Document Document Title
US08698405B2 User interface with circular light guided ring with adaptive appearance depending on function
The present invention relates to a control device adapted to control properties of light emitted from a light source. The control device may comprise a touch-sensitive user interface adapted to visually indicate a range of available values representing at least one of the properties and to enable a user to control the represented property on the basis of a location touched on the touch-sensitive user interface. The controlled property may be adjusted by means of a communication unit adapted to communicate to the light source control signals corresponding to user input. The control device may be adapted to enable the user to control a property associated with an activation area with the user interface upon activation of the activation area by the user.
US08698404B2 Brightness control for LED lighting
A driving arrangement for light emitting diode (LED) based illumination constituted of: a comparison circuitry arranged to compare an integral of a target current over a target illumination time for at least one LED based luminaire with an integral of an illumination current over an illumination time for the at least one LED based luminaire, the comparison circuitry arranged to output a comparison signal; and a control circuitry in communication with the comparison circuitry and arranged to alternately: allow the flow of electrical current through the at least one LED based luminaire responsive to a first condition of the comparison signal; and prevent the flow of electrical current through the at least one LED based luminaire responsive to a second condition of the comparison signal, the second condition different from the first condition.
US08698398B2 Fuse for a LED FL retrofit lamp, LED FL retrofit lamp, and methods for producing a LED FL retrofit lamp
Various embodiments provide a fuse for a light emitting diode fluorescent lamp retrofit lamp, the fuse including a first electrical fuse connecting element for the electrical connection to an electric socket connecting element of a socket of the light emitting diode fluorescent lamp retrofit lamp; and a second electrical fuse connecting element for the electrical connection to a driver of the light emitting diode fluorescent lamp retrofit lamp; wherein the first fuse connecting element is designed as a connecting pin which is provided and equipped for a rigid connection to the socket connecting element.
US08698395B2 Organic light emitting display with organic capping layer having a specific refractive index
An organic light emitting diode (OLED) display and a method for fabricating the same. The OLED display includes: a substrate; a first electrode formed on the substrate and including a reflecting layer; an organic layer formed on the first electrode and including at least an organic emission layer; a second electrode formed on the organic layer; and an organic capping layer formed on the second electrode. The organic capping layer is formed by stacking an organic material having a refractive index of 1.7 or more, thereby providing a high-efficiency and long-life top-emitting OLED display.
US08698394B2 Electronic articles for displays and methods of making same
Electronic articles such as, for example, electroluminescent lamps useful for displays and method of making the same are provided. The electronic articles include a substrate, a conductive element adjacent to the substrate, a high dielectric composite adjacent to the conductive element and an electrically-active layer adjacent to at least a portion of the high dielectric composite. The high dielectric composite includes a polymeric binder and from 1 to 80 volume percent of filler retained in the binder. The filler comprises particles that include an electrically-conducting layer and an insulating layer substantially surrounding the electrically-conducting layer. In some embodiments the binder includes a pressure-sensitive adhesive and the composite has adhesive properties.
US08698392B2 Organic electroluminescent element
This invention provides an organic electroluminescent element comprising two opposed electrodes connected to an external circuit for applying electrical energy, at least one of the electrodes being transparent or semitransparent, and provided between the electrodes, a plurality of luminescent units, for emitting light through recombination of holes with electrons, each comprising one or more organic layers, one of the organic layers being a luminescent layer, and a charge generation layer held between two of the plurality of luminescent units, characterized in that each two adjacent luminescent units in the plurality of luminescent units are partitioned by the charge generation layer, the charge generation layer comprises at least one metal or its compound (A) having a work function of not more than 3.0 eV and at least one compound (B) having a work function of not less than 4.0 eV, and in at least one of the plurality of luminescent units, the luminescent layer contains a polymeric luminescent material.
US08698380B2 Preferentially-oriented oxide ceramics, piezoelectric element, liquid discharge head, ultrasonic motor, and dust removing device
Provided is a manufacturing method for preferentially-oriented oxide ceramics having a high degree of crystal orientation. The manufacturing method includes: obtaining slurry containing an oxide crystal B having magnetic anisotropy; applying a magnetic field to the oxide crystal B, and obtaining a compact of the oxide crystal B; and subjecting the compact to oxidation treatment to obtain preferentially-oriented oxide ceramics including a compact of an oxide crystal C having a crystal system that is different from a crystal system of one of a part and a whole of the oxide crystal B. By (1) reacting raw materials, (2) reducing the oxide crystal A, or (3) keeping the oxide crystal A at high temperature and quenching the oxide crystal A, the oxide crystal B is obtained to be used in the slurry.
US08698367B2 High-speed permanent magnet motor and generator with low-loss metal rotor
An electric machine is provided including a rotor having a plurality of magnets retained on the rotor. The plurality of magnets are retained via a sleeve. The sleeve is retained via a band. The band includes a stacked plurality of washer laminations. Each of the plurality of washer laminations is electrically insulated from an adjacent washer lamination.
US08698366B2 Flat type vibration motor
A flat type vibration motor realizing strong fastening of a rotor frame and an eccentric weight without welding, that is, a flat type vibration motor provided with a cover case having a tubular part with an opening closed by a stator structure and supporting one end of a shaft and with a rotor frame supported to be able to rotate via a slide bearing through which the shaft runs and having an axial direction field-type rotary magnet and an eccentric weight, wherein the rotor frame has a disk part having a burring part into which a slide bearing is fitted and at least one rivet hole, while the eccentric weight has a covering part superposed over the disk part at the side opposite to the stator structure, at least one rivet which is inserted from the covering part through the rivet hole and have heads which are crushed at the stator structure side of the disk part, and an eave-shaped taper part hanging down from the covering part over the outer circumferential edge of the disk part to the stator structure side.
US08698365B2 Lightweight composite safety containment for flywheel energy storage
Apparatuses are disclosed and directed to a substantially cylindrical containment layer, and methods for containment, for a flywheel apparatus comprising a plurality of predictably deformable brackets oriented to contain an impact. The brackets each have a plurality of layers and a surface for absorbing an impact, with the surface providing a glancing angle in the direction of an impact of from about 0.1° to about 5°.
US08698360B2 Permanent magnet, and method for manufacturing a permanent magnet
A permanent magnet, in particular a permanent magnet rotor for a machine, includes a first sleeve, a first cap and a second cap arranged to close off an inner opening of the first sleeve, and a permanent magnet material formed in the inner opening of the sleeve between the first cap and the second cap. The permanent magnet material is a compressed, non-bonded powder material including hard magnetic powder material, soft magnetic powder material, or a combination of hard and soft magnetic powder material. A method for manufacturing a permanent magnet rotor is also provided.
US08698348B2 System and method for managing a power source in a vehicle
A system and method for managing a power source in a vehicle that has an engine and an electric machine operable to provide torque to start the engine, includes the step of setting a first discharge power limit for the power source that is at least partly based on the power capability of the power source. A second discharge power limit for the power source is also set. The second discharge power limit is higher than the first discharge power limit, and it is a function of at least the power capability of the power source and the first discharge power limit.
US08698346B2 Vehicle abnormality detection apparatus and vehicle
A vehicle having an electricity accumulator for driving a vehicle, a charging inlet for receiving power supplied from a power supply provided on the outside of the vehicle, a circuit for charging the electricity accumulator with power from the power supply, and power lines for connecting the charging inlet and the charging circuit. An abnormality detector of vehicle having a circuit for applying a test voltage to the power lines, and an ECU as a short circuit detecting section. When the voltage value of the power line deviates from a predetermined normal range including the test voltage value although the test voltage is applied to the power line from the voltage application circuit, the ECU detects short circuit of the power line. The ECU specifies a short circuit mode corresponding to the detected short circuit among a plurality of short circuit modes based on the voltage value of the power line.
US08698341B2 Wind turbine with discretely variable diameter gear box
A wind turbine includes a rotor shaft having thereon rotor blades exposed to wind energy, a first stage gear set on the rotor shaft, a discretely variable ratio gear set coupled to the first stage gear output shaft and having a gear set output shaft, a differential on the gear set output shaft having a differential control shaft facilitating changing the gear box ratio by whole numbers of gear teeth, and a generator operating at a constant frequency coupled to an electric grid operating at the constant frequency. The wind turbine may take a variable speed input of the gear box to create a fixed speed output fed to the generator operating at constant frequency and coupled directly to the power grid without power electronics. Existing wind turbines whether fixed speed fixed pitch or variable speed variable pitch can be retrofitted with the gear box of the present invention.
US08698334B2 Wind park, method of correcting voltage imbalances, and wind turbine
A wind park, a method of correcting voltage imbalances, and a wind turbine are provided. The wind park includes at least one wind turbine; a transformer coupled between the at least one wind turbine and a power grid. The transformer includes a primary winding arrangement coupled to the power grid, and a secondary winding arrangement coupled to the at least one wind turbine. The power grid includes at least three power lines, each power line conducting a respective phase of a multi-phase current. Each power line of the power grid is coupled to the primary winding arrangement via an individual tap changer. Influences of the detected voltage imbalances on the wind turbines can be compensated.
US08698331B2 Bidirectional axial flow turbine with self-pivoting blades for use in wave energy converter
A bidirectional axial flow turbine with self-pivoting blades is provided for use in a central opening of submerged horizontally-aligned structure forming a wave energy conversion device. Entry and exit inner guide vanes are positioned on opposite sides of the vertically-aligned central opening, for directing the bidirectional fluid flow into and out of the central opening and inducing a vortex swirl in both directions of fluid flow that has the same direction of rotation. Within the opening, a turbine hub is mounted with a plurality of uniformly spaced self-pivoting blades that have a symmetrical blade profile to the bidirectional flow. The self-pivoting blades automatically change their blade angle in response to the force of water flow on the blades, so that they turn the turbine shaft in the same rotational direction in both flow directions.
US08698329B2 Apparatuses and methods for using energy harvesting for variable shock absorption in a prosthetic device
An apparatus for harvesting energy from motion of a prosthetic limb, wherein the prosthetic limb has motion in at least one degree of freedom, may include a piston configured to receive an input motion and provide an output motion when a first motion in a degree of freedom of the prosthetic limb causes pressure and motion of hydraulic fluid. The apparatus may include an electromagnetic motor for converting mechanical energy of the output motion into corresponding electrical energy delivered to an electrical load and a variable-impedance energy harvesting circuit across terminals of the motor.
US08698321B2 Vertically stackable dies having chip identifier structures
A vertically stackable die having a chip identifier structure is disclosed. In a particular embodiment, a semiconductor device is disclosed that includes a die comprising a first through silicon via to communicate a chip identifier and other data. The semiconductor device also includes a chip identifier structure that comprises at least two through silicon vias that are each hard wired to an external electrical contact.
US08698316B2 Chip package
According to an embodiment of the invention, a chip package is provided. The chip package includes: a substrate having an upper surface and a lower surface; a plurality of conducting pads located under the lower surface of the substrate; a dielectric layer located between the conducting pads; a trench extending from the upper surface towards the lower surface of the substrate; a hole extending from a bottom of the trench towards the lower surface of the substrate, wherein a sidewall of the hole is substantially perpendicular to the lower surface of the substrate, and the sidewall or a bottom of the hole exposes a portion of the conducting pads; and a conducting layer located in the hole and electrically connected to at least one of the conducting pads.
US08698314B2 Semiconductor wiring patterns
A semiconductor device of the invention include a rectangular semiconductor element mounted on a substrate formed with an external input terminal, an external output terminal, and a plurality of wiring patterns connected to each of the external input terminal and the external output terminal. The semiconductor element comprises, a plurality of first electrodes formed along a first edge of a surface thereof, a plurality of second electrodes formed along an edge opposite to the first edge of the surface, a plurality of third electrodes formed in the neighborhood of a functional block, and an internal wiring for connecting the first electrodes and the third electrodes. The substrate comprises, a first wiring pattern for connecting the external input terminal and the first electrodes, a second wiring pattern for connecting the external output terminal and the second electrodes, and a third wiring pattern for connecting the first electrodes and the third electrodes.
US08698310B2 Structure for signal line, manufacturing method for signal line and switch using the signal line
A structure for a signal line has the signal line having a base, a lower insulating layer formed at an upper surface of the base, a semiconductor layer disposed along a pathway at an upper surface of the lower insulating layer, at least a part of the semiconductor layer configured to transmit a signal, an upper insulating layer formed at an upper surface of the semiconductor layer, at least a part of the upper insulating layer being mounted along the semiconductor layer; and a strip conductor formed at an upper surface of the upper insulating layer, at least a part of the strip conductor being mounted along the upper insulating layer.
US08698309B2 Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device includes a first semiconductor device and second semiconductor device stacked on the first semiconductor device. The first semiconductor device includes a first interconnect substrate, a first semiconductor element provided on an upper surface of the first interconnect substrate, a first electrode provided on the upper surface of the first interconnect substrate, and an insulating layer having an opening portion through which part of the first electrode is exposed. The second semiconductor device includes a second interconnect substrate, a second semiconductor element provided on an upper surface of the second interconnect substrate, a second electrode provided on a lower surface of the second interconnect substrate, and an inter-device connection terminal connected to the second electrode. Part of the first electrode exposed through the opening portion has a smaller area than an area of the opening portion.
US08698303B2 Substrate for mounting semiconductor, semiconductor device and method for manufacturing semiconductor device
A substrate for mounting a semiconductor includes a first insulation layer having first and second surfaces on the opposite sides and having a penetrating hole penetrating through the first insulation layer, an electrode formed in the penetrating hole in the first insulation layer and having a protruding portion protruding from the second surface of the first insulation layer, a first conductive pattern formed on the first surface of the first insulation layer and connected to the electrode, a second insulation layer formed on the first surface of the first insulation layer and the first conductive pattern and having a penetrating hole penetrating through the second insulating layer, a second conductive pattern formed on the second insulation layer and for mounting a semiconductor element, and a via conductor formed in the penetrating hole in the second insulation layer and connecting the first and second conductive patterns.
US08698302B2 Power switching assembly having a robust gate connection
A structurally robust power switching assembly, that has a power transistor, comprising a thin and delicate layer of metal oxide, and a major surface of the layer of metal oxide being substantially coincident with a major surface of the power transistor, the major surface of the power transistor defining both an emitter and a gate. Also, dielectric material is placed over a portion of the emitter, so that it abuts the gate and a highly conductive pillar is constructed out of a relatively soft material, supported by the gate and the dielectric material, so that it has a larger area than would be possible if it was supported only by the gate.
US08698301B2 Semiconductor packages including a plurality of upper semiconductor devices on a lower semiconductor device
Semiconductor packages are provided. The semiconductor packages may include an upper package including a plurality of upper semiconductor devices connected to an upper package substrate. The semiconductor packages may also include a lower package including a lower semiconductor device connected to a lower package substrate. The upper and lower packages may be connected to each other.
US08698300B2 Chip-stacked semiconductor package
A chip-stacked semiconductor package including a stacked chip structure including a plurality of separate chips stacked on each other; a flexible circuit substrate having the stacked chip structure mounted on a first side of the flexible circuit substrate in a first region of the flexible circuit substrate, and being electrically connected to at least one of the plurality of separate chips of the stacked chip structure by folding a second region of the flexible circuit substrate; a sealing portion sealing the stacked chip structure and the flexible circuit substrate; and an external connecting terminal on a second side of the flexible circuit substrate.
US08698297B2 Integrated circuit packaging system with stack device
A method of manufacture of an integrated circuit packaging system includes: providing a base substrate; applying a molded under-fill on the base substrate; forming a substrate contact extender through the molded under-fill and in direct contact with the base substrate; mounting a stack device over the molded under-fill; attaching a coupling connector from the substrate contact extender to the stack device; and forming a base encapsulation on the stack device, the substrate contact extender, and encapsulating the coupling connector.
US08698293B2 Multi-chip package and method of manufacturing thereof
A multi-chip package comprises a first chip accommodated in a first housing and a second chip accommodated in a second housing. The first housing and the second housing are arranged in a laterally spaced-apart relationship defining a gap between the first housing and the second housing. An interconnecting structure is configured to span the gap and to electrically couple the first chip and the second chip.
US08698290B2 LED lamp
An LED lamp (A1) includes a plurality of LEDs (2), a retainer (1) on which the light LEDs (2) are mounted, and a wiring pattern formed on the retainer (1) and electrically connected to the LEDs (2). The retainer (1) includes a plurality of substrates (11, 12, 15). Of the plurality of substrates (11, 12, 15), two adjacent substrates (11, 12) are connected to each other by a pair of bendable connection members (32a, 32b). The two substrates (11, 12) are arranged in such a manner that their normal line directions differ from each other.
US08698280B2 Capacitive element using MOS transistors
In the semiconductor device composing MOS transistor on which impurities are added from the surface of a P-type substrate, the region of immediate below a gate layer is the P-type substrate on which the impurities are not added, and first and second MOS devices, having an N-type diffusion layer are provided on the surface region of the P-type substrate circumscribing the gate layer. The gate layer of the first MOS device, and the N-type diffusion layer of the second MOS device are connected, and the N-type diffusion layer of the first MOS device and the gate layer of the second MOS device are connected, and thereby a first capacitive element is composed.
US08698275B2 Electronic circuit arrangement with an electrical fuse
An electronic circuit arrangement has a substrate which has at least one metallization layer. At least one electrical interconnect and/or at least one via are formed in the metallization layer such that the electrical interconnect and the via are in the form of an electrical fuse link. In addition, the substrate has electrical circuit components which are arranged in the circuit layer. The circuit components are electrically coupled to one another by means of the electrical interconnect and by means of a plurality of vias.
US08698266B2 Image sensor with decreased optical interference between adjacent pixels
An image sensor with decreased optical interference between adjacent pixels is provided. An image sensor, which is divided into a pixel region and a peripheral region, the image sensor including a photodiode formed in a substrate in the pixel region, first to Mth metal lines formed over the substrate in the pixel region, where M is a natural number greater than approximately 1, first to Nth metal lines formed over a substrate in the peripheral region, where N is a natural number greater than M, at least one layer of dummy metal lines formed over the Mth metal lines but formed not to overlap with the photodiode, and a microlens formed over the one layer of the dummy metal lines to overlap with the photodiode.
US08698259B2 Method and system for providing a magnetic tunneling junction using thermally assisted switching
A magnetic junction is described. The magnetic junction includes a pinned layer, a nonmagnetic spacer layer, and a free layer. The magnetic junction may also include an additional nonmagnetic spacer layer and an additional pinned layer opposing the nonmagnetic spacer layer and the pinned layer. The nonmagnetic spacer layer is between the pinned layer and the free layer. The free layer is configured to be switchable using a write current passed through the magnetic junction. The free layer is also configured to be thermally stable in a quiescent state and have a reduced thermal stability due to heating from the write current being passed through the magnetic junction. In some aspects, the free layer includes at least one of a pinning layer(s) interleaved with ferromagnetic layer(s), two sets of interleaved ferromagnetic layers having different Curie temperatures, and a ferrimagnet having a saturation magnetization that increases with temperature between ferromagnetic layers.
US08698258B2 3D integrated electronic device structure including increased thermal dissipation capabilities
A microelectronic device structure including increased thermal dissipation capabilities. The structure including a three-dimensional (3D) integrated chip assembly that is flip chip bonded to a substrate. The chip assembly including a device substrate including an active device disposed thereon. A cap layer is physically bonded to the device substrate to at least partially define a hermetic seal about the active device. The microelectronic device structure provides a plurality of heat dissipation paths therethrough to dissipate heat generated therein.
US08698255B2 Semiconductor component having a micromechanical microphone structure
A simple and cost-effective form of implementing a semiconductor component having a micromechanical microphone structure, including an acoustically active diaphragm as a deflectable electrode of a microphone capacitor, a stationary, acoustically permeable counterelement as a counter electrode of the microphone capacitor, and means for applying a charging voltage between the deflectable electrode and the counter electrode of the microphone capacitor. In order to not impair the functionality of this semiconductor component, even during overload situations in which contact occurs between the diaphragm and the counter electrode, the deflectable electrode and the counter electrode of the microphone capacitor are counter-doped, at least in places, so that they form a diode in the event of contact. In addition, the polarity of the charging voltage between the deflectable electrode and the counter electrode is such that the diode is switched in the blocking direction.
US08698250B2 Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device includes: an N-type drift layer; a P-type anode layer above the N-type drift layer; an N-type cathode layer below the N-type drift layer; a first short lifetime layer between the N-type drift layer and the P-type anode layer; and a second short lifetime layer between the N-type drift layer and the N-type cathode layer. A carrier lifetime in the first and second short lifetime layers is shorter than a carrier lifetime in the N-type drift layer. A carrier lifetime in the N-type cathode layer is longer than the carrier lifetime in the N-type drift layer.
US08698245B2 Partially depleted (PD) semiconductor-on-insulator (SOI) field effect transistor (FET) structure with a gate-to-body tunnel current region for threshold voltage (VT) lowering and method of forming the structure
Disclosed are embodiments of a field effect transistor with a gate-to-body tunnel current region (GTBTCR) and a method. In one embodiment, a gate, having adjacent sections with different conductivity types, traverses the center portion of a semiconductor layer to create, within the center portion, a channel region and a GTBTCR below the adjacent sections having the different conductivity types, respectively. In another embodiment, a semiconductor layer has a center portion with a channel region and a GTBTCR. The GTBTCR comprises: a first implant region adjacent to and doped with a higher concentration of the same first conductivity type dopant as the channel region; a second implant region, having a second conductivity type, adjacent to the first implant region; and an enhanced generation and recombination region between the implant regions. A gate with the second conductivity type traverses the center portion.
US08698243B2 Semiconductor device with strain-inducing regions and method thereof
Improved MOSFET devices are obtained by incorporating strain inducing source-drain regions whose closest facing “nose” portions underlying the gate are located at different depths from the device surface. In a preferred embodiment, the spaced-apart source-drain regions may laterally overlap. This close proximity increases the favorable impact of the strain inducing source-drain regions on the carrier mobility in an induced channel region between the source and drain. The source-drain regions are formed by epitaxially refilling asymmetric cavities etched from both sides of the gate. Cavity asymmetry is obtained by forming an initial cavity proximate only one sidewall of the gate and then etching the final spaced-apart source-drain cavities proximate both sidewalls of the gate along predetermined crystallographic directions. The finished cavities having different depths and nose regions at different heights extending toward each other under the gate, are epitaxially refilled with the strain inducing semiconductor material for the source-drain regions.
US08698238B2 Semiconductor devices and methods of forming the same
A method of forming a semiconductor device is provided. The method includes preparing a substrate having a transistor region and an alignment region, forming a first trench and a second trench in the substrate of the transistor region and in the substrate of the alignment region, respectively, forming a drift region in the substrate of the transistor region, forming two third trenches respectively adjacent to two ends of the drift region, and forming an isolation pattern in the first trench, a buried dielectric pattern in the second trench, and dielectric patterns in the two third trenches, respectively. A depth of the first trench is less than a depth of the third trenches, and the depth of the first trench is equal or substantially equal to a depth of the second trench.
US08698235B2 Slit recess channel gate
A slit recess channel gate is provided. The slit recess channel gate includes a substrate, a gate dielectric layer, a first conductive layer and a second conductive layer. The substrate has a first trench. The gate dielectric layer is disposed on a surface of the first trench and the first conductive layer is embedded in the first trench. The second conductive layer is disposed on the first conductive layer and aligned with the first conductive layer above the main surface, wherein a bottom surface area of the second conductive layer is substantially smaller than a top surface area of the second conductive layer.
US08698230B2 Circuit including vertical transistors with a conductive stack having reentrant profile
An electrical circuit includes first and second transistors. Each transistor includes a substrate and, positioned thereon, a first electrically conductive material layer including a reentrant profile functioning as a gate. First and second discrete portions of a second electrically conductive material layer are in contact with first and second portions, respectively, of a semiconductor material layer in contact with an electrically insulating material layer, both of which conform to the reentrant profile. The first and second discrete portions are source/drain and drain/source electrodes of the first and second transistors, respectively. A third electrically conductive material layer, in contact with a third portion of the semiconductor material layer, is positioned over the gate, but is not in electrical contact with it. The third electrically conductive material layer is physically separate from the electrodes of the first and second transistors and a common unconnected electrode of the first and second transistors.
US08698227B2 Mesa-type bidirectional Shockley diode
A mesa-type bidirectional Shockley diode delimited on its two surfaces by a peripheral groove filled with a glassivation including a substrate of a first conductivity type; a layer of the second conductivity type on each side of the substrate; a region of the first conductivity type in each of the layers of the second conductivity type; a buried region of the first conductivity type under each of the regions of the first conductivity type, at the interface between the substrate and the corresponding layer of the second conductivity type, each buried region being complementary in projection with the other; and a peripheral ring under the external periphery of each of the glassivations, of same doping profile as the buried regions.
US08698219B2 Semiconductor memory device having a low off state current and high repeatability
A semiconductor device has a non-volatile memory cell including a write transistor which includes an oxide semiconductor and has small leakage current in an off state (off-state current) between a source and a drain, a read transistor including a semiconductor material different from that of the write transistor, and a capacitor. Data is written or to the memory cell by applying a potential to a node where one of a source electrode and drain electrode of the write transistor, one electrode of the capacitor, and a gate electrode of the read transistor are electrically connected to one another so that the predetermined amount of charge is held in the node. The memory window width is changed by 2% or less, before and after 1×109 times of writing.
US08698217B2 Metal shield structures in backside illumination image sensor chips
A device includes a semiconductor substrate having a front side and a backside. An active image sensor pixel array is disposed on the front side of the semiconductor substrate. A metal shield is disposed on the backside of, and overlying, the semiconductor substrate. The metal shield has an edge facing the active image sensor pixel array. The metal shield has a middle width, and a top width greater than the middle width.
US08698216B2 Memory device and fabrication method thereof
The present disclosure provides a fabricating method of a semiconductor chip which includes the following steps. First, a substrate is provided. The substrate defines a memory unit region and a peripheral logic region. Then, a first spacer is formed around a stack structure of the memory unit region. The first space includes a first silicon oxide layer and the first silicon oxide layer directly contacts with the stack structure. After that, a silicon nitride layer is formed on both the first spacer and the peripheral logic region. Finally, the additional silicon nitride layer on the first spacer is removed but portions of the additional silicon nitride layer around gate structures in the peripheral logic region are remained.
US08698207B2 Photodetector having a very thin semiconducting region
The instant disclosure describes a photodetector that includes at least one portion of a semiconducting layer formed directly on at least a portion of a reflective layer and to be illuminated with a light beam, at least one pad being formed on the portion of the semiconducting layer opposite the reflective layer portion, wherein the pad and the reflective layer portion are made of a metal or of a negative permittivity material, the optical cavity formed between said at least one reflective layer portion and said at least one pad has a thickness strictly lower than a quarter of the ratio of the light beam wavelength to the optical index of the semiconducting layer, and typically representing about one tenth of said ratio.
US08698204B2 Semiconductor memory device
In one embodiment, a semiconductor memory device includes a substrate, and device regions in the substrate to extend in a first direction. The device further includes select gates on the substrate to extend in a second direction, and a contact region provided between the select gates and including contact plugs on the respective device regions. The contact region includes partial regions, in each of which N contact plugs are disposed on N successive device regions to be arranged on a straight line being non-parallel to the first and second directions, where N is an integer of 2 or more. The contact region includes the partial regions of at least two types whose values of N are different. Further, each of the contact plugs has a planar shape of an ellipse, and is arranged so that a major axis of the ellipse is tilted with respect to the first direction.
US08698197B2 Tetra-lateral position sensing detector
The present invention is directed to a position sensing detector made of a photodiode having a semi insulating substrate layer; a buffered layer that is formed directly atop the semi-insulating substrate layer, an absorption layer that is formed directly atop the buffered layer substrate layer, a cap layer that is formed directly atop the absorption layer, a plurality of cathode electrodes electrically coupled to the buffered layer or directly to the cap layer, and at least one anode electrode electrically coupled to a p-type region in the cap layer. The position sensing detector has a photo-response non-uniformity of less than 2% and a position detection error of less than 10 μm across the active area.
US08698196B2 Low capacitance transient voltage suppressor (TVS) with reduced clamping voltage
A low capacitance transient voltage suppressor with reduced clamping voltage includes an n+ type substrate, a first epitaxial layer on the substrate, a buried layer formed within the first epitaxial layer, a second epitaxial layer on the first epitaxial layer, and an implant layer formed within the first epitaxial layer below the buried layer. The implant layer extends beyond the buried layer. A first trench is at an edge of the buried layer and an edge of the implant layer. A second trench is at another edge of the buried layer and extends into the implant layer. A third trench is at another edge of the implant layer. Each trench is lined with a dielectric layer. A set of source regions is formed within a top surface of the second epitaxial layer. The trenches and source regions alternate. A pair of implant regions is formed in the second epitaxial layer.
US08698181B2 Light emitting device
A light emitting device includes a second metal layer, a second semiconductor layer on the second metal layer, an active layer on the second semiconductor layer, a first semiconductor layer on the active layer, a first metal layer on the first semiconductor layer, an insulating layer between the second metal layer and the second semiconductor layer at a peripheral portion of an upper surface of the second metal layer, and a passivation layer surrounding lateral surfaces of the insulating layer, the second semiconductor layer, the active layer, and the first semiconductor layer, the passivation layer being on the second metal layer, wherein a lateral surface of the insulating layer is adjacent to a lateral surface of the second metal layer, and wherein a lowermost surface of the passivation layer is disposed lower than a lowermost surface of the insulating layer.
US08698175B2 Light-emitting diode
The present invention relates to a light-emitting diode (LED). The LED comprises an LED die, one or more metal pads, and a fluorescent layer. The characteristics of the present invention include that the metals pads are left exposed for the convenience of subsequent wiring and packaging processes. In addition, the LED provided by the present invention is a single light-mixing chip, which can be packaged directly without the need of coating fluorescent powders on the packaging glue. Because the fluorescent layer and the packaging glue are not processed simultaneously and are of different materials, the stress problem in the packaged LED can be reduced effectively.
US08698167B2 Light sensor and display apparatus having the same
In a display apparatus, a light sensor of a display includes a light sensing layer, a source electrode, a drain electrode, an insulating layer, and a gate electrode to sense light from an external source. The light sensing layer is disposed on the substrate to sense light, and the source and drain electrodes are disposed on the light sensing layer and are covered by the insulating layer. The gate electrode is disposed on the insulating layer. An edge of the gate electrode is disposed on the light sensing layer at least in an area where the light sensing layer is overlapped with the source and drain electrodes.
US08698157B2 Electro-optical apparatus and electronic apparatus
A capacitance element includes a first capacitance electrode formed over a TFT with a insulating interlayer therebetween, and a second capacitance electrode formed so as to oppose the first capacitance electrode with a first dielectric layer therebetween, the second capacitance electrode being electrically connected to a semiconductor layer of the TFT through a contact hole formed in the insulating interlayer. The second capacitance electrode includes a first conductive layer and a second conductive layer stacked on the first conductive layer. A portion of the first conductive layer overlapping the contact hole is removed, and the second conductive layer and the semiconductor layer are electrically connected to each other through the contact hole.
US08698156B2 Laminating system
It is an object of the invention to improve the production efficiency in sealing a thin film integrated circuit and to prevent the damage and break. Further, it is another object of the invention to prevent a thin film integrated circuit from being damaged in shipment and to make it easier to handle the thin film integrated circuit. The invention provides a laminating system in which rollers are used for supplying a substrate for sealing, receiving IC chips, separating, and sealing. The separation, sealing, and reception of a plurality of thin film integrated circuits can be carried out continuously by rotating the rollers; thus, the production efficiency can be extremely improved. Further, the thin film integrated circuits can be easily sealed since a pair of rollers opposite to each other is used.
US08698155B2 Display device
The time taken to write a signal to a pixel is shortened in a display device. Further, a signal is written at high speed even when high voltage is applied. The display device includes a pixel including a transistor and a liquid crystal element electrically connected to a source or a drain of the transistor. The transistor includes an intrinsic or substantially intrinsic oxide semiconductor as a semiconductor material and has an off-state current of 1×10−17 A/μm or less. The pixel does not include a capacitor. Since it is not necessary to provide a capacitor, the time taken to write a signal can be shortened.
US08698151B2 Luminescent device and method of producing the same
An electroluminescent device including a substrate on which a first electrode is formed; a transparent substrate disposed on the first electrode side of the substrate; a color filter disposed between the first electrode and the transparent substrate; an electroluminescent layer disposed between the first electrode and the color filter; and a second electrode disposed between the electroluminescent layer and the color filter.
US08698149B2 Liquid crystal display and array substrate
An embodiment of the disclosed technology discloses an array substrate comprising: a base substrate; a first layer transparent common electrode formed on the base substrate; a gate metal common electrode formed on the first layer transparent common electrode; an insulation layer formed on the gate metal common electrode, with via holes being formed in the insulation layer; and a second layer transparent common electrode formed on the insulation layer. A side portion of via holes is in contact with the gate metal common electrode, another side portion is in contact with the first layer transparent common electrode, such that the second layer transparent common electrode is connected electrically with the first layer transparent common electrode and the gate metal common electrode in the via holes.
US08698142B2 Organic semiconductor element, method of manufacturing organic semiconductor element, electronic device, electronic equipment and insulating layer forming composition
The present invention provides an organic semiconductor element which has a low hygroscopic property and whose property is hardly deteriorated with time and an electronic device and electronic equipment each provided with such an organic semiconductor element and having high reliability. The organic semiconductor element of the present invention includes: a source electrode 20a; a drain electrode 20b; a gate electrode 50; a gate insulating layer 40; an organic semiconductor layer 30; and a buffer layer (another insulating layer) 60, wherein at least one of the gate insulating layer 40 and the buffer layer 60 contains an insulating polymer with a main chain having both end portions and including repeating units represented by the following general formula (1) or (2): where R1 and R2 are the same or different and each of R1 and R2 is a divalent linkage group, and Y is an oxygen atom or a sulfur atom.
