Document Document Title
US08581815B2 Display device
Disclosed is a display device adapted to selectively display a normal image, a stereoscopic image, a multi-view image and a stereoscopic multi-view image is disclosed. The display device includes a liquid crystal panel displaying an image; a polarizer disposed on the liquid crystal panel; a liquid crystal lens disposed on the polarizer; and a polarizing member interposed between the liquid crystal lens and the liquid crystal panel, wherein an axis of light transmitted through the liquid crystal lens coincides with an optical axis of the polarizer. Accordingly, the display device can selectively display a normal image, a stereoscopic image, a multi-view image and a stereoscopic multi-view image, while improving the picture quality and the brightness.
US08581805B2 Display device and driving method thereof
A display device having a pixel configuration in which the aperture ratio is not decreased, and a driving method of a display device in which the duty ratio and the reliability of a light emitting element are increased. According to the invention, a signal line for inputting an analog signal, a first switch controlled by a first scan line, a second switch controlled by a second scan line, and a light emitting element connected to the second switch are included, wherein the first switch and the second switch are selected and an analog signal is inputted in a first period of one gate selection period, the first switch is selected and a reference signal is inputted from the signal line in a second period of the one gate selection period, and the light emitting element emits light by the analog signal and the reference signal.
US08581792B2 Receiver apparatus, junction cable, and power supply apparatus
A receiver apparatus includes: a main unit device; and a junction cable transmitting one or both of signal and electric power between the main unit device and an external device. The junction cable is a multicore coaxial cable having a plurality of core wire cables and a covered wire covering the plurality of core wire cables, and only the covered wire is cut locally so that the covered wire is divided into a main unit device-side covered wire and an external device-side covered wire. The main unit device transmits one or both of the signal and electric power by the core wire cable, and the main unit device-side covered wire or the core wire cable is connected to an antenna input port of a built-in tuner, and the main unit device receives a desired broadcast wave with the tuner using a high-frequency signal induced in the main unit device-side covered wire or the external device-side covered wire.
US08581789B2 Active self-reconfigurable multimode antenna system
A self-reconfigurable multimode antenna system where loading conditions of sensors are analyzed and used to generate control signals to dynamically reconfigure an antenna for improved performance. One or multiple sensors can be coupled to the antenna to dynamically change the radiating structure. One or multiple sensors can be coupled to the input or matching section of the antenna to improve or alter the impedance match of the antenna. An algorithm to relate loading effects of sensors to dynamically adjust the antenna is described.
US08581784B2 THz antenna array, system and method for producing a THz antenna array
A THz antenna array has a plurality of THz antennae, a THz antenna having a photoconductive region and a first electrode and a second electrode which are arranged interspaced from each other via a spacer region that extends laterally across at least a part of the photoconductive region. In order to simplify the structure and facilitate its production, a lateral region between adjacent THz antennae of the array is not photoconductive. It is especially free from photoconductive material.
US08581780B2 Concatenating free sections in memory that store satellite search signals
Enhancing search capacity of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receivers. A method for searching satellite signals in a receiver includes performing a plurality of searches sequentially. The method also includes storing a result from each search of the plurality of searches in a consecutive section of a memory. Further, the method includes detecting free sections in the memory. The method also includes concatenating the free sections in the memory to yield a concatenated free section. Moreover, the method includes allocating the concatenated free section for performing an additional search.
US08581779B2 Method and apparatus for validating a position in a satellite positioning system using range-rate measurements
Method and apparatus for validating an initial position in a satellite positioning system using range-rate measurements is described. In one example, range-rate measurements are obtained at the remote receiver with respect to a plurality of satellites. Expected range-rates are computed with respect to the plurality of satellites using the initial position. Single differences are computed using the range-rate measurements. Expected single differences are computed using the expected range-rates. Single difference residuals are computed between the single differences and the expected single differences. The single difference residuals are compared to a threshold. The initial position may be deemed valid if the absolute value of each of the single difference residuals is less than or equal to the threshold. A valid initial position may be used to fix the pseudorange integers.
US08581774B2 Method for detecting precipitation using a radar locating device for motor vehicles
A method for detecting precipitation using a radar locating device for motor vehicles, that is designed to locate objects in the surroundings of the vehicle, in which method a locating signal (42), which is an index for the received power density as a function of the distance (R), is integrated over a first distance range (INT1), which is below a limit distance (Rlim) for the detection of precipitation, wherein the locating signal (42) is additionally integrated over a second distance range (INT2), which is above limit distance (Rlim), and for the detection of precipitation, the integrals over the first and second distance range are compared with each other.
US08581771B2 Scene illuminator
A system is disclosed to identify authorized EO devices and unauthorized EO devices within a scene. The system hampers the operation of the unauthorized EO devices detected within the scene.
US08581765B2 Low-memory-usage arbitrary waveform representation or generation
This disclosure describes techniques and apparatuses for low-memory-usage arbitrary waveform representation or generation. These techniques and/or apparatuses enable representation and/or generation of arbitrary waveforms using less memory than many current techniques, thereby reducing costs or memory size. Further, in some embodiments the techniques and apparatuses generate arbitrary waveforms without using processor resources.
US08581763B2 Delta-sigma modulator and signal processing system
A ΔΣ modulator includes: a plurality of integrators cascaded to an input of an analog signal; a quantizer for quantizing an output signal of the integrator at a last stage and outputting a resultant digital signal; a DA converter for feedback for converting the digital signal obtained by the quantizer into an analog signal and supplying the analog signal to an input side of at least the integrator at a first stage; and an adder, arranged at an input stage side of the integrator at the last stage, for adding an output of the integrator at a preceding stage of the integrator at the last stage to at least one path signal supplied from at least another path via a first resistor having at least a first coefficient. The integrator at the last stage includes an operational amplifier, an integration capacitor, and a second resistor having a second coefficient.
US08581762B2 Continuous time sigma-delta ADC with embedded low-pass filter
A filtering analog to digital converter (ADC) includes an integrator receiving at its input an analog input signal. A filtering capacitor at the input of the integrator filters out a large portion of out-of-band interferers in the analog input signal. The integrator produces an output that is quantized to produce a digital output. A feedback path between the quantizer output and the integrator input includes a digital to analog converter (DAC).
US08581759B2 Vernier phase to digital converter for a rotary traveling wave oscillator
A phase to digital conversion circuit with improved resolution for a rotary traveling wave oscillator. The phase to digital conversion circuit connects with a closed loop transmission line via a plurality of signal lines or nodes distributed along the transmission line. As an oscillating signal propagates around the transmission line, a time waveform of the signal at each of the plurality of signal lines is transmitted to a corresponding plurality of latches. Upon a triggering condition, the plurality of latches simultaneously samples the signals from the plurality of signal lines. At least two reference clock signals are switchably coupled with the plurality of latches latch for triggering the plurality of latches based on an edge transition in each of the reference clock signals compared with an edge transition in each of the signals from the plurality of taps.
US08581754B2 Encoding and decoding to reduce switching of flash memory transistors
Methods of encoding data to and decoding data from flash memory devices are provided. User data having an unknown ratio of 1's to 0's is received. The user data is utilized in generating transformed data that has a predictable ratio of 1's to 0's. The transformed data is stored to flash memory. The transformed data is illustratively generate by either applying an “exclusive or” function to the user data or by converting the user data into a number having a greater number of bits.
US08581752B2 Systems and methods for compression of logical data objects for storage
A compression system configured to compress logical data objects into one or more accommodation blocks with a predefined size, and a method of operating thereof are provided. The compression system includes a compression engine capable of compressing input data with the help of sequential encoding one or more input strings and a counter operatively coupled to the compression engine. The counter is configured to keep its ongoing value indicative of a number of input bytes in one or more strings successfully encoded into a given accommodation block; and, responsive to unsuccessful compression of a string into the given accommodation block, to provide the compression engine with information indicative of starting point in the input stream for encoding into the next accommodation block, thus giving rise to a “start indication.”
US08581743B2 Method and system for automated power meter infrastructure
A system for extending the Smart Meter's range to connect to Home Area Networks for energy monitoring and demand response in a variety of locations. The system has a data concentrator with a wireless communicating module configured to transmit and receive information at one or more first frequencies ranging up to 2.4 GHz, and a power-line module configured to transmit and receive information at one or more frequencies ranging from about 100 to 30 MHz. The data concentrator receives power information from one or more Smart Meters and convert the wireless signal to a power-line carrier signal over the existing all three phases of the AC wiring. The system also includes a wireless and power-line carrier bridge that converts the power-line carrier signal back to a wireless signal to connect to various Home Area Network (HAN) devices such as programmable communicating thermostats (PCTs), smart appliances and in-home displays (IHDs).
US08581742B2 Bandwidth wireline data transmission system and method
A suspended well logging device for use in a wellbore drilled in an earthen formation may include a cable configured to be conveyed into the wellbore; a single twisted pair of conductors positioned in the cable; and a conductive armor surrounding the single twisted pair of conductors. In embodiments, the device may further include a first channel formed using the single twisted pair of conductors; a second channel formed using the single twisted pair of conductors and the armor; and a wellbore logging tool coupled to an end of the cable.
US08581740B2 Method and apparatus for communicating signals to an instrument in a wellbore
A method for communicating a signal to an instrument in a wellbore includes axially accelerating the instrument in a preselected pattern of acceleration. The predetermined pattern corresponds to the signal to be communicated. The axial acceleration of the instrument is detected, and the signal is decoded from the detected axial acceleration. A signal detection system for an instrument in a wellbore includes an accelerometer oriented along a longitudinal axis of the instrument and means for comparing measurements made by the accelerometer to at least one predetermined pattern.
US08581727B1 Misplaced golf club alert system
Apparatuses, methods, and systems for alerting a golfer when one or more golf clubs are misplaced from a group of golf clubs. A peripheral unit is associated with and affixed to each of a number of golf clubs, and transmits signals that are detected and collectively processed by a base unit to determine the status of those clubs. A club may be designated as misplaced based on the sequence and timing of status events, upon which an alarm is activated to alert the golfer.
US08581726B2 Two-stage universal security hard tag and method for attaching and detaching
A security tag that is attached to an article in two stages. In a first stage, a first portion of an attachment clip is coupled to an article, such as but not limited to clothing, to be protected by a manufacturer or assembler. This attachment clip is durable to withstand harsh manufacturing environments. Once the article with the attachment clip is ready for presentation, for example, at a retail establishment, during a second stage, a second portion of the attachment clip is then permanently secured in a locking mechanism of a housing containing a security element therein. The security element may comprise EAS (including AM, RF, EM and microwave), RFID (including LF, HF and UHF), benefit denial (e.g., ink-filled or dye-filled capsules) elements or any combination thereof. Because the security tag is not removed from the article at the point-of-sale, the security element is deactivatable. A preferred embodiment of the security tag uses all non-ferrous components including its locking mechanism. Thus, the security tag combines the qualities of being non-ferrous, light-weight, low cost, deactivatable, secure, visually-deterring, and installable in two stages to the article it is meant to protect.
US08581724B2 Dynamic information projection for a wall sensor
An implementation of a system, device and method for projecting a visual indicator against a surface is provided. A display projection system in a handheld sensor device (e.g. a handheld wall scanner) projects a static or computer-controlled dynamic pattern of light onto a surface being scanned to indicate a specific feature, such as existence of solid structures of wood, metal or plastic, electric or magnetic fields, or a disturbance of a field. The projected light may be controlled by a computer via an aperture to allow flexibility in what is projected, such as icons, lines, graphics, characters and colors.
US08581722B2 Apparatus, system, and method for automated item tracking
Disclosed is an automated item tracking method, comprising the steps of reading an RFID signal, obtaining a reported position of an RFID signal generator, measuring the strength of the read RFID signal, creating a read profile, obtaining a physical package profile, comparing the read profile to the physical package profile, and generating a weighted read profile to estimate an actual position of the RFID signal generator by comparing the weighted read profile with the physical package profile.
US08581718B2 Motor vehicle
The invention relates to a motor vehicle which includes a display for presenting a list of entries, wherein an entry has an associated function of the motor vehicle, and wherein the motor vehicle comprises a rotary knob which is associated with the display, which can be rotated about an axis of rotation and which can be rotated through a prescribed angle of rotation in order to move a marker from one entry to an entry which is adjacent thereto.
US08581717B2 Method, system, and system components for wireless tire pressure monitoring
Disclosed is a method for monitoring and wirelessly signaling data that contains information on the pressure states prevailing in tires of wheels of a vehicle. In the method, electronic modules that are arranged in the wheels wirelessly transmit the data to control device which is arranged in the vehicle. No data is transmitted during a first mode associated with a standstill state of the vehicle, while the respective electronic module transmits the data to the control device in the form of telegrams, during at least one other mode associated with another state of the vehicle. The respective electronic module at least temporarily transmits n telegrams containing the data per time unit to the control device, n being a function of time.
US08581715B2 Emergency reporting apparatus
An emergency reporting apparatus including an emergency signal outputting part that outputs an emergency signal when a vehicle is in an emergency status and a logic circuit part that stores an emergency signal output by the emergency signal outputting part with a logic circuit. Furthermore, an emergency reporting apparatus conducts an emergency report with respect to the outside based on the emergency signal output from the emergency signal outputting part.
US08581712B2 Methods and systems related to establishing geo-fence boundaries
Establishing geo-fence Boundaries. At least some embodiments involve detecting a vehicle has been in a collision, establishing a geo-fence boundary for the vehicle responsive to the detecting, monitoring a movement of the vehicle with respect to the geo-fence boundary, and issuing an alert if movement of the vehicle outside the geo-fence boundary is indicative of improperly departing a scene of the collision.
US08581709B2 Modular pillbox system
A modular pillbox that includes a base unit and a plurality of modules that can be interchangeably coupled to the base unit. The base unit includes a plurality of interior compartments defined by a top, a bottom and at least one side wall, openable doors that close the tops of the plurality of interior compartments, one-way passages in one of the bottoms or the at least one side wall of each interior compartment through which pills can be pushed into the interior compartments, and an opening in a front portion of the base unit. The plurality of modules includes a cover plate that couples to the base unit and covers the opening, and various electronic packages that removable couple to the base unit and cover the opening. An interactive electronic pillbox that includes the platform or base unit and an electronics package includes data entry, data display, data transmitting and data processing functions which allow for interactive healthcare management by individuals and healthcare personnel directly or remotely. Form a remote location a healthcare provider can monitor, manage, evaluate and maintain a periodic record of the healthcare of a user of the electronic interactive pillbox.
US08581708B2 Remotely controllable receptacle system and managing method for operating the same
A remotely controllable receptacle system is disclosed. The remotely controllable receptacle system includes a remote control device for emitting a first request signal and a searching signal, and a plurality of receptacle devices for emitting a first reply signal according to the first request signal. The remote control device determines whether the first reply signal is received and the receptacle device emitting the first reply signal is classified as the vicinity receptacle device and the receptacle device not emitting the first reply signal is classified as the missing receptacle device. The vicinity receptacle device is configured to emit a second request signal according to the searching signal and determine whether the missing receptacle device emits a second reply signal according to the second request signal before a mutual communication between the remote control device and the missing receptacle device via the vicinity receptacle device is established.
US08581704B2 Battery assisted tag and RFID system
Embodiments of the present invention provide for RFID systems that employ a plurality of battery assisted semi-passive and semi-active RFID tags with optimized system operation. The RFID tags feature receivers operating with multiple dynamic range states with square law mode for improved sensitivity, and part time active transmit in the tag to supplement its backscatter transmitter and thus support system operation taking full advantage of the sensitivity of the tag. In certain embodiments of the invention, tag sensitivity and reliability are further enhanced by the use pseudo-random sequence based receiver training and frame synchronizing.
US08581697B2 Apparatuses for noninvasive determination of in vivo alcohol concentration using raman spectroscopy
Methods and apparatuses for the determination of an attribute of the tissue of an individual use non-invasive Raman spectroscopy. For example, the alcohol concentration in the blood or tissue of an individual can be determined non-invasively. A portion of the tissue is illuminated with light, the light propagates into the tissue where it is Raman scattered within the tissue. The Raman scattered light is then detected and can be combined with a model relating Raman spectra to alcohol concentration in order to determine the alcohol concentration in the blood or tissue of the individual. Correction techniques can be used to reduce determination errors due to detection of light other than that from Raman scattering from the alcohol in the tissue. Other biologic information can be used in combination with the Raman spectral properties to aid in the determination of alcohol concentration, for example age of the individual, height of the individual, weight of the individual, medical history of the individual and his/her family, ethnicity, skin melanin content, or a combination thereof. The method and apparatus can be highly optimized to provide reproducible and, preferably, uniform radiance of the tissue, low tissue sampling error, depth targeting of the tissue layers or sample locations that contain the attribute of interest, efficient collection of Raman spectra from the tissue, high optical throughput, high photometric accuracy, large dynamic range, excellent thermal stability, effective calibration maintenance, effective calibration transfer, built-in quality control, and ease-of-use.
US08581695B2 Channel-switching remote controlled barrier opening system
An improved barrier door one way wireless communication system for operating a barrier, such as a garage door, includes the transmission and reception of multibit code hopping data packets in combination with automatic RF channel switching. Packet data is transmitted automatically on more than one RF channels in a switching style while sending two or more redundant multibit code hopping data packets on each of the RF channels. The system also provides for the learning of a transmitter to a receiver where two or more code hopping data packets must be received and decoded by the receiver on all RF channels before a transmitter can be learned to a receiver. Once the transmitter is learned, actuation of the transmitter during a learn mode can open a window for learning of a single channel transmitter.
US08581692B2 Electronic system and method of operating an electronic system
In a method of operating an electronic system (1) a first device (3) of the electronic system (1) sends a message to a second device (6) of the electronic system (1). The second device (6) receives the message, generates a first value utilizing a first function based on at least parts of the history of at least parts of messages previously received at the second device (6), and stores the first value in a memory (8) of the second device (6). The first value is compared 5 with a second value generated at the first device (3), wherein the second value utilizes a second function based on at least parts of the history of at least parts of messages previously sent from the first device (3) to the second device (6). The first and second values are evaluated, and a signal is generated if the evaluating of the first and second values indicates that the history—of the messages previously received at the second device (6) differs from the 10 history of messages previously sent from the first device (3).
US08581684B2 Multiple-level inductance
An inductive element formed of planar windings in different conductive levels, the windings being formed in a number of levels smaller by one unit than the number of windings, two of the windings being interdigited in a same level.
US08581681B2 Magnet assemblies and methods for temperature control of the magnet assemblies
A magnet assembly is provided. The magnet assembly comprises a magnet configured to generate a magnetic field and an iron shield configured to shield the magnet. The magnet assembly further comprises one or more positive temperature coefficient heaters disposed on the iron shield and configured to stabilize temperature of the iron shield. An iron shield assembly and a method for temperature control of the magnet assembly are also presented.
US08581679B2 Switch with increased magnetic sensitivity
Switches that are actuated through exposure to a magnetic field are described. A mobile element of a switch includes one or more anchoring members that are in electrical contact with one of the conductive portions. The mobile element also has a beam that is attached to the one or more anchoring members. The beam can be attached to the one or more anchoring members by flexures. The beam has an end portion that is configured to move toward the other conductive portion when exposed to an external force, such as a magnetic field. Various configurations of anchoring members may significantly decrease initial upward beam deformation upon manufacture of the mobile element, resulting in an increased sensitivity upon exposure to a magnetic field. Methods for manufacturing switches that exhibit increased sensitivity to magnetic fields are also disclosed.
US08581674B2 Filter and communications apparatus
A filter includes a first signal line connected to one input-side unbalanced signal terminal, a second signal line connected to another output-side unbalanced signal terminal, a shunt circuit for providing connection between the first and second signal lines in parallel with a surface acoustic wave device, a first capacitor disposed in the first signal line so as to be in series with respect to the surface acoustic wave device, a first inductor disposed in the shunt circuit at a side of the first signal line, and a series resonance circuit having a second capacitor and a second inductor disposed in the shunt circuit at a side of the second signal line.
US08581670B2 Oscillation device
To perform, in an oscillation device compensating an output frequency based on a detection result of ambient temperature, temperature compensation of the output frequency with high accuracy. First and second quartz-crystal oscillators are structured by using a common quartz-crystal piece, and when oscillation outputs of first and second oscillation circuits respectively connected to these quartz-crystal oscillators are set to f1, f2, and oscillation frequencies of the first and the second oscillation circuits at a reference temperature are set to f1r, f2r, respectively, a frequency difference being a difference between a value corresponding to a difference between f1 and f1r and a value corresponding to a difference between f2 and f2r is treated as a temperature at that time. Further, based on the frequency difference, a frequency compensation value is determined through polynomial approximation.
US08581666B2 Integrated circuit
According to one embodiment, provided are an amplifier transistor configured to amplify an input signal; a biasing circuit configured to set a bias voltage in such a manner as to allow the amplifier transistor to perform amplification; an electrostatic protective circuit configured to set the bias voltage for the amplifier transistor in such a manner as to make the amplifier transistor to turn off based on voltage to be applied to the amplifier transistor; and a switching circuit configured to switch the bias voltage for the amplifier transistor based on a power supply condition.
US08581655B2 Clock signal supplying method and circuit for shift registers
A clock signal supplying method for shift registers includes following steps: receiving a clock signal; and transmitting the clock signal to two first stage signal transmission paths simultaneously, the first stage signal transmission paths determined by a first control signal whether to be conducted, and further conducted at different time.
US08581646B2 Charge pump circuit
A charge pump circuit includes a switching circuit for providing a charge and discharge current, and a control circuit for controlling the switching circuit. The switching circuit includes a first switch for controlling the charging speed. The control circuit generates a signal for controlling the first switch based on the pulse width of the input signal. The charge pump circuit of the present invention quickens the locking time of the phase locked loop.
US08581628B2 Low voltage transmitter with high output voltage
A transmitter comprises a protection circuit; a first termination resistor having a first end coupled to a first voltage source, and a second end coupled to the protection circuit; a second termination resistor having a first end coupled to the first voltage source, and a second end coupled to the protection circuit, wherein the second end of the first termination resistor and the second end of the second termination resistor form a differential output pair; a current switch coupled to the protection circuit; a current source coupled to the current switch; and a pre-driver circuit coupled to the current switch, for controlling the current switch, making the differential output pair generate an output current. Wherein, the pre-driver circuit receives a second voltage source, and the first voltage source is higher than the second voltage source.
US08581620B2 Semiconductor device including data output circuit supporting pre-emphasis operation
A semiconductor device includes a code generator configured to generate a supplementary code with a value changing in response to a variation of an impedance code, a main driver configured to receive an output data and drive the received output data to a data output pad, wherein a driving force of the main driver is controlled according to the impedance code, and an auxiliary driver configured to receive the output data and drive the received output data to the data output pad, wherein a driving force of the auxiliary driver is controlled according to the supplementary code.
US08581617B2 Systems and methods for providing user-initiated latch up to destroy SRAM data
Systems and methods are provided for destroying or erasing circuitry elements, data, or both, such as transistors, volatile keys, or fuse blocks, located in an integrated circuit device. An initiation signal may be provided to induce latch-up in a circuitry element in response to a user command, a tampering event, or both. As a result of the latch-up effect, the circuitry element, data, or both may be destroyed or erased.
US08581612B2 Probe card and test apparatus including the same
A probe card and a test apparatus including the probe card for improving test reliability. The probe card may include a first input terminal Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS) switch that connects a first input terminal and a first input probe pin, wherein the first input terminal MEMS switch comprises a control portion that receives an operation signal and a connection portion that connects the first input terminal and the first input probe pin. The probe card may further include a first output terminal MEMS switch that connects a first output terminal and a first output probe pin, wherein the first output terminal MEMS switch comprises a control portion that receives the operation signal and a connection portion that connects the first output terminal and the first output probe pin.
US08581595B2 Method of measuring flash memory cell current
In the present method of measuring the current of a first current source, the current thereof may be combined with either the current of a second current source, or the current of a third current source. Based on a combination of the current of the first current source and either (a) the current of the second current source or (b) the current of the third current source, a digital output is provided. If this digital output is of a first value, the state of combining the current of the first current source with the current of the second current source becomes in effect. If this digital output is of a second value, the state of combining the current of the first current source with the current of the second current source becomes in effect.
US08581593B2 Underground electromagnetic exploration method
An underground electromagnetic exploration method using an induced current generating transmitter that cyclically generates an induced current includes repeating magnetic field observations at multiple measurement points on earth's surface, the magnetic field observations including observing a magnetic field including a magnetic field signal based on output from the induced current generating transmitter using a magnetic field sensor device including a sensor and a rod-shaped core; wherein the sensor includes a magneto-impedance device having a magnetic amorphous structure; and wherein the rod-shaped core guides a magnetic field to the magnetic amorphous structure and is disposed longitudinally along the magnetic amorphous structure, and storing magnetic field observational data including a magnetic field signal based on output from the induced current generating transmitter, and calculating an underground specific resistivity distribution based on the observational data corresponding to each measurement point.
US08581589B2 System and method for variable mode-mixing in magnetic resonance imaging
The present invention provides a system and method for using a hardware-based compression of signals acquired with an magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system. This allows a first multi-channel MR signal to be compressed to a second multi-channel MR signal having fewer channels than the first MR signal. This system and method reduces the number of RF receivers needed to achieve the sensitivity encoding benefits associated with highly parallel detection in MRI. Furthermore, the system and method reduces bottlenecks connection an MRI system's RF receiver and reconstruction computer and reduces the computational burden of image reconstruction.
US08581588B2 Stripline antenna and antenna array for a magnetic resonance device
An antenna (100) for a magnetic resonance device has a predetermined sensitivity and is designed to excite and/or detect a magnetic resonance in an object under test. The antenna (100) includes a stripline resonator (10) that is equipped with at least one stripline (11), and a conductor loop arrangement (20) that adjoins the stripline resonator (10) and forms at least one conductor loop (21, 22, 28) which is interrupted by at least one capacitor (23). The sensitivity of the antenna (100) is formed by overlapping sensitivity profiles of the stripline resonator (10) and the conductor loop arrangement (20). Also described are an antenna array (200) including a plurality of antennas (100), a magnetic resonance device (300) including at least one antenna (100) or antenna array (200), and methods for magnetic resonance imaging or magnetic resonance spectroscopy.
US08581587B2 SNMR pulse sequence phase cycling
Technologies applicable to SNMR pulse sequence phase cycling are disclosed, including SNMR acquisition apparatus and methods, SNMR processing apparatus and methods, and combinations thereof. SNMR acquisition may include transmitting two or more SNMR pulse sequences and applying a phase shift to a pulse in at least one of the pulse sequences, according to any of a variety of phase cycling techniques. SNMR processing may include combining SNMR from a plurality of pulse sequences comprising pulses of different phases, so that desired signals are preserved and undesired signals are canceled.
US08581577B2 Low row steam generator inspection probe
An inspection assembly for insertion inspection of an elongate hollow member. The inspection assembly includes a probe head including at least one sensor for sensing a characteristic of the elongate hollow member as the probe head is moved internally within the elongate hollow member. The assembly includes a flexible shaft connected to the probe head and transmitting a motive force to the probe head to move the probe head within the elongate hollow member. The flexible shaft encloses at least one wire operatively connected between the probe head and at least one component external to the elongate hollow member for sensory operation of the at least one sensor. The flexible shaft is at least partially corrugated.
US08581576B2 Rotation angle detection device
A rotation angle detection device of the present invention includes: a support body; a rotating body that can rotate with respect to the support body about a rotation axis and move in a rotation axis direction; a rotation angle detection unit that has a magnet attached to either of the support body and the rotating body, and a magnetic sensor attached to the other of the support body and the rotating body and facing the magnet in the rotation axis direction, and that detects a rotation angle of the rotating body on the basis of an output signal of the magnetic sensor; and a position detection unit that detects that the rotating body is positioned at a detection position in which a distance between the magnet and the magnetic sensor in the rotation axis direction becomes a predetermined detection distance. The rotation angle detection unit reads the output signal of the magnetic sensor and determines the rotation angle of the rotating body with respect to the support body from the output signal when the position detection unit detects that the rotating body is positioned at the detection position.
US08581572B2 Photovoltaic test apparatus
An apparatus for testing photovoltaic cells wherein an array of light sources are provided. The light sources can have a collimating lens. In addition, one or more feedback circuits can be provided which monitor and maintain one or more of the light sources.
US08581566B2 Power supply controller having analog to digital converter
A power supply control method of performing a feedback control of an output voltage based on a deviation signal for a standard voltage value serving as a target value for the output voltage and a digital signal generated by analog/digital (A/D) conversion of the output voltage, the method includes selecting a range of the reference voltage for the A/D conversion based on the digital signal in a power supply startup period, and selecting a range of the reference voltage for the A/D conversion based on the deviation signal or a signal corresponding to the deviation signal in a steady state period.
US08581558B2 Control device for vehicle AC generator
A control device for a vehicle AC generator, in which a part can be shared even when electrical configuration positions of field coils of rotors of generators are different, is obtained. Switching elements connected in series to the field coil in order to control a field current; and a control signal processing unit, in which information as to whether the field coil is connected to the high potential side or connected to the low potential side is inputted, one of the high potential side terminal and the low potential side terminal is selected on the basis of the inputted information, a control signal is outputted, and ON/OFF control of the switching element is performed to control the field current of the field coil, are provided.
US08581549B2 System and method for balancing a state of charge of series connected cells
A method of balancing a state of charge (SOC) of a plurality of cells connected in series, including identifying an undercharged cell from the plurality of cells to charge, electrically connecting a positive side of the undercharged cell to a positive bus, electrically connecting a negative side of the undercharged cell to a negative bus, electrically connecting an inductor to a voltage source during a first time period; electrically disconnecting the inductor from the voltage source in response to an elapse of the first time period, and maintaining the disconnection of the inductor from the plurality of cells for a second time period corresponding generally to the time for the inductor to discharge energy to the undercharged cell.
US08581547B2 Method for detecting cell state-of-charge and state-of-discharge divergence of a series string of batteries or capacitors
A system for charging a battery includes a battery pack having at least two lithium ion cells. A controller detects a rate of change of voltage with respect to a state of charge (dV/dSOC) of the battery pack based on a calculated dV/dSOC that represents the battery pack as a whole, without calculating dV/dSOC individually on a cell-by-cell basis. Charging is terminated when dV/dSOC reaches a predetermined value.
US08581540B2 Method for installing actuation mechanism for extending and retracting retractable room for recreational vehicle
A slide-out or retractable room for a mobile living quarters, such as a recreational vehicle, is provided with actuating assemblies mounted on opposite side walls of the slide-out room and the adjacent wall of the main living area. The actuating assemblies include a pair of parallel gear racks mounted on the side wall, which are engaged by pinions rotated by torque shafts mounted on the main living quarters. Each torque shaft is rotated by a separate motor. A roller engages a bearing surface on the lower portion of the gear racks. Accordingly, the slide-out room is extended and retracted by rotating the torque shafts to cause the gear racks and the attached slide-out room to extend and retract. The weight of the slide-out room is supported by the rollers, thereby supporting the slide-out room off of the floor of the main living quarters as it extends and retracts.
US08581536B2 Method for controlling three single-phase motors and moving a platform in a direction of the normal
In a method for controlling three single-phase motors and moving a platform in a direction of the normal, the motors are controlled by one three-phase converter, so that a first motor is operated between a first phase and a second phase of the converter, and a series connection or parallel connection of a second and third motor is operated between a second phase and a third phase of the converter. A platform is adapted to perform this method.
US08581535B2 Drive unit
A drive unit has a control power supply, a power source (1) producing direct current to one or more inverters (2), an energy storage (C) arranged at the power source (1) output, and a discharge circuit (8,10) for discharging the energy stored in the energy storage (C) and including a power resistor (8). Switches (5, 6) are arranged between the power source (1) and energy storage (C) and in default position when there is no control power in the drive unit. The power source (1) is disconnected and the energy storage (C) discharged through the power resistor (8) when the switches (5, 6) are in default position.
US08581533B2 Motor driver and method of controlling the same
A controller controls switching of IGBT devices of an inverter according to the desired output of the permanent magnet motor. The controller includes: a magnet temperature detection device that detects the magnet temperature of the permanent magnet motor based on the output of a temperature sensor; a setting device that sets a threshold value of the magnet temperature corresponding to the desired output of the permanent magnet motor, based on a predetermined relation between the output from the permanent magnet motor and a critical temperature, up to which demagnetization in the permanent magnet motor is not caused; and a carrier frequency control device that, when the magnet temperature detected by the magnet temperature detection device exceeds the threshold value, changes the carrier frequency, at which the IGBT devices are switched, such that a ripple current superimposed on a motor current that flows through the permanent magnet motor is reduced.
US08581523B2 Interrupted particle source
A synchrocyclotron includes magnetic structures to provide a magnetic field to a cavity, a particle source to provide a plasma column to the cavity, where the particle source has a housing to hold the plasma column, and where the housing is interrupted at an acceleration region to expose the plasma column, and a voltage source to provide a radio frequency (RF) voltage to the cavity to accelerate particles from the plasma column at the acceleration region.
US08581520B1 Lighting system having a dimming color simulating an incandescent light
A lighting system has a lighting fixture with a white light source and a color light source, a control circuit pulses the white and color light sources and changes relative duty cycles of the light sources to alter a color output of the lighting fixture, in response to a change in a control signal from a controller. A comparator compares a reference voltage relating to an aggregate current driving the light sources to a signal voltage relating to the periodic signal from a signal generator. The comparator controls a switch that controls one of the light sources. A duty cycle of the color light source can be vary inversely to a duty cycle of the white light source.
US08581517B2 Systems and methods for driving a light source
A circuit for driving a light source includes a voltage converter, a switch and a controller. The voltage converter converts an AC input voltage signal to a first rectified AC voltage signal. The voltage converter further generates an average signal proportional to an average voltage level of the first rectified AC voltage signal. The switch is coupled to the light source in series. The controller coupled to the voltage converter and the switch compares the first rectified AC voltage signal with the average signal to generate a pulse signal. The controller further generates a dimming control signal based on the pulse signal to control the switch thereby controlling dimming of the light source.
US08581487B2 Light-emitting device with reflection layers
A light-emitting device includes a substrate, a pair of electrode layers disposed on the substrate, a light-emitting element disposed between the pair of electrode layers to keep a first space with each of the pair of electrode layers while electrically connecting with each of the pair of electrode layers, and a pair of reflection layers, each extending in overlapping relation from one to the other one of the pair of electrode layers as seen in a transparent plan view. The light-emitting element is disposed between the pair of reflection layers to keep a second space with each of the pair of reflection layers.
US08581486B2 Field emission device and field emission display
The present disclosure provides a field emission device. The field emission device includes an insulating substrate having a first surface, a first electrode, a second electrode, at least one cathode emitter and a secondary electron emitter. The first electrode and the second electrode are spaced from each other and are located on the first surface of the insulating substrate. The cathode emitter is electrically connected to the first electrode and spaced from the second electrode. A secondary electron emitter is spaced from the cathode emitter. The secondary electron emitter has an electron emitting surface exposed to the cathode emitter. A secondary electron emitter is spaced from the cathode emitter. The cathode emitter is oriented toward the secondary electron emitter.
