images on the basis of measurement data from central k-space, this calculation can ensue particularly quickly and with little effort. A particularly fast display of the projection images is therefore possible. A projection image can be calculated particularly quickly and simply from measurement data along a central k-space line—i.e. a k-space line that runs through the center of k-space—using a one-dimensional Fourier transformation along this central k-space line.
US08461832B2 Method of characterizing a polycrystalline diamond element by at least one magnetic measurement
In an embodiment, a method of characterizing a polycrystalline diamond element is disclosed. The method includes providing the polycrystalline diamond element, and measuring at least one magnetic characteristic of the polycrystalline diamond element.
US08461826B2 Device for the detection quadrature signals
A device (10) for the detection of quadrature signals of a signal unit (11; 21) has a common power supply line (VBATT_A & B) and a common ground wire (GND), and emits at least two out-of-phase square wave signals (IA, IB; IS, ID) during operation for analyzing the same in an analysis unit (16), wherein both out-of-phase square wave signals (IA, IB; IS, ID) are applied to the common power supply line (VBATT_A & B) at different amplitudes, wherein the two out-of-phase square wave signals (IA, IB; IS, ID) are modulated onto the supply current (I0)), and wherein the analysis unit (16) is or can be connected to the power supply line.
US08461825B2 Current measurement apparatus with shunt resistor and heat sink
A current measurement apparatus includes a shunt resistor (1) located between two terminal members (5, 6), each connected electrically to a respective end (4, 3) of the shunt resistor, and each extending over substantially the whole of an adjacent side face of the shunt resistor. Electrically insulating, thermally conductive material (8, 9) is provided between each side face of the shunt resistor (1) and the terminal members (5, 6), and serves to provide a thermal path for heat exchange between the shunt resistor and the terminals. The shunt resistor (1) is engineered to have the desired electrical properties, and the terminal members are connected by mechanical fasteners (13, 14) to ensure the required electrical properties without calibration. Measuring circuitry (15) is incorporated between the shunt resistor (1) and terminal members (5, 6). The invention is implemented as a compact assembly encased in an outer insulated housing (18, 19) and is conveniently connectable to a battery terminal, to monitor current flow.
US08461822B2 Temperature compensated fiber optic current or magnetic field sensor with insensitivity to variations in sensor parameters
A fiber optic current or magnetic field sensor uses a sensing fiber in a coil for measuring a current or a magnetic field and has a retarder for converting between linearly polarized light and elliptically polarized light. The retardation of the retarder, its temperature dependence as well as its azimuth angle in respect to the plane of the fiber coil are optimized in dependence of the birefringence in the sensing fiber in order to minimize the influence of temperature variations and manufacturing tolerances on the overall scale factor of the sensor.
US08461816B2 Coefficient scaling depending on number of active phases
A controller receives a value indicative of a number of phases in a power supply to be activated for producing an output voltage to power a load. The controller utilizes the value to adjust a magnitude of at least one control coefficient associated with the power supply. The control can also use the value of the input voltage to adjust the magnitude of at least one control coefficient. The controller digitally computes values for the one or more control coefficients based on the received value indicating the number of phases in the power supply to be activated for producing the output voltage. Based on the adjusted magnitude of the at least one control coefficient, the controller produces control signals to control the number of phases in the power supply as specified by the value to produce the output voltage.
US08461812B2 Shunt regulator having over-voltage protection circuit and semiconductor device including the same
A shunt regulator includes a control circuit, a bypass circuit and a protection circuit. The control circuit is coupled between a first node and a ground, and generates a gate control signal in response to a voltage of the first node and a reference voltage. The bypass circuit forms a first current path between the first node and the ground in response to the gate control signal. The protection circuit has an MOS transistor that is fully turned on in response to a current flowing through the bypass circuit, and forms a second current path between the first node and the ground. Therefore, the shunt regulator occupies a relatively small area in an integrated circuit.
US08461805B2 Rechargeable battery pack with connecting ports for internal and external charging/output operations
The embodiments relate to a rechargeable battery pack capable of both internal and external charging/output operation. The rechargeable battery pack has an internal connecting port, which is configured to directly connect to an internal electrical contact in an electronic device during an internal charging/output operation when such battery pack is installed inside an electronic device. The rechargeable battery pack also has at least one external connecting port, which is operable during at least one of external charging and output operations of the rechargeable battery pack when the battery pack is removed from the electronic device. The external connecting port allows the rechargeable battery pack to be externally connected to an external charging connecter during an external charging operation or to a second electronic device or second rechargeable battery pack during an external output operation.
US08461795B2 Motor drive device and electronic device that uses the same
A motor drive device in which the torque vector of the motor is controlled so that the correlation between the number of pulses of a clock signal and the phase of the torque vector of the motor is held in common for multiple excitation methods. The excitation method having the greatest number of steps is used as a reference, and the torque vector of the motor is maintained in the same phase as before switching when the excitation method is switched. The torque vector is in the closest phase in the rotation direction of the motor when there is no phase that is the same as the phase prior to switching.
US08461787B2 Electrical full bridge circuit configuration
An electrical full bridge circuit configuration having a bridge circuit, in the bridge branches of which electrical switch elements are situated, and having at least one bridge cross branch for connecting an electric motor that is switchable in its direction of rotation, in particular in an electrical system of a motor vehicle, and having a protective switch element for protecting against inadmissibly high electrical currents, in particular short circuit currents. For this purpose, the switch elements are provided as formed from switch contact elements of at least one relay.
US08461783B2 Electric drive unit for a water-bearing domestic appliance
An electric drive unit for a water-bearing domestic appliance having a converter to provide a supply voltage from a multiphase voltage system; a control device to control the converter in order to operate a first electric motor connected to the multiphase voltage system; a load-current-carrying DC link arranged upstream of the converter; and an electrical device connected to at least part of the multiphase voltage system or the load-current-carrying DC link via a connection device, wherein the electrical device has a second electric to operate a hydraulic pump and/or a blower and/or a valve.
US08461775B2 Integrated three dimensional inductor and method of manufacturing same
An integrated 3-dimensional inductor device is provided. The inductor device includes a substrate having an electrical trace and a 3-dimensional inductor attached to the substrate. The inductor includes a magnetic core and a coil whose windings are formed from the electrical traces of the substrate and conductive material in the interconnect vias.
US08461754B2 High efficiency glass halogen lamp with interference coating
The disclosure provides a light-transmissive glass halogen filament tube with a filament light source having a coil concentricity ratio of not greater than 20% disposed therein, the filament tube having a multi-layer optical interference coating deposited on the outer surface thereof that transmits visible radiation from about 400-750 nm and reflects infra red radiation from about 800-2500 nm back to the filament for re-absorption, the coated filament tube exhibiting an LPW gain of at least 26%.
US08461749B2 Optical platform to enable efficient LED emission
An integrated multi-layer apparatus and method of producing the same is disclosed. The apparatus comprises an LED, a beam shaping layer, and a refracting layer between the beam shaping layer from the LED. The refracting layer may have an index of refraction lower than the index of refraction of the LED and the beam shaping layer.
US08461748B1 LED lamp
An LED lamp has an arrangement of LEDs that results in light emitted in a substantially spherical light field. The LED lamp has a bulb-shaped body with at least one LED at the top and a number of LEDs positioned around the circumference of the body. The LEDs are arranged such that light is emitted forward from the lamp and also from the sides of the lamp. Accordingly, the LED lamp, for example, in operation provides illumination in direction and intensity very similar to an incandescent bulb.
US08461747B2 Liquid ejecting head, liquid ejecting apparatus, and actuator device
A liquid ejecting head including a pressure-generating chamber which communicates with a nozzle opening, and a piezoelectric element including a first electrode, a piezoelectric layer formed above the first electrode and having a perovskite structure represented by the general formula ABO3, and a second electrode formed above the piezoelectric layer, wherein the piezoelectric layer, lead, zirconium, and titanium are present at A sites of the perovskite structure, and lead, zirconium, and titanium are present at B sites of the perovskite structure.
US08461742B2 Support system for dynamoelectric machine
A connection ring assembly and connection ring support system for a dynamoelectric machine is provided. The connection ring assembly includes a plurality of connection rings, and a clamp element disposed around a portion of the connection rings. The clamp element provides axial and tangential support to the plurality of connection rings. The connection ring support system includes one or more primary spring bars connected to the connection ring assembly. The primary spring bars permit radial and tangential movement of the connection ring assembly. One or more secondary spring bars are connected to the primary spring bars, and permit axial movement of the connection ring assembly.
US08461739B2 Stator for an electric machine
A stator for an electric machine has a circular stator body surrounding a rotor with an air gap therebetween. The stator has radially extending slots that define radially extending stator teeth. Multiple electric windings are located in the slots to define peripherally spaced magnetic poles. Separate coil groups establish multiple phases for the electric machine. Motor torque ripple is attenuated by forming the stator teeth with different widths for a given coil group.
US08461738B2 Single-layer coil with one bent endwinding and one straight endwinding
The present invention provides an improved single-layer coil 10 for a rotating or linear electrical machine. The coil 10 has a first endwinding 12 that is substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis LA of the coil and a second endwinding 14 that is bent away from, or towards, the longitudinal axis. The coil 10 therefore has differently shaped endwindings with one end 12 being ‘straight’ and the other end 14 being ‘bent’.
US08461731B2 Dynamoelectric machine pressurizing apparatus
A dynamoelectric machine pressurization apparatus is disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a dynamoelectric machine air shield including a channel configured to fluidly connect an outlet of a rotor fan with an ambient air source.
US08461726B2 Wire harness and ECU system
A wire harness is provided to include: one or more electric wires; and an ECU which includes a circuit body electrically connected to one ends of the one or more electric wires and a sealing member that seals the circuit body and the one ends of the one or more electric wires. The one ends of the one or more electric wire are electrically connected to at least one of a power line pattern, a GND line pattern and a signal line pattern of the circuit body.
US08461724B2 Universal control system with universal interface to operate a plurality of devices
This invention pertains to a controlling device for operating various appliances. It includes a personal computer, which is programmed to provide for regulation of the sequence of operations of various electrical devices, such as a controller, the controller functions to initiate or turn OFF a relay or switching electronics device, which can provide for the operations of an appliance, whether it be an industrial or household appliance, or appliances that are used specifically in the entertainment field, such as a scent emitting device, a dimmer, a misting mechanism, and a vibratory motor. These are examples.
US08461702B2 System for the transport of an ore pulp in a line system located along a gradient, and components of such a system
A system for transporting an ore pulp (S) in a line system (2) located along a gradient, wherein the ore pulp (S) flows in the line system by the effect of gravity, has at least one generator station (8) located in the line system (2), the station comprising a flow machine (11) driven by the ore pulp (S) and a generator (14) coupled to the flow machine (11) for producing electrical energy as components of the transport system.
US08461692B2 Semiconductor device structures including damascene trenches with conductive structures and related method
A method and apparatus for providing a conductive structure adjacent to a damascene conductive structure in a semiconductor device structure. The semiconductor device structure includes an insulation layer with at least one damascene conductive structure formed therein, wherein the at least one damascene conductive structure includes an insulative, protective layer disposed thereon. The insulative material of the protective layer is able to resist removal by at least some suitable etchants for the insulative material of the insulation layer adjacent to the at least one damascene conductive structure. A self-aligned opening is formed by removing a portion of an insulation layer adjacent the at least one damascene conductive structure. The self-aligned opening is then filled with a conductive material to thereby provide another conductive structure adjacent to the at least one damascene conductive structure.
US08461680B2 Integrated circuit packaging system with rounded interconnect
An integrated circuit packaging system includes: a package carrier; an integrated circuit attached to the package carrier; a rounded interconnect on the package carrier; and an encapsulation over the package carrier covering the integrated circuit and exposing the rounded interconnect having a characteristic free of denting.
US08461679B2 Method for fabricating circuit component
A cylindrical bonding structure and its method of manufacture. The cylindrical bonding structure is formed over the bonding pad of a silicon chip and the chip is flipped over to connect with a substrate board in the process of forming a flip-chip package. The cylindrical bonding structure mainly includes a conductive pillar and a solder cap. The conductive pillar is formed over the bonding pad of the silicon chip and the solder cap is attached to the upper end of the conductive pillar. The solder cap has a melting point lower than the conductive pillar. The solder cap can be configured into a cylindrical, spherical or hemispherical shape. To fabricate the cylindrical bonding structure, a patterned mask layer having a plurality of openings that correspond in position to the bonding pads on the wafer is formed over a silicon wafer. Conductive material is deposited into the openings to form conductive pillars and finally a solder cap is attached to the end of each conductive pillar.
US08461678B2 Structure with self aligned resist layer on an interconnect surface and method of making same
A structure is provided with a self-aligned resist layer on a surface of metal interconnects for use in forming air gaps in an insulator material and method of fabricating the same. The non-lithographic method includes applying a resist on a structure comprising at least one metal interconnect formed in an insulator material. The method further includes blanket-exposing the resist to energy and developing the resist to expose surfaces of the insulator material while protecting the metal interconnects. The method further includes forming air gaps in the insulator material by an etching process, while the metal interconnects remain protected by the resist.
US08461670B2 Semiconductor component and method of manufacture
A semiconductor component and a method for manufacturing the semiconductor component, wherein the semiconductor component is configured to permit the determination of circuit parameters. A high side FET has a gate terminal coupled to an output terminal of a high side gate drive circuit, a drain terminal coupled for receiving an input voltage, and a source terminal coupled to the drain terminal of a low side FET. The gate terminal of the low side FET is coupled to the output terminal of low side drive circuit and the source terminal of the low side FET is coupled for receiving a source of operating potential. The high side gate drive circuit has a bias terminal coupled for receiving a floating potential where the bias terminal is electrically isolated or decoupled from the commonly connected source and drain terminals of the high side FET and the low side FET, respectively.
US08461668B2 Power management integrated circuit
A Power Management Integrated Circuit (PMIC) that includes a substrate, a high-side (HS) region on the substrate, a low-side (LS) region spaced from the first region, a device isolation layer interposed between the HS region and the LS region, a metal interconnection connected to the HS region across the device isolation layer and configured to permit a high-voltage current to flow in the HS region, and at least one electric field shield between the metal interconnection and the device isolation layer. Since the electric field shield is disposed under the metal interconnection, a sufficient breakdown voltage can be ensured for the HS region and the LS region.
US08461657B2 Methods for forming a micro electro-mechanical device
Embodiments include methods for forming a device comprising a conductive substrate, a micro electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) structure, and a plurality of bond pads. The conductive substrate has a first side and a second side, the second side opposite the first side. The MEMS structure is formed over the first side of the conductive substrate. The plurality of bond pads are formed over the first side of the conductive substrate and electrically coupled to the first side of the conductive substrate. The conductive substrate and plurality of bond pads function to provide electrostatic shielding to the MEMS structure.
US08461653B2 Semiconductor devices including fin shaped semiconductor regions and stress inducing layers
A semiconductor device may include a substrate, an active semiconductor region of the substrate, and a gate electrode. The active semiconductor region may include a channel region between first and second junction regions. The channel region may include a first semiconductor material, the first and second junction regions may include a second semiconductor material, and the first and second semiconductor materials may be different. The gate electrode may be on the channel region with portions of the first and second junction regions being free of the gate electrode.
US08461652B2 Semiconductor device having an n-channel MOS transistor, a p-channel MOS transistor and a contracting film
In a second direction, in a plan view, an n-channel MOS transistor and an expanding film are adjacent. Therefore, the n-channel MOS transistor receives a positive stress in the direction in which a channel length is extended from the expanding film. As a result, a positive tensile strain in an electron moving direction is generated in a channel of the n-channel MOS transistor. On the other hand, in the second direction, in a plan view, a p-channel MOS transistor and the expanding film are shifted from each other. Therefore, the p-channel MOS transistor receives a positive stress in the direction in which a channel length is narrowed from the expanding film. As a result, a positive compressive strain in a hole moving direction is generated in a channel of the p-channel MOS transistor. Thus, both on-currents of the n-channel MOS transistor and the p-channel MOS transistor can be improved.
US08461648B2 Semiconductor component with a drift region and a drift control region
A semiconductor component with a drift region and a drift control region. One embodiment includes a semiconductor body having a drift region of a first conduction type in the semiconductor body. A drift control region composed of a semiconductor material, which is arranged, at least in sections, is adjacent to the drift region in the semiconductor body. An accumulation dielectric is arranged between the drift region and the drift control region.
US08461642B2 Semiconductor device having a nonvolatile memory cell with field effect transistors
The present invention can realize a highly-integrated semiconductor device having a MONOS type nonvolatile memory cell equipped with a split gate structure without deteriorating the reliability of the device. A memory gate electrode of a memory nMIS has a height greater by from 20 to 100 nm than that of a select gate electrode of a select nMIS so that the width of a sidewall formed over one (side surface on the side of a source region) of the side surfaces of the memory gate electrode is adjusted to a width necessary for achieving desired disturb characteristics. In addition, a gate electrode of a peripheral second nMIS has a height not greater than the height of a select gate electrode of a select nMIS to reduce the width of a sidewall formed over the side surface of the gate electrode of the peripheral second nMIS so that a shared contact hole is prevented from being filled with the sidewall.
US08461640B2 FIN-FET non-volatile memory cell, and an array and method of manufacturing
A non-volatile memory cell has a substrate layer with a fin shaped semiconductor member of a first conductivity type on the substrate layer. The fin shaped member has a first region of a second conductivity type and a second region of the second conductivity type, spaced apart from the first region with a channel region extending between the first region and the second region. The fin shaped member has a top surface and two side surfaces between the first region and the second region. A word line is adjacent to the first region and is capacitively coupled to the top surface and the two side surfaces of a first portion of the channel region. A floating gate is adjacent to the word line and is insulated from the top surface and is capacitively coupled to the two side surfaces of a second portion of the channel region. A coupling gate is capacitively coupled to the floating gate. An erase gate is insulated from the second region and is adjacent to the floating gate and coupling gate.
US08461639B2 Nonvolatile memory device
A vertical NAND string nonvolatile memory device can include an upper dopant region disposed at an upper portion of an active pattern and can have a lower surface located a level higher than an upper surface of an upper selection gate pattern. A lower dopant region can be disposed at a lower portion of the active pattern and can have an upper surface located at a level lower than a lower surface of a lower selection gate pattern.
US08461637B2 Electronic component with reactive barrier and hermetic passivation layer
An electronic component is provided on a substrate. A thin-film capacitor is attached to the substrate, the thin-film capacitor includes a pyrochlore or perovskite dielectric layer between a plurality of electrode layers, the electrode layers being formed from a conductive thin-film material. A reactive barrier layer is deposited over the thin-film capacitor. The reactive barrier layer includes an oxide having an element with more than one valence state, wherein the element with more than one valence state has a molar ratio of the molar amount of the element that is in its highest valence state to its total molar amount in the barrier of 50% to 100%. Optionally layers of other materials may intervene between the capacitor and reactive barrier layer. The reactive barrier layer may be paraelectric and the electronic component may be a tunable capacitor.
US08461630B2 Semiconductor device and manufacturing method thereof
A conductive film to be a gate electrode, a first insulating film to be a gate insulating film, a semiconductor film in which a channel region is formed, and a second insulating film to be a channel protective film are successively formed. With the use of a resist mask formed by performing light exposure with the use of a photomask which is a multi-tone mask and development, i) in a region without the resist mask, the second insulating film, the semiconductor film, the first insulating film, and the conductive film are successively etched, ii) the resist mask is made to recede by ashing or the like and only the region of the resist mask with small thickness is removed, so that part of the second insulating film is exposed, and iii) the exposed part of the second insulating film is etched, so that a pair of opening portions is formed.
US08461629B2 Semiconductor device and method of fabricating same
A semiconductor device having a core device with a high-k gate dielectric and an I/O device with a silicon dioxide or other non-high-k gate dielectric, and a method of fabricating such a device. A core well and an I/O well are created in a semiconductor substrate and separated by an isolation structure. An I/O device is formed over the I/O well and has a silicon dioxide or a low-k gate dielectric. A resistor may be formed on an isolation structure adjacent to the core well. A core-well device such as a transistor is formed over the core well, and has a high-k gate dielectric. In some embodiments, a p-type I/O well and an n-type I/O well are created. In a preferred embodiment, the I/O device or devices are formed prior to forming the core device and protected with a sacrificial layer until the core device is fabricated.
US08461616B2 Semiconductor arrangement
According to at least one embodiment of the semiconductor arrangement, the latter comprises a mounting side, at least one optoelectronic semiconductor chip with mutually opposing chip top and bottom, and at least one at least partially radiation-transmissive body with a body bottom, on which the semiconductor chip is mounted such that the chip top faces the body bottom. Moreover, the semiconductor arrangement comprises at least two electrical connection points for electrical contacting of the optoelectronic semiconductor chip, wherein the connection points do not project laterally beyond the body and with their side remote from the semiconductor chip delimit the semiconductor arrangement on the mounting side thereof.
US08461610B2 Semiconductor light emitting device having a reflective material with a side slant surface and method of manufacturing
A semiconductor light-emitting device and a method for manufacturing the same can include a wavelength converting layer located over at least one semiconductor light-emitting chip in order to emit various colored lights including white light. The semiconductor light-emitting device can include a base board, a frame located on the base board, the chip mounted on the base board, a transparent material layer located between the wavelength converting layer and a side surface of the chip so as to extend toward the wavelength converting layer, and a reflective material layer disposed at least between the frame and both side surfaces of the wavelength converting layer and the transparent material layer. The semiconductor light-emitting device can be configured to improve light-emitting efficiency of the chip by using the reflective material layer as a reflector, and therefore can emit a wavelength-converted light having a high light-emitting efficiency from a small light-emitting surface.
US08461607B2 Light emitting diode package
An exemplary light emitting package includes a base, an LED chip mounted on the base, an encapsulant layer encapsulating the LED chip and a phosphor layer located above and separated from the LED chip. The phosphor layer includes a phosphor scattered portion and a clear portion without phosphor therein. An area of the phosphor scattered portion is smaller than the light emitting area of the encapsulant layer from which light emitted upwardly from the LED chip leaves the encapsulant layer.
US08461606B2 Semiconductor light-emitting device and method for manufacturing same
According to one embodiment, a semiconductor light-emitting device includes an n-type semiconductor layer including a nitride semiconductor, a p-type semiconductor layer including a nitride semiconductor, a light-emitting portion and a stacked body. The light-emitting portion is provided between the n-type and p-type semiconductor layers and includes a barrier layer and a well layer. The well layer is stacked with the barrier layer. The stacked body is provided between the light-emitting portion and the n-type semiconductor layer and includes a first layer and a second layer. The second layer is stacked with the first layer. Average In composition ratio of the stacked body is higher than 0.4 times average In composition ratio of the light-emitting portion. The layer thickness tb of the barrier layer is 10 nanometers or less.
US08461597B2 Transistors, methods of manufacturing a transistor, and electronic devices including a transistor
Transistors, methods of manufacturing a transistor, and electronic devices including a transistor are provided, the transistor includes a channel layer, a source and a drain respectively contacting opposing ends of the channel layer, a gate corresponding to the channel layer, a gate insulating layer between the channel layer and the gate, and a first passivation layer and a second passivation layer sequentially disposed on the gate insulating layer. The first passivation layer covers the source, the drain, the gate, the gate insulating layer and the channel layer. The second passivation layer includes fluorine (F).
US08461596B2 Semiconductor device including semiconductor film with outer end having tapered shape
The present invention has an object to provide an active-matrix liquid crystal display device that realizes the improvement in productivity as well as in yield. In the present invention, a laminate film comprising the conductive film comprising metallic material and the second amorphous semiconductor film containing an impurity element of one conductivity type and the amorphous semiconductor film is selectively etched with the same etching gas to form a side edge of the first amorphous semiconductor film 1001 into a taper shape. Thereby, a coverage problem of a pixel electrode 1003 can be solved and an inverse stagger type TFT can be completed with three photomask.
US08461590B2 Photodetector circuit, input device, and input/output device
An adverse effect of parasitic capacitance on optical data output from a photodetector circuit is suppressed. A photodetector circuit includes a photoelectric conversion element; a first field-effect transistor; a second field-effect transistor; a first conductive layer functioning as a gate of the first field-effect transistor; an insulating layer provided over the first conductive layer; a semiconductor layer overlapping with the first conductive layer with the insulating layer interposed therebetween; a second conductive layer electrically connected to the semiconductor layer; and a third conductive layer electrically connected to the semiconductor layer, whose pair of side surfaces facing each other overlaps with at least one conductive layer including the first conductive layer with the insulating layer interposed therebetween, and which functions as the other of the source and the drain of the first field-effect transistor.
US08461584B2 Semiconductor device with metal oxide film
In a transistor including an oxide semiconductor film, a metal oxide film which has a function of preventing electrification and covers a source electrode and a drain electrode is formed in contact with the oxide semiconductor film, and then, heat treatment is performed. Through the heat treatment, impurities such as hydrogen, moisture, a hydroxyl group, or hydride are intentionally removed from the oxide semiconductor film, whereby the oxide semiconductor film is highly purified. By providing the metal oxide film, generation of a parasitic channel on the back channel side of the oxide semiconductor film in the transistor is prevented.
US08461583B2 Oxide semiconductor field effect transistor and method for manufacturing the same
A field effect transistor including a semiconductor layer including a composite oxide which contains In, Zn, and one or more elements X selected from the group consisting of Zr, Hf, Ge, Si, Ti, Mn, W, Mo, V, Cu, Ni, Co, Fe, Cr, Nb, Al, B, Sc, Y and lanthanoids in the following atomic ratios (1) to (3): In/(In+Zn)=0.2 to 0.8  (1) In/(In+X)=0.29 to 0.99  (2) Zn/(X+Zn)=0.29 to 0.99  (3).
US08461580B2 Light-emitting element and light-emitting device
To provide a light-emitting element, a light-emitting device, and an electronic device each formed using the organometallic complex represented by General Formula (G1) as a guest material and a low molecule compound as a host material.
US08461578B2 Top emission organic light emitting device
A top emission organic light emitting device including a metal reflective layer, a first electrode, a first intermediate layer including a charge-transfer complex, a second intermediate layer including a fullerene-based material or a fluorine-containing compound, an emission layer, and a second electrode.
US08461569B2 Semiconductor device and a method of fabricating a semiconductor device
A semiconductor device includes a quantum dot and a plurality of layers, wherein said plurality of layers includes: a first layer; a stressor layer; and a patterned layer wherein said stressor layer overlies said first layer and said patterned layer overlies said stressor layer; wherein said stressor layer has a substantially different lattice constant to said first layer and said patterned layer and has a pit provided in said layer; said quantum dot lying above said patterned layer aligned with said pit.
US08461565B2 Electrically actuated devices
An electrically actuated device comprises an active region disposed between a first electrode and a second electrode, a fixed dopant distributed within the active region, and at least one type of mobile dopant situated near an interface between the active region and the second electrode.