US08698136B2 Methods of manufacturing an organic electroluminescent device
A manufacturing method for an organic electroluminescent device that includes an effectively optical area including display pixels for display and a dummy area surrounding the effectively optical area, the dummy area including dummy pixels not for display is provided. The manufacturing method includes coating a first composite material on a first portion in the effectively optical area, the first portion corresponding to one of the display pixels, and coating a second composite material separately from the coating of the first composite material, the second composite material being coated on a second portion of the dummy area, the second portion corresponding to one of the dummy pixels, the first composite material including a first organic electroluminescent material that is dissolved or dispersed in a solvent and the second composite material including a second organic electroluminescent material that is dissolved or dispersed in a solvent.
US08698127B2 Superlattice structure and method for making the same
A superlattice layer including a plurality of periods, each of which is formed from a plurality of sub-layers is provided. Each sub-layer comprises a different composition than the adjacent sub-layer(s) and comprises a polarization that is opposite a polarization of the adjacent sub-layer(s). In this manner, the polarizations of the respective adjacent sub-layers compensate for one another.
US08698123B2 Semiconductor light emitting device
According to one embodiment, a semiconductor light emitting device includes an n-type semiconductor layer, a p-type semiconductor layer, and a light emitting part. The n-type semiconductor layer includes a nitride semiconductor. The p-type semiconductor layer includes a nitride semiconductor. The light emitting part is provided between the n-type and the p-type semiconductor layers and includes an n-side barrier layer and a first light emitting layer. The first light emitting layer includes a first barrier layer, a first well layer, and a first AlGaN layer. The first barrier layer is provided between the n-side barrier layer and the p-type semiconductor layer. The first well layer contacts the n-side barrier layer between the n-side and the first barrier layer. The first AlGaN layer is provided between the first well layer and the first barrier layer. A peak wavelength λp of light emitted from the light emitting part is longer than 515 nanometers.
US08698122B2 Silicon nanowire comprising high density metal nanoclusters and method of preparing the same
A silicon nanowire including metal nanoclusters formed on a surface thereof at a high density. The metal nanocluster improves electrical and optical characteristics of the silicon nanowire, and thus can be usefully used in various electrical devices such as a lithium battery, a solar cell, a bio sensor, a memory device, or the like.
US08698121B2 Resistive switching memory element including doped silicon electrode
A resistive switching memory is described, including a first electrode comprising doped silicon having a first work function, a second electrode having a second work function that is different from the first work function by between 0.1 and 1.0 electron volts (eV), a metal oxide layer between the first electrode and the second electrode, the metal oxide layer switches using bulk-mediated switching using unipolar or bipolar switching voltages for switching from a low resistance state to a high resistance state and vice versa.
US08698120B2 Heterojunction oxide non-volatile memory device
A memory device includes a first metal layer and a first metal oxide layer coupled to the first metal layer. The memory device includes a second metal oxide layer coupled to the first metal oxide layer and a second metal layer coupled to the second metal oxide layer. The formation of the first metal oxide layer has a Gibbs free energy that is lower than the Gibbs free energy for the formation of the second metal oxide layer.
US08698119B2 Nonvolatile memory device using a tunnel oxide as a current limiter element
Embodiments of the invention generally include a method of forming a nonvolatile memory device that contains a resistive switching memory element that has improved device switching performance and lifetime, due to the addition of a current limiting component disposed therein. The electrical properties of the current limiting component are configured to lower the current flow through the variable resistance layer during the logic state programming steps by adding a fixed series resistance in the resistive switching memory element of the nonvolatile memory device. In one embodiment, the current limiting component comprises a tunnel oxide that is a current limiting material disposed within a resistive switching memory element in a nonvolatile resistive switching memory device. Typically, resistive switching memory elements may be formed as part of a high-capacity nonvolatile memory integrated circuit, which can be used in various electronic devices, such as digital cameras, mobile telephones, handheld computers, and music players.
US08698117B2 Indeno-fused ring compounds
The present invention relates to compounds represented by the following Formulas (I) and (II), Ring-A of Formulas I and II can be, for example, an aryl group, and Q′ and Q′″ can each be independently selected from groups, such as, halogen, —OH, —CN, amine groups, amide groups, carboxylic acid ester groups, carboxylic acid groups, alkenyl groups, alkynyl groups, carbonate groups, sulfide groups, and sulfonic acid ester groups. The present invention also relates to photochromic compositions and photochromic articles that include one or more photochromic compounds, such as represented by Formula II.
US08698116B2 Extreme ultra violet light source apparatus
An extreme ultraviolet light source apparatus using a spectrum purity filter capable of obtaining EUV light with high spectrum purity. The apparatus includes a chamber; a target supply unit for supplying a target material; a driver laser using a laser gas containing a carbon dioxide gas as a laser medium, for applying a laser beam to the target material to generate plasma; a collector mirror for collecting and outputting the extreme ultraviolet light radiated from the plasma; and a spectrum purity filter provided in an optical path of the extreme ultraviolet light, for transmitting the extreme ultraviolet light and reflecting the laser beam, the spectrum purity filter including a mesh having electrical conductivity and formed with an arrangement of apertures having a pitch not larger than a half of a shortest wavelength of the laser beam applied by the driver laser.
US08698115B1 Light source device and method for generating extreme ultraviolet light
A light source device repeatedly implements a first state and a second state in alternate shifts. The energy of a standing wave generated in a cavity resonator is absorbed by a rare gas or the like existing in a hollow member. This implements the first state in which plasma is generated and the electron temperature thereof is increased, and then the extreme ultraviolet light emitted from the plasma is emitted out of the cavity resonator through a window. The supply of the electromagnetic wave to the cavity resonator is interrupted. This implements the second state in which the plasma is extinguished.
US08698113B2 Chamber apparatus and extreme ultraviolet (EUV) light generation apparatus including the chamber apparatus
A chamber apparatus used with a laser apparatus may include a chamber, a beam expanding optical system, and a focusing optical system. The chamber may be provided with at least one inlet, through which a laser beam outputted from the laser apparatus is introduced into the chamber. The beam expanding optical system is configured to expand the laser beam in diameter. The focusing optical system is configured to focus the laser beam that has been expanded in diameter.
US08698089B2 Photo detecting pixels and X-ray detector including the same
An X-ray detector including photodetecting pixels that reduce kTC switching noise. Each pixel includes a first transistor having a first electrode connected to a first power line, a second electrode connected to a first node, and a gate electrode receiving the reset signal; a second transistor having a first electrode connected to the first power line, a second electrode connected to a second node, and a gate electrode connected to the first node; a third transistor having a first electrode connected to the second node, a second electrode connected to a data line, and a gate electrode connected to a gate line; a fourth transistor having a first electrode connected to the first node, a second electrode connected to a photodetecting diode, and a gate electrode receiving the control signal; and the photodetecting diode having a first electrode connected to the fourth transistor, and a second electrode connected to ground.
US08698087B2 Limited angle tomography with time-of-flight PET
Provided are time-of-flight positron emission tomography devices comprising a detector array having at least two segments configured to accommodate a body part and to acquire tracer emission signals from a target within an imaging situs with a timing resolution of less than about 600 ps and a processor that receives the acquired signals from the detector array and converts the signals into a three dimensional image reconstruction of the target.
US08698084B2 Three dimensional sensors, systems, and associated methods
3D sensors, systems, and associated methods are provided. In one aspect, for example, a monolithic 3D sensor for detecting infrared and visible light can include a semiconductor substrate having a device surface, at least one visible light photodiode formed at the device surface and at least one 3D photodiode formed at the device surface in proximity to the at least one visible light photodiode. The device can further include a quantum efficiency enhanced infrared light region functionally coupled to the at least one 3D photodiode and positioned to interact with electromagnetic radiation. In one aspect, the quantum efficiency enhanced infrared light region is a textured region located at the device surface.
US08698082B2 High-fidelity device for single-shot pulse contrast measurement based on quasi-phase-matching (QPM)
A high-fidelity device for single-shot pulse contrast measurement based on quasi-phase-matching includes a generating unit of sampling pulse, a high-fidelity cross-correlation unit of nonlinear SFG and a high-sensitivity signal detecting unit. An innovatively designed dot-mirror or dot-attenuator and correlating crystal. The dot-mirror or dot-attenuator is adopted to suppress the scattering noise, which is mainly induced by air scattering of the main peak of the correlation beam, to a level below the real pulse background. While the crystal is introduced into the device as a nonlinear correlation crystal to move two kinds of artifacts introduced by a correlation process respectively out of the temporal window and behind the main pulse, so that effects of the artifacts on the contrast measurement in a pulse leading edge are removed, without obviously affecting other parameters. The device is also fit for measuring contrasts of high-power lasers of various wavelengths.
US08698068B2 Extending object contact during motion over an optical sensor
A landing surface is in physical communication with a face of an optical sensor. The landing surface extends at least 0.5 millimeters (mm) beyond a side of the optical sensor. A sensor orifice provides optical sensing by the optical sensor through the landing surface.
US08698059B2 Deployable lifting surface for air vehicle
An air vehicle includes a fuselage, and one or more lifting surfaces attached to the fuselage. The lifting surfaces deploy form a stowed, compact condition, to a deployed condition in which the lifting surfaces are deployed to provide lift to the air vehicle. The lifting surfaces each include a top member and a bottom member, which are joined at leading and trailing edges, such as by welds along the seams, or by flexible material placed along the seams. In deploying the thickness of the lifting surfaces increase, with middle portions of the members (portions of the members between the leading and trailing edges) moving away from one another. This may be accompanied by a lessening of the chord of the lifting surface, with the leading edge and the trailing edge moving closer together as the lifting surface deploys.
US08698058B1 Missile with ranging bistatic RF seeker
A ranging seeker apparatus includes an RF antenna and a bistatic ranging detector operatively connected with the RF antenna. The RF antenna and bistatic ranging detector are operative for detecting one or more guidance objects in a RF band and providing angle and range data to the missile. Also, a missile including a missile body, a missile propulsion system disposed in or on the missile body, and the ranging bistatic RF seeker disposed in or on the missile body.
US08698044B2 Textile structures for heating or warming
The invention provides a laminate composite fabric which is robust, laundry-durable, and a method for forming such fabric. The laminate fabric is provided with at least one element that provides heat or warmth (heating element). Generally, the laminate fabric with heating element(s) is sufficiently robust for incorporation into garments or warming textile structures (pads and blankets). The laminate fabric may include one or more stretch and recovery elements to cause the laminate to be more adaptable for securing about any three dimensional body.
US08698043B2 Handle grip with heater
A grip member with an electric heater, in which the surface of a core body when a heater is installed is flat. A metal conductive plate, such as a SUS plate with a thickness of about 30 μm formed in a belt-like shape, is spirally embedded along a flat groove section provided in a core body, the surface of the core body is made flat, and the metal conductive plate is fixed at both ends to the core body. An electric current is passed through the metal conductive plate to cause it to generate heat.
US08698042B2 Cosmetic applicator device including a heater member
A device for applying a composition may include an independent electrical energy source, at least one heater member that is powered by the independent electrical energy source and a circuit for controlling the power supply to the heater member. The circuit may be configured to power the heater member at least two power settings that differ at least as a function of the depletion state of the independent electrical energy source.
US08698038B2 Method and apparatus for the automated application of hardfacing material to rolling cutters of earth-boring drill bits
The present invention relates to a system and method for automated or “robotic” application of hardfacing to the surface of a steel-toothed cutter of a rock bit. In particular, the system incorporates a grounded adapter plate and chuck mounted to a robotic arm for grasping and manipulating a rock bit cutter beneath an electrical or photonic energy welding source, such as a plasma arc welding torch manipulated by a positioner. In this configuration, the torch is positioned substantially vertically and oscillated along a horizontal axis as the cutter is manipulated relative along a target path for the distribution of hardfacing. Moving the cutter beneath the torch allows more areas of more teeth to be overlayed, and allows superior placement for operational feedback, such as automatic positioning and parameter correction. In the preferred embodiment, sensors provide data to the control system for identification, positioning, welding program selection, and welding program correction. The control system, aided by data from the sensors, manipulates the robotically held cutter while controlling the operation and oscillation of the torch.
US08698031B2 Separation and manipulation of a chiral object
Among other things, for use in directional motion of chiral objects in a mixture, a field is applied across the chamber and is rotating relative to the chamber to cause rotation of the chiral objects. The rotation of the objects causes them to move directionally based on their chirality. The method applies to sugars, proteins, and peptides, among other things, and can be used in a wide variety of applications.
US08698026B2 Push button switch with anti-jamming protection device
A push button switch includes: a support structure of a generally box-like shape, defining an internal space, the support structure having at least an opening communicating with the internal space and an opening axis, the opening being defined by an internal opening edge; an actuation mechanism having a push button and a mechanical coupling arrangement for connecting the push button to the support structure, the mechanical coupling arrangement having a guiding arrangement for the push button to traverse with respect to the support structure in a direction generally parallel to the opening axis; a key which is fixable to the push button for manually actuating the push button; and an anti-jamming protection device having a protective plug interposable between the key and push button and being appliable onto the support structure for interacting with the internal edge, to protect the guiding arrangement from undesired intrusion by dust particles and such.
US08698012B2 Dynamic scale with extraction device that causes static weighing of identified items, and method for the operation thereof
A fast, dynamic scale has a weighing unit formed by a weighing cell and a transport mechanism with a first motor to drive the transport mechanism. The transport mechanism) is arranged with the motor on the weighing cell, so the weighing cell is loaded with a preliminary load. A first sensor is located at the beginning of the weighing unit. This first sensor emits a first signal to a control unit to start the weighing process for a cargo piece B. A second sensor emits a second signal to the control unit that thereupon generates a communication that a cargo piece Bn following the cargo piece B can be supplied. A weighing unit with a shortened effective length for the weighing is provided. The shortened length allows the interval between successive cargo pieces to be correspondingly shortened. A switchable extraction device is arranged after the weighing unit in the transport direction. The control unit controls the cargo piece transport by means of a third motor of the extraction device and to control the extraction device depending on the length of the cargo piece and on the termination of the weight determination as a result of the weighing, with the extraction device being switched by an actuator.
US08698007B2 Printed circuit board
There is provided a printed circuit board including an insulating substrate having a guide hole, a solder resist layer coated on a surface of the insulating substrate, and a connection pad arranged on the surface of the insulating substrate and having an outer periphery covered with the solder resist layer and a central portion exposed in an opening formed in the solder resist layer. The solder resist layer has a positioning hole having a diameter smaller than that of the guide hole and formed by photolithography above the guide hole simultaneously with the opening.
US08697998B2 Lightweight composite electrical wire with bulkheads
A lightweight composite electrical wire having a fusible alkali core encased or enclosed by a wall, and further including a plurality of transverse bulkheads that separate the core into a plurality of sections. In embodiments the core is sodium, and the wall is aluminum. The transverse bulkheads separate the core longitudinally, precluding or mitigating any loss of core material in accident scenarios, and may include visual and/or tactile indicators to facilitate identifying locations for cutting and connecting the conductor. A insulative outer layer may also provided. In an embodiment the fusible alkali core comprises a plurality of parallel elements separated laterally by wall material and longitudinally by the bulkheads. At least a portion of the bulkheads may be formed from a material having a melting temperature higher than the maximum normal operating temperature of the wire, but lower than the boiling point of the alkali core.
US08697997B2 Cable with integrated cable-management system
A cable has an integrated cable management system for organizing multiple cables. The body of the cable has a first mating surface with a first interlocking element disposed thereon and a second mating surface with a second interlocking element disposed thereon the second mating surface, where the first interlocking element is configured as a complementary interlocking element for the second interlocking element, so that multiple cables may be joined without the use of additional cable-organizing devices. The first interlocking element may include at least one coupling recess formed in the first mating surface and configured to engage with an interlocking element having the same configuration as the second interlocking element.
US08697995B2 Method and device for coating the junction area between at least two elongated elements, in particular between electric cables
A method of coating the junction area between elongated elements, in particular between electric cables. This method includes the steps of: arranging a rigid tubular support having two axially separable tubular halves; mounting an elastic tubular sleeve in an elastically radially expanded condition on an outer surface of the support; interposing a lubricating material between the support and sleeve; arranging a circumferentially continuous sealing element between the halves to prevent the lubricant from percolating between the halves; positioning the support around the junction area; and moving the halves apart from each other to enable the sleeve to collapse on the junction area. A device for coating the junction area between elongated elements and a method of making the device and a joint for electric cables.
US08697989B2 Meter box cover
A meter box cover including a first portion that engages an inner surface of an opening in a lid of a meter box to prevent the passage of the cover through the opening and a second portion that extends through the opening and beyond an outermost surface of the opening in the lid of the meter box. The meter cover blocks substantially an entirety of the opening and the second portion prevents the cover from being displaced within the opening.
US08697985B2 Protective film for a solar cell module
The invention relates to a protective film for a solar cell module, to a process for manufacturing said protective film and to a solar cell module comprising said protecting film, and to a method for protecting a solar cell module comprising using of such protective film. The protective film comprises at least one layer comprising a perfluoropolyether (PFPE) polymer [polymer (F)], the polymer being obtainable by cross-linking a composition [composition (C)] comprising: a) at least one functional perfluoropolyether compound [compound (E)], the compound (E) comprising a (per)fluoropolyalkylene chain [chain (Rf)], and at least one unsaturated moiety, the compound (E) being present in an amount included in the range of 10% to 95% wt with respect to composition (C); b) at least one nonfuorinated compound [compound (M)] having at least one unsaturated moiety, provided that the nonfluorinated compound (M) has at least two unsaturated moieties if compound (E) has one unsaturated moiety; and c) at least one crosslinking initiator.
US08697976B2 Parameter setting apparatus having separate operators for course and fine adjustments for the same parameter
Each parameter is provided with increase/decrease switches and a slider. In a case where a user desires seamless rough control of the value of a target parameter, the user is to use the slider. In a case where the user desires easy control of the value of the parameter with the smallest unit of the resolution, the user is to use the increase/decrease switches. Since the slider specifies a parameter value in accordance with the position of the manipulated slider, the range within which the parameter value can change is determined on the basis of the current parameter value and the maximum value and the minimum value of the parameter. Because the increase/decrease switch increases/decreases a parameter value by “1” at each manipulation, the range within which the parameter value can change by a single manipulation of the increase/decrease switch is “±1”.
US08697969B2 Tremolo assembly
A bridge assembly having a saddle plate, a tremolo block, and a bushing extending through the saddle plate and tremolo block. The bushing has an internal bore, and an engagement member extends through the bushing and is partially disposed in the internal bore. A tremolo arm has an engagement section with a flat engagement surface that defines a plane substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the engagement section. The engagement member is perpendicular to and laterally disposed from the internal bore's longitudinal axis. The engagement member frictionally engages the flat engagement surface when the engagement section is disposed in the internal bore. The tremolo arm's engagement section rotates with the busing as a unit relative to the tremolo block.
US08697956B1 Oat cultivar ROMAR-07
A novel oat cultivar, designated ROMAR-07, is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of oat cultivar ROMAR-07, to the plants of oat ROMAR-07 and to methods for producing a oat plant produced by crossing the cultivar ROMAR-07 with itself or another oat variety. The invention further relates to hybrid oat seeds and plants produced by crossing the cultivar ROMAR-07 with another oat cultivar.
US08697942B2 Genetic loci associated with Fusarium ear mold resistance in maize
The invention relates to methods and compositions for identifying and selecting maize plants with enhanced resistance to Fusarium ear mold. Maize plants generated by the methods of the invention are also a feature of the invention.
US08697938B2 Disposable absorbent article having side panels with structurally, functionally and visually different regions
A disposable absorbent article worn about the lower torso of a wearer includes at least one pair of side panels connecting a first waist region to a second waist region forming a waist opening and a pair of leg openings. Each side panel includes a waist region, a hip region and a leg region wherein the waist region, the hip region and the leg region differs structurally, functionally and visually to provide an improved initial fit and sustained fit while exhibiting a garment-like appearance.
US08697936B2 Intravaginal device with fluid transport plates
An intravaginal device has a fluid storage element and at least one fluid transport element in fluid communication with the fluid storage element. The at least one fluid transport element has a first plate and a second plate coupled to the first plate. The second plate is capable of separating from the first plate sufficiently to provide inter-plate capillary action. The at least one fluid transport element is bendable about an axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the fluid storage element. The invention also includes methods and apparatus useful in the production of an intravaginal device.
US08697935B2 Method and system for alerting the occurrence of wetness
System and method for alerting the occurrence of wetness on a skin area under a cover layer, comprising detection means for detecting the occurrence of wetness on the skin area under the cover layer, exposure means for exposing at least part of the skin area to a temperature having a course which mainly corresponds to the temperature course which would have occurred in the absence of said cover layer, and actuation means for actuating said exposure means under control of said detection means. The exposure means may comprise an electricity source, electricity/temperature conversion means, and control means for controlling the electrical current or voltage in accordance with a predetermined curve which results in an output temperature of the electricity/temperature conversion means which mainly corresponds to the temperature course which would have occurred in the absence of said cover layer. The electricity/temperature conversion means may comprise one or more Peltier elements.
US08697931B2 Bandaging element of first aid bandage and first aid bandage
A first aid bandage includes bandaging material, a dressing pad and a bandaging element. The dressing pad is attached underneath the bandaging element. The bandaging material is attached to the bandaging element. The bandaging element has been rolled up so that there is a rolled-up portion and a straight portion in the bandaging element. The rolling has been done so that the rolled-up portion can be rolled up over the straight portion, whereby the bandaging element is put in a state of tension. There is an opening arrangement in the rolled-up portion of the bandaging element, in which opening arrangement there are guiding structures. The bandaging material is arranged to fit into the opening arrangement so that a part of the bandaging material is under the guiding structures.
US08697930B2 Conversion of methylamine to olefin or mixture of olefins
Convert a methylamine (e.g. monomethylamine, dimethylamine and trimethylamine) to a mixture of olefins (e.g. ethylene, propylene and butylene) by placing the methylamine, optionally in a mixture with at least one of ammonia and an inert diluent, in contact with a microporous acidic silicoaluminophosphate catalyst or a microporous aluminosilicate catalyst.
US08697927B1 Metallophosphate molecular sieves, method of preparation and use
A new family of crystalline microporous metallophosphates designated AlPO-67 has been synthesized. These metallophosphates are represented by the empirical formula R+rMm2+EPxSiyOz where R is an organoammonium cation such as the ETMA+ or DEDMA+, M is a framework metal alkaline earth or transition metal of valence 2+, and E is a trivalent framework element such as aluminum or gallium. The AlPO-67 compositions have the LEV topology and have catalytic properties for carrying out various hydrocarbon conversion processes, and separation properties for separating at least one component.
US08697922B2 Conversion of 2-chloro-1,1,1,2-tetrafluoropropane to 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene
Described is a method for producing fluoropropenes of formula CF3CX═CX2 wherein each X is F or H, at least one X is H, and at least one X is F, comprising pyrolyzing a hydrofluorochloropropane of formula CF3CXYCX2Y, wherein each X is F or H, at least one X is H, and at least one X is F, and one Y is Cl and the other Y is H, in the gas-phase in a reaction vessel, maintained at a temperature high enough to effect the pyrolysis of said hydrofluorochloropropane to said fluoropropene, wherein the selectivity for the production of the fluoropropene is at least 80%, in the absence of a catalyst.
US08697921B2 Process for purifying wastewaters from the workup of crude aromatic nitro compounds
The invention relates to a process for purifying crude aromatic nitro compounds which originate from the nitration of aromatic compounds, comprising the single or multiple performance of the following wash stage (a): (a) contacting the crude aromatic nitro compound (N-in) with an aqueous phase (W-res) and then separating the phases to obtain an organic phase (N-res) and an aqueous phase (W-res), wherein at least one demulsifier (D) is present in one or more of the wash stages (a).
US08697914B2 Process for preparing bis(para-aminocyclohexyl)methane
Process for preparing bis(para-amino-cyclohexyl)methane by multiphase reaction of methylenedianiline with hydrogen, in which the reaction is performed in 5 to 50 series-connected reaction zones under adiabatic conditions.
US08697912B2 N-(1-hydroxyethyl) carboxamide compound and process for producing same
The present invention relates to an N-(1-hydroxyethyl)carboxamide compound represented by formula (1) (in the formula, RA and RB represent independently from each other a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms except for a case where RA and RB represent a hydrogen atom at the same time) and a method for producing the same; a method for producing an N-(1-alkoxyethyl)carboxamide compound; a method for producing an N-vinyl carboxylic acid amide compound; and a method for producing an N-vinyl carboxylic acid amide (co)polymer. An N-(1-alkoxyethyl)carboxamide compound can be obtained by reacting N-(1-hydroxyethyl)carboxamide compound with alcohol in the presence of an acid catalyst, and an N-vinyl carboxylic acid amide compound, which is a monomer of the N-vinyl carboxylic acid amide (co)polymer, can be obtained by thermally decomposing or catalytically decomposing the N-(1-alkoxyethyl)carboxamide compound.
US08697903B2 Fluorinated ester monomer, making method, fluorinated ester polymer, and difluorohydroxycarboxylic acid
A fluorinated ester monomer is provided having formula (1) wherein R1 is H, CH3 or CF3, R2 and R3 are H or a monovalent hydrocarbon group, or R2 and R3 forms a hydrocarbon ring, R4 is a monovalent hydrocarbon group, and k is 0 or 1. A polymer obtained from the monomer has transparency to radiation with a wavelength of up to 200 nm and appropriate alkaline hydrolysis, is constructed such that any of water repellency, water slip and surface segregation may be adjusted by a choice of its structure, and is useful in forming ArF immersion lithography materials.
US08697897B2 Method for preparing fatty acyl amido carboxylic acid based surfactants
A process is provided for preparing C8-C22 acyl glycinate acid or salt thereof via reacting and heating a mixture of glycine or salt thereof with a C1-C3 alkyl ester of a C8-C22 fatty acid in a medium of glycerol or propylene glycol. The reaction proceeds well where the mixture is formulated to have a pKa ranging from 9.5 to 13.
US08697894B2 Preparation of taxanes from 9-dihydro-13-acetylbaccation III
A new process for preparing a compound of Formula V, wherein P is a hydroxy protecting group and R is acetyl, said process including the steps of: i) selectively deacetylating the 10-hydroxy group of 9-dihydro-13-acetylbaccatin III with N,N-dimethylethylenediamine to produce 9-dihydro-10-deacetyl-13-acetyl-baccatin III; ii) concomitantly protecting 7-hydroxy and 10-hydroxy groups of the reaction product of step i); and iii) oxidizing the 9-hydroxy group of the reaction product of step ii) with an oxidizing agent to produce the compound of formula V.
US08697886B2 Di(aminoguanidium) 4,4′,5,5′-tetranitro-2,2′-biimidazole, and preparation method thereof
According to the present invention, unstable hydrogen of 4,4′,5,5′-tetranitro-2,2′-biimidazole, which is a promising material for insensitive high-performance molecular explosives, may be stabilized by aminoguanidium to provide di(aminoguanidium) 4,4′,5,5′-tetranitro-2,2′-biimidazole, thereby solving the hygroscopicity of 4,4′,5,5′-tetranitro-2,2′-biimidazole, and enhancing performance and insensitivity thereof.
US08697885B2 Carbazole compound, light-emitting element material, organic semiconductor material, light-emitting element, light emitting device, lighting device, and electronic device
An object is to provide a novel carbazole compound that can be used for a transport layer, a host material, or a light-emitting material in a light-emitting element. A carbazole compound where nitrogen of a carbazole group, the carbazole skeleton of which whose 3-position is bonded to the 4-position of a dibenzofuran skeleton or a dibenzothiophene skeleton, is bonded to a benzimidazole skeleton through a phenylene group, is provided. The carbazole compound has a high carrier-transport property, and can be suitably used for a material for a light-emitting element or for an organic semiconductor material.
US08697881B2 Method for producing alcohol compound
Disclosed is a practical method for efficiently producing an alcohol compound by hydrogenating an aldehyde by using a homogeneous copper catalyst which is an easily-available low-cost metal species. Specifically disclosed is a method for producing an alcohol compound, which is characterized in that a hydrogenation reaction of an aldehyde compound is performed in the presence of a homogeneous copper catalyst, a monophosphine compound and an alcohol selected from the group consisting of primary alcohols, secondary alcohols and mixtures of those.
US08697875B2 Phosphodiesterase inhibitors and uses thereof
The invention provides for compounds that are phosphodiesterase inhibitors. The invention further provides for a method for screening compounds that bind to and modulate a phosphosdiesterase protein. The invention also provides methods for treating conditions associated with accumulated amyloid-beta peptide deposit accumulations by administering a phosphodiesterase-binding compound to a subject.
US08697865B2 Cyclic amide derivative, and its production and use
The present invention provides a cyclic amide derivative useful as a drug for treating thrombosis, which is represented by the formula (I): wherein R1 represents an optionally substituted cyclic hydrocarbon group or an optionally substituted heterocyclic group, W represents a bond or an optionally substituted divalent chain hydrocarbon group, a represents 0, 1, or 2, X1 represents an optionally substituted lower alkylene or an optionally substituted lower alkenylene, Y1 represents —C(O)—, —S(O)— or —S(O)2—, A represents a piperazine ring which may be further substituted or a piperidine ring which may be further substituted, X2 represents a bond or an optionally substituted lower alkylene, Y2 represents —C(O)—, —S(O)—, —S(O)2— or —C(═NR7)—, X3 represents an optionally substituted C1-4 alkylene or an optionally substituted C2-4 alkenylene, Z3 represents —N(R4)—, —O— or a bond, Z1 represents —C(R2) (R2′)—, —N(R2)—, etc., and Z2 represents —C(R3)(R3′)—, —N(R3)—, etc., or a salt thereof.
US08697863B2 Fused heterocyclic compounds as ion channel modulators
The present disclosure relates to compounds that are sodium channel inhibitors and to their use in the treatment of various disease states, including cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. In particular embodiments, the structure of the compounds is given by Formula I: wherein Z1, Z2, Z3, Z4, X, Y, R2, R3 and R4 are as described herein, to methods for the preparation and use of the compounds and to pharmaceutical compositions containing the same.
US08697862B2 Synthesis of galactoside inhibitors
Novel synthesis routes for preparation of thiodigalactosides and intermediates are presented. The method includes the use of a 3-azido-galactosyl thiouronium salt derivative, which is activated to the corresponding thiol in situ, which in turn is directly reacted with a 3-azido-galactosyl bromide resulting in the 3,3′-di-azido-thio-di-galactoside before the thiol has a chance to reduce the azido 10 group. Hence, in situ formation of the 3-azido-galactosyl thiol from the thiouronium salt is essential in the synthesis procedure, because any other method that generate the thiol separately results in extensive unwanted azide reduction.
US08697860B1 Diagnosis and treatment of disease
Provided herein are methods, compounds, and compositions for reducing expression of transthyretin mRNA and protein in an animal. Such methods, compounds, and compositions are useful to treat, prevent, delay, or ameliorate transthyretin amyloidosis, or a symptom thereof.
US08697855B2 Anti-CD151 antibodies and their use in the treatment of cancer
The present invention relates to new antibodies capable of binding specifically to the human CD151 protein, especially monoclonal antibodies of murine origin, which are chimeric and humanized, and also to the amino acid and nucleic sequences coding for those antibodies. The invention also includes use of those antibodies as medicaments for the prophylactic and/or therapeutic treatment of cancers and in diagnostic methods or kits for diseases associated with overexpression of the CD151 protein. Finally, the invention includes products and/or compositions comprising such antibodies in association with antibodies and/or anti-cancer agents or conjugated with toxins and/or radioelements and their use in the prevention and/or treatment of certain cancers.
US08697854B2 High affinity T cell receptor and use thereof
The present invention is directed to a high affinity T cell receptor (TCR) against a tumor-associated antigen, an isolated nucleic acid molecule encoding same, a T cell expressing said TCR, and a pharmaceutical composition for use in the treatment of diseases involving malignant cells expressing said tumor-associated antigen.
US08697848B2 Method for reducing immunogenicity of therapeutic protein compositions
The present invention provides methods for reducing and/or evaluating the immunogenic potential of a therapeutic protein preparation. The present invention further provides pharmaceutical compositions of therapeutic proteins and methods of treatment with the same, the compositions having low immunogenic potential and/or improved efficacy. The invention achieves these goals by evaluating therapeutic protein preparations for subvisible protein particulates, which can contribute significantly to the overall immunogenic potential of the protein preparation. Further, by maintaining the content of such subvisible protein particulates to below an immunogenic threshold level, the resulting pharmaceutical composition is less likely to result in a loss of tolerance (e.g., upon repeated administration), thereby improving both the safety and efficacy profile of the therapeutic.
US08697843B1 Superabsorbant materials from chemically modified gluten
The present disclosure provides superabsorbent materials comprising wheat gluten chemically modified with citric acid, methods of producing superabsorbent materials and methods of use.
US08697837B2 Substrate for Rpn 11 enzymatic activity
The present application provides peptides that serve as substrates for proteasome enzymatic activity, e.g., the enzymatic activity of Rpn11, a metalloprotease of the 19S regulatory particle. The present application also provides methods and compositions employing the peptide substrates.
US08697832B2 Method for producing lactic acid polymers of high crystallinity and molecular weight
The invention relates to a process for preparing lactic acid polymers of highly crystallinity and molecular weight, the process comprising melt polymerization of a lactide to form prepolymers having active end groups followed by solid state polymerization. The polymerization is carried out in the presence of a catalyst complex comprising a lactide, an organic metal-oxo compound and a lactic acid oligomer. The residual lactide after the melt polymerization is removed by heating the reaction mixture in the temperature range of 98° C. to a temperature less than the melting point of the prepolymer. The metal to oligomer ratio in the catalyst complex is in the range of 0.1 to 10, preferably in the range of 0.5 to 5, more preferably in the range of 0.8 to 1.5.
US08697826B2 Self-crosslinkable latex polymer and method for making the same
A self-crosslinkable latex polymer includes: a polymer chain having a plurality of ethylenically unsaturated units; and a plurality of peroxide functional groups bonded to the polymer chain and having a structure represented by —R1—C—O—O—R2 or —R4—(COO)—C—O—O—R5, wherein R1 and R4 each represents a hydrocarbon group and is bonded to the polymer chain and R2 and R5 each represents hydrogen or an alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms.
