Document Document Title
US08878364B2 Method for fabricating semiconductor device and semiconductor device
A method for fabricating a semiconductor device according to an embodiment, includes forming a dielectric film above a substrate; forming an opening in the dielectric film; forming a high melting metal film on a side wall and a bottom surface of the opening; forming a seed film of copper (Cu) on the high melting metal film; performing nitriding process after the seed film is formed; and performing electroplating process, in which a Cu film is buried in the opening while energizing the seed film after performing nitriding process.
US08878348B2 Semiconductor device and method of assembling same
A semiconductor device has a die support and external leads formed integrally from a single sheet of electrically conductive material. A die mounting substrate is mounted on the die support, with bonding pads coupled to respective external connection pads on an external connector side of the substrate. A die is attached to the die mounting substrate with die connection pads. Bond wires selectively electrically couple the die connection pads to the external leads and the bonding pads and electrically conductive external protrusions are mounted to the external connection pads. An encapsulant covers the die and bond wires. The external protrusions are located at a central region of a surface mounting side of the package and the external leads project outwardly from locations near the die support towards peripheral edges of the package.
US08878339B2 Chip-component structure and method of producing same
In a chip-component structure, a monolithic ceramic capacitor is a structure including a predetermined number of substantially flat internal electrodes stacked on each other. An interposer includes a substrate larger than the outer shape of the monolithic ceramic capacitor. The substrate includes a first major surface on which first front electrodes for use in mounting the monolithic ceramic capacitor are disposed and a second major surface on which first back electrodes for use in connecting to an external circuit board are disposed. The interposer includes a depression in its side surface. The depression includes a wall surface on which a connection conductor is disposed. The front surface of the substrate is overlaid with resist films extending along its edges.
US08878336B2 Fuse
A fuse includes a first conductor, an insulating film on the first conductor, a second conductor on the insulating film, a first plug coupled to the first conductor, a second plug and a third plug each coupled to the second conductor, and a cover film formed on the second conductor and having tensile strength.
US08878333B2 Semiconductor device having improved RF characteristics and moisture resistance and method for manufacturing the same
A semiconductor device includes: a semiconductor substrate having a main surface; an electrode in a device region on the main surface; a metal wiring on the main surface and having a first end connected to the electrode; an electrode pad outside the device region and spaced from the metal wiring; an air gap between the main surface and an air gap forming film on the main surface, enveloping the first end of the metal wiring and the electrode, and having a first opening; a resin closing the first opening and covering a second end of the metal wiring; a liquid repellent film facing the air gap and increasing contact angle of the resin, when liquid, relative to contact angles on the semiconductor substrate and the air gap forming film; and a metal film connecting the metal wiring to the electrode pad through a second opening located in the resin.
US08878326B2 Imager microlens structure having interfacial region for adhesion of protective layer
Structures and design structures for improved adhesion of protective layers of imager microlens structures are disclosed. A method of fabricating a semiconductor structure includes forming an interfacial region between a microlens and a protective oxide layer. The interfacial region has a lower concentration of oxygen than the protective oxide layer.
US08878325B2 Elevated photodiode with a stacked scheme
A device includes an image sensor chip having formed therein an elevated photodiode, and a device chip underlying and bonded to the image sensor chip. The device chip has a read out circuit electrically connected to the elevated photodiode.
US08878324B2 Magnetoresistive element and magnetic memory
The present invention relates to a magnetoresistive element including a first magnetic layer, a second magnetic layer, a first nonmagnetic layer, a third magnetic layer. The first magnetic layer includes a magnetic film of MnxGey (77 atm %≦x≦82 atm %, 18 atm %≦y≦23 atm %, x+y=100 atm %). The first nonmagnetic layer is provided between the first magnetic layer and the second magnetic layer. The third magnetic layer is provided between the first magnetic layer and the first nonmagnetic layer or between the second magnetic layer and the first nonmagnetic layer, or is provided between the first magnetic layer and the first nonmagnetic layer and between the second magnetic layer and the first nonmagnetic layer. The third magnetic layer includes a Heusler alloy. The present invention also relates to a magnetic memory containing the magnetoresistive element.
US08878310B2 Flatband shift for improved transistor performance
An integrated circuit with MOS and DEMOS transistors with at least one of indium, carbon, nitrogen, and a halogen dopant raising the threshold voltage of a portion of the DEMOS transistor gate overlying the DEMOS transistor channel. An integrated circuit with MOS and LDMOS transistors with at least one of indium, carbon, nitrogen, and a halogen dopant raising the threshold voltage of a portion of the LDMOS transistor gate overlying the DEMOS transistor channel. A method of forming an integrated circuit with MOS and DEMOS transistors with at least one of indium, carbon, nitrogen, and a halogen dopant raising the threshold voltage of a portion of the DEMOS transistor gate overlying the DEMOS transistor channel. A method of forming an integrated circuit with MOS and LDMOS transistors with at least one of indium, carbon, nitrogen, and a halogen dopant raising the threshold voltage of a portion of the LDMOS transistor gate overlying the DEMOS transistor channel.
US08878309B1 Semiconductor device having 3D channels, and methods of fabricating semiconductor devices having 3D channels
A semiconductor device includes a substrate having first, second and third fins longitudinally aligned in a first direction. A first trench extends between the first and second fins, and a second trench extends between the second and third fins. A first portion of field insulating material is disposed in the first trench, and a second portion of field insulating material is disposed in the second trench. An upper surface of the second portion of the field insulating material is recessed in the second trench at a level below uppermost surfaces of the second and third fins. A first dummy gate is disposed on an upper surface of the first portion of the field insulating material, and a second dummy gate at least partially extends into the second trench to the upper surface of the second portion of the field insulating material.
US08878308B2 Multi-fin device by self-aligned castle fin formation
The present disclosure provides a method includes forming a multi-fin device. The method includes forming a patterned mask layer on a semiconductor substrate. The patterned mask layer includes a first opening having a first width W1 and a second opening having a second width W2 less than the first width. The patterned mask layer defines a multi-fin device region and an inter-device region, wherein the inter-device region is aligned with the first opening; and the multi-fin device region includes at least one intra-device region being aligned with the second opening. The method further includes forming a material layer on the semiconductor substrate and the patterned mask layer, wherein the material layer substantially fills in the second opening; performing a first etching process self-aligned to remove the material layer within the first opening such that the semiconductor substrate within the first opening is exposed; performing a second etching process to etch the semiconductor substrate within the first opening, forming a first trench in the inter-device region; and thereafter performing a third etching process to remove the material layer in the second opening.
US08878295B2 DMOS transistor with a slanted super junction drift structure
A DMOS transistor with a lower on-state drain-to-source resistance and a higher breakdown voltage utilizes a slanted super junction drift structure that lies along the side wall of an opening with the drain region at the bottom of the opening and the source region near the top of the opening.
US08878287B1 Split slot FET with embedded drain
The present invention provides an FET which includes an epitaxial layer and first and second body regions formed over the epitaxial layer. Further, the FET includes a first trench formed in the epitaxial layer between the first and the second body regions. The FET also includes a conductive layer formed on the sidewall of the first trench. The conductive layer acts as gate of the FET. The FET also includes a second trench formed at the bottom of the first trench, a first dielectric layer formed over the conductive layer and on the sidewall of the second trench, and a second dielectric layer formed on the first dielectric layer. Further, the FET includes a conductive layer, which acts as drain, deposited in the first and the second trenches. The FET also includes first and a second source regions formed in the first and second body regions, respectively.
US08878284B2 Programmable SCR for LDMOS ESD protection
A protection circuit for a DMOS transistor comprises an anode circuit having a first heavily doped region of a first conductivity type (314) formed within and electrically connected to a first lightly doped region of the second conductivity type (310, 312). A cathode circuit having a plurality of third heavily doped regions of the first conductivity type (700) within a second heavily doped region of the second conductivity type (304). A first lead (202) is connected to each third heavily doped region (704) and connected to the second heavily doped region by at least three spaced apart connections (702) between every two third heavily doped regions. An SCR (400, 402) is connected between the anode circuit and the cathode circuit. The DMOS transistor has a drain (310, 312, 316) connected to the anode circuit and a source (304) connected to the cathode circuit.
US08878269B2 Band gap improvement in DRAM capacitors
A method for forming a DRAM MIM capacitor stack having low leakage current and low EOT involves the use of an compound high k dielectric material. The dielectric material further comprises a dopant. One component of the compound high k dielectric material is present in a concentration between about 30 atomic % and about 80 atomic and more preferably between about 40 atomic % and about 60 atomic %. In some embodiments, the compound high k dielectric material comprises an alloy of TiO2 and ZrO2 and further comprises a dopant of Al2O3. In some embodiments, the compound high k dielectric material comprises an admixture of TiO2 and HfO2 and further comprises a dopant of Al2O3.
US08878262B2 Semiconductor device and manufacturing method of the same
An insulating film provided between adjacent pixels is referred to as a bank, a partition, a barrier, an embankment or the like, and is provided above a source wiring or a drain wiring for a thin film transistor, or a power supply line. In particular, at an intersection portion of these wirings provided in different layers, a larger step is formed there than in other portions. Even in a case that the insulating film provided between adjacent pixels is formed by a coating method, there is a problem that thin portions are partially formed due to this step and the withstand pressure is reduced. In the present invention, a dummy material is arranged near the large step portion, particularly, around the intersection portion of wirings, so as to alleviate unevenness formed thereover. The upper wring and the lower wiring are arranged in a misaligned manner so as not to align the end portions.
US08878257B2 Methods and apparatus for an ISFET
An ISFET includes a control gate coupled to a floating gate in a CMOS device. The control gate, for example, a poly-to-well capacitor, is configured to receive a bias voltage and effect movement of a trapped charge between the control gate and the floating gate. The threshold voltage of the ISFET can therefore by trimmed to a predetermined value, thereby storing the trim information (the amount of trapped charge in the floating gate) within the ISFET itself.
US08878250B2 Electronic device and method for producing electronic device
Electronic device is provided, including: a base wafer whose surface is made of silicon crystal; a Group 3-5 compound semiconductor crystal formed directly or indirectly on partial region of the silicon crystal; an electronic element including a portion of the Group 3-5 compound semiconductor crystal as active layer; an insulating film formed directly or indirectly on the base wafer and covering the electronic element; an electrode formed directly or indirectly on the insulating film; a first coupling wiring extending through the insulating film, having at least a portion thereof formed directly or indirectly on the insulating film, and electrically coupling the electronic element with the electrode; a passive element formed directly or indirectly on the insulating film; a second coupling wiring extending through the insulating film, having at least a portion thereof formed directly or indirectly on the insulating film, and electrically coupling the electronic element with the passive element.
US08878244B2 Semiconductor device having strained silicon film
Gases for film formation are introduced from a plurality of holes provided at a gas nozzle into a processing chamber of a batch-type CVD film-forming apparatus to cause a turbulence of the gases within the processing chamber. In the state where the chamber is kept at a pressure within an atmospheric and quasi-atmospheric pressure region, a silicon-germanium film is epitaxially grown on a semiconductor wafer placed within the processing chamber. Subsequently, a strained silicon film is epitaxially grown on the silicon-germanium film. Thereafter, a semiconductor element is formed in the semiconductor wafer on which the silicon-germanium film and the strained silicon film have been formed, respectively.
US08878243B2 Lattice-mismatched semiconductor structures and related methods for device fabrication
Lattice-mismatched materials having configurations that trap defects within sidewall-containing structures.
US08878240B2 Variable resistance memory device and method for fabricating the same
A variable resistance memory device that includes a first electrode, a second electrode, a variable resistance layer interposed between the first electrode and a second electrode. A metal oxide electrode is interposed between the first electrode and the variable resistance layer, and the metal oxide electrode does not include a nitrogen constituent.
US08878238B2 MCT device with base-width-determined latching and non-latching states
Methods and systems for a gate-controlled thyristor which switches between narrow-base operation in the ON state and wide-base operation in the OFF state, and which can only sustain latch-up in the narrow-base ON state.
US08878235B2 Memory cell that employs a selectively fabricated carbon nano-tube reversible resistance-switching element and methods of forming the same
In some aspects, a method of fabricating a memory cell is provided that includes fabricating a steering element above a substrate, and fabricating a reversible-resistance switching element coupled to the steering element by selectively fabricating carbon nano-tube (“CNT”) material above the substrate, wherein the CNT material comprises a single CNT. Numerous other aspects are provided.
US08878220B2 Light emitting diode with improved luminous efficiency
Exemplary embodiments of the present invention relate to light emitting diodes. A light emitting diode according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a substrate having a first side edge and a second side edge, and a light emitting structure arranged on the substrate. The light emitting structure includes a first conductivity-type semiconductor layer, an active layer, and a second conductivity-type semiconductor layer. A transparent electrode layer including a concave portion and a convex portion is arranged on the second conductivity-type semiconductor layer. A first electrode pad contacts an upper surface of the first conductivity-type semiconductor layer and is located near a center of the first side edge. Two second electrode pads are located near opposite distal ends of the second side edge to supply electric current to the second conductivity-type semiconductor layer. A first pad extension extends from the first electrode pad and a second pad extension extends from each of the two second electrode pads.
US08878217B2 LED package with efficient, isolated thermal path
Packages for containing one or more light emitting devices, such as light emitting diodes (LEDs), are disclosed with an efficient, isolated thermal path. In one embodiment, LED package can include a thermal element and at least one electrical element embedded within a body. The thermal element and electrical element can have the same and/or substantially the same thickness and can extend directly from a bottom surface of the LED package such that they are substantially flush with or extend beyond the bottom surface of the LED package. The thermal and electrical element have exposed portions which can be substantially flush with lateral sides of the body such that the thermal and electrical element do not have a significant portion extending beyond an outermost edge of the lateral sides of the body.
US08878214B2 Semiconductor light emitting device
A semiconductor light emitting device comprises a semiconductor light emitting element comprising a semiconductor laminate including a p-type semiconductor layer, an active layer and an n-type semiconductor layer which are sequentially laminated, and a conductive support substrate joined to the p-type semiconductor layer side of the semiconductor laminate. The semiconductor laminate is divided into at least two semiconductor regions by a trench. The semiconductor light emitting device further comprises a first transparent sealing resin covering at least a portion of the semiconductor light emitting element, the first transparent sealing resin comprising a plurality of first fluorescent particles, each of the first fluorescent particles having an individual average particle diameter. A width of the trench is smaller than an overall average of the individual average particle diameters of the first fluorescent particles.
US08878212B2 Light emitting device, method of manufacturing the light emitting device, light emitting device package, and lighting system
A light emitting device includes a substrate, at least one electrode, a first contact layer, a second contact layer, a light emitting structure layer, and an electrode layer. The electrode is disposed through the substrate. The first contact layer is disposed on a top surface of the substrate and electrically connected to the electrode. The second contact layer is disposed on a bottom surface of the substrate and electrically connected to the electrode. The light emitting structure layer is disposed above the substrate at a distance from the substrate and electrically connected to the first contact layer. The light emitting structure layer includes a first conductive type semiconductor layer, an active layer, and a second conductive type semiconductor layer. The electrode layer is disposed on the light emitting structure layer.
US08878211B2 Heterogeneous substrate, nitride-based semiconductor device using same, and manufacturing method thereof
Provided are a heterogeneous substrate, a nitride-based semiconductor device using the same, and a manufacturing method thereof to form a high-quality non-polar or semi-polar nitride layer on a non-polar or semi-polar plane of the heterogeneous substrate by adjusting a crystal growth mode. A base substrate having one of a non-polar plane and a semi-polar plane is prepared, and a nitride-based nucleation layer is formed on the plane of the base substrate. A first buffer layer is grown faster in the vertical direction than in the lateral direction on the nucleation layer. A lateral growth layer is grown faster in the lateral direction than in the vertical direction on the first buffer layer. A second buffer layer is formed on the lateral growth layer. A silicon nitride layer having a plurality of holes may be formed between the lateral growth layer on the first buffer layer and the second buffer layer.
US08878209B2 High efficiency group III nitride LED with lenticular surface
A high efficiency Group III nitride light emitting diode is disclosed. The diode includes a Group III nitride-based light emitting region including a plurality of Group III nitride-based layers. A lenticular surface directly contacts one of the Group III nitride-based layers of the light emitting region. The lenticular surface includes a transparent material that is different from the Group III nitride-based layer of the light emitting region that the lenticular surface directly contacts.
US08878208B2 Illuminating device
An illuminating device that may include a substrate; a first light emitting chip which is disposed on the substrate; a second light emitting chip which is spaced apart from the first light emitting chip and is disposed on the substrate; a first lens which includes a first cylindrical side having a height greater than the thickness of the first light emitting chip and includes a first spherical or hemispherical curved surface formed on the first side, and which surrounds the first light emitting chip; and a second lens which includes a second cylindrical side having a height greater than the thickness of the second light emitting chip and includes a second spherical or hemispherical curved surface formed on the second side, and which surrounds the second light emitting chip, wherein at least a portion of the first side contacts with at least a portion of the second side.
US08878206B2 Organic light emitting display apparatus including an auxiliary layer and method for manufacturing the same
An organic light emitting display apparatus is manufactured using a simplified manufacturing process and prevents or reduces the formation of dark spots. The organic light emitting display apparatus includes: red, green, and blue sub-pixel regions, each including a first electrode on a substrate; a distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) layer between the substrate and the first electrode; a hole injection layer on the DBR layer and covering the first electrode; a hole transport layer on the hole injection layer; an auxiliary layer between the hole injection layer and the hole transport layer in the green sub-pixel region; a green light-emission layer on the hole transport layer in the blue and green sub-pixel regions; a blue light-emission layer on the green light-emission layer in the blue sub-pixel region; and a red light-emission layer on the hole transport layer in the red sub-pixel region.
US08878200B2 Light emitting package having a guiding member guiding an optical member
The present invention discloses a light emitting package, including: a base; a light emitting device on the base; an electrical circuit layer electrically connected to the light emitting device; a screen member having an opening and disposed on the base adjacent to the light emitting device; and a lens covering the light emitting device, wherein a width of a cross-sectional shape of the screen member is larger than a height of the cross sectional shape of the screen member, wherein the lens is disposed on the screen member, and wherein the lens is connected to an uppermost surface of the screen member.
US08878197B2 Light emitting device, light emitting device package and lighting system
Disclosed are a light emitting device, a light emitting device package, and a lighting system. The light emitting device includes a substrate; a light emitting structure including a first conductive semiconductor layer, an active layer and a second conductive semiconductor layer, which are formed on the substrate such that a part of the first conductive semiconductor layer is exposed; a dielectric layer formed from a top surface of the second conductive semiconductor layer to an exposed top surface of the first conductive semiconductor layer; a second electrode on the second conductive semiconductor layer; and a first electrode on the exposed top surface of the first conductive semiconductor layer while making contact with a part of the dielectric layer on the second conductive semiconductor layer.
US08878192B2 Silicon carbide semiconductor device
A silicon carbide substrate includes a first layer of a first conductivity type, a second layer of a second conductivity type provided on the first layer, and a third layer provided on the second layer and doped with an impurity for providing the first conductivity type. The silicon carbide substrate has a trench formed through the third layer and the second layer to reach the first layer. The first layer has a concentration peak of the impurity in a position away from the trench in the first layer. As a result, a silicon carbide semiconductor device having an electric field relaxation structure that can be readily formed is provided.
US08878168B2 Organic light-emitting display device with improved color property
An organic light-emitting display device including a red light-emitting layer that includes a deep-red light-emitting layer and a light-red light-emitting layer, and a blue light-emitting layer that includes a deep-blue light-emitting layer and a light-blue light-emitting layer. The organic light-emitting display device is capable of displaying a deep color and a light color so as to be distinguishable from each other.
US08878166B2 Organic light-emitting display panel and display apparatus having the same
A display apparatus having an organic light emitting display panel is provided. The organic light emitting display panel includes a front substrate and a rear substrate which are arranged parallel to each other, an image forming portion which is formed on a rear surface of the front substrate and which includes at least one organic layer, a sealing member which surrounds the image forming portion between the front substrate and the rear substrate to seal the image forming portion, and an input key flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) which includes user input keys. The input key FPCB is mounted on the front substrate or the rear substrate.
US08878160B2 III-V light emitting device with thin n-type region
A device includes a semiconductor structure comprising a III-phosphide light emitting layer disposed between an n-type region and a p-type region. A transparent, conductive oxide is disposed in direct contact with the n-type region. In some embodiments, a total thickness of semiconductor material between the light emitting layer and the transparent, conductive oxide is less than one micron.
US08878159B2 Light-emitting element and light-emitting device
It is an object of the present invention to provide a light-emitting element having a layer containing a light-emitting material and a transparent conductive film between a pair of electrodes, in which electric erosion of the transparent conductive film and metal can be prevented, and also to provide a light-emitting device using the light-emitting element. According to one feature of the invention, a light-emitting element includes a first layer 102 containing a light-emitting material, a second layer 103 containing a material having a donor level, a third layer 104 including a transparent conductive film, and a fourth layer 105 containing a hole-transporting medium between a first electrode 101 and a second electrode 106, in which the first layer 102, the second layer 103, the third layer 104, the fourth layer 105, and the second electrode 106 are provided sequentially, in which the second electrode 106 has a layer containing metal.
US08878155B2 Resistance variable memory device with nanoparticle electrode and method of fabrication
A chalcogenide-based programmable conductor memory device and method of forming the device, wherein a nanoparticle is provided between an electrode and a chalcogenide glass region. The method of forming the nanoparticle utilizes a template over the electrode or random deposition of the nanoparticle.
US08878151B2 Multistate nonvolatile memory elements
Multistate nonvolatile memory elements are provided. The multistate nonvolatile memory elements contain multiple layers. Each layer may be based on a different bistable material. The bistable materials may be resistive switching materials such as resistive switching metal oxides. Optional conductor layers and current steering elements may be connected in series with the bistable resistive switching metal oxide layers.
US08878150B2 Electro-hydrodynamic wind energy system
A system for electro-hydrodynamically extracting energy from wind includes an upstream collector that is biased at an electric potential and induces an electric field. An injector introduces a particle into the electric field. The wind drag on the particle is at least partially opposed by a force of the electric field on the particle. A sensor monitors an ambient atmospheric condition, and a controller changes a parameter of the injector in response to a change in the atmospheric condition.
US08878149B2 Charged particle beam writing apparatus and charged particle beam writing method
A charged particle beam writing apparatus includes a storage unit configured to store writing data in which there are defined a plurality of figures and resizing information indicating, with respect to each of the plurality of figures, a resizing status whether or not to perform resizing and a resizing direction used when performing resizing, a judgment determination unit configured to input the writing data and judge, with respect to each of the plurality of figures, the resizing status whether or not to perform resizing and the resizing direction used when performing resizing, a resize processing unit configured to resize, with respect to each of the plurality of figures, a dimension of a figure concerned in a judged resizing direction when it is judged to perform resizing, and a writing unit configured to write a pattern onto a target workpiece with using a resized figure and a charged particle beam.
US08878148B2 Method and apparatus of pretreatment of an electron gun chamber
A method of pre-treating an ultra high vacuum charged particle gun chamber by ion stimulated desorption is provided. The method includes generating a plasma for providing a plasma ion source, and applying a negative potential to at least one surface in the gun chamber, wherein the negative potential is adapted for extracting an ion flux from the plasma ion source to the at least one surface for desorbing contamination particles from the at least one surface by the ion flux impinging on the at least one surface.
US08878145B1 Apparatus and method for fluorescence spectral and color measurements of diamonds, gemstones and the like
An apparatus and method for fluorescence spectral and color measurements of diamonds, gemstones and the like. The apparatus comprises a spectrometer, and computer and a dual integrating sphere measurement arrangement comprising a measurement integrating sphere, a sample integrating sphere, a sample platform, a lens system, a baffle, an ultraviolet radiation source on the top of the sample integrating sphere, and another light source attached to the measurement integrating sphere. The sample on the sample platform is radiated by the ultraviolet radiation source on the top of the measurement integrating sphere. The sample emits fluorescent light into the measurement integrating sphere, and the fluorescent light is received by the lens system. The spectrometer separates the fluorescent light into spectral signals, and the computer calculates the fluorescence spectrum and colorimetric data.
US08878144B2 Electron microscope and sample holder
The electron beam apparatus sample holding means has a diaphragm which is placed on upper and lower sides of a sample to form a cell for separating a gas atmosphere and a vacuum atmosphere of a sample chamber and sealing an ambient atmosphere of the sample; a gas supply means for supplying gas to an inside of the cell; and exhaust means for exhausting gas. The exhaust means includes a gas exhaust pipe provided in the inside of the cell and an openable/closable exhaust hole provided in a sidewall of the sample holding means so as to pass through the cell. The diaphragm is an amorphous film made of light elements which can transmit an electron beam, such as carbon films, oxide films, and nitride films.
US08878141B2 Drawing apparatus, and method of manufacturing article
The present invention provides a drawing apparatus which performs drawing on a substrate with a plurality of charged particle beams, the apparatus including a stage configured to hold the substrate and to be moved, a charged particle optical system including a deflector configured to deflect the plurality of charged particle beams, a detector configured to detect a charged particle arrived thereat by causing a charged particle beam to impinge on a mark including a plurality of mark elements formed on one of the substrate and the stage, and a processor configured to perform a process of obtaining a position of the mark.
US08878138B2 Multi-sensor neutron source location system
An apparatus for determining a location of a neutron emitting source includes: a plurality of neutron detectors configured to receive incoming neutrons from an area of interest, each neutron detector being configured to produce an image of a path of light depicting a direction of travel of an incoming neutron; and a central processor coupled to each neutron detector in the plurality of neutron detectors and configured to receive the direction of travel of the incoming neutron from each neutron detector and to compute the location using the received directions.
US08878137B2 Photo detector of an X-ray imager
An X-ray imager includes a photo detector, a pixel array, a scan line and a data line. The photo detector includes a plurality of X-ray sensitive particles that are configured to be electrically isolating and to generate charge carriers upon absorption of X-ray photons. In one example embodiment, the photo detector includes a layer of an electrically isolating material, within which the plurality of X-ray sensitive particles are distributed. The pixel array includes multiple pixels each defined by a space between a first surface and a second surface of the layer. The scan line is configured to activate a corresponding row of the pixels in the pixel array. The data line is configured to read data from a corresponding column of the pixels in the pixel array.
US08878135B2 Lithium based scintillators for neutron detection
A neutron scintillator composite (NSC) is made of a neutron scintillator and a binder. The neutron scintillator of the composite has the formula LiyMgBry+2, where y=2, 4 or 6 and may further comprise cerium as a scintillation activator. The binder of the composite has an index of refraction substantially identical to that of the neutron scintillator. The neutron scintillator and binder are mixed into a solid or semi-solid neutron scintillator composite having sufficient flowability for molding into a shaped article, such as a neutron sensing element of a radiation detector. The neutron scintillator composite collects and channels photons through the material itself and into a photosensing element optically coupled to the composite. Because the indices of refraction for both the neutron scintillator and the binder are substantially identical, scattering at the scintillator-binder interface(s) is minimized, thereby producing transmission efficiencies that approach single crystals.
US08878133B2 Passive optical gaseous emissions sensor
A probe assembly for measuring the concentration of exhaust's emissions in a turbine engine. The probe assembly including a first probe member configured and operable to passively generate a beam of light wherein the wavelength of the beam of light is contingent upon the configuration of the first probe member. A second probe member positioned in the probe assembly to receive the beam of light generated by the first probe member, the second probe member configured and operable to attenuate the light passively generated from the first probe member contingent upon the gaseous species present in the exhaust emissions of the turbine engine.
US08878130B2 Scanning electron microscope and scanning transmission electron microscope
A scanning transmission electron microscope according to the present invention includes an electron lens system having a small spherical aberration coefficient for enabling three-dimensional observation of a 0.1 nm atomic size structure. The scanning transmission electron microscope according to the present invention also includes an aperture capable of changing an illumination angle; an illumination electron lens system capable of changing the probe size of an electron beam probe and the illumination angle; a secondary electron detector (9); a transmission electron detector (13); a forward scattered electron beam detector (12); a focusing unit (16); an image processor for identifying image contrast; an image processor for computing image sharpness; a processor for three-dimensional reconstruction of an image; and a mixer (18) for mixing a secondary electron signal and a specimen forward scattered electron signal.
US08878129B1 Pattern measurement apparatus and pattern measurement method
According to one embodiment, a pattern measurement apparatus includes a scan controller, a focus controller, a stage, a sensor, a signal processor, and a measurement unit. The scan controller is configured to control a scanning direction of an electron beam. The focus controller is configured to control a focus position of the electron beam. The stage is configured to have a substrate placed on the stage, a pattern being provided in the substrate. The sensor is configured to sense secondary electrons due to the electron beam irradiated onto the pattern. The signal processor is configured to process a signal sensed by the sensor. The signal processor is configured to determine at least one of third signals from at least one of first signals and at least one of second signals. The measurement unit is configured to measure a position of the pattern from the third signals.
US08878127B2 Miniature charged particle trap with elongated trapping region for mass spectrometry
A miniature electrode apparatus is disclosed for trapping charged particles, the apparatus including, along a longitudinal direction: a first end cap electrode; a central electrode having an aperture; and a second end cap electrode. The aperture is elongated in the lateral plane and extends through the central electrode along the longitudinal direction and the central electrode surrounds the aperture in a lateral plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction to define a transverse cavity for trapping charged particles.
US08878121B2 Solid-state imaging device with overflow drain region and contract thereto in different stacked substrates
A solid-state imaging device includes: a plurality of substrates stacked via a wiring layer or an insulation layer; a light sensing section that is formed in a substrate, of the plurality of substrates, disposed on a light incident side and that generates a signal charge in accordance with an amount of received light; and a contact portion that is connected to a non-light incident-surface side of the substrate in which the light sensing section is formed and that supplies a desired voltage to the substrate from a wire in a wiring layer disposed on a non-light incident side of the substrate.
US08878120B2 Active bandgap tuning of graphene for tunable photodetection applications
In a method for adjusting the sensitivity of a photodetector, the bandgap of the photodetection material is adjusted by inducing strain in the photodetection material. Such adjustments can be made in situ and continuously, in a reproducible and repeatable manner. In embodiments of the method, the photodetection material is graphene, carbon nanotubes or graphene nanoribbon. The use of graphene permits a dynamically-adjustable sensitivity over a dynamic range of radiation having wavelengths of 1.38 microns or less, up to at least 60 microns. In an adjustable photodetector, a graphene layer is suspended over a silicon substrate by a layer of an insulating material. Adjusting the voltage across the graphene layer and the silicon substrate induces strain in the graphene layer by electrostatic attraction.
US08878117B2 Image sensor and image capture apparatus
An image sensor includes pixel sections corresponding to unit pixels, a column signal line arranged for each column of the pixel sections, a row scanning circuit which selects the pixel sections for each row and transfers an analog signal to the column signal line, a column amplifier which amplifies the analog signal, an A/D converter which converts the analog signal into a digital signal for each column, a column scanning circuit which outputs the signal converted into the digital signal to a horizontal signal line, and a digital adder which adds the digital signals. The column amplifier adds the signals output from the pixel sections to the column signal line. The column scanning circuit outputs digitized signals of a plurality of columns. The digital adder adds the signals of the plurality of columns.
US08878116B2 Method of manufacturing solid-state imaging element, solid-state imaging element and electronic apparatus
A method of manufacturing a solid-state imaging element includes: manufacturing an element chip in which photoelectric conversion units are arranged on a main surface side; preparing a base configured using a material with an expansion coefficient greater than the element chip and having an opening of which the periphery of the opening is shaped as a flat surface; expanding the base by heating, mounting the element chip on the flat surface of the base in a state where the opening of the base is covered; and three-dimensionally curving a portion corresponding to the opening in the element chip by cooling and contracting the base in a state where the element chip is fixed to the flat surface of the expanded base.
US08878111B2 Bidirectional control surfaces for use with high speed vehicles, and associated systems and methods
Vehicles with bidirectional control surfaces and associated systems and methods are disclosed. In a particular embodiment, a rocket can include a plurality of bidirectional control surfaces positioned toward an aft portion of the rocket. In this embodiment, the bidirectional control surfaces can be operable to control the orientation and/or flight path of the rocket during both ascent, in a nose-first orientation, and descent, in a tail-first orientation for, e.g., a tail-down landing.
US08878109B2 Package conveyor for continuous process microwave applicator
A mechanism for constraining a product package as it is conveyed through a microwave applicator. In one preferred embodiment, the conveyor is provided by a pair of parallel guide belts arranged to travel through a microwave applicator. The guide belts have a series of slots or other guide elements formed therein. The guide elements engage edges of the product packages. In one arrangement, the pair of belts are disposed on either side of a series of packages, and thus constrain the location of the packages in three dimensions.
US08878104B2 Voltage switching microswitch for hot surface igniter system
A voltage switching microswitch is provided for supplying power to a hot surface igniter in a gas burning system. The microswitch is configured to operate concurrently with manual operation of a gas control valve such that rotation of an operating stem of the gas control valve produces rotation of a cam within the microswitch. The cam is configured to operate a pair of reed switches so that a relatively high voltage from a power supply is applied to the hot surface igniter following a first predetermined amount of rotation of the cam and a relatively lower voltage is applied to the hot surface igniter following a second predetermined amount of rotation of the cam to maintain the temperature of the igniter.
