Document Document Title
US08929030B2 Magnetic writer for field assisted magnetic recording
A writer includes a write element having a tip portion to generate a write field during a write operation and a conductive assembly that delivers a write assist current through the tip portion in a cross-track direction to generate a write assist field during the write operation that extends beyond a medium confronting surface located at the tip portion to lower a coercivity of a magnetic medium proximate to the write element.
US08929027B1 Magnetic write head with tapered side gap for reduced far track interference
A magnetic write head for magnetic data recording that has a magnetic write pole and a magnetic side shield structure, wherein the flare angle and bevel angle of the write pole are different from the flare angle and bevel angle of the magnetic side shield structure. The magnetic side shield has a flare angle that is greater than that of the write pole, and has a bevel angle that is smaller than that of the write pole. This advantageously provides a strong write field, while also preventing adjacent track and far track interference. The write head can include a bi-layer non-magnetic side gap structure, wherein one layer of the bi-layer side gap structure has a uniform thickness and the other layer has a non-uniform thickness.
US08929024B1 Hard disk drive assembly with field-separable mechanical module and drive control
A system for storing data includes a rack, one or more data storage drive assemblies coupled to the rack, and a data control module coupled to the rack. The data storage drive assemblies include one or more drive mechanical modules configured to store data and one or more drive control modules coupled to the drive mechanical modules. The drive control modules control mechanical operations in the drive mechanical modules. The drive mechanical modules and the associated drive control modules are separable from one another without removing the other module from the at least one data storage drive assembly.
US08929021B1 Disk drive servo writing from spiral tracks using radial dependent timing feed-forward compensation
A disk drive is disclosed comprising a head actuated over a disk comprising a plurality of spiral tracks, wherein each spiral track comprising a high frequency signal interrupted at a predetermined interval by a sync mark. An offset r0 representing a difference between an axial rotation of the disk and an axial rotation of the spiral tracks is estimated. Radial dependent timing compensation values are generated in response to the estimated r0. A phase error is generated in response to the sync marks in the spiral track crossings. A control signal is generated in response to the phase error and the radial dependent timing compensation values, and a frequency of an oscillator is adjusted in response to the control signal.
US08929020B2 Linear recording device for executing optimum writing upon receipt of series of commands including mixed read and write commands and method and program thereof
A tape drive is provided, which executes an optimum writing method even when overwrite is intervened between mixed read and write operations. When an overwrite command is received while executing the mixed operations, which writes to a predetermined tape position, when a tape position to overwrite on is encountered before the append-written data ending position of the tape (tape EOD), the overwritten tape position is regarded as the append-written data ending position of the tape (tape EOD) to update the tape EOD by the overwritten tape position. When a tape position to overwrite is encountered after the append-written data ending position of the tape (tape EOD), the overwritten tape position is updated by the append-written data ending position of a non-volatile memory (non-volatile EOD). The updating the EODs enhances the performance of the mixed read and write operations even when an overwrite command is intervening.
US08929017B2 Systems and methods for SNR measurement using equalized data
Various embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for data processing. For example, a data processing system is discussed that includes: an equalizer circuit, a signal to noise ratio calculation circuit, and a parameter adjustment circuit. The equalizer circuit is operable to equalize a data input to yield an equalized output. The signal to noise ratio calculation circuit is operable to calculate a signal to noise ratio of the equalized output based at least in part on a noise power derived from the equalized output. The parameter adjustment circuit is operable to adjust a parameter based at least in part on the signal to noise ratio.
US08929009B2 Irregular low density parity check decoder with low syndrome error handling
A data processing system is disclosed including a data decoder circuit, an error handling circuit and a syndrome checker circuit. The data decoder circuit is operable to apply a data decode algorithm to a decoder input to yield a decoded output, and to calculate a syndrome indicating an error level for the decoded output. The error handling circuit is operable to determine whether any errors in the decoded output involve user data bits. The syndrome checker circuit is operable to trigger the error handling circuit based at least in part on the syndrome.
US08929008B1 Systems and methods for testing magnetic media disks during manufacturing using sliders with temperature sensors
Systems and methods for testing magnetic media disks during manufacturing using sliders with temperature sensors are provided. One such method involves scanning a surface of a selected disk of a plurality of magnetic media disks using a slider including a magnetic transducer and a temperature sensor, counting a number of the surfaces scanned, determining, during the scanning, whether a threshold crossing event has occurred by determining whether a signal from the temperature sensor signal is not within a preselected range, counting, during the scanning, a number of threshold crossing events, storing, if the number of threshold crossing events is greater than a preselected events limit, the number of surfaces scanned, stopping, if the number of surfaces scanned is greater than a surfaces scanned threshold, the scanning, and returning, if the number of surfaces scanned is less than or equal to the surfaces scanned threshold, to scan a next selected disk.
US08929005B2 Voice coil motor
A VCM is disclosed, the motor including a stator including a first driving unit, a rotor arranged inside the stator, including a second driving unit responding to the first driving unit and mounted therein with a lens, a base fixing the stator, and an elastic member coupled to the rotor to float the rotor from the base in a case a driving signal for driving the first and second driving units is not applied to the first and second driving units.
US08929000B2 Mobile device and optical imaging lens thereof
Present embodiments provide for a mobile device and an optical imaging lens thereof. The optical imaging lens comprises four lens elements positioned in an order from the object side to the image side. Through controlling the convex or concave shape of the surfaces of the lens elements, the thickness of the at least one lens element, an air gap between two lens elements, and a sum of all air gaps between all four lens elements along the optical axis satisfying the relations: (T3/G34)>4 and (Gaa/T3)>1, wherein T3 is the thickness of the third lens element, G34 is the air gap between the third lens element and the fourth lens element, and Gaa is the sum of all air gaps between all four lens elements, the optical imaging lens shows better optical characteristics and the total length of the optical imaging lens is shortened.
US08928995B2 Lens barrel and imaging device
The imaging device includes a lens barrel, which itself includes a first frame, a second frame rotatably supported by the first frame, a lens mount including a contact face that comes into contact with the main body of a camera body, and a linking portion for linking the lens mount and the first frame on the outside of the contact face, with at least part of the second frame being disposed between the linking portion and the contact face along the optical axis direction; and an imaging element for converting an optical image formed by the lens barrel into image data.
US08928993B2 Zoom lens and image pickup apparatus using the same
A zoom lens comprises in order from an object side a first lens unit having a positive refractive power. The first lens unit consist one positive lens. The zoom lens satisfies the following conditional expressions (1) and (2). Fno(W)<2.7  (1) 3.1
US08928991B2 Zoom lens and image pickup apparatus including the same
In a zoom lens including a positive first lens unit, negative second lens unit, positive third lens unit, and positive fourth lens unit, the fourth lens unit includes a 41 lens group, a 42 lens group, and a 43 lens group. the lateral magnification of the third lens unit at a wide-angle end when an infinite object is focused, the focal length of the fourth lens unit, the lens configuration length of the fourth lens unit, the air interval between the 41 and 42 lens groups, the air interval between the 42 and 43 lens groups, the focal length of the 42 lens group, the average values of the Abbe constants and partial dispersion ratios of positive lens of the 42 lens group, the average values of the Abbe constants and partial dispersion ratios of negative lenses of the 42 lens group, and the like are appropriately set.
US08928985B2 Image blur correction device and imaging apparatus
An image blur correction device includes a lens unit having at least one lens and rotationally moving in a first direction which is a rotation direction of a first fulcrum axis and in a second direction which is a rotation direction of a second fulcrum axis relative to an outer casing, a first driving motor which causes the lens unit to pivot in the first direction, and a second driving motor which causes the lens unit to pivot in the second direction. An auxiliary axis is disposed opposite to the first driving motor with interposing of the lens unit, the lens unit pivots in the first direction and in the second direction by the rotation of output axes of the first and second driving motors, and each output axis is rotatably supported by a pair of first bearings and each auxiliary axis is rotatably supported by a second bearing.
US08928977B2 Image stabilizing apparatus and optical apparatus having the same
An image stabilizing apparatus for correcting an image shake by moving an optical element arranged in a lens barrel in a plane orthogonal to an optical axis includes a first rolling holder configured to support a first rolling member so as to be capable of rolling in a first direction orthogonal to the optical axis, the first rolling member moving the optical element in the first direction, and a fixed member attached to a surface of the first rolling holder and providing support for the lens barrel, the first rolling member being provided on the surface.
US08928969B2 Spatio-optical directional light modulator
A novel spatio-optical directional light modulator with no moving parts is introduced. This directional light modulator can be used to create 2D/3D switchable displays of various sizes for mobile to large screen TV. The inherently fast modulation capability of this new directional light modulator increases the achievable viewing angle, resolution, and realism of the 3D image created by the display.
US08928962B2 Optical device, method for manufacturing optical device, and optical scanner
An optical device includes a base made of silicon and including a movable portion provided with a light reflecting portion having light reflectivity and capable of oscillating around a oscillation axis, at least one connection portion that extends from the movable portion, and a support portion that supports the connection portion, and a stray light suppression layer provided on a surface of the base and having a function of suppressing light reflection. In a plan view in which the base is viewed in a thickness direction thereof, the stray light suppression layer is provided on portions other than an edge of the connection portion, an edge that connects an edge of the movable portion to the edge of the connection portion, and an edge that connects an edge of the support portion to the edge of the connection portion.
US08928955B2 Linear light source apparatus and image reading apparatus
A linear light source device illuminates a document properly, and an image reading device includes such a light source device. The light source device includes a light source and a light-guiding member. The light-guiding member introduces the light emitted from the light source from one end portion in x-direction, cause the light to travel in x-direction, and emits the light from a light exit portion at one end in z-direction, which is orthogonal to x-direction. The light-guiding member includes, at the other end in z-direction, a light-reflecting portion that reflects light to the light exit portion. One end face of the light-guiding member in y-direction, which is orthogonal to x- and z-directions, is inclined so as to become closer to the other end face in y-direction with decreasing distance from the light exit portion in z-direction. This allows light to easily travel to the light-reflecting portion.
US08928954B1 Image reading device and image forming device
Once the number of successive occurrences of document feed errors during execution of fed reading has reached a predetermined number of times, an image reading control portion of the image reading device performs stationary reading in cases in which a stationary-reading document detection portion detects the presence of the document, even when a document set detection portion detects that the document is present.
US08928949B1 Method and apparatus for minimizing gray level variation within each symbol in Microtext
A method, non-transitory computer readable medium, and apparatus for minimizing gray level variation in microtext are disclosed. For example, the method calculates a gray value of each one of a plurality of symbols of a first set of symbols comprising a plurality of symbols, identifies a reference symbol of the first set of symbols, determines a reference gray value of the reference symbol and adjusts the gray value of one or more of the plurality of symbols of the first set of symbols to be equivalent to the reference gray value.
US08928946B1 Image reading device, image forming apparatus, and image reading method
A cover member is openable and closable with respect to a document table, and has a color reference surface facing the document table, and a partial region provided on a color reference surface and having a predetermined density different from a density of the color reference surface. When a document determination portion determines that a document is a book document, a density correction portion corrects a density in a specific density correction range at a central portion in document image data read from a document by a image reading portion, based on a second density difference which is a density difference between a density of the color reference surface read by a reading control portion when a book document is placed on a document placement surface, and a density of the color reference surface read by the image reading portion when the cover member is closed.
US08928944B2 Document assembly and automated contextual form generation
This disclosure describes systems, methods, and computer program products for displaying one or more pages of a first document in a first region on a user interface; displaying thumbnail images of the one or more pages of the first document in a second region on the user interface; receiving user input for inserting one or more pages from a non-digitized second document into the first document; and in response to the user input, digitizing the one or more pages of the non-digitized second document using a document scanning device, and inserting the one or more pages of the digitized second document into the first document, wherein the inserted pages are displayed as part of the first document on the user interface.
US08928941B2 Image processing apparatus, image forming apparatus, and method for processing images
An image processing apparatus prints an image without streaks on a medium. A receiving section receives base color image data and non-base color image data. A detecting section detects a boundary between a first area in which the base color image is printed and a second area which surrounds the first area and no image is printed therein. A correction section performs correction on the image data to generate one of a third area defined in a peripheral portion of the first area and a fourth area which is defined in a peripheral portion of the second area and is contiguous to the first area. A smaller amount of base color toner is consumed in the third and fourth area than in the first area. A printing section prints an image on a medium in accordance with the corrected base color image data and the non-base color image data.
US08928940B2 Image forming apparatus, image forming method, and integrated circuit
An image forming apparatus includes a density conversion unit converting the density of one or more image data from among plural image data to be combined having different tones so as to correspond to the tone to be combined; a combine unit combining the plural image data by using the image data whose density is converted by the density conversion unit; and an image forming unit forming an image by using the image data combined by the combine unit.
US08928930B2 Image forming apparatus and method of printing reduction image thereof
A method reducing an image size of an image printed by an image forming apparatus includes determining whether a line width of an unprintable line will be compensated when it is determined that there is the unprintable line, rendering an object based on image data in which a result of determining whether the line width will be compensated is reflected, and performing a reduction printing operation of the object based on the rendering result.
US08928896B2 Object dimensioning system and related methods
A method and apparatus for dimensioning and, optionally, weighing an object. A platform with a surface is used for supporting an object. A user selects between two different dimensioning devices of the apparatus. The first device employs three distance sensors to determine a distance between each of the distance sensors and a side of an object. The second device includes a movable gate which is passed over and about an object or objects on the platform. Sensor arrays, such as paired, aligned light emitter and receiver arrays, are used in combination with a plurality of sensed gate positions to determine the dimensions of the objects(s) as the gate passes around the object(s) based on whether or not light from an emitter on one side of the gate reaches a light receiver on another, opposing side of the gate.
US08928895B2 Auto focus system for reticle inspection
Methods and apparatus relating to the inspection of photomasks are described. In an embodiment, an inspection tool may be automatically focused on a reticle utilizing various topographic mapping techniques. Other embodiments are also described.
US08928890B2 System for optical coherence tomography with different optical properties of specimen and reference objectives
The invention relates to a system for optical coherence tomography having an interferometer (20) which has a beam splitter (24), a reflector (25), an illumination arm (21), a specimen arm (22) and a reference arm (23).In order to increase the compactness of the system with at the same time a high image quality a specimen objective is provided in the specimen arm (22) of the interferometer (20) by means of which light is focussed into a focus lying in or on the specimen (1). Moreover, in the reference arm (23) of the interferometer (20) a reference objective is provided by means of which light is focussed onto the reflector (25). The optical properties of the specimen objective differ from the optical properties of the reference objective.
US08928878B2 Adjusting device for adjusting the reticle unit of a telescopic sight
An adjusting device adjusts a reticle unit of a telescopic sight and has a rotatable setting cap and a transmission unit for converting the turning movement of the setting cap into an adjusting movement of the reticle. The turning range of the setting cap is two revolutions and arranged on the adjusting device there are two sets of scale values assigned to at least one line scale. A first set of scale values indicate adjustment values that belong to the first revolution of the setting cap and a second set of scale values indicate adjustment values that belong to the second revolution. An index ring that bears the scale values and can be turned with the setting cap or a diaphragm ring that partially covers at least one index ring is adjustable in height during the transition from the first revolution to the second revolution of the setting cap.
US08928877B2 Sample cell for fluid analysis system
Systems and method are disclosed for determining a concentration of an analyte (e.g., glucose) in a fluid (e.g., blood). The system can draw blood from a patient and deliver the blood to a sample cell. A centrifuge motor can spin the sample cell to separate the fluid into a plurality of components (plasma, red blood cells, etc.). A particular component of the fluid (e.g., plasma) may be positioned at a sample portion of the sample cell after centrifuging such that the concentration of the analyte is measured in the particular component of the fluid (e.g., plasma). The sample cell can include a cuvette that has two window pieces sandwiched between two clamshell pieces, and where the sample portion of the sample cell is defined by a gap between the window pieces.
US08928872B2 Temperature modulated refractive index measurement
The present invention is directed to temperature modulated refractive index measurement. In accordance with the invention a method for determination of the complex temperature coefficient of the refractive index of a sample is provided, wherein the determination of the complex temperature coefficient of the refractive index of the sample is based on a refractive index measurement. Furthermore, the refractive index of the sample is measured over a period of time, wherein the temperature of the sample is modulated over said period of time and the complex temperature coefficient of the refractive index is calculated on the basis of the refractive index measurement over the period of time and the temperature modulation over the period of time. Additionally, a measurement system, in particular comprising a temperature control system and a processing system to carry out the above method, is disclosed.
US08928871B2 Reflective mask
According to a flare measuring method in an embodiment, a reflective mask, in which one reflective coordinate in a slit direction in a mask surface is determined when one scanning coordinate is determined, is placed on a scanner that includes a reflective projection optical system. Moreover, a light intensity of the exposure light is measured by performing a scanning exposure on an illuminance sensor moved to a predetermined position in the slit direction in a slit imaging plane. Then, an amount of flare at an intra-slit position corresponding to a position of the illuminance sensor in the slit direction is calculated by using a light intensity of exposure light received from an intra-slit position that does not correspond to the position of the illuminance sensor in the slit direction in the exposure light.
US08928865B2 Three-dimensional tomographic imaging camera
A detection apparatus and method for FMCW LIDAR employ signals whose frequencies are modified so that low-cost and low-speed photodetector arrays can be employed for range detection. The LIDAR includes a single mode swept frequency laser (SFL), whose optical frequency is varied with time, as a result of which, a target beam reflected back by the target is shifted in frequency from a reference beam by an amount that is proportional to the relative range z to the target. The reflected target beam is combined with the reference beam and detected by the photodetector array. The difference between the frequencies of the reflected target beam and the reference beam is reduced to a level that is within the bandwidth of the photodetector array by first modulating the target and/or reference beam.
US08928858B2 Projection exposure apparatus with optimized adjustment possibility
A microlithography projection objective includes an optical element, a manipulator configured to manipulate the optical element, and a control unit configured to control the manipulator. The control unit includes a first device configured to control movement of the manipulator, a memory comprising an upper bound for a range of movement of the manipulator, and a second device configured to generate a merit function based on a square of a root mean square (RMS) of at least one error and configured to minimize the merit function subordinate to the upper bound for the range of movement of the manipulator.
US08928853B2 Method and system for repairing flat panel display
The present invention provides a method and system for repairing flat panel display, which repairing hot pixels of the flat panel display by femtosecond laser. The flat panel display comprises a LCD module and a color filter disposed on the top of the LCD module, wherein the surface of the color filter corresponding to the LCD module further has a color photoresist layer. The femtosecond laser is projected onto the color photoresist layer corresponding to the hot pixels such that a phenomenon of nonlinear multiple photons absorption can be occurred to change property of the color photoresist layer so as to transform the hot pixels into dead pixels.
US08928852B2 Electro-optical module, optical unit and electronic apparatus
An electro-optical panel is disposed in a panel housing portion formed inside of a frame. A heat radiation member made of metal is provided so as to overlap an exposed part from a first light transmitting plate on a second surface of a first substrate using the electro-optical panel, and the heat radiation member and the frame are fixed by an adhesive. A step portion is formed on a side surface of the panel housing portion, a surface facing the heat radiation member in a Z-axis direction is used as a first bonding surface, and a surface facing the heat radiation member in an X-axis direction (inner side surface of a plate-like portion) is used as a second bonding surface.
US08928832B2 Liquid crystal display comprising a molding that is inserted into a plurality of insertion holes of a chassis
A liquid crystal display that can be slimly formed. The liquid crystal display may include: a liquid crystal display panel; a backlight unit including: a light source; and a light guide plate receiving light emitted from the light source and diffusing the received light; and a frame receiving the liquid crystal display panel and the backlight unit. The frame includes: a chassis including a bottom part and a side wall, the bottom part having insertion holes; and a molding that is combined with the chassis through the insertion holes. In addition, the bottom part of the chassis is formed with protrusions adjacent to the insertion holes and the protrusions protrude in a direction opposite to a direction in which the molding is combined with the insertion holes of the chassis.
US08928826B2 TFT-LCD array substrate and manufacturing method thereof
A thin film transistor liquid crystal display (TFT-LCD) array substrate having a display area and a first thin film transistor (TFT) formed in each sub-pixel area defined by the gate line and data line which are crossed with each other; and a test area including a first test line, a second test line, a testing electrode and a second TFT, and the common electrode line extending to the test area from the display area such that a part of the second test line forms a gate electrode of the second TFT; the source electrode of the second TFT is electrically connected with the first test line; a drain of the second TFT is electrically connected with the common electrode line; and the common electrode line is connected with the testing electrode.
US08928823B2 3D display device adopting half-source driving structure
The present invention discloses a 3D display device adopting a half-source driving structure. The 3D display device includes a liquid crystal display panel. Gate lines and data lines of the liquid crystal panel are crossed with each other and define multiple pixel regions. Each gate line is bent to have a plurality of arched portions that each arched portion corresponds in position to one pixel region and forms an accommodating area. A switching element in each one of the pixel regions is mounted in the corresponding accommodating area and connected to a pixel electrode. Because the accommodating areas formed by the gate lines can accommodate switching elements, light-exiting positions of the pixel electrodes in adjacent pixel regions can be in line with each other to avoid a color washout problem when the phase retarder film is mounted with a positional error.
US08928819B2 Method and apparatus for selecting among multiple tuners
A system or method selects among multiple tuners to tune a particular channel. A request is received to tune a first channel. In response to this request, a first tuner is assigned to tune the first channel. A request is received to tune a second channel. If the program tuned by the first tuner is not being recorded, the first tuner is assigned to tune the second channel. If the program tuned by the first tuner is being recorded, the second tuner is assigned to tune the second channel.
US08928811B2 Methods and systems for generating ambient light effects based on video content
Methods and systems for producing ambient light effects based on video content are provided. A method of producing an ambient light effect includes providing a receiving device including a processor configured to parse incoming video content and receiving the video content including a plurality of scenes at the receiving device. The method further includes parsing the incoming video content and detecting at least one scene in the video content for association with at least one ambient light effect. The method also includes generating a command specifying at least one ambient light effect to be associated with at least one scene and sending the command from the receiving device to at least one lighting device in communication with the receiving device to generate at least one ambient light effect associated with at least one scene when the scene is displayed to a user.
US08928801B2 Adjustment apparatus for camera module
An adjustment apparatus for adjusting a camera lens with an adjustment pin includes a supporting bracket, a gear assembly installed to the supporting bracket, a motor mounted to the supporting bracket, a controller electrically connected to the motor, and an adjustment member movably installed to the supporting bracket. The adjustment member includes two spaced clamping poles clamping the adjustment pin of the camera lens. The controller controls the motor to rotate and the motor drives the gear assembly to rotate, to drive the adjustment member to move. Thereby, the adjustment pin is moved by the clamping pins to adjust the camera lens.
US08928798B2 Zoom lens and image pickup apparatus including the same
A zoom lens, including, in order from object side to image side: a positive first lens unit which does not move during zooming; a negative second lens unit for zooming; a positive third lens unit for zooming; a negative fourth lens unit which moves during zooming; and a positive fifth lens unit which does not move during zooming, in which: 0.6<|β3F|<1.0, −4.0
US08928793B2 Imager array interfaces
Architectures for imager arrays configured for use in array cameras in accordance with embodiments of the invention are described. One embodiment of the invention includes a plurality of focal planes, where each focal plane comprises a two dimensional arrangement of pixels having at least two pixels in each dimension and each focal plane is contained within a region of the imager array that does not contain pixels from another focal plane, control circuitry configured to control the capture of image information by the pixels within the focal planes, where the control circuitry is configured so that the capture of image information by the pixels in at least two of the focal planes is separately controllable, sampling circuitry configured to convert pixel outputs into digital pixel data, and output interface circuitry configured to transmit pixel data via an output interface.
US08928788B2 Solid-state imaging device, method for manufacturing the same, method for driving the same, and electronic apparatus
An imaging device with (1) a substrate; (2) a substrate voltage supply that applies a first potential to the substrate during a light receiving period and applies a second potential to the substrate during a no-light receiving period; and (3) a plurality of pixels each including (a) a light conversion portion, (b) a storage portion that stores signal charges g from the light conversion portion when the first potential is applied to the substrate, (c) a first layer that is in the substrate and set apart from the storage portion by a predetermined distance and adjusts potential distribution in the substrate so that the signal charges generated in the light receiving portion when the second potential is applied to the substrate are swept to a rear surface side of the substrate, and (d) a vertical transfer portion that transfers a signal based on the signal charges in a vertical direction.
US08928783B2 Imaging apparatus including switchable edge extraction
An imaging apparatus includes an imaging lens configured to form a target optical image of a target, an imaging device configured to acquire a captured image by converting the target optical image formed by the imaging lens into image data by an imaging element, an image processor configured to perform image processing on the captured image acquired by the imaging device, and an image display configured to display an image obtained through the image processor, wherein the image processor has an edge extraction unit, a display processor, and a mode selection unit.
US08928780B2 Adjustment method, adjustment apparatus, method of manufacturing optical system, image pickup apparatus, and method of manufacturing image pickup apparatus
An adjustment method of the present invention includes an evaluation step of evaluating an imaging performance of an optical image that is formed via an optical system, a classification step of classifying the imaging performance evaluated in the evaluation step, a restoration step of generating a restored image of the optical image based on a classification of the imaging performance, and an adjustment step of adjusting the optical system using an adjustment unit of the optical system based on the restored image.
US08928774B2 Image capture apparatus
This invention includes an image sensor in which image forming pixels and focus detecting pixels which receive light beams from the exit pupil of the imaging lens which is partly light-shielded are arranged, the first vertical output line which outputs a signal from the image forming pixel in the vertical direction of the image sensor, a second vertical output line which outputs a signal from the focus detecting pixel in the vertical direction of the image sensor, a vertical addition unit which adds signals from a plurality of image forming pixels in the vertical direction, and a control unit which controls the vertical addition unit to add only signals from image forming pixels excluding focus detecting pixels, when the focus detecting pixels are included in targets for addition in the addition readout mode of making the vertical addition unit add signals from a plurality of image forming pixels.
US08928773B2 Image pickup unit and image pickup display system
An image pickup unit includes: an image pickup section including a plurality of pixels, the pixels each including a photoelectric transducer and a field-effect transistor; and a drive section switching the transistor between an on operation and an off operation to perform a read operation and a reset operation of a signal charge accumulated in each of the pixels. The transistor includes a first gate electrode and a second gate electrode with a semiconductor layer in between, the drive section applies a first voltage and a second voltage to the first gate electrode and the second gate electrode of the transistor, respectively, to switch the transistor between the on operation and the off operation, and the drive section adjusts timings of switching the first and second voltages between an on-voltage and an off-voltage, on-voltage values of the first and second voltages, or both thereof to be different from each other.
US08928757B2 Calibration operation device, camera device, camera system and camera calibration method
An object of the present invention is to simplify an operation for calibration of a camera and to shorten a time necessary for the calibration. A camera calibration device 10 includes: a camera 11 configured to take an image including an index 41 provided outside a movable object 100; an image superimposing unit 122 configured to generate a superimposed image by superimposing a calibration object 42 having a first adjustment part 421 indicating a predetermined area and a second adjustment part 422 indicating a predetermined rotation area; and a calculation unit 124 configured to control the image superimposing unit 122 to generate the superimposed image in which the calibration object 42 is shifted based on a shift instruction of the calibration object 42 and to calculate, based on a position of the calibration object 42 after being shifted in the superimposed image such that an end of the index 41 is included in the area of the first adjustment part 421 and the index 41 is positioned in the rotation area of the second adjustment part 422, parameters relative to a pan angle, a tilt angle and a roll angle for calibrating displacement of a mounting position of the camera 11.
US08928751B2 Compression of earth observation satellite images
A method of acquiring, compressing and transmitting satellite images, characterized in that in a systematic manner: an image is acquired (101); (102) the image is processed by an image preprocessing step providing a value characteristic of the image and an image preprocessed by recognizing predetermined natural objects in the acquired image and replacing the natural objects by standard objects; the characteristic value is compared (103) with a table of values, each value of which is associated with a compression algorithm; the compression algorithm corresponding to the characteristic value is implemented (104) by compression elements for compressing the image; the compressed image is transmitted (105) to a remote image reception device by transmission elements.
US08928740B2 Image display device, image display viewing system and image display method
An image display device includes a display panel that periodically displays different images, a shutter control portion that generates timing signals for driving shutters for a right eye and a left eye, in synchronization with the periodical display of the display panel, with respect to glasses for viewing images, the glasses being provided with the shutters for the right and left eye, a backlight that includes a light guide plate of a size corresponding to a display area of the display panel and light sources that are provided on two opposing side faces of the light guide plate and that irradiates the display panel from a rear side of the display panel, and a backlight control portion that causes the respective light sources that are provided on the two opposing side faces to blink at different timings during an opening period of the shutters.
US08928736B2 Three-dimensional modeling apparatus, three-dimensional modeling method and computer-readable recording medium storing three-dimensional modeling program
In three-dimensional modeling apparatus, an image obtaining section obtains image sets picked up by stereoscopic camera. A generating section generates three-dimensional models. A three-dimensional model selecting section selects a first three-dimensional model and a second three-dimensional model to be superimposed on the first three-dimensional model among generated three-dimensional models. A extracting section extracts first and second feature points from the selected first and second three-dimensional model. A feature-point selecting section selects feature points having a closer distance to stereoscopic camera from the extracted first and second feature points. A parameter obtaining section obtains a transformation parameter for transforming a coordinate of the second three-dimensional model into a coordinate system of the first three-dimensional model. A transforming section transforms the coordinate of the second three-dimensional model into the coordinate system of the first three-dimensional model. And a superimposing section superimposes the second three-dimensional model on the first three-dimensional model.
