Document Document Title
US08922557B2 Creating a three dimensional user interface
Creating a three dimensional user interface. The interface comprising a three dimensional user interface control set in a scene in the interface, wherein the three dimensional user interface control comprises shading based on a virtual light source, a virtual camera, and based on a virtual depth of the three dimensional user interface control relative to the scene, wherein the three dimensional user interface control is a control for triggering an event. The interface further comprising a detector to detect a change in position of the device relative to the virtual light source and the virtual camera. The interface further comprising a rendering module to render the three dimensional user interface control and the scene in a new perspective with a change in the three dimensional effects based on the change in position of the device relative to the virtual light source and the virtual camera.
US08922550B2 System and method for constructing a bounding volume hierarchical structure
A system and method for constructing a bounding volume hierarchical structure are disclosed. The method includes defining a parent node for the bounding volume hierarchical structure, the parent node including a parent node bounding volume enclosing a plurality of objects. A first cost is computed for performing an object partition of the parent node bounding volume to produce a first plurality of child node bounding volumes, and a second cost is also computed for performing a spatial partitioning of the parent node bounding volume to produce a second plurality of child node bounding volumes. The bounding volume hierarchical structure is constructed employing the second plurality of child node bounding volumes produced from the spatial partitioning of the parent node bounding volume if the second cost is lower than the first cost.
US08922549B2 Method and apparatus for the progressive loading of medical, multidimensional images into a medical application
A method includes a) loading a first number n of image sets with an image size ky, the ky images of which are distributed in a regular manner over a volume, which is to be loaded in its entirety as a result; b) loading a number nx of image sets starting with a factor x=1, with the images loaded in total being distributed in a regular manner over the volume; c) determining a camera distance and voxel size based on the number of images loaded, a camera distance and voxel size being suitable as parameters for a volume rendering; and d) repeating the two preceding steps b) and c) while increasing the number of image sets with a factor x=x+1, until all the images of the volume have been loaded in their entirety and/or until the step sequence ends.
US08922538B2 Display apparatus and electronic apparatus
Disclosed herein is a display apparatus, including: a plurality of subpixels disposed adjacent each other and forming one pixel which forms a unit for formation of a color image; the plurality of subpixels including a first subpixel which emits light of the shortest wavelength and a second subpixel disposed adjacent the first subpixel; the second subpixel having a light blocking member disposed between the second subpixel and the first subpixel and having a width greater than a channel length or a channel width of a transistor which forms the second subpixel.
US08922535B2 Timing controller, source driver, display driving circuit, and display driving method
A timing controller is provided. The timing controller includes a timing control circuit, a first scrambler and a second scrambler. The timing control circuit provides first source driving data and second source driving data. The first scrambler scrambles the first source driving data according to a first random number to generate first scrambled data. The second scrambler scrambles the second driving source data according to a second random number to generate second scrambled data. The second random number is different from the first random number.
US08922525B2 Touch-controlled electronic device and method for reducing wireless signal interference to touch sensing function
A touch-controlled electronic device with a wireless communication function and a method for reducing wireless signal interference to a touch sensing function are disclosed. The electronic device includes a wireless communication module, a touch sensing module and a synchronous signal interface. By the synchronous signal interface, a synchronous signal is transmitted between the wireless communication module and the touch sensing module and, accordingly, the transmission of the wireless signal is staggered from the timing that receiver electrodes of the touch sensing module receive sensed signals. Thus, wireless signal interference to the touch sensing function of the touch sensing module is suppressed.
US08922511B1 Display cartridge, systems and devices
An electronic display may be provided in a cartridge that can be conveniently mated with a host device. The cartridge may comprise a touch display screen, driver and receiver circuits, an area contact array, and a molding encasing the cartridge except for a display viewing area and exposed contact points of the contact array. The contact array may provide an efficient interconnection interface to a host device, and this interface may be releasable for the case of a replaceable cartridge or module. By accepting less than optimal lifetime performance of the display screen but providing it inexpensively and in a module form that is easy to replace, lowered overall consumer costs may be achieved. Inexpensive manufacturing methods may comprise a roll-to-roll fabrication method for fabricating the touch display screen on a flexible substrate as well as transfer or injection molding of the cartridge.
US08922509B2 Operation of an electronic device with multiple display screens
An electronic device according to the present invention includes: display screens capable of displaying information thereon; touch panels which are provided on these display screens and are adapted to be manipulated by a user; touch-panel determination portions which are electrically connected to the touch panels and are adapted to receive coordinate information from the touch panels due to user's manipulations thereof; and a controller which is electrically connected to the display screens and to the touch-panel determination portions, and is adapted to cause the display screens to display information thereon and to receive signals inputted thereto from the touch-panel determination portions, wherein the controller includes a displayer, which is adapted to cause the display screens to display information thereon, and when the touch-panel determination portions receive coordinate information, to display information about a peripheral area including the coordinates thereon, at a position different from that of these coordinates.
US08922497B2 Display apparatus, display method and program for detecting an operation performed on a display screen
There is provided a mobile display apparatus applied to the display apparatus including a display screen; a touch panel that detects an operation performed by a user in the display screen; state decision unit that decides one of a contact state, a proximity state and a distant state with the display screen based on the user's operation detected by the touch panel; a state change identification unit that identifies a state change in the user's operation according to the state decided by the state decision unit; and an operation command setting unit that sets an operation command depending on the state change identified by the state change identification unit when setting the operation command for controlling display of the display screen in response to the user's operation.
US08922494B2 Mobile terminal and method of controlling the same
A mobile terminal includes a first interface, a second interface that is separate from the first interface, and a controller. The first interface is configured to display first data and to receive a first input responsive to a first user touch relative to the first interface. The second interface is configured to receive a second input responsive to a second user touch relative to the second interface. The controller is configured to cause the first data to be displayed on the first interface responsive to the second user touch, while the first user touch relative to the first interface is maintained, and to cease the displaying of the first data responsive to a ceasing of the first user touch relative to the first interface.
US08922492B2 Device and method of inputting characters
A method of inputting characters includes: generating a character display area, displaying characters in a first direction sub-region or a second direction sub-region of the character browsing region according to a direction indicating action in a first direction or a second direction, upon detecting a change in directions indicated by two successive direction indicating actions, displaying, in an input character display region, the character currently displayed in the character browsing region, switching between the first direction sub-region and the second direction sub-region of the character browsing region according to the direction indicated by the latter direction indicating action, and performing an action of selecting a next character corresponding to the latter direction indicating action in the switched direction sub-region. The invention also provides a device of inputting characters. With the invention, the number of times key pressing may be reduced and the efficiency of character inputting may be increased.
US08922479B2 Text input window with auto-growth
A user input panel dynamically expands to accommodate user input, such as handwritten or keyboard input. Expansion may occur in one or two out of four possible directions, depending upon the language to be written or typed. For example, when writing English words, the input panel may expand to the right as the user writes and then downward when the input panel has fully expanded rightward.
US08922472B2 Level shifter circuit, scanning circuit, display device and electronic equipment
A level shifter circuit, wherein a first and a second transistor circuit are connected serially, a third and a fourth transistor circuit are connected serially; a first input voltage is applied to the second transistor circuit and a second input voltage is applied to the fourth transistor circuit; an input terminal of the first transistor circuit is connected to an output terminal of the third and the fourth transistor circuits, and an input terminal of the third transistor circuit is connected to an output terminal of the first and the second transistor circuits; two transistor circuits of at least one side of two transistor circuits of a first fixed power source side and two transistor circuits of a second fixed power source side are configured of double gate transistors; and the level shifter circuit has a switch element for applying a voltage to a common connection node.
US08922464B2 Active matrix display device and driving method thereof
In a circuit in FIG. 1, pluses are input to a first gate signal line and a second gate signal line in accordance with a timing chart in FIG. 3, so that transistors in the circuit are turned on/off. As a result, a potential difference between a third node and a second node does not depend on the threshold voltage of a fourth transistor and is determined only by a potential of a data line and a potential of a second wiring. Therefore, an intended current can flow in a display element.
US08922453B2 Variable adaption of active antenna system radio frequency filtering
Antenna systems, such as an active antenna system (AAS), can include active and passive electronic components located closely together inside an antenna system. Such systems may benefit from variable adaptation of active antenna system radio frequency signal filtering. An apparatus can include an active part on a first end of a signal path within a sealed enclosure. The apparatus can also include a radiator part on a second end of the signal path within the sealed enclosure. The apparatus can further include an intermediate part, which includes at least one of an additional filter part or a customized passive part, positioned between the active part and the radiator part along the signal path between the first signal side and the second signal side.
US08922446B2 Three-dimensional antenna assembly and applications thereof
An antenna assembly includes a substrate, a plurality of spiral dipole antenna sections, and a phase array feeder. The substrate has a three-dimensional shaped region. Each of the spiral dipole antenna sections is supported by a corresponding section of the three-dimensional shaped region and conforms to the corresponding section of the three-dimensional shaped region such that, collectively, the plurality of spiral dipole antenna sections has an overall shape approximating a three-dimensional shape. The spiral dipole antenna sections are coupled together in accordance with a coupling configuration for beamforming and/or power combining. The phase array feeder inputs, or outputs, a phase offset representations of a radio frequency (RF) signal from, or to, the spiral dipole antenna sections and converts between the phase offset representations of the RF signal and the RF signal.
US08922442B2 Low-profile multiband antenna for a wireless communication device
A device for wireless communication including a wireless transceiver, a printed circuit board (PCB) coupled to the wireless transceiver, a first antenna and a second antenna. The first antenna is coupled to the PCB at a feed point and grounded at a ground point. The first antenna is a quarter-wavelength antenna communicating signals with the wireless transceiver at a first frequency band. The second antenna is coupled to the first antenna at the feed point and grounded at a further ground point. The second antenna is a half-wavelength antenna communicating signals with the wireless transceiver at a second frequency band.
US08922429B2 Satellite navigation device
A pseudo range is corrected with high accuracy using a pseudo range correction method that incorporates carrier smoothing. A code pseudo range correction unit (19) performs carrier smoothing of an L1 code pseudo range (PRL1(i)) by the temporal change (ΔADRL1(i)) in an L1 carrier phase, and performs carrier correction of a code ionosphere delay (IPRL1(i)) by the temporal change (ΔIADRL1(i)) in a carrier ionosphere delay. The code pseudo range correction unit (19) performs ionosphere delay correction by subtracting the corrected ionosphere delay (I′L1sm(i)) from the L1 code pseudo range (PRL1sm(i)) after smoothing processing. At this time, a direction of the delay in the temporal change (ΔIADRL1(i)) in the carrier ionosphere delay included in the temporal change (ΔADRL1(i)) in the L1 carrier phase is matched with a direction of the delay in the temporal change (ΔIADRL1(i)) in the carrier ionosphere delay used to calculate the corrected ionosphere delay (I′L1sm(i)).
US08922422B2 FMCW radar sensor for motor vehicles
FMCW radar sensor for motor vehicles, having at least one antenna element and a modulation device for feeding the antenna element using a frequency-modulated transmission signal, whose frequency periodically sweeps a frequency band, characterized in that the antenna element has multiple subelements, which are positioned in a vertical column and fed serially, and the modulation device is implemented for the purpose of variably setting the frequency position of the frequency band.
US08922420B2 Electromagnetic body scanning system, a method and a computer program product
An electromagnetic body scanning system may include a measuring system for measuring data of radio waves scattered by a body in two distinct subbands; and a computer system. The computer system is arranged for constructing a first image of the body using the measured data, generating synthetic scattered data of the body in a frequency range outside the subbands, and constructing a second image of the body using both the measured data and the synthetic data. The step of constructing a first image includes matching an image to a human model.
US08922410B2 Optical intensity-to-phase converter, mach-zehnder interferometer, optical A/D converter, and method of constructing optical intensity-to-phase converter
An optical intensity-to-phase converter according to the present invention includes first and second waveguides to which a first input light is input, a third waveguide to which a second input light is input, and an interaction region that is provided in common on the second and third waveguides in which the first and second input lights are multiplexed and interact. The optical intensity-to-phase converter provides delay to output lights output from the first and second waveguides based on intensity of the first or second input light. Then, it is possible to provide an optical intensity-to-phase converter that enables simple configuration of an optical A/D converter.
US08922408B2 Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device using analog-to digital (AD) conversion realizes reliable control so that, at the time of AD converting reference voltage, a low-voltage transistor in a reference voltage generating circuit is not destroyed by voltage held in a sample and hold circuit. In a semiconductor device, when an instruction of detecting a reference voltage value is received, a switch control unit controlling switching of an input signal of an internal AD converter temporarily automatically couples an input node of a sample and hold circuit and a ground node and, after that, couples the input node of the sample and hold circuit and an output node of a reference voltage generating circuit.
US08922407B2 Analog/digital converter and semiconductor integrated circuit device
A reference A/D conversion unit is connected in parallel to an input common to a time-interleaved A/D converter to be a calibration target, and the output of each unitary A/D conversion unit which makes up the time-interleaved A/D converter is calibrated in a digital region by using a low-speed high-resolution A/D conversion result output from the reference A/D conversion unit. Also, fCLK/N (fCLK represents an overall sampling rate of the time-interleaved A/D converter, and N is relatively prime to the number of unitary A/D conversion units connected in parallel M) is set as the operation clock frequency of the reference A/D conversion unit. Samplings of all unitary A/D conversion units can be sequentially synchronized with the sampling of the reference A/D conversion unit, and the operation clock frequency of the reference A/D converter can be made N times slower than the overall sampling rate of the time-interleaved A/D converter.
US08922406B2 ADC calibration
A method of determining at least one calibration value for a redundant analog-to-digital-converter, ADC, is disclosed. For at least an i:th bit bL, the corresponding bit weight wi is less than the sum of the bit weights Wj, j=0, 1, . . . , i−1 corresponding to the bits bj, j=0, 1, . . . , i−1 with lesser significance than the bit bi. The method comprises sampling a first electrical value representative of the bit weight wi; performing a first analog-to-digital, A/D, conversion using the bits bj, j=0, 1, . . . , i−1 with lesser significance than the bit bi to obtain a first digital word of said bits bj, j=0, 1, . . . , i−1 with lesser significance than the bit bi representing said first electrical value; and estimating the value of the bit weight Wi expressed in terms of the bit weights Wj. j=0, 1, . . . , i−1 corresponding to the bits bj, j=0, 1, . . . , i−1 with lesser significance than the bit bi based at least on said first digital word, wherein the resulting estimated value of the bit weight wi is one of the at least one calibration value. A control unit, a redundant ADC and a computer program are also disclosed.
US08922405B2 Successive approximation register analog-to-digital converter and conversion time calibration method thereof
A successive approximation register analog-to-digital converter and a conversion time calibration method thereof are provided. The successive approximation register analog-to-digital converter includes a conversion circuit and a conversion time calibration apparatus. The conversion circuit has a conversion time under a process, voltage, and temperature (PVT) variation. The conversion time calibration apparatus is configured to detect a conversion time condition and adjust the conversion time of the conversion circuit according to the conversion time condition.
US08922403B2 Analog-to-digital conversion circuit, analog-to-digital conversion method, and image sensor
An analog-to-digital conversion circuit includes an analog-to-digital conversion unit configured to analog-to-digital convert an input voltage and generate a digital signal, a resolution control unit configured to: set a resolution of the analog-to-digital conversion unit to N (N is the natural number) bits, in a case where the input voltage is smaller than a first voltage, and set the resolution of the analog-to-digital conversion unit to N−M (1≦M
US08922396B2 Automatic reminder function
Technologies are described herein for providing an automatic reminder function. The technologies are adapted to receive a definition of a reminder as an occurrence or are non-occurrence of an event and to receive operationally relevant data from a system data device. The technologies then determine whether the operationally relevant data indicates that the reminder is triggered by the occurrence or non-occurrence of the event. Responsive to determining whether the operationally relevant data indicates that the reminder is triggered by the occurrence or non-occurrence of the event, the technologies issue the reminder through instrumentation on an aircraft.
US08922391B2 Anti-collision system and method using message formats containing distances
Device, system and method of implementing a wireless vehicle-to-vehicle anti-collision system. Details of message formats are described, particularly efficient formats using flags and compressed data, expressing distances, both in the horizontal and vertical directions. Details of protocols are described. Details of encoding locations, headings and speed are described. In one embodiment messages are free of IP addresses and MAC addresses. Roadway elevation is included in some embodiments.
US08922388B2 Vehicle puddle lamp responsive to ground surface conditions
A lighting system for the exterior of a vehicle that includes a housing, a sensor, a lamp assembly, and a controller. The sensor is carried by the housing and detects the presence of a hazard in a predetermined region on the ground adjacent to the vehicle. The lamp assembly is carried by the housing and has a light source for projecting light onto at least a portion of the region. The controller is coupled to the sensor and the lamp assembly. The controller has a light activation input and, upon receipt of a light activation command at the input, it controls the lamp assembly to project light from the lamp assembly of a first color or other visible characteristic when no hazard is detected by the sensor and of a second color or other visible characteristic when the hazard is detected by the sensor.
US08922383B2 Electronic equipment and image forming apparatus
Electronic equipment includes: a first substrate; a second substrate; and a harness that connects the first substrate and the second substrate with other. The first substrate includes: a conversion unit that outputs converted power converted from supply of power supplied by a power source, and a control unit that outputs a control signal used to control output of the supply of power to the second substrate. The second substrate includes: a semiconductor circuit operated by the supply of power and the converted power, and a connector that outputs the control signal to the power source. The harness includes a signal line of the control signal and a power line through which the converted power is supplied from the first substrate to the second substrate.
US08922376B2 Controlling a user alert
A method, apparatus and computer program are provided. The method comprises: performing a first detection of at least one bio-signal from at least one user; controlling a user output device to initiate a user alert, after performing the first detection of the at least one bio-signal; performing a second detection of the at least one bio-signal from the at least one user, after initiating the user alert; and processing the first detection of the at least one bio-signal and the second detection of the at least one bio-signal to determine whether one or more changes in the at least one bio-signal pass a significance test.
US08922368B2 Device and method for conditionally transmitting data
The device (31) of the invention comprises a receiver (33) for receiving from a further device (41) an identifier identifying a person in the vicinity of the device, warning means (35) for providing a warning signal to a user of the device and a transmitter (37) for transmitting data to said further device. The device further comprises a controller (39) for performing the method of the invention. The device is operative to instruct said warning means (35) to provide a warning signal in dependence on the identified person, to use a gesture detector (43) for detecting a specific gesture by said user from among a plurality of gestures in response to the warning signal and to instruct said transmitter to transmit said data to said further device upon detection of said specific gesture, wherein said data depends on said specific gesture. The computer program product of the invention enables a programmable device to perform the method of the invention.
US08922364B2 Rescue time tracker
This document relates to systems and techniques for providing response to emergency situations, such as traffic accidents, cardiac arrest, or other medical emergencies.
US08922360B2 Monitoring powered assets for fueling
Systems, methods, apparatus, and computer program products are provided for monitoring powered assets for fueling. For example, in one embodiment, a fuel server can monitor the location of powered assets and fueling units. In response to determining, for example, that a powered asset that needs fuel is within a predetermined geofence defined around a fueling unit, the powered asset can emit a perceivable indication. The powered asset can then be authenticated for receiving fuel from the fueling unit.
US08922355B2 Haptic feedback device using electro-rheological fluid
Embodiments described herein generally relate to haptic feedback devices. In some examples, a haptic feedback device is described. An example haptic feedback device may include a first layer including multiple discrete fluid chambers. The example haptic feedback device may also include a second layer coupled to the first layer and including multiple interconnected micro-chambers containing an electro-rheological fluid. The example haptic feedback device may also include multiple electrodes positioned on opposing first and second sides of the interconnected micro-chambers.
US08922342B1 Systems, apparatus, and methods for continuous authentication
Systems, apparatus, and methods for continuously authenticating individuals are provided. A continuous authentication system receives first biometric authentication information from an individual. The system compares the first biometric authentication information to stored first biometric information to identify the individual and links the identified individual to a device for obtaining second biometric authentication information. The device for obtaining second biometric authentication information continuously receives second biometric authentication information. The continuous authentication system compares the received second biometric authentication information to stored second biometric information that corresponds to the individual to determine if the received second biometric authentication information corresponds to the individual. The individual may be granted access to one or more access points if it is determined that the received second biometric authentication information corresponds to the individual.
US08922331B2 Communication including a request signal and reply signal
A controller unit is configured to transmit a request signal. A sensor is configured to transmit a reply signal in response to the request signal, the reply signal including a synchronization signal and a data signal.
US08922329B2 Battery charging to extend battery life and improve efficiency
Exemplary charging device includes a processor and charging current for coupling to a battery. In an exemplary embodiment, the processor defines charging profiles for charging the battery at different charge rates. A profile can be selected based on a determinable time event and may be modified based on a charging history. Adjustable charging power is supplied to the battery at a power level, a charging duration, or a combination thereof based on the selected profile. A wireless power transmitter can also define charging profiles and charging histories for receivers that receive power from the transmitter based on an identifier from the receiver. The transmitter can select the charging profile based on a determinable time event and may be modified based on a charging history. The transmitter supplies power through the wireless power link at a power level, a charging duration, or a combination thereof based on the selected profile.
US08922328B2 Electrical fuse structure
An electrical fuse structure includes a top conductive pattern having a top fuse and a top fuse extension portion, a bottom conductive pattern having a bottom fuse and a bottom fuse extension portion corresponding to the top fuse extension portion, and a via conductive layer positioned between the top fuse extension portion and the bottom fuse extension portion for electrically connecting the top fuse extension portion and the bottom fuse extension portion.
US08922325B2 Coil component including magnetic body
A coil component comprising a first split magnetic core and a second split magnetic core, each having an outer core leg, an inner core leg and a back yoke connecting the outer core leg and the inner core leg, and a coil block mounted to the inner core leg, wherein the outer core leg has a sectional area smaller than a sectional area of the inner core leg, a density of magnetic body in the outer core leg is different from a density of the magnetic body in any of the inner core leg and the back yoke, and the first split magnetic core and the second split magnetic core are butted against each other to form a magnetic core of a closed magnetic circuit.
US08922314B2 Ignition coil for internal combustion engine
An auxiliary core portion and a main core portion, including a magnet if the magnet is attached, are covered by a resin film or an elastomer film and fixed as a single assembly. In this state, a coil is attached to the assembly and a side core portion is assembled to the assembly. The auxiliary core portion and the main core portion, including the magnet if it is attached, can be supplied, as the single assembly, to an automated assembly line for ignition coils. It is not necessary to position such components on the assembly line. Thus, the workability of the automated assembly can be enhanced.
US08922305B2 Combline filter
A microstrip combline bandpass filter includes an input port, an output port, and a plurality of resonators each including a microstrip line having a first end and a second end. One of the plurality of resonators is connected to the input port, and another of the plurality of resonators is connected to the output port. The filter also includes a plurality of pairs of series coupled varactors. The first end of each microstrip line is coupled to one of the pairs of varactors, and the second end of each microstrip line is coupled to ground.
US08922299B2 Circuit for mitigating electromagnetic interference input stage of a driver IC
The present disclosure relates to a circuit for mitigating EMI generated from an input terminal of an IC (Integrated Circuit) including a power input port connected to a first input and an operational mode selection port connected to a second input, the circuit including a first diode connected to the first input, an LC filter unit connectively interposed a cathode terminal of the first diode and the power input port, and a first resistor connectively interposed between the cathode terminal of the first diode and the second input.
US08922295B2 Directional coupler
A directional coupler includes: a main strip line connected between a first input terminal and a first output terminal and transmitting high-frequency signals; a sub strip line connected between a second input terminal and a second output terminal, located parallel to the main strip line, and electromagnetically coupled to the main strip line; and a first capacitor connected in parallel with the main strip line or the sub strip line, wherein an LC resonant circuit is constituted by inductances of the main strip line and sub strip line and capacitance of the first capacitor, and the LC resonant circuit resonates with respect to a high-frequency signal propagating from the first input terminal to the second output terminal.
US08922293B2 Microstrip lines with tunable characteristic impedance and wavelength
A microstrip line structure includes a conductive ground plane having a strip opening encircled by the ground plane. The strip opening extends from a top surface to a bottom surface of the ground plane. The microstrip line structure further includes a dielectric strip filling the strip opening; a dielectric layer over and contacting the ground plane; and a signal line over the dielectric layer, wherein the signal line has a portion directly above a portion of the dielectric strip, and wherein the signal line and the dielectric strip are non-parallel.
US08922290B2 Pulse width modulator with two-way integrator
An example PWM includes a driver and a two-way oscillator. The oscillator includes, a first frequency adjust current source, a second frequency adjust current source, a capacitor, a switching reference and a comparator. The capacitor integrates a frequency adjust current by charging with the first frequency adjust current source. The capacitor subsequently integrates a second frequency adjust current by discharging with the second frequency adjust current source. The switching reference outputs a first reference voltage and a second reference voltage responsive to an oscillator signal. The comparator compares the output of the switching reference with a voltage on the capacitor. The first and second frequency adjust current sources vary the first and second frequency adjust currents to vary the frequency of the PWM signal to spread energy of switching harmonics over a frequency band and to reduce EMI.
US08922288B2 Oscillator circuit
An oscillator circuit comprising first and second resonator terminals for connecting to respective terminals of a resonator. The oscillator circuit also comprises a first inverting amplifier connected between the first and second resonator terminals in a first mode of operation; and a back to back pair of second inverting amplifiers connected between the first and second resonator terminals in a second mode of operation. There is also provided a controller configured to compare an operational parameter of the oscillator circuit to a switchover threshold, and switch the oscillator circuit from the first mode of operation to the second mode of operation when the operational parameter exceeds the switchover threshold.
US08922274B2 Bioamplifier for neural interfaces
A bioamplifier that includes a high pass filter, open-loop amplifier, and low pass filter in an area efficient design that can be used in implantable neural interfaces. The high pass filter can be implemented by using a switch-capacitance resistor coupled with parasitic capacitance of the electrode. The amplifier can be chopper stabilized and can include a high gain, current-ratio first stage followed by one or more dimension-ratio stages. The low pass filter utilizes the output impedance of the open-loop amplifier to form an embedded gm-C low pass filter.
US08922270B2 Charge pump and driver integrated circuit using the same
A charge pump including an output terminal, an external capacitor, and a switch module is provided. The output terminal is coupled to an internal capacitor disposed inside an integrated circuit (IC). The external capacitor is disposed outside the IC. The switch module, coupled to the external capacitor and the internal capacitor configured to control the external capacitor and the internal capacitor to charge and discharge by turns. In a first operating period, the switch module controls the external capacitor to charge without providing current to the output terminal, and controls the internal capacitor to discharge to the output terminal.
US08922268B2 Adjustable gate and/or body resistance for improved intermodulation distortion performance of radio-frequency switch
Radio-frequency (RF) switch circuits are disclosed having adjustable resistance to provide improved switching performance. RF switch circuits include at least one field-effect transistor (FET) disposed between first and second nodes, each of the FET having a respective gate and body. An adjustable-resistance circuit is connected to either or both of the respective gate and body of the FET(s).
US08922261B2 Low noise, glitch free accelerated continuous-time ramp generator
A ramp generator circuit, e.g. foreign analog-to-digital converter. The ramp generator circuit has first and second current sources that are maintained in the on condition whether they are being used or not. A switched capacitor connects to the current source in order to create a multi-slope ramp.
US08922259B2 Gate drive circuit
A gate drive circuit includes a power supply circuit that has an output switch function for switching a voltage value of a drive voltage between two levels, a gate-ON drive circuit that outputs a constant electric current toward a gate of an IGBT from an output terminal of the power supply circuit, and a control section performs a constant electric current drive of a gate of the IGBT at a time of a turn-ON by operating the gate-ON drive circuit. At a turn-ON start time, the control section sets the drive voltage to a relatively-high first set value, and then switches the drive voltage to a relatively-low second set value at a switch timing after a mirror period end time.
US08922252B2 Threshold voltage dependent power-gate driver
Described is an apparatus which comprises: a first node to provide an un-gated power supply; a second node to provide a threshold dependent supply; an inverter with an input and an output, the inverter coupled to the first and second nodes, the inverter to receive the un-gated power supply at its power supply node, and to receive the threshold dependent supply for supplying ground supply at its ground node; and a transistor with its gate terminal coupled to the output of the inverter, the transistor to provide gated power supply to one or more logic units.
US08922248B2 Clock control signal generation using transition of the control signal
A integrated circuit includes a clock control signal generation circuit configured to generate a clock control signal using transition of a control signal, a clock control unit configured to activate a control clock in an activated period of the clock control signal, and to deactivate the control clock in a deactivated period of the clock control signal, and a control circuit configured to operate in response to the control signal and in synchronization with the control clock.
US08922240B2 Termination circuit
A termination circuit includes: a pull-up termination unit configured to pull-up terminate an interface node in response to a pull-up signal; a pull-down termination unit configured to pull-down terminate the interface node in response to a pull-down signal; one or more pull-up resistors connected to the interface node and enabled to affect termination resistance in response to a pull-up setting value when a termination signal is activated; and one or more pull-down resistors connected to the interface node and enabled to affect termination resistance in response to a pull-down setting value when the termination signal is activated.
US08922233B2 Apparatus for testing a semiconductor device and method of testing a semiconductor device
An apparatus for testing a semiconductor device includes a test socket, a test board, an ID reader, and an accumulator. The test socket comprises an ID information pattern and is configured to receive the semiconductor device. The test board is configured to detachably receive the test socket and electrically connect to the test socket. The ID reader is configured to read the ID information pattern and generate an ID signal corresponding to the test socket each time a semiconductor test is performed in the test socket. The accumulator is electrically connected to the ID reader and is configured to accumulate a plurality of ID signals, and store a test number equal to the number of times the test socket is used to perform the semiconductor test. The test number is based on the accumulated ID signals.
US08922215B2 Measurement of formation parameters using rotating directional EM antenna
A logging tool and method to make subsurface measurements is disclosed, wherein the tool is placed within a borehole penetrating a formation. The tool has a transmitter antenna and a receiver antenna spaced apart along a longitudinal axis of the tool, and at least one of the transmitter or receiver antennas has a dipole moment that is non-coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the tool. The at least one non-coaxial antenna can rotate relative to the other antenna. Energy is transmitted from the transmitter antenna and a signal associated with the transmitted energy is measured at the receiver antenna while the at least one non-coaxial antenna rotates relative to the other antenna.
US08922210B2 Method and apparatus for performing diffusion spectrum imaging
A method of generating a magnetic resonance (MR) image of a tissue includes acquiring MR signals at undersampled q-space encoding locations for a plurality of q-space locations that is less than an entirety of the q-space locations sampled at the Nyquist rate, wherein the acquired signal at the q-space locations represents the three-dimensional displacement distribution of the spins in the imaging voxel, synthesizing the MR signal for the entirety of q-space encodings using a compressed sensing technique for a portion of q-space locations at which MR data was not acquired, combining the acquired MR signals at q-space encodings and the synthesized MR signals at q-space encodings to generate a set of MR signals at q-space encodings that are evenly distributed in q-space, using the set of MR signals at q-space encodings to generate a function that represents a displacement probability distribution function of the set of spins in the imaging voxel, and generating an image of the tissue based on at least a portion of the generated function. A system and computer readable medium are also described herein.
US08922207B2 Electronic device comprising hall effect region with three contacts
An electronic device is disclosed as a part of a magnetic field sensor or a mechanical stress sensor. The electronic device includes a Hall effect region, a first contact (temporarily functioning as a first supply contact), a second contact (second supply contact), and a third contact (temporarily functioning as a first sense contact) that are arranged in or on a surface of the Hall effect region. The first contact and the third contact are arranged in a substantially symmetrical manner to each other with respect to the second contact. An electrical current distribution within the Hall effect region is influenced by a physical quantity (e.g. magnetic field strength or mechanical stress) to be measured. A sense signal tapped at the third contact is a function of the current distribution, the sense signal thus being indicative of the physical quantity. A corresponding sensing method using the electronic device is also disclosed.
US08922186B2 Method and apparatus for all duty current sensing in current mode converter
A current sensing apparatus for a voltage converter apparatus includes a circuit selection module for generating a circuit selection result according to a clock signal and a duty cycle signal; a current sensing module coupled to the circuit selection module, an up-bridge circuit and a down-bridge circuit of the voltage converter apparatus for measuring an up-bridge conduction current and a down-bridge conduction current according to the circuit selection result; and a current generation module coupled to the current sensing module and a slope compensation circuit of the voltage converter apparatus for generating a sensing voltage according to a slope compensation current, the up-bridge conduction current or the down-bridge conduction current, so as to adjust the duty cycle signal of the controller. The current sensing apparatus utilizes the duty cycle signal to drive the voltage converter apparatus.
US08922184B2 Integrated switch-capacitor DC-DC converter and method thereof
An integrated switch-capacitor DC-DC converter and method are disclosed. In an embodiment, a converter includes a switch-capacitor network for receiving a source voltage and outputting a load voltage to a load circuit in accordance with a N-bit control code and a plurality of phase clocks, wherein N is an integer greater than 1, a load capacitor for holding the load voltage, a feedback network for generating a feedback voltage proportional to the load voltage, and a controller for receiving the feedback voltage and a reference voltage and outputting the N-bit control code in accordance with a clock phase of the plurality of phase clocks.