US08581484B2 Liquid metal ion gun
A liquid metal ion gun 3 includes a liquid metal ion source 31 and a beam limiting aperture 33. The liquid metal ion source 31 includes a reservoir 36 and an emitter 35. The reservoir 36 is made of tungsten (W) and holds liquid metal gallium (Ga). The emitter 35 is made of W. The beam limiting aperture 33 is formed with a liquid metal member 44 made of Ga placed on a base 46 made of W, has an opening 41 that enables an ion beam 2 extracted from the liquid metal ion source 31 to pass therethrough, and limits the diameter of the ion beam 2. The beam limiting aperture 33 has a groove structure 45 that causes the liquid metal 44 to gather into a region located around the opening 41. The lifetime of the beam limiting aperture can be increased, and an emission can be maintained stable for a long time period and reproducibly restored to a stable state.
US08581482B2 PAR lamp and method of making same
A method of making a subassembly (10) for a PAR lamp (12) comprising the steps of: (a) providing a base (14) including a cup-shaped portion (16) with a top edge (18) having an extended flange (20) projecting therefrom; (b) providing a plurality of electrical contacts (22, 24) and inserting the contacts into appropriate locations (22a, 24a) in a bottom (26) of the cup-shaped portion (16); (c) providing a lamp capsule (28) including a light source (30) having dependent leads (32, 34) projecting from a base end (36); (d) inserting the base end (36) of the lamp capsule (28) into the cup-shaped portion (16) and affixing the dependent leads (32, 34) to the electrical contacts (22, 24); (e) providing a reflector (38) having a funnel-shaped body (40) with a substantially tubular neck (42); (f) filling the cup-shaped portion (16) with a liquid cement (44) to a depth that covers the base end (36) of the lamp capsule (28); (g) fitting the reflector (38) over the lamp capsule (28) so that the tubular neck (42) is submersed in the liquid cement (44); and (h) heating the subassembly (10) to fix the reflector (38) in place.
US08581480B2 Self-regenerating particulate trap systems for emissions and methods thereof
A method and system for treating emissions includes charging particles in an exhaust stream, producing one or more radicals, and oxidizing at least a portion of the charged particles with at least a portion of the produced radicals. At least a portion of the charged particles in the exhaust stream are then attracted on at least one attraction surface which is one of oppositely charged from the charged particles and grounded. The attracted particles are oxidized with another portion of the one or more produced radicals to self regenerate the at least one attraction surface. Downstream from where the attracted particles are oxidized, at least a portion of one or more first compounds in the exhaust stream are converted to one or more second compounds downstream from the attracting. Additionally, at least a portion of any remaining charged particles are oxidized into one or more gases.
US08581476B2 Quartz-crystal devices and methods for manufacturing same
Methods are disclosed for manufacturing quartz-crystal devices. In an exemplary method three wafers are prepared. One is a quartz-crystal wafer defining multiple quartz-crystal pieces; a second is a wafer defining multiple package bases; and a third is a wafer defining multiple lids for the package bases. Each quartz-crystal piece has a respective excitation portion that vibrates when electrically energized and a respective frame portion surrounding the excitation portion. The quartz-crystal wafer has main surfaces that are lapped and polished to mirror-finish them. The base wafer defines multiple package bases each having a floor surface, a bonding surface surrounding the floor surface, and a lower main surface. The lid wafer defines multiple lids each having a ceiling surface, a bonding surface surrounding the ceiling surface, and a upper main surface. The quartz-crystal wafer is sandwiched between the base and lid wafers. The wafers are bonded together by bonding respective main surfaces of the frame portion to respective bonding surfaces. At least two of the upper main surface, lower main surface, floor surface, and ceiling surface are rougher than the surfaces of the excitation portion.
US08581470B2 Electrode comb, micromechanical component, and method for producing an electrode comb or a micromechanical component
An electrode comb for a micromechanical component includes at least one electrode finger for which a first electrode finger subunit with a first central longitudinal axis and a second electrode finger subunit with a second central longitudinal axis are defined. The second central longitudinal axis are defined is inclined in relation to the first central longitudinal axis about a bend angle not equal to 0° and not equal to 180°.
US08581468B2 Stator for electric rotating machine
A stator includes an annular stator core that is comprised of a plurality of stator core segments, an outer ring that is fitted on the radially outer surfaces of the stator core segments so as to fasten them together, and a stator coil mounted on the stator core. Each of the stator core segments is formed of a plurality of stator core sheets that are laminated in the axial direction of the stator core. Each of the stator core sheets has a reinforcement portion that includes a recess formed in one of the major surfaces of the stator core sheet and a protrusion formed on the other major surface. The stator core sheets are laminated so that for each adjoining pair of the stator core sheets, the protrusion of one of the stator core sheets is fitted in the recess of the other stator core sheet.
US08581461B2 Energy transforming apparatus
An energy transforming apparatus has a controllable magnetic power gathering device and a transforming device to transform the non-continuous kinetic energy into electrical power to store in the power storage assembly. The controllable magnetic power gathering device has a non-continuous moved or linear reciprocating moved input end, a continuous rotating output end and a controllable energy-adjusting end, etc, to transform the impulse momentum into the continuous kinetic energy with the differential motion and using the non-contacting magnetic wheel transmission assembly to protect the overload effect. The transforming device has an energy transforming assembly, a circuit adjustment assembly and a power storage assembly. The circuit adjustment assembly is electrically connected with the energy transforming assembly to control the energy transforming assembly to transform the kinetic energy into electrical power. Accordingly, the energy transforming apparatus can transform non-continuous kinetic energy into continuous movement and further into electric power.
US08581459B2 Brushless electric machine
The brushless electric machine includes a first drive member (30U) having a plurality of permanent magnets (32U); a second drive member (10) having a plurality of electromagnetic coils and capable of movement relative to the first drive member (30U); and a third drive member (30L) disposed at the opposite side from the first drive member (30U) with the second drive member (10) therebetween. The second drive member (10) has magnetic sensors (40A, 40B) for detecting the relative position of the first and second drive members. The third drive member (30L) has at locations facing the permanent magnets of the first drive member (30U) a plurality of magnetic field strengthening members (32L) for strengthening the magnetic field at the location of the second drive member (10) in conjunction with the permanent magnets.
US08581458B2 Electrical actuating drive
The present invention relates to an electrical actuating drive (1) for devices to be adjusted mechanically, having an electrical drive motor (2) and an output-drive shaft (4) which can be adjusted over a rotation actuating range of more than 360°, comprising an integrated contactless sensor angle measurement system (6) for determining and feeding back the respective rotation position of the output-drive shaft (4). The sensor angle measurement system (6) produces an output signal which largely simulates the characteristics of a conventional multiple potentiometer system.
US08581447B2 Method and device for operating a circuit arrangement
A current measurement apparatus includes first and second switches connected in parallel and operating in different current ranges, coupled to a processor which measures current and a controller which activates one or the other switch depending on the measured current.
US08581444B2 Wireless power feeder, wireless power transmission system, and table and table lamp using the same
Power is fed from a feeding coil L2 to a receiving coil L3 by magnetic resonance. A VCO alternately turns ON/OFF switching transistors Q1 and Q2 at a drive frequency fo, whereby AC current is fed to the feeding coil L2, and then the AC current is fed from the feeding coil L2 to the receiving coil L3. A phase detection circuit detects a phase difference between the current phase and voltage phase, and the VCO adjusts the drive frequency fo such that the phase difference becomes zero. In a current phase detection circuit and a voltage phase detection circuit, detection values of the current and voltage phases can be changed, respectively and intentionally.
US08581433B2 Wave power plant and transmission
A wave power plant includes a buoy and a power train. In the power train a driveshaft is arranged, which is driven to rotate either when the buoy rises or sinks, but always in the same direction. The driveshaft is mechanically coupled to one of the rotating parts of an electric generator and drives it for generating electric current. Furthermore, an energy accumulation device is provided which is also coupled to the driveshaft to accumulate energy when the buoy is rising or sinking and the driveshaft is rotating for driving the generator during the other of the rising and sinking movements. The coupling between the energy accumulation device and the driveshaft can extend via the other rotatable part of the generator, the air gap between the parts of the generator and the first part of the generator. The coupling over the air gap gives a torque, which drives the second part to rotate in one direction and which also counteracts the rotation of the driveshaft. The second part of the generator is driven by the energy accumulation device to rotate in the same direction, when the torque from the driveshaft does not exceed the counteracting torque.
US08581432B2 Ocean wave energy converter capturing heave, surge and pitch motion
An ocean wave energy device uses large gas filled and surface vented or partially evacuated flexible containers each having rigid movable ends and rigid fixed depth ends connected by flexible bellows, suitably reinforced against external hydrostatic pressure, submerged to a depth below anticipated wave troughs. One or more said containers compress and expand as waves and troughs, respectively, pass overhead driving hydraulic or pneumatic, pumping means producing pressurized fluid flow for a common sea bed motor-generator or for other uses or on-board direct drive generators. Mechanical, hydraulic or pneumatic means re-expand said containers when a wave trough is overhead. Power output is augmented by mechanically connecting said rigid moving surfaces to surface floats, which may also provide said submerged container venting such that as waves lift and troughs lower said floats, said containers are further compressed and re-expanded, respectively. Power output is further augmented by wave kinetic energy capture through focusing, reflection and refraction.
US08581425B2 Systems and methods involving electrical start and power generation
A power generation system includes a prime mover, a generator mechanically connected to the prime mover, the generator including a field winding portion and an armature winding portion, a direct current bus node, a first variable frequency drive having an input electrically connected to the bus node and an output electrically connected to the armature winding portion, and an inverter having an input electrically connected to the bus node and an output electrically connected to the field winding portion.
US08581421B2 Semiconductor package manufacturing method and semiconductor package
According to one embodiment, there is provided a semiconductor package manufacturing method utilizing a support body in which a first layer is stacked on a second layer, the method including: a first step of forming an opening in the first layer to expose the second layer therethrough; a second step of arranging a semiconductor chip on the second layer through the opening; a third step of forming a resin portion on the first layer to cover the semiconductor chip; and a fourth step of forming a wiring structure on the resin portion so as to be electrically connected to the semiconductor chip.
US08581413B2 Semiconductor device and method for manufacturing the same
A method for easily manufacturing a semiconductor device in which variation in thickness or disconnection of a source electrode or a drain electrode is prevented is proposed. A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor layer formed over an insulating substrate; a first insulating layer formed over the semiconductor layer; a gate electrode formed over the first insulating layer; a second insulating layer formed over the gate electrode; an opening which reaches the semiconductor layer and is formed at least in the first insulating layer and the second insulating layer; and a step portion formed at a side surface of the second insulating layer in the opening.
US08581412B2 Semiconductor device comprising an electromagnetic waveguide
A semiconductor device includes a substrate. On at least one face of that substrate, integrated circuits are formed. At least one electromagnetic waveguide is also included, that waveguide including two metal plates that are placed on either side of at least one part of the thickness of the substrate and are located facing each other. Two longitudinal walls are placed facing each other and are formed by metal vias made in holes passing through the substrate in its thickness direction. The metal vias electrically connect the two metal plates.
US08581396B2 Semiconductor device
In a non-leaded type semiconductor device, a tab, tab suspension leads, and other leads are exposed to one surface of a seal member. A semiconductor element is positioned within the seal member and fixed to a surface of the tab with an adhesive. The tab is formed larger than the semiconductor element so that outer peripheral edges of the tab are positioned outside outer peripheral edges of the semiconductor element. A groove is formed in the tab surface portion positioned between the area to which the semiconductor element is fixed and wire connection areas to which the wires are connected, the groove being formed so as to surround the semiconductor element fixing area, thereby preventing peeling-off between the tab to which the semiconductor element is fixed and the resin which constitutes the package.
US08581387B1 Through wire interconnect (TWI) having bonded connection and encapsulating polymer layer
A through wire interconnect for a semiconductor substrate includes a via extending through the semiconductor substrate from a first side to a second side thereof, and a wire in the via electrically insulated from the semiconductor substrate having a first end with a bonded connection to the substrate contact and a second end proximate to the second side of the semiconductor substrate. The through wire interconnect also includes a first contact on the wire proximate to the first side of the semiconductor substrate, a second contact on the second end of the wire, and a polymer layer on the first side at least partially encapsulating the wire while leaving the first contact exposed. The through wire interconnect can also include a bonding member bonded to the first end of the wire and to the substrate contact having a tip portion forming the first contact.
US08581381B2 Integrated circuit (IC) package stacking and IC packages formed by same
Methods, systems, and apparatuses for integrated circuit (IC) package vertical interconnection are described herein. In an aspect of the invention, an IC package includes an IC die with contact pads. The IC package also includes interconnect members which are coupled to the die at the contact pads. An encapsulating material encapsulates the IC die and the interconnect members such that a contact surface of each interconnect member is accessible at a surface of the encapsulating material. A second IC package is coupled to the first IC package through the plurality of interconnect members of the first IC package. In an example, solder balls attached to a bottom of the second IC package are coupled to the contact surfaces of the interconnect members to couple the first IC package and the second IC package.
US08581367B2 Semiconductor device having electrode film in which film thickness of periphery is thinner than film thickness of center
A semiconductor device includes a substrate having first main face having rectangular shape, a first electrode provided at the center on first main face of substrate, first electrode is made of conducting material harder than substrate, and a second electrode provided along at least a part of the periphery on first main face so as to surround first electrode, second electrode is integrated with first electrode by the same conducting material as that of the first electrode, and second electrode has a thinner film thickness than that of the first electrode.
US08581366B2 Method and system for forming conductive bumping with copper interconnection
A method for making an integrated circuit system with one or more copper interconnects that are conductively connected with a substrate includes depositing and patterning a first dielectric layer to form a first via and filling the first via through the first dielectric layer with a copper material. The method further includes depositing and patterning a second dielectric layer in contact with the first dielectric layer to form a second via, and forming a diffusion barrier layer. Moreover, the method includes depositing and patterning a photoresist layer on the diffusion barrier layer, and at least partially filling the second via with a metal material. The metal material is conductively connected to the copper material through the diffusion barrier layer. The method further includes removing the photoresist and the diffusion barrier layer not covering by the metal material.
US08581353B2 Multi-layer gate dielectric
A transistor gate dielectric including a first dielectric material having a first dielectric constant and a second dielectric material having a second dielectric constant different from the first dielectric constant.
US08581346B2 Semiconductor memory device
A semiconductor memory device includes a first conductive line, a second conductive line crossing over the first conductive line, a resistance variation part disposed at a position in which the second conductive line intersects with the first conductive line and electrically connected to the first conductive line and the second conductive line and a mechanical switch disposed between the resistance variation part and the second conductive line. The mechanical switch includes a nanotube.
US08581344B2 Laterally diffused metal oxide semiconductor transistors
A laterally diffused metal oxide semiconductor transistor. The laterally diffused metal oxide semiconductor transistor includes a substrate, a drain formed thereon, a source formed on the substrate, comprising a plurality of individual sub-sources respectively corresponding to various sides of the drain, a plurality of channels formed in the substrate between the sub-sources and the drain, a gate overlying a portion of the sub-sources and the channels, and a drift layer formed in the substrate underneath the drain.
US08581333B2 Semiconductor device and method for manufacturing the same
A first local wiring includes a convex portion protruding from a base and a protrusion protruding from a side surface of the convex portion. The convex portion of the first local wiring is connected to a lower conductive region of a first transistor while the protrusion is connected to a gate electrode of a second transistor. Moreover, the lower surface of the protrusion of the first local wiring is arranged at a height equal to or lower than the upper surface of the gate electrode of the second transistor.
US08581328B2 Semiconductor memory device
In a semiconductor memory device having split-gate MONOS memory cells, disturb resistance during writing by a SSI method is improved. In addition, with an improvement in the disturb resistance of a non-selected memory cell, a reduction in the area occupied by a memory module can be achieved. Over a side surface of a memory gate electrode, a first insulating film is formed between a charge storage film and a second insulating film so that the total thickness of the first and second insulating films over the side surface of the memory gate electrode is larger than the thickness of the second insulating film under the memory gate electrode.
US08581313B2 Solid-state imaging device
There is employed a lamination structure of semiconductor substrate in which light receiving part having a photoelectric converting function is formed in an inner portion, and insulating films and wirings. There are provided a wiring layer formed above semiconductor substrate and having a concave portion formed in a place corresponding to a portion disposed above light receiving part, second insulating film having a higher refractive index than insulating films and covering a side surface of the wiring layer facing the concave portion, third insulating film having a lower refractive index than second insulating film and covering the side surface of second insulating film, and fourth insulating film having a higher refractive index than third insulating film and covering the side surface of third insulating film.
US08581310B2 Z2FET field-effect transistor with a vertical subthreshold slope and with no impact ionization
The transistor comprises first and second source/drain electrodes formed in a semiconductor film by N-doped and P-doped areas, respectively. A polarization voltage is applied between the two source/drain electrodes in order to impose to the P-doped electrode a potential higher than that of the N-doped electrode. The transistor comprises first and second devices for generating a potential barrier in the semiconductor film. The two potential barriers are opposed to the passage of the charge carriers emitted by the first and second source/drain electrodes, respectively. The two potential barriers are shifted with respect to an axis connecting the two source/drain electrodes. The two devices for generating a potential barrier are configured to generate a potential barrier having a variable amplitude and it are electrically connected to the gate and to the counter electrode.
US08581304B2 Integrated circuit including cross-coupled transistors having gate electrodes formed within gate level feature layout channels with four inside positioned gate contacts having offset and aligned relationships
A semiconductor device includes conductive features within a gate electrode level region that are each fabricated from respective originating rectangular-shaped layout features having its centerline aligned parallel to a first direction. The conductive features form gate electrodes of first and second PMOS transistor devices, and first and second NMOS transistor devices. The gate electrodes of the first PMOS, second PMOS, first NMOS, and second NMOS transistor devices respectively extend along different gate electrode tracks. A first set of interconnected conductors electrically connect the gate electrodes of the first PMOS and second NMOS transistor devices. A second set of interconnected conductors electrically connect the gate electrodes of the second PMOS and first NMOS transistor devices. The first and second sets of interconnected conductors traverse across each other within different levels of the semiconductor device.
US08581302B2 Semiconductor device including chip with complementary I/O cells
Signals outputted from an I/O buffer with a parallel drive configuration are stabilized for reliability enhancement. Each I/O cell has a complementary I/O cell that outputs one output signal as a complementary signal made up of a non-inverted signal and an inverted signal. Two I/O cells are coupled in parallel. Output portions of first inverters are coupled together through a first wiring; and output portions of second inverters are coupled together through a second wiring. The first wiring is formed on the lower side of the I/O cells so that it is astride the two I/O cells, and the second wiring is formed above the first wiring so that it is astride the two I/O cells. The wirings are laid out so that the wiring length of the first wiring and the wiring length of the second wiring are substantially equal to each other.
US08581300B2 Compound semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the same
An embodiment of a compound semiconductor device includes: a substrate; an electron channel layer and an electron supply layer formed over the substrate; a gate electrode, a source electrode and a drain electrode formed on or above the electron supply layer; and a p-type semiconductor layer formed between the electron supply layer and the gate electrode. The p-type semiconductor layer contains, as a p-type impurity, an element same as that being contained in at least either of the electron channel layer and the electron supply layer.
US08581298B2 Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device includes: a semiconductor layer having a first end portion and a second end portion; a first main electrode provided on the first end portion and electrically connected to the semiconductor layer; a second main electrode provided on the second end portion and electrically connected to the semiconductor layer; a first gate electrode provided via a first gate insulating film in a plurality of first trenches formed from the first end portion toward the second end portion; and a second gate electrode provided via a second gate insulating film in a plurality of second trenches formed from the second end portion toward the first end portion. Spacing between a plurality of the first gate electrodes and spacing between a plurality of the second gate electrodes are 200 nm or less.
US08581290B2 Embedding type solder point-free combination structure of LED beads with substrate or lamp body
This invention relates to an embedding type solder point-free combination structure of LED beads with substrate or lamp body, in which the LED chip is packaged on the embedded heat conductive socket to form embedding type LED beads without soldering for electric conduction, and the embedding type LED beads are fixed in the docking hole of the substrate or the lamp body by a detachable dock-fixing structure. Furthermore, the embedding type LED beads has elastic conductive pieces, while the substrate or lamp body has conductive contacts. The elastic conductive pieces of the embedding type LED beads and the conductive contacts provided on the substrate or lamp body are in close contact to form solder point-free structure when the embedding type LED beads are fixed in the docking hole of the substrate or lamp body by the dock-fixing structure. In this manner, it is convenient to mount or dismount the embedding type LED beads in case of maintenance needed.
US08581289B2 Semiconductor light emitting component
A semiconductor light emitting component including an epitaxial structure, a first electrode, a second electrode, a first cutout structure and a second cutout structure is provided. The epitaxial structure includes a first type doped layer, a light emitting portion and a second type doped layer. The first electrode is formed on a surface of the first type doped layer. The second electrode is formed on a surface of the second type doped layer. The first cutout structure is formed in the first type doped layer to expose at least a portion of the first electrode. The second cutout structure is formed in the first type doped layer, the light emitting portion and the second type doped layer so as to expose at least a portion of the second electrode.
US08581287B2 Semiconductor light emitting device having a reflective material, wavelength converting layer and optical plate with rough and plane surface regions, and method of manufacturing
A semiconductor light-emitting device and a method for manufacturing the same can include a wavelength converting layer in order to emit various colored lights including white light. The device can include a board, a frame located on the board, at least one light-emitting chip mounted on the board, the wavelength converting layer located between an optical plate and an outside surface of the chips so that a density of a peripheral region is lower than that of a middle region, and a reflective material layer disposed at least between the frame and a side surface of the wavelength-converting layer. The device can have the reflective material layer form each reflector and can use a wavelength converting layer having different densities, and therefore can emit a wavelength-converted light having a high light-emitting efficiency and a uniform color tone from various small light-emitting surfaces.
US08581284B2 Semiconductor light-emitting device and manufacturing method
A semiconductor light-emitting device and a method for manufacturing the same can include a wavelength converting layer encapsulating at least one semiconductor light-emitting chip in order to emit various colored lights including white light. The semiconductor light-emitting device can include a base board, a frame located on the base board, the chip mounted on the base board, the wavelength converting layer formed around the chip, a transparent plate located on the wavelength converting layer and a diffusing reflection member disposed between the frame and both side surfaces of the wavelength converting layer and the transparent plate. The device can be configured to improve the linearity of a boundary between the diffusing reflection member and both side surfaces by using the transparent plate, and therefore can be used for a headlight that can form a favorable horizontal cut-off line corresponding to the boundary via a projector lens without a shade.
US08581279B2 Light-emitting diode chip comprising a contact structure
In a luminescence diode chip having a radiation exit area (1) and a contact structure (2, 3, 4) which is arranged on the radiation exit area (1) and comprises a bonding pad (4) and a plurality of contact webs (2, 3) which are provided for current expansion and are electrically conductively connected to the bonding pad (4), the bonding pad (4) is arranged in an edge region of the radiation exit area (1). The luminescence diode chip has reduced absorption of the emitted radiation (23) in the contact structure (2, 3, 4).
US08581277B2 Light emitting device and light emitting device package having the same
Disclosed are a light emitting device. The light emitting device includes a light emitting structure including a first and second conductive semiconductors, and an active layer; an insulating layer on a lateral surface of the light emitting structure; an electrode on the first conductive semiconductor layer; an electrode layer under the second conductive semiconductor layer; and a protective layer including a first portion between the light emitting structure and the electrode layer and a second portion extending outward beyond a lower surface of the light emitting structure, wherein the first conductive semiconductor layer includes a first top surface including a roughness on a first region, and a second top surface lower than the first region and being closer the lateral surface of the light emitting structure than the first region, wherein the second top surface is disposed on an edge portion of the first conductive semiconductor layer.
US08581268B2 Light emitting diode with a current concentrating structure
A light emitting diode (LED) includes a transparent insulating layer; and at least one transparent conductive oxide layer substantially enclosing the transparent insulating layer, wherein the transparent insulating layer and the at least one transparent conductive oxide layer are configured to distribute a current through the LED toward a peripheral region of the LED.
US08581265B2 Light-emitting device and electronic device including substrate having flexibility
It is an object to provide a flexible light-emitting device with long lifetime in a simple way and to provide an inexpensive electronic device with long lifetime using the flexible light-emitting device. A flexible light-emitting device is provided, which includes a substrate having flexibility and a light-transmitting property with respect to visible light; a first adhesive layer over the substrate; an insulating film containing nitrogen and silicon over the first adhesive layer; a light-emitting element including a first electrode, a second electrode facing the first electrode, and an EL layer between the first electrode and the second electrode; a second adhesive layer over the second electrode; and a metal substrate over the second adhesive layer, wherein the thickness of the metal substrate is 10 μm to 200 μm inclusive. Further, an electronic device using the flexible light-emitting device is provided.
US08581264B2 Semiconductor body and method of producing a semiconductor body
A semiconductor body includes an n-conductive semiconductor layer and a p-conductive semiconductor layer. The p-conductive semiconductor layer contains a p-dopant and the n-conductive semiconductor layer an n-dopant and a further dopant.
US08581232B2 Semiconductor light emitting device and method for manufacturing the same
A semiconductor light emitting device includes a first semiconductor layer; a second semiconductor layer on the first semiconductor layer; an active layer on the second semiconductor layer; a third semiconductor layer on the active layer; and a fourth semiconductor layer on the third semiconductor layer, wherein the first semiconductor layer has a composition equation of AlY(GaxIn1-x)1-YN(0≦X,Y≦1), wherein the third semiconductor layer has a composition equation of AlY(GaxIn1-x)1-YN(0≦X,Y≦1), wherein the active layer includes a plurality of quantum barrier layers and a plurality of quantum well layers having a material different from the quantum barrier layers, wherein the plurality of quantum well layers include an AlGaN based semiconductor layer, wherein the plurality of quantum barrier layers has a larger band gap energy than that of the quantum well layers.
US08581225B2 Variable resistance nonvolatile memory device and method of manufacturing the same
A manufacturing method includes forming, on a substrate, lower layer copper lines each being shaped into a strip, forming electrode seed layers each being shaped into a strip, on the respective lower layer copper lines using electroless plating, forming an interlayer insulating layer above the electrode seed layers, forming, in the interlayer insulating layer, memory cell holes, penetrating through the interlayer insulating layer and extending to the electrode seed layers, forming noble metal electrode layers on the electrode seed layers exposed in the respective memory cell holes using the electroless plating, forming, in the respective memory cell holes, variable resistance layers connected to the noble electrode layers, and forming, above the interlayer insulating layer and the variable resistance layers, upper layer copper lines each being shaped into a strip, connected to a corresponding one of the variable resistance layers, and crossing the lower layer copper lines.
US08581224B2 Memory cells
Some embodiments include memory cells which contain, in order; a first electrode material, a first metal oxide material, a second metal oxide material, and a second electrode material. The first metal oxide material has at least two regions which differ in oxygen concentration relative to one another. One of the regions is a first region and another is a second region. The first region is closer to the first electrode material than the second region, and has a greater oxygen concentration than the second region. The second metal oxide material includes a different metal than the first metal oxide material. Some embodiments include methods of forming memory cells in which oxygen is substantially irreversibly transferred from a region of a metal oxide material to an oxygen-sink material. The oxygen transfer creates a difference in oxygen concentration within one region of the metal oxide material relative to another.
US08581218B2 Treatment planning system, device for calculating a scanning path and particle therapy system
In a particle therapy treatment planning system for creating treatment plan data, the movement of a target (patient's affected area) is extracted from plural tomography images of the target, and the direction of scanning is determined by projecting the extracted movement on a scanning plane scanned by scanning magnets. Irradiation positions are arranged on straight lines parallel with the scanning direction making it possible to calculate a scanning path for causing scanning to be made mainly along the direction of movement of the target. The treatment planning system can thereby realize dose distribution with improved uniformity.
US08581217B2 Method for monitoring ion implantation
A method capable of monitoring ion implantation. First, an ion beam and a workpiece are provided. Next, implant the workpiece by the ion beam and generate a profile having numerous signals relevant to respectively numerous relative positions between the ion beam and the workpiece, wherein the profile has at least a higher portion, a gradual portion and a lower portion. Therefore, by directly analyzing the profile without referring to a pre-determined profile and without using a profiler measuring the ion beam, some ion beam information may be acquired, such as beam height, beam width, ion beam current distribution on the ion beam cross-section, and so on, and the ion implantation may be monitored real-timely. Furthermore, when numerous workpieces are implanted in sequence, the profile(s) of one or more initially implanted workpiece(s) may be to generate a reference for calibrating the ion implantation of the following workpieces.
US08581215B2 Charged particle cancer therapy patient positioning method and apparatus
The invention comprises a patient positioning method and apparatus used in conjunction with multi-axis charged particle or proton beam radiation therapy of cancerous tumors. The patient positioning system is used to translate the patient and/or rotate the patient into a zone where the proton beam can scan the tumor using a targeting system. The patient positioning system is optionally used in conjunction with systems used to constrain movement of the patient, such as semi-vertical, sitting, or laying positioning systems.
US08581213B2 Biological molecule detecting apparatus and biological molecule detecting method
A configuration was adopted, in which the orientations of free molecules and binding molecules within a solution are switched by switching the vibration direction of orientation controlling light, thereby switching the amount of light emitted by each free molecule and each binding molecule. There is a difference in the amounts of time required for the orientations of the free molecules and the binding molecules to switch accompanying the switch in the emission direction of the orientation controlling light. Therefore, the timings at which the amounts of light emitted by each type of molecule increase differ. Accordingly, the fluorescence contributed by fluorescent molecules associated with free molecules and the fluorescent molecules associated with binding molecules can be respectively calculated, even if all of the fluorescent molecules within the solution emit fluorescence. Thereby, the concentration of a detection target substance can be accurately measured with a simple structure.
US08581209B2 Fluorescent monitoring of microcapsule oxidation
The present disclosure relates to microcapsules that include a shell material and a core material. The core material of the microcapsules contains an environmentally sensitive luminescent colorant which exhibits characteristics of an emitted wavelength bandwidth, a peak intensity for emission and a time for luminescence decay, one or more of the characteristics capable of changing upon exposure to a given environment, and a luminescent standard which exhibits characteristics of an emitted wavelength bandwidth, a peak intensity for emission and a time for luminescence decay, one or more of the characteristics do not change upon exposure to said given environment.
US08581202B2 Radiation detection apparatus
According to one embodiment, a radiation detection apparatus includes a radiation detection panel, a support member, a circuit board, a flexible circuit board, a housing, a connecting member, a thermally radiative member, and a thermally conductive member. The support member supports the radiation detection panel on one surface thereof. The circuit board is supported by other surface of the support member, and drives the radiation detection panel. The flexible circuit board electrically connects the radiation detection panel with the circuit board, and on which an integrated circuit is mounted. The housing has thermal insulation, and a part of which is provided with an opening. The connecting member is connected to the support member and the housing. The thermally radiative member is located outside the housing and extends through the opening. The thermally radiative member is opposed to the integrated circuit, and shields an electromagnetic field that leaks from the opening.
US08581196B2 Detector-shift type combined radiation therapy/PET apparatus
In beam monitoring for detecting annihilation radiations produced by radiation irradiation in radiation therapy for cancer which is performed by irradiating the affected area by X-rays, gamma rays, or particle beams, a detector-shift type combined radiation therapy/PET apparatus is provided with an open PET device that includes a plurality of shiftable multi-ring detector rings; and a radiation irradiation device that is capable of irradiation with a radiation beam through between the detector rings. The apparatus changes the positions of the detector rings, performs irradiation with the radiation beam through between the detector rings, and then performs radiation measurement.
US08581185B2 Ion storage device with direction-selective radial ejection
The present invention provides a radio frequency (RF) power supply in a mass spectrometer. The power supply provides an RF signal to electrodes of a storage device to create a trapping field. The RF field is usually collapsed prior to ion ejection. In an illustrative embodiment the RF power supply includes a RF signal supply; a coil arranged to receive the signal provided by the RF signal supply and to provide an output RF signal for supply to electrodes of an ion storage device; and a shunt including a switch operative to switch between a first open position and a second closed position in which the shunt shorts the coil output.
US08581177B2 High duty cycle ion storage/ion mobility separation mass spectrometer
A novel high ion storage/ion mobility separation mass spectrometer that provides for a high duty cycle of operation is presented herein. In particular, the example embodiments, as disclosed herein, provides for a high ion storage/ion mobility instrument that beneficially includes a two-dimensional (2D) plurality of adjacently arranged ion confinement channels to provide a high storage bank of a desired mass range of ions. Such ions, via ion mobility transport, are separated into smaller fractions of an overall mass window into desired confinement regions of the disclosed 2D confinement channels and thereafter transferred out in a manner so as to enable the aforementioned novel high-duty cycle of sequential operation.
US08581161B2 Seeker with a molded dichroic mirror
A molded dichroic mirror and a seeker comprising a molded dichroic mirror are provided. The dichroic mirror may be molded from polysiloxane or lithia potash borosilicate and may be coated to reflect an infrared signal and configured to transmit a radio frequency signal between 33 GHz and 37 GHz.
US08581160B1 Gyroscopic stabilizer
A gyroscopic stabilizer has a ring mounted at a missile rocket nozzle exit for rotation about the exit. The ring bears vanes extended inwardly into gases exiting from the nozzle and configured for rotation by the exiting gases so that the rotating mass of the ring gyroscopically stabilizes the missile. The ring may be mounted by a bearing having rolling elements or sliding surfaces. The axial length of the ring may be substantially less than its diameter. The ring has a low moment of inertia and is accelerated to stabilizing speed by vanes minimally impeding the exiting gases. When the stabilizer is used on a rocket propelled missile launched from a tube, the missile is fully stabilized in the tube before burnout and there is no rotational friction between the tube and the missile.
US08581157B2 Band heater systems and assembly methods
A band heater assembly for heating an object includes a band heater that extends around at least a portion of a perimeter of the object. The band heater includes a cable and a band. The cable includes a resistive element, a first cable end and a second cable end. The resistive element generates thermal energy based on a current received from a power source. The first cable end and the second cable end are connected to respective ends of the band heater assembly. The band is connected to the cable and transfers a first portion of the thermal energy to an exterior surface of the object. At least a portion of the cable is exposed from the band heater to contact the exterior surface when the band heater assembly is connected to the object.