US08928733B2 Method for service compatibility-type transmitting in digital broadcast
A method for transmitting and receiving service-compatible 3D stereo digital TV signal broadcast supports both MPEG-2 TS-level and ES-level multiplexing when left and right compressed bitstreams are multiplexed and when service compatibility is enabled.
US08928729B2 Systems and methods for converting video
According to some embodiments, systems, methods, apparatus and computer program code for converting 2D video data to 3D video data includes receiving a two dimensional (2D) video feed from a video camera, the feed including a set of image frames, the frames together forming a panorama image, generating a background depth map, extracting for each of the image frames a set of image frame depth maps from the background depth map, generating an updated depth map using the set of image frame depth maps and the background depth map, and rendering an output image, the output image based on the panorama image and the updated depth map, the output image and the panorama image together forming a stereoscopic image pair.
US08928713B2 Optical writing device having a correction value information generating unit, image forming apparatus, and method of controlling optical writing device thereof
An optical writing device includes: a photosensitive element whose surface relatively moves with respect to a light source by rotation; a pixel information acquiring unit that acquires pixel information of an image to be formed on the photosensitive element as an electrostatic latent image; a line pixel information storing unit that stores the pixel information for every main scanning line; a light emission control unit that causes a light source to emit light based on the pixel information; a rotation position recognizing unit that recognizes a rotation position of the photosensitive element; and a light quantity control unit that controls a light quantity of the light source based on the pixel information of every one main scanning line in accordance with the rotation position, with reference to correction value information in which the rotation position and information related to a correction of the light quantity are associated.
US08928704B2 Array substrate and liquid crystal device with the same
An array substrate is disclosed. Data lines directly pass through the area where a secondary pixel electrode is located to input data signals to the secondary pixel electrode. First scanning lines, second scanning lines and switches are arranged between the adjacent pixels in an up-down direction. The area between the pixels is a dark area corresponding to an opaque area. Under a 3D display mode, a difference of the default voltages exists between a main pixel electrode and a secondary pixel electrode. In addition, a liquid crystal display is provided. By adopting the above design, the crosstalk and the color shift under the 3D display mode may be reduced. In addition, the reliability of the liquid crystal panel may be enhanced.
US08928699B2 User interface for page view zooming
There is disclosed a method and apparatus for a user interface for page view zooming. The method comprises generating a default user interface including an electronic document. The method further includes receiving touchdown and hold data indicating that a user has interacted with a portion of the electronic document and beginning a continuous zoom process for that portion of the electronic document. The method further includes halting the zoom process once a user has released the touch over the portion of the electronic document and displaying the magnified document on the user interface. The method employs a similar operation to enable a de-zooming operation.
US08928692B2 Image processing apparatus, method for displaying pop-up window, and computer-readable storage medium for computer program
An image processing apparatus includes a display device that displays a plurality of windows having hierarchy levels in such a manner that a low-level window overlaps a high-level window, each of the plurality of windows containing a first object to close the subject window and one or more second objects to select items; an extraction portion that extracts, from one or more second objects in the high-level window, a selection candidate object that is likely to be selected by a user after the low-level window is closed; and a control portion that controls, when the extraction portion extracts the selection candidate object, the display device in such a manner that the first object in the low-level window overlaps the selection candidate object, or the first object in the low-level window is disposed close to the selection candidate object.
US08928691B2 Rendering map images using modifications of non-raster map data
A map server generates vector descriptors in a non-raster format, each indicating a geometry of a respective map element, to render a first map image of a selected geographic region at a client device. The map server then provides the vector descriptors to the client device. Upon receiving an indication that a second map image for the selected geographic region is to be rendered at the client device, the map server generates a modification indication that indicates a set of one or more vector descriptors, each of which corresponds to a respective map element that is rendered in one but not both of the first map image and the second map image, and provides the modification indication to the client device, so that the client device can render the second map image using at least some of the vector descriptors and the modification indication.
US08928678B2 Media workload scheduler
A method and system for scheduling a media workload is disclosed herein. The method includes modeling a feature of the media workload. A GPU utilization rate and a memory bandwidth of the media workload may be determined. Additionally, the media workload may be scheduled by modifying the feature of the media workload in order to adjust the GPU utilization and the memory bandwidth.
US08928675B1 Computer hardware architecture and data structures for encoders to support incoherent ray traversal
A new hardware architecture defines an indexing and encoding method for accelerating incoherent ray traversal. Accelerating multiple ray traversal may be accomplished by organizing the rays for minimal movement of data, hiding latency due to external memory access, and performing adaptive binning. Rays may be binned into coarse grain and fine grain spatial bins, independent of direction.
US08928669B2 OSD display control program product, OSD display control method, and OSD display device
An OSD display control program product controlling OSD display of an image display device having a display screen, wherein the image display device includes a region ratio storage section storing, as region ratio information, the ratio of the pixel number of a region to the total pixel number of the display screen, the region in which the OSD display is performed, and the OSD display control program product makes a computer of the image display device realize: a total pixel number input step of inputting the total pixel number of the display screen as total pixel number information; a region ratio input step of inputting the region ratio information from the region ratio storage section; and a region pixel number determination step of determining, based on the total pixel number information and the region ratio information, the pixel number of the region in which the OSD display is performed.
US08928668B2 Method and apparatus for rendering a stroked curve for display in a graphics processing system
An input stroked curve that is received by a graphics processing system can be rendering using at least two, and preferably more, rendering processes that are available for use by the system. The process or processes that are used for rendering the received stroked curve are selected based on whether the input stroked curve comprises one or more regions having a particular characteristic or characteristics, e.g. whether the input stroked curve comprises one or more self-overlapping regions. Preferably, the at least two rendering processes are each capable of correctly rendering different sets of stroked curves. Furthermore, the least two rendering process preferably differ in the processing burden that they place on the graphics processing system.
US08928659B2 Telepresence systems with viewer perspective adjustment
Described herein is a telepresence system where a real-time a virtual hologram of a user is displayed at a remote display screen and is rendered from a vantage point that is different than the vantage point from which images of the user are captured via a video camera. The virtual hologram is based at least in part upon data acquired from a sensor unit at the location of the user. The sensor unit includes a color video camera that captures 2-D images of the user including surface features of the user. The sensor unit also includes a depth sensor that captures 3-D geometry data indicative of the relative position of surfaces on the user in 3-D space. The virtual hologram is rendered to orientate the gaze of the eyes of the virtual hologram towards the eyes of a second user viewing the remote display screen.
US08928657B2 Progressive disclosure of indoor maps
A digital map of a geographic area is displayed via a user interface, and a 3D representation of a building located in the geographic area is displayed on the digital map. A virtual camera is used to view the digital map, and the location of the virtual camera is changeable in response to user input. The external shell of the 3D representation is made increasingly transparent as a virtual camera approaches the 3D representation of the building to reveal indoor information for the building.
US08928631B2 Trajectory-estimation apparatus and method based on pen-type optical mouse
A trajectory-estimation apparatus and method that can estimate the trajectory of a pen-type optical mouse in a pen-up state. The trajectory-estimation apparatus includes a timer module calculating time for which an optical input device moves in a first state of the optical input device that produces a trajectory, and a trajectory-estimation module estimating the trajectory of the optical input device in a period where a distance between the optical input device and a work surface exceeds a threshold value, based on at least one of the calculated time and a moving speed of the optical input device.
US08928628B2 Photo sensing device suitable for optical touch display panel and applications thereof
A photo sensing device suitable for an optical touch display panel and applications thereof are provided. The photo sensing device includes a photo sensing unit and a coupling unit. The photo sensing unit is used for sensing whether a touch event is happened/occurred or not, and accordingly outputting a judging signal. The coupling unit is coupled to the photo sensing unit, and is used for enhancing the sensitivity of the sensing unit, so as to increase a difference between the judging signal associated with occurrence of the touch event and the judging signal associated with non-occurrence of the touch event.
US08928624B2 Differential sensing for capacitive touch sensors
A first signal from a first sense line of a touch sensor is received. A second signal from a second of the touch sensor is received. The first signal is inverted. The inverted first signal and the second signal are summed to produce a differential signal. The differential signal is output to a touch sensor controller.
US08928622B2 Demodulation method and system with low common noise and high SNR for a low-power differential sensing capacitive touch panel
In a demodulation system for a low-power differential-sensing capacitive touch panel, the capacitive touch panel has n first conductor lines in a first direction and m second conductor lines in a second direction, and a mutual capacitance is generated at each intersection of the n first conductor lines and the m second conductor lines. The demodulation system has a signal generator, a detection circuit, a programmable gain amplifier, an analog to digital converter. During a driving cycle, the signal generator generates a pair of differential driving signals to drive two of the first conductor lines in the first direction for eliminating common noises of the two first conductor lines and avoiding the common noises from being amplified by the programmable gain amplifier.
US08928610B2 Information display device and document data editing method
Provided are an information display device and a character string converting method that improve operability at the time of changing a character string on a display screen.The information display device is configured to have: a display screen 12 for displaying a character string; a touch panel controller 27 that detects an operation position; a character string selecting part 34 that, when two different operation positions are detected, on the basis of a result of the detection of the operation positions, selects a character string on the display screen 12; and a character string converting part 36 that, when a distance between the two operation positions is changed, converts the character string selected by the character string selecting part 34 depending on whether the change is a change that causes the distance between the operation positions to be narrowed or enlarged. For example, the character string converting part 36 converts a full-width character in the character string to a half-width character in the case where the change in distance between the two operation positions is the change that causes the distance between the operation positions to be narrowed, and converts a half-width character in the character string to a full-width character in the case where the change is the change that causes the distance between the operation positions to be enlarged.
US08928607B1 Handheld input device for a computer
Systems and methods for providing an input remotely are provided. In some aspects, a method includes remotely capturing at least a part of a graphical display with a camera; sending a connection request; displaying the captured at least a part of the graphical display on a touchscreen; receiving an input on the touchscreen; aligning the captured at least a part of the graphical display on the touchscreen with the graphical display; and sending a request for refreshing the graphical display in response to the input.
US08928606B1 System and method for analysing data records utilizing a touch screen interface
Certain aspects of the present disclosure relate to a technique for analyzing data records using a touch screen interface. A touch event is received from the touch screen interface. In response to receiving the touch event, at least one data record is selected from a plurality of data records in a time chart, the time chart including at least one time line relating to at least one data object, the plurality of data records being plotted on the at least one time line based on a time parameter of each of the plurality of data records. Information relating to the selected at least one data record is processed based on the time parameter.
US08928599B2 Touch sensor using capacitance detection and liquid crystal display having the same
A liquid crystal display panel includes a touch sensor and the touch sensor includes a plurality of x-axis read-out lines, a plurality of y-axis read-out lines crossing the x-axis read-out lines, a plurality of sensor units provided in a plurality of regions defined by the x-axis read-out lines and the y-axis read-out lines. Each sensor unit comprises a reset unit that outputs a sampling voltage based on a reset voltage, a capacitance detector that generates a modified sampling voltage from the sampling voltage based on a variation of a cell gap of the display panel caused by a touch of the display panel, a first output unit that changes an electric potential of a corresponding x-axis read-out line in response to the modified sampling voltage and a second output unit that changes an electric potential of a corresponding y-axis read-out line in response to the modified sampling voltage.
US08928594B2 Apparatus and method for controlling operation of mobile terminal
A method of controlling the operation of a mobile terminal is provided. By dynamically selecting or setting a specific function of a mobile terminal according to a change in pressure or contact areas sensed by a plurality of touch sensors which cover the mobile terminal, a user can easily select or set a specific function of the mobile terminal according to his or her intention, and easily recognize information displayed on a screen of the mobile terminal.
US08928593B2 Selecting and updating location of virtual keyboard in a GUI layout in response to orientation change of a portable device
A method of controlling the location of a virtual keyboard in a graphical user interface (GUI) displayed on a display screen of a handheld electronic device is disclosed, the method comprising: monitoring for change in device orientation, wherein the device orientation comprising a left hand device orientation and a right hand device orientation; and updating location of the virtual keyboard in the GUI in response to detection of device orientation change.
US08928590B1 Gesture keyboard method and apparatus
A gesture-enabled keyboard and method are defined. The gesture-enabled keyboard includes a keyboard housing including one or more keyboard keys for typing and a pair of stereo camera sensors mounted within the keyboard housing, a field of view of the pair of stereo camera sensors projecting substantially perpendicularly to the plane of the keyboard housing. A background of the field of view is updated when one or more alternative input devices are in use. A gesture region including a plurality of interaction zones and a virtual membrane defining a region of transition from one of the plurality of interaction zones to another of the plurality of interaction zones is defined within the field of view of the pair of stereo camera sensors. Gesture interaction is enabled when one or more gesture objects are positioned within the gesture region, and when one or more alternative input devices are not in use.
US08928588B2 Touch-type key input apparatus
A touch press key inputting device includes: a plurality of character keys 21˜32 with at least 2 characters displayed on the surface of each key; an input judging means 72 for sensing the character keys touched and the first touched points in the area of the character keys, performing a movement longer than a specified length originally touched, and judging a moving direction in touch press inputting; a character selecting and outputting means 73 for selecting and outputting the characters displayed in the moving direction, corresponding to the moving direction judged by the input judging means, relative to the reference positions of the character keys. Since the characters on the positions are selected and output corresponding to the touch press inputting operations of the characters displayed on the key surfaces of respective character keys 21˜32, the inputting operations can be directly sensed and easily assured, and the inputting operability is improved.
US08928581B2 Force feedback system including multi-tasking graphical host environment
A force feedback system provides components for use in a force feedback system including a host computer and a force feedback interface device. An architecture for a host computer allows multi-tasking application programs to interface with the force feedback device without conflicts. One embodiment of a force feedback device provides both relative position reporting and absolute position reporting to allow great flexibility. A different device embodiment provides relative position reporting device allowing maximum compatibility with existing software. Information such as ballistic parameters and screen size sent from the host to the force feedback device allow accurate mouse positions and graphical object positions to be determined in the force feedback environment. Force feedback effects and structures are further described, such as events and enclosures.
US08928580B2 Mobile terminal
A mobile terminal includes a body including a flexible portion, a display unit provided to the body, a sensing unit provided to the body and generating an electric signal in response to bending of the body, and a controller recognizing the electric signal and controlling the display unit according to the electric signal generated by the bending of the body.
US08928579B2 Interacting with an omni-directionally projected display
Concepts and technologies are described herein for interacting with an omni-directionally projected display. The omni-directionally projected display includes, in some embodiments, visual information projected on a display surface by way of an omni-directional projector. A user is able to interact with the projected visual information using gestures in free space, voice commands, and/or other tools, structures, and commands. The visual information can be projected omni-directionally, to provide a user with an immersive interactive experience with the projected display. The concepts and technologies disclosed herein can support more than one interacting user. Thus, the concepts and technologies disclosed herein may be employed to provide a number of users with immersive interactions with projected visual information.
US08928575B2 Electrophoretic display device, electronic apparatus, and method of driving electrophoretic display device
An electrophoretic display device includes a common electrode, pixel electrodes, and a disperse system of electrophoretic particles. A transistor supplies one of the pixel electrodes with a first potential or a second potential higher than the first potential. During a first period, a control portion supplies a third potential to the gate electrode to turn on the transistor, supplies the first potential to a signal line or the common electrode, and supplies the second potential to the other line. During a second period, the control portion supplies a fourth potential higher than the third potential to the gate electrode to turn off the transistor, and supplies the first potential to both the signal line and the common electrode so that the pixel electrode potential substantially reaches the common electrode potential. The third potential is lower than the second potential and the fourth potential is higher than the first potential.
US08928565B2 Method and device for driving an OLED panel
A method for driving an OLED panel includes the following steps. An image signal is inputted to a power control unit, wherein the power control unit includes a calculator and a power control look-up table. A display loading ratio is calculated by the calculator according to the image signal, wherein the power control unit can find an emitting time ratio by the power control look-up table corresponding to the display loading ratio, the emitting time ratio can be transformed to an emitting time signal, and the emitting time signal can be inputted to the OLED panel so as to control the power consumption of the OLED panel.
US08928562B2 Electro-optic displays, and methods for driving same
An electro-optic display includes an electro-optic medium, a pixel electrode for applying an electric field to the medium and a column electrode associated with the pixel electrode. To reduce power consumption, when it is necessary to change the voltage on the column electrode from a first value to a second value to change the optical state of the electro-optic medium, the column electrode voltage is first changed to a third value intermediate the first and second values to permit charge to flow to or from the column electrode, and thereafter the column electrode voltage is changed from the third voltage to the second voltage.
US08928559B2 Methods and systems of large scale video display
In embodiments of the present invention, improved capabilities are described for displaying and managing dynamic, multi-media, video content presentation on an architectural scale. Methods and systems described include associating a video display with an advertising marketplace and leasing rights to a video display. A plurality of physical panel, rod, curtain, blade, and fin video display arrays are described, as are methods and systems for managing and editing video for display and powering a video display that is associated with an architectural feature.
US08928542B2 Backhaul radio with an aperture-fed antenna assembly
Directive gain antenna elements implemented with an aperture-fed patch array antenna assembly are described. A feed network for the aperture-fed patch array may include offset apertures and may also include meandering feed lines. Scalable aperture shapes and orientations that can be used with antennas operating at any frequency and with dual orthogonal polarizations are also disclosed. Directive gain antenna elements implemented with arrays of orthogonal reflected dipoles are also described with optimal feed networks and parasitic elements to achieve desired directive gain characteristics. Such arrayed dipole antennas feature dual orthogonal polarizations with assembly tabs that lower cost and improve reliability. Backhaul radios that incorporate said antennas are also disclosed.
US08928534B2 Electronic apparatus and method for making the same
An electronic apparatus capable of thinning and miniaturizing without causing degradation of antenna characteristics and impairment of operability and its manufacturing method are provided. An electronic apparatus includes: an upper case; a lower case which is connected to the upper case so that the lower case can slide against the upper case; a storage unit placed on a face of the lower case side of the upper case; an antenna stored in the storage unit; and a slot placed on a face of the upper case side of the lower case, wherein the slot has a shape which can store at least part of the storage unit.
US08928532B2 Radiation component of miniature antenna
A radiation component of a miniature antenna comprises an access part for transmitting signals, two first radiating structures mirrored upon a mirror line with each other and spacing at intervals, and a second radiating structure connected with the first structures. Every first radiating structure has a first circuit and a second circuit spacing at intervals and along a straight line substantially parallel to the mirror line, and a third circuit connecting the first circuit and the second circuit. The second radiating structure has two first circuits intersected with the extending lines of the first circuits in the first radiating structure, and a second circuit connecting the first circuits. The access part is electrically connected to an end of the first circuit in the first radiating structure which is far away from the mirror line.
US08928527B2 Systems and methods for reducing error detection latency in LPV approaches
Systems and methods for reducing error detection latency in LPV approaches are provided. In certain embodiments, a method for navigational guidance includes calibrating inertial measurements acquired from an inertial navigation system with satellite-based augmentation system position measurements acquired from a satellite-based augmentation system to create corrected inertial navigation system positions. The method also includes determining whether the satellite-based augmentation system experienced a fault when the inertial measurements were calibrated with the satellite-based augmentation system position measurements. Further, when the satellite-based augmentation system did not experience a fault, the method includes monitoring the satellite-based augmentation system navigation position measurements based on the corrected inertial navigation system positions.
US08928523B2 Method and radar apparatus for detecting target object
Disclosed is a method and a radar apparatus for transmitting a transmission signal at a controlled timing in order to avoid signal interference, thereby exactly detecting a target object without misrecognition.
US08928522B2 Radar device
The conventional ESPRIT method is accompanied by the problem of very long signal processing time. The radar device of the invention includes a signal vector-forming unit for forming signal vectors based on waves reflected from an object and received by using a plurality of receiving antennas; a submatrix-forming unit for forming submatrices based on the signal vectors; a regular matrix operation unit for calculating a regular matrix from the submatrices; an eigenvalue decomposition unit for calculating an eigenvalue of the regular matrix; and an angle calculation unit for calculating an angle at where the object is present from the eigenvalue.
US08928521B2 Storm advection nowcasting
Embodiments of the invention can predict the ground location and intensity of storm cells for a future time using radar reflectivity data. In some embodiments, a Sinc approximation of the general flow equation can be solved to predict the ground location and intensity of a storm cell. In some embodiments, to solve the Sinc approximation the velocity of a storm cell can be estimated using various techniques including solving the flow equation in the frequency domain. The results can provide efficient prediction of storm cell position in nowcasting applications.
US08928519B2 Based-band to radio frequency up-converter
A base band to frequency up-converter is described wherein the base band to frequency up-converter comprises a first input for receiving a first base band signal of first base band samples and a second input for receiving a second base band signal of second base band samples and an output for providing up-converted radio signal samples. The base-band to radio frequency up-converter further comprises a phase converter for converting the first base band signal of first base band samples and the second base band signal of second base band samples into a first intermediate signal of first intermediate samples, a second intermediate signal of second intermediate samples, and a third intermediate signal of third intermediate samples. The intermediate samples are then up-converted into radio signal samples.
US08928517B2 Pipelined analog-to-digital converter
An analog-to-digital converter includes a plurality of sequentially cascaded stages, each stage including an amplifier and four copies of a circuit block including a flash and capacitors, in which the four copies of the circuit block operate interleavingly in a respective sample mode, pre-gain mode, gain mode, and reset mode of the circuit block, the copies of the circuit block in the sample mode, pre-gain mode, and reset mode are decoupled from the amplifier, and the copy of the circuit block in the gain mode is coupled to the amplifier to produce an output for a next following stage.
US08928505B1 Method of forming an audio processing system and structure therefor
In one embodiment, an audio processing system includes a frequency control block that forms a system clock and a master audio clock. The frequency control block is configured to change a frequency of the system clock and change a relationship between the system clock and the master audio clock so that the frequency of the master audio clock remains substantially constant.
US08928501B2 Input-key control device, and method and computer program product for controlling input key
An input-key control device is mounted on an apparatus having a plurality of operating modes and controls a plurality of input keys that receive input provided by a user. The input-key control device includes: a key-related-information storage unit that stores the operating modes and key-identifying information in association with each other, the key-identifying information being information for identifying an operable input key; an input-key identifying unit that identifies, when the operating mode is switched, an input key which has newly become operable as a result of the switching of the operating mode by comparing the key-identifying information associated with the operating mode before the switching and the key-identifying information associated with the operating mode after the switching; and a light-emission control unit that causes a lighting manner of a light-emitting element that illuminates the input key identified by the input-key identifying unit to differ.
US08928497B2 Method and device for monitoring avionics systems connected to a shared medium
A method monitors at least one avionic system connected to a communication medium that includes at least one active communication switch component. The method includes determining a state of the switch component and evaluating an indicator of a state of the communication medium from the state of the switch component and from a predetermined modeling of communication flows of the communication medium. The method also includes selecting and activating an alarm according to the evaluated state of the communication medium and according to a predetermined modeling of consequences of the evaluated state of the communication medium on a function of the at least one avionic system. A corresponding device and a method for determining conditions for alarm activation are also disclosed.
US08928496B2 Road safety communication system for increasing the road safety of pedestrians
A road safety communication device for protecting pedestrians in road traffic, which includes a transponder which is integrated into a shoe, wherein the supply of electrical power to the device is activated only in selected situations.
US08928487B2 Adjustable occupancy sensor and method of attaching an occupancy sensor to a light fixture
An adjustable occupancy sensor capable of being secured to a light fixture includes a housing having a side and a bottom, a sensor assembly attached to the housing at the bottom of the housing, and an adjustable mounting assembly provided on the side of the housing. The adjustable mounting assembly includes a slot defined in the side of the housing and a track having a plurality of segments extending along the length of the track. The track is configured to be releasably secured to the side of the housing within the slot, the plurality of segments being configured to be breakable from the track to adjust a length of the track. The adjustable mounting assembly further includes a connector molded or otherwise secured to the track to connect the housing of the adjustable occupancy sensor to the light fixture. Other embodiments and methods are disclosed herein.
US08928481B2 Article storage equipment and method of operating same
Article storage equipment includes a passive-type RFID tag storing identification information of an article storage container and provided in a portion of an outer periphery of the article storage container overlapping above a plate-like member with the article storage container being placed on a storage unit, and control means configured to perform a reading-out operation process for controlling operation of conveying means when execution of an article confirmation process for allowing a RFID reader to read out the identification information of the RFID tag provided in the article storage container stored in the storage unit is instructed to extend an article supporting member to a projecting position at a fetching level, raise the article supporting member to a target reading-out level higher than the fetching level by a raised amount for reading, and then lower the article supporting member to the fetching level to be withdrawn to a retracted position.
US08928480B2 Reinforced marine optic fiber security fence
A fence for establishing a secure marine perimeter includes an optic fiber net. The optic fiber net includes an optic fiber wire with an input end and an output end. A light transmitter connects to the input end to introduce an input optic signal into the optic fiber wire. A light receiver connects to the output end to receive an output optic signal from the optic fiber wire. A strength member is incorporated into the optic fiber wire to strengthen the optic fiber net. A processor is connected to the light receiver to generate an output signal based on the output optic signal. The processor compares the output optic signal with the input optic signal and generates an alarm if a difference between the input optic signal and the output optic signal exceeds a predetermined alarm threshold.
US08928476B2 System for advanced security management
A system receives input from a plurality of sensors in a security management system. The input relates to two or more events. The input is stored in a database. A correlation between the two or more events is determined. A priority is dynamically assigned to the two or more events, and the correlation, the priority, and information relating to the two or more events are reported to a system user.
US08928462B2 RFID system with time slot interleaving
A method for interleaving time slots in a multi-antenna system for communication with RFID tags is disclosed. An example is shown for an eight antenna system. A first four antennas arranged side-by-side are sequentially energized to interrogate RFID transponders. A second set of four antennas arranged side-by-side, the first of which is adjacent to the last of the first set of antennas. A four-antenna sequence is performed for the first four antennas and a second four antenna sequence is performed for the second set of antennas. The first and second four antenna sequences are offset by only a marginal amount, sufficient to ensure that a transponder signal received four antennas away from an active antenna is not acknowledged because the receive window for the non-active antenna is delayed.
US08928448B2 Power supply apparatus
A power supply apparatus includes a magnetic component having a coil section, a conductive case body housing the magnetic component and having an opening plane facing an axial direction of the coil section, a case lid closing the opening plane, and conductive parts electrically connecting the case body and the case lid to each other at the opening plane. The conductive parts are provided so as to satisfy a positional relationship that at least one of the conductive parts is disposed at an intersection point at which a straight line making an angle within a range of 45±15 degrees with a perpendicular line drawn from a center of the coil section to a closest one of the side plate portions of the case body to the center intersects with the closest one of side plate portions when viewed from the axial direction.
US08928443B2 Electrical device with emergency cooling system
An electrical device includes a winding, a primary cooling system, a secondary cooling system, and an actuator. The winding includes an interior portion and an exterior surface. The primary cooling system cools the exterior surface of the winding. The secondary cooling system cools the interior portion of the winding. The actuator is configured to actuate the secondary cooling system in response to a sensed condition of the electrical device or a predicted condition of the electrical device.
US08928441B2 Liquid cooled magnetic component with indirect cooling for high frequency and high power applications
A magnetic component such as a transformer or inductor comprises one or more litz-wire windings and one or more metallic cooling tube windings. Each litz-wire winding is wound together with a corresponding single metallic cooling tube winding on a common bobbin to provide an indirectly-cooled magnetic component.
US08928439B2 Pole tube and actuation magnet having such a pole tube
A pole tube including a non-magnetic spacer ring configured to join a pole piece along a control cone and also configured to join a tube piece along a back annular surface. The annular surface includes a first face section and a second face section. The first face section and the second face section are disposed at an angle with respect to each other.
US08928433B2 Waveguide filter
A waveguide filter comprises a dielectric board on at least one of the two E-planes of a rectangular waveguide. The dielectric board comprises a conductive pattern formed on one surface thereof and having a slit extending in a signal propagation direction, and a ground pattern formed on the other surface.
US08928429B2 Multiple-way ring cavity power combiner and divider
Multiple-way ring cavity power combiners and power dividers are disclosed. In one aspect, the disclosed ring cavity power combiners and power dividers can support a large number of devices by providing a large number of power-combining or power-dividing ports. In another aspect, the disclosed embodiments describe implementations employing a ring cavity that result in demonstrated performance characteristics suitable for UWB applications. Advantages provided include suppressing higher order modes and low losses among other advantages.
US08928423B2 Narrow band receiver or transceiver
A narrow band receiver or transceiver for processing electrical signals. The narrow band receiver or transceiver includes an amplifier, a voltage controlled oscillator and a tuning assembly comprising at least one control loop for tuning of the voltage controlled oscillator. At least a gain control of the amplifier is coupled to the control loop for simultaneously tuning the output amplitude of the voltage controlled oscillator and the gain of the amplifier. A compensation of the effect of variation on the gain of the amplifier, which includes an LC tank circuit, is performed by using an information in another LC tank circuit of the voltage controlled oscillator in the control loop.
US08928421B2 Control circuit for reducing electromagnetic interference
A control circuit for reducing electromagnetic interference is provided. The control circuit includes a periodic signal generator and a modulation controller. The periodic signal generator adjusts a modulation periodic signal generated by the periodic signal generator, according to a feedback modulation signal. The modulation controller is coupled to the periodic signal generator, for receiving the modulation periodic signal, and adjusting a frequency of the received modulation periodic signal according to a plurality of delay periods set according to a plurality of control signals, and generating the feedback modulation signal.
US08928420B2 Low current single chip oscillator timing circuit
A low current single chip oscillator timing circuit which includes a dual mode capacitor circuit having a larger capacitance mode and a smaller capacitance mode having a fixed ratio. The timing circuit also includes an oscillator circuit that uses the dual mode capacitor circuit as a part of its time base wherein the large capacitance mode is operated with low power consumption and as needed includes a circuit that generates a reference pulse, wherein the short pulse and the reference pulse are compared and the result is used for correction to the oscillator frequency to create a feedback loop.