US08922181B2 Power control circuit performing soft start operation. power supply device, and electronic device
A power control circuit includes a control circuit configured to perform a soft start operation before a power supply device performs a normal operation. The power control circuit also includes a counter circuit configured to divide a switching frequency of the power supply device in the normal operation, wherein the counter circuit measures a period of the soft start operation and when the period lasts for a set length, starts to divide the switching frequency, and wherein the power control circuit causes a comparator comprising the counter circuit to compare the frequency obtained by dividing the switching frequency with a reference frequency and corrects the switching frequency.
US08922175B2 System and method for operating capacitor banks
A method of operating capacitor banks includes obtaining a reactive power shortage curve forecast for a time period. At least one capacitor bank power schedule curve is generated to supply reactive power to the power grid during the time period. The at least one capacitor bank power schedule curve is updated to generate an optimized capacitor bank power schedule curve to reduce the area between the reactive power shortage curve and the capacitor bank power schedule curve. The method also includes providing switching signal commands for operating capacitor banks based on the optimized capacitor bank power schedule curve.
US08922170B2 Electric power supply system and vehicle having the same mounted therein, and method of controlling electric power storage device
An electric power supply system for supplying a load device with driving electric power includes an electric power storage device and an ECU. The electric power storage device includes a CID configured to interrupt an electrical conduction path of the electric power storage device in response to the electric power storage device having an internal pressure exceeding a rated value. The controller calculates a voltage variation length corresponding to an integral of an amount by which a voltage applied to the load device varies in magnitude and a current variation length corresponding to an integral of an amount by which a current input/output to/from the electric power storage device varies in magnitude for each sampling period for a predetermined period of time. Then, the ECU determines whether or not the CID has been operated, based on the voltage variation length and the current variation length.
US08922169B2 Semiconductor circuit, battery cell monitoring system, computer readable medium storing diagnostic program and diagnostic method
A semiconductor circuit is provided including a comparator section that compares discharge sections, each including a first signal line connected to a high potential side of each of a plurality of battery cells that are connected in series, a second signal line connected to a low potential side of each of the plurality of battery cells, a resistance element provided between the first signal line and the second signal line, and a discharge switching element connected in series to the resistance element, wherein the comparator section compares a threshold voltage, set according to a potential difference between a potential of the first signal line and a potential of the second signal line, with a voltage according to a potential between the resistance element and the discharge switching element.
US08922166B2 Balancing of battery pack system modules
A system for balancing a plurality of battery pack system modules connected in series may include in each battery pack system module a controller configured to detect that the first system module has reached a first state of charge; activate the first charge switch to physically disconnect and to prevent further charging of the first system module after detecting the first state of charge; discharge the plurality of cells after activating the first charge switch to balance the first system module with a second system module coupled to the first system module; de-activate the first charge switch after discharging the plurality of battery cells; and charge the plurality of cells after de-activating the first charge switch.
US08922163B2 Automated battery and data delivery system
Systems and methods are provided that use a mobile robotic device to transport rechargeable batteries between a base station, which charges the batteries, and a battery operated device, such as battery powered kiosk or signage system, which uses a charged battery as a power source. After traveling to a battery operated device, the mobile robotic device removes any discharged batteries from the battery operated device and installs a charged battery. The mobile robotic device then travels to the base station and attaches the discharged battery to the base station for recharging. The mobile robotic device may be configured to perform other transfers, such as data transfers and paper transfers. In addition, the mobile robotic device may be configured to perform a photographic and spatial survey of the isles, retail shelves, and surrounding environment for various purposes, such as generating three-dimensional store models and remote viewing.
US08922153B2 Full-pitch windings switched reluctance motor
A full-pitch winding switched reluctance motor is provided. In this motor, one set of current components are estimated, which electromagnetically act on only one set of stator poles for one phase. Based on the estimated one set of current components, current components for respective three phases are controlled, resulting in accurate current control with no electromagnetic interactions with other phases. This current control allows a control circuit to be made compact, and a motor with effective field means can be provided.
US08922150B1 Differential serial driver
A microcontroller chip includes a serial data transmitter having a serial data output pin and an inverter having an input pin and an output pin, the input pin connected to the serial data output pin of the serial data transmitter, the output pin of the inverter and the output pin of the serial data transmitter forming a differential serial data transmission line.
US08922145B2 Resolver/digital converter
Three-phase resolver signals that are output from a resolver upon reception of an excitation signal are captured by a microcomputer. The microcomputer computes a rotation angle of an electric motor on the basis of the three-phase resolver signals. The ratio between an excitation period of the excitation signal and a capturing period of each of the three-phase resolver signals is set to 8:5. A computation period of the rotation angle is set to half of the least common multiple of the excitation period of the excitation signal and the capturing period of each resolver signal.
US08922142B2 Systems and methods for braking an electric motor
A motor controller for an electric motor having a stator and a rotor. The motor controller includes a power input for receiving AC power from a power source; a control input for receiving a control signal from a control; and circuitry for switching power from the power source to the electric motor in response to the control signal. The circuitry is operable to: apply a braking waveform to the stator while the rotor is rotating; monitor a reactive power of the stator; detect an increase in the reactive power of the stator to determine the rotor has substantially stopped rotating; and remove the braking waveform from the stator in response to detecting the increase in the reactive power.
US08922139B2 Circuit and method for detecting the duration of the interruption of a mains input
A power supply or driver circuit configured to provide electrical energy at a drive voltage. The driver circuit converts electrical energy at an input voltage to the electrical energy at the drive voltage. A controller is configured to control the power converter to provide electrical energy at the drive voltage. The controller stops operation at an interruption of electrical energy to the driver circuit. The controller is configured to resume operation subsequent restoration of electrical energy to the driver circuit. The controller is configured to maintain the timing voltage above a first voltage level when the controller is in operation and to determine the duration of an interruption of electrical energy to the driver circuit.
US08922138B2 Control circuit for light emitting apparatus
A first driver switches on and off a driving current ILED according to a first pulse signal which is pulse-width modulated according to an externally supplied target luminance level of a light emitting element. An oscillator generates a cyclic signal SOSC having a predetermined frequency. A pulse modulator generates a second pulse signal which is switched to an on level that corresponds to the on state of a switching transistor in synchronization with the cyclic signal SOSC, and which is switched to an off level that corresponds to the off state according to a feedback voltage. A second driver switches on and off the switching transistor according to the second pulse signal. The oscillator is configured to be reset according to a first edge which is transition of the first pulse signal from a first level that corresponds to the off state to a second level that corresponds to the on state.
US08922136B2 Reduction of harmonic distortion for LED loads
Apparatus and associated methods reduce harmonic distortion of a excitation current by diverting the excitation current substantially away from a number of LEDs arranged in a series circuit until the current or its associated periodic excitation voltage reaches a predetermined threshold level, and ceasing the current diversion while the excitation current or voltage is substantially above the predetermined threshold level. In an illustrative embodiment, a rectifier may receive an AC (e.g., sinusoidal) voltage and deliver unidirectional current to a string of series-connected LEDs. An effective turn-on threshold voltage of the diode string may be reduced by diverting current around at least one of the diodes in the string while the AC voltage is below a predetermined level. In various examples, selective current diversion within the LED string may extend the input current conduction angle and thereby substantially reduce harmonic distortion for AC LED lighting systems.
US08922134B2 Device for generating light
An illumination system (10; 100) for generating light comprises: at least one a lamp assembly (14; 114) capable of generating light (17; 117) with a variable color; a controller (15; 115) for controlling the lamp assembly; a user input device (19) coupled to the controller. The controller (15; 115) is designed, on the basis of data received from the user input device (19), to generate color control signals for the lamp assembly.The controller (15) is designed, on the basis of data received from the user input device (19), to calculate a path (47) in a color space (31), to calculate the coordinates of a set of color points (E; CP(2), CP(3)) along the calculated path (47), and to generate its color control signals in accordance with the calculated color points.The illumination system may be for generating dynamic light sequences, or for generating a spatial color distribution.
US08922118B2 Light-emitting device
A light-emitting device includes: a package; a semiconductor light-emitting element mounted above the package; a cap component provided above the package; a sealing component which seals a space between the package and the cap component; and a phosphor containing resin including phosphor disposed in the sealed space.
US08922109B2 Light emitting material, ink composition, thin film, light emitting device and method for manufacturing light emitting device
A light emitting material included in a light emitting device. The light emitting material includes a conjugated polymer having a conjugated part and a blue light emitting compound having a blue light emitting part and satisfies the following formula y≧log10(5.1×x0.2+1), wherein y represents the amount of light emitted by the blue light emitting compound where the total amount of light emitted by the conjugated polymer and the blue light emitting compound in the light emitting material due to excitation caused by light having a wavelength of 370 nm is 1, and provided that the gram light absorption coefficient of the conjugated polymer and the blue light emitting compound in the light emitting material are expressed by ε1 and ε2, and further the content of the blue light emitting compound is expressed by P2 (parts by mass) where the total content of the conjugated polymer and the blue light emitting compound in the light emitting material is 100 parts by mass, x is defined by the formula: X=(ε2/ε1)×P2 corresponds to x.
US08922094B2 Microelectromechanical (MEMS) manipulators for control of nanoparticle coupling interactions
A nanopositioning system for producing a coupling interaction between a first nanoparticle and a second nanoparticle. A first MEMS positioning assembly includes an electro-static comb drive actuator configured to selectively displace a first nanoparticle in a first dimension and an electrode configured to selectively displace the first nanoparticle in a second dimensions. Accordingly, the first nanoparticle may be selectively positioned in two dimensions to modulate the distance between the first nanoparticle and a second nanoparticle that may be coupled to a second MEMS positioning assembly. Modulating the distance between the first and second nanoparticles obtains a coupling interaction between the nanoparticles that alters at least one material property of the nanoparticles applicable to a variety of sensing and control applications.
US08922092B2 Brush holder assembly with quick disconnect terminal
A brush holder assembly including a quick disconnect assembly for quickly disconnecting a brush and electrical leads from a remaining component of the brush holder assembly to facilitate brush removal and replacement. The quick disconnect assembly includes a receptacle having a cavity for removably receiving and an end of the electrical lead, such as the nugget, and a resilient clip. When positioned in the cavity of the receptacle, the resilient clip urges a surface of the nugget into direct contact with a surface of the receptacle partially defining the cavity, completing an electrical current pathway from the brush through the electrical lead to the nugget, and from the surface of the nugget to the surface of the receptacle.
US08922084B2 Rotor core
There is provided a rotor core which increases the quality and reliability thereof by preventing the occurrence of a core separation of the rotor core. There is provided a rotor core including a plurality of substantially cylindrical core blocks which are stacked on each other; and a plurality of magnets, characterized in that a plurality of magnet holes extending in an axial direction are provided in the plurality of core blocks so as to extend over the plurality of core blocks in that the plurality of magnets are accommodated in each of the plurality of magnet accommodation holes and fixed therein with a resin, and in that an axial position of core block boundary planes where the plurality of core blocks are brought into abutment with each other and an axial position of magnet boundary planes where the plurality of magnets are brought into abutment with each other differ from each other.
US08922074B2 Elevator machine motor and drive and cooling thereof
Heat in a drive system including a motor and a drive is removed using heat pipes in heat exchanging contact with the motor and the drive. The heat conducting element have at least one portion for receiving heat from the motor or the drive, and another portion to transfer heat to a heat exchange device that is spaced from the motor and drive. The heat conducting element may be a heat pipe or a heat spreader element.
US08922073B2 Electric motor and electric vehicle having the same
An electric motor includes a stator, a rotor disposed to be rotatable with respect to the stator, and a cooling unit including a cooling fluid and disposed between the stator and the inverter device to cool the stator and the inverter device. Weight can be reduced, and thus, power consumption of a battery can be reduced and a traveling distance of the vehicle can be increased.
US08922072B2 Electrical machine with a cooling channel and method for manufacturing the same
The invention relates to a stator (1) of an electrical machine (10), the electrical machine (10) itself, and a manufacturing method. The stator (1) has a meandering cooling channel (18), wherein the meandering cooling channel (18) is embedded in an element (22), wherein the element (22) comprises a material which is influenced thermally so as to form a shape of the element (22), wherein an iron-containing body (3), for guiding a magnetic field of the stator, is embedded in the element (22).
US08922071B2 Switched reluctance motor
Disclosed herein is a switched reluctance motor including: a shaft forming the rotation center of the motor; a rotor part rotatably coupled onto the shaft; a first stopper coupled to an upper portion of the rotor part in the axial direction to support the rotor part; and a second stopper coupled to a lower portion of the rotor part in the axial direction to support the rotor part, wherein the first stopper or the second stopper has a separate internal space formed at an inner side thereof. A weight member is coupled to the internal space, thereby making it possible to secure stable and reliable rotation balancing even at the time of high speed rotation of the motor.
US08922066B2 Wireless energy transfer with multi resonator arrays for vehicle applications
A vehicle powering wireless receiver for use with a first electromagnetic resonator coupled to a power supply. The wireless receiver includes a load configured to power the drive system of a vehicle using electrical power, and a second electromagnetic resonator adapted to be housed upon the vehicle and configured to be coupled to the load, at least one other electromagnetic resonator configured with the first electromagnetic resonator and the second electromagnetic resonator in an array of electromagnetic resonators to distribute power over an area, wherein the second electromagnetic resonator is configured to be wirelessly coupled to the array to provide resonant, non-radiative wireless power to the second electromagnetic resonator from the first electromagnetic resonator.
US08922057B2 System for multiple energy storage and management and method of making same
A propulsion system comprising an electric drive, a DC link electrically coupled to the electric drive, and a first energy storage system electrically coupled to the electric drive, the first energy storage system comprising at least a high specific-power energy storage device is shown. The propulsion system further includes a second energy storage system, wherein a first terminal of the second energy storage system is electrically coupled to the electric drive through the DC link and a second terminal of the second energy storage system is coupled in series with a terminal of the high specific-power energy storage device. A multi-channel bi-directional boost converter is coupled to the first energy storage system and to the second energy storage system, wherein the connection between the terminal of the high specific-power energy storage device and the second terminal of the second energy storage system bypasses the multi-channel bi-directional boost converter.
US08922050B2 Method for controlling a power supply device having an inverter
A method for controlling a power supply device for at least one electrical machine, having at least one storage device for electric energy (battery) and an inverter equipped with at least one reactor, the inverter having dual functions, being provided for charging (charge operation) the storage device from an in particular stationary power supply system, and for supplying the electrical machine with an alternating current in driving operation. A setpoint charge power is specified for the charge operation, and the reactor current is set accordingly by the inverter. Furthermore, a power supply device is also described.
US08922048B2 PV sub-generator junction box, PV generator junction box, and PV inverter for a PV system, and PV system
A photovoltaic (PV) sub-generator junction box (1) for a PV system (100) comprises a plurality of electric terminals (11) for optionally connecting one respective PV string (2) of one or more serially connected PV modules (3). Said PV sub-generator junction box (1) further comprises a sub-generator line terminal (12) for connecting a PV sub-generator line (4) of a remote central PV inverter (5) or connecting a PV sub-generator line (4) of an inserted PV generator junction box (6). The PV sub-generator junction box (1) also comprises an electronic control unit (10) that is connected to a central control unit (7) of the PV inverter (5) in order to exchange data (DAT0). According to the invention, the PV sub-generator junction box (1) comprises a power line modem (8) for feeding and retrieving the data (DAT) via the PV sub-generator line (4).
US08922044B2 Wave-driven power generation system
A wave-driven power generation system that uses a motor reducer to turn a rocker bar in moving wave-making barrels alternatively up and down, causing creation of water waves in water reservoirs so that float boards in the water reservoirs are moved by created water waves to rotate a transmission gearbox that is coupled to a power generating unit through an inertia wheel set, and thus, the power generating unit is driven to generate electricity.
US08922039B2 Wind turbine and a method for powering one or more hydraulic pitch actuators
A wind turbine for producing power to a utility grid includes a rotor having one or more blades, wherein the rotor further includes one or more hydraulic pitch actuators for actively controlling the pitch angle of one or more of the blades. The wind turbine also includes one or more actuator hydraulic pumps adapted for powering the hydraulic pitch actuators, wherein the one or more actuator hydraulic pumps are powered by a normal operation energy source. The wind turbine further includes an emergency hydraulic pump also adapted for powering the hydraulic actuators, the emergency hydraulic pump being powered by an electrical energy storage. A method for powering one or more hydraulic pitch actuators for actively controlling the pitch angle of one or more blades of a wind turbine is also disclosed.
US08922038B2 Wind power unit having an underslung transformer
A wind power unit that includes a tower and a support structure that cantilevers from the upper end of the tower. The wind power unit includes an electrical transformer that is suspended from the support structure. In one embodiment, the transformer extends through an opening in the bottom portion of a nacelle that encloses the support structure and includes electrical connections on its upper end that are accessible from inside the nacelle via a service opening in a floor located above the transformer.
US08922034B2 Power converter for engine generator
A power converter for an engine generator includes an insulative support that receives and supports circuit components for converting incoming AC power to desired power, such as power suitable for a welding application. One or more rectifier modules are provided that are received and supported by the support. Three such modules may be provided for receiving three phase power from a generator. DC power from the rectifier module is applied to DC bus plates. The plates may be coupled to capacitors. A power conversion circuit, such as a buck converter, is coupled to the DC bus plates to convert the DC power to output power.
US08922021B2 Die up fully molded fan-out wafer level packaging
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor chip comprising placing a plurality of die units each having an active front surface and a back surface facing front surface up on an encapsulant layer, encapsulating the plurality of die units on the active surface of the encapsulant layer with an encapsulant covering a front surface and four side surfaces of each of the plurality of die units, and exposing, through the encapsulation on the front surface, conductive interconnects electrically connecting a die bond pad to a redistribution layer.
US08922018B2 Semiconductor device and semiconductor device manufacturing method
According to one embodiment, a semiconductor device includes an interconnect provided on a first interlayer insulating film covering a semiconductor substrate in which an element is formed, a cap layer provided on the upper surface of the interconnect, and a barrier film provided between the interconnect and a second interlayer insulating film covering the interconnect. The interconnect includes a high-melting-point conductive layer, and the width of the interconnect is smaller than the width of the cap layer. The barrier film includes a compound of a contained element in the high-melting-point conductive layer.
US08922013B2 Through via package
An integrated circuit package includes an integrated circuit die in a reconstituted substrate. The active side is processed then covered in molding compound while the inactive side is processed. The molding compound on the active side is then partially removed and solder balls are placed on the active side.
US08922011B2 Mounting structure of electronic component with joining portions and method of manufacturing the same
A mounting structure of an electronic component includes a plurality of joining portions that join a plurality of first electrode terminals on the electronic component to a plurality of second electrode terminals on a circuit board. The joining portions each include a first projecting electrode formed on the first electrode terminal, a second projecting electrode formed on the second electrode terminal, and a solder portion that joins the first projecting electrode to the second projecting electrode. The end face of the first projecting electrode is larger in area than the end face of the second projecting electrode, and at least a part of the second electrode terminals exposed from the circuit board has a larger area than the bottom of the second projecting electrode.
US08922006B2 Elongated bumps in integrated circuit devices
A device includes a substrate, a metal pad over the substrate, and a passivation layer covering edge portions of the metal pad. The passivation layer has a first opening overlapping the metal pad, wherein the first opening has a first lateral dimension measured in a direction parallel to a major surface of the substrate. A polymer layer is over the passivation layer and covering the edge portions of the metal pad. The polymer layer has a second opening overlapping the metal pad. The second opening has a second lateral dimension measured in the direction. The first lateral dimension is greater than the second lateral dimension by more than about 7 μm. A Under-Bump metallurgy (UBM) includes a first portion in the second opening, and a second portion overlying portions of the polymer layer.
US08922005B2 Methods and apparatus for package on package devices with reversed stud bump through via interconnections
Methods and apparatus for package on package structures having stud bump through via interconnections. A structure includes an interconnect layer having a plurality of through via assemblies each including at least one stud bump are formed on conductive pads; and encapsulant surrounding the through via assembly, a first redistribution layer formed over a surface of the encapsulant and coupled to the through via assemblies and carrying connectors, and a second redistribution layer over interconnect layer at the other end of the through via assemblies, the through via assemblies extending vertically through the interconnect layer. In an embodiment the interconnect layer is mounted using the connectors to a lower package substrate to form a package on package structure. A first integrated circuit device may be mounted on the second redistribution layer of the interconnect layer. Methods for forming the interconnect layer and the package on package structures are disclosed.
US08921982B2 Semiconductor device
The present invention provides a technique for improving the reliability of a semiconductor device where spreading of cracking that occurs at the time of dicing to a seal ring can be restricted even in a semiconductor device with a low-k film used as an interlayer insulating film. Dummy vias are formed in each layer on a dicing region side. The dummy vias are formed at the same intervals in a matrix as viewed in a top view. Even in the case where cracking occurs at the time of dicing, the cracking can be prevented from spreading to a seal ring by the dummy vias. As a result, resistance to moisture absorbed in a circuit formation region can be improved, and deterioration in reliability can be prevented.
US08921980B2 Aluminum nitride single crystal forming polygonal columns and a process for producing a plate-shaped aluminum nitride single crystal using the same
An aluminum nitride single crystal in the form of polygonal columns, the polygonal columns having the following properties [a] to [c]: [a] the content of a metal impurity is below a detection limit, [b] the average bottom area is from 5×103 to 2×105 μm2, and [c] the average height is 50 μm to 5 mm. The above aluminum nitride single crystal is preferably obtainable in a method including the steps of sublimating an aluminum nitride starting material (A) containing 0.1 to 30% by mass of a rare earth oxide by heating the starting material at a temperature of not lower than 2000° C., depositing aluminum nitride on a hexagonal single crystal substrate and thereby growing aluminum nitride single crystal in the shape of polygonal columns.
US08921971B2 Fibrous laminate interface for security coatings
An integrated circuit (IC) package with a fibrous interface is provided. The package includes a substrate, a bond coat and a top coat. The substrate is configured to contain IC components and connections. The bond coat layer is configured to encapsulate the IC components. The top coat layer has at least a portion embedded in the bond coat layer. Moreover, the top coat layer includes a fibrous interface configured to provide security and strengthen the bond coat layer.
US08921970B1 Semiconductor device and structure
An Integrated Circuit device, including: a base wafer including single crystal, the base wafer including a plurality of first transistors; at least one metal layer providing interconnection between the plurality of first transistors; a second layer including a plurality of second transistors, the second layer overlying the at least one metal layer; where the second layer includes a through layer via with a diameter of less than 150 nm, and where at least one of the second transistors includes a back-bias structure.
US08921962B2 Planar multiferroic/magnetostrictive nanostructures as memory elements, two-stage logic gates and four-state logic elements for information processing
A magnetostrictive-piezoelectric multiferroic single- or multi-domain nanomagnet whose magnetization can be rotated through application of an electric field across the piezoelectric layer has a structure that can include either a shape-anisotropic mangnetostrictive nanomagnet with no magnetocrystalline anisotropy or a circular nanomagnet with biaxial magnetocrystalline anisotropy with dimensions of nominal diameter and thickness. This structure can be used to write and store binary bits encoded in the magnetization orientation, thereby functioning as a memory element, or perform both Boolean and non-Boolean computation, or be integrated with existing magnetic tunneling junction (MTJ) technology to perform a read operation by adding a barrier layer for the MTJ having a high coercivity to serve as the hard magnetic layer of the MTJ, and electrical contact layers of a soft material with small Young's modulus. Equivalently, mangnetostrictive nanomagnetic elements whose magnetization is rotated by strain transferred from the substrate that has acoustic waves propagating on the substrate can be used.
US08921960B2 Memristor cell structures for high density arrays
A memristor array includes a lower layer of crossbars, upper layer of crossbars intersecting the lower layer of crossbars, memristor cells interposed between intersecting crossbars, and pores separating adjacent memristor cells. A method forming a memristor array is also provided.
US08921958B2 MEMS element
According to one embodiment, a MEMS element comprises a first electrode that is fixed on a substrate and has plate shape, a second electrode that is disposed above the first electrode while facing the first electrode, the second electrode being movable in a vertical direction and having plate shape, and a first film that includes a first cavity in which the second electrode is accommodated on the substrate. The second electrode is connected to an anchor portion connected to the substrate via a spring portion. An upper surface of the second electrode is connected to the first film.
US08921952B2 Microelectromechanical system devices having crack resistant membrane structures and methods for the fabrication thereof
Methods for fabricating crack resistant Microelectromechanical (MEMS) devices are provided, as are MEMS devices produced pursuant to such methods. In one embodiment, the method includes forming a sacrificial body over a substrate, producing a multi-layer membrane structure on the substrate, and removing at least a portion of the sacrificial body to form an inner cavity within the multi-layer membrane structure. The multi-layer membrane structure is produced by first forming a base membrane layer over and around the sacrificial body such that the base membrane layer has a non-planar upper surface. A predetermined thickness of the base membrane layer is then removed to impart the base membrane layer with a planar upper surface. A cap membrane layer is formed over the planar upper surface of the base membrane layer. The cap membrane layer is composed of a material having a substantially parallel grain orientation.
US08921951B2 MEMS device and manufacturing method thereof
A MEMS device includes: a movable element supported by a supporting member on a substrate; an encapsulation structure provided above the substrate so as to encapsulate the movable element; and a fin that is made of an insulation film, provided above the substrate, and provided inside of the encapsulation structure and outside of the movable element, and a part of the fin being positioned between a height from the substrate when the movable element are turned ON and a height from the substrate when the movable element are turned OFF.
US08921944B2 Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device is disclosed. The semiconductor device includes: a substrate; a metal-oxide semiconductor (MOS) transistor disposed in the substrate; and a shallow trench isolation (STI) disposed in the substrate and around the MOS transistor, in which the STI comprises a stress material.
US08921935B2 Semiconductor device
A source region and a drain region are disposed in a substrate. A gate insulating film is disposed on the substrate. A gate electrode is disposed on the gate insulating film. The gate electrode may include a first gate portion adjacent to the source region and a second gate portion adjacent to the drain region. The first and second gate portions have different work functions from each other.
US08921930B2 Semiconductor device with buried bit line and method for fabricating the same
A semiconductor device includes trenches defined in a substrate, buried bit lines partially filling the trenches, a first source/drain layer filling remaining portions of the trenches on the buried bit lines, stack patterns having a channel layer and a second source/drain layer stacked therein and bonded to the first source/drain layer, wherein the channel layer contacts with the first source/drain layer, and word lines crossing with the buried bit lines and disposed adjacent to sidewalls of the channel layer.
US08921925B2 Semiconductor device, method of manufacturing the same, and power module
A semiconductor device includes an n-type drain layer, an n-type base layer provided on the n-type drain layer, a p-type base layer and an n-type source layer partially formed in surface layer portions of the n-type base layer and the p-type base layer, respectively, a gate insulation film formed on a surface of the p-type base layer between the n-type source layer and the n-type base layer, a gate electrode formed on the gate insulation film facing the p-type base layer across the gate insulation film, a p-type column layer formed within the n-type base layer to extend from the p-type base layer toward the n-type drain layer, a depletion layer alleviation region arranged between the p-type column layer and the n-type drain layer and including first baryons converted to donors, a source electrode connected to the n-type source layer, and a drain electrode connected to the n-type drain layer.
US08921919B2 Semiconductor device and semiconductor device manufacturing method
A first insulation film is on a substrate. A first resistance part is on the first insulation film. A boundary film is on the first resistance part. A second resistance part is on the boundary film. A second insulation film is on the second resistance part. A first conductive part and a second conductive part are on the second insulation film, and are isolated from each other. The first conductive part includes a first connection part penetrating the second insulation film and the second resistance part and contacting a surface of the boundary film. The second conductive part includes a second connection part penetrating the second insulation film and the second resistance part and contacting a surface of the boundary film. The first resistance part is connected to the first conductive part via the first connection part, and is connected to the second conductive part via the second connection part.
US08921915B2 Nonvolatile memory device and method for fabricating the same
A nonvolatile memory device includes a multi-finger type control gate formed over a substrate, a multi-finger type floating gate formed over the substrate and disposed close to the control gate with gaps defined therebetween, and spacers formed on sidewalls of the control gate and the floating gate, and filling the gaps.
US08921914B2 Devices with nanocrystals and methods of formation
Devices can be fabricated using a method of growing nanoscale structures on a semiconductor substrate. According to various embodiments, nucleation sites can be created on a surface of the substrate. The creation of the nucleation sites may include implanting ions with an energy and a dose selected to provide a controllable distribution of the nucleation sites across the surface of the substrate. Nanoscale structures may be grown using the controllable distribution of nucleation sites to seed the growth of the nanoscale structures. According to various embodiments, the nanoscale structures may include at least one of nanocrystals, nanowires, or nanotubes. According to various nanocrystal embodiments, the nanocrystals can be positioned within a gate stack and function as a floating gate for a nonvolatile device. Other embodiments are provided herein.
US08921898B1 Device including an array of memory cells and well contact areas, and method for the formation thereof
A device includes an array of a plurality of memory cells, at least one N-well contact area and at least one P-well contact area. The memory cells are arranged in a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns. Each column includes an N-well region and at least one P-well region. The N-well and P-well regions extend between a first end of the column and a second end of the column. Each N-well contact area electrically contacts at least one of the N-well regions, wherein the N-well region of at least one of the columns is electrically contacted at only one of the first and second ends of the column. Each P-well contact area electrically contacts at least one of the P-well regions, wherein the P-well region of at least one of the columns is electrically contacted at only one of the first and second ends of the column.
US08921885B2 Method for forming ohmic electrode and semiconductor light emitting element
The present invention relates to a method of forming an ohmic electrode in a semiconductor light emitting element, comprising: forming a semiconductor layer having a light emitting structure on a substrate, sequentially laminating a bonding layer, a reflective layer and a protective layer on the semiconductor layer, and forming an ohmic electrode by performing a heat treatment process to form ohmic bonding between the semiconductor layer and the bonding layer and to form an oxide film on at least a portion of the protective layer; and a semiconductor light emitting element using the ohmic electrode. According to the present invention, since a reflective layer is formed of Ag, Al and an alloy thereof with excellent light reflectivity, the light availability is enhanced. Further, since contact resistance between a semiconductor layer and a bonding layer is small, it is easy to apply large current for high power.
US08921884B2 Batwing LED with remote phosphor configuration
A lighting apparatus includes a substrate. One or more light-emitting devices are disposed over the substrate. A lens is molded over the substrate and over the one or more light-emitting devices. A recess is disposed in the lens. The recess circumferentially surrounds the one or more light-emitting devices in a top view. The recess is at least partially filled with phosphor particles.
US08921883B2 Light emitting device assembly and headlamp including the same
An LED assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention may improve dark regions generated between LED chips by employing a first reflective layer between the LED chips. By employing a transparent optical layer or an optical layer including a scattering particle between an LED chip and a phosphor layer, direct contact between the LED chip and the phosphor layer may be avoided, thereby preventing a low light extraction efficiency. Further, by employing a second reflection layer on side surfaces of an LED chip, an optical layer, and a phosphor layer, a relatively high contrast may be obtained. An LED assembly may enhance contrast through a reflective layer while increasing light extraction efficiency by including a scattering particle in a phosphor layer.
US08921877B2 Semiconductor light-emitting device for producing wavelength-converted light and method for manufacturing the same
A semiconductor light-emitting device and a method for manufacturing the same can include a wavelength converting layer located on at least one semiconductor light-emitting chip in order to emit various colored lights including white light. The semiconductor light-emitting device can include a base board, the chip mounted on the base board and a transparent plate disposed on the wavelength converting layer including a spacer and a phosphor having a high density. The wavelength converting layer can be formed in a thin uniform thickness between the transparent plate and a top surface of the chip using the spacer so as to extend toward the transparent plate. The semiconductor light-emitting device can be configured to improve light-emitting efficiency of the chip by using the thin wavelength converting layer including the phosphor having a high density, and therefore can emit a wavelength-converted light having a high light-emitting efficiency from a small light-emitting surface.
US08921876B2 Lighting devices with discrete lumiphor-bearing regions within or on a surface of remote elements
A lighting device includes a semiconductor light emitting device (LED) configured to emit light having a first peak wavelength upon the application of a voltage thereto, an element in adjacent, spaced-apart relationship with the LED, and a pattern of discrete lumiphor-containing regions on a surface of, or within, the element. The lumiphor-containing regions are configured to receive light emitted by the LED and convert at least a portion of the received light to light having a longer wavelength than the first peak wavelength. The remote element may be a lens, a reflective element, or a combination thereof.
