Document Document Title
US08552826B2 Laminated ceramic electronic component
A laminated ceramic electronic component having excellent mechanical characteristics and internal electrode corrosion resistance, high degree of freedom in ceramic material design, low cost, and low defective rate includes a laminate having a plurality of laminated ceramic layers and a plurality of Al/Cu alloy-containing internal electrodes at specific interfaces between ceramic layers; where the Al/Cu ratio of the Al/Cu alloy is 80/20 or more.
US08552823B2 Electromagnetic relay
An electromagnetic relay includes a fixed iron core; a movable iron core disposed opposing to the fixed iron core; a coil for generating a magnetic force when energized to make the movable iron core attracted by the fixed iron core; a movable contact coupled with the movable iron core; a fixed contact disposed opposing to the movable contact; and a reset spring for resetting the movable iron core when the coil is de-energized. The movable iron core includes a base body to which an expanding force of the reset spring is applied and a movable member provided independently from the base body. The movable member is attracted by the fixed iron core when the coil is energized to move integrally with the base body, and is reset by the expanding force of the reset spring when the coil is de-energized to slide independently from the base body.
US08552820B2 Filter, duplexer and communication module
A filter includes at least one series resonator and parallel resonators, the at least one series resonator and the parallel resonators including excitation electrodes and reflectors, the parallel resonators having different resonance frequencies, and at least one of the parallel resonators other than the parallel resonator having the highest resonance frequency being configured to have a pitch of reflectors that is smaller than that of excitation electrodes.
US08552799B2 Power amplifying circuit
A power amplifying circuit includes first and second operational amplifiers. The power amplifying circuit includes first to fourth feedback resistor. The power amplifying circuit includes a fully differential operational amplifier that is connected to the output terminal of the first operational amplifier at a non-inverting input terminal thereof, to the output terminal of the second operational amplifier at an inverting input terminal thereof, to a first signal output terminal at a non-inverting output terminal thereof, and to a second signal output terminal at an inverting output terminal thereof and maintains a constant differential gain. The power amplifying circuit includes a switching circuit. The power amplifying circuit includes first and second input resistors. The power amplifying circuit includes a midpoint potential controlling circuit that monitors a power supply voltage and controls the switching circuit.
US08552797B2 High accuracy RC calibradion circuit
In an RC calibration circuit, a single reference current is used to generate voltages across both a resistive and capacitive element. The component value of one of the resistive and capacitive element is successively altered until the voltages are substantially equal. Additionally, parasitic capacitances in the circuit are precharged to the resistive element voltage prior to the comparison. The RC calibration circuit eliminates the errors due to current matching and parasitic capacitances in prior art calibration circuits. The circuit includes a comparator and a digital control circuit (DCW) including a successive approximation register (SAR) holding the value of the digital control word used to control the component value of the tunable resistive or capacitive element. The SAR alters the DCW in an iterative, bit-by-bit binary searching pattern in response to the comparator output.
US08552796B2 CMOS circuit and semiconductor device
A CMOS circuit and a semiconductor device having small leakage current and a low threshold voltage, and which is operated at high speed and with a small voltage amplitude, including an output stage circuit having MOSTs configured such that when their gates and sources are respectively set to an equal voltage, subthreshold leakage currents substantially flow between their drains and sources, and upon deactivation, a voltage is applied to the gate of each of the MOSTs to cause a reverse bias to be applied between the gate and source of the MOST. Upon activation of the circuit, the MOST is held in a reverse bias state or controlled to a forward bias state according to an input voltage.
US08552794B2 Constant-voltage circuit
A constant-voltage circuit includes a first reference voltage generation unit which generates a reference voltage using a bandgap voltage of a bipolar transistor, a second reference voltage generation unit which generates a reference voltage using a field effect transistor, a constant voltage generation unit which generates a constant voltage with reference to either an output voltage of the first reference voltage generation unit or an output voltage of the second reference voltage generation unit, and a control unit which controls the first reference voltage generation unit, the second reference voltage generation unit, and the constant voltage generation unit. During an initial activation period, the first reference voltage generation unit and the second reference voltage generation unit are operated, and during a subsequent operation period, the first reference voltage generation unit is stopped.
US08552792B1 Switch circuit and electronic device using the same
A switch circuit and an electronic device using the same include a power switch transistor, a controlling circuit, a regulated capacitor, and a capacitor. The power switch transistor is connected between an input and an output of the switch circuit. An output of the controlling circuit is connected to a controlling electrode of the power switch transistor and outputs pulse width modulation (PWM) signals to turn the power switch transistor on and off. The regulated capacitor is connected between an output of the switch circuit and ground. The capacitor is connected between an output of the controlling circuit and ground for increasing an inclination of a rising edge and a falling edge of PWM signals to slow down the speed of switching the power switch transistor on and off, thereby making the regulated capacitor charge slowly and the output voltage of the switch circuit stable.
US08552786B1 System and method of adjusting current drawn by an integrated circuit based on frequencies of clock signals
A system including a first clock module, a second clock module and an adjustment module. The first clock module is configured to generate a first clock signal having a first frequency. The second clock module is configured to, based on the first clock signal, generate a second clock signal for an integrated circuit. An amount of current drawn by the integrated circuit is based on a second frequency of the second clock signal. An adjustment module is configured to receive an enable signal indicating whether the integrated circuit is being powered ON. In response to the enable signal indicating the integrated circuit is being powered ON, the adjustment module (i) determines a predetermined frequency, and (ii) generate a control signal based on the first clock signal. The control signal adjusts the second frequency of the second clock signal to be between the predetermined frequency and the first frequency.
US08552784B2 Semiconductor integrated circuit for generating clock signal(s)
A semiconductor integrated circuit according to an embodiment includes a clock signal generation section, a clock waveform shaping section and a plurality of function blocks. The clock signal generation section generates a clock signal of a predetermined frequency. The clock waveform shaping section generates a plurality of clock signals having the same phase as a phase of the clock signal generated by the clock signal generation section at rising edges and different phases at falling edges. Each of the plurality of function blocks has a plurality of flip flops that operate with any one of the plurality of clock signals generated by the clock waveform shaping section.
US08552767B1 Systems, circuits, and methods for a digital frequency synthesizer
Systems, methods, and circuits provide a digital frequency synthesizer where the output of the frequency synthesizer is a fractional factor of an input signal frequency. The digital frequency synthesizer may comprise a time to digital converter. A ramp offset signal may be added to the output of the time to digital converter. The ramp offset signal may be added to the output of a TDC until a reference dock signal reaches a value of pi. At such a point, the reference clock signal may be switched and the ramp offset signal may be restarted. As such, a frequency offset may be introduced at the input of the time to digital converter where the frequency offset may be modified by changing the slope of the ramp offset signal.
US08552765B2 Adaptive multi-stage slack borrowing for high performance error resilient computing
Adaptive scaling digital techniques attempt to place the system close to the timing failure so as to maximize energy efficiency. Rapid recovery from potential failures is usually by slowing the system clock and/or providing razor solutions (instruction replay.) These techniques compromise the throughput. We present a technique to provide local in-situ fault resilience based on dynamic slack borrowing. This technique is non-intrusive (needs no architecture modification) and has minimal impact on throughput.
US08552761B2 Flip-flop including keeper circuit
A flip-flop includes a transmission circuit configured to transmit data to a transmission line in response to a clock signal and a complementary clock signal. The flip-flop further includes a keeper circuit configured to latch data of the transmission line in response to the clock signal and the complementary clock signal to maintain the data of the transmission line constant.
US08552755B2 High throughput current-voltage combinatorial characterization tool and method for combinatorial solar test substrates
Measuring current-voltage (I-V) characteristics of a solar cell using a lamp that emits light, a substrate that includes a plurality of solar cells, a positive electrode attached to the solar cells, and a negative electrode peripherally deposited around each of the solar cells and connected to a common ground, an articulation platform coupled to the substrate, a multi-probe switching matrix or a Z-stage device, a programmable switch box coupled to the multi-probe switching matrix or Z-stage device and selectively articulating the probes by raising the probes until in contact with at least one of the positive electrode and the negative electrode and lowering the probes until contact is lost with at least one of the positive electrode and the negative electrode, a source meter coupled to the programmable switch box and measuring the I-V characteristics of the substrate.
US08552739B2 Electronic device and method for correcting time-domain reflectometers
In an electronic device and a method of correcting time-domain reflectometers, two channels of a time-domain reflectometer are connected to a corrector using cables, and the two channels are enabled to transmit pulses. Parameters Step Deskew and Channel Deskew of the two channels are zeroed. Resistance values of the two channels are measured simultaneously, and the value of the parameter Step Deskew of one of the two channels is adjusted according to the Resistance values of the two channels. Times of achieving the same resistance value of the two channels are measured after the cables and the connector have been disconnected, and the value of the parameter Channel Deskew of one of the two channels is adjusted according to the times of achieving the same resistance value. The adjusted values of the parameters Step Deskew and Channel Deskew are displayed through a display unit.
US08552737B2 High-voltage transformer
A high-voltage transformer for providing an alternating voltage in the kV range, comprising at least one secondary winding wound on a coil carrying body surrounding a transformer core, and an insulation housing encapsulating the secondary winding is provided to electrically insulate the secondary winding. Said insulation housing is walled by the coil carrying body carrying the secondary winding and by an enveloping body made of plastic and enveloping the secondary winding so that an annular gap is formed, wherein the annular gap between the secondary winding and the enveloping body is filled with an insulating fluid. The annular gap has a gap width of less than or equal to 20 mm viewed in the cross-section, and the enveloping body has a wall thickness of less than or equal to 20 mm, wherein the plastic is polypropylene, and a separate expansion volume is not provided for the insulating fluid.
US08552735B2 Switching apparatus and test apparatus
To perform a forcible disconnection when voltage outside a reference range is applied to a terminal, provided is a switching apparatus comprising a main switch provided between a first terminal and a second terminal; a voltage detection section that detects whether voltage of the second terminal is within a reference range; and a control section that controls the main switch according to a control signal received from a control terminal and turns OFF the main switch when the voltage of the second terminal is outside the reference range. The voltage detection section includes a detection switch that disconnects the second terminal and the control section from each other when the voltage of the second terminal is within the reference range and connects the second terminal and the control section to each other when the voltage of the second terminal is outside the reference range.
US08552717B2 Eddy current testing method and eddy current testing apparatus
It is an object of the present invention to provide an eddy current testing apparatus capable of accurately detecting any flaws occurring in a columnar or cylindrical subject to be tested regardless of their extending directions, with the use of the same probe coil.The eddy current testing apparatus 100 according to the present invention comprises a spinning plate 1 and a probe coil 2 disposed on the spinning plate 1. The probe coil is a probe coil capable of obtaining a differential output about a scanning direction of a detection signal which corresponds to a detected eddy current induced in the subject to be tested. The spinning plate is disposed in such a position that a spinning center RC of the spinning plate faces with an axial center PC of the subject to be tested. A distance R between the spinning center of the spinning plate and a center of the probe coil is set so that a difference between a maximum amplitude of a differential output at an axially extending artificial flaw provided in the subject to be tested and a maximum amplitude of a differential output at a circumferentially extending artificial flaw provided in the subject to be tested falls within a predetermined range.
US08552710B2 Calibration apparatus and method thereof, multi-channel driving circuit and current balancing method
A calibration method for adjusting an offset voltage of a unit is proposed. The unit, capable of operating in a calibration mode or a normal mode, includes a first input terminal, a second input terminal and an output terminal. The calibration method includes: operating the unit in a calibration mode; providing a programmable voltage to the first input terminal; providing a constant voltage to the second input terminal; adjusting the programmable voltage monotonously when an output status of the output terminal is not changed; latching the programmable voltage when the output status toggles; and operating the unit in a normal mode after the output status toggles.
US08552708B2 Monolithic DC/DC power management module with surface FET
A monolithic DC to DC converter, provides a semiconductor substrate, a surface FET formed on the semiconductor substrate that modulates currents across a surface of the semiconductor substrate, and a toroidal inductor with a magnetic core formed on the substrate around the FET and having a first winding connected to the FET.
US08552705B2 Lower power controller for DC to DC converters
The present invention relates to a DC to DC converter system (100), which comprises converter means (110) and control means (120). The switching sequence of the first, second and third switching means (S1, S2, S3) is controlled by the control means (120) in such a manner that, during the on-time of the second switching device (S2), the first current (II) that flows through the inductive storage element (L) of the converter means (110) can be indirectly measured through the first voltage (VC1) across the capacitive storage element (C1), which is being charged with a second current (12) proportional to the input voltage (Vin) of the converter means (110) and provided by the current source (CS). Thus, the on-time of the second switching means (S2) varies inversely proportional to the input voltage (Vin).
US08552690B2 Method and system for automatically detecting a voltage of a battery
Embodiments disclosed herein provide methods and systems for auto-voltage detect chargers. One disclosed method comprises the steps of determining a condition of a battery based at least in part on a measured response to a predetermined test charge; and determining a voltage rating of the battery based at least in part on the condition of the battery and a response to a precharge process.
US08552674B2 Method for control of synchronous electrical motors
Method for control of synchronous electrical motors that enables determining the instantaneous motor load angle and rotor speed without using rotor position sensors. The method is realized with solving the set of differential equations that govern the currents in the stator windings of the motor for the time intervals between each two consecutive crossings of the currents in the windings of their set values and deriving relationships between the induced in the windings back-electromotive force voltages and the parameters of the Pulse Width Modulation. The parameters of the Pulse Width Modulation are measured and stored in a memory and based on the derived relationships the values of the back-electromotive force voltages are calculated continuously in time. From the values of the back-electromotive force voltages the motor load angle and rotor speed are calculated and used as feedback signals for the closed-loop control of the motor.
US08552672B2 Method and apparatus to drive two-phase motors from a three-phase bridge
A motor drive for driving two-phase motors using a three-phase bridge output stage, and a method of operating the drive. The driven two-phase motor can be a two-phase bipolar motor (such as a hybrid stepping motor). The drive can also be configured so that a single output stage can be used to drive either two-phase or three-phase motors, with or without a feedback sensor. A reference return is provided from one of the three half-bridge output stages with each of the motor phase windings connected between the reference return and one of the other half-bridge outputs. The switches of each half-bridge are modulated so that current can be controlled in each of the two motor phase windings.
US08552666B2 System and method for controlling a lighting system with a plurality of light sources
The invention relates to the controlling of a lighting system with a plurality of light sources, particularly to the semi-automatic commissioning of light sources of the lighting system or controlling of the creation of lighting scenes with the lighting system. A basic idea of the invention is to use a spatial coding of light for controlling a lighting system, particularly for commissioning of light sources of the lighting system instead of or in addition to the temporal light coding as applied in the prior art. An embodiment of the invention relates to a system for controlling a lighting system with a plurality of light sources (1, 2) comprising a light system controller (5) for controlling the light sources in that a spatial light pattern (11, 12, 21, 22) is created, which codes one or more attributes (512) of the light sources (511), and a light pattern capturing device (3) for capturing the created spatial light pattern and communicating (32, 52) with the light system controller (5) in order to enable the controlling of the one or more light sources based on the captured spatial light pattern. A spatial coding is particularly suitable for wallwasher light sources, and thus especially assists personnel in commissioning wallwasher light sources of a lighting system.
US08552665B2 Proactive arc management of a plasma load
Proactive arc management systems and methods are disclosed. In many implementations, proactive arc management is accomplished by executing an arc handling routine in response to an actual arc occurring in the plasma load and in response to proactive arc handling requests in a sampling interval. The number of proactive arc handling requests in a sampling interval is a function of a proactive arc management count that in turn is a function of actual number of arcs in a preceding sampling interval. Accordingly during a present sampling interval proactive arc management executes arc handling for actual arcs in the present sampling interval and for each count in a proactive arc management count updated as a function of the number of arcs in the immediately preceding sampling interval.
US08552661B2 Multi-energy vehicle illuminating system and method
A vehicle multi-energy illuminating system is disclosed. The system having at least one multi-energy source module configured to collect waste energy from a vehicle headlamp, the at least one a multi-energy source module having at least one photovoltaic device configured to collect infrared energy and at least one photovoltaic device configured to collect visible light energy from the vehicle headlamp: at least one solar energy source module configured to collect visible light energy not generated from the vehicle headlamp bulb; a rechargeable battery coupled to the least one multi-energy source module and the at least one solar energy source module, the rechargeable battery being configured to collect and store the waste energy from the headlamp bulb and the visible light energy not generated from the vehicle headlamp bulb; a safety light; a light sensor; and a microcontroller coupled to the rechargeable battery, the safety light and the light sensor, wherein the microcontroller illuminates the safety light by coupling the safety light to the rechargeable battery when the light sensor provides a signal to the microcontroller indicating that detected light is below a predetermined value.
US08552652B2 Lighting device, manufacturing method thereof, and electronic apparatus
A lighting unit includes, a plurality of light emitting elements which has a first substrate, a supporting electrode, light emitting functional layers, first electrodes, and a second electrode; a plurality of fuse units,; an insulating first partitioning wall which separates each of the light emitting functional layers from each other, and each of the first electrodes from each other; and an insulating second partitioning wall which separates each of fuse units from each other. One of the plurality of fuse units electrically connects one of the first electrodes and the supporting electrode.
US08552650B2 Plasma formation region control apparatus and plasma processing apparatus
There is provided a plasma formation region control apparatus, with which a large-scale plasma can be obtained under a high pressure with ease and at low cost. The plasma formation region control apparatus comprises a microwave oscillator, an antenna connected to the microwave oscillator, and controller for controlling the position of each of the microwave oscillator and the antenna. The controller positions the antenna towards a plasma formation region in accordance with a specification for a plasma region for respective points in time t; establishes a driving sequence for the microwave oscillator based on the temperature state of the specified plasma; and drives the microwave oscillator according to the driving sequence.
US08552643B2 Display apparatus
A display apparatus has a region where a plurality of grooves are arranged along contours of a display region so as to extend in a direction across the contours of the display region and where an organic protective film is provided so as to cover the grooves and a region, surrounding the region where the grooves are provided, where the grooves and the organic protective film are not provided.
US08552632B2 Active matrix phosphor cold cathode display
A flat panel display is disclosed. The flat panel display includes a plurality of electrically addressable pixels, a plurality of thin-film transistor driver circuits each been electrically coupled to an associated at least one of the pixels, respectively, a passivating layer on the thin-film transistor driver circuits and at least partially around the pixels, a conductive frame on the passivating layer, and a plurality of nanostructures on the conductive frame, wherein, creating a voltage difference between the pixels and the conductive frame by addressing one of the pixels using the associated driver circuit causes the nanostructures to emit electrons that induce a corresponding one of the pixels to emit light. The display further comprising a nano material deposited on a metal cathode layer. The nano-material providing additional electron emission through secondary electron emission.
US08552627B2 Retaining frame having at least one optical element
A retaining frame (2) having at least one optical element (3) secured thereto by injection molding, with the at least one optical element (3) being embodied for beam shaping at least by means of total internal reflection and/or diffraction.
US08552618B2 Surface acoustic wave device with IDT electrodes having different electrode finger pitches and communication apparatus using same
Among the plurality of IDT electrodes having serially divided type structures, when designating any three continuously and sequentially arranged IDT electrodes as first, second, and third IDT electrodes in the order of arrangement, electrode fingers are arranged so that a first electrode finger pitch P1 at the boundary between the first IDT electrode and the second IDT electrode in the first region and a second electrode finger pitch P2 at the boundary between the second IDT electrode and the third IDT electrode in the first region are equal, the first and second electrode finger pitches P1 and P2 are the smallest among electrode finger pitches of IDT electrodes in the first region, and each of the IDT electrodes has a third electrode finger pitch P3 larger than the first and second electrode finger pitches P1 and P2 in the first region.
US08552602B2 Molded motor
A molded motor including a stator including a housing formed by integrally molding an armature winding and a printed circuit board with resin containing a fibrous reinforcing material and filler; a magnet rotor rotatably disposed to face the stator; and a plurality of lead wires led out to outside. The printed circuit board is provided with a plurality of lands connecting the lead wires by soldering, and a round hole between the plurality of lands filled with the resin, and the reinforcing material is oriented in a board thickness direction of the printed circuit board.
US08552600B2 Potted end turns of an electric machine
Embodiments of the invention provide an electric machine module and a method for cooling an electric machine module. The electric machine module includes an electric machine including a stator with stator end turns, a liquid-cooled housing at least partially enclosing the electric machine, and a potting material in contact with and at least partially surrounding the stator end turns. The method includes potting at least some of the stator end turns with the potting material to provide a thermally-conductive path from the stator end turns to the housing and circulating a coolant through the housing to at least remove heat energy conducted from the stator end turns to the housing.
US08552595B2 System and method for contactless power transfer in portable image detectors
A system and method for contactless power transfer in a portable image detector for charging rechargeable batteries disposed within the portable image detector is provided. The system includes a first coil couplable to a power source, wherein the first coil is configured to produce a magnetic field. The system further includes a second coil coupled to the rechargeable battery disposed within the portable image detector and configured to receive power from the first coil via the magnetic field and to transfer the power to the rechargeable battery. The system also includes a field focusing element disposed between the first coil and the second coil and configured as a self resonant coil having a standing wave current distribution to focus the magnetic field onto the second coil and enhance the coupling between the first coil and the second coil.
US08552593B2 Non-contact power transmission apparatus
A non-contact power transmission apparatus accurately determines the kind of object that is placed on the charging deck of the non-contact power transmission apparatus, and, only when a non-contact power receiving apparatus is placed on the power transmission apparatus, allows power transmission and data communication to take place, thereby accurately determining the state of the receiver side and efficiently controlling the transmission of power. In the power transmission apparatus, the power supplied to the non-contact power receiving apparatus is measured, and the output power of the wireless power signal output from two different cores is controlled, thereby allowing the charging operation to be stably conducted even if the non-contact power receiving apparatus is moved anywhere on the power transmission apparatus. The power transmission apparatus improves both the reliability of operation of the non-contact charging system, and the competitiveness of related products, such as portable terminals, battery packs and the like.
US08552581B2 Portable solar and wind-powered energy generating system
The portable solar and wind-powered energy generating system provides an ecologically friendly, portable system for generating electricity. The system includes a portable enclosure having a roof, along with first and second solar modules. The first solar module is mounted on the roof of the portable enclosure. A portable vertical support is removably positioned adjacent the portable enclosure. A wind turbine is preferably mounted on an upper end thereof. An extensible support releasably extends between the roof and the vertical support for releasably supporting the second solar module. Preferably, a third solar module is further provided, and a collapsible support is mounted on the portable vertical support for releasably supporting the third solar module. The wind turbine is in electrical communication with the first, second and third solar modules, and generated electricity is delivered to an electrical load, such as a storage battery, a charger for electrical vehicles, or the like.
US08552568B2 Methods for forming three-dimensional memory devices, and related structures
Methods of forming semiconductor devices that include one or more arrays of memory devices in a three-dimensional arrangement, such as those that include forming a conductive contact in a dielectric material overlying a memory array, wherein a wafer bonding and cleaving process may be utilized to provide a foundation material for forming another memory array having an active region in electrical contact with the conductive contact. Additionally, the conductive contact may be formed in a donor wafer, which in turn may be bonded to a dielectric material overlying a memory array using another wafer bonding process. Novel semiconductor devices and structures including the same may be formed using such methods.
US08552565B2 Chip package and method for forming the same
A chip package includes a substrate having an upper surface and a lower surface, a plurality of conducting pads located under the lower surface of the substrate, and a dielectric layer located between the conducting pads. A hole is provided in the substrate, which extends from the upper surface towards the lower surface of the substrate. A sidewall or a bottom of the hole exposes a portion of the conducting pads. The upper opening of the hole near the upper surface is smaller than a lower opening of the hole near the lower surface. An upper conducting pad has at least an opening or a trench exposing a lower conducting pad of the conducting pads. A conducting layer is disposed in the hole, which electrically contacting at least one of the conducting pads.
US08552553B2 Semiconductor device
The present invention relates to a semiconductor device. The semiconductor device includes a substrate and a chip. The chip is electrically connected to the substrate. The chip includes a chip body, at least one chip pad, a first passivation, an under ball metal layer and at least one metal pillar structure. The chip pad is disposed adjacent to an active surface of the chip body. The first passivation is disposed adjacent to the active surface, and exposes part of the chip pad. The under ball metal layer is disposed adjacent to the chip pad. The metal pillar structure contacts the under ball metal layer to form a first contact surface having a first diameter. The metal pillar structure is electrically connected to a substrate pad of the substrate to form a second contact surface having a second diameter. The ratio of the first diameter to the second diameter is between 0.7 and 1.0. As a result, the first contact surface and the second contact surface have an equivalent bonding force, which prevents the metal pillar structure from cracking due to a shear stress. Thus, the structure strength of the semiconductor device is enhanced and the semiconductor device can pass the reliability test.
US08552551B2 Adhesive/spacer island structure for stacking over wire bonded die
Adhesive/spacer structures used to adhere a first device, such as a die, or a package, to a second device in a stacked semiconductor assembly, include a plurality of spaced-apart adhesive/spacer islands securing the first and the second devices to one another at a chosen separation. Either or both of the first and second devices can be a die; or, either or both of the devices can be a package. A package includes a die mounted onto and electrically interconnected to, a substrate, and where one package is stacked over either a lower die or a lower package, the upper package may be oriented either so that the die attach side of the upper package faces toward the lower die or lower package substrate or so that the die attach side of the upper package faces away from the lower die or lower package substrate.
US08552545B2 Manufacturing method for semiconductor device, semiconductor device and semiconductor chip
A manufacturing method for a semiconductor device includes: the step of preparing a semiconductor chip which is provided with a functional element formed on a front surface side of a semiconductor substrate, a feedthrough electrode which is placed within a through hole that penetrates the semiconductor substrate, a front surface side connection member which protrudes from the front surface, and a rear surface side connection member which has a joining surface within a recess that is formed in a rear surface; the step of preparing a solid-state device where a solid-state device side connection member for connection to the front surface side connection member is formed on one surface; and the joining step of making the front surface of the semiconductor chip face the first surface of the solid-state device by holding the rear surface of the semiconductor chip, and of joining the front surface side connection member to the solid-state device side connection member.
US08552542B2 Lead frame, semiconductor device, method of manufacturing lead frame, and method of manufacturing semiconductor device
A lead frame or semiconductor device and a method of manufacturing the same in which where the unit lead frame of each semiconductor device after dicing was located in a lead frame before dicing can be known without an additional manufacturing step. The lead frame includes a plurality of unit lead frames each having a die pad, suspension leads coupled to the die pad, and leads formed around the die pad. An identification mark including at least one of a penetrating groove, recess, and convex is formed in at least one of the die pad, suspension leads, and leads. The identification mark of a first unit lead frame and the identification mark of a second unit lead frame are different from each other at least either in location in the unit lead frame or in shape.
US08552540B2 Wafer level package with thermal pad for higher power dissipation
Wafer level packaging (WLP) packages semiconductor dies onto a wafer structure. After the wafer level package is complete, individual packages are obtained by singulating the wafer level package. The resulting package has a small form factor suitable for miniaturization. Unfortunately conventional WLP have poor heat dissipation. An interposer with a thermal pad can be attached to the semiconductor die to facilitate improved heat dissipation. In one embodiment, the interposer can also provide a wafer substrate for the wafer level package. Furthermore, the interposer can be constructed using well established and inexpensive processes. The thermal pad attached to the interposer can be coupled to the ground plane of a system where heat drawn from the semiconductor die can be dissipated.
US08552534B2 Laminated semiconductor substrate, semiconductor substrate, laminated chip package and method of manufacturing the same
In a laminated semiconductor substrate, a plurality of semiconductor substrates are laminated. Each of the semiconductor substrate has a plurality of scribe-groove parts formed along scribe lines. Further, each of the semiconductor substrate has a plurality of device regions having a semiconductor device formed therein and insulated from each other, and a plurality of wiring electrodes connected to the semiconductor devices respectively formed in the plurality of device regions and extending from the device regions into the inside of the scribe-groove parts. The plurality of wiring electrodes are arranged in a partial arrangement pattern in which the wiring electrodes are arranged along only a part of four boundary sides, corresponding to boundaries between each of the device regions and the scribe-groove parts. Further, the plurality of wiring electrodes extend into the scribe-groove part from only one of two device regions adjacent to each other with the scribe-groove part therebetween.
US08552526B2 Self-aligned semiconductor trench structures
Methods for forming a semiconductor device include forming self-aligned trenches, in which a first set of trenches is used to align a second set of trenches. Methods taught herein can be used as a pitch doubling technique, and may therefore enhance device integration. Further, employing a very thin CMP stop layer, and recessing surrounding materials by about an equal amount to the thickness of the CMP stop layer, provides improved planarity at the surface of the device.
US08552525B2 Semiconductor structures and devices and methods of forming the same
Methods of forming semiconductor structures that include bodies of a semiconductor material disposed between rails of a dielectric material are disclosed. Such methods may include filling a plurality of trenches in a substrate with a dielectric material and removing portions of the substrate between the dielectric material to form a plurality of openings. In some embodiments, portions of the substrate may be undercut to form a continuous void underlying the bodies and the continuous void may be filled with a conductive material. In other embodiments, portions of the substrate exposed within the openings may be converted to a silicide material to form a conductive material under the bodies. For example, the conductive material may be used as a conductive line to electrically interconnect memory device components. Semiconductor structures and devices formed by such methods are also disclosed.
US08552523B2 Semiconductor device and method for manufacturing
A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device is disclosed. The method includes forming a shallow trench isolation (STI) region extending in a first direction on a semiconductor substrate, forming a mask layer extending in a second direction that intersects with the first direction on the semiconductor substrate and forming a trench on the semiconductor substrate by using the STI region and the mask layer as masks. In addition, the method includes forming a charge storage layer so as to cover the trench and forming a conductive layer on side surfaces of the trench and the mask layer. Word lines are formed from the conductive layer on side surfaces of the trench that oppose in the first direction by etching. The word lines are separated from each other and extend in the second direction.
US08552511B2 Semiconductor device and manufacturing method thereof
A semiconductor device including a low-concentration impurity region formed on the drain side of an n-type MIS transistor, in a non-self-aligned manner with respect to an end portion of the gate electrode. A high-concentration impurity region is placed with a specific offset from the gate electrode and a sidewall insulating film. The semiconductor device enables the drain breakdown voltage to be sufficient and the on-resistance to decrease. A silicide layer is also formed on the surface of the gate electrode, thereby achieving gate resistance reduction and high frequency characteristics improvement.
US08552507B2 Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the same
A p-type MIS transistor Qp arranged in a pMIS region Rp of a silicon substrate 1 includes a pMIS gate electrode GEp formed so as to interpose a pMIS gate insulating film GIp formed of a first insulating film z1 and a first high-dielectric film hk1, and an n-type MIS transistor Qn arranged in an nMIS region Rn includes an nMIS gate electrode GEn formed so as to interpose an nMIS gate insulating film GIn formed of a first insulating film z1 and a second high-dielectric film hk2. The first high-dielectric film hk1 is formed of an insulating film mainly made of hafnium and oxygen with containing aluminum, titanium, or tantalum. Also, the second high-dielectric film hk2 is formed of an insulating film mainly made of hafnium, silicon, and oxygen with containing an element of any of group Ia, group IIa, and group IIIa.
US08552505B1 Integrated circuits having improved metal gate structures and methods for fabricating same
Integrated circuits and methods for fabricating integrated circuits are provided. In an embodiment, a method for fabricating an integrated circuit includes forming a PFET trench in a PFET region and an NFET trench in an NFET region of an interlayer dielectric material on a semiconductor surface. The NFET trench is partially filled with an N-type work function metal layer to define an inner cavity. The PFET trench and the inner cavity in the NFET trench are partially filled with a P-type work function metal layer to define a central void in each trench. In the method, the central voids are filled with a metal fill to form metal gate structures. A single recessing process is then performed to recess portions of each metal gate structure within each trench to form a recess in each trench above the respective metal gate structure.
US08552504B2 Semiconductor device and method for forming the same
The present invention provides a semiconductor device, which is formed on a semiconductor substrate, comprising a gate stack, a channel region, and source/drain regions, wherein the gate stack is on the channel region, the channel region is in the semiconductor substrate, the source/drain regions are embedded in the semiconductor substrate, and each of the source/drain regions comprises a sidewall and a bottom, a second semiconductor layer being sandwiched between the channel region and a portion of the sidewall distant from the bottom, a first semiconductor layer being sandwiched between the semiconductor substrate and at least a portion of the bottom distant from the sidewall, and an insulating layer being sandwiched between the semiconductor substrate and the other portions of the bottom and/or the other portions of the sidewall. The present invention also provides a method for forming the semiconductor device. The present invention helps preventing the dopants in the source/drain regions from diffusing into the substrate.
US08552499B2 Semiconductor substrate, semiconductor device and manufacturing method thereof
It is an object to provide a method for manufacturing a semiconductor substrate in which contamination of a semiconductor layer due to an impurity is prevented and the bonding strength between a support substrate and the semiconductor layer can be increased. An oxide film containing first halogen is formed on a surface of a semiconductor substrate, and the semiconductor substrate is irradiated with ions of second halogen, whereby a separation layer is formed and the second halogen is contained in a semiconductor substrate. Then, heat treatment is performed in a state in which the semiconductor substrate and the support substrate are superposed with an insulating surface containing hydrogen interposed therebetween, whereby part of the semiconductor substrate is separated along the separation layer, so that a semiconductor layer containing the second halogen is provided over the support substrate.
US08552496B2 High-voltage vertical transistor with edge termination structure
A high-voltage transistor includes a drain, a source, and one or more drift regions extending from the drain toward the source. A field plate member laterally surrounds the drift regions and is insulated from the drift regions by a dielectric layer. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.
US08552495B2 Dummy gate for a high voltage transistor device
The present disclosure provides a semiconductor device. The semiconductor device includes a first doped region and a second doped region both formed in a substrate. The first and second doped regions are oppositely doped. The semiconductor device includes a first gate formed over the substrate. The first gate overlies a portion of the first doped region and a portion of the second doped region. The semiconductor device includes a second gate formed over the substrate. The second gate overlies a different portion of the second doped region. The semiconductor device includes a first voltage source that provides a first voltage to the second gate. The semiconductor device includes a second voltage source that provides a second voltage to the second doped region. The first and second voltages are different from each other.