US08928413B1 Broadband class-E outphasing amplifier with asymmetrical shunt tuned switches system and related method
A method, device and system is disclosed for high efficiency power amplification of a signal over a broad range of output power. Two broad-banded, parallel-tuned class E power amplifiers are combined through a lossless half wave transmission line combiner and configured to operate in an outphased arrangement to permit amplitude modulation. Asymmetrical shunt tuned switches are tuned for efficient amplitude modulation while asymmetrical drain inductors provide enhanced efficiency at outphased conditions over that of a symmetrical circuit. The drain source inductors and transmission components are tuned for maximum efficiency at full power output and for minimum dissipation a zero power output. At zero degrees outphasing, the circuit operates as a conventional Class-E power amplifier. However, at 180 degrees outphasing, each quarterwave line in the combiner reflects back all incident power, permitting the circuit to operate as an unloaded resonant switching circuit.
US08928407B2 Current conveyor circuit and method
A system includes a first variable gain amplifier configured to receive an input signal and a first down-mixer coupled to the first variable gain amplifier. Also, the system includes a first current conveyor coupled to the first down mixer, where the first current conveyor includes a first cascode and a second cascode coupled to the first cascode. Additionally, the system includes a first channel filter coupled to the first current conveyor and a second variable gain amplifier coupled to the first channel filter.
US08928404B2 Amplifier performance stabilization through preparatory phase
A method and related systems for amplifier performance stabilization of a digitally predistorted RF power amplifier are disclosed. The characteristics of power amplifiers change as a function of temperature making adaptive digital predistortion highly problematic during initial application of an RF signal to a power amplifier. Embodiments disclose a method and systems in which the power amplifier is taken through a preparatory phase before the RF signal is applied to the power amplifier and the digital predistortion calculation starts. This is achieved by increasing the quiescent current of the power stages beyond nominal values for a rapid warm up and readjusting to its normal bias point when the radio frequency signal is applied and the digital predistortion is turned on.
US08928403B2 Envelope path processing for envelope tracking amplification stage
The invention relates to a method of calibrating an envelope path and an input path of an amplification stage of an envelope tracking power supply, the method comprising matching the envelope path to at least one characteristic of at least one element of the input path.
US08928383B2 Integrated delayed clock for high speed isolated SPI communication
A system may include a plurality of isolators to transfer data signals across an isolation barrier, one of the signals including a clock signal. A delay circuit may be included to receive the clock signal and provide a delayed clock signal that lags the clock signal by an amount representing a delay across the isolation barrier. The delayed clock signal may be delayed by a round trip propagation delay over the isolation barrier. The delayed clock signal may be used as a reference to read data sent over the isolation barrier.
US08928380B2 Current-mode D latch with reset function and associated circuit
A current-mode D latch includes a first load element, a second load element, a first bias current source, a first switch transistor, a second switch transistor, a first stage circuit and a second stage circuit. The first switch transistor is controlled by an inverted reset signal. The second switch transistor is controlled by a reset signal. When an inverted clock signal is in a first level state and the reset signal is inactive, the first input signal is converted into the first output signal and the first inverted input signal is converted into the first inverted output signal by the first stage circuit. When a clock signal is in the first level state and the reset signal is inactive, the first output signal and the first inverted output signal are maintained by the second stage circuit.
US08928376B2 System and method for an accuracy-enhanced DLL during a measure initialization mode
A clock generator having a delay locked loop and a delay control circuit. The delay locked loop receives an input clock signal and adjusts an adjustable delay circuit to generate an output clock signal that is synchronized with received input clock signal. The delay control circuit coupled to the delay locked loop generates a control signal to initialize the delay measure operation to adjust the adjustable delay circuit, after comparing the phase difference of the input clock signal and the output clock signal. The delay control circuit further generates a start measure control signal to start measuring a delay applied to the measurement signal propagating through the adjustable delay circuit, and generates a stop measure control signal to stop the delay measurement of the measurement signal. The delay adjustment of the delay locked loop is then adjusted to apply the delay measurement when synchronizing the input and output clock signals.
US08928371B2 Deserializers
Deserializers are provided. The deserializer includes a data aligner, a selection signal generator and a selection output unit. The data aligner is configured to align data in response to internal clock signals having different phases from each other to generate higher aligned data and lower aligned data. The selection signal generator is configured to detect a phase of one of the internal clock signals in response to a phase detection signal to generate a selection signal. The phase detection signal includes a pulse generated according to a write command signal and a write latency signal. The selection output unit is configured to output the higher aligned data or the lower aligned data as selected alignment data in response to the selection signal.
US08928351B1 Emulating power domains in an integrated circuit using partial reconfiguration
Testing power domains of a circuit design includes correlating, using a processor, a selected power domain of a circuit design having a plurality of power domains with a partial reconfiguration partition and implementing the circuit design within an integrated circuit. The partial reconfiguration partition is implemented within a reconfigurable region of the integrated circuit. A power off state for the selected power domain of the circuit design is emulated by partially reconfiguring the reconfigurable region of the integrated circuit.
US08928350B2 Programming the behavior of individual chips or strata in a 3D stack of integrated circuits
There is provided a strata manager within a 3D chip stack having two or more strata. The strata manager includes a plurality of scannable configuration registers, each being arranged on a respective one of the two or more strata for storing a set of bits. The set of bits is configured to program an operation of a corresponding one of the two or more strata on which the set of bits is stored or a device thereon. Additionally, a stratum identifier within a 3D stack and stack-wide scan circuit within a 3D stack are provided.
US08928348B1 Current-mode-logic devices resistant to single event disturbances
A current-mode-logic gate designed to have a first electronic path and a second electronic path. Each electronic path has a pair of transistors. The second electronic path is physically separated and identical to the first electronic path. In operation, a first input signal is transmitted through the first electronic path of the current-mode-logic gate to produce a first output signal. Similarly, a second input signal is transmitted through the second electronic path of the current-mode-logic gate to produce a second output signal.
US08928344B2 Compliant printed circuit socket diagnostic tool
Diagnostic tools for testing integrated circuit (IC) devices, and a method of making the same. The first diagnostic tool includes a first compliant printed circuit with a plurality of contact pads configured to form an electrical interconnect at a first interface between proximal ends of contact members in the socket and contact pads on a printed circuit board (PCB). A plurality of printed conductive traces electrically couple to a plurality of the contact pads on the first compliant printed circuit. A plurality of electrical devices are printed on the first compliant printed circuit at a location external to the first interface. The electrical devices are electrically coupled to the conductive traces and programmed to provide one or more of continuity testing at the first interface or functionality of the IC devices. A second diagnostic tool includes a second compliant printed circuit electrically coupled to a surrogate IC device.
US08928340B2 Digital circuit testable through two pins
A method for scan-testing of an integrated circuit includes the following steps carried out by the circuit itself: upon powering on of the circuit, watching for bit sequences applied to a use pin configured for receiving serial data from the exterior at the rate of a clock signal applied to a clock pin; configuring the circuit in a test mode when a bit sequence is identified as a test initialization sequence; connecting latches of the circuit in a shift register configuration, and connecting the shift register for receiving a test vector in series from the use pin; switching the transfer direction of the use pin to the output mode for providing to the exterior serial data at the rate of the clock signal; and connecting the shift register for providing its content, as a test result set, in series on the use pin.
US08928335B1 Stepped impedance flexure design in a hard disk drive
Various embodiments concern a method for forming a trace array by modeling a trace array having a plurality of traces, each trace having a plurality of trace segments corresponding to elements of a filter circuit having alternating high and low impedance elements. The alternating high and low impedance elements can correspond to inductors and capacitors. For each trace segment, a delay constant is measured between a plurality of nodes that are longitudinally arrayed along the trace segment. The delay constant can be a phase delay. The length of each trace segment is set based on the delay constant of the trace segment. The length of each trace segment can be set such that the trace has a linear group delay response across an operational frequency range of the flexure. A trace array is then formed based on the set lengths.
US08928333B2 Calibration measurements for network analyzers
A method for measuring s-parameters of an N-port device under test (DUT), using an N-port test fixture and a network analyzer. The method includes: measuring calibration errors of the N-port test fixture using a reduced set of N/2 calibration standards; measuring calibration errors due to the network analyzer by calibrating only the network analyzer using analyzer-only calibration standards; isolating test fixture s-parameters errors using results of the analyzer-only calibration standards measurement and the N-port test fixture calibration standard measurement; measuring the s-parameters errors of the DUT; and correcting the s-parameters errors of the DUT corresponding to the isolated test fixture s-parameters errors and the calibration errors of the network analyzer.
US08928330B2 Appratus for measuring ground leakage current in an ungrounded direct current power system, and method for same
A ground leakage current measurement apparatus in an ungrounded DC power system including positive and negative electric lines includes a switching unit configured to perform switching to supply measurement power to a positive side ground resistor and a negative side ground resistor by using power of the electric lines; a measurement unit connected between the switching unit and the ground and configured to measure at least one of positive and negative side ground leakage currents; and a control unit configured to control the switching unit to discriminate a positive side ground leakage current operation and a negative side ground leakage current operation of the measurement unit.
US08928322B2 Method and apparatus for determining formation water saturation during drilling
A method for determining water saturation in a subsurface formation include determining an invasion depth in the formation from a plurality of measurements made within a wellbore drilled through the formation. The measurements have different lateral depths of investigation into the formation. Carbon and oxygen in the formation are measured at substantially a same longitudinal position as at a position of the determining the invasion depth. The measured carbon and oxygen and the invasion depth are used to determine the water saturation in a substantially uninvaded part of the formation.
US08928314B2 Magnetic detection apparatus
A magnetic detection apparatus comprises: a magnetic detection section which is obtained by pressing a base including a magnetic detection device, and magnetic field generation means fixed to the base, into a cap so as to integrate the base, the magnetic field generation means, and the cap; and a secondary molding section including an attachment section for attaching the magnetic detection section, and a connector section for extracting a signal detected by the magnetic detection section.
US08928313B2 Magnetic encoder with improved resolution
A low-cost magnetic encoder that facilitates generating sinusoidal magnetic flux is provided. First and second permanent magnet arrays each include a plurality of permanent magnets arranged such that magnetic poles having the same polarity face each other, and magnetic yokes disposed on side surfaces of the plurality of permanent magnets. The permanent magnets and the magnetic yokes are arranged side by side at a predetermined pitch in the moving direction of a magnetic piece array. First and second magnetic detectors corresponding to the first and second permanent magnet arrays are disposed in a positional relationship allowing detection of leakage magnetic flux generated when the permanent magnet arrays and the magnetic piece array are displaced with respect to each other.
US08928312B2 Method, device and system for monitoring the determination of a rotor angle of a rotating shaft by means of a resolver
In a method for monitoring the determination of a rotor angle of a rotating shaft by use of a resolver monitoring the determination of the rotor angle is carried out by: a first test AC voltage at a test frequency which is not the same as an exciter frequency of the resolver is applied to a first stator winding of the resolver, and a second test AC voltage at the test frequency is applied to at least one second stator winding of the resolver, wherein the first and the second test AC voltages are produced such that an AC voltage is induced all the time in at least one rotor winding of the resolver as a result of the first and the second test AC voltages.
US08928303B2 Apparatus and methods for transient compensation of switching power regulators
Apparatus and methods for generating a drive signal of a switching signal are disclosed. A first circuit receives an oscillating reference signal, a first compensation signal, a second compensation signal, and a third compensation signal. The first compensation signal is indicative of an error between an output voltage of a power converter and a reference voltage. The second compensation signal is indicative of the error relative to a threshold. The third compensation signal is indicative of an output current of the power converter. The first circuit generates a comparison signal having a waveform including pulses having durations based at least partly on a combination of the periodic reference signal, the first compensation signal, the second compensation signal, and the third compensation signal. A second circuit receives a clock signal and the comparison signal and generates a drive signal for activation and deactivation of a driver transistor.
US08928287B2 Control apparatus, control apparatus network and control method
A first upper limit and a second upper limit of emission power are set in each of the NaS batteries. The second upper limit is maximum value of the emission power for maintaining the temperature of the NaS battery at an upper limit temperature or less. In allocation of the emission power to each of the NaS batteries, each of the NaS batteries is separated into a preferential virtual battery to which a non-excess of the emission power that does not exceed the second upper limit is allocated and non-preferential virtual battery to which an excess of the emission power that exceeds the second upper limit is allocated, and after the emission power is allocated to all the preferential virtual batteries, the emission power is allocated to each of the non-preferential virtual batteries.
US08928286B2 Very long cycling of lithium ion batteries with lithium rich cathode materials
Lithium ion batteries can be activated and then cycled to exploit a moderate fraction of the discharge cycling capacity such that the discharge capacity and average discharge voltage stay within initial values for thousands of cycles. The superior cycling performance has been achieved at relatively high discharge rates and for practical battery formats. Lithium ion battery performance can also be achieved with superior cycling performance with partially activated batteries such that good discharge capacities can be exploited for many thousands of cycles before the discharge capacity and average discharge voltage drops more than 20% from initial values. The positive electrode active material can be a lithium rich metal oxide. The activation of the battery can comprise phase changes of the active materials. As described herein, the phase changes can be manipulated to exploit a reasonable fraction of the available high capacity of the material while providing outstanding cycling stability.
US08928285B2 Charging of secondary cells (accumulators) with regulated input current
Stated is a charging-current regulating device for charging an energy storage device for a field device, and for regulating a charging current for the energy storage device, wherein regulating the charging current for the energy storage device takes place in such a manner that a limiting value relating to an input current of the field device is not exceeded. Regulating the charging current may take place in such a manner that energy storage takes place as quickly as possible and without overloading an input protection circuit of the field device.
US08928283B2 Electricity storage system having a plurality of series-connected storage cells
An electricity storage system includes a plurality of storage modules connected in series, each storage module including a single storage cell or a plurality of storage cells connected in series, an isolation transformer and a rectifying circuit that are associated with each of the storage modules, the isolation transformer having a primary winding and a secondary winding, and a voltage balancing circuit that generates an alternating current by switching a direct-current power source, the primary windings of the isolation transformers being all connected in parallel and connected to an output end of the voltage balancing circuit by a common wiring, the secondary windings of the isolation transformers being connected to the corresponding storage modules via the respective rectifying circuits, the alternating current being supplied to the primary winding of each of the isolation transformers.
US08928281B2 Battery control apparatus, vehicle, and battery control method
A battery control apparatus includes: a battery circuit in which a plurality of batteries are connected in series; a plurality of bypass circuits, each of which removes a corresponding battery from the battery circuit; a plurality of switches, each of which switches whether to connect a corresponding battery in series with the other batteries, or to connect the corresponding battery to a corresponding bypass circuit to remove the corresponding battery from the battery circuit; a deterioration detecting section that detects deterioration of each of the plurality of batteries; and a switch control section that controls the plurality of switches to remove, from the battery circuit, the batteries having greater deterioration and connects, in series, the batteries having smaller deterioration.
US08928277B2 Electronic cigarette and a wireless charging device for the same
An electronic cigarette and a wireless charging device for the same. The electronic cigarette comprises a receiving coil electrically connected with a battery. The receiving coil is provided in a body of the electronic cigarette and an axis of the coil is parallel to the electronic cigarette. The charging device comprises an electronic switch and a transmitting coil connected with a power source in sequence. The electronic switch is controlled by a transmitting control unit, and the transmitting coil is used for the electronic cigarette to be inserted therein. A housing of the charging device is provided with an inserting hole or a sleeve, which is placed correspondingly with the transmitting coil. The electronic cigarette and the wireless charging device for the same work in a non-contact manner by using a insert total electromagnetic coupling structure.
US08928276B2 Integrated repeaters for cell phone applications
A wireless power receiving system for a mobile electronic device that includes a high-Q repeater resonator comprising at least an inductor and a capacitor and having a Q-factor Q1. The inductor of the repeater resonator is enclosed in a removable sleeve of the mobile electronic. The system also includes a high-Q device resonator comprising at least an inductor and a capacitor and having a Q-factor Q2. The device resonator is integrated in the mobile device and electrically connected to the mobile electronic device, and the square root of the product Q1 and Q2 is greater than 100.
US08928274B2 Battery module and method for determining battery ID and temperature
A battery module for a portable electronic device is disclosed. The battery module is connected with the portable electronic device with at least three contacts. The battery module includes a battery, a recognition circuit, and a thermal sensing circuit. The recognition circuit has an energy storage element and a current limiting element, and the thermal sensing circuit has a switch and a thermal sensing element. The thermal sensing element varies its electric parameter in accordance with the temperature of the battery module. With the charging curve of charging the energy storage element by way of the current limiting element, the portable electronic device can determine a battery type, and the thermal sensing circuit is then initiated to acquire the thermal information of the battery module.
US08928261B2 Power tool having circuit board
A power tool includes a brushless motor, a switching element, a power cable a rectifying device, a heat releasing member. The switching element controls a drive of the brushless motor. The power cable supplies an electric current to the brushless motor from power source. The rectifying device rectifies the electric current from the power cable. The heat releasing member is connected to the switching element and the rectifying device in order to enhance a cooling efficiency for the same.
US08928260B2 Traction motor retarding flux reference
A traction motor system calculates motor flux by generating a real time effective resistance of a resistance grid calculated from motor torque and measured voltage on a DC link. Calculating effective resistance avoids solely relying on DC link voltage, which can be influenced by conditions such as wheel slip and drop out of one or more resistance grids. The effective resistance calculation is based on nominal motor values using known power levels and conditions. From these nominal values and the effective resistance, various scaling factors based on actual motor power can be generated and used to adjust a nominal flux reference to more accurately reflect actual motor flux. The scaling factors include power and torque scaling factors and a resistance scaling factor that is active during conditions such as wheel slip.
US08928242B2 Dimmer for light emitting diodes and fluorescent bulbs
A dimmer system for a luminaire is provided. The dimmer system has a dimmer that receives a first current and supplies a reduced-magnitude current. The dimmer system also has a boosting system that receives the reduced-magnitude current and supplies a boosted current to a light source or lamp if the reduced-magnitude current is being received in conjunction with the initial turn-on of the dimmer. The boosted current can be provided for a predetermined period of time. The boosted current can also be provided as pulses of boosted current interspersed with pulses of the reduced-magnitude current. The boosted current can have the magnitude of the first current or range from 70% to 100% of the first current.
US08928241B2 Method and apparatus for controlling brightness of light emitting diodes
A circuit for driving a light emitting diode (LED) comprises: an alternating voltage power supply, comprising a triac dimmer having a firing angle and output terminals that provide power to the LED; a zero crossing detector that detects a polarity change of the alternating voltage provided by the alternating voltage power supply and provides a zero crossing output signal indicative of the zero crossing; a timer triggered by the zero crossing output signal that generates a timer output signal during a time period of the timer; and LED power circuitry that reduces current to the light emitting diode based upon timing characteristics of the timer output signal.
US08928230B2 Cold plasma treatment devices and associated methods
A cold plasma treatment device for delivery of a cold plasma to patient treatment area. Gas is fed to a gas compartment where it is energized by an electrode coupled to a pulse source to thereby generate a cold plasma. A dielectric barrier is sandwiched between the gas compartment and the electrode to form a dielectric barrier discharge device. The cold plasma exits the gas compartment via a bottom member having a plurality of holes. Gases that can be used include noble gases such as helium or combinations of noble gases.
US08928224B2 Lamp
There is provided a lamp capable of informing a user that the LED lamp is at the end of its productive life and urging the user to replace the lamp reliably with a simple configuration. The lamp includes: a light emitting diode (1) as a light source; and a driving circuit (3) that turns on the light emitting diode (1) by an alternating-current or direct-current power source. The lamp further includes a life detecting element (2) that turns off the light emitting diode (1) following the occurrence of insulation deterioration in a resin material when the light emitting diode (1) has been operated for a predetermined time.
US08928223B2 Magnetron and microwave oven therewith
A magnetron has an anode cylinder, ten vanes, three strap rings. The ten vanes are fixed to an inner surface of the anode cylinder and arranged in a radial pattern of which center is at an axis of the anode cylinder. Each of the three strap rings connects vanes that are alternatively arranged. A first strap ring and a third strap ring are arranged on a first end of the vanes in a direction of axis, and a second strap ring is arranged on a second end that is opposite to the first end. Outer diameter of the second strap ring is equal to inner diameter of the first strap ring and outer diameter of the third strap ring is equal to inner diameter of the second strap ring.
US08928214B2 Ignition plug
An ignition plug, wherein, when a relative density of a portion of an insulator, which is positioned between a radial virtual plane including a front end of the insulator and a radial virtual plane including a front end of a portion of the insulator which is in contact with a metal shell or the plate packing, is referred to as A (%), and a relative density of a portion of the insulator, which is positioned between the radial virtual plane including the front end of the portion of the insulator which is in contact with the metal shell or the plate packing and a radial virtual plane including a center of a resistor in an axial direction, is referred to as B (%), the following equations are satisfied: 93.90≦A, and 0.10≦A−B≦0.90.
US08928205B2 Actuator
An actuator, which can include piezoelectric material, is provided in the form of a single-layer or multi-layer flat plate. At least one layer has two electrodes spaced from each other by means of a separating area and arranged opposite each other both on the upper face of the at least one layer and on the lower face of the at least one layer. The electrodes of the upper face are arranged at an offset from the electrodes of the lower face. A motor is also provided to include the actuator and a movable element to be driven by means of the actuator.
US08928201B2 Electric motor having an output shaft rotatably supported by a housing and working machine including the same
A motor has an output shaft which is rotatably supported by a housing, a rotor which is fixed to the output shaft and which comprises a printed-wiring board, and a stator which is fixed to the housing and which comprises a magnet facing the rotor. The printed-wiring board comprises a coil/commutator disk and a coil disk. A commutator conductor pattern is formed in a commutator region of the coil/commutator disk. Likewise, coil conductor patterns are formed in respective coil regions of the coil/commutator disk and of the coil disk.
US08928196B2 Spindle motor
There is provided a spindle motor including: a sleeve rotatably supporting a shaft; a rotor coupled to an upper end of the shaft and rotating in conjunction with the shaft; a stopper portion coupled to a main wall portion protruded from one surface of the rotor and facing an outer circumferential surface of the sleeve; a stator holder having a fixed portion coupled to an outer circumferential surface of the sleeve, an installation portion to which a core having a coil wound therearound is fixed, and a connection portion connecting an upper end of the fixed portion and an upper end of the installation portion; and a base member fixedly coupled to the stator holder.
US08928194B2 Drive module with decoupling element
The invention relates to a drive module, particularly for a fan in a motor vehicle, comprising a drive motor having a stator, at least one vibration-dampening decoupling element, and a fastening flange connected to the stator of the drive motor by the decoupling element, wherein the decoupling element is arranged in the interior of the stator and the fastening flange comprises a supporting element that is engaged in the decoupling element.
US08928180B2 Power supply circuit
A power supply circuit is disclosed in embodiments of the present invention, which includes: a voltage output device, configured to generate an output voltage; a parasitic resistance, connected between an output end of the voltage output device and an external load, where two ends of the parasitic resistance generate a voltage drop; and a compensation circuit, connected to the output end of the voltage output device and configured to generate a compensation voltage, where the compensation voltage is loaded onto the voltage output device, so as to offset the voltage drop generated by the parasitic resistance, so that a voltage obtained at an input end of the load is roughly equal to the output voltage generated by the voltage output device. The circuit is applicable to improving load regulation of a power supply.
US08928177B2 Control circuit and electronic device
A controller includes a difference detector that detects a difference between a switching timing of a first channel of a switching power supply including a plurality of channels, and a switching timing of a second channel of the switching power supply, the plurality of channels being coupled in common to an input power supply and performing switching operations in response to clock signals, and a timing adjuster that, based on a detection result of the difference detector, increases a difference between a timing of a clock signal supplied to the first channel and a timing of a clock signal supplied to the second channel when the difference between the switching timing of the first channel and the switching timing of the second channel is smaller than a first value.
US08928174B2 Battery control apparatus, battery control method, and vehicle
A battery control apparatus comprising a battery circuit in which a plurality of batteries are connected to each other; a plurality of first switches that switch whether the batteries are connected in series or connected in parallel; a voltage detecting section that detects a maximum voltage output by the battery circuit; and a switch control section that, when the maximum voltage of the battery circuit occurring when the batteries are connected in parallel is less than or equal to a first threshold value, controls the first switches to connect at least a portion of the batteries in series.
US08928173B2 Dynamic high energy switch
A dynamic high-energy switch used for correcting load imbalance through connecting and disconnecting capacitance in a power feed circuit.
US08928168B2 Fluid-driven power generating apparatus
A fluid-driven power generating apparatus is a power generator in form pipes with either water wheels or balls with circumferential indents rotating therewithin. The water wheels or the balls are rotated by the fluid flow within the pipes. Each of the water wheels or each the balls has a wheel axle or a ball wheel axle which is encircled by a metal coil. Each metal coil is rotated by the fluid flow within a magnetic field produced by the electromagnetic layer attached to each of the pipes. Through the rotations of the metal coil within the magnetic field, electricity is thus created and stored in an energy storage device. Another variation of the present invention is a closed-system fluid-driven power generating apparatus with mercury as the driving fluid. The present invention can be incorporated into plumbing, dip, sprinkler systems as well as watercrafts such as ships, submarines, jet skis, etc.
US08928161B2 Apparatuses and methods for harvesting energy from prosthetic limbs
An apparatus for harvesting energy from motion of a prosthetic limb, wherein the prosthetic limb has motion in at least one degree of freedom, may include a hydraulic amplifier mechanically coupled with a generator. The hydraulic amplifier may include an input member configured to receive an input motion when a first motion in a degree of freedom of the prosthetic limb causes pressure and motion of hydraulic fluid. The hydraulic amplifier is configured to amplify the input motion of the input member to a greater output motion. The generator is configured to convert mechanical energy of the output motion into corresponding electrical energy delivered to one of an electrical load and an electrical storage reservoir.
US08928158B2 Epoxy resin composition for encapsulating semiconductor device and semiconductor device encapsulated with the same
An epoxy resin composition for encapsulating a semiconductor device includes a curing agent, a curing accelerator, inorganic fillers, and an epoxy resin, the epoxy resin including a first resin represented by Formula 1: wherein R1 and R2 are each independently hydrogen or a C1 to C4 linear or branched alkyl group, and n is a value from 1 to 9 on average.
US08928144B2 3D non-volatile memory device, memory system including the same, and method of manufacturing the same
A three-dimensional 3D nonvolatile memory device includes vertical channel layers protruding from a substrate; interlayer insulating layers and conductive layer patterns alternately deposited along the vertical channel layers; a barrier metal pattern surrounding each of the conductive layer patterns; a charge blocking layer interposed between the vertical channel layers and the barrier metal patterns; and a diffusion barrier layer interposed between the barrier metal patterns and the charge blocking layer.
US08928143B2 Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the same
To prevent two contacts that have different heights, share at least one interlayer insulating film and are disposed close to each other from being short-circuited to each other due to misalignment thereof, a semiconductor device according to the invention has a recess in an interlayer insulating film in which a first contact having a lower height, the recess being formed by the upper surface of the first contact, and a silicon nitride sidewall is formed in the recess to extend from the upper surface of the first contact and along the side surface of the recess.
US08928132B2 Semiconductor package having through silicon via (TSV) interposer and method of manufacturing the semiconductor package
A semiconductor package having a reduced size by including an interposer having through substrate vias (TSVs), the semiconductor package may comprise a lower semiconductor package which includes a lower base substrate, an interposer with TSVs on the lower base substrate, and a lower semiconductor chip on the interposer and electrically connected to the interposer. The semiconductor package may include an upper semiconductor package on the lower semiconductor package including an upper semiconductor chip and package connecting members on the interposer and electrically connect the upper semiconductor package to the interposer. An exterior molding member may be provided.
US08928124B2 High aspect ratio and reduced undercut trench etch process for a semiconductor substrate
A hydrofluorocarbon gas is employed as a polymer deposition gas in an anisotropic etch process employing an alternation of an etchant gas and the polymer deposition gas to etch a deep trench in a semiconductor substrate. The hydrofluorocarbon gas can generate a thick carbon-rich and hydrogen-containing polymer on sidewalls of a trench at a thickness on par with the thickness of the polymer on a top surface of the semiconductor substrate. The thick carbon-rich and hydrogen-containing polymer protects sidewalls of a trench, thereby minimizing an undercut below a hard mask without degradation of the overall rate. In some embodiments, an improvement in the overall etch rate can be achieved.
US08928122B2 Wiring structure, thin film transistor array substrate including the same, and display device
On a wiring conversion part connected to a first conductive film and a second conductive film each functioning as a wiring, a hollow portion is formed inside the second conductive film. A first transparent conductive film provided on the second conductive film is formed so as to cover an upper surface of the second conductive film and an end surface thereof exposed on the hollow portion, and so as not to cover an outer peripheral end surface of the second conductive film. A second transparent conductive film which is a layer above the first transparent conductive film is connected to the second conductive film and the first conductive film, so that the first conductive film and the second conductive film are electrically connected.
US08928117B1 Multi-chip package structure and method of forming same
A device comprises a first semiconductor die embedded in a molding compound layer, a surface-mount device embedded in the molding compound layer, a plurality of interconnect structures formed on the molding compound layer, wherein the first semiconductor die is electrically coupled to the interconnect structures and the surface-mount device is electrically coupled to the interconnect structures through at least one V-shaped via and a plurality of bumps formed on and electrically coupled to the interconnect structures.
US08928113B2 Layout scheme and method for forming device cells in semiconductor devices
A method and layout for forming word line decoder devices and other devices having word line decoder cells provides for forming metal interconnect layers using non-DPL photolithography operations and provides for stitching distally disposed transistors using a lower or intermediate metal layer or a subjacent conductive material. The transistors may be disposed in or adjacent longitudinally arranged word line decoder or other cells and the conductive coupling using the metal or conductive material lowers gate resistance between transistors and avoids RC signal delays.