US08697819B2 System for producing steam using heat recovered from a polymerization reaction
The present invention relates to a process for producing steam using heat recovered from a polymerization reaction. In particular, the present invention relates to a process for producing steam using heat recovered from a polymerization reaction for producing polyolefin, comprising the steps of: thermally contacting said polymerization reaction with a cooling fluid such that the cooling fluid removes heat from said reaction, thermally contacting at least part of said cooling fluid with at least one absorption cycle thereby transferring heat from the cooling fluid to said absorption cycle, using said absorption cycle to produce steam from a condensate, wherein the cooling fluid is used as a hot source for heating at least one evaporator and at least one generator comprised in said at least one absorption cycle. The present invention also relates to a process for cooling a polymerization reaction using a process as described herein. Said invention also relates to a polyolefin producing unit.
US08697814B2 Process for producing a molding composition or a molding with an increase in the melt stiffness
A polyamide molding composition is condensed up in the melt by means of a masterbatch containing a compound having at least two carbonate units and also a polyetheramide in which at least 50% of the end groups are present as amino end groups, whereupon the melt mixture is discharged and solidified to give a molding composition or a molding. The product obtained has an increased amino end group content and consequently an improved hydrolysis resistance.
US08697812B2 Preparation method of superabsorbent polymer
The present invention relates to a method of preparing a superabsorbent polymer, including the steps of: preparing a hydrous gel phase polymer by thermal polymerizing or photo-polymerizing a monomer composition including a water-soluble ethylene-based unsaturated monomer and a polymerization initiator; drying the hydrous gel phase polymer; milling the dried polymer; adding a surface cross-linking agent to the milled polymer; and elevating the temperature of the polymer including the surface cross-linking agent at a speed of 3° C./min to 15° C./min, and carrying out a surface cross-linking reaction at 100° C. to 250° C.
US08697803B2 Epoxy resin composition and semiconductor device
An epoxy resin composition for encapsulating a semiconductor chip according to this invention comprises (A) a crystalline epoxy resin, (B) a phenol resin represented by general formula (1): wherein R1 and R2 are independently hydrogen or alkyl having 1 to 4 carbon atoms and two or more R1s or two or more R2s are the same or different; a is integer of 0 to 4; b is integer of 0 to 4; c is integer of 0 to 3; and n is average and is number of 0 to 10, (C) a (co)polymer containing butadiene-derived structural unit or its derivative, and (D) an inorganic filler in the amount of 80 wt % to 95 wt % both inclusive in the total epoxy resin composition.
US08697797B2 Associative acrylic emulsion containing an oxo alcohol-based monomer, its manufacturing method, and method for thickening an aqueous formulation using this emulsion
The present invention pertains to particular HASE rheology modifiers: they are aqueous emulsions whose solids content may reach about 25%, based on acrylic thickeners having an associative monomer functionalized by an oxo alcohol based hydrophobic group. Their method of synthesis, as well as a method for thickening an aqueous formulation containing them, also constitute objectives of the present invention.
US08697790B2 Polymeric compositions and their production and uses
A composition includes a dispersion, having an aqueous phase containing a dissolved water soluble cationic coagulant polymer and if needed a dissolved inorganic salt. The aqueous phase further contains a dispersed water soluble flocculant polymer, wherein the water soluble flocculant polymer is formed of a water soluble ethylenically unsaturated monomer or monomer blend which are polymerized in the aqueous phase. The water soluble cationic coagulant polymer is cationic poly(alkyleneamine), which is the reaction product of the following reaction: H2N—(CH2)m—NR—(CH2)m—NH2+Cl—CH2CH2—Cl, wherein R is selected from the group consisting alkyl radicals containing from 1 to 4 carbon atoms m is an integer of from 1 to 4. The amount of dissolved inorganic salt is less than 10% by weight of the composition, and the composition is in a stable, pourable, dispersion form.
US08697779B2 Method for producing water-absorbent polymer particles by the polymerization of droplets of a monomer solution
A process for producing water-absorbing polymer particles by polymerizing droplets of a monomer solution in a surrounding gas phase, the resulting polymer particles having a water content of at least 5% by weight, and being aftertreated thermally in the fluidized state in the presence of steam at a temperature of at least 60° C.
US08697778B2 High resistivity compositions
The present invention relates to a black matrix formed by applying a curable coating composition onto a substrate to form a curable coating, curing the curable coating imagewise to form a coating, and developing and drying the coating. The curable coating composition comprises a vehicle, a curable resin, and at least one modified pigment comprising a pigment having attached at least one organic group having the formula -X-I or -X-NI, wherein X, which is directly attached to the pigment, represents an arylene or heteroarylene group, an alkylene group, an aralkylene group, or an alkarylene group, I represents a non-polymeric group comprising at least one ionic group or at least one ionizable group, and NI represents a non-polymeric group comprising at least one nonionic group. The curable coating composition, curable coating, and cured coating are also described. Also disclosed is a method of controlling the resistivity of a coating.
US08697775B2 Vulcanizable nanoparticles having a core with a high glass transition temperature
Provided is a polymer nanoparticle comprising a core and a vulcanizable shell, wherein the core has a glass transition temperature (Tg) of at least about 150° C. Also provided is a method of preparing polymer nanoparticles with a core and a vulcanizable shell, comprising (a) in a liquid hydrocarbon medium, polymerizing conjugated diene monomers to produce a poly(conjugated diene) block and (b) copolymerizing the poly(conjugated diene) block with a mixture of mono-vinyl aromatic monomers and multiple-vinyl aromatic monomers to produce an aromatic block, wherein the core has a Tg of at least about 150° C. Also provided is a composition comprising (a) a rubber matrix; and (b) a polymer nanoparticle including a core and a vulcanizable shell; wherein the Tg of the core is at least about 150° C.
US08697772B2 Polymerizable phosphoric acid derivatives comprising a polyalicylic structure element
Certain novel polymerizable phosphoric acid derivatives (hereinafter referred to as monomers) comprising a polyalicyclic structure element, mixtures comprising one or a plurality of these compounds and corresponding curable blends and products as well as their respective use as a dental material or for the preparation of a dental material are described. The compounds are eminently suitable as bonding agents, in particular in dental adhesive materials. A process for preparing these compounds or mixtures and a method for preparing a product, preferably a product suitable for dentistry, are also described.
US08697771B2 Biocompatible coatings, and methods of making and using the same
Disclosed herein are biocompatible coatings for a substrate, the biocompatible coating including at least one polyanionic/polycationic bilayer including at least one nitric oxide generating moiety, wherein the polyanionic/polycationic bilayer has a layer of a polycationic polymeric material; and a layer of polyanionic material capable of non-covalently bonding to the polycationic polymeric material. Devices incorporating such coatings, and methods of making and using such coatings are also disclosed herein.
US08697767B2 Production method for pressure-sensitive adhesive composition
Provided is a production method for a pressure-sensitive adhesive composition capable of sufficiently expressing each of “attachment position correction workability” that enables a pressure-sensitive adhesive tape containing the composition to be easily aligned by the expression of good temporary attachment property, “reworkability” that enables the tape to be easily reattached, and “temperature-sensitive strong pressure-sensitive adhesiveness” that enables the tape to express strong temperature-sensitive pressure-sensitive adhesiveness. The production method for a pressure-sensitive adhesive composition is a production method for a pressure-sensitive adhesive composition containing a cross-linked polymer in which an acrylic copolymer (A) is cross-linked by a polyurethane(meth)acrylate (B), the method including irradiating a monomer mixed liquid essentially containing a (meth)acrylate and a (meth)acrylamide with an active energy ray in the presence of the polyurethane(meth)acrylate (B).
US08697763B2 Processes for making porous implantable materials
Described herein are methods of making open celled foams including a matrix of interconnected spheres. The open celled foams are silicone based materials and can be used to coat implants, such as breast implants, and function to encourage tissue ingrowth and reduce capsular formation.
US08697758B2 Urea compound, self-assembly of urea compounds, organogel containing self-assembly, and method for producing organogel
A urea compound of the present invention is represented by general formula (I) shown below: wherein each of X1, X2 and X3 independently represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group or an aryl group. The aryl group may have one or more functional groups selected from the group consisting of halogen groups, alkyl groups and alkoxy groups.
US08697748B2 Glycogen or polysaccharide storage disease treatment method
A method for treating glycogen storage disease by administering an effective amount of a composition that includes ketogenic odd carbon fatty acids that ameliorate the symptoms of these diseases.
US08697743B2 Antioxidant camptothecin derivatives and antioxidant antineoplastic nanospheres thereof
The present invention is directed to antioxidant derivatives of camptothecin and antioxidant derivatives of camptothecin analogs and the preparation of nanometer-sized camptothecin prodrugs. Methods of synthesizing the antioxidant derivatives of camptothecin and antioxidant derivatives of camptothecin analogs, spontaneous emulsification or nanoprecipitation thereof to produce antioxidant camptothecin nanosphere prodrugs and their use in treating cancerous diseases are also provided. A further aspect of this invention is the use of these antioxidant camptothecin nanosphere prodrugs for the preparation of delivery devices of other pharmaceuticals and/or drugs. Additionally, methods of treating cancer with the camptothecin and antioxidant derivatives of camptothecin analogs, and nanometer-sized camptothecin prodrugs are also provided.
US08697741B2 Process for the preparation of amorphous calcium salt of atorvastatin
A process for the preparation of amorphous atorvastatin calcium. The process includes providing a reaction mixture having a pH between 6.5 and 8.0 containing a sodium salt of atorvastatin and tetrahydrofuran. A non-cyclic chlorinated organic solvent selected from the group consisting of dichloromethane, trichloroethane, tetrachloroethane and chloroform or addition of cyclic hydrocarbon solvent selected from the group consisting of cyclohexane, cyclopentane and methyl cyclohexane is added to provide a mixture of organic solvents. An equivalent or an excess quantity of a source of calcium ions selected from the group consisting of calcium acetate and calcium chloride is added. Amorphous atorvastatin calcium is isolated from an organic phase comprising the mixture of organic solvents.
US08697740B2 Crystalline polymorphic forms of an antidiabetic compound
The present invention relates to polymorphic forms of a compound of formula A: This compound is useful as a glucagon receptor antagonist and serves as a pharmaceutically active ingredient for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and related conditions, such as hyperglycemia, obesity, dyslipidemia, and the metabolic syndrome. Hydrates, hemihydrates, anhydrates and similar polymorphic forms are included.
US08697739B2 Bicyclic acetyl-CoA carboxylase inhibitors and uses thereof
The present invention provides compounds of formula (I); or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein the variables are defined as herein. The present invention provides a method for manufacturing the compounds of formula (I), their therapeutic uses, combinations with other of pharmacologically active agents, and a pharmaceutical compositions.
US08697737B2 Raf modulators and methods of use
The present invention relates to compounds of the Formula I, wherein G, A, X1, X2, X3, Z, E, Y, and X are defined herein. The compounds modulate protein kinase enzymatic activity to modulate cellular activities such as proliferation, differentiation, programmed cell death, migration and chemoinvasion. Compounds of the invention inhibit, regulate and/or modulate kinases, particularly Raf. Methods of using and preparing the compounds, and pharmaceutical compositions thereof, to treat kinase-dependent diseases and conditions are also an aspect of the invention.
US08697733B2 Pyridine derivatives as sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) receptor modulators
The present invention relates to novel pyridine derivatives, processes for preparing them, pharmaceutical compositions containing them and their use as pharmaceuticals as modulators of sphingosine-1-phosphate receptors.
US08697722B2 Nicotinic acetylcholine receptor modulators
The disclosure provides compounds capable of selectively or non-selectively modulating nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. The compounds, compositions, and methods described herein are useful, for example, in treating patients suffering from various medical conditions including pain, chemical addictions, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and neurodegenerative disorders. In one embodiment, the compounds comprise a 7- to 11-membered azabicyclo ring.
US08697715B2 Serine/threonine kinase inhibitors
Compounds of Formula I or a stereoisomer, tautomer, prodrug or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof are provided, which are useful for the treatment of hyperproliferative, pain and inflammatory diseases. Methods of using compounds of Formula I or a stereoisomer, tautomer, prodrug or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, for in vitro, in situ, and in vivo diagnosis, prevention or treatment of such disorders in mammalian cells, or associated pathological conditions are disclosed.
US08697714B2 Quinazolinone based fluorogenic probes
The present invention relates to a compound of the general formula (I) useful in the determining the presence, amount or activity of an enzyme in living cells, a method of preparing said compounds and a kit thereof.
US08697691B2 Alkyl 3-((2-amidoethyl)amino)-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]octane-8-carboxylate analogs as selective M1 agonists and methods of making and using same
In one aspect, the invention relates to compounds having a general structure: which are useful as selective allosteric or bitopic agonists of the M1 muscarinic receptor; synthetic methods for making the compounds; pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds; and methods of using the compounds, for example, in treating neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's Disease. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention.
US08697687B2 Treating diseases mediated by blockade of the epithelial sodium channel with pyrazine-2-carboxamide derivatives
A compound of Formula I in free or salt or solvate form, where R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, R9, R10 and R11 have the meanings as indicated in the specification, is useful for treating diseases which respond to the blockade of the epithelial sodium channel. Pharmaceutical compositions that contain the compounds and processes for preparing the compounds are also described.
US08697682B2 Salts
This invention relates to a hydrochloride, malate, oxalate and tartrate salt forms of 1-(4-{1-[(E)-4-cyclohexyl-3-trifluoromethyl-benzyloxyimino]-ethyl}-2-ethyl-benzyl)-azetidine-3-carboxylic acid (Compound I), to pharmaceutical compositions comprising this salt, to processes for forming this salt and to its use in medical treatment. In addition, the present invention also relates to new polymorphic forms of each of these salts, as well as to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these polymorphic forms, to processes for obtaining them, and their use in medical treatment.
US08697673B2 Bicyclic pyridinones
Compounds and pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the compounds are disclosed, wherein the compounds have the structure of Formula I as defined herein. Corresponding pharmaceutical compositions, methods of treatment, methods of synthesis, and intermediates are also disclosed.
US08697668B2 Compositions and methods for preventing and treating cancer via modulating UBE1L, ISG215 and/or UBP43
Compositions and methods of using compositions that induce UBE1L or a ubiquitin-like protein ISG15, or inhibit a deconjugase UBP43 to degrade oncogenic proteins and enhance apoptosis of cancer (neoplastic) or pre-cancerous (pre-neoplastic) cells are provided. Methods for the prevention or treatment of cancer via administration of these compositions are also provided.
US08697658B2 Glycoside compounds
Compounds of formula (I): wherein X, Y, and Z are defined herein. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions and therapeutical methods related to these compounds.
US08697652B2 Cosmetic use of at least the natural tetrapeptide Ac-Ser-Asp-Lys-Pro or one of its analogs as a skin restructuring agent
This invention relates to the cosmetic use of at least one compound of formula (I) wherein A1 is the radical corresponding to D- or L-Ser A2 is the radical corresponding to D- or L-Asp or Glu, A3 is the radical corresponding to D- or L-Lys, Arg or Orn, A4 is the radical corresponding to D- or L-pro, R1, R2 and R3 are as defined in the claims as anti-aging and restructuring agents.
US08697645B2 Second generation low oxygen affinity pegylated hemoglobins as oxygen-carrying plasma expanders
Provided are hemoglobins having at least two chemical modifications that lower oxygen affinity, hemoglobins chemically modified by the addition of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate, and hemoglobins having at least two specific chemical modifications. PEGylated versions of these hemoglobins are also provided, as are certain tetraPEGylated and diPEGylated hemoglobins. Methods of modifying a hemoglobin are additionally provided, as are methods of making a hemoglobin. Pharmaceutical compositions and blood substitutes using these hemoglobins are further provided, as are methods of treating a subject using these pharmaceutical compositions and blood substitutes.
US08697644B2 Stable formulations for parenteral injection of peptide drugs
Stable formulations for parenteral injection of peptide drugs and methods of using such stable formulations are provided. In particular, the present invention provides stable formulations for parenteral injection of glucagon and methods of using such glucagon formulations to treat hypoglycemia, especially severe hypoglycemia in emergency situations.
US08697643B2 Method for controllably releasing a drug conjugate within subcutaneous tissue in response to the local concentration of an indicator
A conjugate that includes a drug covalently linked to a polymer. Upon administration, the conjugate is digested by an enzyme that is present at the site of administration thereby releasing a therapeutic agent. The conjugate may demonstrate substantially the same pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic behavior as the drug itself. A material for controllably releasing a conjugate in response to the local concentration of a molecular indicator. The material includes a plurality of conjugates and a plurality of multivalent cross-linking agents. The polymers of the conjugates include an analog of the indicator within their covalent structure. The multivalent cross-linking agents include cross-link receptors that interact with the indicator analog and thereby cross-link the conjugates. These non-covalent interactions are competitively disrupted when an amount of the molecular indicator is present thereby causing the material to release the conjugate in a manner that is dependent on the local concentration of indicator.
US08697637B2 Antimicrobial peptides of the cecropin family and therapeutic uses thereof
The present invention relates to an antimicrobial peptide characterised in that said peptide includes the sequence SEQ ID No. 1 or the sequence SEQ ID No. 2, the sequence SEQ ID No. 2 representing a fragment of the sequence SEQ ID No. 1, for use as a drug. Advantageously according to the invention, the peptide having sequence SEQ ID No. 1 is used specifically for treating bacterial, viral and/or parasitic infections, and the peptide having sequence SEQ No. 2 is used for treating bacterial and/or viral infections.
US08697635B2 Pharmaceutical preparation to be administered into respiratory organs for treating or preventing inflammatory respiratory diseases, and method for treating or preventing such diseases
The present application relates to a pharmaceutical preparation to be administered into respiratory organs for treating or preventing inflammatory respiratory diseases, comprising a peptide which acts on formyl peptide receptors (FPRs) or receptors analogous thereto, in an amount which is effective in suppressing respiratory inflammation. The present application also relates to a method for treating or preventing inflammatory respiratory diseases by using the preparation, and to a kit containing the preparation. As compared with systemic administration of the peptide by injection, direct administration of the peptide to respiratory organs remarkedly improves the effect in suppressing respiratory inflammation.
US08697634B2 Peptides and methods using same for diagnosis and treatment of amyloid-associated disease
Peptides having at least 2 amino acids and no more than 15 amino acids are provided. The peptides comprise amino acid sequence X—Y or Y—X, wherein X is an aromatic amino acid and Y is any amino acid other than glycine. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions and kits including such peptides as well as methods using same for diagnosing and treating amyloid associated diseases.
US08697633B2 Dissolution of arterial plaque
Embodiments of methods of treating atherosclerosis are described. In some embodiments an emulsifier is provided to achieve levels in the systemic circulation that are effective to solubilize atherosclerotic plaque, resulting in plaque regression. In some embodiments, levels of greater than 50 μM are achieved; in some embodiments levels ranging from about 100 μM to about 600 μM are achieved; in some embodiments, levels ranging from about 100 μM to about 300 μM are achieved. Emulsifiers can include bile salts, saponins, and ionic, nonionic, and zwitterionic detergents, or salts, conjugates, hydrates, solvates, or polymorphs thereof. In some embodiments, a statin can be administered simultaneously or sequentially with an emulsifier.
US08697626B2 4,4-dimethyl-decal-1-one or -1-OL derivatives as perfuming ingredients
The present invention relates to use of a compound of formula (I) in the form of any one of its stereoisomers or a mixture thereof, and wherein the dotted lines represent a single or double bond, and at least one of said dotted lines represents a double bond; n represents simultaneously 0, in which case the oxygen atom is bounded to the cyclanic carbon atom by a double bond, or 1, in which case the oxygen atom is bounded to the cyclanic carbon atom by a single bond, each R represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group; R1 represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl or ethyl group; and R2 represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl or ethyl group; and the groups R, R1 and R2 have in total, i.e. all together account for 1 to 4 carbon atoms; as perfuming ingredient, for instance to impart odor notes of the woody type together with balsamic/spicy and/or musky notes.
US08697623B2 Detergent composition
An automatic dishwashing detergent composition comprising by weight of the composition: a) at least 9% of coated bleach particles the particles having a coating comprising at least 5% by weight of the particle of an efflorescent material; b) at least 0.5% of granulates containing active enzyme wherein the granulates comprise efflorescent material.
US08697620B2 Solid soap
The object of the present invention is to improve the solidification point and the hardness of a soap of the fatty acid soap series wherein the percentage of potassium used as the counter ion is large. The solid soap of the present invention to achieve the above-described object is characterized by comprising 1 to 5 mass % of a betaine, and in that sodium and potassium are contained as the fatty acid counter ion, and potassium is 20 mole % or more of the counter ion.
US08697618B2 Method of using ionic liquids to improve the lubrication of chains, steel belts, wheel bearings, roller bearings, and electric motors
A method in which an improved lubricating composition containing ionic liquids is used to enable operation of chains, steel belts, wheel bearings, roller bearings, sliding bearings and electric motors for at least 48 hours by reducing the evaporation loss and the lackification tendency of the lubricant due to the lubricant being protected against thermal and oxidative attack.
US08697610B2 Well treatment with complexed metal crosslinkers
Disclosed are compositions and methods for treating subterranean formations, in particular, oilfield stimulation compositions and methods using polymer viscosified fluid crosslinked with metal complexes with amino and/or phosphonic acids to provide an increased crosslinking temperature and a low pH sensitivity. The metal complexes can be used with borate crosslinkers to provide continuous viscosification as the temperature is increased.
US08697600B2 Exhaust gas purifying catalyst
An exhaust gas purifying catalyst that contains a first oxygen storage material on which no noble metal is supported and which has a pyrochlore phase type regular array structure, and a second oxygen storage material which has a higher oxygen storage rate and a lower oxygen storage capacity than the first oxygen storage material and on which a platinum group noble metal is supported.
US08697586B2 Fire retardant panel compositions
A fire retardant structural board is provided that includes a body of fibrous material, a triglycidyle polyester binder, a sodium borate pentahydride fire retardant, and a sodium borate pentahydride fire retardant. The body of fibrous material has a weight, first and second surfaces, first and second sides, and a thickness. The fibrous material and triglycidyle polyester are dispersed throughout the thickness of the body. The sodium borate pentahydride fire retardant is dispersed between individual fibers of the fibrous material and throughout the thickness of the body. A sodium borate pentahydride fire retardant composition also coats at least the first surface of the body.
US08697584B2 Enhanced transistor performance of N-channel transistors by using an additional layer above a dual stress liner in a semiconductor device
By forming an additional dielectric material, such as silicon nitride, after patterning dielectric liners of different intrinsic stress, a significant increase of performance of N-channel transistors may be obtained while substantially not contributing to a performance loss of the P-channel transistor.
US08697580B2 Method of forming patterns for semiconductor device
Provided is a method of forming patterns for a semiconductor device in which fine patterns and large-width patterns are formed simultaneously and adjacent to each other. In the method, a first layer is formed on a substrate so as to cover a first region and a second region which are included in the substrate. Both a blocking pattern covering a portion of the first layer in the first region and a low-density large-width pattern covering a portion of the first layer in the second region are simultaneously formed. A plurality of sacrificial mask patterns are formed on the first layer and the blocking pattern in the first region. A plurality of spacers covering exposed sidewalls of the plurality of sacrificial mask patterns are formed. The plurality of sacrificial mask patterns are removed. The first layer in the first and second regions are simultaneously etched by using the plurality of spacers and the blocking pattern as etch masks in the first region and using the low-density large-width pattern as an etch mask in the second region.
US08697579B2 Method of forming an isolation structure and method of forming a semiconductor device
A method of forming an isolation structure includes forming a trench at an upper portion of a substrate, forming a first oxide layer on an inner wall of the trench, oxidizing a portion of the substrate adjacent to the trench to form a second oxide layer such that the portion of the substrate adjacent to the trench has the first oxide layer thereon, forming a nitride layer on the first oxide layer, and forming an insulation layer pattern on the nitride layer such that the insulation layer pattern fills a remaining portion of the trench.
US08697578B2 Film formation apparatus and method for using same
A method for using a film formation apparatus for a semiconductor process to form a thin film on a target substrate while supplying a film formation reactive gas from a first nozzle inside a reaction chamber includes performing a cleaning process to remove a by-product film deposited inside the reaction chamber and the first nozzle, in a state where the reaction chamber does not accommodate the target substrate. The cleaning process includes, in order, an etching step of supplying a cleaning reactive gas for etching the by-product film into the reaction chamber, and activating the cleaning reactive gas, thereby etching the by-product film, and an exhaust step of stopping supply of the cleaning reactive gas and exhausting gas from inside the reaction chamber. The etching step is arranged to use conditions that cause the cleaning reactive gas supplied in the reaction chamber to flow into the first nozzle.
US08697569B2 Non-lithographic formation of three-dimensional conductive elements
A method of forming a conductive element on a substrate and the resulting assembly are provided. The method includes forming a groove in a sacrificial layer overlying a dielectric region disposed on a substrate. The groove preferably extends along a sloped surface of the substrate. The sacrificial layer is preferably removed by a non-photolithographic method, such as ablating with a laser, mechanical milling, or sandblasting. A conductive element is formed in the groove. The grooves may be formed. The grooves and conductive elements may be formed along any surface of the substrate, including within trenches and vias formed therein, and may connect to conductive pads on the front and/or rear surface of the substrate. The conductive elements are preferably formed by plating and may or may not conform to the surface of the substrate.
US08697568B2 Semiconductor chip including a plurality of chip areas and fabricating method thereof
Disclosed is a method of fabricating a semiconductor chip. The method includes forming a silicon layer; forming a first layer formed on the silicon layer and including a first seal ring surrounding a first chip area and a second seal ring surrounding a second chip area; and forming a second layer formed on the first layer and including a metal interconnection connecting one of the first and second chip areas and an external terminal.
US08697566B2 Bump structure and manufacturing method thereof
A manufacturing method of a bump structure is provided. A substrate having at least one pad and a passivation layer is provided. The passivation layer has at least one first opening exposing the pad. An insulating layer is formed on the passivation layer. The insulating layer has at least one second opening located above the first opening. A metal layer is formed on the insulating layer. The metal layer electrically connects the pad through the first and second openings. A first bump is formed in the first and second openings. A second bump is formed on the first bump and a portion of the metal layer. The metal layer not covered by the second bump is partially removed by using the second bump as a mask, so as to form at least one UBM layer. The first bump is completely covered by the UBM layer and the second bump.
US08697563B2 Method for forming semiconductor device having multiple active layer structure
A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device includes forming a transistor having a stacked structure in a peripheral circuit region to increase net die and forming a metal silicide layer over a source/drain region of a transistor formed over an upper layer to reduce a contact resistance. The semiconductor device may include: a second active region including a silicon layer connected to a first active region of a semiconductor substrate; a gate formed over the second active region; a spacer formed on sidewalls of the gate; a source/drain region form at both sides of the spacer; and a metal silicide layer formed over the gate and the source/drain region.
US08697561B2 Microelectronic structure by selective deposition
A finFET structure includes a semiconductor fin located over a substrate. A gate electrode is located traversing the semiconductor fin. The gate electrode has a spacer layer located adjoining a sidewall thereof. The spacer layer does not cover completely a sidewall of the semiconductor fin. The gate electrode and the spacer layer may be formed using a vapor deposition method that provides for selective deposition upon a sidewall of a mandrel layer but not upon an adjoining surface of the substrate, so that the spacer layer does not cover completely the sidewall of the semiconductor fin. Other microelectronic structures may be fabricated using the lateral growth methodology.
US08697560B2 Process of forming an electronic device including a trench and a conductive structure therein
An electronic device can include a transistor structure, including a patterned semiconductor layer overlying a substrate and having a primary surface, wherein the patterned semiconductor layer defines a first trench and a second trench that extend from the primary surface towards the substrate. The electronic device can further include a first conductive electrode and a gate electrode within the first trench. The electronic device can still further include a second conductive electrode within the second trench. The electronic device can include a source region within the patterned semiconductor layer and disposed between the first and second trenches. The electronic device can further include a body contact region within the patterned semiconductor layer and between the first and second trenches, wherein the body contact region is spaced apart from the primary surface. Processes of forming the electronic device can take advantage of forming all trenches during processing sequence.
US08697550B2 Method of manufacturing GaN-based film
The present method of manufacturing a GaN-based film includes the steps of preparing a composite substrate, the composite substrate including a support substrate in which a coefficient of thermal expansion in a main surface is more than 0.8 time and less than 1.2 times as high as a coefficient of thermal expansion of GaN crystal in a direction of a axis and a single crystal film arranged on a side of the main surface of the support substrate, the single crystal film having threefold symmetry with respect to an axis perpendicular to a main surface of the single crystal film, and forming a GaN-based film on the main surface of the single crystal film in the composite substrate. Thus, a method of manufacturing a GaN-based film capable of manufacturing a GaN-based film having a large main surface area and less warpage is provided.
US08697534B2 Capacitor to be incorporated in wiring substrate, method for manufacturing the capacitor, and wiring substrate
A wiring substrate in which a capacitor is provided, the capacitor comprising a capacitor body including a plurality of dielectric layers and internal electrode layers provided between the different dielectric layers, wherein said capacitor body has, in at least one side face of said capacitor body, recesses extending in a thickness direction of said capacitor body from at least one of a first principal face of said capacitor body and a second principal face positioned on the side opposite to the first principal face.
US08697531B2 Method for fabricating a semiconductor device having stress/strain and protrusion
A semiconductor device includes a silicon substrate having a protrusion, a gate insulating film formed over an upper surface of the protrusion of the silicon substrate, a gate electrode formed over the gate insulating film, a source/drain region formed in the silicon substrate on the side of the gate electrode, a first side wall formed over the side surface of the protrusion of the silicon substrate, the first side wall containing an insulating material, a second side wall formed over the first side wall, the second side wall having a bottom portion formed below the upper surface of the protrusion of the silicon substrate, the second side wall containing a material having a Young's modulus greater than that of the silicon substrate, and a stress film formed over the gate electrode and the second side wall.
US08697526B2 Semiconductor device manufacturing method
A semiconductor manufacturing method includes exposing on a photoresist film a first partial pattern of a contact hole, overlapping a part of a gate interconnection in alignment with an alignment mark formed simultaneously with forming the gate interconnection, exposing on the photoresist film a second partial pattern, overlapping a part of an active region in alignment with an alignment mark formed simultaneously with forming the active region, developing the photoresist film to form an opening at the portion where the first partial pattern and the second partial pattern have been exposed, and etching an insulation film to form a contact hole down to the gate interconnection and the source/drain diffused layer.
US08697520B2 Method of forming an asymmetric poly gate for optimum termination design in trench power MOSFETS
A semiconductor device having a plurality of transistors includes a termination area that features a transistor with an asymmetric gate.
US08697518B2 Trench MOSFET with trench contact holes and method for fabricating the same
A trench MOSFET with trench contact holes and a method for fabricating the same are disclosed. The MOSFET includes an N type substrate, an N type epitaxial layer on the substrate; a P well region on top of the epitaxial layer; a source region formed on the P well region; an oxide layer on the source region; a plurality of trenches which traverse the source region and the P well region and contact the epitaxial layer; a gate oxide layer and polysilicon formed in the trenches; a source contact hole and a gate contact hole, wherein the source contact hole and the gate contact hole have a titanium metal layer, a titanium nitride layer, and tungsten metal sequentially, respectively; a P+ implanted region; a source electrode formed above the source contact hole and a gate electrode formed above the gate contact hole.
US08697514B2 FinFET device
A method for forming a field effect transistor device includes patterning an arrangement of fin portions on a substrate, patterning a gate stack portion over portions of the fin portions and the substrate, growing an epitaxial material from the fin portions that electrically connects portions of adjacent fin structures, and removing a portion of the gate stack portion to expose a portion of the substrate.
US08697511B2 Method for producing semiconductor device and semiconductor device
A method for producing a semiconductor device includes a step of forming a first insulating film around a fin-shaped silicon layer and forming a pillar-shaped silicon layer in an upper portion of the fin-shaped silicon layer; a step of implanting an impurity into upper portions of the pillar-shaped silicon layer and fin-shaped silicon layer and a lower portion of the pillar-shaped silicon layer to form diffusion layers; and a step of forming a polysilicon gate electrode, a polysilicon gate line, and a polysilicon gate pad. The polysilicon gate electrode and the polysilicon gate pad have a larger width than the polysilicon gate line. After these steps follow a step of depositing an interlayer insulating film, exposing and etching the polysilicon gate electrode and the polysilicon gate line, and depositing a metal layer to form a metal gate electrode and a metal gate line, and a step of forming a contact.
US08697508B2 Semiconductor process
A semiconductor process includes the following steps. A gate structure is formed on a substrate. An oxide layer is formed and covers the gate structure and the substrate. A plasma process without oxygen is performed to densify the oxide layer. A material layer is formed and covers the oxide layer. The material layer and the oxide layer are etched to form a dual spacer.
US08697496B1 Method of manufacture integrated circuit package
An integrated circuit package may be formed using a leadframe having an open space extending therethrough. A shunt is located within the open space such that it is not in contact with any portion of the leadframe. Tape may be applied to the lower surface of the leadframe to support the shunt and hold it in place relative to the leadframe until wirebonding and encapsulation have been completed. Thereafter, the tape may be removed.
US08697490B2 Flip chip interconnection structure
A flip chip interconnection structure is formed by mechanically interlocking joining surfaces of a first and second element. The first element, which may be a bump on an integrated circuit chip, includes a soft, deformable material with a low yield strength and high elongation to failure. The surface of the second element, which may for example be a substrate pad, is provided with asperities into which the first element deforms plastically under pressure to form the mechanical interlock.
US08697485B2 Printed electronics
Printed electronic device comprising a substrate onto at least one surface of which has been applied a layer of an electrically conductive ink comprising functionalized graphene sheets and at least one binder. A method of preparing printed electronic devices is further disclosed.