US08552488B2 Nonvolatile memory devices having gate structures doped by nitrogen
Nonvolatile memory devices are provided including an integrated circuit substrate and a charge storage pattern on the integrated circuit substrate. The charge storage pattern has a sidewall and a tunnel insulating layer is provided between the charge storage pattern and the integrated circuit substrate. A gate pattern is provided on the charge storage pattern. A blocking insulating layer is provided between the charge storage pattern and the gate pattern. The sidewall of the charge storage pattern includes a first nitrogen doped layer. Related methods of fabricating nonvolatile memory devices are also provided herein.
US08552485B2 Semiconductor structure having metal-insulator-metal capacitor structure
A semiconductor structure includes a through-substrate-via (TSV) structure disposed in a substrate. A first etch stop layer is disposed over the TSV structure. A first dielectric layer is disposed in contact with the first etch stop layer. A first conductive structure is disposed through the first etch stop layer and the first dielectric layer. The first conductive structure is electrically coupled with the TSV structure. The TSV structure is substantially wider than the first conductive structure. A second etch stop layer is disposed in contact with the first dielectric layer. A metal-insulator-metal (MIM) capacitor structure is disposed in contact with the second etch stop layer.
US08552483B2 X-Y address type solid state image pickup device and method of producing the same
In an X-Y address type solid state image pickup device represented by a CMOS image sensor, a back side light reception type pixel structure is adopted in which a wiring layer is provided on one side of a silicon layer including photo-diodes formed therein. and visible light is taken in from the other side of the silicon layer, namely, from the side (back side) opposite to the wiring layer. wiring can be made without taking a light-receiving surface into account, and the degree of freedom in wiring for the pixels is enhanced.
US08552474B2 Junction field effect transistor structure
A junction field effect transistor structure includes a grid electrode, a source electrode, a drain electrode and a substrate. The grid electrode includes a polysilicon layer and a P-type implanted layer. The source electrode includes an N-type implanted layer, an N-type well layer and a heavy-implanted N-type well layer. The drain electrode includes the N-type implanted layer, the N-type well layer and the heavy-implanted N-type well layer. The substrate is connected with a substrate connecting end by the P-type implanted layer, a P-type well layer, a heavy-implanted P-type well layer and a P-type buried layer. The junction field effect transistor structure of the present invention can be manufactured without adding any masking step based on the existing technologies, and has the high-voltage resistant characteristic to meet the requirements in practical applications. Furthermore, it has the compact structure and compatible technology.
US08552473B2 Micro-electro-mechanical device and manufacturing method for the same
It is an object of the present invention to provide a micro-electro-mechanical-device having a microstructure and a semiconductor element over one surface. In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide a method for simplifying the process of forming the microstructure and the semiconductor element over one surface. A space in which the microstructure is moved, that is, a movable space for the microstructure is formed by processsing an insulating layer which is formed in a process of forming the semiconductor element. The movable space can be formed by forming the insulating layer having a plurality of openings and making the openings face each other to be overlapped each other.
US08552465B2 Method for reducing stress in epitaxial growth
A device and method for making the same are disclosed. The device includes a substrate having a first TEC, a stress relief layer overlying the substrate, and crystalline cap layer. The crystalline cap layer overlies the stress relief layer. The cap layer has a second TEC different from the first TEC. The stress relief layer includes an amorphous material that relieves stress between the crystalline substrate and the cap layer arising from differences in the first and second TECs at a growth temperature at which layers are grown epitaxially on the cap layer. The device can be used to construct various semiconductor devices including GaN LEDs that are fabricated on silicon or SiC wafers. The stress relief layer is generated by converting a layer of precursor material on the substrate after the cap layer has been grown to a stress-relief layer.
US08552464B2 CMOS-compatible movable microstructure based devices
The present invention addresses the aims and issues of making multi layer microstructures including “metal-shell-oxide-core” structures and “oxide-shell-metal-core” structures, and mechanically constrained structures and the constraining structures using CMOS (complimentary metal-oxide-semiconductor transistors) materials and layers processed during the standard CMOS process and later released into constrained and constraining structures by etching away those CMOS materials used as sacrificial materials. The combinations of possible constrained structures and methods of fabrication are described.
US08552462B2 LED package and method for manufacturing the same
An LED package includes an electrode, an LED chip, and an insulation layer. The electrode includes a first electrode and a second electrode. The first electrode and the second electrode are separate from each other. The LED chips are connected to the first and second electrodes. The insulation layer covers the first and second electrodes and the LED chip. A cavity is defined in the first electrode for receiving the LED chip therein. A channel is defined between the first electrode and the second electrode. The channel communicates with the cavity and the insulation layer fills in the cavity and the channel.
US08552460B2 Package for a light emitting element
A high-brightness LED module includes a substrate with a recess in which a light emitting element is mounted. The recess is defined by a sidewalls and a relatively thin membrane. At least two micro-vias are provided in the membrane and include conductive material that passes through the membrane. A p-contact of the light emitting element is coupled to a first micro-via and an n-contact of the light emitting element is coupled to a second micro-via.
US08552459B2 Radiation-emitting component and method for its manufacture
A radiation-emitting component includes a carrier, a semi-conductor chip arranged on the carrier, wherein the semi-conductor chip includes an active layer to generate electromagnetic radiation and a radiation exit surface, a first and a second contact structure for the electrical contacting of the semi-conductor chip, a first and a second contact layer, wherein the semi-conductor chip is electrically conductively connected to the first contact structure via the first contact layer and to the second contact structure via the second contact layer, a passivation layer arranged on the semi-conductor chip.
US08552453B2 Light emitting device
A light emitting device, which has: a light emitting element; a package that comprises a concavity for holding the light emitting element, and that has on its side wall where the concavity is integrally formed a light reflector for reflecting light from the light emitting element and a light transmitter for transmitting light from the light emitting element to the outside.
US08552435B2 Electronic device structure including a buffer layer on a base layer
Electronic device structures that compensate for non-uniform etching on a semiconductor wafer and methods of fabricating the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, the electronic device includes a number of layers including a semiconductor base layer of a first doping type formed of a desired semiconductor material, a semiconductor buffer layer on the base layer that is also formed of the desired semiconductor material, and one or more contact layers of a second doping type on the buffer layer. The one or more contact layers are etched to form a second contact region of the electronic device. The buffer layer reduces damage to the semiconductor base layer during fabrication of the electronic device. Preferably, a thickness of the semiconductor buffer layer is selected to compensate for over-etching due to non-uniform etching on a semiconductor wafer on which the electronic device is fabricated.
US08552434B2 Semiconductor device and method for manufacturing the same
An object is, in a thin film transistor in which an oxide semiconductor is used as an active layer, to prevent change in composition, film quality, an interface, or the like of an oxide semiconductor region serving as an active layer, and to stabilize electrical characteristics of the thin film transistor. In a thin film transistor in which a first oxide semiconductor region is used as an active layer, a second oxide semiconductor region having lower electrical conductivity than the first oxide semiconductor region is formed between the first oxide semiconductor region and a protective insulating layer for the thin film transistor, whereby the second oxide semiconductor region serves as a protective layer for the first oxide semiconductor region; thus, change in composition or deterioration in film quality of the first oxide semiconductor region can be prevented, and electrical characteristics of the thin film transistor can be stabilized.
US08552420B2 OLED light panel with controlled brightness variation
Embodiments may provide a light source with a controlled brightness variation. A first device is provided that includes a substrate and a plurality of OLEDs disposed on the substrate. Each of the OLEDs includes a first electrode, a second electrode, and an organic electroluminescent (EL) material disposed between the first and the second electrodes. The plurality of OLEDs comprise a first group and a second group where a first current density is supplied to the first group of the plurality of OLEDs and a second current density that is different from the first current density is supplied to the second group of the plurality of OLEDs. Each of the plurality of OLEDs is commonly addressable and at least one of the OLEDs in the first group of OLEDs has substantially the same device structure as at least one of the OLEDs in the second group of OLEDs.
US08552416B2 Quantum dot light emitting diode device and display device therewith
The present invention relates to a quantum dot light emitting diode device in which a hole transportation layer is formed after forming a quantum dot light emitting layer by a solution process by applying an inverted type quantum dot light emitting diode device for making free selection of a hole transportation layer material that enables easy injection of a hole to the quantum dot light emitting layer; and display device and method therewith.
US08552412B2 Variable resistance memory device and method of forming the same
Provided are a variable resistance memory device and a method of forming the same. The variable resistance memory device may include a substrate, a plurality of bottom electrodes on the substrate, and a first interlayer insulating layer including a trench formed therein. The trench exposes the bottom electrodes and extends in a first direction. The variable resistance memory device further includes a top electrode provided on the first interlayer insulating layer and extending in a second direction crossing the first direction and a plurality of variable resistance patterns provided in the trench and having sidewalls aligned with a sidewall of the top electrode.
US08552408B2 Particle beam irradiation apparatus and control method of the particle beam irradiation apparatus
Provided is a particle beam irradiation apparatus capable of highly reliable measurement of a dose of each beam and capable of highly sensitive measurement of a leakage dose caused by momentary beam emission. The particle beam irradiation apparatus according to the present invention includes: an emission control portion that controls emission and termination of a particle beam; a control portion that sequentially changes an irradiation position of the particle beam relative to an affected area; first and second dosimeters that measure dose rates of the particle beam directed to the affected area; and an abnormality determination portion that accumulates the dose rates output from the first and second dosimeters for each of predetermined determination periods to calculate first and second sectional dose measurement values and that performs second abnormality determination of determining that there is an abnormality and outputs an interlock signal for terminating the emission of the particle beam in at least one of a case in which the first sectional dose measurement value exceeds a predetermined first reference range and a case in which the second sectional dose measurement value exceeds a predetermined second reference range.
US08552403B2 Power system for dosimeter reader
Described is a portable dosimeter reader device that is small in size and light in weight. The device comprises an optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) reader for reading one or more OSL sensors of a dosimeter and a dosimeter drawer slidably mounted in the device. The device further comprises an elevator carriage comprising a barrel with a barrel groove on an exterior side thereof, a loop retainer elevator including a tongue on an interior side thereof that travels in the barrel groove, a pinion gear mounted on the barrel, and a rack with rack teeth that engage pinion teeth of the pinion gear.
US08552401B2 Optical chemical sensor feedback control system
An optical chemical sensor feedback control system is provided comprised of a luminescent sensing film, an optical processor adjacent the sensing film capable of sinusoidally photoexciting the luminescent sensing film and detecting the luminescent emission resulting therefrom, and a computer control means executing a computer program, in communication with the optical processor. The computer control means is operable to control the magnitude of the photoexcitation of the luminescent sensing film, wherein the computer control means receives data regarding the luminescent emission resulting therefrom, analyzes same, and determines the magnitude and phase shift of the luminescence relative to the photoexcitation. Further, the system herein is operable to determine the status of the sensing film, and adjust the magnitude of photoexcitation thereof based on same. In addition, the system, via the optical processor positioning means, is operable to adjust the physical position of the optical processor and/or light source in relation to the sensing film, based on data received from the computer control means.
US08552399B2 Apparatus for producing photocatalytic reaction water
The present invention provides an apparatus for producing photocatalytic reaction water through a photocatalytic reaction, which can produce water containing a satisfactory amount of active oxygen species, can eliminate microorganisms, parasites or protozoa, shows high oxidizing ability for a prolonged period of time, can reduce the power requirements, is small in size, and is applicable to various devices. A photocatalyst is radiated with light emitted from a light source to produce active oxygen species, and the active oxygen species is diffused in water, whereby the water is provided with functions of the active oxygen species. An oxidation reaction with the water is utilized to perform at least one selected from the elimination of microorganisms, the elimination of parasites, and the elimination of protozoa.
US08552392B2 Cassette and radiation image capturing system
A radiation detecting cassette houses therein a detector for detecting a load applied to the radiation detecting cassette when a patient has moved. It is determined whether or not the patient has moved in an image capturing process based on the load detected by the detector. If it is judged that the patient has moved, then a warning is displayed, and a radiation image of the subject is inhibited from being captured.
US08552388B2 Sensor unit for an X-ray detector and associated production method
A production method for a sensor unit that includes a scintillator and a support plate on which a stack of collimator sheets is attached. The production method permits precise positioning of the collimator sheets in respect of the scintillator. In the process, individual scintillator strips are initially produced from a plurality of scintillator pixels adjoining one another along one dimension. Respectively one photodiode strip, made of a plurality of photodiodes in turn adjoining one another along one dimension, is attached to each of the individual scintillator strips along a longitudinal side in order to form a sensor strip. In an embodiment, respectively one photodiode is associated with respectively one scintillator pixel for readout purposes. The sensor strips are subsequently individually assembled on an outer side of the support plate facing away from the collimator sheets in order to form the scintillator.
US08552375B1 Switched capacitor filter systems and methods
Techniques are disclosed to provide a reference signal via a switched capacitor filter for image detector arrays in accordance with one or more embodiments. For an example embodiment, a method of providing a sampled and filtered reference signal to an image detector array includes receiving a reference signal; sampling the reference signal with a first capacitor to store a sampled reference signal based on the reference signal; coupling a second capacitor to the first capacitor to share charge stored on the first and second capacitors to generate the sampled and filtered reference signal to store on the second capacitor; and decoupling the second capacitor from the first capacitor, wherein the sampled and filtered reference signal is stored on the second capacitor to provide for one or more image detectors within the image detector array.
US08552361B2 Optical displacement sensor for infusion devices
An optical sensor for a delivery device having a piston that displaces a substance, such as a fluid, from a reservoir. The optical sensor has a light source and a detector array for imaging encoding features disposed along a plunger rod coupled to the piston. By virtue of the pattern of encoding features, an absolute position of the plunger rod relative to a fiducial position may be determined uniquely. Thus, the volume of fluid remaining in the reservoir, the rate of fluid delivery, and proper loading of the reservoir may be accurately ascertained. Additionally, the encoding may serve to uniquely identify a version of the reservoir which may be supplied in various versions corresponding, for example, to differing concentrations of a therapeutic agent to be dispensed.
US08552358B2 Quantum tunneling photodetector array including electrode nano wires
A quantum tunneling photodetector array and a method of generating an image. The photodetector array comprises an array of pairs of opposing first and second electrodes; a photo-sensitive insulating material disposed between the opposing first and second electrodes of the respective pairs; an electrical circuit for detecting photo-assisted quantum tunneling currents between the opposing first and second electrode of the respective pairs.
US08552357B2 Photoelectric conversion apparatus
An apparatus includes a first photoelectric conversion element configured to convert light into a current by a photoelectric conversion, a first current amplification unit configured to amplify the current, a first current monitoring unit configured to monitor the amplified current amplified and output a monitor signal, and a first bias voltage setting unit configured to gain the monitor signal by a factor less than 1 and apply a reverse bias voltage to the first photoelectric conversion element according to the gained monitor signal.
US08552356B2 Optical power converter
An optical voltage converter has an emitter array and a receiver array. Each of the emitter array and the receiver array have at least one LED. The LEDs are arranged such that light from the emitter LED directly strikes the receiver LED.
US08552353B2 Photoelectric conversion apparatus and imaging system using the same
In a photoelectric conversion apparatus including charge storing portions in its imaging region, isolation regions for the charge storing portions include first isolation portion each having a PN junction, and second isolation portions each having an insulator. A second isolation portion is arranged between a charge storing portion and at least a part of a plurality of transistors.
US08552350B2 Mitigation of drift effects in secondary inertial measurements of an isolated detector assembly
The 6-axis position and attitude of an imaging vehicle's detector assembly is measured by mounting the detector assembly on a compliant isolator and separating the main 6-axis IMU on the vehicle from a secondary IMU comprising at least inertial rate sensors for pitch and yaw on the detector assembly. The compliant isolator couples low-frequency rigid body motion of the vehicle below a resonant frequency to the isolated detector assembly while isolating the detector assembly from high-frequency attitude noise above the resonant frequency. A computer processes measurements of the 6-axis rigid body motion and the angular rate of change in yaw and pitch of the isolated detector assembly to mitigate the drift and noise error effects of the secondary inertial rate sensors and estimate the 6-axis position and attitude of the detector assembly.
US08552349B1 Projectile guidance kit
Apparatus and methods provide a guidance kit that can be attached to a projectile, such as screwed into a fuze well of an artillery round or a mortar round. A portion of the guidance kit is configured to spin constantly during flight. In the context of an artillery round that is shot from a rifled barrel, the direction of the spin torque is counter to the direction of the spin induced by the rifled barrel. Control surfaces are present in the portion of the guidance kit that spins constantly during flight. While the portion spins, the control surfaces are actuated to steer the projectile towards an intended target via, for example, GPS.
US08552344B2 Cooking method
A cooking method which provides optimized cooking results when starting the cooking process at ambient temperature and that is applicable to the majority of the food categories.
US08552343B2 Brazing structure, ceramic heater, and glow plug
Disclosed is a brazing structure that includes a ceramic member, a metal layer, a tubular metal fitting and first and second brazing members. The ceramic member includes a small diameter portion and a large diameter portion. The metal layer is located on an outer surface of the large diameter portion. At least an edge of the ceramic member is inserted in the fitting. The first brazing member connects the inner surface of the fitting to the metal layer. The second brazing member does not contact with the metal layer, and fills between at least a part of the small diameter portion and the inner surface, which faces to the part of the small diameter portion, of the fitting. The small diameter portion is located closer to the edge than the metal layer and is inside the fitting.
US08552339B2 Power cord system for welding-type devices
A system and method for powering a welding-type device from a plurality of distinct outlet configurations is disclosed. The power cord system includes a power cord having a plurality of conductors extending therethrough. An end of the power cord is constructed to engage an individual adapter of a plurality of adapters. Each of the plurality of adapters has a prong configuration that is different than a prong configuration of the other adapters such that each of the plurality of adapters is constructed to electrically connect the power cord to a uniquely configured outlet. A welding-type device according to the present invention is quickly and efficiently adaptable to operate at a plurality of different input power signals.
US08552338B2 System and method for laser machining of three-dimensional structures
A system and method of laser machining rotates a workpiece about an axis of rotation, and translates the workpiece in a first direction along the axis of rotation. A mask defining a shape is translated in a second direction opposite the first direction, and a laser beam is directed at the mask such that the laser beam is scanned across the mask and at least a portion of the laser beam passes through the mask and toward the workpiece. The mask and the workpiece are translated with coordinating opposing motion to cause the laser beam to be imaged onto the workpiece with a shape or pattern corresponding to a shape or pattern defined by the mask. Rotation of the workpiece and the shape of the image on the workpiece produce different vectorial intensities such that material of the workpiece is removed to different respective depths to form a three-dimensional structure.
US08552331B2 Method and system for producing contact material being employed in electric/electronic circuit
A method for producing contact materials being employed in electric/electronic circuits consists of a step 1-1 for supplying a spring base strip 1, a step 2-1 for supplying a noble metal wire 2, a seam welding step 3-1 for welding the metal wire 2 to the spring base strip after the spring base strip 1 and the noble metal wire 2 are held together, and a step 4-1 for winding a welded product. The method further includes a testing step 8-1 for determining a preciseness of a welded position and for determining a welded strength to peel the noble metal wire 2 from the spring base strip 1, which are performed between the seam welding step 3-1 and the winding step 4-1. Specimens for the testing step 8-1 are sampled at the beginning of and at the end of a production lot of the contact material.
US08552322B2 Switch device
A switch device includes a base board having a face on which a fixed contact is provided and an elastic sheet that covers the face of the base board. The elastic sheet includes a contact dome part that covers the fixed contact to form a contact chamber, a movable contact that is provided on the contact dome part, a first recessed part that forms an air accumulating chamber, a second recessed part that forms a foreign material accumulating chamber, a guide groove that has a straight part and a circular arc part to form a guide passage for communicating the air accumulating chamber with the foreign material accumulating chamber, a nonreturn part provided inside the circular arc part, and a vent groove connected to the contact dome part and the guide groove to form a vent passage for communicating the contact chamber with the guide passage.
US08552321B2 Multiple-pole single-throw dome switch assemblies
Multiple-pole single-throw dome switch assemblies for electronic devices and methods for creating the same are provided. For example, a switch assembly may include a deformable dome that may have a conductive inner surface. The switch assembly may also include three conductive pads, at least two of which may be positioned underneath the dome. When the dome is deformed, each one of the three conductive pads may be electrically coupled to the conductive inner surface of the dome. When the dome is not deformed, at least one of the three conductive pads may be electrically isolated from the conductive inner surface of the dome.
US08552308B2 Differential signal pair transmission structure, wiring board and electronic module
A differential signal pair transmission structure adapted to a wiring board and including a first signal path and a second signal path is provided. The first signal path includes a first upper trace, a first lower trace and a first conductive through via. The second signal path includes a second upper trace, a second lower trace and a second conductive through via. A portion of the first signal path and a portion of the second signal path overlaps in the normal projection onto the upper or lower surface of the wiring board. Normal projections of the first and the second signal path projecting onto the upper surface of the wiring board are substantially symmetric with respect to a line which is perpendicular to a segment connecting normal projections of axes of the first and the second through via onto the upper surface and passes through the midpoint of the segment.
US08552301B2 Contact equipment and circuit package
A contact device including a contact array, in which contacts are arranged in a grid, and a plurality of differential wire pairs electrically connected to the contact array, wherein each differential wire pair is connected to a contact pair formed by two adjacent contacts in the contact array, and each contact pair is arranged such that a direction of a straight line connecting the two contacts therein is different from a direction of a straight line connecting the two contacts in a contact pair adjacent thereto.
US08552300B2 Printed board fixing apparatus
To provide a printed board fixing device capable of reducing the thickness and size with a simple structure. The printed board fixing device includes a coupling member which two-folds a flex rigid printed board that includes one and the other rigid printed boards via a flexible part and mutually couples and fixes the one and the other boards. The length of the coupling member is set to be within a range of entire thickness including the one and the other rigid printed boards. The coupling member is provided at two points on the one and the other rigid printed boards.
US08552297B2 Insulation spacer for a gas insulated device and method of producing same
An insulation spacer for a gas insulated device includes an insulator disc and an armature extending around an outer periphery of the insulator disc and holding the same. The armature is ring-shaped defining a ring axis and includes two ring base surfaces extending substantially perpendicularly to the ring axis; and a ring inner surface being arranged between the two ring base surfaces and facing the ring axis. Further, the ring inner surface includes at least one protrusion directed radially inwardly towards the ring axis, the at least one protrusion being shaped such that it locks the insulator disc in the armature against movement in both directions parallel to the ring axis.
US08552290B2 Strand having a limited spring effect
A strand of section of no more than 0.35 mm2 is provided having one or more electrical conductor wires, where each electrical conductor wire is constituted by an alloy of copper and tin. The tin content is not less than 1500 ppm and not more than 2500 ppm the oxygen content is not more than 400 ppm the inevitable impurities content is not more than 100 ppm and the balance of the content of the alloy is copper with the electrical conductor wire(s) being exempt from heat treatment during fabrication of the strand.
US08552286B2 Method of adaptive solar tracking using variable step size
A method for controlling a photovoltaic (PV) panel in a PV system including a computing device that provides motor control signals and implements an iterative adaptive control (IAC) algorithm for adjusting an angle of the PV panel. The IAC algorithm relates P at a current time k (P(k)), an elevation angle of the PV panel at k (θS (k)), P after a next step (P(k+1)) and an elevation angle of the PV panel at k+1 (θS (k+1)). The algorithm generates a perturbed power value P(k+1) to provide a power perturbation to P(k), and calculates θS (k+1) using P(k+1). The motor control signals cause the motor to position the PV panel to achieve θS (k+1). A change in P resulting from the positioning is compared to a predetermined change limit, and only if the change in P is ≧ the change limit, again sensing P, and repeating the generating, calculating and positioning.
US08552282B1 Propulsion defeating system
A system for reducing the operational efficiency of a watercraft's propulsion system includes a self-propelled and variable-speed unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) that has at least one homing device adapted to direct the UUV towards an origin of a targeted watercraft's propulsion wake. At least one rod is coupled to a forward end of the UUV and extends forward therefrom at least when the UUV is in proximity to the origin of the targeted watercraft's propulsion wake. At this point, the UUV is directed and accelerated to drive the rod into the targeted watercraft's propulsor.
US08552278B2 Plants and seeds of corn variety CV599858
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated CV599858. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CV599858, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CV599858 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to corn seeds and plants produced by crossing plants of variety CV599858 with plants of another variety, such as another inbred line. The invention further relates to the inbred and hybrid genetic complements of plants of variety CV599858.
US08552273B1 Soybean cultivar 15332100
A soybean cultivar designated 15332100 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar 15332100, to the plants of soybean cultivar 15332100, to the plant parts of soybean cultivar 15332100, and to methods for producing progeny of soybean cultivar 15332100. The invention also relates to methods for producing a soybean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic soybean plants and plant parts produced by those methods. The invention also relates to soybean cultivars or breeding cultivars, and plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 15332100. The invention also relates to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines, or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 15332100, and to the soybean plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid soybean seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing cultivar 15332100 with another soybean cultivar.
US08552271B1 Soybean cultivar 08194832
A soybean cultivar designated 08194832 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar 08194832, to the plants of soybean cultivar 08194832, to the plant parts of soybean cultivar 08194832, and to methods for producing progeny of soybean cultivar 08194832. The invention also relates to methods for producing a soybean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic soybean plants and plant parts produced by those methods. The invention also relates to soybean cultivars or breeding cultivars, and plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 08194832. The invention also relates to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines, or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 08194832, and to the soybean plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid soybean seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing cultivar 08194832 with another soybean cultivar.
US08552268B2 Soybean variety D6422351
The invention relates to the soybean variety designated D6422351. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety D6422351. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety D6422351 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety D6422351 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.
US08552267B1 Soybean variety XB36X11
A novel soybean variety, designated XB36X11 is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety XB36X11, cells from soybean variety XB36X11, plants of soybean XB36X11, and plant parts of soybean variety XB36X11. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety XB36X11 with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic trait, a mutant trait, and/or a native trait into soybean variety XB36X11, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety XB36X11, and methods of characterizing soybean variety XB36X11. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety XB36X11 are further provided.
US08552251B2 Article with health-benefit agent delivery system
A laminate having health-benefit agents therein is made by particle stabilization within the lamination process. By changing the substrate type (tissue, nonwoven, film) and/or the physical composition and/or attributes of the laminate layers, the release of the health-benefit agents can be controlled. The laminate, sometimes referred to as a liner, may be used in personal absorbent articles such as diapers, feminine pads, bandages, bed pads, and the like.
US08552249B2 Medicated diaper
An anti-rash diaper for preventing and treating diaper rash and skin irritations comprising: an absorbent layer, where the absorbent layer draws moisture; medicated ointment, where the ointment is applied over the absorbent layer; and a protective sheet, where the protective sheet is releasably attached over the ointment. The anti-rash diaper according to the present invention may further include elastic waistbands. A hook and loop fastener may be used to attach the protective sheet to the diaper. The protective sheet effectively secures the ointment over the absorbent layer.
US08552240B2 Process for producing propylene
Process for producing propylene from a propanol feedstock A2 by reacting the propanol feedstock A2 in a vapor phase dehydration reactor wherein the propanol is convened at a temperature comprised between 160 and 270° C. and at a pressure of above 0.1 MPa but less than 4.5 MPa, into a product stream B2 containing propylene, propyl ethers, water and unconverted and/or isomerized propanols, cooling the product stream B2, disengaging the cooled product stream B2 in a separation unit to give a first stream C2 containing propylene and propyl ethers, and a second product stream D2 containing water, propyl ethers and unconverted and/or isomerized propanols, feeding the product stream D2 to a dewatering unit wherein the water stream F2 is separated from the propyl ethers and unconverted and/or isomerised propanols stream E2, recycling the stream E2 into the dehydration reactor, cooling the product stream C2, feeding the cooled product stream C2 to a purification unit wherein the propyl ethers stream G2 is separated from the propylene stream H2, and optionally, recycling the propyl ethers stream G2 to either the dewatering unit or directly to dehydration reactor.
US08552233B2 Pretreatment of biomass with carbonaceous material
A composition of matter is described herein that can be subjected to pyrolysis and converted into a bio-oil. The composition comprises an intimate mixture of a particulate solid biomass material and a carbonaceous material. The carbonaceous material acts as a reducing agent during the pyrolysis reaction. The composition of matter produces bio-oil in a greater yield than prior art processes. The bio-oil is of improved quality, as evidenced by its low TAN value.
US08552230B2 Conversion of carbohydrates to hydrocarbons
Materials and processes for the conversion of carbohydrates and polyols to gasoline boiling range hydrocarbons. Carbohydrates and polyols are reacted in the presence of modified zeolite catalysts to form a reaction product containing non-aromatic and aromatic gasoline boiling range hydrocarbons.
US08552229B2 Method for utilization of the reaction heat that occurs in the production process of 1,2-dichloroethane from ethylene in a fluidized bed reactor
With a method for utilization of the reaction heat that occurs in the production of 1,2-dichloroethane from ethylene, by reaction with oxygen and hydrochloride (oxychlorination), in a fluidized bed reactor, with dissipation of this reaction heat through cooling pipe bundles situated within the reactor, positioned in the fluidized bed, utilization of the heat is supposed to be improved, while simultaneously reducing the size of the corresponding system elements. This is achieved in that part of the reaction heat is dissipated by heating boiler feed water, whereby the heated boiler feed water is used to heat heat sinks in the production process.
US08552224B2 Processes for maximizing ethanol formation in the hydrogenation of acetic acid
In one embodiment, the invention is to a process for purifying a crude ethanol product. The process comprises the step of hydrogenating acetic acid in a reactor in the presence of a catalyst to form the crude ethanol product. The process further comprises the step of separating at least a portion of the crude ethanol product in a purification zone. The purification zone preferably comprises a first column, which yields a first distillate comprising ethanol, water and ethyl acetate, and a first residue comprising acetic acid. The at least a portion of the crude ethanol product has a residence time from the reactor to the purification zone from 5 minutes to 5 days.
US08552219B2 Process for preparing L-phenyl-3-dimethylaminopropane derivative
Provided is a process for the preparing 1-phenyl-3-dimethylaminopropane derivatives of formula I, (The formula should be inserted here) and its pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof via novel intermediates.
US08552217B2 Isocyanate manufacture
The present invention encompasses the finding that improvements can be achieved in manufacture of isocyanates through the use of a substitute for or a precursor of phosgene. Methods and compositions utilized in accordance with the present invention can be useful in situations in which it is difficult to use phosgene, and in particular gaseous phosgene. In some embodiments, a substitute for or a precursor of phosgene used in accordance with the present invention for preparing isocyanates is or comprises diphosgene (ClCO2CCl3).
US08552213B2 Compound
To provide a novel compound.It is disclosed a compound represented by following formula (I): A-L-{D1-(E)q-D2-(B)m—Z1—R}p. In the formula, A represents a p-valent chain or cyclic residue; L represents a single bond or a divalent linking group; p represents an integer of 2 or more; D1 represents a carbonyl group (—C(═O)—) or a sulfonyl group (—S(═O)2—); D2 represents a carbonyl group (—C(═O)—), a sulfonyl group (—S(═O)2—), a carboxyl group (—C(═O)O—), a sulfonyloxyl group (—S(═O)2O—), a carbamoyl group (—C(═O)N(Alk)-) or a sulfamoyl group (—S(═O)2N(Alk)-); E represents a divaltn group; and R represents a hydrogen atom, a substituted or non-substituted C8 or longer alkyl group, a perfluoroalkyl group or a trialkylsilyl group.
US08552212B2 Chiral phosphorus ligands
The invention relates to a series of novel chiral phosphorus ligands of formulae (Ia) and (Ib): wherein R, 1-rR>4 and X are as defined herein. The invention also relates to chiral metal complexes prepared with these chiral phosphorus ligands. The chiral metal complexes are useful as catalysts for carrying out asymmetric hydro genation.
US08552211B2 Dry oil-and-fat separation method
Disclosed is a dry oil-and-fat separation method of high yield and high separation accuracy, which uses agitation and crystallization in order to prevent problems with thickening of the crystal slurry and decreased solid/liquid separation efficiency in the crystallization/press-filtering process of dry separation of oil-and-fat containing highly crystalline SUS. In dry separation, the crystallization/press-filtering process is divided into multiple steps and repeated, to concentrate the SUS in each crystal fraction and yield SUS-rich oil and fat. Subdivision into multiple steps makes it possible to keep the crystallinity of the crystal slurry in the crystallization/press-filtering process within a range so that the crystal slurry can be transported by pump, and to increase solid/liquid separation efficiency.
US08552203B2 Indane acetic acid derivatives and their use as pharmaceutical agents, intermediates, and method of preparation
This invention relates to novel indane acetic acid derivatives which are useful in the treatment of diseases such as diabetes, obesity, hyperlipidemia, and atherosclerotic diseases. The invention also relates to intermediates useful in preparation of indane acetic derivatives and to methods of preparation.
US08552202B2 Furo[3, 2-B] pyrrol-3-ones as cathespin S inhibitors
A first aspect of the invention relates to a compound of formula (I), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, hydrate, complex or pro-drug thereof, wherein: one of R3 and R4 is H, and the other is selected from C1-6-alkyl, C1-6-haloalkyl, C1-6-alkoxy, and C6-12-aralkyl; or R3 and R4 are each independently selected from C1-6-alkyl and halo; R9 is a substituted 5 or 6-membered aryl or heteroaryl group or a 6,5- or 6,6-fused biaryl or heterobiaryl group. Compounds of formula (I) exhibit surprisingly high efficacies for human cathepsin S, excellent selectivity verses other mammalian cathepsins and are useful for treatment of diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, myasthenia gravis, transplant rejection, diabetes, Sjogrens syndrome, Grave's disease, systemic lupus erythematosis, osteoarthritis, psoriasis, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, allergic rhinitis, asthma, atherosclerosis, obesity, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and chronic pain.
US08552195B2 Method for making donepezil
The method in accordance with the present invention has: mixing E2M, an organic solvent, a weak base, sodium dithionite, and a phase transfer catalyst to obtain an E2M mixture solution; heating the E2M mixture solution and adding water to obtain a heated E2M aqueous solution having an organic layer; and extracting the organic layer from the heated E2M aqueous solution, and condensing and drying the organic layer to obtain donepezil. Employing sodium dithionite as a reducing agent improves safety over hydrogen gas used in conventional methods and lowers the cost in contrast to the conventional noble metal catalysts that are extremely expensive. Furthermore, the method of the present invention requires only 60 minutes of reaction time to synthesize donepezil with a promising yield more than 85%, which greatly raises the efficiency and economic value of the manufacture of donepezil.