US08581150B1 Portable warmer for use with cell culture plate
A portable warmer for use with a cell culture plate in order to maintain culture samples borne by the culture plate at a desired temperature includes a body having formed therein a shelf that is sized and shaped to generally conform to the outside dimensions of the base of a cell culture plate. The shelf includes a substantially horizontal surface atop of which the base of the cell culture plate may be freely rested. The shelf also includes a preferably electric heating element, which may be formed unitary with the horizontal surface of the shelf or may be contained within the body of the portable warmer in an area and in a manner adapted to cause heating of the horizontal surface of the shelf. The portable warmer is provided with one or more clamping devices for securing a received cell culture plate in place atop the shelf.
US08581149B2 Exothermic welding assembly
An assembly is disclosed for exothermic welding comprising a mold which is formed of a material which withstands exothermic welding temperatures and includes a weld cavity therein for positioning at least two members which are to be exothermically welded together, and an ignition cavity communicating with the weld cavity. The mold is capable of accommodating any one of several exothermic welding procedures which may involve either a flint igniter or the use of an electrical igniter which is readily accommodated by the mold in the performance of several of the procedures. The electrical igniter is formed of a pair of flat, longitudinally extending conductor strips with a sheet of insulation laminated therebetween, a filament adjacent one end of the strips, and one or more positioning tabs adjacent one end of the strips. A cartridge is also provided which contains the weld metal and the electrical igniter and which may be positioned in the ignition cavity of the mold. The cartridge is formed of a material which is consumed during the welding procedure and may contain a plate of a different material adjacent its bottom which melts at a higher temperature than the materials of the cartridge.
US08581145B2 System and method for tracking welding-type parameters, machine setup and job packet coding for workflow
A system and method for identifying, recording, and storing specific settings for an interface device of a welding-type system includes a bezel forming a marking surface that extends about a portion of a periphery of the interface device to display user markings and allow the markings to be selectively erased. The marking surface may be designed to receive color-coded markers that engage the marking surface through suction, magnetism, or peg-and-receptacle couplings to indicate desired settings of the interface device to perform a specific welding-type process. Additionally, if the interface device is a dial, a pointer may be coupled with the dial that is movable independently from the dial to indicate a desired dial setting.
US08581138B2 Thermal spray method and apparatus using plasma transferred wire arc
A method of thermally depositing metal onto a target surface using a plasma transferred wire arc thermal spray apparatus, wherein the method includes the steps of offsetting the central axis of a consumable wire with respect to an axial centerline of a constricting orifice; and establishing and operating a plasma transferred wire arc between a cathode and a free end of the consumable wire; and melting and atomizing a continually fed free end of the consumable wire into molten metal particles and projecting the particles onto said target surface.
US08581137B2 Method for operating a heating device of an electric heating appliance having a plurality of heating devices
In an operating method for a hob having a plurality of heating elements, an operating action for a heating element, such as heating with an additional region on the cooktop or invoking a parboiling step, is selected in an initial step by providing input to a general input sensor element that is not associated with any specific heating element. In a subsequent step, the selected operating action is allocated or associated with a specific heating element by operating a cooking element specific sensor element, for example when setting the power level for that heating element. Therefore, sensor elements can be provided with an advantageous multiple-use effect for general operating actions. Furthermore, the operating sequence permits simple and convenient operation.
US08581136B2 Method of manufacturing by electric discharge machining an impeller for centrifugal rotating machine
A method for manufacturing an impeller of a centrifugal rotating machine that is approximately disk-shaped and in which flow passages are formed between a plurality of blades and disposed in a radial manner from the inner circumferential side to the outer circumferential side, provided with a first flow passage formation step that forms a first region on the outer circumferential side within the flow passage by inserting an electrode of a shape fitting to the flow passage with the electric discharge machining method from the outer circumferential side of the disk-shaped body having an outer shape of an impeller, and a second flow passage formation step that forms a second region on the inner circumferential side within the flow passage from the inner circumferential side of the disk-shaped body.
US08581130B2 Key structure with scissors-type connecting member
A key structure with a scissors-type connecting member is provided. The scissors-type connecting member includes a first frame and a second frame. The first frame includes a rotating shaft and a pushing bulge. After the first frame is stacked on the second frame, if the second frame may be pushed by the pushing bulge, the second frame is subject to deformation to facilitate combining the first frame and the second frame together.
US08581097B2 Transformer enclosure having a drop-down sill gate
A transformer enclosure has a hood and sill attached to a tank. The hood is retractable upon hinges connected to the top face of the tank. The sill is attached to the front face of the tank near the base and has a gate that drops down to an expanded position. When the enclosure is in a closed position, the hood and sill meet with the sill gate fully retracted along a tamperproof interface. A tamperproof interface is formed at the side of the enclosure by a flange on the side panels of the sill and a baffle on the bottom edges of the hood. A tamperproof interface is formed at the front of the enclosure by a bend and lip formed in the front panel of the hood in cooperation with a recessed portion formed in the gate.
US08581095B2 Photoelectrode, and dye-sensitized solar cell and dye-sensitized solar cell module using the same
A photoelectrode has a conductive substrate and a semiconductor layer formed on the conductive substrate, the semiconductor layer being formed of semiconductor particles, the semiconductor layer having a plurality of layers, the plurality of layers being different in an average particle diameter of semiconductor particles from one another, a distal layer of the plurality of layers, placed at a location farther from the substrate, covering at least a part of side faces of a proximal layer of the plurality of layers, placed at a location closer to the substrate.
US08581086B2 Computer interface for polyphonic stringed instruments
An interface device is described that allows the audio signals from a polyphonic stringed instrument to be introduced into a personal computer environment for feature extraction and signal processing.
US08581085B2 Systems and methods for composing music
Generating a musical composition from one or more portions of one or more performances of one or more musical compositions included in a database is disclosed. The method and system include selecting a portion of a pre-recorded composition based on a degree of similarity with the component of the composition that is input; portions that are musically similar but not musically the same as the component may be selected for addition to the composition. The degree of similarity may be based on a ChordScore and/or a ScaleScore of the retrieved portion of the pre-recorded compositions. A ChordScore is generated by comparing chord tones of one or more chords in the pre-recorded portion with chord tones of the input component. A ScaleScore is generated by comparing tones of one or more notes in the pre-recorded portion with tones in a harmonic scale associated with the input component's chords.
US08581083B2 Stringed instrument practice device
The present invention extends to handheld practice devices for practicing to play stringed instruments. More specifically, the present invention relates to a practice device that may assist a user in learning how to properly finger and play a stringed musical instrument. A user can hold an elongate handle and place one or more of his or her fingers on strings to practice fingerings that are used to play chords/notes. Real instrument strings can be used, helping to strengthen a user's fingertips and get the fingertips accustomed to holding/pinching the instrument strings. Further, the stringed instrument practice device can be portable and sized to fit within the user's hand. Accordingly, a user can realize advantages of the invention and utilize practice methods while the user is “on the go,” riding on a bus, watching television, waiting in line, etc.
US08581080B1 Plants and seeds of hybrid corn variety CH379602
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH379602. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH379602, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH379602 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH379602.
US08581074B2 Plants and seeds of corn variety CV038252
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated CV038252. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CV038252, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CV038252 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 CV038252 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 CV038252.
US08581073B2 Plants and seeds of corn variety CV320349
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated CV320349. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CV320349, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CV320349 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 CV320349 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 CV320349.
US08581061B1 Inbred corn line 1AA001
An inbred corn line, designated 1AA001, the plants and seeds of the inbred corn line 1AA001, methods for producing a corn plant, either inbred or hybrid, produced by crossing the inbred corn line 1AA001 with itself or with another corn plant, and hybrid corn seeds and plants produced by crossing the inbred line 1AA001 with another corn line or plant and to methods for producing a corn plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic corn plants produced by that method. This invention also relates to inbred corn lines derived from inbred corn line 1AA001, to methods for producing other inbred corn lines derived from inbred corn line 1AA001 and to the inbred corn lines derived by the use of those methods.
US08581056B1 Soybean cultivar S110134
A soybean cultivar designated S110134 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar S110134, to the plants of soybean cultivar S110134, to the plant parts of soybean cultivar S110134, and to methods for producing progeny of soybean cultivar S110134. 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 S110134. The invention also relates to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines, or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar S110134, 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 S110134 with another soybean cultivar.
US08581052B1 Soybean variety XB35F12
A novel soybean variety, designated XB35F12 is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety XB35F12, cells from soybean variety XB35F12, plants of soybean XB35F12, and plant parts of soybean variety XB35F12. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety XB35F12 with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic trait, a mutant trait, and/or a native trait into soybean variety XB35F12, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety XB35F12, and methods of characterizing soybean variety XB35F12. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety XB35F12 are further provided.
US08581050B2 Soybean variety XBO6F12
A novel soybean variety, designated XB06F12 is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety XB06F12, cells from soybean variety XB06F12, plants of soybean XB06F12, and plant parts of soybean variety XB06F12. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety XB06F12 with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic trait, a mutant trait, and/or a native trait into soybean variety XB06F12, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety XB06F12, and methods of characterizing soybean variety XB06F12. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety XB06F12 are further provided.
US08581049B1 Maize variety hybrid X08B802
A novel maize variety designated X08B802 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof, produced by crossing Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. proprietary inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprises crossing hybrid maize variety X08B802 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X08B802 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X08B802, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X08B802. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X08B802.
US08581044B2 Temporal seed promoters for expressing genes in plants
The present invention relates to the field of plant genetic engineering. More specifically, the present invention relates to seed specific gene expression during a defined period of embryogenesis. The present invention provides promoters capable of transcribing heterologous nucleic acid sequences in seeds, and methods of modifying, producing, and using the same.
US08581038B2 Resistance genes
The present invention relates to polynucleotides encoding adult plant pathogen resistance proteins. Also provided are transgenic plants expressing these polynucleotides to enhance the resistance of the plants to pathogens.
US08581035B2 Plant transformation without selection
The invention provides methods for identifying regenerated transformed plants and differentiated transformed plant parts, obtained without subjecting plant cells to selective conditions prior to regenerating the cells to obtain differentiated tissues. In particular embodiments, the plant cells are corn plant cells. Methods for growing and handling plants, including identifying plants that demonstrate specific traits of interest are also provided.
US08581034B1 Maize variety hybrid X18A647
A novel maize variety designated X18A647 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof, produced by crossing Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. proprietary inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprises crossing hybrid maize variety X18A647 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X18A647 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X18A647, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X18A647. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X18A647.
US08581028B2 Method for breeding improved non-dehiscent sesame
Methods for improving the agriculture of sesame, an Improved Non-Dehiscent (IND) sesame class and methods for breeding IND are disclosed. The IND sesame holds its seed in capsules for four or more weeks after ideal harvesting time, during extended adverse weather conditions, thus offering the grower flexibility as to when to harvest. The methods also improve current agricultural methods for growing sesame by allowing growers to leave the crop in the field for a longer period of time without the loss of seeds and concomitant reduced yield. The grower is able to reduce the ratio of combine harvesters required for mechanical harvest of sesame crops. Further, a method of growing crops in geographical areas previously unsuitable for sesame agriculture is disclosed. IND allows ready release of seed from the capsule during mechanized harvesting with minimal broken seed.
US08581026B1 Non-dehiscent Sesame IND variety Sesaco 35
Non-dehiscent sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) (IND) designated Sesaco 35 (S35) is herein disclosed. Its degree of shatter resistance, or seed retention, makes S35 suitable for mechanized harvesting and for selection for sesame crop growth in most geographical locations, particularly where whiteflies are a high risk factor. In addition, S35 sesame produces a larger, heavier seed than previously described varieties.
US08581021B2 Pig whose genome comprises a heterologous site-specific recombination site and a transpohon tag
The present invention relates to a genetically modified pig comprising at least one site for integration of at least one transgene. The invention also pertains to a porcine embryo, blastocyst, fetus, donor cell and/or cell nucleus, derived from said genetically modified pig. In another aspect, the invention relates to any genetically modified porcine blastocyst, wherein the genetically modified genome comprises at least one site for integration of at least one transgene.
US08581018B2 Absorber comprising pulp, tea dregs and water absorbent resin; sanitary articles using the absorber and production method thereof
An absorber wherein crushed tea leaves having a particle size of 0.05 to 4.6 mm are dispersed and held within a pulp fiber material having a fiber length of 0.1 to 7 mm, for water-absorbing, drying, and odor-eliminating with good visual quality, and maintaining sanitary conditions, and sanitary articles using the absorber. An upper water-absorbing paper layer portion forms an upper surface, a lower water-absorbing paper layer portion forms a lower surface, and a water-absorbing mixture layer portion is provided between the upper water-absorbing paper layer portion. The layer portions are overlapped and integrated forming the absorber. The water-absorbing mixture layer portion is formed by including a crushed pulp fiber material beaten to have a fiber length of 0.1 to 7 mm, and crushed tea dregs having a particle size of 0.7 to 3.8 mm in mixing content percentage of 14 to 43% by weight.
US08581014B2 Process for the production of hydrocarbons, useful for motor vehicles, from mixtures of a biological origin
Provided is a process for producing, in a single step, hydrocarbon fractions useful as diesel fuel or as a component of diesel fuel, from a mixture of a biological origin containing esters of fatty acids and, optionally, aliquots of free fatty acids. The process comprises the contemporaneous hydrodeoxygenation and hydroisomerization of the mixture of a biological origin, with the formation of linear and branched paraffins. The process is carried out in the presence of a catalytic composition comprising an amorphous carrier of an acidic nature and a metallic component containing one or more metals of group VIII.
US08581005B2 Mitochondrial inhibitors to treat human disease
The present invention relates to inhibitors of mitochondria-associated, granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor signaling molecule (Magmas), and related compositions and uses thereof.
US08580995B2 Lysine-based prodrugs of aspartyl protease inhibitors and processes for their preparation
The present invention provides processes for synthesizing lysine based compounds of the formula; wherein R1 may be, for example, (HO)2P(O)—, (NaO)2P(O)—, wherein X may be, for example, NH2, Y may be H, F, Cl, or Br, and wherein n, X′, Y′, R2, R3, R4, R5 and R6 are as defined herein.
US08580980B2 Organic compound, light-emitting element, light-emitting device, electronic device, and lighting device
Provided is a novel anthracene compound represented by a general formula (G1). In the formula, Q1 represents an oxygen atom or a sulfur atom, R1 to R7 and R11 to R14 separately represent any one of a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, a substituted or unsubstituted phenyl group, and a substituted or unsubstituted biphenyl group. In addition, α1 to α3 separately represent a substituted or unsubstituted phenylene group. Ar1 represents a substituted or unsubstituted condensed aromatic hydrocarbon having 6 to 12 carbon atoms forming a ring. Ar2 represents any one of a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group having 6 to 12 carbon atoms forming a ring, a substituted or unsubstituted dibenzothiophen-2-yl group, and a substituted or unsubstituted dibenzofuran-2-yl group. Further, j and k are separately 0 or 1.
US08580976B2 Process for preparing A 2-substituted benzofuran-3-yl borate ester
The invention relates to a process for preparing a stable 2-substituted benzofuran-3-yl borate ester corresponding to the formula: said process comprising contacting 3-bromo-2-substituted-benzofuran corresponding to the formula: with an C1-4 alkyllithium at a temperature less than −60° C. to form 3-lithio-2-substititued-benzofuran, contacting the 3-lithio-2-substituted- benzofuran at a temperature less than −60° C. with an borate ester corresponding to the formula: and recovering the resulting borate ester product, wherein, RW' is C1-4 alkyl; Rx is C1-10 hydrocarbyl or halohydrocarbyl; and RY independently each occurrence is C1-10 hydrocarbyl, halohydrocarbyl or trialkylsilylhydrocarbyl or 2 RY groups together are a divalent hydrocarbylene of up to 20 carbons.
US08580974B2 Processes
The invention relates to a new process for producing NEP inhibitors or prodrugs thereof, in particular NEP inhibitors comprising a γ-amino-δ-biphenyl-α-methylalkanoic acid, or acid ester, backbone. In detail, the new processes, according to the present invention, are ultimately related to the synthesis of intermediates to prepare the above NEP inhibitors, namely compounds according to formula (1), or salt thereof, wherein R1 and R2 are, independently of each other, hydrogen or a nitrogen protecting group, and R3 is a carboxyl group or an ester group, preferably carboxyl group or alkyl ester.
US08580972B2 Processes for the preparation of 5-chloro-2-methyl-2,3,3A,12b-tetrahydro-1H-dibenzo[2,3:6,7]oxepino[4,5-c]pyrrole
This invention provides improved processes for the preparation of 5-chloro-2-methyl-2,3,3a 12b-tetrahydro-1H-dibenzo[2,3:6,7]oxepino[4,5-c]pyrrole, asenapine. These processes allow the preparation of asenapine at industrial scale in good yields and high stereoselectivity.
US08580963B2 Method for the manufacturing of naltrexone
The present invention relates to an improved process for producing naltrexone[17-(cyclopropylmethyl)-4,5α-epoxy-3,14-dihydroxy-morphinan-6-one] from noroxymorphone[4,5-α-epoxy-3,14-dihydroxy-morphinan-6-one] by alkylation with a cyclopropylmethyl halide.
US08580961B2 2-phenyl-6-azolylpyridine-based ligand and group VIII transition metal complex
A 2-phenyl-6-azolylpyridine-based ligand is represented by the following formula (I): wherein, X represents nitrogen or C—R10; R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8 and R10 independently represent hydrogen, halogen, a cyano group, an amino group, an optionally substituted aryl group, an optionally substituted heteroaryl group, sulfate, —COOH, an alkoxy group, a carbonyl group, a C1-C10 haloalkyl group, a C1-C12 alkyl group, a C2-C10 alkenyl group, a C2-C10 alkynyl group, a C3-C20 cycloalkyl group, a C3-C20 cycloalkenyl group, a C1-C20 heterocycloalkyl group, or a C1-C20 heterocycloalkenyl group; and R9 represents hydrogen or alkali metal.
US08580945B2 Oligonucleotides for use in allele-specific PCR
The present invention relates to oligonucleotides complementary to a target polynucleotide, wherein the oligonucleotide comprises an LNA unit, a mismatch nucleobase, and an allele-specific nucleobase corresponding to an allele of the target polynucleotide. The invention further includes methods of using such oligonucleotides to detect and quantitate the frequency of particular alleles of a target polynucleotide.
US08580941B2 Epididymal lipocalin gene and uses thereof
Isolated nucleic acids comprising a lipocalin gene promoter region, isolated nucleic acids comprising a human lipocalin gene, isolated nucleic acids encoding a lipocalin polypeptide, isolated lipocalin polypeptides, and uses thereof. The disclosed lipocalin nucleic acids and polypeptides can be used to generate a mouse model of male infertility, for drug discovery screens, and for therapeutic treatment of fertility-related conditions.
US08580935B2 Ultra-fast chromatography
The present invention relates to a chromatographic method of separating biological material comprising, providing chromatographic media comprising inorganic oxide particles having an average diameter of about 2 microns or less and an average pore diameter of 300 Å or more; applying a solvent comprising said biological material to said media, wherein said biological material is reversibly bonded to said media; and eluting said biological material from said media with a solvent in less than about 2 minutes for biological material having a molecular weight of less than about 100,000 Daltons.
US08580925B2 Method for examining carcinoma and adenoma
[PROBLEMS] To provide examination methods and reagents able to detect efficiently cancer patients and patients at high risk of cancer.[MEANS FOR SOLVING PROBLEMS] Significant differences in the distribution of GlcNAc-6-sulfotransferase isozymes, sulfation enzymes of sugar residues, between non-carcinoma tissues and carcinoma tissues or adenoma tissues were discovered. The discovery is evidently applicable to detect carcinomas and adenomas (except colorectal carcinomas and colorectal adenomas) specifically by assaying a certain range of GlcNAc-6-sulfated sugar residue groups in tissues of patients and in fecal samples. Examination of carcinomas and adenomas is possible by the use of antibodies reacting specifically with GlcNAc-6-sulfated sugar residues specifically synthesized by enzymes present in carcinoma and adenoma tissues.
US08580924B2 Templated native silk smectic gels
One aspect of the present invention relates to a method of preparing a fibrous protein smectic hydrogel by way of a solvent templating process, comprising the steps of pouring an aqueous fibrous protein solution into a container comprising a solvent that is not miscible with water; sealing the container and allowing it to age at about room temperature; and collecting the resulting fibrous protein smectic hydrogel and allowing it to dry. Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method of obtaining predominantly one enantiomer from a racemic mixture, comprising the steps of pouring an aqueous fibrous protein solution into a container comprising a solvent that is not miscible with water; sealing the container and allowing it to age at about room temperature; allowing the enantiomers of racemic mixture to diffuse selectively into the smectic hydrogel in solution; removing the smectic hydrogel from the solution; rinsing predominantly one enantiomer from the surface of the smectic hydrogel; and extracting predominantly one enantiomer from the interior of the smectic hydrogel. The present invention also relates to a smectic hydrogel prepared according to an aforementioned method.
US08580921B2 Protein nanorings
The invention provides protein nanorings.
US08580910B2 2,4,5-triaminophenols and related compounds
New triaminophenol compositions and related compounds are disclosed, as are processes for their preparation and for the preparation of novel salts and diacid complexes from such compounds. Polymers prepared from these compositions can be made into high strength fiber, film, and tape and are useful in applications such as protective apparel, aircraft, automotive components, personal electronics, and sports equipment.
US08580905B2 Polymers, compositions and methods of use for foams, laundry detergents, shower rinses and coagulants
The present invention relates to a polymeric material comprising units capable of having a cationic charge at a pH of from about 4 to about 12; provided that said polymeric material has an average cationic charge density from about 2.75 or less units per 100 daltons molecular weight at a pH of from about 4 to about 12. The polymeric material is a suds enhancer and a suds volume extender for hand dishwashing compositions and personal care products such as soaps, shaving cream foam, foaming shaving gel, foam dephiliatories and shampoos. The polymers are also effective as a soil release agent in fabric cleaning compositions. The polymers are also useful in agrochemical foam, fire-fighting foam, hard surface cleaner foam, and coagulant for titanium dioxide in paper making.
US08580900B2 Thermoplastic amphiphilic co-networks
The present invention relates generally to thermoplastic amphiphilic networks and/or co-networks. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to thermoplastic (TP) amphiphilic co-networks (APCNs) and the preparation of membranes from such APCNs. In another embodiment, the present invention relates to an amphiphilic network comprising at least one hydrophilic polymer-derived portion, at least one hydrophobic polymer-derived portion and at least one thermoplastic polymer-derived portion. In still another embodiment, the present invention relates to thermoplastic amphiphilic co-networks prepared by combining the chemistries of APCNs and polyurethanes (PUs) and to the preparation of membranes therefrom.
US08580894B2 Two part, low molecular weight self curing, low viscosity acrylic penetrant, sealant and coating composition, and methods for using the same
A self curing, two component penetrating densifying sealant and coating composition that imparts protection and reinforcement to porous substrates, such as wood and concrete, as well as non porous substrates, such a metal surfaces, whether or not corroded, and concrete surfaces.
US08580892B2 Rubber composition and uses thereof
A rubber composition has sufficient resistance to degradation and swelling caused by a liquid such as a water-soluble coolant and also is capable of having sufficient resistance to ozone. The rubber composition contains a fluororubber not having a vinylidene fluoride structure, a nitrile rubber, a fluorine-based oil and a peroxide vulcanizing agent.
US08580890B2 Heterophasic propylene copolymer with improved properties for injection molding applications
The present invention concerns a heterophasic propylene copolymer of high melt flow for injection molding, which comprise a propylene polymer matrix and a rubber. The heterophasic propylene copolymers of the present invention are characterized by a high viscosity of the rubber phase and a well-defined ratio of the intrinsic viscosities of the rubber phase and the propylene polymer matrix, thus resulting in improved mechanical properties. The present invention further relates to a process for the production of such heterophasic propylene copolymers, their use and articles produced with them.
US08580887B2 High-functionality polyisocyanates containing urethane groups
The present invention relates to new, urethane-group-containing polyisocyanates based on aliphatic and/or cycloaliphatic diisocyanates, and to their use.
US08580886B2 Method for the preparation and use of bis (alkoxysilylorgano)-dicarboxylates
A method for preparing a bis(alkoxysilylorgano)dicarboxylate includes reacting a haloorganoalkoxysilane, a dimetal salt of a dicarboxyl functional compound, and a phase transfer catalyst. A quaternary iminium compound of a polyaza, polycycloalkene is useful as the phase transfer catalyst. The product may be a bis(alkoxysilylalkyl)fumarate, which is useful as a coupling agent in rubber compositions for tire applications.
US08580884B2 Thermoplastic polyurethane block copolymer compositions
A novel block copolymer composition including a hydrogenated block copolymer that has at least one block A and at least one block B, and wherein (a) prior to hydrogenation each A block is a mono alkenyl arene homopolymer block and each B block is a controlled distribution copolymer block of at least one conjugated diene and at least one mono alkenyl arene, (b) subsequent to hydrogenation about 0-10% of the arene double bonds have been reduced, and at least about 90% of the conjugated diene double bonds have been reduced, (c) each A block having a number average molecular weight between about 3,000 and about 60,000 and each B block having a number average molecular weight between about 30,000 and about 300,000, (d) each B block comprises terminal regions adjacent to the A blocks that are rich in conjugated diene units and one or more regions not adjacent to the A blocks that are rich in mono alkenyl arene units, (e) the total amount of mono alkenyl arene in the hydrogenated block copolymer is about 5 percent weight to about 50 percent weight, and (f) the weight percent of mono alkenyl arene in each B block is between about 10 percent and about 75 percent. The thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer is present in the block copolymer in an amount from about 50 to about 95 percent by weight of a thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer.
US08580882B1 Glove-forming solution
A glove-forming liquid solution that when rubbed on a user's hand forms a solid glove around the hand, the solution features a percentage latex, a percentage water, a percentage aloe-barbadensis leaf juice, a percentage glycerin, a percentage stearic acid, a percentage glyceryl, a percentage cetyl alcohol, a percentage safflower seed oil, and a percentage lanolin.
US08580877B2 Construction comprising tie layer
A vulcanizable layered composition comprising at least two layers and at least one tie layer, wherein the first layer of the two layers is a fluid permeation prevention layer preferably comprising: (A) at least one thermoplastic engineering component and (B) at least one elastomer component; the second layer of the two layers comprises at least one high diene rubber and the tie layer comprises a mixture of: (1) at least one halogenated isobutylene containing elastomer; (2) up to 50 weight % of at least one high diene elastomer; (3) at least one filler; (4) up to 30 weight % of at least one processing oil; (5) at least one tackifier; and (6) a curing system for the elastomers.
US08580868B2 Water-based ink composition, ink set and image forming method
The invention provides a water-based ink composition including: a water-based medium, a colored particle containing a pigment and a water-insoluble polymer dispersant, and a self-dispersing polymer particle including a hydrophilic constituent unit, and a hydrophobic constituent unit derived from alicyclic (meth)acrylate, as well as an ink set comprising the water-based ink composition, and an image forming method using the aqueaous ink composition or the ink set.
US08580863B2 Soft foam, molded product, and shock absorber comprising the molded product
To provide a foam-molded product which is light-weight and superior in formability, flexibility and shock absorbing capacity, and which exhibits favorable tactile impression and excellent safety, as well as a shock absorber using the same that provides favorable feel in wearing.Means for Resolution: When a foam-molded product is used which is produced by including foamed resin particles in a soft resin obtained from a silicone based polymer, as a base resin, produced by curing a liquid resin composition including: (A) a curing agent having at least two hydrosilyl groups in the molecular chain; (B) a polymer which has at least one alkenyl group in the molecular chain, comprises a saturated hydrocarbon unit or an oxyalkylene unit as a repeating unit that constitutes the main chain, and is a linear polymer having a number average molecular weight of no lower than 10,000; and (C) a hydrosilylation catalyst, the product can be suitably used in garments to which it is attached as a shock absorber at an appropriate site such as the front body, the flank part, the back body and the hip around the lumbar.
US08580854B2 Methods of suppression of rage gene expression and rage triggered inflammatory genes by selected age-inhibitors
Accelerated formation of advanced glycation/lipoxidation end products (AGEs/ALEs) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of various diabetic complications. Several natural and synthetic compounds have been proposed and tested as inhibitors of AGE/ALE formation. We have previously reported the therapeutic effects of several new AGE/ALE inhibitors on the prevention of nephropathy and dyslipidemia in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. In this study, we investigated the effects of various concentrations of LR-90 on the progression of renal disease and its effects on AGE and receptor for AGE (RAGE) protein expression on the kidneys of diabetic STZ-rats. In vitro studies were also performed to determine if LR-90 could inhibit the expression of various pro-inflammatory mediators in human monocytic cells.
US08580852B2 2-oxamide inhibitors of phospholipase A2 activity and cellular arachidonate release based on dipeptides and pseudopeptides
The disclosure provides a series of 2-oxoamides based on dipeptides and pseudodipeptides, which were synthesized and their activities toward two human intracellular phospholipases A2 (GIVA CPLA 2 and GVIA 1PLA 2) and one human secretory phospholipase A2 (GV sPLA 2) were evaluated. Derivatives containing a free carboxyl group are selective GIVA cPLA 2 inhibitors. A derivative based on the ethyl ester of an ether pseudodipeptide is the first 2-oxoamide, which preferentially inhibits GVIA iPLA 2. The effect of 2-oxoamides on the generation of arachidonic acid from RAW 264.7 macrophages was also studied. It was found that selective GIVA cPLA 2 inhibitors preferentially inhibited cellular arachidonic acid release; in which one pseudodipeptide gave an IC50 value of 2 μM.
US08580851B2 Ophthalmic solution
The present invention relates to an ophthalmic solution comprising a prostaglandin compound and viscosity-increasing compound. The ophthalmic solution of the invention is excellent in stability and can provide long lasting and increased effect when administrated topically to the eyes of a patient.
US08580848B2 Benzofuran type derivatives, a composition comprising the same for treating or preventing cognitive dysfunction and the use thereof
The present invention relates to the novel benzofuran derivatives, the preparation thereof and the composition comprising the same. The benzofuran derivatives of the present invention showed potent inhibiting activity of beta-amyloid aggregation and cell cytotoxicity resulting in stimulating the proliferation of neuronal cells as well as recovering activity of memory learning injury caused by neuronal cell injury using transformed animal model with beta-amyloid precursor gene, therefore the compounds can be useful in treating or preventing cognitive function disorder.
US08580840B2 Tetracyclic heteroatom containing derivatives useful as sex steroid hormone receptor modulators
The present invention is directed to novel tetracyclic heteroatom containing derivatives, pharmaceutical compositions containing them, their use in the treatment of disorders mediated by one or more sex steroid hormone receptors and processes for their preparation.
US08580835B2 Solid forms of a microbiocide
The present invention relates to novel solid forms of 3-difluoromethyl-1-methyl-1H-pyrazole-4-carboxylic acid (9-isopropyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-1,4-methano-naphthalen-5-yl)-amide, such as crystal modifications and hydrates, compositions comprising these novel solid forms and to the use thereof in the control of disease infestation in cultivated plants.
US08580830B2 Non-mucoadhesive film dosage forms
Orally disintegrating film dosage forms for delivering active pharmaceutical agents, methods of formulating the dosage forms to retard absorption through the oral mucosa, and methods of using the dosage forms for the treatment of various medical conditions are provided.
US08580826B2 Hydroxybenzoate salts of metanicotine compounds
Patients susceptible to or suffering from conditions and disorders, such as central nervous system disorders, are treated by administering to a patient in need thereof compositions that are hydroxybenzoate salts of E-metanicotine-type compounds. The formation of hydroxybenzoate salts of the E-metanicotine compounds is also useful in purifying the E-metanicotine compounds, as the hydroxybenzoate salts tend to crystallize out, leaving impurities such as Z-metanicotine compounds, and compounds where the double bond has migrated, in solution. If desired, the hydroxybenzoate salts can be converted to either the free base (the E-metanicotine) or to another pharmaceutically acceptable salt form.
US08580820B2 Tubulysin compounds with high cytotoxicity, pharmaceutical compositions thereof, and method of use thereof
Tubulysine compounds of formula (A) having a high cytotoxicity wherein: B is selected from CH2, CH2—CH2 or CH2—CH2—CH2, D is an aromatic linker, X1 is alkyl or alkenyl, X2 is selected from the X2a, substituted or non substituted, selected from: aryl, heteroaryl, arylalkyl, cycloalkylalkyl, heterocycloalkylalkyl, or heteroarylalkyl, X2b: alkylene-O-alkyl, wherein alkylene is C2-C10, X2c: CH2—O-alkyl, X3 is selected from H, or together with X4 forms the group ═O, X4 is selected from H, halogen, OH, SH, alkyl, alkenyl, (OR5)n—OR6, OC(O)R7, NR6R7, or together with X4 forms the group ═O, R5 is an alkylene, n is zero or an integer from 1 to 10, R6 and R7, equal to or different from each other, have the following meanings: z1: H, alkyl, z2 substituted or non substituted: aryl, heteroaryl, cycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, arylalkyl, heteroarylalkyl, cycloalkylalkyl, heterocycloalkyl-alkyl, X5 is z2, or has the meaning of z3-alkyl, alkenyl, X6 is selected from NR8R9, OR8, NH—NR8R9, SR8, R10, wherein R8 and R9, equal to or different from each other, have the same meanings of R6, R10 has the same meanings as R6 but excluding H, X7 is z3 or H, X8 is selected from z3, H, halogen, OH, SH, OCH3.
US08580816B2 Carboxylic acid derivatives having an oxazolo[5,4-b]pyridine ring
The invention therefore relates to compounds of the formula I in which X, Y, R1, R2 and R3 have the given meanings. The compounds of the formula I are suitable, for example, for wound healing.
US08580812B2 Heteroaryl amide analogues as P2X7 antagonists
Heteroaryl amide analogues are provided, of Formula (I), wherein variables are as described herein. Such compounds are ligands that may be used to modulate specific receptor activity in vivo or in vitro, and are particularly useful in the treatment of conditions associated with pathological receptor activation in humans, domesticated companion animals and livestock animals. Pharmaceutical compositions and methods for using such compounds to treat such disorders are provided, as are methods for using such ligands for receptor localization studies.
US08580799B2 Fungicide hydroximoyl-heterocycles derivatives
The present invention relates to hydroximoyl-heterocycle derivatives of formula (I) wherein T represents a substituted or non-substituted heterocyclyl group, Q represents a carbo or heterocyclic group, A represent a carbo or heterocyclic group or a carbo or hetero-polycylic group, and L1 represents various linking groups, their process of preparation, intermediate compounds for their preparation, their use as fungicide active agents, particularly in the form of fungicide compositions, and methods for the control of phytopathogenic fungi, notably of plants, using these compounds or compositions.