US08928111B2 Transistor with high breakdown voltage having separated drain extensions
Transistors are formed using pitch multiplication. Each transistor includes a source region and a drain region connected by strips of active area material separated by shallow trench isolation (STI) structures, which are formed by dielectric material filling trenches formed by pitch multiplication. During pitch multiplication, rows of spaced-apart mandrels are formed and spacer material is deposited over the mandrels. The spacer material is etched to define spacers on sidewalls of the mandrels. The mandrels are removed, leaving free-standing spacers. The spacers constitute a mask, through which an underlying substrate is etched to form the trenches and strips of active area material. The trenches are filled to form the STI structures. The substrate is doped, forming source, drain and channel regions. A gate is formed over the channel region. In some embodiments, the STI structures and the strips of material facilitate the formation of transistors having a high breakdown voltage.
US08928103B2 Solid-state imaging element, method of manufacturing the same, solid-state imaging apparatus, and imaging apparatus
A solid-state imaging element including a semiconductor substrate that has a light reception portion performing a photoelectric conversion of an incident light; an oxide layer that is formed on a surface of the semiconductor substrate; a light shielding layer that is formed on an upper layer further than the oxide layer via an adhesion layer; and an oxygen supply layer that is disposed between the oxide layer and the adhesion layer and is formed of a material which shows an oxidation enthalpy smaller than that of a material forming the oxide layer.
US08928102B2 Performance optically coated semiconductor devices and related methods of manufacture
The present application disclosed various embodiments of improved performance optically coated semiconductor devices and the methods for the manufacture thereof and includes at least one semiconductor wafer having at least a first surface, a first layer of low density, low index of refraction optical material applied to at least the first surface of the semiconductor wafer, and a multi-layer optical coating applied to the first layer of low density, low index of refraction material, the multi-layer optical coating comprising alternating layers of low density, low index of refraction materials and high density, high index of refraction materials.
US08928093B2 FinFET body contact and method of making same
A semiconductor device may include body contacts on a finFET device for ESD protection. The semiconductor device comprises a semiconductor fin, a source/drain region and a body contact. The source/drain region and the body contact are in the semiconductor fin. A portion of the fin is laterally between the source/drain region and the body contact. The semiconductor fin is on a substrate.
US08928090B2 Self-aligned contact structure for replacement metal gate
A metallic top surface of a replacement gate structure is oxidized to convert a top portion of the replacement gate structure into a dielectric oxide. After removal of a planarization dielectric layer, selective epitaxy is performed to form a raised source region and a raised drain region that extends higher than the topmost surface of the replacement gate structure. A gate level dielectric layer including a first dielectric material is deposited and subsequently planarized employing the raised source and drain regions as stopping structures. A contact level dielectric layer including a second dielectric material is formed over the gate level dielectric layer, and contact via holes are formed employing an etch chemistry that etches the second dielectric material selective to the first dielectric material. Raised source and drain regions are recessed. Self-aligned contact structures can be formed by filling the contact via holes with a conductive material.
US08928085B2 Apparatus and method for electronic circuit protection
Apparatus and methods for electronic circuit protection are disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus comprises a well having an emitter and a collector region. The well has a doping of a first type, and the emitter and collector regions have a doping of a second type. The emitter region, well, and collector region are configured to operate as an emitter, base, and collector for a first transistor, respectively. The collector region is spaced away from the emitter region to define a spacing. A first spacer and a second spacer are positioned adjacent the well between the emitter and the collector. A conductive plate is positioned adjacent the well and between the first spacer and the second spacer, and a doping adjacent the first spacer, the second spacer, and the plate consists essentially of the first type.
US08928084B2 ESD protection device and method of forming an ESD protection device
An ESD protection device, which is arranged to be active at a triggering voltage (Vt1) for providing ESD protection, comprises a first region of the first conductivity type formed in a semiconductor layer of the first conductivity type, the first region extending from a surface of the semiconductor layer and being coupled to a first current electrode (C) of the semiconductor device, a well region of a second conductivity type formed in the semiconductor layer extending from the surface of the semiconductor layer, and a second region of the second conductivity type formed in the well region, the second region being coupled to a second current electrode (B). The ESD protection device further comprises a floating region of the second conductivity type formed in the semiconductor layer between the first current electrode (C) and the well region and extending from the surface of the semiconductor layer a predetermined depth. The floating region is separated from the well region by a predetermined distance, a value of which is selected such that the floating region is located within a depletion region of a PN junction between the well region and the semiconductor layer when the ESD protection device is active. The floating region has a doping concentration selected such that the floating region is not fully depleted when the ESD protection device is active and the predetermined depth is selected such that the floating region modifies a space charge region near the PN junction. An ESD protection device according to a second embodiment is also disclosed.
US08928083B2 Diode structure and method for FINFET technologies
A method of fabricating an electronic device includes the following steps. A SOI wafer is provided having a SOI layer over a BOX. An oxide layer is formed over the SOI layer. At least one first set and at least one second set of fins are patterned in the SOI layer and the oxide layer. A conformal gate dielectric layer is selectively formed on a portion of each of the first set of fins that serves as a channel region of a transistor device. A first metal gate stack is formed on the conformal gate dielectric layer over the portion of each of the first set of fins that serves as the channel region of the transistor device. A second metal gate stack is formed on a portion of each of the second set of fins that serves as a channel region of a diode device.
US08928069B2 Semiconductor device, and method of manufacturing the same
The generation of a variation in properties of vertical transistors is restrained. A vertical MOS transistor is formed in a semiconductor substrate. A first interlayer dielectric film and a first source wiring are formed over the front surface of the substrate. The first source wiring is formed over the first interlayer dielectric film, and is overlapped with the vertical MOS transistor as viewed in plan. Contacts are buried in the first interlayer dielectric film. Through the contacts, an n-type source layer of vertical MOS transistor is coupled with the first source wiring. Openings are made in the first source wiring.
US08928067B2 Bulk fin-field effect transistors with well defined isolation
A computer program storage product includes instructions for forming a fin field-effect-transistor. The instructions are configured to perform a method. The method includes implanting a dopant into an exposed portion of a semiconductor substrate within a cavity. The cavity is formed in a dielectric layer on the semiconductor substrate. The cavity exposes the portion of the semiconductor substrate within the cavity. A semiconductor layer is epitaxially grown within the cavity atop the dopant implanted exposed portion of the semiconductor substrate. A height of the cavity defines a height of the epitaxially grown semiconductor.
US08928064B2 Gate stack of boron semiconductor alloy, polysilicon and high-K gate dielectric for low voltage applications
A method of forming a gate structure for a semiconductor device that includes forming a non-stoichiometric high-k gate dielectric layer on a semiconductor substrate, wherein an oxide containing interfacial layer can be present between the non-stoichiometric high-k gate dielectric layer and the semiconductor substrate. At least one gate conductor layer may be formed on the non-stoichiometric high-k gate dielectric layer. The at least one gate conductor layer comprises a boron semiconductor alloy layer. An anneal process is applied, wherein during the anneal process the non-stoichiometric high-k gate dielectric layer removes oxide material from the oxide containing interfacial layer. The oxide containing interfacial layer is thinned by removing the oxide material during the anneal process.
US08928062B2 Nonvolatile semiconductor memory device and manufacturing method thereof
A nonvolatile semiconductor memory device includes a plurality of nonvolatile memory cells formed on a semiconductor substrate, each memory cell including source and drain regions separately formed on a surface portion of the substrate, buried insulating films formed in portions of the substrate that lie under the source and drain regions and each having a dielectric constant smaller than that of the substrate, a tunnel insulating film formed on a channel region formed between the source and drain regions, a charge storage layer formed of a dielectric body on the tunnel insulating film, a block insulating film formed on the charge storage layer, and a control gate electrode formed on the block insulating film.
US08928054B2 Touch substrate and method of manufacturing the same
A touch substrate includes a base substrate, a sensing element and a switching element. The sensing element is disposed over the base substrate, senses infrared light, and includes a sensing semiconductor pattern. The switching element is electrically connected to the sensing element, includes a material substantially the same as a material of the sensing semiconductor pattern, and includes a switching semiconductor pattern having a thickness different from a thickness of the sensing semiconductor pattern.
US08928052B2 Optoelectronic semiconductor chip and method for producing same
An optoelectronic semiconductor chip has a semiconductor layer sequence having an active layer that generates radiation between a layer of a first conductivity type and a layer of a second conductivity type. The layer of the first conductivity type is adjacent to a front side of the semiconductor layer sequence. The semiconductor layer sequence contains at least one cutout extending from a rear side, lying opposite the front side, of the semiconductor layer sequence through the active layer to the layer of the first conductivity type. The layer of the first conductivity type is electrically connected through the cutout by means of a first electrical connection layer which covers the rear side of the semiconductor layer sequence at least in places.
US08928050B2 Electronic device including a schottky contact
An electronic device can include a semiconductor layer having a primary surface, and a Schottky contact comprising a metal-containing member in contact with a horizontally-oriented lightly doped region within the semiconductor layer and lying adjacent to the primary surface. In an embodiment, the metal-containing member lies within a recess in the semiconductor layer and contacts the horizontally-oriented lightly doped region along a sidewall of the recess. In other embodiment, the Schottky contact may not be formed within a recess, and a doped region may be formed within the semiconductor layer under the horizontally-oriented lightly doped region and have a conductivity type opposite the horizontally-oriented lightly doped region. The Schottky contacts can be used in conjunction with power transistors in a switching circuit, such as a high-frequency voltage regulator.
US08928046B2 Transistor and method of fabricating the same
A transistor including a gate, an active stacked structure, a dielectric layer, a source and a drain. The gate is located over a first surface of the dielectric layer. The active stacked structure, including a first active layer and a second active layer, is located over a second surface of the dielectric layer. The source and the drain are located over the second surface of the dielectric layer and at two sides of the active stacked structure and extend between the first active layer and the second active layer of the active stacked structure.
US08928041B2 Solid-state imaging device and manufacturing method therefor
A solid-state imaging device includes a first and second pixel regions. In the first pixel region, a photoelectric conversion unit, a floating diffusion region (FD), and a transferring transistor are provided. In the second pixel region, an amplifying transistor, and a resetting transistor are provided. A first element isolation portion is provided in the first pixel region, while a second element isolation portion is provided in the second pixel region. An amount of protrusion of an insulating film into a semiconductor substrate in the first element isolation portion is smaller, than that in the second element isolation portion.
US08928040B2 Semiconductor device including line-type active region and method for manufacturing the same
A semiconductor device having a line-type active region and a method for manufacturing the same are disclosed. The semiconductor device includes an active region configured in a successive line type, at least one active gate having a first width and crossing the active region, and an isolation gate having a second width different from the first width and being formed between the active gates. The isolation gate's width and the active gate's width are different from each other to guarantee a large storage node contact region, resulting in increased device operation characteristics (write characteristics).
US08928037B2 Heterostructure power transistor with AlSiN passivation layer
A heterostructure semiconductor device includes a first active layer and a second active layer disposed on the first active layer. A two-dimensional electron gas layer is formed between the first and second active layers. An AlSiN passivation layer is disposed on the second active layer. First and second ohmic contacts electrically connect to the second active layer. The first and second ohmic contacts are laterally spaced-apart, with a gate being disposed between the first and second ohmic contacts.
US08928034B2 Gallium nitride devices with aluminum nitride alloy intermediate layer
The invention provides semiconductor materials including a gallium nitride material layer formed on a silicon substrate and methods to form the semiconductor materials. The semiconductor materials include a transition layer formed between the silicon substrate and the gallium nitride material layer. The transition layer is compositionally-graded to lower stresses in the gallium nitride material layer which can result from differences in thermal expansion rates between the gallium nitride material and the substrate. The lowering of stresses in the gallium nitride material layer reduces the tendency of cracks to form. Thus, the invention enables the production of semiconductor materials including gallium nitride material layers having few or no cracks. The semiconductor materials may be used in a number of microelectronic and optical applications.
US08928024B2 Optical device and method for manufacturing the same
The present invention provides an optical device, and the optical device comprises a luminous element and a gradient-index nanoparticle layer and scattering particles composed by particles stack with different refractive indexes and particle sizes. The luminous element has a light emitting surface. The refractive indexes of the nanoparticle layers decrease bottom up. The nanoparticles based gradient-index nanoparticle layer comprises a plurality of dielectric layers with different refractive index, and the dielectric scattering particle layers are stacked upward from the light emitting surface to let the gradient-index nanoparticle layer and scattering particles cover the light emitting surface. The method for manufacturing the abovementioned optical device is also disclosed.
US08928019B2 Phosphor and LEDs containing same
There is herein described a phosphor for use in LED applications and particularly in phosphor-conversion LEDs (pc-LEDs). The phosphor has a composition represented by (Y1-xCex)3(Al1-yScy)5O12 wherein 0
US08928010B2 Display device
A display device includes a pixel area including pixels arranged in a matrix and having a horizontal resolution of 350 ppi or more and a color filter layer overlapping with the pixel area. The pixels each include a first transistor whose gate is electrically connected to a scan line and whose one of a source and a drain is electrically connected to a signal line; a second transistor whose gate is electrically connected to the other of the source and the drain of the first transistor and whose one of a source and a drain is electrically connected to a current-supplying line; and a light-emitting element electrically connected to the other of the source and the drain of the second transistor. The first and second transistors each have a channel formation region including a single crystal semiconductor.
US08928009B2 Light emitting device, illuminating device, and display device
A light emitting device includes: one or plural light emitting elements having plural electrodes; a chip-like insulator surrounding the one or plural light emitting elements from a side surface side of the one or plural light emitting elements; and plural terminal electrodes electrically connected one-to-one with the plural electrodes, and having protrusions each protruding from a peripheral edge of the chip-like insulator.
US08928008B2 Light emitting device package comprising a lead electrode exposed to a recessed bottom portion of the package body
A light emitting device package is provided. The light emitting device package comprises a package body comprising a first cavity, and a second cavity connected to the first cavity; a first lead electrode, at least a portion of which is disposed within the second cavity; a second lead electrode, at least a portion of which is disposed within the first cavity; a light emitting device disposed within the second cavity; a first wire disposed within the second cavity, the first wire electrically connecting the light emitting device to the first lead electrode; and a second wire electrically connecting the light emitting device to the second lead electrode.
US08928000B2 Nitride semiconductor wafer including different lattice constants
According to one embodiment, a nitride semiconductor wafer includes a silicon substrate, a lower strain relaxation layer provided on the silicon substrate, an intermediate layer provided on the lower strain relaxation layer, an upper strain relaxation layer provided on the intermediate layer, and a functional layer provided on the upper strain relaxation layer. The intermediate layer includes a first lower layer, a first doped layer provided on the first lower layer, and a first upper layer provided on the first doped layer. The first doped layer has a lattice constant larger than or equal to that of the first lower layer and contains an impurity of 1×1018 cm−3 or more and less than 1×1021 cm−3. The first upper layer has a lattice constant larger than or equal to that of the first doped layer and larger than that of the first lower layer.
US08927995B2 Thin film transistor with anti-diffusion area that prevents metal atoms and/or ions from source/drain electrodes from shortening the channel length and display substrate having the thin film transistor
A thin film transistor includes a semiconductor pattern disposed on a substrate and a semiconductor pattern portion with a conductive or nonconductive characteristic, and a anti-diffusion portion on a side of the semiconductor pattern portion to prevent metal ions from being diffused along the semiconductor pattern portion. A first insulating layer covers the semiconductor pattern and has a first contact hole exposing a first region of the semiconductor pattern portion and a second contact hole exposing a second region of the semiconductor pattern portion. A gate electrode is disposed on the first insulating layer. A second insulating layer covers the gate electrode and has a third contact hole exposing the first region and a fourth contact hole exposing the second region. A source electrode is formed on the second insulating layer and connected to the first region, and a drain electrode is formed on the second insulating layer and connected to the second region.
US08927992B2 Display apparatus
A display apparatus includes a backlight module, a panel module, and a plurality of double-sided adhesive tapes. The backlight module includes a bezel. The frame has a supporting surface. The panel module includes a glass substrate and a plurality of chips. The glass substrate is disposed on the supporting surface. An edge of the glass substrate has a bonding region. The chips are disposed at the bonding region. The chips and the supporting surface are respectively located at two opposite sides of the glass substrate. The double-sided adhesive tapes are disposed between the supporting surface and the bonding region. Each of the double-sided adhesive tapes is located at a gap between two adjacent chips.
US08927986B2 P-type metal oxide semiconductor
The disclosure provides a p-type metal oxide semiconductor material. The p-type metal oxide semiconductor material has the following formula: In1−xGa1−yMx+yZnO4+m, wherein M is Ca, Mg, or Cu, 0
US08927981B2 Semiconductor device and method for manufacturing the same
The drain voltage of a transistor is determined depending on the driving voltage of an element connected to the transistor. With downsizing of a transistor, intensity of the electric field concentrated in the drain region is increased, and hot carriers are easily generated. An object is to provide a transistor in which the electric field hardly concentrates in the drain region. Another object is to provide a display device including such a transistor. End portions of first and second wiring layers having high electrical conductivity do not overlap with a gate electrode layer, whereby concentration of an electric field in the vicinity of a first electrode layer and a second electrode layer is reduced; thus, generation of hot carriers is suppressed. In addition, one of the first and second electrode layers having higher resistivity than the first and second wiring layers is used as a drain electrode layer.
US08927974B2 Display apparatus and image pickup apparatus
A first light-emitting layer of a first organic electroluminescent element is disposed in common to a second organic electroluminescent element, a second light-emitting layer of the second organic electroluminescent element is disposed in contact with the first light-emitting layer and in the cathode side, and the first light-emitting layer is a light-emitting layer having an electron trapping property.
US08927965B2 Light receiving element and optical device
A light-receiving element includes a III-V group compound semiconductor substrate, a light-receiving layer having a type II multi-quantum well structure disposed on the substrate, and a type I wavelength region reduction means for reducing light in a wavelength region of type I absorption in the type II multi-quantum well structure disposed on a light incident surface or between the light incident surface and the light-receiving layer.
US08927953B2 Illuminated curtain wall
A window lighting system may include a frame (1071, 1171, 1271, 1471) defining a perimeter of a window (1070, 1170, 1270, 1470). The frame may have a hollow interior. A driver (30), which may be located within the hollow interior or external to the window lighting system, may be configured to drive one or more light sources (1076, 1176, 1276, 1486). A lens (46) may be disposed along the hollow interior to focus light emitted by the one or more light sources across a surface of the window or into an interior of a building.
US08927949B2 Measuring apparatus, drawing apparatus, and article manufacturing method
The beam measuring apparatus of the present invention includes a detection device including a shield member that has an edge, and a detector configured to detect the beam of which at least a part is not shielded by the shield member; a relative movement mechanism configured to cause a relative movement between the shield member and the beam; and a controller configured to control the detection device and the relative movement mechanism so as to cause one of the edge and the beam to traverse the other with respect to each of a plurality of points on the edge, to sum a plurality of signals, respectively obtained by the detection device with respect to the plurality of points and with respect to relative positions of the relative movement corresponding to one another, so as to obtain a signal sequence, and to obtain the characteristic based on the signal sequence.
US08927943B2 Device for obtaining the ion source of a mass spectrometer using an ultraviolet diode and a CEM
The present invention relates to a device for obtaining the ion source of a mass spectrometer using an ultraviolet diode and a CEM module, having the purpose of inducing initial electron emission using a CEM module and by radiating ultraviolet photons emitted from the ultraviolet diode to the entrance of the CEM module to obtain a large amount of amplified electron beams from the exit and to produce electron beams the emission times of which are accurately controlled at low temperature and at low power. The present invention is characterized by a device for obtaining the ion source of a mass spectrometer using an ultraviolet diode and a CEM module, the device consisting essentially of: an ultraviolet diode emitting ultraviolet rays by means of supplied power; an electron multiplier inducing and amplifying the initial electron emission of ultraviolet photons from the ultraviolet diode and obtaining a large amount of electron beams from the exit; an electron condenser lens condensing the electron beams amplified by the electron multiplier; an ion trap mass separator ionizing gas sample molecules by the electron beams injected through the electron xondensing lens; and an ion detector detecting ions separated from the ion trap mass separator by mass spectrum, wherein the electron multiplier is a CEM module.
US08927936B2 Multi-beam detector retrofitted from single-beam detector
The present disclosure is directed to a method of retrofitting an existing single-beam infrared scanner assembly for detecting the temperature of an object. The method may include removing optics and optoelectronic components contained within an existing housing of the single-beam infrared scanner assembly. The optics and optoelectronic components of the single-beam infrared scanner assembly may be replaced with optics and optoelectronic components for a multi-beam infrared scanner assembly. The replacement optics and optoelectronic components for the multi-beam infrared scanner assembly may be installed in the existing housing of the single-beam infrared scanner assembly.
US08927932B2 Scanning transmission electron microscopy for imaging extended areas
A scanning transmission electron microscope for imaging a specimen includes an electron beam source to generate an electron beam. Beam optics are provided to converge the electron beam. A stage is provided to hold a specimen in the path of the electron beam. A beam scanner scans the electron beam across the specimen. A controller may define one or more scanning areas corresponding to locations of the specimen, and control one or more of the beam scanner and stage to selectively scan the electron beam in the scanning areas. A detector is provided to detect electrons transmitted through the specimen to generate an image. The controller may generate a sub-image for each of the scanning areas, and stitch together the sub-images for the scanning areas to generate a stitched-together image. The controller may also analyze the stitched-together image to determine information regarding the specimen.
US08927927B2 Mass spectrometer
After a first injection of a sample, amount of change between a highest intensity and each of two ion intensities before and after a voltage showing the highest intensity is calculated for each CE voltage. If the change is equal to or less than a threshold the CE voltage showing the highest intensity in the coarse control mode is selected as the optimal value, without performing a measurement in a fine control mode. If the change in the ion intensity exceeds the threshold, a narrower CE-voltage range and a smaller step size are determined from the measurement result obtained for the first injection of the sample, and after a second injection of the sample, the ion intensity is measured while the CE voltage is varied in the fine control mode.
US08927924B2 Optical leak detector for subsea equipment
A leak detector (190) includes a sensor head (260), a light source (200) optically coupled to the sensor head and operable to generate excitation light. A detector (205) is optically coupled to the sensor head and operable to detect fluorescence light. A signal processing unit (210) is coupled to the detector and operable to signal a leak condition responsive to an intensity of the fluorescence light exceeding a threshold. A fluid-tight enclosure (235) encloses at least the light source, the detector, and the signal processing unit.
US08927918B2 Optical sensor element and optical sample analyzing apparatus
An exemplary optical sensor element for use in an optical sample analyzing apparatus, includes a housing that includes at least one optical sensor component. A housing body and a housing lid are removably connected to the housing body so that in an assembled state, the housing body and the housing lid form a fluid-tight housing. The housing lid is equipped with replaceable moisture control elements.
US08927911B2 Enhanced bus bar system for aircraft transparencies
A bus bar system includes a non-conductive substrate having a major surface. At least one conductive bus bar is formed over at least a portion of the major surface. A conductive coating is formed over at least a portion of the bus bar and the major surface. An electrically conductive adhesive, such as an isotropically conductive tape or film, is applied over at least a portion of the film/bus bar junction. The system can optionally include a conductive metallic foil adhered to the isotropically conductive adhesive.
US08927894B2 Weld electrode for attractive weld appearance
Weld faces of electrodes for resistance spot welding are formed with a suitable area of protrusions and/or intrusions. The size, shape, and elevation or depths of the protrusions or intrusions are determined for the formation of suitable spot welds in and between metal workpieces such as aluminum or steel panels for vehicle bodies. The protrusions or intrusions are also conceived and used to form an image on at least a visible surface of the welded article to produce an attractive appearance on the surface of the welded sheet.
US08927887B2 Variable depth circuit interrupter assembly with interlock
An improved circuit interrupter assembly provides enablement of an interlock feature for a circuit interrupter situated within a cabinet having an external handle for switching the circuit interrupter between ON and OFF conditions when the cabinet door is closed. The improved circuit interrupter assembly includes a motion transfer apparatus that provides such enablement of the interlock feature for cabinets of any of a variety of depths. The motion transfer apparatus includes a Bowden cable that extends between a first retention assembly situated at the door of the cabinet and a second retention assembly situated at the interlock feature of the circuit interrupter. The Bowden cable has a biased drive cable that extends between a pair of elements and which thus transfers the motion of the cabinet door in its closed position to enable cooperation with the interlock.
US08927884B2 Replaceable key module and keyboard with the same
A replaceable key module for a keyboard, comprising: a keycap holder, a springy member and a keycap. The keycap holder embraces an accommodation space, a first surface having an opening, and a second surface having a hole. The springy member is located on the second surface and within the accommodation space of the keycap holder. The keycap is movably connected to the springy member through the opening of the first surface of the keycap holder and capable of moving between a released position and a depressed position. The keycap is referred to as in a released position when not depressed and in a depressed position pushing the springy member to be deformed downwardly when depressed. By means of adjusting some factors such as hardness, length, material and pressing angle of the springy member, the user may obtain the key module with the specified pressure load as desired.
US08927883B2 Nursing platform with integrated weighing means
An infant-nursing platform includes a cushion adapted for supporting a baby while nursing. The cushion has a support surface. Weighing means are disposed within the cushion and operably coupled to the support surface to weigh the baby on the support surface of the cushion. A user interface device is operably coupled to the weighing means to obtain measurement information therefrom. The user interface device and produces an output in response to the measurement information obtained from the weighing means.
US08927882B2 Commodity search device that identifies a commodity based on the average unit weight of a number of commodities resting on a scale falling within a predetermined weight deviation of a referece unit weight stored in a database
A commodity search device includes a storage unit, a measuring unit, a number input unit, a unit average weighing value calculator, and a first commodity search unit. The storage unit stores commodity information including a reference unit weight determined for each commodity. The measuring unit measures a total weight of commodities placed at a predetermined weighing position. The number input unit allows inputting the number of the weighed commodities. The unit average weighing value calculator divides the total weight of the commodities weighed by the measuring unit by the number input by the number input unit to calculate a unit average weighing value per one commodity. The first commodity search unit searches for commodities falling within a weight deviation from the storage unit using the unit average weighing value.
US08927877B2 Looped interconnect structure
Disclosed herein is a system and method for mounting packages by forming one or more wire loop interconnects, optionally, with a wirebonder, and mounting the interconnects to a mounting pad on a first substrate. A first and second stud ball may each have at least one flat surface be disposed on a single mounting pad, and a wire having a bend region and forming a loop may be disposed between the stud balls. The stud balls may be formed from a deformed mouthing node formed on a wire. The loop may be mounted on a mounting pad on a first substrate and a second substrate may be mounted on the loop via a conductive material such as solder.
US08927875B2 Wiring board and method for manufacturing wiring board
A wiring board includes an interlayer insulation layer, conductive patterns formed on the interlayer insulation layer, and a solder-resist layer formed on the interlayer insulation layer and having an opening partially exposing the conductive patterns. The solder-resist layer has an edge portion bordering the opening and intersecting the conductive patterns, and the edge portion of the solder-resist layer has a concavo-convex shape having convex portions and concave portions such that the convex portions and the concave portions are alternately intersecting the conductive patterns.
US08927852B2 Photovoltaic device with an up-converting quantum dot layer and absorber
A photovoltaic apparatus includes an absorber including a first quantum dot layer having a first plurality of quantum dots of a first quantum dot material in a first matrix material, and an up-converter layer positioned adjacent to the absorber layer, the up-converter layer including a second quantum dot layer having a second plurality of quantum dots of a second quantum dot material and a second matrix material.
US08927844B2 Drum pedal
A footplate for a drum pedal having a forefoot contact-receiving portion, a heel contact-receiving portion and a fulcrum about which a user's foot may pivot between contacting the heel and forefoot contact-receiving portions provides a configuration for enhanced and effective dual beat or heel-toe drumming technique. In use, a drummer's heel may hit the footplate at an aft portion providing a dedicated heel contact area of the footplate, which causes the drum pedal beater to make a first beat against a drum whilst the drummer's foot rocks forward across the fulcrum to make contact with an upper or fore portion of the returning footplate in turn propelling the beater to strike the drum for a second time. This enables improved control, repeatability and reliability of the “heel-toe” technique producing greater consistency in the volume and sound of both heel and toe driven beats.
US08927840B2 Variable mechanical acoustic resonance component for musical instrument using defined resonance index
The present invention is a variable mechanical acoustic resonance component for a musical instrument and a method for producing a variable mechanical acoustic resonance component comprising of at least two segments, each segment having distinct resonance and tone properties dependant on the properties of the segment as specified in a resonance index.
US08927839B2 Stringed instrument hand rest
A hand rest for a guitar or other such stringed instrument configured to be positioned over strings of the stringed instrument such that a user of the stringed instrument may rest a hand on at least a portion of the hand rest while using the stringed instrument. Furthermore, the hand rest is configured to not interfere with a user striking one or more strings and the vibration of one or more strings.
US08927829B1 Maize hybrid X08C982
A novel maize variety designated X08C982 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof, produced by crossing Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. proprietary inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprises crossing hybrid maize variety X08C982 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X08C982 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X08C982, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X08C982. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X08C982.
US08927819B2 Soybean cultivar WN1012862
The present invention is in the field of soybean variety WN1012862 breeding and development. The present invention particularly relates to the soybean variety WN1012862 and its progeny, and methods of making WN1012862.
US08927814B1 Soybean variety XBP52005
A novel soybean variety, designated XBP52005 is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety XBP52005, cells from soybean variety XBP52005, plants of soybean XBP52005, and plant parts of soybean variety XBP52005. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety XBP52005 with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic trait, a mutant trait, and/or a native trait into soybean variety XBP52005, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety XBP52005, and methods of characterizing soybean variety XBP52005. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety XBP52005 are further provided.