US08697482B1 Method for manufacturing junction plane of solar cell through aluminum induced crystallization method
A method for manufacturing a junction plane of a solar cell through an aluminum induced crystallization method includes steps of: providing a substrate; forming an aluminum film layer on a surface of a first growth area on a back side of the substrate; forming an N-type amorphous silicon layer on a surface of the aluminum film layer and a surface of a second growth area on the back side of the substrate; performing a thermal treatment to allow aluminum to induce the N-type amorphous silicon layer to crystallize and form a P-type polycrystalline silicon layer, such that positions of the aluminum film layer and the P-type polycrystalline silicon layer are switched due to the thermal treatment to allow the P-type polycrystalline silicon layer to be formed between the aluminum film layer and the substrate to form a PN junction plane with the N-type amorphous silicon layer.
US08697474B2 Methods to fabricate and improve stand-alone and integrated filters
Embodiments of the invention provide for fabricating a filter, for electromagnetic radiation, in at least three ways, including (1) fabricating integrated thin film filters directly on a detector; (2) fabricating a free standing thin film filter that may be used with a detector; and (3) treating an existing filter to improve the filter's properties.
US08697469B2 Protein transistor device
The present invention discloses a protein transistor device, wherein an antibody molecule (antibody-antigen) is bonded to at least two gold nanoparticles in a high reproducible self-assembly way to form molecular junctions, and wherein the two gold nanoparticles are respectively joined to a drain and a source. The protein transistor device can be controlled to regulate current via applying a bias to the gate. The conformational change of the protein molecule will cause the variation of the charge transport characteristics of the protein transistor device. The protein transistor device can be further controlled by different optical fields via conjugating a quantum dot to the molecular junctions. Therefore, the present invention has diversified applications.
US08697458B2 Silicone coated light-emitting diode
A silicone protective coating for an electronic light source and a method for applying the coating over an exposed or outer surface of the electronic light source assembled as part of or mounted to a circuit board or other substrate.
US08697457B1 Devices and methods for stacking individually tested devices to form multi-chip electronic modules
A method for manufacturing an electronic multi-chip module that involves stacking at least six tested devices to form the module. These devices may be individually tested prior to assembling the electronic module. After individually testing the devices, the devices may be stacked one on top of the other to form an electronic multi-chip module having at least six stacked devices. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.
US08697447B2 Cleavable surfactants and methods of use thereof
The present invention includes a cleavable surfactant/detergent compound of the following formula: wherein the variables are defined herein. Embodiments of the cleavable surfactant/detergent compound are useful, for example, in methods for isolating a hydrophobic molecule that include providing a plasma comprising a hydrophobic molecule, applying the cleavable surfactant to the plasma so that the surfactant engages the hydrophobic molecule, cleaving the surfactant from the hydrophobic molecule, and analyzing said hydrophobic molecule.
US08697438B2 Cell cultivation method and cell culture
Provided is a cell cultivation method in which the cell is cultured using a peptide hydrogel as a scaffold, for carrying out high-dimensional culture of a cell such as porcine hepatocyte, human hepatocyte, porcine pancreatic islet or human pancreatic islet for a long period under conditions where cell survival, cell morphology and cell functions are maintained. Also provided are a cell culture including a cell and a peptide hydrogel obtained by the above-described cultivation method, a bioreactor including the cell culture, and a cell preparation including the cell culture.
US08697435B2 Integrated sample preparation and analyte detection
A system for sample preparation and analyte detection includes a cartridge, with a fluidic channel, a waveguide, and a capture spot. The system further includes a force field generator, an imaging system, and a fluid, which includes a sample potentially containing a target analyte, first type particles, which include binding moieties specific for the target analyte and are responsive to a force field, and second type particles, which include binding moieties specific for the target analyte and are capable of generating a signal. When the sample contains the target analyte, specific binding interactions between the target analyte and binding moieties link first and second type particles via the target analyte to form multiple-particle complex capturable at a capture spot. The force field allows manipulation of the particles and multiple-particle complex such that the detected signal from the second type particles is indicative of the target analyte within the sample.
US08697427B2 Recombinant microalgae cells producing novel oils
Disclosed herein are obligate heterotrophic microalgae cells containing an exogenous gene. In some embodiments the gene is a sucrose utilization gene, and further disclosed are methods of manufacturing triglyceride oils using sugar cane or sugar beets as a feedstock in a heterotrophic fermentation. In other embodiments the feedstock is depolymerized cellulosic material. Also disclosed are cells that produce medium chain fatty acids at levels not produced in non-recombinant cells of the same species and genus.
US08697426B2 Contaminant control in Zymomonas fermentation using virginiamycin
Contamination was controlled in fermentations using Zymomonas mobilis as the biocatalyst, without negative impact on fermentation production, by the addition of virginiamycin. The effective concentration of virginiamycin was found to be dependent upon the type of fermentation medium used.
US08697420B2 Method for producing corn gluten hydrolysate and corn gluten hydrolysate using the same
Provided is a method for producing corn gluten hydrolysate comprising: (a) separating corn gluten protein by removing carbohydrate, water soluble sugars, inorganic materials and fiber material; (b) preparing corn gluten protein lysate by carrying out acid hydrolysis, enzymatic hydrolysis or natural fermentation; and (c) increasing a content of branch chain amino acid (BCAA) which is included in the hydrolysate by isolating, concentrating, precipitating, desalting and filtering the resultant corn gluten protein lysate. With improved pre-treatment and concentration processes as compared with the conventional method, the hydrolysate prepared according to the present invention is rich in amino acids and low-molecular-weight peptides. In particular, free amino acids and branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) are included in large quantity.
US08697416B2 Recombinant polynucleotide, host cells containing the same and a process for producing a protein having aldolase activity
4-(Indol-3-ylmethyl)-4-hydroxy-2-oxoglutarate, which is useful as an intermediate in the synthesis of monatin, may be synthesized from indole pyruvic acid and pyruvic acid (and/or oxaloacetic acid) by using a novel aldolase derived from the genus Pseudomonas, Erwinia, Flavobacterium, or Xanthomonas.
US08697415B2 Deacetylation hydrolase of hyaluronic acid, hyaluronic acid deacetylated by same and derivative thereof
The present disclosure relates to a deacetylation hydrolase of a hyaluronic acid a hyaluronic acid deacetylated by same and a derivative thereof. The deacetylated hyaluronic acid and the derivative thereof have the following characteristic: a delayed initial decomposition rate on a living body; minimized decrease of molecular weight and viscosity; accelerated gelation due to a lower gelation temperature than the gelation temperature for a non-deacetylated hyaluronic acid; and an hMSC survival rate that is hardly affected by increased concentration of the deacetylated hyaluronic acid and the derivative thereof in a culture medium. As a result, the deacetylated hyaluronic acid and the derivative thereof can be useful as a bioingredient such a delivery system for a cell, gene, drug, and the like, or a support for tissue engineering, etc.
US08697412B2 Polypeptides having glucoamylase activity and polynucleotides encoding same
The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having glucoamylase activity, catalytic domains, carbohydrate binding domains and polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides, catalytic domains or carbohydrate binding domains. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods of producing and using the polypeptides, catalytic domains or carbohydrate binding domains.
US08697403B2 Process and microorganisms for production of lipids from lignocellulosic wastes or residues
Disclosed are processes for producing lipids for biofuel or lubricant and Streptomyces bacteria used in the processes. The processes include steps whereby bacterial cells of the germs Streptomyces are cultivated in a medium comprising organic waste(s) or residue(s) or mixtures thereof as carbon and/or nutrient source(s), wherein the organic waste(s) or residue(s) comprise lignocellulosic waste(s) or lignocellulosic residue(s), recovering lipids from the cells of the bacteria or from the cultivation medium, and using the recovered lipids or a fraction thereof as biofuel and/or lubricant, or as a starting material for biofuel and/or lubricant production.
US08697400B2 Method for amplification of DNA from blood sample and DNA amplification kit therefor
A DNA amplification method including: subjecting a blood sample having DNA to be amplified, to a pretreatment using an alkaline aqueous solution under ordinary temperature, so as to extract double-stranded DNA from the blood sample and dissociate the double-stranded DNA into a single-stranded DNA to obtain a blood-derived sample including the single-stranded DNA; preparing an isothermal amplification reaction solution comprising a mixture of the blood-derived sample, a primer, dNTP, a strand-displacing DNA polymerase, a magnesium salt and a buffer, to establish an isothermal amplification reaction system meeting optimum conditions for the strand-displacing DNA polymerase; and amplifying DNA in the isothermal amplification reaction system using the single-stranded DNA as a template.
US08697392B2 Processes of producing fermentation products
The invention relates to a process of fermenting plant material in a fermentation medium into a fermentation product using a fermenting organism, wherein one or more carbonic anhydrases are present in the fermentation medium.
US08697391B2 Method of determining cell number or viability using hydroxyethyldisulfide
A method for determining the percentage of live cells or viability of cells in a sample is disclosed. In this method, a cell-containing sample is contacted with hydroxyethyldisulfide and the amount of mercaptoethanol produced is measured. The amount of mercaptoethanol is then compared to reference standard curves to determine the percentage of live cells in the sample or the viability of the cells.
US08697390B2 Method and kit for examination of cells using N-(9-acridinyl) maleimide (NAM) or using 7-diethylamino-3-((4′-iodacetyl)amino)phenyl)-4-methylkcoumarin (CPI)
The present invention provides simple, rapid methods and procedures for analyzing cells, hereunder quantitative and qualitative assessment of cells. The present invention relates to the use of N-(9-acridinyl)maleimide (NAM) or to the use of 7-diethylamino-3-((4′-(iodoacetyl)amino)phenyl)-4-methylcoumarin (CPI), particularly detectable upon its reaction with species (e.g., sulphur-containing species) present in higher concentrations in intact (e.g., living) cells than in non-intact (e.g., dead) cells. The present invention also relates to the use of NAM or to the use of 7-diethylamino-3-((4′-(iodoacetyl)amino)phenyl)-4-methylcoumarin (CPI), particularly detectable upon its reaction with species present in intact and/or non-intact cells. Moreover, the present invention relates to the use of measuring techniques and/or instruments coupled with the use of NAM or with the use of 7-diethylamino-3-((4′-(iodoacetyl)amino)phenyl)-4-methylcoumarin (CPI). The invention further relates to compositions used in methods for analyzing cells.
US08697389B2 Cell labeling and imaging using multifunctional perfluorocarbon nanoemulsion
The present invention relates to cell labeling and imaging using a multifunctional perfluorocarbon (PFC) nanoemulsion. In particular, the perfluorocarbon nanoemulsion containing optical nanoparticle is provided with both optical characteristics and 19F magnetic resonance characteristics, thus can be used for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and optical imaging (OI) simultaneously. Cell labeling and imaging using the perfluorocarbon nanoemulsion containing quantum dot nanoparticle exerted no effect on cell viability. Therefore, perfluorocarbon nanoemulsion can be applied to methods for multifunctional and effectively cell labeling and imaging.
US08697386B2 Methods and compositions for modulating hepsin activation of macrophage-stimulating protein
The invention provides methods and compositions for modulating hepsin activity and the MSP/Ron pathway, in particular by regulating pro-MSP activation by hepsin.
US08697381B2 Methods for identifying modulators of RGS21 activity, compositions comprising an RGS21 Modulator, and methods of use thereof to modulate taste sensation
The present invention provides methods for identifying compounds that selectively and specifically modulate RGS21 gene expression, RGS21 protein expression, and/or the interaction of RGS21 with G proteins in taste signal transduction. In particular, the present invention provides methods for identifying modulators of RGS21 activity for enhancing sweet taste, or other taste perception. Compositions comprising modulators of RGS21 activity for modulating taste signaling transduction are also provided.
US08697379B2 Lysosomotropic inhibitors of acid ceramidase
The presently disclosed subject matter provides compounds of the formula, formula (Ia): and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, X, Y, and n are as defined herein. Also disclosed are methods for making the compounds of the formula as set forth hereinabove, their use in inhibiting acid ceramidase and ceramidase-related activity, and their use as drugs and prodrugs in the treatment and/or prevention of diseases associated with undesirable ceramidase or sphingosine kinase activity, including, but not limited to, cancer, cancer metastasis, atherosclerosis, stenosis, inflammation, asthma, and atopic dermatitis.
US08697366B2 Anti-cancer drug screening method using RORα
The present invention relates to a method for screening an anticancer agent using RORα, the method comprising the steps of: culturing cells; bringing a potential substance into contact with the cells; determining whether the phosphorylation level of RORα in the cells increases as compared to that in control cells (not brought into contact with the potential substance); and selecting the potential substance as an anticancer agent if the phosphorylation level of RORα in the cells increases.
US08697359B1 CRISPR-Cas systems and methods for altering expression of gene products
The invention provides for systems, methods, and compositions for altering expression of target gene sequences and related gene products. Provided are vectors and vector systems, some of which encode one or more components of a CRISPR complex, as well as methods for the design and use of such vectors. Also provided are methods of directing CRISPR complex formation in eukaryotic cells and methods for utilizing the CRISPR-Cas system.
US08697349B2 Method of producing solid-phase body having immobilized microobject and the use thereof
A method for immobilizing microobject to a solid-phase material is provided. The method comprises a step of preparing the solid-phase material having on its surface an intermediate agent that includes a first element that is capable of interacting with at least the above microobject, and a microobject immobilizing step of immobilizing the microobject to the solid-phase material in a state in which the interaction of the intermediate agent is exhibited.
US08697340B2 Semiconductor structure and method of fabricating the same
A method of forming a semiconductor structure is provided. First, a target layer and a mask layer are sequentially formed on a substrate. Thereafter, a first pattern transfer layer having a plurality of openings is formed on the mask layer. Afterwards, a second pattern transfer layer is formed in the openings of the first pattern transfer layer. The mask layer is then patterned, using the first pattern transfer layer and the second pattern transfer layer as a mask, so as to form a patterned mask layer. Further, the target layer is patterned using the patterned mask layer.
US08697324B2 Toner compositions and processes
Environmentally friendly toner particles are provided which may include a bio-based amorphous polyester resin including camphoric acid, optionally in combination with a crystalline resin. Methods for providing these toners are also provided.
US08697323B2 Low gloss monochrome SCD toner for reduced energy toner usage
A toner composition including toner particles that have a resin, an optional wax, and an optional colorant; and a surface additive at least partially coating toner particle surfaces. The surface additive includes a mixture of a hexamethyldisilazane (HMDS) surface treated silica, a sol-gel silica that is not surface treated, and a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) surface treated silica.
US08697311B2 Arrangement for interconnecting electrochemical cells, a fuel cell assembly and method of manufacturing a fuel cell device
An arrangement for interconnecting electrochemical cells of the type having a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) interposed between an anode gas diffusion layer (208) and a cathode gas diffusion layer (210), and first and second current collectors coupled to said anode and cathode gas diffusion layers (GDL), respectively, wherein the first current collector extends from the anode side of one cell to the cathode side of an adjacent cell, and wherein the cell components are clamped together. The first current collector (206) which is in contact with the anode gas diffusion layer (GDL; 208) of a first electrochemical cell (200a) is configured to be connected to the cathode side of a second, adjacent electrochemical cell (200b) via an inert and electrically conductive member (204b), without being in electrochemical contact with the electrochemically active components of the adjacent cell.
US08697308B2 Solid oxide electrolyte, solid oxide fuel cell including the solid oxide electrolyte, and method of preparing the solid oxide electrolyte
A solid oxide electrolyte including an oxide represented by Formula 1: (1−a−b)(Ce1-xMaxO2-δ)+a(Mb)+b(Mc)  Formula 1 wherein 0
US08697304B2 Heat insulation cell for fuel cell and manufacturing method of the same
The deformation of a plate-like member (a separator) or the degradation of a seal function due to heat generated during power generation is suppressed. To realize this, disclosed is a heat insulation cell for a fuel cell in which an insulation layer is constituted of one or more plate-like members and a seal member, the heat insulation cell being provided with a communication section which is disposed in at least a part of a seal line formed by the seal member to seal the insulation layer and the outside of the cell and which connects the insulation layer to the outside. A portion provided with the communication section in at least one of the plate-like members preferably has a projection. It is also preferable that the insulation layer is formed by an insulation member and that the insulation member is disposed in the communication section.
US08697302B2 Fuel cell system with purge valve and actuator for controlling purge valve with electromotive force of sub-power generation part
To provide a fuel cell system capable of performing a purge operation necessary for realizing a stable output and being miniaturized without using a controller or a sensor, there is provided a fuel cell system having a main power generation part and a sub-power generation part positioned on a downstream side of a fuel flow path of the main power generation part, including: a purge valve provided on a downstream side of the fuel flow path of the sub-power generation part; and an actuator for opening/closing the purge valve with an electromotive force of the sub-power generation part.
US08697286B2 Anode active material, anode including the anode active material, method of manufacturing the anode, and lithium battery including the anode
An anode active material for lithium batteries, an anode including the anode active material, a method of manufacturing the anode, and a lithium battery including the anode. The anode active material includes secondary particles formed of agglomerated primary nanoparticles. The primary nanoparticles include a non-carbonaceous material bound with hollow carbon nanofibers. The anode includes the anode active material and a polymeric binder having an electron donor group.
US08697278B2 Battery cell casing with seal
A battery cell casing comprises a first casing element (1) with a first contact surface (7) and a second casing element (2) with a second contact surface (8). In an assembled position the first and second contact surfaces (7, 8) contact each other and the first and second casing elements (1, 2) encase active materials (9, 10) of a battery cell in an interior space. At least one seal layer is arranged between the first and second contact surfaces (7, 8) to seal the interior space, wherein one of first and second contact surface (7; 8) comprises a void volume layer and the other of first and second contact surface (7; 8) comprises a formable material layer, which fills voids on a surface of the void volume layer hermetically in the assembled position and forms the seal layer.
US08697277B2 Film-clad battery and method of producing film-clad battery
A joint section where covering films 2a, 2b of film-covered battery 1 are heat-sealed together is formed with flat surface 6′ having thickness t1 and groove 6 having thickness t2. Groove 6 serves to reduce the projection area of film-covered battery 1 by folding side 2c toward receiving section 2a1 with groove 6 serving as an edge, and groove 6 is made thinner than flat surface 6′ by Δt=t1−t2. Therefore, the length of covering films 2a, 2b produced on outer side 6a is shortened as compared with the case of folding the portion that has thickness t1.
US08697272B2 Secondary battery having an insulating member
A rechargeable battery includes: an electrode assembly including: a positive electrode, a negative electrode and a separator between the positive electrode and the negative electrode that are wound together; a case housing the electrode assembly; a terminal electrically connected to the electrode assembly; and an insulating member installed between the electrode assembly and the case wherein the insulating member has a base and four insulating plates extending from the base.
US08697252B2 High-strength hot-dip galvannealed steel sheet with superior phosphatability
Disclosed is a hot-dip galvannealed steel sheet that stably exhibits satisfactory phosphatability. It is a high-strength hot-dip galvannealed steel sheet which includes a base steel sheet and, arranged on at least one side thereof, an Fe—Zn alloyed galvanized layer. The base steel sheet contains 0.03% to 0.3% of carbon, 0.5% to 3.0% of silicon, and 0.5% to 3.5% of manganese, with the remainder including iron and inevitable impurities. The Fe—Zn alloyed galvanized layer has a concentration of silicon present as an oxide of [Si] (percent by mass) and a concentration of manganese present as an oxide of [Mn] (percent by mass), and these parameters satisfy the following conditions (1) and (2): [Si]≦0.25  (1) [Mn]/[Si]≦3.0  (2).
US08697248B2 Functionally graded metal matrix composite sheet
The present invention discloses an aluminum alloy product having a first outer layer, a central layer, and a second outer layer. The central layer of the aluminum alloy product has a higher concentration of particulate matter than said first or second outer layers. The particular matter has a size of at least about 30 microns. And, the aluminum alloy product has a thickness ranging from between about 0.004 inches to about 0.25 inches.
US08697239B2 Multi-functional polishing pad
The polishing pad is suitable for polishing patterned semiconductor substrates containing at least one of copper, dielectric, barrier and tungsten. The polishing pad includes a polymeric matrix; and the polymeric matrix being a polyurethane reaction product of a polyol blend, a polyamine or polyamine mixture and toluene diisocyanate. The polyol blend is a mixture of 15 to 77 weight percent total polypropylene glycol and polytetramethylene ether glycol; and the mixture of polypropylene glycol and polytetramethylene ether glycol having a weight ratio of the polypropylene glycol to the polytetramethylene ether glycol from a 20 to 1 ratio to a 1 to 20 ratio. The polyamine or polyamine mixture is 8 to 50 weight percent; and the toluene diisocyanate is 15 to 35 weight percent total monomer or partially reacted toluene diisocyanate monomer.
US08697235B2 Barrier laminate and gas barrier film using the same
Disclosed is a barrier laminate excellent in adhesiveness. The barrier laminate comprises a first organic layer, an inorganic layer, a second organic layer adjacent to the inorganic layer, and an adhesive layer adjacent to the second organic layer in that order, wherein the second organic layer is obtained by curing a polymerizable composition comprising a (meth)acrylate compound comprising a hydroxyl group at a terminal of the compound; and the adhesive layer comprises an epoxy series adhesive.
US08697233B2 Metal-coated lipid bilayer vesicles and process for producing same
A metal-coated material comprising a metal-coated lipid bilayer vesicle and a preparation method thereof are provided. A metal-coated material comprising a metal-coated lipid bilayer vesicle having a network of siloxane bonding (Si—O—Si) on its surface. a method for preparing the metal-coated lipid bilayer vesicle comprising the following steps: (1) rendering the functional group(s) having the ability of carrying the metal catalyst to the surface of lipid bilayer vesicle having a network of siloxane bonding (Si—O—Si bonding) on its surface, at or after the formation, by self-organization, of the lipid bilayer vesicle; (2) immobilizing the metal catalyst on the surface of the lipid bilayer vesicle; (3) optionally, reducing the metal catalyst; and (4) performing electroless plating.
US08697231B2 Porous structure having a controlled pattern, repeated in space, for producing surgical implants
The present invention relates to a porous structure having a controlled pattern (1), which is repeated in space, in three dimensions, said porous structure enabling the production of surgical implants for filling in bone defects. According to the invention, said structure is characterized in that said pattern (1) consists of three wings (2) arranged in a star shape, each angle (A) formed between two wings being substantially equal to 120°, each wing having a generally rectangular shape and being hollowed (3) at the center thereof. Each of the three wings (2) of said pattern is advantageously beveled at its free end or tip (4), and the width of the base (5) of each bevel is slightly greater than the thickness of the wings (2) of which it forms an extension.
US08697230B2 Graphene sheet and method for producing the same
To provide a graphene sheet that has a large area, is homogeneous, and has a small amount of domain boundaries, a novel method for producing a graphene sheet suitable for industrial applications, such as application to electronics, that is capable of producing a graphene sheet that has well aligned crystal orientation at a low cost, and a graphene sheet.In the method for producing a graphene sheet of the present invention, a substrate containing a single crystal substrate having formed on the surface thereof an epitaxial metal film is used, and a graphene sheet is grown by making a carbon material into contact with the surface of the epitaxial metal film. In the graphene sheet of the present invention, the graphene sheet is constituted by a number of graphene domains, the domains each have an area of from 0.000001 μm2 to 100,000 mm2, and the orientations of 6-membered rings in the domains are averagely aligned in a single direction over the graphene sheet.
US08697226B2 Door skin, a method of etching a plate for forming a wood grain pattern in the door skin, and an etched plate formed therefrom
The present invention is directed to a door skin having an exterior surface with an woodgrain pattern formed therein, and an etched plate for use as an embossing plate or with a molded die set, for forming the woodgrain pattern in the door skin. The exterior surface has outer portions lying on a first plane, spaced grooves recessed from the plane of the outer portions, and halftone portions. The halftone portions have spaced protrusions defined by channels, wherein the channels are recessed from the plane of the outer portions.
US08697225B2 Magnetic sheet and production method thereof
A magnetic sheet, which contains: a magnetic layer including a magnetic powder and a resin composition containing the magnetic powder therein; and a convex-concave forming layer, in which the convex-concave forming layer has Bekk smoothness of 70 sec/mL or less. A method for producing a magnetic sheet, which contains: adding a magnetic powder to a resin composition to prepare a magnetic composition, and giving the magnetic composition a shape to form a magnetic layer; and placing and stacking a convex-concave forming layer and a pattern transferring material on a surface of the magnetic layer in this order, and hot pressing the stacked layers so as to bond the convex-concave forming layer with the magnetic layer to form a laminate, as well as to transfer a surface configuration of the pattern transferring material to a surface of the laminate of the convex-concave forming layer and the magnetic layer.
US08697222B2 High porosity honeycomb and method
A ceramic honeycomb substrate for use in an automotive catalytic converter system which exhibits improved light-off performance by virtue of a high porosity of 45 to 75% while still maintaining a wall thickness of greater than 2.0 mil (0.0020 inch, 0.0508 mm), preferably 2.5 mil (0.0025 in., 0.0635 mm) to 7 mil (0.0070 in., 0.1778 mm), and more preferably 2.5 mil (0.0025 in., 0.0635 mm) to 3 mil (0.0030 in., 0.0762 mm). The median pore size is in the range of 2-10 micrometers, and a coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) (25-800° C.) of less than 15×10−7/° C.
US08697210B2 Polymer having polycyclic groups and coating compositions thereof
A polymer and coating composition containing the polymer are provided that are useful in coating applications such as, for example, food or beverage packaging containers. The polymer preferably includes a backbone having one or more polycyclic groups. In one embodiment, the polymer is a polyester and, more preferably, a polyester-urethane polymer. In one embodiment, the one or more polycyclic groups is a tricyclic or higher group.
US08697208B2 Polystyrene nanocomposites for blow molding applications
Disclosed is a polystyrene based polymer/layered compound nanocomposite for injection blow molding or injection stretch blow molding of articles. The nanocomposite can reduce shrinkage and warpage to the preform during the reheating process compared to neat polystyrene. The incorporation of layered compounds can increase the processability of PS preforms, help improve heating efficiency, and improve bottle mechanical properties. The layered compound can be treated with chemicals or compounds having an affinity with the styrene monomer or polystyrene, thus producing a treated layered compound having an affinity with the styrene monomer or polystyrene. The monomer and the layered compound can be combined prior to polymerization. The polymer and layered compound can be combined by solution mixing in a solvent. The layered compound can also be incorporated into the mixture by compounding a polymer product with the layered compound, or the combination of any of the above three approaches.
US08697191B2 Process for coating a support surface with a porous metal-organic framework
Described is a process for coating at least part of a surface of a support with a porous metal-organic framework comprising at least one at least bidentate organic compound coordinated to at least one metal ion, which process comprises the steps (a) spraying of the at least one part of the support surface with a first solution comprising the at least one metal ion; (b) spraying of the at least one part of the support surface with a second solution comprising the at least one at least bidentate organic compound, wherein step (b) is carried out before, after or simultaneously with step (a), to form a layer of the porous metal-organic framework.
US08697184B2 Gas dynamic cold spraying of oxide-containing protective layers
The present invention relates to a method for producing a coating on a gas turbine component, in which particles at least of parts of a material to be applied as coating are accelerated by means of kinetic gas dynamic cold spraying in a spray jet onto the surface (2) of the component (1) to be coated, wherein a reactive gas is fed into the spray jet (6), so that the reactive gas reacts at least partially with the particles of the coating material when the particles impinge on the surface (2) to be coated and/or wherein the deposited layer (9) is heated locally and/or over a large area and impacted with a reactive gas, as well as a gas turbine component produced in this way.
US08697182B2 Synthetic binder essentially made of materials from renewable resources, in particular of vegetable origin, and applications thereof in road engineering
The invention relates to a synthetic binder characterized in that said binder includes: from 20 wt % to 100 wt % of at least one polyester based essentially on material from renewable resources, in particular of vegetable origin, having: a hydroxyl number below 100 mg KOH/g, an acid number below 25 mg KOH/g, an iodine number below 100 g I2/100 g, and from 0 wt % to 80 wt % of at least one natural or modified resin from renewable resources, in particular of vegetable origin.
US08697180B2 Large-area transparent conductive coatings including alloyed carbon nanotubes and nanowire composites, and methods of making the same
Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to large-area transparent conductive coatings (TCCs) including carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and nanowire composites, and methods of making the same. The σdc/σopt ratio of such thin films may be improved via stable chemical doping and/or alloying of CNT-based films. The doping and/or alloying may be implemented in a large area coating system, e.g., on glass and/or other substrates. In certain example embodiments, a CNT film may be deposited and then doped via chemical functionalization and/or alloyed with silver and/or palladium. Both p-type and n-type dopants may be used in different embodiments of this invention. In certain example embodiments, silver and/or other nanowires may be provided, e.g., to further decrease sheet resistance. Certain example embodiments may provide coatings that approach, meet, or exceed 90% visible transmission and 90 ohms/square target metrics.
US08697177B2 Method for varnishing security documents, especially intaglio-printed security document such as banknotes, and varnishing machine for carrying out the same
There is described a method for varnishing security documents, especially intaglio-printed security documents such as banknotes, wherein both sides of the security documents are covered by a protective varnish. The method comprises the step of applying a thicker layer of protective varnish on a side of the security documents which exhibits a greater surface roughness, especially the side which is opposite to the side of the security documents which was last printed by intaglio printing. Also described in a varnishing machine for carrying out the above method.
US08697173B2 Peanut butter with an organic stabilizer and method for manufacture thereof
The present invention is directed to a novel organic peanut butter formulation and method for production. The peanut butter includes an organic, non-hydrogenated palm stearin oil stabilizing agent that reduces or prevents separation of oils from the peanut butter during storage. Peanut butter incorporating the palm oil, methods for manufacturing the peanut butter, and foods incorporating the peanut butter are also disclosed.
US08697166B2 Method for baking a casserole using steam
A method of operating a household oven to bake a casserole with the introduction of steam and controlling the steam to maintain a predetermined level of humidity to control the level of browning of the casserole.
US08697162B2 Gassed beverages
Container containing a gassed acidulated beverage capable of producing a foam when the container is opened and the beverage poured. The beverage contains an additive which reduces the rate of release of the gas from the beverage when the container has been opened, without the beverage being poured. The additive has one or more of the following: an HLB value in the range 7-16; a molecular weight in the range 200-3000; and it is present in an amount of from 0.01 to 100 mg/l.
US08697159B2 Coated food product and method of preparation
Coated snack products are provided whose coating are reminiscent of high fat compound fat coating, resistant to rub-off of a powdery or fat based topping as well as methods for preparing such coated snack products. The present invention provides methods for preparing such coated food product including providing a hot (about 60-85° C.), oil-in-water emulsion coating slurry containing a hydrated film forming hydrophilic colloid. The slurry comprises about 5%-30% of the emulsion of flavor solids in powder form. The methods include applying the hot emulsion to a food base to provide a wet emulsion coated food base. The methods include drying the wet slurry emulsion coated food product to a moisture content of about 1-4% at a temperature of less than the sugar melting point to provide a finished dried food product having non-powdered coating.
US08697150B2 Process of extracting isothiocyanates
A process for producing an essential oil. The essential oil can be white mustard essential oil. The white mustard essential oil can include a moisture sensitive isothiocyanate compound. The moisture sensitive isothiocyanate compound can be 4-HBITC. The essential oil can be produced from mustard seed, which can comprise a precursor sinalbin and myrosinase enzyme. The mustard seed can be reduced into a powder. Activation of the myrosinase enzyme by using a water solvent and a promoter to form a slurry can be performed, wherein the myrosinase enzyme catalyzes the production of an essential oil comprising an isothiocyanate from the sinalbin precursor.
US08697143B2 Heat activated durable styling compositions comprising saccharide type compounds and film forming agents
A composition for durable non-permanent shaping or durable retention of a non-permanent shape of least one keratinous fiber comprising: (a) at least one film forming agent; and (b) at least one saccharide type compound chosen from C3 to C5 monosaccharides, optionally substituted with at least one C1 to C22 carbon chain, and compounds comprising at least one C5 to C7 saccharide unit substituted with at least one amino group.
US08697134B2 Facile route to the synthesis of resorcinarene nanocapsules
Described is a direct method for the fabrication of resorcinarene nanocapsules by photopolymerization of compounds of formula (I), such as resorcinarene tetraalkene tetrathiol (RTATT), in the absence of any template or preorganization. Further, by varying the polymerization media, a variety of other polymeric architectures like lattices, fibrous networks, and nanoparticles were obtained. The morphology and structure were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. These morphologically distinct resorcinarene polymeric architectures contain residual thiol and ene functional groups offering potential functionalization opportunities.
US08697132B2 Capsule and powder formulations containing lanthanum compounds
The present invention includes an oral pharmaceutical capsule comprising a shell, lanthanum carbonate or lanthanum carbonate hydrate, and a lubricant such as talc, wherein the shell encapsulates the lanthanum carbonate or its hydrate and the lubricant. Capsule shells comprise, for example, gelatin. The present invention also includes an oral pharmaceutical powder comprising lanthanum carbonate or lanthanum carbonate hydrate and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient. The oral pharmaceutical capsules and powders of the present invention can be administered to treat a patient at risk of or suffering from hyperphosphatemia, at risk of or suffering from chronic kidney disease (CKD), at risk of or suffering from soft tissue calcification associated with CKD, or at risk of or suffering from secondary hyperparathyroidism.
US08697123B2 Medication on the basis of 3,3′-diindolylmethane (DIM) with high-bioavailability and its use in treatment of human hyperplastic and inflammatory diseases
The invention relates to medicine and chemico-pharmaceutical industry. A medication for treating human hyperplastic and inflammatory diseases containing 3,3′-diindolylmethane as an active agent and a carrier containing a mixture of cod-liver oil and at least one polysorbate at the following proportions of the components in mass %: 3,3′-diindolylmethane 1-20 cod-liver oil10-20 polysorbatethe balance.