US08580789B2 Treating glaucoma
Provided herein are methods of protecting all or a portion of the optic nerve fiber layer within the optic nerve/lamina cribrosa (ONLC) complex in an individual in need thereof, comprising administering to the individual a therapeutically effective amount of an agent that results in crosslinking of collagen in the indiviudal's peripapillary sclera, thereby stiffening the individual's peripapillary sclera and protecting all or a portion of the optic nerve fiber layer within the ONLC of the individual. In a particular embodiment, the invention is directed to methods of treating glaucoma in an individual in need thereof, comprising administering to the individual a therapeutically effective amount of an agent that results in crosslinking of collagen in the indiviudal's peripapillary sclera, thereby stiffening the individual's peripapillary sclera and treating the glaucoma in the individual. In yet another embodiment, the invention is directed to methods of treating glaucomatous optic neuropathy in an individual in need thereof, comprising administering to the individual a therapeutically effective amount of an agent that results in crosslinking of collagen in the indiviudal's peripapillary sclera, thereby stiffening the individual's peripapillary sclera and treating the glaucomatous optic neuropathy in the individual. The method can further comprise administering to the individual a therapeutically effective amount of an agent that results in crosslinking of collagen in the indiviudal's lamina cribrosa (LC).
US08580786B2 Triazine derivatives and their therapeutical applications
The invention provides for Triazine derivatives and their use to modulate protein kinase activity in a variety of conditions and diseases.
US08580782B2 Substituted pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidines as cyclin dependent kinase inhibitors
In its many embodiments, the present invention provides a novel class of pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine compounds as inhibitors of cyclin dependent kinases, methods of preparing such compounds, compositions containing one or more such compounds, methods of preparing pharmaceutical formulations comprising one or more such compounds, and methods of treatment, prevention, inhibition, or amelioration of one or more diseases associated with the CDKs using such compounds or compositions.
US08580781B2 Pyridazinone derivatives
Compounds of the formula (I), in which R1, R2, R3, R4, R4′ have the meanings indicated in claim 1, are inhibitors of tyrosine kinases, in particular Met kinase, and can be employed, inter alia, for the treatment of tumors.
US08580769B2 Treatment of obesity, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes with protein kinase C inhibitors
Disclosed herein are methods for treating obesity, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, or a combination of these conditions. The methods include selecting a subject with obesity, metabolic syndrome, or diabetes and administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a composition comprising a compound that specifically inhibits hepatic protein kinase C (PKC)-ι, thereby treating the obesity, metabolic syndrome, or diabetes in the subject. In some embodiments the compound that specifically inhibits hepatic PKC-ι includes a thio-gold compound (such as aurothiomalate, aurothioglucose, and auranofin) or a derivative thereof, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. In other embodiments, the compound that specifically inhibits hepatic PKC-ι includes 1H-imidazole-4-carboxamide, 5-amino-1-[2,3-dihydroxy-4-[(phosphonooxy)methyl]cyclopentyl]-[1R-(1α,2β,3β,4α)] (ICAPP) or a derivative thereof, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
US08580767B2 Oxazolidinone containing dimer compounds, compositions and methods to make and use
Dosage forms or pharmaceutical compositions comprise a compound having the structure of Formula IV: wherein n is a non-negative integer; wherein each Z is an oxazolidinone-containing moiety having antibiotic activity in vivo upon cleaving, wherein M is independently OR1 or NR1R2; wherein R1 and R2 are independently selected from the group consisting of H, an optionally-substituted hydrocarbyl residue or a pharmaceutically acceptable cation; wherein the compound in the dosage form or a pharmaceutical composition is present in an amount effective for treating or preventing an antibacterial infection in a mammalian subject. Methods of preparing and using these dosage forms or pharmaceutical compositions are also disclosed.
US08580761B2 Bispecific antisense oligonucleotides that inhibit IGFBP-2 and IGFBP-5 and methods of using same
Bispecific antisense oligonucleotides which consist essentially of a sequence of bases that is complementary to portions of both the gene encoding human IGFBP-2 and the gene encoding human IGFBP-5 are useful in as antisense therapeutics in the treatment of endocrine-regulated cancers.
US08580747B2 Cyclic natriuretic peptide constructs
Cyclic constructs with an N-terminus and a C-terminus which bind to a natriuretic peptide receptor and include a plurality of amino acid residues, at least one amino acid surrogate of formula I: where R, R′, Q, Y, W, Z, J, x and n are as defined in the specification, and optionally at least one prosthetic group, pharmaceutical compositions including such cyclic constructs, and methods of treating congestive heart failure or other conditions, syndromes or diseases for which induction of anti-hypertensive, cardiovascular, renal or endocrine effects are desired.
US08580742B2 Topical glutathione formulations for menopausal skin
Topical compositions to address menopausal skin conditions comprise an effective amount of S-acyl glutathione derivative and a carrier. Methods for addressing menopausal skin conditions comprise applying a composition containing S-acyl glutathione derivative in a dermatologically acceptable carrier to skin tissue. The acyl group is a saturated or unsaturated aliphatic C12-C24 group, preferably an unsaturated C16-C24 group, most preferably an unsaturated C18 group. In particularly preferred embodiments, the acyl group is a linoleoyl group.
US08580727B2 Reduced caustic laundry detergents based on extended chain surfactants
The invention discloses synergistic combinations of surfactants blends and cleaning composition. In certain embodiments a surfactant system is disclosed which includes extended anionic surfactants, linker surfactants, and a multiply charged cation component. This system forms emulsions with, and can remove greasy and oily stains, even those comprised of non-trans fats. In another embodiment anionic surfactants are combined with a solvent, and amine oxide to remove sunscreen stains. The compositions may be used alone, as a pre-spotter or other pre-treatment or as a part of a soft surface or hard surface cleaning composition.
US08580724B2 Metal loss inhibitor formulations and processes
In one embodiment, a metal loss inhibitor concentrate is provided which contains water, (A) a component of dissolved organic compounds and polymers that contain at least two hydroxy moieties per molecule and an average of at least 0.4 hydroxy moieties per carbon atom; (B) a thiourea component; and (C) a dissolved component containing aryl and quaternary ammonium moieties; and, optionally: (D) a wetting agent, such as a component of an ethoxylate of an alcohol. Such solutions form useful inhibitor concentrates when combined with aqueous chelating cleaning solutions, wherein such solutions, when contacted with a metal surface, are effective in removing scale, smut and other deposits from the metal surface but exhibit a reduced tendency to attack or unduly etch the metal itself, or to inhibit the subsequent desired oxidation and dissolution of metallic copper deposits.
US08580718B2 Multi-ring antioxidants with antiwear properties
Described are multi-ring antioxidant products comprising at least one sulfur-bridged aromatic hydrocarbon compound substituted on at least one of its aromatic rings by at least one sterically hindered 3,5-dihydrocarbyl-4-hydroxybenzyl moiety. Such products have the formula: R—Sn—R[—S—R]m wherein each R is, independently, an aromatic hydrocarbon group having 6-12 carbon atoms, wherein m is 0-20, wherein n is 1-6 when m is 0, and when n is 1, m is 1-20; and wherein at least one of R, R1, and R2 is substituted by at least one such sterically hindered moiety. The preparation of such products and their use as antioxidants in compositions normally susceptible to oxidative degradation in oxygen or air, e.g., liquid fuel and lubricants, are also described.
US08580714B2 Methods of affinity maturing antibodies
The invention relates to methods of affinity maturing antibodies.
US08580707B2 Use of abscisic acid on ornamental plants
The present invention describes a method for increasing the drought tolerance of selected ornamental plants comprising administering abscisic acid (ABA) or its salts to said plants.
US08580695B2 Method of fabricating a semiconductor device
A method of fabricating a semiconductor device for improving the performance of “Σ” shaped embedded source/drain regions is disclosed. A “U” shaped recess is formed in a Si substrate. The recess is treated with a surfactant, the amount of surfactant adsorbed on the recess sidewalls being greater than that on the recess bottom. An oxide is formed on the bottom. The presence of surfactant on the sidewalls, prevents oxide from forming thereon. The surfactant on the sidewalls is then removed and an orientation selective wet etching process is performed on the sidewalls. The oxide protects the Si at the bottom is from being etched.
US08580690B2 Process of planarizing a wafer with a large step height and/or surface area features
A blanket stop layer is conformally formed on a layer with a large step height. A first chemical mechanical polishing process is performed to remove the blanket stop layer atop the layer in the raised region. A second chemical mechanical polishing process is performed to planarize the wafer using the blanket stop layer as a stop layer when the layer is lower than or at a same level as the blanket stop layer or using the layer as a stop layer when the blanket stop layer is lower than or at a same level as the layer, or a selective dry etch is performed to remove the layer in the raised region. Thus, the layer in the raised region can be easily removed without occurrence of dishing in the non-raised region which is protected by the blanket stop layer.
US08580689B2 Plasma processing method
The present invention provides a dry etching method capable of readily providing rounded top edge portions, called top rounds, at trenches and vias formed by removal of a dummy material. The method of the present invention is a dry etching method for forming trenches or vias by removing a dummy material with its periphery surrounded by an interlayer oxide film, which method includes the steps of etching the dummy material to a predetermined depth, performing isotropic etching after the dummy material etching, and removing remaining part of the dummy material after the isotropic etching.
US08580688B2 Copper interconnection structure and method for forming copper interconnections
A copper interconnection structure includes an insulating layer, an interconnection body including copper in an opening provided on the insulating layer, and a diffusion barrier layer formed between the insulating layer and the interconnection body. The diffusion barrier layer includes an oxide layer including manganese having a compositional ratio of oxygen to manganese (y/x) less than 2.
US08580686B1 Silicidation and/or germanidation on SiGe or Ge by cosputtering Ni and Ge and using an intralayer for thermal stability
Formation of a semiconductor device with NiGe or NiSiGe and with reduced consumption of underlying Ge or SiGe is provided. Embodiments include co-sputtering nickel (Ni) and germanium (Ge), forming a first Ni/Ge layer on a Ge or silicon germanium (SiGe) active layer, depositing titanium (Ti) on the first Ni/Ge or Ni/Si/Ge layer, forming a Ti intermediate layer, co-sputtering Ni and Ge on the Ti intermediate layer, forming a second Ni/Ge layer, and performing a rapid thermal anneal (RTA) process.
US08580679B2 Designs and methods for conductive bumps
Methods, techniques, and structures relating to die packaging. In one exemplary implementation, a die package interconnect structure includes a semiconductor substrate and a first conducting layer in contact with the semiconductor substrate. The first conducting layer may include a base layer metal. The base layer metal may include Cu. The exemplary implementation may also include a diffusion barrier in contact with the first conducting layer and a wetting layer on top of the diffusion barrier. A bump layer may reside on top of the wetting layer, in which the bump layer may include Sn, and Sn may be electroplated. The diffusion barrier may be electroless and may be adapted to prevent Cu and Sn from diffusing through the diffusion barrier. Furthermore, the diffusion barrier may be further adapted to suppress a whisker-type formation in the bump layer.
US08580677B2 Method of manufacturing substrate including thin film transistor
A substrate including a thin film transistor, the substrate including an active layer disposed on the substrate, the active layer including a channel area and source and drain areas, a gate electrode disposed on the active layer, the channel area corresponding to the gate electrode, a gate insulating layer interposed between the active layer and the gate electrode, an interlayer insulating layer disposed to cover the active layer and the gate electrode, the interlayer insulating layer having first and second contact holes partially exposing the active layer, source and drain electrodes disposed on the interlayer insulating layer, the source and drain areas corresponding to the source and drain electrodes, and ohmic contact layers, the ohmic contact layers being interposed between the interlayer insulating layer and the source and drain electrodes, and contacting the source and drain areas through the first and second contact holes.
US08580675B2 Two-track cross-connect in double-patterned structure using rectangular via
An integrated circuit may be formed by forming a first interconnect pattern in a first plurality of parallel route tracks, and forming a second interconnect pattern in a second plurality of parallel route tracks, in which the second plurality of route tracks are alternated with the first plurality of route tracks. The first interconnect pattern includes a first lead pattern and the second interconnect pattern includes a second lead pattern, such that the route track containing the first lead pattern is immediately adjacent to the route track containing the second lead pattern. Metal interconnect lines are formed in the first interconnect pattern and the second interconnect pattern. A stretch crossconnect is formed in a vertical connecting level, such as a via or contact level, which electrically connects only the first lead and the second lead. The stretch crossconnect is formed concurrently with other vertical interconnect elements.
US08580672B2 Methods of forming bump structures that include a protection layer
One illustrative method disclosed herein includes forming a conductive pad in a layer of insulating material, forming a passivation layer above the conductive pad, performing at least one etching process on the passivation layer to define an opening in the passivation layer that exposes at least a portion of the conductive pad, forming a protective layer on the passivation layer, in the opening and on the exposed portion of the conductive pad, forming a heat-curable material layer above the protective layer, performing an etching process to define a patterned heat-curable material layer having an opening that exposes a portion of the protective layer, performing an etching process on the protective layer to thereby expose at least a portion of the conductive pad and forming a conductive bump that is conductively coupled to the conductive pad.
US08580667B2 Self aligned trench MOSFET with integrated diode
Transistor devices can be fabricated with an integrated diode using a self-alignment. The device includes a doped semiconductor substrate having one or more electrically insulated gate electrodes formed in trenches in the substrate. One or more body regions are formed in a top portion of the substrate proximate each gate trench. One or more source regions are formed in a self-aligned fashion in a top portion of the body regions proximate each gate trench. One or more thick insulator portions are formed over the gate electrodes on a top surface of the substrate with spaces between adjacent thick insulator portions. A metal is formed on top of the substrate over the thick insulator portions. The metal forms a self-aligned contact to the substrate through the spaces between the thick insulator portions. An integrated diode is formed under the self-aligned contact.
US08580664B2 Method for forming ultra-shallow boron doping regions by solid phase diffusion
A method for forming an ultra-shallow boron dopant region in a substrate is provided. In one embodiment, the method includes depositing, by atomic layer deposition (ALD), a boron dopant layer in direct contact with the substrate, where the boron dopant layer contains an oxide, a nitride, or an oxynitride formed by alternating gaseous exposures of boron amide precursor or an organoboron precursor and a reactant gas. The method further includes patterning the dopant layer and forming an ultra-shallow dopant region in the substrate by diffusing boron from the boron dopant layer into the substrate by a thermal treatment.
US08580658B1 Methods for fabricating graphene device topography and devices formed therefrom
Methods for forming graphite-based structures, in which a substrate is patterned to form a plurality of elements on the substrate, are provided. A trench separates a first element from an adjacent element in the plurality. The surface of the first element and the surface of the trench (i) are respectively characterized by different first and second elevations and (ii) are separated by a side wall of the first element. Orthogonal projections of the surface of the first element and the surface of the trench onto a common plane are contiguous or overlapping. In the method, a first graphene layer on the entire first surface and a second graphene layer on the entire second surface are concurrently generated. The second graphene layer has a thickness that is less than a difference between the first and second elevations. Thus, a graphite-based structure having isolated first and second graphene layers is formed.
US08580652B2 Semiconductor device and manufacturing method thereof
According to one embodiment, a manufacturing method of a semiconductor device is disclosed. The semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate having first and second main surfaces, and a through hole passing through between the first and second main surfaces, a pad on the first main surface, a through electrode in the through hole, and a connection structure including a connection portion to directly connect the pad and the through electrode, and another connection portion to indirectly connect the pad and the through electrode. The method includes forming an isolation region in the first main surface, the isolation region being in a region where the through electrode is to be formed and being in a region other than the region where the through hole is to be formed, forming the pad, and forming the through hole by processing the substrate to expose a part of the pad.
US08580646B2 Method of fabricating field effect transistors with low k sidewall spacers
Field effect transistors and method for forming filed effect transistors. The field effect transistors including: a gate dielectric on a channel region in a semiconductor substrate; a gate electrode on the gate dielectric; respective source/drains in the substrate on opposite sides of the channel region; sidewall spacers on opposite sides of the gate electrode proximate to the source/drains; and wherein the sidewall spacers comprise a material having a dielectric constant lower than that of silicon dioxide and capable of absorbing laser radiation.
US08580643B2 Threshold voltage adjustment in a Fin transistor by corner implantation
When forming sophisticated multiple gate transistors and planar transistors in a common manufacturing sequence, the threshold voltage characteristics of the multiple gate transistors may be intentionally “degraded” by selectively incorporating a dopant species into corner areas of the semiconductor fins, thereby obtaining a superior adaptation of the threshold voltage characteristics of multiple gate transistors and planar transistors. In advantageous embodiments, the incorporation of the dopant species may be accomplished by using the hard mask, which is also used for patterning the self-aligned semiconductor fins.
US08580640B2 Manufacturing process of a power electronic device integrated in a semiconductor substrate with wide band gap and electronic device thus obtained
An embodiment of a process for manufacturing an electronic device on a semiconductor body of a material with wide forbidden bandgap having a first conductivity type. The process comprises the steps of: forming, on the semiconductor body, a first mask having a first window and a second window above a first surface portion and a second surface portion of the semiconductor body; forming, within the first and second surface portions of the semiconductor body underneath the first and second windows, at least one first conductive region and one second conductive region having a second conductivity type, the first conductive region and the second conductive region facing one another; forming a second mask on the semiconductor body, the second mask having a plurality of windows above surface portions of the first conductive region and the second conductive region; forming, within the first conductive region and the second conductive region and underneath the plurality of windows, a plurality of third conductive regions having the first conductivity type; removing completely the first and second masks; performing an activation thermal process of the first, second, and third conductive regions at a high temperature; and forming body and source regions.
US08580637B2 Method of patterning a semiconductor device having improved spacing and shape control and a semiconductor device
A pattern on a semiconductor substrate is formed using two separate etching processes. The first etching process removes a portion of an intermediate layer above an active region of the substrate. The second etching process exposes a portion of the active region of the substrate. A semiconductor device formed using the patterning method has a decreased mask error enhancement factor and increased critical dimension uniformity than the prior art.
US08580632B2 Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing same
To provide a semiconductor device and a method of manufacturing the same capable of suppressing, when a plurality of MIS transistors having different absolute values of threshold voltage is used, the reduction of the drive current of a MIS transistor having a greater absolute value of threshold voltage.The threshold voltage of a second nMIS transistor is greater than the threshold voltage of a first nMIS transistor and the sum of the concentration of lanthanum atom and the concentration of magnesium atom in a second nMIS high-k film included in the second nMIS transistor is lower than the sum of the concentration of lanthanum atom and the concentration of magnesium atom in a first nMIS high-k film included in the first nMIS transistor.
US08580631B2 High sheet resistor in CMOS flow
An integrated circuit containing CMOS gates and a counterdoped polysilicon gate material resistor which has a body region that is implanted concurrently with the NSD layers of the NMOS transistors of the CMOS gates and concurrently with the PSD layers of the PMOS transistors of the CMOS gates, and has a resistor silicide block layer over the body region which is formed of separate material from the sidewall spacers on the CMOS gates. A process of forming an integrated circuit containing CMOS gates and a counterdoped polysilicon gate material resistor which implants the body region of the resistor concurrently with the NSD layers of the NMOS transistors of the CMOS gates and concurrently with the PSD layers of the PMOS transistors of the CMOS gates, and forms a resistor silicide block layer over the body region of separate material from the sidewall spacers on the CMOS gates.
US08580608B2 Fabrication method of package structure having embedded semiconductor component
A package structure having an embedded semiconductor component, includes: a chip having an active surface with electrode pads and an inactive surface opposite to the active surface; a first insulating protection layer having a chip mounting area for the chip to be mounted thereon via the active surface thereof; a plurality of connection columns disposed in the first insulating protection layer at positions corresponding to the electrode pads and electrically connected to the electrode pads via solder bumps; an encapsulant formed on one surface of the first insulating protection layer having the chip mounted thereon for encapsulating the chip; and a built-up structure formed on the other surface of the first insulating protection layer and the connection columns. Due to the bending resistance of the encapuslant, the warpage of the built-up structure is prevented.
US08580605B2 Reduction of the effects of cap-like projections, due to laser ablation of a metal level by using a non-crosslinked light or heat-crosslinkable polymer layer
A laser-crosslinkable material appearing in non-crosslinked or partially crosslinked form is used to protect, during a laser etching, the electrodes of an organic transistor.
US08580598B2 Image sensor and method of manufacturing the same
Disclosed are an image sensor and a method of manufacturing the same. A metal wiring consisting of a lower metal wiring, an upper metal wiring, and a plug connecting the lower and upper metal wirings, in which the lower and upper metal wiring are made of a transparent conductive film pattern, is formed on a substrate with devices formed thereon, the devices including a photodiode and gate electrodes. Then, a passivation film, a color filter, and a microlens are sequentially formed on the metal wiring. All or a portion of the metal wiring is formed in a transparent conductive film pattern. As such, the metal wiring is formed on the photodiode.
US08580597B2 Making of a microelectronic device including a monocrystalline silicon NEMS component and a transistor the gate of which is made in the same layer as the mobile structure of this component
A method for making a microelectronic device including, on a same substrate, at least one electro-mechanical component including a mobile structure of a monocrystalline semi-conductor material and a mechanism actuating and/or detecting the mobile structure, and with at least one transistor. The method a) provides a substrate including at least one first semi-conducting layer including at least one region in which a channel area of the transistor is provided, b) etches a second semi-conducting layer based on a given semi-conductor material, lying on an insulating layer placed on the first semi-conducting layer, to form at least one pattern of the mobile structure of the component in an area of monocrystalline semi-conductor material of the second semi-conducting layer, and at least one pattern of gate of the transistor on a gate dielectric area located facing the given region.
US08580591B2 Method of manufacturing vertical pin diodes
The invention concerns a method of manufacturing a vertical PIN diode comprising: providing an epitaxial wafer comprising a vertically stacked N-type layer, intrinsic layer and P-type layer; forming an anode contact of the vertical PIN diode by forming an anode metallization on a first portion of the P-type layer defining an anode region; forming an electrically insulating layer around the anode region such that a first portion of the intrinsic layer extends vertically between the N-type layer and the anode region and second portions of the intrinsic layer extend vertically between the N-type layer and the electrically insulating layer; forming a trench in the electrically insulating layer and in the second portions of the intrinsic layer so as to expose a portion of the N-type layer defining a cathode region and to define a sacrificial side-guard ring consisting of a portion of the electrically insulating layer that extends laterally between the trench and the anode region and laterally surrounds said anode region; and forming a cathode contact of the vertical PIN diode by forming a cathode metallization on the exposed portion of the N-type layer defining the cathode region.
US08580570B2 Narrow bore porous layer open tube capillary column and uses thereof
A polymer-based PLOT capillary column prepared by in situ copolymerization of a functional monomer, which usually contains the retentive chemistries, and a crosslinking monomer, which enhances the strength of the polymer matrix, is disclosed. Also disclosed is a system comprising the polymer-based PLOT column coupled to a mass flow or concentration sensitive detector, for carrying out a chemical analysis method on samples separated by liquid chromatography using the column, and a process for using the system. Columns of the invention can be prepared in a robust fashion with a very narrow i.d., e.g., 5-15 μm. Thus, they are suitable for commercial use in ultratrace LC/MS proteomic analysis. Columns according to the invention are characterized by high resolving power and high column-to-column reproducibility. When these columns are coupled on-line with, e.g., ESI-MS detection, the resulting systems are capable of detecting the component parts of complex proteomic samples down to the low attomole to sub-attomole level.
US08580558B2 Methods for isolation, use and analysis of ferritin
This invention provides methods of isolating ferritin from plant and animal material. The isolated ferritin can be administered to humans or animals in need of iron, and can be used to treat or supplement iron deficiency. The isolated ferritin can be used in industrial applications, such as increasing the iron content in heat-processed food or beverages. The methods of the invention also include quantitation of iron derived from plant or animal ferritin.
US08580557B2 Casein hydrolyzate, process for producing the same and use thereof
The present invention relates to a casein hydrolysate containing free amino acids and in vivo indigestible peptides having minimally suppressed in vivo enzymatic digestibility, and expected to express functions, such as hypotensive effect, in living organism, and to a method for preparing such a hydrolysate, and use thereof. The casein hydrolysate of the present invention contains free amino acids and peptides, such as in vivo indigestible peptides including Xaa-Pro and Xaa-Pro-Pro, obtained by hydrolyzing animal milk casein to have an average chain length of not longer than 2.1 in terms of the number of amino acid residues, and has ACE inhibitory activity or hypotensive effect.
US08580552B2 Method for treating cellulosic material and CBHII/CEL6A enzymes useful therein
The present invention relates to the production of sugar hydrolysates from cellulosic material. The method may be used, for example for producing fermentable sugars for the production of bioethanol from lignocellulosic material. Cellulolytic enzymes and their production by recombinant technology are described, as well as uses of the enzymes and enzyme preparations.
US08580551B2 Dispersin B polypeptides and uses thereof
Isolated nucleic acid sequences and amino acid sequences for soluble, β-N-acetylglucosaminidase or active fragments or variants thereof which promote detachment of bacterial cells from a biofilm are provided. An isolated mutant bacteria which forms biofilm colonies which tightly adhere to surface but which are unable to release cells into the medium or spread over the surface is also provided. In additions, methods are described for modulating detachment of bacterial cells from biofilm by mutating soluble, β-N-acetylglucosaminidase or altering its expression or activity are also provided. Also provided are compositions, methods and devices for preventing, inhibiting and treating bacterial infections.
US08580545B2 Biodegradable linkers for molecular therapies
A method and a composition for delivery of a biomaterial to an animal cell or a tissue, the composition includes (a) a biomaterial; (b) a biodegradable cross-linker portion having a hydrolyzable bond, wherein the biodegradable cross-linker portion is covalently bound to the biomaterial; and (c) a substrate, wherein the substrate is covalently bound to the biodegradable cross-linker portion, provided that the biodegradable cross-linker is adapted to hydrolyze by breaking the hydrolyzable bond and thereby release and deliver the biomaterial. A process of making the composition is also provided.
US08580538B2 Enzymatic production of an ethylenically unsaturated glycoside
Ethylenically unsaturated glycosides of the formula I: wherein n, A, X, R3 and R4 have the meanings given in the description are produced by reacting an ethylenically unsaturated alcohol of formula II: with a saccharide of formula III: in the presence of a glucosidase at a molar ratio of the alcohol to the saccharide of from 2:1 to 30:1 in the presence of a solvent mixture of water and 1,4-dioxane at a weight ratio of 0.1:1 to 9:1 and a weight ratio of solvent mixture to saccharide of from 3:1 to 30:1.
US08580534B2 Method for incorporation of two oxygen atoms into digested peptides using peptidases
A method for comparative proteomics using a peptidase under enzymatic conditions that permits the optimal incorporation of two oxygen atoms into a digested peptide. The method employs a peptidase to incorporate two 18O atoms into a peptide set derived from a population of proteins at a conditioned state, which is compared to a second peptide set incorporated with a single 16O atom derived from a population of proteins at a second conditioned state. Upon combining the two peptide sets, the populations of proteins are analyzed for qualitative and quantitative differences based on the content of 18O atoms and 16O atoms in the digested peptides using mass spectrometry instrumentation. The method is advantageous to improve the efficiency and timeframe of peptidase catalyzed 18O labeling reactions which increased the accuracy and reliability of quantitative proteomic experiments.
US08580527B2 Methods for identifying compounds which modulate T2R bitter taste receptors
The invention provides isolated nucleic acid and amino acid sequences of taste cell specific G-protein coupled receptors, antibodies to such receptors, methods of detecting such nucleic acids and receptors, and methods of screening for modulators of taste cell specific G-protein coupled receptors.
US08580525B2 Methods of screening for LTRPC7 modulators
The present invention relates to the identification and isolation of a novel family of ATP regulated calcium transmembrane channel polypeptides designated herein as “LTRPC7” (Long Transient Receptor Potential Channel). Channels comprising these polypeptides close in response to concentrations of cytoplasmic ATP in the millimolar range, are subject to inhibition by high intracellular levels of calcium and/or magnesium, and do not respond to depletion or reduction in intracellular calcium stores. The invention further relates to the methods of utilizing LTRPC7 for binding, and the methods for modulating LTRPC7 activity and for measuring LTRPC2 permeability. The invention further relates to the methods of modulating expression of LTRPC7.
US08580517B2 Biosensor and use thereof to identify therapeutic drug molecules and molecules binding orphan receptors
G protein biosensors comprising mammalian G protein subunits fused to fluorescent proteins emitting a FRET signal expressed in living intact functional cells. The intensity of the FRET signal is strongly responsive to the activation state of the biosensors. The biosensors respond reproducibly to agonist and antagonist drug molecules specific for G protein coupled receptors. The biosensors have utility in identifying and classifying candidate therapeutic drugs as to their therapeutic value.
US08580510B2 Tagged oligonucleotides and their use in nucleic acid amplification methods
The present invention provides nucleic acid amplification systems and methods that desirably reduce or eliminate false positive amplification signals resulting from contaminating biological material, e.g., nucleic acid, that may be present in one or more reagents used in an amplification reaction and/or that may be present in the environment in which an amplification reaction is performed. The invention offers the further advantage of requiring less stringent purification and/or sterility efforts than conventionally needed in order to ensure that enzymes and other reagents used in amplification reactions, and the environment in which an amplification reaction is performed, are free of bacterial or other nucleic acid contamination that may yield false positive results.
US08580508B2 Fluorescence energy transfer by competitive hybridization
A method is provided for detecting the presence of nucleotides or monitoring nucleotide amplification. It utilizes fluorescence energy transfer by competitive hybridization. Competitive hybridization is achieved by using unequal length complementary probes which have a fluorophore on one probe and a quencher on the other. The fluorophore and quencher are juxtaposed in a manner wherein the proximity of the quencher to the fluorophore produces quenching of the fluorescence of the fluorophore.
US08580507B2 Methods for multiplexing recombinase polymerase amplification
This disclosure provides for methods and reagents for rapid multiplex RPA reactions and improved methods for detection of multiplex RPA reaction products. In addition, the disclosure provides new methods for eliminating carryover contamination between RPA processes.
US08580502B2 Methods of screening a subject for FHL1 mutations associated with novel X-linked muscular myopathies
Four and a Half LIM domains protein 1 (FHL-1) mutations at positions 128 or 224 that are associated with X-linked muscular myopathy, methods of screening subjects to identify those susceptible to muscular myopathy including muscular dystrophy and cardiomyopathy and kits.
US08580499B2 Detection and/or quantification method of target molecules on a solid support
The present invention relates to a method and device for detecting and/or quantifying one or multiple target molecules present in a solution by quantifying online their binding on specific capture molecules immobilized at different locations (spots) of a surface of an optically transparent solid support without substantial detection of target molecules present in solution. The present invention allows multiple target assays to be performed in a simultaneous detection. More particularly, the invention comprises detecting in real-time the hybridization between capture DNA molecules present on a micro-array and target polynucleotides present in solution. The invention is also related to real-time PCR of multiple targets on a micro-array.
US08580490B1 Markers for screening anti-mycobacterial treatment efficacy
A method for metabolomically evaluating a subject's response to an anti-mycobacterial agent. The method includes the steps of generating multiple small molecule profiles using samples collected from the subject at or immediately prior to the start of treatment and at a times subsequent to the start of treatment with the anti-mycobacterial agent, identifying predetermined biomarkers in the small molecule profiles of the subject and comparing to a known standard established for the agent as an indication of whether the human is benefiting from treatment with the agent. Also provided are methods of monitoring treatment compliance, methods for establishing biomarkers indicative of treatment efficacy and validated biomarkers shown to be effective in assessing efficacy of anti-tuberculosis drugs.
US08580483B2 Method of making nozzle chip
The present disclosure provides a method of making a nozzle chip including a step of forming an ejection orifice row by performing irradiation with light rays using a mask having ejection orifice row patterns that form an ejection orifice row pattern of one nozzle chip when the ejection orifice row patterns are connected to each other through a connection portion. The mask is configured such that, with respect to a direction in which ejection orifices of the ejection orifice row are arranged, an absolute value of off-axis telecentricity of one of the light rays with which an ejection orifice that is at the smallest distance from the connection portion is irradiated is less than an absolute value of off-axis telecentricity of one of the light rays with which an ejection orifice that is at the greatest distance from the connection portion is irradiated.
US08580477B2 Aqueous base-developable negative-tone films based on functionalized norbornene polymers
Embodiments in accordance with the present invention encompass negative-tone, aqueous base developable, self-imageable polymer compositions useful for forming films that can be patterned to create structures for microelectronic devices, microelectronic packaging, microelectromechanical systems, optoelectronic devices and displays.
US08580470B2 Charge control agent composition and toner utilizing the same
A modified charge control agent composition comprising a metal compound (A) of aromatic hydroxycarboxylic acid bonded with a metal atom selected from a zirconium atom, a calcium atom, an aluminum atom, a chromium atom, a boron atom, and a zinc atom via at least one of an ionic bond, a covalent bond, and a coordinate bond; and at least one inorganic pigment (B), wherein the pigment (B) is contained in an amount of from 1 to 20 parts by mass in 100 parts by mass of the composition. The modified charge control agent composition exhibits a high charge-imparting effect, and an electrostatic image developing toner that contains the charge control agent composition will have a high electrostatic charge amount and a high environmental stability.
US08580464B2 Reverse saturable absorbtion sensitizers for optical data storage media and methods for use
The invention relates generally to optical data storage media, and more specifically, to holographic storage media. In one embodiment, an optical storage medium composition includes a polymer matrix. Disposed within the polymer matrix is a reactant capable of undergoing a modification that alters the refractive index of the composition upon receiving an energy transfer from an excited sensitizer. A non-linear sensitizer is also disposed within the polymer matrix, and the sensitizer includes a metal-substituted subphthalocyanine (M-sub-PC) reverse saturable absorber configured to become excited upon exposure to light beyond an intensity threshold at approximately 405 nm and configured to transfer energy to the reactant.
US08580450B2 Fuel cell system
There is provided a fuel cell system. The fuel cell system includes a fuel cell generating electricity and heat by an electrochemical reaction between a fuel and air, a thermoelectric element converting heat, emitted from the fuel cell, into electrical energy, and a heat storage tank storing heat emitted from the thermoelectric element. The fuel cell system includes therein a configuration allowing for the conversion of heat, emitted from a fuel cell, into electricity or the utilization of heat, thereby minimizing the amount of heat that is released at the final stage. Therefore, a reduction in the size of a heat storage tank can be achieved, and the electricity conversion efficiency of a fuel cell can be improved.
US08580445B2 Shutdown strategy to avoid carbon corrosion due to slow hydrogen/air intrusion rates
A fuel cell system including a fuel cell stack having a plurality of fuel cells, each of the fuel cells including an electrolyte membrane disposed between an anode and a cathode, an anode supply manifold in fluid communication with the anodes of the fuel cells, the anode supply manifold providing fluid communication between a source of hydrogen and the anodes, an anode exhaust manifold in fluid communication with the anodes of the fuel cells, and a fan in fluid communication with the anodes of the fuel cells, wherein the fan controls a flow of fluid through the anodes of the fuel cells after the fuel cell system is shutdown.