US08878101B2 Heating element and method for manufacturing same
The present specification relates to a heating element in which a heating value for each region is controlled or a heating element in which the heating value for each region is controlled and which is inconspicuous, and a method for manufacturing the same.
US08878098B2 Gas metal arc welding with a non-circular cross-sectional wire passing through a similarly shaped contact tip
A welding system having a welding gun with a contact tip having an bore extending therethrough and a consumable weld wire. The cross-sectional shape of the bore of the contact tip being is essentially identical to the cross-sectional shape of the weld wire. The bore having an essentially elliptical cross-sectional shape and the weld wire having an essentially elliptical cross-sectional shape.
US08878094B2 Part-geometry independent real time closed loop weld pool temperature control system for multi-layer DMD process
In a direct metal deposition system which builds up a metallic overlay on a substrate by moving the substrate relative to a laser in a metallic powder feed, the laser power is adjusted for successive layers by sensing the weld pool in a plurality of selected points in each layer and adjusting the power during successive layers to maintain a weld pool that corresponds to those achieved during deposition of a lower optimal layer. This compensates for heating of the substrate resulting from the deposition which tends to increase the pool size or temperature in the higher layers.
US08878092B2 Gas-insulated switchgear
A gas-insulated switchgear includes a fixed-side electrode having a tubular fixed-side-conducting contact and a fixed-side shield for housing the fixed-side-conducting contact, and a movable-side electrode having a movable conductor driven by a driving unit to be connected to and separated from the fixed-side-conducting contact, facing each other in a container filled with an insulating gas. The switchgear includes a fixed-side-arc shield in the form of a circular plate, which is made of an arc-resistant member and has an opening of a diameter larger than the outer diameter of the movable conductor, the opening being formed on the side of the fixed-side shield facing the movable-side electrode. The fixed-side-arc shield is formed into a thin plate so as to cause an arc current to flow outward in a radial direction during contact parting of the fixed-side-conducting contact and the movable conductor to generate magnetic flux on a surface thereof in a circumferential direction.
US08878090B2 Method for separating minerals according to the luminescent properties thereof
The method relates to the field of mineral enrichment. It involves establishing threshold values of the intensity of a luminescence signal arising during the action of a pulse of exciting radiation on a material being separated and after a specified time following the end of the exciting pulse, and, during the processing of the recorded signal, first of all determining the value of the intensity of the luminescence signal, comparing the value obtained with the specified threshold value and, in the event of the threshold value being exceeded, processing the signal in order to determine the value of the selected separation criterion, comparing the processing result with the specified threshold value and isolating the mineral to be enriched from the material being separated if the comparison result satisfies the specified criterion; in the event of the value of the intensity of the luminescence signal after a specified time following the end of the exciting pulse being less than the threshold value thereof, determining the value of the intensity of the luminescence signal arising during the pulse of exciting radiation, comparing said value with the threshold value specified therefor and isolating the mineral to be enriched from the material being separated if the threshold value is exceeded.
US08878068B2 Electric wire for high frequency, high voltage and large current
An electric wire contains a conductive wire having at least a groove structured on the surface of the conductive wire, and an additional wire to be filled into the groove. The groove is provided on an outer surface of the conductive wire along a longitudinal direction of the conductive wire. The additional wire is inserted in the groove.
US08878067B2 Electronic-component lead terminal and method of fabricating the same
An electronic-component lead terminal includes a lead terminal one end of which is connectable to an electronic component and the other end of which is connectable to an electrode, and a solder-wicking prevention area formed on a surface of the lead terminal so as to intersect a solder-wicking direction oriented from the other end toward the one end, the solder-wicking prevention area including a plurality of portions projecting to a downstream side in the solder-wicking direction.
US08878064B2 Flexible printed circuit board
A flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) includes a main portion and a number of interfaces connected to the main portion. The main portion incorporates a low-voltage differential signal (LVDS) cable and at least one function cable. The main portion includes a first connecting strip, a second connecting strip, and a third connecting strip, which are all connected together at one end. The interfaces includes a first interface connected to the first connecting strip, a second interface connected to the second connecting strip, and a third interface connected to the third connecting strip. The first interface incorporates a LVDS interface and a function module interface. The second interface is a LVDS interface. The third interface is a function module interface.
US08878062B2 Cable connection structure and cable connection method
A cable connection structure includes a multi-core coaxial cable connected to a board. The multi-core coaxial cable includes a plurality of parallel-arranged coaxial cables each including a center conductor and an inner insulator, an outer conductor and an outer insulator sequentially formed on an outer periphery of the center conductor. The board includes a signal electrode connected to the center conductor and a ground electrode connected to the outer conductor. The cable connection structure further includes a positioning member lying between the signal electrode and the ground electrode for positioning the center conductor while the inner insulator is attached to the positioning member.
US08878060B2 Zero force conductive membrane
An electronic device may include housing structures, electronic components, and other structures. A gap may be formed between the structures. A membrane structure may be used to bridge the gap to form and environmental seal and electrical pathway between the structures. The membrane structure may be deployed using a temporary biasing member or may be installed by forming an inflatable structure. The inflatable structure may include an elastomeric balloon that may be pressurized. Adhesive such as conductive adhesive may be used in attaching the membrane structure to the structures in the electronic device. An inflatable structure may be depressurized following installation in an electronic device to minimize residual forces.
US08878057B2 Device for grounding
Device for establishing an efficient grounding of an installation of different types includes one or more cables, wherein the ground rail or ground conductor, ground rails or ground conductors or ground point or ground points of the installation being grounded by the one or more cables including a combination of electrically conductive wires or conductors in at least one inner core and at least one outer layer which surrounds the inner core wholly or partly, and the cable or the cables are laid in one and the same or each in a separate bore in ground and/or rock of a considerable depth, preferably more than 200 m, e.g. 240 m or more.
US08878047B2 Heat engine system for vehicles
A heat engine system for a vehicle, wherein the vehicle is operable on a road surface, includes a collector configured for collecting an air layer disposed adjacent the road surface. The heat engine system also includes a heat engine configured for converting thermal energy provided by a temperature difference between the air layer and an ambient air surrounding the vehicle to another form of energy. The air layer has a first temperature, and the ambient air has a second temperature that is lower than the first temperature. In addition, the heat engine system includes a guide configured for transferring the air layer from the collector to the heat engine. A vehicle includes a body defining an interior compartment and having an underside surface spaced opposite the road surface, and the heat engine system.
US08878046B2 Adjusting a level at which to generate a new tone with a current generated tone
Provided are a tone control device and a method for adjusting a volume level at which to generate a new tone and at least one current tone according to a target volume level and a current volume level. A note-on event associated with a received volume level is received from an input device. A current volume level is processed to determine a new volume level in response to receiving the note-on event while generating at least one current tone at the current volume level. The at least one current tone and a new tone associated with the received note-on event are generated at the new volume level.
US08878040B2 Music support apparatus and music support system
A music support apparatus includes: a display unit; a bar width calculating unit configured to set display widths of the plurality of bars at a constant width; a bar width correcting unit configured to correct the display width of the bar to which the musical symbol for changing a performance tempo is designated; and a display information generating unit configured to generate display information to be displayed on the display unit from the plurality of bars of which display widths are calculated by the bar width calculating unit and the bar width correcting unit. The display unit is configured to display the display information and a performance position display portion for displaying a current performance position, and scroll either one of the display information and the performance position display portion at a constant tempo.
US08878039B2 Drumstick holder
A drumstick holder, comprising: a member providing a surface; one or more retaining members (for example clips arranged to grip a drumstick) arranged to prevent or restrict free movement of a drumstick across the surface; a plurality of protrusions from the member; wherein the drumstick holder is adapted for fitting to a rim of a drum or further comprises means for fitting the member to a rim of a drum (for example a clamp); and when the drumstick holder is fitted to a drum rim, each respective protrusion engages a drum at a different respective position around a circumference of a drum rim. The surface may be substantially planar. The drum may be a bass drum.
US08878034B2 Plants and seeds of common wheat culitvar XY06-892
A wheat cultivar, designated XY06-892, is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds, plants, and hybrids of wheat cultivar XY06-892, and to methods for producing a wheat plant produced by crossing plants from wheat cultivar XY06-892 with themselves or with plants from another wheat variety. The invention also relates to methods for producing a wheat plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic wheat plants and plant parts produced by those methods. The invention also relates to wheat varieties or breeding varieties and plant parts derived from wheat cultivar XY06-892, to methods for producing other wheat varieties, lines or plant parts derived from wheat cultivar XY06-892, and to the wheat plants, varieties, and their parts derived from the use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid wheat seeds and plants produced by crossing wheat cultivar XY06-892 with another wheat cultivar.
US08878033B1 Plants and seeds of hybrid corn variety CH333708
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH333708. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH333708, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH333708 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH333708.
US08878026B2 Plants and seeds of hybrid corn variety CH235629
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH235629. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH235629, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH235629 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH235629.
US08878024B2 Plants and seeds of sorghum variety GSV206860
According to the invention, there is provided plants and plant parts of the variety designated GSV206860. The invention also relates to methods for using a GSV206860 plant to produce various plants and plant parts.
US08878021B1 Soybean variety XB74E12
A novel soybean variety, designated XB74E12 is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety XB74E12, cells from soybean variety XB74E12, plants of soybean XB74E12, and plant parts of soybean variety XB74E12. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety XB74E12 with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic trait, a mutant trait, and/or a native trait into soybean variety XB74E12, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety XB74E12, and methods of characterizing soybean variety XB74E12. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety XB74E12 are further provided.
US08878019B2 Soybean cultivar S110123
A soybean cultivar designated S110123 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar S110123, to the plants of soybean cultivar S110123, to the plant parts of soybean cultivar S110123, and to methods for producing progeny of soybean cultivar S110123. The invention also relates to methods for producing a soybean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic soybean plants and plant parts produced by those methods. The invention also relates to soybean cultivars or breeding cultivars, and plant parts derived from soybean cultivar S110123. The invention also relates to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines, or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar S110123, and to the soybean plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid soybean seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing cultivar S110123 with another soybean cultivar.
US08878018B2 Soybean variety A1026622
The invention relates to the soybean variety designated A1026622. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety A1026622. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety A1026622 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety A1026622 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.
US08878015B2 Soybean variety A1026415
The invention relates to the soybean variety designated A1026415. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety A1026415. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety A1026415 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety A1026415 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.
US08878004B2 Transgenic plants expressing CIVPS or intein modified proteins and related method
Transgenic plants that express CIVPS or intein modified proteins, compositions of matter comprising them, products of diverse applications made from the transgenic plants, methods to construct the transgenic plants containing CIVPS or intein modified genes, methods to express CIVPS or intein modified proteins in plants, and methods of using the transgenic plants.
US08877993B2 Process for ebullated bed hydroconversion of feeds of bio-renewable origin for the production of fuel bases
The invention concerns a process for hydrotreatment and/or hydroconversion of a feed of bio-renewable origin containing triglyceride and/or fatty acid structures and wherein the fatty chains contain in the range 8 to 25 carbon atoms, said process comprising the following steps: a) hydrotreatment and/or hydroconversion of said bio-renewable feed in an ebullated bed reactor in the presence of a granular catalyst comprising, on an amorphous support, at least one metal or compound of a metal having a hydrodehydrogenating function, to produce a first effluent; b) sending the effluent produced in step a) to a distillation zone from which a gaseous fraction and at least one distillate cut the end point of which is less than 400° C.
US08877976B2 Process for preparing 3-aminomethyl-3,5,5-trimethylcyclohexylamine
The invention relates to an improved process for preparing 3-aminomethyl-3,5,5-trimethylcyclohexylamine, referred to hereinafter as isophoronediamine or IPDA for short, by means of catalytic hydrogenation and/or catalytic reductive amination (also referred to as aminating hydrogenation) of 3-cyano-3,5,5-trimethylcyclohexanone, also called isophoronenitrile or IPN for short hereinafter.
US08877964B2 Catalyst and method for producing acrylic acid
The present invention relates to a method for producing acrylic acid through vapor-phase contact oxidation of acrolein, wherein a reactor tube is divided into at least two catalyst layers, and catalysts having a higher activity are charged in the reactor tube sequentially toward an outlet port side from a material source gas inlet port side for a reaction therein to give acrylic acid, and wherein a catalyst activity-controlling method is a method comprising: a step of mixing a molybdenum-containing compound, a vanadium-containing compound, a copper-containing compound and an antimony-containing compound with water, then drying and calcining a resulting mixture, in which a catalytically-active element composition is kept constant but material source compounds are made to vary in type to give composite metal oxides having a different activity.
US08877952B2 Pre-esterification of primary polyols to improve solubility in solvents used in the polyol process
Methods to pre-esterify primary polyols used in converting biobased oils, oil derivatives, and modified oils to highly functionalized esters, ester polyols, amides, and amide polyols.
US08877945B2 Redox drug derivatives
The present invention provides redox drug derivatives. In particular, 9-fluoro-2,3-dihydro-3-methyl-10-(4-methyl-1-piperazinyl)-7-oxo-7H-pyrido[1,2,3-de]-1,4-benzoxazine-6-carboxylic acid, 1-ethyl-6-fluoro-1,4-dihydro-7-(4-methyl-1-piperazinyl)-4-oxo-3-quinolinecarboxylic acid, (3R,4R,5S)-4-(acetylamino)-5-amino-3-(1-ethylpropoxy)-1-cyclohexene-1-carboxylic acid ethyl ester, (3S)-3-(aminomethyl)-5-methylhexanoic acid, (3S)-1-[2-(2,3-dihydro-5-benzofuranyl)ethyl]-α-α-diphenyl-3-pyrrolidineacetamide, (1S,2S,3S,4R)-3-[(1S)-1-acetamido-2-ethyl-butyl]-4-(diaminomethylideneamino)-2-hydroxy-cyclopentane-1-carboxylic acid and (2R,3R,4S)-4-[(diaminomethylidene)amino]-3-acetamido-2-[(1R,2R)-1,2,3-trihydroxypropyl]-3,4-dihydro-2H-pyran-6-carboxylic acid redox derivatives.
US08877933B2 Thermodynamically stable form of a tosylate salt
The present invention relates to a novel form, thermodynamically stable at room temperature, of the tosylate salt of 4-{4-[({[4-chloro-3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]amino}carbonyl)amino]phenoxy}-N-methylpyridine-2-carboxamide, to processes for its preparation, to medicaments comprising it and to its use in the control of disorders.
US08877931B2 Process and intermediates for preparing integrase inhibitors
The invention provides synthetic processes and synthetic intermediates that can be used to prepare 4-oxoquinolone compounds having useful integrase inhibiting properties.
US08877928B2 Pegylated cyclopamine analogue, preparation method and uses thereof
A PEGylated cyclopamine analog, preparation method, uses thereof and methods for treating proliferative diseases using the same are disclosed. The PEGylated cyclopamine analog is a compound represented by the following formula I, a compound comprising at least one group represented by the following formula I (in formula I, R is straight or branched polyethylene glycol having a molecular weight between 200 and 200,000 Dalton, L and X are linking groups), or their single enantiomers, mixture of enantiomers, mixture of diastereomers, pharmaceutically acceptable salts, solvates, or hydrates.
US08877926B2 Process for the preparation of enantiomeric forms of 2,3-diaminopropionic acid derivatives
The disclosure relates to a process for the preparation of the enantiomeric forms of 2,3-diaminopropionic acid derivatives of formula I, wherein R1, R2 and R3 are defined as in the disclosure, by racemate resolution. The separation of the racemate into its enantiomers takes place through formation of diastereomeric salts upon addition of an enantiomerically pure auxiliary, and subsequent separation by fractional crystallization.
US08877925B2 2,6-dihalo-5-alkoxy-4-substituted-pyrimidines, pyrimidine-carbaldehydes, and methods of formation and use
2,6-Dihalo-5-alkoxy-4-substituted-pyrimidines, 2,6-dihalo-5-alkoxy-4-pyrimdine carbaldehydes, and derivatives of each are useful intermediates in forming potent herbicides that demonstrate a broad spectrum of weed control. These compounds are disclosed, as are methods of forming and using these compounds.
US08877913B2 Anti-CD4 antibody
An anti-CD4 antibody which binds to CD4, has a high affinity and has a high effector activity, such as an antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC activity) or complement-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (CDC activity), is required for a disease relating to a CD4-expressing cell.The present invention can provide a monoclonal antibody or an antibody fragment thereof, which binds to a CD4 extracellular region with high affinity and also exhibits a high ADCC activity or a high CDC activity; a hybridoma which produces the antibody; a DNA which encodes the antibody; a vector which contains the DNA; a transformant obtainable by introducing the vector; a process for producing an antibody or an antibody fragment thereof using the hybridoma or the transformant; and a therapeutic agent using the antibody or the antibody fragment thereof or a diagnostic agent using the antibody or the antibody fragment thereof.
US08877905B2 Nucleotides and nucleosides and methods for their use in DNA sequencing
The present invention relates generally to labeled and unlabeled cleavable terminating groups and methods for DNA sequencing and other types of DNA analysis. More particularly, the invention relates in part to nucleotides and nucleosides with chemically cleavable, photocleavable, enzymatically cleavable, or non-photocleavable groups and methods for their use in DNA sequencing and its application in biomedical research.
US08877903B2 Separation of insoluble target proteins
The present invention relates to a method of isolating an insoluble target protein from a suspension of intact or disrupted host cells. The invention also relates to insoluble target proteins which are obtainable by said method, in particular to silk proteins.
US08877899B2 Anti-CD38 antibody and lenalidomide or bortezomib for the treatment of multipe myeloma and NHL
The present disclosure describes a pharmaceutical combination of an anti-CD38 antibody and lenalidomide and a pharmaceutical combination of an anti-CD38 antibody and bortezomib.
US08877898B2 Fluorescent fusion polypeptides and methods of use
Embodiments of the present invention provide for the facile generation of a stable recombinant fusion polypeptides with intrinsic fluorescent properties. The recombinant antibodies may be suitable for qualitative and/or quantitative immunofluorescence analysis. Generally, the fluorescent polypeptides include a fluorescent domain comprising a C-terminus and an N-terminus; a first antibody domain covalently linked to the C-terminus; and a second antibody domain covalently linked to the N-terminus.
US08877897B2 Compositions and methods for the diagnosis and treatment of tumor
The present invention is directed to compositions of matter useful for the diagnosis and treatment of tumor in mammals and to methods of using those compositions of matter for the same.
US08877876B2 High-temperature plastic article
A plastic article having a thickness of about 2 mm to about 3.2 mm is disclosed. The article is formed from a thermoplastic composition that includes a first polymer that is a polycarbonate, a second polymer that is a polyphthalatecarbonate, a perfluoroakyl sulfonate salt; and a cyclic siloxane compound. The thermoplastic has a light transmittance at a thickness of 3.2 mm of at least 86% according to ASTM D1003-11E1, a UL94 flammability rating of V0, a notched Izod impact strength at a thickness of 3.2 mm of at least 500 J/m according to ASTM D256-05 with a 2.27 kg weight at a, and a heat deflection temperature at a thickness of 3.2 mm of at least 160° C. according to ASTM D648-06 under a load of 0.45 MPa.
US08877875B2 Golf ball
The object of the present invention is to provide a golf ball that satisfies both of the flight distance at the shot with a driver, a long iron, and a middle iron and the controllability at the approach shot with a short iron and is also excellent in the abrasion resistance of the cover. The present invention provides a golf ball comprising a core consisting of a center and at least one intermediate layer covering the center, and a cover covering the core, wherein the cover is formed from a cover composition containing, as a resin component, a thermoplastic polyurethane (A) and a polyisocyanate mixture (B) in which a urethane prepolymer (b-1) having at least two isocyanate groups or a polyisocyanate (b-2) having at least three isocyanate groups is dispersed in a thermoplastic resin (b-3) which does not substantially react with an isocyanate group; and wherein the cover composition has a slab hardness of 60 or less in Shore D hardness, and the core has a hardness difference (Hs−Ho) between a surface hardness Hs and a center hardness Ho of from 15 to 50 in Shore D hardness.
US08877863B2 Process for production of polymer polyols
The present invention provides a process for preparing a polymer polyol (PMPO) by alkoxylating a starter compound(s) having active hydrogen atoms in the presence of a double metal cyanide (DMC) catalyst, radical initiator(s) and optionally PMPO stabilizers and simultaneously polymerizing unsaturated monomer(s) with radical initiator(s). The polymer polyols (PMPOs) made by the inventive process may find use in the preparation of polyurethane foams and elastomers.
US08877853B2 Delamination-resistant multilayer container preform, article and method with oxygen barrier formulations
A plastic preform, container or article includes a multilayer wall having at least one layer of a matrix resin, at least one layer of a barrier resin, an adhesion-promoting material blended with the barrier resin and/or matrix resin, and an active oxygen barrier composition blended with the barrier resin and/or matrix resin. The adhesion-promoting material promotes bonding between the barrier and matrix resin layers and includes an amine polymer, preferably an imine polymer having a number of available primary, secondary or tertiary amine groups. The matrix resin preferably is an ester-containing resin, such as PET. The barrier resin preferably is EVOH. The active oxygen barrier composition includes a metal with an additive compound, and may also include a host polymer.
US08877851B2 Graphite filled polyester compositions
Polyester compositions comprising: 3 to 40 weight percent, preferably 3 to 30 weight percent, of at least one polyester, preferably polybutylene terephthalate, polytrimethylene terephthalate, polyethylene terephthalate, poly(ethylene 2,6-naphthoate), and poly(1,4-cyclohexyldimethylene terephthalate); 25 to 50 weight percent non-fibrous graphite, preferably a platy or particulate graphite; 10 to 40 weight percent inorganic filler selected from the group consisting of wollastonite, glass fibers, aramid fibers, ceramic fibers, potassium titanate whiskers, or combinations of them; 3 to 10 weight percent copolyether ester elastomer; wherein: the amount of a+b+c+d is 100 weight percent of the composition; the amount of b+c is at least 50 weight percent of the composition; the weight ratio of copolyether ester elastomer to polyester is from 0.3 to 0.4; and the composition has at least a 0.2 percent elongation, a thermal conductivity of at least 3 WmK, and a tensile strength of at least 25 MPa. Articles prepared from these compositions.
US08877838B2 Melamine phenylphosphinate flame retardant compositions
The present invention relates to flame retardant polymer compositions which comprise melamine phenylphosphinates and mixtures with dihydro-oxa-phosphaphenanthrene derivatives. The compositions are especially useful for the manufacture of flame retardant compounds based on polyfunctional epoxides or polycondensates like polyesters, polyamides and polycarbonates.
US08877837B2 Curing of epoxy resin compositions comprising cyclic carbonates using mixtures of amino hardeners and catalysts
A process for curing epoxy resins which comprises curing epoxy resin compositions comprising a) epoxy resins and b) a compound of the general formula I in which R1 and R2 independently of one another are hydrogen, C1-C6-alkyl, C1-C4-alkoxy-C1-C4-alkyl, C5-C6-cycloalkyl, phenyl, phenyl-C1-C4-alkyl, C2-C6-alkenyl or C2-C6-alkynyl, or R1 and R2 together are a C3-C11-alkylene group; R3 and R4 independently of one another are hydrogen, C1-C6-alkyl, C1-C4-alkoxy-C1-C4-alkyl, C5-C6-cycloalkyl, phenyl, phenyl-C1-C4-alkyl, C2-C6-alkenyl or C2-C6-alkynyl, or R3 and R4 together are a C4-C6-alkylene group; by adding amino hardeners, and the curing takes place in the presence of a compound of the following formula II in which at least one of the radicals R11, R12 and R13 is a hydrocarbon group having 1 to 10 C atoms, which is substituted with a hydroxyl group and optionally remaining radicals R11 to R13 are an unsubstituted hydrocarbon group having 1 to 10 C atoms.
US08877836B2 Microsphere based wall repair compound
The present invention is a drying composition comprising spherical beads and a stable aqueous dispersion of polymer particles and also a dried composition of the spherical beads and a polymer film. The composition is useful as a wall repair formulation.
US08877830B2 Stress relief for crosslinked polymers
The invention provides methods for inducing reversible chain cleavage of polymer chains in a crosslinked polymeric material or during polymerization of a polymeric material. Reversible cleavage of the polymer backbone is capable of relieving stress in the polymeric material as the bonds reform in a less stressed state. The invention also provides mixtures for making crosslinked polymeric materials, methods for making polymeric materials capable of reversible chain cleavage, materials made by the methods of the invention, and linear monomers containing reversible chain cleavage groups which are useful in the materials and methods of the invention. The mixtures of the invention may be dental restorative compositions used for forming dental restorative materials.
US08877815B2 Substituted carbamoylcycloalkyl acetic acid derivatives as NEP
The present invention provides a compound of formula I; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, B, X, m and n are defined herein. The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing the compounds of the invention, and its therapeutic uses. The present invention further provides pharmaceutical composition of compounds of the invention, and a combination of pharmacologically active agents and a compound of the invention.
US08877808B2 Protection against skin diseases by aurin tricarboxylic acid and its derivatives
This invention describes a method of preventing and treating inflammatory skin diseases by topical application of aurin tricarboxylic acid and its derivatives. Such diseases are characterized by immune attack, especially involving aberrant complement activation. The diseases include, but are not limited to, androgenetic alopecia (baldness), seborrheic dermatitis/dandruff, allergic dermatitis, primary cicatricial alopecia, pemphigus, psoriasis, discoid lupus erythematosis, and dermatitus herpetiformis.
US08877803B2 Stat3 pathway inhibitors and cancer stem cell inhibitors
The present invention relates to a novel naphtho class of compounds as Stat3 pathway inhibitors and as cancer stem cell inhibitors; to methods of using such compounds to treat cancer; to methods of using such compounds to treat disorders in a mammal related to aberrant Stat3 pathway activity; to pharmaceutical compositions containing such compounds.
US08877794B2 Phenalkylamine derivatives, pharmaceutical compositions containing them, and their use in therapy
The present invention relates to phenalkylamine derivatives of the formula (I) or a physiologically tolerated salt thereof. The invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising such phenalkylamine derivatives, and the use of such phenalkylamine derivatives for therapeutic purposes. The phenalkylamine derivatives are GlyT1 inhibitors.
US08877790B2 Allantoin-containing skin cream
An allantoin-containing skin cream composition can comprise allantoin and at least one anionic or nonionic emulsifier that is substantially hydrophilic and is soluble in water. The composition is in the form of an oil-in-water emulsion. The pH of the composition is in a range of from about 3.0 to about 6.0; preferably, the pH of the composition is from about 5.0 to about 6.0. The composition can further comprise an acidic anionic polymer. A preferred acidic anionic polymer is a carboxypolymethylene polymer. The composition can further comprise a carbohydrate polymer such as galactoarabinan, polygalactose or polyarabinose. The composition can additionally comprise other ingredients such as herbal extracts, an antioxidant component, an emollient component, a chelator, a solvent component, or a preservative component. The composition is useful as a skin protectant.
US08877789B2 Allantoin-containing skin cream
An allantoin-containing skin cream composition can comprise allantoin and at least one anionic or nonionic emulsifier that is substantially hydrophilic and is soluble in water. The composition is in the form of an oil-in-water emulsion. The pH of the composition is in a range of from about 3.0 to about 6.0; preferably, the pH of the composition is from about 5.0 to about 6.0. The composition can further comprise an acidic anionic polymer. A preferred acidic anionic polymer is a carboxypolymethylene polymer. The composition can further comprise a carbohydrate polymer such as galactoarabinan, polygalactose or polyarabinose. The composition can additionally comprise other ingredients such as herbal extracts, an antioxidant component, an emollient component, a chelator, a solvent component, or a preservative component. The composition is useful as a skin protectant.
US08877788B2 Allantoin-containing skin cream
An allantoin-containing skin cream composition can comprise allantoin and at least one anionic or nonionic emulsifier that is substantially hydrophilic and is soluble in water. The composition is in the form of an oil-in-water emulsion. The pH of the composition is in a range of from about 3.0 to about 6.0; preferably, the pH of the composition is from about 5.0 to about 6.0. The composition can further comprise an acidic anionic polymer. A preferred acidic anionic polymer is a carboxypolymethylene polymer. The composition can further comprise a carbohydrate polymer such as galactoarabinan, polygalactose or polyarabinose. The composition can additionally comprise other ingredients such as herbal extracts, an antioxidant component, an emollient component, a chelator, a solvent component, or a preservative component. The composition is useful as a skin protectant.
US08877784B2 TRPA1 antagonists
Compounds of formula (I) wherein R1, R2, R3, and Y are defined in the description are TRPA1 antagonists. Compositions comprising such compounds and methods for treating conditions and disorders using such compounds and compositions are also disclosed.
US08877782B2 Isoxazolo-pyridine derivatives
The present invention is concerned with isoxazole-pyridine derivatives of formula I wherein X, R1 to R6 are as described herein. The compounds are active on the GABA A α5 receptor binding site and useful for the treatment of cognitive disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease.
US08877778B2 Benzofurane compounds
The present invention is concerned with novel dual modulators of the 5-HT2A and D3 receptors of formula (I) wherein n, x, Y, R1, R2, R3, and R4 are as described herein, as well as pharmaceutically acceptable salts and esters thereof. Further the present invention is concerned with the manufacture of the compounds of formula (I), pharmaceutical compositions comprising them and their use as pharmaceuticals.
US08877775B2 Substituted 2-aza-bicyclo[2.2.2]octane-3-carboxylic acid (benzyl-cyano-methyl)-amides inhibitors of cathepsin C
This invention relates to 2-Aza-bicyclo[2.2.2]octane-3-carboxylic acid (benzyl-cyano-methyl)-amides of formula 1 and their use as inhibitors of Cathepsin C, pharmaceutical compositions containing the same, and methods of using the same as agents for treatment and/or prevention of diseases connected with dipeptidyl peptidase I activity, e.g. respiratory diseases.
US08877774B2 Compounds having muscarinic receptor antagonist and beta2 Adrenergic receptor agonist activity
Compounds of formula(I) act both as muscarinic receptor antagonists and beta2 adrenergic receptor agonists and are useful for the prevention and/or treatment of broncho-obstructive and inflammatory diseases.
US08877758B2 Combinations of medicaments, containing PDE4-inhibitors and EP4-receptor-antagonists
The present invention relates to new medicament combinations which contain in addition to one or more PDE4-inhibitors (1) at least one EP4 receptor antagonist (2), as well as the use thereof for the treatment of preferably respiratory complaints such as particularly COPD, chronic sinusitis and asthma.The invention relates in particular to those medicament combinations which contain at least one EP4 receptor antagonist (2), in addition to one or more, preferably one, PDE4 inhibitor of general formula 1 wherein X is SO or SO2, but preferably SO, and wherein R3 denotes an optionally substituted, mono- or bicyclic, unsaturated, partly saturated or saturated heterocyclic group or an optionally substituted, mono- or bicyclic heteroaryl and wherein R1 and R2 have the meanings given in claim 1, the preparation thereof and the use thereof for the treatment of respiratory complaints.
US08877749B2 Spirocyclic compounds as modulators of chemokine receptor activity
The present application describes modulators of chemokine receptor activity of formula (I) or stereoisomers or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. In addition, methods of treating and preventing inflammatory diseases such as asthma and allergic diseases, as well as autoimmune pathologies such as rheumatoid arthritis and transplant rejection using modulators of formula (I) are disclosed.
US08877746B2 Compositions for delivery of insoluble agents
Compositions and methods of making the same for in vivo delivery of lixivaptan to a subject in need thereof are described. The composition includes a substantially water-insoluble pharmacologically active agent (e.g., lixivaptan) and a substantially water-insoluble matrix forming material (e.g., a Vitamin E semi-ester), wherein the pharmacologically active agent is dispersed in said matrix forming material, and wherein the composition delivers said substantially water-insoluble pharmacologically active agent upon exposure to physiological medium.
US08877742B2 Compounds
The present invention relates to novel NADPH oxidase II inhibitors and their use in the treatment of diseases mediated by the NADPH oxidase enzymes.
US08877739B2 Prophylactic agent or therapeutic agent for diabetes or obesity
A medicament having an excellent CaSR agonist action which enables the prevention or treatment of diabetes or obesity is provided by a composition comprising the compound represented by general formula (I) as defined, or a salt thereof.
US08877726B2 Method and medicament for inhibiting the expression of a given gene
The invention relates to an isolated RNA that mediates RNA interference of an mRNA to which it corresponds and a method of mediating RNA interference of mRNA of a gene in a cell or organism using the isolated RNA.
US08877719B2 Pest controlling composition
A pest controlling composition comprising spinetoram and a cyclic keto-enol compound having an acetyl CoA carboxylase-inhibiting activity as active ingredients.