US08697122B2 Formulation for retinoid-containing soft gelatin capsules
A new pharmaceutical formulation for retinoid-containing soft gelatin capsules is disclosed. The new formulation comprises a soft gelatin capsule filled with a fill mass comprising a retinoid as an active ingredient, a natural vegetable oil, a partially hydrogenated natural vegetable oil and medium chain triglycerides. Optionally, the new formulation also comprises a natural wax. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the soft gelatin capsule comprises pig gelatin in the capsule shell in combination with the above fill mass.
US08697116B2 Pet food product and method of manufacture
A pet food is provided, comprising a sorbent food body and a fluid carrier comprising a functional ingredient absorbed into the body. The body preferably is relatively moist, having a moisture content for example of from 35% to 60% by weight and firm structure that is resilient under initial biting by a pet animal. Protein content is preferably at least 20% by weight. The sorptivity of the body is increased by depleting the body of a first liquid, for example by causing drying by exposure to a source of dry heat, such as in roasting, grilling, frying and baking. Methods of manufacture are disclosed including providing a sorptive food body, causing the body to take up a carrier fluid containing a functional ingredient and packing the body in suitable packaging. The invention further provides delivery means for delivering a functional ingredient to a pet animal, the delivery means comprising a sorbent food body with the functional ingredient absorbed therein. The functional ingredient may be a nutrient or a pharmaceutical.
US08697114B2 Medical implants with reservoir(s), and materials preparable from same
Described is a medically useful article comprising a three-dimensional body including one or more implantable substances, wherein the body defines one or more reservoirs for receiving amounts of a biocompatible wetting liquid. In certain embodiments the body is disruptable upon wetting with the biocompatible liquid to form a conformable implantable material such as a putty, paste or more flowable wetted implant material. Also described are methods for manufacturing such medical materials, and methods for using such medical materials to treat patients.
US08697112B2 Method for treating a surface with a coating comprising a microencapsulated therapeutic agent and device with treated surface
A method for treating a surface with a therapeutic agent is disclosed. The method comprises precipitating a therapeutic agent from a hydrophilic polymeric base layer with which the therapeutic agent has been complexed, to form a layer comprising microparticles of the therapeutic agent on the hydrophilic polymeric base layer, the hydrophilic polymeric base layer being grafted to the surface. Devices comprising a surface having a hydrophilic polymeric base layer comprising a hydrophilic polymer grafted to the surface and a layer comprising microparticles of a therapeutic agent disposed on and complexed with the hydrophilic polymeric base layer are also disclosed.
US08697105B2 Injectable drug delivery formulation
The invention provides an injectable formulation that includes an active agent; a biocompatible solvent system, crosslinkable polymers such as polysaccharides; and crosslinking agents; wherein the formulation is substantially free of water. The invention also provides a drug delivery depot formed from the injectable formulation wherein the polymers crosslink in the presence of water in the body of a patient, or in the air, prior to implantation in the patient. Also provided are methods of treatment using such formulations and drug delivery systems.
US08697104B2 Apparatus, system, and method for creating immunologically enhanced spaces in-vivo
The present invention creates an immunologically protected/enhanced space in viva in a mammal by removing the impact of soluble inhibitors of the mammal's immune system in a defined space within the body. Placing an antigen source within the defined protected space along with a monocyte-containing blood sample from the mammal being treated and a dendritic cell-inducing factor allows a dendritic-antigen presentation process to proceed to completion. The protected/enhanced space is created by surrounding the protected space with ligands which absorb and/or bind to one or more soluble inhibitors. The implant can be loaded with a patient's cancer cells to treat cancer.
US08697103B2 Alcoholic pump foam
An alcoholic foam composition, which can be dispensed as a foam via a pump-foam system contains a) at least 52 to ≦99 wt % of an alcohol or mixture of alcohols, b) a surfactant or a surfactant mixture, c) at least one polyalkylene glycol, d) optionally, at least one foam stabilizer, e) optionally, at least one member selected from the group consisting of cosmetic auxiliaries, adjuvants, active ingredients, and mixtures thereof, and f) optionally water. The surface tension of component b) lies in the range of ±15 dyn/cm of the surface tension of component a) or corresponds to the surface tension of component a), and the sum of components a) to f) is 100 wt % relative to the total quantity of the foam composition.
US08697095B1 Inhibition of replication of oncogenic herpesviruses
A method of treating gamma oncogenic herpesviruses, in vivo, through use of Delta-9 Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC inhibits KSHV and EBV reactivation as well as inhibiting lytic replication of MHV 68 and HVS in vitro. Specifically, THC inhibits immediate early gene ORF 50 promoter activity.
US08697083B2 Hypoallergenic chimeric proteins belonging to the lipid transfer family of parietaria judaica for use in the treatment of allergies
The present invention relates to recombinant DNA molecules which encode chimeric polypeptides of differing allergens of Parietaria judaica which can be used for the prevention and treatment of allergies, in particular pollen allergies. Specifically, chimeric polypeptides composed of fragments of the allergens Par j 1 and Par j 2 having hypoallergenic characteristics are described. Methods for producing these recombinant polypeptides in heterologous expression systems are also described. Efficient methods of purifying the chimeric proteins are also described.
US08697082B2 Prevention and treatment of synucleinopathic and amyloidogenic disease
The invention provides improved agents and methods for treatment of diseases associated with synucleinopathic diseases, including Lewy bodies of alpha-synuclein in the brain of a patient. Such methods entail administering agents that induce a beneficial immunogenic response against the Lewy body. The methods are particularly useful for prophylactic and therapeutic treatment of Parkinson's disease.
US08697071B2 Identification and engineering of antibodies with variant Fc regions and methods of using same
The present invention relates to molecules comprising a variant Fc region, wherein said variant Fc region comprises at least one amino acid modification relative to a wild-type Fc region, which variant Fc region binds FcγRIIIA and/or FcγRIIA with a greater affinity relative to a comparable molecule comprising the wild-type Fc region. The molecules of the invention are useful in preventing, treating, or ameliorating symptoms associated with a disease, disorder, or infection. The molecules of the invention are particularly useful for the treatment or prevention of a disease or disorder where an enhanced efficacy of effector cell function mediated by FcγR is desired, and in enhancing the therapeutic efficacy of therapeutic antibodies the effect of which is mediated by ADCC.
US08697070B2 1D05 PCSK9 antagonists
Antagonists of human proprotein convertase subtilisin-kexin type 9 (“PCSK9”) are disclosed. The disclosed antagonists are effective in the inhibition of PCSK9 function and, accordingly, present desirable antagonists for use in the treatment of conditions associated with PCSK9 activity. The present invention also discloses nucleic acid encoding said antagonists, vectors, host cells, and compositions comprising the antagonists. Methods of making PCSK9-specific antagonists as well as methods of using the antagonists for inhibiting or antagonizing PCSK9 function are also disclosed and form important additional aspects of the present disclosure.
US08697068B2 Method for treating synovial sarcoma
Methods of detecting synovial sarcoma using differentially expressed genes are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods of identifying agents for treating synovial sarcoma. Further, a method for treating or preventing a disease that is associated with Frizzled homologue 10 (FZD10) in a subject is provided.
US08697067B2 Methods for increasing the effectiveness of antibodies and/or FCY receptor-binding active ingredients
The present invention relates to an ex vivo method for increasing the effectiveness of antibodies and Fcγ receptor-binding active ingredients, comprising the steps of: a) preparing a blood sample of a patient; b) subjecting the blood sample to an immunoapheresis; c) administering a therapeutically effective antibody or an Fcγ receptor-binding active ingredient to the patient.
US08697065B2 Non-natural ribonuclease conjugates as cytotoxic agents
The present invention is directed toward the delivery of a toxic protein to pathogenic cells, particularly cancer cells. In preferred embodiments, the toxic protein is a ribonuclease that has been modified to make it toxic to target cells and that can be conjugated to a target cell-specific delivery vector, such as an antibody, for delivery to pathogenic cells.
US08697054B2 Strain of Lactobacillus rhamnosus
The invention relates to a novel strain of Lactobacillus rhamnosus, having antimicrobial and immunomodulatory properties, and to compositions containing said strain.
US08697049B2 Modified bacteriophage including an alpha/beta small acid-soluble spore protein (SASP) gene
Provided is a modified bacteriophage capable of infecting a target bacterium, which bacteriophage includes an α/β small acid-soluble spore protein (SASP) gene encoding a SASP which is toxic to the target bacterium, wherein the SASP gene is under the control of a constitutive promoter which is foreign to the bacteriophage and the SASP gene.
US08697046B2 Methods of administering interferon gamma to absorb fluid from the subretinal space
Particular aspects of the invention provide methods for decreasing the amount of fluid present in the subretinal space of the eye by administering interferon gamma to the basolateral side of the retinal pigment epithelium. Adverse ocular conditions associated with the accumulation of fluid in the subretinal space can be treated by administering an amount of interferon gamma to the basolateral side of the retinal pigment epithelium effective to remove excess fluid from the subretinal space.
US08697038B2 Oil-in-water type emulsion sunscreen cosmetic composition
An oil-in-water type emulsion sunscreen cosmetic composition having improved ultraviolet blocking capability, excellent emulsion stability and good usability. The oil-in-water type emulsion sunscreen cosmetic composition is characterized by containing (A) 1-7.5% by mass of octyl methoxycinnamate, (B) 0.5-4% by mass of t-butyl methoxybenzoyl methane and/or 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone, (C) 0.5-3% by mass of a polyoxyethylene-polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether block polymer having a specific structure and (D) not less than 10% by mass of a nonpolar oil relative to the total amount of the oil component. The oil-in-water emulsion sunscreen cosmetic composition is also characterized by having an average emulsion particle diameter of not more than 700 nm.
US08697025B2 Raw material charcoal composition for negative electrode material of lithium ion secondary battery and method for producing the same
In the raw coke composition of the invention, as the starting material for a negative electrode material of a lithium ion secondary battery, the ratio of the crystallite size Lc(002) and lattice constant co(002) (Lc(002)/co(002)) on the 002 plane is no greater than 180, and the ratio of the crystallite size La(110) and the lattice constant ao(110) (La(110)/ao(110)) on the 110 plane is no greater than 1500, as determined by X-ray diffraction upon graphitizing in an inert gas atmosphere at a temperature of 2800° C.
US08697024B2 Method of forming a silicon carbide material, and structures including the material
A precursor formulation of a silicon carbide material that includes a ceramic material and a boron-11 compound. The ceramic material may include silicon and carbon and, optionally, oxygen, nitrogen, titanium, zirconium, aluminum, or mixtures thereof. The boron-11 compound may be a boron-11 isotope of boron oxide, boron hydride, boron hydroxide, boron carbide, boron nitride, boron trichloride, boron trifluoride, boron metal, or mixtures thereof. A material for use in a nuclear reactor component is also disclosed, as are such components, as well as a method of producing the material.
US08697011B2 Sampling device with immiscible fluid supply tube in counter-flow arrangement
The present invention generally relates to devices, systems, and methods for acquiring and/or dispensing a sample without introducing a gas into a microfluidic system, such as a liquid bridge system. An exemplary embodiment provides a sampling device including: a sampling member for acquiring or dispensing a sample; and a supply of a fluid that is immiscible with the sample; in which the device is configured to provide a continuous flow of immiscible fluid enveloping the sampling member.
US08697010B2 Dispensing device
A dispensing device for reducing the dead volume of a liquid sample includes a main channel connected to a sample inlet and sample outlet, and branch channels connected to the main channel. Each branch channel is connected to a different liquid reservoir. High inflow-withstanding pressure sections are provided in the main channel between the branch channels and between the branch channel and the sample outlet. Each high inflow-withstanding pressure section has a channel inner wall forming a contact angle of 90° or larger with a liquid sample. A liquid sample enters the main channel through the sample inlet, reaches a branch point between the first branch channel and the main channel flows into the first branch channel and the liquid reservoir, and then passes through the high inflow-withstanding pressure section to a branch point between the next branch channel and the main channel.
US08697005B2 Assemblies for multiplex assays
Multiplex binding assay assemblies are disclosed. The assemblies include at least one assay bar that has a top side, a bottom side, and at least one well accessible from the top side of the assay bar, with each well including a side surface, a bottom surface, an open top end. Each well also includes at least one secondary container, with each secondary container including a capillary tube that (i) begins at a location within an interior volume of the well and (ii) ends at a location beneath the bottom side of the assay bar. The assemblies further include a guiding track, which includes a set of two rails, with each rail having its own separate groove. Such grooves are configured to run parallel to each other with a distance between such grooves, with a first groove configured to receive a protruding element (or an end) of a first side of the assay bar, and a second groove configured to receive a protruding element (or an end) of a second side of the assay bar. The set of two separate grooves are configured to allow the assay bar to glide along the grooves from one side to a second side of the guiding track.
US08697004B2 Sequencing system with memory
The present teachings provide a device including a memory. According to various embodiments, the memory is readable, writable, and rewritable. The present teachings further provide processing stations, e.g., for carrying out electrophoresis, per, genetic analysis, sample preparation, and/or sample cleanup, etc., that are capable of reading from and/or writing/rewriting to such memory.
US08697003B2 Aqueous-triggered color-appearing inks
The invention describes a color-developing composition that contains at least four major components: (1) a leuco dye or a combination of leuco dyes, (2) an electron-withdrawing color-developer agent or a combination of color-developers that can form colored complexes with the leuco dyes, (3) a separator or combination of separators that when present in sufficient amounts, can prevent the formation of the colored complexes between the color-developer and leuco dyes, all contained within (4) an encapsulation matrix that includes at least one film-forming and one aqueous-insoluble polymer. All of the foregoing components are dissolved together in a volatile organic solvent medium to form a homogeneous solution that can be applied as an ink on substrates, which can be incorporated as part of absorbent articles or personal care products.
US08697002B2 Latch for a hydroprocessing vessel and method relating thereto
One exemplary embodiment may be a latch for a hydroprocessing vessel. The latch may include an elongated substantially cylindrical shaft, a helical pawl coupled to the elongated substantially cylindrical shaft, and a grip coupled to the elongated substantially cylindrical shaft. Usually, the grip forms a polygon having at least three sides and adapted to be engaged by a tool.
US08697001B2 Apparatus and method for reprocessing lumened instruments
Methods and apparatus for liquid, gas, and gas plasma sterilization of items. The apparatus includes two chambers and a holder to connectorlessly secure a lumened instrument such that a first portion of the lumened instrument lies in the first chamber and a second portion of the instrument lies in the second chamber, a liquid medium contained within the two chambers, and pumping means for simultaneously increasing fluid pressure within the first chamber of said container while decreasing fluid pressure within the second chamber of the container in a reciprocating fashion. The pumping means displaces at least a total internal volume of the liquid medium through the lumen for a given highest volume of a lumened instrument during a stroke.
US08697000B2 Apparatus and method for sterilization
The present invention provides an apparatus and method for disinfecting a target area of a patient's body, such as an arm, leg or a chest, in a pre-surgical environment. The apparatus and method disclosed herein further provides for maintaining the target area of the patient's body in an aseptic condition while transporting the patient to and into the surgery room. The most preferred embodiments of the present invention contemplate the use of one or more sterile layers (e.g., sterilized bags or the like) that are used to enclose the target area of the patient's body coupled with a sterile substance delivery mechanism that disinfects the target area and also maintains the target area in an aseptic condition. The most preferred embodiments of the present invention comprise a single-layer disposable garment or an inner bag nested inside an outer bag with a sterilization material being introduced into the inner bag, thereby disinfecting the target area. Once the patient has been transported into the operating room, the healthcare professional can remove the disposable garment or the outer bag, and then expose the target area for the selected procedure. Since the target area has been disinfected and also maintained in an aseptic condition, the healthcare professional can immediately begin to perform a selected procedure on the patient without having to spend additional time in the operating room to disinfect the target area of the patient's body that will undergo the selected procedure.
US08696995B2 Cyclone Plenum Turbulator
Methods and apparatus for preventing coke formation in a plenum are provided. The apparatus can include a turbulator for use in a plenum. The turbulator can include a deflector disposed inside the plenum proximate an inlet to the plenum from a cyclone, wherein the plenum and the cyclone are disposed in a fluid catalytic cracker.
US08696985B2 Foot/footwear sterilization system
A foot/shoe sanitizing system includes a housing having at least one opening and at least one ultraviolet emitting device supported within the housing. The ultraviolet emitting devices direct ultraviolet light around and/or through the set of foot/shoe support bars towards the foot or shoe placed on the foot/shoe support bars. The ultraviolet emitting devices are controllably powered to emit ultraviolet light and/or ozone onto the foot/shoe. In a preferred embodiment, the ultraviolet emitting device emits light that includes short wavelength ultraviolet light, causing the formation of ozone in the area of the shoe, thereby killing pathogens that are not easily killed with ultraviolet light alone. The system detects the identity of a user and records/transmits usage of the system by the user for sanitizing enforcement and recording.
US08696984B2 Radiation sterilization of medical devices
A method for medical device sterilization comprises staggering a stack of packages so that a back surface of each package partially overlaps a front surface of another of the packages. Each package contains a medical device. The stack of packages are positioned so that the front surfaces of the packages face toward a radiation source. The packages are then exposed to radiation.
US08696976B2 Method and devices for regulating the flow rate and for slowing down non-ferromagnetic, electrically-conducting liquids and melts
The invention relates to a method for regulating the flow rate and for slowing down non-ferromagnetic, electrically conducting liquids and melt streams through magnetic fields, in particular in the tapping of metallurgical containers such as blast furnaces and melt furnaces. The method is characterized in that the melt stream is routed in a closed routing element using at least one stationary magnetic field with a constant polarity, at least one stationary magnetic alternating field or using a multi-poled magnetic travelling field, in such a way that the magnetic field lines transversally penetrate the melt flow across the entire cross section thereof and such that a voltage is induced in the melt stream by the magnetic fields, there being eddy currents induced thereby in the melt stream that are disposed radially and axially when a stationary magnetic field of constant polarity is used and that are disposed axially when a stationary alternating magnetic field or electromagnetic travelling field is used, and that due to the interactions between the magnetic fields and the eddy currents forces are generated that can affect the flow rate of the melt stream.
US08696968B2 Method of manufacturing stretchable sheet
A method of producing a stretchable sheet that involves: passing a nonwoven fabric including a plurality of types of fibers through a gap between a pair of gear rolls and that rotate while a plurality of teeth and formed on an outer circumferential surface and of each of the pair of gear rolls and engage with one another; and drawing the nonwoven fabric in a circumferential direction of the gear rolls and by the teeth. A circumferential velocity S of the gear rolls and is within a range of 50 to 300 m/min. A maximum value of distortion per unit time applied to the nonwoven fabric in the gap between the pair of gear rolls and is within a range of 5 to 100 sec−1.
US08696960B2 Compartmentalized pellet for improved contaminant removal
This invention is to an improved method for cleaning contaminated polymer when that polymer is to be blended with clean material. The method involves combining the contaminated material and the clean material in a compartmentalized pellet wherein the contaminated material is placed in the outermost compartment, the clean material is placed in an inner compartment and then subjecting the pellet to an extraction process.
US08696955B2 Method of making polymer hollow particles with controllable holes in their surfaces
A method for making a hollow polymer particle having a single, substantially circular opening in its surface.
US08696950B2 Liquid crystal display device and method for manufacturing the same
A liquid crystal display device including an array of pixels each including first and second substrates, first and second electrodes formed on opposing surfaces of the first and second substrates, which surfaces are positioned opposite to the second and first substrates, first and second alignment restricting portions provided in the first and second electrodes, first and second alignment films covering respectively the first and second electrodes, the first and second alignment restricting portions, and the opposing surfaces of the first and second substrates, and a liquid crystal layer formed between the first and second alignment films and containing liquid crystal molecules, wherein, in each pixel, major axes of a group of liquid crystal molecules are positioned substantially in the same imaginary plane in a predetermined overlapped region between the first and second electrodes, and a pre-tilt is given to the liquid crystal molecules by at least the first alignment film.
US08696948B2 Thick film paste containing lead—tellurium—lithium—titanium—oxide and its use in the manufacture of semiconductor devices
The present invention is directed to an electroconductive thick film paste composition comprising Ag and a lead-tellurium-lithium-titanium-oxide both dispersed in an organic medium. The present invention is further directed to an electrode formed from the paste composition and a semiconductor device and, in particular, a solar cell comprising such an electrode.
US08696942B2 Adhesive composition, circuit connecting material, connection structure of circuit member, and semiconductor device
The adhesive composition of the invention comprises a radical generator, a thermoplastic resin and a urethane(meth)acrylate having two or more radical-polymerizing groups in the molecule and a weight-average molecular weight of 3000-30,000.
US08696941B2 Material for functional layer of organic electronic component
The invention relates to a material for applying thin organic layers having a specifically adjustable conductivity. Said material comprises at least one mixture of two different fractions of a functional polymer, preferably in a solvent, and is used, for example, with the aid of various application techniques, as a functional layer for an organic electronic component.
US08696933B2 Polar nematic compounds
Polar nematic compounds, one example of which has the following structure: is a caged boron structure, where the sphere of the caged boron structure is C and each non-sphere vertex of the caged boron structure is B—H. R is H, an alkyl, a cycloalkyl, a bicycloalkyl, an alkenyl, a cycloalkenyl, a bicycloalkenyl, an alkynyl, an acyl, an aryl, an alkylaryl, a halogen, a cyano group, or an isothiocyanoto group, or R is a group that forms an ether, a ketone, an ester, a thioester, a sulfide, or a sulfone. X is COOR′ or COSR′. R′ is H, an alkyl, a cycloalkyl, a bicycloalkyl, an alkenyl, a cycloalkenyl, a bicycloalkenyl, an alkynyl, an aryl, a halogen, or a cyano group. The compounds may be used in liquid crystal displays (LCDs), and in television sets, laptop computers, computer monitors, hand-held communication devices, gaming devices, watches, cash registers, clocks, and calculators having liquid crystal displays.
US08696932B2 Liquid-crystalline polymer composition
The present invention provides a liquid-crystalline polymer composition comprising: 100 parts by weight of a liquid-crystalline polymer and 1-150 parts by weight of the total weight of talc particles (A) and talc particles (B), wherein talc particles (A) have an aspect ratio of 3.1-5.0 and a median particle diameter of 5-100 μm; and talc particles (B) have an aspect ratio of 1.0-3.0 and a median particle diameter of 5-100 μm; wherein the weight ratio of talc particles (A)/talc particles (B) is from 1/9 to 9/1, and wherein the liquid-crystalline polymer composition according to the present invention exhibits improved molding flowability without impairing mechanical properties.
US08696929B2 Polishing slurry and polishing method
A polishing slurry including an oxidant, a metal oxide dissolver, a metal inhibitor and water and having a pH from 2 to 5. The polishing slurry having a high metal-polishing rate, reducing etching rate and polishing friction, results in the production, with high productivity, of semiconductor devices reduced in dishing and erosion in metal wiring.
US08696916B2 Process and apparatus for water purification
A process for purifying water via freezing is disclosed. The process may include: contacting an aqueous mixture with a flotation medium, wherein the flotation medium has a density greater than or equal to the density of ice or hydrate and less than the density of the aqueous mixture or concentrated brine at its freezing point; reducing the temperature of the aqueous mixture to a temperature equal to or below the freezing point of the aqueous mixture to form ice or hydrate and a concentrate; phase separating the concentrate and the flotation medium; recovering the concentrate; and recovering the ice or hydrate and flotation medium as a slurry. Upon melting, phase separation of the resultant water from the flotation medium may provide a purified water product.
US08696915B2 Water treatment apparatus and process to reduce pipe scale and biomass using positive pressure ultraviolet oxygenation
A method of treating water in order to minimize scaling and biomass buildup in water conduits or containers in which the treated water is used includes pressurizing and optionally filtering ambient air, processing the pressurized ambient air in a chamber including at least one ultraviolet light source operated to generate an output flow mixture of pressurized air and reactive oxygen species (ROS) gas, mixing the pressurized ROS/gas output mixture to realize a flow of water/pressurized ROS gas/air mixture and outputting the flow of water/pressurized ROS gas/air mixture as the treated water process product. The process includes generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) gas in the pressurized ROS/gas output mixture including at least one of Super Oxide (O2−), Peroxide (—O2—), Hydro peroxide (HO2−), Hydroxyl Radicals (OH.), Ozone (O3−) and Molecular Oxygen (O2). The ultraviolet light source, the flow rate of the pressurized air, the water, the water/pressurized ROS gas/air mixture and the output volume are controlled to optimize scaling and biomass reduction.
US08696913B2 Determining biofilm thickness in a membrane supported biofilm reactor
A method of assessing biofilm thickness in a membrane supported biofilm reactor (MSBR) of the type comprising a lumen containing a gas phase, a liquid phase, and a gas permeable membrane providing an interface between the gas and liquid phases, the method comprising the steps of charging the lumen with an inert gas, closing the lumen to establish an initial elevated pressure in the lumen, measuring the rate of change of pressure within the lumen, and correlating the rate of change of pressure (dP/dt) with biofilm thickness. The step of correlating dP/dt with biofilm thickness involves correlating dP/dt with the rate of diffusion of the inert gas (dn/dt), correlating dn/dt with an overall mass transfer coefficient (K), correlating K with the mass transfer coefficient of the biofilm (ICB), and correlating kβ with the biofilm thickness. Also described is a membrane supported biofilm reactor (MSBR) of the type comprising a gas permeable membrane providing an interface between a lumen containing a gas phase, and a liquid phase, characterized in that the MSBR comprises means for flushing the lumen with an inert gas, means for closing and re-opening the lumen, and means for detecting intra-membrane pressure within the lumen. The means for detecting intra-membrane pressure is provided by a pressure transducer.
US08696907B2 Plant for the treatment and disposal of waste water containing salts and oil and method for the treatment and disposal of waste water containing salts and oil
The invention relates to a plant and a method for the treatment and disposal of waste water containing salts and oil, in particular produced water, comprising at least one settling area for receiving the waste water and for separating oil proportions from the waste water, at least one subsequent reed bed area having plants for the uptake and degradation of contaminants in the waste water, at least one modular basin area having a plurality of utility basins, whereby a utility basin, controlled by way of distribution means, can be supplied with treated waste water from the reed bed area and/or from at least one other utility basin, and at least one saline area for the reception of the residual water from the modular basin area and for the evaporation of water and the concentration of salt.
US08696899B2 Dispenser for preparing a nutritional composition
A dispenser for a nutritional composition comprises a water reservoir, water heating means, water discharge means, a bacterial filter between the water heating means and the water discharge means such that heated water passes though the filter prior to discharge from the dispenser, and means to heat surfaces of the dispenser which come into contact with filtered water.
US08696897B2 Gray water recycling system
The gray water recycling system includes a first holding tank for filtering and storing gray water from a washer. The processed water passes through an inline filter to a second holding tank. The second holding tank includes a first float switch operatively associated with a pump that shuts off power to the pump when the second tank contains less than a predetermined amount of processed water. An outlet pipe inside the second tank includes another filter to clean the processed water as the water passes through the outlet pipe. A second float switch activates the pump to pump the processed water to a toilet tank when the toilet tank water drains below a predetermined level. A battery power unit is operatively connected to the pump, providing power for selective operation thereof.
US08696895B2 Percolation filtering system
A percolation filtering system comprises a flow path of the water to be filtered including a filter cartridge seat (4) for removably receiving a filter cartridge (5) so that said flow path extends through said filter cartridge when said filter cartridge is inserted into said seat, characterized in that it comprises recognition means and counter-means of the suitability of said cartridge, respectively on said cartridge and said seat, suitable for reciprocal interaction when the cartridge is inserted in the seat to enable operation of the filtering system following the cartridge's suitability recognition, or to disable it or signal the suitability/unsuitability respectively of the cartridge if the cartridge is recognized/ not recognized respectively by the recognition means.
US08696893B2 Water enhancement system
There is a water enhancement system coupled to a water conduit, wherein the water enhancement system is configured to enhance a water supply. The water enhancement system includes a filtration system coupled to a water conduit, configured to filter water flowing therethrough. The water enhancement system also includes an enhancement system coupled to the filtration system, configured to treat water flowing therethrough by dispensing a fluid therein. The enhancement system includes a plurality of cartridge sockets and matching cartridges configured to selectably couple together and contain enhancing fluid. The water enhancement system further includes a treatment bracket coupled about the water conduit and to the enhancement system. The water enhancement system additionally includes a treatment device coupled about the treatment bracket and configured to alter a characteristic of the water flowing therethrough.
US08696892B2 Apparatus for treating radioactive nitrate waste liquid
An apparatus for treating a radioactive nitrate waste liquid includes: a denitrification tank (12) that accommodates active sludge which adsorbs or takes in a radioactive substance in a nitrate waste liquid (11) containing nitrate and the radioactive substance and in which an anaerobic microorganism that reduces the nitrate to nitrogen gas grows; a reaeration tank (14) that aerates and mixes a denitrification-treated liquid (24) treated in the denitrification tank (12) with the active sludge in which the aerobic microorganism grows; and a sludge dissolution tank (81) that dissolves redundant sludge (26A, 26B) discharged from the denitrification tank (12) and the reaeration tank (14). Acetic peracid (80) is supplied to the sludge dissolution tank (81) to dissolve redundant sludge, a sludge lysate is supplied to the denitrification tank (12) as a carbon source (22), and acetic acid is supplied to the denitrification tank (12).
US08696886B1 Silicometallophosphate molecular sieves, method of preparation and use
A new family of crystalline microporous silicometallophosphates designated MAPSO-64 and modified forms thereof have been synthesized. These silicometallophosphates are represented by the empirical formula R+rMm2+EPxSiyOz where R is an organoammonium cation such as ETMA+ or DEDMA+, M is an alkaline earth or transition metal cation of valence 2+, and E is a trivalent framework element such as aluminum or gallium. The MAPSO-64 compositions are characterized by a BPH framework topology and have catalytic properties for carrying out various hydrocarbon conversion processes, and separation properties for separating at least one component.
US08696875B2 Self-ionized and inductively-coupled plasma for sputtering and resputtering
A magnetron sputter reactor (410) and its method of use, in which SIP sputtering and ICP sputtering are promoted is disclosed. In another chamber (412) an array of auxiliary magnets positioned along sidewalls (414) of a magnetron sputter reactor on a side towards the wafer from the target is disclosed. The magnetron (436) preferably is a small one having a stronger outer pole (442) of a first polarity surrounding a weaker inner pole (440) of a second polarity all on a yoke (444) and rotates about the axis (438) of the chamber using rotation means (446, 448, 450). The auxiliary magnets (462) preferably have the first polarity to draw the unbalanced magnetic field (460) towards the wafer (424), which is on a pedestal (422) supplied with power (454). Argon (426) is supplied through a valve (428). The target (416) is supplied with power (434).
US08696869B2 Surface application of polymers and polymer mixtures to improve paper strength
Stable, coating compositions useful for enhancing the dry strength of paper are disclosed. The compositions comprise an aqueous solution of nearly neutral polymer, cationic polymer and starch. Method of using the coating composition to improve the dry strength of paper is also disclosed.
US08696868B2 Disulfo-type fluorescent whitening agent compositions
Fluorescent whitening agent compositions include at least two specific disulfo-type fluorescent whitening agents for optically whitening paper or board.
US08696858B2 Apparatus and method for improving center hole radial runout control in optical disk manufacturing
An apparatus and method for controlling radial runout between stacked disk portions (14, 18) and providing a cylindrical pin (20) having at least two diameters (22, 24). The pin is dimensioned and configured to permit the disk portions, which have different center hole dimensions, to be indexed such that a center hole of each disk portion is received by a separate diameter of the pin. The disk portions are maintained in spatial relationship as provided by the pin by spot curing a portion of the adhesive.
US08696855B2 Simplified absorbent article construction and method of making
A method includes moving an absorbent composite in a machine direction, severing the composite at a first cut oriented in a direction that is non-parallel and non-perpendicular with the machine direction, severing the composite at a second cut oriented in a direction that is non-parallel and non-perpendicular with the machine direction, severing the composite at a third cut oriented in a direction that is perpendicular to the machine direction, and separating the composite along the first cut, the second cut, and the third cut into discrete absorbent articles.
US08696851B2 Mandrel with sliding exterior projection
A mandrel suitable for forming a hollow part from a heat curable material includes an (a) an elongate central member having a coefficient of expansion which is different than the coefficient of expansion of the cured heat curable material, (b) at least one lateral member disposed at a first location and projecting away from the outer surface of the central member, the lateral member being slidably attached to the central member, and (c) a rigid elongate strut member having a coefficient of expansion substantially similar to the coefficient of expansion of the cured heat curable material. The first end of the strut member is affixed to the lateral member, and the second end of the strut member is affixed spaced apart from the lateral member.
US08696843B1 Repair of acoustically treated structures
A method of repairing an acoustically treated area of a composite honeycomb sandwich structure restores the acoustic performance of the structure. An impaired section of the honeycomb core is removed and replaced with a honeycomb repair plug. Cell walls of the repair plug are bonded to cell walls of the core.
US08696842B2 Method for repairing a member comprising a fiber-reinforced plastic
There is provided a method for repairing a member comprising a fiber-reinforced plastic, which method can repair a through hole easily at a low cost. When a through hole 20 is repaired, a temporary hole 11 is formed, a fabric sheet 30 comprising reinforcing fibers is rolled into a cylindrical shape and inserted into the temporary hole 11, the fabric sheet 30 is impregnated with a resin, the resin is cured, and a new through hole 20′ is formed.
US08696839B2 High speed decorating system
A label applicator system provides for high speed, accurate label transfer from a web to items moving on an item transport along a path relative to the system. The items, such as bottles, have a contoured surface. The applicator includes a supply reel for supplying labels on a web and a take-up for taking up the web after transfer of the label. A drive roller moves the web through the applicator system. The system includes a web positioning assembly and a movable label applicator head. A contour sensor senses the bottle contour and develops a profile for the head to follow to apply the labels to the bottles. The supply, take-up and the drive are operably engaged with one another to maintain a relatively constant tension in the web. The web positioning assembly is configured to advance and retract the web to accommodate a pitch difference between the bottles in the bottle transport and the labels on the web and to accommodate movement of the decorating head toward and away from the bottles in the bottle transport.