US08921870B2 Light emitting device
According to one embodiment, a light emitting device includes a base substrate, first and second substrates, first and second semiconductor light emitting elements. The first and second substrates are provided on a major surface of the base substrate and include first and second reflection regions, respectively. The first and second semiconductor light emitting elements include first and second structural bodies including first and second light emitting layers, respectively. Each of the first and second semiconductor light emitting elements is inputted with a power not less than 1 Watt. An area of a face of the first semiconductor light emitting element is S1, and a gap between the first light emitting layer and the first substrate is t1. An area R1 of the first reflection region satisfies a relationship (S1+100t12)≦R1≦(S1+10000t12). A gap L between the first and the second semiconductor light emitting elements satisfies the relationships 100t1≦L≦10000t1.
US08921860B2 Organic light emitting display device
An organic light emitting display device is provided to avoid color change due to a viewing direction. The organic light emitting display includes a light compensation layer having a refractive index different than that of an insulating layer. The organic light emitting display may be disposed at the side to which light emitted from an organic light emitting layer is entered to change the path and phase of light, thereby coinciding cavity peak phases for each wavelength of white light emitted from an organic light emitting unit.
US08921855B2 Test circuit for testing signal receiving unit, image pickup apparatus, method of testing signal receiving unit, and method of testing image pickup apparatus
It is disclosed that, as an embodiment, a test circuit includes a test signal supply unit configured to supply a test signal via a signal line to signal receiving units provided in a plurality of columns, wherein the test signal supply unit is a voltage buffer or a current buffer, and the test circuit has a plurality of test signal supply units and a plurality of signal lines, and wherein at least one test signal supply unit is electrically connected to one signal line different from a signal line to which another test signal supply unit is electrically connected.
US08921848B2 Organic light emitting diode display device
An organic light emitting diode (OLED) display device including a base substrate having a display area and a non-display area; OLEDs formed in corresponding sub-pixel regions defined by a bank insulating film in the display area of the base substrate; a pad part formed in the non-display area of the base substrate and configured to apply a driving signal to the OLEDs; a plurality of passivation films formed in the display area to cover the OLEDs, the plurality of passivation films including a first inorganic film, an organic film, and a second inorganic film, the plurality of passivation films being sequentially stacked. A region of an edge of the organic film that corresponds to a wire through which the driving signal is applied to the OLEDs from the pad part includes at least one groove formed at an inside area of the organic film.
US08921845B2 OLED unit, method for making the same, and OLED illuminating device comprising the same
A method for producing an organic light emitting diode (OLED) unit includes: (a) forming an electrode pad on a substrate; (b) forming an insulating layer to cover and to partially expose the electrode pad; (c) forming an electrically conductive oxide layer on the insulating layer in such a manner that the exposed electrode pad is covered by and electrically coupled to the electrically conductive oxide layer; and (d) forming an organic illuminating multilayer structure on the substrate, the organic illuminating multilayer structure including an inner electrode that is electrically coupled to the electrode pad.
US08921840B2 Organic light emitting diode display
An organic light emitting diode display includes a first substrate, an organic light emitting diode on the first substrate, a second substrate on the organic light emitting diode, and a capping layer between the second substrate and the organic light emitting diode. The capping layer collects light emitted from the organic light emitting diode, and the capping layer collects the light in a direction of the second substrate corresponding to the organic light emitting diode.
US08921839B2 Light emitting device with spherical back mirror
A method is provided for fabricating an organic light emitting device (OLED) with a spherical back mirror. The method forms a spherical curvature in the substrate and deposits a metal film overlying the spherical curvature, forming a spherical back mirror. A transparent isolation layer is formed overlying the spherical back mirror having a planar top surface. A transparent first electrode layer is formed overlying the isolation layer, and a transparent second electrode layer is formed overlying the first electrode layer. A stack is interposed between the first and second electrode layers. The stack is made up of an electron transport layer adjacent the cathode, a light-emitting (electron injection) layer adjacent to the electron transport layer, a hole transport layer adjacent to the light-emitting layer, and a hole injection layer adjacent to the hole transport layer. The order of the stack layering is dependent which electrode is the anode.
US08921838B2 Light emitting element, method for manufacturing same, and light emitting device
Each of organic light-emitting elements 100a, 100b and 100c includes an anode, a functional layer including a hole-injection layer, a hole-transport layer and an organic light-emitting layer, and a cathode layered on a substrate in the stated order. Also, a bank defines a formation area of the organic light-emitting layer. Here, the hole-injection layer is a metal oxide layer formed by oxidizing an upper surface portion of the anode composed of the metal layer. Also, a portion of the hole-injection layer that is positioned under the area is depressed so as to form a recess, and upper peripheral edge of the recess is covered with a portion of the bank.
US08921835B2 Organic light emitting diode display
An organic light emitting diode display includes: a base film made of plastic; a thin film transistor and an organic light emitting diode formed on the base film; and a carbon nanotube thin film disposed among the base film, the thin film transistor, and the organic light emitting diode.
US08921821B2 Memory cells
Some embodiments include a method of forming a memory cell. A first portion of a switching region is formed over a first electrode. A second portion of the switching region is formed over the first portion using atomic layer deposition. The second portion is a different composition than the first portion. An ion source region is formed over the switching region. A second electrode is formed over the ion source region. Some embodiments include a memory cell having a switching region between a pair of electrodes. The switching region is configured to be reversibly transitioned between a low resistive state and a high resistive state. The switching region includes two or more discrete portions, with one of the portions not having a non-oxygen component in common with any composition directly against it in the high resistive state.
US08921820B2 Phase change memory cell with large electrode contact area
A phase change memory cell and a method for fabricating the phase change memory cell. The phase change memory cell includes a bottom electrode and a first non-conductive layer. The first non-conductive layer defines a first well, a first electrically conductive liner lines the first well, and the first well is filled with a phase change material in the phase change memory cell.
US08921817B2 Phase-change random access memory device having multi-levels and method of manufacturing the same
A phase-change random access memory (PCRAM) device and a method of manufacturing the same. The PCRAM includes a heating electrode having an upper surface protruding in a stepped shape and a phase-change material layer formed in a phase-change space on the heating electrode, the phase-change material layer having a plurality of portions having thicknesses corresponding to the stepped shape of the heating electrode.
US08921805B2 Ion beam system and method of operating an ion beam system
An ion beam system comprises a voltage supply system 7 and at least one beam deflector 39 having at least one first deflection electrode 51a, 51b, 51c and plural second deflection electrodes 52a, 52b, 52c, wherein the voltage supply system is configured to supply different adjustable deflection voltages to the plural second deflection electrodes such that electric deflection fields between the plural second deflection electrodes and the opposite at least one first deflection electrode have a common orientation. The system has a high kinetic energy mode in which a distribution of the electric deflection field has a greater width, a low kinetic energy mode in which a distribution of the electric deflection field has a smaller width.
US08921804B2 High brightness electron gun with moving condenser lens
A condenser lens arrangement for an electron beam system is described. The condenser lens arrangement includes a magnetic condenser lens adapted for generating a magnetic condenser lens field, the condenser lens having a symmetry axis, and a magnetic deflector adapted for generating a magnetic deflector field. The deflector is configured so that the superposition of the magnetic condenser lens field and the magnetic deflector field results in an optical axis of the condenser lens arrangement being movable relative to the symmetry axis. Further, an electron beam optical system including a condenser lens arrangement and a method for moving a condenser lens are described.
US08921803B2 Electrostatic lenses and systems including the same
A system includes an electrostatic lens in a path between a charged particle source and a detector. The electrostatic lens includes: a first electrode having a first aperture in the path aligned with a first axis; a second electrode in the path between the first electrode and the detector, having a second aperture in the path and aligned with a second axis that is parallel to the first axis and displaced from the first axis along a first direction; a third electrode in the path between the first electrode and the second electrode; and a potential generator coupled to the electrodes. During operation, the potential generator applies potentials to the first, second and third electrodes so that the electrostatic lens directs a beam of charged particles from the source propagating along the first axis to propagate along the second axis.
US08921800B1 Counterbalanced vacuum seal for neutron detectors
An atomic particle detection assembly includes at least one detector that detects atomic particles. The atomic particle detection assembly includes a junction apparatus supporting the detector. The junction apparatus includes a first manifold attached to a first housing at an attachment location. The junction apparatus includes a sealing device sealing the first manifold with respect to the first housing along a sealing axis. The sealing axis is substantially parallel to and separated a first distance (d1) from an attachment axis defined by the attachment location.
US08921790B2 IR detector system and method
An Infra Red detector system and method are disclosed for a SAR ADC capable of operation at low power and for use on a Focal Plane Array FPA) detector. High power consumption makes known converter approaches unattractive for use on Focal Plane Array (FPA) detectors that are to be cooled to cryogenic temperatures. Many such ADCs are used on a FPA detector (e.g., up to one ADC per column of the imaging array) to digitize image data for the whole array at standard frame rates. Increased power makes cooling difficult to achieve or unattractive at system level. An exemplary system as disclosed can use an adaptive approach to set the comparator gain and settling time depending on the dynamics of the input signal, thereby achieving specified performance while reducing overall power.
US08921788B1 Laser sensor with integrated rotating mechanism
Laser sensor with integrated rotating mechanism has a camera, a laser, and a chassis configured to rotate on its own axis, which has an indexed rotating mechanism which includes, in turn: a motorized set made up of a rotating motor positioned on an axis parallel to the rotating axis, and connected to this rotating axis by gears, and a motorized set made up of a locking motor housed inside the axis on a support; and in which the bottom of the support includes locking rollers and a ring coupled to this support in such a way that locking occurs as a result of contact between balls housed in the chassis and the rollers adjacent to the bottom of the support.
US08921785B2 Cooperating capillary and cap for use in a high-pressure freezer
The invention relates to an assembly of a cooperating capillary and cap for containing an aqueous solution in an inner volume of the capillary. The assembly is used in a high pressure freezer in which the aqueous solution is frozen at a high pressure to form an amorphous frozen sample at a cryogenic temperature. The cap forms a closure at one end of the capillary, and the part of the cap that is in contact with the inner volume of the capillary has an indent; as a result of which the cap, after freezing the aqueous solution, can be removed from the capillary and a free standing pillar of frozen aqueous material extends from the capillary.
US08921782B2 Tilt-imaging scanning electron microscope
One embodiment relates to a tilt-imaging scanning electron microscope apparatus. The apparatus includes an electron gun, first and second deflectors, an objective electron lens, and a secondary electron detector. The first deflector deflects the electron beam away from the optical axis, and the second deflector deflects the electron beam back towards the optical axis. The objective lens focuses the electron beam onto a spot on a surface of a target substrate, wherein the electron beam lands on the surface at a tilt angle. Another embodiment relates to a method of imaging a surface of a target substrate using an electron beam with a trajectory tilted relative to a substrate surface. Other embodiments and features are also disclosed.
US08921781B2 Measurement or inspecting apparatus
In the case of inspecting samples having different sizes by means of a semiconductor inspecting apparatus, a primary electron beam bends since distribution is disturbed on an equipotential surface at the vicinity of the sample at the time of inspecting vicinities of the sample, and what is called a positional shift is generated. A potential correcting electrode is arranged outside the sample and at a position lower than the sample lower surface, and a potential lower than that of the sample is applied. Furthermore, a voltage to be applied to the potential correcting electrode is controlled corresponding to a distance between the inspecting position and a sample outer end, sample thickness and irradiation conditions of the primary electron beam.
US08921780B2 Compact ion mobility spectrometer
The invention relates to devices for measuring the mobility of ions in gases at pressures of a few hectopascal. To make the device more compact, drift regions are bent into curved shapes, which extend into the third dimension. Parts of the drift region may lie above others. Alternating directions of curvature in the curved shapes balance out different path lengths by passing through approximately equal drift distances on outer and inner trajectories. Ions are held near the axis of the curved drift region by sectional or permanent focusing. One possible shape is a double loop in the shape of a figure eight. The shape extends perpendicular to its plane of projection so that several double loops lie on top of each other. RF ion funnels or ion tunnels can keep the ions near the axis. Axial focusing may use a pseudopotential radial to the axis of the curved shape.
US08921769B2 Multiposition target plane for variable source-detector distance using DD, DT sealed neutron source
Method and apparatus for evaluating an earth formation using at least one detector with a pulsed neutron source that includes a beam of deuterium ions that can be directed to a selected position on a target including tritium that extends axially along a sealed tube. This makes it possible to generate pulsed neutrons from a plurality of positions.
US08921768B2 Spectroscopic nanosensor logging systems and methods
Logging systems and methods that employ nanosensors to obtain spectral measurements downhole. The nanosensors can be dispersed in borehole fluids (including cement slurries) that circulate, diffuse, or get injected in a borehole. Because the nanosensors have diameters on the order of 10 nm to 1000 nm, they readily penetrate into cracks, pores, and other voids where their carrier fluids can reach. The nanosensors transport light sources and recording media to measure spectra in these otherwise inaccessible regions. The nanosensors are then recovered and analyzed to reconstruct the measured spectra and determine relevant material characteristics. Among other things, spectral measurements can reveal the presence of certain elements and molecules in the formation and fluids, from which information scientists determine composition and phases of formation fluids and the formation itself. Certain triggering criteria may also be employed to enable the nanosensor measurements to be associated with specific locations, paths, and/or events.
US08921762B2 Detection device having detachably attached plural units and image forming apparatus having the same
A detection device includes: an imaging unit that forms an image of an incident beam on an image detection unit; an emission unit that includes a guided portion that is guided to a guiding portion provided at the imaging unit and guiding an attachment-detachment operation of the guided portion, a positioned portion that is positioned in a positioning portion provided at the imaging unit, and an emission member that emits a beam toward a direction of a transportation path such that a beam reflected from the medium is incident to the imaging unit; and a setting unit that includes a positioned portion that is positioned in a positioning portion provided at the emission unit when a drawing unit is pressure-inserted into the image forming apparatus and a setting surface that sets a position on the medium at which the beam is reflected.
US08921761B2 Optical decoder and multi-functional printer using the same
An optical decoder and a multi-functional printer using the same are provided. The optical decoder includes a directional light source, a light guide bar and a light receiving unit. The light guide bar disposed on a light-emitting side of the directional light source has multiple scales. The light receiving unit is disposed on a side of the light guide bar, wherein the directional light source and the light receiving unit are disposed on different sides of the light guide bar. The light receiving unit is used to move along the light guide bar and read the scales of the light guide bar. The overall volume of a multi-functional printer can be reduced by applying the optical decoder therein.
US08921753B2 Image sensor with individually selectable imaging elements
An imaging element includes a photosensor and a transfer transistor to transfer electrical charges from the photosensor to a charge accumulation node. A selector is configured to receive at least two logic selection signals and to supply an activation signal, which is a function of the selection signals, to a control terminal of the transfer transistor. The selector is configured to receive at least two selection signals, each having a positive voltage when it is at a logic value 1 and a negative voltage when it is a logic value 0, and to supply the activation signal having a negative voltage when the imaging element is not selected.
US08921750B2 Open-circuit voltage control system
A system is disclosed that includes an open-circuit voltage measurement device for measuring an open-circuit voltage of a string of solar battery panels in a state where the string and a load are not connected; a drive control device for controlling an output voltage of the solar battery panels; and a calculation control device for outputting a signal for controlling the drive control device so that the open-circuit voltage attains a predetermined voltage equal to or more than an operable voltage of the load but not more than a breakdown voltage of the photovoltaic power system, based on the open-circuit voltage measured by the open-circuit voltage measurement device when the string and the load are in an open state.
US08921739B2 Systems and methods for windshield deicing
Cost efficient, lightweight and rapid windshield deicing systems and methods are disclosed. The systems utilize step-up converters or inverters, or dual-voltage batteries, to provide a voltage high enough to deice a windshield in less than thirty seconds at ambient temperatures above −10 C. Some of the disclosed systems include sensors for deicing element and ambient temperatures, and in some embodiments windspeed. All embodiments have a controller for limiting deicing time to that sufficient to melt a boundary layer of ice. The controller of embodiments with sensors computes deicing time as a function of ambient temperature. Embodiments interact with wiper systems to enable wipers to clear ice once the boundary layer is melted.
US08921713B2 Auxiliary contact block
An auxiliary contact block for a low voltage contactor, wherein the contactor has a side wall including first and second recesses. The auxiliary contact block includes a first and a second housing, connected in parallel to each other, an actuation nipple extending out from the second housing, and a connecting mechanism for connecting the auxiliary contact block to the contactor. The connecting mechanism includes a snap-fit element for locking the auxiliary contact block to the contactor when it is at a latched position and being adapted to engage in the second recess provided on the side wall of the contactor, and a releasing member for unlocking the snap-fit element to an unlatched position and including a releasing bar arranged for receiving a pressing force. The releasing member is arranged on the second housing and further includes a wedge element connected to the pressing element.
US08921706B2 Component-embedded substrate, and method of manufacturing the component-embedded substrate
A component-embedded substrate includes an electrically insulating base (11) of resin, an electric or electronic embedded component (8) and a dummy embedded component (7) both embedded in the insulating base (11), a conductor pattern (18) formed on at least one side of the insulating base (11) and connected directly to or indirectly via a connection layer (6) to the embedded component (8) and the dummy embedded component (7), and a mark (10) formed on a surface of the dummy embedded component (7) and used as a reference when the conductor pattern (18) is formed, whereby positional accuracy of the conductor pattern (18) relative to the embedded component (8) can be improved.
US08921705B2 Wiring board and fabrication method therefor
A wiring board includes an insulating board, a wiring sub board having a wiring layer, and an insulating layer. The insulating layer has a via hole in which a conductor is formed by plating. The insulating board and the wiring sub board are horizontally laid out. The insulating layer is laid out to cover a boundary portion between the insulating board and the wiring sub board and continuously extends from the insulating board to the wiring sub board. A resin which constitutes the insulating layer is filled in the boundary portion. The conductor is electrically connected to the wiring layer.
US08921703B2 Circuit board, structural unit thereof and manufacturing method thereof
A circuit board, structural units and a manufacturing method are provided, wherein one or more high temperature lamination processes are conducted for laminating the structural units and form a multi-layered circuit board.
US08921699B2 Low noise oximetry cable including conductive cords
In an embodiment, one or more conductive cable cords are twisted with the sensitive signal carrying cables. The cords may advantageously comprise dummy wires, or very flexible hollow cables without an inner conductor. As the conductive cords do not carry and inner conductor, the conductive cords are individually flexible and small, resulting in a twisted bundle that more is flexible while potentially having a smaller outer diameter.
US08921697B2 Cable protector systems and methods relating thereto
In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, a cable protector system is provided. The system includes a first component, the first component comprising a top surface, a bottom surface, and two opposing ends. The first component defines a channel extending between the two opposing ends. The system also comprises a second component, the second component being substantially identical to the first component. When the first and second components are coupled, each of the top surfaces are substantially co-planar and each of the bottom surfaces are substantially co-planar and the channels together define a single channel extending between the first component and second component. The channel is configured to receive at least one cable.
US08921691B2 Solar cell and manufacturing method thereof
There is provided a solar cell in which a lower electrode layer, a photoelectric conversion layer having a chalcopyrite structure that includes a Group Ib element, a Group IIIb element, and a Group VIb element, and an upper electrode layer are sequentially formed on top of a substrate, wherein the solar cell is provided with a silicate layer between the substrate and the lower electrode layer.
US08921685B2 Solar power camouflage
A solar power camouflage system and apparatus are disclosed. The system includes a number of solar panels coupled to a net. The panels colored to produce a camouflage effect. A maximum power point tracking device coupled to the solar panels to manage to maintain the optimal voltage and current drawn through the panels. An energy storage device is coupled to the maximum power point tracking device. A power interface is coupled to said energy storage device to deliver power to other electrical devices.
US08921682B2 Photovoltaic system able to float on water and track sun
A photovoltaic system able to float on water and track sun includes a floating mechanism; an adjusting mechanism, combining with the floating mechanism; and a solar power mechanism, combining with the adjusting mechanism and located above the floating mechanism. This photovoltaic system can be located on the water surface, and has its floating mechanism to be under water by using the adjusting mechanism and the surrounding water source. The adjusting mechanism can be further used to adjust the solar power mechanism to a specific tilt angle according to the water level of the surrounding water and the sun-tracking angles that varies as the locations of the sun. Therefore, a novel photovoltaic system with simplified configuration, accurate sun tracking and enhanced power generation efficiency can be achieved.
US08921680B1 Low-cost solar collector
A low-cost solar collector employs a concave reflecting surface and a convex reflecting surface configured as a cylindrical Cassegrain optical system with planar symmetry to concentrate sunlight for photovoltaic solar panels. The collector achieves high concentration factors exceeding 20× and maintains focus of concentrated sunlight on the photovoltaic cells using a simple mechanical means to rotate the collector. A plurality of solar collectors is arranged in parallel in a conventional solar panel form factor and driven by a single drive system to maintain the sun continuously in the plane of symmetry of each of the solar collectors that comprise the solar panel. This reduces the area of photovoltaic cells required to convert a given quantity of light energy to electrical energy. Cost of electrical energy generated is reduced significantly because the cost per unit area of the solar collectors is much less than the cost of photovoltaic cells.
US08921678B2 Generating tones by combining sound materials
The apparatus displays, on a display screen, an icon placement region having a time axis defined therein, and displays, in accordance with an input instruction, an icon image with which feature amount information of material data indicative of a sound material is associated. The apparatus further sets a type of a feature amount database, where material data and feature amount information of the material data are associated with each other, along the time axis in accordance with an input instruction. Then, the apparatus references the feature amount database of a type having correspondence relationship in time axis with an icon image to identify material data similar to the feature amount information corresponding to the icon image, and audibly generates a sound at timing corresponding to a position, on the time axis, of the icon image and with content corresponding to the identified material data.
US08921669B2 Cotton variety 10R052B2R2
The invention relates to the novel cotton variety designated 10R052B2R2. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants, plant parts and derivatives of the cotton variety 10R052B2R2. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the cotton variety 10R052B2R2 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing cotton plants by crossing the cotton variety 10R052B2R2 with itself or another cotton variety and plants produced by such methods.
US08921667B2 Soybean variety XB01Y13
A novel soybean variety, designated XB01Y13 is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety XB01Y13, cells from soybean variety XB01Y13, plants of soybean XB01Y13, and plant parts of soybean variety XB01Y13. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety XB01Y13 with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic trait, a mutant trait, and/or a native trait into soybean variety XB01Y13, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety XB01Y13, and methods of characterizing soybean variety XB01Y13. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety XB01Y13 are further provided.
US08921664B2 Soybean variety S110155
The invention relates to the soybean variety designated S110155. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety S110155. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety S110155 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety S110155 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.
US08921655B2 Functional analysis of Jatropha curcas genes
The present invention relates to the field of functional analysis of Jatropha genes on a genomic scale. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method for high-throughtput functional analysis of Jatropha curcas genes on a genomic scale using virus-induced gene silencing. The method involves use of the tobacco rattle virus (TRV).
US08921653B2 Modification of lignin biosynthesis
The present invention relates to the modification of lignin biosynthesis in plants and, more particularly, to enzymes involved in the lignin biosynthetic pathway and nucleic acids encoding such enzymes.
US08921645B2 Method to identify Asian soybean rust resistance quantitative trait loci in soybean and compositions thereof
The present invention is in the field of plant breeding and disease resistance. More specifically, the invention includes a method for breeding soybean plants containing quantitative trait loci that are associated with resistance to Asian Soybean Rust (ASR), a fungal disease associated with Phakopsora spp. The invention further includes germplasm and the use of germplasm containing quantitative trait loci (QTL) conferring disease resistance for introgression into elite germplasm in a breeding program for resistance to ASR.
US08921632B2 Producing 1-butene from an oxygenate-to-olefin reaction system
1-butene is recovered as a purified product from an MTO synthesis and especially from an integrated MTO synthesis and hydrocarbon pyrolysis system in which the MTO system and its complementary olefin cracking reactor are combined with a hydrocarbon pyrolysis reactor in a way that facilitates the flexible production and recovery of olefins and other petrochemical products, particularly butene-1 and MTBE.
US08921630B2 Process for removing sulfur from a fuel gas stream additionally containing diolefins and oxygen
Disclosed is a process for the removal of sulfur from a fuel gas stream that additionally contains diolefins and oxygen as well as organic sulfur compounds by pretreating the fuel gas stream in a pretreatment reactor in order to significantly reduce the amounts of any diolefins and oxygen contained therein prior to the hydrodesulfurization in a hydrotreater reactor wherein organic sulfur compounds are converted to hydrogen sulfide. The hydrogen sulfide formed is removed from the hydrotreated gas stream by use of an absorption treatment method, such as amine treatment, to yield a treated fuel gas stream having a reduced concentration of hydrogen sulfide and an overall sulfur content that is low enough to meet stringent sulfur regulation requirements.
US08921628B2 Refractory mixed-metal oxides and spinel compositions for thermo-catalytic conversion of biomass
A process for biomass catalytic cracking is described herein. More specifically, the process comprises heating the cellulosic biomass to a conversion temperature in presence of a mixed metal oxide catalyst represented by the formula (X1O).(X2O)a.(X3YbO4), wherein X1, X2 and X3 are alkaline earth elements selected from the group of Mg, Ca, Be, Ba , and mixture thereof, and Y is a metal selected from the group of Al, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cr, Ga, B, La, P and mixture thereof.
US08921624B2 Process for producing n-propyl bromide or other aliphatic bromides
A process for the production of an aliphatic bromide in which the bromine atom is attached to a terminal carbon atom, which process comprises continuously feeding olefin having a terminal double bond, gaseous hydrogen bromide, and a molecular oxygen-containing gas into a liquid phase reaction medium comprised of aliphatic bromide to cause anti-Markovnikov addition of HBr to terminal olefin, the feeds being proportioned and maintained to provide a molar excess of hydrogen bromide relative to terminal olefin in the range of about 1 to about 5 percent, and a molar ratio of molecular oxygen to terminal olefin of less than 0.005. The process is especially suited for production of n-propyl bromide.
US08921615B2 Process for preparing xanthophyll crystal
Disclosed a process for preparing a xanthophyll crystal, comprising: dissolving the plant extract containing a xanthophyll ester in n-hexane, then filtering the mixture; adding acetone to the filtrate, filtering and collecting a filter cake; mixing the filter cake with soybean oil and ethanol uniformly; saponifying the mixed solution with alkaline aqueous solution; then adding an acidic solution thereto until the mixed solution becomes acidic, concentrating under reduced pressure to obtain a pasty substance; adding n-hexane to the pasty saponified product, standing still and then conducting a solid-liquid separation; washing the resulting solid substance with deionized water; adding a mixed solvent to the washed solid substance, dissolving it with stirring; and then adding n-hexane thereto and standing still to recrystallize. According to the application, organic solvents are used to treat the plant extract and remove non-xanthophyll ester compounds in order to improve the efficiency of the saponification reaction; the saponified solution is concentrated under acidic condition at reduced pressure, then extracted with an organic solvent for saving water; purifying a xanthophyll crystal with a mixed solvent in order to significantly increase the purity of a xanthophyll crystal and proportion of trans-xanthophyll.
US08921612B2 Supported noble metal catalyst
A supported noble metal catalyst comprising palladium salts enveloped by colloids applied to the support is produced by hydrolysing a palladium salt solution by means of a base and applying the colloidal suspension to a support. The catalyst can be used in hydrogenations.
US08921609B2 Oxidation of hydrocarbons
In a process for oxidizing a hydrocarbon, the hydrocarbon is contacted with oxygen in the presence of an N-substituted cyclic imide and under conditions to oxidize the hydrocarbon to produce an oxidized hydrocarbon product and at least one decomposition product of the N-substituted cyclic imide. At least a portion of the at least one decomposition product is contacted with hydroxylamine or a salt thereof under conditions to convert the at least one decomposition product back to said imide.
US08921608B2 Catalyst and method having selectivity to isobutyraldehyde via catalyst induction
Industrially relevant product selectivities and reaction rates are obtained from rhodium catalyzed hydroformylation of propylene via the use of a novel induction period in which the supramolecular ligand assembly, the rhodium precatalyst and an initial substrate are allowed to form a hydroformylation catalyst that is more selective toward branched aldehydes. Upon heating this incubated mixture and addition of propylene, iso-butyraldehyde is obtained in higher concentrations and rates that are otherwise unattainable.
US08921603B2 Cyclohexanone compositions
Described herein are compositions having (a) at least 99 wt % cyclohexanone; and (b) 0.1 wppm to 1000 wppm of at least one of cyclohexanedione and hydroxycyclohexanone. The wt % and wppm are based upon the total weight of the composition. The compositions may further comprise 0.1 wppm to 1000 wppm of cyclohexanol.
US08921601B2 Process for recovery of alkanolamines used in amine sweetening processes
A process for recovering an alkanolamine from a used gas scrubbing stream wherein a dynamic reaction system is employed to maximize conversion of bis-urea compounds typically formed in the gas scrubbing operation into the alkanolamine and minimize the formation of amino ethers which irreversibly convert the alkanolamine. A method of removing waste products from the system by the use of a wiped film evaporator.
US08921600B2 Process for producing carbon fillers having covalently bonded amino groups
The invention relates to a process for producing carbon fillers having covalently bonded amino groups, by converting a mixture comprising carbon fillers and alkali metals and/or alkaline earth metals and/or amides thereof in liquid anhydrous ammonia, optionally together with an inert solvent, at temperatures of 35 to 500° C. and a pressure of 30 to 250 bar.
US08921599B2 Processes for forming amide bonds and compositions related thereto
The disclosure relates to methods for producing amide bonds and reagents related thereto. In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to methods of producing an amide comprising mixing an O-silylated thionoester and an amine under conditions such that an amide is formed. In another embodiment, the disclosure relates to mixing a thiolacid, a silylating agent, and an amine under conditions such that an amide is formed.
US08921596B2 Process for the preparation of melphalan hydrochloride
The present invention provides a simple and efficient method for synthesis of 4-[bis(2-chloroethyl)-amino]-L-phenylalanine hydrochloride. The process involves the treatment of 4-[bis(2-chloroethyl)-amino]-L-phenylalanine free base with hydrochloric acid in water followed by isolation of 4-[bis(2-chloroethyl)-amino]-L-phenylalanine hydrochloride of desired purity.
US08921590B2 Oligomerisation process
The startup of a tubular reactor containing fresh or regenerated molecular sieve catalyst and cooled by steam generation on the shell side, as part of an olefin oligomerization process, is improved by, during the startup phase of the reactor, controlling the pressure on the shell side of the reactor at maximum 10 barg. The startup may be further improved by controlling the inlet temperature of the hydrocarbon startup stream to the reactor, by controlling the flow of reactant olefins to the reactor, or by controlling the nature and/or concentration of the olefins in the reactor feed.
US08921589B2 Electrolyte formulations
The present invention relates to electrolyte formulations comprising at least one imidazolium fluorotricyanoborate or pyrrolidinium fluorotricyanoborate and their use in an electrochemical and/or optoelectronic device such as a photovoltaic cell, a light emitting device, an electrochromic or photo-electrochromic device, an electrochemical sensor and/or biosensor, preferably their use in a dye or quantum dot sensitized solar cell.
US08921578B2 Heteroatomic indenofluorenes
A compound having a structure of: wherein X is S, SO, SO2, NR10, O, or Se; R1-R8 are each individually H, amino, alkynyl, substituted alkynyl, halogen, alkyl, aryl, substituted alkyl, substituted aryl, nitro, alkoxy, substituted alkoxy, cyano, thiol, substituted thiol, thioether, hydroxyl, heteroaryl, substituted heteroaryl, cycloalkyl, or substituted cycloalkyl, or R1 and R2 together form an aromatic ring and R5 and R6 together form an aromatic ring; and R10 is selected from H, amino, alkynyl, substituted alkynyl, halogen, alkyl, aryl, substituted alkyl, substituted aryl, nitro, alkoxy, substituted alkoxy, cyano, thiol, substituted thiol, thioether, hydroxyl, heteroaryl, substituted heteroaryl, cycloalkyl, or substituted cycloalkyl.
US08921574B2 Method for producing pyrazolinone salt
A salt represented by formula (4) produced via a first step of dehydrating a mixture containing a hydrocarbon solvent and an alkali metal hydroxide represented by formula: A+ OH−, and a second step or reacting the mixture dehydrated in the first step with a compound represented by formula (2) is useful for producing an active ingredient of a plant disease control agent.
US08921572B2 Method for producing 5,5-disubstituted 4,5-dihydroisoxazol-3-thiocarboxamidine salts
A process for preparing 5,5-disubstituted 4,5-dihydroisoxazole-3-thiocarboxamidine salts of the formula (I), wherein 3-unsubstituted 4,5-dihydroisoxazoles are first reacted with a chlorinating or brominating reagent to give 3-halogenated 4,5-dihydroisoxazoles and the latter then react with thiourea to give the compounds of the formula (I).
US08921562B2 Substituted quinoline compounds as S-nitrosoglutathione reductase inhibitors
The present invention is directed to novel quinoline compounds useful as S-nitrosoglutathione reductase (GSNOR) inhibitors, pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds, and methods of making and using the same.