US08461554B1 Apparatus and method for charge neutralization during processing of a workpiece
A processing system may include a plasma source for providing a plasma and a workpiece holder arranged to receive ions from the plasma. The processing system may further include a pulsed bias circuit electrically coupled to the plasma source and operable to switch a bias voltage supplied to the plasma source between a high voltage state in which the plasma source is biased positively with respect to ground and a low voltage state in which the plasma source is biased negatively with respect to the ground.
US08461551B2 Document production and authentication system and method
A method of authenticating a document including data printed on a media includes detecting one of a presence and an absence of authentication fibers in the media, detecting one of a presence and an absence of authentication indicia on the media, and continuing the method if detecting one of the presence and the absence of authentication fibers in the media includes detecting the presence of authentication fibers in the media and if detecting one of the presence and the absence of authentication indicia on the media includes detecting the presence of authentication indicia on the media.
US08461541B2 Radiation detector, method of manufacturing a radiation detector and use of the detector for measuring radiation
A radiation detector is disclosed. The detector has an entrance opening etched through a low-resistivity volume of silicon, a sensitive volume of high-resistivity silicon for converting the radiation particles into detectable charges, and a passivation layer between the low and high-resistivity silicon layers. The detector also has electrodes built in the form of vertical channels for collecting the charges generated in the sensitive volume, and read-out electronics for generating signals based on the collected charges.
US08461536B2 Radiation scintillator and radiation image detector
Disclosed are a radiation scintillator and a radiation image detector comprising the radiation scintillator. The radiation scintillator which exhibits enhanced sharpness and luminance and is excellent in shock resistance, comprises, on the substrate, a scintillator layer containing a phosphor and formed by a process of gas phase deposition, and the scintillator layer exhibits a thickness of 100 to 500 μm, a filling factor of the phosphor of 75 to 90% by mass and a layer thickness distribution of not more than 20%.
US08461530B2 Sensor array microchip
A sensor array microchip apparatus includes a substrate and a lens positioned over the substrate. A plurality of radiation sensor elements are formed on the substrate in an array format and spatially separated from each other. The substrate further includes power supply circuitry (generating power for the radiation sensor elements) and processing circuitry (operable to control and process information from the radiation sensor elements). The power supply circuitry and said processing circuitry are positioned on the substrate within the array between two or more of the radiation sensor elements. The lens, in combination with the spatial separation of the radiation sensor elements in the array format, defines a relatively wide (30-80 degrees) field of regard for the sensor.
US08461525B2 Charged particle source with integrated energy filter
A particle source in which energy selection occurs by sending a beam of electrically charged particles eccentrically through a lens so that energy dispersion will occur in an image formed by the lens. By projecting this image onto a slit in an energy selecting diaphragm, it is possible to allow only particles in a limited portion of the energy spectrum to pass. Consequently, the passed beam will have a reduced energy spread. The energy dispersed spot is imaged on the slit by a deflector. When positioning the energy dispersed spot on the slit, central beam is deflected from the axis to such an extent that it is stopped by the energy selecting diaphragm. Hereby reflections and contamination resulting from this beam in the region after the diaphragm are avoided. Also electron-electron interaction resulting from the electrons from the central beam interacting with the energy filtered beam in the area of deflector is avoided.
US08461515B2 Method and device for determining positions having at least one sensor array reading twice and with opposite read-out directions
To determine the positions of a code on a movable support, said support can be moved in a displacement direction relative to a sensor element comprising at least one sensor array in the vicinity of said array. The sensor array or arrays determine(s) the position of imaged code elements that can be differentiated from radiation in the vicinity of the sensor elements, the recorded values being read out in at least one read-out direction and positional values being determined from said values. The array or arrays is or are read out twice from opposite read-out directions, or one sensor pair consisting of two sensor arrays, is read out as a pair from opposite directions. Positional values are derived from the positions of the differentiated code elements and said values are averaged to provide a position with an improved accuracy. The accuracy can thus be increased by simple means.
US08461511B2 Photo-sensitive composite film, method of fabricating the same, and photo-switched device comprising the same
A photo-sensitive composite film is disclosed, which includes plural metal nano-particles and a porous anodized aluminum oxide film. The nanoparticles can be hollow or solid with unrestricted shapes of varying diameters and lengths. The plural metal nanoparticles are completely contained in holes and attached to the bottom of the holes of the anodized aluminum oxide film, and the electrical conductivity of the photo-sensitive anodized aluminum oxide film can be changed by light exposure on the metal nanoparticles from surfaces of the anodized aluminum oxide film. The structure of the photo-sensitive anodized aluminum oxide film of the present invention is uncomplicated and the manufacturing steps thereof are simple, and therefore the photo-sensitive anodized aluminum oxide film of the present invention is of great commercial value. Also, a method of manufacturing the above photo-sensitive composite film and a photo-switched device including the same are disclosed.
US08461503B2 Sensor and actuator system to establish light level setpoints
A system may include a light sensor, an actuator having a range of motion, and a circuit adapted to establish a light level setpoint in response to the light sensor and the actuator. The circuit may be adapted to perform a first function when the actuator is in a first region of the range of motion and a second function when the actuator is in a second region of the range of motion.
US08461499B2 Microwavable bag or sheet material
A microwavable material having a structure that may be used to enhance the browning and crisping, and thus improve the taste and appearance, of a food item cooked therein. The material may be in the form of a sheet material or formed as a container such as a bag, pouch, or other suitable structure. The material may have one or more features that help bring the material into close contact with the food item and help conform the bag around the food item. Furthermore, the material may have a structure that avoids substantial contact with liquid released by a food item, may have a venting system suitable for the exiting of moisture, may have a coating, a transparent surface, and when formed as a container, may have a gusseted surface.
US08461497B2 Power supply circuitry for inductive heating element and capable of minimizing losses to switching element
A fixing apparatus includes an induction heating coil configured to heat a heat generating member including a conductive heating element, a boosting circuit configured to boost a DC voltage obtained by rectifying AC power, a switching element configured to input a DC voltage boosted by the boosting circuit and to supply a high-frequency current to the induction heating coil, a driving circuit configured to drive the switching element, a temperature detection unit configured to detect a temperature of the heat generating member, and a control unit configured to control power supplied to the induction heating coil by controlling a boosting ratio of the boosting circuit and a driving frequency of the switching element by the driving circuit so that the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit reaches a target temperature.
US08461495B2 Heated glass panel frame with electronic controller and triac
The present invention places an electronic controller and/or a triac in a frame, a cover, a chase, or a mounting member of a heated glass panel assembly, where the panel has a conductive coating dispose on it. By placing the controller in the panel frame, the cover, the chase, or the mounting member, field wiring of the panel assembly is greatly reduced, wire lengths are standardized, production glazing, wiring, and pre-testing are facilitated, and installation time and complexity are minimized. By placing the triac in thermal contact with the panel frame, the cover, the chase, or the mounting member, the heat from the triac may be used to complement the heat supplied by the assembly.
US08461485B2 Solid wire
A solid wire contains in mass percent C 0.005 to 0.080%, Si 0.30 to 1.20%, Mn 1.15 to 1.65%, S 0.050 to 0.200%, P 0.017% or less, O 0.0070% or less, and N 0.0050% or less, wherein C+(P*5)≦0.135 mass percent is satisfied, and the remainder includes Fe and impurities, and the content of each of Ti, B, Cr, Ni, Nb, V, Zr, La and Ce as the impurities is controlled to be a certain content or less, and the amount of adhered oil on a surface of the relevant solid wire is controlled to be 1.2 g or less per wire of 10 kg. According to such a configuration, while increase in welding cost is controlled to the minimum, stability of wire feed, burn-through resistance, undercut resistance, and crack resistance becomes excellent, slag and spatter becomes hard to be generated, hardness of weld metal becomes equal to or higher than that of base metal, and brittle fracture becomes hard to occur.
US08461480B2 Orthogonal integrated cleaving device
An orthogonal integrated cleaving apparatus and methods of controlling such an apparatus are taught. The cleaving apparatus includes two cleaving devices mounted at right angles with respect to a mount facing a substrate to be processed. The non-metallic and/or brittle substrate is separated along two orthogonal axes without rotating or moving the substrate to a second machine by moving the mount or the substrate along the axes. Each cleaving device laser sequentially heats a surface of the substrate along a respective cutting axis, cools the cut area and then laser re-heats the cut area to form a clean break.
US08461479B2 Adaptive processing constraints for memory repair
An apparatus and method for processing a plurality of semiconductor parts in a laser-based system adjusts a default recipe to account for work to be performed on at least one part of the plurality of parts. The work to be performed on a part is analyzed using the default recipe and a part-specific recipe including a modified parameter of the default recipe. The default or part-specific recipe is selected based on a desired processing result, and the selected recipe replaces the default recipe to perform the work using the laser-based system.
US08461477B2 Method for determining laser shock peening approach accessibility
A method for determining accessibility of a tool to an object is provided. The method provides for selecting one or more sections on the object to be laser shock peened, selecting a region of interest on the one or more sections and determining a set of feasible solutions to access the selected region of interest on each of the one or more sections via use of an accessibility system. Systems and computer programs that afford functionality of the type defined by this method may be provided by the present technique.
US08461469B2 Drive apparatus for a tensioning shaft of a spring energy drive of an electric switch and electric switch with such a drive apparatus
A drive apparatus for a tensioning shaft of a spring energy drive of an electric switch has a kinematic chain for connecting a drive element to the shaft and a control element. Within the chain, a first link which can be coupled to the shaft in rotationally fixed fashion and a second link arranged coaxially regarding the first link and capable of rotating under the force of the drive element are coupled to one another in a form-fitting and/or force-fitting manner by a coupling element which is moved by the control element on one of the two links such that the link coupling is released when a predetermined first angular link position is reached and is produced again when a predetermined second angular link position is overshot. To provide the drive apparatus with a more compact configuration, the coupling element can be moved in the radial direction of the shaft.
US08461466B2 Truck scale with removable deck
A scale for weighing a vehicle which includes a removable platform supported by a plurality of load cells, the removable platform having a plurality of centering fixtures with each centering fixture having a cavity in its bottom section with a perimeter. The scale further including a plurality of centering projections having an outer surface which the perimeter of the cavity of the plurality of centering fixtures is guided upon lowering the removable platform onto the plurality of load cells.
US08461461B2 Embedded substrate having circuit layer element with oblique side surface and method for making the same
The present invention relates to an embedded substrate having a circuit layer element with an oblique side surface and a method for making the same. The embedded substrate includes a dielectric layer and a circuit layer element. The dielectric layer has an upper surface and an accommodating groove. The circuit layer element is disposed in the accommodating groove. The circuit layer element has an upper surface, a chemical copper layer, a plating copper layer and an oblique side surface. The elevation of the upper surface is equal to or lower than that of the upper surface of the dielectric layer. The chemical copper layer includes palladium (Pd). The plating copper layer is disposed on the chemical copper layer. The oblique side surface is disposed on the upper surface of the circuit layer element, where is close to the wall of the accommodating groove, and extends downward from the upper surface of the circuit layer element to the wall of the accommodating groove. Therefore, the oblique side surface of the circuit layer element can avoid electrons gathering at a sharp edge of a conventional circuit layer element.
US08461460B2 Microelectronic interconnect element with decreased conductor spacing
A microelectronic interconnect element can include a plurality of first metal lines and a plurality of second metal lines interleaved with the first metal lines. Each of the first and second metal lines has a surface extending within the same reference plane. The first metal lines have surfaces above the reference plane and remote therefrom and the second metal lines have surfaces below the reference plane and remote therefrom. A dielectric layer can separate a metal line of the first metal lines from an adjacent metal line of the second metal lines.
US08461456B2 Electrical lead-through for safety tanks
An improved electrical lead-through, particularly for safety tanks, is provided that includes at least one electrical conductor which is guided through a rigid insulation material, wherein a silicone insulation is introduced over at least one segment of the conductor projecting on one side of the insulation material.
US08461455B2 Elastic electric contact terminal
An elastic electric contact terminal including an elastic foam core having a sheet form, a non-foam rubber coating layer adhered to upper and lower surfaces of the elastic foam core and continued along any one side surface of the elastic foam core, and a heat-resistant polymer film, one side of which is adhered to the non-foam rubber coating layer in an enclosing manner and the other side of which is integrally formed with a metal layer.
US08461451B2 Vertical junction tandem/multi-junction PV device
A vertical multi-junction photovoltaic device includes a structured substrate including a plurality of substantially vertical elongated structures protruding from a planar surface of the structured substrate. An areal density of the elongated structures at a first sliced plane parallel to the planer surface is different than an areal density of the elongated structures at a second sliced plane parallel to the planar surface. The device further includes least a first sub-cell and a second sub-cell, each having a corresponding vertical p-n or p-i-n junction formed of conformal layers, the first sub-cell being formed in a first region incorporating the first sliced plane and the second sub-cell being formed above the first sub-cell in a second region incorporating the second sliced plane.
US08461450B2 Solar cell module and manufacturing method of solar cell module
A manufacturing method of a solar cell module includes a rear-surface-side protection member having a metal layer sandwiched between a plurality of resin layers, the method comprising the steps of: forming a pair of first slits and a second slit in the rear-surface-side protection member to form a pair of movable portions on both sides of the second slit, the second slit extending between and communicating with the pair of the first slits; opening each of the pair of movable portions; performing an insulating treatment on at least a part of the metal layer exposed to the surface of each of the pair of movable portions; and sealing a solar cell between a light-receiving-surface-side protection member and the rear-surface-side protection member, wherein one end portion of an output lead is drawn out from between the pair of movable portions, the output lead being configured to draw electric power from the solar cell.
US08461443B2 Control of light in response to an audio signal
Method, device and system for generating a light control parameter for controlling light (20), e.g. ambient light, in response to an audio signal (A). The audio signal (A) is analyzed in order to extract a temporal evolution of semantic content of the audio signal (A). A light control parameter is then generated according to the temporal evolution of semantic content of the audio signal (A), either on-line or off-line. This enables generating light that is perceptually aligned with the audio signal, e.g. music. In a preferred embodiment spatial properties of the audio signal (A) are extracted, and separate light control parameters are generated for controlling light sources spatially positioned according to the spatial properties of the audio signal, e.g. for stereo or surround sound systems where light sources are positioned near each loudspeaker. Such embodiment enables spatial correspondence between light and audio. In another preferred embodiment semantically distinct temporal sections of a sequence of the audio signal (A) are determined, e.g. sections of a piece of music, and wherein the light control parameter is generated to reflect these sections of the audio signal (A). Such embodiment enables temporal changes in light that follow perceived changes in e.g. a piece of music. Applications of the described method is e.g. within home entertainment systems, theatres, jukeboxes, bars, restaurants, cinemas and discotheques.
US08461434B2 Plants and seeds of hybrid corn variety CH707173
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH707173. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH707173, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH707173 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH707173.
US08461433B2 Plants and seeds of hybrid corn variety CH158013
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH158013. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH158013, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH158013 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH158013.
US08461427B2 Compositions and methods for altering tocotrienol content
The invention provides isolated nucleic acids and their encoded polypeptides that alter tocol content in seeds. The invention further provides expression cassettes, host cells and transformed plants containing the nucleic acids. The present invention further provides methods for altering tocol content in seeds.
US08461417B2 Reduction of lyso-phosphatidylcholine acyltransferase activity
Reducing /yso-phosphatidylcholine acyltransferase (LPCAT) activity in a plant increases seed oil content and/or fatty acid levels in the plant. Increases in the level of unusual fatty acids 16:3, 18:3 and 20:1 c11 are particularly pronounced.
US08461416B2 Methods and materials for conferring resistance to pests and pathogens of plants
Methods and materials for conferring pest resistance to plants are provided. Plants are transformed with a silencing construct homologous to a gene of a plant pest that is essential for the survival, development, or pathogenicity of the pest. This results in the plant producing RNAi to the selected gene, which, when ingested by the pest results in silencing of the gene and a subsequent reduction of the pest's ability to harm the plant. In other embodiments, the pest's reduced ability to harm the plant is passed on to pest progeny. Methods and materials for depathogenesis of pests is also provided.
US08461410B2 Wound dressing materials comprising complexes of anionic polysaccharides with silver
The invention provides a wound dressing material comprising a complex of an anionic polysaccharide with silver, wherein the material comprises from about 0.1 wt. % to about 3 wt. % of silver. Also provided are wound dressings comprising such materials, and the use of such materials in medicine.
US08461407B2 Method for dehydrating fatty alcohols
A process for the production of hydrocarbons by dehydrating primary alcohols with a dehydration catalyst of trifluoromethansulfonic acid is disclosed. The hydrocarbons so produced have fewer undesired secondary reactions. Accordingly, cosmetic and cleaning compositions incorporating the hydrocarbons produced by way of the process are also disclosed.
US08461397B2 Oxidation of hydrocarbons
In a process for oxidizing a hydrocarbon to the corresponding hydroperoxide, alcohol, ketone, carboxylic acid or dicarboxylic acid, a reaction medium comprising a hydrocarbon is contacted with an oxygen-containing gas in a reaction zone and in the presence of a catalyst comprising a cyclic imide. During the oxidation process, a portion of the reaction medium is continuously or intermittently removed from the reaction zone, is stripped of water and organic acid impurities and then returned to the reaction zone.
US08461390B2 Method for producing substituted biphenyls
A process for preparing substituted biphenyls of the formula I where R1=nitro or amino, R2=cyano, halogen, C1-C4-haloalkyl, C1-C4-haloalkoxy or C1-C4-haloalkylthio, n=from 0 to 3, and R3=hydrogen, cyano or halogen, which comprises reacting a halobenzene of the formula II in which Hal is chlorine or bromine, in the presence of a base and of a palladium catalyst which consists of palladium and a bidentate phosphorus ligand of the formula III where Ar is phenyl which is substituted if desired and R4 and R5 are each C1-C8-alkyl or C3-C6-cycloalkyl or together form a 2- to 7-membered bridge which may, if desired, bear a C1-C6-alkyl substituent, in a solvent or diluent, with a phenylboronic acid IVa a diphenylborinic acid IVb or a mixture of IVa and IVb.
US08461381B2 Preparation of organic compounds for enhanced reactivity
The present invention provides an improved method for preparing, purifying, precipitating, etc., a subject compound for use in a subsequent reaction carried out in suspension. The present invention relies on a precipitating solvent being added to an aqueous solution comprising the subject compound to form a precipitate of the subject compound, which may be further dried and/or purified. Compositions made according to present methods have improved characteristics and properties, such as increased surface and/or reduced density, resulting in a higher reactivity in a subsequent reaction carried out in suspension.
US08461378B2 Purification of fluoroalkanesulfonate salts
A process for the purification of fluoroalkanesulfonate salt comprising (a) contacting a mixture of said salt and an inorganic salt contaminant with a solvent to selectively dissolve said fluoroalkanesulfonate salt in solution, and (b) isolating the solution, to yield a fluoroalkanesulfonate salt containing less than 500 micrograms of inorganic salt contaminant per gram of fluoroalkanesulfonate salt, or containing less than a maximum of 0.3% by weight of individual solvent.
US08461376B2 Systems for alkyl ester production
In one embodiment, a method for the production of alkyl esters comprises: introducing liquid biomass and an alcohol to a first transesterification reactor at a point in a lower 25% of the reactor; reacting the liquid biomass and the alcohol to form a liquid glycerol and a liquid alkyl ester, wherein greater than or equal to about 75 mass % of the liquid glycerol moves towards a bottom of the first transesterification reactor; removing a liquid alkyl ester stream from the first transesterification reactor; and removing the liquid glycerol from the first transesterification reactor. The liquid biomass and the alcohol form a combined liquid stream that flows through the first transesterification reactor in a laminar flow.
US08461371B2 Method of enantioselective addition to imines
The present invention relates to a method of enantioselective addition to imines, including: reacting R3CH═NY with R4ZnR5 in the presence of a compound represented by the following formula (I), in which Y, R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5 are defined the same as the specification. Accordingly, the present invention can prepare secondary amines in high yields and enantiomeric excess by the above-mentioned method.
US08461369B2 Preparation of organomonoalkoxy (or monohydroxy) silanes from alkoxysilanes/organometallic compounds
Organomonoalkoxy/monohydroxy silanes, particularly halogenated or aklenylated organomonoalkoxy (or monohydroxy) silanes, which are useful intermediates in organic syntheses, are prepared by reacting an alkoxysilane with an organometallic compound suited for substituting at least certain of the alkoxy functions of the alkoxysilane with a monovalent hydrocarbon radical other than alkoxy and co-preparing a metallic alkoxylate by-product capable of denaturing the substituted silanes thus obtained, including contacting the metallic alkoxylate with at least one agent (A) reactive with the alkoxy functions of the alkoxylate to generate one or more species inert relative to the alkoxysilane, such agent (A) being selected from among the electrophile and/or mineral acid groups.
US08461363B2 Deodorization and stabilization of marine oils
The invention relates to a process for the preparation of deodorized and stabilized food-grade marine oils by submitting marine oils to a counter-current steam distillation (CCSD) in a thin film column containing a structured packing and, if desired, adding antioxidant(s), to the food-grade marine oils thus obtained and to their uses in the food/feed, cosmetic and/or pharmaceutical industry.
US08461361B2 Chroman derivatives, medicaments and use in therapy
Novel chroman derivatives and intermediate compounds, compositions containing same, methods for their preparation and uses thereof as therapeutic agents particularly as anti-cancer and chemotherapeutic selective agents are described.
US08461356B2 Process for obtaining maleic anhydride by distillation
What is described is a process for obtaining maleic anhydride by distillation from a solution of maleic anhydride in a high-boiling absorbent which has been obtained by gas phase oxidation of a hydrocarbon and at least partial absorption of the oxidation products into the absorbent, by i) introducing the solution into the side of a feed column with a rectifying section disposed above the feed point and a stripping section disposed below the feed point, ii) providing an upper combining column which communicates with the upper end of the rectifying section and a lower combining column which communicates with the lower end of the stripping section, iii) providing a draw column which communicates with the upper combining column and the lower combining column, iv) drawing maleic anhydride off as a side draw from the draw column, and drawing off compounds having a lower boiling point than maleic anhydride at the top of the upper combining column and the high-boiling absorbent at the bottom of the lower combining column. The maleic anhydride obtained as a side draw has a low content of acrylic acid and acetic acid.
US08461347B2 Process for preparing form A of atazanavir sulfate
A process of making Form A of atazanavir sulfate comprises: a) mixing atazanavir free base with a solvent selected from the group consisting of methanol (MeOH), ethanol (EtOH), isopropanol (IPA), N-methylprrolidone (NMP) and combinations thereof; b) reacting sulfuric acid with the atazanavir free base in the mixture formed in step a) to form a reaction solution comprising atazanavir sulfate; c) mixing an antisolvent with the reaction solution; d) seeding the mixture formed in step c) with an effective amount of Form A of atazanavir sulfate to form a seeded mixture comprising Form A of atazanavir sulfate; and e) isolating Form A of atazanavir sulfate in solid form from the seeded mixture; wherein the antisolvent is selected from the group consisting of methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE), ethyl acetate (EtOAc), acetonitrile (MeCN), isopropyl acetate (IPAc), cyclohexane, and combinations thereof. In one alternative, step c) may be performed before step b). In another alternative, step d) may be carried out concurrent with or prior to step c).
US08461346B2 Benzyl amines, a process for their production and their use as anti-inflammatory agents
The present invention relates to the compounds of formula I, processes for their production and their use as anti-inflammatory agents.
US08461345B2 Processes for producing phenyl-6-(1-(phenyl)ureido)nicotinamides)
The present invention relates to processes for the preparation of compounds useful as inhibitors of p38 kinase. The processes of the present invention are amenable for large scale preparation and produce stable phenyl-6-(1-(phenyl)ureido)nicotinamides in high purity and yields.
US08461338B2 (1R, 1′R)-atracurium salts separation process
The present invention provides an improved method of chromatographically separating the isomers of (1R,rR)-atracurium salts by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), in the absence of a strong acid. The separation is preferably performed on a silica gel HPLC column using an eluent containing an organic solvent, a polar aprotic co-solvent and a weak organic acid.
US08461331B2 Method for the production of 3,6-dihydro-L, 3, 5-triazine derivatives from metformin and paraldehyde derivatives
Process for the preparation of compounds of the formula I in which R1, R2, R3, R4, R5 and R6 have the meanings indicated in claim 1, which comprises the reaction of a compound of the formula II in which R1, R2, R3, R4 have the meanings indicated above, with a compound of the formula III in which R5, R6 have the meanings indicated above.
US08461312B2 Method for the production of 1,4-benzothiepin-1,1-dioxide derivatives
The invention relates to a method for producing 1,4-benzothiepin-1,1-dioxide derivatives substituted with benzyl groups.
US08461309B2 Inhibitor protein of the wnt signal pathway
The present invention relates to an inhibitor protein of the wnt signal path, a DNA encoding such a protein and a process for the preparation of such a protein. In addition, this invention concerns the use of the DNA and the protein as well as antibodies directed against the protein.
US08461306B2 Therapeutic use of anti-CS1 antibodies
The present invention is directed to antagonists of CS1 that bind to and neutralize at least one biological activity of CS1. The invention also includes a pharmaceutical composition comprising such antibodies or antigen-binding fragments thereof. The present invention also provides for a method of preventing or treating disease states, including autoimmune disorders and cancer, in a subject in need thereof, comprising administering into said subject an effective amount of such antagonists.
US08461300B2 Materials and methods for stabilizing nanoparticles in salt solutions
Sequence-specific polymers are proving to be a powerful approach to assembly and manipulation of matter on the nanometer scale. Ligands that are peptoids, or sequence-specific N-functional glycine oligomers, allow precise and flexible control over the arrangement of binding groups, steric spacers, charge, and other functionality. We have synthesized short peptoids that can prevent the aggregation of gold nanoparticles in high-salt environments including divalent salt, and allow co-adsorption of a single DNA molecule. This degree of precision and versatility is likely to prove essential in bottom-up assembly of nanostructures and in biomedical applications of nanomaterials.
US08461294B2 Nucleophilic substitution of carbon nanotubes
Compounds are attached to carbon nanotubes (CNT) by a process which comprises: subjecting surface treated CNTs which have been treated to induce negatively charged surface groups thereon, to nucleophilic substitution reaction with a compound carrying a functional group capable of reacting with the negatively charged groups on the CNT surface, whereby the compound chemically bonds to the CNT. The surface CNT treatment may be reduction. The compounds which are bonded to the CNT may be epoxy resins, bonded directly or through a spacer group. Bi-functional CNTs, grafted to both epoxy resins and other polymers such as polystyrene, are also made by this process.
US08461293B2 Methods of mercaptanizing olefinic hydrocarbons and compositions produced therefrom
The present invention discloses processes for forming polythiol compositions from olefinic hydrocarbons such as cyclooctadiene, cyclododecatriene, and trivinylcyclohexane. The polythiol compositions produced from these processes, including the sulfur-containing compounds of these compositions, also are described.