US08696836B2 Nonmagnetic high-hardness alloy
The present invention provides a nonmagnetic high-hardness alloy having a Ni-based alloy composition containing; by weight %, C of 0.1% or less: Si of 2.0% or less; Mn of 2.0% or less; P of 0.03% or less; S of 0.01% or less; Cr of 30 to 45%; Al of 1.5 to 5.0%; and a balance of unavoidable impurities and Ni, the nonmagnetic high-hardness alloy being subjected to cold or warm plastic working and then ageing treatment, and a method for producing the nonmagnetic high-hardness alloy.
US08696835B2 Austenitic stainless steel for hydrogen gas and a method for its manufacture
An austenitic stainless steel for use in a hydrogen gas atmosphere comprises, in mass %, C: 0.10% or less, Si: 1.0% or less, Mn: 0.01 to 30%, P: 0.040% or less, S: 0.01% or less, Cr: 15 to 30%, Ni: 5.0 to 30%, Al: 0.10% or less, N: 0.001 to 0.30% with the balance Fe and inevitable impurities. An X-ray (111) integration intensity of a cross section along the direction rectangular to the working direction is five times that in a random direction or less, and the X-ray integration intensity ratio of a cross section along the working direction satisfies I(220)/I(111)≦10. The high strength steel can also contain one or more of the groups of Mo and W; V, Nb, Ta, Ti, Zr and Hf; B; Cu and Co; Mg, Ca, La, Ce, Y, Sm, Pr and Nd.
US08696823B1 Methods and systems for abrasive cleaning and barrier coating/sealing of pipes
Methods for abrasive cleaning, deburring, providing barrier coatings and sealing leaks in existing pipes, in a single operation, in one pass by intermittent bursts of dry particulates forced and pulled by air throughout the piping system by a generator and a vacuum. Cleaning includes intermittently injecting bursts of abrasive particles into the pressurized gas into the piping system for cleaning pipe interior walls, reducing burrs and interior lips in the pipe interior walls and generating a vacuum suction in the piping system to remove abrasive particles and debris.
US08696822B2 Rendering trailer with dump box having a center gate
A method of using a rendering trailer, the rendering trailer including a dump box or trailer body with a center gate dividing the interior chamber of the trailer body into forward and rearward compartments, from which dead animal parts may be respectively dumped in different locations. A doorway is formed in the center gate to allow a person to walk therethrough to facilitate washing the forward and rearward compartments. A rigid door is mounted on the center gate to open and close the doorway. Opening the door allows the person to walk through the doorway and wash the compartments. A hose may be draped over a sidewall of the trailer and pulled through the doorway to spray the forward compartment. Perforated panels may be mounted along lower ends of left and right side walls of the trailer body to allow water and other fluids to drain therethrough.
US08696815B2 Thin film deposition apparatus
A thin film deposition apparatus that forms a thin film on a substrate includes: a deposition source that discharges a deposition material; a deposition source nozzle unit that is disposed at a side of the deposition source and includes a plurality of deposition source nozzles; a patterning slit sheet that is disposed opposite to the deposition source nozzle unit and includes a plurality of patterning slits; and a blocking member that is disposed between the substrate and the deposition source, wherein the thin film deposition apparatus is separated from the substrate by a predetermined distance, the substrate is moved relative to the thin film deposition apparatus, and the blocking member is moved along with the substrate to screen at least one portion of the substrate.
US08696794B2 Microgravity passive phase separator
A passive phase separator separates and traps gases that may be present in a liquid flowing through a system. The phase separator includes an inlet in fluid communication with a first separator chamber and an outlet in fluid communication with a second separator chamber that is disposed annularly about the first separator chamber. Gas introduced into the first separator chamber is pushed downstream through the first separator chamber to a gas storage chamber. Once gas is trapped within the gas storage chamber it remains there for the entire operational life of the phase separator.
US08696781B2 Expanded metal and process of making the same
An expanded metal is provided including a plurality of integral strands defining diamond shapes, each diamond shape having a long dimension as measured from two opposing vertices and a short dimension, generally transverse to the long direction, as measured between two other opposing vertices, such that the long dimension is less than twice the short dimension.
US08696779B2 Deoiler layout
A deoiler including a hub mounted on the vent shaft and a cover mounted on the hub between two stop faces which fix the cover avoiding the need to weld or bolt the cover.
US08696752B2 Interbody cage for spine fusion
An interbody cage includes a substrate having a plurality of curve slits, with each of the curve slits having a plurality of sections. A plurality of deformable ribs is formed, with each deformable rib between any adjacent two of the curve slits and having a first end and a second end. The first and second ends of each deformable rib respectively connect with two opposite lateral bars of the substrate, and a plurality of folds is formed on the plurality of deformable ribs in places adapted to be bent. In use, any adjacent two of the deformable ribs are capable of being bent to depart from each other to define a filling room.
US08696739B2 Barbed anchor
An endoluminal prosthesis includes a support structure including a curvilinear portion having a first strut and a second strut that meet at an apex. Disposed on the support structure is an anchor with an anchor body and one or more barbs extending outwardly from the anchor body. The anchor body can fit at least partially about, and can conform to the first strut, second strut, and the apex. A curved portion of the anchor and the curvilinear portion of the support structure can be co-formed, resulting in a secure interference fit so that welding, soldering, or other joining mechanisms can be avoided. Cutouts can be formed along the curved portion of the anchor to relieve stress or strain during the co-forming process.
US08696729B2 Implant delivery system with marker interlock
An implant delivery system is disclosed. The delivery system includes an elongated member having an implant mounting location. A self-expandable implant is mounted at the implant mounting location. The implant is held in a compressed orientation by a retractable sheath. An interlock structure prevents the implant from deploying prematurely as the sheath is retracted. The interlock structure includes radio-opaque markers that identify the position of the implant.
US08696728B2 Guidewire loaded stent for delivery through a catheter
A guidewire loaded stent for delivery through a catheter is described herein. The stent delivery assembly can deliver and place a stent within tortuous regions of the body which are accessible to guidewires but inaccessible to stenting catheters. The assembly comprises a guidewire covered in part by a retractable sheath and a radially expandable stent near or at the distal end of the guidewire. The whole assembly is advanced through conventional catheters or it may be used alone. In either case, when the stent is adjacent to a treatment site within the body, the sheath is retracted proximally to expose the stent for radial expansion into contact with the vessel wall. Radio-opaque marker bands are optionally located on either side or both sides of the stent on the guidewire body to aid in visual placement. The assembly can optionally include an expandable balloon on the guidewire for different treatment modalities.
US08696721B2 Orthopedic expansion fastener
Devices are disclosed for treating the vertebral column. A fastener having a fastener head comprising a screw lumen and fastener shaft is provided. In some embodiments, an external groove and one or more openings between the screw lumen and an external groove are provided. An expandable member is located at least partially in the external groove and protrudes through the one or more openings into the screw lumen. Alternative fixation systems and screw retaining assemblies are also contemplated.
US08696719B2 Methods and devices for treating hallux valgus
The various embodiments disclosed herein relate to implantable devices for the treatment of structural bone and joint deformity, including hallux valgus. More specifically, the various embodiments include systems, devices, and methods for implantation of an implantable device having at least one bone anchor with deployable prongs for treating such deformity.
US08696716B2 Fixation and alignment device and method used in orthopaedic surgery
Surgical anchoring systems and methods are employed for the correction of bone deformities. The anchoring system and its associated instrument may be suitable for surgical repair of hallux valgus, tarsometatarsal sprains, ankle ligament reconstruction, spring ligament repair, knee ligament reinforcement, acromioclavicular sprains, coracoclavicular sprains, elbow ligament repair, wrist and hand ligamentous stabilization or similar conditions. The anchoring system may include a fixation system for anchoring two or more sections of bone or other body parts and a system for aligning of one section relative to another section.
US08696715B2 Low profile medical locking plate and bone screw design for bone fractures
Disclosed embodiments of a low profile bone plate can allow for a locking relationship between the bone plate and one or more bone screws, without requiring specialized bone screws. According to the disclosure, a locking element and/or a flange can be provided in one or more through-holes in the bone plate to engage with the threads of the bone screw, to lock the screw in place. Locking elements, such as a straight wire or spring coil positioned near the bone-contacting surface of the bone plate can have a cross sectional diameter less than the pitch of the bone screw threads, so as not to interfere with insertion and tightening of the bone screw. Thus, standard bone screws without threaded heads or tapered shafts can be locked with a bone plate having a minimal thickness, which can advantageously improve chances of wound healing.
US08696704B2 Methods and devices for repairing tissue
Suture anchor systems for repairing torn or damaged tissue are described herein. In one embodiment, a system can include a first suture loop having a first suture anchor coupled thereto, the first suture loop including a slip knot formed thereon to allow a size of the first suture loop to be adjusted. The system can also include a second suture loop coupled to the first suture loop and having a second suture anchor coupled thereto. The second suture loop can have a fixed size. In use, the suture anchors can be deployed through tissue to be repaired and into the anchoring tissue at a position spaced apart from one another by a selected distance. The length of the first suture loop can then be tensioned to re-approximate the torn or damaged tissue toward the anchoring tissue, thereby securely attached the torn tissue to the anchoring tissue.
US08696697B2 Trocar and device for measuring a tracheoesophageal puncture
A trocar device and measurement assembly, includes a trocar having a sharply pointed shaft and a handle. An elongated sheath receives the shaft of the trocar therein, wherein the elongated sheath includes a plurality of measuring indicia thereon for measuring a length of a tracheoesophageal puncture formed by the trocar. A method of measuring the tracheoesophageal puncture is provided by inserting the elongated sheath into the puncture while observing the measuring indicia on the sheath to determine a length of the puncture.
US08696695B2 Guidewire positioning catheter
Described herein are guidewire positioning and support devices, method for using them, method of treating a subject using them, and systems including such guidewire positioning and support devices. These devices typically include a rotatable distal tip region that may include one or more wedges. The wedges may be extendable from the rotatable distal tip. The distal end of the device may be steerable, and may be steered while still rotating the distal end of the device. The wedges (which may include sharp forward-cutting blades and blunt lateral portions) can be extended from the distal housing and locked in any position (extended, partially extended or retracted) and rotated clockwise and/or counterclockwise while locked in a retracted, extended or partially extended position. The distal region of the device may also be controllable steered from the proximal end of the device. Systems including these guidewire support catheters are also described, as are method of using them, including methods of treating chronic total occlusions.
US08696694B2 Apparatus and method for endoscopic colectomy
Apparatus and methods for endoscopic colectomy are described herein. A colectomy device having a first and a second tissue approximation device is mounted on a colonoscope separated from one another. During deployment of the colectomy device, a diseased portion of the colon is positioned inbetween the tissue approximation devices. The tissue approximation devices are radially expanded such that they contact and grasp the colon wall at two sites adjacent to the diseased portion of the colon. The diseased portion is separated from the omentum and is transected using a laparoscope or is drawn into the colonoscope for later removal. The tissue approximation devices are then urged towards one another over the colonoscope to approximate the two free edges of the colon into contact together where they are fastened to one another using the tissue approximation device as a surgical stapler to create an end-to-end anastomosis.
US08696686B2 Biological unit removal tools with movable retention member
Tools and methods of use for removing biological units from a body surface utilizing a removal tool are disclosed. The tool incorporates a retention member configured to impede movement of the biological unit in the direction of a distal end of the tool and to improve retention of the biological unit in the tool. The retention member is radially movable within the lumen of the biological unit removal tool. The distal tips of the tools are desirably configured to reduce the chance of transection of a biological unit.
US08696683B2 Apparatus for removing an object from a lumen
An extensible polyp retrieval apparatus designed to be slidably disposed along the outer surface of an endoscope that is fully or partially inserted in the lumen of a patient using a “connect and push” polyp retrieval apparatus to reach the distal end of the inserted endoscope. The polyp retrieval apparatus comprises: a flexible cylindrical polymeric tube capable of being deployed from a few centimeters in mounted length on an endoscope to over 210 centimeters in total length when partially deployed or fully extended, respectively; a multiplicity of clamping fasteners permanently mounted to the flexible cylindrical polymeric tube; a movable snare like device that is designed as an cooperating component of the polyp retrieval system to enable the grasping and storage of polyps therein so as to avoid the complete removal of the endoscope from the lumen as is normal to remove a large polyp after cauterization or after a piecemeal polypectomy. This is performed before continuing the inspection and removal process. The apparatus that is the subject of this invention will greatly improve this process and result in fewer chances for damage or injury to the patient along with the attendant cost benefits especially time saved in this medical procedure.
US08696677B2 Orthopaedic surgical saw assembly for removing an implanted glenoid component and method of using the same
A surgical instrument for removing an implanted glenoid component from the glenoid of a patient includes a protective cannula and a flexible wire saw. The flexible wire saw is positioned in the protective cannula such that both ends of the flexible wire saw extend out of one end of the protective cannula, with a portion of the middle section of the wire saw forming a loop that extends out of the other end of the protective cannula. Surgical methods for the use of such a surgical instrument are also disclosed.
US08696676B2 Surgical instrument
A bone plate fixing device comprises a first bone contacting element with a rod-shaped connecting member and a second bone contacting element displaceable on the connecting member. The connecting member has a first portion with a first diameter and a second portion comprising a protruding projection, the protruding projection being located towards a proximal end of the connecting member and having a second diameter that is greater than the first diameter. The protruding projection may comprise at least two teeth. The depth of the at least two teeth may be less than half the difference between the first diameter and the second diameter.
US08696671B2 Percutaneous tissue excision devices
A device for percutaneously excising tissue. In an embodiments the device comprises an outer tubular. In addition, the device comprises an inner tubular slidingly received within the outer tubular, wherein the inner tubular has a distal end including an upper member and a lower member. Further, the device includes an open position with the distal end fully extended from the outer tubular, and a closed position with the distal end disposed within the outer tubular, wherein the upper member is biased away from the lower member and is disposed at an open angle θO relative to the lower member when the device is in the opened position.
US08696663B2 Electromechanical polyp snare
An electrosurgical device is provided for removing polyps from the gastrointestinal tract of a patient. In one implementation, an electrosurgical device comprises a snare support member and a snare positioning assembly mounted on an exterior surface of the snare support member. The snare positioning assembly has a longitudinal axis substantially parallel with and offset from the longitudinal axis of the snare support member. The device also includes a base member attached to a distal end of the snare support member and has a longitudinal axis substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the snare support member. An aperture is formed through a side wall of the base member. Also included is a polyp snare extending through a first channel of the snare positioning assembly, through the aperture, and through a second channel of the base member.
US08696658B2 System for non-invasive heart treatment
The invention provides a non-invasive method for treatment of arrhythmia. In a first aspect, a method for treatment of a trial fibrillation in a heart of a patient comprises directing radiation from outside the patient toward one or more target treatment regions of the heart so as to inhibit the a trial fibrillation. The radiation may induce isolation of a pulmonary vein.
US08696651B2 Manipulator with decoupled movements, and application to instruments for minimally invasive surgery
A manipulator includes a main arm, of which the proximal end bears a drive, and a proximal manipulation structure, and of which the distal end bears a controlled distal structure that may itself bear a surgical tool. The main arm passes through a surgical trocar. The proximal manipulation structure includes two opposed contact zones and stress sensors positioned in a central zone between the two opposed contact zones. The stress sensors operate the drive as a function of the stresses applied to the contact zones in order to produce the pivoting and rotating movements of the surgical tool with respect to the main arm. This ensures that there is optimal decoupling of the movements in the various degrees of freedom, thus making it easier to obtain movements through stressing operations that are natural to the operating surgeon.
US08696647B2 Catheter-to-device locking system
A locking component (100,200,300,400) for locking a catheter proximal end onto a stem (16,56) of a medical device. The locking component has upper and lower parts (104,102;204,202) that self-secure to each other, preferably in a first position partially open but still assembled, and a second position, locked fully together. The locking component has a compression surface (106,206) to compress the catheter lumen wall against the stem at a location axially offset from the protuberance(s) along the stem of the medical device. A method is disclosed for mechanically securing a catheter to a medical device that can involve placing the pre-assembled locking component along the catheter prior to securing the proximal catheter end to the stem of the medical device and then moving the locking component into position around the stem and then pressing it together into its second locked position, compressing the catheter lumen wall against the stem.
US08696646B2 Treatment fluid delivery method, and turbulator for promoting uptake of a treatment agent
A turbulator for promoting mixing of fluids passing through a body lumen includes an elongate flow perturbing component and an elongate shape controlling component freely slidable within the flow perturbing component. The turbulator is adjustable from a low profile, lumen access configuration to a deployed configuration via sliding the shape controlling component within the flow perturbing component. Adjusting the turbulator within a body lumen of a patient induces turbulence within a flow of fluid passing through the body lumen to increase mixing of a treatment fluid with the body fluid by way of the induced turbulence.
US08696623B2 Injection molded adjustable shape abscess irrigation device
An adjustable shape abscess irrigation device includes a first tube that is slidably associated with a second tube. The irrigation device includes a retainer that defines a variable shape diameter. The diameter of the retainer is selectively adjustable by the relative positioning of the first tube and the second tube such that, once placed relative to an abscess, the shape of the device can be manipulated to allow desired drainage of irrigation and abscess fluids beyond the confines of the abscess. Upon adequate drainage of the abscess, the cross-section shape of the retainer can be reduced to facilitate more comfortable and less detrimental removal of the device from the patient. Preferably, the irrigation device is formed via one or multi-shot injection molding and is formed of more than material.
US08696618B2 Two-stage reconstituting injector
An injector (10) for injecting a medicament into a patient. The injector includes a container (18) defining a first chamber (22), which contains a fluid therein, and a second chamber (23). The injector also includes an injection conduit (126) configured for directing the fluid fired from the container into the patient. A transfer mechanism is operable by a user to transfer the fluid from the first chamber to the second chamber in a first stage of operation, and a firing mechanism is operable by the user for firing the fluid from the second chamber through the injection conduit in a second stage of operation. An energy source (62) is in powering association with the firing mechanism to drive firing mechanism in the first and second stages.
US08696617B2 Portable drug administration device and method for controlling a portable drug administration device
A portable drug administration device includes a pump and a controller configured to control operation of the pump according to a standard administration mode and a suspend mode in which drug administration is temporarily suspended. The device is configured to generate an event trigger on the occurrence of at least one of an error condition and/or the beginning of a maintenance action by the user. The controller is configured to detect the occurrence of the event trigger, and to store, in response to the event trigger, administration data, the administration data comprising all information that characterizes the current administration according at the time of occurrence of the event trigger automatically in a memory and to switch the device from the standard administration mode to the suspend mode. The controller is further configured to detect the occurrence of a restoring trigger and to retrieve, in response to the restoring trigger, the administration data from the memory, to switch the device from the suspend mode to the standard administration mode and to control the pump to resume administration according to the retrieved administration data.
US08696612B2 Catheter with multiple ultrasound radiating members
A method of delivery ultrasonic energy and a therapeutic compound to a treatment site and an ultrasonic catheter system are disclosed. The ultrasonic catheter system comprises a tubular body having a proximal end, a distal end and a treatment zone located between the distal end and the proximal end, a fluid delivery lumen, at least one ultrasound radiating element positioned in the treatment zone, wiring electrically coupled to the at least one ultrasound radiating element and extending through the tubular body and terminating at a connector, and a control system comprising external circuitry and an isolation pod that is configured to be electrically connected to the connector, the isolation pod being positioned between the tubular body and the external system and comprising an isolation barrier and circuitry for driving the ultrasound radiating element.
US08696611B2 Device and method for regulating pressure in a heart chamber
A device for regulating blood pressure in a heart chamber is provided. The device includes a shunt positionable within a septum of the heart. The shunt is designed for enabling blood flow between a left heart chamber and a right heart chamber, wherein the flow rate capacity of the device is mostly a function of pressure in the left heart chamber.
US08696608B2 Lower leg massage apparatus
An objective is to perform a leg massage under appropriate temperature conditions. The lower leg massage apparatus 1 comprises: a pair of right and left insertion recesses 4,4 in a vertically-extending continuous form, into which are inserted feet F and calves C of a user; a first massage mechanism 5 disposed within an upper part of the insertion recess 4, for massaging the inserted calves C, and a second massage mechanism 7 disposed within a lower part of the insertion recess 4, for massaging the inserted feet F. Further provided are a cover body 12 of a two-layer structure which is disposed in the insertion recess 4 so as to cover the first massage mechanism 5 and the second massage mechanism 7, and a warm air/cool air supply section 15 for supplying a warm or cool current of air to a region between the two layers constituting the cover body 12.
US08696603B2 System for measuring space width of joint, method for measuring space width of joint and recording medium
A method for measuring space width of joint includes: a joint image input step of inputting an image of a joint; a contour detecting step of detecting contours of a pair of bones constituting the joint; a measurement range setting step of setting a measurement range of a space of the joint based on the contours detected in the contour detecting step; a space width calculating step of calculating a space width which is a distance between the pair of bones within the measurement range set in the measurement range setting step; and a display step of displaying the space width calculated in the space width calculating step.
US08696591B2 Compensation of volumetric errors in a gas monitoring system
A mainstream gas monitoring method includes a using a mainstream airway adapter and a gas sensing assembly associated with the mainstream airway adapter to measure an analyte of a gas flow through the adapter. A gas sensing portion outputs a signal indicative of the analyte in a gas flow in the mainstream airway adapter. A processing portion receives the signal from the gas sensing portion and determines an amount of the analyte in the gas flow based on the signal from the gas sensing portion. The processing portion also compensates for volumetric differences between the gas flow during inspiration and the gas flow during expiration to maximize the accuracy in the measurements.
US08696590B1 Instrumentation for small-animal capnometry
Vital sign monitoring is especially challenging in small animals, given the high metabolic rates and small volumes under consideration. An embodiment of the present invention includes a unique nose-cone design and associated instrumentation which allows for measurement of respiratory parameters, including anesthesia gas concentration, inspiratory and expiratory O2, and inspiratory and expiratory CO2 (capnometry). Such instrumentation facilitates a physiologic assessment of small animals undergoing general anesthesia, an increasingly important consideration as small animals play a greater role in in vivo biomedical studies. In addition, the techniques proposed herein are suitable for measurement on small respiratory volumes associated with neonatal monitoring.
US08696586B2 Method and device for measuring blood flow in the bone after a fracture
A method and device for measuring blood flow in the bone after a fracture, wherein a hole is drilled into the bone. The method includes the steps of inserting the metal sleeve of an osteoscope into the hole; inserting the optics of an osteoscope into the metal sleeve and focused on the cavity created by the drill; filling the device and the cavity with a physiological solution such that the pressure of the solution is above the systolic blood pressure; decreasing the pressure of the solution while observing the cavity through the osteoscope, and recording the pressure in the system at the commencement of bleeding.
US08696583B2 Ultrasound endoscope
An ultrasound endoscope has a transducer unit that has a top surface, a bottom surface and a side surface connecting the top surface and the bottom surface, and performs transmission and reception of ultrasound on a top surface side, a cable that is for transmitting and receiving an electrical signal to and from the transducer unit and is connected to the side surface, a conductive shield case that has a lead-out port for leading out the cable, and a flexible extension portion extended from at least the top surface side of the lead-out port, and covers the side surface and the bottom surface, and a housing that holds a transducer unit 2 via the shield case, and has a cable insertion path in which the cable and the extension portion are inserted.
US08696571B2 Continuity circuits for detecting access disconnection
A monitor for an extracorporeal therapy access site is disclosed. The monitor includes a bandage atop or adjacent the access site and a sensor for monitoring the bandage. The bandage includes a layer of polymer that expands when wetted with blood. The expansion causes a break in continuity of the sensor, or in an alternate embodiment, causes a sensor to cease detecting a target. When the break occurs, the control circuit monitoring the bandage sends a signal that a break has occurred, and a remote monitor then takes appropriate action, such as ceasing therapy, sending an alert, or sounding an alarm. In another embodiment, connecting wires in a continuity circuit are held apart by a polymer that dissolves when contacted by blood. If a leak occurs and a small portion of the polymer dissolves, the wires make contact, thus detecting a blood leak.
US08696564B2 Implantable sensor with biocompatible coating for controlling or inhibiting tissue growth
All or a portion of a surface of an implantable sensor is covered with a biocompatible coating formed at least partially of a biomaterial matrix having properties that promote a substantially even growth of tissue cells over the surface of the coating. Additional materials, such as growth factors, agents that recruit endogenous stem cells, and cell adhesion motif arginine, glycine, aspartic acid may be included in the coating. Autologous cells may be added to the coating prior to implantation. The sensor surface may also be textured, by etching or abrading, in order to promote even tissue growth. Alternatively, the sensor surface may be covered with a coating having properties that inhibit the growth of tissue. These coatings may include a biomaterial, a biomaterial matrix having a drug, such as a sirolimus or a steroid, an active component, or a self assembled monolayer.
US08696562B2 Crank retractor handle
The present invention relates to an apparatus for adapting a non-cylindrical serrated surgical retractor blade handle to the cylindrical bore of a universal joint. The apparatus includes an adaptor housing having a retractor handle passageway, at least a portion of the retractor handle passageway being configured to receive the slideable insertion of a non-cylindrical retractor blade handle. The adaptor housing is configured for rotational insertion into the cylindrical bore of a clamping member, thereby allowing the adaptor housing, the non-cylindrical retractor blade handle, and an attached retractor blade, to rotate about the longitudinal axis of the non-cylindrical retractor blade handle. In the illustrated embodiment, a pawl mechanism is connected to the adaptor housing and configured for automatic engagement with at least one of a plurality of serrations that are located on the non-cylindrical retractor blade handle, thereby allowing for the efficient adjustment and automatic locking of the linear position of the non-cylindrical retractor blade handle relative to the operative site.
US08696561B2 LEEP safety guard
A guard and guide apparatus and method is used with a speculum having jaws in a vagina to define a passage toward a cervix at an end of the vagina. The guard and guide apparatus has a guard body movable into the passage, the guard body having sides, a top and a bottom defining a tunnel toward the cervix for preventing contact between a probe and walls of the vagina. Flexible cervix panels are at the inner end of the guard body and extend toward the fornix of the cervix for covering the fornix to protect it from contact by the probe. A support fulcrum is provided in the guard body tunnel at a location between inner and outer ends of the guard body for supporting the probe handle to help a practitioner hold the probe handle steady and aim the probe accurately to a selected location on the cervix.
US08696560B2 Minimally open retraction device
A retractor having a pair of blades is disclosed. A ring having an opening is attached to one end of the blades. The blades define a channel therebetween. The blades may be pivotally coupled to the ring. The retractor may have at least two conditions. In a first condition, the retractor is insertable through an incision in a patient's skin to an operative site. In a second condition, the retractor may be manipulated for retracting tissue surrounding the operative site. Instruments, prostheses, or tissue may be inserted or removed through the channel of the retractor.
US08696556B2 Tissue retractors with fluid evacuation/infusion and/or light emission capability
Retractor apparatus including a blade and a fluid port and/or a light emitter associated with blade, and surgical systems including an arm and a retractor apparatus.
US08696554B2 Endoscope and medical system
An endoscope of the invention includes: an insertion portion including in a distal end portion thereof an image pickup portion for picking up an image of an object in a living body; an operation portion connected to a proximal end side of the insertion portion; a cable including a connector portion connectable to a processor for performing signal processing on a signal outputted when the image of the object is picked up; a light source portion for emitting light to illuminate the object, the light source portion being provided in the connector portion; a light transmitting portion for transmitting the light emitted from the light source portion to the distal end portion to emit the light to the object; and a heat-radiating portion capable of radiating heat emitted from the light source portion, the heat-radiating portion being provided in the connector portion.
US08696553B2 Automatic retractable syringe
An automatic retractable syringe includes a tubular body on which a syringe opening is provided; a piston body in whose pressing portion a vent hole VA is formed and in whose shaft portion a vent passage passing from the vent hole VA through inside to the front end portion is formed; and a spring which returns the pressed piston body to its original position. When the pressing portion is pressed by a thumb or other finger plugging the vent hole VA to move the piston body forward, air is supplied from the syringe opening. Subsequently, when the thumb or other finger is released, air flows into the tubular body through the vent hole VA and the vent passage, and the piston body automatically returns to its original position by the spring. Therefore, air can be consecutively supplied by repeatedly pressing the pressing portion.
US08696541B2 Systems and methods for photo-mechanical hearing transduction
Hearing systems for both hearing impaired and normal hearing subjects comprise an input transducer and a separate output transducer. The input transducer will include a light source for generating a light signal in response to either ambient sound or an external electronic sound signal. The output transducer will comprise a light-responsive transducer component which is adapted to receive light from the input transducer. The output transducer component will vibrate in response to the light input and produce vibrations in a component of a subject's hearing transduction pathway, such as the tympanic membrane, a bone in the ossicular chain, or directly on the cochlea, in order to produce neural signals representative of the original sound.
US08696536B2 Apparatus for folding a driver airbag cushion and method for folding the driver airbag cushion
An apparatus for folding a driver airbag cushion, including: a first plate where an airbag cushion is placed to be folded; a fixing jig that fixes the center portion of the airbag cushion on the first plate; a second plate that covers the fixed airbag cushion; a plurality of first press jigs that is inserted between the first plate and the second plate and circumferentially divides the airbag cushion into several sections by pressing inward the edge of the airbag cushion; and a plurality of second press jigs that is inserted between the first plate and the second plate and compresses the airbag cushion, which has been divided into several sections by the first press jigs, by pressing inward the edge of the airbag cushion.
US08696532B1 Exercise ball stabilizer
An exercise ball stabilizer apparatus includes a ball stabilizing assembly and a telescopically connected platform assembly to allow for length adjustment along an axial distance between the stabilizer assembly and the platform assembly. The stabilizer assembly is adjustable to accommodate different exercise ball diameters. The exercise ball is stably maintained within the stabilizer assembly, thereby providing a stable support during conventional exercise ball exercising activities.
US08696529B2 Adjustable weight exercise methods and apparatus
A vertical stack of weights is disposed beneath a base member, and at least one selector rod is rotatably mounted on the base member and selectively rotated into engagement with a desired number of the vertically stacked weights. A horizontal stack of weights is disposed on opposite sides of a base member, and at least one selector rod is movably mounted on the base member and selectively moved into engagement with the desired number of horizontally stacked weights. Various combinations of these arrangements may be used to provide adjustable resistance to exercise on dumbbells and/or weight stack machines.
US08696525B2 Track start block for swimming
A starting block for swimming equipped with a single curved surface to facilitate track starts while reducing the trip hazard of such a surface. This allows for safer mounting from rear and side steps and removes undesirable gaps in the top surface of the starting block. A pliable embodiment of said curved surface can modify the distance of the curvature from the leading edge of the starting block to adapt to different swimmer needs. An apparatus to obtain said distance for a given swimmer from a meet management system to modify the pliable embodiment for quick change during time-constrained events such as meets.
US08696516B2 Control device for vehicular drive system
A control device for a vehicular drive system having (i) an engine, (ii) an electrically controlled differential portion operative to control an operating state of an electric motor connected to a rotary element of a differential mechanism for power-transmissive state for thereby controlling a differential state between a rotation speed of an input shaft connected to the engine, and a rotation speed of an output shaft, and (iii) a shifting portion forming a part of a power-transmitting mechanism between the electrically controlled differential portion and drive wheels, the control device including high-speed rotation preventing means for preventing high-speed rotations of each rotary elements of both the differential mechanism and the shifting portion, when a drop occurs or drop occurrence is predicted, in a supplied hydraulic pressure applied to a hydraulically operated frictional engaging device of the shifting portion, to a level less than a given value, wherein the high-speed rotation preventing means reduces torque or rotation speed of an input shaft of the shifting portion by controlling the engine or the electric motor.
US08696508B2 Drive mechanism
A drive mechanism has a drive source which is connected by a main clutch to a transmission which is connected to wheels of the vehicle. The drive mechanism further includes two hybrid modules of which a first module is connected to the drive source and the second module is connected between the transmission and the wheels to the drive line. The first hybrid module has a flywheel and a flywheel clutch and the second hybrid module has a motor/generator and a further clutch.
US08696506B2 Device for a drivetrain of a hybrid vehicle, drivetrain and method for operating the same
A device for a drive train of a hybrid vehicle having a planetary gear set (4) including a ring gear (9), a sun gear (10) and a carrier (8). A first element of these elements of the planetary gear set serves as the connection to a transmission input shaft (11) of a transmission (3) and a second element of these elements of the planetary gear set serves as the connection to an electric machine (2) of a hybrid drive. A clutch (5) and associated shift element (6) by which, in a first shift position (A), a third element of the planetary gear set can be coupled to an internal combustion engine (1) of the hybrid drive while in a second shift position (B), can be coupled to one of the other elements of the planetary gear set (4).
US08696502B2 Chain transmission mechanism
The invention provides a chain transmission mechanism capable of alleviating impact and impact noise caused when a chain engages and contacts with a sprocket, of not increasing the impact and impact noise even if the chain transmission mechanism is driven in heavy load and in high speed, of reducing vibrations, breakage, wear and others of the chain and the sprocket and of improving its durability. Tooth bottoms of the sprocket are formed so as not contact any pin, bush or drive roller when the chain is wound around the sprocket as guide rollers rotatably supported coaxially with a pin of the chain rolls on a track along the guide rail provided on the side of teeth of the sprocket. The invention provides a guide rail around the sprocket to engage the chain and lighten its impact with the sprocket as the mechanism operates.
US08696500B2 Tensioner lever
In a pivoted tensioner lever extending upward from a pivot axis, both ends of boss through which a pivot shaft extends are provided with funnel-shaped grooves that guide oil adhering to the lever body into a region between the shaft and the inside of the boss. Oil guiding walls, continuous with the boss, and downwardly sloping reinforcing ribs with oil passages formed at their lower ends, increase flow of oil adhering to the lever body to the region between the shaft and the inside of the boss.