US08927810B2 Optimizing glycan processing in plants
The invention is directed to methods for optimizing glycan processing in organisms (and in particular, plants) so that a glycoprotein having complex type bi-antennary glycans and thus containing galactose residues on both arms and which are devoid of (or reduce in) xylose and fucose can be obtained. The invention is further directed to said glycoprotein obtained and host system comprising said protein.
US08927808B2 Potyvirus resistance in potato
The present invention is drawn to novel genes from wild plants, such as wild potato and pepper plants, that confer potyvirus resistance to plants, such as in transformed cultivated plants. Also encompassed are cultivated plants transformed with the novel gene, food products made from the transformed cultivated plants, and methods for making such plants and food products.
US08927805B2 MSCA1 nucleotide sequences impacting plant male fertility and method of using same
Nucleotide sequences of a Msca1 gene, critical to male fertility in plants are described, with DNA molecule and amino acid sequences set forth. Promoter sequences and their essential regions are also identified. The nucleotide sequences are useful in impacting male fertility in plants.
US08927794B2 Process for regenerating a coked catalytic cracking catalyst
A process for regenerating a coked catalytic cracking catalyst which the carbon-containing deposits on the catalyst contains at least 1 wt % bio-carbon, based on the total weight of carbon present in the carbon-containing deposits is provided. Such coked catalytic cracking catalyst is contacted with an oxygen containing gas at a temperature of equal to or more than 550° C. in a regenerator to produce a regenerated catalytic cracking catalyst, heat and carbon dioxide.
US08927787B2 Process for controlling a reboiler during alcohol recovery and reduced ester formation
The present invention is related to processes for the separation of ethanol from a crude ethanol product obtained from the hydrogenation of acetic acid. The crude ethanol product is separated in one or more columns. A reboiler is used following one or more of the columns for reducing ester formation.
US08927782B2 Vapor separation in alcohol production
Two or more vapor-liquid separators are used in a process for removing at least one non-condensable gas from a crude alcohol mixture prepared by hydrogenating alkanoic acid and/or esters thereof. The vapor-liquid separators may comprise flashers or knock-out pots and are suitable for removing non-condensable gas, including those gases that are dissolved in the liquid. The multiple vapor-liquid separators may be in series prior to any separation of organic components. In addition, there may be a vapor-liquid separator before and after a distillation column for treating the feed to the column.
US08927780B2 Process for removing aldehydes from ethanol reaction mixture
A process for purifying an ethanol stream that comprises byproduct, such as aldehyde, acetals, and/or esters, but withdrawing a sidestream comprising ethanol from a distillation column. The sidestream may have a reduced concentration of aldehyde that reduces the formation of acetals in subsequent purification of the ethanol stream.
US08927770B2 High-yield process for the synthesis of urea
A process for the direct synthesis of urea from ammonia and carbon dioxide at high pressures and temperatures, with the formation of ammonium carbamate as intermediate, comprising a decomposition step of the ammonium carbamate and stripping of the gases formed, operating substantially at the same pressure as the synthesis step, wherein the recycled liquid streams are fed, at least partially, to the same decomposition and stripping step after being preheated by heat exchange with a stream included in the high-pressure synthesis cycle.
US08927763B2 Method for preparing aliphatic diisocyanate
The present invention relates to a method for preparing an aliphatic diisocyanate by pyrolyzing an aliphatic dicarbamate in liquid phase, using a tin (II) or (IV) compound as a catalyst and a zwitterionic compound as a stabilizer, thereby remarkably inhibiting high-boiling by-products and providing the aliphatic diisocyanate with high yield.
US08927745B2 Process for producing propylene oxide
A process for producing propylene oxide comprising reacting propene with hydrogen peroxide in the presence of a catalyst to give a mixture (G1) comprising propylene oxide, unreacted propene, and oxygen; separating propylene oxide from mixture (G1) to give a mixture (GII) comprising propene and oxygen; and adding hydrogen to mixture (GII) and reducing the oxygen comprised in mixture (GII) at least partially by reaction with hydrogen in the presence of a catalyst comprising copper in elemental and/or oxidic form on a support, wherein copper is present on the support in an amount of 30 to 80 wt.-% based on the whole catalyst and calculated as CuO.
US08927744B2 Process and system for producing an oxirane
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide processes and systems for the epoxidation of an olefin using a fixed bed reactor. The fixed bed reactor is maintained at a temperature from 0 to 40 degrees Celsius. The processes and systems regulate a superficial liquid velocity of a non-homogeneous reaction mixture and recycled portion of effluent of the fixed bed reactor.
US08927743B2 Process for obtaining dronedarone
The present invention provides a process for obtaining dronedarone or salts thereof characterized in that in an organic phase comprising one or more non-polar solvents, 5-amino-3-[4-(3-di-n-butylaminopropoxy)benzoyl]-2-n-butyl-benzofuran is reacted with methane sulfonyl chloride without the addition of a base. The invention also provides a process for obtaining intermediates of dronedarone environmentally friendly and industrially viable.
US08927711B2 JAK kinase modulating compounds and methods of use thereof
Provided herein are quinazoline compounds of formula (I): The compounds are useful for treatment of JAK kinase mediated diseases, including JAK2 kinase-, JAK3 kinase- or TYK2 kinase-mediated diseases. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds and methods of using the compounds and compositions.
US08927706B2 Based-assisted formation of tin-sucrose adducts
A method of forming a sucrose-6-ester includes in sequence the steps of: a) contacting sucrose with a organotin-based acylation promoter in a solvent in the presence of a base selected from amines and basic alkali metal salts; b) removing water to form a tin-sucrose adduct; and c) contacting the tin-sucrose adduct with an acylating agent to form the sucrose-6-ester. The sucrose-6-ester may then be converted to sucralose.
US08927700B2 Catalytic domains from lysyl oxidase and LOXL2
Disclosed herein are amino acid sequences, and encoding nucleotide sequences, of isolated catalytic domains of the LOX and LOXL2 proteins from human and mouse. Methods for the preparation and use of these isolated catalytic domains are also provided.
US08927696B2 Humanized anti-human CD34 monoclonal antibody and uses thereof
A novel humanized antibody against the CD34 surface antigen on the human stem cells is provided. The humanized antibody contains a heavy chain variable region comprising an amino sequence as set forth in SEQ ID No. 1 and a light chain variable region comprising an amino sequence as set forth in SEQ ID No. 2. The disclosure also provides the applications of the disclosed humanized antibody.
US08927694B2 Human serum albumin linkers and conjugates thereof
Disclosed is a human serum albumin (HSA) linker and HSA linker with binding, diagnostic, and therapeutic agents conjugated thereto. Also disclosed is a conjugate in which the HSA linker is covalently bonded to amino and carboxy terminal binding moieties that are first and second single-chain Fv molecules (scFvs). Exemplified conjugates are useful, e.g., in reducing tumor cell proliferation, e.g., for therapeutic therapeutic applications. Also disclosed are methods and kits for the diagnostic and therapeutic application of an HSA linker conjugate.
US08927693B2 Fibronectin based scaffold domain proteins that bind IL-23
The present invention relates to fibronectin based scaffold domain protein that bind interleukin 23 (IL-23), specifically the p19 subunit of IL-23. The invention also relates to the use of the innovative proteins in therapeutic applications to treat autoimmune diseases. The invention further relates to cells comprising such proteins, polynucleotide encoding such proteins or fragments thereof, and to vectors comprising the polynucleotides encoding the innovative proteins.
US08927687B2 Microcrystalline Y receptor agonists
The disclosure provides microcrystals of Y receptor agonists; microcrystalline pellets of Y receptor agonists, and microcrystalline suspensions of Y receptor agonists. Pharmaceutical compositions containing these microcrystals, microcrystalline pellets, and microcrystalline suspensions have prolonged pharmacokinetic profiles making them useful for once daily or once weekly administration.
US08927674B2 Dehydrogenative silylation and crosslinking using cobalt catalysts
Disclosed herein are cobalt complexes containing terdentate pyridine di-imine ligands and their use as efficient and selective dehydrogenative silylation and crosslinking catalysts.
US08927673B2 Method for preparing a polysilsesquioxane of a controlled structure and polysilsesquioxane prepared by the same
Disclosed are a method for polymerizing polysilsesquioxane from a trialkoxysiloxane monomer, including: preparing an aqueous organic solution including a trialkoxysiloxane monomer, an organic solvent, water and a catalyst; and selectively preparing a polysilsesquioxane with a cage structure or a polysilsesquioxane with a ladder structure by adjusting the amount of the organic solvent or water in the aqueous organic solution, and a polysilsesquioxane with a cage structure or a polysilsesquioxane with a ladder structure prepared therefrom.
US08927671B2 Ethylene-α-olefin copolymer
The present invention relates to an ethylene-α-olefin copolymer satisfying the following requirements (A) to (E): (A) the MFR is 0.1 to 50 g/10 min., (B) the density is 860 to 970 kg/m3, (C) the Mz/Mw is from 3.0 to 6.0, (D) the fraction having a molecular weight of 106.5 g/mol of the ethylene-α-olefin copolymer has a branching index g′ of 0.26 or more, and (E) the Ea is 60 to 90 kJ/mol.
US08927670B2 Multicoordinated metal complexes for use in metathesis reactions
Improved catalysts useful in alkyne or olefin metathesis are made by bringing into contact a multi-coordinated metal complex comprising a multidentate Schiff base ligand, and one or more other ligands, with a selected activating compound under conditions such that at least partial cleavage of a bond between the metal and the multidentate Schiff base ligand of said metal complex occurs.
US08927661B2 Flame retardant polycarbonate compositions, methods of manufacture thereof and articles comprising the same
Disclosed herein is a flame retardant composition comprising 10 to 90 weight percent of a linear polycarbonate; a branched polycarbonate; 10 to 70 weight percent of a polysiloxane-polycarbonate copolymer; and 1 to 20 weight percent of a phosphazene compound; were all weight percents are based on the total weight of the composition. Disclosed herein too is a method comprising blending 10 to 90 weight percent of a linear polycarbonate; a branched polycarbonate; 10 to 70 weight percent of a polysiloxane-polycarbonate copolymer; and 1 to 20 weight percent of a phosphazene compound; to form a flame retardant composition; were all weight percents are based on the total weight of the composition.
US08927660B2 Crosslinkable polyisobutylene-based polymers and medical devices containing the same
The present invention pertains to crosslinkable and crosslinked polyisobutylene-based polymers, to compositions that contain such polymers, and to medical devices that are formed using such polymers. According to one aspect, the present invention pertains to crosslinkable and crosslinked compositions that comprise a copolymer that comprises a polyisobutylene segment and two or more reactive groups. According to another aspect, the present invention pertains to medical devices that contain such compositions. According to another aspect, the present invention pertains to methods of making medical devices using such compositions.
US08927654B2 Inhibitor and method for preventing silica-based scale
Provided are a water-treating agent which includes a specific nonionic polymer and a phosphorus compound and can exhibit the ability to inhibit the deposition of silica-based scale under wide ranges of water quality conditions and temperature conditions; and a method of treating water. The inhibitor for silica-based scale includes a nonionic polymer and a phosphorus compound, the nonionic polymer being: a polymer formed by the reaction of an unsaturated double bond and including units derived from at least one monomer selected from the group consisting of (meth)acrylamide, N-substituted (meth)acrylamide and N-vinyl lactam; and/or one or more polymers having an ether group and selected from the group consisting of alkyl alcohol/polyalkylene oxide adducts, aliphatic monocarboxylic acid/polyalkylene oxide adducts, and polyvinyl alcohol/polyalkylene oxide adducts.
US08927648B2 Surface modification of pigments and compositions comprising the same
Disclosed herein is a method of making a modified pigment, comprising: reacting, under Mitsunobu conditions: (a) a first reactant comprising a protonated nucleophile having a pKa<15, and (b) a second reactant comprising a hydroxyl-containing organic group, wherein a pigment is attached to either the first or second reactant. The method further comprises forming the modified pigment having attached an organic species comprising the nucleophile bonded to the organic group, with the net elimination of a proton and a hydroxyl. Also disclosed herein are modified pigments, which can have applications in chemical toners, inkjet ink and electrophoretic ink compositions, black matrix materials, color filters, and coatings.
US08927645B2 High styrene high vinyl styrene-butadiene rubber with narrow molecular weight distribution and methods for preparation thereof
A polymer having at least the following characteristics: (a) a block styrene content with more than 6 consecutive styrene units from about 15 to about 35 weight percent based on total styrene content in the polymer; (b) a vinyl content from about 25 to about 80 weight percent based on total amount of polymerized 1,3-diene; and (c) a styrene content from about 35 to about 75 weight percent based on total weight of polymer; and (d) a molecular weight distribution (Mw/Mn) of 1.5 or less.
US08927640B2 Nitrile copolymer latex composition and nitrile copolymer rubber composition
A nitrile copolymer latex composition containing a latex of a nitrile copolymer rubber (A) having α,β-ethylenically unsaturated nitrile monomer units in 10 to 75 wt %, conjugated diene monomer units in 5 to 89.9 wt %, and cationic monomer units and/or monomer units able to form cations in 0.1 to 20 wt %, an inorganic filler (B) having an aspect ratio of 30 to 2,000, and a plasticizer (C) having an SP value by the HOY method of 8 to 10.2 (cal/cm3)1/2, wherein a content of said plasticizer (C) is 0.1 to 200 parts by weight with respect to said nitrile copolymer rubber (A) as 100 parts by weight is provided.
US08927636B2 Polycarbonate resin composition and molded article
To provide a polycarbonate resin composition excellent in flame resistance, impact resistance and external appearance and a molded article formed from the polycarbonate resin composition. The composition comprises 0.001 to 2 parts by mass of a metal organic sulfonate (B), 0.001 to 1 parts by mass of a fluoropolymer (C), 0.5 to 5 parts by mass of polyalkylsilsesquioxane particles having an average particle diameter of 0.6 to 5 μm (D), and 0.5 to 8 parts by mass of a graft copolymer (E) having a butadiene content ratio of 50% to 90%, relative to 100 parts by mass of a polycarbonate resin (A).
US08927633B2 Aromatic polycarbonate resin composition, and molded article comprising same
An aromatic polycarbonate resin composition includes per 100 mass parts of an aromatic polycarbonate resin (A) having an aromatic polycarbonate resin (a1) and an aromatic polycarbonate resin (a2) in a ratio when a total quantity of aromatic polycarbonate resins (a1) and (a2) is denoted as 100 mass percent, (a1):(a2)=99 mass percent to 50 mass percent:1 mass percent to 50 mass percent; 0.01 to 10 mass parts of microparticles (B) selected from the group consisting of polyorganosilsesquioxane microparticles and (meth)acrylic resin microparticles; and 0.005 mass part to 0.1 mass part of a flame retardant (C) in the form of organic sulfonic acid metal salt; wherein a molten resin quantity Q value flowing out of an orifice 1 mm in diameter×10 mm in length at a temperature of 280° C. at a load of 1.57×107 Pa.
US08927632B2 Polylactic acid based film
A polylactic acid based film includes a composition containing a polylactic acid based resin (A), a thermoplastic resin other than polylactic acid based resin (B), and a compound treated with a surface treatment agent as filler (C), the polylactic acid based resin containing a crystalline polylactic acid based resin and an amorphous polylactic acid based resin, and resin (A) accounting for 10 to 95 mass % and resin (B) accounting for 5 to 90 mass % of a combined total of 100 mass % of resin (A) and resin (B), and filler (C) accounting for 10 to 400 parts by mass per a combined total of 100 parts by mass of resin (A) and resin (B).
US08927621B2 Process for the preparation of abs compositions having an improved surface after storage under warm moist conditions
The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of compositions comprising vinyl aromatic copolymers prepared by the emulsion polymerisation process and having salt inclusions resulting from their preparation, which compositions are distinguished by an improved surface quality after storage under warm moist conditions and in that respect are suitable for the production of molded bodies having a class A surface.
US08927619B2 Color-stabilized iodopropynyl butylcarbamate
Microparticles containing an ultraviolet light absorbing polymer and 3-iodo-2-propynyl butylcarbamate (“IPBC”) resist discoloration by sunlight and other ultraviolet light sources. Methods for preparing the microparticles produce polymer-shielded, formaldehyde-free IPBC formulations which resist discoloration and leaching, and are especially useful in water-based applications. The microparticles include a polymer that absorbs light over a range of ultraviolet wavelengths associated with IPBC discoloration. The microparticles may be utilized in paints, stains, stuccoes, adhesives, and plastics, for example.
US08927610B2 Process for the production of methane
A process for the production of methane comprising reacting at least part of a feed gas containing carbon monoxide and hydrogen in an internally cooled methanation reactor containing a nickel comprising methanation catalyst to produce a product gas containing methane, cooling the internally cooled methanation reactor with water, wherein the water enters the internally cooled methanation reactor at a temperature in the range from 20-120° C. below its boiling temperature.
US08927596B2 Antischistosomal agent
An object of the present invention is to provide a novel antischistosomal agent, and more specifically, to provide a novel drug capable of inhibiting a growth of schistosomes in vivo to prevent development of liver dysfunction due to eggs of the schistosomes in the case of infection with the schistosomes. The novel antischistosomal agent includes as an active ingredient a peroxide derivative. Specifically, the novel antischistosomal agent includes as an active ingredient a peroxide derivative represented by the general formula (I): where C represents an alicyclic hydrocarbon ring group which may be substituted, and n represents an integer of 1 to 6.
US08927589B2 3-aryl-3-hydroxy-2-amino-propionic acid amides, 3-heteroaryl-3-hydroxy-2-aminopropionic acid amides and related compounds having analgesic and/or immuno stimulant activity
Compounds of Formulas 1 and 2 where the variables have the meaning disclosed in the specification, have analgesic and in some cases immunostimulant activity.
US08927588B2 Imidazole carbonyl compound
To develop an antibiotic having a novel mechanism of action, the present inventors have searched for a compound that has weak cytotoxicity, the physical property of high solubility in water, the effect of inhibiting both DNA gyrase GyrB and topoisomerase IV ParE subunits, and sufficient antibacterial activity. As a result, the present inventors have completed the present invention by finding that a compound of the present invention represented by the general formula (1), a pharmacologically acceptable salt thereof, and a prodrug thereof have desirable properties. The present invention provides a pharmaceutical composition (particularly, a preventive or therapeutic composition for infectious disease) comprising a compound represented by the formula (1), a pharmacologically acceptable salt thereof, or a prodrug thereof as an active ingredient.
US08927582B2 Apoptosis signal-regulating kinase inhibitors
The present invention relates to compounds of Formula (I): wherein X1, X2, X3, X4, X5, R, R1, R2 are as defined above. The compounds have apoptosis signal-regulating kinase (“ASK1”) inhibitory activity, and are thus useful in the treatment of ASK1-mediated conditions, including autoimmune disorders, inflammatory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, diabetic nephropathy, cardio-renal diseases, including kidney disease, fibrotic diseases, respiratory diseases, COPD, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, acute lung injury, acute and chronic liver diseases, and neurodegenerative diseases. The invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising one or more of the compounds of Formula (I), and to methods of preparing the compounds of Formula (I).
US08927581B2 Fungicidal N-(2-pyridylpropyl) carboxamide derivatives and their oxa, aza and thia analogues
The present invention relates to fungicide N-(2-pyridylpropyl)carboxamide derivative and its oxa, aza and thia analogs of formula (I), their process of preparation and intermediate compound for their preparation, their use as fungicides, particularly in the form of fungicidal compositions and methods for the control of phytopathogenic fungi of plants using these compounds or their compositions. wherein A, T, W, X, n and Z3 to Z7 represent various substituents.
US08927575B2 Salts and solvates of a tetrahydroisoquinoline derivative
(S)-2-(Diphenylacetyl)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-6-methoxy-5-(phenylmethoxy)-3-isoquinoline carboxylic acid in substantially pure form is described together with its sodium salt and solvates. Methods for preparing the compound, its sodium salt and its solvates and pharmaceutical compositions comprising them are also described.
US08927573B2 8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]octane compounds as mu opioid receptor antagonists
The invention provides novel 8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]octane compounds of formula (I): wherein R1, R2, R3, A, and G are defined in the specification, or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt or solvate thereof, that are antagonists at the mu opioid receptor. The invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds, methods of using such compounds to treat conditions associated with mu opioid receptor activity, and processes and intermediates useful for preparing such compounds.
US08927569B2 Macrocyclic compounds as antiviral agents
A class of macrocyclic compounds of formula (I), wherein R1, R3, R4, Ra, Rb, A, Z, Y, X, M, W, n and m are defined herein, that are useful as inhibitors of viral proteases, particularly the hepatitis C virus (HCV) NS3 protease, are provided. Also provided are processes 5 for the synthesis and use of such macrocyclic compounds for treating or preventing HCV infection. Formula (I):
US08927567B2 Fluoroergoline analogs
Provided herein are novel fluoroergoline derivatives and compositions thereof. In other embodiments, provided herein are methods of treatment, prevention, or amelioration of a variety of medical disorders such as, for example, migraine using the compounds and compositions disclosed herein. In still other embodiments, provided herein are methods of agonizing receptors such as, for example, the 5-HT1D and/or the 5-HT1B receptor, without agonizing the 5-HT2B receptor using the compounds and compositions disclosed herein. In still other embodiments, provided herein are methods of antagonizing or inhibiting activity at receptors such as, for example, the adrenergic alpha2A and/or the alpha2B receptors using the compounds and compositions disclosed herein.
US08927563B2 Kinase inhibitor
There is provided a compound of formula I, which compound has antiinflammatory activity (e.g. through inhibition of one or more of members of: the family of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase enzymes; Syk kinase; and members of the Src family of tyrosine kinases, e.g., Src and Lck) and has use in therapy, including in pharmaceutical combinations, especially in the treatment of inflammatory diseases, including inflammatory diseases of the lung, eye and intestines.
US08927562B2 Fused tricyclic inhibitors of mammalian target of rapamycin
This invention relates to novel fused tricyclic compounds that are inhibitors of mammalian Target of Rapamycin (mTOR) kinase, which is also known as FRAP, RAFT, RAPT or SEP, and are useful in the treatment of cellular proliferative diseases, for example cancer and other proliferative disorders.
US08927555B2 Thieno- and furo-pyrimidine modulators of the histamine H4 receptor
Thieno- and furo-pyrimidine compounds are described, which are useful as H4 receptor modulators. Such compounds may be used in pharmaceutical compositions and methods for the modulation of histamine H4 receptor activity and for the treatment of disease states, disorders, and conditions mediated by H4 receptor activity, such as inflammation.
US08927549B2 Adamantyl benzamide derivatives
Embodiments of the present invention provide adamantyl benzamide derivatives and pharmaceutical compositions comprising adamantyl benzamide derivatives. Methods of use of such compounds and compositions to modulate the activity of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11βHSD1) in a subject are also provided.
US08927545B2 Inhibiting Eph B-3 kinase
EphB3 kinase inhibitor compounds, including certain pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyridine and imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine compounds, inhibit EphB3 kinase. The EphB3 kinase inhibitor compounds can have greater potency for the inhibition of EphB3 kinase than general kinase inhibitors. Pharmaceutical compositions, such as neuroprotective agents, comprising the EphB3 kinase inhibitor compounds are also provided. The EphB3 kinase inhibitor compounds and pharmaceutical compositions are useful, for example, to provide neuroprotection and/or repair of neuronal tissue damaged during an ischemic event, such as a stroke.
US08927538B2 Carbazole linked pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazefine hybrids as potential anticancer agents and process for the preparation thereof
The present invention provides a compound of general formulae A useful as potential antitumour agents against human cancer cell lines. The present invention further provides a process for the preparation of pyrrolo[2, 1-c][1,4]benzodiazepine hybrids of general formulae 6a-g, 10a-o, 14a-g and 18a-o.
US08927527B2 Cyclic nitro compounds, pharmaceutical compositions thereof and uses thereof
The present invention provides cyclic nitro compound, pharmaceutical compositions of cyclic nitro compounds and methods of using cyclic nitro compounds and/or pharmaceutical compositions thereof to treat or prevent diseases or disorders characterized by abnormal cell proliferation, such as cancer, inflammation, cardiovascular disease and autoimmune disease.
US08927524B2 Sterile alginate-based aqueous composition for medical use and process for the preparation thereof
The present invention relates to ready-to-use sterile, alginate-based, aqueous compositions for medical use. More particularly, the invention relates to an aqueous composition for medical use that has been sterilized by heat sterilization and having a viscosity at 25° C. of at least 300 cP) (Helipath® T F spindle, 100 rpm at 25° C.), said composition having a pH in the range of 6.5-7.5; containing 0.5-10 wt. % of an alginate salt; and further containing 10-500 mM of one or more dissolved C2-C7 mono- or dicarboxylates that are optionally substituted with up to 2 hydroxyl groups.The alginate-based composition of the present invention has excellent storage stability and is easy to manufacture. The alginate-based aqueous compositions of the present invention can advantageously be used, for instance, to prevent adhesions between a healing trauma site and adjacent surrounding tissue. These compositions can further be used in implants or in pharmaceutical preparations for oral administration.
US08927522B2 Microalgal polysaccharide compositions
Provided herein are microalgal polysaccharide compositions and. Also provided are methods of using polysaccharides for applications such as topical personal care products, cosmetics, and wrinkle reduction compositions. The invention also provides novel microalgal compositions useful for improving the health and appearance of skin. The invention also includes insoluble polysaccharide particles for application to human skin.
US08927520B2 Antibacterial compounds
The present invention relates to compounds of formula (I): wherein Rj, R2, R3, R4, Xi, X2, X3 and Z are as defined in claim 1. The compounds are useful in the prevention and/or treatment of bacterial infections.
US08927514B2 Recombinant adeno-associated vectors for targeted treatment
Novel adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors in nucleotide and amino acid forms and uses thereof are provided. The isolates show specific tropism for certain target tissues, such as blood stem cells, liver, heart and joint tissue, and may be used to transduce stem cells for introduction of genes of interest into the target tissues. Certain of the vectors are able to cross tightly controlled biological junctions, such as the blood-brain barrier, which open up additional novel uses and target organs for the vectors, providing for additional methods of gene therapy and drug delivery.
US08927513B2 5′ phosphate mimics
The present invention provides nucleosides and oligonucleotides comprising a 5′ phosphate mimics of formula (IVc) or (Vc). One aspect of the present invention relates to modified nucleosides and oligonucleotides comprising such dinucleotide of formula (Ia). Another aspect of the invention relates to a method of inhibiting the expression of a gene in call, the method comprising (a) contacting an oligonucleotide of the invention with the cell; and (b) maintaining the cell from step (a) for a time sufficient to obtain degradation of the mRNA of the target gene.
US08927509B2 Aptamer modulators of complement protein C3 and biologically active proteolytic products thereof
This invention relates to nucleic acid aptamers that recognize and bind the complement protein C3 or its biologically active proteolytic products and methods of their use. Particularly preferred are bi-functional aptamer construct that binding specifically with C3b or iC3b, and another target protein. Use of these molecular constructs for commandeering the opsonization process is also described herein.
US08927506B2 Acetates of 2-deoxy monosaccharides with anticancer activity
Novel compounds and methods of using the same to inhibit glycolysis and treat cancer and other diseases are provided herein.
US08927497B2 Absorption enhancers for intranasal administration
A composition including a surfactant and at least one alkyl glycoside and/or saccharide alkyl ester and a drug. The surfactant composition(s) when admixed with a drug is non-toxic and non-irritating, while stabilizing and increasing the bioavailability of the drug. The invention also provides compositions that enhance absorption of drugs via the oral, ocular, nasal, nasolacrimal, inhalation or pulmonary, oral cavity (sublingual or Buccal cell) or CSF delivery route of a patient, including but not limited to insulin, glucagon and exendin-4.
US08927495B1 Use of GnRH and analogs thereof for the prevention and treatment of pet ferret adrenocortical hyperplasia
Adrenocortical disease (ACD) in ferrets develops as a result of the effect of increased concentration of Luteinizing Hormone (LH) on adrenal LH receptors. This increase in LH often results from the neutering of male or female ferrets. Neutered ferrets have no negative feedback of the ovarian or testicular hormone and as a result LH is elevated 3 to 10 times normal. Elevated LH may be prevented and/or treated by injection of GnRH vaccine. Administration of GnRH produces antibodies to endogenous GnRH. The GnRH-anti-GnRH immune-complex is ineffective in stimulating the release of LH and FSH in the anterior pituitary resulting drop in concentration of LH in the systemic circulation. This reduction in LH significantly reduces the occurrence or clinical symptoms of ACD therein. Moreover, treatment of ferrets with the GnRH provides long term relief from ACD for a period of a year or more.
US08927490B2 Systems and methods to estimate nutritional needs of human and other patients
Systems, techniques and methods for estimating the metabolic state or flux, e.g., the body energy state (“BES”) of a patient, are disclosed. The BES provides deep insight into the nutritional needs of the patient, thus allowing for a sort of exquisite glycemic control with regard to the patient. The invention discloses systems and methods for estimating fractional gluconeogenesis, which is the % of glucose production that comes from gluconeogenesis (“GNG”), as opposed to glycogenolysis (“GLY”), the other form of glucose production. Nutritional formulations, materials, cocktails and methods for feeding patients by parenteral and other means are disclosed. The amount, type and rate of such nutritional feeding are typically based upon the above estimating. The invention discloses formulations that contain labels, such as deuterium, for medical diagnostics, such as for estimating BES and fractional gluconeogenesis. The invention is suitable for any sort of patient, including those who are injured, such as with traumatic brain injury, ill, or have other conditions that stress the metabolic system.