US08580440B2 Non-aqueous electrolytic solution containing additive for increasing capacity of lithium-ion cell and lithium-ion cell using same
Disclosed are an additive for improving charge/discharge characteristics of a lithium-ion cell, a nonaqueous electrolytic solution containing the additive, and a lithium-ion cell using the additive and/or the nonaqueous electrolytic solution. The additive serves as a solvent for a fluorine resin, such as poly(vinylidene fluoride), which is incorporated as an adhesive in a positive electrode containing a lithium-transition metal oxide capable of absorbing and releasing lithium and a negative electrode containing a carbon material capable of absorbing and releasing lithium. The additive comprises three compounds selected, respectively, from a 2-pyrrolidinone compound group, a cyclic alkyl compound group, and a cyclic pentanone compound group.
US08580427B2 Assembled battery
In this assembled battery, connections between electrode terminals of electrical cells and connection members for the electrode terminal are reliably maintained for a long period of time. The electrode terminal is formed in a tapered pillar shape whose width decreases from the front end of the electrode terminal toward a battery case. Also, a groove, which is shaped from the front end toward the battery case and divides at least a portion of the front end into segmented portions, is provided to the electrode terminal. The segmented portions are elastically deformable to move close to or away from each other. The bus bar (connection member for the electrode terminals) includes a through-hole whose width decreases from the front end of the electrode terminal toward a battery case. The bus bar is fitted to the electrical terminal, by elastically deforming and moving the segmented portions close to each other.
US08580420B2 Cable-type secondary battery
Provided is a cable-type secondary battery including an electrode assembly having a horizontal cross section of a predetermined shape and extending longitudinally, and a wire-type outer current collector wound on the outer surface of the electrode assembly, the electrode assembly including an inner current collector, an anode active material layer, and an electrolyte layer, and a cathode active material layer; the wire-type outer current collector has excellent flexibility and a predetermined level of elasticity, and thus, improves the flexibility of the entire cable-type secondary battery and prevents a short circuit from occurring and the active material from falling off from the active material layer, due to the deformation of the cable-type secondary battery.
US08580414B2 Micro gap flow through electrochemical devices with self adjusting reactive surfaces
Contemplated electrochemical devices and methods include an electrolyte flow path in which substantially all of the electrolyte has laminar flow. A segmented electrode contacts the electrolyte, and each of the segments in the segmented electrode is preferably coupled to a control device to provide control over the flow of current to and/or from the electrolyte. Thus, it should be appreciated that the redox state of the electrolyte can be changed in a single-pass through the flow path, which effectively eliminates problems associated with mass transport phenomena and reduced current efficiency.
US08580410B2 Perpendicular magnetic recording medium and process for manufacture thereof
An object of the present invention is to provide a perpendicular magnetic recording medium 100 including a magnetic recording layer 122, the medium in which a particle diameter of crystal grains in the magnetic recording layer 122 of a two-layer structure is so designed as to improve an SNR while a high coercive force is maintained. In a method of manufacturing the perpendicular magnetic recording medium 100 according to the present invention, the perpendicular magnetic recording medium 100 includes at least a ground layer 118, a first magnetic recording layer 122a, and a second magnetic recording layer 122b in this order on a disk base 110; the first magnetic recording layer 122a and the second magnetic recording layer 122b are ferromagnetic layers each having a granular structure in which a grain boundary part made of a non-magnetic substance is formed between crystal grains each grown in a columnar shape, and A
US08580409B2 Perpendicular magnetic recording media having a dual onset layer
Perpendicular magnetic recording (PMR) media and methods of fabricating PMR media are described. The PMR media includes, among other layers, an underlayer, a first onset layer on the underlayer, a second onset layer on the first onset layer, and a perpendicular magnetic recording layer on the second onset layer. The second onset layer has a magnetic moment which is higher than both a magnetic moment of the first onset layer and a magnetic moment of the perpendicular magnetic recording layer.
US08580406B2 Hard coating film, material coated with hard coating film and die for cold plastic working and method for forming hard coating film
The present invention provides hard coating film which excels conventional surface coating layer in wear resistance, has lower frictional coefficient and better slidability, a material coated with the hard coating film, a die for cold plastic working, and a method for forming the hard coating film. The hard coating film according to the present invention is a hard coating film comprising (NbxM1-x)y(BaCbN1-a-b)1-y, where 0.2≦x≦1.0  Equation (1) 0≦a≦0.3  Equation (2) 0≦1-a-b≦0.5  Equation (3) 0.5≦b≦1  Equation (4) 0.4≦1-y≦0.9  Equation (5) [however, M denotes at least one species of elements belonging to Groups 4a, 5a, and 6a and Si and Al; x, 1-x, a, b, and 1-a-b represent respectively the atomic ratio of Nb, M, B, C and N; and y and 1-y represent respectively the ratio of (NbxM1-x) and (BaCbN1-a-b)].
US08580405B2 Naphthothiophene compound and organic light-emitting device including the same
The present invention provides a novel naphthothiophene compound having a high lowest excited triplet level (T1).
US08580403B2 Organic light-emitting diode, display and illuminating device
According to one embodiment, there is provided an organic light-emitting diode including an anode and a cathode which are arranged apart from each other, and an emissive layer interposed between the anode and the cathode and including a host material and an emitting dopant. The host material includes a polymer containing dibenzothiophene backbones represented by the following formula (1) as repeating units: wherein n is an integer of from 20 to 10,000.
US08580387B1 Polyurea composite armor
A composite armor including a ballistic armor layer and a directly attached polyurea layer. The polyurea layer is the cured reaction product of an isocyanate curing agent and a mixture of diamines having the general formula: H2N-Ph-(C═O)—O—(CH2—CH2—CH2—CH2—O)n—(C═O)-Ph-NH2, wherein in the mixture n in the ranges from 3 to 14 and the weight average value of n is about 9 to 10. Ph represents phenyl. In a preferred embodiment, the polyurea layer is the strike face. The composite armor is useful for light armor applications in which weight is a factor such as military vehicle armor and military boat armor.
US08580384B2 Dielectric materials and methods of preparation and use thereof
Disclosed are dendritic macromolecule-based dielectric compositions (e.g., formulations) and materials (e.g. films) and associated devices. The dendritic macromolecules have branched ends that are functionalized with an organic group that includes at least one 3-40 membered cyclic group.
US08580380B2 Polybenzazole fiber and pyridobisimidazole fiber
To provide fibers which retain the excellent heat resistance and flame retardancy inherent in polybenzazole fibers and pyridobisimidazole fibers, have improved post-processability and neither necessitate considerable change in production process conditions nor require a high-temperature and long-time heating treatment. With respect to the polybenzazole fiber and pyridobisimidazole fiber, in an electron diffraction diagram of a surface layer part (from the surface to 1 μm) of the fibers, the fibers containing a crystal present in a state satisfying that S2/S1 is in a prescribed range, wherein S1 is a diffraction peak area derived from a crystal (200) plane and S2 is a diffraction peak area derived from a plurality of other crystal planes along an equatorial direction profile.
US08580357B2 Liquid crystal display device
A liquid crystal display device includes: a pair of substrates, at least one of which is transparent; a liquid crystal layer placed between the pair of substrates; an electrode group, formed on at least one of the pair of substrates, for applying an electric field to the liquid crystal layer; and an alignment control film placed on at least one of the pair of substrates, in which the alignment control film is formed of polyimide and a precursor of the polyimide, each of the polyimide and the precursor of the polyimide contains, as a material, a specific cyclobutanetetracarboxylic acid dianhydride derivative and aromatic diamine, and the alignment control film is provided with alignment capability by photo-alignment treatment.
US08580346B2 Compositions and methods for restoring aircraft windows and other plastic surfaces
Plastic restoration kits and methods for effectively restoring the light transmission and optical clarity properties to a plastic surface such as an aircraft window. The kits and methods restore plastic surfaces that have been damaged by scratching and/or UV-induced oxidation. The kits and methods employ a polishing composition and optionally a lusterizing composition, each having particles selected so as to polish and lusterize a plastic surface. After polishing and lusterizing, a UV protective composition that forms a hard UV protective coating is applied. The polishing and/or lusterizing compositions may include agglomerated abrasive particles dispersed in a liquid or gel carrier that progressively break down in size when exposed to oxygen and mechanical pressuring during polishing or lusterizing.
US08580344B2 Stamp usage to enhance surface layer functionalization and selectivity
This disclosure provides methods, devices and systems for using a stamp to enhance selectivity between surface layers of a substrate, and to facilitate functionalizing selected layers. An array of flat stamps may be used to concurrently stamp multiple regions of a substrate to transfer one or more substances to the topmost layer or layers of the substrate. If desired, the affected regions of the substrate may be isolated from each other through the use of a reactor plate that, when clamped to the substrate's surface, forms reaction wells in the area of stamping. The stamp area can, if desired, be configured for stamping the substrate after the reactor plate has been fitted, with the individual stamps sized and arranged in a manner that permits stamping within each reaction well. If applied in a combinatorial process, a robotic process may be used to transfer multiple combinations of contact substances and processing chemicals to each reaction well to perform many concurrent processes upon a single substrate (e.g., a single coupon). The methods, devices and systems provided facilitate semiconductor design, optimization and qualification, and may be adapted to production manufacturing.
US08580343B2 Method for fabricating composite carbon nanotube structure
A method for fabricating composite carbon nanotube structure is presented. A carbon nanotube array is provided. A first carbon nanotube structure is drawn from the carbon nanotube array. The first carbon nanotube structure is located on the substrate. A second carbon nanotube structure is grown on a surface of the first carbon nanotube structure to form a composite carbon nanotube structure. A composite carbon nanotube structure is also presented.
US08580334B2 Method of forming electrode of piezoelectric element
An electrode structure of a piezoelectric element is provided. The piezoelectric element 23a (23b) constitutes a piezoelectric actuator 19 attached to an attaching part 30 of an object, to minutely move a movable part 15 of the object relative to a base part 13 of the object according to deformation occurring on the piezoelectric element in response to a power applied state of the piezoelectric element. The electrode structure in response an electrode 41a formed on one of a pair of electrode forming faces 31a and 31b of the piezoelectric element on an inner side of a peripheral zone 31a1, the peripheral zone being defined along the periphery of the electrode forming face 31a on which the electrode is formed. The electrode structure also includes a non-electrode part 51 formed in the peripheral zone. Even if the peripheral zone 31a1 of the electrode forming face 31a having a short-circuit causing possibility touches the attaching part 30, no short circuit occurs.
US08580331B2 Digital manufacture of an electrical circuit
Electrographic printing of one or more multi-channeled layers produces a specialty item. Such electrographic printing includes forming a desired print image, electrographically, on a receiver member utilizing predetermined sized marking particles; and, where desired, forming one or more final multi-channeled layers utilizing marking particles of a predetermined size or size distribution.
US08580330B2 Method of producing a canola protein isolate
Canola protein isolates are provided which contain both albumin and globulin protein fractions that are soluble and transparent in an acidic aqueous environment. The canola protein isolates are completely soluble in water at low pH, low in phytic acid and useful in products for human consumption, pet foods and aquaculture.
US08580326B2 Treating meat from dark-cutting carcasses using an acidification process
A system and method for treating dark-cutter meat includes contacting the meat with one or more acidulants in an amount and for a time sufficient to allow the acidulant to hydrolyze and decrease the pH level of the meat. The acidulant may be added to the meat by injecting, marinating, spraying, or rubbing.
US08580324B2 Fermentation process
Provided is a fermentation process wherein green ripe uncured vanilla beans are incubated with bacillus subtilis in isolated form to convert glucovanillin to vanillin while consistently forming a fully developed well-balanced vanilla aroma without off-notes.
US08580322B2 Enzymatic process
Provided is a process of forming a vanilla extract wherein green ripe vanilla beans are exposed to a high drying temperature, extracted with a solvent, and treated with beta-glucosidase enzyme to convert glucovanillin to vanillin enzymatically, thereby providing a vanilla extract with a good vanillin yield and complex well-balanced vanilla aroma lacking undesirable off-notes.
US08580319B2 Topical compositions comprising fermented extracts of traditional chinese medicinal (TCM) ingredients, and methods of making and using same
The present invention relates to topical compositions containing fermented extracts of Traditional Chinese Medicinal (TCM) ingredients for improving the appearance and skin condition of the user. The topical compositions of the present invention are tailored for different users of different skin compositions according to TCM principles. The fermented TCM extracts are characterized by reduced odor and/or color in comparison with unfermented TCM extracts and are therefore more suitable for use in cosmetic products.
US08580310B2 Controlled release formulations having rapid onset and rapid decline of effective plasma drug concentrations
The invention is directed to oral modified/controlled release drug formulations which provide a rapid initial onset of effect and a prolonged duration of effect. Preferably, the peak concentration is lower than that provided by the reference standard for immediate release formulations of the drug, and the duration of effect falls rapidly at the end of the dosing interval.
US08580305B2 Tablet quickly melting in oral cavity
The object of the present invention is to provide, as a solid preparation for making it easy to take, thus improving patient's compliance etc., an intraorally rapidly disintegrating tablet which can be produced easily without any particular problem by a usual method of producing tablets with a usual tabletting machine, has practically unproblematic hardness, and disintegrate rapidly in the oral cavity. This tablet is produced by tabletting cores coated with a pharmaceutical disintegrating agent, wherein the core is a granule containing a water-soluble medicament or containing a medicament and a sugar.
US08580296B2 Pharmacokinetics of S-adenosylmethionine formulations
Compositions and methods to improve the pharmacokinetic profile of S-Adenosylmethionine (SAMe) are provided, as are methods of treating various disorders using SAMe formulations with improved pharmacokinetic profiles. More specifically, the invention is directed to methods of treating a disease or disorder in a subject and/or improving the nutritional status of a subject by administering formulations exhibiting improved pharmacokinetic profiles of exogenous SAMe. The method also includes the step of orally administering compositions of the invention to the subject once per day after overnight fast; that is prior to food intake in the morning.
US08580295B2 Carbohydrates mixture
A carbohydrate mixture for dietetic foods and pharmaceuticals is provided. The carbohydrate mixture comprises two different, substantially soluble carbohydrate components A and B, which remain undigested in the gastrointestinal tract and enter the large intestine without being resorbed. Carbohydrate component A may comprise at least one monosaccharide or of at least one oligosaccharide (disaccharide to hexasaccharide) or a mixture of two or more of these saccharides. Carbohydrate component B may comprise a polysaccharide (from heptasaccharide onwards) or a mixture of two or more polysaccharides. Carbohydrate component A=5 to 95 wt-% and carbohydrate component B=5 to 95 wt-% of the sum of the carbohydrate components A+B (=100 wt-%), and at least 80 wt-% of the carbohydrates/saccharides of both carbohydrate components have a prebiotic effect. The carbohydrate mixtures have not only a nutritive effect but they also stimulate health-promoting microorganisms present in the natural flora of the large intestine.
US08580294B2 Platinum-catalyzed intravaginal rings
The present invention provides improved intravaginal drug delivery devices, i.e., intravaginal rings, useful for the prophylactic administration of an antimicrobial compound, e.g., Dapivirine, to a human. The intravaginal rings of the invention address previous stability issues by utilizing a platinum catalyst (e.g., in the form of a platinum-siloxane complex) for the cross-linking reaction. The vaginal rings surprisingly achieve relatively high and steady release rates in vivo with a matrix ring containing a relatively small loading dose. While the matrix rings of the present invention have in vivo the steady release rates associated with reservoir rings, they are easier and less expensive to manufacture. The present invention also provides methods of blocking DNA polymerization by an HIV reverse transcriptase enzyme, methods of preventing HIV infection in a female human, methods of treating HIV infection in a female human, and methods of preparing platinum-catalyzed intravaginal rings.
US08580292B2 Sustained release intraocular implants and methods for treating ocular vasculopathies
Biocompatible intraocular implants include an alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist and a polymer associated with the alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist to facilitate release of the alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist into an eye for an extended period of time. The alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist may be associated with a biodegradable polymer matrix, such as a matrix of a two biodegradable polymers. The implants may be placed in an eye to treat one or more ocular conditions, such as an ocular vasculopathy or glaucoma, among others.
US08580290B2 Heparosan-based biomaterials and coatings and methods of production and use thereof
The presently claimed and disclosed invention relates to biomaterial compositions that include an isolated heparosan polymer. The presently claimed and disclosed invention also relates to kits containing such biomaterial compositions, as well as to methods of producing such biomaterial compositions. The presently claimed and disclosed invention further relates to methods of using such biomaterial compositions as surface coatings for implants as well as for augmenting tissues.
US08580288B2 Agricultural or horticultural fungicide composition and its use for controlling plant pathogens
The present invention provides a composition in which a fungicidal effect against a cultivated crop infected by a plant pathogen is stable and highly active. An excellent agricultural or horticultural fungicide composition for controlling a plant pathogen is provided by using (a) at least one imidazole compound represented by formula (I): wherein R represents a C1-6 alkyl group or a C1-6 alkoxy group; and n represents an integer of 1 to 5 and (b) folpet as active ingredients; by combination as compared to a single use of each compound, and a plant pathogen is thereby controlled.
US08580286B2 Compositions and methods for the treatment of skin diseases
Provided herein are chemical matrices, compositions, methods and devices for the treatment of skin diseases and disorders in an individual. Described herein are non-homogenous chemical matrices and compositions comprising an alcohol selected from ethanol, isopropanol or n-propanol, at least one excipient, and, optionally, at least one pharmaceutical agent, wherein the alcohol is distributed within the chemical matrix as a microbubble. Additionally, methods are described for the use of said chemical matrices and compositions for the treatment of skin diseases and disorders.
US08580284B2 Oil-based cosmetic preparation
Abstract Provided is an oil-based cosmetic preparation which retains a smooth feel. Provided is an oil-based cosmetic preparation containing the following components (A), (B), and (C): (A) a cellulose derivative having a cellulose skeleton in a main chain, in which 67 mol % or more in total hydroxyl groups are substituted with a group —O-M-R, wherein M represents CH2 or a carbonyl group C═O, and R represents a straight or branched alkyl or alkenyl group having 3 to 40 carbon atoms; (B) an ester oil which is liquid at 25° C.; and (C) a hydrocarbon oil which is liquid at 25° C., in which a weight ratio (B)/(C) of the component (B) to the component (C) is 8/1 to 1/4.
US08580277B2 Influenza hemagglutinin and neuraminidase variants
Polypeptides, polynucleotides, methods, compositions, and vaccines comprising (avian pandemic) influenza hemagglutinin and neuraminidase variants are provided.
US08580276B2 Genetically stable recombinant modified vaccinia ankara (rMVA) vaccines and methods of preparation thereof
A vaccine comprising an immunologically effective amount of recombinant modified vaccinia Ankara (rMVA) virus which is genetically stable after serial passage and produced by a) constructing a transfer plasmid vector comprising a modified H5 (mH5) promoter operably linked to a DNA sequence encoding a heterologous foreign protein antigen, wherein the expression of said DNA sequence is under the control of the mH5 promoter; b) generating rMVA virus by transfecting one or more plasmid vectors obtained from step a) into wild type MVA virus; c) identifying rMVA virus expressing one or more heterologous foreign protein antigens using one or more selection methods for serial passage; d) conducting serial passage; e) expanding an rMVA virus strain identified by step d); and f) purifying the rMVA viruses from step e) to form the vaccine. One embodiment is directed to a fusion cytomegalovirus (CMV) protein antigen comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding two or more antigenic portions of Immediate-Early Gene-1 or Immediate-Early Gene-2 (IEfusion), wherein the antigenic portions elicit an immune response when expressed by a vaccine.
US08580269B2 Survivin peptides for autoimmune therapies
Compositions and methods for stimulating an immune response against cells that express survivin are provided. The method is suitable for prophylaxis and/or therapy of autoimmune disorders. The method involves administering to an individual a composition that contains a survivin peptide mimic that has a cysteine to methionine alteration at amino acid position 57 of wild type survivin. Fragments of the peptides can also be used.
US08580268B2 CpG oligonucleotide analogs containing hydrophobic T analogs with enhanced immunostimulatory activity
The invention relates to oligonucleotides including at least one lipophilic substituted nucleotide analog and a pyrimidine-purine dinucleotide. The invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions and methods of use thereof.
US08580265B2 Antibody molecules which bind IL-17A and IL-17F
The invention relates to antibody molecules having specificity for antigenic determinants of both IL-17A and IL-17F, therapeutic uses of the antibody molecules and methods for producing said antibody molecules.
US08580263B2 Anti-EGFR family antibodies, bispecific anti-EGFR family antibodies and methods of use thereof
Anti-EGFR family member antibodies and bispecific antibodies comprising one or more anti-EGFR family member antibodies are disclosed. These antibodies can be used to advantage to specifically target forms of cancer associated with the overexpression of members of the EGFR protein family.
US08580249B2 Cell therapy for the treatment of lysosomal storage disorders
The present invention relates to methods for providing lysosomal enzymes to a subject by administering stem cells, preferably Multipotent Adult Progenitor Cells (MAPCs). The invention further relates to methods for treating lysosomal storage disorders by administering stem cells.
US08580248B2 Culture and use of cells that secrete liver secretory factors
The invention relates to an improved method of culturing hepatocyte cells and non-hepatocyte cells that are capable of secreting liver secretory factors and their use in implantable compositions for treating liver diseases and disorders in patients in need thereof.
US08580247B2 PS-1 antibodies in combination with a cytokine-secreting cell and methods of use thereof
The present invention relates to a method of enhancing the anti-tumor response in a mammal. More particularly, the invention is concerned with combinations comprising a cytokine-secreting cell and an anti-PD-1 antibody, and methods of administering the combination for enhanced immune response to tumor cells in a patient with a cancer.
US08580235B2 Hair cosmetic
An object of the present invention is to establish means for reliably incorporating a poorly soluble UV-absorbing agent into a hair cosmetic composition, to thereby provide a hair cosmetic composition which has excellent effect of preventing UV-hair damage and which exhibits favorable sensation in use thereof. Specifically, the object can be attained through provision of a hair cosmetic composition including the following ingredients (1) and (2): (1) a polyoxy(lower alkylene) addition compound represented by formula (I): wherein R represents a phytosterol residue or a phytostanol residue; m is a number from 0 to 100; and n is a number from 5 to 100, and (2) a UV-absorbing agent having a triazine group.
US08580233B2 Tooth whitening compositions and methods
A method of whitening a tooth surface including contacting the surface of a tooth with an efficacious amount of a substantially non-cytotoxic composition. The non-cytotoxic composition includes chlorine dioxide and no more than about 0.25 milligrams oxy-chlorine anions per gram of the composition.
US08580230B2 Materials and methods for MRI contrast agents and drug delivery
A material useful as a MRI contrast agent used for medical imaging, drug delivery platform or other functions are provided as a class of non-gadolinium and non-iron oxide based materials that comprise Prussian blue materials or analogue materials. The materials may be used as T1-weighted and/or T2-weighted MRI contrast agents for imaging, including cellular imaging, in clinical diagnosis and biomedical research applications. The agent is a compound created from Prussian blue materials that is non-toxic, and can be internalized by cells through endocytosis. The Prussian blue materials may also be used for drug delivery applications. The Prussian blue materials may be administered orally to a subject in either medical imaging or drug delivery applications or dual modality MRI-Fluorescence imaging agent.
US08580223B2 Methods and compositions for the separation of single-walled carbon nanotubes
Embodiments herein describe a composition including at least one water-soluble complex having a water-soluble separation agent including a planar portion, at least one pi electron on the planar portion and at least one electron withdrawing group; and a semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotube in an aqueous solution. Further embodiments describe a method of separating metallic single-walled carbon nanotubes and semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotubes including providing carbon nanotubes having an admixture of semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotubes and metallic single-walled carbon nanotubes; and combining the admixture with a water-soluble separation agent in an aqueous solution to form a mixture, in which the water-soluble separation agent includes a planar portion, at least one pi electron on the planar portion and at least one electron withdrawing group.
US08580220B2 Method for producing bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide salt, method for producing fluorosulfate, and method for producing bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide onium salt
According to the method for producing bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide salt of the present invention, the method for producing fluorosulfate, and the method for producing bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide onium salt, first, an aqueous solution is prepared by dissolving a mixed liquid containing bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide and fluorosulfonic acid in water. Then, the aqueous solution is neutralized with an alkaline compound, producing bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide salt and fluorosulfate. In the methods, bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide salt, fluorosulfate, and bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide onium salt can be obtained safely and easily.
US08580218B2 Method of purifying silicon utilizing cascading process
The present invention relates to a method of purifying a material using a metallic solvent. The present invention includes a method of purifying silicon utilizing a cascade process. In a cascade process, as the silicon moves through the purification process, it contacts increasingly pure solvent metal that is moving through the process in an opposite direction.
US08580217B2 Insulating material for electrical machines
An insulating material for an electrical machine that insulates coiled windings is provided. The insulating material includes a carrier material and adhesive coatings on the front and back of the carrier material. The adhesive coatings are mounted and aligned on the front and back of the carrier material in such a way that in the carrier material in the insulation state a direct frictional connection is developed between the adhesive coatings on the front and back.
US08580213B2 Method for recovering nickel from sulfuric acid aqueous solution
A method for recovering nickel from sulfuric acid aqueous solution, for recovering nickel in an effectively utilizable form as a raw material of nickel industry material, by separating efficiently impurity elements of iron, aluminum, manganese, etc., from the sulfuric acid aqueous solution containing nickel and cobalt, and the impurity elements, iron, aluminum, manganese, etc. The method comprises the following steps: subject the sulfuric acid aqueous solution to oxidation neutralization treatment; then subject the solution to neutralization treatment, and separate and recover mixed hydroxides containing nickel and cobalt; subject the mixed hydroxides to dissolution treatment in a sulfuric acid solution having a concentration of equal to or higher than 50% by mass; subject the concentrated solution to solvent extraction treatment, using a phosphate ester-based acidic extraction agent; add a neutralizing agent to the resultant extraction residual liquid; subject the solution to the neutralization treatment, and separate and recover nickel hydroxide generated.
US08580187B2 Melt supply pipe for aluminum die casting
There is provided a melt supply pipe comprising a melt supply pipe body composed of an inner ceramic pipe and an outer steel pipe, the outer steel pipe having a Ni alloy layer formed over the inner circumferential surface, and TiC particles attached to the surface of the Ni alloy layer, wherein grooves are formed at both ends of the melt supply pipe body, each groove forming an annular space overlapping the boundary between the outer circumferential surface of the inner ceramic pipe and the inner circumferential surface of the outer steel pipe, and a fibrous sheet of an inorganic material is inserted into each of the annular grooves such that the sheet extends over the entire circumference of the groove. The melt supply pipe is strong to mechanical impact owing to the use of the steel pipe in combination with the ceramic pipe and can prevent intrusion of an aluminum melt despite the difference in thermal expansion between the steel pipe and the ceramic pipe.
US08580184B2 Hollow fiber mat with soluble warps and method of making hollow fiber bundles
A method of forming hollow fiber bundles includes the step of providing a mat having a plurality of hollow fibers forming a weft and a plurality of soluble fibers forming a warp. Each hollow fiber extends between a first side and an opposed second side of the mat. The mat is bundled so as to form a bundle with the first side of the mat defining a first end of the bundle and the second side of the mat defining a second end of the bundle. At least a portion of the bundle is potted so as to substantially fix a position of the hollow fibers relative to each other. The soluble fibers are at least partially dissolved so as to remove the soluble fibers from the bundle.
US08580182B2 Process of making a molded respirator
A molded respirator is made from a monocomponent monolayer nonwoven web containing a bimodal mass fraction/fiber size mixture of intermingled continuous monocomponent polymeric microfibers and larger size fibers of the same polymeric composition. The respirator is a cup-shaped porous monocomponent monolayer matrix whose matrix fibers are bonded to one another at least some points of fiber intersection. The matrix has a King Stiffness greater than 1 N. The respirator may be formed without requiring stiffening layers, bicomponent fibers, or other reinforcement in the filter media layer.
US08580179B2 Apparatus for moulding a part of a packaging container
An apparatus for molding a thermoplastic package part(s) to an end portion of a container body includes inner and outer mold elements between which a mold cavity per package part is formed. At least one of these mold elements is at least partly freely suspended. When one package part is molded with the mold elements, plastic melt is injected in a first number ≧1 of points in the cavity, an island of plastic melt for each point is formed inside the cavity, and the distribution of the points causes a force center to pass through a surface defined by a parallel projection of each first number of islands on a plane orthogonal to a direction of the compression force, and when the first number >1, a second number of imaginary straight lines interconnecting a third number of parallel projections such that the surface is at its maximum.
US08580176B2 Method of producing composite or bonded metal components
A system for producing composite or bonded metal components including: first and second pressure chambers, each pressure chamber having an elastically deformable chamber wall; means for circulating fluid at an elevated temperature and pressure through each said pressure chamber; and at least one mould assembly including at least one separate mould section providing a mould cavity within which a composite or bonded metal lay-up can be located; wherein when the system is in use, the pressure chambers are held together with the elastically deformable chamber walls located in opposing relation, the at least one mould assembly containing a said lay- up being accommodated between the chamber walls while fluid at elevated temperature and pressure is circulated through each pressure chamber such that the lay-up can be compressed and cured or formed.
US08580173B2 Assembly and a method for extruding a tire component
In order to facilitate the assembly of a tire component like an Off the Road tire shoulder wedge, it is proposed to extrude this component with a high tack compound coating at its periphery by using a dual extruder which otherwise can extrude the tire component with a first high tack compound coating on one side, combined with an assembly for the extruder comprising a splice bar, a holder and a die which are designed to provide a channel deriving and guiding a portion of the high tack compound of the extruder to the stream of compounds before extrusion through the die, on a side opposite to the first coating, thereby providing a coating at almost the whole periphery of the component.
US08580172B2 Method and apparatus for providing multiple tile shapes or appearances of same
A method apparatus and product is provided which includes the use of an S-Tile mold, combined with a scoring/knifing process, which allows for subsequent controlled separation of what would normally be an S-Tile into two separate tile sections each having a general C-shaped cross section. This allows for two types of tiles (S-tiles and Two-Piece Mission tiles) to be made from one type of mold (S-tile). A method, apparatus and product is also provided which includes the use of an S-Tile mold, including or combined with a scoring, knifing, or forming process for providing a channel or other suitable shape, which allows for an S-Tile to be produced which appears to be two separate but cooperating tile sections having a general C-shaped cross section. The longitudinal channel 9 or other shape and or proximate area may also be painted, colored, or otherwise darkened in order to accent a “shadow” effect which causes the eye to better perceive separation of the two portions 6 and 7 of the tile 5. A method is also provided which allows for tiles to be broken or not broken depending on the installer's preference.
US08580170B2 Process for producing a substantially shell-shaped component
Disclosed is a process for producing a substantially shell-shaped component, from substantially carbon-fiber-reinforced synthetic material having at least one local reinforcing zone and at least one stiffening element, in particular a fuselage shell, a wing shell, a vertical stabilizer shell or horizontal stabilizer shell of an aircraft or the like. The process according to the invention comprises the following steps: arranging at least one doubler which has already been cured, on an at most partially cured shell skin to form the local reinforcing zone, applying at least one stiffening element which has already been cured, and placing at least one at most partially cured connecting angle bracket against the at least one stiffening element at least in the region of the at least one doubler, and curing the shell skin and the connecting angle bracket.
US08580164B2 Method of manufacturing mold and method of forming optical film by mold
A method of manufacturing a mold includes following steps. Providing a solution, which includes a solvent, a solute and a plurality of nanoparticles. Providing a first substrate. Spin coating the solution on the first substrate, and then vaporizing the solvent to form a first mold on the first substrate. Thus, an upper surface of the first mold has a plurality of first porous structures. The present invention further includes forming an optical film having protrusion patterns with the aforementioned mold.
US08580159B2 Ink for inkjet recording, ink set for inkjet recording, ink media set for inkjet recording, ink cartridge, inkjet recording method, and inkjet recording apparatus
An ink for inkjet recording containing water, water-soluble organic solvent, water-dispersible resin, fluorochemical surfactant or derivative thereof, and coloring agent containing pigment, where the ink has a surface tension of 20-35 mN/m and viscosity of ≧5 mPa·s at 25° C., total amount of the water-dispersible resin and the coloring agent in the ink is 5-40% by mass, and mass ratio A/B of the water-dispersible resin A to the coloring agent B is 0.5-4, where the ink is applied to a recording medium containing a support containing cellulose pulp, and one or more barrier layers disposed on a face of the support, and where the barrier layer contains ≧30% by mass of inorganic pigment having refractive index of ≧1.5, excluding aluminum hydrate, and ≦10% by mass of inorganic pigment having a refractive index of <1.5.
US08580158B2 Methods of removing silicon dioxide
Some embodiments include methods of removing silicon dioxide in which the silicon dioxide is exposed to a mixture that includes activated hydrogen and at least one primary, secondary, tertiary or quaternary ammonium halide. The mixture may also include one or more of thallium, BX3 and PQ3, where X and Q are halides. Some embodiments include methods of selectively etching undoped silicon dioxide relative to doped silicon dioxide, in which thallium is incorporated into the doped silicon dioxide prior to the etching. Some embodiments include compositions of matter containing silicon dioxide doped with thallium to a concentration of from about 1 weight % to about 10 weight %.
US08580155B2 Method for producing electrode material, electrode material, electrode and battery
Disclosed is a method for producing an electrode material which has high discharge capacity at high charge/discharge rate and enables to realize sufficient charge/discharge rate performance. Also disclosed are an electrode material, an electrode and a lithium ion battery. Specifically disclosed is a method for producing an electrode material, which is characterized in that a slurry containing an electrode active material or a precursor of the electrode active material, and organic compounds each selected from at least two groups among the group A, group B and group C is sprayed and dried for forming a granule, and the thus-formed granule is fired at a temperature not less than 500° C. but not more than 1000° C. in a non-oxidizing atmosphere.
US08580149B2 Barium iodide and strontium iodide crystals and scintillators implementing the same
In one embodiment, a material comprises a crystal comprising strontium iodide providing at least 50,000 photons per MeV. A scintillator radiation detector according to another embodiment includes a scintillator optic comprising europium-doped strontium iodide providing at least 50,000 photons per MeV. A scintillator radiation detector in yet another embodiment includes a scintillator optic comprising SrI2 and BaI2, wherein a ratio of SrI2 to BaI2 is in a range of between 0:1 A method for manufacturing a crystal suitable for use in a scintillator includes mixing strontium iodide-containing crystals with a source of Eu2+, heating the mixture above a melting point of the strontium iodide-containing crystals, and cooling the heated mixture near the seed crystal for growing a crystal. Additional materials, systems, and methods are presented.