US08696496B2 Expert greenreading techniques
In order to reduce or eliminate bad green reads, the inventor has devised expert green reading techniques that allow a golfer to accurately and quickly read greens, thereby reducing scores and increasing enjoyment for the golfer. Rather than making a green read while being positioned behind the ball with respect to the cup as in conventional green reading techniques, in the disclosed expert green reading techniques a golfer takes a specific, precise, and consistent stance on or adjacent to a path between the ball and the cup.
US08696483B2 Golf club head with alignment markings
A golf club putter having an alignment pattern is disclosed herein. The alignment pattern has first and second long lines that approach each other as they extend from an aft region of the putter to a front region of the putter and, when the putter is properly aligned with a golf ball, create an optical illusion of convergence of said lines at or near a center of the golf ball without actually intersecting.
US08696480B2 Golf swing training apparatus
The present invention discloses a golf swing trainer for improving a golfer's drive, posture, and technique when swing a golf club. The golf swing trainer includes a base, two lateral arms, and inside and outside guides which form a corridor through which a golf club is swung. Other elongated members are disclosed for securing a golfer's waste with a harness, bracing their leg, and the like. These components allow a golfer to simulate a golf swing and practice posture and technique preparatory to driving an actual golf ball.
US08696474B2 Torque fluctuation absorber
A torque fluctuation absorber includes a first annular member, a second annular member arranged to be axially separated from the first annular member, an annular and dish-shaped first disc spring arranged between the first annular member and the second annular member, a first support portion arranged between the first annular member and the first disc spring and being partially or continuously in contact with the first disc spring on a circle passing through a first predetermined radial portion of the first annular member, and a second support portion arranged between the second annular member and the first disc spring and being partially or continuously in contact with the first disc spring on a circle passing through a second predetermined radial portion of the second annular member, the second predetermined radial portion being radially different from the first predetermined radial portion of the first annular member.
US08696469B2 Interactive asynchrounous computer game infrastructure
In embodiments of the present invention improved capabilities are described for a computer program product embodied in a computer readable medium that, when executing on one or more computers, receives a request for game play, and in response to the request, causing prior game play data to be retrieved, where the prior game play data was stored in response to prior game play of another user. Further, an asynchronous game play environment may be provided where an active participant, who made the request, is able to play against and interact with an apparently live participant based on the prior game play data.
US08696464B2 Enhanced method and apparatus for selecting and rendering performance data
Enhanced methodology and apparatus for use in a multi-player video game for generating a array of user selectable options for choosing real or computer generated users to play with and/or compete against. For example, in a simulated multiple driver racing game application, the user of a computing device is presented with an option for selecting any of various “ghost data” packages for downloading over a communication network such as the Internet. For example, the user may be presented with the option of selecting one of an array of ghost data packages to race against such as the top five buddies of the user with highest scores, five buddies with scores similar to a user's own score, and teams/groups of various varieties. A simulated race in a computing device initially occurs with objects and a playing field of relatively low graphic complexity, limited by constraints of the system's processing power and the associated limited number of polygons that can be processed per second, the resolution of the screen, etc. A more powerful rendering of such objects/playing field thereafter takes place in a server after the ghost/performance data is collected and uploaded.
US08696462B2 Game apparatus having general-purpose remote control function
A game apparatus is capable of controlling infrared radiation emitters for radiating infrared light. The game apparatus executes game processing using imaging information on the infrared light obtained from an input device. The input device takes an image of the infrared light radiated by the infrared radiation emitters, and also receives an input from a user. The game apparatus comprises pattern storage means; selection means; and radiation control means. The pattern storage means stores at least one signal pattern of an infrared signal usable by a control target device. The selection means selects at least one of the at least one signal pattern stored by the pattern storage means, using the input received by the input device. The radiation control means causes the infrared radiation emitters to output an infrared signal of the signal pattern selected by the selection means.
US08696460B2 Game controller with at least one intermediary locking position
A game controller having at least one arm mobile in relation to a base over a nominal range of displacement between two extreme positions, which implements a stopping mechanism of the aim 1n an intermediary locking position between the extreme positions to avoid reaching involuntarily a zone of the nominal range of displacement. An element of the stopping mechanism is removable and/or retractable with respect to the base so that this element is able to take two positions, an active position, wherein the stopping mechanism in the intermediary locking position is active and cooperates with the base and the arm, and an inactive position, wherein the stopping mechanism is inactive. The game controller also implements mechanical means of crossing the intermediary locking position under the action of a specific control carried out by a user when the stopping mechanism is active.
US08696446B2 System and method for conducting a game including a computer-controlled player
A system and method for conducting a game between at least one live player and at least one computer-controlled player includes executing a training program between at least two agents to generate probability weights correlating actions or meta-actions representing a set or sequenced set of actions with a probability that the action or meta-action will produce a game outcome meeting a specified criterion or specified criteria. A game is conducted in which at least one live player plays against at least one computer-controlled player in which the computer-controlled player selects actions at one or more of the decision nodes in the game based, at least in part, on the probability weights.
US08696435B2 Gaming system and a method of gaming
Gaming system(s) and/or method(s) are provided to implement a game including a first game and a second game. A gaming system includes a game controller arranged to control operation of a first game and a second game, and a display arranged to display representations of play of the second game. The representations include a selector having a plurality of outcome indicating parts and an indicator. The game controller is arranged to determine a second game outcome for the second game and control the indicator to indicate the outcome indicating part associated with the second game outcome. The second game outcome is dependent on operation of the first game.
US08696429B1 Method and apparatus for a wagering game with indicia developed paylines
In contrast to slot-type gaming machines with their preset paylines designating predetermined array positions, the paylines of this novel wagering game are unknown until the indicia in the array have been selected. The indicia are selected from a variety of indicium types, each having a different number of members for identifying adjacent indicia. The randomly selected indicia determine the paylines, if any, in the array. Conditions may be imposed that limit the size and geometry of the paylines in this wagering game.
US08696424B1 Gaming system and method providing a multiplayer Pai Gow draw poker game
Various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a gaming system and method providing a Pai Cow draw poker game. For a play of a card game, the gaming system provides a player set of cards to a player and a dealer set of cards to a dealer. The gaming system enables the player and the dealer to each discard a card from their respective sets of cards. If the player discards a card from the player set, the gaming system adds a draw card to the player set. If the dealer discards a card from the dealer set, the gaming system adds a draw card to the dealer set. The gaming system then enables the player and the dealer to each form two hands using their respective sets of cards, and determines any awards based on a comparison of the player and dealer hands.
US08696423B2 Entertainment process based on competition games with multiple choices
Entertainment system based on multiple choice competition games, characterized in that it comprises at least one terminal including connection means to a dedicated remote server (1), the system also comprising means of playing an extract of a recording with a configurable duration on at least one terminal (2, 3) comprising means of reproducing the recording, means of interaction with a user and means (21, 31) of connection with a dedicated remote server (1), means of asking a terminal user a question and suggesting multiple choice answers, the question being related to information characteristic of the extract of the recording, and the recording being selected by means independent of the terminal user.
US08696404B2 Systems for recycling slurry materials during polishing processes
Systems for recycling slurry materials during polishing processes are provided. One system includes a polisher having an inlet and drain outlet, and a slurry storage tank to supply a slurry including a preselected material to the polisher inlet, and a recycling assembly including a cross flow filter including an inlet to receive a waste slurry including the preselected material from the polisher drain outlet, where the cross flow filter is configured to concentrate the preselected material in an outlet slurry, a density meter configured to measure a concentration of the preselected material in the filter outlet slurry, a valve coupled to the filter outlet and configured to supply the slurry storage tank, and a controller coupled to the density meter and valve, where the controller is configured to open the valve when the concentration of the preselected material reaches a first concentration threshold.
US08696400B2 Shopping cart liner with toy attachment system
A shopping cart liner includes a body configured to nest in the child seat portion of a shopping cart. The body may define one or more openings positioned to enable the feet of a child seated in the shopping cart to protrude through the body, and the shopping cart liner includes a track at least partially embedded in a portion of the shopping cart liner. A clip is slidingly engaged with the track, and defines an opening for attaching an item to the shopping cart liner. An item such as a toy, teething ring, pacifier, or other item may be attached. The body may be padded, and, and may include one or more pockets. The shopping cart liner may include a seat belt for securing a child to the shopping cart liner, and may be used in combination with a pillow.
US08696398B2 Quick detach inflatable lifejacket
A personal flotation is provided having a body harness portion and an inflatable lifejacket portion. The body harness portion is positionable on a wearer. The lifejacket is positionable about the neck of the wearer, where the lifejacket portion is removably secured to the body harness portion with a quick release connector. The lifejacket can be removed from the wearer by decoupling lifejacket portion from the body harness portion, and removing the lifejacket portion from about the neck of the wearer. The body harness portion will remain positioned on the wearer.
US08696381B2 Electrical connector and method of making the same
An electrical connector (100) for electrically connecting an IC package with a substrate includes a number of conductive contacts (4), a number of grounding terminals (5), an insulative member (32) made of insulation materials locates around the conductive contacts (4) with insert-molded method and an electrical member (1) made of electrical resin locates around the insulative member (32) and the grounding terminals (5) with insert-molded method, the conductive contacts (4) are insulated from the electrical member (1) and the grounding terminals (5) are electrically connected with the electrical member (1).
US08696369B2 Electrical plug with main contacts and retractable secondary contacts
Aspects of the disclosure related to a plug module including main contacts that connect to conductors of an electrical cable and retractable secondary contacts that connect to a storage component installed on the plug module. The secondary contacts may be releasably latched in the retracted position. The secondary contacts may be biased to the extended position. The storage component may move along with the secondary contacts.
US08696365B1 System for defining, tracking, and analyzing student growth over time
Student growth can be defined, tracked, and analyzed using a method that comprises PLAN, ASSESS and REFLECT steps, potentially in conjunction with related sub-steps. This type of method can be facilitated using computer software that can be deployed over a remote network, and that can present a number of screens relevant to defining, tracking and analyzing student growth to a user.
US08696364B2 Systems and methods for computerized interactive training
Interactive electronic training systems and methods are described herein. Certain embodiments provide preprogrammed video, audio, and/or textual presentations of training materials which provide information related to skills/information to be trained. A scenario including real or animated actors is presented, simulating an interaction. The example training system presents related queries for the trainee who audibly responds. The training system stores a score based in part on a comparison of the trainee's response with an answer stored in training system memory. Optionally, the scores are substantially immediately presented by the system to the trainee.
US08696355B2 Artificial molar teeth
Maxillary molar teeth and mandibular molar teeth are formed so as to be different in intersection angles (vertical line angles) between vertical lines extending in a vertical direction to occlusal facets and occlusal planes. That is, the maxillary molar teeth and the mandibular molar teeth are formed so as to be different in intersection angles of vertical lines of the protrusive occlusal facet and retrusive occlusal facet respectively. The occlusal facets of at least one of buccal cusps of the maxillary molar teeth and lingual cusps of the mandibular molar teeth are designed so that at least one of the width in the mesiodistal direction and the width in the cuspal-cervical direction is smaller than the occlusal facets of the opposite cusps of the antagonist molar teeth.
US08696349B2 Staged combustion method using a low-oxygen gas
The invention relates to a method for the combustion of a fuel using an oxygenated gas, in which a jet of fuel and at least two jets of oxygen-rich oxygenated gas are injected. According to the invention, the first jet of oxygen-rich oxygenated gas, known as the primary jet, is injected such as to be in contact with the jet of fuel and to produce a first incomplete combustion, the gases produced by said first combustion comprising at least one part of the fuel, and the second jet of oxygen-rich oxygenated gas is injected at a distance I1 from the jet of fuel such as to combust with a first part of the fuel present in the gases produced by the first combustion. Moreover, a low-oxygen oxygenated gas is injected at a distance I2 from the jet of fuel such as to combust with a second part of the fuel present in the gases produced by the first combustion, I2 being greater than I1. The invention also relates to the burner used to carry out the method and to the use of said method for the heating of a glass filler or for a reheating furnace.
US08696345B2 Means for providing packaging material
Disclosed is an apparatus for providing packaging material, comprising a shaping device (25) that has a couple of motor-driven molding wheels or rolls, a housing support (15) with an interior, an inlet via which packaging material can be fed into the interior, and an outlet via which packaging material can be discharged from the interior in which the molding wheels are arranged. The molding wheels are rotatably mounted on the housing support and each define an axis of rotation. A continuous penetration shaft (23), the longitudinal direction of which extends substantially parallel to the two axes of rotation of the molding wheels, from the interior to the exterior of the housing support, is formed withing the housing support, said penetration shaft (23) being open towards the interior and towards an exterior of the housing support.
US08696333B2 Electric pump
An electric pump which includes a rotor rotationally supported by a housing at a rotation shaft, a stator positioned at an outer side in radial direction of the rotor and fixed to the housing, a pump portion for taking in and discharging fluid in response to a rotation of the rotor, and a can positioned in between the rotor and the stator for preventing the fluid in the pump portion from flowing into the stator. The can possesses conductivity. The stator is grounded via the can.
US08696327B2 Submersible pump motor cooling through external oil circulation
An electrical submersible pump motor has motor oil flowing through external circulation tubes for cooling the motor. A substantial portion of the exterior of each tube is submerged in and exposed to wellbore fluid. Heat is transferred from the motor to the motor oil, and then circulated through the external circulation tubes to conduct heat to the wellbore fluid. Internal or external motor oil pumps may be used to propel the motor oil through the circulation tubes. Guards or baffles may be used to protect the circulation tubes and to influence the flow of production fluid over the circulation tubes.
US08696321B2 Cavitation detection
There is disclosed an apparatus and method for detecting cavitation in fluid machines, for example pumps (100). In one embodiment a piezoelectric gasket (102) is used as a sensor to sense cavitation. In some embodiments highpass filters (302), (501) are used to detect ultrasonic acoustic signals in about the MHz range. If the energy in the MHz range is excessive then cavitation is deemed to be occurring and the speed of a motor (110) may be reduced in proportion to the degree of cavitation deemed to be occurring. In another embodiment (FIG. 5) the energy in the MHz range is normalized against the energy in the kHz range. Other sensors (600, 701) are also disclosed.
US08696311B2 Apparatus and method for gas turbine engine vane retention
A vane assembly of a gas turbine engine has a plurality of vanes extending radially and inwardly from an annular casing. An outer end of each vane radially and outwardly projects from the casing and is received in one of apertures defined in an elastomeric ring which is placed around the casing. A strap of a non-metallic material is placed in a pre-tensioned condition around the elastomeric ring to compress the elastomeric ring and to radially retain the outer end of each vane.
US08696298B2 Semiconductor manufacturing process modules
A variety of process modules are described for use in semiconductor manufacturing processes.
US08696297B2 Method and system for stabilizing an egg tray
The invention relates to an automated method for positioning eggs on a tray that comprises the automated detection of the presence/absence of eggs in the cells of a tray, and the picking-up of eggs from a supply and the placement thereof in the empty cells of a tray. The invention also relates to a system or positioning eggs on a stabilizing tray, the tray including evenly distributed cells in which the eggs are placed, one or more cells being likely not to contain eggs, this information being stored in an information processing unit, wherein said system includes a means in the form of a robot having an egg pick-up head that are driven by the information processing unit in order to pick up eggs from a supply tray and to place them in the empty cells of the stabilizing tray.
US08696296B2 Seed tender
Seed tender apparatus for holding one or more seed containers and including an inclined conveyor apparatus pivotable between a stowed configuration and a discharged configuration.
US08696282B2 Cantilever-type standoff
A cantilever-type standoff includes a column body, a plurality of cantilevers, a plurality of blocking plates, and a plurality of bumps. The cantilevers are respectively disposed on opposite end surfaces of the column body. The blocking plates are respectively parallel to the cantilevers. A plurality of clamping grooves are respectively defined by the blocking plates and the cantilevers. The bumps are respectively disposed on surfaces of the cantilevers facing the blocking plates.
US08696273B1 Device and method for restraining cargo
An I-shaped cargo restraint device for an intermodal shipping container having an internal wall with corrugations comprising: a central member having a pair of ends; a first wing associated with one of the ends for securing to one of the corrugations; a second wing associated with the other of the ends extending parallel to the first wing, the second wing being spaced apart from the first wing by about 5⅜ inches for securing to an other corrugation adjacent to said one corrugation; and a handle associated with the second wing. The cargo restraint device includes a top surface and a plurality of strengthening ribs disposed thereon. The cargo restraint device including a strengthening lip disposed on the top surface extending around a perimeter of the cargo restraint device. A method of restraining cargo in an intermodal shipping container having internal corrugated walls.
US08696271B2 Fastening nut and tool bit holding system
A fastening nut for fastening a receiving body and a collet together is disclosed. The fastening nut comprises a main body having an outer surface, a first end, and a second end distal to the first end and a plurality of blades located radially on the outer surface of the main body, wherein each blade is at an angle to the second end. The fastening nut is attachable on the receiving body for coaxial retention of the collet. Furthermore, axial rotation of the fastening nut creates a suction proximate the second end of the fastening nut. In one embodiment of the fastening nut, the plurality of blades protrude axially past the second end of the main body in a direction away from the first end. A tool bit holding system and a system and method for machining specimens comprising the fastening nut are also disclosed.
US08696269B2 Drill body as well as support pad therefor
A support pad intended for metal machining drills and of the type that includes an outer surface, an inner surface, front and rear end surfaces, as well as a pair of spaced-apart side surfaces, between the outer surface and at least the front end surface a convexly arched entering surface being formed that extends between, on one hand, a pair of front and rear borderlines, the rear one of which borders the outer surface, and, on the other hand, two tangentially spaced-apart side borderlines. The rear borderline of the entering surface has the shape of a convex arc line as viewed in planar view toward the outer surface, more precisely an arc line the crest of which is facing forward. In such a way, the position of the contact of the support pad with a hole wall can be predetermined in an exact way. The drill body may be equipped with one or more support pads.
US08696263B2 Cutting insert and cutting edge replaceable cutting tool
A cutting insert includes two end surfaces each having a main surface usable as an attachment surface to a tool body, a peripheral side surface extending between the two end surfaces and a plurality of cutting edge portions each formed at an intersection between each end surface and the peripheral side surface. Each cutting edge portion includes a corner edge formed at a corner of a related end surface, a major cutting edge extending from one end of the corner edge and extending so as to depart from an intermediate plane defined to be perpendicular to the first axis and to include the second axis, and a minor cutting edge extending from the other end of the corner edge and extending in a direction to approach the intermediate plane.
US08696260B2 Tool for machining, in particular longitudinal turning tool
The present invention relates to a tool for machining a workpiece, comprising a tool body, a cutting tool, and fastening means for fastening the cutting tool in a receiving recess of the tool body, the cutting tool having a cutting edge and a cutting-tool through-bore, and the tool body having a tool-body through-bore that opens into the receiving recess, wherein the fastening means comprises a clamping bushing that is provided with an internal thread, and comprises a clamping screw that is provided with an external thread corresponding to the internal thread of the clamping bushing, which are inserted into the cutting-tool bore or into the tool-body bore from opposing sides in order to fasten the cutting tool to the tool body, the clamping bushing is screwed directly to the clamping screw, irrespective of whether it is inserted into the cutting-tool bore or into the tool-body bore, and anti-rotation means are provided to prevent the clamping bushing from rotating about its longitudinal axis when being screwed and undone by means of the clamping screw.
US08696252B2 Rotary cutting tool having an adjustable cooling mechanism
A milling cutter, having an adjustable cooling mechanism, has a tool body having a body central bore. At least one flute is formed on a body peripheral face. Each flute comprises a first row of insert pockets and at least a second row of insert pockets axially rearwardly displaced from the first row. The cooling mechanism includes a center pin having at least two grooves axially spaced apart from one another along the length of the center pin. A relocatable seal is seated in one of the grooves. When the relocatable seal is seated in a first groove, the body central bore is in fluid communication with cooling holes associated with a first number of rows of inserts; when the relocatable seal is seated in a second groove, the body central bore is in fluid communication with cooling holes associated with a second number of rows of inserts.
US08696251B2 Mesh system
There is provided a mesh system (2) comprising a mesh sheet (4) and a reinforcing member in the form of a cable (6) coupled to one side of the sheet (4). The cable (6) is coupled to the mesh by wire ties (7). Two lengths (6a) and (6b) of the cable (6) may overlap or be disposed in a mutually adjacent manner. The lengths (6a) and (6b) may be coupled together by U-bolts or crimped bands (9), which may also engage the underlying sheet (4).
US08696250B2 Backfill system for retaining wall
A retaining wall system comprising an earth structure defining an earth surface, a wall system arranged on the earth surface, and a backfill structure arranged on the earth surface behind the wall system. The backfill structure comprises a base portion, a plurality of backfill members, and a cap portion. The base portion comprises at least one layer of loose backfill material. The plurality of backfill members are arranged in at least one course on top of the base portion. The cap portion comprises at least one layer of loose backfill material.
US08696237B2 Road paver with layer thickness measuring device
A road paver with a movable screed and with a layer thickness measuring device, which includes at least two sensors. The sensors are formed to carry out a distance measurement to the paving plane at intervals to determine a distance between the sensor and a point on the surface of the plane, said point being registered by the sensor. One of the two sensors defines a coordinate system. The layer thickness measuring device is formed to add as vectors the distance to the plane measured by the sensor that defines the coordinate system and a movement, relative to the plane and resulting from the driving of the road paver, of the coordinate system that is defined by the one sensor. In this way, a first vector can be determined which, together with a second vector, is used by the measuring device for determining the layer thickness of the laying material.
US08696235B2 Precast interconnectable concrete paver block for constructing paving surfaces
A precast concrete solid core paver block which has a first pair of flat parallel side walls and a second pair of transverse parallel side walls. One side has at least one block engaging projection in one or more portions thereof and spaced between a top and bottom surface of the paver block. The opposed side wall has a slot to receive in close sliding fit the at least one block engaging projection of an adjacent one of the paver blocks for side-by-side interengagement while permitting horizontal displacement of the adjacent paver block and the block engaging projection thereof while preventing vertical displacement thereof wherein a top face of the paver blocks lie in a substantially common planar surface. Spacers form open joints about each block in portions thereof to communicate with a support bed and form a permeable paved surface.
US08696228B1 Cosmetic marker
The current application is for a cosmetic marker device which applies a specifically formulated hair dye to the hair in a very controllable manner to the region proximate to hair roots to cover hair. Preferably, the hair is newly grown graying hair. The marker product of this invention employs a single fiber construction that delivers a specially formulated hair dye in a manner that enables the user to color just the area of hair that is of interest without staining the scalp to any large extent.
US08696225B2 Thermal printer and printing device
According to an aspect of the present invention, a thermal printer includes a housing in which a space is formed, printing means disposed in the housing, a cover disposed in the housing and which comes into contact with and separates from the housing when rotated, thereby opening and closing the space, urging means for urging the cover in a direction away from the housing, an engaging part which is disposed in the housing and which prevents the movement of the cover in a direction away from the housing when engaged with the cover, a pressed part which is disposed rotatably in the cover and which moves the engaging part when pressed, thereby releasing engagement between the cover and the engaging part, and elastic means arranged to urge the pressed part in a direction away from the engaging part.
US08696222B2 Image-pickup apparatus
An image-pickup apparatus includes a lead screw, a moving member, an image-pickup element, a mirror member that is capable of rotating between a first state and a second state, an urging member, and a first abutment member configured to abut against the mirror member when the mirror member is in the first state. An engagement portion parallel to a rotational axis of the mirror member is protruded from the mirror member. The engagement portion is held by both ends of the urging member when the mirror member rotates between the first state and the second state. A first end of the urging member elastically deforms so as to be apart from the engagement portion when the mirror member abuts against the first abutment member.
US08696221B2 Method for splicing an optical fiber element
The present invention relates to a method for splicing an optical fiber element (13, 23) of an optical cable (1, 2) reinforced with at least one strain relief fiber element (14, 24) and a splice effected by such method. In order to improve the strain resistance of the spliced optical cables (1, 2), the method according to the invention comprises the steps removing a jacket (11, 21) thereby exposing the optical fiber elements (13, 23) and the at least one strain relief fiber element (14, 24) of each of the two optical cables (1, 2) to be spliced, joining the optical fiber elements (13, 23) of the two optical cables (1, 2) to be spliced, providing a splicing sleeve (40) in such a way that it surrounds the joint of the two optical fiber elements (13, 23), attaching said splicing sleeve (40) against the circumferential surface of said optical cables (1, 2) thereby connecting the exposed strain relief fiber elements (14, 24) of the two optical cables (1, 2) to each other. The present invention furthermore provides a splice of two optical cables having improved strain resist which is characterized in that the strain relief fiber elements are connected to each other with the exposed optical fiber elements (13, 23) being surrounded by the sleeve.
US08696216B2 Optical module, method of producing optical module, optical transmission module, and electronic apparatus
An optical module has a support board, an optical transmission path, and at least a single optical element having a light receiving function or a light emitting function provided on the support board. A light emission surface of the optical transmission path or a light incidence surface of the optical transmission path is arranged such that the optical element and the optical transmission path are optically coupled to each other, with respect to a light receiving surface or a light emitting surface of the optical element. The optical element is sealed by a sealing agent. A gap is provided between the optical transmission path and the surface of the sealing agent on the light receiving surface or the light emitting surface of the optical element.
US08696205B2 Sliding bearing for structural engineering and materials therefor
A sliding bearing for structural engineering applications, in particular for civil works such as bridges, buildings, structures that are required at the same time to withstand vertical loads and to allow relative movements and/or rotations, and structures to be protected against seismic events, said bearing having a low friction coefficient and being suitable for being used in severe operating conditions, both due to the loads applied and to particularly high operating temperatures. The bearing, which is of the type comprising a first part (2) connected to a supporting structure (P), a second part (3) connected to an element (G) to be supported by the supporting structure (P) and means suitable for allowing said second part (3) to translate and/or rotate with respect to said first part (2), the means comprising plates (4) and/or strips of a low-friction polymer material, is characterized in that the low-friction material is a polyamide.
US08696201B2 Device and method for calibrating an X-ray detector, calibration apparatus and X-ray apparatus
A device and a method are disclosed, for energetic calibration of a photon-counting X-ray radiation detector by way of X-ray fluorescence radiation. The device includes a plurality of specifically selected elements, of which each element, upon being irradiated with electrons or with high-energy radiation, emits photons of X-ray fluorescence radiation of at least one specific or characteristic energy. The photons of X-ray fluorescence radiation of the at least one specific or characteristic energy are then useable or are used for energetic calibration of the photon-counting X-ray radiation detector. A calibration apparatus and an X-ray apparatus are also disclosed, which include such a device.
US08696198B2 Temperature recorder with RF transmission interface
A temperature recorder mainly includes a micro control unit (MCU), a temperature sensing circuit, a memory with RF transmission function, and at least one antenna unit. The MCU electrically connects to the temperature sensing circuit and the memory, and the antenna unit electrically connects to the memory. The temperature sensing circuit senses external temperature variations surrounding the temperature recorder, and the sensed temperature variations are progressed by the MCU and then stored into the memory in accordance with scheduled parameters. The temperature recorder can be connected externally through wired serial transmitting interface or wireless radio frequency (RF) transmitting interface when internal temperature data needs to be retrieved, or a new parameter needs to be written into the memory. Thus, the memory in the temperature recorder can be retrieved and written via both wired connection and wireless connection, the usage of the temperature recorder is more flexible.
US08696194B2 Detent escapement and mechanical timepiece including detent escapement
A detent escapement 100 includes an escape wheel 110, a balance 120 which has an impulse pallet 122 and an unlocking stone 124, and a blade 130 which has a locking stone 132. A one side actuating spring 140 which can contact the unlocking stone 124 is provided in the blade 130. When a working reference line 129, which is a line connecting the rotation center of the balance 120 and the rotation center of the blade 130, is set to a reference, the one side actuating spring 140 is disposed at an angle so that a distance of the tip of the one side actuating spring from the working reference line is increased as the tip is separated from the rotation center of the balance 120 in a side opposite to the side at which the escape wheel 110 is present. The one side actuating spring 140 is disposed between the locking stone support arm 131 and the one side actuating spring support arm 133.
US08696192B2 Multiple helical vortex baffle
A baffle includes a body member having a first surface, a second opposed surface, and an outer peripheral edge. An aperture may be formed through the body member so as to define an inner peripheral edge. The inner peripheral edge is distorted so as to be non-planar. An apparatus includes a first conduit having a first end, a second end, and a first channel extending therebetween. At least one baffle is disposed in the first channel and includes a body member having a first surface, a second opposed surface, and an outer peripheral edge. At least one aperture may be formed through the body member to define an inner peripheral edge. The inner peripheral edge is distorted so as to be non-planar. A second conduit may be disposed inside the first conduit and extend through the aperture in the baffle. The apparatus may, for example, be configured as an ultraviolet light reactor, a heat exchanger, or a static mixer.
US08696190B2 Method and apparatus for preparing and inertial placing with compacting a concrete mix
The invention relates to methods and apparatus for a vibration-free placement of the concrete and for placement and enforced speed inertial compaction of the concrete under a high pressure. The method permits to optimize the values of the compaction factor of the concrete mix being placed without vibration. Whereupon, in the case of variation assigning and implementing (adjusting and optimizing) the integral indices of the mix, and/or the plume modes, and/or the space medium characteristics, increasing the concrete strength in early time of the concrete curing, increasing the width of the placed and compacted mix in one step of concreting, reducing the mix losses in the case of placing with compacting the concrete mix. The method implements a stage of concreting under super-high pressure using a speed force inertial characteristic of components, wherein the steps are joined into the continuous serial process of the steps of: preparing the mix, unloading and transporting thereof, reconstructing the stream, discharging the mix stream for placing with compacting thereof, particularly by means of stabilizing the uniformity of the concrete mix. The apparatus is designed for implementing the method.
US08696189B2 Light-guild-plate positioning sheet and corresponding backlight module
The present invention provides a light-guide-plate (LGP) positioning sheet, which comprises: a fixing portion used to fix the LGP positioning sheet onto a fixing frame of a backlight module, a positioning portion used to abut against and position a light guide plate, and a connecting portion used to connect the fixing portion and the positioning portion. The present invention is further related to a backlight module. According to the LGP positioning sheet and the backlight module of the present invention, the LGP positioning sheet can efficiently ensure the complete alignment between a light emitting diode (LED) light source and a light input side surface of the light guide plate, so as to increase the light utilization rate of the light guide plate.
US08696187B2 Surface light source device, optical member, and display device
An optical member includes a first optical sheet, and a second optical sheet disposed on the light exit side of the first optical sheet. The optical sheets each include a body portion, and unit shaped elements arranged side by side on the body portion. The ratio of the height of the unit shaped elements relative to the arrangement pitch of the unit shaped elements in the first optical sheet is smaller than that in the second optical sheet.
US08696183B2 Backlight module
A backlight module has a light guide plate, a notch structure, a light absorption layer, and at least one light source. The light guide plate has a light-emitting surface and at least one side surface forming an angle with the light-emitting surface. The notch structure is continuously formed on the side surface and concave towards the inside of the light guide plate. The light absorption layer is distributed on an area substantially overlapping the notch structure, and the light source is stored in the notch structure.
US08696182B2 Display device and backlight unit for improving uniformity of brightness
Disclosed are a display device and a backlight unit. The display device comprises a flexible light guide plate, a light source disposed at one side of the light guide plate, and a support member disposed in opposition to the light guide plate and the light source to support the light guide plate. The support member allows the light source and the light guide plate to have constant interval therebetween, and prevents the light source and the light guide plate from being tilted each other. The display device and the backlight unit ensure improved brightness and brightness uniformity.
US08696181B2 Vehicular lamp with optical axis adjusting device
A vehicular lamp with an optical axis adjusting device includes a housing, a reflector assembly pivotably mounted to the housing, a light source assembly mounted to the reflector assembly, and the optical axis adjusting device mounted to the reflector assembly. The optical axis adjusting device includes a threaded shaft and a fulcrum. The fulcrum is pivotably mounted to the reflector assembly and threaded with the threaded shaft. When the threaded shaft is rotated, the fulcrum can move along the axial direction of the threaded shaft and drive the reflector assembly to pivot with respect to the housing, so the angle of the optical axis of the vehicular lamp can be adjusted.
US08696178B2 Apparatus, method, and system for roadway lighting using solid-state light sources
Disclosed herein are apparatus, methods, and systems for illuminating roadways, paths, tunnels, bridges, and areas adjacent to such in a manner which minimizes glare and/or other adverse lighting effects commonly experienced by night-time drivers. According to aspects of the invention, horizontal and vertical aiming of a plurality of solid-state light sources permits projected light from a fixture to be tailored to roadway features (e.g., bends in the road) and in some cases, permits the mounting height of fixtures to be reduced which can make the envisioned system a cost-effective alternative to traditional roadway lighting.
US08696177B1 Workshop accessory
A garage or work shop utility device provides a mobile base with wheels and a vertical support structure that can accept numerous attachments designed to aid in the performance of garage or work shop tasks.
US08696176B2 Self-cooling, controllable light effects device
A self cooling light effects device for use in a standard light bulb socket having a socket adaptor, surface embedded LEDs as means to generate light effects, means to control light effects, and means for cooling. Fiber optic cables provide further light effects. Means to control light effects may include a logic board. Means for cooling may be any combination of fans, heat sinks, heat pipes, thermoelectric cooling, a heat conductive filler, and a heat conductive housing.
US08696175B2 Light emitting diode and lens for the same
A lens for a light emitting diode is formed with a material having a refractive index of n, and the lens includes a base, a first curved circumferential surface extending from the base, a curved center-edge surface extending from the first curved circumferential surface, and a curved centermost surface extending from the curved center-edge surface. The base includes a groove for receiving a light emitting chip therein. In the lens, a distance from a center of the base to a point of the curved center-edge surface is always shorter than the radius of curvature for the point of the curved center-edge surface. The curved centermost surface has a concave shape with respect to the base. In addition, when an obtuse angle formed between a main axis of the lens and a tangent line of a point of the curved centermost surface is A1, and an acute angle formed between a straight line linking the center of the base to the point of the curved centermost surface and the main axis of the lens is A2, the lens satisfies the equation: A1+A2<90+sin−1(1/n).