US08927488B2 Pegylated C-peptide
The present invention relates to modified forms of C-peptide, and methods for their use. In one aspect, the modified forms of C-peptide comprise PEGylated C-peptide derivatives comprising at least one PEG group attached to the N-terminus, which exhibit superior pharmacokinetic and biological activity in vivo.
US08927480B2 Cleaning cloth with encapsulated formulation, steam mop and method
A cleaning cloth for use with a steam mop having a housing mounting the cleaning cloth for cleaning the surface to be cleaned and a steam delivery system for delivering steam to the cleaning cloth. The cleaning cloth has at least one fabric layer that is configured to be attached to a steam mop and an encapsulated cleaning composition associated with the fabric layer and configured to be released by exposure to steam delivered to the cleaning cloth. A steam mop for use of the cleaning cloth and a method of cleaning with the cleaning pad is also disclosed.
US08927473B2 Color indication of effectiveness of immiscible liquid suspension
A two-part liquid product, the first of which comprises a first solvent and a first dissolved dye; and the second of which comprises a second solvent and a second dissolved dye. The two solvents are immiscible. The first dye is insoluble in the second solvent, and the second dye is insoluble in the first solvent. Each dye is a different color than the other. Initially, when placed in a single container, the two parts form two separate different colored layers that do not mix. Shaking the container produces a temporary micro-emulsion. The emulsion has a new color representing the combination of the colors of the two component layers. This combination color indicates to the user that an emulsion exists and that the product is effective. The component materials are selected so as to produce a stable emulsion for between five to twenty minutes before separation.
US08927470B2 Process and apparatus for preparing a soap concentrate, a lubricating composition, and combinations thereof
The invention provides for a process and apparatus for preparing a soap concentrate, including: (a) introducing feed components to a first feeding zone; (b) first reacting in a first reacting zone; (c) first venting in a first venting zone; and (d) cooling in a cooling zone. The process may further include, after (c) and before (d): (i) continued reacting in a continued reacting zone; and (ii) second venting in a second venting zone. The invention also provides for a process and apparatus for preparing a lubricating composition comprising: (aa) introducing a soap concentrate and a base oil to a lubricating composition feeding zone; (bb) dispersing the soap concentrate in a lubricating composition dispersing zone; (cc) mixing the soap concentrate and the base oil in a lubricating composition mixing zone; and (dd) cooling in a lubricating composition cooling zone.
US08927468B2 Spray dried emulsifier compositions, methods for their preparation, and their use in oil-based drilling fluid compositions
Spray dried emulsifier compositions are described, which have desirable emulsifying and wetting characteristics. Among other advantages, the solid particulate emulsifier compositions greatly reduce transportation costs and simplify the logistics and environmental concerns associated with shipping large volumes of solvent-containing liquids. The emulsifier comprises (1) a carboxylic acid terminated fatty amine condensate or (2) a modified tall oil or (3) a blend of (1) and (2) that is converted to its alkali or alkaline earth metal salt and spray dried.
US08927464B2 Assembly and deposition of materials using a superhydrophobic surface structure
Fluidics-induced localized deposition and assembly of materials using a superhydrophobic surface structure is described. A method of localized deposition of a material includes contacting a superhydrophobic substrate comprising raised surface structures with a non-wetting fluid comprising a material to be locally deposited or a precursor thereto, said surface and said fluid selected such that the fluid wets only an upper portion of the raised surface structure; and allowing the material to deposit at the tips of the surface structure.
US08927463B2 Sensitive high throughput method for DNA damage and repair
A high throughput method and apparatus for rapidly screening a plurality of genotoxicants to determine the degree and type of genotoxicity are provided.
US08927462B2 Method for identifying HLA complexes associated with adverse drug reactions
A method for identifying from an HLA library an HLA complex that specifically binds to a compound. This method can be relied on to assess whether a compound is likely to induce an adverse drug reaction and, if so, in which human population.
US08927460B2 Biocide compositions comprising derivatives of pyroglutamic acid
Described are agrochemical compositions, comprising (a) esters and/or amides of pyroglutamic acid, and (b) biocides. The compositions are clear and exhibit an improved stability even when stored at temperatures between 5° and 40° C. over a longer period.
US08927455B2 Single-step precipitation method of producing magnesia-zirconia complex carrier for catalyst for oxidative dehydrogenation of n-butane, magnesium orthovanadate catalyst supported on magnesia-zirconia complex carrier, and method of producing n-butene and 1,3-butadiene using said catalyst
The present invention discloses a method of producing a magnesia-zirconia complex carrier for a catalyst for oxidative dehydrogenation of n-butane through a single-step precipitation process wherein the oxidative dehydrogenation of n-butane is to produce n-butene and 1,3-butadiene from n-butane; a method of producing a magnesium orthovanadate catalyst supported by thus prepared magnesia-zirconia complex carrier; and a method of producing n-butene and 1,3-butadiene using said catalyst.
US08927447B2 Ceramic sintered body
A ceramic sintered body includes tungsten carbide, zirconia, and alumina. The content of the tungsten carbide is 20 to 50 vol %, and the content of the zirconia is 5 to 25 vol %. The crystal phase of the zirconia is a tetragonal crystal or a mixture of tetragonal and monoclinic crystals. The ceramic sintered body does not substantially include Ti compounds. The average particle diameter of the tungsten carbide, the average particle diameter of the zirconia, and the average particle diameter of the alumina are all 1 μm or less.
US08927445B2 Sealing agent with low softening temperature useful in the preparation of electronic devices
The invention includes a composition for sealing agent, generally in the form of glass frit, lead-free, comprising by weight over the total weight of the composition: 30-80% Bi2O3; 2-10% ZnO; 2-10% B2O3; 0-5% Na2O; 1-10% SiO2; 1-8% Al2O3; 0-7% BaO; and 0-8% MgO. The composition for sealing agent as defined above can be added with a filler in a quantity up to 20% by weight over the total weight of the resulting mixture. The invention also includes a sealing paste containing the composition for sealing agent, the optional filler, an organic binder and optionally an organic solvent. The invention also includes methods for producing and using the composition for sealing agent and the sealing paste, as well as an electronic device sealed with the sealing paste.
US08927438B2 Methods for manufacturing high dielectric constant films
Provided are methods for depositing a cerium doped hafnium containing high-k dielectric film on a substrate. The reagents of specific methods include hafnium tetrachloride, an organometallic complex of cerium and water.
US08927434B2 Patterned thin film dielectric stack formation
A method of producing a patterned inorganic thin film dielectric stack includes providing a substrate. A first patterned deposition inhibiting material layer is provided on the substrate. A first inorganic thin film dielectric material layer is selectively deposited on a region of the substrate where the first deposition inhibiting material layer is not present using an atomic layer deposition process. The first deposition inhibiting and first inorganic thin film dielectric material layers are simultaneously treated after deposition of the first inorganic thin film dielectric material layer. A second patterned deposition inhibiting material layer is provided on the substrate. A second inorganic thin film dielectric material layer is selectively deposited on a region of the substrate where the second deposition inhibiting material layer is not present using an atomic layer deposition process. The first and second inorganic thin film dielectric material layers form a patterned inorganic thin film dielectric stack.
US08927433B2 Conductive via hole and method for forming conductive via hole
Provided is a technology for forming a conductive via hole to implement a three dimensional stacked structure of an integrated circuit. A method for forming a conductive via hole according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: filling inside of a via hole structure that is formed in one or more of an upper portion and a lower portion of a substrate with silver by using a reduction and precipitation of silver in order to connect a plurality of stacked substrates by a conductor; filling a portion that is not filled with silver inside of the via hole structure by flowing silver thereinto; and sublimating residual material of silver oxide series, which is generated during the flowing, on an upper layer inside of the via hole structure filled with silver.
US08927415B2 Graphene barrier layers for interconnects and methods for forming the same
Embodiments described herein provide interconnect barrier layers and methods for forming such barriers. A dielectric body having a trench formed in a surface thereof is provided. A first layer is formed above the dielectric body within the trench. The first layer includes amorphous carbon. A second layer is formed above the first layer. The second layer includes a metal. The dielectric body, the first layer, and the second layer are heated to convert at least some of the amorphous carbon to graphene.
US08927409B2 High-k transistors with low threshold voltage
An apparatus includes a wafer annealing tool and a plurality of electrodes coupled to the wafer annealing tool, wherein the electrodes are configured to be in physical contact with a wafer so that, when the wafer is annealed, a negative electrical bias is formed across one or more gate stacks of the wafer.
US08927408B2 Self-aligned contact employing a dielectric metal oxide spacer
A dielectric liner is formed on sidewalls of a gate stack and a lower contact-level dielectric material layer is deposited on the dielectric liner and planarized. The dielectric liner is recessed relative to the top surface of the lower contact-level dielectric material layer and the top surface of the gate stack. A dielectric metal oxide layer is deposited and planarized to form a dielectric metal oxide spacer that surrounds an upper portion of the gate stack. The dielectric metal oxide layer has a top surface that is coplanar with a top surface of the planarized lower contact-level dielectric material layer. Optionally, the conductive material in the gate stack may be replaced. After deposition of at least one upper contact-level dielectric material layer, at least one via hole extending to a semiconductor substrate is formed employing the dielectric metal oxide spacer as a self-aligning structure.
US08927403B2 Selective deposition of noble metal thin films
Processes are provided for selectively depositing thin films comprising one or more noble metals on a substrate by vapor deposition processes. In some embodiments, atomic layer deposition (ALD) processes are used to deposit a noble metal containing thin film on a high-k material, metal, metal nitride or other conductive metal compound while avoiding deposition on a lower k insulator such as silicon oxide. The ability to deposit on a first surface, such as a high-k material, while avoiding deposition on a second surface, such as a silicon oxide or silicon nitride surface, may be utilized, for example, in the formation of a gate electrode.
US08927401B2 Trench Schottky diode and method for manufacturing the same
A trench Schottky diode and its manufacturing method are provided. The trench Schottky diode includes a semiconductor substrate having therein a plurality of trenches, a gate oxide layer, a polysilicon structure, a guard ring and an electrode. At first, the trenches are formed in the semiconductor substrate by an etching step. Then, the gate oxide layer and the polysilicon structure are formed in the trenches and protrude above a surface of the semiconductor substrate. The guard ring is formed to cover a portion of the resultant structure. At last, the electrode is formed above the guard ring and the other portion not covered by the guard ring. The protruding gate oxide layer and the protruding polysilicon structure can avoid cracks occurring in the trench structure.
US08927400B2 Safe handling of low energy, high dose arsenic, phosphorus, and boron implanted wafers
A method of preventing toxic gas formation after an implantation process is disclosed. Certain dopants, when implanted into films disposed on a substrate, may react when exposed to moisture to form a toxic gas and/or a flammable gas. By in-situ exposing the doped film to an oxygen containing compound, dopant that is shallowly implanted into the layer stack reacts to form a dopant oxide, thereby reducing potential toxic gas and/or flammable gas formation. Alternatively, a capping layer may be formed in-situ over the implanted film to reduce the potential generation of toxic gas and/or flammable gas.
US08927395B2 Wafer processing method
In a wafer processing method, a modified layer is formed inside a wafer along planned dividing lines by irradiating the wafer with a laser beam with such a wavelength as to be transmitted through the wafer from the back surface side of the wafer along the dividing lines. A first modified layer is formed near the back surface of the wafer by irradiating the wafer with the light focal point of the laser beam positioned near the back surface of the wafer. The wafer is then irradiated with the light focal point of the laser beam positioned on the front surface side. Then plural second modified layers are formed in a multi-layering manner with sequential movement of the light focal point toward an area leading to the first modified layer. The wafer is divided into individual devices along the dividing lines by applying an external force to the wafer.
US08927392B2 Methods for forming crystalline thin-film photovoltaic structures
Methods for forming semiconductor devices include providing a textured template, forming a buffer layer over the textured template, forming a substrate layer over the buffer layer, removing the textured template, thereby exposing a surface of the buffer layer, and forming a semiconductor layer over the exposed surface of the buffer layer.
US08927384B2 Methods of fabricating a semiconductor memory device
A method of fabricating a semiconductor memory device includes forming a hard mask pattern using a damascene method on a lower mold layer stacked on a substrate and etching the lower mold layer using the hard mask pattern as an etch mask to define a protrusion under the hard mask pattern. A support pattern is formed on a top surface of the etched lower mold layer, the top surface of the etched lower mold layer being located at a lower level than a top surface of the protrusion. A lower electrode supported by the support pattern is formed.
US08927371B2 High-mobility multiple-gate transistor with improved on-to-off current ratio
A multi-gate transistor includes a semiconductor fin over a substrate. The semiconductor fin includes a central fin formed of a first semiconductor material; and a semiconductor layer having a first portion and a second portion on opposite sidewalls of the central fin. The semiconductor layer includes a second semiconductor material different from the first semiconductor material. The multi-gate transistor further includes a gate electrode wrapping around sidewalls of the semiconductor fin; and a source region and a drain region on opposite ends of the semiconductor fin. Each of the central fin and the semiconductor layer extends from the source region to the drain region.
US08927368B2 Method for manufacturing silicon carbide semiconductor device
A trench having a side wall and a bottom portion is formed in a silicon carbide substrate. A trench insulating film is formed to cover the bottom portion and the side wall. A silicon film is formed to fill the trench with the trench insulating film being interposed therebetween. The silicon film is etched so as to leave a portion of the silicon film that is disposed on the bottom portion with the trench insulating film being interposed therebetween. The trench insulating film is removed from the side wall. By oxidizing the silicon film, a bottom insulating film is formed. A side wall insulating film is formed on the side wall.
US08927362B2 CMOS device and method of forming the same
A semiconductor device and method for fabricating a semiconductor device is disclosed. An exemplary semiconductor device includes a substrate including a first region and a second region. The semiconductor device further includes a first buffer layer formed over the substrate and between first and second isolation regions in the first region and a second buffer layer formed over the substrate and between first and second isolation regions in the second region. The semiconductor device further includes a first fin structure formed over the first buffer layer and between the first and second isolation regions in the first region and a second fin structure formed over the second buffer layer and between the first and second isolation regions in the second region. The first buffer layer includes a top surface different from a top surface of the second buffer layer.
US08927359B2 Multi-composition dielectric for semiconductor device
The present disclosure provides a method of semiconductor device fabrication including forming a multi-composition ILD layer by forming a first portion of an inter-layer dielectric (ILD) layer on a semiconductor substrate; and forming a second portion of an ILD layer on the first portion of the ILD layer. The second portion may have a greater silicon content than the first portion. For example, the second portion may be a silicon rich oxide.
US08927357B2 Junction field-effect transistor with raised source and drain regions formed by selective epitaxy
Junction field-effect transistors, methods for fabricating junction field-effect transistors, and design structures for a junction field-effect transistor. A source and a drain of the junction field-effect transistor are comprised of a semiconductor material grown by selective epitaxy and in direct contact with a top surface of a semiconductor layer. A gate is formed that is aligned with a channel laterally disposed in the semiconductor layer between the source and the drain. The source, the drain, and the semiconductor layer are each comprised of a second semiconductor material having an opposite conductivity type from a first semiconductor material comprising the gate.
US08927355B2 Method of manufacturing semiconductor devices
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device, including the second sacrificial layer receiving a gate structure include a metal and a spacer on a sidewall of the gate structure therethrough being formed on a substrate. The second sacrificial layer is removed. A second etch stop layer and an insulating interlayer are sequentially formed on the gate structure, the spacer and the substrate. An opening passing through the insulating interlayer is formed to expose a portion of the gate structure, a portion of the spacer and a portion of the second etch stop layer on a portion of the substrate. The second etch stop layer being exposed through the opening is removed. The contact being electrically connected to the gate structure and the substrate and filling the opening is formed. The semiconductor device having the metal gate electrode and the shared contact has a desired leakage current characteristic and resistivity characteristics.
US08927351B2 Method for manufacturing semiconductor device
It is an object to drive a semiconductor device at high speed or to improve the reliability of the semiconductor device. In a method for manufacturing the semiconductor device, in which a gate electrode is formed over a substrate with an insulating property, a gate insulating film is formed over the gate electrode, and an oxide semiconductor film is formed over the gate insulating film, the gate insulating film is formed by deposition treatment using high-density plasma. Accordingly, dangling bonds in the gate insulating film are reduced and the quality of the interface between the gate insulating film and the oxide semiconductor is improved.
US08927350B2 Integration flow for LDD and spacer fabrication on a sacrificial amorphous carbon gate structure
An integration flow for LDD and spacer fabrication on a sacrificial amorphous carbon gate structure, form first spacer by way of depositing on the si substrate which have gate structure first. Gate is provided above the N-well and P-well on substrate. Spin coating a layer of photoresist in the first spacer, patterning the photoresist, and the gate structure above the N-well or P-well is exposed, ion lightly dope treatment is then used to the whole device. Remove the redundant photoresist and the first spacer layer, form the second spacer layer by depositing on the surface of the si substrate and gate, and spin coating another photoresist layer on the second spacer layer. Pattern the another photoresist layer, and another side of the gate structure is exposed, ion lightly dope treatment is then used to the whole device. Remove the redundant photoresist and the second spacer layer, form the third spacer layer and SiN layer by depositing on the gate and the Si substrate in turn. Form spacer by removing the redundant the third spacer layer and SiN layer.
US08927333B2 Die carrier for package on package assembly
A package-on-package arrangement for maintaining die alignment during a reflow operation is provided. A first top die has a first arrangement of solder bumps. A bottom package has a first electrical arrangement to electrically connect to the first arrangement of solder bumps. A die carrier has a plurality of mounting regions defined on its bottom surface, wherein the first top die is adhered to the die carrier at a first of the plurality of mounting regions. One of a second top die and a dummy die having a second arrangement of solder bumps is also fixed to the die carrier at a second of the plurality of mounting regions of the die carrier. The first and second arrangements of solder bumps are symmetric to one another, therein balancing a surface tension during a reflow operation, and generally fixing an orientation of the die carrier with respect to the bottom package.
US08927331B2 Method of manufacturing nonvolatile memory device
A method of manufacturing a nonvolatile memory device includes: forming a tantalum oxide material layer including an oxygen-deficient transition metal oxide; forming a tantalum oxide material layer including a transition metal oxide and having a degree of oxygen deficiency lower than a degree of oxygen deficiency of the tantalum oxide material layer; and exposing, after the forming of a tantalum oxide material layer, the tantalum oxide material layer to plasma generated from a noble gas.
US08927319B2 Methods of preparing flexible photovoltaic devices using epitaxial liftoff, and preserving the integrity of growth substrates used in epitaxial growth
There is disclosed methods of making photosensitive devices, such as flexible photovoltaic (PV) devices, through the use of epitaxial liftoff. Also described herein are methods of preparing flexible PV devices comprising a structure having a growth substrate, wherein the selective etching of protective layers yields a smooth growth substrate that us suitable for reuse.
US08927317B2 Method for producing a selective doping structure in a semiconductor substrate in order to produce a photovoltaic solar cell
A method for producing a selective doping structure in a semiconductor substrate in order produce a photovoltaic solar cell. The method includes the following steps: A) applying a doping layer (2) to the emitter side of the semiconductor substrate, B) locally heating a melting region of the doping layer (2) and a melting region of the semiconductor substrate lying under the doping layer (2) in such a way that dopant diffuses from the doping layer (2) into the melted semiconductor substrate via liquid-liquid diffusion, so that a high doping region (3) is produced after the melt mixture solidifies, C) producing the planar low doping region by globally heating the semiconductor substrate, D) removing the doping layer (2) and E) removing or converting a layer of the semiconductor substrate on the doping side in such a way that part of the low doping region and of the high doping region close to the surface is removed or is converted into an electrically non-conducting layer.
US08927296B2 Method of reducing liquid volume surrounding beads
The invention provides droplet actuators and droplet actuator techniques. Among other things, the droplet actuators and methods are useful for manipulating beads on a droplet actuator, such as conducting droplet operations using bead-containing droplets on a droplet actuator. For example, beads may be manipulated on a droplet actuator in the context of executing a sample preparation protocol and/or an assay protocol. An output of the methods of the invention may be beads prepared for execution of an assay protocol. Another output of the methods of the invention may be results of an assay protocol executed using beads. Among the methods described herein are methods of concentrating beads in droplets, methods of washing beads, methods of suspending beads, methods of separating beads, methods of localizing beads within a droplet, methods of forming emulsions in which droplets include beads, methods of loading beads into a droplet operations gap of a droplet actuator, methods of organizing beads in a monolayer, and methods of capturing, trapping or restraining beads.
US08927294B2 Bead reader
A method of determining a normalized quantity of an analyte adhering to beads in a detection area of a bead-based assaying system, the method comprising: a) causing a complex of the analyte to fluorescently or chemically emit a first light, or to release a dye; b) measuring an integrated intensity of the first light emitted from the beads in the detection area, or a concentration of the dye released from the beads in the detection area, or both; c) causing light to interact with the beads in the detection area, the interaction not depending on whether or how much analyte is adhering to the beads; d) measuring a second light resulting from the interaction with the beads which does not depend on the analyte; and e) determining the normalized quantity of analyte from the integrated intensity of the first light or concentration of the dye or both, and from the measured second light.
US08927283B2 Method to control cell adhesion and growth on biopolymer surfaces
Methods for treating surfaces of polymeric substrates (as used in medical implants) with inert plasmas to promote the growth of bioentities (such as cells) on these surfaces is disclosed. The treated surfaces are subsequently exposed to an environment to form functionalities associated with enhanced growth of the bioentity on the surface. For example, the substrate may be exposed to the ambient environment. The bioentity may then be deposited on the modified surface. This inert plasma treatment and exposure to a suitable environment does not degrade the implants, and thus improved implants are created. Also, due to the specific functional groups at the modified surface, high cell densities are achieved.
US08927282B2 Method of producing organotypic cell cultures
The present invention relates to cell and tissue culture. In particular, the present invention provides a method for preparing an organotypic culture using dissociated cells or microexplants obtained from an animal organ. The method for preparing an organotypic culture comprises culturing cells from an organ on a surface characterized in that the cells are compacted. The invention further relates to a high-throughput method for the preparation of a collection of organotypic cultures. The invention further relates to a device for carrying out a method of organotypic culture according to the invention.
US08927278B2 Method for generating immunomodulatory cells, the cells prepared therefrom, and use thereof
The present invention develops a straightforward and rapid method for generating immunomodulatory cells from peripheral mononuclear cells, comprising treating peripheral mononuclear cells with a hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) to induce differentiation of the peripheral mononuclear cells into immunomodulatory leukocytes. The present invention also provides an immunomodulatory cell prepared according to this method. The present invention further provides a method for treating a disease caused by abnormal immune response comprising administering a HGF to a patient exhibiting the disease, inducing the patient's peripheral mononuclear cells to differentiate into immunomodulatory leukocytes, and modulating the abnormal immune response.
US08927264B2 Electro medical tool optimization system
Methods and apparatus are disclosed herein to improve on and expand the range of electrical and electromagnetic frequencies used in therapeutic electro medical devices. The present invention uses electrical and electromagnetic frequency generators and detectors integrated with a live cell imaging system that provides feedback to the frequency generators using data derived from said imaging system.
US08927263B2 Derivatization of PNGase F released glycans on an HPLC chip
A microfluidic device for glycan analysis includes a deglycosylation column comprising a glycosidase attached to a solid support; a tagging column comprising a reactive ester for reaction with an amino group, wherein the tagging column is arranged downstream of the deglycosylation column; an analytical column comprising a stationary phase capable of separating a derivatized glycan; and a plurality of inlet/outlet ports configured to connect with channels on a switching element to form flow paths.
US08927255B2 Effects of alteration of expression of the MtfA gene and its homologs on the production of fungal secondary metabolites
Many fungal secondary metabolites are of industrial interest, such as antibiotics, while others are undesirable compounds such as mycotoxins. Overexpression of mtfA enhances production of fungal compounds with applications in the medical field, and overexpression or impaired mtfA expression decreases the production of compounds that negatively affect health/agriculture/economy such as mycotoxins.
US08927254B2 Pyrococcus furiosus strains and methods of using same
Provided herein are methods for transforming a Pyrococcus furiosus with a polynucleotide. In one embodiment, the method includes contacting a P. furiosus with a polynucleotide under conditions suitable for uptake of the polynucleotide by the P. furiosus, and identifying transformants at a frequency of, for instance, at least 103 transformants per microgram DNA. Also provided are isolated Pyrococcus furiosus having the characteristics of Pyrococcus furiosus COM1, and plasmids that include an origin of replication that functions in a Pyrococcus furiosus. The plasmid is stable in a recipient P. furiosus without selection for more than 100 generations and is structurally unchanged after replication in P. furiosus for more than 100 generations.
US08927253B2 Administration of enzyme and prebiotic combinations that enhance probiotic growth and efficacy
This disclosure relates to enhancing growth and/or activity of lactobacilli using a prebiotic formulation which includes iso-malto oligosaccharides and α-galactosidase; and to enhancing growth and/or activity of bifidobacteria using a prebiotic formulation which includes iso-malto oligosaccharides and β-glucanase. Other combinations of fibers and enzymes are described below which also stimulate growth and activity of lactobacilli or bifidobacteria. These combinations of enzymes and prebiotics can be taken separately or added to foods, including desserts.
US08927251B2 Targeting of herpes simplex virus to specific receptors
The invention relates to engineered Herpes simplex virus (HSV) particles that are targeted to one or more specific binding pair members, such as receptors. Also, recombinant vectors for producing such HSV particles are provided. By reducing the affinity of HSV for its natural receptor(s) and increasing the affinity for a selected receptor, the HSV particles of the invention are useful for targeting cells that express the selected receptor, which itself may be a product of genetic engineering. The ability to selectively target cells render the HSV particles. particularly useful in selectively diagnosing, treating, and imaging cells bearing the selected binding pair member, such as a receptor. The invention also provides for polynucleotide-based therapy to cells bearing the selected binding pair member such as a receptor.
US08927247B2 I-CreI derived single-chain meganuclease and uses thereof
A new I-CreI derived single-chain meganuclease comprising two domains, each domain comprising a portion of a parent I-CreI monomer which extends at least from the beginning of the first alpha helix to the end of the C-terminal loop and said two domains being joined by a peptidic linker which allows them to fold as a I-CreI dimer that is able to bind and cleave a chimeric DNA target comprising one different half of each parent homodimeric I-CreI meganuclease target sequence. Use of said I-CreI derived single-chain meganuclease for genetic engineering, genome therapy and antiviral therapy.
US08927241B2 Microbial engineering for the production of chemical and pharmaceutical products from the isoprenoid pathway
The invention relates to the production of one or more terpenoids through microbial engineering, and relates to the manufacture of products comprising terpenoids.
US08927237B2 Method for producing acyloxypyranone compound, method for producing alkyne compound, and method for producing dihydrofuran compound
An acylating agent and a hydrolase are caused to act on a hydroxypyranone represented by formula (I) in a water-containing organic solvent, to thereby produce an acyloxypyranone compound represented by formula (II) (wherein R1 represents an acyl group). Then, an acetylene organic metal compound represented by formula (III) (wherein R2 represents a hydrogen atom or a tri-substituted silyl group, and M represents an alkali metal atom, aluminum, or a magnesium monohalide) and a coordinating additive are caused to act on the acyloxypyranone compound represented by formula (II), to thereby produce an alkyne compound represented by formula (IV). The alkyne compound represented by formula (IV) is hydrolyzed with acid, to thereby produce a dihydrofuran compound represented by formula (V).
US08927232B2 Fusion protein capable of binding VEGF-A and TNF-alpha
The present application describes an isolated nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide capable of synchronously binding VEGF polypeptide and TNF polypeptide comprising: (a) a nucleotide sequence encoding a TNFR2 component and VEGFR1 component operatively linked to (b) a nucleotide sequence encoding a multimerizing component, wherein the TNFR2 component consists essentially of a nucleotide sequence encoding the amino acid sequences of cystein rich domain 1, cystein rich domain 2, cystein rich domain 3, and cystein rich domain 4 of the extracellular domain of TNFR2, and wherein the VEGFR1 component consists essentially of a nucleotide sequence encoding the amino acid sequences of Ig-like domain 2 of the extracellular domain of VEGFR1.
US08927229B2 Process and system for obtaining botulinum neurotoxin
Rapid, animal protein free, chromatographic processes and systems for obtaining high potency, high yield botulinum neurotoxin for research, therapeutic and cosmetic use.
US08927215B2 GNA11 mutations in melanoma
The present invention provides methods of detecting mutations in a GNA11 gene in a melanocytic neoplasm for diagnostic and prognostic purposes. The invention further provides methods of treating such melanocytic neoplasm by modulating the activity of the mutated GNA11 gene.
US08927212B2 FRET-labeled compounds and uses therefor
FRET-labeled compounds are provided for use in analytical reactions. In certain embodiments, FRET-labeled nucleotide analogs are used in place of naturally occurring nucleoside triphosphates or other analogs in analytical reactions comprising nucleic acids, for example, template-directed nucleic acid synthesis, DNA sequencing, RNA sequencing, single-base identification, hybridization, binding assays, and other analytical reactions.
US08927210B2 Conjugate complexes for analyte detection
The present invention relates to novel conjugate complexes for immunoassays as well as kits comprising these conjugate complexes, methods of producing these complexes, and methods of detecting an analyte by use of these complexes. The conjugate complexes of the invention comprise one or more non-nucleic acid receptors capable of specifically binding an analyte, one or more nucleic acid markers comprising a predetermined nucleotide sequence, one or more first linker molecules capable of specifically binding the non-nucleic acid receptor and the nucleic acid marker, and one or more second linker molecules capable of specifically binding the first linker molecules.