US08921560B2 Indoles as respiratory syncytial virus antiviral agents
Indoles having inhibitory activity on RSV replication and having the formula I the prodrugs, N-oxides, addition salts, quaternary amines, metal complexes and stereochemically isomeric forms thereof; compositions containing these compounds as active ingredient and processes for preparing these compounds and compositions.
US08921559B2 4-substituted-cyclohexylamino-4-piperidinyl-acetamide antagonists of CCR2
The present invention comprises compounds of Formula (I). wherein: R1, R2, R3, R4, X, Y, and Z are as defined in the specification. The invention also comprises a method of preventing, treating or ameliorating a syndrome, disorder or disease, wherein said syndrome, disorder or disease is type II diabetes, obesity and asthma. The invention also comprises a method of inhibiting CCR2 activity in a mammal by administration of a therapeutically effective amount of at least one compound of Formula (I).
US08921554B2 Substituted 1,2-azaborine heterocycles
Aromatic heterocycles incorporating boron and nitrogen atoms, in particular, 1,2-azaborine compounds having the formula and their use as synthetic intermediates.
US08921552B2 Benzothiazole hybrids useful as anticancer agents and process for the preparation thereof
Compounds of general formula A useful as potential anticancer agents against human cancer cell lines and a process for the preparation thereof.
US08921549B2 Organometallic complex, light-emitting element, light-emitting device, electronic device, and lighting device
Provided are a light-emitting element including a novel organometallic complex as an emission center, the organometallic complex, a light-emitting device, an electronic device, and a lighting device each using the light-emitting element. One embodiment of the present invention is a light-emitting element including, as an emission center, an organometallic complex in which a benzofuropyrimidine derivative is coordinated to a metal. In particular, another embodiment is a light-emitting element including, as an emission center, an organometallic complex in which a benzofuropyrimidine derivative having an aryl group at the 4-position is coordinated to a metal. Another embodiment is a light-emitting element including, as an emission center, an organometallic complex in which nitrogen at the 3-position of a benzofuropyrimidine derivative having an aryl group at the 4-position is coordinated to a metal and the aryl group is bonded to the metal.
US08921546B2 Imidazolothiazole compounds for the treatment of disease
Compounds, compositions and methods are provided for modulating the activity of receptor kinases and for the treatment, prevention, or amelioration of one or more symptoms of disease or disorder mediated by receptor kinases.
US08921544B2 Oxazole tyrosine kinase inhibitors
The invention provides a compound which is an amide of the formula (1), or a salt, solvate, N-oxide or tautomer thereof; wherein: a is 0 or 1; b is 0 or 1: provided that the sum of a and b is 0 or 1; T is O or NH Ar1 is a monocyclic or bicyclic 5- to 10-membered aryl or heteroaryl group containing up to 4 heteroatoms selected from O, N and S, and being optionally substituted by one or more substituents R1; Ar2 Js a monocyclic or bicyclic 5- to 10-membered aryl or heteroaryl group containing up to 4 heteroatoms selected from O, N and S and being optionally substituted by one or more substituents R2; and R1 and R2 are as defined in the claims. The compounds are inhibitors of kinases and in particular FLT3, FLT4 and Aurora kinases.
US08921530B2 Method for the production of proteins
The present invention relates to a process for the purification of a protease.
US08921522B2 Binding molecules
The present invention relates to the manufacture of a diverse repertoire of functional heavy chain-only antibodies that undergo affinity maturation, and uses thereof. The invention also relates to the manufacture and use of a diverse repertoire of class-specific heavy chain-only antibodies and to the manufacture and use of multivalent polypeptide complexes with antibody heavy chain functionality, preferably antibody heavy chain binding functionality, constant region effector activity and, optionally, additional effector functions.The present invention also relates to a method of generation of fully functional heavy chain-only antibodies in transgenic mice in response to antigen challenge. In particular, the present invention relates to a method for the generation of human antigen-specific, high affinity, heavy chain-only antibodies of any class, or mixture of classes and the isolation and expression of fully functional VH antigen-binding domains.
US08921519B2 Single chain fusion polypeptides comprising soluble light cytokine domains
The present invention refers to single-chain fusion proteins comprising three soluble TNF superfamily (TNFSF) cytokine domains and nucleic acid molecules encoding these fusion proteins. The fusion proteins are substantially non-aggregating and suitable for therapeutic, diagnostic and/or research applications.
US08921515B2 Methods and compositions of preparation for proteome analysis
A method of extracting a polypeptide from a biological sample includes contacting the biological sample with an extraction reagent to form a solution of the biological sample and the extraction reagent. The extraction reagent includes perfluorooctanoic and can be used at a concentration effective to solubilize the polypeptides in the biological sample.
US08921514B2 Anti-viral compounds
Compounds effective in inhibiting replication of Hepatitis C virus (“HCV”) are described. This invention also relates to processes of making such compounds, compositions comprising such compounds, and methods of using such compounds to treat HCV infection.
US08921507B2 Thermoplastic resin with high thermal conductivity
Provided is a thermoplastic resin which (A) remarkably improves thermal conductivity of a resin composition when a thermally conductive filler is added and (B) can be injection-molded even by use of a general injection-molding die.The thermoplastic resin is a resin wherein: a main chain which mainly has a specific repeating unit; and 60 mol % or more ends of molecular chains are carboxyl groups.
US08921503B2 Foul preventing coating composition
The invention relates to a coating composition for use as a coating to prevent fouling in a marine environment, comprising: a) a curable polysiloxane polyoxyalkylene block copolymer; b) a catalyst of general formula (i) wherein each R1 is independently a monovalent hydrocarbon group, each R2 is independently selected from a hydrogen atom, a monovalent organic group, a siloxane group, or a silyl group of formula —SiR33, wherein each R3 is independently a monovalent hydrocarbon group, and n is an integer having a value of 0 or greater, and optionally: c) a filler and/or pigment.
US08921502B2 Modified polymer compositions
The invention provides a first composition comprising at least the following: i) a modified polymer comprising at least one branched modified polymer macromolecule (b1) and at least one linear modified polymer macromolecule (a1), and wherein the at least one branched modified polymer macromolecule and the at least one linear modified polymer macromolecule each, independently, comprises at least one amine group selected from the group consisting of formulas (1A-1F), each as described above: and combinations thereof; and wherein the at least one branched modified polymer macromolecule further comprises one of the structures (ib1-ib4) as described above, and the at least one linear modified polymer macromolecule further comprises one of the structures (iib1) as described above (see Formula 3A).
US08921501B2 Ultraviolet curable resin composition for transparent color-painted steel sheet, and steel sheet using same
An ultraviolet (UV) curable resin composition is provided which includes 25 to 45 parts by weight of a modified epoxy acrylate oligomer; and 10 to 25 parts by weight of a urethane acrylate oligomer. Further provided is a metal sheet that is transparent and corrosion resistant, impact resistant, scratch resistant, adhesive, anti-corrosive, and bendable (workable) by forming a coating film on the surface of a metal material such as a steel material, specifically a steel sheet, using the UV curable resin composition mentioned above.
US08921499B2 Method of preparing ethylene-α-olefin-diene copolymer
The present invention relates to a method of preparing an ethylene-α-olefin-diene copolymer and an ethylene-α-olefin-diene copolymer prepared thereby, by using a transition metal compound based on a cyclopenta[b]fluorenyl group as a catalyst.
US08921496B2 Curable composition
A curable composition and use thereof are provided. The exemplary curable composition can show excellent processability and workability. Also, the curable composition can have a high refractive index before or after curing. The composition has low moisture permeability before or after curing and shows excellent crack resistance, thermal shock resistance, adhesive property and hardness. In addition, the composition does not cause color change such as whitening, under a high-temperature or high-humidity condition, and does not exhibit stickiness on a surface thereof. The curable composition may be used as an adhesive material or as an encapsulation material for semiconductor devices such as an LED, a CCD, a photo coupler, or a photovoltaic cell.
US08921494B2 Thermally stable compositions containing resin-linear organosiloxane block copolymers
Solid compositions of organosiloxane block copolymers are disclosed having a tensile strength greater than 1.0 MPa and a % elongation at break greater than 40%. The organosiloxane block copolymers comprise: 40 to 90 mole percent disiloxy units of the formula [R12SiO2/2] 10 to 60 mole percent trisiloxy units of the formula [R2SiO3/2] 0.5 to 35 mole percent silanol groups [≡SiOH] where R1 is independently a C1 to C30 hydrocarbyl, R2 is independently a C1 to C20 hydrocarbyl, wherein; the disiloxy units [R12SiO2/2] are arranged in linear blocks having an average of from 10 to 400 disiloxy units [R12SiO2/2] per linear block, the trisiloxy units [R2SiO3/2] are arranged in non-linear blocks having a molecular weight of at least 500 g/mol, and at least 30% of the non-linear blocks are crosslinked with each other, each linear block is linked to at least one non-linear block, and the organosiloxane block copolymer has a molecular weight (Mw) of at least 20,000 g/mole.
US08921493B2 Process for preparing resin-linear organosiloxane block copolymers
A process is disclosed for preparing a resin-linear organosiloxane block copolymer by reacting in a first step an endcapped linear organosiloxane and an organosiloxane resin to form a resin-linear organosiloxane block copolymer. The resulting resin-linear organosiloxane block copolymer is then crosslinked in a second step to sufficiently increase the average molecular weight of the resin-linear organosiloxane block copolymer by at least 50%. The resin-linear organosiloxanes block copolymers prepared by the disclosed process may provide optically solid compositions which may be considered as “reprocessable”.
US08921490B2 Ultrafast heat/room temperature adhesive composition for bonding applications
The present invention relates to curable compositions which are capable of safely and sufficiently bonding components of electrical devices. In particular, the invention relates to two-part, halogen-free curable compositions which are capable of rapidly curing at room temperatures as well as at elevated temperatures.
US08921487B2 Oxygen scavenging terpolymers
A method and system for oxygen molecule scavenging is disclosed. The system employs as a novel terpolymer as the reducing agent for oxygen molecules. The terpolymer is the polymerization product of macrocyclic poly(alkylene dicarboxylate) oligomer, unsaturated functional polymer, and epoxy-functional styrene-acrylate oligomer.
US08921483B2 Thermoplastic elastomer composition
In order to improve fatigue durability of a thermoplastic elastomer composition composed of a matrix phase of a thermoplastic resin and dispersed phases of a rubber, the thermoplastic elastomer composition comprises (A) 100 parts by weight of a halogenated poly(isoolefin-co-p-alkylstyrene) rubber, (B) 40 to 120 parts by weight of a polyamide resin, and (C) 0.5 to 10 parts by weight of an amine having at least one hydroxyl group. The amine (C) having at least one hydroxyl group is preferably a compound represented by formula (1): where R1 is a C1-30 alkyl; R2 is —(C2H4O)n—H, where n is an integer of 1 to 30; and R3 is —(C2H4O)m—H, where m is an integer of 1 to 30, a C1-30 alkyl, or hydrogen.
US08921479B2 Associative ionic thickening agents containing alkylcyclohexanol alkoylates, their uses and formulations containing them
New associative thickening agents belonging to the category of HASEs (Hydrophobically modified Alkali-Soluble Emulsions). These products contain an original associative monomer with a base of alkylcyclohexanol akoxylates. Their thickening power is greater than the HASE associative thickening agents of the prior art containing grafted alkyl phenols. An efficient substitute product is therefore available, which is free of alkyls phenols, matching current market demand.
US08921478B2 Method of controlling gas hydrates in fluid systems
A method of inhibiting hydrates in a fluid comprising water and gas comprising adding to the fluid an effective hydrate-inhibiting amount of a composition comprising one or more copolymers of N-alkyl(alkyl)acrylamide monomers and one or more cationic monomers selected from acid and alkyl chloride quaternary salts of N,N-dialkylaminoalkyl(meth)acrylates and N,N-dialkylaminoalkyl(meth)acrylamides.
US08921468B2 Rubber composition for tire, tire member, base tread rubber composition, base tread and tire
A rubber composition for a tire includes a rubber component containing at least one of a natural rubber and an epoxidized natural rubber, silica and a natural based wax, wherein the silica is contained in an amount of 10 parts by mass or more based on 100 parts by mass of the rubber component and the natural based wax is contained in an amount of 1.2% by mass or more and 2% by mass or less based on the total mass of the rubber composition for a tire, and to a tread, a side wall, a clinch and a tire using the rubber composition. A rubber composition for a base tread used to form a base tread of a tire, the rubber composition includes a rubber component composed of a diene based rubber, silica contained in an amount 20 parts by mass or more and 70 parts by mass or less based on 100 parts by mass of the rubber component consisting of a diene based rubber and a natural based wax contained in an amount of 2 parts by mass or more and 15 parts by mass or less based on 100 parts by mass of said rubber component composed of the diene based rubber, and to a base tread and a tire obtained by using the rubber composition for a base tread.
US08921465B2 Polybutylene terephthalate resin composition
To provide a polybutylene terephthalate resin composition having excellent tracking resistance, mechanical strength, and low-hygroscopicity, and being flame-retarded by a non-halogen-containing flame retardant. A polybutylene terephthalate resin composition is prepared by compounding polyamide resin, an organic phosphorous flame retardant, and a nitrogen-containing flame retardant assistant into polybutylene terephthalate resin, wherein the content of the polyamide resin is not less than 1 part by mass and not more than 15 parts by mass to 100 parts by mass of the polybutylene terephthalate resin.
US08921464B2 Adhesive compositions and use thereof
The invention provides hot melt adhesives that comprise a templating agent, a polymer and a wax. It has been discovered that hot melt adhesives with an effective amount of templating agent have improved heat resistance than adhesives. The adhesives find particular use as case, carton, and tray forming, and as sealing adhesives, including heat sealing applications, for example in the packaging of cereals, cracker and beer products.
US08921459B2 Ink used for ink-jet computer-to-plate and preparation method thereof
Disclosed are a kind of ink used for ink-jet computer-to-plate (CTP) technology and the preparation method thereof. The ink comprises, in mass percent, 5% to 20% of cosslinkable resin, 5% to 25% of light solvent, and 55% to 90% of deionized water. The preparation method includes: mixing the components with stirring at room temperature; multistage filtering for removing insoluble substance and impurity in mixed solution after the crosslinkable resin being completely dissolved in the solvent; and thus to obtain the ink. An image with high resolution can be formed upon printing the ink on a treated aluminum plate and thermocuring. The aluminum plate can be printed directly by a printer, which reduces post treatment.
US08921451B2 Stabilization of compounds comprising iodine
Use of aziridines for stabilizing iodine-containing compounds, especially biocides.
US08921445B2 Curable adhesive compositions
Curable adhesive compositions are provided that exhibit a high refractive index.
US08921444B2 Process for the modification of polymers, in particular polymer nanoparticles
A process for the preparation of modified polymers by a photo-initiated polymerization includes preparing a polymerization medium comprising at least one photoinitiator comprising at least one phosphorous oxide (P═O) group or at least one phosphorous sulfide (P═S) group, and at least one polymerizable monomer. The at least one polymerizable monomer is polymerized by irradiating the polymerization medium with electromagnetic radiation so as to induce a generation of radicals so as to obtain a polymer. The polymer is modified by irradiating the polymer with electromagnetic radiation so as to induce a generation of radicals from the polymer in a presence of at least one modifying agent.
US08921439B2 Monohydroxy cyclic phosphonate substantially free of polyhydroxy phosphonate, process for making same and flame retardant flexible polyurethane foam obtained therefrom
A monohydroxy cyclic phosphonate substantially free of polyhydroxy phosphonate is employed as a reactive flame retardant in flexible polyurethane.
US08921436B2 Microporous polyolefin-based aerogels
Microporous polyolefin and microporous polydicyclopentadiene (polyDCPD) based aerogels and methods for preparing and using the same are provided. The aerogels are produced by forming a polymer gel structure within a solvent from a olefin or dicyclopentadiene monomer 5 via Ring Opening Metathesis Polymerization (ROMP) reactions, followed by supercritical drying to remove the solvent from the aerogel. Other aerogels are prepared by sequentially (1) mixing at least one dicyclopentadiene monomer, at least one solvent at least one catalyst and at least one inorganic and/or organic reinforcing material, (2) gelling the mixture, (3) aging, and (4) supercritical drying. Aerogels provided herein are inexpensive to prepare, possess desirable 10 thermal, mechanical, acoustic, chemical, and physical properties and are hydrophobic. The aerogels provided herein are suitable for use in various applications, including but not limited to thermal and acoustic insulation, radiation shielding, and vibrational damping applications.
US08921432B2 Method for producing hydrocarbons
A method for producing hydrocarbons includes: a synthesis step of synthesizing hydrocarbons by the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis reaction using a slurry bubble column reactor having a slurry containing catalyst particles and liquid hydrocarbons retained inside the reactor, and having a gas phase portion located above the slurry; a discharging step of passing the slurry through a filter positioned inside and/or outside the reactor, thereby separating and discharging the heavy liquid hydrocarbons; a backwash step of flushing liquid hydrocarbons through the filter in the opposite direction to the flow of the slurry, thereby returning the catalyst particles to the reactor; and a cooling and gas-liquid separation step of cooling the hydrocarbons discharged from the gas phase portion, and then separating and collecting the condensed light liquid hydrocarbons. The liquid hydrocarbons flushed through the filter in the backwash step include the light liquid hydrocarbons obtained in the cooling and gas-liquid separation step.
US08921428B2 Antifungal composition
There is provided a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment of fungal infection of the nail comprising a anti-fungal allylamine compound present in an amount of about 10%, an organic acid or an ester thereof, a diol and a sequestering agent where the pharmacological composition is essentially water-free.
US08921426B2 Cationic bis-urea compounds as effective antimicrobial agents
A cationic bis-urea compound is disclosed of formula (1): wherein: each m is independently an integer of 0 to 4, each k is independently 0 or 1, each Z′ is a monovalent radical independently selected from the group consisting of hydroxyl (*—OH), carboxyl (*—COOH), cyano (*—CN), nitro (*—NO2), sulfonate (*—SO3−), trifluoromethyl (*—CF3), halides, amine groups, ketone groups, alkyl groups comprising 1 to 6 carbons, alkoxy groups comprising 1 to 6 carbons, thioether groups comprising 1 to 6 carbons, and combinations thereof, each L′ is independently a divalent alkylene group comprising 1 to 6 carbons, wherein a *-[-L′-]k- is a single bond when k is 0, each Y′ is independently a monovalent non-polymeric radical comprising a positive charged amine, and each X′ is independently a negative charged counterion.
US08921414B2 Spiroketals
The present invention relates to spiroketal compounds that are useful in methods of treating or preventing protozoal infections, parasitic infections, bacterial infections, cell proliferative disorders and anti inflammatory disorders. The spiroketal compounds are also useful as immunosuppressive agents, and also in methods of controlling pests.
US08921387B2 Injectable flowable composition comprising buprenorphine
The present invention is directed to a buprenorphine sustained release delivery system capable of delivering buprenorphine, a metabolite, or a prodrug thereof for a duration of about 14 days to about 3 months. The buprenorphine sustained release delivery system includes a flowable composition and a solid implant for the sustained release of buprenorphine, a metabolite, or a prodrug thereof. The implant is produced from the flowable composition. The buprenorphine sustained release delivery system provides in situ 1-month and 3-month release profiles characterized by an exceptionally high bioavailability and minimal risk of permanent tissue damage and typically no risk of muscle necrosis.
US08921385B2 5-substituted quinazolinone derivatives and compositions comprising and methods of using the same
Provided are 5-substituted quinazolinone compounds, for example, of formula (I), and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, solvates, clathrates, stereoisomers, and prodrugs thereof. Methods of use for treating angiogenesis or cytokine related disorders, and pharmaceutical compositions of these compounds are disclosed.
US08921380B2 Pyrazolo[1,5-a] pyrimidine compounds as CB1 receptor antagonist
Pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine compound, having CB1 receptor-antagonizing activity, of formula [I]: wherein R1 and R2 are the same or different and each is an optionally substituted aryl group, etc., R0 is hydrogen, an alkyl group, etc., E is —C(═O)— or —SO2—, R is a group of formula [i], [ii] or [iii], etc: Ring A is a C3-8 cycloalkyl group optionally fused to a benzene ring or a benzene ring, Q is a single bond or a methylene group, Ring B is a 4- to 7-membered aliphatic heterocyclic group, said cyclic group binding via its ring-carbon atom to the adjacent nitrogen atom, X is sulfur atom, etc., R3 is an alkyl group optionally substituted by an alkylthio group, R4 is hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, etc., one of RA and RB is an alkyl group, etc., and the other is hydrogen, an alkyl group, etc., or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
US08921376B2 Pyrrolopyridines useful as inhibitors of protein kinase
The present invention relates to compounds useful as inhibitors of protein kinases, particularly of JAK family and ROCK family kinases. The invention also provides pharmaceutically acceptable compositions comprising said compounds and methods of using the compositions in the treatment of various disease, conditions, or disorders.
US08921375B2 Polymorphic forms of 1-[4-(5-cyanoindol-3-yl)butyl]-4-(2-carbamoylbenzofuran-5-yl) piperazine hydrochloride
The invention relates to new crystalline modifications of the hydrochloride of 1-[4-(5-cyanoindol-3-yl)butyl]-4-(2-carbamoyl-benzofuran-5-yl)-piperazine, crystalline modification of the dihydrochloride of 1-[4-(5-cyanoindol-3-yl)butyl]-4-(2-carbamoyl-benzofuran-5-yl)-piperazine and amorphous 1-[4-(5-cyanoindol-3-yl)butyl]-4-(2-carbamoyl-benzofuran-5-yl)-piperazine hydrochloride which are suitable in particular for the preparation of solid medicaments for the treatment or prevention of depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorders, mania, dementia, substance-related disorders, sexual dysfunctions, eating disorders, obesity, fibromyalgia, sleeping disorders, psychiatric disorders, cerebral infarct, tension, for the therapy of side-effects in the treatment of hypertension, cerebral disorders, chronic pain, acromegaly, hypogonadism, secondary amenorrhea, premenstrual syndrome and undesired puerperal lactation.
US08921374B2 Itraconazole compositions and dosage forms, and methods of using the same
The disclosure relates to, among other things, pharmaceutical compositions, such as solid oral dosage forms, comprising itraconazole, methods of making the compositions, and methods of using the same for treating disorders including, but not limited to, fungal infections.
US08921364B2 Modulators of calcium release-activated calcium channel
Disclosed are novel calcium release-activated calcium (CRAC) channel inhibitors, methods for preparing them, pharmaceutical compositions containing them, and methods of treatment using them. The present disclosure also relates to methods for treating non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with CRAC inhibitors, and to methods for identifying therapeutics for treating and of diagnosing cancer.
US08921363B2 Derivatives of 1 H-isoindol-3-amine, 1 H-iso-aza-indol-3amine, 3,4-dihydroisoquinolin-1-amine, and 1,4-dihydroisoquinolin-3-amine as beta-secretase inhibitors
The present invention relates to a compound represented by general formula I: or a stereoisomer, tautomer, hydrate, solvate or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, R2, R7, W, X, Y and Z are defined within. These compounds are useful for the modulation of β-secretase enzyme activity and for the treatment of β-secretase mediated diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD) and related conditions.
US08921362B2 6,7-dialkoxy quinazoline derivatives and methods of treating drug resistant and other tumors
Compounds of formula (I) in which: R1 is: R2 is —CH3 or —CH2CH3; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. Pharmaceutical compositions including the compound of formula (I) and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Processes for preparing the compound of formula (I). Methods of inhibiting a receptor tyrosine kinase in a subject in need thereof. Methods of inhibiting the growth of a tumor cell in a subject in need thereof. Methods of treating pancreatic cancer in a subject in need of treatment for pancreatic cancer. Methods of treating HER2 positive breast cancer in a subject in need of treatment for HER2 positive breast cancer. Methods of treating drug resistant non-small cell lung cancer in a subject in need of treatment for drug resistant non-small cell lung cancer. Each of these methods can include administering to the subject an effective amount of a compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
US08921355B2 Macrocyclic indole derivatives useful as hepatitis C virus inhibitors
Inhibitors of HCV replication of formula (I) including stereochemically isomeric forms, and salts, hydrates, solvates thereof, wherein R1, R2, R4, R5, R6 and R7 have the meaning defined in the claims. The present invention also relates to processes for preparing said compounds, pharmaceutical compositions containing them and their use in HCV therapy.
US08921354B2 Heterocyclic compound
Provided is a compound useful for the prophylaxis or treatment of cancer.The present invention relates to a compound represented by formula (I): wherein each symbol in the formula is as defined in the specification, or a salt thereof or a prodrug thereof, which is useful for the prophylaxis or treatment of cancer.
US08921351B2 Liquid crystalline phytosterol-glycerine complex for enhanced bioavailability and water dispersal
Edible phytosterol-containing compositions include molecular complexes of non-esterified phytosterols (P) and glycerine (G) in the form of liquid crystalline microparticles. Addition of an emulsifier (M) such as a monoglyceride or a modified lecithin, and optionally an ionic surfactant, to the complex facilitates its dispersal in an aqueous medium. A composition containing either the binary PG or ternary PGM molecular complexes can be formulated as a beverage, food product, or nutritional supplement. When administered to a human subject, the complexes sequester cholesterol in the gastrointestinal tract and reduce LDL cholesterol and total plasma cholesterol levels.
US08921347B2 Compositions and methods for treating Alzheimer's disease and related disorders and promoting a healthy nervous system
Methods of inhibiting the onset and progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD), mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and related neurodegenerative disorders involving amyloidosis are provided. The methods involve administering a composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of D-pinitol to individuals who are at risk of developing the disease or have one or more symptoms of the disease. Also provided are methods of treating or preventing Alzheimer's disease or MCI that involve the use of such compositions. Also provided are methods of using D-pinitol to promote a healthy nervous system and as a food supplement.
US08921346B2 Preparation method of drospirenone
The present invention discloses the preparation method of drospirenone. 3β,5-dyhydroxy-6β,7β,15β, 16β-dimethylene- 5β-androstane-17,20-epoxy is taken as the raw material. It is subject to oxidization of the hydroxyl at the 3rd position, ketalization of 3-ketone group, condensation reaction and deesterification to obtain carboxylic acid lactone, sulfonation of the hydroxyl at the 5th position, and deketalization and desulphonation in the reaction system of glacial acetic acid and sodium acetate to produce the 3-keto-4-alkenyl compound, thus obtaining drospirenone. The preparation method of the invention has high intensification, reaction specificity, less by-products and high yield of products in each step, thus overcoming the disadvantages of low yield and unstable quality.
US08921335B2 Oral delivery of nucleic acid-based gene interfering agents by Salmonella
the Present Invention Provides Vectors, Including a Novel Attenuated Strain of Salmonella, for Efficient Gene Transfer into an Animal, e.g. a Mammalian Host.
US08921331B2 Methods for slowing familial ALS disease progression
Methods for slowing disease progression in an individual suffering from familial ALS are provided. Also provided are methods of increasing the survival time of an individual suffering from familial ALS. These methods employ antisense oligonucleotides targeted to SOD1, for use in inhibiting the expression of SOD1 in the central nervous system of an individual suffering from familial ALS.
US08921330B2 Treatment of down syndrome gene related diseases by inhibition of natural antisense transcript to a down syndrome gene
The present invention relates to antisense oligonucleotides that modulate the expression of and/or function of a Down Syndrome Gene, in particular, by targeting natural antisense polynucleotides of a Down Syndrome Gene. The invention also relates to the identification of these antisense oligonucleotides and their use in treating diseases and disorders associated with the expression of Down Syndrome Genes.
US08921328B2 E-selectin antagonists
Compounds, compositions and methods are provided for inhibiting in vitro and in vivo processes mediated by E-selectin binding. More specifically, particular glycomimetic compounds are described, wherein the compounds are E-selectin antagonists.
US08921325B2 Template-fixed peptidomimetics
The template-fixed β-hairpin peptidomimetics Cyclo(-Tyr-His-X-Cys-Ser-Ala-DPro-Dab-Arg-Tyr-Cys-Tyr-Gln-Lys-DPro-Pro), disulfide bond between Cys4 and Gys11, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, with X being Ala or Tyr, have CXCR4 antagonizing properties and can be used for preventing HIV infections in healthy individuals or for slowing and halting viral progression in infected patients; or where Cancer is mediated or resulting from CXCR4 receptor activity; or where immunological diseases are mediated or resulting from CXCR4 receptor activity; or for treating immuno suppression; or, in particular, for stem cell mobilization of peripheral blood stem cells and/or mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) and/or other stem cells which retention depend on the CXCR4-receptor. These β-hairpin peptidomimetics can be manufactured by a process which is based on a mixed solid- and Solution phase synthetic strategy, using methods which are well known to those adequately skilled in peptide chemistry.
US08921323B2 Methods and compositions for modulating BCL-2 family polypeptides
The present invention is based, at least in part, on the identification of a novel active site on BCL-2 family polypeptide such as BAX, which when bound by a compound, modifies the activity of the BCL-2 family polypeptide.
US08921318B2 Application of initial doses of LHRH analogues and maintenance doses of LHRH antagonists for the treatment of hormone-dependent cancers and corresponding pharmaceutical kits
LHRH analogs and LHRH antagonists for use in the treatment or prophylaxis of hormone-dependent cancers, in particular prostate cancer, prostate carcinoma and/or advanced prostate carcinoma, by administering an initial dose of an LHRH analog over a first period sufficient to effect hormonal castration, then administering a maintenance dose of an LHRH antagonist over a second period, the dose being insufficient to achieve and/or maintain hormonal castration.
US08921305B2 Crotoxin administration for cancer treatment and pain relief
Disclosed is a method for treating cancer and/or pain using an intra-patient dose escalation procedure to deliver dosages of crotoxin.
US08921290B2 Gear oil compositions
A novel lubricant composition is disclosed. In one embodiment the lubricant composition comprises in admixture: a first base stock component comprising one or more base stocks each having a viscosity of at least 40 cSt, Kv100° C. and a molecular weight distribution (MWD) as a function of viscosity at least 10 percent less than algorithm: MWD=0.2223+1.0232*log (Kv at 100° C. in cSt); and a second base stock component comprising at least one Poly-Alpha-Olefin (PAO) base stock and at least one Group III base stock, each having a viscosity less than 10 cSt, Kv100° C.
US08921287B2 Lubricating oil composition
The present invention provides a lubricating oil composition with excellent torque capacity and shifting characteristics suitable for use as automatic or continuously variable transmission fluids, which composition comprises a base oil and, on the basis of the total mass of the composition, (A) a sulfonate detergent in an amount of 0.01 to 0.3 percent by mass in terms of metal (MeA); (B) a salicylate detergent in an amount of 0 or more than 0 and 0.1 percent by mass or less, in terms of metal (MeB); and (C) a boron-containing succinimide type ashless dispersant in an amount of 0.001 to 0.1 percent by mass in terms of boron (BoC); (MeB)/(MeA) being 0, or greater than 0 and 1.5 or less, and (MeA)/(BoC) being from 0.001 to 20.
US08921285B2 Particles slurried in oil for viscoelastic surfactant gelled fluids
Fluids viscosified with viscoelastic surfactants (VESs) may have their fluid loss properties improved with the presence of at least one mineral oil slurried together in combination with at least one particulate fluid loss control agent that may be an alkaline earth metal oxides, alkaline earth metal hydroxides, transition metal oxides, transition metal hydroxides, and mixtures thereof. The mineral oil having the particulate fluid loss control agents slurried within it may initially be dispersed oil droplets in an internal, discontinuous phase of the fluid. In one non-limiting embodiment, the slurry is added to the fluid after it has been substantially gelled. The mineral oil/particulate slurry may enhance the ability of a particulate fluid loss control agent to reduce fluid loss. The presence of the mineral oil may also eventually reduce the viscosity of the VES-gelled aqueous fluid.
US08921277B2 Multiplexed flow assay based on absorption-encoded micro beads
Analysis of a system and/or sample involves the use of absorption-encoded micro beads. Each type of micro bead is encoded with amounts of the k dyes in a proportional relationship that is different from proportional relationships of the k dyes of others of the n types of absorption-encoded micro beads. A system and/or a sample can be analyzed using information obtained from detecting the one or more types of absorption-encoded micro beads.
US08921273B2 Substituted pyridazines having herbicidal action
Substituted pyridazines of the formula I in which the variables are defined according to the description, processes and intermediates for preparing the compounds of the formula I and their N-oxides, their agriculturally suitable salts, compositions comprising them and their use as herbicides, and also methods for controlling unwanted vegetation.
US08921271B2 Herbicidal composition comprising flazasulfuron and metribuzin
Many herbicidal compositions have been developed and are presently used. However, weeds to be controlled are various in types and their emergence extends over a long period. Accordingly, it is desired to develop a herbicidal composition which has a broader herbicidal spectrum, a high activity and a long-lasting effect.The present invention provides a herbicidal composition comprising, as active ingredients, (a) flazasulfuron or its salt and (b) metribuzin or its salt.