US08552192B2 Purified pyrroloquinolinyl-pyrrolidine-2,5-dione compositions and methods for preparing and using same
The present invention relates to a form 1 and form 2 polymorph of (−)-trans-3-(5,6-dihydro-4H-pyrrolo[3,2,1-ij]quinolin-1-yl)-4-(1H-indol-3-yl)pyrrolidine-2,5-dione. The present invention also relates to (−)-trans-3-(5,6-dihydro-4H-pyrrolo[3,2,1-ij]quinolin-1-yl)-4-(1H-indol-3-yl) pyrrolidine-2,5-dione compounds having a chiral purity greater than 99%, and methods of preparation of these compounds. The present invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these (−)-trans-3-(5,6-dihydro-4H-pyrrolo[3,2,1-ij]quinolin-1-yl)-4-(1H-indol-3-yl)pyrrolidine-2,5-dione compounds. The present invention provides methods of treating a cell proliferative disorder, such as a cancer, by administering to a subject in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of a composition comprising (−)-trans-3-(5,6-dihydro-4H-pyrrolo[3,2,1-ij]quinolin-1-yl)-4-(1H-indol-3-yl)pyrrolidine-2,5-dione having a chiral purity greater than 99% or a form 1 and form 2 polymorph of (−)-trans-3-(5,6-dihydro-4H-pyrrolo[3,2,1-ij]quinolin-1-yl)-4-(1H-indol-3-yl)pyrrolidine-2,5-dione.
US08552188B2 Epoxy compound and method for manufacturing the same
The present invention provides a novel intermediate for manufacturing a 2,3-dihydroimidazo[2,1-b]oxazole compound with a high yield and a high purity, and a manufacturing method of the intermediate. The present invention provides an epoxy compound represented by the general formula (2): wherein, R1 represents a hydrogen or a lower alkyl group; and R2 represents a piperidyl group represented by the general formula (A1): (wherein, R3 represents a phenoxy group having a halogen-substituted lower alkoxy group substituted on a phenyl group, and the like) and the like; and n represents an integer of 1 to 6, a manufacturing method of the epoxy compound, and a manufacturing method of an oxazole compound using the epoxy method.
US08552187B2 Processes and intermediates for carbamoylpyridone HIV integrase inhibitors
Processes are provided which create an aldehyde methylene, or hydrated or hemiacetal methylene attached to a heteroatom of a 6 membered ring without going through an olefinic group and without the necessity of using an osmium reagent. In particular, a compound of formula (I) can be produced from (II) and avoid the use of an allyl amine: (formulae I and II) where R, P1 P3, R3 and Rx are as described herein.
US08552185B2 Preparation of azoxystrobin
The present invention relates, inter alia, to a process for preparing a compound of formula (I): using, as a catalyst 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane.
US08552168B2 Nucleic acids for inducing expression of transcripts and proteins and methods for making and using them
The invention provides nucleic acids and polypeptides for enhanced expression of nucleic acids and proteins. In one aspect, the sequences serve as transcription and translation enhancers or stabilizers, and can be incorporated in expression constructs at or near the translation control elements. The invention provides methods of producing mRNA (transcripts) and proteins. The invention provides methods of discovering new enhancer elements.
US08552166B2 High-affinity nucleic acid aptamers against sclerostin protein
Described are nucleic acid aptamers that are able to bind to and inhibit the function of sclerostin, which is an important negative regulator of bone growth. The aptamers have application as therapeutics for diseases of bone including osteoporosis, osteopenia, osteoarthritis and other osteoporosis-related conditions and complications.
US08552164B2 Spray-dried chitin nanofibrils, method for production and uses thereof
The invention relates to a novel method for production of nanofibrillar chitin, sustainable from an industrial manufacturing standpoint and suitable for producing chitin nanofibrils having improved properties and free from less crystalline components. The invention also relates to novel chitin nanofibrils obtained with said method and characterized by an increased dispersibility in aqueous media. The invention further relates to uses of nanofibrils in pastes and aqueous gels useful for topical on-skin application, to the manufacturing of materials of biomedical interest, as well as to the deposition of chitin nanofibrils on coating surfaces or the incorporation of the same inside of items like, e.g., fibers and fabrics of any Origin, natural as well as synthetic or mixed ones.
US08552162B2 Processes for the preparation of 2 fluoro 6-11 bicyclic erythromycin derivatives
The present invention relates to processes and intermediates for the preparation of 2-fluoro 6-11 bicyclic erythromycin derivatives. In particular, the present invention relates to processes and intermediates for the preparation of a compound of formula (X-c):
US08552160B2 Selective extraction of proteins from freshwater or saltwater algae
Methods for selective extraction and fractionation of algal proteins from an algal biomass or algal culture are disclosed. A method of selective removal of products from an algal biomass provides for single and multistep extraction processes which allow for efficient separation of algal proteins. These proteins can be used as renewable sources of proteins for animal feedstocks and human food. Further, lipids remaining in the algal biomass after extraction of proteins can be used to generate renewable fuels.
US08552156B2 Anti-TIM-3 antibody
The present invention provides an anti-human TIM-3 antibody having high ADCC activity or antibody fragment thereof by screening a monoclonal antibody or antibody fragment thereof which binds to the amino acid sequence of the extracellular region of TIM-3 or its three-dimensional structure and exhibits ADCC activity; a hybridoma which produces the antibody; a DNA encoding the antibody; a vector comprising the DNA; a transformant which is obtainable by introducing the vector; a method for producing the antibody or the antibody fragment thereof which comprises using the hybridoma or the transformant; a therapeutic agent and a diagnostic agent comprising the antibody or the antibody fragment thereof as an active ingredient.
US08552150B2 MART-1 T cell receptors
T-cell receptors that recognize MART-1 antigen are provided. The TCRs can be used, for example, to treat patients suffering from melanoma.
US08552148B2 TNF-α antagonists containing IGFBP5
The present invention relates to: TNF-α antagonists containing IGFBP5 protein, variants thereof, or fragments thereof; and the use of the TNF-α antagonists. More specifically, the present invention relates to: a polynucleotide encoding the protein, variants thereof, or fragments thereof; a vector containing the polynucleotide; a transformant containing the vector; and a method for screening a therapeutic agent for TNF-α overexpression-related diseases by checking whether the mutual reaction thereof is facilitated after treating with candidates to the cell expressing the IGFBP5 protein, variants thereof, or fragments thereof, and the TNFR1.
US08552141B2 Hyper-branched polyester for use in CPT toner and method of preparing the same
A hyper-branched polyester and a method of making the same having a tri-functional monomer A3, a di-functional monomer B2 and a mono-functional monomer C1 having a monomer ratio of A3:B2:C1 from about 1:0.2:2 to about 1:1.4:0.2 for use in a chemically processed electrophotographic toner providing a lower fusing temperature. In one form, the hyper-branched polyester includes a tri-hydroxy monomer, a di-acid and its derivatives, and a mono-acid and its derivatives. In other forms, a substituted anhydride and a long chain hydrocarbon carboxylic acid and its derivatives may also be included in the di-functional monomer.
US08552140B2 Composite maillard-resole binders
Composite Maillard-resole binders to produce or promote cohesion in non-assembled or loosely assembled matter.
US08552133B2 Controlled polymerisation process
The present invention relates to a controlled metathesis-driven polymerization process which is particularly useful for the synthesis of biological polymers such as peptides and polymers. The invention also provides metathesisable supports, groups and linkers for use in the process.
US08552132B2 Rheology modifiers for modifying the rheological behaviour of coating compositions
The present invention provides rheology modifiers, which are water-soluble polymers having a weight average molecular weight (Mw) of at least 1,000,000 g/mol and an intrinsic viscosity of at least 2.5 dl/g, both as determined by size exclusion chromatography, and wherein the water-soluble polymers are in the form of solid particles. It also provides mixtures of rheology modifiers comprising a first rheology modifier, which is a water-soluble polymer having a weight average molecular weight (Mw) of at least 1,000,000 g/mol and an intrinsic viscosity of at least 2.5 dl/g, both as determined by size exclusion chromatography, and a second rheology modifier, which has a weight average molecular weight of from 2,000 g/mol to 800,000 g/mol. It also provides coating composition containing the rheology modifiers, respectively, mixtures of rheology modifiers, a process for their preparation, a process for coating a substrate using these coating compositions and substrates coated with these coating compositions.
US08552128B2 Polymer processing simplification
A process for the preparation of a fluoroolefin polymer from an azeotropic mixture of monomers having a constant composition, the process including the step of: contacting in a reaction zone: (i) an initiator; and (ii) an azeotropic mixture of monomers including at least one fluoroolefin and, optionally, at least one ethylenically unsaturated comonomer capable of copolymerizing therewith; wherein the contacting is carried out at a temperature, pressure and length of time sufficient to produce the fluoroolefin polymer.
US08552122B2 Amine-terminated telechelic polymers and precursors thereto and methods for their preparation
Disclosed is a method of preparing terminally functionalized telechelic polymers using a cationic living polymer product or a terminal tert-chloride chain end of a carbocationic quasiliving polymer product, which comprises quenching the polymer product with a functionalized N-substituted pyrrole to thereby introduce the functionalized N-substituted pyrrole at the terminal reactive polymer chain end(s). A method is also disclosed whereby the N-substituent may be derivatized to a basic amine containing functional group. Also disclosed are the terminal functionalized polyisobuyl N-substituted pyrrole compounds where the polyisobutyl group is substituted at the 2 and 3 position of the N-substituted pyrrole.
US08552120B2 Grafted and functionalized high 1,4-trans polybutadiene with aromatic organosulfur compound
The present invention relates to a process of preparing 1,4-trans polybutadiene grafted with an aromatic organosulfur compound, the process comprising (a) preparing 1,4-trans polybutadiene by polymerizing 1,3-butadiene or butadiene derivatives in a nonpolar solvent in the presence of a particular catalyst, and (b) preparing the 1,4-trans polybutadiene grafted with an aromatic organosulfur compound by reacting the trans polybutadiene with an aromatic organosulfur compound. The organosulfur molecule in the molecular chain minimizes ultra high molecular weight fraction and narrows the molecular weight distribution, thereby enabling this polymer to show improved processability and tensile properties.
US08552116B2 Polypropylene resin, polypropylene resin composition, and foam-injection-molded article
A polypropylene resin and a polypropylene resin composition are provided, which have excellent fluidity and foaming properties, and particularly in use for foam injection molding, allow molding with a narrow initial cavity clearance even if a large mold is used, and therefore can provide a thin, large-area foam-injection-molded article having good appearance. The invention relates to a polypropylene resin obtained by melt mixing a linear polypropylene resin, a radical polymerization initiator and a conjugated diene compound, wherein the polypropylene resin has a melt flow rate of more than 30 g/10 min and not more than 250 g/10 min as measured at 230° C. under a load of 2.16 kg; a melt tension at 200° C. of not less than 0.3 cN; and a loss tangent (tan δ) of not more than 6.0, the loss tangent being a ratio of loss modulus to storage modulus at an angular frequency of 1 rad/s in dynamic viscoelasticity measurement at 200° C., and also relates to a polypropylene resin composition for foam injection molding, containing the polypropylene resin.
US08552098B2 Purified acetylated derivatives of castor oil and compositions including same
The present disclosure is directed to a single phase acetylated castor component (SP-ACC). An acetylated castor component is purified to produce the SP-ACC which contains a reduced amount of, or no, insoluble component(s) therein. The SP-ACC enhances the performance and properties of plasticizers of which it is a component.
US08552087B2 Dental materials with a high flexural modulus
Low viscosity composites, with a flexural modulus of at least 18 GPa and a flexural strength of at least 90 MPa for filling dental root canals for fixing post or as a build-up material on post, are composed of aluminum oxide with a mean particle size of 1 to 50 μm in combination with at least one additional filler with a mean particle size of 0.5 to 5 μm and a monomer mixture. Also disclosed is a method for the preparation of tooth restorations.
US08552083B1 Ultra low refractive index curable coatings
The present invention relates to a radiation-curable composition having a refractive index less than 1.40 comprising (1) a curable perfluoropolyether oligomer having a structural formula selected from the group consisting of: and wherein R represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group, wherein A represents a straight chained or branched alkylene group, wherein m represents an integer from 1 to 4, wherein the integers represented by m within individual —((CF2)m—O)n— repeat units can be the same or different, and wherein n represents an integer from 1 to 20; (2) a diluent; (3) a photo-initiator; and (4) an adhesion promoter; wherein the radiation-curable composition is free of compounds containing —CF3 groups.
US08552081B2 High modulus bio-based polymer formulations
The present invention is a high modulus bio-based polymer plastic composition or mixture and methods of preparing the same. The composition is formed from the reaction of a bio-based epoxidized triglyceride oil, an energy activated catalyst and a bio-based non-aromatic cross-linking compound to form a structural polymer plastic. The bio-based epoxidized triglyceride oil is selected from a bio-based epoxidized triglyceride or a bio-based acrylated epoxidized triglyceride. The non-aromatic cross-linking compound is selected from itaconic acid or itaconic anhydride, and the energy activated catalyst is activated by UV radiation or heat.
US08552078B2 Crosslinkers for improving stability of polyurethane foams
A composition for making a polyurethane foam includes a non-fugitive tertiary amine urethane catalyst and an alkylated polyamine crosslinking additives. Foams prepared from the reaction of a polyol and an organic isocyanate in the presence of these ingredients show improved resistance to deterioration of physical properties upon humid ageing.
US08552069B2 Method for treatment of obesity, dyslipidemia, fatty liver or insulin resistance syndrome comprising camphene as active ingredient
Disclosed is a composition including camphene as an active ingredient for preventing or treating obesity, dyslipidemia, fatty liver or insulin resistance syndrome. The composition of the present disclosure including camphene as an active ingredient suppresses differentiation of adipocytes, reduces body fat, reduces visceral fat, reduces total cholesterol level, reduces serum triglyceride level and reduces liver tissue triglyceride level, and thus exhibits preventive or therapeutic activity for obesity, hyperlipidemia or fatty liver. Furthermore, the composition of the present disclosure exhibits the effect of improving type 2 diabetes or insulin resistance and related metabolic disease by significantly reducing fasting blood sugar level and blood insulin level. Also, the composition of the present disclosure exhibits the effect of reducing visceral fat by significantly reducing the expression of nuclear transcription factors (C/EBPα and PPARγ2) playing key roles in adipogenesis or their target gene (aP2), the effect of improving chronically activated inflammation in the visceral fat tissue induced by obesity by significantly reducing the expression of cytokines (TNF-α or IL-6) activating inflammation, and the effect of improving suppressed heat generation in the visceral fat tissue induced by obesity by significantly increasing the expression of UCP (UCP1 or UCP3) genes regulating body heat production.
US08552056B2 Biologically active taxane analogs and methods of treatment by oral administration
The present invention relates to a novel chemical compound of formula S-(1): for use in the treatment of cancer, to compositions containing said compound, methods of manufacture and combinations with other therapeutic agents.
US08552055B2 Dietary and pharmaceutical compositions containing tricyclic diterpenes and their derivates and their uses
The present invention refers to tricyclic diterpenes and their derivatives of the formulae (I) and (II), wherein R1 is hydrogen or C1-6-alkyl; R2 is hydroxy, C3-5-acyloxy, hydroxymethyl, 1,3-dihydroxypropyl or C1-6-alkyl; R3 and R4 independently from each other are hydrogen, hydroxy, hydroxymethyl, C1-5-acyloxy or C1-6-alkoxy; R5 is C1-6-alkyl, hydroxymethyl carboxy or methoxycarbonyl; R9 is hydrogen, hydroxymethyl, methoxy, oxo or C1-5-acyloxy; R10 is hydrogen, or R5 and R9 taken together are —CH2—O— or —O—CH2—; or R5 and R10 taken together are —CO—O—, —O—CO—, —CH2—O— or —O—CH2—; R6 is hydrogen, or R5 and R6 together form a bond; R7 and R8 independently from each other are C1-6-alkyl, carboxy, x-hydroxy-Cx-alkyl (with x being an integer from 1 to 6), or C1-6-alkoxycarbonyl with the proviso that at least one of R7 and R8 is C1-6-alkyl; R11 and R12 are both hydrogen or R11 and R12 together are oxo, with the further proviso for formula (I) that if R2 is hydroxy R1 is C1-6-alkyl, for use as medicaments for the treatment of a disorder connected to impaired neurotransmission, as well as to dietary and pharmaceutical compositions and their uses.
US08552052B2 Use of diindolylmethane-related indoles for the treatment and prevention of respiratory syncytial virus associated conditions
The present invention includes compositions and methods for the treatment and prevention of conditions associated with Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) infection. RSV-associated conditions include acute infections in mammals, typically bronchiolitis and pneumonia, and post-infectious chronic respiratory conditions. In particular, the present invention describes new therapeutic and preventative uses for 3,3′-diindolylmethane (DIM), or a DIM-related indole, alone or in combination with an inhibitor of a membrane bound Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) inhibitors, to treat conditions associated with exposure to RSV.
US08552051B2 Use of pharmaceutical compositions containing mesembrenone
The use of mesembrenone and medicaments and dietary supplements containing mesembrenone. The applicant has surprisingly found that mesembrenone exhibits potent PDE-4 inhibition properties and, in addition to being useful in treating conditions that respond to treatment with a PDE-4 inhibitor, has dual activity on account of its serotonin-uptake inhibition properties. Mesembrenone is extracted and isolated, for example as a pure compound, from plant material of the plant family Mesembryanthemaceae. Preferably a plant or plants from the genus Sceletium, more preferably, Sceletium tortuosum(L) N.E.Br is used.
US08552049B2 Pyrazolecarboxamide derivatives and their use as microbiocides
Compounds of Formula (I) wherein R1 is C1-C4alkyl or C1-C4 haloalkyl; R2 is C1-C4alkyl; R3 is hydrogen or halogen; R4 is hydrogen, C1-C4alkyl or C1-C4halogenalkyl; R5 is hydrogen, halogen, C1-C4alkyl or C1-C4halogenalkyl; R6 is hydrogen, halogen, C1-C4alkyl, C2-C6alkenyl or C3-C6alkinyl; R7 is hydrogen, halogen, C1-C6alkyl, C2-C6alkenyl, C3-C6alkinyl, C3-C6cycloalkyl-C3-C6alkinyl, halophenoxy, halophenyi, C1-C6haloalkyl, C1-C6haloakoxy, C2-C6haloalkenyl, or C2-C6haloalkenyloxy; R8 is hydrogen, halogen, C1-C4alkyl, C2-C6alkenyl or C3-C6alkinyl; with the provisio that at least one of R6, R7 and R8 is different from hydrogen; n is 0 or 1, are suitable for use as microbriocides.
US08552044B1 Coatings for disease control
The present invention relates to coatings for disease control. More particularly, the present invention relates to coatings that are effective against toxins, precursors to these coatings and methods of forming the coatings.
US08552041B2 Therapeutic approaches for treating alzheimer disease and related disorders through a modulation of cell stress response
The present invention relates to compositions and methods for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease and related disorders. More particularly, the invention relates to combined therapies that modulate cell stress response for treating said disease.
US08552040B2 Isoxazoline compounds having MIF antagonist activity
Methods of use and pharmaceutical compositions for a genus of low molecular weight compounds comprising optionally substituted isoxazoline ring systems that act as inhibitors of MIF (macrophage migration inhibitory factor) are disclosed. Specifically, the compounds are useful for treating a variety of diseases involving inflammatory activity or pro-inflammatory cytokine responses, such as autoimmune diseases (including rheumatoid arthritis, insulin-dependent diabetes, multiple sclerosis, graft versus host disease, lupus syndromes), asthma, arthritis, ARDS, psoriasis, interleukin-2 toxicity, proliferative vascular disease, and various forms of sepsis and septic shock, and other conditions characterized by underlying MIF responses including, for instance, tumor growth and neovascularization (angiogenesis).
US08552038B2 Crystalline forms of thiazolidinedione compound and its manufacturing method
A crystalline form of a hydrate of a dihydrochloride 5-(4-{[6-(4-amino-3,5-dimethylphenoxy)-1-methyl-1-H-benzimidazol-2-yl]methoxy}benzyl)-1,3-thiazolidine-2,4-dione represented by the following formula: wherein the crystalline form shows main peaks at interplanar spacings of 10.42, 5.85, 5.52, 3.84, 3.46 and 2.95 angstroms in X-ray powder diffraction obtained with Cu Kα line radiation (wavelength λ=1.54 angstroms).
US08552031B2 3-ethylidenehydrazino substituted heterocyclic compounds as thrombopoietin receptor activators
A compound represented by the formula (1): wherein A, B, R1, L1, R2, L2, L3, Y, L4, R3 and X are the same as defined in the description, a tautomer, prodrug or pharmaceutically acceptable salt of the compound or a solvate thereof.
US08552025B2 Stable methylnaltrexone preparation
Stable pharmaceutical compositions useful for administering methylnaltrexone are described, as are methods for making the same. Kits, including these pharmaceutical compositions, also are provided.
US08552024B2 Azacyclic compounds
The invention provides novel compounds having the general formula (I) wherein R1, R2 and n are as described herein, compositions including the compounds and methods of using the compounds. The compounds are useful as inhibitors of hormone sensitive lipase (HSL) for the treatment of diabetes, metabolic syndrome and obesity.
US08552023B2 Non-amidic linkers with branched termini as CGRP receptor antagonists
The present invention is directed to novel non-amidic linkers with branched termini derivatives which are antagonists of CGRP receptors and useful in the treatment or prevention of diseases in which CGRP is involved, such as migraine. The invention is also directed to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds and the use of these compounds and compositions in the prevention or treatment of such diseases in which CGRP is involved.
US08552017B2 2-amino-3-sulphonyl-tetrahydro-pyrazolo[1,5-A]pyrido-pyrimidine antagonists of serotonin 5-HT6 receptors, methods for the production and use thereof
The invention relates to serotonin 5-HT6 receptor antagonists—novel 2-amino-3-arylsulfonyl-6,7,8,9-tetrahydropyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrido[4,3-e]pyrimidines and substituted 2-amino-3-arylsulfonyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydropyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrido[4,3-d]pyrimidines, drug substances and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the said drug substances as the said compounds, and also to method of prophylaxis and treatment of various diseases of central nervious system in humans and animals pathogenesis of which is associated with serotonin 5-HT6 receptors including cognitive and neurodegenerative diseases.Substituted 2-amino-3-arylsulfonyl-6,7,8,9-tetrahydropyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrido[4,3-e]pyrimidines of the general formula 1 and substituted 2-amino-3-arylsulfonyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydropyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrido[4,3-d]pyrimidines of the general formula 2 and pharmaceutically acceptable salts and/or hydrates thereof. wherein: Ar is optionally substituted aryl or optionally substituted heteroaryl; R1 is hydrogen, optionally substituted C1-C3 alkyl, C1-C4 alkyloxycarbonyl; R2 is hydrogen, halogen or optionally substituted C1-C3 alkyl; R13 and R23 represent optionally alike: hydrogen, optionally substituted C1-C3 alkyl or R13 and R23 together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached form an optionally substituted azaheterocycle.
US08552016B2 Anti-cancer cyclopenta(g)quinazoline compounds
Cyclopenta[g]quinazolines of the formula (I): wherein: A is a group OR or NR0R1 wherein R0 and R1 are each independently hydrogen C1-4 alkyl, C3-4 alkenyl, C3-4 alkynyl, C2-4 hydroxyalkyl, C2-4 halogenoalkyl or C1-4 cyanoalkyl, or R0 and R1 together with the intermediate N form a five- or six-membered heterocyclic ring; p is an integer in the range 1 to 4; R2 is hydrogen, C1-4 alkyl, C3-4 alkenyl, C3-4 alkynyl, C2-4 hydroxyalkyl, C2-4 halogenoalkyl or C1-4 cyanoalkyl; Ar1 is phenylene, thiophenediyl, thiazolediyl, pyridinediyl or pyrimidinediyl which may optionally bear one or two substituents selected from halogeno, hydroxy, amino, nitro, cyano, trifluoromethyl, C1-4 alkyl and C1-4 alkoxy; and R3 is a group of one of the following formulae: -A1-Ar2-A2-Y1-A5-CON(R)CH(Y4) Y5-A8-X—Ar4 and pharmaceutically acceptable salts or esters thereof are of therapeutic value particularly in the treatment of cancer.
US08552015B2 Quinazolinone derivatives and their use as CB agonists
Novel quinazolinone derivatives of formula I wherein R1-R9 are as defined in the description, processes for their production, their use as pharmaceuticals and pharmaceutical compositions comprising them.
US08552009B2 Substituted pyrimido 4.5-d pyrimidin-4-one compounds for modulating TRPV3 function
The present application relates to compounds of Formula I as defined herein, and methods for treating pain and other conditions related to TRPV3.
US08552005B2 (EN) 3-sulfonyl-pyrazolo[1,5-a] pyrimidines / antagonists of serotonin 5-HT6 receptors, methods for the production and the use thereof
The present invention relates to novel substituted 3-(arylsulfonyl)pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidines of general formula 1 pharmaceutically acceptable salts and/or hydrates, to novel serotonin 5-HT6 receptor antagonists, to novel drug substances, pharmaceutical compositions, medicaments and methods for their preparation and use for treatment and prophylaxis of pathological states and diseases of CNS, pathogenesis of which is associated with disturbance of serotonin 5-HT6 receptor activation.In compounds of general formula 1 Ar represents optionally substituted aryl or heterocyclyl; R1, R2 and R3 independently of each other represent hydrogen, C1-C3 alkyl or phenyl; R4 represents hydrogen, optionally substituted C1-C5 alkyl, substituted hydroxyl group or substituted sulfanyl group.
US08552003B2 (S)-N-((S)-1-cyclohexyl-2-{(S)-2-[4-4-(4-fluorobenzoyl)-thiazol-2-yl]pyrrolidin-1-yl}-2-oxoethyl)-2-methylamino-propionamide, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof and their uses
The present invention is directed to a compound of the formula: or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof and use of such compounds for treating proliferative diseases such as cancer, in mammals.
US08551996B2 Compounds, compositions, methods of synthesis, and methods of treatment
Briefly described, embodiments of this disclosure include compounds as described herein, labeled compounds as described herein, pharmaceutical composition including compounds described herein, methods of imaging, method of forming a compound as described herein, and the like. In particular, embodiments of the disclosure include a series of triamino-pyridine derivatives and labeled triamino-pyridine derivatives, methods of synthesizing these compounds, intermediate compounds, methods of treatment using these compounds, methods of imaging, diagnosing, localizing, monitoring, and/or assessing a condition (e.g., corticotropin releasing factor type-1 (CRF1)) and/or related biological events, using triamino-pyridine derivatives, and the like. In addition, the present disclosure includes compositions (e.g., labeled triamino-pyridine derivatives that are ligands for the CRF1 receptor) used in and methods relating to non-invasive imaging (e.g., positron emission tomography (PET) imaging or SPECT imaging).
US08551995B2 Kinase inhibitor compounds
Pyridine and pyridazine derivatives have unexpected drug properties as inhibitors of protein kinases and are useful in treating disorders related to abnormal protein kinase activities such as cancer.
US08551992B2 Aminooxazole inhibitors of cyclin dependent kinases
Oxazole derivatives are described. The inventive compounds are useful as kinase inhibitors, and may be used in the treatment of cancer, such as prostate cancer, lung cancer, breast cancer, colon cancer, leukemia, CNS cancer, melanoma, ovarian cancer, and renal cancer.
US08551988B2 Benzimidazole derivatives: preparation and pharmaceutical applications
The present invention relates to hydroxamate compounds which are inhibitors of histone deacetylase. More particularly, the present invention relates to benzimidazole containing compounds and methods for their preparation. These compounds may be useful as medicaments for the treatment of proliferative disorders as well as other diseases involving, relating to or associated with dysregulation of histone deacetylase (HDAC).
US08551986B2 Treatment of sequelae of psychiatric disorders
In general, the invention provides methods and compositions for treating sequela of weight gain or pain insensitivity, e.g., in a subject suffering from a psychiatric disorder, such as schizophrenia. The combinations employed in the invention include a second generation antipsychotic agent and an opioid receptor antagonist.
US08551982B2 Benzodioxane inhibitors of leukotriene production
The present invention relates to compounds of formula (I): wherein R1 to R3, A, X and n are as defined herein. The compounds of formula (I) are useful as inhibitors of leukotriene A4 hydrolase (LTA4H) and treating LTA4H related disorder. The present invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds of formula (I), methods of using these compounds in the treatment of various diseases and disorders, and processes for preparing these compounds.
US08551970B2 Genetic suppression and replacement
Methods and agents for suppressing expression of a mutant allele of a gene and providing a replacement nucleic acid are provided. The methods of the invention provide suppression effectors such as, for example, antisense nucleic acids, ribozymes, or RNAi, that bind to the gene or its RNA. The invention further provides for the introduction of a replacement nucleic acid with modified sequences such that the replacement nucleic acid is protected from suppression by the suppression effector. The replacement nucleic acid is modified at degenerate wobble positions in the target region of the suppression effector and thereby is not suppressed by the suppression effector. In addition, by altering wobble positions, the replacement nucleic acid can still encode a wild type gene product. The invention has the advantage that the same suppression strategy could be used to suppress, in principle, many mutations in a gene. Also disclosed is a transgenic mouse that expresses human rhodopsin (modified replacement gene) and a transgenic mouse that expresses a suppression effector targeting rhodopsin. Also disclosed in intraocular administration of siRNA.
US08551963B2 Imidazolothiazole compounds and methods of use thereof
Compounds, compositions and methods are provided for modulating the activity of receptor kinases and for the treatment, prevention, or amelioration of one or more symptoms of disease or disorder mediated by receptor kinases.
US08551957B2 Pharmaceutical composition comprising a glucopyranosyl-substituted benzene derivate
The invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition according to the claim 1 comprising a glucopyranosyl-substituted benzene derivative in combination with a DPP IV inhibitor which is suitable in the treatment or prevention of one or more conditions selected from type 1 diabetes mellitus, type 2 diabetes mellitus, impaired glucose tolerance and hyperglycemia. In addition the present invention relates to methods for preventing or treating of metabolic disorders and related conditions.
US08551953B2 Treatment of T-cell mediated diseases
The invention provides a method of treating T-cell mediated diseases and a method of inhibiting the activation of T-cells using certain diketopiperazines. The invention also provides methods of synthesizing diketopiperazines and pharmaceutical compositions comprising certain diketopiperazines. The invention further provides methods of making improved pharmaceutical compositions of proteins and peptides by either increasing or decreasing the content of diketopiperazines in the compositions and the resultant improved pharmaceutical compositions.
US08551942B2 Lyophilized anti-fungal compositions
A lyophilized anti-fungal composition comprises (A) caspofungin, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, in an effective amount; (B) one or more non-reducing sugars having a glass transition temperature Tg(s) of at least about 90° C.; and (C) an acetate buffer in an amount effective to provide a pH in a range of from about 5 to about 7; wherein the weight ratio of the one or more non-reducing sugars to caspofungin is in a range of from about 1.1:1 to about 10:1; the composition has a moisture content of about 0.8 wt. % or less; and the composition has a glass transition temperature Tg(c) of at least about 55° C. The lyophilized composition has good storage stability at temperatures up to and including room temperature. The composition can be reconstituted for use in preventing or treating fungal infections.
US08551933B2 Concentrated film delivery systems
A water soluble strip that includes a carrier film that include water soluble polymer, one or more actives and one or more agents such as heat forming agent and/or degrading accelerator. The water soluble strip can optionally include other additives. The actives includes antimicrobial agent, cleaning agent and/or surfactant. The water soluble strip can include other materials. The heat forming agent and/or degrading accelerator, when used, are designed facilitate in degrading or dissolving the water soluble strip and/or increase the activity of the one or more actives. The water soluble film can be used for a variety of applications such as a hard surface cleaning strip, dishwashing strip, laundry cleaning strip, stop removing strip, drain unclogging strip, toilet bowl cleaning strip and the like. The water soluble strip eliminates the need to purchase and store numerous containers and/or heavy containers of cleaner that take up large amounts of shelf space.
US08551931B2 Surface treatment composition containing phosphonic acid compounds
Surface treatment compositions containing selected phosphonic acid compounds are disclosed. The compositions contain major levels of surface-active agents in combination with additive levels of the phosphonic acid compounds, and, in accordance with needs and objectives, conventional optional ingredients and additive agents. The inventive compositions can provide significant performance benefits, among others novel synergies and eminently desirable regulatory and environmental acceptability.
US08551927B2 Lubricating composition
The invention relates to a lubricating composition containing (a) an oil of lubricating viscosity, and (b) an oil soluble compound with a >N—R—N< group, wherein R may be a hydrocarbylene group. The invention further provides for the use of the lubricating composition for lubricating a limited slip differential.
US08551923B1 Foamed spacer fluids containing cement kiln dust and methods of use
Disclosed are foamed spacer fluids comprising kiln dust for use in subterranean formations. An embodiment discloses a foamed spacer fluid comprising a partially calcined kiln feed removed from a gas stream comprising SiO2, Al2O3, Fe2O3, CaO, MgO, SO3, Na2O, and K2O; a foaming agent; a gas; and water.
US08551920B2 Libraries and methods for isolating antibodies
The disclosure features methods for identifying antibodies that bind to a carbohydrate moiety. Libraries coding for antibodies that bind to a carbohydrate moiety are provided. The libraries can be provided by modifying a pre-existing nucleic acid library. Antibodies that bind to a carbohydrate moiety are described.
US08551919B2 Methods for promoting plant health
A method for promoting the health of a plant comprises administering malic acid to the plant or the soil in an amount effective to recruit plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) to the plant. Administration of malic acid promotes biofilm formation of PGPR on the plant's roots, thereby restricting entry of a foliar pathogen through stomatal pores present in the leaves. Another method for promoting the health of a plant comprises administering acetoin to the plant or the soil in an amount effective to increase pathogen resistance in aerial parts of the plant.
US08551913B2 Methods and compositions for reducing seed bridging
The various embodiments disclosed herein relate to methods and compositions for reducing the bridging of treated seeds, including some that also enhance the survivability of any beneficial microorganisms included in the composition or mixed therewith and/or enhance the yield of the plants that grow from the seed to which the treatment is applied. The various compositions can include sugar and oil, while other embodiments include sugar, oil, and an emulsifying agent, and certain embodiments include sugar, oil, and at least one microorganism. In various embodiments, the oil can be, for example, a heavy lubricating oil such as mineral oil or silicone oil, and the sugar can be, for example, a non-reducing sugar.