US08927199B2 Mask and method of manufacturing array substrate using the same
A mask includes: a substrate that includes a central area and a peripheral area disposed around the central area; and lenses disposed in rows and columns, in the central area and the peripheral area. The lenses of opposing sides of the peripheral area may be disposed in different rows or columns. For a given amount of input light, the lenses of the peripheral area may focus less light on a substrate than the lenses of the central area. The mask may be disposed over the substrate in different positions, and then the substrate may be irradiated through the mask, while the mask is in each of the positions. The peripheral portion of the mask may be disposed over the same area of the substrate, while the mask is in different ones of the positions.
US08927197B2 Negative-working lithographic printing plate precursors
A negative-working lithographic printing plate precursor is used for making lithographic printing plates from infrared radiation imaging. The precursor comprises free radical chemistry and a specific infrared radiation absorber that is a cyanine dye and defined by Formula (1a) described in the disclosure. This particular infrared radiation absorber provides both IR sensitivity and print out after imaging.
US08927195B2 Photosensitive composition, planographic printing plate precursor, polyurethane, and method for producing polyurethane
A photosensitive composition includes (A) a polyurethane obtained by reacting a diol component including a compound represented by the following Formula (I) with a polyisocyanate component; and (B) a photosensitive component. In Formula (I), A represents a single bond, or a divalent linking group including an atom selected from the group consisting of a carbon atom, a hydrogen atom, and an oxygen atoms; B represents a monovalent organic group; each of R1 to R5 independently represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group; m represents an integer from 0 to 3; n represents an integer from 0 to 3; and m+n is not zero.
US08927191B2 Resist composition, method of forming resist pattern and polymeric compound
A resist composition including a base component (A) which exhibits changed solubility in a developing solution under action of acid and an acid-generator component (B) which generates acid upon exposure, wherein the base component (A) includes a polymeric compound (A1) having a structural unit (a5) represented by general formula (a5-1). In the formula (a5-1), R represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms or a halogenated alkyl group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms; each of Ra and Rb independently represents a hydrocarbon group which may have a substituent, and Ra and Rb may be mutually bonded to form a ring.
US08927189B2 Photoresist composition and method of manufacturing display device using same
A photoresist composition including a binder resin including a novolac resin represented by Chemical Formula 1, a diazide photosensitive initiator, and a solvent including a base solvent and an auxiliary solvent, wherein the base solvent includes propylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate, and the auxiliary solvent includes dimethyl-2-methylglutarate and ethyl beta-ethoxypropionate, wherein in Chemical Formula 1, R1 to R9 are each independently a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group, “a” is an integer number from 0 through 10, “b” is an integer number from 0 through 100, and “c” is an integer number from 1 through 10.
US08927185B2 Toner and toner production method
The present invention provides a toner having superior color development property and a method of producing a toner having favorable particle size distribution and color development property, in which the toner containing a binder resin and a colorant that contains a phthalocyanine pigment represented by general formula (1), and the method for producing the toner.
US08927182B2 Photosensitive resist composition for color filters for use in electronic paper display devices
The present invention relates to a photosensitive resist composition comprising a colorant. More specifically, it relates to a photosensitive resist composition which is advantageously used for the production of a color filter for use in electronic paper displays devices, color image pick-up elements and the like.
US08927178B2 Process for preparing a polymeric relief structure
The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of a polymeric relief structure by a) coating a substrate with a first coating composition comprising one or more radiation-sensitive ingredients, d) locally treating the coated substrate with electromagnetic radiation having a periodic or random radiation-intensity pattern, forming a latent image, e) polymerizing and/or crosslinking the resulting coated substrate to a first coating. This process is improved by applying a second coating composition on top of the first coating composition, said second coating composition comprising either an organic compound (Co) of a monomeric nature and wherein Co is also polymerized during the process, or wherein said second coating comprises a dissolved polymer (Cp). As a result a polymeric relief structure is obtained, where a substrate is coated with a functional, stacked, bi-layer, in which each layer exhibits a specific, and from each other differing function.
US08927176B2 Current collector plates of bulk-solidifying amorphous alloys
Collector plates made of bulk-solidifying amorphous alloys, the bulk-solidifying amorphous alloys providing ruggedness, lightweight structure, excellent resistance to chemical and environmental effects, and low-cost manufacturing, and methods of making such collector plates from such bulk-solidifying amorphous alloys are provided.
US08927167B2 Fuel cell system and driving method thereof
A method of driving a fuel cell system according to embodiments of the present invention includes supplying a first amount of oxidizer (which is less than a normal amount of oxidizer) to a fuel cell stack while continuously supplying fuel to the fuel cell stack, supplying a second amount of oxidizer (which is more than the normal amount) to the fuel cell stack, and supplying a third amount of oxidizer (which is the normal amount of oxidizer supplied in a normal driving state) to the fuel cell stack.
US08927162B2 Solid oxide fuel cell system performing different restart operations depending on operation temperature
The present invention comprises fuel cells 84 disposed within a fuel cell module 2, a reformer 20, a reformer temperature sensor 148 for detecting a reforming state temperature, and a control section 110 for controlling the operation of the fuel cell module. The control section prohibits the normal startup POX and executes a restart control different from the normal startup POX when the reforming state temperature is at least in a high temperature region within the POX temperature band in a state in which the operation of the solid oxide fuel cell module is stopped.
US08927159B2 Non-aqueous electrolyte and lithium secondary battery using the same
The present invention provides non-aqueous electrolyte solution for a lithium secondary battery, comprising an ester-based compound having a branched-chain alkyl group and an ester-based compound having a straight-chain alkyl group; and a lithium secondary battery using the same.
US08927155B2 Non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery and producing method of electrode
A non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode, an electrolyte, and a porous protective film formed on either one or both surfaces of the positive and negative electrodes. The porous protective film includes a binder, fine particles, and a surfactant.
US08927145B2 Non-aqueous electrolyte battery and positive electrode, and method for manufacturing the same
A non-aqueous electrolyte battery includes a positive electrode having a positive electrode active material layer provided on a positive electrode collector, a negative electrode and a non-aqueous electrolyte, wherein the positive electrode active material layer contains a polyvinylidene fluoride-containing binder and a nano ceramic particle having a primary particle size of not more than 100 nm; and the binder and the nano ceramic particle are complexed.
US08927144B2 Reinforcing material for battery cell and battery cell including the same
In one aspect, a battery cell including: an electrode assembly, wherein the electrode assembly includes a first electrode plate, a second electrode plate, and a separator disposed between the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate; electrode tabs connected to the electrode plate and the second electrode plate, and extending from one side of the electrode assembly; a case for sealing the electrode assembly and an electrolyte; and a reinforcing material disposed in at least a region between the electrode assembly and the case, and comprising ceramic material and a polymer gel is provided.
US08927141B2 Rechargeable battery
A rechargeable battery includes an electrode assembly having a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator located between the positive electrode and the negative electrode; a case housing the electrode assembly, the case having an opening; a cap assembly including a cap plate coupled to the opening of the case and a vent member on the cap plate adapted to discharge a gas from the case; and a separation member located between the electrode assembly and the cap plate to prevent the electrode assembly from significantly moving toward the cap plate.
US08927126B2 Protection circuit assembly and battery pack having the same
A battery pack includes a bare cell and a protection circuit assembly electrically connected to the bare cell. The protection circuit assembly includes a protection circuit board on which a protection module, a PTC thermistor, an external connection terminal, a first connection terminal and a second connection terminal are mounted. A first lead plate and a second lead plate are in contact with the first connection terminal and the second connection terminal, respectively. The protection circuit board defines opposite lateral edges and a first groove in each of the opposite lateral edges, and the first lead plate is exposed through the first groove.
US08927117B2 Materials for organic electroluminescence device
The present invention relates to a compound of the formula (1) and (2) The invention further relates to a process to produce the compound. The invention additionally relates and an electronic device containing the compound of the formula (1) or (2). The electronic device can be an organic electroluminescence devices, particularly a blue emitting device, in which compounds are used as host materials or dopants in the emitting layer and/or as hole transport materials and/or as electron transport materials.
US08927114B2 Light emitting element and electronic device using the same
A layer included in an electroluminescent element is required to be thickened to optimize light extraction efficiency of the electroluminescent element and to prevent short-circuit between electrodes. However, in a conventional element material, desired light extraction efficiency cannot be accomplished since drive voltage rises or power consumption is increased as the element material is thickened. A composite is formed by mixing a conjugated molecule having low ionization potential and a substance having an electron-accepting property to the conjugated molecule. A composite layer included in an element is formed using the composite as an element material. The composite layer is arranged between a first electrode and a light emitting layer or between a second electrode and a light emitting layer. The composite layer has high conductivity; therefore, drive voltage does not rise even if a film thickness is increased. Thus, an electroluminescent element which can prevent short-circuit of an electrode can be provided.
US08927108B2 Films incorporating polymeric material combinations, articles made therefrom, and methods of making such films and articles
Inelastic film structures including at least one layer incorporating a combination of a first polymeric component that is at least one polymer incorporating propylene-derived units and a second polymeric component that is a thermoplastic polymer, for example, a polymer incorporating a polyolefin, are provided. The combination of the first polymeric component and the second polymeric component incorporates from about 40 wt. % to about 98 wt. % of the at least one polymer incorporating propylene-derived units and from about 2 wt. % to about 60 wt. % of the at least one polymer incorporating a polyolefin. The film structures are found to have properties making the structures useful for inclusion in a variety of applications. In certain embodiments, the film structures may exhibit optical clarity, tack, sealability, toughness, softness, and machinability properties superior to conventional polypropylene films and other conventional polyolefin films.
US08927089B2 Sheet material having a concave-convex part, and a vehicle panel and laminated structure using the same
A sheet material (1) includes a stiffness-increasing concave-convex part (20). A first reference plane (K1), an intermediate reference plane (K3), and a second reference plane (K2) serve as a reference system. First reference areas (213), which have a specific shape, and second reference areas (223), which are all areas other than the first reference areas (213), are disposed in the intermediate reference plane (K3). The concave-convex part (20) is formed of first areas (21) as well as second areas (22) and/or plane areas (23).
US08927074B2 Inkjet media
A method of producing inkjet media (170) includes dissolving heptahydrate epsomite in a coating solution comprising at least one surface sizing additive, coating at least one side of a substrate with the coating solution to produce the inkjet media (170). An inkjet medium (170) includes a substrate (172) and a coating layer (174) comprising heptahydrate epsomite deposited on a first side of the substrate, the coating layer (174) having a substantially uniform distribution of heptahydrate epsomite throughout its volume.
US08927066B2 Method and apparatus for gas delivery
Methods and apparatus for gas delivery are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a gas delivery system includes an ampoule for storing a precursor in solid or liquid form, a first conduit coupled to the ampoule and having a first end coupled to a first gas source to draw a vapor of the precursor from the ampoule into the first conduit, a second conduit coupled to the first conduit at a first junction located downstream of the ampoule and having a first end coupled to a second gas source and a second end coupled to a process chamber, and a heat source configured to heat the ampoule and at least a first portion of the first conduit from the ampoule to the second conduit and to heat only a second portion of the second conduit, wherein the second portion of the second conduit includes the first junction.
US08927062B2 Method of preparing a substrate with a composition including an organoborane initiator
A method of preparing a substrate with a composition comprising (i) an organoborane initiator and (ii) a radical curable component disposed thereon includes the step of depositing the composition onto the substrate wherein at least one of (i) the organoborane initiator and (ii) the radical curable component is deposited onto the substrate in the form of a gradient pattern. An article comprises the substrate and the gradient pattern formed on the substrate. The gradient pattern is formed from a developed composition comprising the reaction product of (i) the organoborane initiator and (ii) the radical curable component. By forming the gradient pattern on the substrate, combinatorial and high-throughput methods of generating and testing the developed composition are possible, which enable characterization of the developed composition for various physical and chemical properties.
US08927057B2 Graphene formation utilizing solid phase carbon sources
A method for forming a single, few-layer, or multi-layer graphene and structure is described incorporating selecting a substrate having a buried layer of carbon underneath a metal layer, providing an ambient and providing a heat treatment to pass carbon through the metal layer to form a graphene layer on the metal layer surface or incorporating a metal-carbon layer which is heated to segregate carbon in the form of graphene to the surface or chemically reacting the metal in the metal-carbon layer with a substrate containing Si driving the carbon to the surface whereby graphene is formed.
US08927055B2 Methods for depositing antireflective coating compositions
Coating compositions, and methods for depositing them on the surface of an article to produce an antireflection coating, are disclosed. In one embodiment, the coating composition includes a (meth)acrylate-functional silicon alkoxide, silica particles, a (meth)acrylate monomer, an epoxy (meth)acrylate oligomer, a photoinitiator, a solvent, an acid, and water. The relative amounts of these constituents are controlled such that, when the coating composition is deposited onto the surface of an article and cured, it has a refractive index less than about 1.60 at a wavelength of 510 nm. In another embodiment, the coating composition includes an organo-metallic compound other than an organo-metallic compound of silicon, an epoxy-functional silicon alkoxide, a non-epoxy-functional silicon alkoxide, a curing agent compatible with epoxy-functional molecules, a solvent, an inorganic acid, and water. The relative amounts of these constituents are controlled such that, when the coating composition is deposited onto the surface of an article and cured, it has a refractive index greater than about 1.70 at a wavelength of 510 nm. The coating compositions are deposited in a process that produces an antireflection coating in less than 90 minutes of processing time.
US08927054B2 Conductive substrate and process for producing same
Provided are a conductive substrate which can be produced from inexpensive materials at a lower temperature than those for conventional substrates, and a process for producing the conductive substrate. The conductive substrate comprises a substrate (1) and a conductive pattern (5) provided on the substrate (1), wherein the conductive pattern (5), except on a surface and in a vicinity thereof on a side opposite to the substrate side, entirely has a structure comprising a binder (2) and fine aluminum grains (3) dispersed therein, and on the surface and in the vicinity a surface metal aluminum layer (4) is formed in which the fine aluminum grains (3) are spread with a roller to form a conductive junction connecting the fine aluminum grains to each other.
US08927053B2 Electronic device and method of making
Disclosed is an electronic device comprising a glass, glass ceramic, or ceramic sheet having a thickness less than about 0.4 mm and wherein a minimum strength of the inorganic substrate is greater than about 500 MPa. Also disclosed is a method of making an electronic device including drawing a viscous inorganic material to form an inorganic ribbon having opposing as-formed edges along a length of the ribbon, separating the ribbon to form a substrate sheet of inorganic material comprising two as-formed edges and forming a device element on the inorganic substrate.
US08927050B2 Method and apparatus for coating a stent
A method of coating a stent comprises contacting a first axial portion of a stent with a support element, such that a second axial portion does not contact the support element or any other support element, applying a coating material to the second axial portion, and inhibiting or preventing application of the coating material on the first axial portion. A shuttle sheath can be used to push the stent off the support element.
US08927048B2 Apparatus and methods for making coated liners and tubular devices including such liners
Apparatus and methods are provided for making coated liners and/or tubular devices including such coated liners. A sleeve may be provided that includes an outer first surface and an inner second surface extending between first and second ends thereof, and a hydrophilic or other coating may be applied to the first. The coated sleeve may be cut between the first and second ends to create opposing edges extending between the first and second ends, and the cut sleeve may be reversed such that the coated first surface defines an inner surface and the opposing edges are disposed adjacent one another, thereby providing a coated liner. Optionally, a tubular structure, e.g., one or more reinforcing layers and/or or outer layers may be attached around the coated liner, thereby providing a tubular device including an inner surface with a desired coating.
US08927033B2 Hyperlipemia-ameliorating agent, anemia-ameliorating composition, uric-acid-level-reducing composition, and food or beverage
A neutral-fat-level-regulating agent, a cholesterol-level-regulating agent, a free-fatty-acid-level-regulating agent or an anti-obesity agent, including: at least one of protopanaxatriol, panaxatriol, protopanaxadiol and panaxadiol which are aglycons of dammarane-type saponins and a hyperlipemia-ameliorating agent including: at least one of the neutral-fat-level-regulating agent, the cholesterol-level-regulating agent, the free-fatty-acid-level-regulating agent and the anti-obesity agent.
US08927027B2 Human milk permeate compositions and methods of making and using same
This disclosure features human milk permeates and compositions containing the same obtained from fractionated whole human milk. The oligosaccharide rich permeate and permeate compositions of the present invention are useful as nutritional supplements for pre-term and full term infants, for establishing or maintaining gut flora and for treating the symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease.
US08927021B2 Granulating process and thus prepared granulate
The present invention relates to a process for manufacturing microcrystalline ezetimibe containing granulate, wherein a) ezetimibe is dissolved; b) the dissolved ezetimibe is precipitated with water, which if necessary contains pharmaceutical excipients, preferably lauryl-sulfate derivatives, and c) granulates are formed from the obtained suspension by spraying the suspension onto pharmaceutical excipients. A further aspect of the present invention is the granulate obtained by the present process and the pharmaceutical composition containing such granulate.
US08927016B2 Producing a sustained-release preparation
This invention provides a production method for a solid sustained-release preparation, characterized in that a sustained-release preparation (a sustained-release preparation suspension) is freeze-dried in a freeze-drying container whose inner face is partially or totally coated with an ice layer or water-repelling base material.
US08927005B2 Liquid formulations for treatment of diseases or conditions
Described herein are liquid formulations which deliver a variety of therapeutic agents, including but not limited to rapamycin, to a subject for an extended period of time; liquid formulations which form a non-dispersed mass when placed in an aqueous medium of a subject; liquid formulations, comprising a therapeutic agent and a plurality of polymers; and methods for delivering therapeutic agents to a subject for an extended period of time using the liquid formulations. The liquid formulation may be placed in an aqueous medium of a subject, including but not limited to via intraocular or periocular administration. A method may be used to administer rapamycin to treat or prevent angiogenesis, choroidal neovascularization, or age-related macular degeneration in a subject.
US08927001B2 Bioswellable, crystalline, amphiphilic, block/graft polymers and applications thereof
Absorbable, essentially non-absorbable, and non-absorbable crystalline, amphiphilic, block/graft copolymeric compositions exhibit an inherent viscosity of at least 0.5 dL/g, a heat of fusion of at least 10 J/g and undergo swelling in the biological environment due to a water up-take of at least 10 percent of original dry mass. These compositions are designed for use in swellable surgical sutures, coatings of medical devices, and carriers for the delivery of bioactive agents.
US08926999B2 Antimicrobial textiles comprising peroxide
This invention pertains to method for imparting a durable antimicrobial activity to substrates, particularly textiles. An acetate-free metal and peroxide antimicrobial treatment formulation is prepared from a metal derivative, hydrogen peroxide and a source of hydroxide ion. The substrate is treated with the composition and dried to afford the treated substrate with antimicrobial activity. Zinc salts, ions, or complexes are preferred.
US08926987B2 Replication-competent adenoviral vectors
This invention provides improved replication-competent adenoviral vectors. The improved vectors have both a hybrid regulatory unit that provides for high level transgene expression. The vectors can be use, e.g., for therapeutic or prophylactic purposes.
US08926981B2 Methods of using chimeric receptors to identify autoimmune disease
The present invention provides methods and compositions useful in the diagnosis and management of autoimmune diseases. In particular, the present invention provides improved methods and compositions for the diagnosis and management of Graves' disease. The methods of the present invention not only avoids the need for radioactivity and are much simpler, economical, and rapid than methods traditionally used for the diagnosis of Graves' disease, but also improve upon the sensitivity and detection abilities of previous luciferase-based autoantibody detection assays.
US08926979B2 Treatment of cancer or pre-malignant conditions using anti-CD40 antibodies
Methods for treating a human patient for a cancer or pre-malignant condition that is associated with CD40-expressing cells are provided, where the human patient is heterozygous or homozygous for FcγRIIIa-158F (genotype V/F or F/F). Also provided are methods of inhibiting antibody production by B cells in a human patient who is heterozygous or homozygous for FcγRIIIa-158F (genotype V/F or F/F). The methods comprise administering to the human patient a therapeutically or prophylactically effective amount of an anti-CD40 antibody. Methods and kits for identifying a human patient with a cancer or pre-malignant condition that is treatable with an anti-CD40 antibody and which is refractory to treatment with rituximab (Rituxan®), as well as methods and kits for selecting an antibody therapy for treatment of a human patient having a cancer or pre-malignant condition that is refractory to treatment with rituximab (Rituxan®), are also provided. The methods of the present invention find use in treatment of cancers and pre-malignant conditions that are associated with CD40-expressing cells. These methods are particularly advantageous with respect to cancers and pre-malignant conditions that are associated with cells expressing both CD40 and CD20, as the methods enable the treatment of patients having a cancer or pre-malignant condition that is refractory to therapy with other oncotherapeutic agents such as anti-CD20 antibodies.
US08926977B2 Antibodies to the E1 extracellular loop of ion channels
An anti-E1 ion channel antibody or binding fragment thereof, pharmaceutical compositions comprising said antibodies, use of the antibodies and compositions comprising the same, in treatment, for example in the treatment/modulation of pain and processes for generating and preparing said antibodies.
US08926976B2 Modulators
Antibodies that modulate insulin receptor signaling are provided.
US08926966B1 Cloned glutamic acid decarboxylase
Isolated polypeptides useful in ameliorating GAD-associated autoimmune disease as well as diagnostic and therapeutic methods of using the peptides are disclosed.
US08926963B2 Compositions and soft tissue replacement methods
The specification discloses compositions and methods for treating a soft tissue defect of an individual.
US08926957B2 Methods of using IL-31 antagonists in diseases mediated by cutaneous lymphocyte antigen positive T cells
The present invention relates to predicting therapeutic response of treating patients suffering from itching and pruritis mediated by cutaneous lymphocyte antigen positive T cells in atopic dermatitis. The invention also includes methods of predicting a therapeutically responsive patient population.
US08926949B2 Composition for oral health treatment and related methods of use
The present invention provides compositions and related methods for oral health treatment of a subject. Compositions of the invention include an anti-oxidant enzyme, an anti-inflammatory agent, and a pharmaceutically acceptable buffer. In certain embodiments, the compositions are administered to the subjection in conjunction with teeth whitening, oral surgery, oral pathology treatment, endodontic therapy, periodontal therapy, dental restoration, preventative tooth cleaning, or subsequent to a pro-oxidant.
US08926946B2 Peptides for transport of therapeutics and their carriers in mouse models and humans
A system for targeted delivery of agents (e.g., molecular probes, diagnostic agents, therapeutic agents, imaging agents, research or analytical compounds, enzymes, peptides, proteins, lipids, lipoproteins, sugars, hormones, vitamins, nucleic acids, viruses, bacteria, and/or cells) including use of a composition containing the agent and a targeting moiety, specific for a determinant at the target location. An exemplary composition of the system includes a targeting moiety of one of peptides γ3, 2γ3, 3γ3, A1, B7, B8, B9, B1O, and D6, specific for targeting ICAM-I. The system enables effective, versatile, and safe targeting and transport of agents. The system is useful in research applications, as well as in the context of translational science and clinical interventions.
US08926941B2 Capture of CO2 from hydrogen plants using a temperature swing adsorption method
The invention involves the use of a temperature swing adsorption process in steam methane reforming or autothermal reforming H2-production processes to capture CO2 and produce nearly pure off gas streams of CO2 for sequestration or enhanced oil recovery (EOR). The hydrogen stream output is substantially pure and can be recycled as a fuel to the steam methane reformer furnace or used in other petroleum and petrochemical processes.
US08926935B2 Compression processes for graphene sheets
Processes for preparing or handling graphene sheets wherein low bulk density graphene sheets are compressed. The graphene sheets may be produced by a thermal treatment such as exfoliation of precursor or reduction or annealing of previously existing graphene sheets and conveyed in a closed system to a compression apparatus.
US08926934B2 Laser-based method for growing an array of carbon nanotubes
A method for growing an array of carbon nanotubes includes the steps of: (a) providing a substrate; (b) forming a catalyst film on the substrate, the catalyst film including carbonaceous material; (c) introducing a mixture of a carrier gas and a carbon source gas flowing across the catalyst film; (d) focusing a laser beam on the catalyst film to locally heat the catalyst to a predetermined reaction temperature; and (e) growing an array of the carbon nanotubes from the substrate.
US08926932B2 High surface area carbon and process for its production
The present invention provides a high surface area porous carbon material and a process for making this material. In particular, the carbon material is derived from biomass and has large mesopore and micropore surfaces that promote improved adsorption of materials and gas storage capabilities.
US08926931B2 Cost-effective catalyst for gasification of powder river basin coal
The present invention generally relates to a catalytic gasification of coal. Catalytic gasification of a Wyodak low-sulfur sub-bituminous coal from the Powder River Basin of Wyoming was investigated using an inexpensive sodium carbonate catalyst applied via incipient wetness impregnation. Experiments in an atmospheric pressure fixed-bed laboratory gasifier were performed to evaluate the effects of reaction temperature, feed gas steam content, and Na2CO3 loading on the catalytic gasification of the Wyodak coal. The temperature range investigated (700-900° C.) was selected with consideration of the Na2CO3 melting point (850° C.) to reduce the loss by volatilization of sodium. Sodium was found to be active during both pyrolysis and gasification steps. The catalyst was most cost-effective at addition levels of approximately 3 wt %. The random pore model provided a good fit to the conversion versus time data collected under both the catalytic and the uncatalytic conditions.
US08926927B2 Process for the removal of carbon dioxide from a gas
A process for the removal of co2 from a gas comprising the steps of: (a) contacting the gas (1) in an absorber (2) with an aqueous solution of one or more carbonate compounds in the presence of an accelerator, thereby reacting at least part of the co2 to form a bicarbonate compound, under conditions such that at least a part of the bicarbonate compound formed precipitates, forming a bicarbonate slurry; (b) subjecting at least part of the bicarbonate slurry to a concentration step (5) to obtain an aqueous solution (6) and a concentrated bicarbonate slurry (7), wherein the concentrated bicarbonate slurry comprises from 20 to 80 wt % of bicarbonate compounds; (c) returning at least part of the aqueous solution to the absorber; (d) pressurising (8) the concentrated bicarbonate slurry, (e) transferring the pressurized concentrated bicarbonate slurry to a regenerator (12) and applying heat to obtain a co2-rich gas stream (13) and a regenerated carbonate stream (14).
US08926914B2 Liquid medium plasma discharge generating apparatus
A liquid medium plasma discharge generating apparatus includes a main body; a power electrode, provided at one side within the main body, for receiving electric power; a diaphragm member provided within the main body, and consisting of a dielectric defining one or more holes or slits; and a liquid medium charged inside the main body, wherein a ground electrode may be further provided in the main body, opposite the power electrode with the diaphragm member therebetween, whereupon the diaphragm member is arranged contacting the ground electrode.
US08926912B2 Exhaust gas processing device
An exhaust gas processing device includes a honeycomb structure in a pillar shape including a honeycomb unit, a catalytic agent, an inorganic mat member, a cylindrical metallic member and an insulating layer. The honeycomb unit includes cell walls to define a plurality of cells which extend from a first end of the honeycomb unit to a second end of the honeycomb unit along a longitudinal direction. The catalytic agent is provided on the cell walls. The inorganic mat member is wound around an outer peripheral surface of the honeycomb structure. The cylindrical metallic member accommodates the honeycomb structure around which the inorganic mat member is wound. The insulating layer has a thickness of about 20 μm to about 400 μm and is densely formed. The insulating layer is provided between an inner surface of the cylindrical metallic member and the inorganic mat member.
US08926907B2 System and process for injecting catalyst and/or additives into a fluidized catalytic cracking unit
Systems for loading catalyst and/or additives into a fluidized catalytic cracking unit are disclosed. Methods of making and using the systems are also disclosed.
US08926906B2 Microfluidic device and method for fabricating the microfluidic device
The present application is directed to a technological platform with integrated microfluidic and optical modules for bio-detection. The platform enables in-situ detection by integrating fluidics with optical source and detection capabilities within a fabricated microchip. The platform is a polymer-based microfluidic chip having integrated excitation source and detection elements in a vicinity of a microfluidic reaction chamber configured to contain a micro-volume of a test sample. The principle of detection is based on an excitation source induced fluorescence of the test sample within the microfluidic reaction chamber.
US08926901B2 Sample analyzer
A sample analyzer that analyzes a sample by using a reagent contained in a reagent container is disclosed. The sample analyzer includes a container holding unit which is configured to hold a plurality of reagent containers, and a plurality of electronic tags is attached to the plurality of reagent containers, on which a reagent information regarding reagents is recorded. The sample analyzer further includes an antenna section which emits a radio wave to an electronic tag of a reagent container. A range of the radio wave emitted from the antenna section to the electronic tag is limited to a predetermined range or by a limiting member which is arranged between the antenna section and the electronic tag of the reagent container, and which is configured to limit a range of the radio wave emitted from the antenna section to the electronic tag.
US08926895B2 Post-combustion lance including an internal support assembly
A post-combustion lance for directing a gas at least partially therethrough. The post-combustion lance includes a body extending between an upstream end and a downstream end of the lance, the body including upper and lower portions and a post-combustion distributor mounted therebetween. The lance also includes an internal support assembly for supporting the body, the internal support assembly including an internal tube positioned inside the body and at least partially engaged with the lower portion, and at least partially engaged with the upper portion of the body, so that the internal support assembly supports the body both upstream and downstream relative to the distributor. The lance also includes a lower o-ring gland positioned downstream relative to the internal support assembly and an upper o-ring gland positioned upstream relative to the lower o-ring gland.
US08926889B2 Apparatus and method for curing a rubber like article
Particular embodiments of the invention include methods and apparatus for molding and/or curing an article. Particular embodiments of such methods include positioning a mold core centrally within mold outer portion to form an annular mold cavity between the mold outer portion and the mold core, the core including an outer ring having an outer surface for engaging the annular article, the outer ring being formed of a material capable of expanding and contracting with changes in temperature. Such methods also include heating the mold outer ring, cooling the core outer ring subsequent to the step of heating, whereby the core outer ring contracts relative to the article and removing the article from the core outer ring.