US08877716B2 Peptide derivatives, preparation and uses thereof
The invention relates to peptide derivatives (peptides and pseudo-peptides) and the use thereof as vectors for molecules of interest. The invention also relates to conjugates containing a peptide derivative of the invention bound to a molecule of interest. The peptides of the invention can be used, in particular, to vectorize, generally in the form of prodrug conjugates, molecules of pharmaceutical or diagnostic interest such as, for example, therapeutic molecules, imaging or diagnostic agents, or molecular probes, across cell membranes of different tissues or organs, healthy or pathologic, and in particular to enable their transport across physiological barriers of the nervous system such as the Blood brain barrier (BBB), Blood-spinal cord barrier (BSCB), or Blood-retinal barrier (BRB).
US08877715B2 Cytotoxic conjugates having neuropeptide Y receptor binding compound
There is provided a series of novel neuropeptide Y-cytotoxic conjugates, compositions comprising the same, and methods relating to their therapeutic use for the treatment of disease or condition states associated with aberrant or undesirable proliferation of cells that express NPY-Y1 receptors.
US08877711B2 Octanoate-reduced human albumin
A method is described that improves the transport properties of albumin produced on an industrial scale, wherein the albumin is mixed, during the production process, with substances that saturate the binding points on the albumin. Furthermore, pasteurized and then octanoate-reduced human albumin and therapeutic uses of such albumin is described. Such albumin may be useful in detoxifying human plasma, e.g. for the intravenous treatment of acute or chronic liver diseases, and as a dialysate in extracorporeal liver dialysis.
US08877710B2 Methods of identifying critically ill patients at increased risk of development of organ failure and compounds for the treatment hereof
The present invention relates to compounds for treatment that protects the endothelium, prevent pathologic thrombus formation in the microcirculation and preserve platelet number and function and thus may be related to minimizing or preventing development of organ failure, including multiple organ failure (MOF), and, hence, death in critically ill patients by administration of agent(s) limiting the platelets ability to aggregate and form clots and/or by agents modulating/preserving endothelial integrity and/or by agent(s) increasing the rate of thrombus lysis, and Another aspect of the invention related to by a cell-based whole blood viscoelastical haemostatic assay identifying critically ill patients at increased risk of development of organ failure, including multiple organ failure (MOF) and death.
US08877708B2 Combination of dopamine agonists plus first phase secretagogues for the treatment of metabolic disorders
The present invention is directed to a method of treating a metabolic disorder or key elements of a metabolic disorder such method comprising the use of an agent(s) that increases central dopaminergic activity plus a first-phase insulin secretagouge.
US08877693B2 Use of oil-soluble surfactants as breaker enhancers for VES-gelled fluids
Fluids viscosified with viscoelastic surfactants (VESs) may have their viscosities reduced (gels broken) by the direct or indirect action of an internal breaker composition that contains at least one mineral oil, at least one polyalphaolefin oil, at least one saturated fatty acid and/or at least one unsaturated fatty acid. The internal breaker may initially be dispersed oil droplets in an internal, discontinuous phase of the fluid. In one non-limiting embodiment, the internal breaker, e.g. mineral oil, is added to the fluid after it has been substantially gelled. An oil-soluble surfactant is present to enhance or accelerate the reduction of viscosity of the gelled aqueous fluid.
US08877682B2 Low use rate agricultural compositions and methods for use
A substantially dry, flowable adjuvant compositions comprising, based on 100 parts by weight (“pbw”) of the adjuvant composition: (a) from about 25 pbw to about 75 pbw of a polysaccharide and (b) from about 75 pbw to about 20 pbw of a salt composition. In one embodiment, the salt composition is diammonium hydrogen phosphate, sodium carbonate or a combination thereof, and the polysaccharide is a derivatized guar. Also disclosed are methods of preparing such agricultural compositions comprising adding, to a heel solution, (a) a water dispersible adjuvant composition, in an amount effective to provide deposition and/or drift control properties, comprising, based on 100 pbw of the adjuvant composition: (i) from about 25 pbw to about 75 pbw of a polysaccharide, and (ii) from about 75 pbw to about 20 pbw of a salt composition, wherein an aqueous solution of the adjuvant composition has a pH value of between about 7 and about 12, and (b) an effective amount of an active. The adjuvant composition can further comprise (iii) from about 20 pbw to about 30 pbw of a dispersing agent, wherein typically the dispersing agent is sodium polyacrylate.
US08877671B2 Method of making hydroprocessing catalyst
A chelated hydroprocessing catalyst exhibiting low moisture is obtained by hearing an impregnated, calcined carrier to a temperature higher than 200° C. and less than a temperature and for a period of time that would cause substantial decomposition of the chelating agent.
US08877664B2 Zirconia sintered body, and mixture, pre-sintered compact and pre-sintered calcined body for sintering zirconia sintered body
Provided is a high-strength zirconia sintered body in which the progression of low-temperature degradation is inhibited. The zirconia sintered body contains partially-stabilized zirconia as a matrix phase and contains at least one element from among phosphorus (P), arsenic (As), antimony (Sb), and bismuth (Bi). The content of the abovementioned element(s) in the zirconia sintered body ranges from 4×10−4 mol to 4×10−2 mol with respect to 1 mol of zirconium(IV) oxide. Preferably, the zirconia sintered body further contains 0.03% to 3% by mass of silicon dioxide.
US08877656B2 Method for manufacturing silicon carbide semiconductor device
A method for manufacturing a silicon carbide semiconductor device includes the following steps. A silicon carbide substrate is heated in an atmosphere containing oxygen, so as to form a gate insulating film on and in contact with the silicon carbide substrate. The silicon carbide substrate having the gate insulating film is heated at 1250° C. or more in an atmosphere containing nitrogen and nitrogen monoxide. A value obtained by dividing partial pressure of the nitrogen monoxide by a total of partial pressure of the nitrogen and the partial pressure of the nitrogen monoxide in the second heating step is more than 3% and less than 10%. Accordingly, there can be provided a method for manufacturing a silicon carbide semiconductor device having high mobility.
US08877649B2 Thin film transistor array substrate, method of manufacturing the same, and display device
Embodiments of the present invention disclose a thin film transistor array substrate, a method of manufacturing the same, and display device. A method of manufacturing a thin film transistor array substrate, comprises: forming a resin layer on a substrate formed with a thin film transistor array, patterning the resin layer by using a mask process to form a spacer and a contact hole filling layer, the contact hole filing layer is used for filling contact holes on the thin film transistor array substrate; forming an alignment film on the substrate patterning with the spacer and the contact hole filing layer.
US08877648B2 Methods of forming printable integrated circuit devices by selective etching to suspend the devices from a handling substrate and devices formed thereby
Methods of forming integrated circuit devices include forming a sacrificial layer on a handling substrate and forming a semiconductor active layer on the sacrificial layer. A step is performed to selectively etch through the semiconductor active layer and the sacrificial layer in sequence to define an semiconductor-on-insulator (SOI) substrate, which includes a first portion of the semiconductor active layer. A multi-layer electrical interconnect network may be formed on the SOI substrate. This multi-layer electrical interconnect network may be encapsulated by an inorganic capping layer that contacts an upper surface of the first portion of the semiconductor active layer. A step can be performed to selectively etch through the capping layer and the first portion of the semiconductor active layer to thereby expose the sacrificial layer. The sacrificial layer may be selectively removed from between the first portion of the semiconductor active layer and the handling substrate to thereby define a suspended integrated circuit chip encapsulated by the capping layer.
US08877644B2 Polishing solution for copper polishing, and polishing method using same
The polishing solution for copper polishing of the invention comprises a first organic acid component which is at least one type selected from among an organic acid containing a hydroxyl group, an organic acid salt and an organic acid anhydride, an inorganic acid component which is at least one type selected from among a dibasic or greater inorganic acid and an inorganic acid salt, an amino acid, a protective film-forming agent, an abrasive grain, an oxidizing agent and water, wherein the inorganic acid component content in terms of inorganic acid is 0.15 mass % or greater, the amino acid content is 0.30 mass % or greater, the protective film-forming agent content is 0.10 mass % or greater, based on the entire polishing solution for copper polishing, and the ratio of the first organic acid component content in terms of organic acid with respect to the protective film-forming agent content is at least 1.5.
US08877641B2 Line-edge roughness improvement for small pitches
A method for mitigating line-edge roughness on a semiconductor device. The method includes line-edge roughness mitigation techniques in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. The techniques include: reducing the SiON film thickness below a conventional thickness; increasing the photoresist thickness above a conventional thickness; etching the SiON film with an etch bias power less than a conventional wattage amount with an overetch percentage less than a conventional overetch percentage; removing the SiON film layer immediately after completion of the amorphous carbon film layer etching; and lowering the lower electrode temperature below a conventional temperature.
US08877638B2 ESD/antenna diodes for through-silicon vias
Roughly described, an antenna diode is formed at least partially within the exclusion zone around a TSV, and is connected to the TSV by way of a metal 1 layer conductor at the same time that the TSV is connected to either the gate poly or a diffusion region of one or more transistors placed outside the exclusion zone.
US08877637B2 Damascene process for aligning and bonding through-silicon-via based 3D integrated circuit stacks
Through-silicon-via (TSV) based 3D integrated circuit (3D IC) stacks are aligned, bonded and electrically interconnected using a transparent alignment material in the TSVs until the wafers are bonded. Embodiments include providing a first wafer having a first device layer and at least one first TSV filled with a conductive material, providing a second wafer having a second device layer, forming at least one second TSV in the second wafer, filling each second TSV with an alignment material, thinning the second wafer until the transparent material extends all the way through the wafer, aligning the first and second wafers, bonding the first and second wafers, removing the alignment material from the second wafer, and filling each second TSV in the second wafer with a conductive material.
US08877629B2 Semiconductor manufacturing process and structure thereof
A semiconductor manufacturing process includes the following steps of providing a silicon substrate having at least one connection pad and a protection layer, forming a first seed layer having at least one first section and at least one second section, forming a first photoresist layer, forming a first buffer layer having a coupling portion and a cladding portion, removing the first photoresist layer, removing the second section of the first seed layer to form a first under bump metallurgy layer, forming a support layer on the protection layer and the first buffer layer, the first under bump metallurgy layer has a first ring wall, the first buffer layer has a second ring wall, wherein the first ring wall, the second ring wall and the cladding portion are cladded by the support layer, and forming a connection portion and covering the coupling portion with the connection portion.
US08877621B2 Low resistivity gate conductor
Embodiments of the invention provide an approach for bottom-up growth of a low resistivity gate conductor. Specifically, a low resistivity metal (e.g., aluminum or cobalt) is selectively grown directly over metal layers in a set of gate trenches using a chemical vapor deposition or atomic layer deposition process to form the gate conductor.
US08877618B2 Method for producing a field effect transistor with a SiGe channel by ion implantation
The semiconductor-on-insulator substrate includes a support, an electrically insulating film, a crystalline film made from semiconductor material, and a protection layer. Germanium ions are implanted in the semiconductor material film through the protection layer so as to form an amorphized area in contact with the protection layer and a crystalline area in contact with the electrically insulating film. The semiconductor material film is annealed so as to recrystallize the amorphized area from the crystalline area.
US08877608B2 Method for preparing GOI chip structure
The present invention provides a method for preparing a GOI chip structure, where, in the method, first, a SiGe on insulator (SGOI) chip structure is made by using a SMART CUT technology, and then, germanium condensation technology is performed on the SGOI chip structure, so as to obtain a GOI chip structure. Because the SGOI made by the Smart-Cut technology basically has no misfit dislocation in an SGOI/BOX interface, the threading dislocation density of the GOI is finally reduced. A technique of the present invention is simple, the high-quality GOI chip structure can be implemented, and the germanium condensation technology is greatly improved. An ion implantation technology and an annealing technology are quite mature techniques in the current semiconductor industry, so that such a preparation method greatly improves the possibility of wide use of the germanium concentration technology in the semiconductor industry.
US08877599B2 Method of forming a semiconductor device
A semiconductor device having dislocations and a method of fabricating the semiconductor device is disclosed. The exemplary semiconductor device and method for fabricating the semiconductor device enhance carrier mobility. The method includes providing a substrate having an isolation feature therein and two gate stacks overlying the substrate, wherein one of the gate stacks is atop the isolation feature. The method further includes performing a pre-amorphous implantation process on the substrate. The method further includes forming a stress film over the substrate. The method also includes performing an annealing process on the substrate and the stress film.
US08877588B2 Methods of forming a three-dimensional semiconductor device with a dual stress channel and the resulting device
One method includes forming first and second spaced-apart trenches extending at least partially into a semiconducting substrate defining a fin structure for the device, forming a stress-inducing material having a first type of stress in the first trench, forming a second stress-inducing material in the second trench, the second stress-inducing material having a second stress that is a different than the first type of stress, and forming a gate structure around a portion of the fin structure. One device includes first and second spaced-apart trenches in a semiconducting substrate defining at least a portion of a fin for the device, a stress-inducing material having a first type of stress in the first trench, a second stress-inducing material in the second trench, the second stress-inducing material having a second stress that is a different type than the first stress, and a gate structure around a portion of the fin structure.
US08877587B2 Nonvolatile memory device and method for fabricating the same
A method for fabricating a nonvolatile memory device includes forming a stacked structure over a substrate defining a cell area and a peripheral area and having a source region, the stacked structure including interlayer dielectric layers and sacrifice layers, forming channel layers connected to the substrate through the stacked structure of the cell area, forming a first slit in the stacked structure of the cell area, forming a second slit in the stacked structure, the second slit including a first portion and a second portion, removing the sacrifice layers exposed through the first and second slits, forming conductive layers to fill spaces from which the sacrifice layers are removed, forming an insulating layer in the second slit, and forming a source contact by burying a conductive material in the first portion of the second slit having the insulating layer formed therein.
US08877586B2 Process for forming resistive switching memory cells using nano-particles
A process for forming reversible resistance-switching memory cells having resistance-switching nano-particles which provide a reduced contact area to top and bottom electrodes of the memory cells, thereby limiting a peak current. Recesses are formed in a layered semiconductor material above the bottom electrodes, and one or more coatings of nano-particles are applied. The nano-particles self-assemble in the recesses so that they are positioned in a controlled manner. A top electrode material is then deposited. In one approach, the recesses are formed by spaced-apart trenches, and the nano-particles self-assemble along the spaced-apart trenches. In another approach, the recesses for each resistance-switching memory cell are separate from one another, and the resistance-switching memory cells are pillar-shaped. The coatings can be provided in one layer, or in multiple layers which are separated by an insulation layer.
US08877581B2 Strain-engineered MOSFETs having rimmed source-drain recesses
An integrated circuit (IC) includes a plurality of strained metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) devices that include a semiconductor surface having a first doping type, a gate electrode stack over a portion of the semiconductor surface, and source/drain recesses that extend into the semiconductor surface and are framed by semiconductor surface interface regions on opposing sides of the gate stack. A first epitaxial strained alloy layer (rim) is on the semiconductor surface interface regions, and is doped with the first doping type. A second epitaxial strained alloy layer is on the rim and is doped with a second doping type that is opposite to the first doping type that is used to form source/drain regions.
US08877580B1 Reduction of oxide recesses for gate height control
An intermediate semiconductor structure in fabrication includes a substrate. A plurality of gate structures is disposed over the substrate, with at least two of the gate structures separated by a sacrificial material between adjacent gate structures. A portion of the sacrificial material is removed to form openings within the sacrificial material, which are filled with a filler material having a high aspect ratio oxide. The excess filler material is removed. A portion of the gate structures is removed to form gate openings within the gate structures. The gate openings are filled with gate cap material and the excess gate cap material is removed to create a substantially planar surface overlaying the gate structures and the sacrificial material to control sacrificial oxide recess and gate height.
US08877563B2 Microfabricated pillar fins for thermal management
An electrical package with improved thermal management. The electrical package includes a die having an exposed back surface. The package further includes a plurality of fins extending outwardly from the back surface for dissipating heat from the package. The die can be arranged in a multi-die stacking configuration. In another embodiment, a method of forming a die for improved thermal management of an electrical package is provided.
US08877560B2 Method for assembling heat generating element and heat dissipating element, pressure sensitive element, and power supplying unit
A method for assembling a heat generating element and a heat dissipating element includes: preparing a pressure sensitive element including a pressure sensitive layer and first and second release films connected to the pressure sensitive layer; separating the second release film from the pressure sensitive layer and then adhering a heat dissipating element to the pressure sensitive layer; forcing the first release film; separating the first release film from the pressure sensitive layer, and then adhering a heat generating element to the pressure sensitive layer; and fixedly attaching the heat generating element onto the pressure sensitive layer. A pressure sensitive element and a power supplying unit are also disclosed.
US08877556B2 Copper post solder bumps on substrates
A method comprises forming semiconductor flip chip interconnects having electrical connecting pads and electrically conductive posts terminating in distal ends operatively associated with the pads. We solder bump the distal ends by injection molding, mask the posts on the pads with a mask having a plurality of through hole reservoirs and align the reservoirs in the mask to be substantially concentric with the distal ends. Injecting liquid solder into the reservoirs and allowing it to cool provides solidified solder on the distal ends, which after mask removal produces a solder bumped substrate which we position on a wafer to leave a gap between the wafer and the substrate. The wafer has electrically conductive sites on the surface for soldering to the posts. Abutting the sites and the solder bumped posts followed by heating joins the wafer and substrate. The gap is optionally filled with a material comprising an underfill.
US08877552B2 Method and apparatus for manufacturing electronic integrated circuit chip
A method (and apparatus) of assembling a die on an electronic substrate, includes processing an assembly including a substrate and a die, and during the processing, introducing a pre-stress to the assembly during a cure process.
US08877550B2 Methods for forming resistive switching memory elements by heating deposited layers
Resistive switching nonvolatile memory elements are provided. A metal-containing layer and an oxide layer for a memory element can be heated using rapid thermal annealing techniques. During heating, the oxide layer may decompose and react with the metal-containing layer. Oxygen from the decomposing oxide layer may form a metal oxide with metal from the metal-containing layer. The resulting metal oxide may exhibit resistive switching for the resistive switching memory elements.
US08877547B2 Thin film transistor including organic semiconductor layer and substrate including the same
Provided is a thin film transistor including a gate electrode on a substrate; a gate insulating layer on the gate electrode; source and drain electrodes including first source and drain layers on the gate insulating layer, respectively, and spaced apart from each other, wherein at lease one of the first source and drain layers includes indium-tin-oxide doped with at least one Group III element; and an organic semiconductor layer on the gate insulating layer and contacting the first source and drain layers.
US08877544B2 Solar cell and method of manufacturing the same
In one embodiment, a method of manufacturing a solar cell includes forming a first electrode over a substrate; forming a light-converting layer over the first electrode and patterning the light-converting layer to form a plurality of patterned light-converting layers that are spaced apart from each other; forming a transparent insulating layer over the first electrode including the patterned light-converting layers; and forming a second electrode over the transparent insulating layer.
US08877539B2 Method for producing a photovoltaic cell including the preparation of the surface of a crystalline silicon substrate
A method for producing of at least one photovoltaic cell includes successively the anisotropic etching of a surface of a crystalline silicon substrate and the isotropic etching treatment of said surface. The isotropic etching treatment includes at least two successive operations respectively consisting in forming a silicon oxide thin film with a controlled average thickness, ranging between 10 nm and 500 nm and in removing said thin film thus-formed. The operation consisting in forming a silicon oxide thin film on the face of the substrate is carried out by a thermally activated dry oxidation. Such a method makes it possible to improve the surface quality of the surface of the substrate once said surface is etched in an anisotropic way.
US08877534B2 Display device and method for manufacturing the same
A display device includes a substrate; a gate wire including a gate electrode and a first capacitor electrode formed on the substrate; a gate insulating layer formed on the gate wire; a semiconductor layer pattern formed on the gate insulating layer, and including an active region overlapping at least a part of the gate electrode and a capacitor region overlapping at least a part of the first capacitor electrode; an etching preventing layer formed on a part of the active region of the semiconductor layer pattern; and a data wire including a source electrode and a drain electrode formed over the active region of the semiconductor layer from over the etching preventing layer, and separated with the etching preventing layer therebetween, and a second capacitor electrode formed on the capacitor region of the semiconductor layer.
US08877533B2 Method of manufacturing oxide thin film transistor and display device
A method of manufacturing oxide thin film transistor and display device are provided. In the method of manufacturing an oxide thin film transistor, the method includes: forming an active layer of an oxide semiconductor on a substrate, and performing surface treatment with plasma for the active layer to permeate oxygen into the active layer.
US08877525B1 Low cost secure chip identification
Mechanisms are provided for chip (e.g., semiconductor chip) identification (e.g., low cost secure identification). In one example, a method of manufacturing for implementing integrated chip identification is provided. In another example, a method of using a chip with an integrated identification is provided.
US08877518B2 Multiplexed nanoscale electrochemical sensors for multi-analyte detection
Provided are nanoscale devices suitable for multiplexed, parallel detection of multiple analytes and methods for fabricating such devices.
US08877517B1 Methods for ionophorically screening pore forming bacterial protein toxins and receptors
A method for determining the amount of pore forming bacterial toxin protein in a sample is provided, the method including the steps of a) forming a membrane comprising a lipid bilayer and a receptor, b) contacting the membrane with an ion solution and the sample, c) measuring ion flow through the membrane, d) comparing the ion flow through the membrane to a standard curve, and e) determining the amount of pore forming bacterial toxin protein in the sample.
US08877515B2 Measurement kit and an immunochromatography method
It is an object of the present invention to provide a measurement kit for developing a first developing solution and a second developing solution from different directions to suppress background noise, and an immunochromatography kit. The present invention provides a measurement kit, which comprises a first developing member for supplying a first developing solution and a second developing member for supplying a second developing solution, wherein the developing direction of the first developing solution is allowed to intersect with the developing direction of the second developing solution, so that development is carried out by developing the first and second developing solutions in different developing directions, and a water absorbent portion is established on the downstream of each of the developing directions.
US08877512B2 Bubble formation techniques using physical or chemical features to retain a gas bubble within a droplet actuator
The present invention is directed to a droplet actuator and methods of making and using the droplet actuator including one or more substrates configured to form a droplet operations gap and including a physical or chemical feature that may be provided at a predetermined locus within or exposed to the droplet operations gap and configured to retain a bubble in position within the droplet operations gap.
US08877503B2 Sulfonylurea-responsive repressor proteins
Compositions and methods relating to the use of sulfonylurea-responsive repressors are provided. Compositions include polypeptides that specifically bind to an operator, wherein the specific binding is regulated by a sulfonylurea compound. Compositions also include polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides as well as constructs, vectors, prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, and eukaryotic organisms including plants and seeds comprising the polynucleotide, and/or produced by the methods. Also provided are methods to provide a sulfonylurea-responsive repressor to a cell or organism, and to regulate expression of a polynucleotide of interest in a cell or organism, including a plant or plant cell.
US08877501B2 Production of alkaloids by liliaceae cell culture
The present invention relates to the production of alkaloids from Liliaceae cell culture.
US08877497B2 Method of differentiating mammalian progenitor cells into insulin producing pancreatic islet cells
The invention relates to methods for differentiating progenitor cells into insulin producing pancreatic islet cells and compositions and methods for using such cells.
US08877496B2 Method for transferring cells to carriers and application thereof
The invention provides a method for transferring cells to carriers, including: (a) providing a hydrophobic cell culture container or a cell culture container coated with a hydrophobic material on a bottom thereof; (b) adding carriers which are more hydrophilic than the hydrophobic cell culture container or hydrophobic materials and a culture medium containing cells into the hydrophobic cell culture container or the cell culture container coated with the hydrophobic material on the bottom thereof; and (c) culturing the cells, wherein the cells attach to the carriers and grow.
US08877490B2 Fermenter for generating biogas from pumpable organic material
The invention relates to a fermenter for generating biogas from pumpable organic material with a low content of organic dry matter (oTS), comprising at least one inlet for the pumpable organic material, at least one fixed bed reactor for the pumpable organic material with at least one primary and one secondary section and at least one outlet the remaining fermentation residue. Furthermore, the fermenter can optionally comprises at least one sedimentation chamber for the pumpable organic material, arranged between the primary and secondary sections and at least one recycling section connected to the sedimentation chamber and designed such that specific lighter fractions of the pumpable organic material can be recovered and reintroduced to the rising (primary) section of the fixed bed reactor or a preceding or subsequent conventional fermenter.
US08877489B2 Ultrathin parylene-C semipermeable membranes for biomedical applications
Thin parylene C membranes having smooth front sides and ultrathin regions (e.g., 0.01 μm to 5 μm thick) interspersed with thicker regions are disclosed. The back sides of the membranes can be rough compared with the smooth front sides. The membranes can be used in vitro to grow monolayers of cells in a laboratory or in vivo as surgically implantable growth layers, such as to replace the Bruch's membrane in the eye. The thin regions of parylene are semipermeable to allow for proteins in serum to pass through, and the thick regions give mechanical support for handling by a surgeon. The smooth front side allows for monolayer cell growth, and the rough back side helps prevents cells from attaching there.
US08877488B2 Photobioreactor systems and methods for treating CO2-enriched gas and producing biomass
Certain embodiments and aspects of the invention relate to a photobioreactor including covered photobioreactor units through which a liquid medium stream and a gas stream flow. The liquid medium comprises at least one species of phototrophic organism therein. Certain methods of using the photobioreactor system as part of fuel generation system and/or a gas-treatment process or system at least partially remove certain undesirable pollutants from a gas stream. In certain embodiments, a portion of the liquid medium is diverted from a photobioreactor unit and reintroduced upstream of the diversion position. In certain embodiments, the disclosed photobioreactor system, methods of using such systems, and/or gas treatment apparatus and methods provided herein can be used as part of an integrated combustion method and system, wherein photosynthetic organisms used within the photobioreactor are harvested from the photobioreactor, processed, and used as a fuel source for a combustion system like an electric power plant.
US08877484B2 Microfluidic device and a microfluidic system and a method of performing a test
A microfluidic device comprising at least one test channel, which test channel comprises an upper test channel section with an upstream end and a sampling region at its upstream end and at least one reference channel, which reference channel comprises an upper reference channel section with an upstream end and a sampling region at its upstream end. The test channel and the reference channel comprise a merging region downstream to the upper test channel section and a common downstream channel section. The merging region and the common downstream channel section are arranged such that a reference liquid flowing from the upper reference channel section into the merging region will block a test liquid flow in the upper test channel section when the test liquid flow has not yet reached the merging section. The microfluid device may be used for detecting change of flow properties e.g. due to agglomeration, agglutination or viscosity change in a liquid preferably selected from water, urine, blood, or blood plasma.
US08877483B2 Dioxin elimination promoter
An accelerating agent for elimination of dioxins which comprises, as an active ingredient, a microorganism having an activity of accelerating elimination of dioxins in the body to the outside of the body.
US08877480B2 Trichoderma strains that induce resistance to plant diseases and/or increase plant growth
The present invention relates to a method for enhancing growth of plants which comprises contacting a Trichoderma strain with the plant or a plant seed under conditions effective for the Trichoderma strain to colonize the roots of the plant or a plant grown from the plant seed, thereby creating a plant-Trichoderma system. The plant or plant seed is grown under conditions effective to sustain the plant-Trichoderma system in a planting medium and to enhance plant growth, where the Trichoderma strain is selected from the group consisting of Trichoderma atroviride strain WW10TC4 (ATCC accession number PTA 9707), Trichoderma harzianum strain RR17Bc (ATCC accession number PTA 9708), Trichoderma harzianum strain F11Bab (ATCC accession number PTA 9709), and combinations thereof. Also, disclosed are methods of enhancing resistance of plants to abiotic stress, increasing nitrogen use efficacy in plants, reducing nitrous oxide emissions in air, reducing leaching of nitrates into soil and water, and enhancing sequestration of carbon from air.
US08877479B2 Halomonas strain WDG195-related alpha-amylases, and methods of use, thereof
Compositions and methods relating to an alpha-amylase enzyme obtained from Halomonas variabilis WDG195 are described.
US08877474B2 GH61 glycoside hydrolase protein variants and cofactors that enhance GH61 activity
The present invention provides various GH61 protein variants comprising various amino acid substitutions. The GH61 protein variants have an improved ability to synergize with cellulase enzymes, thereby increasing the yield of fermentable sugars obtained by saccharification of biomass. In some embodiments, sugars obtained from saccharification are fermented to produce numerous end-products, including but not limited to alcohol.
US08877472B2 Electron beam irradiation processing of biomass and saccharification thereof
Corn or soy plant biomass is electron beam irradiation processed and saccharified to produce sugars. The sugars are then converted to products such as alcohols, organic acids, hydrocarbons, hydrogen, proteins, carbohydrates, fats, oils, lipids, amino acids, vitamins, and mixtures thereof.
US08877470B2 Nucleic acid sample preparation
The present invention includes methods, devices and systems for isolating a nucleic acid from a fluid comprising cells. In various aspects, the methods, devices and systems may allow for a rapid procedure that requires a minimal amount of material and/or results in high purity nucleic acid isolated from complex fluids such as blood or environmental samples.
US08877465B2 Production of ultrapure EPA and polar lipids from largely heterotrophic culture
Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) compositions and EPA-rich polar lipids for prophylactic or therapeutic applications are described. Production from certain cultured micro-organisms (like Nitzschia laevis) promotes synthesis of EPA, including polar lipids including EPA. The EPA-rich polar lipids themselves may be used as polar compounds. EPA can be selectively hydrolysed from particular positions in isolated polar lipids by lipase activity, then optionally further purified. The process bypasses reliance on diminishing fish stocks and on physico-chemical processes that may not adequately separate desirable n-3 HUFAs from unwanted products like DHA also found in fish oil and cultured organisms.
US08877461B2 Method for producing beta-santalene
A method of producing β-santalene by contacting at least one polypeptide with farnesyl pyrophosphate (FPP). This method may be carried out in vitro or in vivo to produce β-santalene, a very useful compound in the fields of perfumery and flavoring. The present invention also provides the amino acid sequence of a polypeptide useful in the method of the invention. A nucleic acid encoding the polypeptide of the invention and an expression vector containing the nucleic acid are also disclosed, along with a non-human host organism or a cell transformed to be used in the method of producing β-santalene.
US08877453B2 Diagnosing and managing venous thromboembolism and intracardiac thrombi using a provoked D-dimer test
The present invention provides methods for diagnosing a venous thromboembolism or intracardiac thrombi in an individual in need of such treatment. A representative method of the present invention comprises the steps of: obtaining a plasma sample from said individual; determining the baseline level of D-dimer in said sample; contacting said sample with a compound that catalyzes the conversion of plasminogen into plasmin; and measuring the level of D-dimer is said sample after administering or contacting said sample with a compound that catalyzes the conversion of plasminogen into plasmin, wherein a significantly greater concentration of D-dimer after contact with a compound that catalyzes the conversion of plasminogen into plasmin than prior to contact with a compound that catalyzes the conversion of plasminogen into plasmin indicates that said individual has pulmonary embolism or venous thromboembolism.
US08877447B2 Detection of glutathionylated proteins
The present invention, in some aspects, relates to systems and methods for determining oxidized proteins, including glutathionylated proteins such as S-glutathionylated proteins. The systems and methods of the invention can be used in vitro (e.g., in cell or tissue culture) or in vivo, for example, to diagnose a person having an oxidative stress condition. For instance, in some cases, the invention can be used to spatially determine the location and/or concentration of oxidized proteins within cells and/or tissues (e.g., through visual detection). In one set of embodiments, a glutathionylated or otherwise oxidized moiety on a protein may be reacted with a detection entity, which may be, for example, fluorescent, radioactive, electron-dense, able to bind to a signaling entity or a binding partner in order to produce a signal, etc. As a specific example, a glutathionylated moiety on a glutathionylated protein may be reacted with an alkylating agent to form an alkylthio moiety; the alkylthio moiety may include a detection entity or otherwise be able to interact with a signaling entity. In some embodiments, other moieties on the protein may be altered or blocked before reaction of the protein with the detection entity. Such moieties on the protein may be, for instance, non-oxidized or non-glutathionylated moieties able to react with the detection entity. As a particular example, in a protein containing a glutathionylated moiety and non-glutathionylated thiol moieties, the thiol moieties may first be altered or blocked prior to reaction of the protein with the detection entity. Also provided in certain aspects of the present invention are kits for determining oxidized proteins, which may include components such as detection entities, alkylating agents, blocking agents, reducing agents, signaling entities, binding partners, antibodies, instructions, and the like.
US08877440B2 Chromosome conformation analysis
Disclosed herein are compositions, methods and kits for analyzing three-dimensional chromatin and/or chromosome conformation. Method are also disclosed for using the methods disclosed herein for diagnosing diseases such as cancer.
US08877438B2 Self-assembled polynucleotide structure
The present application provides polynucleotide structures such as nucleic acid ribbons and nucleic acid tubes, methods for making the polynucleotide structures, and methods for making two-dimensional or three-dimensional objects comprising the nucleic acid ribbons and nucleic acid tubes.
US08877436B2 Fast results hybrid capture assay on an automated platform
The present invention comprises a method that provides fast and reliable results for detecting the presence of a target nucleic acid molecule in a sample.
US08877435B2 Methods and means for producing efficient silencing construct using recombinational cloning
Methods and means are provided for producing chimeric nucleic acid constructs capable of producing dsRNA for silencing target nucleic acid sequences of interest using recombinational cloning.