US08921245B2 Glass substrate and method for manufacturing same
The present invention provides a glass substrate having high glass transition temperature and small compaction (C) in a heat treatment at a low temperature (150 to 300° C.), the glass substrate including SiO2, Al2O3, B2O3, MgO, CaO, SrO, BaO, ZrO2, Na2O, K2O, and Li2O, wherein each amount of these compounds is specifically limited, Al2O3+K2O is 7 to 27 mass %, Na2O+K2O is 11.5 to 22 mass %, MgO+CaO+SrO+BaO is 0.2 to 14 mass %, MgO+0.357Al2O3−0.239K2O−5.58 is −3.0 to 1.5, Na2O+0.272Al2O3+0.876K2O−16.77 is −2.5 to 2.5, a glass transition temperature is 500° C. or higher, and an average thermal expansion coefficient at 50 to 350° C. is 100×10−7/° C. or less.
US08921244B2 Hydroxyl polymer fiber fibrous structures and processes for making same
Hydroxyl polymer fiber fibrous structures and processes for making same are provided. More particularly, hydroxyl polymer fiber fibrous structures comprising a non-naturally occurring hydroxyl polymer fiber wherein the fibrous structure exhibits a total pore volume of pores in the range of greater than 20 μm to 500 μm of greater than 3.75 mm3/mg of dry fibrous structure mass, and/or fibrous structures comprising a hydroxyl polymer fiber and a solid additive are provided.
US08921241B2 Electroconductive tape
An electroconductive tape (10) is characterized in that an adhesive film (3) composed of an adhesive is provided only on the open space between threads of an electroconductive mesh fabric having a metallic coating on the surface, the metallic coating being exposed and not covered by the adhesive film (3) on both surfaces of the electroconductive mesh fabric; thermoplastic synthetic fiber monofilament thread is included in part of the threads of the electroconductive mesh fabric; a value M that is obtained by an Equation (1): M=[(B1+B2)−C]/(B1+B2) is within a range of 0.05 to 0.45 (where B1 is the average diameter of the monofilament in the thickness direction of the electroconductive tape at places other than at the crossing points, B2 is the average diameter of the thread that crosses the monofilament in the thickness direction of the electroconductive tape at places other than at the crossing points, and C is the thickness of the electroconductive tape at the crossing points where the monofilament crosses other thread).
US08921233B2 Microelectronic fabrication methods using composite layers for double patterning
Some embodiments provide microelectronic fabrication methods in which a sacrificial pattern is formed on a substrate. A spacer formation layer is formed on the substrate, the spacer formation layer covering the sacrificial pattern. The spacer formation layer is etched to expose an upper surface of the sacrificial pattern and to leave at least one spacer on at least one sidewall of the sacrificial pattern. A first portion of the sacrificial pattern having a first width is removed while leaving intact a second portion of the sacrificial pattern having a second width greater than the first width to thereby form a composite mask pattern including the at least one spacer and a portion of the sacrificial layer. An underlying portion of the substrate is etched using the composite mask pattern as an etching mask.
US08921227B2 Semiconductor device assembly and semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the same
A method of manufacturing, at a reduced cost, a semiconductor device assembly and a semiconductor device, having a conductive support which is not eroded by an etchant for a lift-off layer even when the lift-off layer is made of a material for which no suitable selective etching solution has been found is provided. In the method of manufacturing the semiconductor device assembly, a plating step of forming a conductive support is carried out such that a first metal which is dissolved with an etchant is encapsulated in second metal which are not dissolved with the etchant, and through-holes for supplying etchant are formed in the second metal.
US08921217B2 Methods of forming gate structures for reduced leakage
Integrated circuits containing transistors are provided. A transistor may include a gate structure formed over an associated well region. The well region may be actively biased and may serve as a body terminal. The well region of one transistor may be formed adjacent to a gate structure of a neighboring transistor. If the gate structure of the neighboring transistor and the well region of the one transistor are both actively biased and are placed close to one another, substantial leakage may be generated. Computer-aided design tools may be used to identify actively driven gate terminals and well regions and may be used to determine whether each gate-well pair is spaced sufficiently far from one another. If a gate-well pair is too close, the design tools may locate an existing gate cut layer and extend the existing gate cut layer to cut the actively driven gate structure.
US08921206B2 Semiconductor process
First, a substrate with a recess is provided in a semiconductor process. Second, an embedded SiGe layer is formed in the substrate. The embedded SiGe layer includes an epitaxial SiGe material which fills up the recess. Then, a pre-amorphization implant (PAI) procedure is carried out on the embedded SiGe layer to form an amorphous region. Next, a source/drain implanting procedure is carried out on the embedded SiGe layer to form a source doping region and a drain doping region. Later, a source/drain annealing procedure is carried out to form a source and a drain in the substrate. At least one of the pre-amorphization implant procedure and the source/drain implanting procedure is carried out in a cryogenic procedure below −30° C.
US08921202B2 Semiconductor device and fabrication method thereof
The invention provides a semiconductor device. A buried layer is formed in a substrate. A first deep trench contact structure is formed in the substrate. The first deep trench contact structure comprises a conductor and a liner layer formed on a sidewall of the conductor. A bottom surface of the first deep trench contact structure is in contact with the buried layer.
US08921201B2 Integrated semiconductor devices with amorphous silicon beam, methods of manufacture and design structure
Bulk acoustic wave filters and/or bulk acoustic resonators integrated with CMOS processes, methods of manufacture and design structures are disclosed. The method includes forming at least one beam comprising amorphous silicon material and providing an insulator material over and adjacent to the amorphous silicon beam. The method further includes forming a via through the insulator material and exposing a material underlying the amorphous silicon beam. The method further includes providing a sacrificial material in the via and over the amorphous silicon beam. The method further includes providing a lid on the sacrificial material and over the insulator material. The method further includes venting, through the lid, the sacrificial material and the underlying material to form an upper cavity above the amorphous silicon beam and a lower cavity below the amorphous silicon beam, respectively.
US08921200B2 Nonvolatile storage element and method of manufacturing thereof
A method of manufacturing a variable resistance nonvolatile memory element includes: forming a lower electrode layer above a substrate; forming, on the lower electrode layer, a variable resistance layer including an oxygen-deficient transition metal oxide; forming an upper electrode layer on the variable resistance layer; and forming a patterned mask on the upper electrode layer and etching the upper electrode layer, the variable resistance layer, and the lower electrode layer using the patterned mask. In the etching, at least the variable resistance layer is etched using an etching gas containing bromine.
US08921197B2 Integrated circuits with SRAM cells having additional read stacks and methods for their fabrication
Integrated circuits that include SRAM cells having additional read stacks and methods for their fabrication are provided. In accordance with one embodiment a method for fabricating such an integrated circuit includes forming a plurality of SRAM cells in and on a semiconductor substrate, each of the plurality of SRAM cells including a read pull down transistor and a read pass gate transistor. First conductivity-determining impurity ions are implanted to establish a first threshold voltage in each of the read pull down transistors; and second conductivity-determining impurity ions are implanted to establish a second threshold voltage different than the first threshold voltage in each of the read pass gate transistors.
US08921195B2 Isolation scheme for bipolar transistors in BiCMOS technology
Methods for fabricating a device structure, as well as device structures and design structures for a bipolar junction transistor. The device structure includes a collector region in a substrate, a plurality of isolation structures extending into the substrate and comprised of an electrical insulator, and an isolation region in the substrate. The isolation structures have a length and are arranged with a pitch transverse to the length such that each adjacent pair of the isolation structures is separated by a respective section of the substrate. The isolation region is laterally separated from at least one of the isolation structures by a first portion of the collector region. The isolation region laterally separates a second portion of the collector region from the first portion of the collector region. The device structure further includes an intrinsic base on the second portion of the collector region and an emitter on the intrinsic base. The emitter has a length transversely oriented relative to the length of the isolation structures.
US08921193B2 Pre-gate dielectric process using hydrogen annealing
The preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a novel method of forming MOS devices using hydrogen annealing. The method includes providing a semiconductor substrate including a first region and a second region, forming at least a portion of a first MOS device covering at least a portion of the first active region, performing a hydrogen annealing in an ambient containing substantially pure hydrogen on the semiconductor substrate. The hydrogen annealing is performed after the step of the at least a portion of the first MOS device is formed, and preferably after a pre-oxidation cleaning. The method further includes forming a second MOS device in the second active region after hydrogen annealing. The hydrogen annealing causes the surface of the second active region to be substantially rounded, while the surface of the first active region is substantially flat.
US08921191B2 Integrated circuits including FINFET devices with lower contact resistance and reduced parasitic capacitance and methods for fabricating the same
Integrated circuits and methods for fabricating integrated circuits are provided. In one example, an integrated circuit includes a semiconductor substrate. A first fin and a second fin are adjacent to each other extending from the semiconductor substrate. The first fin has a first upper section and the second fin has a second upper section. A first epi-portion overlies the first upper section and a second epi-portion overlies the second upper section. A first silicide layer overlies the first epi-portion and a second silicide layer overlies the second epi-portion. The first and second silicide layers are spaced apart from each other to define a lateral gap. A dielectric spacer is formed of a dielectric material and spans the lateral gap. A contact-forming material overlies the dielectric spacer and portions of the first and second silicide layers that are laterally above the dielectric spacer.
US08921182B2 Method for fabricating 3D nonvolatile memory device with vertical channel hole
A method for fabricating a nonvolatile memory device includes forming a stacked structure having a plurality of interlayer dielectric layers and a plurality of sacrificial layers wherein interlayer dielectric layers and sacrificial layers are alternately stacked over a substrate, forming a first hole exposing a part of the substrate by selectively etching the stacked structure, forming a first insulation layer in the first hole, forming a second hole exposing the part of the substrate by selectively etching the first insulation layer, and forming a channel layer in the second hole.
US08921178B2 Semiconductor devices with self-aligned source drain contacts and methods for making the same
Improved formation of replacement metal gate transistors is obtained by utilizing a silicon to metal substitution reaction. After removing the dummy gate, a gate dielectric and work function metal are deposited. The work function metal is deposited to a different thickness for the P-channel transistors than for the N-channel transistors. A sacrificial polysilicon gate is then formed, which is caused to undergo substitution with a metal such as aluminum.
US08921175B2 Process of forming an electronic device including a nonvolatile memory cell
An electronic device can include a tunnel structure that includes a first electrode, a second electrode, and tunnel dielectric layer disposed between the electrodes. In a particular embodiment, the tunnel structure may or may not include an intermediate doped region that is at the primary surface, abuts a lightly doped region, and has a second conductivity type opposite from and a dopant concentration greater than the lightly doped region. In another embodiment, the electrodes have opposite conductivity types. In a further embodiment, an electrode can be formed from a portion of a substrate or well region, and the other electrode can be formed over such portion of the substrate or well region.
US08921172B2 Junction field effect transistor structure with P-type silicon germanium or silicon germanium carbide gate(s) and method of forming the structure
Disclosed are embodiments of a junction field effect transistor (JFET) structure with one or more P-type silicon germanium (SiGe) or silicon germanium carbide (SiGeC) gates (i.e., a SiGe or SiGeC based heterojunction JFET). The P-type SiGe or SiGeC gate(s) allow for a lower pinch off voltage (i.e., lower Voff) without increasing the on resistance (Ron). Specifically, SiGe or SiGeC material in a P-type gate limits P-type dopant out diffusion and, thereby ensures that the P-type gate-to-N-type channel region junction is more clearly defined (i.e., abrupt as opposed to graded). By clearly defining this junction, the depletion layer in the N-type channel region is extended. Extending the depletion layer in turn allows for a faster pinch off (i.e., requires lower Voff). P-type SiGe or SiGeC gate(s) can be incorporated into conventional lateral JFET structures and/or vertical JFET structures. Also disclosed herein are embodiments of a method of forming such a JFET structure.
US08921171B2 Method for forming gate structure, method for forming semiconductor device, and semiconductor device
A method for forming a gate structure, comprising: providing a substrate, where the substrate includes a nMOSFET area and a pMOSFET area, each of the nMOSFET area and the pMOSFET area has a gate trench, and each of the gate trenches is provided at a bottom portion with a gate dielectric layer; forming a gate dielectric capping layer on the substrate; forming an etching stop layer on the gate dielectric capping layer; forming an oxygen scavenging element layer on the etching stop layer; forming a first work function adjustment layer on the oxygen scavenging element layer; etching the first work function adjustment layer above the nMOSFET area; forming a second work function adjustment layer on the surface of the substrate; metal layer depositing and annealing to fill the gate trenches with a metal layer; and removing the metal layer outside the gate trenches.
US08921169B2 Semiconductor device and fabrication method thereof
For forming a gate electrode, a conductive film with low resistance including Al or a material containing Al as its main component and a conductive film with low contact resistance for preventing diffusion of Al into a semiconductor layer are laminated, and the gate electrode is fabricated by using an apparatus which is capable of performing etching treatment at high speed.
US08921160B2 3D IC configuration with contactless communication
A package comprises a die stack having at least two stacked dies coupled for contactless communications with each other. At least one of the stacked dies has a substrate joined to its major face. The substrate has a plurality of conductive traces in or on the substrate for conducting power to the dies and for conducting heat from the dies. At least one conductive pillar is joined to at least one of the conductive traces on at least a first edge of the substrate, for conducting power to the at least one die and for conducting heat from the at least one die.
US08921158B1 Semiconductor device having mode of operation defined by inner bump assembly connection
Semiconductor devices are described that are configured to have a state of operation defined by a connection between at least one inner bump assembly and a selected outer bump assembly. In an implementation, the semiconductor device, which may be a wafer-level (chip-scale) package semiconductor device, includes an integrated circuit chip, a plurality of outer bump assemblies disposed on the chip, and one or more inner bump assemblies disposed on the chip so that the inner bump assemblies are at least partially surrounded by the outer bump assemblies. At least one of the inner bump assemblies is configured to be connected to a selected outer bump assembly to cause the integrated circuit chip to have a desired state of operation.
US08921157B2 Printed substrate manufacturing equipment and manufacturing method
Solder bumps are formed on a plurality of electrode parts of a printed substrate and a semiconductor chip is loaded on the printed substrate via the plurality of solder bumps. In this case, a thermoplastic film is prepared as an underfill that covers a surface of the printed substrate on which the solder bumps are formed. In the film, parts corresponding to the solder bumps are removed and a peripheral edge of a part on which the semiconductor chip will be loaded has a protruded form. After the printed substrate has been covered with the film, the film is bonded onto the board and the semiconductor chip is loaded on the printed substrate and carried into a reflow furnace. In the reflow furnace, heat and pressure are applied to fuse the solder bumps.
US08921141B2 Nanopyramid sized opto-electronic structure and method for manufacturing of same
Aspects of the invention provide methods and devices. In one embodiment, the invention relates to the growing of nitride semiconductors, applicable for a multitude of semiconductor devices such as diodes, LEDs and transistors. According to the method of the invention nitride semiconductor nanopyramids are grown utilizing a CVD based selective area growth technique. The nanopyramids are grown directly or as core-shell structures.
US08921140B2 Simultaneous modulation of quantum dot photoluminescence using orthogonal fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) and charge transfer quenching (CTQ)
Quantum dots are modified with varying amounts of (a) a redox-active moiety effective to perform charge transfer quenching, and (b) a fluorescent dye effective to perform fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET), so that the modified quantum dots have a plurality of photophysical properties. The FRET and charge transfer pathways operate independently, providing for two channels of control for varying luminescence of quantum dots having the same innate properties.
US08921135B2 Method for manufacturing device
A method for manufacturing a device having a concavo-convex structure includes forming an organic resist film on an n-type semiconductor layer in which a fine concavo-convex structure is to be formed; forming a silicon-containing resist film on the organic resist film; patterning the silicon-containing resist film by nanoimprint; oxidizing the silicon-containing resist film with oxygen-containing plasma to form a silicon oxide film; dry-etching the organic resist film by using the silicon oxide film as an etching mask; dry-etching the n-type semiconductor layer by using the silicon oxide film and the organic resist film as an etching masks; and removing the silicon oxide film and the organic resist film.
US08921132B2 Method for manufacturing LED package
A method for manufacturing an LED package includes providing a substrate including an insulating layer inlayed with first and second electrodes. The first and second electrodes define a chip fastening area. An LED chip is fastened on the chip fastening area and electrically connected to the first and second electrodes. A buffer layer including a shelter and grooves is brought to be located over the substrate wherein the shelter covers the chip fastening area and the grooves are located over portions of the substrate beside the first and second electrodes. A reflecting layer is formed in the grooves of the buffer layer by injecting liquid material into the grooves. The buffer layer is removed after the liquid material is solidified and a through hole is defined. An encapsulant is formed to cover the LED chip by injecting the encapsulant into the through hole and the chip fastening area.
US08921128B2 Method of manufacturing MEMS devices with reliable hermetic seal
Manufactured capped MEMS device wafers are tested for hermeticity on a vacuum prober at differing pressures or on a wafer prober at differing temperatures. Resonant frequency testing is conducted. Leaking MEMS devices are distinguished from the remaining MEMS devices on the basis of quality factor (“Q”) measurements obtained from the resonant frequency testing.
US08921127B2 Semiconductor device and method of simultaneous testing of multiple interconnects for electro-migration
A semiconductor device has a substrate and conductive layer over the substrate. A resistive element is formed between first and second portions of the conductive layer. A plurality of semiconductor die each with first and second bumps is mounted to the substrate with the first and second bumps electrically connected to the first and second portions of the conductive layer. A test current is routed in sequence through the first portion of the conductive layer, through the first and second bumps, and through the second portion of the conductive layer until continuity failure of the second bump. The test current originates from a single power supply. The test current continues to flow through the resistive element after the continuity failure of the second bump. The continuity failure can be detected by sensing an increase in voltage across the second bump.
US08921123B2 Multi-directional microfluidic devices comprising a pan-capture binding region
Microfluidic devices and methods for using the same are provided. Aspects of the invention include microfluidic devices that include a separation medium and a pan-capture binding medium. The microfluidic devices are configured to subject a sample to two or more directionally distinct electric fields. Also provided are methods of using the devices as well as systems and kits that include the devices. The devices, systems and methods find use in a variety of different applications, including diagnostic and validation assays.
US08921118B2 Paper-based microfluidic systems
Paper-based microfluidic systems and methods of making the same are described.
US08921115B2 Apparatus and method for analyzing blood clotting
The invention includes systems, apparatuses and methods to evaluate the strength of clotting in addition to or separate from activated clotting time. The strength of clotting may be correlated with the amount of energy employed to move an object within blood. The strength of clotting may be correlated with the amount of time for fibrinolysis to occur. The strength of clotting may be determined by a system in which a ferromagnetic material is moved within blood.
US08921114B2 Diagnosis support system for cancer, diagnosis support information providing method for cancer, and computer program product
A diagnosis support system for cancer is disclosed that comprises: a measurement value acquiring section for acquiring a measurement value of a first cancer patient; a sample data memory for storing sample data of a plurality of cancer patients different from the first patient; a reference range determination section for determining a reference range based on the measurement value of the first cancer patient; a display unit; and a display controller for controlling the display unit to display a diagnosis support screen showing the clinical information included in the sample data having measurement value within the reference range. A method of providing cancer diagnosis support information and a computer program product are also disclosed.
US08921104B2 Method for producing dendritic cells
Disclosed are embryonic stem cell-derived dendritic cells, genetically modified immature dendritic cells capable of maturation, as well as methods for the production of such cells. In one embodiment, the cells made be produced by a method comprising the steps of providing a population of embryonic stem cells; culturing the embryonic stem cells in the presence of a cytokine or combination of cytokines which brings about differentiation of the embryonic stem cells into dendritic cells; and recovering the dendritic cells from the culture. In a further embodiment, the cells may be genetically modified.
US08921096B2 Pump cart for a biological liquid treatment installation
The invention concerns a pump cart for a biological liquid treatment installation, having a first lateral face (40), and a second lateral face (41) by which it is configured to be juxtaposed against a conveying network cart (1) of the installation and a front face (42) meeting the lateral faces (40, 41), and comprising at least one pump (414), a pump support (50) on which is mounted said pump (414), and a guide member for making said pump (414) movable in translation and on which said support (50) is mounted; said support (50) being movable in translation in a direction going from the first lateral face (40) towards the second lateral face (41); whereby said pump (414) is disposed at a predetermined location on said cart (2) depending on the type of treatment carried out.
US08921090B2 Acyl-ACP wax ester synthases
The invention relates to acyl-CoA-independent methods of producing a wax ester in recombinant host cells engineered to express an acyl-ACP wax ester synthase, and an alcohol-forming acyl-ACP reductase. The methods of the invention may take place in photosynthetic microorganisms, and particularly in cyanobacteria. Isolated nucleotide molecules and vectors expressing an acyl-ACP wax ester synthase and/or an alcohol-forming acyl-ACP reductase, recombinant host cells expressing an acyl-ACP wax ester synthase and optionally an alcohol-forming acyl-ACP reductase, and systems for producing a wax ester via an acyl-CoA-independent pathway, are also provided.
US08921083B2 Modified microorganism for high efficient production of 1,4-butanediol
A modified microorganism for producing a high yield of 1,4-butanediol, and a method of producing 1,4-butanediol using the modified microorganism, wherein the modified microorganism is altered so as to delete or disrupt expression of at least one of transcription regulatory factor NCg12886, GCN5-related N-acetyltransferase NCg12090, hypothetical protein NCg10224 or sugar phosphate isomerase/epimerase NCg12956.
US08921081B2 Powdery lipase preparation, method for producing the same and use thereof
The present invention discloses a powdery lipase preparation which is a granulated material comprising a lipase derived from Rhizopus oryzae and/or a lipase derived from Rhizopus delemar and a soybean powder having a fat content of 5 mass % or more. A lipase activity is improved by using this powdery lipase preparation.
US08921080B2 Pig liver esterases
The invention relates to an isolated polypeptide having esterase activity comprising an amino acid sequence shown in any one of SEQ ID NO's 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 or 14 or a homologue thereof, comprising an amino acid substitution or deletion of one or more amino acids as shown in said SEQ ID NO's and resulting in a mutant polypeptide having an increased concentration of the fraction of the mutant polypeptide being present as an active and soluble protein in cleared lysate of the mutant polypeptide expressed in E. coli relative to the concentration of the fraction of the polypeptide without the mutation being present as an active and soluble protein in cleared lysate of the polypeptide without the one or more deletion or substitution expressed in E. coli under the same conditions. The invention also relates to nucleic acid encoding the polypeptides according to the invention, and the use of the polypeptides.
US08921077B2 Method of producing a diutan gum
The production of a diutan polysaccharide exhibiting increased viscosity properties as compared with previously produced polysaccharide of the same type of repeating units. Such an improved diutan polysaccharide is produced through the generation of a derivative of Sphingomonas sp. ATCC 53159 that harbors a multicopy broad host range plasmid into which genes for biosynthesis of diutan polysaccharide have been cloned. The inventive methods of production of such an improved diutan polysaccharide, as well as the novel cloned genes required to produce the improved diutan within such a method, are also encompassed within this invention. Additionally, the novel engineered Sphingomonas strain including the needed DNA sequence is encompassed within this invention.
US08921071B2 Targeting poly-gamma-glutamic acid to treat Staphylococcus epidermidis and related infections
Immunogenic compositions and methods for eliciting an immune response against S. epidermidis and other related staphylococci are provided. The immunogenic compositions can include immunogenic conjugates of poly-γ-glutamic acid (such as γDLPGA) polypeptides of S. epidermidis, or related staphylococci that express a γPGA polypeptide. The γPGA conjugates elicit an effective immune response against S. epidermidis, or other staphylococci, in subjects to which the conjugates are administered. A method of treating an infection caused by a Staphylococcus organism that expresses cap genes is also disclosed. The method can include selecting a subject who is at risk of or has been diagnosed with the infection by the Staphylococcus organism which expresses γPGA from the cap genes. Further, the expression of a γPGA polypeptide by the organism can then be altered.
US08921067B2 Method and culture device for detecting yeasts and molds
A thin film culture device for detecting yeast and mold microorganisms in a sample is provided. The culture device comprises a body comprising a self-supporting substrate having a first major surface and a second major surface; a first adhesive composition disposed on a portion of the first major surface of the substrate; a substantially dry, cold-water-soluble first hydrogel-forming composition adhered to the first adhesive composition; and a plurality of indicator agents. The plurality of indicator agents comprises three indicator agents for detecting distinct glycosidase enzyme activities, an indicator agent for detecting an alkyl esterase enzyme activity, and an indicator agent for detecting a phosphatase enzyme activity, wherein each of the plurality of indicator agents comprises a detectable reporter group. A method of using the culture device is also provided.
US08921064B2 Method for purifying urate oxidase tetramers and octamers
A naturally occurring or recombinant protein, especially a mutein of porcine urate oxidase (uricase), that is essentially free of large aggregates can be rendered substantially non-immunogenic by conjugation with a sufficiently small number of strands of polymer such that the bioactivity of the protein is essentially retained in the conjugate. Such conjugates are unusually well suited for treatment of chronic conditions because they are less likely to induce the formation of antibodies and/or accelerated clearance than are similar conjugates prepared from protein preparations containing traces of large aggregates.
US08921058B2 Prostate tumor markers and methods of use thereof
Newly identified proteins as markers for the detection of prostate tumors, or as targets for their therapeutic treatment, affinity ligands capable of selectively interacting with said markers as well as methods for tumor diagnosis and therapy using the same.
US08921055B2 Detecting cells secreting a protein of interest
In some cases, the described systems and methods include obtaining a cell sample containing multiple antibody-producing cells. In such cases, the cells can be tagged with a cross-linking reagent having a first portion configured to bind to a marker on the antibody-producing cells and a second portion configured to bind to an antigen of interest. In some instances, the tagged antibody-producing cells are exposed to the antigen of interest such that the antigen becomes bound to the cells. In some such instances, the antibody-producing cells are also allowed to produce an antibody, such that a portion of the antibody-producing cells produce an antigen-specific antibody that binds to the antigen of interest. To identify cells that produce the antigen-specific antibody, the tagged cells can be exposed to a labeled secondary antibody that is configured to bind to the antigen-specific antibody. Other implementations are also described.
US08921054B2 Methods for diagnosing pervasive development disorders, dysautonomia and other neurological conditions
Methods for aiding in the diagnosis of disorders including, but not limited to, PDDs (Pervasive Development Disorders), Dysautonomic disorders, Parkinson's disease and SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). In one aspect, a diagnosis method comprises analyzing a stool sample of an individual for the presence of a biological marker (or marker compound) comprising one or more pathogens, which provides an indication of whether the individual has, or can develop, a disorder including, but not limited to, a PDD, Dysautonomia, Parkinsons disease and SIDS. Preferably, the presence of one or more pathogens is determined using a stool immunoassay to determine the presence of antigens in a stool sample, wherein such antigens are associated with one or more pathogens including, but not limited to, Giardia, Cryptosporidium, E. histolytica, C. difficile, Adenovirus, Rotavirus or H. pylori.
US08921051B2 Methods and means for typing a sample comprising colorectal cancer cells
The invention relates to a method of typing colorectal cancer cells by determining the RNA levels of a set of signature genes. Said typing can be use for predicting a risk for recurrence of said colorectal cancer. The invention further relates to a set of genes that can be used for normalizing the RNA levels of said set of signature genes, and to micro-array comprising said set of signature genes.
US08921037B2 PF4-depleted platelet rich plasma preparations and methods for hard and soft tissue repair
Methods of repairing and regenerating hard or soft tissue and reducing inflammation, anti-angiogenesis and anti-osteogenesis in a mammal and related methods of removing PF4 from platelets containing blood preparations. In one embodiment, the method comprises administering to a mammal platelets containing blood preparation where the PF4 has been reduced from the platelet containing blood preparation to repair and regenerate hard and soft tissue in the mammal.
US08921020B2 Electrophotographic photosensitive member, process cartridge, and electrophotographic apparatus
Provided is an electrophotographic photosensitive member, including: a support; and a photosensitive layer, which is provided on the support, in which: a surface layer of the electrophotographic photosensitive member includes a terminal siloxane-containing polyester resin having a specific structure; and a lower layer provided in contact with the surface layer includes a polycarbonate resin, a polyester resin, or a polyvinyl acetal resin, having a specific structure.
US08921008B2 Fuel cell separator with gasket and method for manufacturing the same
The present invention provides a fuel cell separator with a gasket and a method for manufacturing the same, which can prevent corrosion of the separator and improve corrosion resistance of the separator. In particular, the present invention provides a fuel cell separator with a gasket and a method for manufacturing the same, in which an adhesive is coated on the entire or partial surface of the separator, preferably by screen printing. A process of integrally molding a gasket to the separator is then performed such that the edges of the separator are not exposed to the outside after the injection molding process but, rather, are coated with the resin adhesive. The present invention thereby prevents corrosion of the separator, improves corrosion resistance of the separator, and prevents formation of burrs during the injection molding process.
US08921007B2 Solid oxide fuel cell interconnect cells
A bonding layer, disposed between an interconnect layer and an electrode layer of a solid oxide fuel cell article, may be formed from a yttria stabilized zirconia (YSZ) powder having a monomodal particle size distribution (PSD) with a d50 that is greater than about 1 μm and a d90 that is greater than about 2 μm.
US08921004B2 Ion exchange membrane filling composition, method of preparing ion exchange membrane, ion exchange membrane, and redox flow battery
A composition for filling an ion exchange membrane including a first aromatic vinyl monomer having a halogenated alkyl group or a quaternary ammonium salt group, a method of preparing the ion exchange membrane, an ion exchange membrane prepared using the method, and a redox flow battery including the ion exchange membrane.
US08921002B2 Manufacturing of fuel cell membrane electrode assemblies incorporating photocurable cationic crosslinkable resin gasket
A first transport system moves a web comprising a subgasketed CCM layer and an application system applies a crosslinkable resin to at least a subgasketed portion of the subgasketed CCM layer. The crosslinkable resin preferably comprises a photocurable cationic crosslinkable resin. A first curing apparatus subjects an exposed surface of the crosslinkable resin to a photo curing process to initiate curing of the crosslinkable resin. A second transport system moves a GDL into adhering contact with a partially cured exposed surface of the crosslinkable resin of the CCM layer so as to form an MEA layer. A second curing apparatus subjects the GDL, partially cured crosslinkable resin, and CCM layer structure to a thermal curing process to substantially complete curing of the crosslinkable resin. A converting system is configured to receive the MEA layer and produce a plurality of discrete MEAs from the MEA layer.
US08920999B2 Multiple injector and ejector array
A fluid injection/ejection system for a fuel cell stack is disclosed, wherein the system includes an array of injectors and ejectors that support hydrogen recirculation and maximize a use of the hydrogen and an efficiency of the fuel cell stack.
US08920994B2 Fuel cell system
A fuel cell system comprising a fuel cell and a motor connected to the fuel cell, and also comprising a converter connected between the fuel cell and the motor, the converter adjusting output of the fuel cell to output to the motor, and a controller that controls the fuel cell and the converter. The controller outputs, to the converter, request power or a request voltage based on an operation state of the fuel cell, and the converter selectively performs an output feedback control that performs an adjustment of supply power to be output to the motor such that the output request power is satisfied or a voltage feedback control that performs an adjustment of an output voltage to be output to the motor such that the output request voltage is satisfied.
US08920993B2 Anode protection system for shutdown of solid oxide fuel cell system
An Anode Protection Systems for a SOFC system, having a Reductant Supply and safety subsystem, a SOFC anode protection subsystem, and a Post Combustion and slip stream control subsystem. The Reductant Supply and safety subsystem includes means for generating a reducing gas or vapor to prevent re-oxidation of the Ni in the anode layer during the course of shut down of the SOFC stack. The underlying ammonia or hydrogen based material used to generate a reducing gas or vapor to prevent the re-oxidation of the Ni can be in either a solid or liquid stored inside a portable container. The SOFC anode protection subsystem provides an internal pressure of 0.2 to 10 kPa to prevent air from entering into the SOFC system. The Post Combustion and slip stream control subsystem provides a catalyst converter configured to treat any residual reducing gas in the slip stream gas exiting from SOFC stack.
US08920991B2 Stepped steam reformer
Embodiments are disclosed that relate to increasing heat transfer in a steam reformer. For example, one disclosed embodiment provides a steam reformer including an outer wall and an inner wall which includes a step extending outward toward the outer wall and downward toward a bottom of the steam reformer at a position between a top of the steam reformer and the bottom of the steam reformer. The steam reformer further includes a reaction chamber disposed between the outer wall and the inner wall.
US08920987B2 Fuel cell system with improved humidification performance
The present invention provides a fuel cell system, which reduces the temperature of exhaust gas discharged from a fuel cell stack to a humidifier to increase the humidity thereof when the fuel cell stack operates at high temperature and high power, and thus improves the humidification performance for air as an oxidant in the humidifier and improves the performance of the fuel cell stack.For this purpose, the present invention provides a fuel cell system in which an intercooler is installed in an exhaust gas pipe, which connects a cathode outlet of the fuel cell stack and the humidifier, to cool the exhaust gas as a water supply source of the humidifier such that the intercooler reduces the temperature of the exhaust gas and, at the same time, increase the humidity thereof, thus improving humidification performance for air as an oxidant in the humidifier.