US08580148B2 Phosphor and method for producing same
It is an object of the present invention to provide an alkaline earth metal aluminate phosphor having good heat resistance and durability against vacuum ultraviolet rays and ultraviolet rays, among others, and a method of producing the same.An alkaline earth metal aluminate phosphor containing bivalent europium as an activator, which contains at least one element (e) selected from the group consisting of indium, tungsten, niobium, bismuth, molybdenum, tantalum, thallium and lead.
US08580139B2 Dedusting compositions and methods for making and using same
Compositions for reducing the formation of dust and methods for making and using same are provided. The composition can include an emulsion comprising one or more pitches, one or more fatty acids, one or more rosins, or any combination thereof. The composition can also include one or more film forming polymers, one or more oils, or a combination thereof.
US08580129B2 Method for processing a surface
A method for processing a surface involves depositing at least one class of enzymes (2) onto the surface (1); introducing at least a reactant (3) into an environment of the surface (1), and causing interaction between the enzymes (2) and the reactant (3), thereby to cause processing of a region of the surface (1), the processed region of the surface (1) being defined with respect to a region thereof that is proximate (4) to where the enzymes (3) have been deposited.
US08580125B2 Method and apparatus for control of a gas or chemical
A method and system for control of a gas or chemical. In one embodiment, the system comprises a reactor for receipt of a fluid and the gas and/or chemical for dissolving, mixing, diffusing, or infusing the gas and/or chemical into the fluid, and a controller to control the flow of the fluid and the gas and/or chemical into the reactor. In some embodiments, the system may also monitor the operation of the system in accordance with predetermined operating conditions. In at least one embodiment, the system also comprises a gas/chemical generation system for generation of the gas and/or chemical to be introduced into the reactor.
US08580122B2 Hybrid chemical/mechanical method and apparatus for inactivating and removing pharmaceuticals and other contaminants from water
A hybrid chemical/mechanical water treatment plant and method employing rapid sulfur dioxide chemical disinfection and dewatering technology in conjunction with lime and oxidization/reduction agents to removal pharmaceuticals and personal care products from waters to meet operating constraints and environmental permitting restrictions and siting limitations for water treatment.
US08580121B2 Method for monitoring and controlling a process for treatment of a treatable fluid
The present invention relates to a means of monitoring and controlling a process step, or steps for a treatable fluid being processed, whereby a sampled volume of the treated fluid is delivered to a vessel, within which the sampled treated fluid emulates the expected reaction or reactions of the treatable fluid being processed within the process step. The sampled volume of the treated fluid is detained, monitored, recorded and analyzed by the present invention. The resulting data is translated into commands that are conveyed to process control devices which control the processing of the treatable fluid. Sampling and analyzing of the treatable fluid is automatically repeated on a cyclical basis.
US08580117B2 System and method for replacing resist filter to reduce resist filter-induced wafer defects
System and method for replacing a resist filter in such a manner as to reduce filter-induced wafer defects are described. In one embodiment, the system comprises a filtration system connected to a dispenser, the filtration system comprising a filter; and a switch connected to the filter for selectively connecting the filtration system to throughput one of a first chemical solution and a second chemical solution.
US08580115B2 Method for cleaning filtration membrane modules and membrane bioreactor system for treating untreated water or wastewater or activated sludge
A method of cleaning filtration modules for the treatment of raw water, or wastewater, or activated sludge, is provided by circulating particles in untreated water. The deposits located on the filter membrane outer surfaces are removed by the mechanical action of the particles, without significantly damaging the membrane. Initially, untreated water, wastewater, or activated sludge is chemically-mechanically pretreated. Then the untreated water or wastewater polluted with biologically active material is discharged into a membrane bioreactor system having a filtration unit including at least one filtration tank. At least one submerged filtration membrane module is present in the filtration tank. The untreated water or wastewater in this filtration tank is filled with particles and circulates inside the filtration tank. The particles are non-porous, biologically resistant polymer particles. Alternatively, a cleaning tank including a circulating fluid containing particles may be provided for the temporary accommodation of the filtration module.
US08580104B2 Nanotube electrochemistry
An electrode for electrochemical analysis is described, the electrode comprising: an insulating surface; a three-dimensional network of carbon nanotubes situated on the insulating surface; and an electrically conducting material in electrical contact with the carbon nanotubes; wherein the carbon nanotubes are oriented substantially parallel to the insulating surface. Also described is a method of manufacturing the electrode, and a method of electrochemically analysing a solution using electrodes of this type, and an associated assay device or kit.
US08580102B2 Method for the fast macropore etching in n-type silicon
Method for the electrochemical etching of macropores in n-type silicon wafers, using illumination of the wafer reverse sides and using an aqueous electrolyte, characterized in that the electrolyte is an aqueous acetic acid solution with the composition of H2O:CH3COOH in the range between 2:1 and 7:3, with an addition of at least 9 percent by weight hydrofluoric acid.
US08580095B2 Sensor element having improved thermal properties for determining a gas component
A sensor element for determining a gas component in a measuring gas includes a first and a second electrode, a solid electrolyte situated between the electrodes, a heater having a heating element, and an insulation surrounding the heating element, wherein the heating element has a meander pattern having a first external heating area, a second external heating area, a first internal heating area, and a second internal heating area.
US08580094B2 Magnetron design for RF/DC physical vapor deposition
Methods and apparatus to improve target life and deposition uniformity in PVD chambers are provided herein. In some embodiments, a magnetron assembly includes a shunt plate having a central axis, the shunt plate rotatable about the central axis, a first open loop magnetic pole arc coupled to the shunt plate at a first radius from the central axis, and a second open loop magnetic pole arc coupled the shunt plate at a first distance from the first open loop magnetic pole arc, wherein at least one of the first radius varies along the first open loop magnetic pole arc or the first distance varies along the second open loop magnetic pole arc. In some embodiments, a first polarity of the first open loop magnetic pole arc opposes a second polarity of the second open loop magnetic pole arc.
US08580086B2 High concentration NO2 generating system and method for generating high concentration NO2 using the generating system
A high concentration NO2 gas generating system including a circulating path configured by connecting a chamber, a plasma generator, and a circulating means, wherein NO2 is generated by circulating a gas mixture including nitrogen and oxygen in the circulating path is provided. The high concentration NO2 gas generating system provides a high concentration NO2 generating system and the high concentration NO2 generating method using the generating system by which NO2 of high concentration (approximately 500 ppm or above) required for a high level of sterilization process in such as sterilization of medical instruments can be simply and selectively obtained. In addition, since indoor air is used as an ingredient, the management of ingredients is simple and highly safe, and the high concentration of NO2 can be simply and selectively prepared on demand.
US08580084B2 Desalination method using a filter press
A method of water desalination in a filter press may comprise: providing a chamber between two filter plates in the filter press, the chamber being lined by filter cloths; substantially filling the chamber with a plurality of beads; pumping water into the chamber filled with the beads; heating the water in the chamber; and collecting water vapor generated by the heating; wherein salts precipitate in the chamber during the heating. Furthermore, during the heating, the chamber may be vacuum pumped to facilitate removal of water vapor. The beads may be reused in the chambers of the filter press.
US08580081B2 Paper for smoking article having low ignition propensity properties
The invention concerns a paper for smoking article, in particular for a cigarette, comprising areas treated with a coating formulation adapted to reduce the ignition propensity of said treated areas which comprises nanoparticles of cellulose having a median dimension (d50) equal to or less than five micrometers.
US08580074B2 Seam construction method of flexible apparel
A flexible apparel with non-stitch seams and a fabrication method thereof is provided. The non-stitch seams between foamed rubber sheets are sealed by coating a liquid sealant solution containing a thermoplastic polyurethane and a plasticizer.
US08580071B2 Method for joining composite structural members using thermal spreader
An apparatus for forming a structural member includes a tool platform and a pressure platform that may be movable relative to one another between an open position and a closed position. The apparatus may include a tool against which the member may be pressed. The tool may be supported by the tool platform and may have an inner surface. The apparatus may include a pressure bladder configured to be pressurized for applying pressure to the member. The pressure bladder may be supported by the pressure platform for pressing the member against the tool. Also included may be a heating system for heating the tool and a tool liner in thermal contact with the inner surface for distributing heat thereto.
US08580070B2 Method of applying an adhesive layer on thincut semiconductor chips of a semiconductor wafer
The invention relates to a method for making a semiconductor. In one embodiment the method includes applying an adhesive layer to ground-thin or thinned semiconductor chips of a semiconductor wafer. In this embodiment, the adhesive layer composed of curable adhesive is introduced relatively early into a method for the thinning by grinding, separation and singulation of a semiconductor wafer to form thinned semiconductor chips, and is used further in a semiconductor device into which the thinned semiconductor chip is to be incorporated.
US08580066B2 Method for manufacturing multilayer wiring substrate
A method for manufacturing a reliable multilayer wiring substrate at a relatively low cost having little or no warpage or distortion is provided. In certain embodiments an insulation core made of an insulation material that is more rigid than that of resin insulation layers is prepared. A through hole is formed through core upper and lower surfaces of the insulation core, and a through hole conductor is formed therein. A plate-like substrate is prepared, and resin insulation layers and at least one conductor layer are laminated on the substrate to form a first buildup layer. The insulation core is laminated on the first buildup layer so as to electrically connect the conductor layer and the through hole conductor. Resin insulation layers and at least one conductor layer are then laminated on the insulation core. Lastly, the substrate is separated from the first buildup layer to yield a multilayer wiring substrate.
US08580062B2 Apparatus for application of a hook-and-loop fastener component to a turn-up system tear strip
An apparatus and method for securing a hook-and-loop fastener component to the end of a tear strip used in a turn-up operation, the hook-and-loop fastener mechanism provided to secure the end of the tear strip to a rotating component of a spool winding assembly, the apparatus for forming the tear strip assembly having a feed roller, a transfer roller and a press roller, whereby hook-and-loop components presented on a feed tape are adhesively bonded to the tear strip.
US08580055B2 Mixtures and emulsions to reduce energy in gypsum wallboard manufacture
Provided herein are mixtures, emulsions and other additives for use in manufacturing gypsum wallboard. The mixtures and emulsions may be wax-based emulsions or wax-free mixtures or emulsions, with wax-based emulsions including water; at least one wax, a dispersant which may include sulfur or a sulfur-containing group, and a particular wetting agent or surfactant. Mixtures may also be prepared including water, a dispersant, and a particular wetting agent or surfactant. Gypsum slurries may be prepared using such emulsions and mixtures.
US08580054B2 Melt-castable energetic compounds comprising oxadiazoles and methods of production thereof
In one embodiment, a melt-castable energetic material comprises at least one of: 3,5-bis(4-nitro-1,2,5-oxadiazol-3-yl)-1,2,4-oxadiazole (DNFO), and 3-(4-amino-1,2,5-oxadiazol-3-yl)-5-(4-nitro-1,2,5-oxadiazol-3-yl)-1,2,4-oxadiazole (ANFO). In another embodiment, a method for forming a melt-castable energetic material includes reacting 3,5-bis(4-amino-1,2,5-oxadiazol-3-yl)-1,2,4-oxadiazole (DAFO) with oxygen or an oxygen-containing compound to form a mixture of at least: DNFO, and ANFO.
US08580050B2 Carburized machine parts
Disclosed is a carburized machine part which is free from the problem of decreased strength at edge-shaped parts due to excess introduction of carbon. The machine part is produced by processing a case hardening steel of the alloy composition consisting essentially of, by weight %, C: 0.1-0.3%, Si: 0.5-3.0%, Mn: 0.3-3.0%, P: up to 0.03%, S: up to 0.03%, Cu: 0.01-1.00%, Ni: 0.01-3.00%, Cr: 0.3-1.0%, Al: up to 0.2% and N: up to 0.05% and the balance of Fe and inevitable impurities, and satisfying the following condition: [Si %]+[Ni %]+Cu %]−[Cr %]>0.5 and carburizing by vacuum carburization.
US08580048B2 Steel material composition for producing piston rings and cylinder sleeves
The invention relates to a steel material composition, in particular for producing piston rings and cylinder sleeves, containing the following elements in the given fractions in relation to 100% by weight of the steel material: 0.5-1.2% by weight C, 6.0-20.0% by weight Cr, 45.0-88.5% by weight Fe, 3.0-15.0% by weight Mn and 2.0-10.0% by weight Si. Said composition can be produced by melting the starting materials and casting the melt in a pre-fabricated mold.
US08580047B1 Methods for using improved urea hydrochloride compositions
A composition including HCl, urea, complex substituted keto-amine-hydrochloride, an alcohol, an ethoxylate, and a ketone is provided for performing hydraulic fracturing or oil or gas wells, solubilizing calcium carbonate, or lowering salt and bicarbonate levels in irrigation systems.
US08580044B2 Apparatus for agitating and evacuating byproduct dust from a semiconductor processing chamber
A system and method for semiconductor processing chamber includes a housing that can cover an annular gap of a pedestal well of the semiconductor processing chamber. A cleaning nozzle is removably coupled to a compressed dry air (CDA) supply. The cleaning nozzle can inject the CDA into the pedestal well while the housing can contain a byproduct dust agitated by the injected CDA. The byproduct dust is evacuated by at least one vacuum port that is removably coupled to a vacuum source.
US08580041B2 Process for cleaning resin out of an electrical generator parallel ring
A process of cleaning resin out of an electrical generator parallel ring is provided. The process includes inserting a cleaning ball mounted on a shaft into the parallel ring; verifying a location of the cleaning ball; rotating the shaft; measuring a rotational speed of the cleaning ball with a tachometer; and removing resin with the cleaning ball.
US08580038B2 Process for the recovery of a fermentation product
The present invention provides a process for the purification and concentration of a partially water-soluble organic product from a source containing the same at concentration C0, which process comprises the steps of: (i) concentrating said product by means of a resin to form a first aqueous solution at concentration of C1; and (ii) fractionating an aqueous solution by temperature adjustment to form a second aqueous solution and a third aqueous solution with concentrations C2 and C3, respectively, wherein C2>C3 and C2>C1>C0.
US08580035B2 Large aluminum nitride crystals with reduced defects and methods of making them
Reducing the microvoid (MV) density in AlN ameliorates numerous problems related to cracking during crystal growth, etch pit generation during the polishing, reduction of the optical transparency in an AlN wafer, and, possibly, growth pit formation during epitaxial growth of AlN and/or AlGaN. This facilitates practical crystal production strategies and the formation of large, bulk AlN crystals with low defect densities—e.g., a dislocation density below 104 cm−2 and an inclusion density below 104 cm−3 and/or a MV density below 104 cm−3.
US08580029B2 Reduction of carbon dioxide in the manufacturing of composite construction materials
Disclosed are a system, a method and/or composition of reduction of carbon dioxide in the manufacturing of cement and concrete. In one embodiment, a method of producing a concrete, includes preparing a dried powder mixture of an alkali hydroxide, a sodium silicate, clay and a pozzolanic material. The dried powder with water may be reacted to form a cement paste. In addition, the cement paste may be mixed with at one of sand, an aggregate, a plasticizer and a nano additive to form the concrete.
US08580026B2 Precursor sol of aluminum oxide, optical member, and method for producing optical member
A precursor sol of aluminum oxide contains a polycondensate formed by the hydrolysis of an aluminum alkoxide or an aluminum salt, a solvent, and an organic aluminum compound of general formula (1): wherein R1 and R2 each represent an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, a perfluoroalkyl group, or an allyl group; R3 represents an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, a perfluoroalkyl group, an allyl group, or an aryl group; and n represents an integer of 1 to 3. An optical member is produced by a process including a step of immersing an aluminum oxide film in a hot water with a temperature of 60 ° C. to 100 °C. to form a textured structure made of aluminum oxide crystals, the aluminum oxide film being formed by feeding the precursor sol of aluminum oxide onto a base. A method for producing an optical member includes a step of immersing an aluminum oxide film in a hot water with a temperature of 60 ° C. to 100 ° C. to form a textured structure made of aluminum oxide crystals, the aluminum oxide film being formed by feeding the precursor sol of aluminum oxide onto a base.
US08580017B2 Electrostatic precipitator
An electrostatic precipitator including a charger to charge dust particles in air and a collector to collect the dust particles. The collector includes a collector case including high-voltage electrodes, to which high-voltage is applied, low-voltage electrodes alternately stacked with the high-voltage electrodes so as to be grounded, and first electrode support elements to support the high-voltage and low-voltage electrodes with a distance therebetween. The first electrode support elements include electrode contact terminals to support extreme edge portions of the high-voltage and low-voltage electrodes. The high-voltage and low-voltage electrodes are formed of a conductive material, or a non-conductive material, the surface of which is subjected to conductive treatment. The electrode contact terminals for the high-voltage electrodes are formed of a semiconductive material. Accordingly, it is possible to maintain a constant distance between the electrodes and to prevent insulation breakdown without deterioration in the performance of the collector.
US08580014B1 Method utilizing international organization for standardization container filter house
A method of using a modular International Organization for Standardization (ISO) filter house for filtering process fluids is provided. The filter house includes a self-contained rectangular cuboid enclosure having the outside dimension of a standard, transportable ISO shipping container. The filter house has apertures for fluid flow inlet and fluid flow outlet, and a filter element for removing impurities from the fluid flow. The method includes creating one standard filter house design to be used in any multiple to meet various flow requirements. The method further includes creating a common fluid connection between the filter houses and process equipment so that the filter houses operate in parallel. A kit of modular components for filtration of a fluid is also provided. The kit includes an external structure of an ISO shipping container, vanes to direct fluid flow, and a filter element. The kit also includes apertures that allow fluid communication between the interior of the shipping container and the exterior of the shipping container.
US08580013B2 Air dryer cartridge and method for operating an air dryer cartridge
An air dryer cartridge is provided for a compressed air supply system, in particular a compressed air supply system of a commercial vehicle, with a drying agent box which is filled with a drying agent. The drying agent box can be coupled in an axial direction to a connecting flange of the compressed air supply system. A seal, which is designed as a non-return valve and, in the fitted state of the air dryer cartridge, acts in a sealing manner between the drying agent box and the connecting flange, is arranged on the drying agent box. A method for operating the air dryer cartridge on the compressed air supply system is also provided.
US08580012B2 Solvent-resistant asymmetric hollow fiber gas separation membrane, and method for production thereof
An asymmetric hollow fiber gas separation membrane obtained by subjecting an asymmetric hollow fiber polyimide membrane to a heat treatment having a maximum temperature of from 350 to 450° C., wherein the asymmetric hollow fiber polyimide membrane is formed with a polyimide essentially having a repeating unit represented by a general formula (1); is excellent in a solvent resistance and a thermal stability, and as well has such a mechanical strength that a tensile elongation at break is not less than 10% as a hollow fiber membrane. In the general formula (1), 20 to 80 mol % of A is a tetravalent unit based on a biphenyl structure represented by formula (2), 20 to 80 mol % of A is a tetravalent unit based on a diphenylhexafluoropropane structure represented by formula (3), and 0 to 30 mol % of A is a tetravalent unit based on a phenyl structure represented by formula (4); and in the general formula (1), 30 to 70 mol % of R is a divalent unit represented by formula (5) and/or formula (6), and 30 to 70 mol % of R is a divalent unit having one or two other aromatic rings than formula (5) or (6), wherein, R1 and R2 are a hydrogen atom or an organic group, and n is 0, 1 or 2, wherein, R1 and R2 are a hydrogen atom or an organic group, X is —CH2— or —CO—, and n is 0, 1 or 2.
US08580009B2 Honeycomb filter
There is provide a honeycomb filter which can suppress generation of cracks in plugged portions due to heat generated by burning of a PM during regeneration and comprises a honeycomb basal body including porous partition walls arranged to form a plurality of cells disposed in parallel with one another and including inflow cells and outflow cells which are formed adjacent to the inflow cells; first plugged portions with which one end of each of the inflow cells is plugged; second plugged portions with which another end of each of the outflow cells is plugged; porous collecting layers formed on the inflow-cells side surfaces of the partition walls; and end aggregate layers made of a particulate aggregate material and formed on the inflow-cells-side surfaces of the first plugged portions, and a thickness of the end aggregate layers is from 0.5 to 5 mm.
US08580007B2 Filter system for cleaning the air of an enclosure to be ventilated, especially for fiber-optic equipment
The invention relates to a filter system for cleaning the air of an enclosure to be ventilated, especially for fiber-optic equipment. The enclosure includes a ventilation opening and is associated with an insertion shaft located proximate to the ventilation opening. The filter system includes an insertion part including a filter housing for accommodating at least one filter element and further including a handle for inserting the insertion part into the insertion shaft. The filter housing is configured so as to cover the ventilation opening when the filter housing is in a working position within the insertion shaft. The filter system includes an insertion arrangement provided at a first end portion of the insertion shaft for inserting the insertion part into the insertion shaft.
US08579997B2 Systems and methods for producing engineered fuel feed stocks from waste material
Systems and methods for producing engineered fuels from solid waste material are described herein. In some embodiments, a method includes receiving a waste stream at a multi-material processing platform and separating the waste stream to remove non-processable waste and marketable recyclables. The method further includes conveying processable materials to a material classification system and incorporating additives to produce an engineered fuel from the constituents of the waste stream.
US08579993B2 Use of dyestuffs for dyeing keratin fibers and compositions comprising the dyestuffs
Present invention relates to the use of a cationic anthrachinone dye for coloring keratin fibers, especially human hair, and compositions comprising the said dyestuffs. The object of the present invention is the use of dyestuff according to general structure wherein R1 is a group selected from CH3, CH2OH, C2H2OH, C4H9, C3H6OC2H5, C2H4OCH3 and C3H6OC2H4OCH3 for dyeing keratin fibers especially human hair.
US08579990B2 Tissue repair devices of rapid therapeutic absorbency
Novel implantable tissue repair medical devices are disclosed. The devices have a central fabric member having anti-adhesion films on both opposed sides. The films have pores, and are arranged such that the pores on the opposed films are offset. The devices are useful in hernia repair procedures.
US08579983B2 Spinal fusion implant
The present invention provides a device and methodology for use in spinal fusion surgeries. An implant is proved for forming a rigid structure between adjoining vertebrae in a patient. The implant is a cage defined by at least a first end, second end, first side, and second side surface, wherein first and second side surfaces extend substantially parallel to each other to span a space between adjoining vertebrae and first and second ends interconnect said first side surface and second side surface. The cage incorporates one or more flexible joints that allow the cage to be deformed for insertion into a patient. The ability to deform the cage allows a greater ease and flexibility in inserting and positioning the implant.
US08579982B2 Spinal implant having deployable bone engaging projections
Instrumentation is disclosed for inserting an interbody spinal fusion implant for implantation at least in part within and across the generally restored height of a disc space between two adjacent vertebral bodies of a human spine. The implant has an external housing and a substantially hollow internal rotatable member having bone engaging projections that are deployable through the housing to penetrably engage the adjacent vertebral bodies.
US08579978B2 Intervertebral implant, insertion tool and method of inserting same
An intervertebral implant, alone and in combination with an insertion tool for inserting same and a method for inserting same. The implant has upper and lower parts which have universal movement relative to each other. Each of the upper and lower parts also has a surface engaging an adjacent vertebrae. Each part has a keel extending from said surface into a cutout in the adjacent vertebrae, and each keel has an anterior opening recess therein. An insert tool has a pair of arms which are received in the recess of the keels through the anterior opening to securely hold and insert the implant. Projections and matching indentations in each arm and the base of its recess securely attached each arm within its keel.
US08579976B2 Expandable cage for vertebral surgery involving lumbar intersomatic fusion by a transforaminal posterior approach
An implant of the intersomatic cage type, for fusion of vertebral bodies by a transforaminal approach, is disclosed that comprises a body with a curved profile that is designed to be implanted between the vertebral plates of two adjacent vertebrae. According to the invention, said body of curved profile comprises a posterior maneuvering part and an anterior attack part, said anterior attack part being composed of a lower tongue and of an upper tongue that are designed to receive between them a spacer element that can slide between a position of introduction, in which it is situated near said posterior maneuvering part, and a spacing position, in which it is situated near the end of said anterior attack part, thus increasing the thickness of the latter by spreading the tongues apart, said spacer element comprising a receiving seat that is open at the top and bottom.
US08579975B2 Double bundle ACL repair
A system for single tunnel, double bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction includes implant constructs and instruments. The implant constructs provide a combination of cortical fixation and bone tunnel aperture fixation. The implant constructs separate a graft into distinct bundles. The instruments are used to prepare shaped bone tunnels to receive the implant constructs and graft bundles. Methods for reconstructing the antero-medial and postero-lateral bundles of the anterior cruciate ligament may rely on single femoral and tibial tunnels and a single strand of graft.
US08579970B1 Magnifying intraocular lens
A telescopic intraocular lens system comprises a telescopic optical system comprising an anterior optic interconnected with a posterior optic. The optics are substantially aligned on an optical axis of the optical system. The optics are formed from a soft material and the optics are substantially immovable relative to each other along the optical axis in response to accommodative forces of the type observed in the capsular bag of the human eye.
US08579962B2 Methods and apparatus for performing valvuloplasty
The present invention relates to apparatus and methods for performing valvuloplasty. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes an expandable braid valvuloplasty device. In some embodiments, the methods and apparatus may be used as an adjunct to percutaneous heart valve replacement. In some embodiments, the apparatus and methods may provide a medical practitioner with feedback, monitoring or measurement information, e.g., information relevant to percutaneous transcatheter heart valve replacement.
US08579961B2 Sectional crimped graft
The present invention provides a sectional crimped graft that allows graft flexibility where required and limits the overall longitudinal extension. The present invention overcomes the disadvantage of fully crimped grafts by controlling the number of crimps per unit length, crimp height, crimp geometry and their location along the graft wall, dependent on the particular end-use application. In so doing, flexibility and elongation can be controllably tailored only in areas where significant anatomical angulation is present. It may also be useful in applications other than stent grafts such as surgical grafts for aortic and peripheral areas. Limiting the overall graft longitudinal extension also facilitates the deployment of the stent-graft into the blood vessel.
US08579957B2 Stent delivery device with embolic protection
A delivery device adapted to insert and deploy a stent within a body lumen. The delivery device includes a guide member adapted to retain a dilation assembly and a stent within a lumen thereof until the stent is to be deployed into the body lumen. The delivery device is configured to enable simultaneous insertion of the guide member, dilation assembly, stent, and optional guidewire within a body lumen. Following deploying the stent, the delivery device can be removed, while providing the capability of optionally maintaining the guide member or the guidewire to function or act as an exchange wire for additional surgical devices.
US08579950B1 Bone reduction and plate clamp assembly
A pair of clamps are attached to a damaged bone one each side of a fracture site during a surgical reduction, one clamp on each side of the fracture site, after which the two clamps are slidably engaged to a single alignment bar, with the clamps then being adjusted to properly align the bone for a surgical attachment using a bone plate. Each clamp provides axially adjustable plate retainers which slides along a track on the end of each segment of the each clamp to position the retainers at a location where the bone plate is to be attached to the bone. Upon positioning, the bone plate is held against the bone with the bone still in proper alignment wherein screws anchor the plate to the bone, stabilizing the fracture site during the plate attachment procedure.
US08579948B2 Instruments for use with a bone anchor with plug member
Instruments for use with a bone anchoring assembly having plug member are disclosed that allow introduction of the plug member and bone cement or other liquid or pasty material into the bone anchor. The bone anchor includes a shaft having a first end and a second end, a channel extending from the first end to the second end, and a plug member which is insertable into the channel and guidable through the channel for closing the channel at the second end. The bone anchor is suitable for minimally invasive surgery in such a way a guide wire can be guided through the bone anchor and after the bone anchor has been anchored in the bone the plug member is inserted to close the open end of the bone anchor.
US08579945B2 Bone stabilization device
A bone plate for the stabilization of bones includes upper and lower surfaces extending along a central longitudinal axis. The lower surface is configured to contact a target portion of bone when in an operative configuration a through opening extending through the plate from the upper surface to the lower surface. The through opening is sized and shaped to receive a stabilization plate. The through opening has an elongated curved shape selected to conform to a cross-sectional shape of a proximal portion of the stabilization plate.
US08579939B2 Silk / absorbable polyester hybrid medical devices and applications thereof
Silk/absorbable polyester hybrid medical devices for tissue repair and regeneration are formed of degummed, naturally produced, multifilament silk yarn in combination with at least one absorbable polyester in the form of a surface coating, with or without an antimicrobial agent, for producing value-added braided silk sutures and multifilament yarn, as well as silk/absorbable polyester fiber composites, for producing tailored hybrid sutures, meshes, and scaffolds for tissue regeneration.
US08579926B2 Plaque removal device with rotatable cutting element
An elongate tubular body with a rotatable cutting element is provided. An opening is provided near the distal end of the tubular body, and the cutting element may be partially exposed through the opening. The cutting element is configured to remove plaque from the wall of a body lumen. A distal segment may be coupled to the distal end of the tubular body and may have a distal port for slidably receiving a guidewire therethrough.
US08579924B2 Implantable devices including a mesh and a pivotable film
The present disclosure relates to implantable medical devices which include at least one mesh and at least one film pivotably attached to the mesh.
US08579915B2 Systems, methods and devices for removing obstructions from a blood vessel
The present invention provides an obstruction removing device and a method for making the obstruction removing device. The method includes two mandrels with an elongate element being wound around the first mandrel and then wrapped around the second mandrel. The mandrels are movable relative to one another so that the second mandrel may be moved closer to the first mandrel after winding the element around the first mandrel and before winding the element around the second mandrel.
US08579912B2 Sacroiliac joint fusion alignment guide
A device and method for defining a trajectory for instruments in a sacroiliac joint fusion procedure employs a handle and two movable guidance arms that are separated by an adjustable distance. The first guidance arm has a substantially straight pronged distal end terminating in a first prong, a second prong and a space between the first prong and second prong defining a first point in a straight trajectory for inserting screws into a sacroiliac joint. The guidance arm forms a receiving bore on a distal end thereof to define a second point in the trajectory. The pronged distal end is inserted through a posterior incision in the patient into a cored-out sacroiliac joint, with the second guidance arm outside the body, and the orientation of the alignment guide is adjusted by pivoting the alignment guide about the pronged distal end to determine a suitable trajectory. Instruments and implements are placed along the trajectory and guided by the alignment guide to drill screw holes and insert screws used in the sacroiliac joint fusion procedure into the screw holes.
US08579905B2 Unicondylar knee implants and insertion methods therefor
A system for resecting a posterior region of a femoral condyle includes a posterior resection guide having a main body with an upper end and a lower end, a cutting instrument guide surface provided on the main body, and a series of anchor pin holes extending through the main body. The series of anchor pin holes includes a first pair of pin holes located a first distance from the upper end of the main body, a second pair of pin holes located a second distance from the upper end of the main body that is less than the first distance, and a third pair of anchor pin holes located a third distance from the upper end of the main body that is more than the first distance. Anchor pins are insertable through the anchor pin holes for coupling the posterior resection guide with a femoral condyle of a femur.
US08579904B2 Instrument for positioning an intervertebral implant for the fusion between two vertebral bodies of a vertebral column
An instrument positions an intervertebral implant for the fusion between two vertebral bodies of a vertebral column. The instrument may include a handle having a proximal and a distal end, a locking shaft extended from the distal end of the handle, and a grasping head at the distal end of the shaft. The locking shaft may be cannulated, and a stem may be hosted inside the cannulated shaft passing through the handle. The stem may be free to rotate with respect to the locking shaft, or vice versa, while the grasping head may be formed at the distal end of the stem with a couple of prongs or clamps toward the other according to an angular relative rotation of the stem with respect to the locking shaft. The instrument may allow the surgeon to grip a corresponding implant with a simple rotation movement of his hand.
US08579901B1 Suture band buckle and methods
A surgical tensioning device for holding separated tissues in contact with one another. The device comprises a frame having two opposing first and second sides and a lower surface and an upper surface, and a band for extending around said separated tissues to be held together in conjunction with said frame. The band has two ends attached to the sides of the frame releasably. When the ends are secured to the sides of the frame, the band establishes a path of tension along its length that extends linearly between the two ends of the band.
US08579885B2 MEMS electrochemical bellows actuator
An implantable fluid delivery system may include a fluid reservoir configured to hold a supply of fluid, dispense that fluid under the control of an actuator, and be implanted within the body of a living host. The actuator may include a bellows configured to expand in a direction when inflated. The bellows may have folds with surfaces which run substantially perpendicular to the direction of expansion in a collapsed state and which define a stacked set of convolutions. Each convolution may have a collapsed height of no more than 1 mm and a width perpendicular to the direction of expansion of no more than 8 mm. Electrodes may be configured to come in electrical contact with an electrolyte within the bellows and to cause electricity to run through the electrolyte, thereby causing the electrolyte to break down into a gas and, in turn, to cause the bellows to expand.
US08579883B2 Body-insertable apparatus and medical agent discharge method
A body-insertable apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention is introduced into a subject to inject medical agent stored in a casing into a desired part in the subject. The body-insertable apparatus includes a fixing unit which fixes the casing to the desired part; and a projecting unit which projects, from the casing, an injection needle for injecting the medical agent. The fixing unit and the projecting unit are driven by a driving source.
US08579877B2 Medical IV bag having improved shelf life and versatility
An IV bag including a bladder containing a first substance and a storage cap containing a second substance operable to release the second substance into the bladder to mix with the first substance without exposing the first substance to outside contamination, the storage cap for use with an IV bag including an inner storage chamber for storing a first substance, a first annular opening having a first annular convex surface facing toward the storage chamber, and a plunger element located within the storage chamber having a domed-end with a convex surface facing to the annular opening, wherein the domed end is moveable to make and break contact with the annular opening, and wherein when the domed end is in contact with the first annular convex surface, a seal is formed between two convex surfaces along an annular path to seal the storage chamber.
US08579871B2 Disposable, sterile fluid transfer device
The present invention relates to a process for the sterile transfer of fluids, be they liquids or gases. It uses a presterilized device comprised of a body having a bore formed through at least a portion of its interior. Contained within the bore is a movable plunger. The body has a first and a second end. The first end contains a face designed to be attached to the upstream component. The second end is connected to a downstream component such as a filter, pipeline, sample bag and the like. The plunger has corresponding first and second ends. The first end of the plunger when it the closed position is in alignment with the face of the body which combined form a steamable surface and a sterile barrier against the environment to the rest of the interior of the body, the plunger and downstream components. The device is attached to an upstream component and the face and the first end of the plunger are steam sterilized in place.
US08579868B2 Medical delivery system with flexible blocking element
A medical delivery system (200) having a container (202) and a dosing assembly (204), where the container is fastenable to the dosing assembly by a movement comprising a translatory movement followed by a rotational movement. One of the container and the dosing assembly comprises one or more blocking elements (207) movable between a blocking position and a non-blocking position responsive to the rotational movement. Each blocking element is able to engage the other one of the container and the dosing assembly. A container suitable for use in said medical delivery system.