US08461287B2 Polymer electrolyte membrane
Disclosed are a multi-block copolymer, its producing method and an electrolyte membrane using the same. The multi-block copolymer includes a hydrophobic block having a plurality of repeating units represented as chemical formula 1; and a hydrophilic block having a plurality of repeating units represented as chemical formula 2. The multi-block copolymer is acidified, and can be used to an electrolyte membrane and a fuel cell. The use of the multi-block copolymer as an electrolyte membrane ensures excellent dimensional stability.
US08461285B2 Process for preparing polyether polyols
The present invention relates to a process for the catalytic preparation of polyetherols, wherein the power input by means of at least one stirrer and/or by means of at least one pump, based on the reactor volume, is in the range from 0.001 to 8.2 kW/m3.
US08461269B2 Elastomeric composition reinforced with a funtionalized non-aromatic vinyl polymer filler
Rubber composition based on at least one diene elastomer, a polymer filler as reinforcing filler, a coupling agent providing the bond between the polymer filler and the elastomer. The polymer filler comprises nanoparticles of non-aromatic vinnyl polymer (“NAVP”) bearing a function Z of formula ≡Si—X, X representing a hydroxyl or hydrolysable group. The NAVP is in particular a copolymer of methyl methacrylate, trimethoxysilylpropyl methacrylate and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate, in the form of nanobeads the diameter of which is between 10 and 100 nm.
US08461268B2 Golf ball material, golf ball and method for preparing golf ball material
A golf ball material composed of (A) an oxygen-containing inorganic metal compound in the form of a particulate or a master batch capable of neutralizing at least some of the acid groups in an acid-containing polymer blend, (B) one or more polymer selected from among diene polymers, thermoplastic polymers and thermoset polymers, and (C) an acid-containing polymer is prepared by mixing component A in a blend of components B and C. The golf ball material has a good heat resistance, flowability and processability, and can be used to produce high-performance golf balls having durability, scuff resistance and optimal hardness without a loss of rebound.
US08461265B2 Triblock copolymer having biodegradable polymer blocks and method of producing the same
This invention provides a triblock copolymer useful as a compatibilizer for biodegradable polymers, such as polylactic acid, and general-purpose polymers.Namely, this is a triblock copolymer represented by the below general formula (i), wherein each R1 is independently selected from the group consisting of H, —CH3, —C2H5, and —CH2CH(CH3)2, n is an integer of 10 to 1000, and A represents a polyester block obtained by subjecting one or more cyclic esters selected from the group consisting of lactides, glycolides and lactones, to ring-opening polymerization.
US08461260B2 Impact-modified polycarbonate compositions
Impact-modified polycarbonate compositions are disclosed that comprise a first graft polymer based on silicone-acrylate composite rubber as graft base, wherein the amount of silicone rubber is from 65 to 95 wt. % (based on the graft base), and a second graft polymer containing free copolymer, that is to say copolymer that is not chemically bonded to the rubber, and having a weight-average molecular weight of from 60,000 to 150,000 g/mol. The use of the polycarbonate compositions in the production of molded articles, and to the molded articles themselves are also disclosed. The compositions and molding compositions have an optimum combination of good elongation at tear, good hydrolytic stability and low melt viscosity.
US08461258B2 Method of producing amino acid-modified organopolysiloxane emulsions
The present invention relates to an amino acid-modified organopolysiloxane emulsion obtainable by reacting (a) a carboxy-unprotected amino acid, and (b) organopolysiloxane having an epoxy group in the molecule in an aqueous medium in the presence of a surfactant, is incorporated in a cosmetic product. The present invention also relates to the simple and highly efficient production of emulsions of amino acid-modified polysiloxane, as well as the use of the emulsions as beautifying components.
US08461253B2 One-component, ambient curable waterborne coating compositions, related methods and coated substrates
Disclosed are coating compositions that can be one-component, ambient curable, and waterborne. The coating compositions comprise acrylic copolymer resin particles comprising carbonyl functional groups and a crosslinking agent comprising functional groups, such as hydrazide groups, that are reactive with carbonyl groups.
US08461250B2 Powdery composition, in particular for coating metal substrates
A powdery composition, in particular for coating metal substrates, comprises approximately 70% to approximately 80% of a polyester mixture, relative to the total weight of the composition. Relative to the weight of the polyester mixture, the polyester mixture comprises approximately 57% to approximately 58% of a first copolyester, approximately 35% to approximately 36% of a second copolyester, and approximately 7% of a third copolyester.
US08461247B2 Dispersion compositions for tile adhesives
The invention relates to an aqueous dispersion and dispersion powder composition for highly flexible, waterproof, hydraulically binding tile adhesives having an extended open time, and containing an emulsion polymer (A) having a glass transition temperature (Tg) of approximately 10° C. to 80° C., and an emulsion polymer (B) having a glass transition temperature (Tg) of approximately −60° C. to +20° C. The difference of the glass transition temperatures (Tg) of the emulsion polymers (A and B) is at least approximately 5° C. The proportion of vinyl acetate monomer units is 0 to 70 mol-% and the minimum film forming temperature according to DIN 53787 of the 50% aqueous dispersion composition is approximately 15° C. or less, and the monomers, stabilization systems and optionally the additional additives of the dispersion and/or dispersion powder composition are selected such that a good cement compatibility is guaranteed. Due to the inventive dispersion and dispersion powder composition, tile adhesive can be produced in an economical manner which meets the requirements of C2S2- and C2ES2-norm according to EN12004.
US08461231B2 Rapid dry fiberglass stain
A portion of the linseed oil ingredient used in fiberglass composite stains is replaced with a modified Cashew Nut Shell Liquid (CNSL) resin. As a result, the drying time of the stain is shortened considerably yet is still long enough to allow working of the stain into the composite for developing a simulated wood appearance.
US08461226B2 Contact lens
A method of making a contact lens involves depositing on a portion of a molding surface of a contact lens mold a colorant composition comprising a pigment, a copolymer of 2-hydroxyethylmethacrylate and N-vinylpyrrolidinone, and a crosslinking monomer.
US08461225B2 Oxidation resistant homogenized polymeric material
The present invention relates to methods for making oxidation resistant homogenized polymeric materials and medical implants that comprise polymeric materials, for example, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). The invention also provides methods of making antioxidant-doped medical implants, for example, doping of medical devices containing cross-linked UHMWPE with vitamin E by diffusion and annealing the antioxidant doped UHMWPE in a super critical fluid, and materials used therein.
US08461210B2 Fast release paracetamol tablets
A pharmaceutical composition such as a swallow tablet or capsule formulation is described comprising paracetamol, calcium carbonate, at least one binding agent and at least one disintegrating agent in the form of a granulate, optionally combined with one or more pharmaceutically acceptable extragranular components.
US08461205B2 Anthranilic acid derivatives
Compounds of formula (I) are provided, wherein X is CH═CH, CH2O wherein the oxygen atom is bound to ring B, or OCH2 wherein the oxygen atom is bound to ring A; Y is hydrogen, straight or branched C1-C6 alkyl or a pharmaceutically acceptable inorganic cation; R1 is ethyl or cyclopropyl; and R2 and R3 are the same or different and are selected from F, Cl, Br, CF3 and OCF3. The compounds are useful for the treatment of autoimmune diseases, inflammatory diseases, organ transplant rejection, and malignant neoplasia. Pharmaceutical compositions containing the compounds, methods of using the compounds, and methods for preparing the compounds are also provided.
US08461202B2 Composition for treating infectious diseases
Compounds of the general formula (I) or salts thereof, for use as a pharmaceutical composition for treating infectious diseases, especially for treating diseases caused by Helicobacter are disclosed. R1 is an H atom, an X atom or a CXmH3-m radical wherein each X can be the same or different and is a halogen selected from F, Cl, Br or I, and m is an integer between 1 and 3; R2 is an NO2 group, a COOR′ group or an SO3R′ group; R′ is a hydrogen (H) atom or a C1-C6 alkyl group; and n is an integer between 1 and 5.
US08461200B2 Salicylic acid esters of resveratrol and cosmetic compositions
Salicylic acid esters of resveratrol and topical compositions containing same.
US08461187B2 Multiple PPI dosage form
Herein provided are dosage forms (variously referred to as “formulations”) comprising a PPI that is released from the dosage form as a first and a second dose. Each dose of PPI is present in an amount sufficient to raise the plasma levels of the PPI to at least 100 ng/ml.
US08461182B2 7-piperidinoalkyl-3, 4-Dihydroquinolone derivative
PROBLEMTo provide a novel compound, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a hydrate thereof useful for preventing or treating for depression, anxiety disorders (such as generalized anxiety disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder or social anxiety disorder), attention deficit disorder, mania, manic-depressive illness, schizophrenia, mood disorders, stress, sleep disorders, attacks, memory impairment, cognitive impairment, dementia, amnesia, delirium, obesity, eating disorder, appetite disorder, hyperphagia, bulimia, cibophobia, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, dyslipidemia, myocardial infarction, movement disorder (such as Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, convulsion or tremor), drug abuse, drug addiction or sexual dysfunction, based on a melanin-concentrating hormone receptor (MCH receptor) antagonistic action.SOLUTIONA compound, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a hydrate thereof represented by the formula (I).
US08461178B2 Naphthyridine derivatives and the use thereof as kinase inhibitors
The present invention relates to kinase modulators of the naphthyridine type and to the preparation and use thereof as medicaments for the modulation of misdirected cellular signal transduction processes, in particular for influencing the function of tyrosine and serine/threonine kinases and for the treatment of malignant or benign tumors and other disorders based on pathological cell proliferation, such as, for example, restenosis, psoriasis, arteriosclerosis and cirrhosis of the liver.
US08461172B2 Solid forms and process for preparing
The present invention provides amorphous solid forms of the compound of Formula I, as well as methods for preparing the compound of Formula I by precipitation.
US08461156B2 Modulators of ATP-binding cassette transporters
Compounds of the present invention, and pharmaceutically acceptable compositions thereof, are useful as modulators of ATP-Binding Cassette (“ABC”) transporters or fragments thereof, including Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator (“CFTR”). The present invention also relates to methods of treating ABC transporter mediated diseases using compounds of the present invention.
US08461150B2 Chalcone linked pyrrolo[2,1-c][1, 4]benzodiazepine hybrids as potential anticancer agents and process for the preparation thereof
The present invention relates to chalcone linked pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepine hybrids and a process for the preparation there of. More particularly it relates to 7-Methoxy-8-{n[4-1-(2 or 4-substituted phenyl)-3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-2-propen-1-one]alkyl}-oxy}-(11aS)-1,2,3,11a-5H-pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepin-5-one and 7-Methoxy-8-{n-[-3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-1-(2,4-alkyl-3-quinolyl)-2-propen-1-one]alkyl}-oxy-(11aS)-1,2,3,11a-5H-pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepin-5-one with aliphatic chain length variations useful as anticancer (antitumor) agent. The general structural formula of these chalcone linked pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepines hybrids is given below. wherein R1=OH, methyl, ethyl or phenyl; R2=H, OH or F; R=H or methyl; x=c or N; n=1-4.
US08461142B2 Water-soluble anionic bacteriochlorophyll derivatives and their uses
The invention provides anionic water-soluble tetracyclic and pentacyclic bacteriochlorophyll derivatives (Bchls) containing at least one, preferably two or three, negatively charged groups and/or acidic groups that are converted to negatively charged groups at the physiological pH, preferably Bchls having a group COO<−>, COS<−>, SO3<−>, PO3<2−>, COOH, COSH, SO3H, and/or PO3H2 bound through an ester or amide bond to one or more of the positions 17<3>, 13<3>, and 3<2> of the tetracyclic or pentacyclic Bchl molecule, for photodynamic therapy and diagnosis.
US08461140B2 Synthetic bile acid compositions and methods
Bile acids and related compositions and methods of synthesis and use. More specifically, deoxycholic acid and related compositions, said compositions being free of all moieties of animal origin and free of pyrogenic moieties.
US08461135B2 Boron-containing small molecules as anti-inflammatory agents
Compounds and methods of treating anti-inflammatory conditions are disclosed.
US08461131B2 Composition containing fermantable polysaccharides
The present invention relates to a composition to a nutritional composition comprising 0.1 to 15 gram fermentable partially hydrolysed gum having a degree of polymerization between 10 and 300 per 100 gram dry weight of the composition and 0.1 to 15 gram fermentable, indigestible polysaccharide other than a hydrolysed gum having a DP between 10 and 300 per 100 gram dry weight of the composition.
US08461130B2 Food containing glycogen and use thereof
The present invention is directed towards improving blood glucose levels, visceral fat levels, blood cholesterol levels, neutral fat levels, etc. by oral administration of enzyme synthesized glycogen (ESG). The invention is further directed towards the intake of food by a subject that comprises ESG as a carbohydrate to improve blood glucose levels, visceral fat levels, blood cholesterol levels, neutral fat levels and the like.
US08461122B2 Derivatives of morphine-6-glucuronide, preparation method thereof and use of same in therapeutics
The disclosure relates to derivatives of morphine-6-glucuronide of formula (I) wherein R1 is as defined in the disclosure, or an acid addition salt thereof, as well as in hydrate or solvate form. The disclosure also relates to the preparation method thereof and to the use of same in therapeutics.
US08461113B2 Elastin digest compositions and methods utilizing same
The present invention provides compositions for the therapeutic and/or cosmetic treatment of Elastin comprising tissues. Therapeutic and cosmetic compositions comprising an elastin digest stimulate the endogenous production of Elastin and appear to enhance the elasticity of the skin and provide an external supply of peptide precursors of Elastin that penetrate into the tissue to which it is applied. The present invention describes compositions containing an elastin digest derived from proteolytic digestion of insoluble elastin derived from mammalian ligaments with a protein digesting composition, such as proteinase K. The elastin digest is a mixture of elastin peptides wherein the elastin peptide mixture comprises peptides of the sequence GXXPG, wherein X represents one of the natural amino acids. The elastin digest of the present invention may also comprise epitopes of cytokines, growth factors and di-peptides. Methods of using these elastin digest comprising compositions for treating tissues in need of increased elasticity and or Elastin are described.
US08461110B2 Heterodimeric peptide compounds displaying NGF activity and their use to treat neurodegenerative disorders
Peptides having a structure characterized by the presence of two loops constrained in cyclic structure by the presence of covalent bonds between amino acid side chains, the amino acid sequences of the first and the second loop being substantially homologues to that of loop 1 (residues 29-38) and of loop 4 (residues 92-97) of NGF, respectively, displaying nerve growth factor (NGF) agonist or partial agonist activity.
US08461108B2 Subdermal tissue remodeling using myostatin, methods and related systems
Systems and methods of tissue remodeling or altering a surface of a skin of a patient are provided. A method includes increasing myostatin activity in a target tissue. Methods can include increasing myostatin activity in a target tissue in addition to various tissue remodeling techniques, including cryogenic cooling of target tissue for tissue remodeling.
US08461100B1 Decenal mixtures and their use in perfume compositions
The present invention relates to a novel decenal mixture and the incorporation and use of this mixture as a fragrance material. The novel decenal mixture contains decenals that are represented by the formula set forth below: wherein the broken line represents one double bond and two single bonds.
US08461093B2 Adhesive agent for application on a sanitary object
Agent for sanitary facilities that can be applied directly on the sanitary object, adheres, and is flushable only after a large number of flushes. The agent comprises fillers from the group of surfactants and a bonding agent, wherein the bonding agent is selected from the group of polyalkylene derivatives, hydrogenated polystyrol derivatives, copolymers from the group of monoalkyl esters of poly(methyl vinyl ether/carbonic acid anhydrides, olefin homopolymers, and copolymers of two or more olefins, wherein the olefin homopolymers and copolymers can also be partially hydrogenated, partially oxidized, or further functionalized by graft molecules, and from the group of polyalkyleneimines, including in alkoxylized form, polyetheramines (alkoxylized amines) and polyglycerin polyether alkyl carbonic acids, polymers or derivatives comprising said polymer groups. The viscosity of the agent is at least 30 Pa s, measured using a Haake viscometer, plate/plate system, plate diameter 10 mm, at a shear rate of 2.62 s− at 20° C.
US08461091B2 Personal care composition in the form of an article having a porous, dissolvable solid structure
The present invention relates to a dissolvable article in the form of a porous dissolvable solid structure, comprising from about 10% to about 50% water soluble polymer; from about 1% to about 25% plasticizer; from about 23% to about 75% surfactant; wherein the surfactants comprise one or more surfactants from Group I, wherein Group I includes anionic surfactants, and one or more surfactants from Group II, wherein Group II includes a surfactant selected from the group consisting of amphoteric, zwitterionic and combinations thereof; wherein the ratio of Group I to Group II surfactants is from about 5:95 to about 30:70; and wherein the dissolvable article has a density of from about 0.05 g/cm3 to about 0.40 g/cm3.
US08461089B2 Dishwashing detergent composition having a malodor control component and methods of cleaning dishware
A dishwashing detergent composition comprising a malodor control component, and methods of cleaning dishware are provided. In some embodiments, the dishwashing detergent composition comprises at least one volatile aldehyde and an acid catalyst.
US08461087B2 Method for the fracture stimulation of a subterranean formation having a wellbore by using impact-modified thermoset polymer nanocomposite particles as proppants
A method for fracture stimulation of a subterranean formation includes providing a thermoset polymer nanocomposite particle precursor composition comprising a polymer precursor mixture, dispersed within a liquid medium, containing at least one of an initiator; at least one of a monomer, an oligomer or combinations thereof, said monomer and oligomer having three or more reactive functionalities capable of creating crosslinks between polymer chains; at least one of an impact modifier; and nanofiller particles substantially dispersed within the liquid medium; subjecting the nanocomposite particle precursor composition to suspension polymerizing conditions; subjecting the resulting nanocomposite particles to heat treatment; forming a slurry comprising a fluid and a proppant that includes the heat-treated nanocomposite particles; injecting the slurry into a wellbore; and emplacing the proppant within a fracture network in the formation.
US08461082B2 Herbicidal composition and method for removing unwanted foliage
This invention relates to a method of preparing a spray tank mix of glyphosate comprising (a) providing glyphosate acid concentrate; (b) providing an alkaline composition; and (c) forming a mixture of glyphosate acid concentrate and alkaline composition in the spray tank by addition of a composition comprising the glyphosate acid concentrate to a diluted aqueous mixture of the alkaline composition.
US08461078B2 Fungicidal compositions including hydrazone derivatives and copper
The present invention relates to the use of hydrazone compounds and copper for controlling the growth of fungi.
US08461070B2 Glass composition
Flat glass composition comprising the following (expressed as percentages by weight): SiO2 60 75%; Al2O3 0 5%; Na2O 10 18%; K2O 0 5.5%; CaO 0 5%; MgO 0-2%; SO3 0 1%; Fe2O3 (total iron)>0.01%; TiO2 0-1% and one or both of: SrO 0-15%; BaO 0-15% with the proviso that the summed amount of SrO and BaO is greater than 4%. A preferred composition comprises: SiO2 65-74%; Al2O3 0-3%; Na2O 13 16%; K2O 0-2%; CaO 1-4.9%; MgO 0-2%; SO3 0-1%; Fe2O3 (total iron)>0.01%; TiO2 0 1%; BaO 4-10%; SrO 0-5%, wherein the summed amount of the alkaline earth metal constituents is in the range 10-13% and the summed amount of the alkali metal constituents is in the range 14-16%. The ferrous level of the glass may be greater than or equal to 28%, its performance in a thickness of 5 mm or less may be greater than or equal to 29 at LTA≧70%, and greater than or equal to 27 at LTA≧75%, and its liquidus temperature may be less than or equal to 980° C.
US08461068B2 Glass ceramics with bulk scattering properties and methods of making them
Described herein are glass ceramic compositions with bulk scattering properties that have improved light extraction properties due to high levels of diffuse transmission, and methods of making such glass ceramic compositions. The compositions are based on Li2O—Al2O3—SiO2 glass ceramics and with the proper crystal size, exhibit good volume scattering characteristic for visible light and enhance the outcoupling from the substrate to the air in optical devices, such as light emitting diodes.
US08461067B2 Use of pre-coated mat for preparing gypsum board
A gypsum board which comprises a set gypsum core sandwiched between and faced with fibrous mats, wherein a free surface of one of said mats is pre-coated with a combination of a mineral pigment, optionally an inorganic adhesive binder and an organic binder, preferably a hydrophobic, UV resistant polymer latex adhesive binder applied to said surface as an aqueous coating composition, said aqueous coating composition upon drying and setting providing a pre-coated mat satisfying certain morphology requirements.
US08461065B2 Structure of touch-fastening anti-skidding material
A touch-fastening anti-skidding material includes a knitted foundation layer and a plurality of synthetic yarns that is secured together by being collectively knitted in the foundation layer. The foundation layer is formed by knitting of pliable base yarns and synthetic yarns. The synthetic yarns are knitted in U-shaped loops and the base yarns are knitted between adjacent strands of the knitted synthetic yarns to make a large area cloth. The cloth may be in a planar form without hollow opening sections or it includes open sections to facilitate air permeability. The loops of the synthetic yarns have legs extending beyond the foundation layer by a predetermined length and the synthetic yarns show rigidity strength, whereby a flexible, resilient, light-weighted, and low-cost touch-fastening anti-skidding material is formed.
US08461063B2 Packing material for corrosible metallic objects
The invention relates to a packaging material for corrosible metallic objects, comprised of a plastic film forming a package outer surface, an inner layer, and an adhesive layer bonding the plastic film to the inner layer, wherein the adhesive layer comprises a volatile corrosion inhibitor and the inner layer has a high permeability for the corrosion inhibitor on the package outer surface as compared to the plastic film. According to the invention the adhesive layer is formed by a chemically binding reaction adhesive.
US08461059B2 Batch CVD method and apparatus for semiconductor process
A batch CVD method repeats a cycle including adsorption and reaction steps along with a step of removing residual gas. The adsorption step is preformed while supplying the source gas into the process container by first setting the source gas valve open for a first period and then setting the source gas valve closed, without supplying the reactive gas into the process container by keeping the reactive gas valve closed, and without exhausting gas from inside the process container by keeping the exhaust valve closed. The reaction step is performed without supplying the source gas into the process container by keeping the source gas valve closed, while supplying the reactive gas into the process container by setting the reactive gas valve open, and exhausting gas from inside the process container by setting the exhaust valve to gradually decrease its valve opening degree from a predetermined open state.
US08461045B2 Bond pad connection to redistribution lines having tapered profiles
An integrated circuit structure includes a semiconductor substrate having a front side and a backside. A through-silicon via (TSV) penetrates the semiconductor substrate, wherein the TSV has a back end extending to the backside of the semiconductor substrate. A redistribution line (RDL) is formed over the backside of the semiconductor substrate and connected to the back end of the TSV. A passivation layer is over the RDL with an opening formed in the passivation layer, wherein a portion of a top surface of the RDL and a sidewall of the RDL are exposed through the opening. A metal finish is formed in the opening and contacting the portion of the top surface and the sidewall of the RDL.
US08461043B2 Barrier layer for integrated circuit contacts
Plug contacts may be formed with barrier layers having thicknesses of less than 50 Å in some embodiments. In one embodiment, the barrier layer may be formed by the chemical vapor deposition of diborane, forming a boron layer between a metallic contact and the surrounding dielectric and between a metallic contact and the substrate and/or substrate contact. This boron layer may be substantially pure boron and boron silicide.
US08461034B2 Localized implant into active region for enhanced stress
Methods for enhancing strain in an integrated circuit are provided. Embodiments of the invention include using a localized implant into an active region prior to a gate etch. In another embodiment, source/drain regions adjacent to the gates are recessed to allow the strain to expand to full potential. New source/drain regions are allowed to grow back to maximize stress in the active region.
US08461033B2 Heat treatment apparatus and method for heating substrate by light-irradiation
A light-emission output of a flash lamp for performing a light-irradiation heat treatment on a substrate in which impurities are implanted is increased up to a target value L1 over a period of time from 1 to 100 milliseconds, is kept for 5 to 100 milliseconds within a fluctuation range of plus or minus 30% from the target value L1, and is then attenuated from the target value L1 to zero over a period of time from 1 to 100 milliseconds. That is, compared with conventional flash lamp annealing, the light-emission output of the flash lamp is increased more gradually, is kept to be constant for a certain period of time, and is then decreased more gradually. As a result, a total heat amount of a surface of the substrate increases compared with the conventional case, but a surface temperature thereof rises more gradually and then drops more gradually compared with the conventional case.
US08461031B2 Method for making a thin-film structure and resulting thin-film structure
A method for making a thin-film structure includes a thin film stabilized on a substrate. The structure of the thin film is defined by a material which includes at least one first chemical species. The method includes a step of inputting particles of the first chemical species into the thin film so as to compensate for the flow of vacancies from the surface of the film.
US08461027B2 Method for producing nanostructures on metal oxide substrate, method for depositing thin film on same, and thin film device
A method for producing nanostructures on a metal oxide substrate includes the following steps: a) forming metal aggregates on the metal oxide substrate; and b) vapor phase growing nanostructures on the metal oxide substrate covered with metal aggregates, the substrate being heated in the presence of one or more precursor gases, and the vapor phase growth of nanostructures being catalyzed by the metal aggregates. The metal aggregate formation stage a) includes an operation for reducing the surface of the metal oxide substrate by reductive plasma treatment, causing droplets of metal aggregates to form on the substrate, the metal aggregate formation stage a) and the nanostructure growth stage b) being carried out in series in a single shared plasma reactor chamber, the nanostructure growth being directly carried out on the droplets of metal aggregates.
US08461025B2 Protective film forming method and apparatus
A protective film forming method for forming a protective film of resin on the front side of a wafer, where the method includes a step of holding the wafer on a spinner table in the condition where the front side of said wafer is oriented upward; a step of forming a water layer of a thickness of between about 1 mm and about 3 mm to cover the front side of the wafer; a step of dropping a liquid resin onto the water layer at the center of the wafer; and a step of rotating the spinner table to rotate the wafer held on the spinner table, thereby scattering the water layer and radially spreading the liquid resin dropped on the water layer to form a first resin film covering the front side of the wafer by a centrifugal force produced during rotation of the wafer.
US08461017B2 Methods of forming bonded semiconductor structures using a temporary carrier having a weakened ion implant region for subsequent separation along the weakened region
Methods of fabricating semiconductor structures include implanting atom species into a carrier die or wafer to form a weakened region within the carrier die or wafer, and bonding the carrier die or wafer to a semiconductor structure. The semiconductor structure may be processed while using the carrier die or wafer to handle the semiconductor structure. The semiconductor structure may be bonded to another semiconductor structure, and the carrier die or wafer may be divided along the weakened region therein. Bonded semiconductor structures are fabricated using such methods.