US08551912B2 Fungicidal compositions
A composition suitable for control of diseases caused by phytopathogens comprising (A) a compound of Formula (I) wherein R1 is difluoromethyl or trifluoromethyl and X is chloro, fluoro or bromo; and (B) at least one compound selected from compounds known for their fungicidal activity; and a method of controlling diseases on useful plants, especially rust diseases on soybean plants.
US08551908B2 Exhaust gas purification catalyst
An exhaust gas purification catalyst includes: a lower catalyst layer that contains a ceria-zirconia mixed oxide having 50 to 70 mass % of CeO2 and 5 mass % or more of Pr2O3 and carries at least one of Pt and Pd; and an upper catalyst layer that contains at least zirconia and carries at least Rh, wherein the total amount of CeO2 per liter of the carrier base is 15 to 30 g. Because the amount of CeO2 is small, formation of H2S is suppressed and a high capability of adsorbing and releasing oxygen is brought out in spite of the small amount of CeO2.
US08551905B2 Metal-carbon compositions
A gold-carbon compound that is a reaction product of gold and carbon, wherein the gold and the carbon form a single phase material that is meltable. The compound is one in which the carbon does not phase separate from the gold when the single phase material is heated to a melting temperature.
US08551903B2 Amide ester internal electron donor and process
Disclosed is a process for producing a procatalyst composition having an amide ester internal electron donor. The process includes pre-halogenating a procatalyst precursor before reaction with the amide ester and forming the procatalyst composition. Ziegler-Natta catalyst compositions containing the present procatalyst composition exhibit improved catalyst activity and/or improved catalyst selectivity and produce propylene-based olefins with broad molecular weight distribution.
US08551902B2 Method for manufacturing catalyst layer and method for manufacturing membrane electrode assembly
A method for manufacturing a catalyst layer that has good long-term water resistance and a method for manufacturing a membrane electrode assembly. The method for manufacturing a catalyst layer includes the processes of: (1) attaching an Si compound comprising Si, —OH bound to the Si or a group that is bound to the Si and becomes —OH upon hydrolysis, and a hydrophobic group to a surface of a catalyst precursor layer comprising at least platinum oxide; (2) attaching a mixture comprising a metal compound having a metal atom and —OH bound to the metal atom or a group that is bound to the metal atom and becomes —OH upon hydrolysis and a proton conductive polymer electrolyte to the surface of the catalyst precursor layer to which the Si compound has been attached; and (3) reducing the catalyst precursor layer to which the mixture has been attached.
US08551900B2 Purification of an olefinic fraction by adsorption on alumina-faujasite co-granules
Method for preparation of an adsorbent that comprises successive shaping stages by co-granulation of a faujasite-type zeolite powder A, with a powder B that consists of alumina, whereby the ratio per unit of mass of the powder A in the mixture of powders A and B is between 10 and 70%, for treatment under water vapor and drying.The invention also relates to a process for adsorption of organic contaminants that contain at least one heteroatom and that are present in an olefinic feedstock that comprises at least 50% by volume of hydrocarbons, whereby this process comprises the stage for bringing the olefinic feedstock into contact with the adsorbent that is obtained by the preparation method according to the invention.
US08551898B2 Glass compositions with improved chemical and mechanical durability
The embodiments described herein relate to chemically and mechanically durable glass compositions and glass articles formed from the same. In another embodiment, a glass composition may include from about 70 mol. % to about 80 mol. % SiO2; from about 3 mol. % to about 13 mol. % alkaline earth oxide; X mol. % Al2O3; and Y mol. % alkali oxide. The alkali oxide may include Na2O in an amount greater than about 8 mol. %. A ratio of Y:X may be greater than 1 and the glass composition may be free of boron and compounds of boron. In some embodiments, the glass composition may also be free of phosphorous and compounds of phosphorous. Glass articles formed from the glass composition may have at least a class S3 acid resistance according to DIN 12116, at least a class A2 base resistance according to ISO 695, and a type HGA1 hydrolytic resistance according to ISO 720.
US08551896B2 Tear resistant laminate
A multilayer laminate material that resists the growth of a hole, tear, or aperture, and includes an extensible nonwoven layer joined to an elastomeric film layer in a face-to-face relationship. The elastomeric film layer includes an SEEPS elastomeric block copolymer that has a Tm of between 10° C. and 20° C. The laminate exhibits a laminate integrity time of greater than 2 hours.
US08551895B2 Nonwoven webs having improved barrier properties
A laminate is generally provided having alcohol repellency properties. In one particular embodiment, the laminate includes a meltblown web bonded to a spunbond web (e.g., a SM laminate, a SMS laminate, a SMMS laminate, etc.). A fluorinated polymeric coating is attached to the surface of the spunbond web (e.g., grafted). The fluorinated polymeric coating comprises a perfluoroalkyl(alkyl) (meth)acrylate monomer polymerized on the surface of the spunbond web via exposure to a low frequency energy source. The perfluoroalkyl(alkyl) (meth)acrylate monomer has a perfluoroalkyl side groups comprising —(CF2)z—F, where z is an integer from 1 to 6. The laminate has an alcohol repellency of greater than 80%.
US08551894B2 Ligand graft functionalized substrates
Polyethyleneimine and polyalkylene biguanide ligand functionalized substrates, methods of making ligand functionalized substrates, and methods of using functionalized substrates are disclosed.
US08551891B2 Remote plasma burn-in
Methods of treating the interior of a plasma region are described. The methods include a preventative maintenance procedure or the start-up of a new substrate processing chamber having a remote plasma system. A new interior surface is exposed within the remote plasma system. The (new) interior surfaces are then treated by sequential steps of (1) forming a remote plasma from hydrogen-containing precursor within the remote plasma system and then (2) exposing the interior surfaces to water vapor. Steps (1)-(2) are repeated at least ten times to complete the burn-in process. Following the treatment of the interior surfaces, a substrate may be transferred into a substrate processing chamber. A dielectric film may then be formed on the substrate by flowing one precursor through the remote plasma source and combining the plasma effluents with a second precursor flowing directly to the substrate processing region.
US08551890B2 Showerhead for CVD depositions
A CVD showerhead that includes a circular inner showerhead and at least one outer ring showerhead. At least two process gas delivery tubes are coupled to each showerhead. Also, a dual showerhead that includes a circular inner showerhead and at least one outer ring showerhead where each showerhead is coupled to oxygen plus a gas mixture of lead, zirconium, and titanium organometallics. A method of depositing a CVD thin film on a wafer. Also, a method of depositing a PZT thin film on a wafer.
US08551889B2 Manufacture method for photovoltaic module
In a manufacture method for a photovoltaic module, a plurality of strips of resin adhesive film having a desired width and unwound from a single feeding reel is simultaneously pasted on a solar cell. In particular, the manufacture method is implemented by performing the steps of: unwinding a resin adhesive film sheet from a reel on which the resin adhesive film sheet is wound; splitting the unwound resin adhesive film into two or more film strips in correspondence to lengths of wiring material to bond; pasting the strips of resin adhesive film on an electrode of the solar cell; and placing the individual lengths of wiring material on the electrode of the solar cell having the plural strips of resin adhesive film pasted thereon and thermally setting the resin adhesive film by heating so as to fix together the electrode of the solar cell and the wiring material.
US08551875B2 Pattern forming method
According to one embodiment, an opening pattern is formed in the core film above a processing target, and a mask film is conformably formed above the processing target. Next, etch-back of the mask film is performed so that the mask film remains on a side surface of the core film. After that, line-and-space shaped core patterns, made of the core film, is formed in an area other than an area forming the opening pattern. Next, sidewall patterns are formed around the core patterns, and the core patterns are removed. Next, the processing target is patterned by using the mask film and the sidewall patterns.
US08551873B2 Method for manufacturing semiconductor device
A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device having a MOS transistor, includes forming a gate electrode material layer on a first insulating film formed on a semiconductor substrate, forming an etching mask on the gate electrode material layer, forming a gate electrode by patterning the gate electrode material layer such that a protective film that protects at least a lower portion of a side face of the gate electrode and a portion of the first insulating film, which is adjacent to the side face, is formed while the gate electrode material layer is patterned, forming a second insulating film on the semiconductor substrate on which the gate electrode is formed, and forming an interlayer insulation film on the second insulating film.
US08551872B2 Low series resistance transistor structure on silicon on insulator layer
A transistor structure includes a channel located in an extremely thin silicon on insulator (ETSOI) layer and disposed between a raised source and a raised drain, a gate structure having a gate conductor disposed over the channel and between the source and the drain, and a gate spacer layer disposed over the gate conductor. The raised source and the raised drain each have a facet that is upwardly sloping away from the gate structure. A lower portion of the source and a lower portion of the drain are separated from the channel by an extension region containing a dopant species diffused from a dopant-containing glass.
US08551861B2 Semiconductor device and method for manufacturing the same
A semiconductor device and a method for manufacturing the same are disclosed. A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device includes forming a trench for defining an active region over a semiconductor substrate, forming a doped region by implanting impurities into the trench, forming an oxide film in the trench by performing an oxidation process, forming a nitride film at inner sidewalls of the trench, and forming a device isolation film in the trench.
US08551854B2 Method of manufacturing a semiconductor device
In a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device, a barrier metal film and an aluminum metal film are formed on an insulating film on a semiconductor substrate. Two aluminum electrodes are formed in parallel with each other by patterning the barrier metal film and the aluminum metal film. The aluminum metal film in a region of part of each of the two aluminum electrodes are selectively removed to form two single-layer barrier metal electrodes separated from each other. A resistor is formed between the two single-layer barrier metal electrodes so as to electrically connect the two single-layer barrier metal electrodes to each other.
US08551846B2 Methods for fabricating semiconductor devices
A method of fabricating a semiconductor device includes providing a semiconductor substrate including a channel region, forming a gate electrode structure on the channel region of the semiconductor substrate, forming a first trench in the semiconductor substrate, and forming a second trench in the semiconductor device. The first trench may include a first tip that protrudes toward the channel. The second trench may be an enlargement of the first trench and may include a second tip that also protrudes toward the channel region. In some examples, the second tip may protrude further towards the channel region than the first tip.
US08551844B1 Methods of forming semiconductor constructions
Some embodiments include methods in which first insulative material is formed across a memory region and a peripheral region of a substrate. An etch stop structure is formed to have a higher portion over the memory region than over the peripheral region. A second insulative material is formed to protect the lower portion of the etch stop structure, and the higher portion is removed. Subsequently, at least some of the first and second insulative materials are removed. Some embodiments include semiconductor constructions having a first region with first features, and a second region with second features. The first features are closer spaced than the second features. A first insulative material is over the second region and an insulative structure is over the first insulative material. The structure has a stem joined to a bench. The bench has an upper surface, and the stem extends to above the upper surface.
US08551843B1 Methods of forming CMOS semiconductor devices
One method disclosed herein includes forming first, second and third gate stacks, wherein one of the gate stacks is an isolation stack positioned above an isolation structure and each of the gate stacks is comprised of three layers of hard mask material positioned above a layer of gate electrode material. The method also involves forming sidewall spacers proximate the second gate stack while the first and isolation gate stacks are masked, forming sidewall spacers proximate the first gate stack while the second and isolation gate stacks are masked, forming a polish stop layer between the plurality of gate stacks, performing another etching process on an etch stop layer, a layer of spacer material, and the second layer of hard mask material positioned above or proximate the isolation gate stack and performing a chemical mechanical polishing process to remove material positioned above an upper surface of the polish stop layer.
US08551836B2 Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the same
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device includes forming an insulating film over a semiconductor substrate, forming a capacitor including a lower electrode, a capacitor dielectric film including a ferroelectric material, and an upper electrode over the insulating film, forming a first protective insulating film over a side surface and upper surface of the capacitor by a sputtering method, and forming a second protective insulating film over the first protective insulating film by an atomic layer deposition method.
US08551835B2 Electrostatic discharge protection device and method
Embodiments of the invention relate to an electrostatic discharge (ESD) device and method for forming an ESD device. An embodiment is an ESD protection device comprising a p well disposed in a substrate, an n well disposed in the substrate, a high voltage n well (HVNW) disposed between the p well and the n well in the substrate, a source n+ region disposed in the p well, and a plurality of drain n+ regions disposed in the n well.
US08551833B2 Double gate planar field effect transistors
A stacked planar device and method for forming the same is shown that includes forming, on a substrate, a stack of layers having alternating sacrificial and channel layers, patterning the stack such that sides of the stack include exposed surfaces of the sacrificial and channel layers, forming a dummy gate structure over a region of the stack to establish a planar area, forming a dielectric layer around the dummy gate structure to cover areas adjacent to the planar area, removing the dummy gate structure to expose the stack, selectively etching the stack to remove the sacrificial layers from the channel layers in the planar area, and forming a gate conductor over and in between the channel layers to form a transistor device.
US08551832B2 Method for manufacturing semiconductor device
A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device includes forming a first-conductivity-type well and a second-conductivity-type well in a silicon substrate; stacking a first high-dielectric-constant insulating film and a first cap dielectric film above the silicon substrate; removing at least the first cap dielectric film from above the second-conductivity-type well; conducting a first annealing at a first temperature to cause an element included in the first cap dielectric film to diffuse into the first high-dielectric-constant insulating film disposed above the first-conductivity-type well; after the first annealing, stacking a second high-dielectric-constant insulating film and a second cap dielectric film above the silicon substrate; removing the second cap dielectric film disposed above the first-conductivity-type well; and conducting a second annealing at a second temperature lower than the first temperature to cause an element included in the second cap dielectric film to diffuse into the second high-dielectric-constant insulating film disposed above the second-conductivity-type well.
US08551831B2 Silicon germanium and polysilicon gate structure for strained silicon transistors
An integrated circuit semiconductor device, e.g., MOS, CMOS. The device has a semiconductor substrate. The device also has a dielectric layer overlying the semiconductor substrate and a gate structure overlying the dielectric layer. A dielectric layer forms sidewall spacers on edges of the gate structure. A recessed region is within a portion of the gate structure within the sidewall spacer structures. An epitaxial fill material is within the recessed region. The device has a source recessed region and a drain recessed region within the semiconductor substrate and coupled to the gate structure. The device has an epitaxial fill material within the source recessed region and within the drain recessed region. A channel region is between the source region and the drain region is in a strain characteristic from at least the fill material formed in the source region and the drain region. Depending upon the embodiment, the fill material can be any suitable species such as silicon germanium, silicon carbide, and others.
US08551828B2 Method of manufacturing semiconductor device
To suppress an effect of metal contamination caused in manufacturing an SOI substrate. After forming a damaged region by irradiating a semiconductor substrate with hydrogen ions, the semiconductor substrate is bonded to a base substrate. Heat treatment is performed to cleave the semiconductor substrate; thus an SOI substrate is manufactured. Even if metal ions enter the semiconductor substrate together with the hydrogen ions in the step of hydrogen ion irradiation, the effect of metal contamination can be suppressed by the gettering process. Accordingly, the irradiation with hydrogen ions can be performed positively by an ion doping method.
US08551826B2 Thin film transistor substrate, liquid crystal display having the same, and method of manufacturing the same
In a thin film transistor, first and second thin film transistors are connected to an Nth gate line and an Mth data line, and first and second sub pixel electrodes are connected to the first and second thin film transistors, respectively. A third thin film transistor includes a gate electrode connected to an (N+1)th gate line, a semiconductor layer overlapping with the gate electrode, a source electrode connected to the second sub pixel electrode and partially overlapping with the gate electrode, and a drain electrode facing the source electrode. A first auxiliary electrode is connected to the drain electrode and arranged on the same layer as the first and second sub pixel electrodes. An opposite electrode is arranged on the same layer as the gate line and at least partially overlaps with the first auxiliary electrode with at least one insulating layer disposed therebetween.
US08551820B1 Routable single layer substrate and semiconductor package including same
In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a routable substrate that may be used, for example, in relation to the manufacture of Dual and Quad Flat No-Lead (DFN/QFN) style semiconductor packages as a substrate or interposer of such packages. The method of fabricating the substrate effectively removes metal from the saw streets and provides a more stable surface structure for wire bonding. The substrate fabrication method also utilizes existing etching techniques which are implemented in a prescribed sequence to achieve no metal in the saw streets and to completely electrically isolated features. Further, the substrate fabrication method includes a molding step intended to replace pressure sensitive adhesive tapes.
US08551818B2 Method of manufacturing electronic device and display
A method of manufacturing an electronic device includes the steps of: forming a sacrifice layer made of at least one of an alkali metal oxide and an alkali earth metal oxide in a part of a first substrate; forming a supporting layer covering the sacrifice layer; forming an electronic device on the sacrifice layer with the supporting layer in between; exposing at least a part of a side face of the sacrifice layer by removing a part of the supporting layer; forming a support body between the electronic device and the supporting layer, and a surface of the first substrate; removing the sacrifice layer; breaking the support body and transferring the electronic device onto a second substrate by bringing the electronic device into close contact with an adhesion layer provided on a surface of the second substrate; removing a fragment of the support body belonging to the electronic device; removing at least an exposed region in the adhesion layer not covered with the electronic device; and forming a fixing layer on a surface of the electronic device and the surface of the second substrate.
US08551813B2 Wafer level IC assembly method
A wafer level integrated circuit assembly method is conducted as follows. First, a mother device wafer with plural first posts is provided. The first posts are used for electrical connection and are made of copper according to an embodiment. Solder is sequentially formed on the first posts. The solder is preferably pre-formed on a wafer, and the locations of the solder correspond to the first posts of the mother device wafer. Consequently, the solder can be formed on or adhered to the first posts by placing the wafer having pre-formed solder onto the first posts. Plural dies having plural second posts corresponding to the first posts are placed onto the mother device wafer. Then, the solder is reflowed to bond the first and second posts, and the mother device wafer is diced.
US08551800B2 Methods of forming semiconductor structures including a movable switching element
Semiconductor structures including a movable switching element having a base disposed on a conductive pad, a body extending from the base, and an end laterally adjacent and spaced apart from a conductive contact are disclosed. Upon application of a threshold voltage, the movable switching element may deform toward the conductive contact via an electrical field, establishing electrical contact between the conductive pad and the conductive contact. Various methods may be used to form such semiconductor structures, and switching devices including such semiconductor structures. Memory devices and electronic systems include such switching devices.
US08551795B2 Mask
Disclosed is a mask which can be used for forming a pattern on a substrate in a deposition apparatus, and a method for manufacturing a display device using the same. The mask includes a mask pattern and a frame. The mask has a tapered shape where the inner surface of the frame tapers in a direction from an upper end to a lower end. A thin film pattern is formed on a substrate using the mask pattern of the mask. The frame supports an outer of the mask pattern, and includes an inclined plane which tapers in an inner direction where the mask pattern is disposed.
US08551789B2 Frizzled-binding agents and their use in screening for WNT inhibitors
Novel anti-cancer agents, including, but not limited to, antibodies and other polypeptides, that bind to human frizzled receptors are provided. Novel epitopes within the human frizzled receptors which are suitable as targets for anti-cancer agents are also identified. Methods of using the agents or antibodies, such as methods of using the agents or antibodies to inhibit Wnt signaling and/or inhibit tumor growth are further provided. Screening methods are also provided.
US08551786B2 Systems and methods for enhancing fluorescent detection of target molecules in a test sample
Systems and methods for enhancing fluorescent detection of target molecules in a test sample are for use with an irradiating device. First fluorophores are provided for absorption of EMF radiation, and emission of a first signal. Second fluorophores are provided for partial absorption of the first signal, and emission of a second signal distinguishable from the first signal. The fluorophores are combined with the test sample, and secured to the target molecules and relative to one another. After the first fluorophores receive the EMF radiation from the irradiating device, the first signal is detected, together with the second spectral signal if the target molecules are present in the test sample.
US08551781B2 Vault complexes for facilitating biomolecule delivery
The invention relates to compositions of vault complexes containing recombinant membrane lytic proteins, such as an adenovirus protein VI lytic domain, and methods of using the vault complexes to facilitate delivery and entry of a biomolecule into a cell or subject.
US08551780B2 Electroporation buffer composition and method of use
The subject invention concerns an electroporation buffer that allows for enhanced transfection efficiency and cell viability of cells during application of an electric current. Buffers of the invention provide for maximum transfer of target particles into cells while maintaining the health and growth potential of the cell population. Compositions of the invention comprise electroporation buffers of approximately physiological ionic strength and pH, and having serum or purified proteins, such as serum albumin, added thereto. The subject invention is suitable for use with any cell type. The subject invention also concerns methods of electroporation using an electroporation buffer of the invention.
US08551775B2 Subpopulations of spore-like cells and uses thereof
Subpopulations of spore-like cells expressing specific cell surface and gene expression markers are provided. In one embodiment, the cells express at least one cell surface or gene expression marker selected from the group consisting of Oct4, nanog, Zfp296, cripto, Gdf3, UtF1, Ecat1, Esg1, Sox2, Pax6, nestin, SCA-1, CD29, CD34, CD90, B1 integrin, cKit, SP-C, CC10, SF1, DAX1, and SCG10. Also provided are methods for purifying a subpopulation of spore-like cells of interest from a population of spore-like cells, and methods for inducing differentiation of the isolated spore-like cells into cells of endodermal, mesodermal or ectodermal origin. The spore-like cells can be used to generate cells originating from all three germ layers and can be used to treat a patient who has a deficiency of functional cells in any of a wide variety of tissues, including the retina, intestine, bladder, kidney, liver, lung, nervous system, or endocrine system.
US08551770B2 Enhanced oxygen cell culture platforms
Provided is a cell culture apparatus for culturing cells, that provides enhanced oxygen delivery and supply to cells without the need for stirring or sparging. Oxygen diffusion occurs on both sides of the culture vessel, top and bottom. A gas-permeable membrane that includes perfluorocarbons in its composition allows for the rapid, enhanced and uniform transfer of oxygen between the environment of cells or tissues contained in the cell culture container apparatus and the atmosphere of the incubator in which the cell culture apparatus is incubated.
US08551759B2 Oligomer probe array and method of producing the same
An oligomer probe array having improved reaction yield is provided. The oligomer probe array includes a substrate, an immobilization layer on the substrate, a plurality of nano particles coupled with a surface of the immobilization layer, and a plurality of oligomer probes coupled with surfaces of the nano particles.
US08551754B2 Amylases, nucleic acids encoding them and methods for making and using them
In one aspect, the invention is directed to polypeptides having an amylase activity, polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides, and methods for making and using these polynucleotides and polypeptides. The polypeptides of the invention can be used as amylases to catalyze the hydrolysis of starch into sugars.
US08551752B2 RNA polymerase mutant with improved functions
Disclosed is a T7 RNA polymerase mutant having improved thermal stability and/or specific activity in comparison with wild-type T7-like bacteriophage RNA polymerase, wherein at least one amino acid residue corresponding to at least one of the amino acid residues selected from the group at least consisting of glutamine at position 768, lysine at position 179 and valine at position 685 of the amino acid sequence that composes wild-type T7 RNA polymerase shown in SEQ ID NO: 6, is substituted with another amino acid.
US08551751B2 BX11 enzymes having xylosidase activity
This invention relates to novel enzymes and novel methods for producing the same. More specifically this invention relates to a variety of fungal enzymes. Nucleic acid molecules encoding such enzymes, compositions, recombinant and genetically modified host cells, and methods of use are described. The invention also relates to a method to convert lignocellulosic biomass to fermentable sugars with enzymes that degrade the lignocellulosic material and novel combinations of enzymes, including those that provide a synergistic release of sugars from plant biomass. The invention also relates to a method to release cellular content by degradation of cell walls. The invention also relates to methods to use the novel enzymes and compositions of such enzymes in a variety of other processes, including washing of clothing, detergent processes, biorefining, deinking and biobleaching of paper and pulp, and treatment of waste streams.
US08551743B2 Immobilized interfacial enzymes of improved and stabilized activity
Disclosed is a process for the preparation of an interfacial enzyme immobilized on an insoluble support, by providing a bi-phase system comprised of an aqueous buffer solution and at least one first organic solvent; mixing said interfacial enzyme with the bi-phase system provided; adding the support to the obtained mixture and mixing; and isolating from the mixture obtained in the last step the interfacial enzyme immobilized on said support. The produced enzyme is locked in its catalytically active confirmation, and thus exhibits improved activity and stability. Also disclosed are uses of the produced enzymes, particularly in the preparation of biodiesel.
US08551734B2 Selection and enrichment of proteins using in vitro compartmentalization
Compositions and methods are provided for selection and enrichment of a target gene from a library of polynucleotide sequences such as might be formed from a genome or by random mutagenesis of a genetic sequence. The selection and enrichment occurs in aqueous droplets formed in an emulsion that compartmentalize individual polynucleotides from the library or a plurality of polynucleotides that may include polynucleotides not derived from the library, transcription and translation reagents and optionally additional chemical and enzyme reagents. The selection and enrichment method utilizes a polynucleotide adaptor which when ligated to the polynucleotide fragment enables amplification to occur in the presence of an adaptor specific primer.
US08551726B2 Method of modulating HSF-1
The present invention is directed to methods of modulating HSF1 activity comprising modifying the acetylation of the DNA binding domain of the HSF1.
US08551717B2 Method for determining sumoylation
The present invention relates to a method for determining SUMOylation and utilizing said SUMOylation patterns for identifying specific interaction between different binding partners. In another aspect, the present invention relates to systems allowing the determination of SUMOylation and for determining specific interaction between binding partners. Furthermore, the present invention relates to vectors and proteins relating to SUMOylation.
US08551711B2 Screening method of glutathione-increasing substance
As a means for treating diseases such as neurodegenerative diseases, malignant tumors and infectious diseases, a method for screening a substance increasing glutathione is provided. According to this method, by contacting a test substance with a cell expressing a GTRAP3-18 protein, a substance decreasing the amount of expression of the GTRAP3-18 protein or inhibiting a function of the GTRAP3-18 protein is specified as a target substance.
US08551699B2 PCA3, PCA3 genes, and methods of use
The present invention relates, in general, to a prostate-specific antigen, PCA3. In particular, the present invention relates to nucleic acid molecules coding for the PCA3 protein; purified PCA3 proteins and polypeptides; recombinant nucleic acid molecules; cells containing the recombinant nucleic acid molecules; antibodies having binding affinity specifically to PCA3 proteins and polypeptides; hybridomas containing the antibodies; nucleic acid probes for the detection of nucleic acids encoding PCA3 proteins; a method of detecting nucleic acids encoding PCA3 proteins or polypeptides in a sample; kits containing nucleic acid probes or antibodies; bioassays using the nucleic acid sequence, protein or antibodies of this invention to diagnose, assess, or prognose a mammal afflicted with prostate cancer; therapeutic uses; and methods of preventing prostate cancer in an animal.
US08551690B2 Methods of forming patterns
Some embodiments include methods in which photolithographically-patterned photoresist features are used as templates during formation of a series of annular structures. The annular structures have linear segments. The linear segments are within a pattern having a pitch which is less than or equal to about half of a pitch of a pattern containing the photoresist features. An expanse of photoresist is formed across the annular structures. The expanse is photolithographically patterned to form chop patterns over ends of the annular structures, and to form at least one opening over at least one of the linear segments. The annular structures are etched while using the patterned photoresist expanse as a mask. In some embodiments, an opening in a photoresist expanse aligns to an edge of a linear segment through scum generated during photolithographic patterning of the photoresist expanse.
US08551687B2 Alkali developable photosensitive resin composition and dry film manufactured by the same
The present invention relates to a polyimide photosensitive resin composition that is capable of being developed by an alkali aqueous solution, and a dry film that is produced by the same, and more particularly to a photosensitive resin composition which comprises a) a polyamic acid, b) two or more (meth)acrylate—based compounds that include one or more double bonds between carbons, c) a photopolymerization initiator, d) a phosphorus—based flame retardant, and e) an organic solvent, and a dry film that is produced by the same.
US08551683B2 Illumination sources and subjects having distinctly matched and mismatched narrow spectral bands
A light source is configured to emit narrow peaks at discrete spectral bands, especially primary color wavelengths, added to simulate the effect of a broadband light source. A subject is provided with a pigment, examples being certain rare earth lanthanides, with a strong absorption peak at a corresponding narrow spectral band. The pigment has a nominal hue under true broadband light. When illuminated by the narrow band source, the absorption peak eliminates the contribution of one of the primary colors, producing a distinct shift in hue of the pigmented subject. The change in hue cannot be anticipated from the appearance of illuminated subjects that lack the pigment, which remain normal. The narrow absorption peak is not noticeable under unmatched light sources or true broadband light sources, e.g., sunlight. The hue shift effect is useful for security authentication, informational and decorative applications.
US08551677B2 Lithographic CD correction by second exposure
Correction of critical dimension variation is accomplished with a second exposure, e.g. using a second reticle. Embodiments include exposing a first wafer with a first dose using a first reticle, having a pattern corresponding to a target pattern for a wafer, identifying CD variations between the exposed wafer and the target pattern for different features in the target pattern, exposing a second wafer with the first reticle using a second dose, less than or equal to the first dose, and correcting the CD variations by applying an additional exposure of the second wafer. Embodiments further include using one or more additional exposures to prevent printing unwanted structures on the reticle or to deliberately vary the sizes of selected structures on the wafer for development purposes.
US08551668B2 Sealing of a membrane electrode assembly
A sealed and/or reinforced membrane electrode assembly is disclosed. Encapsulation films, each comprising a backing layer and an adhesive layer, are positioned on the edges of at least one face of each gas diffusion substrate such that the adhesive layers impregnate into each gas diffusion substrate. Methods of forming sealed and/or reinforced membrane electrode assemblies are also disclosed.
US08551664B2 Fuel cell humidifier diagnostic
A fuel cell system is disclosed that employs a humidifier and an oxygen sensor for measuring the oxygen concentration in the cathode exhaust gas from the fuel cell stack to determine a system diagnostic, such as a fluid leak from or across the humidifier.
US08551656B2 Solid electrolyte cell and positive electrode active material
A solid electrolyte cell includes: a positive electrode side layer having a positive electrode active material layer; a negative electrode side layer; and a solid electrolyte layer formed between the positive electrode side layer and the negative electrode side layer, wherein the positive electrode active material layer contains a lithium phosphoric acid compound which is in an amorphous state and is represented by the following formula (1), LixCuyPO4  (1) where x indicates the compositional ratio of lithium, and y indicates the compositional ratio of copper, x and y being in the ranges of 1.0≦x≦5.0 and 1.0≦y≦4.0, respectively.
US08551654B2 Secondary batteries with treated bentonite cathodes
Provided herein is an electrochemical cell for a secondary battery, which includes a positive electrode having an active intercalation cathode material of treated bentonite; a negative electrode material having an active anode material containing one of magnesium and sodium; an electrolyte positioned in contact with at least one of the positive electrode and the negative electrode; wherein, when the active anode material contains magnesium, the electrolyte is a solid gel polymeric electrolyte; and wherein, when the active anode material is sodium, the electrolyte is a salt electrolyte, both the anode material and the electrolyte are molten at the operating temperature of the battery, and the cell further comprises a beta alumina solid electrolyte separator between the negative electrode and the electrolyte.
US08551651B2 Secondary cell having negative electrode base member
The present invention aims to realize a battery having high output voltage, high energy density and excellent charge and discharge cycle characteristics through a constitution different from those of conventional batteries. Specifically, one of the following negative electrode base members is used as a negative electrode base member for lithium ion secondary batteries: a negative electrode base member wherein a metal film is formed on a support having an organic film; such a negative electrode base member wherein the surface layer of the organic film is covered with a metal oxide film; a negative electrode base member wherein a metal film is formed on a support having a composite film formed from a composite film-forming material containing an organic component and an inorganic component; and a negative electrode base member wherein a silica coating is formed, on a support having a photoresist pattern, from a silica film-forming coating liquid and a metal film is formed on the support after removing the photoresist pattern.
US08551630B2 Electric power storage system
An electric power storage system 10 of the present invention includes a lithium secondary battery; a detection device to detect the temperature of the lithium secondary battery; and a control device to decrease a remaining capacity of the lithium secondary battery based on an increase of the detected temperature and a temperature Tbx of the lithium secondary battery. When a self-heating rate of the lithium secondary battery at a temperature T (K) and a remaining capacity x (%) is represented by Hs(x, T) (K/min), and a heat dissipation rate at a temperature T (K) of the lithium secondary battery is represented by Hd(T) (K/min), the temperature Tbx is a temperature at which Hs(x,Tbx)>Hd(Tbx) holds. That is, this temperature Tbx is a temperature at which the heat generating rate is higher than the heat dissipation rate and at which the battery temperature T starts to increase.
US08551616B2 Adhesive compositions with multiple tackifiers
Adhesive compositions and articles that contain these adhesive compositions are described. More particularly, the adhesive compositions include (a) a block copolymer prepared from monoethylenically unsaturated monomers and (b) a tackifier mixture. The adhesives compositions can be adhered to many substrates including those having a non-polar surface.
US08551612B2 Polarizing plate, manufacturing method thereof, optical film and image display
A polarizing plate of the present invention includes a polyvinyl alcohol-based polarizer; and transparent protective films provided on both sides of the polarizer with an adhesive layer interposed between the polarizer and each transparent protective film, wherein the transparent protective film on one side comprises a lactone ring structure-containing (meth)acrylic resin and has an in-plane retardation of less than 40 nm and a thickness direction retardation of less than 80 nm, and the transparent protective film on the other side is a retardation plate that comprises a cellulose ester and satisfies the relation: nx>ny>nz, wherein nx is a refractive index in an X-axis direction where the in-plane refractive index is maximum, ny is a refractive index in a Y-axis direction perpendicular to the X-axis, and nz is a refractive index in a Z-axis direction corresponding to the thickness direction. The polarizing plate can satisfy durability and display uniformity (unevenness).
US08551607B2 Armor systems including coated core materials
An armor system and method involves providing a core material and a stream of atomized coating material that comprises a liquid fraction and a solid fraction. An initial layer is deposited on the core material by positioning the core material in the stream of atomized coating material wherein the solid fraction of the stream of atomized coating material is less than the liquid fraction of the stream of atomized coating material on a weight basis. An outer layer is then deposited on the initial layer by positioning the core material in the stream of atomized coating material wherein the solid fraction of the stream of atomized coating material is greater than the liquid fraction of the stream of atomized coating material on a weight basis.