US08877406B2 Fuel cell, and method of manufacturing a fuel cell
A fuel cell includes a separator and a power generating body. The separator and power generating body are laminated each other. The power generating body is equipped at least with an electrolyte membrane. The fuel cell comprises: a sealing part that seals reaction gas supplied for electrochemical reactions at the fuel cell between the power generating body and the separator at an outer circumference part of the fuel cell, wherein a convex part and a recess are fit together in the sealing part. The convex part is formed projecting in the lamination direction on one of the power generating body and the separator, and the recess is formed recessed in the lamination direction on the other of the power generating body and the separator. At least one of the convex part and the recess is formed with a polymer material that expands with moisture absorption.
US08877403B2 Drainage system for fuel cell
A drainage system for a fuel cell, including a gas-liquid separator configured to separate fuel gas and liquid water from a gas-liquid mixture discharged from the fuel cell, a water tank configured to receive the liquid water separated by the gas-liquid separator, a drain valve in fluid communication with the water tank, the drain valve configured to selectively discharge the liquid water from the water tank, and a control unit configured to selectively open and close the drain valve. The water tank includes a lower portion having a first horizontal cross sectional area and an upper portion having a second horizontal cross sectional area, the first horizontal cross sectional area being smaller than the second horizontal cross sectional area. The control unit opens and closes the drain valve to maintain a first water level within the upper portion of the water tank when the fuel cell is in an operating state and to maintain a second water level within the lower portion of the water tank when the fuel cell is in a stopped state.
US08877396B2 Fuel cell system
A control device of a fuel cell system sets a required output of a fuel cell stack that is required according to a present power demand and predicts the required output and the current according to the temperature of the fuel cell stack from a predetermined output state map that is preset. The control device sets an operation state quantity according to the predicted current and the temperature of the fuel cell stack from a predetermined operation state quantity map that is preset. The control device includes at least one of a pressure at an air supply port of air that is supplied to the cathode electrode of the fuel cell stack, a utilization rate of the air at the cathode electrode, a flow rate of a cooling medium that cools the fuel cell stack, and humidity of the air at the air supply port as the operation state quantity.
US08877391B2 Electrochemical cell, and particularly a cell with electrodeposited fuel
The present invention relates to an electrochemical cell for generating electrical power that includes an anode, a cathode, a charging electrode and an ionically conductive medium containing at least metal fuel ions and poly(ethylene glycol)tetrahydrofurfuryl. The present invention also relates to a method for charging the cell by electrodeposition of metal fuel on the anode thereof.
US08877387B2 Method for producing lithium ion secondary battery
The method for producing a lithium ion secondary battery includes: selecting a positive electrode sheet, negative electrode sheet, and separator sheet; constructing an electrode assembly by superimposing the selected sheets; and housing the above electrode assembly in a battery case along with an electrolyte solution. In the method, at least one of the sheets is selected such that it satisfies the relationship 0.8
US08877386B2 Battery electrode production method
The electrode production method provided by the present invention includes a step of mixing microbubbles 52 into a binder solution 50 containing a binder, a step of forming a binder solution layer 56 by imparting the bubble-containing binder solution 50 to a current collector 10, a step of depositing the binder solution layer 56 and a paste layer 36 on the current collector 10 by imparting an active material layer-forming paste containing an active material 32 over the binder solution layer 56, and a step of obtaining an electrode in which a binder layer and an active material layer are formed on the current collector 10 by drying both the deposited binder solution layer 56 and the paste layer 36.
US08877385B2 Non-aqueous secondary battery
The non-aqueous secondary battery of the present invention includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode, a non-aqueous electrolyte and a separator. The positive electrode includes a positive electrode mixture layer containing a positive electrode active material, a conductive polymer, an organic silane compound, a conductive assistant and a binder, the conductive polymer is polythiophene or a derivative thereof, and the content of the conductive polymer is 0.05 to 0.5 mass % with respect to the total mass of the positive electrode mixture layer.
US08877383B2 Magnesium-based battery
An electrochemical device, such as a magnesium-ion battery, comprises a first electrode including a first active material, a second electrode, and an electrolyte located between the first electrode and the second electrode. The electrolyte may include a magnesium compound, such as a magnesium salt. In representative examples, an improved active material includes a group 15 chalcogenide, in particular a bismuth chalcogenide, such as bismuth oxide or other chalcogenide. In various examples, the improved active material may be used in a positive or negative electrode of an example battery.
US08877382B2 Method for manufacturing positive active material for rechargeable lithium battery and rechargeable lithium battery using same
A method for preparing a positive active material for a rechargeable lithium battery includes: a) providing a furnace and a crucible that is included in the furnace; b) putting a mixture of a composite metal precursor and a lithium compound into the crucible; and c) preparing a positive active material for a rechargeable lithium battery by firing the mixture in the crucible, wherein during the process b), the mixture in the crucible is positioned so that a minimum distance from a predetermined position inside the mixture to an exterior of the mixture in the crucible is about 5 cm or less. A rechargeable lithium made by this method is disclosed.
US08877381B2 Production process for composite oxide, positive-electrode active material for lithium-ion secondary battery and lithium-ion secondary battery
A composite oxide is produced via the following: a raw-material mixture preparation step of preparing a raw-material mixture by mixing a metallic-compound raw material and a molten-salt raw material with each other, the metallic-compound raw material at least including one or more kinds of Mn-containing metallic compounds being selected from the group consisting of oxides, hydroxides and metallic salts that include one or more kinds of metallic elements in which Mn is essential, the molten-salt raw material including lithium hydroxide and lithium nitrate, and exhibiting a proportion of the lithium hydroxide with respect to the lithium nitrate (i.e., (Lithium Hydroxide)/(Lithium Nitrate)) that falls in a range of from 0.05 or more to less than 1 by molar ratio; a molten reaction step of reacting said raw-material mixture at from 300° C. or more to 550° C. or less by melting it: and a recovery step of recovering said composite oxide being generated from said raw-material mixture that has undergone the reaction.
US08877378B2 Metal hydride alloy with catalyst particles and channels
The performance of an ABx type metal hydride alloy is improved by adding an element to the alloy which element is operative to enhance the surface area morphology of the alloy. The alloy may include surface regions of differing morphologies.
US08877374B2 Nanowire battery methods and arrangements
A variety of methods and apparatus are implemented in connection with a battery. According to one such arrangement, an apparatus is provided for use in a battery in which ions are moved. The apparatus comprises a substrate and a plurality of growth-rooted nanowires. The growth-rooted nanowires extend from the substrate to interact with the ions.
US08877369B2 Secondary battery having current collectors with deformable portions underneath a vent
A secondary battery including a case having a lengthwise direction and including a space therein, an electrode assembly disposed in the space in the case, the electrode assembly including a rolled laminate of a positive electrode plate, a negative electrode plate and a separator interposed therebetween and having non-coating portions at ends thereof, a pair of current collectors, each current collector being electrically connected to one of the non-coating portions of the electrode assembly, each current collector including a current collector plate having an end portion, each end portion extending along the lengthwise direction of the case such that the end portions of the current collector plates of the pair of current collectors are spaced apart from each other in a central region in the lengthwise direction of the case, and a cap plate coupled to a top of the case to seal the case, the cap plate having a vent disposed therein at a position corresponding to the end portions of the current collector plates.
US08877368B2 Thin battery
A thin battery having an electric connector is provided. The electric connector can be used for plugging a mating connector along a first direction or a second direction. Therefore, when a mating connector is provided on mobile electronic equipment, the thin battery according to the present disclosure can be connected to the mobile electronic equipment along the first direction or second direction through the electric connector, thereby supplying power to it. Apart from the electric connector, the thin battery also includes a base plate, a first flange, a second flange, a third flange, a cover plate, at least two positioning blocks, a battery cell, and a circuit board. The cover plate can be bent toward the base plate and be clamped with the base plate. The electric connector is disposed between the base plate and a top sealing area, and is exposed from the opening.
US08877363B2 Cable-type secondary battery capable of wireless charge
The present invention provides a cable-type secondary battery capable of wireless charge. The cable-type secondary battery according to the present invention can be applied in a wireless charging method, thereby being conveniently charged as compared with conventional batteries which are charged with wires, and has a charging coil configured in a wound form, which can overcome the problem of local charge caused by the shape of conventional cable-type batteries. Also, the charging coil is formed in a packaging to act as a reinforcement material, thereby enhancing the mechanical property of the cable-type secondary battery.
US08877358B1 Method and system for providing a laser cavity for an energy assisted magnetic recording head
A method for providing a capping layer configured for an energy assisted magnetic recording (EAMR) head including at least one slider. The method comprises etching a substrate having a top surface using an etch to form a trench in the substrate, the trench having a first surface at a first angle from the top surface and a second surface having a second angle from the top surface. The method further comprises providing a protective coating exposing the second surface and covering the first surface, removing a portion of the substrate including the second surface to form a laser cavity within the substrate configured to fit a laser therein, and providing a reflective layer on the first surface to form a mirror, the cavity and mirror being configured for alignment of the laser to the laser cavity and to the mirror and for bonding the laser to the laser cavity.
US08877353B2 Platinum (II) tetradentate ONCN complexes for organic light-emitting diode applications
Described are novel platinum (II) containing organometallic materials. These materials show green to orange emissions with high emission quantum efficiencies. Using the materials as emitting materials; pure green emitting organic light-emitting diodes can be fabricated. Since the novel platinum (II) containing organometallic materials are soluble in common solvents, solution process methods such as spin coating and printing can be used for device fabrication.
US08877347B2 Wear element, and component provided therewith
A wear element for component subject to abrasive influences, for example in a region of a receiving element for bulk material, includes an element formed by a one-piece, approximately plate-shape molded body made of a wear resistant alloy. The molded body is configured not to be planar in any plane. The molded body has an approximately rectangular cross-section and includes longitudinal sides and lateral sides that are rounded sections flowing into each other.
US08877343B2 Laminated polyester film
The present invention provides a laminated polyester film which can be prevented from suffering from occurrence of interference fringes owing to reflection of external light and is excellent in adhesion to various surface functional layers such as a hard coat. The laminated polyester film of the present invention comprises a polyester film and a coating layer formed on at least one surface of the polyester film which is produced by applying a coating solution comprising a compound having a condensed polycyclic aromatic structure and an oxazoline compound or an epoxy compound thereonto, which coating layer has a thickness of 0.04 to 0.15 μm.
US08877341B2 Polycarbonate resin and optical film using the same
According to the present invention, a polycarbonate resin having a repeat unit represented by the following formula (1) and a repeat unit represented by the following general formula (2), and an optical film using the same, can be provided. In the formula, Y is a cycloalkylene group having a carbon number of 4 through 20 or a structure represented by the following general formula (3). In the general formula (3), R1, R2, R3 and R4 are independently a hydrogen atom or a monovalent alkyl group having a carbon number of 1 through 5.
US08877338B2 Sustainable polymeric nanocomposites
The development described provides methods of producing functionalized cellulose in a one-step acid treatment process and of using the cellulose so derived to make composite polymer materials. The composite materials may include mixtures of the acid treated cellulose, functionalized cellulose polymers, including but not limited to cellulose acetate, cellulose butyrate, cellulose propionate, methyl cellulose, and ethyl cellulose, biobased and/or biodegradable polymers, impact modifying agents, and other components such as nucleating agents and pigments. The composite materials formed possess thermomechanical properties that differ from those of similar polymer composites made using prior art. In particular, the composite and nanocomposite materials are characterized by increased heat distortion temperatures and improved impact strengths.
US08877334B2 Surface protection film
Provided is a surface protection film having a hard-coat property, an anti-glare property and transparency as well as a sufficient weather resistance property. A surface protection layer is provided on at least one surface of a substrate film, the surface protection layer is formed by a cured paint comprising an ionizing radiation curable resin composition, a matting agent, an ultraviolet ray absorbing agent, a dispersant and inorganic fine particles having an average primary particle diameter of 50 nm or smaller whose surfaces are subjected to a hydrophobization treatment with dimethyldichlorosilane. The inorganic fine particles are included by 200 parts or more by weight with respect to 100 parts by weight of a dispersant. The inorganic fine particles can be silica.
US08877330B2 Fiber-reinforced composite sheet
The present invention provides a light-weight fiber-reinforced composite material that has excellent flame retardance and mechanical properties and never emits a halogen gas. The present invention also provides a prepreg and en epoxy resin composition suited to obtain the above described fiber-reinforced composite material. The present invention also provides an integrated molding which is produced using the above described fiber-reinforced composite material, thereby suitable for use in electric/electronic casings. The epoxy resin composition is such that it contains the following components [A], [B] and [C]: [A] epoxy resin, [B] amine curing agent, and [C] phosphorus compound, wherein the concentration of the component [C] is 0.2 to 15% by weight in terms of phosphorus atom concentration.
US08877328B2 Value document with printed areas partly covered with foil
The invention relates to a data carrier having at least one printed area produced by intaglio printing and partly covered with a film, and to a method for producing said data carrier.
US08877327B2 Silicone coating as a sealing layer for a decoration layer
A glass or glass ceramic article is provided that has a glass or glass ceramic substrate with a decorative coating. The decorative coating includes a decoration layer and a sealing layer. The decoration layer is applied to at least some surface portions of the glass or glass ceramic substrate, and the sealing layer is applied to at least portions of the decoration layer. The decoration layer is a cured sol-gel coating having inorganic solid particles, and the sealing layer is a cured silicone coating comprising inorganic solid particles. Methods for producing such glass or glass ceramic articles are also provided.
US08877325B2 Coated films
Disclosed is a coating composition and coated film having the coating composition adhered thereto in which the coating composition comprises particulate filler; binder composition comprising acrylic polymer and ethylene acrylic acid copolymers; non-cross-linking adhesion promoter; and optionally urethane polymer, styrene-acrylic copolymer, or a combination thereof; and wherein cross-linker(s) are substantially absent from the composition; and wherein the coated film has a 45° Gloss (ASTM D2457) of less than 30 or 25 or 20 or 15. The coated film is useful for pressure sensitive labels for thermal transfer ribbon printing labels.
US08877321B2 Sizing-adhesive composition
A novel sizing-adhesive composition for corrugating characterised in that it comprises at least one low molecular weight, water soluble polymer such as a maltodextrin, corrugating boards prepared therewith and methods of producing them.
US08877319B1 Multi-layer composite structure
A multi-layer composite structure contains metal plates and wooden plates. On a contacting surface of each plate is applied an adhesive. Top surfaces and bottom surfaces of the metal plates are ground by a grinding wheel to form finely concaved patterns. The top surfaces and the bottom surfaces of the metal plates and surfaces of the finely concaved patterns are sandblasted to form plural rough faces which are soaked in a chemical agent to form plural tiny pores, are anodized to generate oxidation, and are back anodized to eliminate oxide. On the top surfaces and the bottom surfaces of the metal plates and the surfaces of the finely concaved patterns are formed plural micro-pores. Thus, when the adhesive is applied on each metal plate and each wooden plate, each metal plate and each wooden plate are stuck together.
US08877318B2 Graphite structure, and electronic device using the same
A graphite structure includes a graphite plate (1) that is made of a highly heat conductive material and has a thickness of 15 μm or less. A Ti layer (3) having a thickness of 10 nm to 200 nm covers the inner surfaces of through holes (2) penetrating the laminate of the graphite plate (1) from the front side to the back side of the laminate. Furthermore, continuous holes (4) are formed inside the through holes (2). This configuration can achieve a smaller thickness and high reliability while keeping high thermal conductivity of graphite.
US08877308B2 Easily opened multilayer laminated package
There is provided an easily opened multilayer laminated package suitable for the field of flexible packaging, which has easy cuttability, heat resistance, high seal strength and drop impact resistance.A package to be used as a multilayer package, comprising a multilayer laminate body composed of a base layer and a sealant layer, wherein the value of the tear strength measured according to JIS K7128-2, when substituted into the formula (TD value)/(MD value), is such that (TD value)/(MD value)=1.5 or greater, and the value of the tear strength of the film used in the sealant layer is such that (TD value)/(MD value)=3 or greater.
US08877307B2 Elastic drawstring for trash bags
The present invention is directed toward an improved elastic drawstring for use with a trash bag. The elastic drawstring is comprised primarily of a two-component polyethylene blend. The first polyethylene component is a linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) having a density of 0.915 g/cc or less, with a preferred range of between 0.900 g/cc and 0.915 g/cc. In certain preferred embodiments, the density of the first polyethylene component is approximately 0.906 g/cc. The second polyethylene component is a low-density polyethylene (LDPE) having a density of between 0.915 g/cc and 0.929 g/cc. In a preferred embodiment, the second polyethylene component has a density of approximately 0.918 g/cc.
US08877296B2 Method for producing a brake disc
A method for producing a brake disc (BS) for a vehicle, with a main body (G) of a metal material, in particular gray cast iron, which has friction surfaces (R). The friction surfaces (R) are coated with a coating of tungsten carbide, chromium carbide, and nickel or of tungsten carbide, cobalt and nickel and after-treated by carbonizing, carbonitriding, case hardening, gas nitriding, oxide nitriding, gas nitro carburizing, plasma nitriding, plasma oxidizing, borating, plasma carborating or plasma borating.
US08877291B2 Method of manufacturing thin film which suppresses unnecessary scattering and deposition of a source material
The present invention provides a thin film manufacturing method which realizes stable, highly-efficient film formation using a nozzle-type evaporation source while avoiding unnecessary scattering and deposition of a film formation material before the start of the film formation. Used is a film forming apparatus including: an evaporation chamber 16; a film forming chamber 17 in which a substrate 21 is provided; an evaporation source 19 holding a film formation material 15 and including an opening surface 14; a moving mechanism 35 configured to cause the evaporation source 19 to move; and a conductance variable structure 34. The film forming chamber 17 and the evaporation chamber 16 are evacuated. In a state where the differential pressure between these chambers can be secured by the conductance variable structure 34, the nonreactive gas is introduced to the evaporation chamber 16 to adjust the pressure in the evaporation chamber 16 to predetermined pressure or more. Thus, the evaporation of the film formation material is suppressed. In the same state as above, the nonreactive gas is introduced to the film forming chamber 17 to adjust the pressure in the film forming chamber 17 to the predetermined pressure or more. The conductance variable structure 34 is activated to cancel the above state. Then, the evaporation source 19 is moved by the moving mechanism 35, so that the opening surface 14 is located close to the substrate 21. The pressure in each chamber is decreased to less than the predetermined pressure. Thus, the suppression of the evaporation of the film formation material is canceled, and the film formation is started.
US08877289B2 Stainproofing method of fabric
A method for anti-stain treatment of fabric is disclosed. The method for anti-stain treatment of fabric includes: immersing fabric in an aqueous solution containing a telomerized perfluoroalkyl acrylate copolymer, and a crosslinking agent, such as an isocyanate crosslinking agent; dehydrating the immersed fabric; drying the dehydrated fabric; heat treating the dried fabric; and coating the heat-treated fabric with a flame retardant, such as an acrylic flame retardant, to provide flame retardancy. The method provides a car seat fabric having superior stain resistance, water repellency and oil repellency without degradation of other properties required for the car seat fabric, such as flame retardancy, lightfastness, frictional coloration, or the like. The method is widely applicable to commercially applicable car seat fabrics, including flat woven, flat tricot, double raschel, or the like.
US08877286B2 Method for producing optical film
The method for producing an optical film includes a step of preparing a first coating liquid containing a certain amount of light-transmitting particles, a resin, and a solvent, a second coating liquid containing an amount less than the certain amount of light-transmitting particles, a resin, and a solvent, or not containing the light-transmitting particles but containing a resin and a solvent; a step of coating the second coating liquid and the first coating liquid in this order from the support side on a traveling band-shaped support in the form of a multilayer to form a second coating film and a first coating film; a step of transferring the light-transmitting particles in the first coating film to the side of the second coating film while drying the first coating film and the second coating film.
US08877285B2 Process for repairing a cylinder running surface by means of plasma spraying processes
A method of repairing an inner surface of a cylinder liner housed in an engine block. Material is removed from the inner surface to produce a reduced-thickness region, the reduced-thickness region extending axially relative to the cylinder and stopping short of an end of the liner to leave a region of original diameter between the reduced thickness region and the end of the liner. The surface the reduced-thickness region is then roughened, for example by hammer brushing. A plasma coating is applied to the reduced-thickness region and to at least a portion of the region of original diameter. The coating is then finish-machined to produce a uniform internal diameter equal to an original internal diameter of the region of original diameter prior to the application of the coating.
US08877281B2 Preparation of canola protein isolate involving isoelectric precipitation
Canola protein isolates consisting predominantly of 7S canola proteins are formed by isoelectric precipitation from aqueous salt solution extracts of canola oil seed meal. Canola protein isolates consisting predominantly of 2S canola protein are recovered from supernatant from the isoelectric precipitation step.
US08877273B2 Device and method for extracting olive oil
A device for extracting oil, the oil extracting device comprising: a hammer-shear olive milling grinder, a malaxation bowl for malaxation of milled olives having at least one opening; at least one filter for separating malaxation solids from liquids, said filter is located within said opening. The device is especially adapted to home users and can be placed on a counter, such as a kitchen counter. The subject matter further includes a process for obtaining olive oil, comprising the steps of malaxation of milled olives in a malaxation bowl, the malaxation bowl comprising at least one filter configured for separating solids from liquids and collecting oil.
US08877268B2 Confectionery product
The invention relates to a confectionery product comprising a plurality of beads, each bead comprising an aqueous core, a hydrophobic first coating layer surrounding the aqueous core, and a hydrophilic second coating layer surrounding the first coating layer; to a confectionery product comprising these beads. The invention also relates to a method of production thereof.
US08877267B2 Flaxseeds for body weight management
The present invention relates to methods for reducing fat uptake in the gastrointestinal tract of a mammal in order to prevent a positive energy balance, weight gain, overweight and obesity, and to induce a negative energy balance and weight loss in subjects who wish to reduce their body weight. In particular, food and/or beverage ingredients and dietary supplements of the present invention comprises flaxseeds useful for increasing faeca fat excretion from the gastrointestinal tract.
US08877253B2 Cellular extracts
The invention describes methods and agents for improving cosmetic appearance, for promoting, improving or restoring health of cells and tissues, preferably skin, and more preferably, for restoring aged or damaged skin to a healthy appearance. The agents include compositions of cells, eggs, cell extracts, egg extracts, and extract components such as purified nucleic acids, polypeptides, lipids, carbohydrates or other natural products.
US08877252B2 Polymer-based sustained release device
This invention relates to compositions for the sustained release of biologically active polypeptides, and methods of forming and using said compositions, for the sustained release of biologically active polypeptides. The sustained release compositions of this invention comprise a biocompatible polymer having dispersed therein, a biologically active polypeptide and a sugar.
US08877249B2 Granular material for dosage forms
A dosage form for controlled release is produced from a composition comprising a granular material having a mean particle diameter of 150 to 350 micrometers and a compactibility resulting in a compact with a tensile strength of at least 1.7 MPa when the granular material is subjected to a compaction pressure of 266 MPa, at least 80 percent of the granular material being a water-soluble cellulose ether, water-soluble cellulose ester, an alkylene oxide homo- or copolymer, or a blend thereof; and an active ingredient.
US08877245B2 Modified release dosage forms of skeletal muscle relaxants
A unit dosage form, such as a capsule or the like, for delivering a skeletal muscle relaxant, such as cyclobenzaprine hydrochloride, into the body in an extended or sustained release fashion comprising one or more populations of drug-containing particles (beads, pellets, granules, etc.) is disclosed. At least one bead population exhibits a pre-designed sustained release profile. Such a drug delivery system is designed for once—daily oral administration to maintain an adequate plasma concentration—time profile, thereby providing relief of muscle spasm associated with painful musculoskeletal conditions over a 24 hour period.
US08877243B2 Cross-linked polysaccharide composition
A process for making cross-linked polysaccharide gels, particularly cross-linked hyaluronic acid gels, under basic conditions. The resulting gels possess improved degradation characteristics, and are useful in a variety of medical and cosmetic applications.
US08877234B2 Preservatives
The invention relates to clear, liquid preservatives, which contain a) one or several 1-hydroxy-4-methyl-6-alkyl-2(1H)-pyridones and/or one or several salts thereof, wherein alkyl represents a linear, branched or cyclic alkyl group having 1-12 carbon atoms, and b) one or several alcohols containing one or several aromatic groups.
US08877233B2 Porous sponge matrix medical devices and methods
Described are hemostasis devices useful for implantation in biopsy tracts, which device comprise highly compact, dried hemostatic sponge elements. Preferred devices also include compacted sponge matrices exhibiting high density and rigidity in combination with high volumetric expandability when wetted. Also described are methods for making and using such devices.
US08877230B2 Controlled release delivery system for nasal applications
This invention relates to a pernasally administrable preparation for the controlled release of sexual hormones to the systemic circulation, in particular to a formulation which enables its active ingredient to be absorbed in a sustained manner providing a better bioavailability at very low doses and longer duration of action.
US08877227B2 Hydrogel nanocomposites for intraocular lens applicatons
The present invention relates to reversible hydrogel systems. Particularly, the hydrogel of the present invention is made up of copolymers that can be a hydrogel when in an oxidized state and can be a solution when in a reduced state. A solution of the copolymer can be oxidized to form a hydrogel; and the hydrogel can be reduced to form a solution of the copolymer. Reversible nanogels can also be formed from a dilute solution of the copolymers. The hydrogel is formed with nanoparticles embedded therein to form a nanocomposite whose refractive index and modulus can be controlled by varying the amounts of nanoparticles and the polymer concentration of the hydrogel, respectively.
US08877219B2 Pesticidal compositions containing rosemary oil and wintergreen oil
Pesticidal compositions containing rosemary oil and/or wintergreen oil and methods for using same are disclosed.
US08877204B2 Methods and compositions for the treatment of cancer and infectious disease using alpha (2) macroglobulin-antigenic molecule complexes
The present invention relates to the use of alpha (2) macroglobulin complexes isolated from the serum of a mammal. The invention also relates to methods for making such complexes and compositions comprising alpha (2) macroglobulin complexes, isolated from the serum of a mammal, wherein such compositions are used in methods for the treatment and prevention of cancer and infectious disease. The invention also relates to methods for treating and preventing cancer and infectious disease using such complexes comprising, isolated from the serum of a mammal. The invention also encompasses methods for production of alpha (2) macroglobulin complexes.
US08877202B2 Pro-drug form (P2PDOX) of the highly potent 2-pyrrolinodoxorubicin conjugated to antibodies for targeted therapy of cancer
Disclosed are methods, compositions and uses of conjugates of prodrug forms of 2-pyrrolinodoxorubicin (P2PDox) with antibodies or antigen-binding fragments thereof (ADCs), with targetable construct peptides or with other targeting molecules that are capable of delivering the P2PDox to a targeted cell, tissue or pathogen. Once delivered to the target cell, the ADC or peptide conjugate is internalized, a highly toxic 2-pyrrolinodoxorubicin (2-PDox) is released intracellularly. The P2PDox-peptide or ADC conjugates are of use to treat a wide variety of diseases, such as cancer, autoimmune disease or infectious disease.
US08877199B2 B cell surface reactive antibodies
The invention relates to antibodies that are reactive to the cell surface of CD19+ B cells, including B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL) cells, and compositions and methods for using such antibodies, including in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders associated with CD19+ B cells, such as B-CLL.
US08877195B2 Monoclonal antibodies to fibrin
The present invention provides an isolated antibody that binds a fibrin or fibrinogen γC domain. In various aspects, the antibody inhibits microglial adhesion to the fibrin or fibrinogen γC domain, inhibits Mac-1 binding to the fibrin or fibrinogen γC domain, and/or suppresses clinical symptoms of Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis (EAE). Various methods of using the antibodies, pharmaceutical compositions, kits, vectors, cells comprising the vectors, and antibody generating methods are provided.
US08877184B2 Cleaning composition with decyl and coco glucosides
A cleansing composition comprising surfactants comprising decyl glucoside and coco glucoside, wherein the decyl glucoside is present in an amount by weight that is 1.5 to 2.5 times the weight of coco glucoside.
US08877182B2 Expansion of NK cells
A method of obtaining expanded and activated natural killer (NK) cells with the phenotype CD3−CD56+ and NK-like T cells with the phenotype CD3+CD56+ comprises providing a cell sample of peripheral blood from a tumor bearing subject; isolating cells from the blood sample and re-suspending the cells in growth medium; adding the isolated cells to a closed cell culture bag bioreactor at a concentration of about 0.5×106 to about 2×106/ml of growth medium; incubating and expanding the cells of step ii) with rocking motion agitation and heating until at least 50% of the expanded cell population comprises activated NK cells and NK-like T cells; and harvesting the expanded cell suspension of therapeutically active NK-cells and NK-like T cells from the bioreactor, wherein the cells exhibit an increased cytotoxicity compared to freshly isolated cells as determined by an in vitro cytotoxicity test.
US08877179B2 Frozen confections containing probiotic micro-organisms
The present invention relates to the field of frozen yoghurt. In particular, the present invention provides frozen yoghurt compositions comprising non-replicating probiotic micro-organisms. These non-replicating probiotic micro-organisms may bioactive heat treated probiotic micro-organisms, for example. The present inventions also relates to health benefits provided by these non-replicating probiotic micro-organisms.
US08877172B2 Zwitterionic polymer bioconjugates and related methods
Zwitterionic polymer and mixed charge copolymer bioconjugates, methods for making and using the bioconjugates.
US08877168B1 Aqueous liquid preparations and light-stabilized aqueous liquid preparations
An aqueous liquid preparation containing (+)-(S)-4-[4-[(4-chlorophenyl) (2-pyridyl)methoxy]piperidino]butyric acid or a pharmacologically acceptable acid addition salt thereof, which is stabilized with a water-soluble metal chloride, is provided.
US08877164B2 Pharmaceutical aerosol formulations for pressurized metered dose inhalers comprising a sequestering agent
Aerosol solution formulation for use in an aerosol inhaler which includes at least one active ingredient selected from 20-ketosteroids and quinolinone derivatives, a propellant containing a hydrofluoroalkane, a cosolvent, and a specific amount of a sequestering agent that stabilizes the formulation. By way of example, the stabilizing agent may be phosphoric acid or sulphuric acid.
US08877161B2 GM1-like peptides and uses thereof
Compositions and methods relating to interfering with the interaction of gangliosides, such as GM1, with their ligands are provided. For example, methods are provided for treating infections by blocking the infectious agent from binding with GM1 using GM1-like peptides. Also provided are methods of inhibiting ligands from binding to GM1 on the surface of cells and for neutralizing anti-GM1 antibodies in neurological diseases.
US08877158B2 Targeting agent to newly formed blood vessels
It is an object of the present invention to provide a targeting agent that enables drug delivery to a neovascular site and the imaging of such a neovascular site, utilizing the effect of the agent to accumulate in the neovascular site. The present invention provides a targeting agent to a neovascular site, which comprises a gelatin-like protein.
US08877147B2 Conversion of carbonaceous fuels into carbon free energy carriers
A system for converting fuel is provided and includes a first reactor comprising a plurality of ceramic composite particles, the ceramic composite particles comprising at least one metal oxide disposed on a support, wherein the first reactor is configured to reduce the at least one metal oxide with a fuel to produce a reduced metal or a reduced metal oxide; a second reactor configured to oxidize at least a portion of the reduced metal or reduced metal oxide from the said first reactor to produce a metal oxide intermediate; a source of air; and a third reactor communicating with said source of air and configured to regenerate the at least one metal oxide from the remaining portion of the solids discharged from the said first reactor and the solids discharged from the said second reactor by oxidizing the metal oxide intermediate.
US08877139B2 Compositions comprising a functional perfume component mixture
Compositions having a mixture of functional perfume components are provided. In one embodiment, the functional perfume components comprise iso-nonyl acetate, dihydro myrcenol, linalool, and benzyl acetate. In one embodiment, the functional perfume component may be present in an amount from about 75% to about 100%, by weight of said mixture, wherein said composition is substantially free of a VOC.
US08877133B2 Apparatuses for stripping gaseous hydrocarbons from particulate material and processes for the same
Apparatuses and processes are provided for stripping gaseous hydrocarbons from particulate material. One process comprises the step of contacting particles containing hydrocarbons with a stripping vapor in countercurrent flow to remove at least a portion of the hydrocarbons with the stripping vapor to form stripped particles. Contacting the particles includes advancing the particles down a sloping element of a structured packing toward a lower section of the sloping element. The particles are passed through a drainage gap formed between a pair of reinforcing rod sections that are disposed adjacent to the lower section of the sloping element. The particles are contacted with the stripping vapor that is rising up adjacent to the drainage gap.
US08877129B2 Method and device for optical detection of substances in a liquid or gaseous medium
The invention relates to a device for optical detection of substances in a liquid or gaseous medium, with a substrate with molecules for detecting the substances that are to be detected, wherein these molecules are immobilized at a surface of the substrate or in the substrate and wherein the substances that are to be detected can essentially be selectively bound to these molecules, wherein light waves can be coupled into the substrate and can be guided through this, and wherein the substrate is a foil element made of a transparent material in which a coupling structure for coupling the light waves is integrally formed and in which the coupled light waves can be guided.