US08461016B2 Integrated circuit devices and methods of forming memory array and peripheral circuitry isolation
A method of forming memory array and peripheral circuitry isolation includes chemical vapor depositing a silicon dioxide-comprising liner over sidewalls of memory array circuitry isolation trenches and peripheral circuitry isolation trenches formed in semiconductor material. Dielectric material is flowed over the silicon dioxide-comprising liner to fill remaining volume of the array isolation trenches and to form a dielectric liner over the silicon dioxide-comprising liner in at least some of the peripheral isolation trenches. The dielectric material is furnace annealed at a temperature no greater than about 500° C. The annealed dielectric material is rapid thermal processed to a temperature no less than about 800° C. A silicon dioxide-comprising material is chemical vapor deposited over the rapid thermal processed dielectric material to fill remaining volume of said at least some peripheral isolation trenches. Other aspects are disclosed, including integrated circuitry resulting from the disclosed methods and integrated circuitry independent of method of manufacture.
US08461015B2 STI structure and method of forming bottom void in same
A method for forming an STI structure is provided. In one embodiment, a trench is formed in a substrate, the trench having a first sidewall and a second sidewall opposite the first sidewall, the sidewalls extending down to a bottom portion of the trench. An insulating material is deposited to line the surfaces of the sidewalls and the bottom portion. The insulating material proximate the top portions and the bottom portion of the trench are thereafter etched back. The insulating material is deposited to line the inside surfaces of the trench at a rate sufficient to allow a first protruding insulating material deposited on the first sidewall and a second protruding insulating material deposited on the second sidewall to approach theretogether. The steps of etching back and depositing are repeated to have the first and second protruding materials abut, thereby forming a void near the bottom of the trench.
US08461004B2 Configuration of high-voltage semiconductor power device to achieve three dimensional charge coupling
This invention discloses semiconductor device that includes a top region and a bottom region with an intermediate region disposed between said top region and said bottom region with a controllable current path traversing through the intermediate region. The semiconductor device further includes a trench with padded with insulation layer on sidewalls extended from the top region through the intermediate region toward the bottom region wherein the trench includes randomly and substantially uniformly distributed nano-nodules as charge-islands in contact with a drain region below the trench for electrically coupling with the intermediate region for continuously and uniformly distributing a voltage drop through the current path.
US08460996B2 Semiconductor devices with different dielectric thicknesses
An integrated circuit with devices having dielectric layers with different thicknesses. The dielectric layers include a high-k dielectric and some of the dielectric layers include an oxide layer that is formed from an oxidation process. Each device includes a layer including germanium or carbon located underneath the electrode stack of the device. A silicon cap layers is located over the layer including germanium or carbon.
US08460993B2 Method for fabricating CMOS image sensor with plasma damage-free photodiode
A method for fabricating a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor includes providing a semi-finished substrate, forming a patterned blocking layer over a photodiode region of the substrate, implanting impurities on regions other than the photodiode region using a mask while the patterned blocking layer remains, and removing the mask.
US08460992B2 Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the same
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device comprises forming a first insulator in the first area of a substrate and a second insulator formed in a second area of the substrate; forming an etching preventing film extending over the first device region surrounded by the first area and the second device region surrounded by the second area removing the etching preventing film from the first device region and first area forming a first gate insulating film over the first device region while the second device region and the second area are covered by the etching preventing film; removing the etching preventing film over the second device region and the second area forming a second gate insulating film over the second device region; and forming a first gate electrode on the first gate insulating film and forming a second gate electrode on the second gate insulating film.
US08460989B2 Niobium and vanadium organometallic precursors for thin film deposition
Disclosed are methods for forming a metal-containing layer on a substrate. A vapor comprising at least one precursor compound selected from the group consisting of (Cp)V(=NtBu)(NEt2)2; (Cp)V(=NtBu)(NMe2)2; (Cp)V(=NtBu)(NEtMe)2; (Cp)V(═NiPr)(NEt2)2; (Cp)V(═NiPr)(NMe2)2; (Cp)V(═NiPr)(NEtMe)2; (Cp)V(═NC5H11)(NEt2)2; (Cp)V(═NC5H11)(NMe2)2; (Cp)V(═NC5H11)(NEtMe)2; (Cp)Nb(=NtBu)(NEt2)2; (Cp)Nb(=NtBu)(NMe2)2; (Cp)Nb(=NtBu)(NEtMe)2; (Cp)Nb(═NiPr)(NEt2)2; (Cp)Nb(═NiPr)(NMe2)2; (Cp)Nb(═NiPr)(NEtMe)2; (Cp)Nb(═NC5H11)(NEt2)2; (Cp)Nb(═NC5H11)(NMe2)2; and (Cp)Nb(═NC5H11)(NEtMe)2 is provided. At least one reaction gas selected from the group consisting of ozone and water is provided. The vapor and the reaction gas react with the substrate according to a deposition process to form the metal-containing layer on at least one surface of the substrate.
US08460988B2 Method for manufacturing semiconductor device
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device is provided, in which after forming a gate stack and a first spacer thereof, a second spacer and a third spacer are formed; and then an opening is formed between the first spacer and the third spacer by removing the second spacer. The range of the formation for the raised active area 220 is limited by forming an opening 214 between the first spacer 208 and the third spacer 212. The raised active area 220 is formed in the opening 214 in a self-aligned manner, so that a better profile of the raised active area 220 may be achieved and the possible shorts between adjacent devices caused by an unlimited manner may be avoided. Moreover, based on such a manufacturing method, it is easy to make the gate electrode 204 to be flushed with the raised active area 220, and is also easy to implement the dual stress nitride process so as to increase the mobility of the device.
US08460982B2 Manufacturing method for array substrate with fringe field switching type thin film transistor liquid crystal display
A manufacturing method for an array substrate with a fringe field switching (FFS) type thin film transistor (TFT) liquid crystal display (LCD) includes the following steps. A pattern of a gate line (1), a gate electrode, a common electrode (6) and a common electrode line (5) is formed by patterning a first transparent conductive film and a first metal film formed successively on a transparent substrate. Contact holes of the gate line in the pad area and a semiconductor pattern are formed through a patterning process after a gate insulator film, and a semiconductor film and a doped semiconductor film are formed successively. A second metal film is deposited and patterned. A second transparent conductive film is deposited and a lift-off process is performed. And then, a pattern of a source electrode, a drain electrode, a TFT channel and a pixel electrode (4) is formed by etching the exposed second metal film and the doped semiconductor film.
US08460970B1 Lead frame ball grid array with traces under die having interlocking features
A package includes a first plated area, a second plated area, a die attached to the first plated area, and a bond coupling the die to the second plated area. The package further includes a molding encapsulating the die, the bond, and the top surfaces of the first and second plated areas, such that the bottom surfaces of the first and second plated areas are exposed exterior to the package. Additional embodiments include a method of making the package.
US08460965B2 Manufacturing method for solar cell
A manufacturing method for a solar cell including an upper electrode extracting an electrode at an incident light side, the upper electrode including a transparent conductive film, a basic structural element of the transparent conductive film being any one of an indium (In), a zinc (Zn), and tin (Sn), the manufacturing method including: a step A forming a texture on a front surface of a transparent substrate using a wet etching method, the transparent conductive film being formed on the transparent substrate, wherein in the step A, when the texture is formed, a metal thin film is formed on the transparent substrate, and an anisotropic etching is performed with the metal thin film being a mask.
US08460964B2 Method for producing an array of thin-film photovoltaic cells having a totally separated integrated bypass diode and method for producing a panel incorporating the same
A method for producing a thin-film solar cell with a cell level integrated bypass diode includes forming at least three series-connected solar cells, each cell being a laminated structure including semiconducting material of first and second types, a front electrode in contact with the material of the first type, and a back electrode in contact with the material of the second type. The bypass diode is formed by total separation from a selected parent cell. The material of the first type of the diode is connected to the material of the second type of any one chosen solar cell in the array. The material of the second type of the diode is connected with the material of the first type of the one chosen solar cell in the array so that the diode is connected in parallel and in opposition to the one chosen solar cell.
US08460963B2 Trench process and structure for backside contact solar cells with polysilicon doped regions
A solar cell includes polysilicon P-type and N-type doped regions on a backside of a substrate, such as a silicon wafer. A trench structure separates the P-type doped region from the N-type doped region. Each of the P-type and N-type doped regions may be formed over a thin dielectric layer. The trench structure may include a textured surface for increased solar radiation collection. Among other advantages, the resulting structure increases efficiency by providing isolation between adjacent P-type and N-type doped regions, thereby preventing recombination in a space charge region where the doped regions would have touched.
US08460962B2 Capacitive MEMS switch and method of fabricating the same
The present invention discloses a capacitive MEMS switch on top of a semiconductor substrate containing a CMOS driving circuitry. The capacitive MEMS switch disclosed includes: 1) a semiconductor substrate containing a driving circuitry inside, and first and second conductors as well as a bottom electrode on top; 2) a suspended composite beam above and anchored onto the semiconductor substrate, containing a top electrode aligned to the bottom electrode with a first vertical distance, a top conductor, capped by a dielectric layer, having a first and second contact tips aligned with the first and second bottom conductors with a second vertical distance differentially smaller than the first vertical distance. The electrostatic attraction generated between the top electrode and the bottom electrode pulls the first and second contact tips in physical contact with and electrically connects the first and second bottom conductors through the top conductor.
US08460941B2 Methods and kit for isolating nucleic acids
The present invention is related to a method for isolating a target nucleic acid from a sample comprising said target nucleic acid, comprising the steps of mixing a sample containing said target nucleic acid with a binding solution and a nucleic acid binding matrix, binding at least part of said target nucleic acid to said nucleic acid binding matrix, wherein said nucleic acid binding matrix is treated simultaneously or has been previously treated with at least one compound comprising a metal substance selected from the group consisting of metals of the main groups 13 to 16, semimetals and transition metals for reducing non-target nucleic acid contaminations or wherein said nucleic acid binding matrix is modified with hydrophobic groups. Furthermore, respective kits and reagents are provided with the teaching of the present invention.
US08460936B2 Apparatus and method of measuring concentration of fuel
An apparatus of measuring concentration of fuel including a catalyst layer, a diffusion layer, a fuel chamber, a reactive gas chamber, and a sensor is provided. The diffusion layer is connected to the catalyst layer. The fuel chamber is suitable for containing a fuel. The diffusion layer is between the fuel chamber and the catalyst layer. The reactive gas chamber is suitable for containing a reactive gas. The catalyst layer is between the reactive gas chamber and the diffusion layer. The fuel diffuses to the catalyst layer via the diffusion layer such that a combustion reaction of the fuel and the reactive gas is conducted in the catalyst layer to consume the reactive gas and generate a gaseous product. The sensor is disposed on the reactive gas chamber for measuring the concentration of the reactive gas or the concentration of the gaseous product in the reactive gas chamber.
US08460935B2 Sample analyzer, sample analyzing method, and computer program product
A sample analyzer is provided. The sample analyzer includes a reagent container holder, a measurement unit, and an information processing unit configured to perform operations including controlling the measurement unit to start the successive measurement of the plurality of samples, determining whether to switch from the first reagent container to the second reagent container while performing the successive measurement by using the reagent contained in the first reagent container, controlling the measurement unit to suspend a start of aspiration of a next sample, to measure a quality control measurement sample prepared from the reagent contained in the second reagent container, when determined to switch from the first reagent container to the second reagent container, and controlling the measurement unit to start the aspiration of the next sample when an analysis result of the quality control measurement sample meets a predetermined condition.
US08460933B2 Expression system incorporating a capsid promoter sequence as an enhancer
The invention provides a method for enhancing expression of a transgene in a host cell, which includes the steps of inserting a capsid promoter element (Pcap), or a sequence comprising the reverse complement of the capsid promoter element (PcapR), into a mammalian expression cassette upstream (5′) of a cytomegalovirus immediate/early enhancer/promoter region (Pcmv); inserting the transgene into the expression cassette downstream (3′) of the cytomegalovirus immediate/early enhancer/promoter region; inserting a vector containing the expression cassette into the host organism; and causing expression of the transgene. The capsid promoter element (Pcap) is typically from a circovirus, parvovirus or anellovirus. The transgene is typically expressed at a higher level than when expressed by a vector containing the expression cassette without the transcriptional control element. An expression cassette, vector, DNA vaccine, pharmaceutical composition and method of treatment are also claimed.
US08460932B2 Method of treating a disorder by suicide gene therapy
The present invention relates to a method of prolonging the expression of an exogenous gene in a cell transduced with the exogenous gene. The method comprises co-administration of the exogenous gene with a herpes virus gene, whereby such co-administration prolongs the expression of the exogenous gene in the transduced cell. The method is particularly useful as a means of effecting gene therapy.
US08460923B2 Affinity hydrogel and label independent detection methods thereof
A biosensor article including a substrate having polymer modified surface, the polymer comprising the formula (I) where (x), (y), (z), R, R′, R″, S, W, and X, are as defined herein. Methods for making the biosensor article or cell culture article, and methods for performing an assay of, for example, a bioentity, a ligand thereof, or both, with the biosensor article are also disclosed.
US08460922B2 Immunosensor system for blood with reduced interference
An electrochemical immunosensor system with reduced interference, comprising: a first immunosensor that generates an electrochemical signal based on the formation of a sandwich between an immobilized antibody, a target analyte and a labeled antibody, wherein a portion of the signal arises from non-specific binding of the labeled antibody in the region of the first immunosensor, and a second immunosensor that acts as an immuno-reference sensor and generates a signal that is the same as or predictably related to the degree of non-specific binding which occurs in the region of the first immunosensor, and has an immunocomplex between an immobilized antibody and an endogenous or exogenous protein that is in the sample and that is not the target analyte.
US08460920B2 Method for the purification of adenovirus particles
The invention provides methods for large-scale adenovirus purification from high cell density suspensions, using host cell DNA precipitation followed by a clarification step.
US08460919B2 Compositions and methods to elicit immune responses against pathogenic organisms using yeast based vaccines
Embodiments of the present invention illustrate methods of treating and preventing infection due to a pathogen such as a fungal pathogen. In particular, the present invention relates to compositions and methods for vaccinations against or treatment for a fungal organism in a non-immunocompromised or immunocompromised subject.
US08460911B2 Agent for use in the case of fructose intolerance
There is provided in accordance with embodiments of the invention a method of treating or reducing the effects in a subject of a condition selected from fructose intolerance and impaired fructose metabolism, the method comprising administering to a subject in need of such treatment or reduction an efficacious amount of a glucose isomerase, other than in combination with 5-D-fructose dehydrogenase. Other embodiments are also disclosed.
US08460908B2 Polypeptides having colanic acid-degrading activity
The present disclosure generally relates to polypeptides having colanic acid-degrading activity and methods of using the same. Polynucleotides encoding such polypeptides are also described. The polypeptides may be used, for example, in processes for degrading colanic acid, processes for the removal of endotoxins from biological samples, and processes for purifying plasmid DNA.
US08460902B1 DNA encoding hydantoinase, DNA encoding N-carbamyl-L-amino acid hydrolase, recombinant DNA, transformed cell, method of producing protein, and method of producing optically active amino acid
The present invention provides a method of producing optically active amino acids from 5-substituted hydantoin by isolating a hydantoinase gene and an N-carbamyl-L-amino acid hydrolase gene involved in an ability to convert 5-substituted hydantoin or N-carbamylamino acid into optically active amino acids from a microorganism of the genus Microbacterium having the above ability and by improving gene amplification and transcriptional and translational activities thereby preparing a recombinant wherein the amount of the desired enzymes produced is increased. The hydantoinase gene is, for example, a DNA encoding for a protein having a hydantoinase activity, which has the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:1. The N-carbamyl-L-amino acid hydrolase gene is, for example, a DNA encoding for a protein having an N-carbamyl-L-amino acid hydrolase activity, which has the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:3.
US08460889B2 Methods and compositions for diagnosis or prognosis of cardiovascular disease
The invention provides methods of screening a mammalian subject to determine if the subject is at risk to develop or is suffering from, cardiovascular disease. In one embodiment, the method comprises detecting a measurable feature of at least two biomarkers in an HDL subfraction, or in a complex containing apoA-I or apoA-III isolated from a biological sample obtained from the subject, wherein the at least two biomarkers are selected from the group consisting of apoA-I, apoA-II, apoB-100, Lp(a), apoC-I, and apoC-III, combinations or portions and/or derivatives thereof, and comparing the measurable features of the at least two biomarkers from the biological sample to a reference standard, wherein a difference in the measurable features of the at least two biomarkers from the biological sample and the reference standard is indicative of the presence or risk of cardiovascular disease in the subject.
US08460888B2 Variable domains of camelid heavy-chain antibodies directed against glial fibrillary acidic proteins
The present invention relates to the use of variable domains of camelid heavy-chain antibodies (VHH domains) directed against an intracellular target and having an isoelectric point of at least 8.5, for targeting said intracellular target or for the preparation of a peptide vector. Particularly, it concerns VHH domains directed against a glial fibrillary acidic protein and uses thereof for preparing therapeutic or diagnostic agents.
US08460875B2 Recombinase polymerase amplification
This disclosure provides methods for Recombinase-Polymerase Amplification (RPA) of a target DNA. The methods exploit the properties of the bacterial RecA and related proteins to invade double-stranded DNA with single stranded homologous DNA permitting sequence specific priming of DNA polymerase reactions. The methods have the advantage of not requiring thermocycling or thermophilic enzymes. Further, the methods allow amplification of DNA up to hundreds of megabases in length.
US08460872B2 Quantification of a minority nucleic acid species
The technology relates in part to quantification of a minority nucleic acid species from a nucleic acid sample. In some embodiments, methods for determining the amount of fetal nucleic acid (e.g. absolute amount, relative amount) in a maternal sample are provided.
US08460871B2 Cystic fibrosis gene mutations
The present invention provides novel mutations of the CFTR gene related to cystic fibrosis or to conditions associated with cystic fibrosis. Also provided are probes for detecting the mutant sequences. Methods of identifying if an individual has a genotype containing one or more mutations in the CFTR gene are further provided.
US08460870B2 Allosteric control of proteins by manipulating mechanical tension
A method of altering the conformation of a polypeptide having a known three-dimensional structure is described. The method comprises attaching a first end of a polymer to a first portion of the polypeptide, attaching a second end of the polymer to a second portion of the polypeptide, and altering the mechanical tension of the polymer, thereby altering the conformation of the polypeptide. The alteration of the conformation of the polypeptide may increase or decrease the binding affinity of the polypeptide for a substrate bound by the polypeptide, or alter the catalytic rate of an enzyme. Typically, the polymer is a polynucleotide or polypeptide.
US08460864B2 Methods for identifying compounds that modulate untranslated region-dependent gene expression and methods of using same
The present invention relates to methods for identifying compounds that modulate untranslated region-dependent expression of a target gene. The invention particularly relates to using untranslated regions of a target gene or fragments thereof linked to a reporter gene to identify compounds that modulate untranslated region-dependent expression of a target gene. The methods of the present invention provide a simple, sensitive assay for high-throughput screening of libraries of compounds to identify pharmaceutical leads.
US08460861B2 Method for producing hydrogen-containing fluid able to be used in a living organism
A producing method for a living organism-applicable hydrogen-contained fluid, which includes hydrogen molecules in living organism-applicable fluid enclosed in a container (2i) with hydrogen molecule permeability, is provided. This method includes a hydrogen exposing step of exposing hydrogen molecules to the container (2i) in which the living organism-applicable fluid is enclosed from the outside of the container without opening the container. The container with hydrogen molecule permeability is one that allows a dissolved hydrogen concentration of a normal saline solution to be 1 ppb or greater when the container filled with the normal saline solution is immersed for 5 hours in a volume of hydrogen water, which stably maintains an approximately saturated state (1.6 ppm at 20 C degrees under 1 barometric pressure) and is 20 times the content volume of the container.
US08460839B2 Ion-conductive polymeric composite membrane, membrane-electrode assembly, fuel cell, and process for producing ion-conductive polymeric composite membrane
An ion-conductive polymer composite membrane is provided which has both high gas barrier properties and high protonic conductivity. The ion-conductive polymer composite membrane includes an ion-conductive polymer and ion-conductive materials. The ion-conductive materials each include i) an inorganic layered structure including a plurality of layers formed of an inorganic compound and ii) a sulfobetaine-type or hydroxysulfobetaine-type ampholytic surfactant. The ampholytic surfactant is present between the layers formed of an inorganic compound. The present invention further provides a membrane-electrode assembly and a fuel cell which use the ion-conductive polymer composite membrane, and a process for producing the ion-conductive polymer composite membrane.
US08460838B2 Generator module architecture for a large solid oxide fuel cell power plant
A solid oxide fuel cell module contains a plurality of integral bundle assemblies, the module containing a top portion with an inlet fuel plenum and a bottom portion receiving air inlet feed and containing a base support, the base supports dense, ceramic exhaust manifolds which are below and connect to air feed tubes located in a recuperator zone, the air feed tubes passing into the center of inverted, tubular, elongated, hollow electrically connected solid oxide fuel cells having an open end above a combustion zone into which the air feed tubes pass and a closed end near the inlet fuel plenum, where the fuel cells comprise a fuel cell stack bundle all surrounded within an outer module enclosure having top power leads to provide electrical output from the stack bundle, where the fuel cells operate in the fuel cell mode and where the base support and bottom ceramic air exhaust manifolds carry from 85% to all 100% of the weight of the stack, and each bundle assembly has its own control for vertical and horizontal thermal expansion control.
US08460836B2 Cathode for fuel cell
A cathode for a fuel cell includes a gas diffusion layer contacting with a separator having a channel and a catalyst layer interposed between the gas diffusion layer and an electrolyte membrane. The catalyst layer of the cathode has two portions with different water-repelling properties, and a portion of the catalyst layer that does not face a channel has a higher water-repelling property than a portion that faces a channel. This cathode controls water-repelling property of the catalyst layer differently according to locations, so it is possible to keep an amount of moisture in an electrode in a suitable way and to restrain generation of flooding, thereby improving the performance of the cell.
US08460835B2 Fuel cell system
A fuel cell system increases an output voltage of a fuel cell if an electric power generation command value Pref for the fuel cell abruptly reduces while the fuel cell is being warmed up at a low-efficiency operation, which has lower electric power generation efficiency than that of a normal operation. Thus, the surplus electric power Ws corresponding to the difference between an electric power generation amount Pmes of the fuel cell and the electric power generation command value Pref is stored into a capacitive component of the fuel cell, thereby matching the electric power supplied to an external load of the fuel cell (Pmes-Ws) with the electric power generation command value Pref. This makes it possible to conduct control not to supply the surplus electric power to the external load when the electric power required from the fuel cell suddenly reduces during the low-efficiency operation.
US08460831B2 Paste-like mass with inorganic, liquid conductors and layers and electrochemical elements produced therefrom
The present invention relates to paste-like masses that can be used in electrochemical elements, comprising a heterogeneous mixture of (A) a matrix containing or comprising at least one organic polymer, precursors thereof, or prepolymers thereof, (B) an electrochemically activatable inorganic or largely inorganic liquid that does not dissolve the matrix or essentially does not dissolve the matrix, and, if required, (C) a powdery solid that is essentially inert relative to the electrochemically activatable liquid. The invention furthermore relates to self-supporting layers or layers that are placed on a substrate, comprising a heterogeneous mixture of (A) a matrix containing or comprising at least one organic polymer as defined in any of claims 1 through 7, (B) an electrochemically activatable inorganic or largely inorganic liquid that does not dissolve the matrix or essentially does not dissolve matrix, and if required, (C) a powdery solid that is essentially inert relative to the electrochemically activatable liquid, and composite layers with electrochemical properties that contain such layers. The layers and composite layers can be used advantageously for producing batteries, low-temperature fuel cells, solar cells, or electrochemical sensors.
US08460827B2 Rechargeable battery, anode, and current collector
A rechargeable battery including a cathode and an anode each capable of inserting and extracting an electrode reaction material, and including an electrolyte, in which the anode includes an anode current collector which is formed by including a current collector body. The anode current collector is provided thereon with an active anode material layer, and a plurality of conductive particles disposed on the surface of the current collector body with the surface facing the active anode material layer. The plurality of conductive particles is formed to include spherical particles and plate-like particles. Since a tridimensional structure having irregularities is formed on the surface of the current collector body with the spherical particles and plate-like particles, anchoring effects are greatly increased. As a result, the adhesion of the active anode material layer to the anode current collector is considerably improved.
US08460822B2 Positive electrode active material for non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery and method for producing the same
A positive electrode active material for a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery is provided. The positive electrode active material includes a composite oxide containing lithium and metal M other than lithium, and M contains Ni, Mn, and Co. The molar ratio of Ni to the total of Ni, Mn, and Co is from 0.45 to 0.65, and the molar ratio of Mn to the total of Ni, Mn, and Co is from 0.15 to 0.35. The positive electrode active material has a pressed density under a compression of 60 MPa of 3.3 g/cm3 or more and 4.3 g/cm3 or less. The positive electrode active material has a volume resistivity under a compression of 60 MPa of 100 Ω·cm or more and less than 1000 Ω·cm.
US08460818B2 Battery module
A battery module includes: a plurality of rechargeable batteries; and a connector for connecting a first terminal of one of the plurality of rechargeable batteries and including a first material, to a second terminal of another one of the plurality of rechargeable batteries and including a second material, wherein welded portions connect the connector to the first terminal and the second terminal, respectively, at least one of the welded portions including a nugget zone including a mixture of the respective materials of the connector and a corresponding one of the first terminal or the second terminal.
US08460804B2 Glass or glass-ceramic article coated with hard material and method for production thereof
The object of the invention is to create a hard-material coating for glass ceramics and glasses, a coating which is particularly temperature-resistant and protects the substrate from mechanically caused damage as well as chemical attack. For this purpose, a silicon nitride coating is proposed, which has a structure-free morphology in the volume.
US08460799B2 High-temperature resistant component and gas turbine hot part
A high-temperature resistant component for, e.g., a gas turbine hot part, includes an alloy substrate containing Ni, Co, or Fe as the principal component, and a thermal barrier coating formed over the surface of the substrate via a bond coat. The thermal barrier coating includes a porous thermal-barrier layer made of ceramic and an environmental barrier layer with corrosion resistance. An impregnated layer is provided between the environmental barrier layer and the thermal barrier layer. In the impregnated layer, the thermal barrier layer is impregnated with a part of the environmental barrier layer. The thermal barrier layer is made of a porous zirconia layer, and the environmental barrier layer includes silica as the principal component. The porous zirconia layer has pores impregnated with the part of the environmental barrier layer. As a result, the high-temperature resistant component has excellent corrosion resistance and excellent heat resistance.
US08460796B2 Coatings, composition, and method related to non-spalling low density hardface coatings
A composite body that is spall resistant and comprises a substantially discontinuous cermet phase in a substantially continuous metal rich matrix phase. The composite body is typically bonded to a substrate to form a hardfacing on the substrate. The composite body exhibits ductile phase toughening with a strain to failure of at least about 2 percent, a modulus of elasticity of less than about 46 million pounds per square inch, and a density of less than about 7 grams per cubic centimeter. The metal rich matrix phase between the ceramic rich regions in the composite body has an average minimum span of about 0.5 to 8 microns to allow ductility in the composite body. The composite body has a Vicker's hardness number of greater than approximately 650. The discontinuous cermet phase is in the form of ceramic rich regions embedded within the composite body, and it includes ceramic particles and a cermet binder. The ceramic particles having a Moh's hardness of at least approximately 7.5, a modulus of elasticity of less than approximately 46 million pounds per square inch, and an average particle size of from about 0.1 to 10 microns. The ceramic rich regions exhibit high hardness as compared with the matrix phase.