US08551590B2 Multilayer film and packaging material
An object of the present invention is to provide a multilayer film and a package body of which the thickness can be reduced than that of a conventional multilayer film, by having a good impact resistance, flex resistance, and anti-pinhole property. A multilayer film 100 according to the present invention includes a repeatedly laminated part 130. The repeatedly laminated part 130 is formed by alternately and repeatedly laminating a first layer 131 and a second layer 132. The first layer 131 consists mainly of a polyamide resin (excluding elastomers). The second layer 132 consists mainly of a copolymer of an olefin-based hydrocarbon having carbon number of 2 to 4 and a vinyl group-containing monomer.
US08551585B2 Poultry box
A repulpable moisture resistant poultry box having a composite structure with a fluted medium, a top backing board secured to one side of the fluted medium and a bottom backing board secured to the other side of the fluted medium. The backing boards and the fluted medium are impregnated with a hydrogenated triglyceride. The backing boards each have an outer surface coated with PET to provide moisture resistance repulpable and recyclable box.
US08551583B2 Liquid crystal display and method of manufacturing the same
A liquid crystal display includes a color filter including a dye and a pigment, and the color filter is formed from a compound represented by the following Formula 1. wherein R1 is hydrogen or a substituted or unsubstituted C1-C5 alkyl group, X1, X2, and X3 are independently a NR2R3 group, OR4, a R5C═CR6R7 group, or a OC(═O)R8C═CR9R10 group, and R2 to R10 are independently hydrogen or a substituted or unsubstituted C1-C5 alkyl group.
US08551579B2 Method for producing ceramic honeycomb structure
A method for producing a ceramic honeycomb structure comprising a ceramic honeycomb body having large numbers of longitudinally extending cells defined by cell walls, and an outer peripheral wall formed on an outer peripheral surface of the ceramic honeycomb body, comprising the steps of applying a coating material comprising colloidal silica having an average particle size of 4-150 nm to longitudinally extending grooves defined by cell walls on the outer peripheral surface of the ceramic honeycomb body, and induction-drying the coating material to form the outer peripheral wall.
US08551565B2 Film forming method and film forming apparatus
Disclosed is a film forming method including the steps of: producing a monovalent carboxylic acid metal salt gas by reacting a bivalent carboxylic acid metal salt with a carboxylic acid; supplying the monovalent carboxylic acid metal salt gas on a substrate to accumulate a monovalent carboxylic acid metal salt film; and decomposing the monovalent carboxylic acid metal salt film by supplying energy to the substrate formed with the monovalent carboxylic acid metal salt film so as to form a metallic film.
US08551555B2 Biocompatible coatings for medical devices
Biocompatible coatings for implantable medical devices are disclosed. Embodiments of the invention provide methods for coating an object with a biocompatible coating wherein the device is suspended using a flowing gas during the coating process. Embodiments of the invention provide tropoelastin coatings and methods of creating tropoelastin coatings for implantable medical devices. Optionally, the biocompatible coating can be a drug eluting coating.
US08551550B2 Food additive for ruminants based on eugenol and cinnamaldehyde
The invention concerns a composition based on a mixture of eugenol and cinnamaldehyde, as food additive for feeding ruminants. The composition may be incorporated in a food additive, or a salt block. The eugenol and the cinnamaldehyde may be natural or identical natural constituents. Administering the composition or the food additive increases meat production and milk production.
US08551548B2 Method, device and product carrier for effective drying of co-extruded food products
The invention relates to a method for manufacturing co-extruded food products, comprising the processing steps of: A) co-extruding an elongate dough strand with an enclosing casing, B) bringing the encased elongate food strand into contact with a salt solution for a maximum of 5 seconds, and C) dividing the encased elongate food strand into separate products. The present invention also relates to a device for manufacturing co-extruded food products.
US08551537B2 Rhus verniciflua stokes extract having increased content of active flavonoid compound and method for preparing same
The present invention relates to Rhus verniciflua Stokes extract having an increased content of an active flavonoid compound through a gas bubbling treatment, a method for preparing the Rhus verniciflua Stokes extract, and a method for converting fustin into fisetin through the gas bubbling treatment of a solution containing fustin. The method for preparing the Rhus verniciflua Stokes extract of the present invention can convert the conventional Rhus verniciflua Stokes extract having high content of fustin and low content of fisetin into a Rhus verniciflua Stokes extract having high content of fisetin. Therefore, the Rhus verniciflua Stokes extract of the present invention can be commercialized into natural anticancer agents, anticancer and cancer prevention food products, and health functional foods due to the excellent bioactivity thereof, and promote the development of relevant industries through the high added-value of Rhus verniciflua Stokes. In addition, the method for converting fustin into fisetin can be applied to other natural substances and be used as a method for enhancing the functionality thereof by increasing the content of a high active flavonoid, thereby becoming an enabling technology that can lead high-functionalization of natural substances.
US08551529B2 Composition for the production of tablets, and method for the production of said composition
The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of a composition for the production of tablets and to a composition obtained thereby. This composition is a directly compressible composition which results both in improved tabletting properties and in improved tablet properties.
US08551527B2 Process for stabilizing an adjuvant containing vaccine composition
The present invention relates to a process for stabilizing an adjuvant containing vaccine composition, an adjuvanted vaccine composition in dry form and in particular a process for stabilizing an influenza vaccine composition, particularly an adjuvanted influenza vaccine composition in dry form.
US08551523B2 Sustained release aminopyridine composition
A pharmaceutical composition which comprises a therapeutically effective amount of a aminopyridine dispersed in a release matrix, including, for example, a composition that can be formulated into a stable, sustained-release oral dosage formulation, such as a tablet which provides, upon administration to a patient, a therapeutically effective plasma level of the aminopyridine for a period of at least 12 hours, preferably 24 hours or more and the use of the composition to treat various neurological diseases.
US08551521B2 Stable pharmaceutical composition and methods of using same
The present invention relates to, inter alia, pharmaceutical compositions comprising a polyunsaturated fatty acid and to methods of using the same to treat or prevent cardiovascular-related diseases.
US08551519B2 Bioabsorbable surgical articales or components thereof
Novel bioabsorbable and/or biocompatible polyurethanes, polyureas, polyamideurethanes and polyureaurethanes with tunable physical, mechanical properties and hydrolytic degradation profiles are provided for use in biomedical applications such as stents, stent coatings, scaffolds, foams, and films. The disclosed polymers may be derived from biocompatible and/or bioabsorbable polyisocyanates. The present invention also relates to new and improved methods for the preparation of the biocompatible and/or bioabsorbable polyisocyanates.
US08551517B2 Substrates providing multiple releases of active agents
The present disclosure comprises a polymeric substrate that provides multiple releases of active agents. A substrate for multiple phase delivery of active agents is provided having a first polymer matrix layer having a first active agent disposed therein, a second polymer matrix layer having a second active agent disposed therein, and a coacervate layer disposed between the first polymer matrix layer and the second polymer matrix layer. Selected first and second active agents are included in the first and second polymer matrices such that as the first and second polymer matrices dissolve, the active agents are released. Multiple phase active agent release is achieved by constructing multiple layers of a polymer matrix containing an active agents formed with polymers having different solubility characteristics or with active agents at different concentration levels.
US08551508B2 Cosmetic, personal care, cleaning agent, and nutritional supplement compositions and methods of making and using same
The present invention involves new cosmetic, personal care, cleaning agent, biocidal agent, functional food, and nutritional supplement compositions. These new compositions incorporate bioactive glass into cosmetics, personal care items, cleaning agents, biocidal agents, functional foods, and nutritional supplements. The present invention also involves methods of making and methods of using such compositions.
US08551503B2 Topical anti-inflammatory compositions comprising O/W emulsions containing pro-penetrating glycols
Topically applicable compositions in the form of oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions contain a pro-penetrating system including at least one glycol and at least one additional pro-penetrating agent, a suitable emulsifying system and at least one active agent of the family of steroidal anti-inflammatory agents, and are useful e.g., for the treatment of psoriasis.
US08551498B2 Solid composition containing Bacillus-type non-pathogenic bacterial spores
The invention relates to a composition of spores of nonpathogenic bacteria of the Bacillus genus, adsorbed onto a matrix made up of at least one water-insoluble adsorbent compound and a cellulose derivative, which can be obtained by the fluidized air bed technique, useful in the pharmaceutical, veterinary and nutrition fields.
US08551496B2 Boswellia low polar gum resin extract and its synergistic compositions
The present disclosure describes Boswellia low polar gum resin extract (BLPRE) comprising novel phytochemical composition of sesquiterpenes, diterpenes, triterpenes and other phytochemical(s) obtained from gum resin of Boswellia species. The present disclosure also describes compositions comprising BLPRE in combination with one or more component(s) selected from biologically active ingredient(s), functional ingredient(s), excipient(s), diluents(s), carrier(s) and additive(s) or mixtures thereof. Further the present disclosure also provides synergistic composition(s) comprising Boswellia low polar gum resin extract (BLPRE) and at least one component selected from but not limited to extract(s), fraction(s), phytochemical(s) or their salts or mixtures thereof derived from Boswellia species or Curcuma species.
US08551491B2 Processes for the preparation of a batch of an active pharmaceutical ingredient, a container comprising cryogranules of an allergen product, and a cryogranule of an allergen product
The present invention relates to processes for the preparation of a batch of an active pharmaceutical ingredient, e.g. an allergen product. The invention also relates to a container comprising cryogranules of a liquid composition of an allergen product, and to a cryogranule of an allergen product. The processes feature formation of cryogranules using a container having therein a cryogenic medium (e.g. liquid nitrogen) and storage of the cryogranules in the same container. The cryogranules obtained can be stored and handled without prior freeze-drying.
US08551489B2 Methods for the treatment of cancers
Methods for the treatment of cancers involving dysregulation of thromboxane receptor β (TP-β) are provided, including in certain aspects methods for diagnosing such cancers. Specific cancers included are genitourinary cancers, gastrointestinal cancers and leukemias.
US08551486B2 Monoclonal antibodies to human thymidine kinase to treat cancer
A method of treatment of cancer, viral infections, and the like administers anti-TK1 antibody, constituted as the complete antibody or a fragment thereof. The antibody binds to the surface of cells expressing TK1 thereon. The antibody, with or without another agent bound thereto, may effect complement mediated lysis, antibody-dependent cell-mediated cell cytotoxicity, apoptosis, an immune response by the mammal, a reduction in cellular replication, a combination thereof, or the like for such cells. The antibody may be coupled to an immune response stimulator, a cytotoxin, an enzyme, a combination, or the like to effect the treatment desired.
US08551476B2 SP35 antibodies and uses thereof
Endogenous Sp35 is a negative regulator for neuronal survival, axon regeneration, oligodendrocyte differentiation and myelination (Negative Regulator). Molecules that block endogenous Sp35 function, such anti-Sp35 antibodies can be used as therapeutics for the treatment of neuron and oligodendrocyte dysfunction. The present invention provides antibodies specific for Sp35, and methods of using such antibodies as antagonists of endogenous Sp35 function. The invention further provides specific hybridoma and phage library-derived monoclonal antibodies, nucleic acids encoding these antibodies, and vectors and host cells comprising these antibodies. The invention further provides methods of promoting oligodendrocyte survival and myelination in a vertebrate, comprising administering to a vertebrate in need of such treatment an effective amount of an anti-Sp35 antibody.
US08551474B2 Antitumor vaccination using allogeneic tumor cells expressing alpha (1,3)-galactosyltransferase
The invention relates to methods and compositions for causing the selective targeting and killing of tumor cells. Through ex vivo gene therapy protocols tumor cells are engineered to express an α(1,3)galactosyl epitope. The cells are then irradiated or otherwise killed and administered to a patient. The α-galactosyl epitope causes opsonization of the tumor cell enhancing uptake of the opsonized tumor cell by antigen presenting cells which results in enhanced tumor specific antigen presentation. The animal's immune system thus is stimulated to produce tumor specific cytotoxic cells and antibodies which will attack and kill tumor cells present in the animal.
US08551465B2 Composition comprising a polyol and a oil-soluble polar modified polymer
The invention relates to a composition comprising a oil-soluble polar modified polymer and a hyperbranched polyol.
US08551448B2 Rotanone analogs: method of preparation and use
The present invention provides rotenone analogs and methods of making and using them. Labeled with single photon and positron emitting isotopes, the rotenone analogs of the present invention are useful in, for example, clinical imaging applications as tracers to measure cardiac blood flow and detect regions of ischemia.
US08551445B2 Preparation and use of alkylating agents
Methods of alkylating target compounds are disclosed. The alkylating agent can be radiolabeled. In some instances, the alkylating agent is synthesized and then reacted with a target compound without an intervening purification step. The method comprises synthesizing an alkylating agent having the formula: X—(CR1R2)aCR3R4-LG wherein, a is 0, 1, 2 or 3, R1, R2, R3 and R4 are independently H, X or alkyl, X is a halogen or a label, with the proviso that at least one X is a halogen, LG is a leaving group; and directly reacting said alkylating agent with a target compound comprising an alkylation reactive group under conditions suitable for the alkylation of said target compound.
US08551437B2 Process for the manufacture of P4O6 with improved yield
A process for the production of a reaction product consisting essentially of P4O6 is carried out by reacting oxygen with phosphorus in an exothermic reaction in a reaction unit. Heat created by the exothermic reaction is removed by feeding P4O6 and/or by-products of the process into the reaction unit. The generated reaction product is then quenched to a lower temperature where no essential decomposition of the reaction product occurs, and at least part of P4O6 is separated from the reaction product obtained after quenching. The resulting yield of P4O6 based on the phosphorus used is improved and the heat of the exothermic reaction can be controlled in an economic way.
US08551429B2 Methods of processing polyhalite ore, methods of producing potassium sulfate, and related systems
Methods of forming potassium sulfate include calcining polyhalite ore particles to convert the polyhalite ore particles to a water-soluble composition. At least a portion of the water-soluble composition is dissolved in an aqueous medium to form an aqueous solution comprising K+, Mg2+, and SO42− ions and a calcium-containing solid. The calcium-containing solid is separated from the aqueous solution to form a filtrate comprising K+, Mg2+, and SO42− ions. A potassium-containing salt is dissolved in the filtrate to increase the concentration of K+ and SO42− ions to from a concentrated liquor, and K2SO4 is crystallized from the concentrated liquor. A system for processing polyhalite ore includes a countercurrent leaching apparatus, a first mix tank, an evaporator, and at least one crystallizer.
US08551427B2 Transport container
The disclosure relates to a transport container for accommodating products during a high-pressure treatment of these products. By means of the transport container, the products can be transported into and out of a chamber in which they are high-pressure treated. The transport container comprises a lower component and an upper component which are adapted to be connected to one another, the lower component as well as the upper component being configured for accommodating at least one product.
US08551418B2 System and method for repositioning a diagnostic test strip after inoculation
A system for analyzing the concentration of an analyte in a fluid sample comprises a test strip and a meter. The test strip is capable of being inoculated by the fluid sample. The test strip includes a test element, which contains at least one reagent adapted to cause a reaction when brought into contact with the analyte. The meter includes a read-head, a repositioning device, and a display. The read-head is capable of producing a signal indicative of the reaction between the analyte and the at least one reagent. The display is capable of displaying the analyte concentration. The repositioning device is adapted to move the test strip from a loading position to a testing position. The testing position positions the test element proximate to the read-head.
US08551416B2 System for recovering high-purity CO2 from gasification gas containing CO, CO2, COS and H2S
A method and system for recovering CO2 from gasification gas, prevents the recovered CO2 from being contaminated with COS, without repeating cooling and heating operations and without increasing the steam consumption. Gasification gas being produced in a gasifier 10 and containing CO, CO2, COS and H2S is subjected to dust removal in a scrubber 20. Then, a part of the gas is subjected to a CO shift reaction, in which CO is converted into CO2, in a CO shift reactor 30. In one embodiment, part of the gasification gas is not subjected to the CO shift reaction by means of a bypass 34, and is mixed with the gas after the CO shift reaction. Thereby, the temperature of the mixture gas is set at 180° C. to 300° C., and COS in the mixture gas is converted into H2S in a COS converter 40. In another embodiment, the part of the gasification gas not subjected to the CO shift reaction by means of a bypass 38, is subjected to heat exchange 36d with the shifted gas stream and converted in a COS converter 44 prior to mixing with the shifted gas.
US08551410B2 Photopolymerization device
The present invention provides a photopolymerization device which allows a space irradiated with a light to have a high temperature while inhibiting a temperature rise of a light source used for the space. The photopolymerization device comprises: a housing; a polymerization space which is surrounded by a wall in the housing and in which polymerization is carried out; a light-emitting diode light source which irradiates a light for polymerization into the polymerization space; and a temperature control device which heats inside the polymerization space, wherein the light-emitting diode light source is arranged outside the polymerization space.
US08551399B2 Healthcare facility disinfecting system
A system and process for disinfecting rooms such as health care facility rooms with an oxygen/ozone mixture is described, which is effective to combat “superbugs” such as Clostridium difficile (C. difficile); E. coli; Pseudomonas aeruginosa; methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA); and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE). In preferred embodiments, hydrogen peroxide is additionally used. The system and process is effective to destroy bacteria deposited on surfaces as biofilm, and, accompanied by physical agitation such as jet nozzle outlets, is effective to disinfect carpet, drapery and similar absorbent and porous surfaces.
US08551396B2 Hydrogen storage material with intermediate bond strength and process for making the same
Provided herein are materials that can achieve up to 14% hydrogen absorption by weight in ambient conditions, which is a marked improvement over the hydrogen absorption values found in the prior art. Further provided are experimental conditions necessary to produce these materials. In order to produce the hydrogen storage material, a transition metal (or Lithium) is vaporized in a pi bond gas in conditions that permit only a few bonding collisions to occur between the vaporized transition metal atoms and pi bond gas molecules before the resulting bonded material is collected.
US08551383B2 Method for the localized working of a structural component at a working location
The present invention provides a method for the localized working of a structural component that comprises a foam material reinforced by at least one strut at a working location. Firstly, the foam material is selectively removed, while leaving the at least one strut, within a strut connecting zone in the region of the working location. Subsequently, the strut connecting zone is filled with a filling material and the at least one strut is connected to the filling material in the strut connecting zone. From a further aspect, a sandwich component which comprises a foam core is provided. An embedding part is at least partially embedded in the foam core and at least partially surrounded by a layer of filling material. At least one strut is incorporated in the foam material, fastened at one end to the surface of the foam core and integrated at another end in the layer of filling material.
US08551374B2 Method for producing continuous expanded polystyrene foam parts
The invention relates to a novel, innovative industrial method for producing polystyrene (EPS) foam parts of arbitrary length and having a constant cross-section, with mixed densities located in accordance with the mechanical and thermal properties required for each application. The invention also relates to a machine (apparatus) for producing said solid parts having localized densities defined by the mechanical and thermal requirements of the application. The aforementioned products are produced by joined both longitudinally and transversely. The invention can be used to reduce the standard method to three steps, thereby resulting in a significant saving in terms of production. Moreover, unlike with the standard method, variants can be produced using the above-mentioned method, thereby increasing the range of application said type of products.
US08551369B2 Wiring material, method of manufacturing wiring, and nano-particle dispersion
A wiring material contains copper, nitrogen, and a dopant which is more readily oxidized than copper in an Ellingham diagram, the dopant being added to the wiring material at a rate of not less than 0.5 at. % and not more than 10 at. %.
US08551368B2 Conductive paste for forming a solar cell electrode
A conductive paste for forming a solar cell electrode, including: a conductive powder containing silver as a main component; glass frit; and an organic vehicle, wherein the glass frit contains tellurium glass frit having tellurium oxide as a network-forming component. The conductive paste of the present invention makes it possible to form a solar cell electrode having a low dependence on firing temperature without causing problems due to fire-through into the substrate, and to thereby obtain a solar cell having good solar cell characteristics.
US08551363B2 Method of producing group II-VI compound semiconductor, method of producing group II-VI compound semiconductor phosphor, and hexagonal group II-VI compound semiconductor
A method of producing a Group II-VI compound semiconductor. The method involves generating a pulsed electrical discharge plasma between metallic electrodes in sulfur to produce a Group II-VI compound semiconductor. A method of producing a Group II-VI compound semiconductor phosphor using a pulsed electrical discharge plasma. A hexagonal crystal of Group II-VI compound semiconductor composed of a plurality of twin crystals.
US08551358B2 Liquid-crystalline medium
The present invention relates to a liquid-crystalline medium, characterised in that it contains a polymerisable component (A) containing one more polymerisable compounds and a liquid-crystalline component (B) containing one more compounds of the general formula I in which R, rings A1 and A2, Z1, Z2, Y1, Y2, X0 and r are as defined in Claim 1.
US08551339B2 Use of silica for the removal of organosilanes
A method of removing organosilanes from a sample which involves contacting the sample with silica and allowing the organosilanes to couple to the surface of the silica. The silica can be provided as particles that are added to and mixed with the sample, or provided as a reactive filter media to which the sample is contacted.
US08551337B2 Treatment equipment of organic waste and treatment method
A method for treating an organic waste, in which the organic waste is pressurized and continuously supplied to a high temperature and pressure treatment apparatus to produce a slurried material by blowing steam into the organic waste to cause a reaction while heating, pressurizing and agitating. The slurried material is dehydrated to produce a separated liquid product and a separated solid product. The separated solid product includes sufficient combustible content to produce a fuel product. The separated liquid product is purified.
US08551330B2 Carbon retention screen with variable discharge head
A carbon adsorption vessel for use in a CIP (carbon in pulp) or CIL (carbon in leach) process may be constructed. A slurry is obtained having dissolved (leached) precious metals. The slurry is brought into contact with carbon particles and is passed through a retention screen in the vessel. The dissolved precious metals adhere onto the carbon particles. An air lift pump provides the pressure differential necessary to drive the slurry through the retention screen, wherein the carbon particles are retained by the retention screen and the slurry passes through the retention screen. After passing through the retention screen, the slurry is received in to a receiving vessel that may be situated at, below or above the level of source vessel.
US08551323B2 Systems and methods for hydroprocessing a heavy oil feedstock
Systems and methods for hydroprocessing a heavy oil feedstock are disclosed. The system employs a plurality of contacting zones and at least one separation zone, wherein a solvating hydrocarbon having a normal boiling point less than 538° C. (1000° F.) is employed. In the system, a mixture of heavy oil feedstock and solvating hydrocarbon is provided to a contact zone along with a slurry catalyst feed in a hydrocarbon diluent. The contacting zone operates at a temperature and pressure near the critical temperature and pressure of the heavy oil and solvating hydrocarbon mixture to convert at least a portion of the heavy oil feedstock to lower boiling hydrocarbons, forming upgraded products.
US08551319B2 Solid polycrystalline potassium ion conductor having a β″-Al2O3 structure, its production and the preparation of potassium metal using this potassium ion conductor
A method is provide for preparing potassium metal which comprises embedding a polycrystalline alkali metal β″-Al2O3 molding in an oxidic powder containing potassium and aluminum of a molar K2O:Al2O3 ratio within the range of 1:(x−1) to 1:(x+1), the weight of oxidic powder amounting to at least two times the weight of the molding; heating the embedded molding at a rate of at least 100° C. per hour to at least 1100° C.; and further heating to at least 1300° C., this temperature being maintained for at least one hour prior to cooling.
US08551292B2 Methods for determining the degree of deposition of contaminants
Herein provided are methods for determining deposition of contaminants significantly influencing machine runnability or product quality in manufacturing processes of pulp and paper, especially determining the degree of deposition and the morphology of deposits of sticky contaminants or pitch and for evaluating the effect of chemicals for reducing deposition.In a manufacturing process of pulp and paper is used a method comprising: determining the degree of deposition of a contaminant from a liquid or slurry on a quartz crystal oscillator; and quantifying the morphology of deposits on the surface of the quartz crystal oscillator by image analysis. Further, a method comprising adding a chemical for reducing deposition to the liquid or slurry and then quantifying the degree of deposition and the morphology of deposits is used to evaluate the effect of the chemical.
US08551287B2 Hybrid adhesive
A hybrid adhesive incorporating cyanate ester and/or epoxy materials and utilizing atmospheric plasma treatment provides stronger, more reliable joints in structural composite parts.
US08551267B2 Monolithic aluminum alloy target and method of manufacturing
Aluminum or aluminum alloy sputter targets and methods of making same are provided. The pure aluminum or aluminum alloy is mechanically worked to produce a circular blank, and then the blank is given a recrystallization anneal to achieve desirable grain size and crystallographic texture. A 10-50% additional strain is provided to the blank step after the annealing to increase the mechanical strength. Further, in a flange area of the target, the strain is greater than in the other target areas with the strain in the flange area being imparted at a rate of about 20-60% strain. The blank is then finished to form a sputtering target with desirable crystallographic texture and adequate mechanical strength.
US08551257B2 Supercritical noble gases and cleaning methods
A cleaning system can include a noble gas, and one or more vessels configured to convert the noble gas into a supercritical fluid, and/or receive and clean an article of manufacture with the noble gas in the supercritical fluid state. A cleaning process can include converting a noble gas into a supercritical fluid state; and cleaning an article of manufacture with the noble gas in the supercritical fluid state so as to remove one or more contaminates from the article of manufacture. A cleaning composition can include a noble gas in a supercritical fluid state, and a textile article of manufacture having one or more contaminates located in the supercritical noble gas.
US08551253B2 Post polish disk cleaning process
A method for cleaning plated polished disks used in hard drive media is provided. The method includes positioning plated polished disks in a first batch scrubber having multiple first brushes, wherein each of the plated polished disks is positioned between two of the first brushes, and scrubbing the plated polished disks with the first brushes. The method further includes positioning the plated polished disks scrubbed in the first batch scrubber in a second batch scrubber having multiple second brushes, wherein each of the plated polished disks is positioned between two of the second brushes, and scrubbing the plated polished disks with the second brushes.
US08551249B2 Film cassette for gaseous vapor deposition
A cassette for supporting a film during a gaseous vapor deposition process includes a central shaft having first and second end plates. A rib on each end plate forms a spiral groove able to accept an edge of a film. Each rib has a cross sectional configuration having substantially linear major edges, a predetermined width dimension and a predetermined average thickness dimension, and a width-to-thickness aspect ratio of at least 2:1. The rib could be substantially rectangular with an optional flow spoiler at the free end or substantially wedge-shaped. The interspoke spacing between end plates is at least three hundred millimeters (300 mm) and is also greater than the width dimension of a film substrate at a gaseous deposition temperature. The width dimension of each rib is between about 0.5% to about 2.0% of the interspoke spacing.
US08551248B2 Showerhead for CVD depositions
A CVD showerhead that includes a circular inner showerhead and at least one outer ring showerhead. At least two process gas delivery tubes are coupled to each showerhead. Also, a dual showerhead that includes a circular inner showerhead and at least one outer ring showerhead where each showerhead is coupled to oxygen plus a gas mixture of lead, zirconium, and titanium organometallics. A method of depositing a CVD thin film on a wafer. Also, a method of depositing a PZT thin film on a wafer.
US08551242B2 Low heat of hydration cement compositions and methods of using same
A method of servicing a wellbore in a subterranean formation, comprising preparing a cement composition comprising water and a cementitious material, wherein the cementitious material further comprises blast furnace slag, vitrified shale, calcium sulfate hemi-hydrate or combinations thereof, and placing the cement composition in the wellbore. A cement composition comprising water and a cementitious material, wherein the cementitious material further comprises blast furnace slag, vitrified shale, calcium sulfate hemi-hydrate or combinations thereof. A cement composition comprising water and a cementitious material, wherein the cementitious material further comprises blast furnace slag.
US08551238B2 Anti-corrosive package
The invention provides an anti-corrosive package which can be added to release agents used in preparing textiles and molded articles from lignocellulosic materials, concrete and polyurethane foam.
US08551230B2 PH2OCP—portable water and climatic production system
The present invention “PH2OCP” relates to a portable water and climatic production system. In the preferred embodiment, the system uses a combination of heating coils assemblies, cooling coils and more specifically the desiccant rotor technology for the extraction, collection of water vapor molecules from the air stream and transformation in to condensate for the production of clean filtered potable water. The portable water and climatic production system or “PH2OCP” is designed to operate and produce water in a wide range of global climatic conditions, including the most arid of environments. This is made possible due to the highly effective performance capabilities of the desiccant rotor technology in the extraction of water vapor molecules from any existing ambient air. The desiccant technology is designed in the “PH2OCP” to operate in combination with the microwave reactivation system in the regeneration or reactivation section and cooling coils assembly located in the condensation section.
US08551229B2 Gas purification by adsorption of hydrogen sulfide
Hydrogen sulfide is removed from a hydrogen rich gas stream using adsorbents having a low loss of carbon dioxide adsorption capacity upon sulfur loading including high purity silica gels, titania or highly cross-linked, non-chemically reactive resins. The adsorbents may be used to adsorb both carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide, or may be used as a guard bed upstream of a separate carbon dioxide adsorbent.
US08551227B2 Filter
The present invention relates to an electrostatic filter. Particularly but not exclusively the invention relates to an electrostatic filter for removing dust particles, for example an electrostatic filter for use in a vacuum cleaner, fan or air conditioner. The electrostatic filter includes a filter medium located between a first and a second electrode, each at a different voltage during use, such that a potential difference is formed across the filter medium, wherein a property of the filter medium varies along the length of the filter medium.
US08551222B2 Apparatus for combustion products utilization and heat generation
A method and apparatus for heating a fluid and treating a combustion products waste stream includes two or more nozzles discharging into a mixing chamber, and an outlet of the mixing chamber discharging to a gas-liquid separator. A liquid output of the gas-liquid separator may be treated to remove carbonaceous or other impurities. The nozzles may include an annular nozzle, Fisenko nozzle, and/or Laval nozzle arranged in a transonic jet module. A heated input liquid may be accelerated to sonic velocity in a main nozzle, causing boiling due to pressure drop prior to mixing with a combustion product stream in the mixing chamber. Heat may be recovered from a mixture discharged from the mixing chamber. Carbonic, sulfuric, or other combustion impurities may be captured by dissolving in water or other solvent in the transonic jet module and then recovered or otherwise used in a liquid stream from the separator.
US08551220B2 Sulfur dioxide absorbent comprising ionic liquid
A sulfur dioxide absorbent comprising an ionic liquid comprised of alkyl ether-substituted imidazolium cation and an alkanesulfonate anion moieties possesses a high thermal/chemical stability, high SO2 absorption rate and low regeneration temperature, and is useful for an effective separation of SO2 from a combustion exhaust gas mixture or the like.
US08551214B2 Fuel system diagnostics
An emissions control system is provided that comprises a fuel tank, a hydrocarbon filter element, and a three-way valve coupled between the hydrocarbon filter element and the atmosphere. The three-way valve is comprised of three ports, a purge port, a reference port, and a sealed port, and enables identification of degradation of the emissions control system. The arrangement of the ports on the valve enables a simplified testing method that reduces background errors caused by transitioning between various operating positions.
US08551211B2 Nanowire preparation methods, compositions, and articles
Methods of producing metal nanowires employing tubular continuous-flow reactors and their products are described and claimed. Such methods can provide superior nanowire uniformity without agglomeration. Such nanowires are useful for electronic applications.
US08551207B2 Fluted filter with axial seal
A filter element includes a filter media pack and an axial seal member configured to axially seal against a filter housing. The axial seal member may be supported by and attached to the filter media pack by a media pack seal member. Alternatively, the axial seal member may be carried by a frame, which is attached to the filter media pack by the media pack seal member provided.
US08551198B2 Catalytic secondary reforming process and reactor for said process
A catalytic secondary reforming process, for the production of synthesis gas, comprises the successive steps of: feeding a first gas flow comprising hydrocarbons and a second gas flow comprising oxygen into a reforming reactor, at least one of such gas flows being fed into the reactor in a predetermined feed direction substantially parallel, preferably coaxial, to a longitudinal axis of the reactor, mixing the gas flows in the reactor, with substantially simultaneous oxidation of the hydrocarbons of the first gas flow by the oxygen of the second flow.
US08551191B2 Dicationic 4-aza-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octanes and agents for colouring keratin-containing fibers
Dicationic azo dyes of the formula (I), which are suitable for coloring keratin fibers, in particular human hair, and are in part themselves still not described in the prior art are provided. In colorations, particularly brilliant and luminous red shades are obtained. Agents for dyeing and optionally simultaneously lightening keratin fibers and methods for dyeing and optionally simultaneously lightening keratinic fibers also are provided.
US08551183B2 Repair of defect in inguinal canal and other muscular structures
A space in a muscle wall such as the inguinal canal is dilated to break up fibrotic bands by divulsion. While the space is dilated a dynamic plug is advanced into it, with the plug expanding and contracting with the space. Shields may be placed against opposite sides of the wall surrounding the space.
US08551176B2 Spinal implant having a passage for enhancing contact between bone graft material and cortical endplate bone
An interbody spinal implant including a body having a top surface, a bottom surface, opposing lateral sides, opposing anterior and posterior portions, and a substantially hollow center in communication with a vertical aperture, which are filled with a bone graft material. The dimensions, shape, and position of the vertical aperture facilitate contact between the bone graft material and vertebral endplate bone to support and enhance bone growth.
US08551174B2 Space holder for vertebrae or intervertebral discs
The present invention concerns a space holder, especially for vertebrae or intervertebral discs for implantation into human or animal organisms, having a cylinder-like body (1) and, at the ends of the cylinder-like body, means (2) provided for connecting to adjacent body parts, said cylinder-like body (1) essentially being formed as a solid cylinder from at least one material that is elastically deformable under the conditions of use, such that the space holder is compressible and extensible in the axial direction and, with reference to means (2) provided at the ends for connecting the space holder to adjacent body parts, can bend about a radial axis of rotation (13).
US08551167B2 Intraocular implant cell migration inhibition system
Generally, an intraocular implant and methods for treating an ocular condition. In particular, an intraocular implant which implanted between an intraocular lens and the surface of the posterior capsule of the eye inhibits migration of residual lens epithelial cells after cataract surgery by providing structural barriers to reduce posterior capsule opacification of the eye.
US08551164B2 Refractive intraocular implant lens and method
A refractive intraocular lens (104) and method of locating the lens within the eye and attaching the lens to the iris. The refractive intraocular lens (104) may be attached via a staple (230), a fastener (312), anchor (412) or by the tip of the haptic (118). The intraocular lens (104) works in combination with the human crystalline lens to treat conditions selected from the group consisting of myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism.