US08696166B2 Kinetic flame device
An apparatus for creating flickering flame effects. The apparatus includes a housing with an interior space with first and second stages. A drive mechanism generates a time varying electromagnetic field extending into the first stage. A first pendulum member is pivotally mounted in the interior space of the first stage and includes first and second magnets on first and second ends, with the first end proximate to the drive mechanism such that the first magnet interacts with the varying electromagnetic field to cause movement of the pendulum member. The apparatus includes a second pendulum member pivotally mounted in the second stage with a magnet on a first end proximate to the second end of the first pendulum member. A flame silhouette element extends from the second pendulum member, and a light source transmits light onto the flame silhouette, which is moving due to the magnetic coupling of the pendulum members.
US08696157B2 Heat sink and LED cooling system
A heat sink for cooling LEDs, which includes a heat sink housing which is configured as a finned concentric tube configuration. Also, an LED heat sink assembly and an LED cooling system which include a heat sink housing which is configured as a finned concentric tube configuration. Also, a method for cooling LED modules.
US08696148B2 Screws as bracket mounting element
A mirror base is proposed that is extruded at least partially out of plastic and which retains its rigidity via long steel bolts, which at the same time produce the fastening to the vehicle.
US08696133B2 Projection optical system and image projecting device
A projection optical system (6) comprises a relay optical system (61), a PBS prism (71), and two projection lenses (81). The image light beam from a DMD (5) enters the PBS prism (71) via the relay optical system (61), is polarization-split there, and is directed to a screen by means of the two projection lenses (81). Displaying an image by means of the DMD (5) is controlled while the polarized states of the light beams produced by the polarization split by means of the PBS prism (71) are controlled. Thereby, a three-dimensionally viewable image and a high-resolution image created by pixel-offset can be projected. Since the relay optical system (61) is provided, the lens backs of the projection lenses (81) can be shortened, and the projection lenses (81) and further the projection optical system (6) can be made compact.
US08696132B2 Image display system, image control apparatus, image control method, and optical shutter in which plural kinds of information are multiplexed and displayed on a display surface
An image display system includes: display unit (13) for spatially combining a first polarized image generated by first polarized light and a second polarized image generated by second polarized light having a polarized light component different from that of the first polarized light and displaying a combined polarized image; display control unit (1) for causing display unit (13) to multiplex-display a plurality of different images in a time division manner concerning each of the first and second polarized images; and optical shutter (14) that selectively transmits only a polarized image corresponding to a selected image arbitrarily selected from among the plurality of different images.
US08696129B2 Method and system for color correction for three-dimensional (3D) projection
A method and system are disclosed for producing a color-corrected stereoscopic film for three-dimensional (3D) projection. Based on color measurements performed with different optical configurations of a projection system, at least one dye density adjustment can be determined for reducing discoloration in projected stereoscopic images that arises from one or more optical components in the projection system.
US08696120B2 Systems and methods for determining intraocular lens power
The present invention relates to devices, systems and methods for determination or selection of a lens power based on the postoperative vitreous length of an eye. The measurement of VLpre is highly predictive in calculating the postoperative vitreous length, from which the position of the implanted intraocular lens or optic can be derived, and then selection of the appropriate lens power.
US08696119B2 Systems and methods for determining intraocular lens power
The present invention relates to devices, systems and methods for determination or selection of a lens power based on the postoperative vitreous length of an eye. The combined measurements of VLpre, ACDpre, AL, and/or LT are highly predictive in calculating the postoperative vitreous length, from which the position of the implanted intraocular lens or optic can be derived, and then selection of the appropriate lens power.
US08696115B2 Comfortable ophthalmic device and methods of its production
This invention relates to comfortable ophthalmic devices and methods of producing such devices by treating said ophthalmic lens with a wetting agent and packaging solution.
US08696113B2 Enhanced optical and perceptual digital eyewear
Improved wearable optics is disclosed. The wearable optics comprises a frame member and a lens. The wearable optics also includes circuitry within the frame member for enhancing the use of the wearable optics. A system and method in accordance with the present invention is directed to a variety of ways to enhance the use of eyeglasses. They are: (1) media focals, that is, utilizing the wearable optics for its intended purpose and enhancing that use by using imaging techniques to improve the vision of the user; (2) telecommunications enhancements that allow the eyeglasses to be integrated with telecommunication devices such as cell phones or the like; and (3) entertainment enhancements that allow the wearable optics to be integrated with devices such as MP3 players, radios, or the like.
US08696109B2 Inkjet recording apparatus
An image forming apparatus may include a mechanism for forming a corrugated shape in a sheet to be conveyed. The mechanism may include various components include one or more pressing portions, one or more ribs, one or more discharge rollers, a switching mechanism and the like. In one arrangement, ribs and pressing portions configured to create the corrugated shape may be disposed at various locations upstream or downstream of the platen, recording portion and/or nozzles thereof. In one example, pressing portions may be disposed both upstream and downstream of the nozzles of the recording portion to maintain a corrugated shape in the conveyed sheet. Various other configurations may be used.
US08696107B2 Print media jam clearance assembly
Example embodiments disclosed herein relate to a print media jam clearance assembly for use in a printing device. The print media jam clearance assembly includes a first print medium jam clearance position and a second print medium jam clearance position. This is accomplished, in part, by a repositionable platen of the printing device.
US08696096B2 Laminated ink supply structure mounted in ink distribution arrangement of an inkjet printer
An ink distribution assembly for distributing different inks from respective ink sources to a plurality of print chips which together define an inkjet printhead. The assembly includes: a longitudinal distribution molding having an ink duct for each of the different inks extending longitudinally therealong; an ink inlet port corresponding to each ink duct, each ink inlet port being in fluid communication with a respective ink source for delivering ink from each ink source to a respective one of the ink ducts; and a laminated ink distribution stack in fluid communication with the distribution molding for distributing ink from the ducts to the print chips.
US08696084B2 Method of controlling printing in a printer, and a printer
A printer enables setting roll paper in a center-referenced position based on received paper width information, and printing correctly to the printing area of the paper set to the centered position. When the paper width of the paper used for printing is not contained in the received data, the printer sets the paper width of the paper for printing to the maximum paper width. The distance L from the edge of the transportation path to the start printing position of the inkjet head is also set to L=Lm (where Lm is the size of the margin on the paper). When the paper width is contained in the received data, the position where the paper is set is the center reference, and the received paper width is set as the paper width of the paper used for printing.
US08696082B2 Counteracting expansion effects of moisture on media within fluid-ejection device
Expansion effects of moisture on media resulting from ejection of fluid by the fluid-ejection device onto the media within a print zone in accordance with a portion of a print job are inferred. In response to inferring the expansion effects of moisture on the media, an action is performed to counteract the expansion effects of moisture on the media.
US08696078B2 Coupling device for drawers
A device for releasably coupling a drawer to a retractable rail of a drawer retraction guide includes a locking part which can be releasably locked to releasably couple the drawer to the retractable rail of the drawer retraction guide; a handle part which is designed to be actuated by hand and allows the locking part to be released relative to the retractable rail of the drawer retraction-guide; and an opposite retaining part between which retaining part and the locking part the rail is accommodated in the mounted position. The locking part can be moved into a direction pointing away from the opposite retaining part by a hand applying pressure to the handle part, the opposite retaining part being provided with at least one resilient tongue.
US08696054B2 Enhanced compatibility for a linkage mechanism
Provided is a linkage mechanism for a recliner that includes a seat rail, an arm mounting plate that is vertically supported by one or more legs, a footrest assembly adapted to extend ottoman(s) when the recliner is adjusted from a closed to an extended position, and a roller link that translates forward when the recliner is adjusted from the extended position to a reclined position. The arm mounting plate includes a forward guide slot and a rearward guide slot having respective tracks installed thereto. The roller link includes a forward roller and a rearward roller that are rotatably coupled thereto. Further, the forward and rearward rollers are moveably engaged to the tracks of the forward and rearward guide slots, respectively, facilitating the forward translation of the roller link. A pair of substantially parallel-spaced TV links act in cooperation to pivotably couple the roller link to the arm mounting plate.
US08696049B2 Vehicle body structure
A vehicle body structure includes a cowl extending in a vehicle transverse direction at an upper rear section of an engine compartment, an air inlet to introduce outside air into a vehicle cabin from the cowl, a fluid discharge channel provided at the bottom of the cowl, the fluid discharge channel inclined to guide fluid entering the cowl to a drain opening disposed at a transverse end of the cowl, a one-way valve disposed inside the cowl at a position corresponding to the drain opening, the one-way valve including a flapper operable to open and close the drain opening in response to a differential pressure generated when air flows through the air inlet and a frame comprising a valve opening corresponding to the drain opening, wherein the one-way valve covers the drain opening.
US08696047B2 Retractable air deflection apparatus for reduction of vehicular air drag
An air deflection apparatus for reduction of vehicular air drag comprises at least two air deflection elements coupled to a rear portion of the vehicle but not to the rear-facing surface of the vehicle or, in other embodiments, at least two air deflection elements coupled to a rear portion of the vehicle but not to any rear door which the vehicle may have. The air deflection elements are displaceable, preferably in unison, between a retracted position and at least one deployed position, and may be deployed and retracted manually, or remotely with powered assistance, or under microprocessor control. The air deflection elements are preferably arranged above, below and on either side of the rear-facing surface of the vehicle, with at least the latter two air deflection elements having matching configurations, and in some embodiments, with one or more of the air deflection elements being associated with a frame within which it is substantially disposed when in the retracted position. Vehicles equipped with the apparatus, and methods of reducing vehicular air drag using the apparatus, are also disclosed.
US08696046B2 Tailgate hinge retaining mechanism
A tailgate hinge retaining mechanism for a truck bed. The retaining mechanism can have a post bracket and a tailgate bracket. A retaining bracket is also included and attached to the tailgate bracket, the retaining bracket having a sleeve with an offset slot that prevents the tailgate bracket from being undesirably removed from the post bracket.
US08696031B2 Oriented image coating on transparent substrate
The present invention discloses a security element comprising a transparent substrate and a magnetically oriented image coating on said substrate, wherein said image coating is preferably laid out such as to show a 3-dimensional effect, appearing in positive or negative relief respectively, if observed form the recto- or the verso side, respectively. The security element can be easily identified by the unaided eye, by just turning around the document and observing the angle-dependent image on either side. On the other hand, the security element cannot be reproduced by scanning or copying the document.
US08696027B2 Positioner of safety belt for vehicles
Vehicle seatbelt positioner for pregnant women and persons with abdominal problems that acts on the shoulder strap and the lap belt, coupled to the user, easy to install and remove, which prevents an incorrect positioning of the seatbelt that could harm the user in case of accident.
US08696022B2 Air bag with variable venting
An apparatus (10) for helping to protect an occupant (20) of a vehicle (12) comprises an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14) inflatable between a vehicle surface (36) and the vehicle occupant. A vent (160) releases inflation fluid from the protection device (14). The vent (160) includes a vent opening with a flow area that can be adjusted to throttle inflation fluid flow through the vent. A tether (150) has a first connection with the vent (160) and a second connection with the protection device (14). Tension on the tether (150) throttles the vent (160). The second connection of the tether is positioned on the protection device (14) such that deployment of the protection device throttles the vent (160) toward an actuated condition, and occupant (20) penetration into the protection device throttles the vent toward a non-actuated condition.
US08696017B2 Chair with a height-adjustable seat
A chair for use by a person with limited lower-body mobility, the chair having a height adjustable seat and chair sides that fold down to form a ramp or bridge to facilitate lateral movement by a user between the chair and an adjacent surface.
US08696006B2 Lateral cover for a wheeled vehicle
A vehicle has a cockpit area and lateral passages for the ingress and egress of a rider to and from the cockpit area. At least one lateral flexible cover selectively extends at least partially across at least one of the lateral passages. The cover has at least one upper attachment point connected to the roll cage, at least one lower attachment point connected to one of the frame and the roll cage, and a forward attachment point selectively connected to one of the frame and the roll cage. When the forward attachment point is connected to the one of the frame and the roll cage, the at least one lateral flexible cover extends forwardly and downwardly from the at least one upper attachment point to the forward attachment point, and forwardly and upwardly from the at least one lower attachment point to the forward attachment point.
US08696003B2 Front axle support with arrangement of a steering gear and a front axle stabilizer
A front axle support is provided with arrangement of a steering gear and a front axle stabilizer. The front axle support has receptacles for fastening the steering gear and for fastening the front axle stabilizer with screw connections. The steering gear and the front axle stabilizer are fixed on a common fitting. The common fitting is disposed with a common screw connection on the front axle support.
US08696001B1 Skateboard bindings
A binding for a skateboard and a skateboard with bindings are disclosed. The skateboard with bindings have a platform having a longitudinal length and a transverse width; a pair of wheel trucks, spaced apart and attached to a bottom side of the platform; a pair of wheels spaced apart from each other across the transfers width of the platform and attached to each of the wheel trucks, the wheels for supporting the platform on an external surface; and at least one binding comprising engagement portion for receiving direction from a user's foot and a support shaft attaching to the platform, the engagement portion extending above an upper side of the platform.
US08695993B2 Transportation device with pivoting axle
Devices and methods of transport are disclosed. Various embodiments include structural aspects related to steering and changing the direction of conveyances including features which utilize leaning or shifting of weight as part of turning.
US08695986B2 Cylinder head gasket assembly
A static cylinder head gasket assembly includes an inner distance layer having an opening extending between opposite planar sides with the opening being configured to register with a cylinder bore of an internal combustion engine. A plurality of inner functional layers overlie each of the opposite sides of the inner distance layer. The inner functional layers have axially aligned, nested annular sealing beads extending about the opening in the distance layer. The gasket assembly further includes a plurality of outer functional layers separate from the inner functional layers. The outer functional layers have annular inner peripheries spaced axially from one another to provide a gap configured to receive at least a portion of the inner distance layer therein. The outer periphery of the inner distance layer is captured axially between the outer functional layers and thus, the inner distance layer is prevented from being disassembled from the outer functional layers.
US08695982B2 Modified wagering game systems and methods
Systems and methods for providing, conducting and modifying an underlying wagering game involving standard playing cards, comprising the steps of providing one or more randomly ordered decks of playing cards; receiving a wager on the final outcome of the underlying game; dealing the playing cards according to the rules of the underlying game; comparing each playing card dealt with a preset criteria, wherein the preset criteria includes at least one identifiable characteristic associated with at least one card of the standard playing cards; and applying a game feature responsive to the satisfaction of the preset criteria, wherein the game feature immediately advances the game to a final outcome.
US08695977B2 Apparatus and method for triple-gate diverter
Apparatus and methods for handling items of currency using a triple gate diverter are provided. An apparatus is provided that comprises first, second and third diverter members (100, 200, 300) that are adapted for rotational/pivotal movement with respect to another. Each of the diverter members (100, 200, 300) is coupled to a longitudinal shaft (400), itself defining a central longitudinal axis of the triple gate diverter.
US08695976B2 Sheet conveyor device
A sheet conveyor device may include a first portion configured to move, a cam configured to move in response to movement of the first portion, and a guide portion configured to move between first and second positions in response to the movement of the cam, to choose a first or second conveying path for a sheet. The cam may cause the guide portion to remain in position even if the first portion is moved a small amount, thereby helping to reduce the likelihood of paper jams arising from undesired movement of the guide portion.
US08695974B2 Image forming device
An image forming device includes a sheet container, an image former that forms an image on a surface of a sheet conveyed from the sheet container, and a re-conveyor that re-conveys the sheet to the image former which forms another image on an opposite surface of the sheet. The re-conveyor includes a first conveyance roller set and a second conveyance roller set that convey the sheet therebetween. The first conveyance roller set includes a first driving roller that receives a driving force and a first pinch roller that contacts the surface. The second conveyance roller set includes a second driving roller that receives the driving force and a second pinch roller that contacts the surface. The first driving roller has a greater coefficient of friction than the first pinch roller. The second pinch roller has a greater coefficient of friction than the first pinch roller.
US08695964B2 Sheet conveying device
A sheet conveying device to convey a sheet in a sheet path is provided. The sheet conveying device includes a separator roller, which is arranged to be rotatably in contact with the sheet to apply conveying force to the sheet, a pad assembly including a separator pad, which is arranged to be in contact with the sheet stack to apply convey resistance to the sheet stack, and a holder, which is swingably attached to a base member and holds the separator pad, the base member being in a fixed position with respect to the separator roller, a spring, which urges the pad assembly toward the separator roller, and a slidable member, which is attached to the pad assembly to be integrally movable with the pad assembly and to be slidably in contact with a first slidable section in the base member.
US08695962B2 Device and method for generating a controllable reciprocal movement of a moveable mechanical element
A device for generating a controllable reciprocal movement of a moveable mechanical element between a first stop point and a second stop point. At least one drive element is moved continuously with reciprocal movement between two turning points. A coupling device with a controllable coupling serves for the selective coupling of the mechanical element to the drive element. The coupling device further features a freewheel and is arranged such that in the active state of the coupling the mechanical element is coupled to the at least one drive element during a first half-cycle of the movement of the drive element and is moved from the first stop point to the second stop point, and during a second half-cycle of the movement of the drive element is substantially uninfluenced by the drive element due to the action of the freewheel.
US08695953B2 Distribution tray, vessel, or method relating thereto
One exemplary embodiment may be a distribution tray for a vessel. Generally, the distribution tray includes a member, a compartment, and an insert. The member can form a first side and a second side. Typically, the first side is adapted to receive a liquid thereon. Additionally, the member can form a plurality of openings. Usually, the compartment extends through the member with a first portion protruding from the first side and a second portion protruding from the second side, and is adapted to permit the passage of a fluid there-through. The insert may be positioned within the compartment to constrict and then expand the passage of the fluid there-through.
US08695951B2 Carburettors
A carburettor includes a primary air passage (19), an adjustable throttle valve (8) situated within the primary air passage, a fuel supply nozzle (28) communicating with the primary air passage and connected to a fuel metering valve for varying the amount of fuel discharged through the nozzle. The fuel metering valve includes an elongate sleeve (32) movably accommodating an elongate valve member (33). The sleeve and valve member define a fuel inlet space (35). A fuel inlet (37) communicates with the fuel inlet space. A fuel outlet (39) passes through the wall of the sleeve (32) and communicates with the fuel supply nozzle (28). A portion of the outer surface of the valve member (33) is so profiled that the valve member (33) is movable relative to the sleeve (32) such that the area of communication between the fuel inlet space (35) and the outlet (39) varies progressively between a maximum and a minimum value.
US08695949B2 Fence assembly
An improved fence assembly is comprised of a plurality of pickets, an inner rail and an outer rail. The pickets are vertically oriented and attached to the inner rail. The inner rail has an upper locking seat, a lower locking seat and a recess between the seats. The fasteners attaching the inner rail to the pickets have their heads entirely enclosed within the recess. The outer rail snap fits over the inner rail. The outer rail is securely attached to the inner rail, but it may slide along the inner rail. The outer rail has an upper locking tang, a lower locking tang and a tensioning wall. These components slidingly interlock with the inner rail locking seats to provide a fence assembly wherein the outer rail is slidingly attached to the inner rail and the fasteners securing the inner rail to the pickets are hidden.
US08695933B2 Adjustable foot, in particular a rear foot, for an electric household appliance
An adjustable foot for an electric household appliance having a body integrally fastenable to a casing of the electric household appliance, a stem carried by the body so as to vertically slide, a support element associated with a lower end of the stem, a first screw mechanism operatively associated with the stem and provided with anti-rotation portion cooperating with the body, a toothed wheel carried by the body so as to be coaxial to the stem and idle about a substantially vertical symmetry axis of the latter, a second screw mechanism operatively associated with the toothed wheel and cooperating with the first screw mechanism for vertically translating the stem in response to a rotation of the toothed wheel.
US08695922B2 Aircraft fuselage structure and method for its production
An aircraft fuselage structure with frames (11) running transversely with respect to the longitudinal direction of the fuselage, and main deck cross members (14) is disclosed. The aircraft fuselage structure contains premanufactured integral units (10) which each comprise at least the lower region of the fuselage frame (11) and the main deck cross member (14), the fuselage frame (11) and a region (14a) of the main deck cross member (14) that spans at least an essential part of the width of the main deck and merges on both sides into the fuselage frame (11) being premanufactured in the form of an integral component.
US08695906B2 Combination herb storage, grinder and pouring container
A combination herb storage, grinder and pouring container includes a grinding and pouring cup having grinding elements. A cap is removably attached to the grinding and pouring cup. An herb storage receptacle is nested within the cup and cap. The receptacle defines an herb storage compartment having grinding elements extending therefrom so as to be disposed adjacent to the grinding elements of the cup, so as to selectively grind herbs placed between the storage receptacle and the cup. Preferably, the cup and cap are removably locked to one another, and an airtight and watertight seal formed between the cap, cup and storage receptacle.
US08695905B1 Pasteles maker
An electrically-powered food processor apparatus with special features to aid in the processing of foodstuffs, particularly for Latin American recipes comprises a central hopper with a large open top. A top mounted central crank turns a blade disc located on the bottom inside surface of the hopper. The cutting design of the blade disc is such that the foodstuffs that are cut are the ideal size for use in recipes such as pasteles and alcapurrias. The blade disc can be interchangeable for other blade discs that allow for thinner foodstuffs, thicker foodstuffs, or special serrated designs.
US08695902B2 Water sprinkler
A water sprinkler includes a base defining a first cavity and an outflow opening, a conduit assembly positioned in said first cavity and defining a first channel and a second channel, and said first channel defining a first channel inlet and a first channel outlet, and further said second channel defining a second channel inlet and a second channel outlet, and a timer mechanism having a timer inlet and a timer outlet, said timer mechanism being configured to operate in (i) a first mode in which fluid is allowed to pass between said timer inlet and said timer outlet, and (ii) a second mode in which fluid is prevented from passing between said timer inlet and said timer outlet, wherein said first channel outlet is positioned in fluid communication with said timer inlet, wherein said second channel inlet is positioned in fluid communication with said timer outlet, and wherein said base and said conduit assembly are configured so that fluid advancing through the water sprinkler must pass through both (i) said second channel outlet, and (ii) said outflow opening.
US08695879B1 Fraud prevention
A method of preventing fraud, and a fraud prevention terminal, are described. The method comprises: detecting an unauthorized reader in the vicinity of a dip card reader, and closing a pin to prevent a card being inserted into the dip card reader.
US08695874B2 Check cashing banking system that operates responsive to data read from data bearing records
A card actuated automated banking machine (152,198,200) includes a plurality of transaction function devices. The transaction function devices include a card reader (170), a printer (174), a bill dispenser (176), a display (182), a check imaging device (186), and at least one processor (190). The machine is operative, responsive to receiving a check and certification data, to dispense cash in exchange for the check. The person presenting the check to the machine need not provide user identifying inputs through input devices of the machine in order to receive cash for the check. Furthermore, prior to accepting the check as a payment, the person can communicate with a least one computer (204) through at least one consumer interface device (208) to verify that the check is payable for the check amount.
US08695868B2 Compositions and methods for dissimilar material welding
Devices and methods of welding dissimilar materials are contemplated in which an adaptor is used in an intermediate position between the dissimilar materials. Most preferred adaptors are manufactured by friction stir welding from two dissimilar materials that are identical or similar to the dissimilar materials to be welded together. Therefore, coupling of dissimilar materials in the field via the adaptors is greatly simplified as conventional welding methods can now be employed.
US08695864B1 Magnetic coupling for surgical stapler
A surgical tool may include a circular surgical stapler and an anvil initially disconnected and separate from the surgical stapler; where at least one of the circular surgical stapler and the anvil is magnetic.
US08695862B2 Oscillation reducing suspension device for a fan motor of a combustion-powered tool
An oscillation reducing suspension device for a fan motor of a combustion-powered tool includes a rigid axial-play setting unit mounted on an upper major surface of a cylinder head, and having upper and lower limit defining members that are spaced apart from each other by an axial play route, a suspending mount configured to keep the fan motor oriented in a rotary axis, and having a lug which extends radially into the axial play route to divide the axial play route into proximate and distal regions, and an elastomeric damper unit having upper and lower damping members respectively disposed in the distal and proximate regions. By virtue of the rigid mount supporting the fan motor, and the resilient damper unit coupling the mount and the cylinder head, the fan motor is firmly secured to the cylinder head, and axial oscillation of the fan motor is reduced.
US08695855B2 Dosage-dispensing unit for dosage material of a powdery or granular consistency
A unit for dispensing a dosage material of a powdery or granular consistency has a housing and at least one dispensing head. At least one reservoir cavity is formed inside the housing and serves to receive dosage material. The at least one dispensing head is formed of an elastomeric material. The dispensing head has an outlet which is slit-shaped in its non-deformed state and is delimited by a first outlet lip and a second outlet lip. The outlet can be opened to a variable width by the application of a lateral compressive force. The arrangement further includes at least a first motion-transmitting means designed to impart an oscillatory movement to the first outlet lip relative to, and in the lengthwise direction of, the second outlet lip.
US08695854B2 Bulk container sweep elbow
An intermediate bulk container (IBC) for storing and offloading materials comprises a portable tank including a bottom wall having a bottom discharge outlet. A discharge assembly comprises a sweep elbow and an outlet valve. The sweep elbow has an inlet connected to the discharge outlet and an outlet connected to the outlet valve. A bottom interior surface of the sweep elbow proximate the sweep elbow outlet is substantially even with a valve opening inside the outlet valve.
US08695845B2 Top mounting can container
Top mounting can container that couples with a can. One or more embodiment enables simultaneous access to both the contents of the can and contents of the container. A half circle cut-out in the lid provides for spill free snacking from an independent vessel. Various configurations enable the inclusion of fresh food, eating and drinking from a straw if desired while standing and walking and access of solid or liquid in the container and can. Coupling elements that couple the top mounting can container to the can, may utilize any type of easily removable or semi-removable technology. Simplifies eating and drinking from one container and can in a theater or stadium having seats for example that provide one beverage holder per seat. Provides one free hand to hold a child's hand for safety while in stadiums and amusement parks.
US08695840B2 Closure assembly for a container
A closure assembly for a container including an internally-threaded annular flange, an externally-threaded closure plug that is received by the annular flange, and an annular gasket positioned between the annular flange and the closure plug for establishing a sealed interface. The container includes a container end panel that is formed over and around a portion of the annular flange and provides an inner axial wall that is positioned between the annular flange and the annular gasket. The clearance between the closing plug and the inner axial wall relative to the size of the annular gasket determines the degree of radial compression of the annular gasket as the plug is threaded into the flange. A radial lip of the plug is designed to contact an upper surface of the container end panel that is formed over the flange as a visual indication when the required tightening torque of the plug within the flange has been reached.
US08695838B1 Bowl with utensil holder
In an example embodiment, a container is provided that includes a circular rim having a recess, where the container has a depth defined by a sidewall and an inner bottom surface. The container also includes a clasp configured to extend across the recess in order to inhibit movement of an object that rests on a surface of the recess. In other example implementations, the clasp operates in a first configuration when a downward force is applied to the clasp and against the circular rim such that the object is secured within the recess. In addition, the clasp can operate in a second configuration when a downward force is applied to the clasp and against the circular rim such that the clasp is secured in a groove of the container.
US08695834B2 Medical waste disposal container system
A carrier is configured to hold a container having a door mounted for reciprocation between opened and closed positions. The carrier includes a body adapted to receive the container as well as an extension coupled for reciprocal movement with respect to the body. The extension is adapted for engagement with the door of the container, and the reciprocal movement of the extension is adapted to reciprocate the door of the container between the opened and closed position. A container system including a container and the carrier is also provided.
US08695824B2 Flexible container assembly and methods for making and using the same
A flexible container assembly and methods for making and using such an assembly are disclosed herein. The assembly is configured to hold an amount of material, such as heavy and/or bulky material (e.g., industrial, job or work site waste material). In some embodiments, the assembly includes a support structure and a flexible container structure configured to interface with, so as to be supported at least in part by, the support structure.
US08695823B2 Power supply support system
An external power supply housing configured for multiple mounting options. In one or more embodiments, the housing of the invention comprises channels configured to accept straps for mounting said housing to a support structure by means of those straps. In one or more embodiments, the housing of the invention comprises threaded inserts configured to mount said housing to a support structure by means of threaded fasteners. In one or more embodiments, the housing of the invention comprises a snap engagement portion configured to snap engage a mating power supply caddy for mounting the housing to the caddy.
US08695808B2 Method of sorting mailpieces by means of shuttle trays of variable storage capacity
In a method of sorting mailpieces, in which method the mailpieces sorted into the sorting outlets of a postal sorting machine are transferred from said sorting outlets to an unstacker magazine of the machine, or to an unstacker magazine of another sorting machine for the purpose of being sorted again into sorting outlets, said mailpieces are handled by means of shuttle trays of variable storage capacity for the purpose of transferring them from the sorting outlets to the unstacker magazine.
US08695801B2 Device for handling of rolls
The present invention relates to a device for handling a number of sleeves, preferably paper sleeves, before, during and after rolling up of a paper web each thereon, at least one insert sleeve bent from a rigid material web and having a length substantially corresponding to the total length of the rolls being inserted in the rolls for simultaneous handling thereof, wherein the insert sleeve is polygonal, e.g. triangular, rectangular, etc.
US08695800B2 Holding and packaging device for a tooth implant
The invention relates to a holding and packaging device for a tooth implant, with an elongate cylindrical receiving element (12) which has a cylinder wall (14) and at least one end wall (16), wherein the end wall (16) has an opening (18) for receiving a tooth implant (50), and the cylinder wall has a longitudinal opening (20) in this region. It is proposed that the longitudinal opening (20) extends over the entire length of the cylinder wall (14), that at least two grip elements (22, 24) which are mounted opposite each other on the cylinder wall and extend outward are provided, and that the cylinder wall (14) is manufactured from an elastic material such that, by application of a force, the opening (18) in the end wall (16) can be widened in order to introduce or remove a tooth implant.
US08695796B2 Sport ball bag for containing a plurality of balls in a small interior space
A ball bag having an interior formed of a stretchable material that pulls the bag exterior towards its own center, shaping the bag and locking the balls in place. This technique enables the bag to be used as a ball backpack.
US08695792B2 Wig or hair piece box and form
An exemplary embodiment providing one or more improvements includes wig or hair piece boxes for both the efficient storage and display of wigs or hair pieces before sell, as well as providing simple, efficient and effective storage facilities for wigs or hair pieces for use of the consumer. The wig or hair piece boxes include a form which holds the wig or hair piece and preserves the curl, style, and one directional curl of the hair tip end on the wig or hair piece. This avoids the common problem of loss of original curl and style of the wig or hair piece which plagues conventional wig and hair piece boxes.
US08695785B2 Multi-track helical conveyor
A conveyor for conveying products comprises at least a drivable helically-shaped inner track conveyor member and a drivable helically-shaped outer track conveyor member. The outer track conveyor member surrounds the inner track conveyor member. The pitches of the inner track conveyor member and the outer track conveyor member are different.
US08695781B2 Machine for forming groups of products for the casing thereof
The invention relates to a machine for forming groups of products that arrive in a line, separated on a feeding conveyor (2), which includes vertically separated collectors (4) connected to chutes (8) that are arranged transversely relative to the feeding axis, said chutes (8) each comprising a mobile carriage (7) that supports a collector (4) by means of an actuator (11), said carriages (7) and actuators (11) being vertically adjacent and controlled by a programmable automaton (17) suitable for controlling the cyclic polygonal movement of each collector (4). The means for controlling the collectors (4) offer the possibility of organizing the capture of the products and, in particular, of selecting a number of collectors (4) suited to the group forming rates and/or the type of products (1) to be formed into groups.
US08695773B2 Wrap spring clutch coupling with forced spring clearance disengagement
A rotational coupling is provided. The coupling includes first and second hubs disposed about an axis of rotation. A wrap spring is disposed radially outwardly of the hubs and rotatably couples the hubs upon rotation of the first hub in a first rotational direction. A spring actuation member is configured for rotation about the axis and coupled to one end of the wrap spring. The opposite end of the wrap spring is coupled to the second hub. An actuator is configured to selectively stop rotation of the spring actuation member and the second hub in the first rotational direction and cause rotation of the spring actuation member in a second rotational direction to thereby unwrap the wrap spring. The rotational coupling therefore facilitates disengagement of the wrap spring from the first hub during release of the coupling to prevent undue noise and vibration and reduce wear.
US08695771B2 Lockup device and fluid type power transmitting device
The object of the invention is to provide a lockup device that can improve a fuel efficiency of a vehicle. The lockup device (6) has a piston (61), an output plate (63), a first coil spring (65), an inertia member (64), and a second coil spring (66). The output plate (63) is coupled to a turbine (4) such that it can rotate as an integral unit with the turbine (4). The first coil spring (65) elastically couples the piston (61) to the output plate (63) in a rotational direction. The inertia member (64) is provided such that it can rotate relative to the output member (63). The second coil spring (66) elastically couples the inertia member (64) to the output plate (63) in a rotational direction.
US08695764B2 Aircraft shock strut having a fluid level monitor
A system for monitoring a liquid level in an aircraft shock strut includes a cylinder having an internal chamber sealed by a piston telescopically movable within the cylinder. The chamber contains a gas and a liquid, and a sensor assembly is provided for monitoring a condition of a level of the liquid in the chamber. The sensor assembly includes at least one probe within the chamber, and a fitting assembly allows one or more leads from the probe to pass through the wall of the strut while maintaining pressure in the chamber. The fitting assembly includes a plug molded to the one or more leads extending from the probe. The fitting assembly also includes a retainer for holding the plug in sealed relationship with a through passage in the strut.
US08695763B2 Smart machine tool lubrication system
A smart machine tool lubrication system monitors the distance traveled by a motion component in a machine tool. A predetermined amount of lubricant is dispensed at a lubrication point of the motion component when the monitored distance exceeds a first threshold value. The smart machine tool lubrication system may further monitor the duration of time the motion component is in motion and dispense the predetermined amount of lubricant with the monitored duration of time exceeds a second threshold value.