US08460785B2 Wrinkle-free nanomechanical film
Methods to control and prevent polymer films from buckling are provided. Buckled morphologies are created by thermally cycling or mechanically compressing a substrate such as poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) coated with a polyelectrolyte multilayer film. By varying the dimensions of the surface topography relative to the buckling wavelength (e.g., pattern size is less than, equal to, and greater than the buckling wavelength) the orientation and the local morphology of the buckled films is controlled. Based on the information obtained, we demonstrate how to alleviate the unavoidable buckling by incorporating nanoparticles into the film. In addition, we studied the effect of the silica layer that results from oxygen plasma treatment and the critical temperature for permanent film buckling.
US08460784B2 Digital image transfer belt and method of making
An image transfer belt is provided for use in digital printing applications which includes a base film layer having perforations therein which are filled with a conductive polymer layer to provide controlled conductivity to the belt. The belt further includes a compliant layer over the conductive polymer layer. The resulting belt exhibits electrical properties suitable for digital image transfer. These properties may be varied according to the desired application.
US08460774B2 Splice tape for imprintable webs
A splice tape for a thermally imaging web. A polymer tape layer, which is thin and strong, has an adhesive layer on its lower side and a thermally imaging composition on its upper side. The thermally imaging composition is similar to the thermal imaging layer on the web. When two ends of a web are joined, the splice tape is placed thereon to join the two ends. The splice tape may be printed at the same time as the web. The thinness of the splice allows the printing to be consistent at the splice, minimizing blank areas.
US08460773B2 Detachable sheet
A sheet having two opposing sides and a fiber orientation, comprising: a first section on one side of the sheet; and a second section on another the other side of the sheet and substantially parallel to the first section, wherein the sections are not transverse to the fiber orientation of the sheet, and wherein the sections are dimensioned and arranged so that respective separation lines and separation regions formed on the respective sides of the sheet when the sheet is torn result in a homogeneous outlook where respective separation regions are hidden from view.
US08460771B2 Retortable liners and containers
Retort liners and containers including a container body such as a bottle or jar, a closure, and the retort liner, wherein the retort liners exhibit attractive properties such as low compression set under retort conditions, desirable adhesion to a polymeric closure such as a cap or lid, and beneficial oxygen barrier properties. In particular, the retort liners are thermoplastic elastomers formed from compositions including one or more styrenic block copolymers, one or more polyolefins and a softener. In a preferred embodiment, the retortable containers are all plastic packages, wherein the bottle or jar and the closure are thermoplastic compositions and the liner is a thermoplastic elastomer composition.
US08460770B2 In situ moisture generation and use of polyfunctional alcohols for crosslinking of silane-functionalized resins
Polymer compositions comprise a (i) silane-functionalized polymer, e.g., a polyethylene grafted with vinyl triethoxy silane, (H) polyfunctional alcohol e.g., α,α,α′,α′˜tetramethyl-I,3-benzenediethanol and, optionally, (iii) acid, e.g., an alkylated aryl disulfonic acid. The use of polyfunctional alcohols in the absence of a strong acid yields a light-crosslinking of the silane-functionalized polymer and this, in turn, provides a polymer melt with improved extensional properties such as elongational viscosity and melt strength. The use of a polyfunctional alcohol in combination with a blocked strong acid provides a slow rate of crosslinking during melt processing and a high degree of ultimate crosslinking after the polymer composition has been shaped or molded.
US08460764B2 Method and apparatus for producing ultra-thin graphitic layers
In a method of producing ultra-thin graphitic layers, a carbide crystal is placed into a graphitic enclosure. The carbide crystal and the graphitic enclosure are placed into a chamber. The carbide crystal and the graphitic enclosure are subjected to a predetermined environment. Once the predetermined environment is established, the carbide crystal and the graphitic enclosure are heated to a first temperature for a predetermined period of time sufficient to cause at least one non-carbon element to evaporate from a crystal face of the carbide crystal so as to form at least one graphitic layer on the crystal face of the carbide crystal.
US08460759B2 Micronized wood preservative formulations
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, there is minimal leaching of the metal and biocide from the wood.
US08460756B2 Method for producing a pattern on an endless strip
The invention relates to a method for producing a topographical pattern from polymer material on an endless strip with a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction extending perpendicularly thereto, in which method a cylindrical rotary screen is used to apply the polymer material by the screen printing process to a circumferential side of the endless strip to be printed, wherein, when producing the pattern, the rotary screen, rotating repeatedly about its longitudinal axis, rolls on the circumferential side of the endless strip, whereby the pattern is applied to the circumferential side in at least one path running at least once uninterruptedly around the circumferential side in such a way that the beginning and the end of each revolution of the path are arranged along a common straight line, wherein, when rolling, the rotary screen performs N revolutions about its longitudinal axis during each revolution of the path on the circumferential side of the endless strip and N is a positive integer.
US08460745B2 Apparatus and methods for loading a drug eluting medical device
Methods and apparatus are disclosed for loading a therapeutic substance or drug within a lumenal space of a hollow wire having a plurality of side openings along a length thereof that forms a hollow drug-eluting stent with a plurality of side drug delivery openings. Loading a drug within the lumenal space of the hollow stent includes a drug filling step, in which the drug is mixed with a solvent or dispersion medium. The lumenal space may be filled with the drug solution or suspension in a reverse fill process and/or a forward fill process. After the drug filling step, a solvent or dispersion medium extracting step is performed to extract the solvent or dispersion medium from within the lumenal space such that only the drug remains within the hollow stent. A stent cleaning step may be performed to an exterior surface of the hollow stent.
US08460742B2 Method of developing latent fingerprints
Latent fingerprints on a porous substrate such as paper are developed for viewing and recordal by applying heat to cause the fingerprint to be clearly viewed under radiation to cause the fingerprint to fluorescence (e.g. a few seconds heating with hot air or client contact with a heated device at around 260° C.) and viewing under e.g. light of 200 nm to 550 nm with a filter in the yellow to orange wavelength region. Alternatively more extended heating can render the fingerprint assemble under ultraviolet light, and under yet more extended heating permits viewing under white light.
US08460740B2 Fruit breaking method and apparatus
Methods and apparatus for producing pieces of sweetened, dried fruit. Methods as described in the present disclosure generally include supercooling sweetened, dried fruit having a moisture content between 8% and 18%, and then breaking the supercooled fruit into pieces having an appropriate size distribution. Supercooling the fruit may be accomplished by immersing or otherwise exposing the fruit to a supercooling substance such as liquid nitrogen, liquid oxygen, or solid carbon dioxide. Breaking the fruit may be accomplished, for example, by rapidly vibrating the supercooled fruit on a screen, or by passing the supercooled fruit through a cutting device such as a centrifugal slicer, among others. A system for producing pieces of sweetened, dried fruit may include apparatus for drying the fruit, infusing it with sugar or otherwise sweetening it, immersing or otherwise exposing the fruit to a supercooled substance, and/or breaking the fruit through vibration, cutting, or the like.
US08460736B2 Liquid and stable olein fractions
The present invention relates to a stable and liquid olein fraction wherein less than 8.6% of the TAG species of said olein fraction have the general formula SMS and at least 26% of TAG species of said olein fraction have the general formula SMM, wherein S represents a saturated fatty acid and M represents a monoenoic fatty acid, which olein fraction is obtainable by fractionation of a high oleic high saturated sunflower oil; and collecting the liquid fraction. The invention further relates to a method for preparation of a stable and liquid olein fraction by low temperature fractionation of a high oleic, high saturated sunflower oil.
US08460729B2 Flexible and floating egg cooking apparatus
A multi-purpose device for holding food items for cooking, storage and other purposes is disclosed. One use of the device is for the poaching of one or more eggs. The device is formed and dimensioned to float in boiling water without tipping over and spilling an egg contained within.
US08460717B2 Liquid oral care product geared to disinfect and sterilize a toothbrush head in a collapsible condiment like package
The invention relates to an oral care liquid composition in a unique collapsible, air-tight, condiment like package geared toward sterilize and disinfect a toothbrush head.The product is poured onto a toothbrush head removing potentially harmful bacteria and germs from their toothbrush head.
US08460713B2 Administration of cells and cellular extracts for rejuvenation
The invention describes methods and agents for improving cosmetic appearance, for promoting, improving or restoring health of cells and tissues, preferably skin, and more preferably, for restoring aged or damaged skin to a healthy appearance. In some embodiments, the invention relates to compositions of cells, eggs, cell extracts, egg extracts, and extract components such as purified nucleic acids, polypeptides, lipids, carbohydrates or other natural products.
US08460711B2 Poly(citric acid) functionalized carbon nanotube drug delivery system
A method for synthesizing carbon nanotube drug carriers and the carbon nanotube drug carriers are disclosed. Initially, carbon nanotubes, nitric acid, and sulfuric acid are mixed to oxidize carbon nanotubes in a first mixture. The oxidized carbon nanotubes are then extracted from the first mixture. The oxidized carbon nanotubes and monohydrated citric acid are mixed to synthesize carbon nanotubes grafted with poly(citric acid) in a second mixture. The carbon nanotubes grafted with poly(citric acid) are then extracted from the second mixture. The carbon nanotubes grafted with poly(citric acid) and 4-(dimethylamino)pyridine are dissolved in anhydrous dimethylformamide in a third mixture. Next, a mixture that comprises a drug is added to the third mixture to synthesize the carbon nanotubes grafted with poly(citric acid) and the drug in a fourth mixture. Then, the carbon nanotubes grafted with poly(citric acid) and the drug are extracted from the fourth mixture.
US08460704B2 Extended release formulation of nevirapine
The invention relates to an extended release pharmaceutical composition comprising nevirapine.
US08460695B2 Making a soft tissue prosthesis for repairing a defect of an abdominal wall or a pelvic cavity wall
Surgical prostheses and methods of using and making surgical prostheses are disclosed.
US08460692B2 Alginate-based nanofibers and related scaffolds
Alginate nanofibers, scaffolds that include alginate nanofibers, implantable devices that include alginate nanofibers, and methods for making the alginate nanofibers by electrospinning.
US08460691B2 Fenestrated wound repair scaffold
Fenestrated wound repair scaffolds and methods for forming scaffolds involve dispersing human collagen having a preserved amount of native constituents in solution, depositing the human collagen dispersion in a tray, forming openings in the collagen dispersion and removing the liquid component to form a fenestrated wound repair scaffold. Fenestrated wound repair scaffolds include a network of openings passing linearly through the wound repair scaffold to form channels for cells to pass into so as to form a series of cell formations therein.
US08460678B2 Use of triplex structure DNA in transferring nucleotide sequences
The invention concerns a recombinant vector characterized in that it comprises a polynucleotide comprising a central initiation cis-active region (cPPT) and a termination cis-active region (CTS), the regions being of retroviral or retroviral-like origin, and the vector further comprising a predetermined nucleotide sequence (transgene or nucleotide sequence of interest) and retrotranscription regulating, expressing, and packaging signals of retroviral or retroviral-like origin.
US08460667B2 EPHA2 receptor antagonist antibodies
Antagonistic antibodies that specifically bind to and inhibit Class A Eph receptors are provided. Also provided are cytotoxic conjugates, pharmaceutical compositions and kits comprising these antibodies.
US08460660B2 Anti-mesothelin antibodies
The present invention provides monoclonal anti-mesothelin antibodies and antibody fragments and methods for their use. The antibodies can be completely human.
US08460655B2 Pharmacological vitreolysis
A method of treating or preventing a disorder, or a complication of a disorder, of an eye of a subject comprising contacting a vitreous and/or aqueous humor with a composition comprising a truncated form of plasmin comprising a catalytic domain of plasmin (TPCD). TPCDs include, but are not limited to, miniplasmin, microplasmin and derivatives and variants thereof. The methods of the invention can be used to reduce the viscosity of the vitreous, liquefy the vitreous, induce posterior vitreous detachment, reduce hemorrhagic blood from the eye, clear or reduce materials toxic to the eye, clear or reduce intraocular foreign substances from the eye, increase diffusion of a composition administered to an eye, reduce extraretinal neovascularization and any combinations thereof. The method can be used in the absence of, or as an adjunct to, vitrectomy.
US08460646B2 Methods and compositions for treating mammalian nerve tissue injuries
To achieve, an in vivo repair of injured mammalian nerve tissue, an effective amount of a biomembrane fusion agent is administered to the injured nerve tissue. The application of the biomembrane fusion agent may be performed by directly contacting the agent with the nerve tissue at the site of the injury. Alternatively, the biomembrane fusion agent is delivered to the site of the injury through the blood supply after administration of the biomembrane fusion agent to the patient. The administration is preferably by parenteral administration including intravascular, intramuscular, subcutaneous, or intraperitoneal injection of an effective quantity of the biomembrane fusion agent so that an effective amount is delivered to the site of the nerve tissue injury.
US08460645B2 Process for coating eyelashes
The disclosure relates to a process for coating keratin fibers, comprising the application to the keratin fibers of at least one coat of at least one dry-applicable composition presented in the form of a stick. The disclosure also relates to a process for coating keratin fibers, comprising placing the fibers in contact with at least part of the surface of a stick of a dry-applicable composition, and causing a relative displacement between the surface of the stick and the fibers so as to bring about erosion of the composition and its application to the fibers in the form of a deposit of at least one coat.
US08460644B2 Synergistic mixed poloxamer systems for the solubilisation of drugs
Drugs which are difficult to solubilize in water, and especially those which otherwise cause pain on injection, can be readily formulated and typically administered with substantially less pain when solubilized in synergistic, aqueous micellar preparations of poloxamers. Such preparations may also be prepared with less, or without, co-solvents.
US08460643B2 Formulation for prophylaxis of oral cavity diseases
The invention relates to medicine, namely, to stomatology, in particular, to formulation for prophylaxis of oral cavity diseases. The formulation comprises: drinking water, glycerol, xylitol, silica, xanthan gum, methylparaben, propylparaben, titanium dioxide, perfume, bromelain, sodium saccharin, sodium lauryl sulfate or alkylamidobetain, calcium glycerophosphate, and magnesium chloride or glycerophosphate magnesium at following component ratio, % wt.: glycerol—20-25; xylitol—10-14; i 10 silica—22-26; xanthan gum—1.2-1.4; methylparaben—0.2-0.3; propylparaben—0.08-0.12; sodium saccharin—0.1-0.3; titanium dioxide—0.2-0.4; perfume—0.7-1.0; bromelain—0.1-0.7; sodium lauryl sulfate—1.2-1.4 or alkylamidobetain—1.2; calcium glycerophosphate—0.6-1.0; magnesium chloride—0.08-0.16 or magnesium glycerophosphate—0.16; and water—up to 100.
US08460624B2 Process and plant for producing metal oxide from metal salts
A process for producing metal oxide from a metal salt includes supplying a first part of the metal salt to a hydrate drier so as to indirectly heat the first part of the metal salt in the hydrate drier using a heat transfer medium from a first stage of a multi-stage indirect cooler so as to dry the first part of the metal salt in the hydrate drier and so as to control a waste gas temperature of the process. A second part of the metal salt is guided as a partial stream past the hydrate drier. The metal salt is preheated in a first preheating stage and precalcined in a second preheating stage. The metal salt and a fluidizing gas having a temperature of 150° C. or less are supplied to a fluidized bed reactor so as to calcine the metal salt to form a metal oxide product. The metal oxide product is cooled in at least one suspension heat exchanger and then in the multi-stage indirect cooler.
US08460618B2 Immunoassay product and process
The invention is directed to an apparatus useful in conducting detection of compounds on blotting membranes. The device is comprised of several layers including a porous support layer below the blotting membrane(s), a flow distributor above the blotting membrane(s) and optionally a well on the flow distributor to contain the liquid to the desired area and to allow for lower starting volumes of such liquid. Preferably, the flow distributor is a non-binding or low binding hydrophilic porous membrane such as a 0.22 micron membrane and the support layer is a grid or sintered porous material. The distributor and support are held together to form an envelope around the membrane(s). The use of a hinge, clips and other such devices is preferred in doing so.
US08460617B2 Pipette tip and a method for pipetting a congealed blood sample utilizing the pipette tip
A pipette tip and a method for pipetting a congealed blood sample utilizing the pipette tip are disclosed. The pipette tip includes an attachment section configured to be attached to a dispensing device, a liquid containing section configured to receive at least part of an aspired liquid sample, and a liquid aspiration section that is connected to the liquid containing section. The liquid aspiration section has a distal end aspiration opening and at least one further aspiration opening in a side wall.
US08460612B2 Honeycomb body with structured sheet metal material and particle separator, catalyst carrier body and motor vehicle having the honeycomb body
A honeycomb body includes at least one housing and a honeycomb structure for a waste-gas purification system having at least one sheet metal material. The sheet metal material has elevations in at least one section and an edge contour enclosing the elevations. A portion of the area of the elevations in the at least one section is at least 80%. A particle separator, a catalyst carrier body and a motor vehicle having the honeycomb body are also provided.
US08460611B2 Pollution control devices, reinforced mat material for use therein and methods of making same
A reinforced mat (10) for a pollution control device has a first major surface (12), a second major surface (14) and a thickness, and the mat comprises ceramic fibers and a reinforcing mesh (22) disposed between the first major surface and the second major surface such that the mat is generally separated into two layers (16,18) by the mesh. The mesh comprises non-metallic fibers that are spaced-apart so as to define a space therebetween that is large enough that the layers of the mat are integrally joined together through the mesh. The mat has a total organic component weight that is up to about 5% of the total weight of the mat, and the mat is dimensioned for use, either as a mounting mat for mounting a pollution control element or as an insulator for insulating a region within a pollution control device in an exhaust system of an internal combustion engine.
US08460607B2 Microfluidic device having a flow channel
A microfluidic device having a flow channel comprising a hydrophobic membrane to improve control of flow and control of processing conditions in the flow channel, and to improve the removal of gas bubbles from the flow channel of the microfluidic device. In addition, the invention enables the process controls of the microfluidic device to know when gas bubbles have been removed, so that the next step in the process can be carried out.
US08460606B2 Automatic reactor for catalytic microactivity studies
The invention relates to a reaction device which is used to study the behavior of a catalyst in the presence of reactants. The inventive device includes: various different mass flow regulators, which are used to supply a known controlled stream of gases, a pump which supplies the system with liquid reactants from a container, a hot box, wherein there have been placed a supply current evaporator and preheater, a valve which can be used to select the process path, a reactor into which the catalyst is introduced inside a furnace, a system which can be used to separate the liquid and gaseous products by cold condensation under pressure and which controls the pressure in the line of output gases, and a system for controlling the level in the decantation operation, the system being automated and computerized.
US08460602B2 Method for producing regenerated target
A sintering method with uniaxial pressing includes: a powder filling step of disposing a spent target in an inner space of a frame jig having the inner space piercing in a uniaxial direction, and filling the inner space with a raw material powder for a target to cover an erosion part side of the spent target with the raw material powder for a target, a cushioning-material disposition step of disposing a deformable cushioning material so that the raw material powder for a target with which the inner space has been filled in the powder filling step is sandwiched between the spent target and the deformable cushioning material; and a sintering step of pressing the raw material powder for a target with which the inner space has been filled and the spent target in the uniaxial direction through the cushioning material and sintering them.
US08460596B2 Method of making a core comprising an envelope containing granular and/or powdery products, device and core obtained
A process for the production of a core that can be used for the manufacturing of a part that is made of composite material, whereby the core consists of at least one powdered and/or granular product (16), includes introducing the at least one powdered and/or granular product (16) by vibrating it in an outer envelope (14) placed in a device (18) having a cavity that is delimited by a wall (20) whose geometry is adapted to that of the core to be produced and flattening the outer envelope (14) against the wall (20), characterized in that vibrations are emitted slightly above the fill level during filling.
US08460589B2 Method for producing ceramic honeycomb filter
A method for producing a ceramic honeycomb filter by immersing an end surface of a ceramic honeycomb structure having a lot of flow paths partitioned by cell walls in a plugging material slurry in a container to introduce the plugging material slurry into the predetermined flow paths to form plugs, and taking the ceramic honeycomb structure provided with the plugs out of the container horizontally.
US08460574B2 Antistatic adhesive composition, adhesive film using the same, method for producing the adhesive film, and method of fabricating liquid crystal display
An antistatic adhesive composition, an adhesive film produced using the same, a method for producing the adhesive film, and a method of fabricating a liquid crystal display, the antistatic adhesive composition including 100 parts by weight of a (meth)acrylic adhesive resin, the resin having functional groups capable of bonding with a cross-linking agent, about 0.01 to about 15 parts by weight of a cross-linking agent, and about 0.1 to about 10 parts by weight of a quaternary ammonium salt, the quaternary ammonium salt being obtained by reacting an amine having two or more terminal hydroxyalkyl groups with one of an organic or inorganic acid.
US08460571B2 Lubricant composition for refrigerator and compressor using the same
Provided is a lubricant composition for a refrigerator, which is characterized by using a substance mainly containing a polyoxyalkylene glycol derivative and having a hydroxyl number of 5 mgKOH/g or less, as a base oil. Also provided is a compressor using such the lubricant composition for a refrigerator. The lubricant composition for a refrigerator is used for a refrigerator which uses a refrigerant having a specific structure such as an unsaturated fluorohydrocarbon and being usable in current air-conditioning systems for cars or the like. The lubricant composition for a refrigerator exhibits excellent compatibility with the refrigerant, while having excellent stability. The compressor uses such the lubricant composition for a refrigerator.
US08460568B2 Method for making nanostructured surfaces
A continuous method for making a nanostructured surface comprises (a) placing a substrate comprising a nanoscale mask on a cylindrical electrode in a vacuum vessel, (b) introducing etchant gas to the vessel at a predetermined pressure, (c) generating plasma between the cylindrical electrode and a counter-electrode, (d) rotating the cylindrical electrode to translate the substrate, and (e) anisotropically etching a surface of the substrate to provide anisotropic nanoscale features on the surface.
US08460562B2 Cochlear implant assembly
A method of forming electrode structures comprising a plurality of electrode pads and a plurality of electrically conducting wires extending from the electrode pads. The method comprises coating an electrode structure with a relatively electrically insulating material, arranging each of the electrode pads in a first arrangement; arranging the wires relative to each other to provide a sufficient gap of separation between neighboring wires; securing the wires to a remotely positioned anchor member to preserve a gap of separation between neighboring wires, and applying a coating of relatively electrically insulating material to the electrode structure.
US08460553B2 Recovery by vapor recompression of industrial process fluid components
The invention provides the combined use of UF and MVR for the treatment of industrial process fluid wastewater that contains recoverable material. The recoverable material desirably has a molecular diameter of less than about 5 to 6 nm and a boiling point of less than about 200 ° C. In one embodiment, the recoverable material may then be utilized in the preparation of another industrial process fluid. In another embodiment, the recoverable material is isolated and retained for later use. The invention thereby provides aqueous industrial process fluid which contains water; one or more of an emulsifier, oil, amine, biocide, thickener, lubricant, dispersant, antioxidant, corrosion inhibitor, alkaline compound, surfactant, and carrier; and one or more chemical compounds recovered from aqueous industrial process fluid wastewater treated with UF and MVR.
US08460550B2 Continuous processing and solids handling in near-critical and supercritical fluids
Apparatus for the continuous processing and solids handling in first near-critical and supercritical fluids. The present invention also allows for treatment of the starting material with the first near-critical or supercritical fluid. The remaining raffinate is then continuously transferred and may be collected in a second fluid.
US08460548B2 Rotating biological contactor apparatus and method
A wastewater treatment facility with a rotating biological contactor (“RBC”) system. The RBC sits in a tank that receives wastewater to be purified. The tank supports a rotatable shaft. One or more stages of rotating disk assembles progressively purify incoming wastewater. Each stage is oriented transversely to the shaft and has a plurality of disk assemblies. Each disk assembly has a number of disks. Each of the disks comprises multiple concentric arcuate segments. The segments are provided with two generally radially extending edges, two circumferential edges that extend between the two radially extending legs, and a front face and a back face. Posts extend from the front and back faces of the disks for stirring wastewater and for offering a site for adherence of biomass suspended in the wastewater. Connecting members interconnect adjacent disks and optionally define a flow channel therebetween. First and second engagement features also extend from one of the front and back surfaces of a disk that enable adjacent segments of a disk to be joined.
US08460547B2 Hollow porous microspheres
The present invention refers to a hollow microsphere having a porous circumferential wall comprised of nanofilaments.
US08460544B2 Supply device for dialysis apparatuses
The supply device for dialysis apparatuses, comprising a permeate line and at least one concentrate line for supplying permeate and dialysis concentrate(s) to a dialysis apparatus to be mixed so as to obtain dialysis liquid, and comprising a waste water line for discharging waste water out of the dialysis apparatus, is characterized in that the waste water line is in communication with a substantially funnel-shaped outlet container into which the waste water falls in a free fall, thereby impinging on an inclined wall section of the outlet container. Virtually no noise is created that would be noticed by a patient, and a pivotable door is preferably arranged at the outlet container for permitting the taking of samples in an easy way from the outlet container by means of small test rods.
US08460530B2 Method for modifying the concentration of reactants in a microfluidic device
A method of modifying the concentration of reactants and carrying out a chemical reaction on a microfluidic device in which first and second reactants are delivered into a reaction channel combined, the second reactant different from the first reactant and capable of reacting with the first reactant. The first reactant is subjected to a stacking process, thereby producing a first stacked reactant. The second reactant is subjected to the stacking process, thereby producing a second stacked reactant. The first stacked reactant is exposed to the second stacked reactant so that the first stacked reactant and the second stacked reactant undergo a chemical reaction.
US08460528B2 Reagent storage and reconstitution for a droplet actuator
On-board reagent storage, handling, and dispensing apparatuses and methods for droplet actuator systems are provided. In one embodiment, a fluidic analyzer is provided and includes a droplet actuator including a substrate including a plurality of electrodes configured to actuate a droplet and a reagent storage component in selective fluid communication with the droplet actuator and including a reagent configured to combine with a solvent at a time of use. In another embodiment, a method of conducting fluidic analysis is provided and includes storing a reagent within a reagent storage component in fluid communication with a droplet actuator including a plurality of electrodes configured to actuate a droplet and combining the reagent with a solvent at a time for use within the droplet actuator.
US08460516B2 Coke oven featuring improved heating properties
A coke oven of a horizontal construction of the non-recovery or heat recovery type is shown. The oven has at least one coking chamber, in which laterally vertical downcomers as well as horizontal bottom flues extend underneath the coking chamber for indirect reheating of the coking chamber. At least a part of the interior walls of the coking chamber is configured as a secondary heating source by coating it with a high-emission coating (HEB) that shows an emission degree equal to or higher than 0.9, and consists of the substances Cr2O3 or Fe2O3 or a mixture containing these substances, with the portion of Fe2O3 amounting to at least 25% by weight in the mixture, and with the portion of Cr2O3 amounting to at least 20% by weight in the mixture.