US08551161B2 Cardiac valve annulus restraining device
A catheter based system for treating mitral valve regurgitation includes a reshaping device having a body and a plurality of movable anchoring barbs attached to the body of the device. The reshaping device can be made from a biocompatible material having suitable shape memory properties. The devices of the current invention can be self expandable, balloon expandable, or a combination self expandable and balloon expandable. One embodiment of the invention includes a method for attaching a reshaping device to the annulus of a mitral valve, moving the body of the device from a fully expanded configuration to a resting configuration, and thereby reshaping the mitral valve annulus.
US08551156B2 Stent
A radially expansible annular stent is disclosed. The stent comprises a plurality of stenting turns around a lumen centred on a longitudinal axis. Adjacent turns of the stent are joined by connector struts. The stent annulus has a wall thickness related to the material from which it is formed. The radial thickness of the connector struts is smaller than that of the stent annulus. A method of making such a stent is also disclosed. The method includes cutting the connector struts from a tubular workpiece with a laser beam. The laser beam is aimed so as to be offset from a longitudinal axis of the workpiece to provide the reduced radial thickness of the connector struts.
US08551151B2 Method and apparatus for regional and whole body temperature modification
A heat exchange fluid supply system for supplying a heat exchange fluid to an intravascular heat exchange catheter includes a disposable cassette having a bulkhead and an external heat exchanger, and which is configured to operate in combination with a reusable master control unit. The bulkhead includes a reservoir section and a pump section. The reservoir section is provided with a means to monitor the amount of heat exchange fluid that is in the system. The bulkhead provides the mechanism for priming the system with heat exchange fluid from an external source and for circulating fluid to the catheter in a closed circuit. The pump section is configured to allow for pumping of heat exchange fluid at a constant pressure.
US08551150B1 Method and system for optical stimulation of nerves
An optical-signal vestibular-nerve stimulation device and method that provides different nerve stimulation signals to a plurality of different vestibular nerves, including at least some of the three semicircular canal nerves and the two otolith organ nerves. In some embodiments, balance conditions of the person are sensed by the implanted device or external device, and based on the sensed balance conditions, varying laser nerve-stimulation signals are sent to a plurality of the different vestibular nerves.
US08551139B2 Visceral anchors for purse-string closure of perforations
Medical devices and related methods for closing a perforation in a bodily wall The medical device generally includes a suture having opposing first and second ends and a set of visceral anchors. Each visceral anchor includes a crossbar having opposing ends and a suture slidably attached thereto. Each visceral anchor is passed through the bodily wall adjacent the periphery of the perforation. The ends of the suture are tensioned to reduce the distance between the visceral anchors and compress the bodily wall around the perforation. The ends of the suture are secured to maintain the compression of the bodily wall and close the perforation.
US08551138B2 Annular support structures
Reinforcing lumen rings are configured and adapted for use in conjunction with a circular endoscopic stapling instrument having a staple cartridge assembly and an anvil assembly. The reinforcing lumen rings maintain anastomotic lumen, e.g. as formed by the circular endoscopic stapling apparatus, in an open condition. The reinforcing lumen rings can include an annular ring having an outer terminal edge and an inner terminal edge, the outer terminal edge having a diameter which is substantially equal to an outer diameter of the staple cartridge assembly and the inner terminal edge having a diameter which is substantially equal to an inner diameter of the staple cartridge assembly.
US08551136B2 High swell, long-lived hydrogel sealant
A high swell, long-lived hydrogel sealant formed by reacting a highly oxidized polysaccharide containing aldehyde groups with a multi-arm amine is described. The hydrogel sealant may be particularly suitable for applications requiring high swell and slow degradation, for example, tissue augmentation, both cosmetic and reconstructive; void filling; tissue bulking, for example treatment of urinary incontinence and acid reflux; and embolization. The high swell, long-lived hydrogel sealant may also be useful as a tissue sealant and adhesive, and as an anti-adhesion barrier.
US08551135B2 Screw catch mechanism for PFO occluder and method of use
Devices, delivery systems and delivery techniques for an occlusion device for the closure of physical anomalies, such as an atrial septal defect, a patent foramen ovale (PFO), and other septal and vascular defects are described. The devices, delivery systems and delivery techniques relate particularly to, but are not limited to, a patent foramen ovale (PFO) occluder made from a polymer tube, specifically, a petal-shaped occluder. In certain embodiments, the catch system includes a catch member with a screw catch mechanism for connecting to the occluder. A delivery system for use with the catch member includes a component for rotating the catch member relative to the occluder to engage the screw catch mechanism.
US08551131B2 Method of performing Soojichim acupuncture using bodycopy
The present invention disclosed a method of performing Soojichim acupuncture on oneself using a copy of the person's body. The method includes: making an instantaneous molding of any one of hand and foot of the person requiring Soojichim acupuncture; forming a copy of the body on the basis of the instantaneous molding; marking an acupoint location and a reference point on the body copy; drilling a hole into the marked acupoint location on the body copy; attaching the body copy based on the marked reference point closely onto the body of the person requiring Soojichim acupuncture; marking the acupoint location at a skin of the person requiring Soojichim acupuncture through the drilled hole of the body copy; baring the body copy from the person requiring Soojichim acupuncture that the acupoint location is marked at the skin thereon; and performing Soojichim acupuncture through the drilled hole at the marked acupoint location of the body copy by the person.
US08551128B2 Rotational atherectomy device with pre-curved drive shaft
The invention provides a rotational atherectomy system, device and method comprising a flexible, elongated, rotatable drive shaft with an abrasive section within a pre-curved section of the drive shaft. The device may further comprise a concentric or eccentric enlarged diameter section that is at least partially covered with abrasive material to comprise the abrasive section. The abrasive section may further comprise an abrasive crown or burr mounted to the drive shaft. The pre-curved drive shaft allows smaller diameter and/or massive abrasive regions to be used while sweeping larger diameters during high-speed rotation. The pre-curved region is substantially straightened for insertion into vasculature and placement adjacent stenosis by insertion of the guide wire. Removal of guide wire proximally from the pre-curved region allows the drive shaft to return to its pre-curved form for ablation. Reinsertion of the guide wire beyond the pre-curved region straightens the drive shaft for ease of removal.
US08551123B2 Device for the intraosteal seizing of sutures
Devices for seizing sutures within osteal tunnels, including blindly seizing such sutures, having an interior end for insertion into an osteal tunnel, the interior end having a suture seizing mechanism; an exterior end having an activating mechanism for activating the suture seizing mechanism; a target ring, which is a component of the suture seizing mechanism, having an opening through which a suture to be seized can pass through; and a suture clamping component, which is a component of the suture seizing mechanism, for clamping the suture to be seized against a surface of the target ring.
US08551119B2 Ligation apparatus
A ligation apparatus includes a clip having a clip claw member advanced and retreated relative to a pressing member to be opened and closed, a sheath configured to accommodate the clip such that the clip claw member is not exposed to the outside, an advance and retreat restricting mechanism restricting advance and retreat of the pressing member relative to the sheath at a distal end portion of the sheath allowing advance and retreat of the clip claw member relative to the pressing member according to advance and retreat of the operation wire relative to the sheath so as to allow the clip ligaturing living tissue, and a releasing mechanism releasing at least a portion of the clip so that the clip ligatures the living tissue.
US08551115B2 Curved cannula instrument
A robotic surgical system is configured with rigid, curved cannulas that extend through the same opening into a patient's body. Surgical instruments with passively flexible shafts extend through the curved cannulas. Force isolation elements within the flexible shafts prevent shaft bending from affecting end effector actuation elements that extends through the shafts. The cannulas are oriented to direct the instruments towards a surgical site. Various port features that support the curved cannulas within the single opening are disclosed. Cannula support fixtures that support the cannulas during insertion into the single opening and mounting to robotic manipulators are disclosed. A teleoperation control system that moves the curved cannulas and their associated instruments in a manner that allows a surgeon to experience intuitive control is disclosed.
US08551109B2 Electrostriction devices and methods for assisted magnetic navigation
An apparatus and method for interventional navigation within a subject's body is provided in which a medical device having at least one electrostrictive element is adapted to cause the distal end of the medical device to bend in a given direction for improving navigation. The medical device may further comprise at least one magnetically responsive element on the distal end, which may be oriented in the approximate direction of a magnetic field that is applied to the subjects body. At least one method for navigating a medical device though a subject's body is provided, by changing the direction of an applied magnetic field to align a magnetically responsive element on the distal end for orienting the distal end, and by applying a voltage to at least one electrostrictive element disposed in the distal portion of the device for causing the distal end to change orientation from that achieved by application of the magnetic field alone.
US08551103B2 Joint arthroplasty devices and surgical tools
Disclosed herein are methods, compositions and tools for repairing articular surfaces repair materials and for repairing an articular surface. The articular surface repairs are customizable or highly selectable by patient and geared toward providing optimal fit and function. The surgical tools are designed to be customizable or highly selectable by patient to increase the speed, accuracy and simplicity of performing total or partial arthroplasty.
US08551100B2 Instrumentation for knee resection
Disclosed is a method and apparatus for performing a procedure relative to a selected portion of the anatomy, for example, preparing a portion of a joint, such as a knee, for implantation of a prosthesis. The manner of preparing the selected portion of the anatomy can be assisted with the various apparatuses disclosed.
US08551095B2 Bone plate having combination locking and compression screw holes
A bone plate including a combination locking and compression screw hole having a top opening and a bottom opening, the top opening being generally circular and including a widthwise dimension and a lengthwise dimension normal to the widthwise dimension, where an interior wall of the bone plate extends between the top opening and the bottom opening, where at least a portion of the interior wall proximate the top opening is threaded, and where at least one of the widthwise dimension and the lengthwise dimension is decreased between the top opening to the bottom opening, while the other of the widthwise dimension and the lengthwise dimension does not substantially decrease between the top opening and the bottom opening. The instant disclosure also includes a method of forming a bone plate comprising: (a) fabricating a bone plate to include a first through hole, where at least one of a width and a length of the hole changes along a depth of the hole; (b) plunge milling an interior surface of the bone plate demarcating the first through hole to remove at least a portion of the bone plate to increase at least one of the width and the length of the through hole; and (c) threading at least a portion of the first through hole.
US08551094B2 Distal bone anchors for bone fixation with secondary compression
Disclosed is a bone fracture fixation device, such as for reducing and compressing fractures in the proximal femur. The fixation device includes an elongate body with a helical cancellous bone anchor on a distal end. An axially moveable proximal anchor is carried by the proximal end of the fixation device. The device is rotated into position across the fracture or separation between adjacent bones and into the adjacent bone or bone fragment, and the proximal anchor is distally advanced to apply secondary compression and lock the device into place. The device may also be used for soft tissue attachments.
US08551088B2 Electrosurgical system
Phase end point determination is provided to automatically halt the application of energy to tissue. Prior to the application of energy, the phase end point determination is identified by measuring the product of permittivity and conductivity of the tissue to be treated.
US08551082B2 Radio-frequency generator for powering an ablation device
An apparatus and method for use in performing ablation of organs and other tissues includes a radio frequency generator which provides a radio frequency signal to ablation electrodes. The power level of the radio frequency signal is determined based on the subject area of ablation. The radio frequency signal is coupled with the ablation electrodes through a transformation circuit. The transformation circuit includes a high impedance transformation circuit and a low impedance transformation circuit. The high or low impedance transformation circuit is selected based on the impedance of the ablation electrodes in contact with the subject tissue. Vacuum level, impedance level, resistance level, and time are measured during ablation. If these parameters exceed determinable limits the ablation procedure is terminated.
US08551081B2 Cryogenic system
A cryosurgical system and method for supplying cryogen to a probe. The system including a container filled with cryogen and having bellows of a pump submerged within said cryogen. Conduits fluidly interconnect the bellows and a probe that is outside the container to permit the cryogen to be forced from the bellows to the probe upon activation of pump. A pressure relief valve is fluidly coupled to the conduits and positioned between the bellows and the probe. After initially forcing cryogen to the probe at a pressure that establishes a colligative-based sub-cooling of the liquid cryogen, the pressure relief valve is activated to lower the pressure of the cryogen to a running pressure.
US08551080B2 System and device for heating or cooling shape memory surgical devices
A system for heating a heat-transformable shape memory surgical device. The system includes a sealed, sterilizable housing, a thermal probe for heating the shape memory surgical device, the thermal probe being connected with the housing, and a printed circuit board positioned within the housing. The printed circuit board includes a system controller having a power circuit for controlling the receipt and distribution of heating power to the thermal probe, a feedback circuit for measuring a condition of the shape memory surgical device via the thermal probe, and a control circuit for receiving data from the feedback circuit and adjustably controlling an amount of heating power that the power circuit distributes to the thermal probe. The control circuit includes an automatic-cutout circuit for terminating the distribution of heating power to the thermal probe after a specific amount of time or upon the occurrence of a predetermined condition.
US08551079B2 Surgical instrument with electrical connector
A surgical instrument shaft roll drive mechanism includes an electrical conductor that electrically couples the surgical instrument shaft to an electrical connector. The electrical conductor is routed adjacent to a roll drive tendon between a roll drive input capstan and a roll drive output capstan on the shaft. The electrical conductor allows an electrically conductive instrument shaft to be electrically coupled to surgical equipment for use, e.g., as a shield for electrocautery equipment.
US08551065B2 Closure element with elastic side panels for absorbent sanitary products, absorbent sanitary product and respective manufacturing method
A closure element (10) with elastic side panels for absorbent pant-like sanitary products (52), said element (10) being formed starting from a strip (12) at least partially made of elasticised material (16) folded in transverse direction so as to form two parts (22, 24), symmetrical relative to a central transverse plane (26), each of said parts (22, 24) being able to form a side panel (76) of an absorbent sanitary product (52), said closure element (10) comprising: —a first branch (28) that extends continuously through said central transverse plane (26); —two second branches (30) connected to respective opposite ends of the first branch (28) by means of respective first folds (32), distal relative to said central transverse plane (26), in which the first branch (28) and the two second branches (30) have respective mutually facing surfaces (34, 36) permanently fastened to each other; —two third branches (40) connected to respective ends of second branches (30) by means of respective second folds (42), proximal and distanced relative to said central transverse plane (26); —two fourth branches (44) connected to respective ends of the two third branches (40) in distal positions relative to said central transverse plane (26); and—two fifth branches (46) connected to respective ends of the fourth branches (44) by means of respective third folds (48), proximal and distanced relative to said central transverse plane (26).
US08551063B2 Absorbent article
The backsheet of an absorbent body is used as a wrapper. The backsheet includes a fastening device intended for use in an undergarment. The absorbent article is folded into a packet in such a way that the fastening device on the backsheet becomes hidden within the packet.
US08551062B2 Male external incontinence device
A male external incontinence device includes a first seal formed of adhesive leaves carried by a housing and a second seal attached to the housing to be at a fixed position relative to the first seal and having a length to extend around the first seal after the leaves are secured to a penis.
US08551061B2 Wound treatment apparatus with exudate volume reduction by heat
Apparatus (130) for use in wound therapy of mammals is described, the apparatus (130) comprising: a dressing covering the wound, the dressing being substantially sealed to prevent ingress of ambient atmospheric air to the wound; aspiration means (132) operably connected to a space between the dressing and the wound by an aspiration conduit (142) sealed to the point of entry between wound and dressing against ingress of ambient atmosphere, said conduit (142) being for aspiration of said wound and for removal of fluid from said space between said wound and said dressing; a waste container (148) for receiving aspirated fluid to be discarded operably connected to said aspiration conduit; and heating means (144) for heating said fluid in order to increase the vapor pressure thereof and to cause evaporation to reduce the volume of the fluid in the waste container (148). In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the waste fluid is also provided with a sparge gas.
US08551060B2 Subatmospheric pressure mechanism for wound therapy system and related methods therefor
A portable system for subatmospheric pressure therapy in connection with healing a surgical wound is provided. The system includes a wound dressing dimensioned for positioning relative to a wound bed of a subject, and a collection canister in fluid communication with the wound dressing. The canister includes a base defining a fluid receiving cavity and having a fluid inlet port and a vacuum port. The fluid inlet port is configured for fluid communication with a wound dressing, The system further includes a cover selectively engageable to the base, e.g., in a snap-fit manner. The cover is configured to receive a control unit and has a vent assembly for exhausting the control unit. A seal member is interposed relative to the base and the cover to establish and maintain a substantial sealed relationship between the two components when assembled.
US08551056B2 Pinch clamp assembly for an infusion cassette
A pinch clamp assembly for engaging a tube (10) with an enteral feeding or infusion pump adapted to feed nutritionals or to infuse medical solutions to a patient, is provided comprising a base (1) comprising holding means (3) for holding a tube (10) in operative engagement with the base (1), a first clamping surface (4) and supporting means (5) for supporting a connector (6), a clamping element (7) having a second clamping surface (8) engageable with the tube (10) and moveable between an open position allowing flow of fluid through the tube (10) and a closed position wherein the tube (10) is occluded by the clamping element (7), a connector (6) for connecting the tube with a port on a patient, the connector (6) being removable from the pinch clamp assembly, and a spring (12), wherein the connector (6) is adapted to engage with the clamping element (7) so as to hold the clamping element (7) in the open position, wherein the clamping element (7) is forced from the open to the closed position by the force of the spring (12) as soon as the connector (6) is removed from the assembly, and wherein the clamping element (7) is adapted to be moved from the closed to the open position when the pinch clamp assembly is mounted to the enteral feeding or infusion pump and the connector (6) is removed.
US08551055B2 Valves, valved fluid transfer devices and ambulatory infusion devices including the same
An ambulatory medical device including a reservoir, a fluid transfer device operably connected to the reservoir, and a pressure regulator that has a valve seat and a valve element movable between a closed position where the valve element engages the valve seat and prevents fluid flow and an open position where the valve element is in spaced relation to the valve seat and does not prevent fluid flow. One of the valve seat and the valve element includes a main portion and a seal portion that is less tacky than the main portion and is engaged by the other of the valve seat and the valve element when the valve element is in the closed position.
US08551054B2 Device for a medicament delivery device
The present invention relates to damper for a medicament delivery device, which device comprises a container containing medicament, a stopper arranged in said container and movable for expelling said medicament through a dose delivery means, a plunger rod having opposing proximal and distal ends and capable of acting on said stopper, and force means capable of exerting a force on said plunger rod, wherein said damper comprises a tubular sleeve having opposing proximal and distal ends; said sleeve comprises a compartment formed by a closed end wall at the proximal end of the sleeve and the proximal end of the plunger rod which is positioned in an open end at the distal end of the sleeve; and wherein said compartment comprises a sealable and resilient pad, a fluid, and at least one passage for expelling said fluid in an annular space between said sleeve and an inner wall of said container, thereby creating a dampening force, upon movement of said plunger rod.
US08551047B2 Fluid delivery devices, systems and methods
Fluid delivery devices, systems and methods. Some of the fluid delivery devices include a body, a cannula and a septum, and are suited for enabling the delivery of fluid to a user.
US08551045B2 Fluid infusion system, a method of assembling such system and drug reservoir for use in the system
The present invention relates to methods and devices for providing a reduced risk of free flow from medical devices such as an infusion pump. A medicament containing reservoir is provided with a piston having a sealing portion formed by a material of a first stiffness. The piston further comprises a frictional enhancing member having one or more reservoir wall engaging portions and being at least partly made of a material having a stiffness greater than the first stiffness. By arranging the frictional enhancing member to exert a radially outwards directed force component against the cylindrical wall an increased friction is provided between the piston and the reservoir wall.
US08551035B2 Methods and devices to accelerate wound healing in thoracic anastomosis applications
A minimally invasive lung reduction device which overcomes the disadvantages associated with treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease by utilizing the phenomenon of collateral ventilation to increase the expiratory flow from a diseased lung. The device also provides a means for assisting in or facilitating pulmonary decompression to compress the diseased area or area of the lung or lungs to a smaller volume.
US08551028B2 Force sensing mechansim of a massage machine
A force sensing mechanism of the massage machine contains: a frame, a swing seat, a connecting member, and at least one sensing apparatus. The frame includes a rotary shaft fixed thereon and displaces vertically on a second sliding rail of a massage chair. The swing seat is connected with the rotary shaft and includes at least one roller. A first end of the connecting member is coupled with the swing seat, and a second end of the connecting member is connected with a first end of the stopping member, a second end of the stopping member is coupled on the frame. The at least one sensing apparatus is arranged on the frame relative to the stopping member so as to sense a movement of the stopping member, and the sensing apparatus is connected with a controller to transmit a sensing signal toward the controller so that the controller calculates a massage force of the at least one roller.
US08551027B2 Assist device
In the assist device, the output of an actuator is adjusted so that it becomes lower as a state of charge of a battery exceeds a first threshold value, and also so that it becomes lower as the state of charge of the battery becomes lower. The output of the actuator is controlled on the basis of the state of charge of the battery, so that it is possible to make the agent recognize the change in the state of charge of the battery by changing the output of the actuator, and as a result, to avoid the situation where the agent feels strange with respect to stopping the operation of the assist device following thereto.
US08551026B2 Method and system for the derivation of human gait characteristics and detecting falls passively from floor vibrations
The gait monitor system and method provides various basic gait parameters including step count, cadence, and step duration, in addition to its ability to distinguish between normal, limping and shuffling gait modes, as well as determine falls. Moreover, this gait monitor may be provided with additional sensors, e.g. beam break at the beginning and end of a corridor to estimate average walking velocity (with the distance between the beams known or determined); this enables the calculation of additional gait characteristics such as average step length and average stride length. These parameters can additionally be used to detect various gait anomalies and other diagnostic information.
US08551023B2 Device and method for determining force of a knee joint
An orthopaedic surgical device for determining the joint force of a patient's knee joint includes a tibial paddle shaped to be positioned in the patient's knee joint and a handle extending from the tibial paddle. The tibial paddle includes a sensor array positioned therein and configured to generate sensor signals indicative of the joint force of the patient's knee joint. The orthopaedic surgical device also includes a control circuit configured to control a display located on the handle to provide a visual indication of the medial and lateral balance of the joint force.
US08551016B2 Multi compartment body part scraping fluid collection device
An embodiment is a fluid sample collection system. More specifically, an embodiment is a fluid sample collection system to facilitate collection of biological specimens and particularly to facilitate collection of saliva, urine, and stool specimens from human or animal species for the purpose of extracting purified DNA and/or RNA.
US08551015B2 System and method for evaluating and diagnosing patients based on ocular responses
A system for quantifying and mapping visual salience to a visual stimulus, including a processor, software for receiving data indicative of a group of individual's ocular responses to a visual stimulus, software for determining a distribution of visual resources at each of at least two times for each of at least a portion of the individuals. The system further including software for determining and quantifying a group distribution of visual resources at each of the at least two times and software for generating a display of the group's distribution of visual resources to the visual stimulus.
US08551013B2 Ophthalmological analysis method and analysis system
The invention relates to an ophthalmological analysis method for measuring an intraocular pressure in an eye with an analysis system consisting of an actuating device with which a cornea of the eye is deformed in contactless manner, wherein the actuating device causes a puff of air to be applied to the eye in such manner that the cornea is deformed, an observation system with which the deformation of the cornea is observed and recorded, wherein sectional images of the cornea when it is deformed and not deformed are created with the observation device, and an analysis device with which the intraocular pressure is derived from the sectional images of the cornea, wherein a material characteristic of the cornea is derived from the sectional images of the cornea in the analysis device, wherein a stiffness of the cornea is derived as a material characteristic.
US08551007B2 Pulse rate measuring apparatus
From pulse wave data obtained from change in a blood flow, an average interval of a prescribed number of immediately preceding pulses or pulses in an immediately preceding prescribed time period is calculated. Next, an average-calculation range is determined on the basis of at least one of an amount of fluctuation and an evaluation result. The amount of fluctuation is a value calculated on the basis of a difference between the average interval and an interval of a pulse wave newly detected from the pulse wave data. The evaluation result is a result of evaluating the interval of the newly detected pulse wave by at least one evaluation factor. Thereafter, an average pulse wave interval value is calculated by averaging pulse wave intervals on the basis of the average-calculation range, and a pulse rate is calculated on the basis of the average pulse wave interval value.
US08551006B2 Method for determining hemodynamic effects
The present disclosure relates, in some embodiments, to devices, systems, and/or methods for collecting, processing, and/or displaying stroke volume and/or cardiac output data. For example, a device for assessing changes in cardiac output and/or stroke volume of a subject receiving airway support may comprise a processor; an airway sensor in communication with the processor, wherein the airway sensor is configured and arranged to sense pressure in the subject's airway, lungs, and/or intrapleural space over time; a blood volume sensor in communication with the processor, wherein the blood volume sensor is configured and arranged to sense pulsatile volume of blood in a tissue of the subject over time; and a display configured and arranged to display a representative of an airway pressure, a pulsatile blood volume, a photoplethysmogram, a photoplethysmogram ratio, the determined cardiac output and/or stroke volume, or combinations thereof. A method of assessing changes in cardiac output or stroke volume of a subject receiving airway support from a breathing assistance system may comprise sensing pressure in the subject's airway as a function of time, sensing pulsatile volume of blood in a tissue of the subject as a function of time, producing a photoplethysmogram from the sensed pulsatile volume, determining the ratio of the amplitude of the photoplethysmogram during inhalation to the amplitude of the photoplethysmogram during exhalation, and determining the change in cardiac output or stroke volume of the subject using the determined ratio.
US08551002B2 Spatial array of sensors mounted on a tool
Systems and methods described herein include an array of sensors positioned on a tool. In one embodiment, among others, a tool includes a handle configured to be manipulated by a user. The tool also includes an end portion arranged in mechanical communication with the handle. In addition, the tool includes an array of sensors mounted on the end portion, in which the array of sensors is configured to sense a property of an object. The tool also comprises a processing device configured to process the properties of the object sensed by the array of sensors and to obtain spatial information of the object. The processing device is further configured to communicate the spatial information to the handle.
US08551000B2 Ultrasound 3D imaging system
The present invention relates to an ultrasound imaging system in which the scan head either includes a beamformer circuit that performs far field subarray beamforming or includes a sparse array selecting circuit that actuates selected elements. When used with second stage beamforming system, three dimensional ultrasound images can be generated.
US08550998B2 Nonlinear elastic wave measurement and imaging with two-frequency elastic wave pulse complexes
Elastic wave pulse complexes are transmitted towards said region where said pulse complexes are composed of a high frequency (HF) and a low frequency (LF) pulse with the same or overlapping beam directions and where the HF pulse is so close to the LF pulse that it observes the modification of the object by the LF pulse at least for a part of the image depth. Received HF signals are picked up by transducers from scattered and/or transmitted components of the transmitted HF pulses. The received HF signals are processed to form measurement or image signals for display, and combined in slow time to form noise suppressed HF signals or nonlinear scattering HF signals.
US08550994B2 Surgical access system and related methods
A surgical access system including a tissue distraction assembly and a tissue refraction assembly, both of which may be equipped with one or more electrodes for use in detecting the existence of (and optionally the distance and/or direction to) neural structures before, during, and after the establishment of an operative corridor to a surgical target site.
US08550990B2 Endoscope system
The endoscope system includes an endoscope, a control unit, a beam source control unit and a type check unit. The endoscope has a radiation optical system for radiating a beam from a beam source onto a subject and an imaging optical system including an imaging device. The endoscope is removably connected to the control unit. The beam source control unit controls the emission beam intensity of the beam source according to a beam quantity specified value input from the control unit. The type check unit checks a type of the imaging device mounted on the endoscope. The beam source control unit has a plurality of control patterns representing a relationship between the beam quantity specified value and a control output value, switches to any one of the control patterns according to the check results, and controls the emission beam intensity according to the switched control pattern.
US08550987B2 Electronic endoscope apparatus
An electronic endoscope apparatus having a scope and a processor. The processor includes a plurality of image processing means and a first setting means. Each of the image processing means performs different image processing. ON/OFF of functions and/or parameters used for the processing are set individually with respect to each of the image processing means. The scope includes a memory having at least one area configured to store ON/OFF setting of the function of each of the image processing means and/or a value of the processing parameter used for each processing. The first setting means of the processor reads information stored in the area of the memory of the scope to set the function of each of the image processing means to ON or OFF and supply a predetermined parameter to each of the image processing means based on the information.
US08550982B2 Closed-chest stabilization system and methods for minimally invasive heart surgery
Stabilization systems and methods for various procedures (e.g., tissue ablation procedures) are disclosed. An exemplary stabilization system for use in a medical procedure may include a housing structure having a base portion, the housing structure insertable into a patient's body. The system may also include a securement element on the base portion of the housing structure. The system may also include a deployment mechanism in the housing structure and operably associated with the base portion. The deployment mechanism is operable to extend the base portion so that the at least one securement element engages a tissue in the patient's body after the housing structure is positioned adjacent a target area inside a patient's body. Embodiments of the securement element may include a membrane, a chamber, a frictional surface, at least one needle, peg, gasket, adhesive, and/or a collar.
US08550980B2 Kit for levator avulsion repair
Kits for treating pelvic conditions such as levator avulsion, by placing an implant between an anterior incision and a posterior incision to support the levator tissue are described. A kit comprises an implant (70) comprising a support portion and two end portions extending from the support portion, two insertion tools comprising a needle comprising a helical curve and one insertion tool (54) comprising a needle (58) comprising a two-dimensional curve.
US08550971B2 Systems for producing cushioning material
Methods, apparatus and systems for producing cushioning material from sheet material. In some embodiments, the apparatus comprises horizontally aligned forming members having fins for use in pulling and processing sheet material. The sheet material can be perforated sheet material. A holder can be provided for holding sheet material in stock roll form, the holder having a cross-bar for producing resistance against the stock roll to dissipate momentum of the stock roll when the motor of the apparatus is stopped.
US08550967B2 Exercise apparatus
An apparatus for replicating swimming, rowing, cycling or other exercise modalities. An apparatus includes a base, a frame extending up from the base, and a support member coupled to a top portion of the frame. The apparatus further includes a forward-ascending bench. The bench includes a torso support section to support a user's torso, pivotally coupled to the support member, and configured for limited angular rotation about an axis parallel to at least a portion of the support member. The bench further includes left and right leg support sections, pivotally coupled to the torso support section, to support at least the user's thighs. The apparatus also includes a coupling member extending forward from the base, and configured to interchangeably couple with an exercise module.
US08550964B2 Resistance training apparatus and methods
Resistance training apparatus and methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, an exercise assembly includes an exercise station having a support portion and at least one user interface operatively coupled to the support portion by an anchor assembly. The anchor assembly includes a housing attached to the support portion, and a coupling device pivotably attached to the housing and moveable throughout an angular range, the coupling device being coupled to the at least one user interface and configured to move through at least a portion of the angular range during use of the at least one user interface.
US08550962B2 Dual deck exercise device
An exercise device employing side-by-side pivotally supported moving surfaces. In one particular example, an exercise device employs a first belt deployed about a front roller and a rear roller and an adjacent second belt deployed about a front roller and a rear roller. The rear of the belts in the area of the rear rollers are pivotally secured and the front of the belts in the area of the front roller are adapted to reciprocate in an up and down motion during use. In some implementations, the moving surfaces include an interconnection structure such that a generally downward movement of one surface is coordinated with a generally upward movement of the other surface. In other implementations, the moving surfaces are operably associated with one or more resistance elements that effect the amount of force required to pivot or actuate the moving surfaces.
US08550956B2 Planetary gear unit
A planetary gear unit inside a case includes coaxial sun and ring gears, a planetary pinion gear that meshes with the sun and ring gears, and a carrier that holds the planetary pinion gear, the ring gear being fixed with respect to the case, and a flange disposed inward of the ring gear. The ring gear is fixed to a case wall, via the flange, the wall extending radially inward, and the flange being prevented from rotating with respect to the wall by a rotation prevention mechanism. The rotation prevention mechanism includes a plurality of case holes on the same circle in the wall, flange holes in the flange at positions corresponding to the case holes, and rotation prevention members fitted into the case and flange holes to prevent rotation of the flange with respect to the wall with the flange relatively movable axially with respect to the wall.
US08550955B2 Pin for planetary gear system
A pin for coupling a planet gear to a carrier in a planetary gear system is disclosed. The pin includes a first end, a second end, and an outer surface extending between the first end and the second end. In some embodiments, the pin further includes means for modifying the compliance of the pin at an interface between the pin and the carrier. In other embodiments, the pin further include a compliance feature defined in the outer surface, the compliance feature allowing greater compliance of the pin in the tangential direction than in the radial direction.
US08550952B2 Self-contained hydraulic torque modulating device
A torque modulating coupling device for operatively linking two shafts has a clutch and a piston disposed in a case. The piston selectively applies force to the clutch in response to hydraulic pressure, and a keyed feature adapted to couple with a corresponding keyed feature associated with at least one of the shafts. The coupling device can be formed with two cases that form an enclosure for the clutch and the piston, trapping the piston forces between the cases. This embodiment allows the device to also act as an axle housing cover. In another embodiment, the case is designed to bolt directly to an axle housing cover, trapping piston forces between the case and the cover.
US08550948B2 Controller for a ship's propulsion
A ship propulsion (3) with at least a fixedly positioned transmission unit (4, 204) secured to the hull (6) of the ship and a propulsion unit (5, 205) located on the exterior of the hull. The ship propulsion (3) facilitates pivoting of the propulsion unit (5, 205) around a control axis (10, 110, 210, 310), via a control device (200, 300). The control device has a control motor (120, 220, 320) and at least one control transmission (130, 230, 330). The control transmission is designed as a reduced planetary transmission, which comprises two central gears (131, 132, 231, 232, 331, 332) and a planetary gear carrier (233, 333, 433) with at least two planetary gears (238, 338), and coaxial positioned with reference to the control axis.
US08550944B2 Multi-speed sprocket assembly
A multi-speed sprocket assembly configured to receive a bicycle chain including a plurality of pairs of inner link plates, a plurality of pairs of outer link plates and plurality of rollers connecting the pairs of inner and outer link plates. The multi-speed sprocket assembly generally includes a smaller diameter sprocket and a larger diameter sprocket rotated about a rotation axis in a driving direction. The smaller and larger diameter sprockets include first and second pluralities of teeth spaced about their peripheries, respectively. The larger diameter sprocket has an inboard side including first and second projections axially extending therefrom. The second projection is disposed circumferentially aft, opposite the driving direction, and radially outwardly of the first projection. The first and second projections simultaneously support one outer link plate as the bicycle chain shifts from the smaller diameter sprocket to the larger diameter sprocket.