US08920986B2 Method and system for providing a flow through battery cell and uses thereof
In one embodiment, the present invention relates generally to a system for providing a flow through battery cell and uses thereof. In one embodiment, the flow through battery cell includes an inlet for receiving a flow of water, a solid oxidizer coupled to the inlet for reacting with the flow of water to generate a catholyte, wherein the solid oxidizer comprises at least one of: an organic halamine, a succinimide or a hypochlorite salt, a galvanic module coupled to the solid oxidizer for receiving the catholyte and generating one or more effluents and an outlet for releasing the one or more effluents.
US08920973B2 Manufacturing method of positive electrode active material and positive electrode active material
A positive electrode active material for nonaqueous electrolyte secondary batteries includes a coating layer containing at least nickel (Ni) and/or manganese (Mn) on the surface of a complex oxide particle containing lithium (Li) and cobalt (Co), wherein a binding energy value obtained by analysis of a surface state by an ESCA surface analysis on the surface of the coating layer is 642.0 eV or more and not more than 642.5 eV in an Mn2p3 peak, and a peak interval of Co—Mn is 137.6 eV or more and not more than 138.0 eV.
US08920971B2 Composite materials including an intrinsically conducting polymer, and methods and devices
A composite material in the form of a continuous structure comprises an intrinsically conducting polymer (ICP) layer coated on a substrate, the composite material having a surface area of at least 0.1 m2/g, at least 1 m2/g, or at least 5 m2/g. Methods of manufacturing the composite material comprise coating the substrate with a layer of the intrinsically conducting polymer. Electrochemical or electrical devices comprise at least one component formed of the composite material.
US08920968B2 Overlaying member and film-covered electrical device
A battery element (2) includes a positive electrode and a negative electrode stacked via a separator. A collector portion (3) is formed by collectively bonding each of positive electrode plates and negative electrode plates which extend outward from this stacked region. Laminated films (5, 6) are obtained by laminating a thermally-fusible resin layer and a metal layer, and by sealing the battery element (2) and electrolyte by thermally fusing sealing portion (8) at a peripheral edge. A tab (4) is connected to collector portion (3) and extends outward from the laminated films (5, 6). An overlaying member (7) includes a protective region (7d) which protects the laminated films (5, 6) from corners (2c) of the battery element (2), corners (3c) of the collector portion (3) and corners (4c) of the tab (4), and a communication portion (7c) through which electrolyte can pass.
US08920966B2 Battery
A battery includes a cover for sealing an opening of a battery case which contains an electrode assembly therein and current collectors for electrically connecting external terminals whose at least parts are disposed outside of the cover to the electrode assembly, respectively. Gaskets are interposed between a lower surface of the cover and the current collectors, respectively. In the gasket, a caulked portion is contained in an engagement recess formed at the lower surface of the cover. In contrast, the entire gasket is contained in another engagement recess formed at the lower surface.
US08920951B2 Device and method for cooling a battery module
In a battery module, having a housing, at least one battery, which is disposed in the housing, at least one inlet opening for introducing a cooling fluid into the housing, and at least one outlet opening for conducting the cooling fluid out of the housing. According to the invention, compressed cooling fluid can be supplied to the at least one inlet opening using a compressor. A reduction of the cooling performance because of heating of the compressed cooling fluid is to be at least partially avoided. Furthermore, the design effort is to be low and the battery module is to be cost-effective to produce. The invention solves a problem in that the cooling fluid can be cooled by a cooling apparatus.
US08920944B2 Use of a precursor of an N-dopant for doping an organic semiconductive material, precursor and electronic or optoelectronic component
Use of a precursor of an n-dopant for doping an organic semiconductive material, as a blocking layer, as a charge injection layer, as an electrode material, as a storage material or as a semiconductor material itself in electronic or optoelectronic components, the precursor being selected from the following formulae 1-3c:
US08920941B2 Pyrazine derivative, and light emitting element, display device, electronic device using the pyrazine derivative
It is an object to provide a novel material having a bipolar property, a light emitting element provided with the novel material, and a display device that includes the light emitting element. It is an object to provide a pyrazine derivative represented by the following general formula (g-1).
US08920938B2 Flat product composed of a metal material, in particular a steel material, use of such flat product and roller and process for producing such flat products
With the invention a metallic flat product can be systematically made available with such a fine, stochastic or quasi-stochastic surface texture that after a typical automotive paint application it is only minimally perceptible, if at all, by the human eye. At the same time, in the case of a surface topography constituted according to the invention, the transition between the peak plateaus and the valleys takes place via steep flanks. In this way, it is achieved that the morphology of the sheet metal surface is practically independent of the actual depth of the valleys. As a result therefore, the morphology of the sheet metal surface of a metallic flat product according to the invention is also independent of the skin-pass rate, which is obtained when the fine metal texture is produced by skin-pass rolling.
US08920925B2 Stabilized lithium composite particles
Stabilized lithium particles include a lithium-containing core and a coating of a complex lithium salt that surrounds and encapsulates the core. The coating, which is a barrier to oxygen and water, enables the particles to be handled in the open air and incorporated directly into electrochemical devices. The coating material is compatible, for example, with electrolytic materials that are used in electrochemical cells. The average coated particle size is less than 500 microns.
US08920922B2 Polyurethane urea elastic fiber
Disclosed is a polyurethane urea elastic fiber containing 5-40% by weight of a polyurethane compound, wherein the compression deformation starting temperature determined by thermomechanical analysis (TMA) is not less than 150° C. but not more than 180° C. and time for thermal cutting at 180° C. is not less than 30 seconds.
US08920915B2 Articles including high melt flow index resins
Certain embodiments described herein are directed to composite materials comprising one or more high melt flow index resins. In some examples, the composites can be used to provide automotive parts such as, for example, vehicle interior parts and vehicle exterior parts. In some configurations, the composite comprises a fiber reinforced polymer core comprising reinforcing fibers and a resin comprising a high melt flow index of greater than 325 g/10 min. as measured by ASTM D1238, condition L.
US08920911B2 Web substrates having wide color gamut indicia printed thereon
A web substrate having indicia comprising X colors disposed thereon is disclosed. The indicia are disposed upon the web substrate by a contact printing system adapted to print the X colors upon the web substrate utilizing X−Y printing components. X and Y are whole numbers, 01. Each of the X colors are defined by L*a*b* color values defined by CIELab coordinate values disposed inside the boundary described by the MacAdam 3-D gamut.
US08920906B2 Molded pull-off tab
A removable molding tab facilitates loading component parts into a mold by providing a body with holding configurations suitable to releasably secure the component parts in mold ready positions. The component parts are loaded into a mold as a preassembly with the removable tab. The tab is removed after the component parts are placed into the mold.
US08920904B2 Touch panel and method of producing the same
A touch panel includes a cover substrate, an upper resin layer, upper conductive layers, a lower resin layer, lower conductive layers, and a protective layer. The upper conductive layers are in contact with the upper resin layer on the side opposite to the cover substrate. The lower resin layer is in contact with the upper conductive layers and the upper resin layer. The lower conductive layers are provided on the side of the lower resin layer opposite to the upper conductive layers with the lower resin layer placed between the lower conductive layers and the upper conductive layers. The protective layer is provided on the surface of the lower resin layer on which the lower conductive layers are formed. Each of the upper resin layer and the lower resin layer is formed of a uniform material.
US08920896B2 Information recording medium and manufacturing method of same
An information recording medium (100) of the present invention includes a substrate (1) and a recording layer provided on the substrate (1) and having optical properties that can be changed by irradiation with a laser beam. The recording layer is formed of a plurality of arrayed minute recording regions (e.g., phase-change particles (2)). A part or all of the recording region is made of a recording material containing Te and O. The recording region has a length of 30 nm or less in an information recording direction. Preferably, the recording material further contains an element M, where M is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Pd, Au, and Pt.
US08920895B2 Pressure-wash resistant label
A pressure wash resistant label comprising: (A) A topcoat with a first facial surface having a surface roughness in a range of 10 micro-inches (μ-in) (0.254 microns (μm) and 70 μ-in (1.778 μm); (B) A facesheet in contact with the topcoat and comprising a polymer with a Tg of at least 65° C.; (C) An optional detectable layer, if present, in contact with the facesheet and comprising metal particles; (D) An adhesive having a shear adhesion failure temperature (SAFT) of at least 120° C. and in contact with the optional detectable layer if present and if not present, then in contact with the facesheet; and (E) An optional release liner, if present, in contact with the adhesive.
US08920887B2 Method of bonding conductive material to stainless steel, and HDD magnetic head suspension
A method of bonding a conductive material to stainless steel includes: a first step of applying a conductive paste to a surface of a base plate made of the stainless steel; and a second step of removing, in an area located within the surface of the base plate and covered with the conductive paste, a part of a passivation film on a surface of the stainless steel without allowing a base material of the stainless steel of the base plate to come into contact with air. The removing of the passivation film is achieved, for example, by irradiation of laser light.
US08920886B2 System and method for coating medical devices
One aspect of the present disclosure can include a method for grafting a coating polymer onto a surface of a device. The method can include the following steps: a) submerging the device into a photoinitiator solution; b) without first drying the device, submerging the device into a polymerizable solution; c) bubbling an oxygen-scavenging gas through the polymerizable solution; d) applying a UV light to the device to activate the photoinitiator, thereby grafting the coating polymer onto the device; and e) drying the device.
US08920885B2 Corrosion-resistant, chromium-free, self-priming coatings curable by ultraviolet light
Corrosion-resistant, self-priming coatings that are curable by ultraviolet energy and methods for coating surfaces using such coatings have been provided. In an exemplary embodiment, a method for coating a surface includes formulating a chromium-free, self-priming coating, applying the chromium-free, self-priming coating to the surface, and curing the chromium-free, self-priming coating with ultraviolet light.
US08920883B2 Alloy composition for the manufacture of protective coatings, its use, process for its application and super-alloy articles coated with the same composition
Alloy composition for the manufacture of protective coatings, comprising cobalt, nickel, chromium, aluminium, yttrium and iridium in amounts so as to obtain the phases α, β and σ, in particular for coating a super-alloy article. Preferably, such super-alloy article is a turbine component.
US08920880B2 Method for producing air bag base fabric, and air bag base fabric
A method for producing an air bag base fabric which has a silicone rubber coating layer on at least one surface of a substrate is provided. The silicone rubber coating layer is prepared by curing a liquid silicone rubber coating composition having the low viscosity required in the coating and excellent adhesion to the air bag base fabric. An air bag base fabric produced by this method is also provided. In this method, an air bag base fabric is produced by preliminarily treating at least one surface of the textile fabric with an organosilicon compound containing an epoxy group and an alkoxy group bonded to a silicon atom in one molecule to prepare a substrate fabric containing about 0.01 to 5 parts by weight of the organosilicon compound, and coating and curing the liquid silicone rubber coating composition of particular formulation on the substrate.
US08920877B2 Preparation of epitaxial graphene surfaces for atomic layer deposition of dielectrics
Processes for preparation of an epitaxial graphene surface to make it suitable for deposition of high-κ oxide-based dielectric compounds such as Al2O3, HfO2, TaO5, or TiO2 are provided. A first process combines ex situ wet chemistry conditioning of an epitaxially grown graphene sample with an in situ pulsing sequence in the ALD reactor. A second process combines ex situ dry chemistry conditioning of the epitaxially grown graphene sample with the in situ pulsing sequence.
US08920872B2 Method of producing a magnetic recording disc
A method of manufacturing a magnetic disk in which at least a magnetic layer, a carbon protective layer, and a lubrication layer are sequentially formed on a substrate is provided. The method comprises forming a film of a lubricant composition on the protective layer, the lubricant comprising a lubricant compound having a perfluoropolyether main chain in the molecular structure and an aromatic group or a phosphazene ring. The method further comprises forming the lubrication layer, and subjecting the magnetic disk to ultraviolet irradiation under a nitrogen gas or an inert gas atmosphere having an oxygen concentration of 5 volume % or less by adjusting an atmospheric temperature to a range of 50 to 180° C.
US08920857B2 System and method for detection of a contaminated beverage
A system and method for a beverage container configured to test for a contaminated beverage in the beverage container comprises a base of the beverage container, an upper portion of the beverage container, and a sidewall with an inner surface and an outer surface that extends from the base to the upper portion, and a testing material. A portion of the beverage container is the testing material configured to visibly react when the portion of the beverage container is contacted with the contaminated beverage.
US08920854B2 Oral care compositions for treating xerostomia
Disclosed herein are oral care compositions for promoting salivary flow. Thus, also disclosed are methods of treating and preventing xerostomia. The oral care compositions can contain all-natural ingredients, including, for example, green tea polyphenols and jaborandi extract.
US08920852B2 Sodium nitrite-containing pharmaceutical compositions
Provided herein are pharmaceutically acceptable sodium nitrite and pharmaceutical compositions thereof. Also provided herein are methods for determining the total non-volatile organic carbon in a sodium nitrite-containing sample. Further provided herein are methods for producing pharmaceutically acceptable sodium nitrite. Still further provided herein are methods of treatment comprising the administration of pharmaceutically acceptable sodium nitrite.
US08920848B2 Use of cellular extracts for skin rejuvenation
The invention describes methods and agents for improving cosmetic appearance, for promoting, improving or restoring health of cells and tissues, preferably skin, and more preferably, for restoring aged or damaged skin to a healthy appearance. In preferred embodiments, the methods and agents comprise active extracts produced from fish eggs. The invention further provides processes for making active fish egg extracts.
US08920846B2 Microcapsule and production method thereof
A microcapsule in which a liquid droplet is coated with a resin, wherein in the droplet, a pesticidally active solid ingredient is suspended in a compound of formula (I), wherein R represents a C1-C5 alkyl group, is useful as a formulation of a pesticidally active solid ingredient.
US08920841B2 Biodegradable polymer system
A polymer system useful for in vivo delivery of a therapeutic agent is provided. The polymer system comprises a biocompatible biodegradable polymeric backbone that is capable of a reversible stimuli-induced transition from liquid to gel.
US08920837B2 Sustained release dosage form
The novel sustained release dosage form comprising an active agent and a combination of a non-swelling pH dependent release retardant and a non swelling pH independent release retardant polymer which provides pH-independent drug release for a considerable period of time after administration.
US08920835B2 Paliperidone double-layered osmotic pump controlled release tablet and preparation method thereof
A paliperidone double-layered osmotic pump controlled release tablet and the preparation method thereof are disclosed. The double-layered osmotic pump controlled release tablet comprises a rigid membrane, a push layer, a drug layer, an isolation layer and an aesthetic coating, wherein the rigid membrane contains a semi-permeable polymer, a porogen and/or a plasticizer and has one or more drug release orifices on one end, the push layer comprises an expanding material, an osmotic agent, a binder, a colorant and a lubricant, the drug layer contains a pharmaceutically active ingredient, a hydrophilic polymer, an osmotic agent, a colorant, a lubricant and an antistatic agent, the isolation layer is located between the inner surface of the rigid membrane and the push layer, and contains a hydrophilic polymer. The paliperidone double-layered osmotic pump controlled release tablet shows an increasing drug release rate at early stage and keeps a constant drug release rate at later stage.
US08920832B2 Composition for nucleic acid transfection
The invention provides a nucleic-acid-transfecting composition which exhibits low cytotoxicity, which facilitates an effective nucleic acid transfection into a cell, and which improves expression of the nucleic acid in the cell.The composition for transfecting a nucleic acid into a cell, contains a di(C12-16 alkyl)dimethylammonium halide and a phospholipid.
US08920829B2 Ruminant feed composition and method of making
A nutrient or medicinal composition for administration to ruminants, which includes a core of one or more biologically active substances coated with a film of polyurethane, overcoated with an “intermediate” wax is disclosed. This polyurethane/wax coating is resistant to rumen conditions, but will release the biologically active substance(s) in the abomasum and subsequent digestive tract of the ruminant animal.
US08920821B2 Pharmaceutical compositions comprising silica microspheres
The present invention relates to a topical composition which includes a bioactive drug formulated with silica in the form of microspheres, or drugs in a combination with the silica microspheres in an oily suspension, gel or emulsion. The topical compositions of the invention provide sustained release of a bioactive drug so as to reduce skin irritation.
US08920820B2 Highly concentrated stable meloxicam solutions for needleless injection
An aqueous cyclodextrin-free solution of meloxicam suitable is provided for administration by needleless injection, containing a pharmacologically acceptable meloxicam salt of an organic or inorganic base and one or more suitable excipients.
US08920808B2 Cytokine-based fusion proteins for treatment of multiple sclerosis
The present invention provides fusion proteins including an autoimmune antigen, an allergen antigen or an alloantigen, and an anti-inflammatory cytokine. Compositions and methods including the fusion proteins are also provided.
US08920797B2 Highly concentrated stabilized IgM solution
The present inventors discovered that stable and highly concentrated IgM solutions can be prepared by using, as an additive, a compound comprising a polyvalent cationic ion, such as magnesium chloride or arginine hydrochloride, to suppress IgM aggregation in solutions.
US08920796B2 Adsorbent for oral administration, and agent for treating or preventing renal or liver disease
An adsorbent for an oral administration, comprising a surface-modified spherical activated carbon wherein an average diameter is 0.01 to 1 mm, a specific surface area determined by a BET method is 700 m2/g or more, a volume of pores having a pore diameter of 7.5 to 15000 nm is from 0.25 mL/g to 1.0 mL/g, a total amount of acidic groups is 0.30 to 1.20 meq/g, and a total amount of basic groups is 0.20 to 0.7 meq/g, is disclosed.
US08920795B2 Lyophilized preparation of botulinum toxin
There are provided a lyophilized preparation of botulinum toxin without a protein stabilizer derived from animals. The lyophilized preparation of botulinum toxin according to the present invention can maintain an activity of botulinum toxin, and also exhibit excellent long-term storage stability even under conditions of high temperature, which may occur when botulinum toxin is stored, delivered, and processed.
US08920794B2 Method for treating filtration failure after trabeculectomy surgery
The current invention relates to the improvement of trabeculectomy surgery. The improvement more specifically resides in an extended lifetime of the sclera-corneal drainage channel created by trabeculectomy surgery. The improvement is obtained by post-surgical administration of a plasmin or active derivative thereof in the form of topical eye drops alone, by anterior chamber injection alone, or by any combination of these.
US08920789B2 Use of polymer D-lactic acid (PDLA) or equivalents thereof to inhibit growth of cancer cells and diagnose cancers
The invention provides method for sequestering or trapping L-lactate in or near a tumor cell comprising contacting an isolated polymer of D-lactic acid (PDLA) or an equivalent, derivative or analog thereof with the tumor cell so that the PDLA binds L-lactate in or near the cell and thereby sequestering or trapping L-lactate in or near the tumor cells.
US08920782B2 Topical bioadhesive formulations
The present invention relates to topical bioadhesive formulations comprising low viscosity, non-liquid crystalline, mixtures of: a) at least one neutral diacyl lipid and/or at least one tocopherol; b) at least one phospholipid; c) at least one biocompatible oxygen containing, low viscosity organic solvent; wherein at least one bioactive agent is dissolved or dispersed in the low viscosity mixture and wherein the pre-formulation forms, or is capable of forming, at least one liquid crystalline phase structure upon contact with an aqueous fluid. The invention additionally relates to a method of delivery of an active agent comprising administration of a preformulation of the invention, a method of treatment comprising administration of a preformulation of the invention and the use of a preformulation of the invention in a method for the manufacture of a medicament.
US08920777B2 Toxins and radionuclides coupled to IGF-1 receptor ligands for treatment of cancer
The invention provides an insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) receptor ligand carrying a therapeutic radionuclide for treatment of cancer is provided. A method of treating cancer using the IGF-1 receptor ligand carrying a therapeutic radionuclide is also provided. An anti-cancer therapeutic agent containing an IGF-1 receptor ligand linked to a toxin is also provided, as are methods of using the toxin conjugates for treatment of cancer.
US08920766B2 Quantum nanostructures, compositions thereof, and methods of making and using same
Provided are methods for making quantum nanostructures based on use of a combination of nucleation and growth precursors. The methods can be used to provide quantum nanostructures of a selected size. Also provided are quantum nanostructures, compositions comprising the quantum nanostructures, and uses of the quantum nanostructures. The quantum nanostructures can be used, for example, in imaging applications.
US08920757B1 Reductant dosing control systems and methods
Reductant dosing systems and methods for engine exhaust aftertreatment are disclosed. The opening and closing of a metering valve in the reductant dosing system is controlled in a manner that mitigates pressure oscillations in the dosing system. The metering valve is opened in response to the dosing command exceeding a minimum threshold value and the differential pressure across the metering valve exceeding a differential pressure threshold. The metering valve is closed in response to either the differential pressure across the metering valve dropping below a differential pressure threshold or the actual dosed quantity exceeding the dosing command.
US08920746B2 Device for identifying oral conditions
The present invention relates to devices and systems for detecting the existence of oral conditions.
US08920745B2 Aseptic sterilization unit for clean room on blowing wheel
An apparatus for the treatment of plastics material containers includes at least one movable support which is arranged in an isolator room to which a sterilization agent is capable of being supplied. The isolator room is constructed in at least two parts, and a first boundary of the isolator room is fixed in position during a movement of the movable support, while a second boundary of the isolator room is connected to the apparatus in such a way that it is suitable, during a movement of the movable support, for following this movement. The apparatus has at least one device for supplying the sterilization agent into the isolator room. The supplying device is suitable for acting with the sterilization agent upon the parts of the apparatus movable relative to this device and situated inside the isolator room.
US08920741B2 Ozone generating apparatus
An ozone generating apparatus is provided which includes a pair of electrodes for producing a discharge by the application of an ac voltage therebetween, and at least one dielectric provided between the pair of electrodes. A source gas containing oxygen is provided into a discharge space in which the discharge is produced to generate ozone by the action of the discharge. A surface lying between at least one of the pair of electrodes and the discharge space and in contact with the discharge has a surface resistivity of 104Ω to 1011Ω. The source gas provided into the discharge space includes ultrapure oxygen having a purity of not less than 99.9%.
US08920722B2 Sample analyzer and sample analyzing method
A sample analyzer for analyzing a measurement sample prepared by a sample and a reagent is disclosed. The sample analyzer includes a rotatable first holding section for holding a first reagent container containing a first reagent and a second reagent container containing a second reagent circularly, a rotatable second holding section for holding a third reagent container containing a third reagent and a fourth reagent container containing a fourth reagent circularly, the second holding section being arranged concentrically relative to the first holding section, a dispenser for dispensing a reagent selected from the first to fourth reagents into a measurement sample container for preparing a measurement sample, and a controller. The controller configured to perform operations including receiving an replacement instruction for replacement of the second reagent container, and in response to receiving the instruction for replacement of the second reagent container, if a next reagent to be dispensed is the first reagent and a type of the first reagent is same as a type of the third reagent, controlling the dispenser so as to dispense the third reagent without dispensing the first reagent.
US08920708B2 Cooling device of hot-rolled steel strip
The present invention provides a method of cooling a hot-rolled steel strip which has passed through a finishing rolling, including: cooling the hot-rolled steel strip from a first temperature of not lower than 600° C. and not higher than 650° C. to a second temperature of not higher than 450° C. with cooling water having the water amount density of not lower than 4 m3/m2/min and not higher than 10 m3/m2/min, wherein with respect to the area of the target surface, the area of a portion where a plurality of spray jets of the cooling water directly strikes on the target surface is at least 80%.
US08920707B2 Composite heat-dissipation substrate and manufacturing method of the same
The present disclosure provides a composite heat-dissipation substrate and a method of manufacturing the same. The composite heat-dissipation substrate includes a first ceramic layer having insulating properties, a second porous ceramic layer and a metal layer, wherein the first ceramic layer and the second ceramic layer are continuously connected to each other so as not to form an interface therebetween, and the metal layer is infiltrated into plural pores of the second ceramic layer to be coupled to the ceramic layers, whereby interfacial coupling force between the ceramic layers and the metal layer is very high, thereby providing significantly improved heat dissipation characteristics.
US08920697B2 Method for building three-dimensional objects in extrusion-based additive manufacturing systems using core-shell consumable filaments
A consumable filament for use in an extrusion-based additive manufacturing system, where the consumable filament comprises a core portion of a first thermoplastic material, and a shell portion of a second thermoplastic material that is compositionally different from the first thermoplastic material, where the consumable filament is configured to be melted and extruded to form roads of a plurality of solidified layers of a three-dimensional object, and where the roads at least partially retain cross-sectional profiles corresponding to the core portion and the shell portion of the consumable filament.
US08920694B2 Methods of forming at least one of a composite product and an arrow shaft, material layering devices, composite products, and arrow shafts
A material layering device may include a first pinning roller and a second pinning roller. A distance between the first pinning roller and the second pinning roller is less than a diameter of a substrate. The device also includes a return system, wherein the return system comprises a plurality of rollers. The device also includes a belt, which may have a first loop portion disposed between and protruding beyond the first pinning roller and the second pinning roller. The first loop portion also wraps about an intended substrate along an arc greater than about 180 degrees. The device further includes a feed portion coupled to the first loop and extending outwardly from the second pinning roller opposite the first loop and providing a surface upon which a sheet can be placed. Furthermore, the device also includes an adjustment mechanism coupled to one of the rollers.
US08920678B2 Dispersions and films comprising conducting polymer for optoelectronic devices
A dispersion, and a film and optoelectronic devices formed from the dispersion are provided. The dispersion comprising conducting polymer containing particles having a particle size of less than 450 nm, wherein the conducting polymer comprises substituted or unsubstituted, uncharged or charged polymerized units of thieno[3,4-b]thiophene, and wherein a film drop cast from the dispersion has a conductivity from 10−1 to 10−6 S/cm measured using the four point probe method.
US08920671B2 Environmentally-friendly functional antifoaming agent using loess
An aspect of the present disclosure relates to a functional defoaming agent composition, and more particularly to an environmentally-friendly defoaming agent composition containing loess. In an aspect, a loess-based, environmentally-friendly functional defoaming agent includes: 1-20 wt % loess; 10-30 wt % silicone resin having a kinematic viscosity of 10-50,000 cst; 1-5 wt % thickening agent; 1-10 wt % natural surfactant; 1-10 wt % water-purifying agent; and 60-80 wt % water. In another aspect, a loess-based, environmentally friendly functional defoaming agent includes: 1-20 wt % inorganic mixture of loess with at least one selected from among elvan, tourmaline and germanium; 10-30 wt % silicone resin having a kinematic viscosity of 10-50,000 cst; 1-5 wt % thickening agent; 1-10 wt % natural surfactant; 1-10 wt % water-purifying agent; and 60-80 wt % water.
US08920663B2 Production of a security element provided with colored micro-depressions
A method for producing a security element having microdepressions for security papers, with the microdepressions being colored with a certain color, involves the steps of (a) coating an upper side of a carrier with an embossable layer; (b1) forming microdepressions in the embossable layer to configure an embossed layer; (c) applying the certain color on the upper side, so that the color remains in the microdepressions; (b2) applying a structured protective layer on the coated upper side, wherein the structured protective layer does not cover the microdepressions that are to be colored with the certain color, after step (b1) and before step (c); and removing the structured protective layer and thereby a color toning after step (c).
US08920658B2 Method and apparatus for desolvating flowing liquid
Methods and apparatus for desolvating flowing liquid streams while retaining temporal resolution of dissolved substrates are disclosed. A novel small-scale self-regulating spray dryer preserves temporal resolution while desolvating a liquid chromatography eluent stream and depositing the solute onto an optical surface for infrared spectrographic analysis. The liquid eluent is pumped through a heated nebulizer to create a high-speed jet of solute containing liquid and solvent vapor. This jet is directed circumferentially inside a hot cylindrical cavity. Centrifugal force causes the larger liquid droplets to travel along the outer diameter of the cavity. The cavity surface is heated to cause the droplets to film boil. Film boiling reduces droplet contact with the cavity surface thereby retaining the solute in the droplets. The solute temperature is limited by controlling the pressure into which the solvent evaporates from the droplets. When the droplets are sufficiently small, Stokes drag from the exiting solvent vapor carries the droplets out through the center of the cylindrical cavity. After exiting, the superheated solvent vapor further dries the droplets. Solvent vapor is removed by condensation onto a cooled surface. A freezing point reducing agent may be added to improve removal of solvent condensate. Stokes drag from a non-condensable gas maintains the dried droplets in suspension. This suspension travels through an orifice that focuses the impaction of the dried droplets onto the optical surface for infrared analysis. The deposition surface is in an evacuated chamber and is temperature controlled to freeze liquid solutes yet allowing sublimation of residual solvent.
US08920643B2 Apparatus for picking up particles from the surface of a water system
The invention relates to an apparatus for picking up particles from the surface of a water system, in particular particles of dirt, with a float (1), in which a particle separation chamber (8) is formed, into which particle-containing water can flow via an inflow opening (7), and out of which water at least partially freed from the particles can flow via an outflow opening (9), wherein the inflow opening (7) is provided with an inflow flap means and the outflow opening (9) is provided with an outflow flap means for opening and closing of the opening (9).
US08920638B2 Method of separating hydrocarbons from oil rocks using ionic liquids
A method of extracting hydrocarbon from oil containing rocks is herein disclosed. According to one embodiment a method includes mixing oil sandstone and a phosphonium based ionic liquid and subjecting the resulting mixture to microwave radiation of 2.54 Gigahertz. Within 1 minute the trapped hydrocarbon is extracted into the ionic liquid which can be subsequently processed to remove the hydrocarbons from the ionic liquid.
US08920637B2 Process for the recovery of oils from a solid matrix
Process for the recovery of oils from a solid matrix comprising: subjecting said solid matrix to extraction by mixing with at least one organic solvent having a boiling point lower than or equal to 160° C., preferably ranging from 60° C. to 140° C., operating at a temperature ranging from 5° C. to 40° C., preferably ranging from 15° C. to 30° C., and at atmospheric pressure (1 atm), obtaining a solid-liquid mixture; subjecting said solid-liquid mixture to separation, obtaining a liquid phase comprising said oils and said organic solvent and a solid phase comprising said solid matrix; recovering said organic solvent from said liquid phase.
US08920636B2 Methods of transporting various bitumen extraction products and compositions thereof
Methods for transporting bitumen extraction product include providing bitumen-laden aromatic solvent, providing bitumen-laden paraffinic solvent, and blending the two materials. The resulting mixture can be transported through existing pipeline infrastructure and can use existing separation processing equipment, and thereby avoids the need for separate infrastructure for each composition. Combining the two compositions can also avoid undesirable asphaltene precipitation.
US08920625B2 Electrochemical method of making porous particles using a constant current density
Provided is a particle that includes a first porous region and a second porous region that differs from the first porous region. Also provided is a particle that has a wet etched porous region and that does have a nucleation layer associated with wet etching. Methods of making porous particles are also provided.
US08920617B1 Selective plating fixture
A plating fixture that affords improved control and process repeatability of the placement of material on a surface of a terminal lead is described. The thereby plated terminal lead is further incorporatable into an electrochemical cell. The plating fixture consists of a membrane that prevents migration of the electroplating chemicals along areas of the lead that are not desired. Furthermore, the fixture utilizes a setup plate that controls the length of the lead that is plated.
US08920610B2 Method and apparatus for detecting ionisable gases in particular organic molecules, preferably hydrocarbons
The invention relates to a method for detecting gases that can be ionized wherein an atmospheric plasma jet is produced, wherein a gas mixture is brought into interaction with the plasma jet, and wherein an electrical quantity is measured as a measure of the concentration of the gas in the gas mixture. The invention further relates to a device for detecting gases that can be ionized, including a gas inlet, means for ionizing a gas, a voltage source, two electrodes, and means for determining an amperage, wherein the two electrodes are connected to the voltage source, wherein the means for determining an amperage are connected to the electrodes in such a way that the magnitude of the current flowing between the electrodes can be measured, and wherein a plasma nozzle is provided to produce an atmospheric plasma jet.
US08920605B2 Fluorescent whitening agent compositions
The invention relates to a composition suitable for optically whitening paper or board, wherein the composition contains specified bis-triazinylamino-stilbene fluorescent whitening agents with carboxylic acid and/or sulfonic acid groups. The composition can be used for whitening paper in the pulp, size press or by coating.
US08920602B2 Compositions and processes to increase pulp yield, reduce extractives, and reduce scaling in a chemical pulping process
In general, the present disclosure is directed to compositions and processes to increase pulp yield, reduce extractives, and reduce scaling in a chemical pulping process. In one particular embodiment, for instance, the present disclosure is directed to a composition comprising a surface active agent, an alkaline mixture, at least one polymer, the polymer having a linear backbone segment having two ends, at least one phosphorus component, the phosphorus component chemically linked along the linear backbone segment of the polymer, and at least one end component, the end component chemically linked to one or both ends of the linear backbone segment of the polymer.