US08877124B2 Apparatus, system, and method for evaluating and adjusting the effectiveness of ultraviolet light disinfection of areas
Provided is an apparatus, system, and method for evaluating and adjusting the effectiveness of ultraviolet light disinfection of areas such as hospital rooms or other areas. Provided in certain example embodiments are UV dosimeters adapted to visually indicate when they have been exposed to light in the UV C band range at a predetermined fluence level, the UV dosimeters being removably adhesable to surfaces in the room or area. Provided is an inexpensive, easy-to-use UV dosimeter and accompanying iterative process for optimizing UV disinfection parameters for a given area, including light source location(s), duration, and power level, and then recording that information for future use in connection with that area.
US08877121B2 Corrosion resistant lean austenitic stainless steel
An austenitic stainless steel composition having low nickel and molybdenum and exhibiting high corrosion resistance and good formability. The austenitic stainless steel includes, in weight %, up to 0.20 C, 2.0-6.0 Mn, up to 2.0 Si, 16.0-23.0 Cr, 5.0-7.0 Ni, up to 3.0 Mo, up to 3.0 Cu, 0.1-0.35 N, up to 4.0 W, up to 0.01 B, up to 1.0 Co, iron and impurities. The austenitic stainless steel has a ferrite number less than 11 and an MD30 value less than −10° C.
US08877116B2 Method of manufacturing a wind turbine blade shell part comprising a magnetisable material
A method of manufacturing a wind turbine blade shell part comprising fiber material impregnated with cured resin is described. The method comprises the steps of: a) providing a first mold part having a first forming surface with a contour that defines at least a part of an outer surface of turbine blade shell part, b) arranging fiber material in the first mold part, the fiber material comprising fibers of a magnetizable material, c) providing a resin in the first mold part simultaneous with and/or subsequent to step b), and d) curing the resin in order to form the wind turbine blade shell part or wind turbine blade. The fiber material is retained against the first forming surface by use of magnet means during step b) and/or step c).
US08877107B2 Method for increasing the molecular weight of a polyester granulate by using its residual heat
The present invention relates to increasing the molecular weight during a thermal treatment of polyester in combination with a latent heat granulation. With the newly-developed method, an SSP (Solid State Postcondensation) can be directly combined with an underwater granulation. The method differs from a conventional solid state postcondensation by an increase in the molecular weight being possible without additional heat input and hence only by using the residual heat and the crystallization heat present. A characterizing element is improved water separation and dehumidification during the granulation. Only in this way is an increase in viscosity possible even with a small granulate of an average particle weight less than 20 mg.
US08877103B2 Process for manufacture of a thermochromic contact lens material
Disclosed in this specification is a process for manufacturing a thermochromic contact lens. The process includes (1) selecting a photoinitiator that absorbs at a first wavelength and at least one thermochromic dye that displays substantial absorption at the first wavelength when the dye is at a first temperature and exhibits at least an 80% reduction in absorbance at the first wavelength at a second temperature, (2) maintaining the reaction mixture at the second temperature and (3) providing cure light that includes the first wavelength.
US08877102B2 Mineral wool, insulating product and production method
The invention relates to thermally-stable mineral wool which can dissolve in a physiological medium, comprising fibres containing the following constituents, expressed in percentage by weight, namely: 35-60 % SiO2, preferably 39-55 %; 12-27% Al2O3, preferably 16-25%; 0-35% CaO, preferably 3-25%; 0-30% MgO, preferably 0-15%; 0-17% Na2O, preferably 6-12%; 0-17% K2O, preferably 3-12%; 10-17% R2O (Na2O+K2O), preferably 12-17%; 0-5% P2O5, preferably 0-2%; 0-20% Fe2O3; 0-8% B2O3, preferably 0-4%; and 0-3% TiO2, and at least one phosphorous compound that can react with said fibres at a temperature of less than 1000° C. in order to form a coating on the surface thereof. The invention is characterised in that the phosphorous content of said compound, as expressed in phosphorus atom weight, varies between 0.0005%, in particular more than 0.01%, and 1%, in particular less than 0.5%, of the total weight of the fibres. The invention is also characterised in that a phosphorus compound is a molecule in which the phosphorus atom(s) are bound to at least one carbon atom either directly or by means of an oxygen atom.
US08877099B2 Ti3SiC2 based material, electrode, spark plug and manufacturing method thereof
The present invention provides a Ti3SiC2 based material that exhibits excellent arc resistance, an electrode, a spark plug, and methods of manufacturing the same. A Ti3SiC2 based material according to the present invention includes Ti3SiC2 as a main phase, the Ti3SiC2 based material having a TiC content of 0.5 mass % or less and an open porosity of 0.5% or less. It may be preferable that 0 to 30 mol % of Si in the main phase Ti3SiC2 be substituted with Al. A spark plug according to the present invention includes an electrode formed using the Ti3SiC2 based material.
US08877087B2 Nonflammable compositions comprising fluorinated compounds and use of these compositions
Nonflammable compositions comprising fluorinated compounds selected from the group consisting of hydrofluoroalkanes, hydrofluoroalkenes, partially or perfluorinated aromatic compounds, hydrofluoroethers, and fluoroketones; 1,2-dichloroethylene, especially trans-1,2-dichloroethylene; and a stabilizer. These non-flammable compositions which preferably contain 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluorobutane, can be used especially as solvents for cleaning and defluxing electronic components and for degreasing metals. The compositions further may comprise a propellant, e.g. 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane. These compositions are especially suitable as flushing agent.
US08877076B2 Substrate treatment apparatus and substrate treatment method
A substrate treatment apparatus is used for treating a major surface of a substrate with a chemical liquid. The substrate treatment apparatus includes: a substrate holding unit which holds the substrate; a chemical liquid supplying unit having a chemical liquid nozzle which supplies the chemical liquid onto the major surface of the substrate held by the substrate holding unit; a heater having an infrared lamp to be located in opposed relation to the major surface of the substrate held by the substrate holding unit to heat the chemical liquid supplied onto the major surface of the substrate by irradiation with infrared radiation emitted from the infrared lamp, the heater having a smaller diameter than the substrate; and a heater moving unit which moves the heater along the major surface of the substrate held by the substrate holding unit.
US08877059B2 Separation of organosilicon compounds from wastewater
The invention relates to a method for separating organosilicon compounds from organosilicon wastewater. In the first step, the wastewater is heated to at least 10° C. In the second step, the wastewater is stored for at least 30 minutes at at least 10° C. In the third step, the wastewater is conducted through a phase separation element, in which droplets that are formed and contain organosilicon compounds are separated.
US08877057B2 Manifold and filter arrangement for bulk fluid filtration
A filter for use with bulk filtration includes filters arranged in parallel flow and a manifold arrangement. The manifold arrangement has a first pipe within a second pipe. An inlet channel conveys unfiltered fluid to the filters, and an outlet channel conveys filtered fluid from the filters. The inlet channel is an interior volume between an outside surface of the first pipe and an inside surface of the second pipe. The outlet channel is an interior volume of the first pipe. Methods of servicing and filtering are provided.
US08877054B2 High capacity suction strainer for an emergency core cooling system in a nuclear power plant
A high capacity suction strainer for a nuclear reactor has a frame, a flow-through plenum, and a filter array. The flow-through plenum is mechanically mounted to the frame and has a plurality of inlets and an outlet. The filter array is also mechanically mounted to the frame and has a plurality of filter groupings in fluid communication with the inlet on the plenum.
US08877050B2 Process for the treatment of liquid effluents laden with hydrocarbons
The present invention relates to a process for the treatment of liquid effluents laden with hydrocarbons, which comprises: feeding the effluents into a treatment tank; supplying the treatment tank with a reversible sorbent having a defined particle size; mixing the effluents with the reversible sorbent in the treatment tank in order to load said reversible sorbent with the hydrocarbons in the effluents; removing the hydrocarbon-laden reversible sorbent from the top of the treatment tank; extracting the treated effluents from the bottom of the treatment tank; and separating the hydrocarbons from the laden reversible sorbent from the treatment tank.
US08877045B1 Water treatment apparatus
Embodiments of a water treatment unit are disclosed. An embodiment of a water treatment unit according to the present disclosure comprises a generally vertical riser having a lower end and an upper end, at least one inlet adjacent the lower end, and at least one outlet adjacent the upper end, a substantially spherical housing surrounding the riser, the housing comprising at least one opening in a lower portion of the housing, the housing enclosing a chamber, a motor coupled to the housing, a shaft coupled to the motor, the shaft extending downward from the motor within the riser, the shaft being in general axial alignment with the riser, at least one propeller coupled to the shaft, and a biomedia material within the chamber.
US08877038B2 Electrochemical assay
The invention provides an electrochemical assay for a phenol analyte in a body fluid sample wherein said sample, or fluid therefrom, is contacted with the working electrode of an electrode assembly comprising a working electrode, a counter-electrode, a voltage supply to said working and counter-electrodes and a current meter for determining the current between said working and counter-electrodes, and wherein a first compound capable of reversible oxidation and reduction is disposed at said working electrode, said first compound being capable in either an oxidized or a reduced form of binding to said phenol analyte, characterized in that said first compound in its oxidized or reduced form comprises a group of structure I R1-NH—C*—(C*—C*)n—C*-QR′ (I) (where n is 0 or 1; Q is 0, S, NH or NR′; C*—(C*—C*)n—C* is a two or four carbon string in a conjugated delocalised electron system optionally substituted by a group comprising R; R is an electron-donating or withdrawing substituent; and R′ is H or a group R, at least one group R′ being a group R).
US08877033B2 Method and apparatus for assay of electrochemical properties
The presence of a select analyte in the sample is evaluated in an electrochemical system using a conduction cell-type apparatus. A potential or current is generated between the two electrodes of the cell sufficient to bring about oxidation or reduction of the analyte or of a mediator in an analyte-detection redox system, thereby forming a chemical potential gradient of the analyte or mediator between the two electrodes After the gradient is established, the applied potential or current is discontinued and an analyte-independent signal is obtained from the relaxation of the chemical potential gradient. The analyte-independent signal is used to correct the analyte-dependent signal obtained during application of the potential or current. This correction allows an improved measurement of analyte concentration because it corrects for device-specific and test specific factors such as transport (mobility) of analyte and/or mediator, effective electrode area, and electrode spacing (and as a result, sample volume), without need for separate calibration values. The analysis can be performed using disposable test strips in a hand held meter, for example for glucose testing.
US08877030B2 Plating apparatus and plating method for forming magnetic film
A magnetic film plating apparatus employs a dip method that allows relatively good escape of bubbles and does not require a wide footprint and, even when a ferromagnetic material is used for an anode, can form a magnetic film on a substrate surface while minimizing the influence of the anode on the uniformity of magnetic anisotropy in the magnetic film. The magnetic film plating apparatus includes a plating tank for holding a plating solution, an anode vertically disposed in the plating tank at a position to be immersed in the plating solution, a substrate holder for holding a substrate W and positioning the substrate W opposite the anode, and a magnetic field generator, disposed outside the plating tank, for generating a magnetic field around the substrate W held by the substrate holder and positioned opposite the anode.
US08877023B2 Electrochemical-based analytical test strip with intersecting sample-receiving chambers
An electrochemical-based analytical test strip for the determination of an analyte (such as glucose) in a bodily fluid sample (for example, a whole blood sample) and/or a characteristic of the bodily fluid sample (for example, hematocrit) includes a first sample-receiving chamber with first and second sample-application openings, and first and second electrodes. The first and second electrodes are disposed in the first sample-receiving chamber between the first and second sample-application openings. The electrochemical-based analytical test strip also includes a second sample-receiving chamber and a plurality of electrodes disposed in the second sample-receiving chamber. In addition, the second sample-receiving chamber intersects the first sample-receiving chamber between the first and second electrodes, thereby defining a chamber intersection.
US08877011B2 Systems and methods for making fiber webs
Systems and methods for forming fiber webs, including those suitable for use as filter media and battery separators, are provided. In some embodiments, the systems and methods may involve the use of one or more fiber mixtures to form a fiber web. The fiber mixtures may flow in different portions of a system for forming a fiber web that may be separated by a lamella, and may join at a fiber web forming zone to produce a fiber web having multiple layers. The amount of mixing of the fiber mixtures at or near the fiber web forming zone may be controlled to produce fiber webs having different structural and/or performance characteristics. In some embodiments, the systems and methods described herein can be used to form fiber webs having a gradient in a property across a portion of, or the entire, thickness of the fiber web.
US08877005B2 Plasma processing apparatus and electrode used therein
A plasma processing apparatus includes a depressurizable processing chamber; an electrode provided in the processing chamber; and a high frequency power supply for supplying a high frequency power into the processing chamber to thereby generating a plasma. Further, the electrode includes a base formed of a dielectric material; a dielectric body buried in the base and formed of the same dielectric material as the base; and a conductive adhesive layer provided in a bonding portion between the base and the dielectric body, the conductive adhesive layer bonding together and fixing the base and the dielectric body to each other.
US08876996B2 Method for the manufacture of double-sided metalized ceramic substrates
The invention relates to a method for the manufacture of double-sided metallized ceramic substrates according to the direct-bonding process. The method enables a ceramic substrate to be bonded to a metal plate or foil on the upper side and the underside in only one process sequence. The composite to be bonded is located on a specially designed carrier structured on the upper side with a plurality of contact points. After the bonding process the composite of metal plates and ceramic substrate can be detached from the carrier free of any residue.
US08876986B2 Cold-rolled steel sheet
Disclosed is a high-strength cold-rolled steel sheet having improved stretch-flange formability and excellent hydrogen embrittlement resistance. In addition to Fe, C, Si, Mn, P, S, N, and Al, the steel sheet contains V or at least one element of Nb, Ti and Zr. The contents of the at least one element of Nb, Ti and Zr, if present, satisfy the expression of [% C]−[% Nb]/92.9×12−[% Ti]/47.9×12−[% Zr]/91.2×12>0.03. The steel sheet has an area ratio of tempered martensite of 50% or more with ferrite as the remainder. The number of precipitates having a circle-equivalent diameter of 1 to 10 nm is 20 particles or more per 1 μm2 of the tempered martensite. The number of precipitates containing V or the at least one element of Nb, Ti and Zr and having a circle-equivalent diameter of 20 nm or more is 10 particles or less per 1 μm2 of the tempered martensite.
US08876985B2 Cleaning system for an image plate readout device
The invention relates to a cleaning system for a set of instruments associated or in contact with an image plate readout device, as well as to a readout device comprising the cleaning system. The cleaning system comprises a disinfecting element, which emits electromagnetic radiation and/or ultrasonic radiation capable of destroying disease carriers, and which is adapted to emit said radiation towards an image plate conveyor mechanism encompassed by the image plate readout device.
US08876983B2 In-line cleaning method for ultrasonic welding tools
A method for in-line cleaning of ultrasonic welding tools is described. The method includes applying cleaning solution onto a work surface of a welding tool to be cleaned using an application device. Then the method involves removing residue dissolved in the cleaning solution from the work surface using a cleaning device. Next, the work surface is neutralized and rinsed using purified water and polished with a cleaning cloth. Finally, the work surface is rinsed using cleaning alcohol and blow-dried with compressed air.
US08876975B2 Thin film deposition apparatus
A thin film deposition apparatus can be simply applied to produce large-sized display devices on a mass scale and improves manufacturing yield. The thin film deposition apparatus for forming a thin film on a substrate includes: a deposition source that discharges a deposition material; a deposition source nozzle unit disposed at a side of the deposition source and including a plurality of deposition source nozzles arranged in a first direction; and a patterning slit sheet disposed opposite to the deposition source nozzle unit and including a plurality of patterning slits arranged in the first direction; wherein each of the patterning slits includes a plurality of sub-slits.
US08876970B2 Device and system for producing cement clinker
In the method according to the invention for producing cement clinker, raw cement meal is preheated in a preheater, the preheated raw cement meal is precalcined in a calciner and the precalcined raw cement meal is burnt in a kiln, fuel and combustion air having an oxygen content of at least 75 mol % being used in the calciner, and the raw cement meal being precalcined in a fluidised bed in the calciner. The exhaust gases occurring in the kiln are delivered to the preheater, bypassing the calciner, and the exhaust gases of the calciner are delivered to a CO2 preparation device.
US08876969B2 Process and plant for lowering the residual carbon content of ash
A process for lowering the carbon content in ash includes introducing the ash having a carbon content of 1 to 20 wt-% into a reactor where the ash is burnt at a temperature between 700 and 1100° C. Fuel is also introduced into the reactor. During combustion, microwave radiation is fed into the reactor. At least part of the energy released during the combustion is recovered.
US08876964B2 Method of making particulate material
The invention relates to a method of making a particulate material comprising; providing mineral wool base material in a form having size at least 80% not more than 40 mm, subjecting the mineral wool base material to sintering by use of a pulse combustor and thereby forming a particulate material in the form of particles having size at least 80% not more than 20 mm. An apparatus for carrying out the method comprises means for size reduction of coherent mineral wool substrate and a reaction chamber in communication with a pulse combustor.
US08876963B2 Dielectric coating for single sided back contact solar cells
A dielectric coating material system for use in a single-sided back contact solar cell is disclosed. The material system serves to electrically isolate electrodes of opposite polarity types on the same side of a silicon-based solar cell, and includes titanium and phosphorus.
US08876961B2 Particle separator with deflector and lateral opening and air filter system
A particle separator and air filter system are provided and may include a housing having an inlet and an outlet. The housing may remove debris from air entering the housing at the inlet prior to expelling cleansed air at the outlet. A baffle may be disposed within the housing and may define a first path for directing cleansed air to the outlet and may cooperate with an inner surface of the housing to define a second path that causes the air to circulate within the second housing. The baffle may include an opening permitting communication between the first path and the second path.
US08876955B2 Removal of dissolved gases for boiler feed water preparation
Method for removing dissolved gases from water to produce boiler feed water in a catalytic steam reforming process where boiler feed water is heated by indirect heat transfer with a reformate stream and/or a combustion product gas stream and the boiler feed water subsequently flash vaporized to form steam and residual liquid water, where the steam formed by flash vaporization strips the dissolved gases from the water.
US08876953B2 Carbon dioxide capture and storage using open frameworks
Methods and compositions useful for gas storage and separation are provided. More particularly, compositions and methods for CO2 storage and separation are provided comprising an open metal organic framework.
US08876952B2 Method of removing mercury from a fluid stream using high capacity copper adsorbents
A method of removing mercury from a fluid stream comprising contacting the fluid stream with a sorbent comprising cupric sulfide. The cupric sulfide is formed from direct sulfidation of copper carbonate, without thermal decomposition of the copper carbonate to an oxide, at a temperature less than about 150° C.
US08876932B2 Power tool dust collecting device and power tool
A power tool dust collecting device includes a fan chamber and a dust collecting chamber. The fan chamber is formed in a housing which is mountable on a hammer drill and in which a suction opening is provided protrudingly. The fan chamber houses a fan that rotates in accordance with driving of a motor. The dust collecting chamber is formed on an upstream side of the fan chamber. Mounted on the dust collecting chamber is a filter through which passes air that has been sucked up from the suction opening by the rotation of the fan and which collects dust included in the air. An air pumping unit that pumps air from a downstream side of the filter toward an upstream side is provided inside the housing.
US08876930B2 Single/multiple guard(s)/cap(s) and/or screen(s) with engine attached chamber/manifold particle collector
This invention relates in general to a fixed guard(s)/cap(s) and/or screen(s) apparatus (single and/or double formation) shall effect multiple aspects for example the nacelle and inlet for numerous craft, jets, turbojet, turboprop and turboshaft engines—(Helicopters and other VTOL aircraft) such as power plants or the like. This apparatus contains the rotational system(s) which may be applied to the engine shaft attached apparatus and/or pole that allows the mechanism to function by self-induced movement, without limiting engine thrust. Additional security measures have been introduced to the guard(s), cap(s) and/or screen(s) apparatus, which includes a gaseous intake cavity, centrifuge, chamber, manifold and processes—static free and or purification chamber, and a particle collector without limiting engine thrust.
US08876926B2 Liquid suspensions and powders of cerium oxide particles and preparation and polishing applications thereof
Suspensions of cerium oxide particles, well suited for polishing applications, the particles (secondary particles) of which have an average size of at most 200 nm, these secondary particles are formed from primary particles whose average size measured by TEM is at most 150 nm with a standard deviation of at most 30% of the value of this average size, and for which the ratio of the average size measured by TEM to the average size measured by BET is at least 1.5. Such suspensions are prepared from solutions of a cerium III salt, comprising a colloidal dispersion of cerium IV, which are contacted, in the presence of nitrate ions and under an inert atmosphere, with a base, and the medium obtained is subjected to a thermal treatment under an inert atmosphere and then acidified and washed.
US08876915B2 Coloring composition and ink for inkjet recording
There is provided a coloring composition and an ink for inkjet recording which have an excellent ozone fastness and a high print density and is excellent in storage stability over time, and one example of the coloring composition is a coloring composition contains a compound (1A) and a compound (2B):
US08876914B2 Synthesis and application reactive antimicrobial copolymers for textile fibers
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide polymer compositions, methods of making polymer compositions, structures (e.g., textile articles) having the polymer composition covalently bonded to the structure, methods of attaching the polymer to the surface of the structure, methods of decreasing the amount of microorganisms formed on a structure, and the like.
US08876912B2 Method and device for controlling an artificial orthotic or prosthetic joint
The invention relates to a device and method for controlling an artificial orthotic or prosthetic joint of a lower extremity, comprising a resistance unit with which at least one actuator is associated, via which the bending and/or stretching resistance is varied depending on sensor data. During the use of the joint, status information is provided via sensors. According to the invention, the resistance is increased in the standing phase or while standing from a starting value depending on the ground reaction force up to a locking point of the joint.
US08876909B2 Implant sleeve for orthopedic implants
A method for centering a stem of an implant at an implantation site. The method includes implanting at the implantation site the implant having a sleeve rigidly mounted to the stem of the implant, the stem extends through an interior area of the sleeve. The method further includes compressing the sleeve by applying force to the sleeve to expand a mesh portion of the sleeve outward from the stem and into engagement with sidewalls of the implantation site to thereby center the stem at the implantation site.
US08876908B2 Shoulder prosthesis
A prosthesis is provided and may include a central body having a longitudinal axis and an opening that receives an installation tool. The prosthesis may additionally include a plurality of arms each including a solid body attached to the central body and a porous coating covering the solid body. The porous coating may provide each of the plurality of arms with an outer shape having a different shape than the solid body.
US08876907B2 Cement pressurizing glenoid
A prosthetic glenoid component has a body having a concave bearing surface and a convex glenoid contacting surface. First and second pegs extend outwardly from adjacent respective first and second ends of the bone contacting surface of the body, the first and second pegs have portions with a first diameter at the bone contacting surface extending for a first length and a second diameter extending from the first diameter for a second length, the first diameter larger than the second diameter. A third peg extends outwardly from the bone contacting surface intermediate the first and second pegs. The third peg has a third diameter greater than the second diameter portion of the first and second pegs and a third length greater than the first length of the first diameter portion of the first and second pegs. The third length is less than the sum of the first and second lengths.
US08876904B2 Surgical access system and related methods
A surgical access system including a tissue distraction assembly and a tissue retraction assembly, both of which may be equipped with one or more electrodes for use in detecting the existence of (and optionally the distance and/or direction to) neural structures before, during, and after the establishment of an operative corridor to a surgical target site. The tissue retraction assembly has a plurality of blades which may be introduced while in a closed configuration, after which point they may be opened to create an operation corridor to the surgical target site, including pivoting at least one blade to expand the operative corridor adjacent to the operative site.
US08876903B2 In vitro test system for viral infections
The invention relates to a multi-layered biological in vitro tissue containing: dermis layer, containing a collagen biomatrix with fibroblasts embedded therein and epidermis layer, containing epithelial cells. It is provided that latently virally infected neuronal cells are integrated at least into the dermis layer.
US08876900B2 AC joint repair using suture button graft construct and method of surgery
Apparatus and methods for fixation of bone to bone, or soft tissue to bone. The apparatus comprises two fixation devices (for example, two buttons) joined by a biologic material (for example, a graft or tendon). Each fixation device is provided with at least one opening that allows the passage of the flexible material attached to the biologic material. The button may be formed, for example, of metal, PEEK or PLLA.
US08876896B2 Prosthetic valve for transluminal delivery
A prosthetic valve comprises a valve assembly having a base, a plurality of leaflets, and commissures. The valve also comprises a support stent having a plurality of expandable cells and a plurality of longitudinal struts. The support stent is configured to be collapsible for transluminal delivery and expandable to contact the anatomical annulus of the native valve when the prosthetic valve is positioned in situ. The support stent supports the base. The commissures of the valve assembly are secured at the longitudinal struts and adjacent one or more of the expandable cells. The longitudinal struts of the support stent further comprise a plurality of holes, and the plurality of leaflets are secured to the longitudinal struts via threads passing through the plurality of holes.
US08876890B2 Methods of treatment with biodegradation of a stent scaffolding
Disclosed is a stent comprising a bioabsorbable polymeric scaffolding; and a plurality of depots in at least a portion of the scaffolding, wherein the plurality of depots comprise a bioabsorbable material, wherein the degradation rate of all or substantially all of the bioabsorbable polymer of the scaffolding is faster than the degradation rate of all or substantially all of the bioabsorbable material of the depots.
US08876887B2 Collapsible stent
A stent suitable for the repair of lesions in bifurcated blood vessels is provided, having a deformable end portion such that a free end of the end portion can be aligned with the surface of an abutting stent or angioplasty balloon in a main branch of the bifurcated vessel. A method of blood vessel repair using this stent is also provided.
US08876877B2 Centering for a TAA
A stent graft is deployed by a steerable catheter delivery system having a integral tip capture release mechanism. The steering mechanism provides for a locked interference with a distal lock at the distal end of the delivery catheter. The configuration allows for selective circumferentially distributed release of one half or less of the number of crowns of a proximal spring which are captured by a tip capture mechanism so that new positioning of the stent graft can be verified and assured before full release of all proximal spring crowns is done. In this way, one or more steering elements of a catheter can be maintained in tension until catheter position is verified and acceptable stent graft position is achieved. This apparatus and method is particularly useful for deploying stent graft in curved passages such a thoracic aorta.
US08876875B1 Thermal therapy apparel
The present invention is a two-layer garment adapted to receive one or more body parts to provide a user with compression and thermal therapy. The two layers comprise of an inner base layer having a compression fit and an outer mesh layer. The layers are attached to one another such that an intermediate space exists between the two layers. The intermediate space is accessible through one or more openings to the intermediate space. The opening and intermediate space are adapted to receive a thermal transferring element. A thermal pouch having a plurality of projections on an outward facing surface may receive the thermal transferring element prior to insertion into the intermediate space or the projections may be located on the thermal transferring element itself. The outer mesh layer receives the projections securing the thermal transferring element at any location, resulting in unmatched customizable thermal and compression therapy.
US08876874B2 Bone screw systems and methods of use
The distal bone screw segment of a bone screw system is driven into bone. In a first state, the assembly permits relative motion between its component parts in order to facilitate the placement and correct alignment of an interconnecting rod that is used to couple multiple bone screw systems and/or other orthopedic devices. In a second state, the assembly provides relative immobilization between the assembly components and the inter-connecting rod.
US08876873B2 Bone plate
A bone plate has an underside on the side of the bone, an upper side and a plurality of holes in the plate connecting the underside with the upper side, with a central hole axis. At least one of these holes in the plate has an internal jacket surface that tapers towards the underside, while the internal jacket surface has N≧3 recesses which extend radially away from the axis of the hole.
US08876871B2 Transverse connector
A transverse connector system having a first and a second locking element. The present invention also provides transverse rod having opposing first and second ends, the first end being retained within a portion of the first locking element and the second end being retained within a portion of the second locking element. The first locking element is configured with a connector body for engaging and capturing an elongated rod and a transverse rod simultaneously.
US08876860B2 Vascular closure device
The present invention provides a porous structure that works very effectively to seal a puncture site with optimum porosity, absorbent capacity and perfect anatomical fit. The plug density and other fiber properties/geometry (total denier; number of filaments; etc) have provided an efficient structure that allows instantaneous absorption of blood during deployment. The final size of the plug with absorbed fluids provides an anatomical fit and seals the puncture site within few minutes after deployment.
US08876857B2 End effector with redundant closing mechanisms
End effectors with redundant closing mechanisms, and related tools and methods are disclosed. The disclosed end effectors may be particularly beneficial when used for minimally invasive surgery. An example surgical tool comprises an elongate shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, a tool body disposed at the distal end of the shaft, a jaw movable relative to the tool body between a clamped configuration and an open configuration, a first actuation mechanism coupled with the jaw and operable to vary the position of the jaw relative to the tool body between the clamped configuration and the open configuration, and a second actuation mechanism coupled with the jaw. The second actuation mechanism has a first configuration where the jaw is held in the clamped configuration and a second configuration where the position of the jaw relative to the tool body is unconstrained by the second actuation mechanism.
US08876837B2 Method and apparatus for implanting a modular femoral hip
A method of implanting a prosthetic component is disclosed that includes attaching a guide rod to the prosthetic component, removably coupling the guide rod to a shaft extending from a handle, and positioning the prosthetic component in an anatomical feature. The method also includes impacting an impaction portion of the handle and uncoupling the guide rod from the shaft, leaving the guide rod attached to the prosthetic component. The method further includes positioning a reamer over the guide rod to create a reamed opening in the anatomical feature.
US08876836B2 Insertion instrument for an intervertebral implant
In an insertion instrument for a three-piece intervertebral implant that includes an upper part that can be placed against a vertebra, a lower part that can be placed against the adjacent vertebra, and a pivot element that can be inserted between these two parts, the instrument having two arms, disposed side by side and supported pivotably relative to one another on one end, which at their free ends each have one retention device for the upper part and lower part, respectively, of the intervertebral implant, it is proposed that a longitudinal guide for the pivot element is disposed in one of the arms.
US08876829B2 Adjustable apparatus and methods for inserting an implant
Methods and apparatus for inserting an implant into an intervertebral cavity between adjacent vertebral bodies provide for: adjust an initial height between inner surfaces of respective first and second ramps of an inserter; simultaneously sliding first and second ramps of the inserter, and the implant, proximally, toward distal ends of the first and second ramps, such that the vertebral contact surfaces of the respective first and second ramps separate and distract the vertebral bodies and receive the implant into the intervertebral space with no compressive loading, while holding an initial angle between the ramps substantially constant.
US08876826B2 Apparatus and method to access bone marrow
An apparatus and method for penetrating bone marrow is provided. The apparatus may include a housing such as a handheld body, a penetrator assembly, a connector that releasably attaches the penetrator assembly to a drill shaft, a gear mechanism, a motor and a power supply and associated circuitry operable to power the motor. The penetrator assembly may include a removable inner trocar and an outer penetrator or needle. It may also include a grooved trocar that allows bone chips to be expelled as the apparatus is inserted into bone marrow. Various connectors are provided to attach the penetrator assembly to the drill shaft.
US08876825B2 Disposable cylindrical cutter
A single use bone cutter comprised of two concentric cylinders and a series of insert blades or cutter disc is described. The cutter blades or cutter disc is preferably positioned at the distal end of the cutter. The bone cutter also comprises a guide rod that aids in the line of sight when using the cutter device.
US08876823B2 Steel plate for funnel chest orthopaedic surgery
A steel plate for funnel chest orthopaedic surgery includes a supporting plate (1), a fixing piece (2), a telescopic fixing piece (3), a guiding head (4) and screws (6). The supporting plate (1) is an elongate steel plate. One end of the supporting plate (1) is designed to be integrated with the fixing piece (2), and the other end is provided with a size-adjusting strap (5). The telescopic fixing piece (3) is an elongate steel plate with the same width as that of the supporting plate (1). One end of the telescopic fixing piece (3) is designed to be integrated with the fixing piece (2), and the other end is provided with a groove. The guiding head (4) is an elongate steel plate with the same width as that of the supporting plate (1). One end of the guiding head (4) is provided with a hook, and the other end is provided with a groove.
US08876817B2 Electrophysiology system and methods
An electrophysiology system comprises an ablation catheter, a radiofrequency generator, and a mapping processor. The ablation catheter has a tissue ablation electrode and a plurality of microelectrodes distributed about the circumference of the tissue ablation electrode and electrically isolated therefrom. The plurality of microelectrodes define a plurality of bipolar microelectrode pairs. The mapping processor is configured to acquire output signals from the bipolar microelectrode pairs, compare the output signals, and generate an output to a display providing a visual indication of a characteristic of the microelectrodes and the tissue ablation electrode relative to myocardial tissue to be mapped and/or ablated.
US08876816B2 Electrosurgical system and an electrode assembly for an electrosurgical system
In an electrosurgical system having a generator for generating radio frequency (RF) power and an electrosurgical instrument, the instrument includes a passive electrical identification component having a parameter of finite non-zero value identifying the instrument. The generator has a sensing circuit with a second electrical component, a signal source providing a voltage step-change, and a signal detector for detecting a transient response of the combination of the identification component and the second electrical component, the detector output signal being representative of the parameter value thereby allowing automatic identification of the instrument when it is connected to the generator. Also disclosed is an electrode assembly in which the identification component is associated with a digital device including a memory, the instrument having a pair of contacts interconnected by the identification component and serving to supply power from the generator to the digital device and/or convey data from a data output of the digital device.