US08550942B2 Bicycle shifting control apparatus
A bicycle shifting control apparatus is provided with a gearshift operating part and an actuating unit. The gearshift operating part outputs a first chain moving operation and a second chain moving operation for moving a front derailleur via the actuating unit. The actuating unit includes a first actuating part and a second actuating part. The first actuating part performs a first action for moving the front derailleur from a first position corresponding to a small sprocket a second position corresponding to an adjacent larger sprocket in accordance with the first chain moving operation of the gearshift operating part. The second actuating part performs a second action for moving the front derailleur to a third position located past the second position corresponding to the larger sprocket in accordance with the second chain moving operation of the gearshift operating part.
US08550932B2 Putter heads and putters including polymeric material as part of the ball striking face
Putters include a putter body having a ball striking face member made of a material having a first hardness characteristic. A cavity is defined in the putter body behind the ball striking face member, and plural openings are defined in the ball striking face member extending rearward with respect to the ball striking face member and into the cavity. A polymeric material at least partially fills the openings and the cavity, wherein the polymeric material has a second hardness characteristic that is softer than the first hardness characteristic. The ball striking face member and the polymeric material exposed in at least some of the openings provide a ball striking surface of the putter. The ball striking surface may include grooves or scorelines to affect the launch angle, spin, and/or roll of the ball during a putt. Methods for making such putter devices also are described.
US08550930B1 Relative hip motion athletic training device and method
A sport training device wearable by a human user, includes an oblong resilient, flexible member diagonally connecting one side of a shoulder harness to the opposite side of a separate hip harness. The member is tensioned in the user's upright, untwisted standing position. During a swing or a baseball-type pitching action, as the user's hips properly rotate with respect to the user's shoulders, the tension reduces thus encouraging and indicating to the user the preferred relative hip rotation action. Adjustments are provided adjust the length and tension of the resilient member. A member which deflects uniformly under a compressive load can be used as a measuring device of the relative angle between the hip and shoulder.
US08550925B2 Universal joint
A universal joint includes a first rotating assembly, a second rotating assembly and a linking member. The first rotating assembly includes a rotating member including a main body and a pair of rotating portions extending from opposite ends of the main body, a pivotal member rotatably connected to the pair of the rotating portions, and a pair of locking members respectively engaging with opposite ends of the pivotal member to prevent the pivotal member detaching from the rotating member. The second rotating assembly is the same as the first rotating assembly. The linking member extends into the pivotal member of the first rotating assembly and engages with the pivotal member of the second rotating assembly to connect the two pivotal members together.
US08550919B2 Game control program, game device, game server, and game control method
A game server includes: a multiplayer play request acknowledging unit operative to acknowledge, from a game device of a player, a request for a multiplayer play where a game is played between a game device of a requesting player and a game device of another player; a selection unit operative to select a first mode or a second mode of multiplayer play, the first mode being a mode where a multiplayer play is played with a player accepting the request for a multiplayer play, and the second mode being a mode where a selected player is forced to play in a multiplayer play; a friendly mode matching unit and a hostile mode matching unit operative to refer to a player database storing information on players and select a player to play the requested multiplayer play; and a requesting unit operative to notify the selected player's game device of the selected mode and requests the game device thus notified to start the requested multiplayer play.
US08550918B2 Systems for coordinating a distributed game in a gaming environment
Various embodiments of a gaming system for coordinating a distributed game in a gaming environment are disclosed herein. According to one embodiment, the gaming system includes a polymorphous network of game managers. In the polymorphous network, each game manager is dynamically interconnected with one or more of the other game managers, and the dynamic interconnections are based on a game manager criteria or gaming data. The gaming system also includes a plurality of groups of gaming machines where a first group of gaming machines is only in communication with a first game manager. The first game manager receives game requests from the first group of gaming machines to initiate a game. The first game manager initiates the game if a sufficient number of game requests are received by the first game manager. Alternatively, the first game manager forwards the game requests to an appropriate game manager if the first gaming machine manager receives an insufficient number of game requests.
US08550914B2 Recording audio in order to affect gameplay experience
Techniques are described for altering the gameplay of a computer game based on audio content recorded within the virtual world of the computer game. An indication is received of audio content to record within the computer game, and the indicated audio content is then recorded. Subsequently, a selection of the recorded audio content to playback within the virtual world is received. Upon playing the recorded audio content in the virtual world, embodiments affect one or more gameplay elements of the computer game, based on the playback of the recorded audio content.
US08550907B2 Game machine
The present invention provides a game machine in which the decoration is highly effective. In the present invention, a display screen through which the player can see a game board is provided in front of the game board. The player can see the game board behind the display screen while enjoying an image on the display screen. A plurality of display screens may be provided to overlap each other and a display screen can be also mounted to the game board. Therefore, a various complicated image can be displayed. In addition, an input means can be provided to the display screen with which a player can change a game state.
US08550899B2 Wagering game with multiple reels forming multiple symbol arrays
A gaming system for playing a wagering game comprises at least one display adapted to display a plurality of reels having symbols. The symbols indicate a randomly selected outcome of the wagering game. The plurality of reels includes at least one single-symbol reel and at least one multi-symbol reel. The at least one display is adapted to display at least one payline overlapping at least one symbol from the at least one single-symbol reel and at least one symbol from the at least one multi-symbol reel.
US08550898B2 System for animating mechanical reels on a gaming machine
A system for providing animation on mechanical reels games is disclosed. A gaming machine includes a plurality of mechanical reels each having symbols provided on an outer surface of each of the reels. A lighting system is configured to illuminate a selected symbol on at least one mechanical reel. A game controller generates a game outcome. One or more stepper motors is operatively coupled to the mechanical reels and independently spins each reel. A reel control unit determines the timing of illuminating of the selected symbol on the position of the symbol on the reel when it is illuminated.
US08550897B2 Wagering games with bonus game accrual through multiple plays of a basic game
Gaming devices, gaming systems, methods of conducting a wagering game, and computer programs for initiating a wagering game are presented herein. One concept of the present disclosure is directed to earning bonus features through play of multiple games in series or in parallel. A wagering game includes a base game and a bonus game. A number of base games are conducted in series or in parallel. For each of the conducted base games, one or more bonus-game-modifiers are added to a feature pool (e.g., a queue) in response to a predetermined event (e.g., a winning outcome) occurring in that base game. In response to a triggering event (e.g., filling the feature pool, a symbol-based trigger in the current base game, etc.), the bonus game is conducted as modified by the bonus-game-modifiers in the feature pool.
US08550896B2 Gaming machine with special symbol
A gaming machine having a display means and a game control means arranged to control images displayed on the display means, the game control means being arranged to play a game wherein at least one random event is caused to be displayed on the display means and, if a predefined winning event occurs, the machine awards a prize, wherein, when a special symbol is carried by a symbol-carrying element into a display position on the display means, the special symbol substitutes as more than one occurrence of a standard symbol of the game.
US08550893B2 Trajectory-based 3-D games of chance for video gaming machines
Trajectory-based games of chance are described that may be implemented on a video gaming machine. In a trajectory-based game of chance, a trajectory of a game object may be generated in a 3-D gaming environment. A wager may be made on an aspect of the game object's trajectory in the gaming environment such as a termination location for the trajectory of the game object. The aspect of the game object's trajectory may occur according to a known probability. Hence, an award for the trajectory-based game of chance may be proportional to the probability of the aspect of the game object's trajectory occurring.
US08550888B2 Actuator for a fan-powered damper
An HVAC (heating, ventilating and air conditioning) damper includes a series of pivotal damper blades that are opened by an air pressure differential across opposite sides of the damper. In some embodiments, a fan discharging against the damper blades provides the necessary air pressure to open the damper. To control how far the damper opens, an actuator moves a variable position abutment that obstructs the damper blades to limit how far they can pivot in the open direction. The position of the abutment is infinitely adjustable to provide the damper with infinite adjustment over a range of open positions. In some embodiments, the abutment applies a unidirectional torque to the damper blades regardless of whether the damper is opening or closing.
US08550875B2 Method of operating substrate processing apparatus and substrate processing apparatus
A method of operating a substrate processing apparatus, upon the occurrence of a nonfatal failure in the apparatus, makes it possible to continue part of the apparatus operations for substrates to clean and recover a substrate or to easily discharge a substrate from the apparatus, without stopping an entire apparatus, thereby reducing the risk of a substrate becoming unprocessable. The method of operating a substrate processing apparatus having a polishing section, a cleaning section and a transferring mechanism, includes: classifying substrates, upon detection of a malfunction in any of the polishing section, the cleaning section and the transferring mechanism, according to the site of the malfunction and to the positions of the substrates in the substrate processing apparatus; and carrying out an operation for each of the substrates after the detection of the malfunction, the operation varying depending on the classification of the substrate.
US08550861B2 Compressive contact for high speed electrical connector
An electrical interconnection system with high speed, high density electrical connectors. One of the connectors includes a mating contact portion that generates contact force as it is compressed against a wall of the connector housing. The mating contact portion has multiple segments, each with a contact region extending from the wall, such that multiple points of contact to a complementary mating contact portion in a mating connector are provided for mechanical robustness. Additionally, each signal path through the mating interface portions of the connectors can be narrow and has a relatively uniform cross section to provide a uniform impedance. Additional size reduction may be achieved by mounting a ground contact on an exterior surface of a connector housing in alternating rows. Additionally, embodiments in which a wavy contact is used in a cantilevered configuration are also described.
US08550858B2 Extensible memory card-compatible receptacle and port expansion device
Systems, apparatus, and methods for expanding a memory card-compatible receptacle for use with a multitude of other connections are provided. In an embodiment, a memory card-compatible receptacle having two sets of contact points communicates with a port expansion device to provide an interface with more commonly used ports.
US08550847B2 Electrical connector
An electrical connector includes an insulation pedestal, an outer cover, an enhanced shell and a plurality of terminals partially embedded in the insulation pedestal. The insulation pedestal includes a main body and a tongue section. The enhanced shell includes a fixed side and a support side. The fixed side is embedded in the main body; and the tongue section is partially covered by the support side such that the support side can support the tongue section. The insulation pedestal is integratedly formed together with the terminals and the enhanced shell to strengthen the structure of the tongue section.
US08550838B2 Electrical connector having poke-in wire contact
An electrical connector is provided including a housing having a receptacle for receiving a wire. A fixed contact is positioned within the housing and has a termination contact configured to electrically couple to a signal path. A moveable contact is electrically coupled to the fixed contact. The moveable contact has a contact interface for engaging the wire. The contact interface is moveable between a connection position, wherein the contact interface engages the wire, and a release position, wherein the contact interface is disengaged from the wire to enable the wire to be removed from the receptacle.
US08550831B2 Connector housing with an opening for holding another connector housing for providing movements in three mutually perpendicular directions
A collective connectors housing includes a first housing having a connector insertion opening to receive one or more connectors and configured to hold the one or more connectors in the connector insertion opening so as to be movable in a first direction perpendicular to a connector insertion direction; and a second housing having a housing insertion opening to receive the first housing and configured to hold the first housing so as to be movable in a second direction perpendicular to both the connector insertion direction and the first direction.
US08550825B2 Electrical interconnect device
An electrical interconnect device includes a substrate that has opposite first and second outer surfaces. Arrays of conductive elastomeric columns are held by the substrate. Each of the columns has opposite first and second ends. The elastomeric columns are internally conductive between the first and second ends. A shield is mounted exterior of the first outer surface of the substrate with the shield having an insulative carrier that holds an array of conductive pads arranged in a complementary pattern as the array of elastomeric columns. The conductive pads have inner surfaces and outer surfaces. The shield is positioned relative to the substrate such that the inner surfaces of the conductive pads engage the first ends of corresponding elastomeric columns. The outer surfaces are configured to engage corresponding mating contacts of an electrical component.
US08550820B2 System and method for a workstation injury avoidance program
A method including the steps determining a workstation environment of a user, providing a first reminder to the user to perform a set of exercises after an interval of work, and instructing the user to perform the set of exercises after an acceptance, by the user, of the reminder to perform the set of exercises, the set of exercises tailored to the workstation environment of the user, wherein the instructions associated with the first set of exercises and the second set of exercises include a demonstration to the user to ensure the proper execution of the exercises by the user to help reduce the probability of a workstation injury. Furthermore, an associated system is also provided.
US08550819B2 Motion training schematic and method of instruction
A method of golf instruction utilizing a schematic represented by a plurality of vertical, diagonal and circular lines which demonstrate a preferred golf swing. A video recorder, processor and monitor can be used to record the golf swing of a student aligned within the schematic. Corrections to the students swing can be made based on the deviation from the schematic. Additionally, the flight path of the ball can be determined based upon the deviation from the schematic and the adjusted flight path can be displayed.
US08550816B2 Mandibular manipulator and related methods
Described is a mandibular manipulator instrument as a standalone tool or with associated mouthpiece that includes two interlocking laterally sliding frames including a movable upper and a lower incisor pull, shaped for receiving a patient's central incisor teeth and a pair of pinion shafts for driving the upper and lower incisor pulls. A screw thread is used to provide a precise lateral motion for the sagittal measurement. The mouthpiece is constructed of resilient rubber. The manipulator is positioned and held in the resilient rubber mouthpiece by the two pinions protruding through acoustically tight apertures respective to each pinion's position. The manipulator can be used for other applications in an embodiment without the mouthpiece and/or in combination with a bite registration shape that is part of the manipulator frame.
US08550799B2 Sterile de-molding apparatus and method
At least one of first and second mold portions defines a mold cavity to receive molten plastic and form therefrom at least one molded part, and is movable relative to the other between (i) a closed position for sealing the mold cavity or cavities and molding at least one part therein, and (ii) an open position defining a fluid passageway between the mold portions and permitting the passage of a fluid sterilant therein. A fluid sterilant source is connectable in fluid communication with the fluid passageway for introducing the sterilant therein in the open position, contacting with the sterilant the surfaces of the first and second mold portions forming the fluid passageway and located adjacent to the at least one mold cavity, but not contacting an interior surface of a molded part within the mold cavity, to sterilize the exposed mold surfaces and thereby prevent contamination of the molded part.
US08550793B2 Fastening of rotor magnets on the shaft of a compressor arrangement
A compressor arrangement for compressing fresh air for internal combustion engines includes a compressor wheel and an electric motor having at least one stator and at least one rotor having a rotor magnet and a rotor gap between the rotor and stator. The rotor gap is designed such that when the compressor wheel rotates, at least 50%, of the air mass flow to be compressed is fed through the rotor gap. The compressor wheel is mounted on a shaft or contains the shaft and at least one rotor magnet or a carrier for holding the rotor magnet and is mountable as a separate part on said shaft and may be bolted, splinted, glued, shrunk, or secured by form-fit to said shaft to prevent rotation.
US08550791B2 Torsional restraint for jet pump assembly
Disclosed are various torsional restraint systems for torsionally restraining a jet pump assembly, wherein the jet pump assembly includes a riser pipe, a transition assembly on the riser pipe, and a restrainer bracket connecting a first and a second inlet mixer to the riser pipe. The torsional restraint system includes a first contact member operatively attached to a side of the jet pump assembly and a second contact member operatively attached to the side of the jet pump assembly and disposed from the first contact member such that the first and second contact members restrain the riser pipe from rotating about a centerline of the riser pipe.
US08550782B2 Partial ring cooling fan
A cooling fan with partial ring members attached to the blade tips. The fan preferably is a one-piece molded fan with a central hub and a plurality of blade members. Partial ring members on the blade tips reduce weight and minimize potential failures caused by knit lines and operations at high rotational speeds.
US08550781B2 Heat dissipation fan and rotor thereof
A rotor includes a hub, rotary blades extending outwardly from the hub, and an annular wall surrounding the rotary blades. Each rotary blade includes a windward lateral surface and a leeward lateral surface at opposite sides thereof. The annular wall adjoins the outer ends of the rotary blades and is rotatable therewith. A perforation is defined in the annular wall between two neighboring rotary blades and adjacent to the leeward lateral surface of a leading rotary blade of the neighboring rotary blades.
US08550780B2 Device for sealing a rotating shaft
A device serves the purpose of sealing a rotating shaft for use under water. It exhibits face seals which seal a work area against the water. In accordance with the invention the face seals are constructed in the form of three slide ring pairs, wherein between the three slide ring pairs two areas (18, 21) are arranged. One of the areas is a sealing area adjacent to the water filled with a first medium and the other area is a leaking area adjacent to the work area. In the sealing area the first medium is held at a pressure level which is higher than the pressure of the adjacent water.
US08550757B2 Flexible truck bed tie-down system
A flexible cargo bed tie-down system allows the user to easily change, adjust, customize, and adapt his or her vehicle to specific needs at any given moment, and interfaces with the rest of the vehicle in an optimum manner from a functional, structural, and aesthetic standpoint. One embodiment of the invention provides a vehicle having a side wall construction enclosing a cargo bed at a side of the cargo bed. The side wall construction includes an outer portion which runs generally vertically at an outer portion of the vehicle, and a top portion which runs generally horizontally from the outer portion toward a longitudinal center of the vehicle. A tie-down rail is mounted adjacent to the top portion such that a part of the top portion overhangs at least a portion of the tie-down rail. The tie-down rail is configured to accept a tie-down fitting and includes a slotted opening generally aligned with an interior edge of the top portion.
US08550754B2 Fully indexable single-sided cutting insert and milling tool
A single-sided tangential cutting insert has a peripheral side surface with N identical major sides. The cutting insert has 360°/N rotational symmetry about an insert axis passing through top and bottom surfaces of the insert, where N is an integer greater than 2 and each major side is located between and merges with an adjacent major side. A cutting edge is formed at the intersection of a relief surface and a rake surface. The rake surface is located in the peripheral side surface and extends in an inward direction of the cutting insert from its associated cutting edge to a side surface of the associated major side. At least a portion of the relief surface is located in the top surface.
US08550750B2 Bioremediation process using liquefied petroleum gas
A method is provided for stimulating anaerobic degradation of a subsurface contaminant, comprising the steps of vaporizing liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) to form a treating gas and directing the treating gas to at least one subsurface injection site that includes the subsurface contaminant; wherein the treating gas stimulates anaerobic degradation of at least a portion of the subsurface contaminant.
US08550748B2 Parallel fish passage apparatuses with hydroelectric power generator and method
An improved fish passage apparatus is combined with hydroelectric power generation to facilitate migration of fish between water bodies of different heights with minimal injury or trauma to fish. It may also be optimized for power generation when fish are not moving through it. The fish passage apparatus comprises parallel connecting tubes providing fluid communication between upper and lower water bodies, upper valves in each connecting tube adapted to control flow of water to or from an upper water body, lower valves in each connecting tube adapted to control flow of water to or from a lower water body, and working tubes opening into each connecting tube between the upper and lower valves a working portion of which extends functionally vertical to above a water level of the upper body of water and to below a water level of the lower body and is vented at its top such that water can flow freely in and out of the working portion.
US08550747B2 Fish passage apparatus with variable inlets and method
An improved fish passage apparatus is combined with hydroelectric power generation to facilitate migration of fish between water bodies of different heights with minimal injury or trauma to fish. It may also be optimized for power generation when fish are not moving through it. The fish passage apparatus comprises a variable inlet connected to a connecting tube providing fluid communication between upper and lower water bodies, an upper valve in the connecting tube adapted to control flow of water to or from an upper water body, a lower valve in the connecting tube adapted to control flow of water to or from a lower water body, and a working tube opening into the connecting tube between the upper and lower valves a working portion of which extends functionally vertical to above a water level of the upper body of water and to below a water level of the lower body and is vented at its top such that water can flow freely in and out of the working portion.
US08550743B2 Sliding lock device
A system that is used to lock an accessory, for example a cystoscope that is locked to a hand held device that provides prostate ablation therapy, within a housing includes a sliding lock device (SLD) which receives and surrounds at least a portion of the cystoscope in an opening. Once the cystoscope is positioned within the SLD, the user may slide a cover to engage a tab of the cystoscope and secure the cystoscope within the SLD and the housing. The SLD also includes a mechanism for prohibiting cystoscope rotation. After the cystoscope is locked, the SLD allows for a defined amount of axial movement to facilitate prostate viewing and the deployment of prostate ablation therapy. Alternatively, the cover may slide in a rotational manner to secure the cystoscope.
US08550737B2 Applicators for dispensing adhesive or sealant material
An applicator device for storing and dispensing an adhesive or sealant material, which are compatible with irradiation sterilization techniques, the applicator comprising: an applicator body comprising a cutting portion to break the frangible seal of the container for the adhesive, and a grasping and squeezing portion for controlling the flow rate of the adhesive; a container for an adhesive material that is movable relative to the applicator body and is made of materials with high barrier property; and a porous applicator tip that is secured to or frictionally fits into the applicator body.
US08550735B2 Writing instrument with cushioning device
A retractable writing instrument that includes a barrel, a writing tip, an actuating mechanism that includes a plurality of parts for extending and retracting the writing tip upon actuation of the actuation member, and a cushioning device enabling a retraction of the writing tip when an excessive pressure is exerted by a user. The cushioning device includes a spring member elastically deformable, which is integrally formed with a movable part of the actuating mechanism, the part being movable relative to the barrel. The spring member has a free end abutting the barrel toward its rear end and has a through hole. A stem extends within the spring member's hole and connects the actuating member to the actuating mechanism.
US08550733B2 Printing apparatus with sealed gear drive mechanism
A printing apparatus having shorter length in the longitudinal direction and a dust-protecting feature is disclosed. The printer includes a main frame, a subframe assembly, first and second pulse motors each have a reduction gear drive mechanism, a thermal head, a platen roller, a rotary blade, and a stationary blade. The first motor for driving the platen roller and the second motor for driving the rotary blade are disposed between two side plates provided one on each end of the main frame. The reduction gear drive mechanisms are substantially sealed and disposed inside the corresponding side plates. Two pulleys and a timing belt are provided outside each of the side plates.
US08550727B2 Parallel optical communications system that incorporates a method and apparatus for performing electromagnetic interference (EMI) containment
Methods and apparatuses are provided for performing electromagnetic interference (EMI) containment in a parallel optical communications system. The apparatus includes a curved surface formed in the system housing near the opening through which a stack of ribbon cables passes, and a spring device. The stack of ribbon cables is sandwiched in between the curved surface of the housing and the spring device. The spring device exerts a force on the stack of ribbon cables that presses the stack against the curved surface of the housing and forms a sharp bend in the stack just before the stack passes through the opening in the housing. Because EMI radiation is restricted to propagation along the sharply bent pathway of the stack of ribbon cables, most or all of the EMI radiation traveling along that pathway is either attenuated or reflected before it reaches the opening.
US08550722B2 Fiber optic splice housing and integral dry mate connector system
A fiber optic splice housing and integral dry mate connector system. In a described embodiment, a fiber optic connection system includes optical fiber sections in respective conduit sections. Each of the conduit sections is received in the housing assembly. An optical connection between the optical fiber sections is positioned within the housing assembly.
US08550718B2 Linear slide table
A linear slide table includes a slide rail, a loading table, at least one adjustment base, a plurality of wedges, and a plurality of adjustment elements. The loading table is disposed on the slide rail. The adjustment base is assembled below the loading table and disposed at one side of the slide rail. The wedges are disposed between the adjustment base and the loading table. The adjustment elements interconnect the wedges and the loading table for adjusting the relative positions of the wedges and the loading table, so as to adjust the distance between the adjustment base and the slide rail through the wedges pushing the adjustment base.
US08550712B2 Deployable fluid collection bag and method of forming the same
Provided is a deployable, foldable fluid collection bag which may be selectively deployed as desired by the user. The bag may be configured to fit in tight spaces and be deployed to collect fluid which leaks during plumbing repairs and installations. The bag may be fabricated from a unitary piece of material and include a base, a first panel and a second panel. The first panel may be coupled to the end portions of the base and to the second panel to define a pair of opposed sidewalls and a pair of opposed end walls.
US08550702B2 Calibrated airflow sensor facilitating monitoring of electronic system cooling
A calibrated airflow sensor and monitoring method are provided. The monitoring method which includes: providing an airflow sensor positioned within an electronic system to be at least partially air-cooled, the airflow sensor including at least one temperature sensor and a heater associated with one temperature sensor of the at least one temperature sensor; calibrating, with the airflow sensor positioned within the electronic system, a duty cycle for use in powering the heater associated with the one temperature sensor; and providing a controller configured to use the calibrated duty cycle in powering the heater of the temperature sensor during airflow monitoring of the electronic system, and to obtain a hot temperature (Thot) reading from the one temperature sensor having the associated heater, and to determine, based at least in part on the hot temperature (Thot) reading, whether to issue an airflow warning.
US08550701B2 Mechanical watch having constant spring force
A mechanical watch comprises a motive spring in a first spring barrel and a mechanical and/or automatic winding device. A second spring barrel and a differential having three drive trains are provided, wherein the train connected to the winding device acts on the first and second spring barrels in the same direction.
US08550690B2 Method and device for dispensing liquids
Disclosed is a method and apparatus for dispensing a user-defined quantity of one or more liquids for use in a cementitious mixture. The method includes moving a liquid from a liquid supply to a manifold; moving the liquid from the manifold to a flow meter; measuring the liquid while it moves through the flow meter; moving the liquid to a cementitious mixture; repeating these steps for any additional liquids; flushing any remaining liquid from the manifold with a purgative fluid; and moving purgative fluid and flushed liquid to the cementitious mixture.
US08550687B2 Light guide plate, surface light source device and transmissive display apparatus
A light guide plate shaped substantially like a plate includes a light incident surface, a light exit surface and a reflective surface, which is opposite to the light exit surface, configured to reflect light toward the light exit surface. A plurality of optical units is arranged along the reflective surface in a direction orthogonal to the light incident surface. Each optical unit is shaped substantially like a quadratic prism that is convex toward the reflective surface and has a top surface and two slopes being formed opposite to each other with respect to the top surface. A dimension of the top surface is constant in a direction of arrangement of the optical units and an interval between adjacent optical units becomes greater as the adjacent optical units lie further away from the light incident surface in the direction of arrangement of the optical units.
US08550685B2 Backlight module
A direct-type backlight module includes a light guiding plate, a light source facing a light input surface of the light guiding plate, a complementary color element adjacent to the light source, and an enclosure. The light source comprises a number of LEDs which emit light with at least two wavelengths. The at least two wavelengths light mix with each other to gain a white light. The complementary color element is configured for receiving light emitted from adjacent, outmost LED and converting the light into white light. The white light is reflected by the complementary color element and emits from the light guiding plate through the light output surface. The LEDs are mounted on a base of the enclosure and arranged in an array.
US08550681B2 Light source assemblies
A light source assembly comprises a light pipe, a first color light source at a first tapered light collector, a second light source at a second tapered light collector, and at least a first dichroic filter operative to pass first color light and to reflect second color light toward a light output port. A light valve may be positioned to receive light from the light pipe. One or more light entrances to the light pipe may have a filter, e.g., a short wave pass filter, oriented in a plane generally parallel to the axial optical pathway.
US08550680B2 Lighting device
Disclosed is a lighting device. The lighting device includes a plurality of lighting units including a housing, a light emitting module installed in the housing, and a coupling part having a fixing section coupled on the housing and a protrusion section horizontally protruding from an upper end of the fixing section; and a bracket having an insertion groove slidably coupled with the protrusion section of the coupling part to assemble the lighting units with each other.
US08550679B2 Ventilated reflector housing for motor vehicle lamp
A reflector housing includes a reflective inner surface, a neck portion defining a substantially cylindrical cavity with a rear opening in which a light source can be fitted to the housing, and a ventilation duct extending radially from the cavity and having a ventilation hole opening into the rear opening of the housing.
US08550674B2 Slim light bar
The present patent application provides a slim light bar. The light bar includes a base (1), two upper side covers (2), a top cover (3), a straight light unit (4), a curved light unit (5) and a plurality of supporting legs (6). The top cover (3) is disposed in the middle of the top of the base (1). The upper side covers (2) are disposed at the two ends of the top of the base (1). The straight light unit (4) is connected to the straight sides of the base (1). The curved light unit (5) is connected to the curved sides of the two ends of the base (1). The supporting legs (6) are connected to the bottom of the base (1). The height of the base (1) is 26 mm to 29 mm. The present patent application uses LEDs with a diameter of 4.5 mm and the corresponding lenses have a maximum diameter of 14 mm so that the height of the base (1) is only 26 mm to 29 mm and the materials used for making the light bar are saved.
US08550669B2 Adjustable slope ceiling recessed light fixture
An adjustable assembly for conveying heat away from a fixture. The adjustable assembly includes a sliding plate having a first side for mounting the fixture thereon and a curved surface opposite the first side. The adjustable assembly also includes a fixed heat sink having a mating surface adapted to allow the curved surface of the sliding plate to slide from a first position to a second position while maintaining a substantially flush contact between the curved surface of the sliding plate and the mating surface of the fixed heat sink. At least one fastener is also provided for securing the sliding plate to the fixed heat sink alternately in the first position or the second position.
US08550665B2 Backlight unit and display device including the same
A backlight unit capable of emitting heat smoothly and a display device including the same are disclosed. The backlight unit includes a bottom cover, a light emitting module arranged in a predetermined area of the bottom cover, a reflective sheet provided on the bottom cover, the reflective sheet spaced apart a predetermined distance from the bottom cover, a plurality of first heat radiating members provided between the reflective sheet and the bottom cover, the plurality of the first heat radiating members spaced apart a predetermined distance from each other, a second heat radiating member arranged between the light emitting module and the first heat radiating members, and a projected part located in the second heat radiating member below the reflective sheet, the projected part supporting the reflective sheet to locate the reflective sheet spaced apart a predetermined distance from the first heat radiating members.
US08550654B2 Lighting assemblies and devices
A lighting assembly includes a receptacle having a bore, a lighting device having a light source, a retention mechanism, and a switch recessed within the bore of the receptacle. The retention mechanism may be configured to removably retain at least a portion of the lighting device within the bore of the receptacle. The switch may be configured to provide electrical energy to the light source in response to axial movement of at least a portion of the lighting device toward the base of the bore.
US08550648B2 Directional hands-free wrist illumination device
A lighting device designed to for attachment around the wrists of a user. The device is a material band equipped with a plurality of forward facing lights to illuminate an area in front of the user's hands. Further, the device is equipped with a clasp to allow securing to the wrist. An on off switch is used to control an illumination, while an internal battery powers the lights. The lighting device provides adequate lighting for manual work such as car repairs as well as for vision during nighttime excursions.
US08550644B2 Lighting device, display device and television receiver
A lighting device achieves power saving and a moderate illumination brightness distribution without having local dark portions. A lighting device 12 includes a light source 17, a chassis 14 and an optical member 15a. The optical member 15a includes a light source overlapping portion DA that overlaps a light source installation area LA where the light source 17 is arranged. A light reflecting portion 50 is formed on at least the light source overlapping portion DA. The optical member 50 has maximum light reflectance Rmax and minimum light reflectance Rmin, and the maximum light reflectance Rmax is 40% or higher in the light source overlapping portion DA and an entire half-value width H having light reflectance of (Rmax+Rmin)/2 occupies 25% to 80% in a transmission area TA of the optical member 15a through which the light from the light source transmits.
US08550643B2 Lighted fittings for bathing installations
A fitting for through hole mounting to a panel of a bathing installation includes in one exemplary embodiment a flange structure fabricated of a transparent or translucent material, the flange structure including a hollow body portion adapted to extend through a mount hole in the panel and having an outer peripheral portion, and a transverse flange portion having an outer size larger than the hole opening, so that a peripheral flange portion overlaps the panel surrounding the hole when the flange structure is installed in the mount hole. A light source attachment portion is attached to the body portion of the flange structure and configured so that with the flange structure mounted to the panel, light emitted from one or more light sources mounted in the light source attachment portion is transmitted through the body portion and into the transverse flange structure to illuminate at least a portion of the transverse flange portion.
US08550641B2 Manually retractable vehicle door mirror
A manually retractable vehicle door mirror which can reduce the number of parts and improve efficiency of assembly operations as well as provide large bearing capacity at a location outwardly away from a shaft location to bear bending moments acting on a housing support member due to external forces. A housing support member is formed integrally with a shaft, annular wall, and a housing-support-member-side portion of a clutch, which are placed coaxially with a rotation axis. A housing is fixedly coupled to the housing support member. A base is formed integrally with a shaft passage hole, annular wall housing groove, and a base-side portion of a clutch, which are placed coaxially with a rotation axis. The shaft is rotatably inserted into the shaft passage hole, the annular wall is rotatably housed in the annular wall housing groove, and the housing support member is supported on the base in such a way as to be able to rotate around the rotation axis.
US08550635B2 Projection system
A projection system includes a plurality of projection apparatuses. Each of the plurality of projection apparatuses includes a projection unit configured to project an image onto a projection surface, and an adjusting unit configured to adjust a state of displaying an image projected onto the projection surface by the projection unit. The projection system further includes a controller configured to cause the projection units of the plurality of projection apparatuses to simultaneously project a test image in different forms. The controller controls the adjusting unit of the plurality of projection apparatuses to adjust a state of displaying an image projected on the projection surface by the projection unit based on each state of displaying of the test images in different forms.
US08550624B2 Optical angular measurement system for ophthalmic applications and method for positioning of a toric intraocular lens with increased accuracy
An ophthalmic system for use in performing angular measurements in relation to a patient's eye. The ophthalmic system can include an optical angular measurement device that can provide angular indicia by, for example, projecting an image of an angular measurement reticle onto a patient's eye or by superimposing an image of an angular measurement reticle onto an image of the patient's eye. The ophthalmic system can include an optical refractive power measurement device for providing desired angular orientations for ocular implants or for incisions. The ophthalmic system can be used, for example, to align a toric intraocular lens to a desired angular orientation.
US08550604B2 Systems and methods for transporting particles
Various particle transport systems and components for use in such systems are described. The systems utilize one or more traveling wave grids to selectively transport, distribute, separate, or mix different populations of particles. Numerous systems configured for use in two dimensional and three dimensional particle transport are described.
US08550602B2 Liquid ejecting head and liquid ejecting apparatus
A liquid ejecting head comprises a pressure generation chamber communicating with a nozzle opening, a vibrating wall provided as one surface of the pressure generation chamber and vibrates so that ejects the liquid from the nozzle opening, and a resin portion having a recessed arc-shape and formed in a corner of the pressure generation chamber and formed of a resin material having a Young's modulus of less than or equal to 10 GPa. A ratio r/w of a radius r of the surface of the resin portion to a width w of the pressure generation chamber defined by the vibrating wall is greater than or equal to 0.017 and less than or equal to 0.087.