US08920586B2 Method for producing a fastening system, in particular for components of photovoltaic systems
Method for producing a fastening system, in particular for components of photovoltaic systems, preferably on roof surfaces of buildings, includes providing a support surface (1) and applying at least one fastening component (7, 19) of loops and/or other interlocking elements on the support surface. After applying the fastening component (7, 19) in the mounted state of the support surface (1), at least one other corresponding fastening component (7, 19) provided with other interlocking elements can be detachably connected to the fastening components (7, 19) on the support surface.
US08920579B2 Burner cleaning device
A burner cleaning device for cleaning burners, in particular for gas turbine burners, with a fuel nozzle and a fuel supply line is disclosed. The burner cleaning device has a rinsing head provided with an opening that is placed on a fuel nozzle of the burner and that enables a rinsing fluid to be supplied to or evacuated from the nozzle, and/or a fluid line that is connected to the fuel supply line of the burner and that enables the rinsing fluid to be supplied to or evacuated from the fuel supply line, and a pump. The pump, the rinsing head and/or the fluid line are fluidically interconnected such that they form a flow path through which the rinsing fluid sequentially flows.
US08920576B2 Methods of removing stains and machine dishwashing methods
A machine dishwashing method comprises: dispensing two liquid cleansers or detergents A and B into the interior of a machine dishwasher during the cleaning dishwashing cycle, wherein the liquid detergent A has a pH at 20° C. of 6 to 9 and the liquid detergent B has a pH at 20° C. of 9 to 14 and is dispensed at cleaning cycle time t2; and wherein the liquid cleansers or detergents A and B comprise, respectively: A: 10% to 75% by weight of a detergent builder, 0.1% to 10% by weight of an enzyme, 24.9% to 89.9% by weight of a solvent; and B: 10% to 74.9% by weight of a detergent builder, 25% to 89.9% by weight of a solvent; and wherein neither liquid cleanser or detergent A nor liquid cleanser or detergent B individually comprises more than 2% by weight of a bleaching agent.
US08920571B2 Method and materials for making a monolithic porous pad cast onto a rotatable base
The present invention includes methods and materials for cleaning materials, particles, or chemicals from a substrate with a brush or pad. The method comprising: engaging a surface of a rotating wafer with an outer circumferential surface of a rotating cylindrical foam roller, the cylindrical foam roller having a plurality of circumferentially and outwardly extending spaced apart nodules extending from the outer surface, each nodule defining a height extending from the outer surface of the cylindrical foam roller to a substrate engagement surface of the nodule, the substrate engagement surface of one or more of the nodules having a rounded configuration; and positioning the cylindrical foam roller on the substrate such that the one or more nodules are positioned to have only the rounded substrate engagement surface contact the substrate such that no linear surface of the one or more nodules contacts the substrate.
US08920568B2 Method for the dissolution of amorphous dithiazine
A method for the dissolution of amorphous dithiazine buildup on a surface is presented. The method consists of treating the dithiazine buildup with a solution of hydrogen peroxide, which reacts and breaks apart the buildup for easy removal.
US08920562B2 Film formation apparatus, film formation method, manufacturing apparatus, and method for manufacturing light-emitting device
An object is to improve use efficiency of an evaporation material, to reduce manufacturing cost of a light-emitting device, and to reduce manufacturing time needed for a light-emitting device including a layer containing an organic compound. The pressure of a film formation chamber is reduced, a plate is rapidly heated by heat conduction or heat radiation by using a heat source, a material layer on a plate is vaporized in a short time to be evaporated to a substrate on which the material layer is to be formed (formation substrate), and then the material layer is formed on the formation substrate. The area of the plate that is heated rapidly is set to have the same size as the formation substrate and film formation on the formation substrate is completed by one application of heat.
US08920552B2 Thermal ink jet ink composition
A thermal ink jet ink composition include a volatile organic solvent, a binder resin, a dye, a humectant in an amount less than 40% by weight of the thermal ink jet ink composition, and an additive for extending the decap time. The additive is present in an amount greater than 0.1% by weight of the thermal ink jet ink composition. The additive is selected from plasticizers, surfactants, aliphatic hydrocarbons, drying oils and mixtures thereof. The additive does not phase separate from the ink jet composition during application of the ink to a substrate in thermal ink jet printing.
US08920545B2 Fuel vapor processing apparatus
A fuel vapor processing apparatus may include a latent heat storage material that releases latent heat during desorption of fuel vapor from an adsorption material.
US08920542B2 Additives for inhibiting gas hydrate formation
The invention relates to the use of polymers, containing between 1 and 100 mol % of structural units of the formula (1), wherein R1 means hydrogen or C1-C6 alkyl, A means C2-C4 alkylene groups, and B means C2-C4 alkylene groups, with the stipulation that A is different from B, and x and y mean an integer from 1 to 100 independent of each other, in amounts of 0.01 to 2 wt % relative to the water phase, as gas hydrate inhibitors.
US08920540B2 Compact air quality control system compartment for aluminium production plant
A first contact reactor, mechanical separator device, one or more second contact reactors, silo, filter, one or more fans each equipped with one or more vibration dampers, an optional wet scrubber and stack are each integrated into a single compact air quality control system (AQCS) compartment. Additionally, a process gas cooling system may be integrated into the compact AQCS compartment. Benefits of the subject compact AQCS compartment includes footprint reduction, operating cost reduction from reduced pressure drop due to reduced ductwork, capital cost reduction from reduced ductwork, noise reduction, weather protection and increased adaptability to meet specific system requirements.
US08920538B2 Compression of media
A method and a device for compressing a gas-phase medium, particularly hydrogen or natural gas, in a single-stage or multistage process using at least one piston compressor, wherein the medium may have a water content up to total saturation with water. The medium to be compressed is heated before the compression at least to such point that the water is unable to condense out during the compression process, and the compressed medium undergoes a water separation process.
US08920534B2 Method for fabricating a biocompatible material having a high carbide phase and such material
A method of fabricating a material having a high concentration of a carbide constituent. The method may comprise adding a carbide source to a biocompatible material in which a weight of the carbide source is at least approximately 10% of the total weight, heating the carbide source and the biocompatible material to a predetermined temperature to melt the biocompatible material and allow the carbide source to go into solution to form a molten homogeneous solution, and impinging the molten homogeneous solution with a high pressure fluid to form spray atomized powder having carbide particles. The size of a particle of carbide in the atomized powder may be approximately 900 nanometers or less. The biocompatible material may be cobalt chrome, the carbide source may be graphite, and the fluid may be a gas or a liquid.
US08920529B2 Filter insert
A filter housing may include a filter insert configured to be inserted into the filter housing. The filter insert may have two spaced and opposite base discs and a filter wall configured to connect edge zones of the base discs. The filter insert may be penetrated by an opening connected to at least one of an untreated space inlet and clean space outlet of the housing. The opening is arranged in a flange plate connected in a leakproof manner to the base discs and the flange plate may be connected in a leakproof manner to the filter wall.
US08920527B2 High performance ceramic abrasive grits of uniform thickness and methods of producing and using the same
A ceramic abrasive grain product of a ceramic material composition, said ceramic abrasive grain product comprising at least fifty percent of abrasive grains having a uniform grain thickness of from 0.002 to 0.016 inches and a length such that the grain is self dressing when oriented such that the thickness of the grain is exposed to a workpiece, abrasive products made therefrom and method for manufacturing and using same.
US08920524B2 Polyisobutenyl alcohols and fuel compositions
Disclosed are polyisobutenyl alcohols and substituted polyisobuentyl alcohols of the formula: wherein n is an integer from 5 to 90, R is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, haloalkyl, alkoxycarbonyl and substituted aryl wherein at least one substituent group of the substituted aryl is selected from cyano, nitro and alkoxycarbonyl.
US08920523B2 Fuel oil flow improver and fuel oil composition
A fuel oil flow improver comprising the ester compound (A) below and the copolymer (B) below, which is the fuel oil flow improver in which the mass ratio [(A)/(B)] of the ester compound (A) and the copolymer (B) is from 30/70 to 70/30. (A) The ester compound represented by Formula (I) below. R1 is e.g. a linear saturated C19 alkyl group, and X, Y, and Z each represent an integer of 1 or higher. (B) A copolymer of a weight-average molecular weight of 5,000 to 50,000 obtained by polymerizing (b1) to (b3) below at a molar fraction of (b1)/(b2)/(b3)=0.4 to 0.8/0.1 to 0.3/0.1 to 0.3. R2 is e.g. a linear saturated C14 alkyl group. R3 is e.g. a linear saturated C10 alkyl group. R4 is e.g. a linear saturated C12 alkyl group.
US08920521B1 Agent for altering the color of keratin fibers comprising a rheology modifying polymer and high levels of a fatty substance in a cream system
The present invention is drawn to an agent and process for altering the color of keratin fibers wherein the agent comprises: (A) a color base composition containing from about 50% to about 80% by weight of a fatty substance comprising a viscosity greater than about 50 mm2/s at 40° C.; and optionally, an additional fatty substance; a rheology modifying polymer; an alkalizing agent; a short alkyl chain hydroxy compound chosen from monoalcohols and polyols; an oxidative dye precursor; and an oxidizing composition comprising an oxidizing agent; and wherein the pH of the agent for altering the color of keratin fibers ranges from about 1 to about 7.
US08920520B2 Methods of preparing polysaccharide sheets for esterification
Processing of cellulose, and more particularly, fiber opening and downstream processing and chemistry are provided. A process includes moistening a cellulose sheet stock to a water content in a range from about 20% to about 50%, attriting the moistened cellulose sheet to a wet pulp, flash drying the wet pulp to a floccule of cellulose having a moisture content from about 4% to about 8%, and esterifying the floccule of cellulose to provide a cellulose ester product.
US08920516B2 Graft prosthesis, material and methods
A graft prostheses (11), materials and method for implanting, transplanting, replacing, or repairing a part of a patient. The graft prosthesis includes a purified, collagen-based matrix structure removed from a submucosa tissue source. The submucosa tissue source is purified by disinfection and removal steps to deactivate and remove contaminants, thereby making the purified structure biocompatible and suitable for grafting on and/or in a patient.
US08920508B2 Glenoid vault fixation
A joint prosthesis system, specifically a shoulder prosthesis, for shoulder replacement, revision and repair. The implants provide fixation into the best bone available to a surgeon. The implants are used in a superior-inferior and anterior-posterior construct forming a type of cross or X-shape. The implants allow for interchangeability of the articulating component as well as rotational orientation. The systems will allow for augments to accommodate bone loss. The implants may allow for additional security using screws or anchors inserted into the scapula.
US08920501B2 Implant system having at least three support elements
An implant system that includes a concave spherical-segment-shaped socket part and a corresponding convex spherical-segment-shaped joint part is provided. The joint part rests in the socket part, wherein at least three support elements that describe a spherical triangle or a spherical polygon are arranged on the surface of the joint part or on the surface of the socket part.
US08920498B2 Non-resorbable meniscus prosthesis for the human knee joint
Meniscus prosthesis assembly having a meniscus prosthesis body made of a first biocompatible non-resorbable material and having a first end portion and a second end portion; and a first bone plug made of a second biocompatible non-resorbable material for osseous integration, the first bone plug having a first end portion and a second end portion; wherein the first end portion of the first bone plug is arranged at and operatively connected to the first end portion of the meniscus prosthesis body, and wherein the first biocompatible non-resorbable material and the second biocompatible non-resorbable material are the same or different. The assembly further comprises at least one suture, wherein the at least one suture is arranged at and operatively connected to the second end portion of the first bone plug.
US08920494B2 Plungers for intraocular lens injectors
An intraocular lens (IOL) injector for delivering an IOL into an eye of a patient includes an IOL load chamber and connected delivery tube, and a push rod for urging the IOL through the delivery tube and out of a distal tip thereof. The push rod is guided and biased against one side of the injector load chamber. The injector may include an inflatable pusher for urging the IOL through the delivery tube and out of a distal tip thereof. The inflatable pusher has a proximal end that may be open to an internal cavity of the injector, wherein a plunger movable in the injector cavity forces fluid such as air or saline into the pusher. A distal end of the pusher may be forked to capture a trailing end of the IOL, or may have a bulbous configuration to ensure the pusher does not pass the IOL.
US08920493B2 Systems and methods for holding annuloplasty rings
Holders for releasably holding annuloplasty rings prior to and during the implantation of the rings employ any of a variety of features relating to such things as holder shape, handle attachment structures, securement of a ring to the holder, and release of the ring from the holder. In one aspect, the holder includes a flexible bracket and a more rigid connector. In another aspect, the holder includes a flexible bracket and cutting blocks, wherein the interior surface of the cutting block is made of a higher durometer material than the bracket. The interior surface of the cutting block can be coated with a higher durometer material than the material of the bracket. In another aspect, the holder includes a flexible bracket and cutting blocks made of a higher durometer material than the flexible bracket.
US08920492B2 Cardiac valve prosthesis
A method of repairing a native cardiac valve such as the aortic valve includes positioning a cardiac valve prosthesis at an implantation site proximate the native cardiac valve to be repaired. The cardiac valve prosthesis includes an armature and a plurality of prosthetic valve leaflets, the armature including first and second annular elements, a plurality of anchor members extending between the first and second annular elements, and a plurality of valve support members extending from at least one of the first and second annular elements, the plurality of prosthetic valve leaflets being coupled to and supported by the valve support members. The method further includes radially expanding the cardiac valve prosthesis such that each of the anchor members arches radially outward from the first annular element to the second annular element and engages a wall of a respective one of a plurality of native Valsalva sinuses located distal to the native cardiac valve so as to enable anchorage of the cardiac valve prosthesis at the implantation site.
US08920485B2 Stent-graft delivery system having a rotatable single shaft tip capture mechanism
A stent-graft delivery system includes an elongate shaft, a tip capture spindle disposed over the shaft, and a distal tip assembly coupled to the distal end of the shaft. At least one component of the delivery system constrains a stent of the stent-graft engaged with the tip capture spindle during delivery and partial-deployment of the stent-graft, and the at least one component is in a threaded relationship with the distal tip assembly. To fully deploy the stent-graft, the elongate shaft, having the distal tip assembly coupled thereto, is rotated to result in longitudinal movement of the at least one component and thereby release the stent from the tip capture spindle. The at least one component that longitudinally moves to fully deploy the stent-graft may be the tip capture spindle and/or a relatively short sleeve that extends over the tip capture spindle to the distal tip assembly.
US08920484B2 Transluminal delivery system
There is disclosed herein a transluminal delivery system for a self-expanding luminal prosthesis, the system comprising an inner catheter component (30) and a retractable sheath (12) to surround the component thereby to define an annular space to receive the prosthesis (10), the component exhibiting an anti-sliding component, for abutting a luminal surface portion of the prosthesis (10) to restrain the prosthesis from sliding with the sheath (12), and relative to the inner catheter (30), while the sheath retracts relative to the prosthesis to release the prosthesis progressively into the target bodily lumen characterized in that the anti-sliding component is or includes at least one sleeve (36, 50, 66, 76) having a length direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the annular space and having at least one bound portion (33, 52, 64, 65, 74) of its length that is not free to slide on the inner catheter, and at least one unbound portion of its length with a capability to slide axially on the inner catheter (30) and thereby to exhibit a radial swelling capability, to deliver an increase in the radial thickness of the sleeve (36, 50, 66, 76) while the sheath retracts. Associated methods are also disclosed.
US08920472B2 Spinal correction and secondary stabilization
Methods of correcting a spinal deformity include securing a first rod on a first side of a spine, securing an anchor on a second side of a spine, securing a lateral coupling between the rod and the anchor, translating and derotating the spine to correct the spinal deformity by adjusting an effective length of the lateral coupling, and securing a second rod on a second side of the spine to provide secondary stabilization to the spine.
US08920469B2 Rod attachment for head to head cross connector
Exemplary spinal fixation devices, systems, and method are provided for stabilizing vertebrae in a patient's spine. In one exemplary embodiment, methods and devices are provided for coupling one or more bone anchors, such as hooks, screws, etc., and/or one or more spinal fixation elements, such as spinal rods, cables, plates, etc. In certain exemplary embodiments, a cross connector is provided for connecting and stabilizing two bone anchors, a bone anchor and a spinal fixation element, or a bone anchor and bone.
US08920465B2 Needle-electrode and tissue anchor system
The disclosure provides a needle-electrode anchor system having a needle and an optional electrode with one or more anchors. The system can provide an electrical cutting current to the needle-electrode to create an opening in a tissue portion. An anchor coupled to the needle-electrode can be pushed through the opening with a pusher and pulled into position to set the anchor on a distal surface of the opening. If the tissue portion is to be approximated to another tissue portion, the system can be relocated to another tissue portion and another opening created with the cutting current with another anchor pushed through the opening and secured on a distal surface. Lines coupled to the anchors can be pulled together, approximating the tissue portions. If the tissue portion is to be retracted, an anchor line can be grasped to retract the tissue portion from an adjacent tissue portion.
US08920464B2 Methods and apparatus for fixing sheet-like materials to a target tissue
A staple for attaching a sheet-like implant to tissue or bone may include first and second arms, and first and second flukes. In some embodiments, the first arm has a proximal end and a distal end, and the second arm has a proximal end and a distal end. A bridge extends from the proximal end of the first arm to the proximal end of the second arm. The first fluke has a proximal end abutting the distal end of the first arm, and the first fluke extends distally from the first arm. The first fluke has a lateral extent larger than a lateral extent of the first arm and is mounted eccentrically thereto. The first fluke includes a proximal surface projecting at an outward angle in a proximal direction away from the distal end of the first arm to engage the tissue or bone when inserted therein. The second fluke has similar features. This arrangement causes the first and second flukes to rotate in response to a pullout force on the bridge. Methods for attaching a sheet-like implant to a target tissue are also disclosed.
US08920461B2 Surgical forceps with bifurcated flanged jaw components
A forceps includes an end effector assembly having first and second jaw members. Each jaw member includes a bifurcated proximal flange extending therefrom defining first and second spaced-apart flange components. The first flange components are pivotably engaged to one another via a first engagement portion and the second flange components are pivotably engaged to one another via a second engagement portion. One or both of the jaw members is pivotable relative to the other about the first and second engagement portions between an open position and a closed position for grasping tissue therebetween. A guide member is configured for positioning between the proximal flanges of the jaw members. The guide member includes a tab extending transversely therefrom that is configured to operably engaged one of the first and second engagement portions to retain the jaw members in engagement with one another.
US08920460B2 Surgical instrument
In order to provide a surgical instrument which is particularly simple to manipulate and enables force to be transmitted particularly directly to at least two tool elements wherein the surgical instrument comprises said at least two tool elements which are movable relative to one another and are arranged at a distal end of a guide device of a surgical instrument, and also comprises a force transmission device for transferring an actuating force from a proximal end of the force transmission device to a distal end of the force transmission device for the purposes of moving at least one of the at least two tool elements relative to the guide device, it is proposed that the surgical instrument should comprise a coupling device for selectively coupling the force transmission device directly or indirectly to at least one of the at least two tool elements.
US08920454B2 Lancet
A lancet includes a lancet body having a distal end portion of a puncturing member protruding from the front end portion thereof, and a cap that houses and protects the distal end portion of the puncturing member that protrudes before use, wherein the front end portion of the lancet body and the rear end portion of the cap are integrated in substantially adjoining state with each other via a weakened portion. One of the end face at the front end portion of the lancet body and the end face at the rear end portion of the cap that opposes the former has protrusions, and the top ends of the protrusions define an imaginary plane that extends perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction of the puncturing member, and the other end face defines the flat surface that extends perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction of the puncturing member.
US08920451B2 Device and method for removing tissue inside a body vessel
Disclosed are a tool and a method for removing tissue inside a body vessel. A first helical coil has a first pitch and a first lumen. The first coil is threaded into a tubular hollow body that is lined with a spiral thread with a second pitch that is substantially the same as the first pitch. The hollow body may be a second coil. A first set of cutting elements extends from the first coil into the first lumen. A second set of cutting elements extends from the hollow body into the first lumen. The first and second sets of cutting elements are arranged with respect to each other such that a screw-like movement of the first helical coil relative to the hollow body causes a cutting element of the first set and a cutting element of the second set to pass each other closely enough to cut tissue.
US08920448B2 Atherectomy devices and methods
The devices and methods generally relate to treatment of occluded body lumens. In particular, the present devices and method relate to removal of the occluding material from the blood vessels as well as other body lumens. In some variations, the devices include a catheter body, a cutter assembly, a drive mechanism, a torque shaft, a conveyor mechanism, a deflecting mechanism and a torque control device. The deflecting mechanism may be slidable within the catheter body to point the cutter assembly toward a side of a body lumen. The torque control device may sweep the cutter assembly in an arc when the cutter assembly is deflected.
US08920443B2 Medical devices and methods useful for applying bolster material
Described are medical devices useful for applying a bolster material to a surgical fastening device such as a stapler, and related methods of manufacture and use. The devices include an applicator element for receipt between arms of the stapler, and a bolster material, desirably a remodelable extracellular matrix material, coupled to the applicator element. In certain embodiments, the bolster material is held by the applicator element, for example having at least a portion looped around or received through or over a portion of the applicator element. Also described are unique implantable materials including coatings of dried, reversible adhesive.
US08920442B2 Vascular opening edge eversion methods and apparatuses
Tissue eversion apparatuses and methods suitable for use, as examples, with vascular closure devices. The tissue eversion apparatuses comprise a tissue engaging element, disposed within a delivery sheath. The delivery sheath protects the tissue engaging element and the surrounding tissue during use. The tissue engaging element can extend from the sheath and engage the tissue near an aperture in a tissue wall. Motion of the tissue engaging element away from the tissue can urge the tissue wall near the aperture to evert from the tissue wall, allowing, as examples, aperture closure apparatuses and methods to be conveniently employed.
US08920440B2 Suture assembly and system
A suture assembly configured to load a suture instrument with suture includes a cap attached to an end of the suture, a suture container configured to retain a portion of the suture, and a cap retainer having a wall and a suture channel formed in the wall. The suture channel is configured to receive a length of the suture, and the wall is configured to deny passage of the cap into the suture channel and align the cap with the length of the suture for loading into the suture instrument.
US08920437B2 Devices for reconfiguring a portion of the gastrointestinal tract
The present invention involves new interventional methods and devices for reconfiguring a portion of the gastrointestinal tract. The procedures are generally performed laparoscopically and may generally be described as laparoscopic plication gastroplasty (LPG) in which, after obtaining abdominal access, spaced apart sites on a gastric wall are engaged, approximated and fastened to create one or more tissue folds forming one or more plications projecting into the gastrointestinal space. The serosal tissue may optionally be treated during the procedure to promote the formation of a strong serosa-to-serosa bond that ensures the long-term stability of the tissue plication. These procedures are preferably carried out entirely extragastrically (i.e. without penetrating through the gastrointestinal wall), thereby minimizing the risks of serious complications.
US08920434B2 Remote body tissue engaging methods and apparatus
Apparatus is provided that can be delivered through a catheter to a remote location in a patient's body. The apparatus may include a first structure that can be positioned in all dimensions in a controlled manner and stabilized in that desired position, a second structure that can then position a lumen axis at a desired angle relative to the first structure, and a third member that can pass through the lumen and approach and engage with force (e.g., penetrate) a desired location on the anatomy without compromising maintaining the desired position. The apparatus effectively separates the forces needed for positioning and the forces needed for tissue engagement (e.g., penetration).
US08920426B2 Apparatus for osteotomy and graft preparation
Surgical tools that increase surgical accuracy for orthopedic procedures involving long bone osteotomy with or without supplementation with allograft or autograft. Two clamps on the operative side are rigidly interconnected to one another with an adjustable rod that is locked into place, preserving length and rotation of the bone. A graft preparation device is used on the operative table. It enables alignment of the graft to preserve the desired mechanical and anatomic axes and to provide rigid fixation of the graft for cutting. Adjustable jigs ensure exact cuts.
US08920417B2 Electrosurgical devices and methods of use thereof
In some embodiments, an electrosurgical device includes a shaft, a first U-shaped electrode at a distal end of the shaft, and a second blade shaped electrode at the distal end of the shaft. The second electrode includes a spherical distal end. And the second electrode is substantially coplanar with the first electrode such that the first electrode surrounds a perimeter of the second electrode. The second electrode is spaced from the first electrode by an aperture. In some embodiments, an electrosurgical device includes a shaft, a first electrode at a distal end of the shaft defining an aperture and comprising a pointed tip, and a second electrode disposed at the distal end of the shaft that is substantially coplanar with the first electrode such that the first electrode surrounds a perimeter of the second electrode. The second electrode is spaced from the first electrode by the aperture.
US08920415B2 Catheter with helical electrode
An invasive probe includes an insertion tube containing a lumen for providing an irrigation fluid and comprising a distal portion having a plurality of perforations therethrough providing fluid communication between the lumen and an outer surface of the insertion tube. At least one helical electrode is fitted over the distal portion of the insertion tube.
US08920409B2 System and method for dermatological lesion treatment using gas discharge lamp with controllable current density
A device for treatment of dermatological lesions includes a gas discharge lamp for generating a plurality of different electromagnetic radiation treatments. A power supply for driving the gas discharge lamp is selectively controlled to drive the gas discharge lamp to output a first electromagnetic treatment when an area of skin being treated has a pigmented lesion, and to drive the gas discharge lamp to output a second electromagnetic treatment when the area of skin being treated has a vascular lesion, where the second electromagnetic treatment has a spectral distribution that is blue-shifted relative to the spectral distribution of the first electromagnetic treatment.
US08920406B2 Device and assembly for positioning and stabilizing an eye
An eye contact device and assembly for stabilizing a human eye at a selected position in an external coordinate system is disclosed. The device includes an eye-contact member having an inner contact surface for contacting a front surface of an eye, and a vacuum port formed within the eye-contact member by which a negative pressure can be applied between the eye and the contact surface, to stabilize the position of the eye with respect to the device. The device, which is adapted to be biased against the patient's eye, to secure the device to the eye, may be pivotally coupled to a positioning arm, and may carry one or more beam-directing elements by which the position of the device in an external coordinate system can be determined.
US08920399B2 Absorbent article
An absorbent article is disclosed. The article includes a first portion having at least two target strips located on opposite ends of the first portion, at least one visual sizing indicator positioned on the first portion of the article between the at least two target strips, the visual sizing indicator including indicia for indicating that the article is too large for a wearer, a middle portion contoured inwards such that an hourglass shape is formed, and a second portion having at least two fasteners located on opposite edges of the second portion. The absorbent article is formed of several layers including a moisture-impervious outer layer, an inner layer substantially co-extensive with the outer layer, and a filler interposed between the inner layer and the outer layer.
US08920392B2 Method for treating overactive bladders and a device for storage and administration of topical oxybutynin compositions
The invention relates to a method for treating overactive bladders and a device for storing and administering non-occluded oxybutynin topical compositions.
US08920387B2 Method and apparatus for pressure infusion and temperature control of infused liquids
A method and apparatus for pressure infusion and temperature control of infused liquids including an infrared sensing device mounted proximate a drip chamber to ascertain drip count. The infrared sensing device having particular features such as emission and detection window shapes, arrangement of emission and detection windows and different numbers of emitters and detectors.
US08920386B2 Micro-valve
A one-way valve (1) comprises a seat (5) and a membrane (4) having an inner portion (4a) that is stretched over the seat, wherein, in use, the inner membrane portion is selectively deflected from the seat such that a fluid path is created from one side of the membrane to the other so as to open the valve, and wherein an outer peripheral portion (4b) of the membrane is stiffer than the inner portion such that the membrane deflection is substantially restricted to only the inner portion. The one-way valve may be used in a pump for an infusion system.
US08920380B2 Anchor instrumentation and methods
Some embodiments of a medical device anchor system includes an anchor sleeve and a catheter (or other medical instrument) to advance though a working channel of the anchor sleeve. The anchor sleeve may have a subcutaneous cuff device arranged along an outer surface. In such circumstances, the embedded cuff device can inhibit the migration of infection from outside the skin and into the blood stream.
US08920375B2 Gas pressure actuated microneedle arrays, and systems and methods relating to same
The microneedle devices disclosed herein in some embodiments include a substrate; one or more microneedles; a reservoir for delivery of drugs; a gas source, and, optionally, pump(s), sensor(s), and/or microprocessor(s) to control the interaction of the foregoing.
US08920374B2 Drive control mechanisms and automatic injectors for injectable cartridges
An automatic injector includes a housing having a guide, a drive control mechanism, a transmission assembly, a motor, and an energy source. The housing may further include a cartridge cover. A drive control mechanism includes a drive screw, a cartridge carrier, a plunger carrier, and one or more control transfer instruments, such as a puck or cylinder. The drive screw interfaces and connects with the plunger carrier. The automatic injector is configured to accept a variety of syringes as cartridges for drug delivery. The cartridges may be ejected from the injector and safely disposed after use, making the injector a reusable automatic injector. The reusable automatic injector may further include one or more sensors, such as a cartridge sensor and a patient sensor. The novel incorporation of the drive control mechanisms into the automatic injectors of the present invention enables a single motor and transmission assembly to drive the function of multiple components, which may include the steps of: preparation and alignment of a cartridge for injection, removal of a safety cap or needle shield, needle injection, drug dose delivery, and syringe and/or needle retraction. Methods of manufacture and methods of use are also disclosed.
US08920371B2 Syringe with disabling mechanism
Syringe assemblies having a passive disabling system to prevent reuse are provided. According to one or more embodiments, the syringe assembly comprises a barrel, plunger rod and stopper wherein the plunger rod further comprises a flexible protrusion that locks the plunger rod within the barrel. Certain embodiments further include a frangible portion on the plunger rod that breaks when reuse is attempted.
US08920367B2 Devices, systems and methods for medicament delivery
An apparatus includes a medicament container assembly, a movable assembly, and a spring. The medicament container assembly includes a first plunger defining a first volume, and a second plunger defining a second volume. The movable assembly includes a first movable member and a second movable member. The second movable member can move the second plunger within the medicament container assembly. The first movable member can move the first plunger in a first direction within the medicament container assembly to expel a contents of at least the first volume via a needle. The spring is configured to urge the needle in a second direction. The release portion of the first movable member is configured to contact the second movable member after the first movable member moves the first plunger to enable the spring to move the needle in the second direction.
US08920365B2 Seal for a prefilled medical jet injection device
A sealing membrane 20 on a nozzle 10 for a jet injection device is adapted to seal off the nozzle orifice 12 by having a sealing rim 22 surrounding the nozzle orifice 12, which ensures a distinct closure of the nozzle orifice 12 to protect the nozzle geometry against damage and dirt and to protect the drug 30 contained in the cartridge 10 against contamination. The sealing rim 22 can narrowly enclose the nozzle orifice 12, or in case an adhesive 14 is applied to the nozzle face to ensure skin retention during injection, the sealing rim 22 can run in the middle of the adhesive covered area or entirely outside the adhesive covered area to protect the adhesive as well. A third sealing member 23 can also be provided to give a third distinct closure assurance in case the primary and secondary sealing membrane 20 is damaged. The third sealing member 23 can be one or more plug(s) adapted to press fit inside the nozzle orifice.
US08920355B2 Acoustic access disconnection systems and methods
An access disconnection method includes supporting a transmitter including a wireless communication apparatus, a receiver, a portion of an arterial line, a portion of a venous line and electronic circuitry by a member separate from a blood treatment machine. The method further includes operably communicating the electronic circuitry with the transmitter and the receiver, enabling transmission of a wave from the transmitter in one of the arterial and venous lines, enabling receipt of the wave by the receiver in the other of the arterial and venous lines, and enabling a disconnection output to be sent to the blood treatment machine via the electronic circuitry. The disconnection output is indicative of a change in the wave received by the receiver from the transmitter sufficient to expect that an access site disconnection of one of the arterial and venous lines has occurred.
US08920350B2 Orthotic strapping system
An orthotic strapping system that loosens all or a portion of a strap by capturing the angular movement of an orthotic joint to move the attachment point of the strap. This can be done with cabling or by using rotating cams and rigid linkages to connect them.
US08920348B2 Method and device for performing alternating chest compression and decompression
A plunger adapter and a detachable compression pad for piston driven chest compression devices optimizes the application of chest compressions to a fixed location on a patient's chest. The detachable compression pad may be removably secured to the patient above the patient's sternum to ensure that the compression pressure from the piston through the piston adapter is applied to a fixed location on the patient's chest. As the plunger and plunger adapter retract from the chest, the compression pad remains fixed to the patient's chest, and as the plunger and plunger adapter extend from the chest compression unit for subsequent compression strokes, the distal end of the plunger adapter reengages the compression pad to apply compression to a fixed location on the patient's chest.
US08920346B2 Knee orthosis
An orthosis for stretching tissue around a joint of a patient between first and second relatively pivotable body portions. The orthosis includes a first arm member affixable to the first body portion and including a first extension member extending therefrom. A second arm member affixable to the second body portion is also included and has a second extension member having an arcuate shape extending therefrom. A third arm member including a third extension member having an arcuate shape extending therefrom is interposed between the first and second arm members. The third extension member is slidably connected to the first arm member and the second extension member is operatively connected to the third arm members, such that the second arm members travel along an arcuate path defined by the second extension member when the second arm member is moved from a first position to a second position relative to the first and third arm members. Furthermore, the position of the third arm member can be securedly adjusted relative the first arm member.