US08460509B2 Water evaporation system and method
A fluid evaporation system includes a housing bounding a fluid reservoir and an air flow path that is disposed over top of the fluid reservoir. The housing has an inlet opening and a spaced apart outlet opening that both provide communication between the outside environment and the air flow path. A fan is positioned to draw the air out of the air flow path through the outlet opening. A baffle projects into the air flow path at a location between inlet opening and the outlet opening so as to constrict the area of the air flow path thereat. A plurality of spray nozzles are positioned within air flow path between the baffle and the first end of the housing. A pump is configured to draw fluid from the reservoir and deliver it to the plurality of spray nozzles.
US08460500B2 Method for producing corrugated material
This invention relates to a method for producing corrugated material and processing strip material which is removed from the edges of the corrugated material during the formation process. The strip material is cut away from the corrugated material and expelled at a variable line speed to a trim processing machine. The line speed is measured by a sensor which provides a signal representation of the speed to a cutter assembly. The cutter assembly cuts the strip material at a cutting speed which is sequenced to the line speed such that the strip material is cut into a plurality of pieces. The pieces are generally uniform in shape and size across variations in the line speed as the cutting speed is synchronized with the line speed.
US08460499B2 Device for dispensing labels, such as self-adhesive labels, on objects
A labeling machine for the dispensing of labels, such as self-adhesive labels, on objects, such as containers or bottles. The labeling machine has an arrangement for the generation of a defined strip tension of the labeling material over its strip length between a looper and a dispensing edge, and for the generation of a defined strip tension of the backing material over at least a part of its strip length between the dispensing edge and a receptacle for the backing material.
US08460492B2 Use of adhesive tape comprising a spunbonded backing one-sidedly coated at least partially with a pressure-sensitive adhesvie
A method for thermally welding an adhesive tape to a polymeric substrate wherein the backing of the adhesive tape enters into a cured physical connection with the polymeric substrate is disclosed. The adhesive tape is comprises a spunbonded backing that is coated, at least partially, on one side with a pressure sensitive adhesive, preferably natural rubber or acrylate. The spunbonded backing can comprise polyester or polypropylene fibers that do not melt during the welding process, and may optionally include additives such as pigments, UV stabilizers and flame retardants.
US08460480B2 Abrasive wire cleaning apparatus with stirring nozzles
A stirring nozzle used in an apparatus for abrasive wire cleaning. The stirring nozzles can be used in series to create multiple cleaning steps wherein fresh cleaning compound contacts the wire to be cleaned. The cleaning apparatus moves both the wire and an abrasive cleaning compound through the interior of the stirring nozzles. At the exit end of each stirring nozzle, cleaning compound is moved outward from the wire path. At the inlet end of each stirring nozzle, cleaning compound is moved inward toward the wire path. The sequential in-and-out movement mixes the cleaning compound.
US08460479B2 Door assembly for a dishwashing appliance, and associated apparatuses and methods
A door assembly and associated components for a dishwashing appliance are provided, wherein the dishwashing appliance includes a tub portion defining a forward access opening. The door assembly is pivotably engaged with the tub portion and cooperates therewith to cover the forward access opening. The door assembly includes an integrally formed and structurally reinforced inner door member, without a separate reinforcement panel. The inner door member includes at least one reinforcing member integrally formed therewith and along a contour thereof so as to provide reinforcement thereof. The dishwashing appliance further includes a covering member configured to encompass a wiring arrangement associated with the inner door member, for protecting the wiring arrangement within the dishwashing appliance. Associated apparatuses and methods are also provided.
US08460474B2 Method of cleaning semiconductor wafers
A method of cleaning semiconductor wafers using an acid cleaner followed by an alkaline cleaner to clean contaminants from the materials is provided. The acid cleaner removes substantially all of the metal contaminants while the alkaline cleaner removes substantially all of the non-metal contaminants, such as organics and particulate material.
US08460464B2 Method for producing single crystalline diamonds
A method for producing one or more single crystalline diamonds. The method comprises placing one or more substrates on a substrate holder in chemical vapor vaporization (CVD) chamber. A mixture of gases including at least one gas having a carbon component is provided adjacent to the one or more substrates in the CVD chamber. Thereafter, the mixture of gases is exposed to microwave radiation to generate a plasma. Reactive species of nitrogen produced in a remote reactive gas generator are introduced in the plasma. Then, the one or more substrates are exposed to the plasma, such that diamond growth occurs at a rate of 10 to 100 microns per hour, to produce one or more single crystalline diamonds.
US08460462B2 Method and an apparatus for growing a silicon single crystal from a melt
Silicon single crystals are grown from the melt by providing the melt in a crucible; imposing a horizontal magnetic field on the melt; directing a gas between the single crystal and a heat shield to a melt free surface, and controlling the gas to flow over a region of the melt free surface extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the magnetic induction. A suitable apparatus has a crucible for holding the melt; a heat shield surrounding the silicon single crystal having a lower end which is connected to a bottom cover facing a melt free surface and a non-axisymmetric shape with respect to a crucible axis, such that gas which is directed between the crystal and the heat shield to the melt free surface is forced to flow over a region of the melt which extends substantially perpendicular to the magnetic induction.
US08460461B2 Clad textured metal substrate for forming epitaxial thin film thereon and method for manufacturing the same
The present invention provides an oriented substrate for forming an epitaxial thin film thereon, which has a more excellent orientation than that of a conventional one and a high strength, and a method for manufacturing the same. The present invention provides a clad textured metal substrate for forming the epitaxial thin film thereon, which includes a metallic layer and a silver layer bonded to at least one face of the metallic layer, wherein the silver layer has a {100}<001> cube texture in which a deviating angle Δφ of crystal axes satisfies Δφ≦9 degree. The textured metal substrate can be manufactured by subjecting the silver sheet containing 30 to 200 ppm oxygen by concentration to the orienting treatment of hot-working and heat-treating, and bonding the metal sheet with the oriented silver sheet by using a surface activated bonding process.
US08460460B2 Cementitious composition and admixture
A cementitious composition including at least one cementitious and/or pozzolanic material and at least one desugared molasses. A method of preparing a cementitious composition including forming a mixture of water, at least one cementitious and/or pozzolanic material and at least one desugared molasses. An admixture for cementitious compositions including: (i) at least one desugared molasses; and (ii) at least one alkanolamine and/or at least one polyhydroxyalkylamine.
US08460458B2 Healing agent in cement-based materials and structures, and process for its preparation
A process for the preparation of the healing agent in cement-based materials and structures, wherein said healing agent comprises organic compounds and/or bacteria-loaded porous particles, which porous particles comprise expanded clay- or sintered fly-ash. Furthermore, said porous particles are intact spheres, broken or crushed particles derived from said intact spheres, having a specific density between 0.4 and 2 g cm−3.
US08460452B2 Oxide material, electrophotographic photoreceptor, process cartridge, and image forming device
An oxide material including gallium, zinc and oxygen, a ratio of the number of atoms of zinc to the number of atoms of gallium (number of atoms of zinc/number of atoms of gallium) being from about 0.01 to about 0.6 and a ratio of the number of atoms of oxygen to the sum of the number of atoms of gallium and the number of atoms of zinc (number of atoms of oxygen/(number of atoms of gallium+number of atoms of zinc)) being from about 1.0 to about 1.6, is disclosed. An electrophotographic photoreceptor including a layer which includes the oxide material is also disclosed. An electrophotographic photoreceptor including a substrate; and a photosensitive layer including gallium, oxygen and zinc is also disclosed.
US08460447B2 Substituted oxazoline compounds or substituted oxazoline derivatives
Substituted oxazoline compounds and/or substituted oxazoline derivatives having amorphous, semi-crystalline, or crystalline properties and methods for producing such compounds and derivatives are presented. The substituted oxazoline compounds and/or substituted oxazoline derivatives are useful for various applications. For example, the substituted oxazoline compounds and/or substituted oxazoline derivatives may function as phase-change agents, a binder resins, rheology modifiers or plasticizers for ink compositions.
US08460441B2 Method and apparatus for operating ducted fumehoods with increased energy efficiency
A method for operating a ducted fumehood with increased energy efficiency, wherein the method includes passing exhaust air from the ducted fumehood through a heat exchanger, and passing other air through the heat exchanger, so as transfer heat content from the exhaust air to the other air, or to transfer heat content from the other air to the exhaust air, so as to temperature-condition the other air.
US08460437B2 Method for biogas treatment
The present invention provides a method and apparatus for the treatment of process gas from an anaerobic digestion system or a landfill gas system. In one embodiment, the system comprises a caustic scrubber including a vertical column having a top and a bottom and including a counter current flow system, wherein a process gas stream flows up vertically through the column in counter current flow to a caustic liquid solution that flows downward through the column. The caustic liquid solution removes at least one acid from the process gas stream, wherein treated gas that is substantially free of acids bubbles out through an opening at the top of the vertical column.
US08460428B2 Single-crystalline metal nanorings and methods for synthesis thereof
In various embodiments, methods for synthesizing single-crystalline zero-valent metal nanorings, such as single-crystalline copper nanorings, are described herein. The methods include providing a solution containing a metal cation, a complexing agent bound to the metal cation, thereby forming a metal complex that is at least partially soluble in the solution, and a reducing agent operable for reducing the metal complex to a zero-valent metal and then heating the solution for a sufficient time and at a sufficient temperature until zero-valent metal nanorings form. The solution may be an aqueous solution in an embodiment. Single-crystalline metal nanorings produced by the methods described herein may have a diameter less than about 100 μm and a wall thickness between about 10 nm and about 500 nm.
US08460427B2 Method for manufacturing metal nano particles having hollow structure
A method for manufacturing metal nano particles having a hollow structure is provided. First, a suitable reducing agent is added into a first metal salt solution, and first metal ions are reduced to form first metal nano particles. Next, after the reducing agent is decomposed, a second metal salt solution with a higher reduction potential than that of the first metal is added. Then, the first metal particles are oxidized to form first metal ions when the second metal ions are reduced on the surface of the first metal by electrochemical oxidation reduction reaction, and thus, second metal nano particles having a hollow structure and a larger surface area are obtained. The method is simple and the metal nano particles with uniform particle size are obtained by this method.
US08460426B2 Method and system for treatment of biological wastes for preparation of fertilizers
A method and system for treatment of biological wastes for preparation of fertilizers is provided. The method and system involves mixing a biological waste with a dilute sulfuric acid in a predetermined ratio. The mixture of the biological waste and the dilute sulfuric acid is then filtered to obtain an organic slurry and an acidic liquid. Thereafter, the organic slurry is thermally cracked at an elevated temperature to obtain at least one of an ammonia gas, one or more flue gases, and char and ash. The method and system further involves utilizing the ammonia gas, the char and ash, and the acidic liquid for preparation of the fertilizers.
US08460424B2 Aerosol separator; and method
Crankcase ventilation arrangements are shown. Preferred wet laid media materials, for use in such arrangements are described. Also described and shown are example crankcase ventilation components, parts for use with a preferred media described and characterized.
US08460423B2 Filter cartridge having central plenum and housing sidewall
A filter cartridge 12 that has a first and second layer of filter media 38, 40 that each have first and second major surfaces 32, 44 and a perimeter 46 and that each contain active particulate that is bonded together. A plenum 42 is disposed between the first and second layers of filter media 38, 40 such that the plenum 42 interfaces with the second major surface 44, 44′ of each layer of filter media. A housing sidewall 30 extends from the first layer of filter media 38 to the second layer of filter media 40 and is secured to the perimeter 46 of the first and second layers of filter media. The first major surfaces 32, 32′ of the first and second layers of filter media 38, 40 are each fluid permeable and are each in fluid communication with an exterior gas space. A filter cartridge 12 having such a construction provides a bifurcated flow pattern in a higher volume structure.
US08460420B2 Filter element
A filter element (300) comprising a housing (400) and a filter medium (500). The housing (400) comprises a plurality of walls forming a filter compartment (420), and an outlet chamber (422). A downstream wall (448) has a circular outlet opening (470) and an annular sealing gasket (472) surrounding the outlet opening (470). Lower corners (450) and sidewall fingers (452) carry clips (454, 456) for mounting the filter element (300) to an affixed bracket. The bottom wall (442) has a shroud-aligning catch (466) and fastener-insertion receptacles (468) for shroud-securing thumbscrews.
US08460417B2 Portable air filtration system
A portable air filtration system used in industrial environments to filter and re-circulate fumes from a fume source includes a housing that filters the fumes from the fume source. The housing defines at least one housing inlet to receive the fumes and a housing outlet to dispense the fumes. A receiving assembly is releaseably engageable with the at least one housing inlet and includes a receiver inlet and a receiver outlet. The receiver outlet is in fluid communication with the at least one housing inlet. The receiver inlet receives the fumes from the fume source and transfers the fumes to the housing inlet. The system is capable of being modified between a plurality of configurations.
US08460415B1 Filter element with percussion band
A filter element has a reinforcement band or ring along at least a portion of the perimeter thereof and performing a support function thereat preventing or minimizing damage upon attempted percussive cleaning of the filter element by service personnel striking the perimeter against an impact surface. Alternatively, a failure band or ring is provided along at least a portion of the perimeter and performs a designated failure function to a failure condition thereat upon attempted percussive cleaning, with the failure condition providing at least one of: a) an indication to service personnel that the filter element has been damaged and should not be re-installed; and b) a deformed condition preventing re-installation.
US08460411B2 Microchannel compression reactor
A process unit comprising: (a) a first microchannel module comprising: (i) a first unit operation including microchannels, in which at least a portion of a unit operation takes place, adapted to be in fluid communication with a first inlet stream and a first outlet stream, and (ii) a second unit operation including microchannels adapted to be in thermal communication with the first unit operation, the second unit operation adapted to be in fluid communication with a second inlet stream and a second outlet stream; and (b) a pressurized vessel at least partially containing the first microchannel module adapted to be concurrently occupied by a compressive medium in thermal communication with the first microchannel module.
US08460408B2 Hydrogen supply equipment
Provided is hydrogen supply equipment that, when switching hydrogen supplied to equipment using hydrogen from (i) hydrogen produced at a normal temperature or hydrogen stored at a normal temperature to (ii) hydrogen stored at a low temperature, supplies the equipment using hydrogen with normal hydrogen obtained by returning the hydrogen at the low temperature to a normal temperature and then passing this hydrogen through equipment for accelerating a conversion from parahydrogen to orthohydrogen.
US08460406B2 Process for preparing a feed containing biomass intended for subsequent gasification
The process of the invention describes a set of steps for preparing a solid lignocellulosic biomass type feed, alone or mixed with a liquid hydrocarbon phase with a view to supplying a unit for gasification of said feed. The various steps include drying, torrefaction, milling and constituting a suspension of particles of biomass in a hydrocarbon cut.
US08460403B2 Method of storing iron disulfide (FeS2) particles
A primary cell having an anode comprising lithium and a cathode comprising iron disulfide (FeS2) and carbon particles. The electrolyte comprises a lithium salt dissolved in a solvent mixture. Iron disulfide powder and carbon black is preferably premixed and stored. A cathode slurry is prepared comprising iron disulfide, carbon black, binder, and a liquid solvent. The mixture is coated onto a substrate and solvent evaporated leaving a dry cathode coating on the substrate. The cathode coating is then baked at elevated temperatures in atmosphere under partial vacuum or in an atmosphere of nitrogen or inert gas. The anode and cathode can be spirally wound with separator therebetween and inserted into the cell casing with electrolyte then added.
US08460402B2 Method for manufacturing a gasket
A gasket for a bipolar battery comprises a structural part in the shape of a frame having an upper surface and a lower surface, and at least one channel to permit gas passage through the gasket. The structural part may be made from a first material having hydrophobic properties. The gasket further comprises at least a first sealing surface arranged in a closed loop projecting from the upper surface, and at least a second sealing surface arranged in a closed loop projecting from the lower surface. The first and the second sealing surfaces are provided on at least one sealing part, are made from a second material, and the first material of the structural part has a higher elastic modulus than an elastic modulus of the second material of the sealing parts. A bipolar battery and a method for manufacturing a gasket are also disclosed.
US08460386B2 Transforaminal prosthetic spinal disc replacement and methods thereof
The present invention relates generally to a prosthetic spinal disc for replacing a damaged disc between two vertebrae of a spine and methods for inserting said discs. The present invention also relates to prosthetic spinal disc designs that are implanted using a transforaminal approach, methods thereof, and apparatus thereof.
US08460383B2 Inflatable multi-chambered devices and methods of treatment using the same
Inflatable multi-chambered devices are provided for repairing or replacing spinal discs and distracting neighboring vertebral elements. Also included are cushioning devices that may be used in a joint replacement device cushioning system. Further included are kits and systems that include such devices, methods for making such devices, and methods of treating patients in need of such devices. Examples further include cosmetic augmentation and restoration devices.
US08460382B2 Method and system for fusing a spinal region
A method and system for fusing a region in the spine involve the use of at least one guide tube to pass instruments and substances into the spinal region in a minimally invasive manner. In the preferred practice of the method, a guide tube is anchored to a vertebra and the guide tube is moved to thereby position the vertebra. A steerable drilling tool is passed through the guide tube and steered into position to abrade at least a portion of an intervertebral disc and thereby create a cavity in the disc. A flowable substance is passed into the cavity and permitted to solidify to establish fusion in the cavity. Optionally, an uninflated balloon is inserted into the cavity and the balloon is filled with the flowable substance to contain the flowable substance.
US08460375B2 Lens delivery system
A lens delivery system having a two folding mechanisms. The first mechanism is structured to fold an intraocular lens stabilizing ring, and the second mechanism is designed to fold an intraocular lens.
US08460364B2 Bioabsorbable polymeric medical device
In embodiments there is described a cardiovascular tube-shaped lockable and expandable bioabsorbable scaffold having a low immunogenicity manufactured from a crystallizable bioabsorbable polymer composition or blend.
US08460361B2 Manufacturing medical devices by vapor deposition
A method of forming a medical device, the method including the steps of providing a substrate, depositing a metallic layer on the substrate by a vapor deposition process, and removing the metallic layer from the substrate. The metallic layer thus removed is the medical device or serves as a basis for forming the medical device. In another aspect, the present invention includes a medical device formed by the process of the present invention.
US08460348B2 Locking bone screw and spinal plate system
A bone plate system including a bone plate and a bone screw with an integrated locking mechanism is disclosed. The bone screw includes an elongate member having a threaded shank and a bone screw head that is radially deformable. The integrated locking mechanism sits within the bone screw head and can rotate between a locked condition and an unlocked condition. When the bone screw head is seated within an aperture in the bone plate, rotating the integrated locking mechanism into the locked condition helps to prevent bone screw backout.
US08460342B2 Spinal cross-connector and method for use of same
A spinal cross-connector for connection between adjacent first and second rods and method for use of the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, a coupling member including a bar extends from a body portion opposite to and in longitudinal axial alignment with a c-shaped arm. A second coupling member which includes a rack extends from a body portion opposite to and in longitudinal axial alignment with a another c-shaped arm. The rack is superposed in a selectively adjustable overlapping mechanical engagement with the bearing surface. Each c-shaped arm includes an arcuate extension extending substantially parallel to the bar to define a gripping pocket. A set screw includes a conical profile that extends substantially perpendicular to the arcuate extension. The advance of the set screw is operable to urge the rod into pressing contact with the gripping pocket to secure the rod therein.
US08460340B2 Knotless suture anchor
A suture anchor comprises a tubular body having an axial bore therethrough and having one or more purchase enhancements on an exterior surface of the body adapted to enhance purchase of the body within a bone hole, such as threads. A lateral port passes through the body from the bore to the exterior surface. A length of suture for attaching soft tissue to bone passes down along the exterior surface over the one or more purchase enhancements, over a distal end of the body, up into the bore through and then back out of the bore and up along the exterior surface over the one or more purchase enhancements.
US08460338B2 Self-retainers with supporting structures on a suture
In embodiments of the invention, a manufacturing process produces and an. Article produced has a self-retaining suture wherein a force is used to squeeze the suture causing retainers to form out of material from the suture body. In an embodiment of the invention, fins are formed between the retainers and the suture body, wherein said fins support the retainers. In another embodiment, retainer stops are provided in order to prevent the retainer from settling back in the body of the suture.
US08460336B2 Systems and methods for vascular filter retrieval
Apparatus and methods for retrieving a vascular filter from a vessel are provided wherein a retrieval adapter is delivered to a treatment site concurrently along with an interventional device to reduce the number of steps required to remove the vascular filter. The retrieval adapter also reduces the possibility of entangling the vascular filter with a stent disposed within the vessel during removal of the vascular filter. A separate retrieval catheter is also described for use in conjunction with the retrieval adapter.
US08460335B2 Method of deflecting emboli from the cerebral circulation
Disclosed is a blood debris deflector, for preventing embolization during a surgical procedure, and methods for insertion and removal of the deflector. The method can include the steps of advancing an embolic deflection device through a first side branch vessel and into the main vessel, manipulating the deflection device such that it covers the opening to a second side branch vessel, and inverting the deflection device to remove the device from a patient.
US08460332B2 System and method of detecting implant detachment
A system and method of detecting implant detachment within the body of a patient. The activation of the heater coil causes the degradation, melting or reduction of a component that brings the heater coil into or out of electrical contact with another component, or causes the individual loops of the coil to contact each other, thereby resulting in a notable change in resistance in the circuit supplying the heater coil with electricity.
US08460329B2 Single-puncture lancing system
A lancing mechanism is adapted to move between resting, cocking and puncture positions and comprises a lancet holder, a shaft, at least one spring and a mass. The shaft is attached to the lancet holder and has an enlarged end opposite the lancet holder. The spring surrounds at least a portion of the shaft and has first and second portions. The second portion of the spring is attached to the lancet holder. The spring drives the lancing mechanism between the cocking and puncture positions. The mass is located along the spring with the first and second portions of the spring extending on opposite sides of the mass. The mass is distinct from the lancet holder. The first portion dampens the lancing mechanism when moving from the puncture position to the resting position.
US08460324B2 High speed pneumatic vitrectomy control
A method and system for controlling the cutting speed of a cutting device employable in an ocular surgical procedure is provided. The apparatus includes a control module, a variable gas pressure regulator arrangement configured to receive gas from a gas pressure supply, wherein the variable pressure regulator arrangement is connected to the control module and the control module is configured to regulate gas received from the gas pressure supply, and an accumulator configured to store gas received from the variable gas regulator arrangement at a selected gas pressure. Gas at the desired pressure is delivered from the accumulator to the cutting device. The gas may be air, and the variable gas pressure arrangement may include a single variable pressure regulator or multiple pressure regulators which typically are not variable with respect to the pressure delivered.
US08460323B2 Percutaneous methods for apparatus for creating native tissue venous valves
Percutaneous methods and apparatuses for forming a venous valve from autologous tissue. A catheter having a retractable dissecting system received therein is delivered to a target location where a new venous valve is to be created. A distal balloon or other radially-expandable component mounted on the catheter is expanded against the vein wall, and the dissecting system is proximally retracted to deploy one or more dissecting components that dissect a subintimal layer of the vein wall. Radial expansion of the dissecting component(s) within the vein wall creates one or more leaflets and corresponding pocket/sinuses in the vein that collectively act as a venous valve, and/or the radially-expandable component of the catheter is subsequently collapsed such that the dissecting component(s) each pull a flap of the dissected tissue towards the vein lumen to create one or more leaflet(s) and corresponding pocket/sinuses in the vein.
US08460313B2 Laser-cut clot puller
A device for removing blood clots and methods of making and using the same. The clot pulling device may include a first spine, a second spine disposed parallel to the first spine, and a basket disposed between and coupled to the spines. In addition, a pushing member may be coupled to the first spine and extend proximally therefrom.
US08460306B2 Surgical screw retention clip and method of using the same
A clip for retaining a screw on a tip of a screwdriver shaft. The clip comprises a housing that has a first end and a second end and a longitudinal axis extending therebetween. The housing includes a longitudinal bore that is accessible from both the first and second ends of the housing. A pair of jaw members is provided on the housing proximate the first end thereof. The jaw members surround a first portion of the bore and are configured to capture and retain a length of the screwdriver shaft therebetween. A pair of clamping members is formed on the housing proximate the second end thereof. The clamping members surround a second portion of the bore and are configured to capture a head of the surgical screw therebetween. During use, the screwdriver shaft is pushed downwardly and twisted slightly within the bore to engage the head of the screw. The screw is threadably engaged in a pre-drilled hole in the patient's bone. When the screw is sufficiently engaged to prevent it from accidently being dislodged, the clip is disengaged from the screw. The retaining clip prevents the screw from accidentally dropping off the screwdriver and allows the surgeon to use a single hand to install the screw.
US08460305B2 Cannulated surgical screw bone filler adapter
An adapter attached between a dispenser containing a bone void filler and the head of a cannulated surgical screw allows the cannulated surgical screw to be used as a port to inject bone void filler into a bone void during the course of a surgical repair which would use a surgical screw to attach broken or separated bone fragments providing a more secure bone anchor matrix within which the surgical screw is set.
US08460302B2 Arthroplasty devices and related methods
Methods and apparatuses for forming customized arthroplasty jigs are disclosed. Some of the apparatuses may comprise a plurality of rapid production machines and an automated mechanical system. The automated mechanical system may be configured to transport a first arthroplasty jig blank to a first rapid production machine and a second arthroplasty jig blank to a second rapid production machine. The first rapid production machine may be configured to form a first arthroplasty jig from the first arthroplasty jig blank, and the second rapid production machine may be configured to form a second arthroplasty jig from the second arthroplasty jig blank, the second arthroplasty jig having a different configuration from the first arthroplasty jig.
US08460292B2 Electrosurgical instrument and method
An electrosurgical working end and method for sealing and transecting tissue. An exemplary working end provides curved jaw members that are positioned on opposing sides of the targeted anatomic structure. The working end carries a slidable extension member having flange portions with inner surfaces that slide over the jaw members to clamp tissue therebetween. The working end carries an independent slidable cutting member that is flexible to follow the curved axis of the jaws. The electrosurgical surfaces of the jaws include partially-resistive bodies for carrying a current or load which modulates ohmic heating in the engaged tissue to prevent charring and desiccation of tissue to create a high strength thermal seal.
US08460291B2 Two piece tube for suction coagulator
An electrosurgical suction coagulator includes a housing having proximal and distal ends. An elongated tube-like shaft extends longitudinally from the distal end of the housing. The elongated tube-like shaft includes a tube-like dielectric sheath and a tube-like electrode disposed coaxially through the tube-like dielectric sheath. The tube-like electrode couples to a source of electrosurgical energy. A proximal end of the tube-like electrode couples to a source of suction. An electrically conductive distal tip is mechanically coupled to a distal end of the tube-like electrode and is in electrical communication with the tube-like electrode. The electrically conductive tip protrudes from a distal end of the tube-like shaft and has one or more aspiration ports defined at its distal end. The electrically conductive distal tip is made from a material having less thermal conductivity than the tube-like electrode such that the electrically conductive distal tip impedes the propagation of thermal energy proximally.