US08550601B2 Use of photoresist material as an interstitial fill for PZT printhead fabrication
An ink jet printhead including a plurality of piezoelectric elements and a photosensitive interstitial layer which fills spaces between each adjacent piezoelectric element. The ink jet printhead can be formed using a simplified method to pattern the photosensitive interstitial layer, and to remove a diaphragm attach material which covers a plurality of openings through a diaphragm using laser ablation.
US08550591B2 Fluid ejecting apparatus and method of controlling the fluid ejecting apparatus
A fluid ejecting apparatus includes a nozzle that ejects fluid; a transporting section that transports in a direction of transportation a medium on which the fluid lands; and a mist sucking section that sucks air including a mist portion when the nozzle ejects the fluid, so as to move the mist portion from a route that extends from the nozzle to the spot on the medium where the fluid lands. The mist portion is a portion of mist, which is part of the fluid ejected by the nozzle that does not land on the medium and is floating.
US08550588B2 Printing using plurality of color ink including white ink
A printing apparatus executes printing on a transparent print medium using a plurality of color ink including white ink. The printing apparatus includes: a head having a first nozzle group ejecting the plurality of color ink to form a color image and a second nozzle group ejecting the white ink and at least one kind of ink other than the white ink to form a toning white image, which is an adjusted white image; and a controller controlling the head to form a first color image, a first toning white image, a second toning white image set independently from the first toning white image, and a second color image in this order on one surface of the print medium.
US08550584B2 Method of inkjet printing pixels
Aspects of the present invention provide a method of inkjet printing pixels, the method including: applying ink to a plurality of pixels using an inkjet printer; calculating a Transmittance Measurement System (TMS) value of each of the pixels, by measuring an amount of light transmitted through each pixel before and after the application of the ink; calculating a TMS difference between the TMS values of two adjacent pixels; and adjusting the amount of ink applied to each pixel, on the basis of an average of the TMS values of two adjacent pixels, when the absolute value of one of the TMS differences is larger than a reference value.
US08550578B2 Medicine cabinet frame
A fixture includes a medicine cabinet having a cabinet body and a door. The fixture includes a frame which includes a frame body having a recess sized and shaped to receive the door, and an overhang which extends along the upper portion of the door. The fixture can include a guide rail which is repeatably moveable between positions away from and extending over the lower portion of the door, and an organizer carried by the door.
US08550568B2 Collecting device and a method for using same
The present invention relates to a collecting device (1) for solids material which is moved by means of a fluid from a first location on a seabed, on an offshore installation or on land to a second location, the fluid carrying the solids material in through an inlet portion (7) of the collecting device (1), the collecting device (1) being provided with one or more permeable portions arranged to retain the solids material exceeding a predetermined size. The invention also relates to a method of using the collecting device (1), the method including the abandoning of a filled collecting device (1).
US08550566B2 Seat belt and construction machine equipped therewith
A seat belt includes: a lap strap stretchable around the waist of an operator, in other words, laterally stretchable across a seat surface; an AL retractor that is configured to wind the lap strap; a shoulder strap stretchable from the shoulder to the waist of the operator, in other words, stretchable from an upper portion on one side of the backrest to a lower portion on the other side thereof; and an EL retractor that is configured to wind the shoulder strap.
US08550563B2 Vehicle seat comprising fixtures
A vehicle seat (1), in particular a motor vehicle seat, is provided including fixtures (7) that have a first fixture part (11) and a second fixture part (13), and a backrest structure (19) that has lateral cheeks (21) and at least one bar (23, 25) which connects the lateral cheeks (21). The first fixture part (11) is fixedly connected to a seat part (3) of the vehicle seat (1), in particular by an adapter (15). The second fixture part (13) can be twisted relative to the first fixture part (11) between several useful positions in order to adjust the inclination of the backrest (3) of the vehicle seat (1). The backrest structure (19) is fixedly connected to the second fixture part (13), especially by a second adapter (17). The lateral cheeks (21) of the backrest structure (19) are formed by open profiled sections which are closed in a central zone of the lateral cheeks (21) by at least one cross-bar (27) that is fixedly connected to the lateral cheeks (21).
US08550560B2 Seat reclining apparatus for vehicle
A seat reclining apparatus for a vehicle, includes the pair of lower arms each connected to the lower side frame, the upper arm positioned between the pair of lower arms and fixedly attached to the upper side frame, the pair of recliners joined to the upper arm and to the pair of lower arms, the electric motor, the lower side frame provided as a pair for sandwiching the pair of lower arms and connected to the pair of lower arms in a manner that the pair of lower arms is pivotable relative to the lower side frame, and a lock member for engaging with the pair of lower side frames and with the pair of lower arms for restricting a relative pivoting movement between the pair of lower side frames and the pair of lower arms in a state where a relative pivot angle therebetween is at a predetermined angle.
US08550543B2 Vehicle body structure
Disclosed is a vehicle body structure that can improve the absorption performance of a load applied to a vehicle is provided. When a load is applied, the sub-side member retreats as a link member turns. Additionally, the retreat of the sub-side member is suppressed when the link member reaches a termination position of the turning. As the link member turns, the sub-side member can reliably retreat to a target position. The link member can turn to retreat the sub-side member, and simultaneously apply a reaction force against the load. Additionally, the sub-side member can generate a large reaction force against the load after having retreated to the target position. Through the above, the sub-side member can move reliably while generating a reaction force to attenuate the load until the member retreats to the target position, and can generate a large reaction force after the member has retreated to the target position.
US08550541B1 Aerodynamic fittings for trailer crossmembers
The purpose of this device is to reduce the fuel consumption of heavy trucks by improving airflow along the underside of a trailer, using a series of rectangular panels to close the gaps between trailer crossmembers and create a continuous smooth surface. These panels are placed in between adjacent crossmembers and secured to their flanges using a plurality of clamping mechanisms. Each clamp is comprised of a U nut fitted to edge of the panel and a half clip that is bolted to the bottom. With the U nut clamping down on the topside of the flange and the half clip gripping the bottom surface of the crossmember, these clamps secure each panel in place. These fittings, requiring no modification to the crossmembers themselves, are easily installed and readily removable.
US08550531B1 Extensible sun visor
An extensible sun visor for use in automobiles having a slidable tinted transparent insert moveable along a horizontal axis from a first position inside the sun visor to a second position outside the sun visor, the insert extended from a right edge of the visor, the sun visor having a transparent section overlying the tinted insert and a transparent portion underlying the insert, through which visor visibility is enabled when a mirror and cover are raised on an inside surface of the extensible sun visor.
US08550528B2 Expanding mobile utility structure
A mobile utility structure is disclosed that may include a trailer that efficiently expands to a larger usable space while allowing for improved light and visual appeal. The trailer may be usable as mobile utility structure such as a storefront. The usable space is expanded by folding side panels of the structure out and extending the multi-fold door to enclose the folded out side panels. The system enables quick and easy setup of an aesthetically appealing structure.
US08550527B1 Truck load protection assembly
Load protection assembly mounted on a truck, that comprises two side panels edge supported to pivot between horizontally extending down positions and operative up positions extending generally longitudinally, forward, intermediate, and rearward bars having end portions pivotally supported to enable bar pivoting between retracted positions proximate a panel and extended positions in which the bars extends laterally between the panels in panel supporting relation, and side braces carried by the panels to pivot into bar supporting positions when the bars are extended laterally between the panels, there being a carriage to which the forward and intermediate bars are end connected to be bodily moved with the carriage longitudinally forwardly and rearwardly.
US08550526B2 Rope handling apparatus and method
A rope handling device for handling a length of rope comprises a receiving part and a manipulating member, in which the manipulating member has an elongate portion, the elongate portion having opposite ends, and at least one of these ends an engagement portion. The receiving part has a rope mounting portion, attachable to a part of a rope to be manipulated, and a receptacle for engaging with the engagement portion. The receiving part when engaged with the engagement portion at one of the ends of the elongate portion permits a user of the device to hold the manipulating member at an opposite end of the elongate member in order to handle a rope attached to the rope mounting portion. The rope handling apparatus further comprises a rope guide for self-aligning the manipulating member with a rope prior to engagement of the engagement portion with the receptacle.
US08550522B2 Tool for raising and lowering a wind turbine blade
A tool to enable removal of a wind turbine blade, wherein the weight of the blade itself secures the blade without need for additional fixation. The tool includes an articulated structure, composed of an upper part and a lower part articulated to each other; a cradle-shaped support attached to the lower part of the structure and configured to house a blade, the cradle-shaped support having two portions being moveable to each other; a hooking element which allows the tool to be suspended from a first crane; and springs fixed to the structure for exerting an aperture force on the structure, which allows automatic aperture of the structure in the absence of blades in the interior of the cradle.
US08550521B2 Tubing grab assembly
A tubing grab assembly to retain and lift tubing, pipes, tubulars or other cylindrical objects. The assembly includes a pair of opposed jaws and a housing having a cavity. A least one of the opposed jaws has a shaft therethrough to permit rotation of the jaw with respect to the housing between a closed position and an open position. A jaw spring forces the movable jaw toward the closed position. A retractable spring trigger mechanism locks the pair of opposed jaws in the closed position.
US08550520B2 Method and apparatus for manipulating a substrate
A device is disclosed for manipulating a substrate having an inside diameter (ID). The device includes a handle, a trigger that slides within the handle, an alignment shaft and a plurality of substrate supports having distal ends. A plurality of substrate support actuators are connected to the trigger. The trigger can move the plurality of substrate supports between a substrate engaging position and a substrate releasing position through selective engagement of the plurality of substrate supports by the plurality of substrate support actuators. In the substrate engaging position the distal ends of the substrate supports move radially outward to engage the ID of the substrate, enabling the device to hold the substrate without touching the substrate faces. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US08550516B2 Illuminated shovel tool
Disclosed is a shovel tool implement having an imbedded illumination means and a means for storing an auxiliary light source in its handle. The tool comprises an elongated shaft having a proximal handle end and distal working end, the distal end preferably connecting to a shovel implement, the proximal handle end preferably having a slot in which to store a removable flashlight. At a location along the shaft length is provided an outward projection for housing a light source, power supply and on/off switch. The projection extends outward from the shaft and directs light towards the shovel working end, while the backside of the projection includes a removable cover for replacement of batteries and light source elements. The projection is situated such that normal handling of the shovel is not impeded, while the directed light allows a user to visualize a given work area in a low light environment.
US08550515B2 Snow removal shovel
A snow removal shovel includes an elongate support having an upper end and an opposed lower end, and a shovel blade having a ground engaging lower edge and an opposed upper edge, opposed side edges, a front snow-engaging side and an opposed rear side. The shovel blade is mounted to the lower end of the elongate support for pivotal movement between a snow shoveling position of the shovel blade toward the elongate support and a snow dumping position of the shovel blade away from the elongate support. A latch is mounted to the elongate support for movement between a locked position for securing the shovel blade in the snow shoveling position of the shovel blade, and an unlocked position for releasing the shovel blade in the snow shoveling position of the shovel blade for permitting the shovel blade to pivot between the snow shoveling and snow dumping positions.
US08550509B1 Methods and apparatus to secure a window
Methods and apparatus include a hand-insertable window wedging mechanism. When positioned in an interior corner of an automobile door frame, the wedge keeps the window of the door from sliding down, and may secure the window in a fully closed position.
US08550504B2 Fluid fitting for soft tubing
A fluid fitting for attachment to a tube includes a cylindrical first sleeve having a tapered outer end surface and an inner surface defining an axial bore for receiving the tube. A cylindrical second sleeve creates an annular space for receiving the tube between the first and second sleeves when the second sleeve is placed within the axial bore. The axial bore has substantially equal diameter throughout. A swage ring has a tapered inner surface that axially swages the swage ring to the first sleeve, second sleeve and tube. A first sleeve shoulder restricts axial movement of the swage ring. A first portion protrudes from the inner surface of the first sleeve to restrict axial movement of the second sleeve.
US08550503B2 Microfluidic connector
A microfluidic connector (1) comprises an enclosure (6, 7), a fluidic inlet port (2) and a fluidic outlet port (3), in the enclosure, in which the inlet and outlet ports (2, 3) are movable with respect to each other, for example, mutual spacing between the inlet and outlet ports (2, 3) is variable. A port (2) is in a fixed part (6) of the enclosure, and another port (3) is in a part (7) of the enclosure which slides with respect to the fixed part. There may be multiple inlet ports (22, 23) and/or multiple outlet ports (24, 25). Also, there may be an auxiliary port (45) for introduction of fluid into the enclosure (47, 48) or removal of fluid from the enclosure.
US08550495B2 Airbag apparatus
An airbag apparatus having an airbag, which is formed into a bag shape by sewing a base fabric, is disclosed. The airbag includes a seam having a first seam section and a second seam section, which is formed after the first seam section is formed. The second seam section has an extremity and an overlapped portion, which is a section between the extremity and an intersected portion. The first seam section has an end part, which includes an overlapping portion. The overlapping portion is located at a position inside of the overlapped portion of the second seam section and extends along the overlapped portion. The overlapping portion includes an intersecting portion, which intersects the intersected portion of the second seam section. The end part of the first seam section further includes an extension, which extends from the intersecting portion to a position that is outside of the second seam section.
US08550491B2 Airbag device for straddle type vehicles
An airbag device for straddle type vehicles is provided with: an airbag module in which a holding box that stores an airbag functions as a case; and an airbag control unit that controls said airbag module. The airbag module is provided with the holding box that is disposed immediately in front of a rider's seat, a lid that closes the opening of the holding box, and a hinge that functions as a rotary fulcrum for the lid when the airbag inflates, and that is positioned on the rear side, with respect to the vehicle, of the lid. A linking mechanism for restricting the opening angle of the lid is provided between the lid and the holding box.
US08550486B2 Apparatus for leveling a trailer and dampening sway
An apparatus for tensioning spring arms used in conjunction with a weight distribution hitch. The apparatus may comprise a mechanical linkage that may be operable to multiply an input force provided by a jack to an output force of sufficient magnitude to tension the spring arms. The mechanical linkage may comprise a pair of rigid arms that are linked to a support post of a trailer jack. The pair of rigid arms may automatically be raised in conjunction with the support post being operated from a lowered position to a raised position. The rigid arms may exert a force on a cross-piece member extending between the spring arms. Alternatively, the mechanical linkage may comprise a flexible member for placing the spring arms under tension.
US08550473B2 Truck assembly
A truck assembly having a mounting plate with a first mounting bracket with a first arm, a second arm and a ridge; a cushion with a front surface that defines a concave segment, and a rear surface that defines a notch that receives and seats the ridge; an axle assembly with a truck support having a convex surface that seats in a socket defined by the concave segment and at least a portion of the first arm and the second arm; a swing pin releasably joining the cushion and the axle assembly to the first mounting bracket and adjustment members each having a first surface, a second surface, and a cushion arm. The cushion arm contacts a lateral surface of the cushion, where an adjustment nut attached to the truck support can be used to move the cushion arm of the adjustment member relative the lateral surface of the cushion.
US08550467B2 Rotary seal with improved film distribution
The present invention is a generally circular rotary seal that establishes sealing between relatively rotatable machine components for lubricant retention and environmental exclusion, and incorporates seal geometry that interacts with the lubricant during relative rotation to distribute a lubricant film within the dynamic sealing interface. The features of a variable inlet size, a variable dynamic lip flank slope, and a reduction in the magnitude and circumferentially oriented portion of the lubricant side interfacial contact pressure zone at the narrowest part of the lip, individually or in combination thereof, serve to maximize interfacial lubrication in severe operating conditions, and also serve to minimize lubricant shear area, seal torque, seal volume, and wear, while ensuring retrofitability into the seal grooves of existing equipment.
US08550465B2 Multifunction target actuator
A multifunction target actuator allows a bullet target to be selectively presented to a shooter such that a first side may be presented, a second side opposite the first side may be presented, and the target may be oriented so as not to be presented to the shooter. The actuator allows for quick and accurate movement of the target.
US08550459B2 Sheet feeding apparatus and image forming apparatus
A sheet feeding apparatus includes a manual feed tray on which sheets are stacked, a feeding member, side regulating plates, a detecting portion which detects positions of the side regulating plates and detects a width size of the sheets, an operation panel which receives an input of width size information of the sheets from a user, and a control circuit which compares width size information detected by the detecting portion and the width size information input to the operation panel, and stops a sheet feeding operation of the feeding member when the two pieces of width size information are different, and the control circuit compares the width size information of the detecting portion and the width size information of the operation panel, per sheet before the feeding member starts feeding the sheet.
US08550454B2 Sheet detection apparatus and image forming apparatus
According to an embodiment of the present invention, a sheet detection apparatus that detects a sheet includes an actuator unit that is rotatable around a rotational axis so as to adopt any of a protruding position in which the actuator unit protrudes into a detection area for detecting the sheet and a retracted position in which the actuator unit is retracted from the detection area, and an operation unit that is capable of switching between a retracted state in which the actuator unit is set to the retracted position and a protruding state in which the actuator unit is set to the protruding position. An image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention includes the sheet detection apparatus, and the sheet detection apparatus is provided in a main body of the image forming apparatus.
US08550449B2 Gear clutch assembly and electronic device using the same
A gear clutch assembly and an electronic device are provided. The gear clutch assembly comprises a pivot, a driving gear engaged with the pivot and adapted to rotate along the pivot, and a driven gear disposed on the driving gear. The driving gear comprises a first surface, a ratchet integrally formed with the driving gear comprising a plurality of teeth disposed on the first surface. The driving gear comprises a second surface facing the first surface, and a pawl integrally formed with the driven gear on the second surface. When the driving gear rotates in a driving direction, one of the teeth is engaged with the pawl and drives the driven gear to rotates with the driving gear. When the driving gear rotates in an opposite direction, every tooth pushes up and slides under the pawl so the driven gear does not rotate along with the driving gear.
US08550443B1 Method and apparatus for holding microelectronic devices
One embodiment is a carrier for releasably holding devices that includes a body having at least one site having a first portion adapted to hold a device, a second portion, and first and second resilient prongs wherein: (a) the first and second resilient prongs each has a distal end extending into the second portion, which distal ends are juxtaposed; and (b) the distal ends are disposed so that movement thereof apart enables a device to be inserted into or to be released from the first portion.
US08550442B2 Workpiece holding device, system and method
The present invention relates to a workpiece holding device (101, 201) comprising a substantially spherical ball (107, 207) with means for releasably retaining a workpiece (901), a socket (102, 202) with a first ball-receiving surface (105, 205) and means for mounting said socket (102, 202) on a worktable (905), and means for releasably clamping said ball (107, 207) against said first ball-receiving surface (105, 205). The first ball-receiving surface (105, 205) is shaped on a ball-receiving element (104, 204) mounted moveable, within said socket (102, 202), along at least one axis in a plane substantially perpendicular to its clamping force. The invention also relates to a workpiece holding system comprising three workpiece holding devices (101, 201, 301), as well as to a method for using this workpiece holding system.
US08550437B2 Tool with working and positioning devices
A tool includes a handle, a working device, a positioning device, a clamping device, and a fine adjustment mechanism. The handle includes a pivotal end, a grip end, and a plurality of retaining sections. The working device is pivotally connected to the pivotal end of the handle. The positioning device is moveable between a fixing position and an adjusting position. The clamping device is adjustably positioned on the handle. The fine adjustment mechanism for fine adjusting the clamping device is adjustably positioned on the handle and engaged with the clamping device. The fine adjustment mechanism includes at least one positioning unit alternatively engaged with a selective one of the plurality of retaining sections to fix the clamping device to the handle in position. The clamping device is adapted to be fine adjustably moved through a distance smaller than a pitch between two adjacent retaining sections.
US08550427B2 Normally-open solenoid valve including plunger formed with pressure receiving portion
A solenoid valve includes a solenoid coil, a yoke of magnetic material, an armature of magnetic material to move in an axial direction of the solenoid coil when the solenoid coil is energized, a plunger to be moved with the armature, a valve seat member including a seat portion formed with a valve hole to be closed and opened by a forward end portion of the plunger, and a coil spring which is disposed between a spring receiving portion of the plunger and the valve seat member, around the plunger. The plunger includes a pressure receiving portion (such as a flat portion) which extends in a radial direction of the plunger at a position between the forward end portion and the spring receiving portion of the plunger, and which faces to the seat portion.
US08550417B2 Pivoting hook retention system
A retaining system for an articulating support hook held in snap-in relation to a support surface underlying a vehicle headliner. The support hook assembly includes a hook member which is adapted to pivot between open and closed positions as desired. The hook assembly is stable in both the open and the closed positions and is not reliant upon internal springs for operation. The retaining system for the support hook assembly is not dependent upon screws or other attachment elements.
US08550416B2 Mounting apparatus for slide rail
A fixing apparatus includes a mounting bracket secured to a slide rail, a latch member, and a holding member. The mounting bracket includes an inserting pin extending into a through hole of a rack post. The latch member includes a slide bracket, and a positioning pin forming a plurality of abutting blocks stacked up one by one. A rear end of the holding member is secured to the mounting bracket, and includes a retaining portion extending forwards. The latch member is slidable between a locking position to prevent the inserting pin from being disengaged from the through hole of the rack post, and an unlocking position to enable the insert pin to slide out of the through hole of the rack post. the retaining portion of the holding member is selectively abuts against one of the abutting blocks of positioning pin to prevent the latch member from sliding towards the unlocking position.
US08550415B2 Adjustable flat panel display mounting system
A flat panel display mounting system includes a wall plate and at least one monitor arm assembly. The monitor arm assembly includes a monitor arm mountable to the wall plate, and a leveling assembly coupled to the monitor arm and arranged within an opening of the monitor arm. The leveling assembly is movable relative to the monitor arm within the opening and along a length of the monitor arm. The leveling assembly includes a display mounting portion adapted to mount a flat panel display thereon. The leveling assembly with the mounted display panel can be adjusted to obtain a desired location of the mounted display panel.
US08550414B2 Chassis module for fixing electronic devices
A chassis module for fixing electronic devices includes a fixing chassis unit and a first movable chassis unit. The fixing chassis unit has a fixing chassis body and a first fixing retaining structure disposed on a first lateral wall of the fixing chassis body. The first movable chassis unit is detachably disposed in the fixing chassis body. The first movable chassis unit has a first movable chassis body, a first movable retaining structure disposed on a first lateral wall of the first movable chassis body and mated with the first fixing retaining structure, and at least one support element bent downwardly and extended from one lateral wall of the first movable chassis body. Therefore, after the first movable chassis unit is assembled in the fixing chassis unit, the support element provides support function for the first movable chassis unit to prevent the first movable chassis unit from inclining or collapsing.
US08550410B2 Mobile electronic device (MED) mounting and positioning bracket assembly
A novel bracket assembly enables secure retrofit mounting and positioning of a mobile electronic device (MED) such as smart phone, portable GPS navigation appliance, iPod/MP3 player, or satellite radio to an ideal, driver-convenient locale. The vehicle-specific bracket system design provides for easy driver-line-of-sight device-interaction without causing interference with vehicle operation, windshield visibility, ventilation, or switch controls.
US08550409B2 Gate monitoring system
A monitoring system and method is provided for monitoring the lighting and the gate arm position at a railroad crossing.
US08550407B2 Large rigid deployable structures and method of deploying and locking such structures
The invention is situated in the field of telecommunication satellites. A deployable structure with which such a satellite may be equipped and a method of deploying the deployable structure is provided. The deployable structure includes: a set of primary panels, a set of secondary panels, primary articulation systems, each primary articulation system enabling a primary panel to be caused to pivot relative to another primary panel about a primary axis, the primary axes being substantially parallel to the primary panels, and secondary articulation systems, each secondary articulation system being associated with a secondary panel and enabling said panel to be caused to pivot relative to another panel about a secondary axis parallel to said panels, the deployable structure being configured in such a manner that, in a deployed configuration, the front surfaces of the panels form a substantially continuous overall surface.
US08550401B2 Modular floor section for aircraft
A floor section for a vehicle cabin includes juxtaposed profiled elements of identical cross section. Each profiled element includes a mainly planar elongated cross member and a generally flat elongated panel. The cross member includes a lower stiffener, is positioned in a transverse vertical plane, and is attachable at two extremities to a vehicle frame. The elongated panel is positioned in a horizontal plane and includes an overlap region along one longitudinal edge and a bearing region along another longitudinal edge. The overlap region and the bearing region are of similar width and of total thickness less than or equal to a mean panel thickness. The panel is perpendicular to the cross member, and a bearing region underside is coplanar with a lower face of the elongated panel and is secured to the cross member at two or more points substantially in line with a middle of the bearing region.
US08550400B2 Aircraft with retracted front landing gear
An aircraft has a fuselage of elongated form along a longitudinal axis X corresponding essentially to the longitudinal axis of the aircraft. In a first forward section, the fuselage includes a cockpit in front of a cockpit bulkhead and a front landing gear associated with a landing gear compartment located behind the cockpit bulkhead. The front landing gear and the landing gear compartment are at least partially beneath a floorboard of a compartment of a lower space of the fuselage and in a bulge that increases a volume available for installation of the landing gear.
US08550378B2 Automated cleansing sprayer
An automated sprayer for spraying the walls of a shower enclosure with a liquid cleanser dispenses the cleanser using a pumping system and rotatable spray head. The sprayer has a showerhead mountable housing with an adjustable hanger. There is a portion of the housing for supporting a bottle of cleanser in an inverted fashion. The bottle is vented through a piercing post. A single motor both drives the pump and rotates the spray head.
US08550360B2 Peripheral security device built into a contactless object in the form of secure document equipped with a radiofrequency device
The invention concerns a contactless portable object (10, 30, 60) featuring a main radiofrequency device made up of a main chip (18, 38, 68) and a main antenna (16, 36, 66) connected together so that, when the portable object enters the magnetic field of a suitable reader, the main radiofrequency device provides power to the chip and ensures communication between the chip and the reader. According to the main characteristic of the invention, the portable object includes a secondary contactless device featuring a secondary antenna (12, 32, 62) and an electric circuit set up in such a way that, when the two antennas enter the magnetic field of a suitable reader at the same time, the amount of energy required to power the electric circuit and have it operational being less than the amount of energy required to power the main chip (18, 38, 68) and have it operational, the electric circuit is powered and makes the reading of data of the main chip impossible.
US08550353B2 Terminal having illumination and exposure control
There is set forth herein an indicia reading terminal having a first illumination and exposure control configuration and a second illumination and exposure control configuration, the first illumination and control configuration having a first associated illumination control and a first associated exposure control, the second illumination and exposure control configuration having a second associated illumination control and a second associated exposure control, wherein with the first illumination control active an average energization level of the illumination subsystem during exposure of one or more frames is higher than with the second illumination control active, and wherein with the first exposure control active an average exposure period of the image sensor array is shorter than with the second exposure control active.
US08550350B2 Color barcode with enhanced capacity and readability for a closed loop system
Disclosed is a method for determining optimum color gradation levels used by a color gradation barcode in a system including a rendering device for rendering the barcode and a detector for detecting the barcode. The method includes: (a) obtaining input color gradation data; (b) rendering, by using the rendering device, a test pattern based on the input color gradation data, the test pattern comprising at least one color gradation pattern; (c) detecting, by using the detector, the rendered test pattern to generate detected color gradation data; (d) based on the detected color gradation data and the input color gradation data, determining a plurality of optimum color gradation levels to be used for a color gradation barcode; and (e) storing the plurality of optimum color gradation levels.
US08550349B2 System for recovering a barcode
A barcode recovery system, including: an image processor configured to determine a binary vector corresponding to a blurry barcode image by: maximizing an objective function that models the system using splines. Optimizing the objective function may be efficiently accomplished by constraining a search on each bit in the barcode image to a nearby range of influence of other bits in the barcode image. Further efficiency may be gained by enumerating the local groups of bits in graycode order and by adding or subtracting values from a precomputed inner product matrix to state variables to compute the complete objective function.
US08550348B2 Optoelectronic device
An optoelectronic device for detecting marks with defined contrast patterns includes a transmitter to emit polarized light beams, a receiver to receive light beams and having an output to produce receiving signals representing the received light beams, and a an evaluation unit to which the receiving signals are fed and in which the contrast pattern of a mark is detected with the aid of the receiving signals present at the receiver output. A thin-film polarization filter is arranged in front of the receiver to filter out a share of the received light beams specular reflected back by the mark.
US08550344B2 Specialty stents with flow control features or the like
Methods and systems are described for obtaining a parameter relating to a stent inventory shortage or to a specific patient and for configuring a stent in response. For example, the response may involve configuring a stent with a flow occlusion portion in response to the obtained parameter relating to the stent inventory shortage, configuring a stent with a flow occlusion portion in response to receiving the parameter relating to the specific patient, or specializing one or more stents in response to obtaining the parameter relating to the stent inventory shortage.
US08550343B2 Seperable point of sale system
A separable point of sale system includes a mainframe and a base. The mainframe has one or more base connecting sockets, a case, a touch screen and a power receiving socket, and the case has a mainframe tenon; the base has an inputting module, one or more mainframe connecting plugs, a base tenon, a power supply plug and a trough used to accommodate the mainframe. The base tenon operatively connects with the mainframe tenon, and the amount of the mainframe connecting plugs and that of the base connecting sockets are the same. When the mainframe tenon connects with the base tenon, the mainframe is vertically placed in the trough. Because the disposition of the power supply plug and the mainframe connection plugs corresponds to that of power receiving socket and the base connection sockets, therefore, as the mainframe tenon connects with the base tenon, the power receiving socket has electrical connection with the power supply plug, and the base connecting sockets have electrical connection with the mainframe connecting plugs, too.
US08550334B2 Synching one or more matrix codes to content related to a multimedia presentation
One embodiment described herein may take the form of a system or method for generating one or more matrix codes that may then be obtained by a reader device, the one or more matrix codes including information that may be utilized to access additional content related to one or more multimedia presentations. For example, the information contained within the one or more matrix codes may include one or more web addresses that, when selected, may link to one or more webpages on the Internet containing information related to the multimedia presentation. In another example, the information contained within the matrix codes may include instructions that may be executed by an electronic device to provide the additional content. The additional content may be displayed a display device associated with the distribution system, on a reader device, or any electronic device that includes a display.
US08550330B2 Integrated tab hanging file system
An integral tab system for a 2-D or 3-D tab for a folder, and a method of making same is disclosed. The integral 2-D (flat) tab (20) is provided in the hanging folder itself without the need for additional tabs being affixed. The 3-D tab version (120) is created by an extension which is folded onto itself so that one edge surface is at an angle relative to the panels of the file folder allowing it to be read from the side. These tabs may also be supplied in a detachable form.
US08550329B2 Pocket with secure dividers
A pocket assembly includes a major panel and a pocket panel coupled together to define a pocket between the panels. A divider is placed in the pocket to partition the pocket into two or more compartments. The divider comprises a securing element secured to at least one of the major and pocket panels.
US08550328B2 Introduction of nanoparticles
The invention relates to a method for joining objects made of metal, plastic, hybrid structures or ceramic by means of heat input such as soldering or welding, wherein materials such as particles, in particular nanoparticles, elements, atoms, molecules or ions are introduced into the joint. It is proposed according to the invention that a gas stream brings gaseous compounds to the joint which decompose at elevated temperature and deposit particles as heat is being applied to the joint.
US08550323B2 Driving tool
A technique is provided which contributes to improvement in workability in a driving tool.The driving tool includes a cam switching member 183 and a driving mechanism 115. The cam switching member 183 normally holds a cam member 137 in an inoperative position, and when a user's driving operation is performed, it performs a switching movement to move the cam member 137 from the inoperative position to an operative position and further to return the cam member 137 from the operative position to the inoperative position. When the earn member 137 moves from the inoperative position to the operative position, the earn member 137 moves a driving member 133 for the driving mechanism to a first position in a direction of a rotational axis of a rotating member 131. At this time, the driving mechanism 115 mechanically engages with the driving member 133 for the driving mechanism in the first position and performs a movement of driving a material to be driven. When the user's driving operation is performed, the cam switching member 183 is moved to a connection standby position in which the cam switching member 183 can be connected to a rotationally driven element 179 which rotates together with the rotating member 131. Further, when the driving member 133 for the driving mechanism is placed in a predetermined rotational angular position in the direction of rotation of the rotating member 131, the cam switching member 183 is connected to the rotationally driven element 179.
US08550320B2 Driving machine
According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a driving device including: a driver bit for striking a fastener loaded in a launching section; a driver for driving the fastener from the launching section by reciprocating the driver bit; a triggering device pullable to control the driver; and a locking device that locks the pulling operation of the triggering device when being set to a lock position and that releases the locking state when being set to a release position, wherein the locking device includes a release device to operate the locking device toward the release position when the triggering device is pulled and a returning device to return the locking device toward the lock position when the pulling is released.
US08550309B2 Molded fluid dispenser for a non-pressurized container
A disposable molded dispenser for a non-pressurized container capable of dispensing a variety of fluid materials having a deformable spout chamber with an integral outlet valve through which fluid is expelled as the spout is selectively depressed compressing the chamber. A molded inlet valve serves to permit fluid to be pushed by ambient air pressure from a container into the spout chamber when pressure on the spout is removed and the spout chamber is restored to an initial configuration.
US08550298B2 Microfluidic dispensing assembly
A microfluidic dispensing system may include multiple supply lines for simultaneous filling of diaphragm pumps associated with each supply line. Each supply line may fill corresponding groups of diaphragm pumps with a corresponding ingredient to a supply reservoir for the supply line. Accordingly, different groups of diaphragm pumps corresponding to different supply lines may be filled with corresponding ingredients simultaneously. Those ingredients corresponding to the different groups of diaphragm pumps may also be dispensed simultaneously, giving rise to a faster and more efficient fluidic dispensing system.
US08550291B2 Collapsible handles for cookware
The disclosed technology comprises cookware and other vessels (any item capable of non-permeable retention of liquid), such as pots and pans with rugged and collapsible handles which may decrease in length to be ⅓ or less than their extended size and are usable in both a collapsed or an expanded state. Such handles, in embodiments of the disclosed technology, have covers or ends which, in a collapsed configuration of the handle, entirely cover most or all of the extendable portion of the handle, the covers usable as handles when collapsed. Individual links of the handle have inward flanges and protrusions adapted to keep the links from disconnecting, and fold into one another in a cascading manner, either becoming successively smaller, or being of equal overall size or width. Exterior notches on each link are used to keep the links from expanding and contracting into one another without lateral force applied.