US08579867B2 Medication delivery device
A medication delivery device comprising a housing, a medication receptacle, a piston rod which is moveable distally, and a drive device for rotating the piston rod in a first rotational direction. The piston rod comprises two threaded sections, a first threaded section for threaded engagement with a reset element and a second threaded section for threaded engagement with the drive device. In an operational state, the reset element is prevented from rotating and the piston rod prevented from moving proximally. In a resetting state, the reset element is allowed to rotate, such that the delivery device is resettable by rotating the piston rod and the reset element in a second rotational direction and moving the piston rod proximally.
US08579866B2 Systems and methods for administering medication
The syringe systems disclosed herein provide in part devices for allowing patients with comprised joint strength to more easily administer medicine. Certain exemplary syringe embodiments include a handle forming a handgrip, a syringe barrel that magnifies the dosage marks located on an inner barrel, and a tip cap slidably engageable with the syringe barrel for shielding a needle.
US08579865B2 Hazardous agent injection system
Injection systems comprising a powered injector and one or more hazardous agents are disclosed.
US08579860B2 Access assembly with spherical valve
A surgical portal apparatus includes a portal member dimensioned to access tissue and having a longitudinal passageway therethrough to permit access to underlying tissue, and defining leading and trailing ends, a seal housing associated with the portal member and a seal mount at least partially disposed within the seal housing. The seal mount is adapted for rotational movement within the seal housing. The seal mount includes an instrument seal adapted to establish a substantial sealed relation with a surgical object introduced within the longitudinal passageway and a closure valve adapted to substantially close the longitudinal passageway in the absence of the object.
US08579859B2 Fluid balance monitoring system with fluid infusion pump for medical treatment
Novel fluid delivery systems are disclosed to improve the delivery of bio-compatible fluids to a patient. The systems can include a housing having a bladder pressurized by a pressurization unit so that fluid flow rate can be controlled, changed and/or monitored. The systems can also include a scale and/or a flow control unit.
US08579856B2 Unit dose drug delivery platform
The delivery systems of the present disclosure are configurable to administer either single-dose or multiple-doses of one or more substances to a user, for example to the eye, nose, mouth, ear or rectum of the user. The precise and repeatable dosing features of the presently disclosed delivery systems overcome many of the disadvantages associated with known methods for dispensing substances to, for example, the eye of a user. The delivery systems administer precise doses of a substance to a precise location from unit dosage forms that may be single-dose or multiple-dose unit dosage forms, which may be externally or internally pierced.
US08579855B2 Method for storing and delivering a drug
A method of storing and delivery a drug, such as by lyophilizing and reconstituting, comprises performing both storing and delivering with the same container closure assembly. The container closure is assembled in a preparation configuration during which lyophilization occurs. After lyophilizing, the powdered drug is forced into a spiral channel in the container closure assembly by a plunger. The plunger leaves substantially no head space for the powdered drug, and the assembly is sealed thereby now being in the storage configuration. For delivery of the stored powdered drug, a syringe of diluent is introduced to the container assembly thereby changing the assembly to the delivery configuration. The spiral channel is continuous between an input end and a delivery end with the delivery end being in fluid communication with a delivery outlet of the assembly. The assembly includes a diluent flow path that forces the diluent into a spiral channel at only the input end. As the diluent is forced to flow through the spiral channel from the input end to the delivery end, it reconstitutes the powdered drug, thereby reconstituting and delivering in the same step. No separate reconstituting and priming steps are needed.
US08579850B2 Irrigation device and method of using the device
An irrigation device that includes a reservoir for an irrigating liquid, a catheter in liquid communication with the reservoir, a fixation member for fixation of the catheter and a control unit. The control unit is arranged for in a first position transferring the irrigation liquid to the fixation member and in a second position transferring the irrigation liquid to the catheter. Thereby is provided a simple, inexpensive and essentially maintenance free device which can be used for administrating an irrigation liquid, and which at the same time comprises a fixation member that will not be expelled from the body cavity by e.g. a peristaltic reflex, during use.
US08579849B2 Pyloric valve devices and methods
A pyloric valve is provided for inhibiting the flow of chyme through the pyloric region of the gastrointestinal tract. The pyloric valve includes a blocking portion having a disc-shaped inlet and a helical flange. The helical flange may be disposed in a contracted position defining a contracted length and a contracted diameter and an extended position defining an extended length and an extended diameter, wherein the extended length is longer than the contracted length and the extended diameter is smaller than the contracted diameter. The pyloric valve may further include a sleeve that may have a beveled distal end. The pyloric valve may be constructed of silicon. Also provided are methods of inserting and removing the pyloric valve, which each include a step of manipulating the support between its contracted and extended positions. Insertion and removal systems are also provided for use with the pyloric valve.
US08579845B2 Wound heat exchanger
A capillary tube bundle sub-assembly for use in an extracorporeal heat exchanger includes a continuous capillary tubing wound about a core to define a plurality of capillary layers each including a plurality of capillary segments. The capillary segments each define opposing terminal ends adjacent opposing ends of the core. The capillary segments of each layer are circumferentially aligned relative to an axis of the core, with each successive layer being radially outward of an immediately preceding layer. The capillary segments are non-parallel with the axis, spiraling partially about the axis in extension between the opposing terminal ends. Each capillary segment forms less than one complete revolution (i.e., winds less than 360°). The segments within each layer are substantially parallel with one another; however, an orientation of the segments differs from layer-to-layer such as by pitch or angle.
US08579839B2 Methods for recovery from motor control via stimulation to a substituted site to an affected area
Methods, devices and systems for recovering motor control of an area in the body of a patient affected by a neurological disorder. A device vibrotactilely stimulates a substitute site for the affected area thereby recovering the motor control of the affected area. The stimulation provided by the device is volitionally controlled by the patient.
US08579838B2 Multi-sensor signal processing system for detecting walking intent, walking supporting apparatus comprising the system and method for controlling the apparatus
Provided is a walking supporting apparatus for supporting a user walking by using a multi-sensor signal processing system that detects a walking intent. A palm sensor unit detects a force applied to a palm through a stick to generate a palm sensor signal. A sensor unit detects a force applied to a sole through the ground to generate a sole sensor signal. A portable information processing unit checks a user's walking intent by using the palm sensor signal, and if it is checked that the user has a walking intent, the portable information processing unit generates a driving signal in response to the sole sensor signal. A walking supporting mechanism includes a left motor attached to a user's left leg and a right motor attached to a user's right leg to support the user's walking when the left and right motors are driven in response to the driving signal.
US08579834B2 Display of detected patient posture state
The disclosure provides a system that displays an indicator of patient posture state that changes according to posture state data. The posture state data may be transmitted from a medical device, for example, in or near real-time. In some examples, the disclosure relates to a method comprising receiving posture state data for a patient from a medical device; and presenting an indicator indicative of two or more of posture states based on the received posture state data, wherein each posture state of the two or more posture states is determined based on different detection criteria.
US08579833B2 Thrombosis and osteoporosis prophylaxis
Use of a device to reduce risk of thrombosis and osteoporosis, which uses a pressure transducer to measure the forefoot force generated by a person with their forefoot, and generates a signal so that the person can recognize whether their forefoot force has reached a minimum value.
US08579825B2 Electrically conductive guide wire
The present invention relates to a measuring device, insertable into a living body. The device includes an elongated flexible member in the form of a thick-walled hollow tube with a proximal end and a distal end. The tube defines a central lumen with an inner wall. The lumen may contain a core and an insulating material provided between the core and the inner wall. The core may be made of an electrically conductive material and may be of essentially constant diameter over its entire length. Alternatively, the lumen may contain at least two electrical leads. An electrical sensor is attached to the distal end of the elongated flexible member and is electrically connected to the core.
US08579823B2 Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and ultrasonic probe used in same
The present invention provides an ultrasonic probe contains at least one reception preamplifier that is provided per transducer element and connected to the transducer at an input side thereof and to a cable at an output side thereof, a transmission bypass unit that is connected between the cable and the transducer, blocks off a reception signal and allows a transmission signal to pass therethrough, and a floating unit that is connected between a power supply terminal of the preamplifier and a driving power source and increases impedance thereof for a high-voltage transmission signal, whereby a bias potential of the preamplifier is electrically set to a floating state and returned to an original bias potential by a reception time.
US08579821B1 Methods and apparatus for ultrasound imaging
Systems are described to acquire color Doppler data associated with a pulse repetition frequency (fPRF), detect a first area of the color Doppler data representing a zero color Doppler value, detect a second area of the color Doppler data adjacent to the first area and representing non-zero color Doppler values in a first direction, detect a first transition between the second area and a third area of the color Doppler data adjacent to the second area and representing non-zero color Doppler values in a second direction opposite the first direction, determine that the absolute difference between color Doppler values of the second area and the third area at the first transition is more than a preset value, subtract, in response to the determination, a color Doppler value corresponding to a Doppler shift frequency of fPRF from each of the color Doppler values of the third area if the second direction is positive, and add, in response to the determination, the color Doppler value corresponding to a Doppler shift frequency of fPRF to each of the color Doppler values of the third area if the second direction is negative.
US08579820B2 Fetal heart monitoring
A transmit amplifier (12) drives an ultrasound transducer (11) to emit a pulse, and a receive amplifier (13) amplifies the echo signal detected by the transducer. The receive amplifier's gate opens a fixed delay after the end of the transmit pulse, and a demodulator (14) multiplies the received signal by the local oscillator signal. A low-pass filter removes the sum of the frequencies and passes the difference of the frequencies (the received signal's Doppler frequency) to be digitized by an ADC. ADC readings are made for each of several range bins in intervals during the receive gate-open interval. One or two of the Doppler audio signals will contain the signal from the fetal heart. When a periodic signal is found, its rate is tested to see if it lies within or outside the typical range of a fetal heart.
US08579817B2 Breast ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and breast ultrasonic diagnostic method
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, that generates image data of a C-mode image of an examination-target portion based on volume data generated through an ultrasonic scan of an object and for displaying the C-mode image, has a curved C-mode surface generating unit and a curved C-mode image generating unit. The curved C-mode surface generating unit generates, based on the volume data, a curved C-mode surface formed by a curved surface that curves without including a non-visualized portion. The curved C-mode image generating unit generates image data of a curved C-mode image based on data of the curved C-mode surface generated by the curved C-mode surface generating unit.
US08579810B2 Expandable thoracic access port
A surgical access assembly includes first and second wings disposed in opposed relation relative to one another. Each wing includes a body portion, a distal portion and first and second portions. A side wall section hingedly connects the body portions of the wings to one another at the first portion thereof and at the second portions thereof. Each of the side wall sections is movable with respect to the other side wall sections between a first position and a second position wherein each of the side wall sections is angled with the first and second wings. The first and second wings are moveable between an approximated position corresponding to the first position of the side wall sections and a spaced apart position corresponding to the second position of the side wall sections.
US08579805B2 Microcatheter tip
The present invention is directed to a dilator having a stiffened shaft for use as part of an introducer sheath assembly. The dilator includes a stiffener tube and a tip of the dilator which extends distally to the dilator stiffener tube. The transition between the stiffener tube and the tip of the dilator is positioned such that when the dilator is positioned within the catheter sheath, the transition is also positioned within the catheter sheath. By positioning the transition between the stiffener tube of the dilator and the tip of the dilator inside the catheter sheath, the catheter sheath can provide strain relief subsequent to lateral movement of the tip of the dilator in a manner that can prevent kinking of the dilator tip at the transition between the stiffener tip and the tip of the dilator.
US08579799B2 Electronic endoscope system, processor for electronic endoscope, image search system, and image search method
In a search mode of an electronic endoscope system, ordinary light images and special light images are captured from a body cavity respectively under white light and special light. Simultaneously, biological information on the body cavity is acquired from image signals obtained under the special light. The ordinary and special light images are associated with the acquired biological information and stored in an image accumulator. By pressing a lock-on switch while confining a target in an area designating frame on an ordinary image on a monitor, the target is designated and biological information on the target is determined. Thereafter, biological information associated with the latest image in the image accumulator is compared with the biological information on the search target. If the latest image contains an area having the same biological information as the search target, the area designating frame is displayed on that area on the monitor.
US08579798B2 External cardiac stress reduction method
An external heart wall stress reduction apparatus is provided to create a heart wall shape change. The device is generally disposed to the exterior of a heart chamber to reshape the chamber into a lower stress configuration.
US08579791B2 Ventricular assist device and related methods
A method and system are provided for percutaneously gaining access to oxygenated bood with an anastomosis device and pumping such oxygenated blood to other arterial regions of the vascular system. In one embodiment, a system may include an anastomosis device extending through an opening of the atrial septum. A filament may be coupled to the anastomosis device. A snare may access the right atrium through the superior vena cava, grasp the filament, and withdraw the filament through the superior vena cava. The filament may then be used as a guide to direct a catheter, a conduit or some other structure into the right atrium of the heart via the superior vena cava. A flow path may be defined between the anastomosis device and an arterial location, such as in the aorta, such that at least some oxygenated blood may by-pass the left ventricle and be discharged into the aorta.
US08579790B2 Apical ring for ventricular assist device
An apical ring for coupling a conduit of a ventricular assist device to a heart has an annular disk with a central aperture for receiving the conduit. A collar is axially aligned with the central aperture and has a cylindrical shape interrupted by a gap between first and second ends of the collar. The collar has a fixed section joined to the annular disk and has a cantilever section extending from the fixed section to the first end of the collar. A tightener selectively drives the first end toward the second end to close the gap in order to retain the conduit within the collar. The cantilever section includes a relief slot that is expandable for extending a circumferential length of the cantilever section in response to interacting with the conduit when the gap is closed.
US08579783B2 Weir and choke plate for solid bowl centrifuge
A centrifuge for separating solid-liquid mixtures including: a rotating bowl having a head wall with at least one drain opening for clarified liquid, said bowl having a rotational axis; a weir plate fixed to the head wall of the bowl and rotating with bowl, wherein the weir plate is aligned with the at least one drain opening; a choke plate coupled to and rotating with the rotating bowl, the choke plate having surface axially aligned with the drain opening or the weir plate, wherein said choke plate is movable axially with respect to the head wall, and a gap having between the drain opening or the weir plate, wherein the gap has a radially inward inlet receiving the clarified liquid from the bowl and a radially outward outlet for discharging the clarified liquid from the bowl.
US08579771B2 Walk-assist devices and methods
A method for reducing an exerted energy associated with muscles acting across a joint is provided. The method including: storing energy during one or more periods of a periodic motion of the joint in which energy is absorbed by the muscles; and at least partially returning the stored energy to the muscles during one or more periods of the periodic motion in which the muscles are performing work.
US08579770B2 Pull cord starter dock
A gyroscopic exerciser starting dock has a starter dock housing and a starter dock axle mounted within the starter dock housing. A driving wheel is mounted to the starter dock axle. A retractable pull cord grip sleeve device is mounted to the starter dock axle and has a pull handle attached to a pull cord. The pull handle is for pulling the pull cord, and the pull cord is attached to the handle at a pull cord first end. A spool receives around it a pull cord and a pull cord is attached to the spool at a pull cord second end. The spool member receives and stores the pull cord in a coil around the spool.
US08579763B2 Shift-by-wire gearshift control apparatus
In a shift-by-wire gearshift control apparatus, even if a switching anomaly in which switching between forward and reverse gears is not possible has occurred, transmission of driving power to the output shaft 10 can be interrupted as quickly as possible. In the case of the occurrence of a switching anomaly in which switching from a forward gear stage to a reverse gear stage, or vice versa, is not possible, as a path for draining engaging hydraulic pressure supplied to a frictional engagement element (C1 to C4, B1, B2) involved in establishing the current gear stage, the hydraulic control circuit 4 secures an anomaly drain path (91 or 92) that is shorter than a normal drain path (81, 82 or 83) secured by the hydraulic control circuit 4 during normal switching.
US08579752B2 Hydraulic coupling having improved hydraulic porting path design
A hydraulic coupling for use in a vehicle drivetrain to couple a pair of rotary members and includes a coupling mechanism supported in a casing and that is operable to couple the pair of rotary members together. A piston is responsive to pressurized fluid generated by a pump to move between first and second positions, thereby engaging the coupling mechanism. The pump has an outlet located in a direction away from the piston. An internal passage provides fluid communication between the outlet of the pump and an expandable chamber formed adjacent the piston. A control valve controls the flow of pressurized fluid from the pump between the sump and the expandable chamber.
US08579751B2 Hybrid powertrain with layshaft transmission and electric torque converter and method of controlling same
A powertrain has an electric torque converter that includes an electric motor/generator, and a differential gear set having a first member, a second member, and a third member. The powertrain includes a layshaft transmission having a first input member connected to the first member, a second input member connected to the second member, and having a plurality of selectively engageable torque-transmitting mechanisms each of which is selectively engageable to establish a different respective speed ratio through the transmission. At least one controller is provided, and the motor/generator is connected for common rotation with the third member and is controlled by said at least one controller to establish a speed of the third member that permits synchronous engagement and disengagement of the torque-transmitting mechanisms to shift from one of the respective speed ratios to a successive one of the respective speed ratios. A method of controlling the powertrain is also provided.
US08579741B2 Playing object having a bounce with limited unpredictability
The present invention relates to a playing object (21) having a main surface (13, 14, 16) enclosing and provided around a center of gravity, said main surface being provided with elements (22) in a pattern around the center of gravity, where each element has an element surface extending away from the main surface. The playing object may be a polyhedron and some of the elements may have a different appearance than the majority of elements.
US08579733B2 Direct prize-dispensing game with crane dispenser
A direct prize-dispensing game dispenses prizes using a crane assembly under control of the game player. The player participates in an underlying game of the prize-dispensing game that is independent from the prize dispensing function of the crane assembly. When the player successfully achieves an object of the game entitling the player to a prize, the prize-dispensing game switches player control to the crane assembly for dispensing an associated prize selection. The player then controls the crane assembly to select a desired prize. The prize-dispensing game keeps the controls to the crane assembly until a prize is dispensed to the player.
US08579731B2 Computing device for custom golf club fitting
In an example embodiment, a method is provided using a computing device that has a sensor for custom golf club fitting. Here, a hand dimension is detected using the sensor of the computing device. The hand dimension correlates to a grip size of a golf club. A query is composed with a parameter based on the detected hand dimension. The query is then communicated to an online platform that facilitates sales of golf clubs. In response to the query, an inventory of a number of the golf clubs having the grip size is received from the online platform.The inventory is then provided for display on the computing device.
US08579728B2 Golf club heads with weight redistribution channels and related methods
Embodiments of golf club heads with weight redistribution channels are described herein. Other examples and related embodiments are also disclosed herein.
US08579705B1 Software verification and authentication
A device for controlling electronic gaming machines comprises a single board computer (SBC) having a microprocessor, memory means, storage means and a ROM (Read Only Memory). The ROM includes: a loader program; verification program; an authentication program; and a presentation program. Additional Mass storage media in communication with the SBC store pre-verified and approved gaming software (program files) and related data files, each of which have a verification signature appended to them. Prior to usage of the gaming software, the program file software or data file is retrieved by the loader program and checked by the verification program which compares the verification signature with a newly calculated verification signature. If the newly calculated signature matches the verification signature, the requested file is deemed to be intact (a validated image). The verification processes ensure that the file has been retrieved in its entirety and is free from corruption caused by storage media faults. If any corruption has occurred, the control device displays an error and the process is halted. After verification, all pending requests for authorization from authentication agents are processed by a queuing means. Each request includes a set of authentication instructions and a reply destination. After queuing, an authentication interpreter processes the validated image pursuant to the requester's instruction. The presentation program reports the resulting authentication identification to the requested destination which either acknowledges or refuses authentication. If acknowledged, the image is used or executed. If refused, an error is displayed and the process is halted.
US08579702B2 Gaming system having tools for categorizing wagers and metering performance of wagering games and supplemental features
A method of operating a wagering game comprises receiving one or more configuration inputs to create at least one wagering game configuration. The at least one wagering game configuration comprises at least one base game and at least one portal game. The at least one base game is operable in response to receipt of a primary wager, the primary wager being within a range of allowable wagers. The range includes minimum and maximum allowable wagers. The at least one portal game having a set of eligibility criteria. The method further comprises creating a plurality of wager categories based upon the set of eligibility criteria and a size of the primary wager, activating participation in the at least one portal game if the set of eligibility criteria is satisfied, and metering the entire primary wager to a single wager category.
US08579701B2 Universal comp bank and regional servers for use in multi-property casino enterprise
A multi-property comp bank allows comp points to be earned and redeemed in an aggregated manner at a plurality of affiliated casino properties. The comp bank includes a first bank account of comp points for each casino patron having a balance that is visible to the patron, accessible by the patron, and directly redeemable by the patron, and a second bank account of comp points having a balance that is invisible to the patron, accessible only by authorized casino employees, and redeemable on a discretionary basis only by authorized casino employees. Each award of comp points is apportioned between the patron's first and second bank accounts according to a predetermined ratio. The comp points in the first bank account can be aggregated across properties and redeemed at any property, whereas the comp points in the second bank account can be redeemed only at the property where they were earned.
US08579700B2 Method and apparatus for settlement of processor based tournament competition
A method of providing or receiving value from or to a participant value in a game tournament wherein a plurality of participants play a casino-style game, includes calculating an expected value for the position of each participant in the tournament, the expected value based upon the number of wagering units held by the participant at the point in time, the number of wagering units held by each other participant in the tournament at the point in time and a payout table for the tournament.
US08579698B2 Multi-spin and wager slot video machine
A video slot machine allows a player to make a plurality of wagers at the beginning of the game. The machine has a plurality (R) of reels which may be either mechanical or video. Each reel may have S symbols. The first wager made by the player is on the outcome of the spin of the first set of reels, a second wager is on the combined outcome of the first and second sets of the reels, etc. until the last wager is on the combined outcome of all of the reels. If a predetermined condition is met on the outcome of each spin, the subsequent spin is enabled. If at any spin the predetermined condition for that spin is not met, then the subsequent wagers are canceled and credited back to the player. The payout ratio increases for each subsequent spin in the series.
US08579688B2 Video poker game with revealed cards
A method, system, and computer readable storage medium to provide a variation of a video poker game. The video poker game offers the player an ability to view “reveal cards” after the initial deal of five cards. The reveal card(s) show the values of some of the card(s) that are on top of the deck which would be dealt as replacement cards. The player, being able to view these reveal cards, can select his or her cards to hold using a more careful strategy than if the player had no such information.
US08579683B2 Device and method for separating a surface layer from animal food products
An apparatus for separating a surface layer from animal food products comprises a carrier roller, a cutting device opposite the carrier roller with a blade holder pressure body and a pressing device exerting a pressing force on the blade holder pressure body. An automatic traction gap for transporting the separated surface layer is formed between the driven carrier roller and the blade holder pressure body. A rear pressure body pivoting axis is set up on a side of the blade holder pressure body facing away from the carrier roller. The apparatus has a pressure body guiding device automatically shifting the blade holder pressure body out of the defined initial position, with which the rear pivoting axis is arranged and is automatically shiftable such that, in the case of the blade holder pressure body pivoting up through inlet of the surface layer against the pressing force, the traction gap becomes wider in an inlet area and narrower in an outlet area. The blade holder pressure body is held freely switchable against the pressing force so that that a floating application on the surface layer completely pulled into the traction gap occurs along the traction gap. A method for automatically separating the surface layer is executed in that during inlet of the surface layer into the traction gap the inlet area is simultaneously expanded and the outlet area is narrowed. The rear pivoting axis in an area behind the zenith of the carrier roller is shifted in an automatically guided manner towards it and the blade holder pressure body is held in a floating, switchable working position in the case of a traction gap completely filled with the surface layer.
US08579682B2 Displacer FCA Y
The invention relates to a clipping machine for partitioning and closing a tubular packaging casing accommodating a filing material, and in particular sausage meat. The clipping machine comprises at least a first and second displacer element pair which in relation to an axis of the tubular packaging casing are arranged axially one after the other, and, which comprise each an upper displacer element and a lower displacer element. Each pair of the displacer elements are linearly reversibly movable in a first and second plane from an open position to a closed position. A first linear guidance comprises a first and second guiding rod for guiding the two pairs of the displacer elements. The first and second guiding rods are positioned in a plane parallel to the first and second plane of the first and second pairs of the displacer elements.
US08579678B2 Grinding method for workpiece having a plurality of bumps
A grinding method of grinding the back side of a workpiece having a projection on the front side thereof. The grinding method includes a holding jig preparing step of preparing a holding jig having a circular recess and an annular projection surrounding the circular recess, a setting step of setting the workpiece in the circular recess of the holding jig with the back side of the workpiece exposed, a liquid curing agent supplying step of supplying a liquid curing agent into the circular recess (either before or after the setting step), a fixing step of curing the liquid curing agent with the workpiece set in the circular recess and the liquid curing agent present in the circular recess, thereby fixing the workpiece in the circular recess, and a grinding step of grinding the back side of the workpiece and the annular projection of the holding jig by using grinding means.
US08579667B2 Electric connection structure
An electric connection structure includes a plurality of strip-like first terminals and a plurality of second terminals welded to ends in a longitudinal direction of the first terminals. The first terminals are arranged in parallel with intervals therebetween. The first terminals are arranged so that at least a part thereof faces each other. The first terminals are arranged to be offset in the longitudinal direction alternately so that the ends of the first terminals in the longitudinal direction project. The second terminals are welded to the ends in the projected sides in the longitudinal direction in the first terminal.
US08579665B2 Power connector
A power connector mountable on a circuit board, includes an insulating housing, a conductive pin and a pair of spring contacts received in the insulating housing. The insulating housing defines a central channel extending therethrough along a lengthwise direction thereof, and a passageway positioned besides and communicating with the central channel. The insulating housing has a pair of heat dissipation cavities extending through the insulating housing along a longitudinal direction of the insulating housing.
US08579659B2 SMP electrical connector and connector system
A push-on connector system includes a male push-on bore including a center conductor pin, and a female push-on core including a socket. The male push-on bore receives the female push-on core. A second bore is configured forwardly of the male push-on bore, and a latch track is positioned in the second bore and forms a plurality of inclined latch surfaces. A movable collar is mounted rearwardly of the female push-on core with a plurality of bayonet pins as is configured for engaging the second bore. The bayonet pins slide along the inclined latch surfaces to axially drive the movable collar into the second bore and secure the female push-on core into the male push-on bore. A resilient member is coupled between the movable collar and female push-on core to bias the female push-on core into the male push-on bore.
US08579656B2 Power supply with detachable plug
A power supply includes a plug including a base having an accommodating space. Two conductors are provided in the accommodating space. A positioning cover connects a body and further covers the accommodating space. The positioning cover is provided with guiding slots, and a braking ring is arranged between the conductors and the positioning cover. The interior edge of the braking ring is provided with a plurality of positioning grooves, and the plug can rotate on the body. Conductive connecting terminals slide in the guiding slots and are positioned in the positioning groove to be in contact with the conductors.
US08579649B2 Flexible wiring member with positioning holes mounted on another member with positioning bosses
A flexible concentrated wiring connector includes a flexible concentrated wiring member, a first member, a second member. The flexible concentrated wiring member is clamped between the second member and the first member. A second clearance is set to be greater than a first clearance. The first clearance is defined as a difference between an internal dimension and an external dimension in the width direction of the flexible concentrated wiring member in a state that a first positioning boss of the first member is inserted into the center of a first positioning hole of the flexible concentrated wiring member. The second clearance is defined as a difference between an internal dimension and an external dimension in the width direction in a state that a second positioning boss is inserted into the center of a second positioning hole.
US08579642B2 Device for producing and removing an electrical plug connection
One plug connecting element is mounted on its device part in a side wall of a recess. The other plug connecting element is mounted on a swivel holder. When the one device part is inserted into the other device part, the swivel initially pushes the other plug out of the way of the one device part as it is being inserted. Further insertion causes the swivel holder to move the other plug into the recess in a position to mate with the one plug.
US08579631B2 Clean real smoke fire simulator
A simulator for use in firefighting training exercises comprising a fire compartment having a flame; a means for generating a flame; a means for generating smoke into the fire compartment; a control room for controlling the means for generating a flame and the means for generating smoke; a means for expelling the smoke from the fire compartment; a means for oxidizing the smoke; and a stack for releasing the oxidized smoke from the oxidizing means.
US08579625B2 Imprint lithography
An imprint lithography apparatus is disclosed that includes a support structure configured to hold an imprint template. The apparatus further includes an actuator located between the support structure and a side of the imprint template, when the imprint template is held by the support structure, configured to apply a force to the imprint template and a force sensor between the support structure and a side of the imprint template, when the imprint template is held by the support structure.
US08579613B2 Vane pump and vapor leakage check system having the same
A vane pump includes a housing defining a pump chamber; a rotor rotatably arranged in the pump chamber; and a motor to rotate the rotor. An imaginary plane is defined to bisect the pump chamber in an axis direction. The housing has a first inlet port and a second inlet port located symmetrical with each other with respect to the imaginary plane, and the housing has a first outlet port and a second outlet port located symmetrical with each other with respect to the imaginary plane.
US08579601B2 Multistage dry vacuum pump
The multistage dry vacuum pump is disclosed, in which it is possible to prevent a pump from being adhesively stuck, which problem occurs due to a difference in thermal expansions between a cylinder body and a rotor, by making thermal expansion conditions between a cylinder body and a rotor of a pump similar by concurrently cooling the cylinder body and the rotor of the pump. The gas passage for transferring gas compressed by each cylinder is provided at each cylinder body in a shape of surrounding an outer side of each cylinder, and a cooling water jacket for circulating cooling water is provided close to an outer side of the gas passage, and a communication passage is formed at a gas passage contacting with the cooling water jacket and is connected with an exhaust space of the cylinder.
US08579598B2 Variable capacity vane pump
A variable capacity vane pump has a plurality of vanes radially extendably installed in their respective slots that are arranged in a circumferential direction in a rotor, a cam ring rockably provided on a supporting surface in a pump body and forming a plurality of pump chambers at an inner circumference side of the cam ring in cooperation with the rotor and the vanes, and a seal member provided at an outer circumference side of the cam ring and defining a first hydraulic pressure chamber located at a side where a pump discharge amount increases and a second hydraulic pressure chamber located at a side where the pump discharge amount decreases in a space outside the outer circumference of the cam ring. A center of the cam ring is offset to an inlet port side from a center of a driving shaft.
US08579597B2 Variable capacity type rotary compressor
A variable capacity type rotary compressor, in which a refrigerant sucked in via one suction pipe can be alternately sucked into each compression space via a communication passage between cylinders so as to reduce a number of components and a number of assembly processes, thereby reducing fabrication costs. A refrigerant within an idling cylinder is prevented from flowing back into another cylinder so as to improve performance of the compressor. A welding space can be ensured when connecting connection pipes so as to realize a welding automation, thereby further reducing the fabrication cost, and a mode switching valve is stably fixed to an appropriate position so as to attenuate noise due to vibration of compressor.
US08579587B2 Method of reducing or even eliminating the vibration of a rotorcraft lift and propulsion rotor, and an airfoil assembly and a rotor implementing said method
The present invention relates to a method of reducing the vibration of a lift and propulsion rotor (5) of a rotorcraft (1), the rotor having a plurality of airfoil assemblies (10) that perform rotary movement around a drive axis (AX) of the rotor (5), each airfoil assembly (10) comprising a blade (20) extending longitudinally from a root (22) suitable for being fastened to hinge means (4) of a hub (6) of said rotor (5) to a free end (21), a first distance (D1) extending between said free end (21) and said hinge means (4). In the method, said first distance (D1) is caused to vary cyclically so that the projection (TR) of the center of gravity (Cg) of a blade (20) on a horizontal plane (P) perpendicular to said drive axis (AX) and containing said hinge means (4) describes a circle.
US08579584B2 Turbofan jet engine
There is a turbofan jet engine including an engine core. The engine core includes a fan and a compressor. The engine core includes a combustion chamber and a turbine functionally coupled to the compressor. The engine core includes a nozzle in fluid communication with the turbine. The turbofan jet engine includes a nacelle. The nacelle includes a forward extension proximate the fan and extending forward therefrom. The forward extension is funnel shaped to impart radial momentum to intake air during operation. The nacelle includes a vortex device disposed inside the forward extension and shaped to impart angular momentum to intake air. The vortex device includes a fixed blade extending from the interior of the forward extension and set at a rotational angle. The vortex device is shaped and positioned to direct intake air substantially perpendicular to the blades of the fan.
US08579581B2 Abradable bucket shroud
The present application provides an abradable bucket shroud for use with a bucket tip so as to limit a leakage flow therethrough and reduce heat loads thereon. The abradable bucket shroud may include a base and a number of ridges positioned thereon. The ridges may be made from an abradable material. The ridges may form a pattern. The ridges may have a number of curves with at least a first curve and a second curve and with the second curve having a reverse camber shape.
US08579574B2 Storage rack with a multiplicity of rack units
A storage rack with a multiplicity of rack units includes a stack of interspaced supporting mounts, arranged paired at opposing sidewalls of the rack units in forming a storage location for a tote. The tote is designed for storage and retrieval in/from storage locations by an automated transfer apparatus. The transfer apparatus includes a first transfer assembly for travelling in a vertical direction and a second transfer assembly for travelling in a first horizontal direction supported by and relative to the first transfer assembly. To allow a simple adaptation of the storage rack to changes in the spatial situation, the first transport assembly includes a multiplicity of releasably interconnected modules, the number of which can be varied depending on the number of rack units.
US08579565B2 Padded surface transportation apparatus for construction equipment
A transportation rack for construction equipment is provided. The transportation rack includes a pad for supporting a hard, smooth wheel of the concrete equipment. The pad absorbs dynamic loads on the construction equipment during transportation to avoid flat spots developing on the hard, smooth wheel. The transportation rack also includes a rigid guard to protect a precisely aligned element of the equipment, and a rigid bar extending across a portion of the construction equipment to hold it down or apply a containment load to hold the equipment against the pad.
US08579564B2 Protective wheel chock for transporting motor vehicle
A protective chock for use when transporting a vehicle having a wheel and a flexible underbody component, such as an air dam or skirt, adjacent the wheel. The chock includes at least one wheel positioning bump for placement on a deck of the transporter vehicle (railway car, road vehicle, ship, aircraft, etc.) with the bump projecting upwardly from the deck to contact the wheel when the vehicle is in a pre-tie-down position. The chock further includes a sloped portion extending from positioning bump(s) and the wheel to be located between the flexible underbody component and the deck. As the vehicle is urged downwardly to a tied-down position, the flexible underbody component contacts the sloped portion and is deflected either away from or toward the wheel to protect it from damaging contact with the deck.
US08579563B2 Microscopic geometry cutting device including an arrival time calculator
A microscopic geometry cutting device includes: a controller that outputs a timer count start command in starting a driving program which controls a drive of an X-axis or a Y-axis moving mechanism; an arrival time calculator that calculates an arrival time from when the timer count start command is output till when the cutter arrives at a machining start position in accordance with relative moving speed information of the moving mechanisms and machining start position information of a workpiece W; an elapsed time determiner that determines whether an elapsed time from when the timer count start command is output is coincident with the arrival time and outputs a trigger signal when the elapsed time is coincident with the arrival time; and a reciprocating stage driver that drives the reciprocating stage in a manner that the cutter advances and retracts in a predetermined cutting depth in response to the trigger signal.