US08876801B2 Apparatus, system and method for a dissolvable valve member
A valve assembly is provided which includes a housing having an inlet end and an outlet end and defining a fluid channel and a central chamber. A dissolvable valve member is positioned to obstruct flow through the channel within the chamber. The dissolvable valve member is formed of a material which is dissolvable at a predetermined rate upon contact with a preselected fluid. The preselected fluid is selected from the group consisting of blood, urine, saline and antimicrobial solutions. The dissolvable valve member can be formed from a fluid soluble glass or a starch based material.
US08876800B2 Urological device
A urological device comprises a urological valve having a plurality of valve leaflets with a region of co-aption between the valve leaflets. The valve has a normally closed configuration in which the valve leaflets are engaged at the region of co-aption and an open configuration in which the leaflets are separated at the co-aption region for fluid flow through the valve. The valve is automatically movable from the closed configuration to the open configuration in response to applied urological pressure.
US08876795B2 Drug delivery apparatus
An implantable drug delivery apparatus for delivering a drug into a bodily fluid in a bodily cavity of a patient over a period of time includes a drug supply reservoir to supply drug into a delivery channel and an actuator for delivering the drug to a predetermined location in the bodily cavity of the patient, such as, for example, a cochlea of a human ear. The drug is loaded into the delivery channel while producing substantially negligible flow at an outlet of the delivery channel.
US08876790B2 Connector for containers containing a medicinal active substance
A connector according to the invention includes a first connection region for connecting a first container, a piercing element and a break-open element, wherein the piercing element has a first end section and a second end section and a channel, running from the first end section to the second end section, for transporting a medicinal active substance, wherein the first end section is formed for piercing a membrane of the first container connected in the first connection region, and, at the second end section, the break-open element is attached such that it can be broken open and/or broken off, wherein, in the attached state, the break-open element seals the channel of the piercing element in liquid tight fashion.
US08876788B2 Stabilized implantable vascular access port
The subcutaneously implantable vascular access port has two parts including a body and a wing. The body supports a chamber covered by a septum, with a septum held in place over the chamber by a collar. The chamber is coupleable to a vascular structure, such as through tubing extending from the body, for delivery of medical preparations. The body is preferably elongate in form. The wing is configured to be adjustable in width. In one embodiment the wing rotates relative to the body and has an elongate form similar to that of the body. When the wing is rotated it extends laterally from the body and enhances a stability of the body. In another embodiment, the wing is provided as a deformable wing which can expand laterally out of side openings of a cavern in the body into which the deformable wing is inserted.
US08876784B2 Anti-drawback medical valve
A medical valve includes a housing having an interior forming an inlet and an outlet. A longitudinally movable member is secured within the interior of the housing. External to the movable member and within the interior is a fluid path. Movement of the movable member controls fluid flow between the inlet and the outlet via the fluid path. The outlet produces no greater than a negligible drawback or positive push during withdrawal of a nozzle.
US08876783B2 Medicament delivery device
The present invention relates to a medicament delivery device comprising a housing (12); a medicament container (14) arranged within said housing; medicament delivery drive means (22, 24); manually operable release means (38); and a movement speed control mechanism (44, 46, 48) comprising at least one fixed, flexible and elongated compartment (48) containing a liquid, and at least one flexible speed control member (44, 46) connected to the medicament delivery drive means; wherein said at least speed control member is arranged to be pressing on said at least one compartment for forcing said liquid past said member and thereby creating a movement speed control of said medicament delivery drive means when moved.
US08876775B2 Needle safety cap
A safety cap for use with a needle, the cap including an opening in the cap adapted to receive a needle therein, a releasable lock mechanism disposed within the opening, and a permanent lock mechanism disposed within the opening. The safety cap may be provided on a needle, the releasable locking mechanism being actuated to release the needle from the cap. After use, the needle may be reinserted into the safety cap and permanently locked therein by the permanent locking mechanism, thereby providing for safe disposal of the used needle.
US08876768B2 Auto-injector
The invention refers to an auto-injector for administering a medicament (M), comprising of a chassis, a syringe with a hollow needle and a stopper; a drive spring capable of, upon activation: advancing the needle (3), injecting the medicament (M), and retracting the syringe with the needle after delivering the medicament (M); and; activating means arranged to lock and release the drive spring, wherein the drive spring is a compression spring arranged to be grounded at a distal end in the chassis for advancing the needle and for injecting the dose of medicament (M) via a plunger and wherein the drive spring is arranged to have its ground in the chassis switched to its proximal end for retracting the syringe. A refraction sleeve is axially movable arranged around the syringe, wherein the retraction sleeve is fixable in a maximum proximal position for providing ground at the distal end of the drive spring, wherein the retraction sleeve is arranged to take the syringe with it when released and translated in distal direction (D), wherein the compression spring is wrapped over the retraction sleeve with its distal end bearing against a thrust face on the retraction sleeve and with its proximal end bearing against a thrust collar arranged to be coupled to the plunger for joint axial translation for advancing the needle and for injecting the dose of medicament (M) and to decouple from the plunger for retraction.
US08876765B2 Pump module for use in a medical fluid dispensing system
A pump module for use in a medical fluid dispensing system is provided that includes a pump body and first and second pump chambers formed in the pump body. The module further includes a pair of chamber inlets and chamber outlets formed in the pump body, each associated with one of the pump chambers. Each of the pump chambers further includes a first portion having a generally spherical segment shape and a second portion integral with the first portion and having a generally conical shape, with the first and second portions in fluid communication with the chamber inlet and the chamber outlet. The second, conically shaped portion converges to the chamber outlet.
US08876763B2 Composite balloon
A reinforced composite balloon may comprise a body layer and a reinforcing layer. The reinforcing layer may comprise a single-layer structural network having a plurality of apertures. The reinforcing layer may be molded from a reinforcing tube having a plurality of apertures or aperture precursor holes.
US08876759B2 Devices, systems and methods for delivering fluid to tissue
An injection system (200) including an injection chamber (202) and an injectate reservoir (204) that is removably attached to the injection chamber via an intermediate connector (206). The connector extends at a first end from the chamber and terminates at an opposite end with a fitting, such as a luer fitting, to which the injectate reservoir can be attached. The connector can be a relatively flexible component, such as a flexible tube, which is capable of absorbing the energy of an impact or other manipulation of the system to prevent or minimize the possibility of premature disconnection of the reservoir from the system.
US08876751B2 Phacoemulsification handpiece pressure booster
In various embodiments, a handpiece may include an irrigation line coupled to an adjacent line reservoir with a piston configured to move within the adjacent line reservoir to increase an irrigation pressure in the irrigation line near a surgical site. In some embodiments, a sensor may be used to detect an occlusion break in the aspiration line and information from the sensor may result in signaling an actuator to move the piston in response to the occlusion break detection to compensate for a vacuum pressure drop associated with the occlusion break. The handpiece may further include a purge bypass line between the irrigation line and the adjacent line reservoir to allow flow from the irrigation line to travel through the adjacent line reservoir to purge the adjacent line reservoir.
US08876749B2 Apparatus and process for producing CO2 enriched medical foam
The present invention provides an apparatus for producing medical foam for wound care or hair stimulation. The apparatus includes a foam generation unit having a fluid reservoir, a fluid delivery line and a foam generation tip. The apparatus also includes a compressed gas unit having at least one container of compressed gas, a source of electric power, and a gas regulator valve. A supply of wound care or hair stimulating solution is communicably connected to the foam generation tip such that when the apparatus is operated medical foam is produced by the foam generator tip.
US08876748B2 Cover for gas mist pressure bath
A cover for gas mist pressure bath includes a living-body cover member having an extension part extending from substantially center part of the living-body cover member, an adhesive part adhering the cover member to the skin and the mucous membrane of the living-body, a gas mist supply port for introducing the gas mist into the cover member for gas mist pressure bath, an outlet for exhausting air, the gas mist or the mixed gas sealed in the cover member for the gas mist pressure bath and controlling amounts of the gas, a fixing member fixing the cover member on the living-body, including a pair of belts extending from an edge of the adhesive part and a pair of belt stoppers adjusting the pair of belts, and a constricting ring pressurizing an inside of the living-body cover member to carry out pressurization.
US08876733B2 Multipurpose male fluidic coupling for a coupling device and device such as this incorporating it
The present invention relates to a male fluid coupling to be pushed into a female coupling in order to form a fluidic coupling device with no dead volume able to transfer a fluid, and to such a device. The female coupling (102) is coupled to a first pipe (C1) communicating with a second pipe (C2) passing through the male coupling, this female coupling having an internal push-fitting surface (103) ending in a female end (104) at which the first pipe emerges, and male coupling comprises an external push-fitting surface (106) ending in a male end (107) intended to lie inside the female coupling. This second pipe is pushed into the male coupling beyond the male end and has a free end (110) pressed fluid tightly against the female end by return means (111) which, during a push-fitting operation, collaborate with guiding and retaining means (114) designed to guide this second pipe as it slides through the male coupling while keeping this free end against the female end so as to eliminate any dead volume between the first pipe and the male coupling, making this male coupling compatible with all kinds of corresponding female couplings.
US08876728B2 System and method for quantifying lung compliance in a self-ventilating subject
The lung compliance of a subject that is at least partially self-ventilating is determined. The quantification of lung compliance may be an estimation, a measurement, and/or an approximate measurement. The quantification of lung compliance may be enhanced over conventional techniques and/or systems for quantifying lung compliance of self-ventilating subjects in the lung compliance may be quantified relatively accurately without an effort belt or other external sensing device that directly measures diaphragmatic muscle pressure, and without requiring the subject to manually control diaphragmatic muscle pressure. Quantification of lung compliance may be a useful tool in evaluating the health of the subject, including detection of fluid retention associated with developing acute congestive heart failure.
US08876727B2 Phrenic nerve stimulation detection using heart sounds
A method and system of detecting phrenic nerve stimulation in a patient that includes detecting an activation event, obtaining a heart sound signal of a patient from an implanted heart sound sensor, determining that an electrical stimulation has been applied to the patient, in response to detecting the activation event, monitoring a portion of the heart sound signal, the portion defined by a predetermined window after the application of the electrical stimulation, and determining whether phrenic nerve stimulation occurred based on the portion of the heart sound signal.
US08876720B2 Peripheral ultrasound device providing pivotal adjustment of an imaging mechanism about two axes
A device for acquiring ultrasound-generated data from a patient including a securing system and a probe configured for connection to the securing system, the probe including a base having an interfacing surface, an imaging mechanism adjustable relative to the base and configured to send and receive ultrasound signals along an imaging direction, and an adjustment mechanism configured to adjust the imaging mechanism relative to the base thereby adjusting the imaging direction.
US08876719B2 Systems and methods for beam enhancement
Beam enhancement through sidelobe reduction and/or mainlobe sharpening is shown. Embodiments utilize dynamic resolution, improved dynamic resolution, and/or enhanced dynamic resolution techniques to synthesize beams, such as ultrasonic beams used in ultrasonic imaging, having desired attributes. Embodiments simultaneously form a first sample beam and a second or auxiliary sample beam for every sample to synthesize enhanced scan beams. According to a dynamic resolution techniques herein a new beam may be formed from the sum of the two sample beams. A synthesized dynamic resolution beam of embodiments has reduced sidelobes with relatively little or no spread of the mainlobe. An enhanced dynamic resolution beam sharpening function can be applied to provide a further enhanced beam, such as to further narrow the mainlobe.
US08876716B2 Method of characterizing breast tissue using muliple ultrasound renderings
A method for characterizing tissue of a patient, including receiving acoustic data derived from the interaction between the tissue and the acoustic waves irradiating the tissue; generating a morphology rendering of the tissue from the acoustic data, in which the rendering represents at least one biomechanical property of the tissue; determining a prognostic parameter for a region of interest in the rendering, in which the prognostic parameter incorporates the biomechanical property; and analyzing the prognostic parameter to characterize the region of interest. In some embodiment, the method further includes introducing a contrast agent into the tissue; generating a set of enhanced morphology renderings of the tissue after introducing the contrast agent; determining an enhanced prognostic parameter from the enhanced morphology renderings; and analyzing the enhanced prognostic parameter.
US08876714B2 Systems and methods for assessing risk of chromosomal disorders
Certain aspects and examples are directed to systems and methods for assessing risk of chromosomal disorders. Certain embodiments are directed to systems and methods that use nuchal translucency values from both twins to provide a fetus specific risk of a chromosomal disorder in at least one fetus of the twins fetuses.
US08876710B2 Surgical portal apparatus with expandable cannula
A surgical portal apparatus includes a housing and a portal member extending from the housing. The portal member is dimensioned for insertion within tissue to access an underlying tissue site and defines a longitudinal axis. The portal member includes an outer wall having a longitudinal opening for reception of a surgical object. The outer wall includes first and second peripheral segments extending along the longitudinal axis. The first peripheral segment includes a substantially rigid material and the second peripheral segment includes a substantially elastomeric material. The first peripheral segment and the second peripheral segment cooperate to permit the outer wall to radially expand from a first condition where the outer wall defines a first internal dimension to a second condition where the outer wall defines a second internal dimension greater than the first internal dimension upon insertion of the surgical object.
US08876707B2 Hand-held ear vacuum with camera and video display
An ear speculum that includes a body having an ear-contacting tip with an opening; a light providing member; a viewing member; and a vacuum intake port, wherein the members and intake port are provided within the ear speculum with the vacuum intake port occupying a larger portion of the of the cross-sectional area of the ear speculum opening than the light providing or viewing members to facilitate removal of material from an ear canal. Also, an otoscope that includes a head; an ear speculum as described herein in operative association with the head; an image detector in image communication with the viewing member; a suction source in vacuum communication with the vacuum intake port; and a light source in illumination communication with the light providing member. Also, a system and method for removing material or debris from an ear canal using the otoscope described herein.
US08876700B2 Medical apparatus, method for controlling marker display in medical image and medical processor
A processor of an endoscope apparatus that is a medical apparatus generates two images that are a normal-light observation image and a special-light observation image that are obtained by picking up a return light, determines matching of observation fields of view with respect to the two images, generates a marker M that indicates a position on a living tissue for at least one of the two images based on the determination result, causes the generated two images to be displayed within a screen of a monitor, and displays the generated marker M by superimposing the marker M on at least one of the two images.
US08876691B2 Surgical slings
The invention relates generally to surgical implants, and in various embodiments to surgical implants configured for promoting growth of collagenous tissue at an anatomical site.
US08876690B2 Devices, systems, and methods for deforming a body channel
Devices, system and methods for deforming body channels are disclosed herein. At least some embodiments described may be used to deform a body channel so as to decrease or prevent the normal intrachannel flow of material within the body channel. Such deformation may be used to treat such maladies as Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease.
US08876684B1 Dosimetrically customizable brachytherapy carriers and methods thereof in the treatment of tumors
Brachytherapy radioisotope carrier systems and methodology for providing real-time customized brachytherapy treatment to subjects with tumors difficult to control using conventional radiation therapy techniques. The invention generally relates to devices, methods and kits for providing customized radionuclide treatments, to help cure, slow progression or regrowth, or ameliorate the symptoms associated with tumors.
US08876682B2 Folding device
A folding device (100) for folding a paper web (102) in the longitudinal direction includes a first rolling device (104) adapted to receiving the paper web from a supplying device (110). A fold-creating means (106) is adapted to create at least one fold along the paper web. A fold-pressing means (108) is adapted to press together portions of the paper web which are separated by the fold. A second rolling device (109) is adapted to receive and guide the folded paper web out from the folding device to a receiving device (112). At least a first and a second motor (114, 116) are connected to a control unit and are adapted to drive the paper web through the folding device and to maintain a predetermined tension in the paper web.
US08876679B2 Apparatuses, systems, and methods for improvement of physical fitness
The present application includes various embodiments of apparatuses, systems, kits, and methods for physical exercise of a user. Some embodiments, for example, include an apparatus comprising: a strap having a length between a first end and a second end, the strap having an elastic portion between and spaced apart from the first and second ends; a first handle coupled to the strap on a first side of the elastic portion and spaced apart from the elastic portion; a second handle coupled to the strap on a second side of the elastic portion and spaced apart from the elastic portion; and one or more suspension members configured to be coupled (i) to the strap at a first point between the elastic portion and the first handle, and at a second point between the elastic portion and the second handle, and (ii) to be coupled to a supporting structure.
US08876675B2 Method and apparatus for knee strengthening
An exercise device and method of use is provided. The exercise device includes an elongated elastic element having a first end and a second end. The elongated elastic element is stretchable along its length. The exercise device further includes a pulley system comprising a pulley having a channel along its outer circumference through which the elongated elastic element runs. An engagement mechanism removably anchors the pulley to a fixed point while allowing the pulley to rotate as the elongated elastic element passes through the channel.
US08876672B2 Method and apparatus for exercise device
An apparatus including a rigid frame structure, a first device for holding a first end of a first weightlifting bar, and a second device for holding a second end of a first weightlifting bar, opposite the first end of the weightlifting bar, is provided. The first device may include a first flexible device and a first retainer device. The second device may include a second flexible device and a second retainer device. The first and second flexible devices can be removably attached to the rigid frame structure. The apparatus provides a safe structure for working out with free weights.
US08876668B2 Exercise device with magnetic braking system
A selectively inclining hiking exercise apparatus supports a user ambulating thereon. The selectively inclining hiking exercise apparatus includes a support base and a treadbase that selectively inclines with respect to the support base. The treadbase includes a motor for driving an endless belt upon which the user ambulates. The treadbase also includes a magnetic braking assembly for regulating the speed of the endless belt to prevent the endless belt from moving at a rate that is faster than the rate at which the treadbase motor is driving the endless belt. The magnetic braking assembly includes a magnet that selectively moves relative to the treadbase flywheel along a threaded lead screw to provide the braking force.
US08876667B2 Weighted wrist band with an offset cuff
A weighted wrist band or wrist cuff utilized during sport training or exercise. The weighted wrist band includes a gel mold provided with a plurality of metallic chips therein to be inserted into a pouch within the weighted wrist band. The weighted wrist band includes a first section, a second section and an offset cuff section provided between the first section and the second section. The upper edge of the offset cuff section is spaced below the upper edge of the first section and the second section, thereby resulting in the offset cuff section being offset from the first and second sections. This configuration would prevent any contact of the weighted wrist band with any sports implement during training or exercise.
US08876658B2 Control apparatus for preventing rolling back of an electrically driven vehicle upon start-up thereof
In an electrically driven vehicle propelled by an electric machine (motor)equipped with a collaborative braking system of regenerative and frictional braking capacities, in order to achieve the “rollback prevention” at starting on an sloping road, when the regenerative braking is not available due to charging restriction to battery, frictional braking is used instead of regenerative braking and wheels are (automatically, i.e. not manually by driver) braked with friction to prevent the rollback. Moreover, in addition to braking wheels by frictional braking, further control is performed to adjust and match the magnitude of frictional braking force to a braking force in accordance with the starting operation. Thus, at the time of rollback prevention by the frictional braking as well, the similar prevention of rollback will be possible as the prevention by way of regenerative braking such that the effect of rollback prevention may be achieved without a feel of discomfort.
US08876650B2 Aircraft accessory drive multiple speed transmission
A transmission assembly is provided and includes a load, an input shaft rotatably driven by a low pressure section of a turbomachine and a transmission coupled to the load and the input shaft. The transmission is operable to transmit rotation of the input shaft to the load and configured to convert a first rotational speed range of the input shaft to a second rotational speed range for transmission to the load. The second rotational speed range is narrower than the first rotational speed range.
US08876649B2 Welding structure and method for manufacturing welding structure
Assuming that a direction in which a first member and a second member are arranged is a first direction and a direction orthogonal to the first direction is a second direction, a welding structure includes: a pressure fit portion; a first cavity; a second cavity; a first weld bead formed between the first cavity and an end of a joining part of the first member and the second member on one side in the second direction by welding the first member and second member while the second cavity is communicated with outside; a second weld bead formed between the second cavity and an end of the joining part on the other side in the second direction; and a cutout groove communicating between the first cavity and the second cavity.
US08876647B2 Device for lubricating an epicycloidal reduction gear
A reduction gear includes a sun pinion and planet pinions driven by the sun pinion and rolling on a fixed ring gear. The device includes an oil tank, an oil supply duct and oil routing ducts. The device also includes an oil ejection device at the end of the fixed supply duct, the orientation of which includes a radial component directed away from a common axis of rotation, and a cylindrical device for recovering the oil that can move in rotation about the common axis of rotation. The oil ejection device is linked by at least one duct to a lubrication device for the gear formed by the cooperation of the teeth of at least one planet pinion with an adjacent pinion. This device feeds the ducts which supply the oil to the parts to be lubricated, by virtue of the action of the centrifugal field.
US08876646B2 Drive for a movable furniture part
A movable furniture part, such as a furniture drawer, includes an ejector device having an ejector lever and an electric motor for driving the ejector lever. A retracting device has a pulling member that can be wound onto a roll. The roll can be driven by an electric motor, and the ejector device and retracting device are mechanically connected to one another such that they can be mounted as a unit in or on a furniture body.
US08876640B2 Archery arrow having improved flight characteristics
The archery arrow having improved flight characteristics of the present invention is designed to improve the accuracy of the arrow which is equipped with a dampening medium within the central bore of the arrow shaft. The dampening materials in an embodiment may include, but not be limited to, silicon, epoxies or urethanes and selection of various dampening materials may provide for varying degrees of stiffness. The dampening effects of internal dampening materials decrease the initial deflection distance of the arrow and also serves to decrease the deflection with each oscillation. In addition, the dampening medium adopted in the present invention provides for an arrow having a selectable center of gravity location that has improved flight characteristics. Thus, the dampening materials adopted in the present invention provide for a selected location of center of gravity and a desired attenuation of oscillations.
US08876634B2 Golf club head
A golf club head according to this invention includes a face portion, a crown portion having a shape which bulges out upward, and a sole portion. The crown portion includes a vibration promotion region and a surrounding region which surrounds the vibration promotion region. The vibration promotion region has a circular or elliptical shape, and is flatter than the surrounding region.
US08876633B2 Golf club head and golf club
An intersection point between a shaft axis Z1 and a sole surface 18 is defined as S1. A point S2, a point S3, and a point S4 are set on the sole surface 18. An intersection point between a straight line passing through a center of gravity of the head and being perpendicular to the horizontal plane and the sole surface 18 is defined as G1. A point R1, a point R2, a point R3, and a point R4 are set on the sole surface 18. A section A1 and a section A2 are set based on the points. An angle between the shaft axis Z1 and a ground plane is defined as θ. The angle θ exists so that at least a point belonging to the section A1 and at least a point belonging to the section A2 are brought into contact with the ground plane.
US08876629B2 Golf club head having a multi-material face
A golf club with a multi-material face is disclosed herein. More specifically, the golf club head in accordance with the present invention has a striking face that forms a pocket, wherein the pocket is filled with a secondary material having a lower density to improve the performance of the golf club head. The multi-material face disclosed in accordance with the present invention may generally have a characteristic time slope of greater than about 5 and less than about 50, wherein the characteristic time slope is determined based on the various data points collected according to the United States Golf Association's (USGA's) Characteristic Time (CT) test.
US08876610B1 Local environment based wagering
A system and method are disclosed for providing location-based wagering. In one embodiment, wagerable data associated with a location of a first user is identified. The wagerable data may be any type of data on which a wager may be based. Then, a wager recommendation is generated based on the wagerable data and returned to the first user. The first user defines a wager, and the wager is published to one or more second users located in proximity to the first user. Each of the one or more second users is enabled to accept the wager if desired. In addition, one or more winners and one or more losers of the wager may be identified and payout may then be effected.
US08876602B2 Game machine, and control method and storage medium storing computer program used therefor
Improved is the control of travel speed of operation indication marker in the case that the case that the delay in detection of operation time occurs. The game machine makes the object (60) pump between the reference portions (55A, 55B) corresponding to the operation portions of online opponent players, and makes the player of the own game machine perform the operation portion at the time when the object (60) reaches the reference portion (55A). The game machine determines whether the detection delay of operation time occurs. When the delay occurs, the game machine estimates as the original distance, the distance from the object (60) to the next arrival position (R1b) assuming that the delay did not occur (the distance on the path R2-CR1b), and the display of the object (60) is corrected so that the difference between the original distance estimated and the actual distance from the object (60) to the next arrival position (the distance on the path A, C, R1b) is eliminated earlier than the operation time corresponding to the next arrival position (R1b).
US08876599B2 Gaming machine having interchangeable display content
Various embodiments disclosed herein are directed to methods, gaming machines, and gaming systems with multiple displays having interchangeable display content. According to one embodiment, a gaming machine includes a first display for presenting a primary game, a second display for presenting secondary display content to a player, and a player input device for receiving player input to configure content displayed on the first display and the second display such that the first display presents the secondary display content and the second display presents the primary game.
US08876595B2 Mobile device to security event association in gaming environments
A system that tracks information related to security events in a gaming environment includes a plurality of gaming machines, a database storing data regarding security events, and a security event tracking server in communication with the gaming machines and database. Each gaming machine can have an electronic tracking device adapted to detect wirelessly identifying information from portable electronic devices proximate the gaming machine with respect to the occurrence of a security event at or near the gaming machine. The server includes a processor configured to receive information regarding security events and mobile device identifying information, associate the security events with the identifying information, and store the associated security events and identifying information to the database. Mobile device identifying information can be detected passively without any affirmative input by any user of the mobile devices. Patterns of repeated mobile device detections associated with multiple security events can be determined.
US08876584B2 Gaming machine with outcome based on event rankings
A method of playing a game, the method comprising selecting a predefined number of player indicia; providing an event reference, the event reference being viewable on a display device, the event reference comprising a plurality of event participants, the plurality of event participants being ranked; randomly generating a plurality of randomly generated indicia, the plurality of randomly generated indicia comprising a first indicia and a second indicia; associating the first indicia with a first event participant; associating the second indicia with a second event participant; obtaining the ranking of the participants based on the order they finish in the event reference; ordering the plurality of randomly generated indicia based on the ranking of their respective associated participants; and determining a game outcome, the game outcome comprising comparing the player indicia to the plurality of randomly generated indicia.
US08876581B2 Supply air terminal device
A supply air terminal device (10) has a supply air chamber (12), into which fresh air is conducted from out of doors and further from it through a nozzle gap or nozzles (12a1, 12a2 . . . ) into a mixing chamber (14). The fresh supply air (L1) induces a circulated airflow (L2) from a room (H) to flow through a heat exchanger (13) into the mixing chamber (14). The combined airflow (L1+L2) combined in the device solution of the fresh supply air (L1) and the room air (L2) flow is made to flow from the mixing chamber (14) into a room space (H) or other such. The mixing chamber (14) of the supply air terminal device (10) has in the mixing chamber (14) or in connection with this in a flow passage (14′) a film element (15), preferably a film-like electric resistance.
US08876580B2 Uniform flow supply duct and associated method of sizing restrictor plates
A supply duct is provided for supplying a gaseous fluid at a constant flow rate per unit length of the duct. The supply duct includes a main compartment, at least one nozzle disposed in the main compartment, and a plurality of restrictors extending from an inner wall of the main compartment. The main compartment of the supply duct has a generally constant cross-section. Each nozzle in the main compartment defines an outlet to allow a gaseous fluid to flow out from the main compartment. Each restrictor is configured to produce a flow rate through the nozzle at the first end of the main compartment that is substantially equal to the flow rate through the nozzle at the second end of the main compartment. The restrictor may be, for example, a restrictor plate. A method of sizing restrictor plates is also provided.
US08876579B2 Shape memory alloy actuated HVAC outlet airflow baffle controllers
A baffle controller for moving a baffle disposed within an HVAC outlet housing between an open position and a closed position to control airflow through an HVAC outlet in a vehicle includes a Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) actuator that is controlled and actuated by an electrical signal. The SMA actuator rotates a main lever that rotates a valve plate. The valve plate is attached to the baffle such that the baffle rotates with the valve plate. The baffle controller may include a position biasing device that increases a position holding ability of the baffle controller, and a cut-off switch that interrupts the electrical signal to the SMA actuator to prevent over-rotating the baffle.
US08876578B2 Portable working machine
A portable working machine is provided with a wheel guard partially covering a wheel rotated by a drive source such as an engine, and the wheel guard is retained by a retaining portion of an arm via rubber dampers serving as elastic members. Concave-convex portions are formed on the rubber dampers, a convex-concave portion corresponding to the concave-convex portions is formed in the wheel guard side, and the wheel guard is retained by the arm so that the concave-convex portions are engaged with the convex-concave portion.
US08876577B2 Floor finish removal and cleaning apparatus
A floor care apparatus is provided that utilizes at least one cylindrical pad to remove a floor finish. More specifically, a cylindrical pad having an abrasive surface is integrated onto a cylindrical scrubber brush or associated core or roller commonly used in the art. The main outwardly-facing surface of the pad contacts the floor to remove a predetermined amount of floor finish wherein generated debris is expelled away from the pad. After finish removal, a new layer of finish is applied to the floor. Thus, the need to remove all finish layers from a flooring surface is alleviated, which saves time and money.
US08876572B2 Toy vehicle launching ramp and landing ramp
A toy vehicle launching ramp and landing ramp is a toy vehicle track set that includes a launching ramp or track portion and a landing or receiving ramp or track portion. The toy vehicle track set also includes a booster or launcher which can propel or launch a toy vehicle onto the launching ramp, into the air, and onto the landing ramp. Further the set includes at least one elongate member with distance indicia, such that a user can measure the distance between the launcher and launching ramp, the launching ramp and receiving ramp, or some combination thereof. The toy vehicle track set enhances the play value of toy vehicle track sets by providing reliable and measurable jumps.
US08876569B2 Vacuum cell-assembling device and cell-assembling method
The embodiments of the present invention disclose a vacuum cell-assembling device and a cell-assembling method. The vacuum cell-assembling device comprises: an upper substrate, a signal processing apparatus, and a lower substrate provided opposite to the upper substrate, wherein the upper substrate is provided with a light-emitting apparatus thereon, and the lower substrate is provided a photosensitive receiving element array thereon, and the photosensitive receiving element array is connected with the signal processing apparatus, and the signal processing apparatus is adapted for converting the electrical signals from the photosensitive receiving element array to a liquid crystal diffusion-simulation image.
US08876565B2 Protective housing for a propeller of a submarine vehicle, connection system with a connecting cable and the use of such protective housing for incorporating a connecting cable
The invention relates to a protective housing for a propeller of a submarine vehicle. The invention also relates to a connection system for a propeller-driven submarine vehicle with a submarine cable and such a protective housing. The invention further relates to the use of a protective housing for a propeller of a submarine vehicle for receiving a strain relief connection for a connecting cable. The invention enables low-cost communication between a propeller-driven submarine vehicle and a support platform by means of a connecting cable which is hydrodynamically streamlined and ensures strain-relief for the connecting cable. The connecting cable is fixed to the periphery of the protective housing, outside the working space of the propeller located on a propeller axis, and a strain-relief cable-holding fixture is arranged for a connecting cable on the submarine vehicle.
US08876559B2 Electronic device and switch method thereof
An electronic device including a switch unit and a socket is provided. The switch unit has an output end, a first input end, a second input end and a control end. The control end is coupled to the first input end. The socket has an intake cavity on which a first terminal and a second terminal are disposed. The first terminal is electrically connected to the first input end, and the second terminal is electrically connected to the second input end. When the intake cavity holds a plug and the control end receives a high level voltage, the control end switches the first input end to the output end. When the control end receives a ground voltage, the control end switches the second input end to the output end.
US08876558B2 Electrical connector
An electrical connector includes a base board having a plurality of first contact pads and second contact pads exposed on one end of the base board, a plurality of first terminals each having one end thereof connected with the corresponding first contact pad of the base board, a plurality of second terminals each having one end thereof arranged alternately with the first terminals and connected with the corresponding second contact pad of the base board, and an insulating housing having a window. The other end of the first terminal is slanted downward at an angle and then curved upward back to form a barb-like contact portion. The other end of the second terminal defines a contact protrusion. The base board together with the first terminals and the second terminals are disposed in the insulating housing. The contact portions and the contact protrusions are exposed outside through the window.
US08876557B2 Replaceable bracket lamp tube and lamp head cover
A bracket lamp tube and a lamp head cover thereon are provided. The lamp head cover comprises a cover body (2) and a metallic needle (1) penetrating the cover body (2). The front end of the metallic needle (1) extends out of the outside of the cover body (2). The rear end of the metallic needle (1) is located inside the cover body (2) and is fixedly connected to a first metallic contact plate (3). A second metallic contact plate (5) separated from the first metallic contact plate (3) is provided inside the cover body (2). A third metallic contact plate (6) is provided between the first and the second metallic contact plates (3, 5) and is connected to a touch button (4). The touch button (4) is exposed outside the cover body (2). The first and the second metallic contact plates (3, 5) are electrically connected by the third metallic contact plate (6) as the touch button (4) is pressed. The metallic needle (1) and an internal ballast are disconnected when the lamp head cover is not connected to the lamp, and the L and the N poles of the ballast are connected for power supply by using the connection of the first and the second metallic contact plates (3, 5) when the lamp head cover is installed to a lamp socket.