US08920339B2 Liquid sampling, storage, transfer and delivery device
The present invention provides a liquid sampling, storage, transfer and delivery device comprising housing containing a porous nib. The porous nib in the device contacts the sample, collects the sample, stores the sample, transports the sample inside its porous matrix and releases the sample from the porous matrix upon demand.
US08920324B2 Energy based fat reduction
Methods for non-invasive fat reduction can include targeting a region of interest below a surface of skin, which contains fat and delivering ultrasound energy to the region of interest. The ultrasound energy generates a thermal lesion with said ultrasound energy on a fat cell. The lesion can create an opening in the surface of the fat cell, which allows the draining of a fluid out of the fat cell and through the opening. In addition, by applying ultrasound energy to fat cells to increase the temperature to between 43 degrees and 49 degrees, cell apoptosis can be realized, thereby resulting in reduction of fat.
US08920317B2 Multipurpose sensor port
A sensor port is adapted to connect to either a sensor or a data source. A reader is configured to identify which of the sensor and the data source is connected to the sensor port. A data path is configured to communicate an analog signal associated with the sensor and digital data associated with the data source to a signal processor according to the identification made by the reader.
US08920314B2 Universal height foam port
A surgical apparatus for positioning within a tissue tract accessing an underlying body cavity is adapted to tissues having different thicknesses. The surgical apparatus is configured to have different lengths. In one embodiment, the surgical includes a seal anchor member having two ends, and one of which is adapted to fold resulting in a plurality of folded states. Each folded state corresponds to a different length of the seal anchor member. The seal anchor member includes a slot to facilitate transition within the plurality of folded states. The seal anchor member further includes an aperture and a pin configured to further facilitate transition within the plurality of folded states.
US08920306B2 Devices and methods for delivering a pelvic implant
An apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention includes an elongate body having a distal end configured to releasably couple the elongate body to a delivery device. A lock tube is movably disposable within a lumen of the elongate body. A connector is disposed at a proximal end of the elongate body and is configured to releasably couple a pelvic implant to the elongate body. The lock tube is configured to be slidably moved to a position adjacent the pelvic implant to secure the pelvic implant to the elongate body. A method according to an embodiment of the invention includes placing a portion of an implant through an opening defined by a dilator. A first elongate body of the dilator is moved relative to a second elongate body of the dilator to secure the implant to the dilator.
US08920305B2 Vertically oriented band for stomach
An adjustable band or clamp or non-adjustable clamp is placed about the greater curvature of the stomach in a vertical orientation. The band or clamp completely compartmentalizes the stomach between a small vertical pouch and the fundus and body of the stomach. The fundus and body of the stomach are excluded from nutrients and are separated from a long narrow channel where the food travels. A small passage at the level of the antrum allows gastric juices to empty from the fundus and body of the stomach. The clamp may be applied during open surgery in laproscopic surgery or using a single port technique, or through any natural orifice in NOTES (Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic surgery) or using a hybrid surgical technique.
US08920302B2 Pelvic implant with anchoring frame
An implant for a pelvis is provided, wherein suturing is not necessary for anchoring the implant in place. The implant includes a flexible sheet and a solid frame, wherein the frame can be compressed or expanded. Upon insertion through the narrow openings of the pelvis, the frame is compressed, and upon delivery at the site, the frame is expanded, and is designed to anchor to the surrounding anatomical structures.
US08920296B2 Forged roll meeting the requirements of the cold rolling industry and a method for production of such a roll
A forged roll for use, inter alia, in the cold rolling industry and a method of producing a forged roll as described. The roll has a steel composition, by weight, with 0.8 to less than 1% C, 0.2 to 0.5% Mn, 0.2 to 2.0% Si, 7.0 to 13.0% Cr, 0.6 to 1.6% Mo, more than 1.0 to 3.0% V, the remainder being Fe and impurities. The steel is tempered martensite with retained austenite at less than 5% per volume with eutectic carbides of less than 5% by volume, a hardness between 780-840 HV, and internal compressive stresses of between −300 to −500 MPa.
US08920286B2 Exercise cell, ketosis/weight loss inducing exercise machine (KWIEM) ketosis inducing apparatus (KIA)
A unique concept of exercise and weight loss that takes place in a new invention utility, namely the exercise cells or the Ketone Inducing Apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus consists of four exercise cells to simulate four different exercise categories in extreme environments, namely walk/run/hike in a cold mountain environment, swim/water jogging in a cold water marine environment, cycling in a hot, humid, rainy, tropical forest environment, and gravitational rotation in a hot dry air windy space or desert environment. The purpose of this activity is to maximally stimulate the process of Ketosis (breakage of the human fat) to form smaller molecules of Ketones. The Ketones will then be eliminated both passively from the human body via urination and exhalation and actively through intracellular burn oxidation, hence reducing the extra fat load and reducing obesity. The reduction of the human obesity will enhance the human health status and reduce the complication of obesity namely diabetes, heart disease, and reduce the human mortality and morbidity.
US08920273B2 V-belt for transmitting high load
On each block side face of the blocks of a V-belt for transmitting high load, a ratio of a dimension extending in a belt thickness direction from a buried cord center line of a corresponding tension band to an upper end of an upper pulley-contact face to a dimension extending in the belt thickness direction from the buried cord center line to a lower end of the upper pulley-contact face is larger than or equal to 4.0, and a dimension extending in the belt thickness direction from the buried cord center line to a middle of the upper pulley-contact face is smaller than or equal to 2.3 mm.
US08920268B2 Small diameter crossbow bolt
A small diameter crossbow bolt includes a small diameter shaft having a leading end with an insert to receive a point. The trailing end of shaft has a nock and adjacent fletching. The insert receives a point, such as a target point, broad head, or other point known in the industry. A circumferential spacer is positioned along the shaft between the insert and nock and moved along the shaft as needed to locate the insert for a particular weight distribution, center of gravity positioning, or to separate the spacer from nock. The insert, nock, and spacer each have a diameter substantially equal to the diameter of a prior art bolt. When the diameters of the nock and spacer are equal to the diameter of a prior art bolt, the small diameter crossbow bolt of the present invention can be used interchangeably with prior art bolts without modification to the crossbow.
US08920262B2 Golf ball with aggregated layer core and method of making
A golf ball is provided capable of having various characteristics based on having an aggregated layer core. The golf ball includes an inner core, an outer shell enclosing the inner core, and an intermediate core enclosing the inner core. The intermediate core includes sublayers thermoplastically fused together to form an aggregated intermediate core layer having overall characteristics formed as a combination of the sublayer characteristics. A method of forming a golf ball core having an aggregated layer core can include forming a first and second stack of nested cups, thermoplastically bonding each of the stacks to each other to form first and second aggregated cups, arranging the aggregated cups around a golf ball inner core, and bonding the aggregated cups to each other. In some configurations, the sublayers can include ultrathin sublayers less than 20 microns thick, and in some configurations, the sublayers can include injection molded sublayers.
US08920248B2 Elastic joint body
An elastic joint body for a shaft arrangement, for the articulated connection of two shaft sections, including a plurality of bushes which are arranged at predetermined angular intervals in the peripheral direction with respect to a central axis of the joint body, a plurality of sets of loops, each set of loops wraps around two adjacent bushes, wherein the bushes and sets of loops are arranged in such a way that a central aperture which extends through the joint body in the direction of the central axis of the latter is formed in the joint body, and at least one gate land on at least one peripheral face that extends in the axial direction, and wherein the bushes and the sets of loops are sheathed, at least partially, with a rubbery-elastic sheathing, starting from the at least one gate land.
US08920244B2 Information processing apparatus and information processing system
An application execution unit executes a game program. A play item acquisition processing unit generates item acquisition information by using an item ID associated with a met play requirement of a game, and a hard disk drive stores the generated item acquisition information. The play item acquisition processing unit refers to execution information stored in an execution information storing unit and generates an item acquisition table that maps an item ID to attribute information.
US08920243B1 System and method for providing in-game timed offers
A system and method are disclosed for providing an in-game offer to one or more players of an online game. The offer is provided to players that have newly joined the game and/or to players that have not yet made a purchase. In some implementations, the offer may be meant to incentivize purchase upon entry into the game. The in-game offer may comprise an offer to one or more items and a bonus comprising one or more bonus items provided to the player responsive to the offered items being purchased. The in-game offer may only be made available to a qualifying player for a certain amount of time.
US08920236B2 Game related systems, methods, and articles that combine virtual and physical elements
Physical objects may be employed with a virtual game layout to enhance wager and non-wagered based gaming. Displays subsystems may provide a changeable or selectable virtual game layout with demarcations appropriate to a selected game. A sensor subsystem may detect physical aspects of game related pieces (e.g., playing cards, chips, markers, dice, spinners, tokens, tiles) as well as media (e.g., identity media, financial media). All gaming functions may occur through interaction with a playing surface, as well as functions such as order food, beverages and services. Automated tracking of players, dealers and games may be realized along with bonusing and promotions.
US08920224B2 Blower enclosure
Embodiments of the present invention provide a blower enclosure configured to secure to a base and house a blower. The blower enclosure includes a main body defining an internal blower chamber, and at least one access door configured to open to allow access to the blower. The enclosure may also include a gland plate secured over a preformed opening in the main body. The gland plate may include an O-ring configured to sealingly engage an outlet pipe of the blower. The enclosure may further include a fixed filter shroud configured to allow a user to install and remove a filter element without the use of a tool.
US08920223B2 Coin sorter
A coin sorter comprising a housing and a rotary disc arranged in the housing and rotatingly drivable by a rotary drive for coins to be sorted, the rotary disc is surrounded by a guide wall and a coin discharge area delimited by a wall section is provided, through which coins on the rotatingly driven rotary disc arrive at a coin conveyor track connecting to the coin discharge area, a rotatingly driven conveyor belt progressing in section above the rotary disc for conveying the coins along the coin conveyor track is arranged above the coin conveyor track, wherein the coin conveyor track is delimited by a guide edge, along which the coins are conveyed by the conveyor belt, wherein the bottom of the coin discharge area next to the wall section delimiting the coin discharge area has a discharge hole, through which the coins conveyed against the wall section can fall.
US08920220B2 Polishing pad for chemical mechanical polishing apparatus
This disclosure relates to a polishing pad for chemical mechanical polishing, having a shape where 3 or more semi-oval or semicircular curves that connect 2 valleys neighboring on the plane are connected, and including 2 or more modified patterns that are formed to a determined thickness on the polishing pad, wherein a peak of one modified pattern and a valley of another modified pattern neighboring thereto are sequentially located on the same line. The polishing pad may uniformly disperse slurry over the whole area during a polishing process to provide improved polishing uniformity, and appropriately control residence time of the slurry to increase polishing rate.
US08920219B2 Polishing pad with alignment aperture
Polishing pads with apertures are described. Methods of fabricating polishing pads with apertures are also described.
US08920217B2 Blade and wheel plate for blast cleaning wheel and method of connecting a blade to the wheel plate
A method and apparatus for connecting a blade to a single sided wheel plate or a pair of interconnected wheel plates. The assembly provides a repeatable, positive and even positioning location for each blade. It utilizes an ellipse that tapers outwardly from the center of the wheel along the blade connecting member that corresponds with the connecting channel on the wheel. The ellipse provides for equal and uniform contact on the entire blade connection to firmly hold the blade in place without parallel surfaces. The ellipse design provides a measured and increasing improved release in that all surfaces of the ellipse are tapered with non-parallel surfaces such that blade retention and blade removal is dramatically simplified.
US08920212B2 Method and device for grinding and polishing wooden materials and corresponding wooden parts
The present invention relates to a method and a device for processing parts, preferably made from timber-derived materials, especially MDF elements for achieving a sanded or polished surface, wherein blasting media are directed onto the surface at a shallow impact angle, and correspondingly produced wood parts.
US08920211B2 Truing device of grinding machine
A truing device of a grinding machine includes: a truer that corrects a shape of a grinding wheel; a swivel table that supports the truer such that the truer is swivelable about a swivel axis Ac; detecting means for directly detecting a distance from a truing edge position of the truer, which contacts the grinding wheel during correction of the shape of the grinding wheel, to a swivel center O of the swivel table; and control means for controlling the truing edge position of the truer with respect to the grinding wheel based on the distance L detected by the detecting means to true the grinding wheel.
US08920208B2 Collapsible play gym
A collapsible play gym for infants, the gym having a base and a bar assembly. The bar assembly includes an array of permanently attached flexible bars that are collapsible to a compact aligned configuration for storage and transport. The bars can be flexed into an upright configuration for suspending toys or other entertainment items over the base, and the bar assembly retained in the upright configuration by releasable attachments.
US08920205B2 Personal floatation device
A personal floatation device includes an attachment device that selectably couples to a user's body. The personal floatation device includes a housing that couples to the attachment device. The housing includes a base and an outer wall extending outwardly from a perimeter of the base. The housing includes an inner wall enclosed by the outer wall and extending outwardly from an interior region of the base. The housing includes a compressed air container extending through the inner wall. The housing includes a compressed air activation device functionally coupled to the compressed air container such that, when triggered, releases air therefrom. The housing includes an air bladder in fluid communication with the compressed air container. The housing includes a breakaway cover coupled to the outer wall that detaches when exposed to pressure from the air bladder inflating. The housing include a trigger device functionally coupled to the compressed air activation device.
US08920196B2 Electrical connector for reducing high frequency crosstalk interferences
An electrical connector for reducing high frequency crosstalk interferences is provided to insert with at least two mating elements. The electrical connector includes a first joint, a first signal terminal, a second joint, a second signal terminal and a ground terminal. The first joint and second joint are respectively used to be inserted by the mating elements. The first signal terminal is electrically connected with the mating element inserted within the first joint. The second signal terminal is electrically connected with the mating element inserted within the second joint. The ground terminal is electrically connected with the first joint and the second joint, and disposed between the first signal terminal and the second signal terminal. Signal flow spaces located between the ground terminal and respectively the first signal terminal and second signal terminals are used as signal flow paths for the first signal terminal and second signal terminal respectively.
US08920195B2 Electrical connector assembly with improved shield and shield coupling
An electrical connector provides shielded signal pathways. The electrical connector includes a shield plate, a first finger that extends from an edge of the shield plate, and a second finger that extends from the edged of the shield and that is adjacent to the first finger. A channel is formed between the first finger and the second finger. A coupling is placed within the channel adjacent the first finger. The coupling includes a contact, a first connecting arm extending from a first end of the contact to a first portion of the first finger, and a second connecting arm extending from a second end of the contact to a second portion of the first finger. The first connecting arm and the second connecting arm provide at least two current paths from the contact to the first finger.
US08920189B1 Wing deployment mechanism for a power adapter
A power adapter including a wing deployment mechanism for retaining a wing in a first undeployed position and the second deployed position. One example may provide a housing, a spring, a spring cover, and the wing. In one example, the wing may be pivotally attached to the housing and the spring and the spring cover may be fixedly attached to the housing. The spring may contact a portion of the wing and may, in one example, apply a position dependent force to the wing that biases the wing towards either the first or the second position.
US08920186B2 Electrical connector having a deformable lock arm
The invention relates to an electrical connector having a first contact housing, a second contact housing, and a lock housing. The first contact housing includes a housing protrusion disposed on a rear end portion thereof, and the second contact housing is positioned over the first contact housing. The lock housing includes a base portion positioned across the second contact housing and a deformable lock arm extending from the base portion toward the first contact housing. The deformable lock arm includes an engaging protrusion facing the first contact housing and is deformable by the first contact housing when not engaged with the housing protrusion.
US08920182B2 Connector having a coupler-body continuity member
A connector having a coupler-body continuity member is provided, wherein the coupler-body continuity member electrically couples a coupler and a body, thereby establishing electrical continuity between the coupler and the body. Furthermore, the coupler-body continuity member facilitates grounding through the connector, and renders an electromagnetic shield preventing ingress of unwanted environmental noise.
US08920181B2 Coaxial connector
A coaxial connector includes an insulation housing having a receptacle opening portion for receiving a coaxial plug; an outer conductive member; a first terminal disposed below the receptacle opening portion; a second terminal disposed below the first terminal; and an insulation member disposed between the first terminal and the second terminal. The first terminal includes a first contact portion for contacting with a central conductive member of the coaxial plug. The second terminal includes a second contact portion for contacting with the central conductive member. The first terminal further includes a third contact portion, and the second terminal further includes a fourth contact portion for contacting with the third contact portion when the coaxial plug is not inserted into the insulation housing.
US08920175B2 Method and apparatus for identifying dietary choices
A method is provided for assigning a relative score number to foods. Assignment of a relative score number to foods allows consumers to select foods that will provide a desirable diet. Equations are provided which are effective to yield a predicted raw score based on measured characteristics. The predicted raw score statistically correlates to a raw score that would be determined by an actual panel. The predicted raw scores are further processed to provide a relative score number that can be easily tracked by a consumer.
US08920174B2 Electric tactile display
An electro-tactile display includes an electrode substrate provided with a plurality of stimulation electrodes, a conductive gel layer positioned between the stimulation electrodes and the skin of a wearer, a switching circuit section electrically connected to the stimulation electrodes, a stimulation pattern generating section electrically connected to the switching circuit, and means for alleviating a sensation experienced by the wearer as a result of the stimulation electrodes. In one aspect, the means for alleviating a sensation is configured from the conductive gel layer. The conductive gel layer has a resistance value equivalent to that of the horny layer of the skin. In another aspect, the means for alleviating a sensation is configured from the stimulation determination means and the threshold value adjustment means.
US08920171B2 Modular framework suprastructure for dental implants
A modular framework suprastructure for dental implants is provided. The apparatus includes a modular series of stumps and rods with horizontal axis, each of them being composed of a tubular bar provided at one end with an ear with a hole, whereas at the other end of the bar, a clip is applied, being provided with circular hole identical to the aforementioned hole, having suitable dimensions to receive one of said stumps.
US08920161B2 Apparatus and method for extinguishing a flame upon disturbing the apparatus
An apparatus is provided for containing a heat source (36) in a chamber (16) having a chimney-section (22). The apparatus has a gas inlet opening (24, 26, 30) and a gas outlet opening (32) formed in the chimney-section (22). The gas inlet opening (24, 26, 30) and the heat source are located in a lower area (12, 20′) of the chamber (16) and the gas outlet opening (32) is located in an upper region (14) of the chamber (16) so that, when a heat source is placed in the chamber (16), an ascending gas flow may be generated in the chamber (16). Inflowing gas into the chamber flows therethrough into the lower area (12, 20′) of the chamber (16) and then is drawn upwardly by a draw of the ascending gas flow and then though the gas outlet opening (32). The apparatus includes a subassembly (27). The chimney-section (22) is attached to the subassembly (27) so that lateral tilting of the chimney-section (22) causes motion of the subassembly (27) relative to the wick (307). This extinguishes the flame if the wick was burning.
US08920159B2 Burner with oxygen and fuel mixing apparatus
An apparatus is provided for combining oxygen and fuel to produce a mixture to be burned in a burner. The oxygen-fuel mixture is ignited in a fuel-ignition zone in a flame chamber to produce a flame.
US08920140B2 Purification system
A system and method is provided for filtration and purification of a liquid. A purification system can be used for filtration and purification of water. A system can include a raw water treatment system, an ultra filtration system, a reverse osmosis purification system, and a solar power system. A purification system can include hardware and controls for decreasing energy use and system inefficiency by monitoring and controlling temperatures of individual components, of the system, or of the purified liquid. A purification system can include a wetted ground and ground monitoring system control or improve the effectiveness of a ground.
US08920138B2 Motor pump unit
A motor pump unit for a high-pressure cleaning apparatus has an electric motor and a pump. The electric motor has a motor housing that is surrounded by a cooling housing with an annular space having an annular space inlet and an annular space outlet formed therebetween. The pump has a drive housing on which is supported the motor shaft, and has a suction inlet and a pressure outlet. The annular space outlet is fluidly connected to the suction inlet and liquid to be pressurized by the pump is suppliable to the annular space inlet. In order to improve the motor pump unit such that the heat load on the drive housing can be reduced, the drive housing has at least one cooling passage which is arranged upstream of the suction inlet and through which the liquid to be pressurized can flow.
US08920127B2 Turbine rotor non-metallic blade attachment
In an engine disk and blade combination, the metallic disk has a plurality of first blade attachment slots and a plurality of second blade attachment slots circumferentially interspersed with each other. There is a circumferential array of a plurality of first blades. Each first blade has an airfoil and an attachment root. The attachment roots are respectively received in associated said first attachment slots. There is a circumferential array of second blades. Each second blade has an airfoil and an attachment root. The attachment roots are respectively received in associated said second slots. The first blades and second blades are non-metallic. The first blades are radially longer than the second blades. The first slots are radially deeper than the second slots.
US08920126B2 Turbine and turbine rotor blade
An object is to provide a turbine and a turbine rotor blade in which it is possible to ensure the strength of the turbine rotor blade and to improve the performance thereof. The turbine includes: rotor blades that rotate about a rotational axis in a main flow channel of a casing; stator vanes that are disposed in the casing; a tip shroud that is disposed at a radially-outward end of each of the rotor blades and whose length in the direction along the rotational axis is reduced as the distance from the rotor blade increases; and a cavity portion that is formed at a position in the casing facing the rotor blades and in which the tip shroud is accommodated. An inclination angle of the inner periphery of the tip shroud is larger than an average inclination angle that is an inclination angle of the inner periphery of the casing, averaged from the trailing edge of the stator vanes disposed at the upstream side of a main flow to the cavity portion disposed at the downstream side of the main flow.
US08920125B2 Dual frequency hub mounted vibration suppressor system
A vibration suppressor system includes an annular electric motor system which independently controls rotation of at least two masses about the axis of rotation to reduce in-plane vibration of the rotating system. A method of reducing vibrations in a rotary-wing aircraft includes independently controlling a relative angular position of a multiple of independently rotatable masses to reduce vibrations of a main rotor system.
US08920122B2 Turbine airfoil with an internal cooling system having vortex forming turbulators
A turbine airfoil usable in a turbine engine and having at least one cooling system is disclosed. At least a portion of the cooling system may include one or more cooling channels having a plurality of turbulators protruding from an inner surface and positioned generally nonorthogonal and nonparallel to a longitudinal axis of the airfoil cooling channel. The configuration of turbulators may create a higher internal convective cooling potential for the blade cooling passage, thereby generating a high rate of internal convective heat transfer and attendant improvement in overall cooling performance. This translates into a reduction in cooling fluid demand and better turbine performance.
US08920120B2 Arrangement with a nacelle and a radiator arrangement
An arrangement with a nacelle and a radiator arrangement of a wind turbine is provided. The radiator arrangement includes a guiding assembly. The nacelle includes a guiding assembly, too. The guiding assembly of the radiator is positioned and constructed in a way that the guiding assembly interacts with the guiding assembly of the nacelle. Thus, the radiator arrangement is lifted and passed to a final position on top of the nacelle by the engaged guiding assemblies.
US08920118B2 Casing structure
Provided is a casing structure including: an annular seal member which is disposed at a connection portion between first and second casings to keep air-tightness between an internal space formed by connecting the first and second casings to each other and an outside of the internal space; a first screw member which is threaded from the internal space, is disposed at the inside of the seal member in the radial direction, and fastens the first and second casings to each other; and a second screw member which is threaded from the outside, is disposed at the outside of the seal member in the radial direction, and fastens the first and second casings to each other.
US08920108B2 Manipulator
A manipulator for transporting work pieces, especially between two subsequent molding presses of a press working line, including a moving mechanism allowing three dimensional movements on the path between the molding presses, a supplemental arm attached to the moving mechanism and connected to this moving mechanism via a support member that allows a swiveling movement of the supplemental arm around a vertical axis of the support member as well as a translation movement of the supplemental arm with respect to the support member, and a tool support provided at the outer end of a supplemental arm, the tool support being rotatable around a horizontal first axis and around a second axis perpendicular to the first axis, the tool support including a tool reception that is rotatable around a third axis perpendicular with respect to the second axis.
US08920107B2 Substrate support apparatus and vacuum processing apparatus
A substrate support apparatus which can support a substrate having a center hole, comprises a support portion which can support the substrate. The support portion includes a support groove with a cross-sectional shape in which a groove width gradually increases in a counter-gravitational direction, and a width of the support groove between two end portions is larger than a width of the support groove at the center thereof.
US08920099B2 Levelling system
A particulate bed levelling arrangement has a rotational drive shaft and a particulate distribution arrangement coupled to the shaft. The particulate distribution arrangement engages with the particulate bed and moves to redistribute the particulate material in the bed in a direction radially outwardly away from the rotational drive shaft axis.
US08920092B2 Rotatable end pin for instrument strap
An end pin has a composite shoulder with a fixed lower half and a rotatable upper half. The halves are alignable in a first, installation mode of minimal footprint relative to the hole and slit in the end piece to permit the pin to be easily inserted through the hole in the end piece. The upper half is rotated into a second, locking mode that increases the footprint of the pin over the hole and slit, thereby preventing inadvertent disengagement of the strap from the pin.
US08920091B2 Fastener with bilateral seal for liquid immersion cooling applications
A fastener assembly including an elongate fastener adapted to extend through a chamber having a longitudinal axis, a first end and a second end; a first seal disposed at least partially at the first end of the fastener to prevent leakage of fluid from the chamber; and a second seal disposed at least partially at the second end of the fastener to prevent leakage of fluid from the chamber. In a specific embodiment, the first and second seals are conical seals and a third seal is provided by a gasket. The invention also provides a method for securing a fluid filled chamber to a surface by using embodiments of the fastener assembly.
US08920090B2 Captive securing means for a screw
A captive securing means for a screw has a shaft for holding the screw and a retaining means arranged in the shaft, the retaining means resting, in the inserted state of the screw, at a tangential point on the outer circumferential surface of the screw, the retaining means arranged on the inner circumferential surface of the shaft, and the retaining means extending from the inner circumferential surface of the shaft into the free region of the shaft such that at the tangential point, the angle between the direction of extent of the retaining means and the outer circumferential surface of the screw is <90 degrees. Consequently, the screw is axially moveable in the shaft without the quality of the captive securing means being impaired, and the screw is captively secured in the shaft by the retaining means resting on the outer circumferential surface of the screw.
US08920087B2 Adhesive package and use thereof with an anchoring element
An adhesive package and use thereof with an anchoring element is disclosed. The adhesive package includes a tubular foil pouch for receiving a multi-component adhesive mass having at least one hardener component and one reactive resin component that is separate from the hardener component. The reactive resin component has at least one first compound and one second compound which harden at different rates and which are arranged in succession in the tubular foil pouch. The reactive resin component has an additional polymerizable compound which is arranged behind the second compound on an end of the foil pouch that is opposite from the first compound. The additional polymerizable compound hardens more slowly than the second compound and provides a leak protection for the second compound and/or the hardener component.
US08920086B2 Taper bolt connection and use of a taper bolt connection
Disclosed is a taper bolt connection including a taper bolt received in a taper bush, a fastening nut and a washer, the taper bush having a continuous longitudinal slot, and the taper bush being capable of being spread open uniformly in the radial direction by means of a fastening nut screwable onto the taper bolt. Since the taper bolt and/or the taper bush have/has, at least in regions, an at least Teflon-containing coating, tribochemical processes between the taper bush wedge surface and the taper bolt wedge surface are largely avoided, so that the taper bolt connection can be released again without great effort even after a long period of connection. Furthermore disclosed is the use of the taper bolt connection for connecting a rudder unit to a carrying structure of a fuselage cell of an aircraft.
US08920083B2 Rail and truck tower transport system
The presented embodiments provide a system (10) for transporting a load (12) via multiple conveyance types. The system (10) includes a supporting member (22, 23) configured for attachment to the load (12), including a vehicle interface portion (40, 42), a first supporting member interface portion for attachment to the first vehicle of a first conveyance type, and a second supporting member interface portion for attachment to the second vehicle of a second conveyance type. The vehicle interface portion and the first and second supporting member interface portions are cooperatively configured such that when the load (12) is attached to the supporting member (22, 23) it can be moved between the first and second vehicles by a vertical lift and place move selectively parting and joining the vehicle interface portion with the first and second supporting member interface portions without the necessity of joining or separating a fastener.
US08920077B2 Post tensioned foundations, apparatus and associated methods
Described herein are shallow post tensioned foundation systems for mounting light to medium weight structures. Methods of installation are also described. The systems, apparatus and methods described can reduce waste, increase efficiency and reduce cost and installation/construction time.
US08920058B2 Partially extendable hair brush
A grooming device comprising a grooming element. The grooming element may be elongated along a longitudinal axis. The grooming device has a first portion and a second portion separateable from the first portion and capable of moving independently from the first portion along the longitudinal axis. The first and/or second portions of the grooming element include means engaging keratin fibers or for improving the aesthetic appearance of keratin fibers.
US08920056B2 Electronic equipment
An electronic equipment of the embodiment comprises a housing that has an attaching wall with an inclined surface on which a covered object is arranged, an attaching body that has a covering surface covering the covered object and is amounted on the attaching wall, a first convex portion, wherein the projection tip portion of the first convex portion contacts the covering surface, and a second convex portion, wherein the projection tip portion of the second convex portion contacts the inclined surface.
US08920050B2 Termination assembly for alignment of optical fibers
An assembly and method for splicing optical fibers is provided. A termination assembly may include a housing having an engagement element for engagement with an engagement component of a fixture and a support or splicer joint between which a first optical fiber extends in a longitudinal direction. A locking mechanism or a splicer joint may be operable to be biased against the first optical fiber to maintain an end of the first optical fiber at the support or the splicer joint fixed in position and only in a predetermined alignment with an end of a second optical fiber fixedly supported by the support or the splicer joint, such that the end of the second optical fiber is fixed at a predetermined orientation and a predetermined position at the support associated with the predetermined alignment by engagement of the engagement element with the engagement component.
US08920042B2 Optical connector, optical fiber incorporating method, and electronic information equipment
An optical connector includes a fiber holder with guide holes for guiding optical fibers, a space communicating with the guide holes and to accommodate the optical fibers, and a deformable member that forms at least a part of the fiber holder and causes the space to deform or displace to allow a part or all of the optical fibers to bend in the space.
US08920040B2 Rolling element bearing
A rolling-element bearing includes an inner ring and an outer ring having at least two adjacently disposed raceways for at least two rows of rolling elements. In order to avoid or reduce corrosion on the raceways of the outer ring caused by condensation forming on the outer raceway, the outer ring has at least one radially-outwardly-extending groove in the axial region between its at least two raceways for collecting condensation at a location away from the raceways.
US08920025B2 Device for registering the temperature inside a foodstuff placed in an oven
An electronic device, suitable for registering the temperature of a foodstuff in a oven provided with a door with a handle is disclosed. The device includes a casing with a user interface and a temperature probe suitable for being inserted into the food. The casing includes hook for connecting the device to the oven door, preferably to its handle.
US08920020B2 Flow passage structure
A flow passage structure having a plurality of flow passageways therein includes a first junction portion for joining a first fluid introduced into a first inlet path and a second fluid introduced into a second inlet path, a first joined fluid flow passage through which a fluid made by joining both the fluids flows, a branch portion for dividing the fluid flowing in the first joined fluid flow passage into two fluids, a first branch path through which one of the two divided fluids flows, and a second branch path through which the other flows, wherein a corresponding diameter of the first branch path and a corresponding diameter of the second branch path in each of the passageways are smaller than a corresponding diameter of the first joined fluid flow passage in the passageway.
US08920005B2 Light emitting diode type illuminating module
Disclosed herein is an LED-type illuminating module, which independently functions as an illuminating apparatus and which is used to constitute various kinds of illuminating apparatuses having desired outputs by providing a plurality of the LED-type illuminating modules on a module fixing plate 8 of a predetermined area, including: a light transmission or diffusion plate; an LED substrate on which LEDs are fixed at regular intervals by soldering; a radiator formed by die-casting a light metal alloy; a waterproof ring; a plurality of radiating plates made of a light metal alloy; a housing formed by injection-molding a conductive polymer resin material; a waterproof packing; and a power supply converter.
US08920003B2 Telescopic luminaire
A luminaire includes a first body module, a light module, a second body module, a wire-receiving unit, and a wire. The light module is disposed on said first body module. The second body module is movable telescopically relative to the first body module. The wire has two ends respectively and electrically connected to the first and second body modules, and a portion that is received within the wire-receiving unit and that is movable at least partially into or out of the wire-receiving unit as a result of adjusting the length of the luminaire, thereby preventing entanglement of the wire.
US08920001B2 Light emitting device
A light emitting device includes: a light source that emits light; a reflective unit disposed around a perimeter of the light source and having a reflective surface; and a diffusion unit that is disposed between the light source and the reflective surface and is configured to reflect a partial amount of the light emitted from the light source and transmit another partial amount of the light emitted from the light source toward the reflective surface.