US08460290B2 Tissue coagulation method and device using inert gas
A gas-enhanced electrosurgical method and apparatus for coagulating tissue. The apparatus includes a first tube with a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end of the first tube is configured to receive pressurized ionizable gas. The distal end of the first tube is configured to deliver ionized gas towards a treatment area. The apparatus also includes at least one electrode positioned to selectively ionize the pressurized ionizable gas before the pressurized ionizable gas exits the distal end of the first tube. The electrode is adapted to operatively couple to an electrical energy source. The apparatus also includes a second tube with proximal and distal ends. The second tube is configured to selectively evacuate the ionized gas and dislodged tissue material from the treatment area.
US08460286B2 Conforming electrode
A conforming electrode for delivering ablative energy to tissue generally includes a plurality of flexible metal tubes, each having a longitudinal axis, a proximal end, and a distal end. The flexible metal tubes are arranged in a bundle with their longitudinal axes aligned parallel to each other. In addition, the flexible metal tubes are electrically coupled to a conductor for transferring ablative energy to the flexible metal tubes. The conductor may be a loop around the flexible metal tubes and to which the flexible metal tubes may be secured. The proximal ends of the flexible metal tubes may be secured to the distal end of a catheter shaft.
US08460281B2 Laser apparatus for human skin medical treatment
The invention relates to a field of systems for human skin medical treatments. The system consists in a biomedical apparatus (1) connected to a scanning device (5) by means of an articulated transmission system.
US08460277B2 End effector with release actuator
An end effector is disclosed that includes a tool including a drive configured to be coupled to and drive an engaging member for engaging a workpiece and a release member configured to be displaced to permit decoupling of the engaging member from the drive. The end effector also includes a housing configured to receive at least a portion of the tool and a release actuator disposed at least partially outside of the housing and coupled to the housing to permit movement between a first position and a second position to displace the release member to permit decoupling of the engaging member from the drive.
US08460274B2 Long term drug delivery devices with polyurethane-based polymers and their manufacture
This invention is related to the use of polyurethane-based polymer as a drug delivery device to deliver biologically active compounds at a constant rate for an extended period of time and methods of manufactures thereof. The device is very biocompatible and biostable, and is useful as an implant in patients (humans and animals) for the delivery of appropriate bioactive substances to tissues or organs.
US08460273B2 Sub-atmospheric wound care system
Methods and systems are provided for a sub-atmospheric wound-care (SAWS) system for treating an open wound. The SAWS system includes a regulated vacuum source for developing a negative pressure, a flow rate meter configured to measure a flow rate of liquid removed from the wound, a primary pressure regulating sensor located proximate the wound for directly measuring the negative pressure at the wound, a backup pressure regulating sensor located vacuum tube, a porous dressing suitable to be sealed airtight which is positioned within a wound interface chamber, a collection canister configured to collect said liquid removed from the wound, and an adapter configured to use wall suction a primary regulated vacuum source.
US08460271B2 Laparoscopic instrument and cannula assembly and related surgical method
A laparoscopic port assembly includes a cannula unit including three cannulas each extending at an acute angle relative to a base. The cannulas are flexible for receiving respective angulated laparoscopic instruments. The cannula unit is rotatingly received in a port holder for rotation about a longitudinal axis of the holder, the holder being disposable in an opening in a patient's skin.
US08460270B2 System, apparatus, and method for facilitating interface with laryngeal structures
A system and method of introducing interface elements for interfacing with laryngeal structures of a subject is presented. Illustratively, a tunnel is generated in geographical relation to the lateral wing of the thyroid cartilage of the subject and at least one interface element is introduced via the tunnel for interfacing with at least one laryngeal structure of the subject.
US08460269B2 Directed cell-based therapy using microbubble tagged cells
The disclosed technology describes compositions and methods useful for providing cell based therapy. For example, one embodiment of cell based therapy involves the regeneration of injured tissue and/or promoting wound healing. Certain embodiments provide improved therapeutic compositions using microbubbles by delivering biological progenitor cells to the injured tissues. The administration of the microbubbles is directed by acoustic radiation forces that interact with embodiments of microbubbles comprising an acoustically active gas. As such, a high efficiency of progenitor cell delivery to injured tissue is realized. One advantage of this technique over targeted delivery of pharmaceutical compounds, is that the delivered progenitors cells may be derived from the patient (i.e., personalized therapy), thereby avoiding side effects, allergic reactions, and overall problems associated with refractive drug responses.
US08460260B2 Individually packaged absorbent article assembly
An individually packaged absorbent article assembly including a tri-folded absorbent article having two end portions and an intermediate portion, and a pouch containing the tri-folded absorbent article, the pouch being structured and arranged to enable a user to selectively open the pouch to thereby expose a garment-facing surface of the intermediate portion of the absorbent article prior to exposing a garment-facing surface of either of the end portions of the absorbent article.
US08460254B2 Adjustable device delivery system
Herein are described components and use of an adjustable device delivery system including an adjustable internal door which allows angled deployment of medical devices, non-medical devices and electromagnetic radiation. In one embodiment, a slotted outer cannula is used with an inner drive cannula to guide the motion of an adjustable interior door that allows delivery of devices, such as medical instruments, at user-defined angles. The invention also provides device delivery systems that permit withdrawal of the adjustable device delivery system without disruption of a device placed therewith. The device delivery systems of the invention are provided having a steering system that permits exact control of the angle of the adjustable internal door while providing support against longitudinal forces. Also provided are embodiments of the devices of the invention comprising a locking system that provides frictional resistance to overcome unwanted displacement of the door angle and drive system when, for example, manipulation of the device delivery system during its use increases the forces applied to the door surface. The invention further provides methods for using the device delivery systems provided herein for delivering or receiving electromagnetic waves by deflection or reflection of such radiation by the adjustable internal door. The invention also provides methods for steering a device or device delivery system within a confined space.
US08460248B2 Endoscopic bite guard and related methods of use
A medical device may include a bite guard assembly configured to restrict sliding movement of an elongated member relative to the bite guard assembly. The bite guard assembly may include a main portion including a mouthpiece. The main portion may include a surface defining a passageway for receipt of the elongated member therethrough. The bite guard assembly may also include a securing portion configured to restrict movement of the elongated member through the passageway and that is configured to be disposed between the surface and the elongated member.
US08460247B2 Catheter assembly and components thereof
Catheter assemblies are generally discussed herein with particular discussions extended to catheter assemblies having a tip protector, a valve, a valve opener, and optionally a needle wiper. The valve opener is disposed inside a catheter hub and is configured to be pushed by an IV set luer connector to open a valve following successful catheterization to pass fluids or other solutions through the catheter. A tip protector is incorporated to block the needle tip and prevent the same from accidental needle stick. A wiper is optionally included to wipe blood deposits on the needle when the same is retracted from the catheter.
US08460245B2 Device for delivering a medicament
A device for delivery of medicament, which device comprises an elongated housing; a container (4) mounted within said housing and adapted to contain liquid medicament; a stopper slidably arranged within said container; and actuating means comprising a resilient member (60), a driving means (50) having one end connected to the stopper and a second end being operably connected to the resilient member, retaining means (40) for releasably retaining said driving means in a first position where said resilient member has an accumulated energy, and activating means operably connected to said retaining means for releasing said driving means to a second position, upon actively operation by an user, such that said accumulated energy is transferred to the driving means for driving the stopper a predetermined distance within the container whereby the medicament within said container i delivered characterized in that the resilient member is a variable force spring adapted for generating a predetermined sequence of at least two different force profiles during the medicament delivery.
US08460241B2 Needle protection assembly with locking element
The application relates to a needle protection assembly (1) comprising a support (2), a needle shield (8), urging means (10) located between said support (2) and said needle shield (8), tending to displace said needle shield (8) distally over said needle (3), wherein the assembly comprises one abutment (5) provided on said support (2), receiving a locking element (10a), a part of said urging means being laterally movable with respect to said support (2) and forming part of said locking element (10a).
US08460237B2 Medical device control handle with multiplying linear motion
A catheter adapted for use in a tubular region of the heart, has a catheter body, a deflectable intermediate section and a distal a mapping assembly that has a generally circular portion adapted to sit on or in a tubular region of the heart. A control handle of the catheter allows for deflection of the catheter via a first and second puller wire responsive to a deflection assembly and manipulation of distal assembly via a third puller wire responsive to a linear motion actuator assembly. The linear motion actuator assembly includes a pair of user interface knobs, a body to which a proximal end of the third puller wire anchored, and a pair of arms that movably suspends the body and transmits longitudinal travel of the knobs to the body in a manner that multiples the travel of the body relative to the travel of the knobs.
US08460233B2 Breastfeeding shield
The breastfeeding shield is configured for comfort and to facilitate the breastfeeding of an infant. The shield is formed of a soft thermoplastic elastomeric, e.g., silicone rubber or the like, and has a major portion closely conforming to the major contours of the female human breast. The major portion is relatively thin, the portion covering the areola being relatively thick and the nipple portion having an intermediate thickness. The hollow nipple includes reinforcing and spacing ribs therein to preclude contact with the natural nipple due to suction and resulting blockage of milk flow. One embodiment is configured for use by full term infants, and another embodiment has a smaller nipple extension for use by premature infants. Different sizes may be provided to suit the nursing mother. The shield is removably secured to the breast by disposable or reusable low-stick adhesive materials.
US08460227B2 Cytokine concentration system
Apparatus and methods for producing interleukin-1 receptor antagonist and/or other prophylatically or therapeutically effective protein. Blood is obtained from a patient with a conventional syringe and then introduced into dual luer lock centrifuge tube. The dual luer lock centrifuge tube is provided with beads that are coated with a silanized coating. The container is then incubated and centrifuged. Subsequent to the incubation and the centrifugation, the serum containing autologous therapeutically active protein, such as IL-1Ra, in the container is withdrawn through the luer lock of the container, and injected back into the patient.
US08460223B2 High frequency chest wall oscillation system
An therapy system is operable to deliver a plurality of respiratory therapies to the patient and has an assessment system operable to assess the efficacy of at least one of the respiratory therapies. The therapy system may be operable to deliver any one or more of the following therapies: a positive expiratory pressure (PEP) therapy, a nebulizer therapy, an intermittent positive pressure breathing (IPPB) therapy, a cough assist therapy, a suction therapy, a bronchial dilator therapy, and the like. The assessment system may comprise any one or more of the following devices: a flow meter, a spirometer, an electronic stethoscope, a tympanic thermometer, a pulse oximeter, a respiration rate monitor, and the like.
US08460219B2 Walking aid system
An object of the present invention is to realize mutual adaptation for mutual synchronizing in a man-machine system and make it applicable to the site of walking aid. A walking aid system of the present invention comprises: a sensor section (2) for sensing the motion rhythm of a walker, a recording section (33) for recording values of measurements of the motion rhythm sensed with the sensor section 2, a target setting section (34) for setting a target value for the motion rhythm of the walker, a timing generating section (36) for generating a timing signal according to the difference between the measurement and the target value, and a stimulus generating section (4) for generating rhythm stimulus that is recognizable by the walker, according to the timing signal generated with the timing generating section (36).
US08460217B2 Electronic pelvic organ prolapse quantification system
Systems and related methods for measuring pelvic organ prolapse are disclosed. A plurality of positioning devices, such as RFID tags, ultrasound reflectors or magnetic field sensors, which may be active or passive, and which are preferably disposable, are set at predetermined positions within the patient and their relative positions recorded with one or more corresponding external receiving devices fixed to the patient while the patient is in a relaxed state. The patient is then instructed to perform an action (such as a valsalva maneuver) that causes the positioning devices to move and their movement relative to their initial recorded positions is measured.
US08460213B2 Cut tubular members for a medical device and methods for making and using the same
Medical devices and methods for making and using the same. An example medical devices includes a core member and a tubular member disposed over a portion of the core member. The tubular member has a plurality of slots formed therein.
US08460209B2 Cervical cell tissue self-sampling device
A device, a kit, and a method of use thereof, for self-administration and collection of cervical cell tissue samples such as for Pap smear testing. The device comprises an insertion tube, within which is carried a movable cervical aligning tool with an aligning probe, and a cellular sampling tool with a cellular adhesion surface. The aligning probe and cellular adhesion surface can be selectively movable relative to the insertion tube to improve accuracy of the testing and user safety.
US08460197B1 Monitoring device with a pedometer
A monitoring device with a pedometer is disclosed herein. The monitoring device preferably comprises an article, an optical sensor, an accelerometer and processor. The optical sensor preferably comprises a photodetector and a plurality of light emitting diodes. A sensor signal from the optical sensor is processed with a filtered accelerometer output signal from the accelerometer to generate a pedometer function.
US08460195B2 Scanning mechanisms for imaging probe
The present invention provides scanning mechanisms for imaging probes using for imaging mammalian tissues and structures using high resolution imaging, including high frequency ultrasound and/or optical coherence tomography. The imaging probes include adjustable rotational drive mechanism for imparting rotational motion to an imaging assembly containing either optical or ultrasound transducers which emit energy into the surrounding area. The imaging assembly includes a scanning mechanism including a movable member configured to deliver the energy beam along a path out of said elongate hollow shaft at a variable angle with respect to said longitudinal axis to give forward and side viewing capability of the imaging assembly. The movable member is mounted in such a way that the variable angle is a function of the angular velocity of the imaging assembly.
US08460192B2 Ultrasound imaging apparatus, medical image processing apparatus, display apparatus, and display method
An imaging part scans a predetermined site of a subject to which a contrast agent has been administered, with ultrasound waves, and thereby acquires plural frames of ultrasound image data. A contrast agent inflow detector detects the inflow of the contrast agent into each region based on the signal intensity in each region represented in the plural frames of ultrasound image data. A reference time determining part determines, as a reference time, a time point when the contrast agent inflow detector detects the inflow of the contrast agent into a first region of interest. A color coding part obtains a relative time of the inflow of the contrast agent into each region with reference to the reference time, and generates image data representing the color of each region with a hue corresponding to the relative time. An image based on the image data representing the hue is displayed.
US08460183B2 De-looping tool for an endoscope
A method and apparatus for removing loops formed during endoscopic procedures including colonoscopy and small bowel enteroscopy. The device inserted through the biopsy channel of an endoscope reversibly engages the distal portion of the biopsy channel of the endoscope. When pressure is applied to the device handle external to the endoscope, the force is transmitted to the distal end of the endoscope advances and straightens out the loop. When the device is torqued, the distal end of the engaged endoscope torques which can remove a twist in the endoscope as well. Neither procedure requires removal of a portion of the scope or loss of position which occurs with conventional methods.
US08460180B1 Endoscopic lens cleaner
An endoscopic lens cleaning apparatus includes an end cap, a lens, first and second magnets, one or more guide rails to couple housings for the first and second magnets, and a wiper assembly that is attached to and capable of gliding along the guide rail. The wiper assembly houses a wiper magnet that interacts with the first and second magnets. At least one of the wiper magnet or first and second magnets is an electromagnet, coupled to a power supply via a switch. A controller alternates the polarity of current supplied to the electromagnet to cause the wiper assembly to glide along the rail. A wiper attached to the wiper assembly likewise glides along the lens, thereby cleaning it. The controller is programmable, and can operate in continuous, intermittent, or as needed cleaning modes.
US08460167B2 Thermally assisted pulsed electro-magnetic field stimulation device and method for treatment of osteoarthritis
A method, apparatus and a system for thermally-assisted pulsed electromagnetic field stimulation for treatment of osteoarthritis are disclosed. In one embodiment, the system comprises a multi-coil applicator adapted for positioning near or around of the treated joint, a pulse generator functionally coupled to the applicator, a power supply, and a feedback loop for stabilizing the temperature of the joint. The feedback loop includes a heating element, a temperature sensor and an electronic controller for maintaining the temperature of the joint in the range of 38 to 42 degree C. At elevated temperatures the healing effect of PEMF stimulation on the cartilage is maximized and overall efficiency of the treatment is improved. To produce a high electric field, the coils of the applicator are made with a low number of turns, for example less than 5 turns, and are spatially arranged to cover the whole joint without “dead” zones.
US08460165B2 Umbilicus for use in an umbilicus-driven fluid processing system
An umbilicus is provided for use in an umbilicus-driven fluid processing system. The umbilicus has a pair of anchor portions, at least one fluid-transmitting lumen, and a drive shaft. The fluid-transmitting lumen and drive shaft extend between the anchor portions. The lumen and drive shaft may be comprised of different materials. If multiple lumen are provided, they may either be separate from each other and the drive shaft or defined in a single umbilicus body which also provides a lumen for receiving at least a portion of the drive shaft.
US08460164B2 Exercise apparatus and method of use
An exercise apparatus configured to be readily stowed and transported. The apparatus includes a lifting bar and a pair of frames. Each of the frames includes a support member and base. Each support member has a distal end opposite its base and a series of adjustment holes therethrough for receiving one end of the lifting bar. The support member of one frame has a cavity that is sufficiently large to slidably receive the support member of the other frame. Each base has a stowage hole adapted to receive one end of the lifting bar. The apparatus includes fasteners by which the ends of the lifting bar can be secured within a pair of the adjustment holes in the support members to define a deployed configuration of the apparatus, as well as secured within the stowage holes in the bases to define a stowed configuration.
US08460162B2 Robot for gait training and operating method thereof
A robot for gait training includes a walking-assist robot (100) to be put on legs of a walking trainee; a treadmill (200; a load-hoist (300) for supporting the body of the walking trainee; and a controller (400). The controller (400) includes an input unit (410) for receiving or inputting information or commands, and a speed, angle and rotational force of each joint required for training of the walking trainee, an information storage device for selectively storing the information and commands received through the input unit (410), a control unit for controlling the walking-assist robot (100), the treadmill (200) and the load hoist (300) according to the information or commands input through the input unit (410) or transmitted from the information storage device, and a monitor (420) for displaying the information transmitted from the walking-assist robot (100), the treadmill (200), the load hoist (300) and the information storage device.
US08460156B2 Method for operating a vehicle drive train
A method of operating a vehicle drive train with a drive machine and a transmission device during a coasting upshift, during which at least one interlocking shift element that is engaged in the force flow of the transmission device, to produce the gear ratio to be disengaged, is disengaged from the force flow, and a frictional shift element that has to be engaged, in the force flow of the transmission device to obtain the gear ratio to be engaged, is engaged in the force flow. When a shift command is given for a gear ratio change, torque applied at the interlocking shift element to be disengaged is reduced to at least approximately zero, by a defined engine intervention, and the interlocking shift element is then disengaged from the force flow of the transmission device.
US08460146B2 Roller type transmission device
In a roller type transmission device 1, an array 11 of transmission pin rollers is press fit circularly into an inner side surface 10a of a stationary ring 10, and an array 18 of controllable pin rollers is press fit circularly into an inner side surface 13c of a rotational ring 13. To pin rollers 11a, 18a, employed are high precision cylindrical rollers or needle rollers which are usually used for a roller bearing or the like. Such is the structure that the array 11 of transmission pin rollers and the array 18 of controllable pin rollers work as inner teeth to make a backlash phenomenon minimum, rendering a pitch distance precise between the pin rollers, maintaining a uniform tooth profile with a high precision, equalizing a surface roughness and improving a meshing precision between the pin rollers 11a, 18a and the teeth 7a, 8a.
US08460137B2 Belt-drive CVT
A belt-drive CVT includes a pair of pulleys, each of which has a stationary pulley and a movable pulley that moves toward or away from the stationary pulley in an axial direction of the pulley, a belt that is wound around the pair of pulleys and a rotation state detecting device for detecting rotation of the pulley. The rotation state detecting device has a tone wheel that rotates integrally with the pulley and a sensor that faces the tone wheel. The tone wheel has a cylinder portion that extends along a moving direction of the movable pulley. The cylinder portion is provided with a plurality of detection portions which are arranged at regular intervals in a circumferential direction throughout an entire circumference of the cylinder portion and which extend along the moving direction of the movable pulley.
US08460134B2 Arrow point alignment system
An arrow apparatus includes a hollow arrow shaft, an arrow point alignment structure, an arrow point, and a central connection member. The hollow arrow shaft has an outer surface, an interior, and a leading end surface. The arrow point alignment structure includes a tapered portion and is positioned on the outer surface of the arrow shaft at a location proximal of the leading end surface of the arrow shaft. The arrow point is in contact with the tapered portion of the arrow point alignment structure. The central connection member extends into the interior and in contact with the leading end surface.
US08460130B1 Football snap aid
The football snap aid simulates a snap of a football by a center to a quarterback located behind. The football snap aid includes an apparatus that supports a padded release lever from below, and which when engaged in an upward movement shall release a spring-loaded arm that supports a football on a cradle. The spring-loaded arm translates from a lowered position to a hiked position so as to simulate actual movement of the football during a snap. The football snap aid includes an upper handle and locking tab that can rotate to reset the spring-loaded arm between uses. The apparatus includes adjustable legs that can accommodate differently sized end user. The spring-loaded arm includes adjustment means to accommodate differently sized end users.
US08460116B1 Slip joint and method for assembling the same
A slip joint comprising, a female portion comprised of four axially extending segments. The segments together create an outer perimeter. Each of the combined segments together form an inner surface of the female portion and each has its own ball tracks extending substantially the length of the female portion. A unitary male portion has an outer surface defined by a plurality of axially extending ball tracks. A unitary cage is located radially outward from the male portion and radially inward from the female portion. The cage has a plurality of ball apertures with balls located in the ball apertures. The balls are in contact with both the ball tracks in the male and female portions for selective movement of the male portion with respect to the female portion. A tube member is in direct radial outer contact substantially entirely along the outer perimeter of the female portion.
US08460110B2 Fantasy football system
A fantasy football game which is carried out as a tournament play over the Internet. The fantasy football game can be played between different computers. The hosting computer maintains information indicative of the teams performance as well as their strength of schedule. Winners who play in the playoffs are selected based on both information such as the win loss record, but also the strength of schedule. In addition to the win loss record, total points scored by teams, total numbers of losses and other information may be maintained in order to find more information about the win loss record.
US08460102B2 Hand-held interactive game
A game apparatus has a plurality of actuation devices in which at least two of the actuation devices require different mechanical actions for actuation. The apparatus further includes a speaker, a display screen, and a processor coupled to each of the actuation devices and to the display screen and the speaker. The processor outputs a first command signal to the speaker relating to a first actuation device, then outputs a second command signal to the speaker when the first actuation device is actuated, with the second command signal relating to a second actuation device. The processor outputs image signals to the display screen that are representative of the mechanical actions being taken.
US08460095B2 Gaming system and method for providing enhanced player opportunities for depositing monetary amounts above a designated level
An apparatus and method providing at least one input device which enables a player to deposit an amount of money into a gaming device and a memory device configured to store the deposited amount of money. The gaming device displays the deposited amount of money on a credit display. The gaming device includes a wagering game and at least one input device configured to enable the player to initiate a play of the game by inputting a wager using the deposited amount of money. The game includes a plurality of award opportunities. The gaming device determines which of the award opportunities to employ based on the deposited amount of money. In one embodiment, the gaming device provides an enhanced award opportunity if the deposited amount of money is at least a designated amount.
US08460092B1 System and method of a gaming machine with connected tiles
A system and method for implementing a gaming machine with connected tiles is presented. In an embodiment, a wager is received. A game with a playfield having a tile base and a plurality of tile locations is executed. The tile locations of the playfield are populated with tiles having (i) differing subsets of symbols thereon and (ii) a connection path to the tile base. Some initially-hidden symbols are presented, and a selection of one of them is received and revealed. Any tiles in the playfield having a symbol matching the selected symbol are removed, along with any remaining tiles that no longer have a connection path to the tile base. These selection and removal steps are repeated according to a game methodology. The playfield is evaluated for an outcome. An award is presented in the event that the outcome in the game merits an award according to the game methodology.
US08460089B2 Gaming system, gaming controller, and a prize triggering method
A triggering method for a win outcome on a gaming device includes determining an amount of credit on commencement of game play. A number of symbols displayed in the game is adjusted as a function of the amount bet, to thereby affect the probability of a win outcome being generated.
US08460079B2 Pari-mutuel wagering apparatus and method
A handheld device in communication with a tote board of at a pari-mutuel wagering event receives data concerning the competitive entries and the odds associated with each entry. For each event, a total bet is determined and a subset of entries picked for which the total bet is to be allocated among. A computation is made as to the allocation based on the current odds of each entry and the desired rate of return on the total bet if any of the selected entries wins. The bet and entry data is then uploaded to the tote board at which it is accepted and entered.
US08460078B2 Fantasy game system and method for player selection and scoring
A fantasy sports game device includes a memory configured to store a set of instructions and a processor configured to execute the set of instructions. The set of instructions cause the processor to receive a first fantasy lineup for a fantasy team. The fantasy lineup includes one or more players. The instructions further cause the processor to receive statistical information relating to each one of the players whereby the processor calculates a player point total for each player based at least in part on the received statistics. A fantasy team score for the first fantasy lineup may then be calculated by adding together the player point total for each player. The instructions further cause the processor to receive a subsequent fantasy lineup for a fantasy team where the subsequent lineup comprises one or more players, wherein none of the players of the first lineup are included in the subsequent lineup.
US08460073B2 Air conditioner for vehicle
In an air conditioning case of an air conditioner, an air mixing chamber, a warm-air bypass passage, a first warm-air passage and a second warm-air passage are provided. The warm-air bypass passage is located in a part of space, in which the air mixing chamber is provided, and the second warm-air passage is located at an opposite side of the first warm-air passage with respect to the air mixing chamber. The warm air flowing in the warm-air bypass passage makes a U-turn at the second warm-air passage and flows toward the air mixing chamber. Therefore, in the air mixing chamber, the cool air is inserted between the warm air from the first warm-air bypass passage and the warm air from the second warm-air passage, from two sides of the cool air.
US08460072B2 Method and device for processing a carcass part of slaughtered poultry
A method for processing a carcass part of slaughtered poultry includes making a preliminary incision on both sides of the sternum, the preliminary incision leaving the part of the membrane that is present between the inner fillet and the outer fillet intact, scraping loose the meat that lies against the sternum on either side using a first scraper, scraping at least a part of the meat of the inner fillet loose from the rib cage using a second scraper, cutting through the membrane connection between the inner fillet and the rib cage, and removing the outer fillet and the inner fillet from the bone parts of the carcass part, in which the connection between the inner fillet and the outer fillet remains intact.
US08460069B2 Lens holder
A lens holder (8) includes a metal holder main body (12) and an elastic member (14) which holds the processing center portion (13) of a processing target lens (7). The holder main body (12) has a fitting hole (20) formed at a front surface center. The elastic member (14) includes a fitting shaft portion (14A) to be slidably fitted in the fitting hole (20), and a lens holding portion (14B) integrally provided to the fitting shaft portion (14A). The front surface of the lens holding portion (14B) forms a lens holding surface (24) which holds the processing target lens (7). Before holding the processing target lens (7), a suitable gap (g) is formed between the front surface (18) of the holder main body (12) and the lens holding surface (24). When the lens holding surface (24) is urged against the processing target lens (7), the lens holding portion (14B) elastically deforms toward the rear surface and is urged against the front surface (18) of the holder main body (12).