US08579562B2 Vibration-damped tool holder
A tool holder (10) for a tool which can rotate about an axis of rotation (D) comprises a clamping shank (18) which, in an end shank region, has a clamping formation (14) with an accommodating opening (16) which is central in relation to the axis of rotation (D) and is intended for accommodating a retaining shank of the tool, there being provided, on the lateral circumference of the accommodating opening (16), at least one clamping surface for securing the retaining shank of the tool with press-fit action. According to the invention, on an axial section which forms an axial bracing section (VA), the tool holder (10) has a bracing arrangement (20) which, at least during operation of the tool holder (10), subjects the tool holder (10) to a bracing force (Vk) with a bracing force component (Vk) acting in the axial direction.
US08579556B2 Insert for drill, drill and method of cutting work material
An insert for a drill, a drill using the insert for a drill, and a method of cutting a work material are provided. The insert has an insert main body provided with a top surface and a side surface, a first cutting edge being formed on one side of an intersection part between the top surface and the side surface, a second cutting edge being formed on the other side of the intersection part between the top surface and the side surface, and being intersected with a virtual extension of the first cutting edge or the first cutting edge so as to have an outward convexity when viewed from above, a first breaking groove being formed in a concave shape along the first cutting edge in the top surface and having a maximum groove width at an end portion of the first cutting edge adjacent to the second cutting edge, and a second breaking groove being formed in a concave shape along the second cutting edge in the top surface and having a maximum groove width at an end portion of the second cutting edge adjacent to the first cutting edge.
US08579552B2 Ecological board and its applications
An ecological board includes a quadrilateral board body, on the side edges thereof is disposed at least one reglet or at least one insertion groove to be engaged with a corresponding insertion groove or a reglet of another identical board body. Further, a plurality of separated strong and pliable pad bodies are embedded in at least a first side surface of the board body and protrude outwards therefrom. The ecological board according to the present invention is durable, stable, easy to construct, maintain, and repair, and environmentally friendly to the natural landscape. Most importantly, it can be applied to various environments, such as coastlines, artificial reefs, and slopes of reservoirs, rivers, or mountains.
US08579549B2 Reinforced ground structure, and siding elements for constructing same
The invention relates to a structure including a fill (1), reinforcing strips (2), and facing (3), the reinforcement strips (2) being anchored to the facing (3). The facing incorporates a path formed for a reinforcement strip (2) between two emergence points (PE1, PE2) that are located at the back surface (7) of the facing, wherein the path comprises: two adjacent portions (21, 22) that are placed so as to position each strip within an emergence plane (P1, P2); two curved portions (23, 24) provided as extensions of the two adjacent portions (21, 22) and arranged so as to deviate the strip out from the emergence planes (P1, P2); and a connecting portion connecting together the two curved portions (23, 24). In the structure, both emergence planes (P1, P2) are distinct and separated by a physical separator, and the connecting portion includes at least one loop (25) located outside the emergence planes (P1, P2) and outside the space between said emergence planes. The invention also relates to a related facing element.
US08579548B1 Method of piling remediation
A piling planing tool utilizes a cylindrical cutter head connected to a cylindrical cutter ring having teeth for planing the outer surfaces of damaged or deteriorating in situ pilings. Spacer rings are attached between the cutter head and cutter ring to lengthen the planing tool, in order to extend the tool to plane lower outer surfaces of the pilings. A drill bit extends through the planing tool to bore center channels into the pilings. A circular cutting blade is provided beneath the cutter head to plane the top of the piling. The method of reforming in situ pilings utilizes the planing tool to shape pilings so that they can be connected with new pilings. The pilings are connected by an internal steel rebar and sleeve, permanently secured with bonding material to form a single reformed piling having high tensile strength.
US08579545B2 Apparatus and methods for an ocean bottom seismic sensor deployment vehicle
Embodiments described herein relate to an apparatus and method for transferring one or more seismic sensor devices to or from a support vessel on or near a surface of a body of water and a subsurface marine location. In one embodiment, an apparatus for transferring seismic sensor devices is provided. The apparatus includes a frame structure having one or more rails disposed thereon, the one or more rails comprising an elevator mechanism and defining at least one exit path for one or more seismic sensor devices, and one or more motors coupled to the elevator mechanism.
US08579538B2 Turbine engine coupling stack
An example coupling stack includes a first rotating member and a second rotating member. A plurality of aligned slots is defined in the first rotating member and the second rotating member. A tab lock is provided having an annular body with an axial front side, an axial back side, and a radial inner periphery. Tabs are formed on the axial back side and inserted into the plurality of aligned slots. The annular body of the tab lock also includes a plurality of openings extending into the radial inner periphery. A plurality of flanges is provided on the axial back side of the annular body adjacent to the plurality of openings.
US08579533B2 Container for a viscous cosmetic
Provided is a container for a viscous cosmetic such that even when the viscous cosmetic makes contact with the applicator comprised of silicone resin there is little swelling of said applicator and the quality of the viscous cosmetic container is well maintained. An applicator made of silicone resin inside which is formed a flow-way which can communicate with a housing for internally housing a viscous cosmetic is connected to one end of the housing. A distributing port which communicates with the flow-way is formed in the applying-surface of the applicator and the viscous cosmetic within the housing can be discharged outward from the distributing port. The degree of swelling of the applicator produced by contact with the viscous cosmetic is set to from 0 wt % to 5.0 wt % by including from 50 to 100 wt % with respect to the whole of the fluid oil fraction of any one, or combination, of deodorized polybutene, isostearyl oxystearate, polyglyceryl tri-isostearate or macadamia nut oil for the fluid oil fraction of the viscous cosmetic.
US08579531B2 Device for dispensing a cosmetic product and associated storage method
This device comprises a container (12), a head (14) which is for dispensing cosmetic product and which is provided with a rotary application member (44) and a retention cap (42).It comprises a blocking cover (16) which can be moved between a position for blocking the container (12) and a position for dispensing the product.The container (12) is shaped so as to prevent the device (10) from being retained in a stable manner on a horizontal support with the head (14) in an upward position.The cover (16) comprises a member (86) for urging the rotary application member (40) against a sealing seat (60) delimited by the cap (42) in the blocking position of the cover.The urging member (86) can be resiliently deformed relative to the cover (16) between an idle configuration and a resiliently deformed configuration.
US08579525B2 Hydraulic stop valve for a camera crane
A stop valve for a camera support such as a telescoping camera crane may include a valve pin engagable onto a valve seat, with a pin plate attached to the valve pin. A spring urges the valve pin in a first direction, which may be an opening direction or a closing direction. First and second dampener pins in first and second cylinders are attached to the pin plate. A closed loop fluid filled flow path connects the first and second cylinders. First and second check valves may be used to control flow in the flow path.
US08579521B2 Pluggable optical transceiver having electrically shielded receptacle, and optical connector installed therein
A pluggable optical transceiver is disclosed. The optical transceiver includes a resin made optical receptacle to receive an external connector, a housing that provides an area for setting the optical receptacle, and an electrically conductive sheet put between the rear of the optical receptacle and the wall forming the area. The rear wall of the optical receptacle provides a step for receiving a flange of a sleeve assembly set in the optical receptacle.
US08579519B2 Cable assembly transmitting with electrical and optical signals
A cable assembly (100) includes a first connector (1), a second power connector (2) arranged with the first connector in a side by side manner, and a cable (3). The first connector includes a first insulative housing (11), a set of terminals coupled to the first insulative housing for transmitting electrical signals, and an optical module (14) attached to the first insulative housing and stacked with the terminals for transmitting optical signals. The cable includes a set of first electrical wires (31) connecting with the first terminals, a plurality of optical fibers (32) connecting with the optical module, and a plurality of second electrical wires (33) connecting with the second power connector.
US08579516B2 Roller cage for a rolling bearing, particularly a double roller cage for a cylinder rolling bearing, rolling bearing, and method for producing a roller cage for a rolling bearing
A roller cage for a rolling bearing, particularly a double roller cage for a cylinder rolling bearing, which has a ring web with axially extending webs. Every two adjacent webs delimit a receptacle pocket for a rolling element with a floor thereof being formed by the ring web. Each web has a radial outer and inner base side connected to each other by an axial outer face side. The face side of the radial outer base side is tapered toward the radial inner base side. To increase the rigidity of the webs with regard to trouble-free removal and installation of the rolling bearing, the radial inner base side is trapezoidal such that a web width of the radial inner base side increases from the face side to the floor of the receptacle pocket.
US08579510B2 Rotatable bar pin bushing assembly
A rotatable bar pin bushing assembly is disclosed for connecting components in a vehicular system, such as a suspension and/or axle system. The rotatable bar pin bushing assembly includes an inner sleeve, an outer sleeve positioned around the inner sleeve, and an insert positioned between the inner and outer sleeves. The rotatable bar pin bushing assembly also includes a bar pin rotatably positioned within the inner sleeve. The bar pin has at least one end with at least one bore extending therethrough to receive a fastener. The bar pin is rotatable within the inner sleeve to allow indexing of the bar pin for registering the at least one bore of the bar pin with a connector of a different component. A method for assembling the rotatable bar pin bushing assembly is also disclosed.
US08579503B2 Device to continuously determine the rate of extraction of water steam used for drying transformers
A moisture flow meter is provided in the air at negative pressures in the drying of transformers by means of a vacuum process for water extraction, causing a differential of pressure through a device of orifice plate and the continuous measurement of the dewpoint. The meter includes a pipeline, a continuous dewpoint meter able to support negative pressure, as well as the use of a orifice plate and two vacuum meters (vacuum meters) capable of measuring the pressure of condensable steam as well as a orifice which, allow a pressure drop. The signals on both sides of the orifice plate and the one from the dewpoint temperature are sent to a data acquisition card, which allows to measure, with the help of an algorithm, the amount of water in weight that flows per time unit.
US08579500B2 Timepiece (clockwork part)
The band attachment device (1) and the closed case (17) together form the housing of the wristwatch. The device (1) is a perforated construction, the central part (2) of which contains the closed case (17) and the side parts (3 and 4) of which provide the connection to each half of the band. The device (1) is made entirely of elongate elements of metal or plastic sections joined by welding or adhesive bonding and arranged in such a way as to form a rigid, lightweight lattice.
US08579491B2 Backlight unit and display apparatus having the same
A display apparatus includes a light guide plate, a light source unit and a display panel. The light guide plate includes an incident surface, an exit surface and an opposite surface opposite to the exit surface and guides a light incident into the incident surface toward the exit surface. The light source unit includes a light source which generates light and is disposed adjacent to the incident and has an emitting surface inclined with respect to the incident surface. An extension line of a normal line of the emitting surface passes through the opposite surface, and the light is incident into the incident surface while being inclined toward the opposite surface. The display panel displays an image by receiving the light emitted from the exit surface.
US08579487B2 Lighting module
A lighting module is provided. The lighting module comprises a circuit board, a first light source array, a second light source array, and a plurality of first light guides. The first light source array is disposed on the circuit board and comprises a plurality of first solid light emitting semiconductors providing a first light with a first wavelength. The second light source array is disposed on the circuit board and comprises a plurality of second solid light emitting semiconductors providing a second light with a second wavelength. The first light guides are disposed on the circuit board and between the second solid light emitting semiconductors. The second solid light emitting semiconductors are located on a side of each of the first light guides, respectively, so that the second light emitted by the second solid light emitting semiconductors enters the first light guides to be uniformly emitted.
US08579480B2 LED landing light arrangement for an aircraft
An LED landing light arrangement for an aircraft comprises a plurality of LED light sources (12,14,16) for arrangement on an aircraft (24), primarily on the wing roots (20), on the front edges of the wings (22) and/or on the landing gears (18). The LED light sources (12,14,16) are operative to generate, relative to the central axis of the aircraft (24), a light distribution (10) ahead of the aircraft (24) that is spread substantially in a Y-shaped configuration in an obliquely downward direction. The light distribution (10) comprises two converging lateral regions (34,36) arranged laterally ahead of the aircraft (24), and a central region (40) running from said converging lateral regions (34,36) along an extension of said central axis and oriented in a direction away from the aircraft (24).
US08579475B2 Artistic formative lampshade assembly
An artistic formative lampshade assembly comprises a longitudinal support body, a fabric cover, and a transverse support body, wherein the longitudinal support is a flat body or a rod and the transverse support body formed into a circular or rectangular shape by a butt joint structure. Further, the fabric cover is made of a transparent, flexible, soft fabric. The transverse body set into the fabric cover hitches the buckles on the fabric cover and the hooks on the both ends of the longitudinal support so that the longitudinal support body is encircled by the transverse support body to form a cubical space. Therefore, the light bulb in the center of the fabric cover can keep a safety distance from the upper covering body and lower covering body. The present invention is easy to pack and transport, and enables the light illuminates evenly for both practical use and ornamental art.
US08579473B2 Luminaire for indirect illumination
The invention relates to a luminaire (2) and an illumination system (12). The luminaire according to the invention comprises a light exit window (30) for emitting light from the luminaire, and a reflective screen (40) arranged opposite the light exit window. The luminaire further comprises a light source (20) which is arranged for indirect illumination of the light exit window via the reflective screen. The light source is arranged near the light exit window on an imaginary plane P substantially parallel to the light exit window and emits light away from the light exit window. The luminaire further comprises a specularly reflective part (43) as part of the reflective screen, which specularly reflective part is concavely shaped for reflecting at least part of the light emitted by the light source towards a diffusely reflective part (42) of the reflective screen.The luminaire according to the invention has the effect that use of the specularly reflective part allows an improved controlled reflection of the portion of the light emitted by the light source towards the diffusely reflective part.
US08579469B2 Street lamp
The street lamp comprises: a heat radiating body comprising top surface, a bottom surface and a plurality of heat radiating fins being formed on the top surface; an LED module comprising a substrate disposed on the bottom surface of the heat radiating body and a plurality of LEDs disposed on one side of the substrate; and a heat radiating body cover disposed on the top surface of the heat radiating body, wherein the heat radiating body cover comprises a plurality of heat radiating openings corresponding to the plurality of the heat radiating fins, and wherein the heat radiating body cover is disposed at positions higher or lower than positions of peaks of the plurality of the heat radiating fins.
US08579467B1 Linear LED array having a specialized light diffusing element
A lighting assembly where the light from multiple LEDs is blended to provide uniform lighting over a wide area without bright spots or interference anomalies. The assembly has a metal base that defines a channel. The channel has a bottom surface and opposing side walls. An array of LEDs is mounted on a circuit board. The circuit board is mounted to the bottom surface of the channel. A panel of light diffusing material is suspended over the LED array between the opposing side walls of the channel. The light diffusing material is configured to have lenticules that run parallel to the alignment of the LEDs. The lenticules vary between regions of the panel. Light emitted by the LED array passes through, and is diffused by, the lenticules. The result is a uniform patch of light that does not have bright areas or dark areas.
US08579465B2 Plant growing system
A plant growing system of the present invention includes: a first light source for irradiating red light to a plant; a second light source for irradiating far-red light to the plant; a control part that controls irradiation operations of the first light source and the second light source; and a time setting part that sets a time zone in which the control part operates the irradiation of the first light source and the second light source. The time setting part is designed such that the first light source starts red light irradiation before sunset; and the second light source starts far-red light irradiation after the red light irradiation.
US08579464B2 Illumination arrangement, multiple light module, luminaire and use thereof
An illumination arrangement comprising a plurality of light-emitting semiconductor components (1), arranged in a row, a diffuser (2), which is illuminated by the light-emitting semiconductor components during operation of the illumination arrangement, intermixes light emitted by the semiconductor components during operation and has a light coupling-out area (200) remote from the semiconductor components, and two mutually opposite, reflective longitudinal side faces (3), between which the row of light-emitting semiconductor components is arranged, which run perpendicular or obliquely with respect to the light coupling-out area, and which reflect at least part of the light emitted by the light-emitting semiconductor components during operation in the direction toward the light coupling-out area.
US08579463B2 Modular lighting system
An LED tube is provided for providing general illumination. The LED tube includes a tubular housing having a clear shield and a heat sink opposite the clear shield. A strip including LED lights, circuitry, and electrical hubs are positioned on the backside of the heat sink under the shield. The housing also includes first and second ends that include portions of a quarter turn locking system to allow multiple housings to be attached to one another for a longer string of lighting. A power source for powering the LED lights, and an end cap may also be attached to the first and second ends of the housing by the quarter turn locking system. The housing or housings may be connected to a wall or the like by the use of one or more clip mounts.
US08579461B2 Rechargeable flameless candle systems and methods
According to embodiments of the present invention, a recharging device includes a recharging port that receives a flameless candle and recharges a battery in the candle. The recharging device includes a first stacking structure that has a top portion and a bottom portion. There is a top stacking contact on the top portion. The electrical power bus is connected with the top stacking contact. The top portion of the first stacking structure is configured to mate with a bottom portion of a first stacking structure of another recharging device. In an embodiment, the bottom portion of the first stacking structure has a bottom stacking contact electrically connected with the electrical power bus. The bottom stacking contact may have a pogo spring. The recharging device may also have a second stacking structure having a top portion without an electrical contact. The second stacking structure is configured to mate with a bottom portion of another second stacking structure. In an embodiment, the device has two first stacking structures and two second stacking structures.
US08579459B2 Double-walled illuminated container
An illuminated bucket is a double-layered or walled carrier, with LED light, or other illuminated source, established between the layered inner and outer walls for the formed carrier. The circuitry for the LED lights includes a battery, and may further include a flasher that allows for blinking of the lights.
US08579444B2 Modular rear view mirror and method to assemble it
The invention is related to a rear view mirror assembly with a least two parts out of the group of part as: mirror frame, mirror base, mirror housing, mirror bezel, mirror glass, mirror lighting means, actuator, that must be connected during assembly process with at least one retention latch. This retention latch comprises a circular hood and a rectangular arm formed in a first part and to be inserted into an opening and shifted along a slot in a second part.
US08579441B2 Measurement device and measurement method for flickering perception threshold
The measurement method involves a step for displaying on a display screen an image in which one corresponding region exclusively that has been selected from regions provided has a contrast difference when on and when off; a step for enlarging the contrast difference in the image display in cases which an operation for an operation unit accompanying the flickering perception of a subject is assessed to not be correctly specifying the one aforementioned selected region, and, in cases which a correct specification has been assessed, recording the contrast difference at that point in a recording unit as the measurement contrast difference; and a step for assessing whether the aforementioned recorded measurement contrast difference has converged, reducing the contrast difference when convergence has not been assessed, and determining the convergence value of the aforementioned measurement contrast difference as information corresponding to the flickering perception threshold when convergence has been assessed.
US08579436B2 Single vision ophthalmic lens
An ophthalmic lens including: a prescription control point (P); an upper area having, relative to the point (P), and average-power continuous variation ΔPuiSup that is monotonous between the point (P) and the point (Psup) (maximum variation point in absolute value) where the signed value of the variation ΔPuiSupMax=Pui(Psup)−Pui(P) is between −0.1 and −0.4 dioptres; a lower area having, relative to the point (P), an average power continuous variation ΔPuinf that is monotonous between the point (P) and the point (Pinf) (maximum variation point in absolute value) where the signed value of the variation ΔPuiinfMax=Pui(Pinf)−Pui(P) is between +0.1 and +0.4 dioptres; the average power gradient being lower than 4.10−2×ΔPuitotal, where ΔPuitotal=|ΔPuisupMax|+ΔPuiInfMax. Such a lens advantageously takes the accommodative dynamics of the eye into account and increases the visual comfort of the wearer.
US08579433B2 Low-cost eyeglasses
Low cost spectacles may include a paper or plastic frame and injection molded plastic lens or lenses, where the lens may be easily removed and changed within the frame. In one example, the lens may have a round shape, and securing the lens within the frame may be accomplished by inserting the lens into the aperture in the frame, and rotating the lens, for example, by ¼ of a turn. The lens may have a flange extending radially outward from an edge of the lens, wrapping substantially around a circumference of the lens. The lens may further have a key extending radially outward from an edge of the lens. The key is configured to fit the lens into the aperture of the frame. When the lens is rotated within the aperture, a portion of the frame enters a channel between the key and the flange to secure the lens to the frame.
US08579428B2 Colorants
Disclosed are colorants comprising a colored laked complex of (a) a chromogen molecule having at least one (i) carboxylic acid group, (ii) carboxylate group, (iii) sulfonic acid group, (iv) sulfonate group, or (v) combination thereof, and (b) a polymer, said chromogen molecule and said polymer each being complexed to (c) a metal. Also disclosed are phase change inks containing the colorants.
US08579418B2 Liquid ejection head and image forming apparatus including liquid ejection head
The liquid ejection head for ejecting liquid from nozzles includes: pressure chambers connecting to the nozzles; a common liquid chamber which is connected to the pressure chambers, is arranged across the pressure chambers from the nozzles, and is defined by at least a multi-layer wiring substrate which has a recess-shaped structure including a base section forming one of a ceiling and a floor of the common liquid chamber and a projecting section forming a side wall of the common liquid chamber; electrical wires which are formed at least partially inside the multi-layer wiring substrate; and a connection electrode which is provided in a top of the projecting section of the multi-layer wiring substrate.
US08579415B2 Inkjet printing of nanoparticulate functional inks
Apparatus for depositing ink on a substrate includes a nozzle defining an outlet for the ink, with at least a portion of the nozzle being electrically conductive. A first voltage source applies a first potential to the outlet nozzle. One or more auxiliary electrodes are located adjacent the outlet nozzle, and a second voltage source applies a second potential to the auxiliary electrodes. The apparatus includes a piezo-electric or thermal actuator for expelling ink from the nozzle towards a target zone on a substrate, the ink comprising a liquid vehicle and pigment particles dispersed in the vehicle. At least the pigment particles are electrically charged, typically due to the applied potentials. In one embodiment, an auxiliary electrode is disposed coaxially around the electrode formed by the nozzle. In another embodiment, an auxiliary electrode located beyond the nozzle, on a common axis with the electrode formed by the nozzle. The configuration of the nozzle, the auxiliary electrodes, and the values of the first and second potentials are selected to cause pigment particles to be concentrated in the target zone, so that a quantity of the pigment particles is deposited in the target zone having a higher concentration than the concentration of the pigment particles in the ink. The invention extends to a method of depositing ink on a substrate.
US08579412B2 Actuatable device with die and integrated circuit element
A fluid ejector includes a fluid ejection module and an integrated circuit element. The fluid ejection module includes a substrate having a plurality of fluid paths, a plurality of actuators, and a plurality of conductive traces, each actuator configured to cause a fluid to be ejected from a nozzle of an associated fluid path. The integrated circuit element is mounted on the fluid ejection module and is electrically connected with the conductive traces of the fluid ejection module such that an electrical connection of the module enables a signal sent to the fluid ejection module to be transmitted to the integrated circuit element, processed on the integrated circuit element, and output to the fluid ejection module to drive the actuator.
US08579394B2 Refrigerator
A refrigerator that includes a storage room and a door configured to provide or prevent access to the storage room is described. In the refrigerator, a hinge assembly connects the door to the storage room at a height relative that can be adjusted by operating the hinge assembly. To do so, the hinge assembly includes a hinge shaft having a screw thread and an adjustment member movable along the hinge shaft. Thus, the hinge assembly supports the door and allows adjustment to the height of the door relative to the storage room.
US08579393B2 Server having retractable foot pad
An exemplary server includes a housing having a lateral side defining four openings, and a foot pad fixed in each of the openings. The foot pad includes a pivoting rod and a supporting member pivotally connected to the pivoting rod. The supporting member is operable to rotate in the opening, thereby the supporting member being totally received in the opening, or a part of the supporting member protruding outwardly from the opening for supporting the housing.
US08579374B2 Vehicle seat
The motor vehicle seat of the present invention includes: a seat proper mounted on a pillar by means of a first connecting rod assembly including a front connecting rod and a rear connecting rod; a backrest mounted on the pillar by means of a second connecting rod assembly including a front connecting rod and a rear connecting rod; a locking mechanism for alternately restricting or enabling a movement of the backrest relative to the pillar, the seat being freely movable between a nominal position and a folded back position.
US08579373B2 Device for adjusting the length of the seat base for a motor vehicle seat and seat comprising such a device
A seat base length adjustment device including a seat nose plate assembled on a carriage movable with respect to the seating frame, means for slidably guiding the carriage, and means for maintaining the carriage in position with respect to said frame. The sliding guide means comprises a guide rail located in a middle portion of the carriage, the carriage supports a toothed wheel, rotatably assembled on the carriage along an axis perpendicular to the seating frame and to the sliding direction, and meshing with a rack arranged close to the guide rail, and the means for maintaining the carriage in position comprises a lock acting on the rotation of the toothed wheel.
US08579363B2 Rollover protection cab
Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a rollover protection cab. In one embodiment, a rollover protection cab for a construction vehicle includes a structural frame defining cabin space for a vehicle operator. The structural frame is operable to substantially maintain the cabin space while withstanding a crushing load greater than or equal to twenty tons. The cab further includes a window; a door; a seat disposed in the cabin space; and controls for operating the vehicle disposed in the cabin space.
US08579361B2 Vehicle undercover
A vehicle undercover is provided with a fixed section fixed to a front body and a rotating section, one end of which is rotatably coupled to the fixed section and the other end of which vertically moves relative to the front body so as to be able to open and close a lower opening, in which the fixed section closes a part of the lower opening and the rotating section closes a remaining part of the lower opening, which is not closed by the fixed section. Such a configuration improves aerodynamic performance of a vehicle and improves workability of maintenance operation.
US08579358B2 Rounded air dam for maximum aerodynamics and cooling performance
A modified air dam includes an integral spring-like, corrugate-shaped portion for absorbing impact forces imposed on the air dam. A lower portion of the air dam is generally planar and angled slightly from a vertical plane toward the front of the vehicle. The air dam also includes a rounded portion to provide a horizontal offset between upper and lower portions of the air dam and to direct airflow toward a bottom portion of the radiator. The air dam may also be curved side-to-side or employ an inverted, generally U-shaped portion as a first force absorbing region and a spaced rib that serves as a second force absorbing region. The generally U-shaped portion also advantageously extends over a fastener and mounting region of the air dam.
US08579355B2 Vehicle window section structure
Provided is a vehicle window section structure in which in a state where an openable and closable front door is closed, a gap (63) extending inward in a vehicle width direction is formed between a small window (9) provided on a vehicle body side and a mount body (25) of a door mirror mount provided to the front door. A peripheral member (11) is provided on the outer periphery of the small window (9). A lip (50) extending along the vehicle width direction is provided to the peripheral member (11). Distance between the lip (50) and the mount body (25) facing the lip (50) is larger toward an outer end in the vehicle width direction and smaller toward an inner end in the vehicle width direction.
US08579341B2 Grill grate lifter
A grill grate lifting tool that engages the grill at three or more points. The grill lifter hooks between the tines of the grill grate at the rim and/or to a handle of the grill grate. The grill grate lifting tool includes a handle attached to three or more legs, which is generally central above the center of mass of the grill grate to provide a stable lifting point with or without food on the grate.
US08579338B1 Slide bolt lock
An improved slide bolt locking mechanism is capable of selectably releaseably fastening both overhead doors and swing doors to its surrounding door frame. A portion of the traditional slide bolt is replaced by a lighter actuating mechanism outwardly of the door-transom interface and a form fitting handle. The handle includes an alignable eye assembly capable of securement by a pad or combination lock.
US08579332B2 Tank arrangement and vehicle with a tank arrangement
A tank arrangement for a vehicle, particularly a truck, includes at least a first fuel tank and a second fuel tank which are connected by a balancing pipe, a suction pipe for feeding fuel to an engine and a return pipe for feeding fuel from the engine to at least one of the fuel tanks. The balancing pipe is provided with a first end to supply fuel to the first tank and a second end to suck fuel from the second tan, wherein a check valve is arranged upstream of the return pipe in the balancing pipe between the at least two tanks allowing a flow direction from the second tank to the first tank and blocking a flow in the reverse direction. Suction of fuel to the engine is from the first tank only. The check valve provides an automatic purging of the system.
US08579330B2 Fluid receiver
The invention relates to a fluid receiver for attaching to a vehicle. The fluid receiver comprises a receiver body having side walls extending upwardly from a receiver floor. A wheel arch is formed within the receiver floor and comprises a reinforced mounting plate to which is attached a mounting system for attaching wheels to the fluid receiver. The receiver is, therefore, adapted to be attached directly to a wheel mounting system and suspension system without needing to be mounted to a chassis or sub-frame. As such, the receiver has a lower center of gravity and higher static rollover threshold, resulting in increased stability, particularly when the receiver is attached to a vehicle negotiating rough terrain or slopes.
US08579327B2 Steering column for a motor vehicle
A steering column is provided for a motor vehicle, which can be moved within a predetermined adjustment range, and in the event of a crash can be shifted beyond the predetermined adjustment range into a crash position, with a steering column cladding and a latching device for locking the steering column into the respective position. The latching device has a manually activatable actuating element, and the steering column cladding and actuating element can be positioned relative to each other in such a way by moving the steering column into the crash position that the actuating element is or can be supported against the steering column cladding as it is being fixed in place with the steering column locked.
US08579326B2 Landing gear
An extensible support leg includes at least two reciprocally-slidable portions, a maneuvering screw axially constrained to a first portion, a threaded volute axially constrained to a second portion and screwed on the maneuvering screw, and a rotating drive shaft which is connected to the maneuvering screw by a mechanical gear change, and is rotatable to set the maneuvering screw in rotation. The mechanical gear change includes: two first cogged crown wheels, coaxial and rotatably solid with the maneuvering screw; two second cogged crown wheels mounted coaxially and rotatably idle on the drive shaft, which enmesh directly with a respective first cogged crown wheel, realizing two gears having different transmission ratios; and a cursor, which is solidly rotatably associated to a portion of the drive shaft between the second cogged crown wheels, and is mobile, in a direction of the drive shaft axis, between first and second enmeshed positions.
US08579325B2 Active bolster
Provided is an active bolster for a vehicle occupant, the active bolster comprising a rear panel, an internal structure, and a front panel. The internal structure is disposed between the rear panel and the front panel, and the internal structure and rear panel together forming a hollow chamber in communication with an inflation device. The hollow chamber is expandable on activation of the inflation device. The internal structure has at least one expandable element such that upon pressurization of the hollow chamber by the inflation device, at least a portion of the at least one expandable element undergoes deformation to permit inflation of the hollow chamber, thereby displacing the rear panel rearwardly to an extended position.
US08579322B2 Curtain airbag system
A curtain airbag system for a vehicle is stored in a folded state in a roof side portion, and includes a gas supply passage to be deployed along the roof side portion, a rear main chamber that is inflated and deployed below the gas supply passage in the event of a side impact or rollover of the vehicle, with gas supplied through the gas supply passage, a rear auxiliary chamber that is deployed at a front side of the rear main chamber in the event of at least rollover, with gas supplied through the gas supply passage or the rear main chamber, and a concave deployment portion having a looped line that restricts deployment of a part of the rear auxiliary chamber or a part of a space between the rear auxiliary chamber and the gas supply passage as seen in a side view.
US08579321B2 Roof airbag apparatus of vehicle
A relatively small capacity of airbag apparatus can be used by relatively shortening the distance between locations on which a passenger and the airbag apparatus are mounted to more effectively prevent a head and a neck of the passenger from being damaged through a discriminated supporting action of an upper body and a head part of the passenger while reducing a weight and a price of the airbag apparatus and the airbag apparatus can be easily standardized by configuration the airbag apparatus regardless of the shapes of a crash pad and a wind shield glass.
US08579319B2 Baby carriage
A baby buggy having a frame structure that can be folded quickly, easily, and in a small frame volume.
US08579317B2 Binding for a boot on a gliding board
The invention is directed to a binding for retaining a boot on a gliding board, such as a ski, which includes a retaining device, a lower abutment surface, and a vertical spacer. The retaining device supports an upper abutment surface adapted to be in contact with at least one upper surface of a front portion of the boot. The lower abutment surface is adapted to be in contact with at least a portion of the sole of the boot. The lower abutment surface is connected to the retaining device so as to define an engagement height for the boot corresponding to the difference in height between the upper abutment surface and the lower abutment surface. The vertical spacer is rigid and includes a predetermined adjustment height. The vertical spacer is arranged relative to the retaining device and the lower abutment surface, so that the adjustment height of the vertical spacer makes it possible to adjust the engagement height. The vertical spacer is affixed directly to the retaining device in order to modify the vertical position of the upper abutment surface.
US08579313B2 Active roll control system
An active roll control device varies a position of a stabilizer link connecting a stabilizer bar with a suspension arm such that torsion rigidity of the stabilizer bar is varied to actively control the roll. A penetrating slot is formed in the suspension arm and may include a sliding unit that includes a rail plate disposed in a housing disposed at a lower side of the penetrating slot along a vehicle width direction and connects a connector that is movably disposed on the rail plate with a lower end of the stabilizer link to guide the stabilizer link along a width direction of the vehicle, and a drive unit having a lead screw as a rotation shaft through a three joint mounting portion that engages a screw connector connected to a hinge portion of the stabilizer link to transfer a driving torque to the stabilizer link.
US08579310B2 Vehicle suspension apparatus
It is an object to obtain excellent suspension performance and effectively enhance steering stability during vehicle turning, with a simple configuration. A vehicle suspension apparatus comprises an upper lateral link (5) and a lower lateral link (6) each having one end (5a, 6a) swingably mounted to a wheel carrying member (1) and the other end (5b, 6b) swingably supported by a vehicle body, while being installed to extend in a vehicle widthwise direction, and a lower link (7) having one end mounted to a lower portion of the wheel carrying member (1) at a position rearward of a rotary shaft of a wheel, and the other end swingably supported by the vehicle body. The one ends (5a, 6a) of the upper and lower lateral links (5, 6) are mounted, respectively, to an upper portion and a lower portion of the wheel carrying member (1) at positions frontward of the rotary shaft of the wheel. The upper and lower mounting portions each mounting a respective one of the upper and lower lateral links (5, 6) to the wheel carrying member (1) are disposed at approximately same positions in a vehicle longitudinal direction in side view. Further, the other ends (5b, 5b) of the upper and lower lateral links (5, 6) are supported, respectively, by an upper portion and a lower portion of a frame member 3 installed to extend in an upward-downward direction in side view.
US08579309B1 Vehicle frame mounting
A vehicle frame assembly includes a structural member configured to support a vehicle body and a subframe member configured to support at least one of a vehicle suspension and an engine. The structural member includes a cavity and the subframe member includes a support section and an extension that extends transversely from the support section. The extension is received in the cavity to connect the subframe member with the structural member.