US08876544B2 Connector having rotatable actuation lever which can lock a connection between a mating connector and the connector when actuated
A connector can prevent a short circuit between a conductive member positioned on a board and an actuation lever actuatable without an actuation tag. A distance between the board and an actuation portion is larger than another distance between the board and an engage portion under a locked state where the engage portion is engaged with an engaged portion. Under the locked state, the actuation portion is positioned away from the conductive member (a SMT terminal and the conductive pattern formed on the board) so that the actuation lever can be prevented from making the short circuit with the conductive member.
US08876543B2 Connector
A connector is mateable with a mating connector having a mating terminal. The connector comprises a housing and a terminal held by the housing. The housing has an accommodating portion and a lock portion which are formed integrally. The terminal is accommodated in the accommodating portion so as to be connectable to the mating terminal. When the connector is in a mated state where the connector is mated with the mating connector, the lock portion locks the mated state. In detail, the lock portion has a flexible portion and a lock protrusion. The flexible portion is located over the accommodating portion. The lock protrusion is provided on the flexible portion. No wall is provided between the flexible portion and the accommodating portion so that the flexible portion is resiliently deformable toward the accommodating portion. The lock protrusion moves downward when the flexible portion is resiliently deformed downward.
US08876536B2 Integrated circuit socket system with configurable structures and method of manufacture thereof
A method of manufacture of an integrated circuit socket system includes: forming a retainer plate having a pinhole extending through the retainer plate; forming a base plate having a connector hole extending through the base plate, the connector hole aligned with the pinhole; inserting a compressible pin having a lower probe end through the connector hole and the pinhole below the connector hole, a portion of the compressible pin in the base plate; forming a device plate having a cavity hole extending through the device plate and aligned with the an upper probe end of the compressible pin exposed in the cavity hole; and mounting a removable fastener through the device plate, the base plate, and into the retainer plate, the device plate over the base plate directly on the retainer plate and attached to one another by the removable fastener.
US08876532B2 Bone repair putty
A bone repair material is described that is of putty-like consistency, particularly useful for repairing dental bony defects such as those caused by bone loss resulting from moderate or severe periodontitis, augmenting of bony defects of the alveolar ridge, filling tooth extraction sites, or sinus elevation grafting. The repair material includes a porous, resorbable particulate that is bone-derived or derived from bone-like hydroxyapatite or synthetic hydroxyapatite; and, a resorbable carrier, such as high molecular weight polysaccharides, such as hyaluronic acid. A high concentration of particulate in the putty enhances bone repair and requires a high concentration of carrier to retain the putty at the defect site. For a particulate density of about 1.2 g/cc such as PEPGEN P-15® Bone Graft, a preferred formulation comprises about 55% percent by weight of the putty suspended in a hyaluronic acid gel of about 1.4×106 daltons molecular weight and a final concentration of about 56 mg/cc which material adheres to a bony periodontal defect and does not excessively expand or migrate from the defect when held in place by a conventional flap closure.
US08876531B2 Non-removable bridge dental prosthesis
A non-removable bridge dental prosthesis includes an artificial tooth to be inserted into a region from which a tooth has been lost, a bridge tightly fixed to the rear surfaces of the teeth on either side of the region from which the tooth was lost, and a coupling member for coupling the artificial tooth to the bridge. The coupling member is integrally installed on the rear surface of the artificial tooth, and has a catching piece and a coupling projection. A coupling hole is formed in the bridge in a shape corresponding to the coupling projection and is located at a position where the coupling projection of the coupling member is formed. The coupling projection is inserted in the coupling hole of the bridge and simultaneously, the catching piece is caught on the top end of the bridge.
US08876529B2 Diversion of mechanical oscillations
A device according to the invention for deflecting mechanical oscillations, at an oscillation receiver location may be set into oscillation along a first axis, and transmits such an oscillation into an oscillation along a second axis at an oscillation output location, wherein the first and the second axis form an angle to one another. The device in characterized essentially by the fact that it includes an elongate, bent oscillation element, on whose one end a coupling-in point and at whose other end a coupling-out point is arranged, wherein the device is designed in a manner such that the oscillation element oscillates transversally at the coupling-in point and at the coupling-out point, when the oscillation receiver location is subjected to an oscillation.
US08876524B2 Furnace with modulating firing rate adaptation
A furnace is disclosed that includes a burner with a firing rate that is variable between a minimum and a maximum firing rate. After a call for heat is received, the firing rate is set to an initial level above the minimum firing rate, and the burner is ignited. The firing rate is then modulated downward toward the minimum firing rate. If the flame is lost during or after modulation, the burner is reignited and the firing rate is maintained above the firing rate at which the flame was lost until the current call for heat is satisfied. In some cases, the firing rate is maintained until one or more subsequent calls for heat are satisfied.
US08876516B2 Pellet press for producing pellets
The invention relates to a pellet press for producing pellets (10), there being in the pellet press (3) at least one die (4) having a multiplicity of holes (13) for compressing the biomass (1), at least one roll (5) rolling on the die (4) and at least one drive device for the die (4) and/or the roll (5). The aim of the invention is to produce a pellet press in which it is possible to eliminate local damage or partial wear of the die with the least possible effort or to make it easier to replace the die with a spare part. The invention consists of at least two die segments (7, 7′ . . . ) being arranged as the die (4), at least one supporting device (9) being arranged to support the die segments (7, 7′ . . . ) with respect to the roll (5), and the supporting device (9) having at least one aperture (8) for the pellets (10) emerging from the holes (13) in the die (4) to be led through.
US08876513B2 Selective deposition modeling using CW UV LED curing
A continuous-wave (CW) ultraviolet (UV) curing system for solid freeform fabrication (SFF) is provided, wherein the curing system is configured to provide an exposure of UV radiation for one or more layers of UV-curable material. One or more UV exposures may initiate curing of a curable material in the layer dispensed by a solid freeform fabrication apparatus. One approach to provide the single or multiple UV exposures is the use of one or more UV LEDs, which generate UV radiation without generating any substantial amounts of infrared (IR) radiation at the same time. This allows for the curing process to be energy efficient and also allows for the SFF system to be far less complex.
US08876508B2 Apparatus for producing pneumatic tyres
An apparatus for producing a pneumatic tyre has a building unit designed to form a green tyre having a pair of beads. Each of the pair of beads is defined along a respective inner circumferential edge of the green tyre. The apparatus further includes bead moulding devices to tighten each bead between two axially opposite clamping surfaces. A moulding unit of the green tyre has a moulding cavity with an inner wall substantially conforming in shape to an outer surface of a moulded tyre. The apparatus further includes devices for vulcanising the green tyre, and actuating devices for transferring the green tyre together with the bead moulding devices into the moulding cavity.
US08876506B2 Displacement pump with internal compression
The invention relates to a dry-compressing dual-shaft rotary displacement screw spindle pump machine for delivering and compressing gases. The spindle rotor pair therein includes multiple stages, having a primary delivery thread, a secondary delivery thread and a gas outlet collector chamber therebetween. The primary delivery thread head circle diameter decreases in the gas outlet direction, while the foot circle diameter thereof increases correspondingly for an application-specific matching inner “integral” compression ratio. The secondary delivery thread nominal delivery direction is opposite to the primary delivery thread nominal delivery direction. The secondary delivery thread is implemented such that the actual gas flow direction is opposite to the nominal delivery direction thereof, and is always directed away from the gas outlet plenum, having a gas permeation under ambient pressure just as the space in the gearbox. A control gas delivery stage is additionally provided for very high operating pressures.
US08876503B2 Scroll compressor with shaft inserting portion and manufacturing method thereof
A scroll compressor having a rotational shaft insertion hole and a fabrication method thereof are provided. The scroll compressor includes a casing; a fixed scroll fixed to an inner wall surface of the casing; an orbiting scroll combined with the fixed scroll to form a compression chamber while performing an orbiting movement with respect to the fixed scroll; a rotational shaft having a shaft portion inserted into the fixed scroll, an eccentric portion that penetrates the fixed scroll to be combined with the orbiting scroll, and a neck portion having a diameter less than a diameter of the eccentric portion to connect the eccentric portion to the shaft portion, wherein the shaft portion, the eccentric portion, and the neck portion are integrally formed; a fixed bush interposed between the fixed scroll and the shaft portion; and a driving unit configured to drive the rotational shaft. A neck portion insertion hole, into which the neck portion is inserted, and a shaft portion insertion hole, into which the shaft portion is movably inserted in a transverse direction, are formed at the fixed scroll, and the fixed bush restricts a transverse directional movement of the shaft portion to maintain a state in which an outer circumferential portion of the neck portion insertion hole is inserted into the neck portion.
US08876497B2 Linear compressor
A linear compressor is provided that includes a cylinder having a compression space for refrigerant therein, a piston that linearly reciprocates inside the cylinder in an axis direction to compress the refrigerant, and a frame having a mounting hole so that one end of the cylinder may be mounted thereon and a deformation prevention portion in some section around the mounting hole brought into contact with the one end of the cylinder. Even if a size of the cylinder is increased and a size of the frame limited, the frame is provided with enough strength to support the cylinder, thereby reducing fastening deformations and improving operation reliability.
US08876494B2 Compressor having first and second rotary member arrangement using a vane
A compressor is provided that includes a stator, a cylinder type rotor rotated within the stator by a rotating electromagnetic field of the stator and that defines a compression chamber inside, a roller that rotates within the compression chamber of the cylinder type rotor by a rotational force transferred from the rotor and compresses a refrigerant during rotation, a vane that divides the compression chamber into a suction region, into which the refrigerant is sucked, and a compression region, in which the refrigerant is compressed and discharged from, and transfers the rotational force from the cylinder type rotor to the roller, an axis of rotation that integrally extends from the roller in an axial direction, and a suction passage, through which the refrigerant is sucked into the compression chamber, through the axis of rotation and the roller.
US08876491B2 Apparatus and method for a submersible pump system and linear electrofusion
This invention relates generally to a high volume, buoyancy controlled submersible pump assembly designed to sit on the bottom of a body of water or other liquid substance and move a large volume of water or liquid substance. Alternatively, the submersible pump assembly is capable of achieving and maintaining neutral buoyancy or near neutral buoyancy in a particular body of water or liquid substance. The neutrally buoyant version includes maintaining the pump assembly at a given depth without requiring it to sit on the bottom of the body of water or other liquid substance. This invention also relates to linear electrofusion for thermoplastic components.
US08876487B2 Water pump system and method
This disclosure relates a water pump control system for an internal combustion engine, and a method for operating an internal combustion engine including a clutch-controlled water pump. The water pump control system and method provide protection of the pump impeller during dry pump operation, such as when a watercraft engine is started while the watercraft is out of water, by turning off the clutch-controlled pump when no water is detected at the inlet of the water pump.
US08876470B2 Spall resistant abradable turbine air seal
An abrasive coating for a rotor shaft, the abrasive coating having a metal bond coat layer on the rotor shaft and an abrasive layer over the bond layer for contact with vanes during operation of the rotor shaft. The abrasive coating includes a matrix containing a low strength filler having an increased concentration radially outward from the bond layer to the outer surface of the abrasive layer. The matrix may be ceramic or metal.
US08876466B2 Abradable liner
A seal is provided between first and second relatively movable members. The seal comprises a liner attached to the first relatively movable member which liner is abraded by the second relatively movable member. The abradable liner comprises a metallic, open porous structure formed by fusing a metallic feedstock with an energy beam to build up sequential deposits of the fused feedstock.
US08876464B1 Sequential cooling insert for turbine stator vane
A sequential impingement cooling insert for a turbine stator vane that forms a double impingement for the pressure and suction sides of the vane or a triple impingement. The insert is formed from a sheet metal formed in a zigzag shape that forms a series of alternating impingement cooling channels with return air channels, where pressure side and suction side impingement cooling plates are secured over the zigzag shaped main piece. Another embodiment includes the insert formed from one or two blocks of material in which the impingement channels and return air channels are machined into each block.
US08876462B2 System of contra-rotating propellers driven by a planetary gear train providing a balanced distribution of torque between the two propellers
A system of contra-rotating propellers for an aircraft turbomachine, including: a free power turbine including a first rotor; first and second propellers; and a mechanical transmission system including a planetary gear train fitted with a sun gear driven by the rotor, at least one planet gear driving the first propeller, and a ring driving the second propeller. The free power turbine also includes a second rotor that is contra-rotating relative to the first rotor, and rotating the ring.
US08876439B2 Particulate handling apparatus and method
A particulate handling apparatus (1) and method which is suitable for the transfer of kinetic energy from particles of transported particulate material and which lessens the damage suffered by said particulate material by the removal of that kinetic energy. The apparatus includes baffles (9) to reduce the kinetic energy and which are within a shaped vessel into which particulate material is fed through entry port (3) and from which the particulates are removed by exit port (4).
US08876430B1 Systems and methods for removal of trunnion pin sleeve and for supporting tainter gate during said removal
Methods and systems for use in the removal of trunnion pin sleeves and the supporting of lock and/or dam gate structures (e.g., tainter or roller gates) are disclosed herein. In one example embodiment, a method of trunnion pin sleeve removal includes causing either a constriction of at least one part of the sleeve or an application of a torque with respect to the at least one part of the sleeve, and subsequently applying a force to the at least one part of the sleeve so as to pull out the sleeve. Also, in another example embodiment, a system for supporting a lock and/or dam gate assembly includes a support assembly having a at least one pedestal assembly. The support assembly further includes a trunnion arm support structure, configured to be supported at least in part by the at least one pedestal assembly and to at least partially support a trunnion arm.
US08876423B2 Refillable notebook with release mechanism
A binding mechanism assembly for binding a sheet item, the binding mechanism assembly including a backing member having an upper surface, and a binding member directly or indirectly coupled to the backing member. The binding member includes a protrusion shaped and located to protrude through a hole of a sheet item to be bound thereto. The binding member further includes a generally flexible flange that is manually movable into engagement with the protrusion to form a generally closed loop and thereby bind the sheet item thereto. The loop is rotatable relative to the backing member from a first position in which the loop is generally located above the upper surface to a second position wherein at least part of the loop is located below the upper surface. A release mechanism is provided for opening the loop.
US08876421B2 Cleaning tool
With respect to a cleaning tool having a sheetlike cleaning member for mopping a surface to be cleaned, it is intended to provide a technology effective for enhancing of cleaning effect. There is provided cleaning tool (10) comprising cleaning sheet (100) for mopping a surface to be cleaned and injection nozzle (252) for jetting a cleaning liquid toward the surface to be cleaned at its region under the cleaning sheet (100).
US08876414B2 Optical communication module and method of manufacturing the same
An optical device board 2 is set to be a printed circuit board in which an optical device 6 is bonded into a predetermined position of a printed wiring board 5. The optical device board 2 is bonded to a base board 3 provided with a plurality of wiring terminals 7. A lens barrel 4 is bonded to the optical device board 2. The optical device 6 is bonded into a position calculated from an actual measured dimension of the printed wiring board 5, and the calculated position is held and positioning is carried out in such a manner that a central axis of the lens barrel 4 is coincident with the calculated position when the lens barrel 4 is to be bonded to the optical device board 2.
US08876409B2 Optical device
An optical device includes a light guide member, a holding member to hold the light guide member, an optical element to function according to light applied from the light guide member, a holder to hold the optical element, and an adhesive to join the holding member to the holder. The holding member and the holder are engaged with each other so that the optical element is placed on an optical axis of the light guide member. At least one of the holding member and the holder has a joint structure extending along the light guide member. The joint structure forms a gap to allow the adhesive to be easily injected between the holding member and the holder. The holding member and the holder are joined to each other with the adhesive injected into the gap.
US08876395B2 Ball bearing with retainer
A retainer for a ball bearing and a ball bearing have reduced torque even in grease lubrication. The retainer includes a retainer body which has an annular shape and has recesses formed in one axial end surface thereof along a peripheral direction at predetermined pitches and a pair of claw portions provided to protrude from opening ends of each of the recesses, the opening ends being opposed to each other in the peripheral direction. Each of the recesses and the pair of claw portions form a pocket in which a ball is received. A pocket has a PCD which is set smaller than a PCD of the ball to be received in the pocket.
US08876394B2 Rolling bearing with seal
In a rolling bearing with seal, an annular lip supporting portion having a larger thickness than that of a seal lip is formed on an inner periphery side of a seal member; the seal lip protruding on an inner peripheral surface of the lip supporting portion has: a cylindrical seal surface being in close contact with an outer peripheral surface of an inner race; and an inner side surface at least part of which in a region from an inner end of the seal surface to reach the lip supporting portion stands upright from the inner end of the seal surface in a direction perpendicular to a generating line of the outer peripheral surface of the inner race; and a width of the seal surface in an axial direction is set to be larger than a height of the seal lip in a radial direction. Accordingly, it is possible to provide a rolling bearing with seal with a simple structure, which is capable of maintaining a normal seal pressure against an inner race of a seal lip even when large negative pressure or positive pressure acts on the seal lip, thus preventing leakage of grease inside the bearing.
US08876387B2 Hydrodynamic radial plain bearing with a very high load-bearing capacity of large turbine sets
A plain bearing includes a bearing body in which a body, which is to be stored, is arranged. The bearing body is surrounded by a supporting body. The bearing body has a partial joint arranged at an angle in relation to the horizontal. The plain bearing has an active cooling system and an articulated lubrication system.
US08876384B2 Hydrodynamic bearing assembly
A hydrodynamic bearing assembly includes a shaft; a sleeve having a shaft hole formed therein so that the shaft is rotatably inserted thereinto; and first and second dynamic pressure generation grooves provided in at least one of an outer surface of the shaft and an inner surface of the sleeve and having a herringbone pattern including V-shaped portions in which upper and lower wings are provided to generate dynamic pressure in lubricating fluid filling a bearing clearance between the shaft and the sleeve at the time of rotation of the shaft. The first dynamic pressure generation groove has a V-shaped portion of which an upper wing is longer than a lower wing, and the second dynamic pressure generation groove is disposed below the first dynamic pressure generation groove in an axial direction and has a V-shaped portion of which a lower wing is longer than an upper wing.
US08876383B2 Flexible packages having multiple lines of weakness to facilitate opening
A flexible film package for storing food products comprises a body with a side wall, a closed bottom end, and a closed top end. The body includes a primary line of weakness and a pair of secondary lines of weakness formed in the side wall. Each of the primary and secondary lines of weakness includes a plurality of score lines spaced apart by non-scored portions of the side wall. The score lines of the primary line of weakness have a greater length, width, and depth than the score lines of the secondary lines of weakness. The non-scored portions between the score lines of the primary line of weakness are longer than the non-scored portions between the score lines of the secondary lines of weakness.
US08876377B2 Proximity detection system for imaging systems and method for sensing proximity
A proximity sensor array for a medical imaging system includes a flexible substrate configured to be mounted to a detector, and a plurality of sensors disposed on the substrate, the flexible substrate being deformable to contact a sensing surface of the detector. A method of fabricating a proximity sensor array and a medical imaging system are also described herein.
US08876374B2 Temperature sensor
A temperature sensor generates a variable voltage whose level decreases linearly as a temperature increases, and compares the variable voltage with first and second reference voltages to generate first and second temperature codes to measure the temperature.
US08876372B2 Sensor arrangement for temperature measurement and method for measurement
A sensor arrangement is provided for temperature measurement in melts, in particular in metal or cryolite melts having a melting point above 600° C., using a temperature sensor. A method for the measurement with this sensor arrangement is also provided.
US08876370B1 Pendulum-regulated clock
A pendulum-regulated clock. The clock has a movement at the bottom of a multi-rod pendulum. In an embodiment, a first pendulum rod and a second pendulum rod are provided. The clock provides swinging motion by imparting an oscillating torque to one or more of the pendulum rods. In an embodiment, a dual escapement mechanism may be provided. A dual escapement mechanism may synchronize the dual escapements via differential adjustment, to uniformly power pendulum rods during both directions of swing.
US08876367B1 Container holder for mixers
An apparatus and method for use in the biopharmaceutical and chemical industries to facilitate the temporary attachment of standard laboratory glassware to vibratory mixers and other types of aggressive shaking equipment. The container holder couples the entire flask or container to the mixing equipment in a secure fashion. The technology may be used with conventional glass flasks, or with plastic flasks that can be configured for either single-use or multiple-use. The invention allows for single handed, low force insertion of the flaskware as well as the incorporation of sensors into the container holder.
US08876364B2 Dynamic mixer with a seal
A dynamic mixer for a plurality of fluid components contains a housing and a rotor element which is rotatably arranged in the housing, with the housing having one inlet opening for at least one component each and at least one outlet opening. A ring-shaped intermediate space is provided between the rotor element and the housing in which a mixing element connected to the rotor element is arranged. A seal for sealing the rotor element in the mixer housing is provided at the bearing location of the rotor element in the housing.
US08876360B2 Method for constructing co-rotating, contiguous bodies and computer program product for carrying out said method
The invention relates to a method of constructing elements which wipe each other during corotation about two parallel axes in such a manner that they constantly touch each other at at least one point.
US08876355B2 Light guide, light source apparatus, and reading apparatus
A light guide includes an incident surface, an emitting surface, a reflecting surface, and a light guide section. The incident surface receives light from a plurality of light-emitting elements arranged at least in a first direction. The emitting surface outputs incident light from the incident surface. The reflecting surface includes a plurality of lenses having optical power in the first direction and a second direction different from the first direction and is provided to be opposed to the incident surface. The light guide section includes a surface including the incident surface, the emitting surface, and the reflecting surface, and causes the light that has entered from the incident surface to be reflected by the plurality of lenses of the reflecting surface to guide the light to the emitting surface.
US08876348B2 Light fixture comprising a multi-functional non-imaging opitical component
A novel light fixture comprises a light source, a collimating element, an optical cavity and a multi-functional non-imaging optical component to control light distribution. The present invention provides a system and method of controlling the output of light from a light fixture. One or more volumetric anisotropic diffusing components can be utilized to control both the photometric distribution and visual appearance of the light fixture. A high degree of optical control is obtained with durable components that can be easily customized to optimize optical performance in light fixtures designed as pendants, wall sconces, wallwashers, downlights, and tasklights. The luminance and color uniformity as well as the illuminance and color uniformity of illumination can be controlled and improved.
US08876346B2 Illumination source for use in inspection methods and/or lithography; inspection and lithographic apparatus and inspection method
An illumination system for a lithographic or inspection apparatus. A plurality of optical waveguides transmit radiation from the illumination source to an output. A switching system enables selective control of one or more subsets of the optical waveguides. An inspection method uses an illumination system and inspection and lithographic apparatuses comprise an illumination system. In one example, the optical waveguides and switching system are replaced by a plurality of parallel optical bandpass filter elements. The optical bandpass filter elements each only transmit a predetermined wavelength or a band of wavelengths of radiation. At least two of the parallel optical bandpass filter elements each being operable to transmit a different wavelength or band of wavelengths.
US08876344B2 Vehicle headlamp with excitation light source, light emitting part and light projection section
A headlamp 1 includes a laser diode 3 that emits a laser beam, a light emitting part 7 that emits light upon receiving the laser beam emitted from the laser diode 3, and a reflection mirror 8 that reflects the light emitted from the light emitting part 7. According to the headlamp 1, the light emitting part 7 has a luminance greater than 25 cd/mm2, and an area size of an aperture plane 8a perpendicular to a direction in which an incoherent light travels outward from the headlamp 1 is less than 2000 mm2.
US08876333B1 LED recessed luminaire with unique heat sink to dissipate heat from the LED
A uniquely shaped heat sink which has a lower generally elliptical interior shape which extends to an upper generally circular interior shape, the heat sink having a multiplicity of radial fins a portion of which surround the elliptical shaped lower exterior, the multiplicity of lower radial fins integrally formed with a multiplicity of upper radial fins which surround the upper interior circular shape of the heat sink. The multiplicity of upper radial fins form an upper air gap between the fins and an upper surface the plate. As the body heats up, the multiplicity of fins transfer the heat from an LED press fit retained against the heat sink to the edge of the heat sink.
US08876328B2 Optic coupler for light emitting diode fixture
A recessed light fixture includes an LED module, which includes a single LED package that is configured to generate all light emitted by the recessed light fixture. For example, the LED package can include multiple LEDs mounted to a common substrate. The LED package can be coupled to a heat sink for dissipating heat from the LEDs. The heat sink can include a core member from which fins extend. Each fin can include one or more straight and/or curved portions. A reflector housing may be coupled to the heat sink and configured to receive a reflector. The reflector can have any geometry, such as a bell-shaped geometry including two radii of curvature that join together at an inflection point. An optic coupler can be coupled to the reflector housing and configured to cover electrical connections at the substrate and to guide light emitted by the LED package.
US08876319B2 Backlight unit and display apparatus using the same
Disclosed are a backlight unit and a display apparatus using the same. The backlight unit includes a light guide plate, grooves disposed in the light guide plate, the grooves having at least one inclined surface, light source modules disposed within the grooves, and stoppers disposed between the light source modules and the light guide plate, wherein a cross-sectional area of the grooves is larger than that of the stoppers. The stoppers contact at least one of the side surfaces of the grooves, the bottom surfaces of the grooves and the light source modules.
US08876311B2 Light emitting device and illumination apparatus including same
A light emitting device includes a plurality of solid-state light emitting elements; a board on which the solid-state light emitting elements are arranged in the form of an array; and a light distribution adjusting member for adjusting a distribution of lights outputted from the solid-state light emitting elements. The light distribution adjusting member is provided to commonly cover at least two of the solid-state light emitting elements, and includes an accommodating portion which accommodates the solid-state light emitting elements; a concave curved surface portion provided above light output surfaces of the solid-state light emitting elements and immediately above the solid-state light emitting elements; and a pair of convex curved surface portions which are provided in opposite sides of the concave curved surface portion, each of the convex curved surface portions being smoothly connected to the concave curved surface portion.
US08876309B2 Adjustable back-lighting structure for a keyboard
An adjustable back-lighting structure for a keyboard includes a light guide panel having vertical peripheral edges and at least one light entering surface; and a surrounding edge made of plastic or chemical macromolecule compound material, having a connecting interface tightly bonded with the vertical peripheral edges of the light guide panel. The connecting interface can generates the feedback beam Bf to enhance the illumination effect. Therefore, the light transmission in the light guide panel can be limited in the upper and lower surfaces without leakage at the vertical peripheral edges.
US08876305B2 Rearview mirror for vehicles
The rear-view mirror comprises a mirror housing, in which a mirror glass is disposed. It is surrounded by a rim portion, wherein at least a part of the rim portion is configured moveable relative to the mirror housing. Said part can be configured elastically resilient, linked with the mirror housing, or it can be provided detachable. When the mirror housing touches its installed elements during an evasive movement, the corresponding part of the rim portion can move, whereby an additional travel distance for the mirror housing is provided.
US08876293B2 Macular pigment measurement device with data quality indexing feature
A system measures macular pigment of a macula of a human eye of a subject. The system comprises a light source having a first light and a second light that modulate at variable frequencies, an input device for receiving an input indicating the frequency at which the user perceives the modulation of the first light and a second light, a display device, at least one processor, and one or more memory devices. The one or more memory devices storing instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, cause the system to (i) display, on the display device, test data corresponding to the user's inputs from the input device, (ii) determine whether the test data are valid or invalid through a curve-fitting algorithm, (iii) automatically indicate that the test data are valid or invalid.
US08876290B2 Objective quality metric for ocular wavefront measurements
A system and method for determining an objective quality metric for image data collected by a wavefront aberrometer. The method may include quantifying a plurality of characteristics of the image data and calculating the objective quality metric based on the quantified characteristics of the image data. The objective quality metric can be a weighted sum of the quantified characteristics of the image data. The weightings for the weighted sum can be determined based on subjective quality metrics assigned to a set of training image data by a human expert.
US08876287B2 Ophthalmic lenses and reduction of accommodative error
Ophthalmic lenses provide clear visual acuity and present a myopic defocused image to the lens wearer at both near and distant viewing distances. The present lenses are used in methods to reduce ocular accommodative error in lens wearers. Methods of manufacturing the present lenses are described.
US08876283B2 Hinge mechanism for a fluid filled lens assembly
In an embodiment, a hinge for a fluid-filled lens assembly includes a base having a first end configured to connect to a temple arm of the lens assembly and a second end configured to connect to a frame of the lens assembly, wherein the base includes a gap that is shaped to allow for tubing to pass from the first end to the second end of the base. In an embodiment, the first end of the base includes a cammed surface configured to engage a surface of the temple arm. In an embodiment, the first and second ends of the base are configured to flex around a rotation axis of the hinge.
US08876277B2 Vacuum pulldown of a print media in a printing system
A printing system includes one or more lineheads disposed opposite a first side of a print media and at least one vacuum assembly having a vacuum manifold disposed opposite a second side of the print media. The linehead or lineheads has one or more print zones where a liquid or ink is deposited onto the first side of the print media. The vacuum manifold is aligned with a non-print zone of each linehead and outputs a vacuum force proximate to the second side of the print media such that at least a portion of the second side of the print media is deflected away from the lineheads. The printing system can also include another component, such as a dryer, disposed over the print media and laterally adjacent to the linehead. Another vacuum manifold can be disposed adjacent to the second side print media between the linehead and the component.
US08876268B2 Ink cartridge
An ink cartridge includes a bag-shaped ink bag storing ink inside and having a spout through which the ink can be drawn out, a substantially box-shaped case housing the ink bag and having at least a first wall portion and a second wall portion arranged to oppose each other, a first leg portion protruding from an outer surface of the first wall portion and being disposed on a first end of the first wall portion positioned in a longitudinal direction and separated from both ends positioned in a first direction of the first wall portion, and a second leg portion protruding from the outer surface of the first wall portion and being disposed in a position separated from the first leg portion on the first end of the first wall portion and separated from the both ends in the first direction.
US08876266B2 System and method for refilling ink containers
An inkjet printer cartridge refilling system is described. The system may include a plurality of fixtures or adapters that are configured to hold inkjet printer cartridges. The adapters allow a variety of different configurations of inkjet printer cartridges to be refilled and cleaned by mating the cartridges to universal stations on the refilling system.
US08876262B2 Inkjet head and inkjet recording apparatus
According to one embodiment, an inkjet head includes actuators configured to pressurize ink. The actuators include piezoelectric elements provided on an insulating layer, first electrodes electrically connected to the piezoelectric elements, and second electrodes connected to the piezoelectric elements and configured to hold the piezoelectric elements in cooperation with the first electrodes. The first electrodes of all the actuators are electrically connected to a common first energization pattern. The second electrodes of all the actuators are individually electrically connected to second energization patterns. The first energization pattern and the second energization patterns are separated from each other without overlapping each other on the insulating layer.
US08876259B2 Liquid ejecting head, liquid ejecting apparatus and piezoelectric element
Provided is a piezoelectric element including a first electrode, a piezoelectric layer, and a second electrode, wherein the piezoelectric layer is formed of a complex oxide having a perovskite structure containing bismuth, barium, iron and titanium, binding energy of C—C and C—H states of a peak due to C 1s in an X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurement is standardized as 284.8 eV, when a peak obtained in a range of a binding energy of 775 eV or more and 785 eV or less is separated using a Gauss function, the binding energy has the peak in 779.0±0.8 eV, and one or more peak having intensity lower than that of the peak is included at the high binding energy side.
US08876255B2 Orifice structure for fluid ejection device and method of forming same
An orifice structure for a fluid ejection device includes a surface, an orifice formed through the surface, a first region of the surface projecting from the orifice, and a second region of the surface surrounding the first region, with the first region having a first surface energy, and the second region having a second surface energy higher than the first surface energy.
US08876237B2 Inkjet recording device and image forming apparatus for stable ink ejection
An inkjet recording device includes a recording head, a head driving unit, and a controller. A selector of the head driving unit performs selection for individual nozzles so that when the drive waveform selection data for printing one line at this time sent from a data processing section indicates that the number of times of ink ejection is 0, and drive waveform selection data for printing the next one line indicates that the number of times of ink ejection is 0, drive voltage according to none of one or more drive waveforms for ink ejection or a drive waveform for meniscus oscillation is applied to a piezoelectric element.
US08876226B2 Seal assembly
A seal assembly 10,110 for sealing between a first member 12,112 and a second member 14,114 of a joint, the first member 12,112 being able to pivot about an axis 60,160 of the joint relative to the second member 12,112, is disclosed. The seal assembly 10,110 includes an annular seal body 30,130 which has a sufficient axial dimension X,XX to span first and second seal cavities 20,120,22,122 of the first member 12,112 and second member 14,114 of a joint.
US08876210B2 Double articulating dental chair headrest apparatus
The present invention provides an improved adjustable chair headrest. Specifically, the present invention comprises a double articulating dental chair headrest apparatus which has a one-handed side pushbutton release and locking mechanism. When pressed, the pushbutton temporarily disengages a movable mating plate having splined perforations away from each of two corresponding rotatable splined pin assemblies to unlock each splined pin assembly. The unlocked splined pin assemblies each rotate independently. Each splined pin assembly is also fixedly attached to one of a headrest and a backrest via an attachment plate. The two splined pin assemblies are held in relation to each other, the movable mating plate having splined perforations, and the side pushbutton release and locking mechanism, by a housing component.