US08460067B2 Polishing head zone boundary smoothing
A method and apparatus for chemical mechanical polishing of substrates, and more particularly a method and apparatus related to a carrier had for use in chemical mechanical polishing is provided. In one embodiment the carrier head assembly comprises a base assembly for providing support to the substrate, a flexible membrane mounted on the base assembly having a generally circular central portion with a lower surface that provides a substrate mounting surface, and a plurality of independently pressurizable chambers formed between the base assembly and the flexible membrane, comprising an annular outer chamber and a non-circular inner chamber, is provided.
US08460065B2 Sandblasting apparatus
A sandblasting apparatus for cutting a plate-shaped workpiece into a plurality of separate tablets includes a chamber defining a cavity, a support assembly received in the cavity, a sandblasting assembly for spraying sand toward the workpiece, a first mask located between the sandblasting assembly and the support assembly, a second mask located between the sandblasting assembly and the support assembly, and a mask switching member for selectively placing the first mask or the second mask over the workpiece. The support assembly is configured for supporting the workpiece and the tablets. The first mask cooperates with the sandblasting assembly to remove unwanted portions of the workpiece thus obtaining a tablet network consisting of a plurality of tablets and a plurality of connecting portions interconnected between the tablets. The second mask cooperates with the sandblasting assembly to remove the connecting portions of the tablet network thus obtaining a plurality of separated tablets.
US08460063B2 Polishing apparatus
A polishing apparatus for polishing an end edge of a work piece by bringing a bristle tip of a polishing brush into contact with the end edge of the work piece as the bristle tip passes the end edge of the work piece includes a support plate having a through hole into which the polishing brush is inserted and a suppression portion that is provided at the support plate and suppresses a deformation of the bristle tip of the polishing brush when the work piece is polished.
US08460051B2 Water ID technology toys and toy playsets
A toy system that can be used in a body of water. The system includes a plurality of toy accessories that can be placed in the water. Placement of a toy accessory into the water activates the accessory to generate a signal. The signal is received by a base station. The base station generates an output in response to the signal. By way of example, the base station can generate a speech pattern. Each toy accessory may provide a unique code to the base station. Each code may generate a different speech pattern.
US08460050B2 Transmission mechanism for remote-controlled toy helicopter
A transmission mechanism includes an upper holder block and a lower holder block respectively coupled to the shaft of the rotor system of a remote-controlled toy helicopter at different elevations, a stabilizer mounted at the upper holder block, two second links bilaterally coupled between the upper holder block and the lower holder block, a helicopter motor, and a first link coupled between the lower holder block and the output shaft of the helicopter motor for enabling the first link, the lower holder block, the second links, the upper holder block and the stabilizer to be relatively moved upon rotation of the motor.
US08460043B2 Mimetic gear
Methods and compositions which can reduce the disturbance to wild life caused when man attempts to interact with wild life and more particularly methods and compositions which can enhance the interaction of man with aquatic life with minimal disturbance to the aquatic life.
US08460041B2 Large outboard motor for marine vessel application and related methods of making and operating same
An outboard motor for a marine vessel application, and related methods of making and operating same, are disclosed herein. In at least one embodiment, the outboard motor includes a horizontal-crankshaft engine in an upper portion of the outboard motor, positioned substantially positioned above a trimming axis of the outboard motor. In at least another embodiment, first, second and third transmission devices are employed to transmit rotational power from the engine to one or more propellers at a lower portion of the outboard motor. In at least a further embodiment, the outboard motor is made to include a rigid interior assembly formed by the engine, multiple transmission devices, and a further structural component. In further embodiments, the outboard motor includes numerous cooling, exhaust, and/or oil system components, as well as other transmission features.
US08460033B2 Connector shield with integrated fastening arrangement
A shield for a connector that can provide a card-receiving slot is disclosed. The shield includes sides that provide an enclosure. The shield includes a fastener that is held in place by a retaining notch in a bottom of the shield. The retaining notch is configured to support the fastener in place and restrain it from unintended translation or rotation.
US08460032B2 Differential electrical connector with improved skew control
An electrical interconnection system with high speed, differential electrical connectors. The connector is assembled from wafers each containing a column of conductive elements, some of which form differential pairs. Skew control is provided for at least some of the pairs by providing a profile on an edge of the shorter signal conductor of the pair. The profile may contain multiple curved segments that effectively lengthen the signal conductor without significantly impacting its impedance. For connectors in which ground conductors are included between adjacent pairs of signal conductors, patterned segments of varying parameters may be included on edges of the signal conductors and ground conductors to equalize electrical lengths of all edges in a set of edges for which there is common mode or differential mode coupling as a signal propagates along each pair.
US08460023B2 Waterproof structure for a cable connector, and a plug connector, socket connector and cable connector utilizing the same
In the case where the cable CA is passed through the hole of the sealing tube and connected to the plug contact terminal and the socket contact terminal, when the female threaded portions and of the stepped pressure nut members and are respectively screwed onto the male threaded portions and of the plug housing and the socket housing, the outer periphery of the cable CA inside the plug housing and the socket housing is sealed by way of the pressing pieces and the sealing tube being pressed.
US08460022B2 Cold-shrink separable connector
A cold-shrink article having a chamber with an enlarged interior section to prevent the collapse of an end of a support core placed in the chamber.
US08460021B1 Card insert/eject mechanism having a position-limiting plate engaging a sliding block
The present invention is to provide a card insert/eject mechanism, which includes an insulating seat formed with a receiving space and a track groove; a metal housing covering the receiving space and track groove and having a position-limiting resilient plate at a bottom surface thereof; a sliding block slidable along the track groove and laterally provided with a pushing portion that extends into the receiving space thereby, when an electronic card pushes the pushing portion, the sliding block is moved against rear end of the insulating seat; a resilient element provided in the track groove for applying a force to rear end of the sliding block; and a release bar disposed in the track groove for releasing the position-limiting resilient plate and enabling the sliding block to push the electronic card out of the receiving space, so as to effectively solve the insecure card engagement problem in conventional push-push connectors.
US08460015B2 Fixing structure of shield electric wire and fixing method for shield electric wire
A fixing structure includes: a shield electric wire; a shield shell having a small diameter part having a hollow tubular-shape through which the exposed part passes, and an outer periphery being covered with an end of a peeled braided part of the shield electric wire, and a main body part having a hollow shape extended from the small diameter part and through which the shield electric wire passes; a shield ring clamped to the small diameter part under a state that the end of the peeled braided part is located between the shield ring and the small diameter part; and an inner holder that is inserted into and fixed to an inner part of the main body part under a state that the shield electric wire passes through the inner holder.
US08460013B2 Detection of improperly seated electronic component
A system comprises a circuit board, a pair of electrically-conductive board contacts mounted on the circuit board, and a connector assembly coupled to the board and adapted to receive an electrical component. The connector assembly has a pair of deflectable arms. Each deflectable arm comprises a conductive arm contact. Inserting the electrical component into the connector causes the deflectable arms to be deflected from a resting position and away from said electrical component thereby preventing the board contacts from electrically contacting the arm contacts. When the electrical component is fully seated in the connector, the deflectable arms revert back to the resting positioning thereby causing the arm contacts to electrically contact the board contacts.
US08460008B1 Electrical connector
An electrical connector includes an insulating housing, a plurality of probe pins assembled in the insulating housing, a magnetic block, a metal shell and a piece of mylar. The insulating housing has a base and a tongue extending frontward from a front of the base. The magnetic block is of a unitary block and has an inserting hole penetrating longitudinally therethrough and matching with the tongue. The metal shell is assembled rearward through the tongue to enclose the base, and the magnetic block sheathes the tongue in the inserting hole and abuts against the metal shell. A front end of the tongue further stretches beyond a front surface of the magnetic block. The mylar is sticked on the front surface of the magnetic block and defines a positioning window for positioning the front end of the tongue therein.
US08460007B1 Socket connector
A socket connector includes an insulating body having a base body and a holding body extending upward from a front of the base body. The holding body defines a terminal fillister spread to the base body. A plurality of openings is opened in a front face of the holding body and communicates with the terminal fillister. A terminal group molding in the terminal fillister of the insulating body has a plurality of elastic touching arms stretching outside the insulating body, and a plurality of contact slices exposed through the openings respectively. A magnetic body defines a window. The magnetic body is mounted to a front of the insulating body with the window facing the openings to further expose the contact slices therethrough. The terminal group has a ground terminal elastically projecting forward out of the insulating body to electrically abut against a rear face of the magnetic body.
US08460006B2 Conductors held between a terminal body and a base connected together
A connector for an e-textile having a conductive layer that includes conductors includes a terminal and a base separately provided from the terminal. The terminal has a mating end and a mounting end. The mounting end is terminated to the e-textile's conductors. The mating end is configured to be mated with a mating contact of a mating component. The terminal has a body and a plurality of tines extending from the body. The base is arranged opposite the body of the terminal such that the e-textile's conductors are positioned between the base and the body of the terminal. The terminal is crimped to electrically connect the terminal and the base to the e-textile's conductor. The tines are folded against the base to electrically connect the terminal to the base. The body of the terminal and the base engage the e-textile's conductors.
US08460005B1 Kit for building a model of a cell
A method of creating a model of a biological cell. The method features providing a circular base with indentations disposed therein, forming a cell membrane and at least one organelle from a mixture formed by mixing all-purpose flour and water. Organelles may include a nuclear membrane, a cell wall, mitochondria, a smooth endoplasmic reticulum (ER), a rough ER, a vacuole, a golgi apparatus, a nucleolus, a nucleoplasm, chromatin, a ribosome, DNA, RNA, transcription machinery, a histone, and a microtubule. The outside edge of the base is lined with the cell membrane. The organelles are inserted into indentations or atop the base. The organelles can be secured with glue.
US08459998B2 Display for visually estimating food portion sizes
A display having each portion thereof equivalent to a predetermined food portion size for providing an individual with a visual reference to estimate an amount of food the individual is eating. The display includes at least one figurine having a body member with a predetermined shape. The body member includes a label for identifying a portion size that it is equivalent to. A head member, having a predetermined shape, is attached to the body member. The head member includes a label for identifying a portion size that it is equivalent to. A predetermined plurality of at least one of leg members and arm members, having a predetermined shape, are attached to the body member. Each one of the predetermined pluralities of at least one of leg members and arm members includes a label for identifying a portion size that each one is equivalent to.
US08459984B2 Waste heat recovery system
A waste heat recovery system is coupled to a flare or exhaust stack of, for example, a landfill gas treatment system, to recover at least a portion of the energy within the exhaust produced by the gas treatment system and provides the recovered energy either indirectly or directly to a secondary process, such as a wastewater treatment process, to thereby reduce the amount of energy needed to be otherwise input into the secondary process. For indirect transfer of energy the waste heat recovery system includes a transfer pipe connected between the exhaust stack of a primary process and a heat exchange unit while an induction fan connected to the transfer pipe operates to create a draft within the transfer pipe to facilitate movement of some of the exhaust gas from the exhaust stack of the primary process to the heat exchange unit.
US08459977B2 Molded article transfer device
A molded article transfer device (150, 250) is described herein that is associated, in use, with an injection mold (100, 200). The molded article transfer device (150, 250) includes a transfer structure (151, 251) that defines, amongst other things, a first aperture (154A) that is structured to receive a first molded article (102A) from a first mold stack (106A, 206A) of the injection mold (100). The transfer structure (151, 251) also defines a first branch channel (156A) and a first trunk channel (158A) through which the first molded article (102A) is passable. The first branch channel (156A) connects the first aperture (154A) with the first trunk channel (158A) for passing, in use, the first molded article (102A) thereto, whereafter it passes through the first trunk channel (158A) towards an exit (164A) thereof.
US08459976B2 Apparatus to adjust the directional conductivity of nanocomposites
A directional conductivity nanocomposite material, apparatuses and processes for making such material are generally described. A directional conductivity nanocomposite material may comprise a supporting material such as ceramic or polymer, with directionally conductive nanorod structures running through the supporting material. The material may be made by orienting nanorods in an electrophoretic gel using an electrical or magnetic field to align the nanorods, removing the gel, reinforcing the nanorods, and flowing in supporting material.
US08459975B2 Structural surface design device
A structural surface design device for creating a design with finishing surface material on a surface, the device having a base with raised projections on the bottom. Such projections have less of an affinity for the finishing surface material than does the surface on which such finishing surface material is to be applied. A handle extends upward from the base. And, optionally, the cross-sectional shape of the base is the same as the cross sectional shape of a container for the finishing surface material with the dimensions of the container and the base being such that the edge of the base, when the base has been inserted into the container, is sufficiently close to the wall or walls of the container that any finishing surface material in said container will not cure.
US08459969B2 Screw fluid machine
A screw compressor has a balance bearing whose outer ring is movable relative to the casing. A balance piston divides a balance cylinder into a high pressure fluid chamber and a low pressure fluid chamber, and movement of the piston in the balance cylinder is transmitted to the outer ring of the balance bearing. The high pressure fluid chamber and the low pressure fluid chamber are arranged such that higher pressure fluid in the high pressure fluid chamber urges the piston to press the outer ring of the balance bearing oppositely to a spring and toward the main thrust bearing, and lower pressure fluid in the low pressure fluid chamber urges the piston to press the outer ring of the balance bearing away from the main thrust bearing.
US08459964B2 Noise reducing device for hermetic type compressor
A noise reducing device for a hermetic type compressor is provided that includes a plate film in a connection member that connects a suction pipe and a suction muffler to each other. The plate film bends and opens when a refrigerant is sucked while preventing a back flow of noise. The plate film is capable of sucking the refrigerant without interference and preventing noise or pressure pulsation transferred in a direction of the suction pipe in the suction muffler, and thereby is capable of remarkably reducing noise of the compressor.
US08459962B2 Variable displacement swash plate type compressor
Provided is a variable displacement swash plate type compressor including a cylinder block having a plurality of cylinder bores, a drive shaft rotatably supported by the cylinder block, a lug plate fixedly installed at the drive shaft, a swash plate rotated by the lug plate to vary its inclination angle, and pistons reciprocally accommodated in the cylinder bores depending on rotation of the swash plate, the compressor including a projection projecting from the lug plate toward the swash plate and disposed only behind the rotational direction of the drive shaft, a slope formed on the rear part of the lug plate at one side of the projection, an arm projecting from the swash plate toward the lug plate, a first guide coupled to the arm in front of the rotational direction of the drive shaft to move along the slope in a contact manner, and a second guide coupled to the arm adjacent to the projection to move along the slope in a contact manner.
US08459958B2 Automatic compressor overpressure control
The present embodiments provide a system having a motor, a compressor having a compression device configured to increase a pressure of a gas, a clutch configured to selectively transfer torque from the motor to the compressor to drive the compression device, and a controller configured to disengage the clutch if the pressure of the gas in the compressor meets or exceeds a first threshold pressure.
US08459955B2 Aerofoil
Composite aerofoils for gas turbine engines are commonly provided with a metal protection strip along the leading edge, to prevent erosion of the leading edge in use and to protect against impacts from foreign bodies. A problem with such strips is that they can cause serious damage to other parts of the engine if they become detached from the aerofoil. The invention provides an aerofoil having such a protection strip, characterized in that the protection strip includes one or more weakening features to reduce the ability of the protection member to withstand a compressive force applied along its length. The weakening features encourage the protection member to break up under impact, or if it becomes detached from the aerofoil, so that damage to other parts of the engine is minimized.
US08459952B2 Device and method for connecting a blade to a rotor shaft of a continuous flow machine
A device for connecting a blade to a rotor shaft of a continuous flow machine, includes a first fork foot which has a quantity of first foot lugs with first bore holes, a second fork foot which has a quantity of second foot lugs with second bore holes, and at least one connection bolt which passes through first and second bore holes to connect the first fork foot to the second fork foot. The device has a first area with a predetermined first diameter difference between a first inner diameter of one of the bore holes and a first outer diameter of the connection bolt, and a second area with a predetermined second diameter difference between a second inner diameter of one of the bore holes and a second outer diameter of the connection bolt, wherein the first diameter difference and the second diameter difference differ from one another.
US08459951B2 Rotor for an axial flow turbomachine
A rotor for an axial flow turbomachine is provided. The rotor includes a plurality of rotor discs that are arranged in stacks and clamped together with at least one tie rod. At least one of the rotor discs of the rotor comprises a smaller outer diameter than one of the neighboring rotor discs and that the difference in diameter is compensated by a drum surrounding the rotor disc with the smaller outer diameter as a ring. The drum may be made of a heat resistant material. The rotor discs surrounded by the drum may be made of a less expensive material. Furthermore, the drum may include at least one more blade ring than the rotor discs that are surrounded by the drum.
US08459943B2 Gas turbine engine rotor sections held together by tie shaft, and with blade rim undercut
An integrally bladed rotor is utilized in at least a stage of one of a compressor and turbine section. Airfoils extend radially outwardly from a platform, and there is an undercut inward from the platform at a downstream edge of the airfoil.
US08459942B2 Gas turbine engine component, a turbojet engine provided therewith, and an aircraft provided therewith
A gas turbine engine component is provided including at least one ring element, and a plurality of circumferentially spaced load carrying vanes extending in a radial direction of the ring element. The load carrying vanes have an internal structure with an anisotropic load carrying property, and the internal structure is configured so that a main load carrying direction is in parallel with the extension direction of the load carrying vane. The component includes a stiffening structure bridging the distance between at least two adjacent load carrying vanes in the circumferential direction of the ring element, and the at least two adjacent load carrying vanes are attached to the stiffening structure.
US08459938B2 Adjusting ring for adjusting the blades of the VTG distributor of exhaust gas turbochargers
The invention relates to an adjusting ring (1) for adjusting the blades of the VTG distributor of exhaust gas turbochargers, comprising a bearing ring (2) and a lever engagement ring (3) connected to said bearing ring (2), the bearing ring (2) and lever engagement ring (3) being separately manufactured individual parts which are connected to each other by means of a separate connection means (4).
US08459933B1 Turbine vane with endwall cooling
A stator vane assembly with a mate face gap and a seal slot to receive a seal pin. The seal pin includes a row of axial cooling air channels opening on a top side of the seal pin and extending toward a forward end of the seal pin, and a row of metering holes that supply cooling air from the gap below the seal pin to each of the axial cooling channels. Cooling air flows through the metering holes and along the axial cooling channels to provide cooling for the endwall mate face surfaces and the top of the seal pin exposed to a hot gas flow in the gap. Vortex chambers are formed on the forward ends of the seal pin mate face slots, and cooling air holes discharge cooling air from the vortex chambers downward from the vane leading edge corner.
US08459924B1 Gondola carriage assembly
The device pertains to a carriage which may be separate or integrated with a mobile, powered loading vehicle to load or unload railroad track materials to or from a gondola and a method thereof.
US08459920B2 Fastener
A integrally molded fastener for use in connection with a substrate, the substrate includes foam backing and a slot therein and the substrate includes a front side and a back side. An upper plate has first and second longitudinal tabs and first and second transverse tabs. A longitudinal head is interconnected with an upper plate by a shank. A shaft extends from the upper plate and branches extend from the shaft. The longitudinal head includes cutting edges, the fastener and the longitudinal head are rotatable and, cutting edges of the longitudinal head cut the foam backing of the substrate as the fastener and the longitudinal head are rotated. A method for using the integrally molded fastener which includes engaging, slidingly, the side wall portions proximate the wider portion of the longitudinal tabs with the walls of the slot first. Riding the side wall portions of the longitudinal tabs on the front side of said substrate and as rotation of the fastener and the longitudinal tabs continues.
US08459918B2 Cage nut for mounting server to server rack
A cage nut includes a substantially rectangular base portion, two sidewalls, two stopper portions, two arm portions, two clamping portions, and a nut. The sidewalls extend from two opposite edges of the base portion. Each stopper portion extends from an end of a corresponding sidewall away from the base portion. The two stopper portions extend toward each other. Each arm portion extends outwardly from an end of a corresponding stopper portion. Each clamping portion extends from an end of a corresponding arm portion and includes a first side edge and a second side edge. The first side edge and the second side edge are arranged in an angle. The angle is equal to or less than about degrees. The clamping portions extend away from each other. The base portion, the two sidewalls and the two stopper portions define a receiving space. The nut is received in the receiving space.
US08459913B2 Method and system of securing cargo
A method and system of securing cargo for preventing access to cargo during transportation is disclosed. In an embodiment, the system comprises a security net adapted for covering the cargo, the net comprising a panel with a periphery. The panel is made from a net with holes of sufficiently small size to prevent objects from readily being inserted therethrough without causing a tear thereto. The periphery contains a plurality of openings. The system also comprises a plurality of security locks adapted for locking onto a pallet beneath the cargo and coupling onto one of the plurality of openings. Each security lock has a first identifier for identifying whether the plurality of security locks belong to a predetermined set.
US08459906B1 Hole positioning system
A panel face drilling system using a plunge router wherein an attached guide assembly in conjunction with a guide rail registered to a dual position work holding fixture provides tool guiding means to repeatably drill hole patterns within an array of perpendicular columns and rows. The column and row positions are fixed in relation to the work holding fixture. Nonstandard hole positions are obtainable through use of spacers. The work holding fixture is configured to allow loading of two work pieces at a time each to be aligned against a fence, positioned against a stop, constrained by a resilient clamping means, ready for drilling. By referencing the hole position number sets marked on the tool guiding means one can quickly drill required holes in one panel and then drill a mirror image of that hole pattern in a second panel.
US08459905B2 Tool chuck with sleeve and clutch mechanism to remove operator variability
A tool chuck may include a chuck body defining a longitudinal axis. A sleeve may be mounted on the chuck body for movement between a first axial position and a second axial position. A clutch part provided on the sleeve. The clutch part may engage with a cooperating clutch part when the sleeve is in the second axial position. The clutch part may have a working surface that faces in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.
US08459898B2 Adjustable bolster swing legs for mounting and aligning and reorienting crawlers for slipform paving machines
A paving machine for spreading, leveling and finishing concrete having a main frame, center module, bolsters laterally movably, and a crawler track associated with respective aft and forward ends of the bolsters. A bolster swing leg for each crawler track supports an upright jacking column. A worm gear drive permits rotational movements of the crawler track and the jacking column. A hinge bracket is interposed between each swing leg and a surface of the bolsters to enable pivotal movements of the swing leg. A length-adjustable holder engages the pivot pin on the hinge bracket and pivotally engages the swing leg. The holder permits pivotal motions of the swing leg in its length-adjustable configuration and prevents substantially any motion of the swing leg in its fixed-length configuration. A feedback loop cooperates with transducers keeping the crawler tracks position. The paving machine can be reconfigured into a narrowed transport configuration.
US08459894B2 Expandable sealed pivot system with component lock/unlock function
A sealed pivot assembly with lock/unlocking functionality has an axis member having a plurality of threaded openings formed in both a first and a second end member. A pair of locking sleeves is positioned over each of the first end and second end of the axis member. An expansion sleeves is positioned over each of the pair of locking sleeves. Locking devices are inserted into the openings formed in each end of the axis member, the locking devices engaging the pair of expansion sleeves causing the expansion sleeves to expand to secure the axis member in the mounting lugs. A threaded dismounting tool may be positioned in one threaded hole to force the axis member axially causing the expansion sleeves to loosen.
US08459891B2 Dual wiper cosmetic applicator
An applicator for a cosmetic product is provided, which includes a container having an opening, a first wiper element coupled to the container, proximate the opening, and an applicator arrangement removably coupled to the container. The applicator arrangement includes an elongate hollow tube that is slidable through the first wiper element and has an opening defined by a rim at a distal end and a second handle at a proximal end. The rim defines a second wiper element, and the first handle is releasably fitted to the second handle. When the applicator arrangement is removed from the container the first wiper element scrapes excess cosmetic product from the applicator element and when the first handle is separated from the second handle the second wiper element scrapes excess cosmetic product from the applicator element.
US08459889B2 Multi-dimensional print cutting head
An apparatus and article for cutting print media associated with a printing process. A media cutting logic-controlled head is incorporated into printing hardware. The cutting head is provided with a plurality of cutting devices that may be implemented in the form of cutting pins. Control logic is provided to individually control an extension or actuation of each of the cutting devices. Multiple cutting devices may be simultaneously extended and retracted or activated and deactivated, to cut the media at multiple locations. The cutting head can be integrated with any of existing printers transforming a printer into a media cutting device capable of cutting two-dimensional complex shapes at the full line speed without requiring change in speed or reversal of the media at any point.
US08459888B2 Paper cutting device and printer
A paper cutting device comprising a fixed blade, a movable blade, a movable blade drive mechanism for moving the movable blade, wherein the movable blade and the fixed blade are disposed in substantially perpendicular positions.
US08459886B2 Printing method and device having first and second printing units
A first cutter 130 (cutting unit) is provided between a color recording unit 120 (the first printing unit) and an overcoat recording unit 140 (the second printing unit). A portion whereon color printing is completed by the color recording unit 120 of a recording paper 200 (printing medium) is cut off by the first cutter 130 and detached. An overcoat recording unit 140 performs an overcoat process on the detached recording paper (printing medium strip). In parallel with this, the color recording unit 120 performs next color printing on the recording paper 200. This makes it possible to reduce a printing time in a printing device including a plurality of printing processes without deteriorating printing quality. Further, an useless paper feeding is eliminated by optimally arranging the color recording unit 120, the first cutter 130, the overcoat recording unit 140, and the second cutter 160, etc. in accordance with a size of a printing area.
US08459885B2 Clock face keyboard
A compact alphanumeric keyboard providing the clock face familiarity for ease of learning and ease of use, with at least twenty eight alphanumeric keys, where the keys are arranged in a first set of twelve keys, a second set of twelve keys, and a third set of four alphanumeric keys. The first set and second set of keys are arranged to correspond with positions of a set of twelve hours on a clock face and the first set, second set, and third set are concentric with respect to a center, where the ratio of the radii of the first bounding circle, second bounding circle, and third bounding circle is substantially square root of seven, two, and one so that each of the plurality of key areas have substantially of equal area. Each of the at least twenty-eight alphanumeric keys has an indicia surface for being comfortably pressed by a finger.
US08459882B2 Shutter for a camera
A camera shutter is provided that includes a first drive member operating an opening blade; a first hook holding the first drive member in a charged position; a closing member operating a closing blade; a second drive member displacing the closing blade to position closing the shutter opening by operating the closing member; a second hook holding the second drive member in a charged position, and a magnet controlling operative timings between the first and second hooks. In operation, the magnet displaces the second hook from a rest position to a charged position and releases the first drive member from the first hook, thereby moving the opening blade. After a predetermined time, the magnet releases the hooking between the second hook and the second driving member such that the closing member is operated by the second driving member, thereby moving the closing blade to the position closing the shutter opening.