US08876209B2 Conforming back for a seating unit
According to the present invention a back for a seating unit is provided. The back comprises a plurality of flexible finger elements. Each of the plurality of flexible finger elements has a distal end. The back further comprises a retainer connecting at least two of the flexible finger elements proximate their distal ends. When a load is applied to a flexible finger element, the retainer distributes at least a portion of the load to at least one adjacent flexible finger element.
US08876203B1 Collapsible chair
A chair operable between an extended configuration and a collapsed configuration includes one or more legs, a handle and a locking mechanism. The one or more legs support a seat and the handle extends away from the seat opposite the one or more legs. The locking mechanism includes a lock plug disposed in an elongate trough. Movement of the handle between the extended and collapsed configurations involves depressing the lock plug and flipping the trough to an opposite side of the lock plug.
US08876193B2 Inner wall liner for a refrigerated trailer wall panel
An inner wall liner of a wall panel of a refrigerated trailer includes a liner sheet formed of fiber reinforced plastic (FRP) and a scuff plate formed of FRP. The scuff plate and the liner sheet are fused together such that the scuff plate is coupled to a bottom portion of the liner sheet. The inner liner further includes an upper wall plate formed of FRP. The upper wall plate and the liner sheet are fused together such that the upper wall plate is coupled to an upper portion of the liner sheet.
US08876191B2 Aerodynamic drag reducing apparatus
An aerodynamic drag reducing apparatus for use with vehicles having downstream surfaces that are not streamlined. The apparatus includes folding panels that extend rearward for use in a drag reducing configuration and collapse for use in a space saving configuration.
US08876190B2 Air-guiding apparatus
An air-guiding apparatus has a transversely oriented rear spoiler element that can be moved via hydraulic units into different setting positions with respect to the vehicle. An airflow breakaway edge is provided below the spoiler element and is configured to be set additionally to adjust effects of the spoiler element.
US08876188B1 Vehicle body structure
A seal is installed to a seal supporting surface of a vehicle pillar structure. A door assembly has an inner panel and a window sash section with an attachment area at an intersection between the inner panel and the window sash section. A trim panel has a main body covering at least a portion of an inboard surface of the inner panel and a flange that extends along an upright edge of the main body. The flange has an upper end covering the attachment area and a lower end of the window sash section. The window sash section and the flange define a sealing surface extending from an upper end of the door assembly to a lower end of the door assembly. The seal contacts the sealing surface with the door assembly in the closed position.
US08876187B2 Apparatus and related methods of tarping a flatbed trucking payload
Generally disclosed is a device for simply and inexpensively tarping the payload of any truck bed without placing the tarper, the tarp, or the payload in danger of injury. In a preferred embodiment, the disclosed device generally comprises: (1) a rolled or bunched tarp that is installed on a first portable and adjustable riser; (2) a cable and cable crank installed on a second portable and adjustable riser; (3) wherein the cable may be attached to the tarp so that cranking the cable crank will unroll or unbunch the tarp and suspendedly draw the same toward the second riser; and (4) wherein the risers are removable from the truck bed.
US08876182B2 Integrated two dimensional robotic palm for variable pitch positioning of multiple transfer devices
A handling device includes a base plate defining an X-Y plane, a plurality of X rails movably supported on the base plate and extending in an X-direction, a plurality of Y rails movably supported on the base plate and extending in a Y-direction perpendicular to the X-direction and a drive system supported on the base plate for moving the X rails in the Y-direction and for moving the Y rails in the X-direction, wherein a spacing between the X rails varies as the X rails move, and wherein a spacing between the Y rails varies as the Y rails move, and wherein the spacing between the X-rails is continuously variable with respect to the spacing between the Y rails.
US08876181B1 Object transport device
An object transport device which aids in the lifting, carrying, and transport of objects such as logs. The object transport device generally includes a grasping assembly which includes a handle and a pivotally secured hook adapted to extend around and retain an object such as a log. An optional cant extension is provided which may be removably secured to the grasping assembly to convert the present invention into a conventional cant hook configuration. A lifter adapter is also provided which may be removably secured to the grasping assembly. The lifter adapter may removably receive a T-shaped lifter extension to convert the present invention into a conventional timber jack configuration which aids in lifting and supporting larger or heavier objects.
US08876177B2 Handle system
According to one embodiment, there is provided a handle system including; a main body mounted to a mounting hole in a board; an operating member supported rotatably on the main body; a lock member locks/unlocks the board with a lock receiver in a vehicle's luggage compartment; and a cover adapted to a back surface of the main body, wherein the main body has a pair of side walls in which a pair of shaft holes are formed, a base portion positioned between the side walls, and a pair of elastic claws provided on the base portion to movably hold the lock member therebetween, wherein the operating member has a pair of projecting shafts which are inserted into the pair of shaft holes, and wherein the cover has opening suppressing portions which suppress an opening movement of the elastic claws.
US08876176B2 Latch assembly
A latch assembly includes a chassis, a latch bolt moveably mounted on the chassis and having a closed position for retaining a striker and an open position for releasing the striker, a pawl having an engaged position at which the pawl is engaged with the latch bolt to hold the latch bolt in the closed position and a disengaged position at which the pawl is disengaged from the latch bolt, thereby allowing the latch bolt to move to the open position, an eccentric arrangement defining an eccentric axis and a pawl axis remote from the eccentric axis. The eccentric arrangement is rotatable about the eccentric axis, and the pawl is rotatable about the pawl axis. When the pawl moves from the engaged position to the disengaged position, the eccentric arrangement rotates in one of a clockwise and a counter-clockwise direction about the eccentric axis. With the pawl in the engaged position, a force applied to the pawl by the latch bolt creates a turning moment on the eccentric arrangement in the one of the clockwise and counter-clockwise direction, and the eccentric arrangement is prevented from rotating in said one of the clockwise and counter-clockwise direction by a moveable abutment.
US08876175B2 Door handle type closure system
A door handle closure system has a positioning washer that holds a door handle in an “open” or “closed” position. The positioning washer is made of a resilient thermoplastic material, providing a positive spring feeling when the door handle reaches the opened or closed positions. The door handle (1) has a longitudinal rib (1.2) received in a cut (2.3) provided in the washer (2). In the open position, the washer (2) has external upsets which are received within two entrances (3.2) located in the fixed bushing (3). In any intermediate position, the external upsets (2.1) are dislocated from the entrances (3.2) of the fixed bushing (3), deforming part of the washer (2), so as to reduce its original diameter, in effect, loading the “spring”. In the closed position, the external upsets (2.1) are received within two entrances (3.2) located opposite thereto in the fixed bushing (3), relieving the spring pressure.
US08876174B2 Motorcycle paraphernalia locking system
This disclosure relates to a novel concept regarding the specific latching mechanism to provide a secure and easily releasable device. The latching mechanism is used to attach an accessory such as a luggage rack or the sissy bar to a motorcycle or equivalent.
US08876172B2 Vending machine lock with motor controlled slide-bar and hook mechanism and electronic access
An enhanced slide and hook locking mechanism control system for vending machines and the like that utilizes a reversible motor and worm gear drive that operates the slide and hook mechanism. The worm drive is coupled to the slide through a crankshaft type of interconnection. Or as alternatives, the slide means can be gear driven or it may be connected using push-pull type of cable or rod. An electronic control with a microcomputer interface drives the motor control and the system may be operated by a keypad or a remote wireless control device.
US08876170B2 Tapered drive nut for conduit fitting
A drive nut for a fitting includes an interior socket centered on a central axis and configured to receive at least a rearward portion of a conduit gripping member. The socket is defined by a radial drive surface positioned to engage the conduit gripping member during pull-up, a first longitudinal surface radially outward of said drive surface and a tapered second longitudinal surface between the drive surface and the first longitudinal surface, wherein a conduit gripping device contacts the second longitudinal surface upon an initial pull-up and each remake. This geometry facilitates a greater number of available remakes by reducing lost stroke, and can provide less stroke loss for fittings pulled up by torque.
US08876163B2 Oil storage tank and construction vehicle
An oil storage tank includes a step member, a first tank part and a second tank part. The step member has a placement face. The first tank part is disposed below the step member to support the step member. The second tank part is coupled to the first tank part and has an upper face a lower face, a first side face, a second side face and a recessed section. The upper face is provided above the placement face. The first side face faces the first tank part and is connected to the upper face and the lower face. The second side face is connected to the upper face, the lower face and the first side face. The recessed section is formed by a sloped face provided to a corner portion at which the upper face, the first side face and the second side face intersect.
US08876150B2 Anti-twist device for a vehicle airbag
Disclosed is an anti-twist device for a curtain airbag of a vehicle. The anti-twist device allows a worker to immediately recognize the twist of the curtain airbag or automatically releases the twist of the curtain airbag when the curtain airbag is installed in the vehicle, thereby improving stability of the curtain airbag. The anti-twist device is mounted on the curtain airbag including a bracket having an inflator mounted thereon and coupled to a vehicle body, the airbag cushion received in a winding state while communicating with the inflator, and a band surrounding the airbag cushion, and includes a body having a predetermined length and provided in parallel to the airbag cushion, a first fixing part formed at one end of the body and coupled with the bracket or the vehicle body, and a second fixing part formed at an opposite end of the body and coupled with the band.
US08876142B1 Adapter with S-cam
An adapter which serves as an anchor point for coupling a trailer to a vehicle. The adapter adapted for mating in the socket of the vehicle. The adapter rotatable between a locked and an unlocked position. The adapter including a locking member which, when rotated, moves a ball partially through an aperture, partially extending into the socket thereby locking the adapter within the socket.
US08876130B2 Triangular shaped bucket with rust resistant wheels
A bucket having a triangular shape wherein three side walls and a floor define a triangular interior volume, the bucket having wheels for facilitating moving the bucket from one location to another location, and there being a storage compartment provided in a sidewall of the bucket for storing signs, such as, for example, wet floor signs.
US08876126B1 Shopping cart release
A shopping cart is provided with controlled frictional release devices incorporating ramps that prevent a nestable shopping cart from becoming overly engaged with a docking cart.
US08876119B2 Grommet and seal assembly for cooling pipes passing through sound wall
A grommet and seal assembly enables a pair of ducts to pass through a sound wall that separates an engine from a cooling system. The disclosed grommet and seal assembly enables the sound wall to flex without breaking the seal between the grommets and the air ducts. The grommet and seal assembly may include a pair of flexible grommets which are installed in openings in the sound wall and through which the air ducts are installed. Rigid proximal and distal plates may then be coupled together so that the flexible grommets are sandwiched between the proximal and distal plates. Each flexible grommet may include dual flanges and all four flanges may be sandwiched between the proximal and distal plates after the proximal and distal plates are coupled together. A center plate may also be included between the flanges and between the proximal and distal plates for additional structural integrity.
US08876118B2 Gaskets
The gasket includes a sealing strip comprising a resilient material, the resilient material comprising a chemically exfoliated vermiculite (CEV) component in a proportion of at least 25% w/w of the sealing strip, the said CEV component being at least partially derived from dry CEV, wherein the sealing strip does not include a carrier strip, made by the process of the application of a wet sealing strip material to a forming sheet to form a layer; partially drying the wet sealing strip layer on the forming sheet; removing the layer from the forming sheet; and (d) cutting the layer into strips suitable for use in the formation of a spirally wound gasket.
US08876100B1 Robotic belt finishing system for high speed multiple card pick to sequenced stack
Methods and systems output printed items based on a job of instructions from a printing device; cut the printed items into cut items and output the cut items to a first location based on the job of instructions using a patterning device; and pick the cut items from the first location and place the cut items on a first conveyor based on the job of instructions using a robotic arm. The first conveyor is adjacent the first location. Further, methods and systems transport the cut items to a receiving conveyor based on the job of instructions using the first conveyor. The receiving conveyor is adjacent the first conveyor. Also, methods and systems move the receiving conveyor to position the receiving conveyor to receive specific ones of the cut items in corresponding locations based on the job of instructions.
US08876098B2 Stitching machine for variable size sheets
A thread stitching machine to process signatures into book blocks includes a transport system for the signatures including a transport section on which the signatures are straddling for supply to a stitching station. The transport section includes an auxiliary saddle and a driven, continuously moving conveying chain to drive the auxiliary saddle. The conveying chain has spaced-apart, integrated pusher elements. A downstream installed stitching station includes a freely moving stitching saddle immediately following the auxiliary saddle. The stitching saddle includes a separate conveying device for the signatures, operated by a drive. A detection device is arranged at a transition between the auxiliary saddle and the stitching saddle to detect a position of the signature and a time which the signature passes by. The conveying chain is operated with a change in speed that depends on different sheet lengths following each other directly in a sequence of signatures.
US08876093B2 Liquid sealed vibration isolating device
A partition member is provided with an elastic body for absorbing hydraulic pressure fluctuation of the primary liquid chamber and a frame member for supporting an outer circumferential portion of the elastic body while aiming to prevent the rotation of the elastic body. A relief aperture communicating between the primary liquid chamber and the secondary liquid chamber is located on the outer circumferential side in the elastic body supporting region of the frame member. A relief valve for opening and closing the relief aperture is integrally formed on the outer circumferential side of the elastic body. The relief valve is formed of a pair of right and left relief valves. A width across flat sections are formed on a thick-walled outer circumferential section of the elastic body which is located between the right and left relief valves, such as to serve as a detent means.
US08876089B2 Method and apparatus to keep an aerator full of air
An aeration system has aerators that remain generally full of air when the supply of pressurized air is turned off or vented. Water does not reach the bubble discharging holes of the aerator, which are kept from plugging. The aerator has a body with a hole through a wall of the body to discharge bubbles. The hole is surrounded by a skirt at the wall of the body. The skirt extends to below the elevation of the hole. The aerator body is connected to a source of pressurized gas through an open bottomed chamber. An opening between the aerator body and the inside of the chamber is located below the elevation of the hole. When the supply of gas is off, water enters the chamber and possibly the skirt. However, the water can only rise until it has reached the skirt and the opening, both of which are below the hole, and the entire aerator body is kept dry. Aerator fouling is reduced, and the aerator begins to produce an even flow of bubbles quickly when the supply of gas returns.
US08876077B2 Spherical orienting device and method for manufacturing the same
A spherical orienting device includes a base, first and second actuation shafts, an orientable device, an inner member, a middle member, and an outer member. The first and second actuation shafts are rotatably held by the base for rotary actuation about first and second actuation axes, respectively, which intersect orthogonally at a spherical center of rotation. The orientable device is supported by first and second revolute support joints which are disposed for rotation about an orientation axis of the orientable device and a support axis, respectively. The inner member is fixed to the first actuation shaft and linked to the second support joint. The middle member is inwardly linked to the first support joint and outwardly linked to a middle revolute joint disposed for rotation about a linkage axis. The outer member is fixed to the second actuation shaft and linked to the middle revolute joint.
US08876075B2 Apparatus for supporting medical equipment
An apparatus for supporting medical devices, in particular operation theatre lamps, on the ceiling of an operation theatre uses a vertical pillar 8 at which bearing heads 3 are selectively mounted. Cantilevers of different lengths may be secured at one bearing head 3.
US08876069B2 Container mixing stand
A container mixing stand for securing a container for mixing includes a base plate, a first holding member connected to the base plate and a second holding member movably connected to the base plate and spaced from the first holding member for receiving a container between the first and second holding members. The stand also includes a first pulley assembly having a lever arm movable between a rest position and a tensioning position, and a second pulley assembly coupled with both the second holding member and the first pulley assembly. Movement of the first pulley assembly from the rest position to the tensioning position causes the second pulley assembly to move the second holding member into contact with the container for securing the container in position during mixing.
US08876064B2 Oscillatory vorticity generator and applications thereof
An oscillatory vorticity generator device for controlling the flow on an aero- or hydrodynamic surface of an element, the oscillatory vorticity generator device comprising: two main walls, positioned opposite to each other, forming a first pair of walls and two other walls, the four walls each having proximal and distal ends, the distal ends connected to an aero- or hydrodynamic surface; a connection connecting the walls at their proximal ends; and an opening in the aero- or hydrodynamic surface, the opening being substantially contiguous with the two main walls and the two other walls.
US08876062B1 Shape memory alloy pre-loaded deployment hinge
Latching or locking deployment hinges are provided that include a shape-memory alloy (SMA) pre-load device configured to induce a pre-load across a contact interface of the latching hinge in a direction substantially perpendicular to the hinge pivot axis when the latching hinge is in a closed condition. The hinges may be sprung or actuated using a powered drive mechanism. Some implementations may feature a sprung latch/hook that is tensioned using the SMA pre-load device. Some other implementations may feature a multi-bar linkage that is tensioned using the SMA pre-load device.
US08876059B2 Bidirectional control surfaces for use with high speed vehicles, and associated systems and methods
Vehicles with bidirectional control surfaces and associated systems and methods are disclosed. In a particular embodiment, a rocket can include a plurality of bidirectional control surfaces positioned toward an aft portion of the rocket. In this embodiment, the bidirectional control surfaces can be operable to control the orientation and/or flight path of the rocket during both ascent, in a nose-first orientation, and descent, in a tail-first orientation for, e.g., a tail-down landing.
US08876058B2 Hoisting systems and methods
Embodiments of the present disclosure generally pertain to hoisting methods for vehicles, such as UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters (“Black Hawks”). An external hoist arm system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is configured to be temporarily mounted to the outside of a vehicle. The hoist arm system is further configured to support a hoist and position the hoist above an external door of the vehicle. A rotatable adjustment member is used to adjust an angular position of the hoist relative to the vehicle.
US08876050B2 Knowledge based access and access hierarchy in an aircraft
A method and apparatus for a hierarchical access system for a compartment. The hierarchical access system comprises a moveable barrier, a locking mechanism, and a control unit. The moveable barrier is capable of preventing access to at least one of a first space and a second space in the compartment in the lavatory when the moveable barrier is in a closed position. The locking mechanism is capable of securing the moveable barrier in the closed position. The control unit is capable of unlocking the locking mechanism in a manner that provides different levels of access to the first space and the second space in the compartment in response to receiving an access request.
US08876047B2 Harpoon head and corresponding harpoon
A harpoon head (6) for a system for anchoring an aircraft on a grating (4) is characterized in that a distal end of the harpoon head has an interchangeable insert (20).
US08876043B2 Aircraft engine exhaust nozzle system for jet noise reduction
The aircraft exhaust engine nozzle system includes a fan nozzle to receive a fan flow from a fan disposed adjacent to an engine disposed above an airframe surface of the aircraft, a core nozzle disposed within the fan nozzle and receiving an engine core flow, and a pylon structure connected to the core nozzle and structurally attached with the airframe surface to secure the engine to the aircraft.
US08876041B2 Locking system for air intake structure for turbojet engine nacelle
The invention relates to a nacelle for a turbojet engine that includes an air intake structure capable of directing an air flow towards a fan of the turbojet engine, and a middle structure for surrounding said fan and to which is attached the air intake structure in order to provide aerodynamic continuity, wherein the air intake structure includes at least one inner panel attached to the middle structure and defining, with the latter, a nacelle fixed structure and at least one outer longitudinal panel removably attached to the fixed structure and including an air intake lip in order to define a removable air intake structure, wherein the removable air intake structure is provided with a locking device including at least one electric lock capable of interaction with a complementary retention structure.
US08876039B2 Folding wing for aircraft
A folding wing for an aircraft comprises first and second inboard wing sections, and first and second outboard wing sections. The first and second inboard wing sections rotate about a centerline hinge, and a centerline spring applies force to the first and second inboard wing sections to rotate the first and second inboard wing sections from a stowed position to a deployed position. At least one of the first and second inboard wing sections translates along the axis of rotation of the first and second inboard wing sections as they move from the stowed to the deployed positions. The first and second outboard wing sections rotate between the stowed and the deployed positions about first and second outboard hinges.
US08876037B2 Rotorcraft counter-torque control assembly and method
There is provided a counter-torque control assembly for mounting to a tail boom of a rotorcraft where the rotorcraft has a single main rotor, no tail rotor, and no tail fin. The assembly has an air intake chamber with at least a first opening for receiving an air flow stream and a vane assembly housed within the air intake chamber. The vane assembly has at least two vane elements capable of counter-rotation in the air flow stream. The assembly further has one or more microjet propulsion devices coupled to a second end of the air intake chamber. The one or more microjet propulsion devices draw the air flow stream over the vane elements to generate a counter-torque force to counter a torque from the single main rotor.
US08876028B2 Method for operating an agitator ball mill
A method for operating an agitator ball mill with a cylindrical grinding container is disclosed. The grinding container includes at least one grinding stock inlet and at least one grinding stock outlet. An agitator shaft connected to a drive is disposed in the grinding container. The agitator shaft transmits a part of the drive energy of the drive to the auxiliary grinding bodies. The auxiliary grinding bodies are distributed loosely in the grinding container. Furthermore, the agitator ball mill includes a separation device assigned to the grinding stock outlet, wherein the separation device is disposed around a rotational axis and/or rotates around this rotational axis. The separation device includes at least two components, whereof one component is at least one separation device and a second component is a dynamic element for generating a material flow.
US08876022B2 Droplet discharge head and droplet discharge apparatus
The present invention relates to a droplet discharge apparatus that includes a nozzle for discharging a droplet from a tip thereof, and a discharge unit for injecting a gas toward the tip of the nozzle.
US08876020B2 Sprayable gel wound dressing
A sprayable hydrogel wound dressing composed of an aqueous solution of neutralized Carbopol and silver hydrosol of silver nanoparticles electrolytically formed from silver metal without the use or inclusion of organic materials. The hydrogel is sprayed with a physical barrier sprayer system which separates the hydrogel from the propellant. The hydrogel is thixotropic/shear thinning so that the viscosity of the hydrogel is sufficient reduced in the sprayer to allow spray formation and regains sufficient viscosity to resist running when deposited on a vertical surface.
US08876016B2 Water dispenser of drinking fountain
A water dispenser of a drinking fountain includes a water dispenser, an inner block and a control valve. The water dispenser has a receiving space to receive the plastic inner block made. A water channel and water inlet are recessedly formed on both ends of the inner block, wherein the water channel is corresponding to the water outlet of the water dispenser, and two engaging holes are spacedly formed on one side of the water channel and water inlet. The engaging holes are corresponding to connecting holes of the water dispenser. The major tubing inside the water dispenser is composed of a plastic inner block, the contact area between the water flow and the metal surface of the water dispenser is reduced so as to avoid accumulation of harmful heavy metal in the water when the water is flowing or stored, to achieve the goal of providing safe drinking water.
US08876009B2 Tamper sensitive RFID tag
A tamper sensitive RFID tag includes a housing defining a channel that is configured to receive a portion of an object associated with the RFID tag. Included with the tamper sensitive RFID tag is a tamper sensitive RFID label that is adhesively secured to a first portion of the housing, and a second securement means for securing the RFID label to a second portion of the housing in a position between the first and second portions.
US08876002B2 Systems for configuring voting machines, docking device for voting machines, warehouse support and asset tracking of voting machines
A system and device facilitate the storage and tracking of warehoused voting machines. A system includes a host computer, a plurality of voting machines that are connected via a network to the host computer, each voting machine having one or both of a wireless communication device and a data port that is coupled to the host computer. The system also includes an election and voting machine preparation portion included in the host computer to manage and/or control the connected voting machines. The election and voting machine preparation portion is configured to manage the status of the connected voting machines, is configured to instruct the voting machines to run self tests, is configured to receive results of the self tests back from the connected voting machines, and is configured to prepare/program the connected voting machines with an election ballot.
US08876001B2 Methods and apparatus for image recognition in checkout verification
Systems and techniques for automated checkout verification. Product identification information is received and used as an index to retrieve a set of images associated with the identified product. The images may provide multiple views of the product. As the product is presented for purchase, an image of the product is captured and compared with the set of retrieved images. If it is determined that the captured image does not match the set of retrieved images, a security alert is issued.
US08875999B2 Payment cards and devices with gift card, global integration, and magnetic stripe reader communication functionality
A payment card (e.g., credit and/or debit card) or other device (e.g., mobile telephone) is provided with a magnetic emulator operable to communicate data to a magnetic stripe read-head. Gift cards may be inputted by a user into such a payment card or other device such that a user can combine gift cards. Similarly, a user be provided with a global payment account that can be utilized in multiple countries that have different standards for formatting data. A user may be provided with a default country (e.g., United States) but may have a way to select that the user is in a different country (e.g., Japan). Accordingly, a user may select that a Japanese data structure be transmitted through a magnetic stripe reader when the user is in Japan.
US08875998B2 Middle class america card
A debit card with automatic savings is disclosed. The card allows a user, such as the holder of the debit card, to automatically save a specified amount of money each time a transaction is conducted with the debit card, or according to another desired condition, such as once per week. When the card is used for a transaction, the specified amount of money is deducted from the available balance of the card and is added to one or more savings accounts maintained on the card. The debit card includes at least a microprocessor or microcontroller and sufficient memory for storing balances on the card, including the balance available for spending and a total for each savings account. The user may change the amounts desired for savings and may transfer the amount “saved” to the available balance when the user wishes to redeem the savings for desired goods or services.
US08875995B2 M-commerce virtual cash system, method, and apparatus
A virtual cash system, method, and apparatus has an account record containing a record of money amounts associated with a wireless device and a transmitter for wirelessly transmitting to the wireless device predetermined information from the account record. Cash amounts can be spent from the account record directly from the wireless device via information derived from the wireless device via a bar code on the display, a short range radio signal, a light beam, or the like. A different security code is generated for each account transaction for verification.
US08875988B2 Image forming apparatus, print control method, recording medium
An image forming apparatus including a printing-data-receiving unit configured to receive a printing-data-item including a user identification information item and a password, and to save the printing-data-item in a storage device; a user-authentication unit configured to receive input information specifying a user identification information item of a user, and to authenticate the user based on a managing unit that manages association information associating user identification information items with passwords; a list-display unit configured to cause a display device to display a list of printing-data-items each including the same user identification information item as that of the user; and a printing-control unit configured to execute a printing job of a printing-data-item selected from the list, wherein in the event that there is a printing-data-item that cannot be printed, the printing-control unit does not cancel a printing job of another printing-data-item that can be printed.
US08875986B2 Double-walled insulated cup of paper material and method for the fabrication of an insulated cup
A double-walled insulated cup of paper material having an outer sleeve and an inner cup with a truncated conical wall and a bottom wall interconnected by a peripheral edge frame. The inner cup has a top shoulder and a bottom shoulder and the outside diameter of the inner cup at the level of the top shoulder increases toward the top edge of the inner cup. The outer sleeve lies against the inner cup in the region of the top shoulder thereof and extends to the bottom edge of the peripheral edge frame. The outside diameter of the outer sleeve at the level of the bottom edge of the peripheral edge frame is smaller than the inside diameter of the inner cup just above the bottom shoulder and is greater than the inside diameter of the inner cup just below the bottom shoulder.
US08875981B2 System and method for a microreactor
A cartridge microreactor includes a tubular heater, a metal capillary reaction tubing and a brazing alloy. The tubular heater includes an inner tube surrounded by an outer heater sheath. The metal capillary reaction tubing has a high aspect ratio, an inlet port and an outlet port and is wrapped around the tubular heater so that it is in intimate thermal contact with the heater sheath. The brazing alloy permanently bonds the tubular heater with the metal capillary reaction tubing. The metal capillary reaction tubing is configured to be heated by the tubular heater and is configured to receive one or more reactants through the inlet port and to allow the reactants to react under a selected temperature and pressure and to produce one or more products exiting through the outlet port.
US08875979B2 Apparatus and method for determining an alignment of a bondhead of a die bonder relative to a workchuck
Disclosed is an apparatus for determining an alignment of a bondhead of a die bonder relative to a workchuck. Specifically, the apparatus comprises: i) a sensor configured to measure a distance between the bondhead and the sensor; and ii) a positioning device coupled to the sensor, the positioning device being configured to position the sensor relative to a plurality of locations on the bondhead facing the sensor. In particular, the sensor is operative to measure a set of distances between each of the plurality of locations on the bondhead and the sensor, the set of distances being for determining the alignment of the bondhead. A method of determining an alignment of a bondhead of a die bonder relative to a workchuck is also disclosed.
US08875968B2 Multi-use bag dispenser
A multi-use dispenser for roll mourned bags includes a planar base with at least one mounting feature and a bag roll support. The support is attached to the base and is spaced upwardly there from. First and second core guides, spaced apart by at least a width of a bag roll, extend upwardly adjacent first and second ends of the bag roll support. A pair of primary bag roll retainers includes a first side guard and a second side guard mounted orthogonally to the first and second core guides, orthogonally to a long axis of the bag roll support, and spaced apart by at least the width of the bag roll. The side guards have angled brackets at their outer ends. The side guards constrain ejection of a bag roll. At least one snagging device is mounted to engage a central portion of a bag attached to the bag roll.
US08875963B2 Fishing rod holder
A holder for transporting one or more fishing rods having first and second parallel rod supports, spaced notches in the top of the first rod support, corresponding spaced openings in the second rod support, a pair of similarly sized clamping bars each pivotally affixed at one end to opposite ends of the first rod support, compression material covering the notches in the first support, a constant support mechanism connecting each clamping bar to the first rod support, and a latch releasably securing the clamping bars to the first rod support. Fishing poles are positioned with the tips in the openings of the second rod support and the handles in corresponding notches in the first rod support, with the clamping bar maintained in an open position at any angle by the constant support mechanism. The clamping bar is closed with the compression material compressing around and securing the handle within the notch, and secured closed with the latch.
US08875962B2 Single force strut for dual sided cargo box
Method and arrangement for providing and controlling operation of a dual sided opening roof mount cargo box for a carrying vehicle. A dual sided opening roof mount cargo box is provided and which has a lid portion releasably hinge-connected at two lateral sides to a bottom portion of the cargo box for alternate pivotation at each of the two lateral sides between open and closed configurations. The bottom portion is adapted to be mounted to a carrying vehicle and the lid portion is manufactured from a semi-flexible material sufficiently pliable to permit two opposite end regions thereof to be at different relative distances from the bottom portion of the cargo box during transition between the open and closed configurations. A pair of spring-biased struts are also provided, each operatively interposed between the lid portion and the bottom portion of the cargo box, and one each of the pair of spring-biased struts being located at the two opposite end regions of the cargo box. An expansively directed force is imposed on the lid portion, utilizing the pair of spring-biased struts, across a substantial entirety of travel of the lid portion during operator induced movement from the closed configuration to the open configuration and thereby assisting the operator to smoothly open the cargo box.
US08875960B2 Tilting-type automatic molten metal pouring method, tilting control system, and storage medium having tilting control program stored therein
A method of automatically pouring molten metal from a ladle into a mold by tilting the ladle. In the method, the height of molten metal located above a molten metal outlet and the weight of molten metal flowing out of the ladle are estimated using an expanded Kalman filter on the basis of: the weight of the molten metal flowing out of the ladle, said weight being measured using a load cell; the voltage inputted to a servo motor; the angle of tilt of the ladle measured by a rotary encoder; and the position of the ladle in the lifting and lowering direction thereof. The sum of the weight of the molten metal flowing out of the ladle when the ladle is tilted rearward, said weight being estimated from the angle of tilt of the ladle and the height of the molten metal located above the molten metal outlet estimated by the expanded Kalman filter, and the weight of the molten metal flowing out of the ladle estimated by the expanded Kalman filter are estimated as the final weight of outflowing molten metal. The estimated final weight of outflowing molten metal is determined whether or not to be greater than or equal to a specific weight of outflow, and the operation of rearward tilting of the ladle is started on the basis of the result of the determination.
US08875957B2 Sealing cap and liquid storage device using the same
A sealing cap is formed of a bottom portion having a first chamber, a first axial opening, and a second axial opening, a cap portion having an opening end, a positionable end, and a second chamber, and a bendable portion integrally extending to an end edge of the opening end from an end edge of the first axial opening close to the cap portion and having a guide groove communicating with the first and second chambers. Besides, the bendable portion can be bended to make the cap portion be positioned to the bottom portion. When the sealing cap is sleeved onto an opening of a container having a flexible elongated tube, the bendable portion can be bended to force the flexible elongated tube for bending and to make the cap portion be positioned to the bottom portion, thus leading to preferable sealing effect.
US08875956B2 Creamy foam beer dispensing system
A creamy foam beer dispensing system includes a coupler removably securable with a keg, a transportation tube, and a faucet having a handle coupled with a plunger communicating with the transportation tube. The handle is movable among a closed position, an open position, and a creamy foam position. In the closed position, the handle maintains the plunger squeezed against the transportation tube such that no beer flows from the faucet. In the open position, the handle lifts the plunger substantially, completely off the transportation tube such that beer flows smoothly from the faucet. In the creamy foam position, the handle lifts the plunger off the transportation tube a distance such that an aperture created in the transportation tube produces creamy foam flow from the faucet.
US08875955B2 Dual-walled dispenser
A dispenser having an inner barrel, outer shell, screw member, platform and control member; the outer shell, screw member and control member having configurations that provides for particular engagement features in the assembled dispenser, including features that compensate for dimensional variation.