US08926886B2 Multichannel collagen nerve conduit for nerve repair
The present invention relates to the fabrication of multichannel nerve conduits for use in the repair of nerve injury. In particular, the invention relates to collagen multichannel nerve conduits which are suitable for use in repair of peripheral nerves.
US08926883B2 Forming apparatus
The present invention relates to method of forming a material, including the steps of, presenting a formable material to a space from where the material can be carried by and/or between opposing surfaces of the space, as the opposing surfaces advance in an advancing direction. Also pressurising, as the opposing surfaces advance, the material between the opposing surfaces in a reduced space between the opposing surfaces defining at least in part a pressure forming zone. The reduced space between the opposing surfaces being maintained at least substantially constant until such time as the form of at least one of the opposing surfaces is profiled into the material and is retainable thereon. Thereafter releasing the now profiled material from between the opposing surfaces, as the space increases between the opposing surfaces as the surfaces advance. The relative movement between adjacent tools of at least one set of forming tools over the zone before the pressure forming zone is only towards the forming tools of the other opposing surface.
US08926882B2 Ribbon liquefier and method of use in extrusion-based digital manufacturing systems
A ribbon liquefier comprising an outer liquefier portion configured to receive thermal energy from a heat transfer component, and a channel at least partially defined by the outer liquefier portion, where the channel has dimensions that are configured to receive the ribbon filament, and where the ribbon liquefier is configured to melt the ribbon filament received in the channel to at least an extrudable state with the received thermal energy to provide a melt flow. The dimensions of the channel are further configured to conform the melt flow from an axially-asymmetric flow to a substantially axially-symmetric flow in an extrusion tip connected to the ribbon liquefier.
US08926878B2 Golf ball and method for manufacturing the same
A method for manufacturing a golf ball includes the steps of forming the golf ball by using a mold, which mold includes at least two body parts, and is configured so that a cavity is formed within the mold by the joining of the at least two body parts, and in at least one of the body parts, a groove for forming a projecting land part which is ground after the formation of the golf ball is provided in a cavity wall surface near the entire circumference of a parting line formed by the joining; and performing treatment in which the golf ball formed by using the mold is treated so that the color of the entire land part of the golf ball is different from the color of dimples.
US08926877B2 Process of making multicomponent fibers
The present invention provides nonwoven webs comprising multicomponent fibers that enable the nonwoven web to possess high extensibility. The multicomponent fibers will comprise a first component comprising a polypropylene composition having a melt flow rate of from about 100 to about 2000 grams per 10 minutes and a second component comprising a polymer composition having a melt flow rate lower than the melt flow rate of the first component. The first component comprises at least about 10% of a surface of the multicomponent fiber.
US08926868B2 Superconductive article with prefabricated nanostructure for improved flux pinning
A superconducting article comprises a substrate, a buffer layer overlying the substrate, and a high-temperature superconducting (HTS) layer overlying the buffer layer. The HTS layer includes a plurality of nanorods. A method of forming a superconducting article comprises providing a substrate, depositing a buffer layer overlying the substrate; forming a nanodot array overlying the buffer layer; depositing an array of nanorods nucleated on the nanodot array; and depositing a high-temperature superconducting (HTS) layer around the array of nanorods and overlying the buffer layer.
US08926857B2 Lubricant for compression refrigerating machine and refrigerating apparatus using the same
The present invention provides a lubricating oil for a compression type refrigerator including a polyvinyl ether-based compound which containing an alkylene glycol or polyoxyalkylene glycol unit and a vinyl ether unit in a molecule and having a molecular weight in a range of 300 to 3,000 and one or more kinds of phosphorous compound selected from a phosphate having 25 or more carbon atoms, a phosphite having 10 to 60 carbon atoms, an amine salt of phosphate having 10 to 60 carbon atoms, and a metal salt of phosphate having to 60 carbon atoms. The lubricating oil for a compression type refrigerator of the present invention has high compatibility and high viscosity index, and is excellent in anti-seizure property and also in stability under carbon dioxide atmosphere.
US08926853B2 Graphene structures with enhanced stability and composite materials formed therefrom
Aspects of the invention are directed to a method of forming graphene structures. Initially, a cluster of particles is received. The cluster of particles comprises a plurality of particles with each particle in the plurality of particles contacting one or more other particles in the plurality of particles. Subsequently, one or more layers are deposited on the cluster of particles with the one or more layers comprising graphene. The plurality of particles are then etched away without substantially etching the deposited one or more layers. Lastly, the remaining one or more layers are dried. The resultant graphene structures are particularly resistant to the negative effects of aggregation and compaction.
US08926852B2 Method for transferring graphene layer
The present invention discloses a method for transferring a graphene layer. The graphene layer formed on a metal carrier layer is electrostatically adsorbed on a substrate by electrostatic charges, and then the substrate having the graphene layer formed on the metal carrier layer is immersed in an etching solution to remove the metal carrier layer, thereby completing the transfer of the graphene layer. In addition to being able to provide a simple method for transferring the graphene layer, the present invention further solves a problem of retaining organic residues, thus enhancing electrical properties of the transferred graphene layer.
US08926851B2 Method for making a film of uniformly arranged core-shell nanoparticles on a substrate
A method for making a film of core-shell nanoparticles generally uniformly arranged on a substrate uses atomic layer deposition (ALD) to form the shells. The nanoparticle cores are placed in a solution containing a polymer having an end group for attachment to the cores. The solution is then applied to a substrate and allowed to dry, resulting in the nanoparticle cores being uniformly arranged by the attached polymer chains. ALD is then used to grow the shell material on the cores, using two precursors for the shell material that are non-reactive with the polymer. The polymer chains also form between the cores and the substrate surface, so the ALD forms shell material completely surrounding the cores. The uniformly arranged core-shell nanoparticles can be used as an etch mask to etch the substrate.
US08926847B1 Garnet extraction system and method for using the same
A method for using an extractor system to extract particulate material from a liquid tank includes inserting a first conduit into a liquid tank; inserting an outflow line into the liquid tank, the outflow line comprising one or more nozzles having a distal end; inserting an inflow line into the liquid tank, the inflow line comprising a collector having a distal end, the collector and the one or more nozzles being proximate each other; and operating the pump to pump liquid from an extractor tank through an outflow line out of the one or more nozzles to unsettle the particulate material, the particulate material drawn through the collector and the inflow line into the extractor tank without passing through the pump.
US08926841B2 System and method for converting organic waste into methane and other useful products
An organic waste processing system and method for producing a slurry for the production of bio-gas, transportation fuels and chemical products, and a residual solid. The system includes (i) a hopper configured to receive sorted organic waste having contaminants from one or more sources, (ii) a separator system in communication with the hopper and configured to receive the sorted organic waste from the hopper and to remove at least a portion of the contaminants in the sorted organic waste, (iii) a complimentary liquid tank in communication with the separator system and containing complimentary liquids, (iv) a wash water liquid tank in communication with the separator system and containing wash water, (v) a product tank in communication with the separator system and configured to receive the sorted organic waste from the separator system, (vi) a make-up product tank in communication with the separator system and configured to receive the sorted organic waste from the separator system having low COD, (vii) a anaerobic digester system configured to receive the sorted organic waste from the product tank, and (viii) a programmable logic controller.
US08926834B2 Probe for water treatment
A water treatment sensor includes a housing having a bottom with an exterior surface in contact with a flow path of a fluid and an interior surface. First and second probes spaced from one another extend from the exterior surface and into the flow path. A first circuit electrically connects the first and second probes and determines a conductivity from a measured resistivity between the probes. First and second temperature sensors are spaced from one another and are coupled to the interior surface. The first sensor determines a temperature of the fluid. A temperature elevated by a heat source and determined by the second sensor is maintained above the temperature of the fluid. A second circuit determines a flow rate of the fluid based on adjustments to the heat source. Communication circuitry communicates the conductivity, the temperature, and the flow rate of the fluid to a controller.
US08926833B2 Process and system improvement for improving and recuperating waste, heavy and extra heavy hydrocarbons
A continuous process for upgrading a heavy hydrocarbon includes the steps of: obtaining a heavy hydrocarbon; heating the heavy hydrocarbon; contacting the heavy hydrocarbon with a solvent at upgrading conditions so as to produce a first product comprising a mixture of upgraded hydrocarbon and solvent and a second product comprising asphaltene waste and water; continuously feeding the first product and the second product to a first separator; heating the first product; and continuously feeding the first product to a second separator to separate the upgraded hydrocarbon from the solvent. A system is also provided.
US08926827B2 Process for increasing benzene and toluene production
A process for reforming a hydrocarbon stream is presented. The process involves splitting a naphtha feedstream to at least two feedstreams and passing each feedstream to separation reformers. The reformers are operated under different conditions to utilize the differences in the reaction properties of the different hydrocarbon components. The process utilizes a common catalyst, and common downstream processes for recovering the desired aromatic compounds generated.
US08926825B2 Process for removing sulfur from hydrocarbon streams using hydrotreatment, fractionation and oxidation
Methods for removing sulfur from hydrocarbon streams using the sequential application of hydrodesulfurization, fractionation and oxidation. The hydrodesulfurization step is operative to remove easily-hydrogenated sulfur species, such as sulfides, disulfides and mercaptans. The resultant stream is then fractionated at a select temperature range to generate a sub-stream that is sulfur-rich with the sulfur species resistant to removal by hydrodesulfurization. The sub-stream is then isolated and subjected to an oxidative process operative to oxidize the sulfur species to sulfones or sulfoxides, which may then be removed by a variety of conventional methods, such as absorption. Alternatively, the methods may comprise using the sequential application of fractionation to generate a sulfur-rich sub-stream followed by oxidation and subsequent removal of the sulfur species present in the sub-fraction. The latter methods are ideally suited for transmix applications.
US08926821B2 Use of diazonium salts for the formation of thick layers on at least one surface of a substrate
The invention relates to the use of diazonium salts for the formation of thick layers on at least one surface of a substrate. The diazonium salts used in the invention have the following formula (I): wherein R is a group that can be electrochemically reduced in a reversible manner to a cathodic potential between 0 and −1.5 V, E is a spacer chain consisting of at least one aromatic cyclic group having between 5 and 6 links, optionally containing at least one heteroatom preferably selected from N, S, O or P and optionally substituted by at least one group selected from the C1-C5 alkyls and the halogens, r is 1 or 2, m is a whole number between 1 and 5 inclusive, p is a whole number between 1 and 5, and B is a counter-ion. The invention can be especially applied to the field of gas sensors.
US08926820B2 Working electrode design for electrochemical processing of electronic components
An electroplating apparatus including a plating tank for containing a plating electrolyte. A counter electrode, e.g., anode, is present in a first portion of the plating tank. A cathode system is present in a second portion of the plating tank. The cathode system includes a working electrode and a thief electrode. The thief electrode is present between the working electrode and the counter electrode. The thief electrode includes an exterior face that is in contact with the plating electrolyte that is offset from the plating surface of the working electrode. In one embodiment, the thief electrode overlaps a portion of the working electrode about the perimeter of the working electrode. In one embodiment, a method is provided of using the aforementioned electroplating apparatus that provides increased uniformity in the plating thickness.
US08926816B2 Systems and methods to analyze materials of a suspension by means of dielectrophoresis
Systems and methods for trapping and moving individual particles of a target material of a suspension are disclosed. In one aspect, a system includes a tube and an electronically addressable float. The float includes one or more arrays of electrodes in which each electrode can be independently addressed to create non-uniform electric fields that trap and isolate target particles near the float. The electrodes can be dynamically operated to move the target particles to particular locations on the float for analysis and collection.
US08926813B2 Devices and methods for determining the length of biopolymers and distances between probes bound thereto
Devices and methods for detecting the length of analytes, and/or sequencing analytes are provided in which two or more electrical signals are obtained as an analyte traverses a fluidic channel. Detection of the relative position of probes hybridized to a biopolymer and/or the length of the analyte (e.g., a biopolymer) does not rely on the absolute time between detection events of a given electrical signal to determine a distance associated with the biopolymer. Instead, multiple signals are obtained as functions of time) corresponding to a plurality of detector volumes at known locations along a fluidic channel through which the biopolymer passes, and the distances are determined from the multiple signals.
US08926812B2 Cell-based transparent sensor capable of real-time optical observation of cell behavior, method for manufacturing the same and multi-detection sensor chip using the same
The present invention relates to a cell-based transparent sensor capable of the real-time optical observation of cell behavior, to a method for manufacturing same, and to a multi-detection sensor chip using same. More particularly, the present invention relates to a cell-based transparent sensor capable of the real-time optical observation of cell behavior, to a method for manufacturing same, and to a multi-detection sensor chip using same, wherein the sensor can sense the ionic concentration of an electrolyte in accordance with the variation in the metabolic activity of cells using an ion-selective field effect transistor (ISFET) sensor and an electrochemical sensor, and the sensor is made of a transparent material which enables real-time observations of optical phenomenon for measurement of cell behavior.
US08926806B2 Shielding design for metal gap fill
The present disclosure is directed to a physical vapor deposition system configured to heat a semiconductor substrate or wafer. In some embodiments the disclosed physical vapor deposition system comprises at least one heat source having one or more lamp modules for heating of the substrate. The lamp modules may be separated from the substrate by a shielding device. In some embodiments, the shielding device comprises a one-piece device or a two piece device. The disclosed physical vapor deposition system can heat the semiconductor substrate, reflowing a metal film deposited thereon without the necessity for separate chambers, thereby decreasing process time, requiring less thermal budget, and decreasing substrate damage.
US08926801B2 Methods of electrospray chemical synthesis and device for use therein
The present invention relates to methods of production of chemical bonds and subsequent molecules by electrospray ionization and the design of an electrospray chemical synthesizer, for use in chemical synthesis and expedited organic chemical reactions.
US08926793B2 Processes for preparing pulp and paper
The purpose of the present invention is to provide technology for regenerating pulp having high quality with compact pulp regenerating equipment and less energy.In the pulp regenerating method of the present invention, pulp slurry containing 1.5 wt % or more of a solid component including waste paper pulp is separated into a long fiber fraction and a short fiber fraction by using an outward type slit screen including an opening portion having a slit width in the range of 0.1 mm to 0.3 mm. The solid component ratio of the long fiber fraction and the short fiber fraction is in the range from 10:90 to 60:40, and the difference in Canadian Standard Freeness of the long fiber fraction and the short fiber fraction is in the range of 100 ml to 300 ml.
US08926789B2 Apparatus for the removal of a fluorinated polymer from a substrate
An apparatus generating a plasma for removing fluorinated polymer from a substrate is provided. The apparatus includes a powered electrode assembly, which includes a powered electrode, a first dielectric layer, and a first wire mesh disposed between the powered electrode and the first dielectric layer. The apparatus also includes a grounded electrode assembly disposed opposite the powered electrode assembly so as to form a cavity wherein the plasma is generated. The first wire mesh is shielded from the plasma by the first dielectric layer when the plasma is present in the cavity, which has an outlet at one end for providing the plasma to remove the fluorinated polymer.
US08926788B2 Closed chamber for wafer wet processing
An improved design for a closed chamber process module for single wafer wet processing utilizes a combination lid and gas showerhead for sealing the chamber from above. One or more media arms dispense liquid onto a wafer in the chamber. The media arms are mounted inside the chamber but are connected by a linkage that passes through the chamber wall to a drive unit mounted outside the chamber.
US08926784B2 Resin laminate manufacturing method
A resin laminate manufacturing method includes providing a pair of split mold blocks one of which has a cavity provided with a plurality of protrusions extending toward the other mold block, preparing two molten thermoplastic resin sheets each having an adjusted thickness, feeding the two molten thermoplastic resin sheets between the pair of split mold blocks with a predetermined gap left therebetween, forming a hermetic space between one of the sheets and the cavity of the one mold block opposed to an outer surface of the one sheet, sucking air in the hermetic space from the side of the one mold block, pressing the outer surface of the one sheet against the cavity of the one mold block to shape the one sheet, forming cup-shaped portions, and clamping the pair of mold blocks.
US08926778B2 Manufacturing apparatus and method of organic light emitting diode display
A manufacturing apparatus for an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display includes a stage mounted with an organic light emitting display panel and a supporting substrate of the organic light emitting display panel, a porous sheet attachable to and detachable from a thin film encapsulation layer of the organic light emitting display panel, and a porous sheet attaching/detaching apparatus configured to be separable from the organic light emitting display panel and to attach and detach the porous sheet to and from the thin film encapsulation layer of the organic light emitting display panel. The porous sheet attaching/detaching apparatus is configured to remove an attaching/detaching gas from between the porous sheet and the thin film encapsulation layer to attach the porous sheet to the thin film encapsulation layer.
US08926777B2 Method for manufacturing high brightness optical sheet
The present invention relates to a method for preparing an optical sheet comprising the steps of: (a) preparing a transfer film having a single roughened side by coating one side of a first substrate with resin component comprising 100 parts by weight of binder resin and 70 to 130 parts by weight of spherical organic polymer beads, followed by drying; (b) laminating the transfer film preparing in step (a) with an ultraviolet-curable (UV-curable) resin-coated layer, which prepared by coating one side of a second substrate with UV-curable resin, such that the roughened side of the transfer film is facing the UV-curable resin-coated side of the second substrate; and (c) forming a roughened diffusive layer on the single-side of the second substrate having refractive index of 1.41 to 1.59 by curing the laminate obtained in step (b), followed by separating and removing the transfer film, wherein the roughened side of the transfer film has a segment angle of 130 to 150°. The optical sheet prepared by the method of the present invention has high brightness, which can also provide masking of prism sheet pattern, and is safe from surface stains and interface scratches between the sheet and the polarizing plate positioned underneath, thus, can be used as an optical sheet in backlight unit of LCD.
US08926767B2 Steel part for machine structural use and manufacturing method thereof
The present invention provides a steel part for machine structural use whose fatigue strength and toughness are improved and a manufacturing method thereof. A steel part made of a steel containing, in mass %, C: 0.05 to 0.20%, Si: 0.10 to 1.00%, Mn: 0.75 to 3.00%, P: 0.001 to 0.050%, S: 0.001 to 0.200%, V: exceeding 0.25 to 0.50%, Cr: 0.01 to 1.00%, Al: 0.001 to 0.500%, and N: 0.0080 to 0.0200%, and a balance being composed of Fe and inevitable impurities, in which a steel structure contains a bainite structure having an area ratio of 95% or more, a bainite lath width is 5 μm or less, V carbide having an average grain diameter of not less than 4 nm nor more than 7 nm dispersedly exists in the bainite structure, and an area ratio of V carbide in the bainite structure is 0.18% or more.
US08926763B2 Method for cleaning internal parts of gasoline engines
Interior parts of gasoline engines are readily cleaned by a method comprising the steps of connecting an a cleaning liquid supply pipe having a gas supply port thereon airtightly to a port of an intake pipe of the engine below a throttle valve-attached position of the engine; operating the engine to draw cleaning liquid in the form of liquid drop and simultaneously drawing continuously a gas having an oxygen concentration of less than 20 vol. % into the intake pipe; and exhausting the cleaning liquid having been brought into contact with the internal parts of the engine with an exhaust gas.
US08926755B2 Lift-off deposition system featuring a density optimized HULA substrate holder in a conical deposition chamber
A vapor deposition device using a lift-off process includes an evaporation source, a support frame mounted for rotation about a first axis that passes through the evaporation source, a central dome-shaped wafer holder mounted to the support frame wherein a centerpoint of the central dome-shaped wafer holder is aligned with the first axis, an orbital dome-shaped wafer holder mounted to the support frame in a position offset from the first axis and rotatable about a second axis that passes through a centerpoint of the orbital dome-shaped wafer holder and the evaporation source, and a plurality of wafer positions on the central dome-shaped wafer holder and the orbital dome-shaped wafer holder where each of the wafer positions are offset from the first axis and the second axis.
US08926749B2 Flowable chips and methods for the preparation and use of same, and apparatus for use in the methods
A method for recharging a crucible with polycrystalline silicon comprises adding flowable chips to a crucible used in a Czochralski-type process. Flowable chips are polycrystalline silicon particles made from polycrystalline silicon prepared by a chemical vapor deposition process, and flowable chips have a controlled particle size distribution, generally nonspherical morphology, low levels of bulk impurities, and low levels of surface impurities. Flowable chips can be added to the crucible using conventional feeder equipment, such as vibration feeder systems and canister feeder systems.
US08926747B2 Preparation of coating dispersions
The invention relates to a process for the preparation of coating dispersions for use in the paper industry by co-grinding natural calcium carbonate (GCC) and precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC), characterized in that powdery GCC is co-ground with a slurry containing from 5 to 70% by weight of PCC to obtain a particle size distribution of the calcium carbonate with at least 90% by weight of smaller than 5 μm, at least 70% by weight of smaller than 2 μm, and at least 20% by weight of smaller than 1 μm, with a weight average particle size within a range of from 0.7 to 3 μm.
US08926745B2 Method for preparing low K material and film thereof
A method for preparing a low dielectric constant (low k) material and a film thereof is provided. The method includes the following steps. A substrate is first put into a plasma generating reaction system, and a carrier gas carrying a carbon and fluorine containing silicon dioxide precursor is then introduced into the plasma generating reaction system, so that the carbon and fluorine containing silicon dioxide precursor is formed on the substrate. After that, the carbon and fluorine containing silicon dioxide precursor is converted to a low k material film through heating; meanwhile, a stress of the low k material film is eliminated such that the film has a more compact structure. By means of these steps the carbon and fluorine containing silicon dioxide precursor is still capable of forming a low k material film of silicon dioxide containing a large amount of fluorocarbon, even under various different atmospheres.
US08926742B2 Asphalt-rubber compositions and systems and methods for preparing same
One embodiment provides a process for preparing an asphalt-coated crumb rubber composition that meets the specification set forth in ASTM D80-02 or deviations thereof which may be established by the specifying agency from time to time. The process generally comprises obtaining asphalt of different penetration grades, combining the asphalt of each grade with preselected chemicals to form separate premixed components, blending the premixed components together under predetermined conditions to form, upon curing, an asphalt-coated crumb rubber composition that meets certain physical requirements for asphalt-rubber binder (ARB), such as those set forth in ASTM D8-02. Advantageously, the resulting asphalt-coated crumb rubber composition not only meets the physical requirements of ARB used in road paving but also has improved dispersion of the rubber, such as dispersion of the rubber in an oil-in-water emulsion of an asphalt.
US08926736B2 Reducible porous crystalline hybrid solid for the separation of mixtures of molecules having different degrees and/or a different number of unsaturations
The present invention relates to reducible porous crystalline solids, constituted of a metal-organic framework (MOF), for the separation of mixtures of molecules having different unsaturation degrees and/or a different number of unsaturations with a selectivity that can be adjusted by controlling the reduction of the MOF. The MOF solids of the present invention, after reduction, have a strong affinity for molecules containing at least one unsaturation. They can be used in various separation processes, especially those relating to hydrocarbons.
US08926730B2 Method for recovering gold by solvent extraction
The invention relates to a method for recovering gold by solvent extraction from an acidic chloride-containing aqueous solution or from slurry containing gold-bearing solids using a diester-based reagent that is poorly soluble in water as organic extraction solution. In accordance with the method, gold is extracted extremely effectively, but other precious metals and many other metals quite sparingly. Gold is stripped from the extraction phase with pure water, from which the gold can be reduced either chemically or electrochemically.
US08926717B2 Methods and systems for producing synthetic fuel
Methods and systems for producing a synthetic fuel are disclosed. In some embodiments, the methods and systems include the following: thermally reforming methane and carbon dioxide to generate a syngas including a first quantity of carbon monoxide and a first quantity of hydrogen; oxidizing the quantity of first carbon monoxide with a metal to produce metal oxide and carbon thereby separating oxygen from the carbon monoxide; gasifying the carbon using steam to produce a second quantity of carbon monoxide and a second quantity of hydrogen; reacting the metal oxide with methane to produce metal oxide, carbon dioxide, and a third quantity of hydrogen; and synthesizing the first quantity of carbon monoxide, the first quantity of hydrogen, the second quantity of hydrogen, and the third quantity of hydrogen to form the synthetic fuel.
US08926716B2 Method of formulating a fuel composition
In a fuel composition containing a static dissipator additive, a Fischer-Tropsch derived fuel component is blended for the purpose of increasing the electrical conductivity of the composition and/or for reducing the concentration of the static dissipator additive in the composition. The fuel composition is preferably an automotive diesel fuel composition.
US08926715B2 Method and apparatus for manufacturing electrode assembly for rectangular battery
In a method of manufacturing an electrode assembly for a rectangular battery, in which positive electrodes and negative electrodes are alternately laminated so that a separator exists between the respective positive and negative electrodes, the manufacturing method includes the steps of: arranging a plurality of guide members in zigzag form in a perpendicular direction; inserting a continuous member of the separator between one and another one rows of the guide members; folding, into zigzag form, the continuous member by intersecting the rows of the guide members in a horizontal direction; inserting alternately the positive electrodes and the negative electrodes in respective valley grooves of the zigzag-folded continuous member; withdrawing the guide members from the respective valley grooves of the continuous member; and pressing, thereafter, the continuous member in the zigzag direction so as to make flat the continuous member.
US08926707B2 Femoral implant
A femoral implant (10) comprises a distal end and a proximal end. A stem (12) is provided at the distal end of the implant (10) and comprises a rounded tip (16) for insertion into a femur, in use, and a body (18) of generally tapering form extending in a distal direction from a base to the tip (16). A femoral head (14) is provided at the proximal end of the implant (10) and extends from the base (20) of the stem (12). The body (18) of the stem (12) includes a plurality of discrete steps (22, 24, 26, 28, 30), located between the tip (16) and the base (20), and the steps (22, 24, 26, 28, 30) are concentrated more towards the base (20) of the stem (12) than towards the tip (16).
US08926706B2 Patient-adapted and improved articular implants, designs and related guide tools
Methods and devices are disclosed relating improved articular models, implant components, and related guide tools and procedures. In addition, methods and devices are disclosed relating articular models, implant components, and/or related guide tools and procedures that include one or more features derived from patient-data, for example, images of the patient's joint. The data can be used to create a model for analyzing a patient's joint and to devise and evaluate a course of corrective action. The data also can be used to create patient-adapted implant components and related tools and procedures.
US08926700B2 Spinal facet joint implant
Superior and/or inferior facets of one or more facet joints may be replaced by superior and/or inferior facet joint prostheses. In one embodiment, a kit of superior or inferior prostheses is provided, in which the prostheses have at least two dimensions that vary among members of the kit independently of each other. Each prosthesis may have a bone engaging surface having a surface that is polyaxially rotatable against a corresponding resection of a vertebra. Each prosthesis may also have an articulating surface shaped such that, after attachment to the spine, the replaced or partially replaced facet joints provide a larger medial-lateral range of motion when the spine is flexed than when the spine is extended. Crosslinks may be used to connect left and right prosthesis together in such a manner that they are stabilized in a position in which they are seated directly against the vertebra.
US08926698B2 Moldable back breast form
A breast prosthesis for wearing against a chest of a user includes a bag, a first silicone rubber and a silicone agglomerate putty. The bag includes at least three films that are sealed together around a periphery so as to define at least a front chamber and a back chamber. The first silicone rubber is disposed in the front chamber and is cured in an outer shape of a breast. The silicone agglomerate putty is disposed in the back chamber and is configured as a shear thinning fluid that conforms in shape to surface features of the chest of the user when placed against the chest of the user.
US08926693B2 Heart valve delivery catheter with safety button
Valve delivery catheter assemblies including components that limit trauma to the expanded prosthetic valve and body channels as the distal tip of the catheter is withdrawn through the expanded valve and thereafter from the body. Catheter assemblies according to the present invention can include a handle assembly, an introducer sheath, and a distal tip assembly. The handle assembly can include a fixed main handle and two or more rotating handles that allow a user to control the distal tip assembly of the catheter. A safety button can be included on the handle assembly to allow for precise and consistent positioning of the prosthetic valve in the body. A valve retaining mechanism can be included to assist in retaining the prosthetic valve prior to deployment.
US08926690B2 Heart valve prosthesis
A heart valve prosthesis configured for deployment within a native heart valve. The heart valve prosthesis includes a tubular stent and a prosthetic valve component disposed within and secured to the stent. In addition, one or more elements are coupled to a distal end of the stent to position, anchor, and/or seal the prosthesis within the native heart valve. Each element transforms from a compressed configuration in which the elements distally extend from the distal end of the stent to a deployed configuration in which the elements proximally extend from the distal end of the stent. Each element includes at least one U-shaped or V-shaped support arm that bends radially outward and then towards an outer surface of the stent such that it translates more than ninety degrees from the compressed configuration. Each element may include an outer support arm and an inner support arm.
US08926687B2 Preform for and an endoluminal prosthesis
An endoluminal prosthesis may include a tubular graft extending in a longitudinal direction, where the graft has an inner surface forming a lumen extending a length of the graft. An elongate member may be attached to the graft in a circumferentially and longitudinally extending manner such that the elongate member forms a series of longitudinally spaced apart turns, each turn extending substantially around a circumference of the graft. The elongate member may torsion the graft in at least the circumferential direction and cause the graft to form circumferentially and longitudinally extending folds in the portions of the graft disposed between longitudinally adjacent turns of the elongate member.
US08926686B2 Assembly of stent grafts with diameter reducing ties
A temporary diameter reduction constraint arrangement for a stent graft is disclosed. The arrangement comprises: primary and secondary release wires extending along the graft; a plurality of loops of thread, each loop engaged with either the primary or secondary wire and engaged around a portion of the graft circumferentially spaced away from its release wire, and drawn tight to reduce the diameter of the graft; an end constraint arrangement comprising four of the plurality of loops of thread arranged into a first and second pairs engaged with respective primary and secondary wires; and an intermediate constraint arrangement comprising a fifth and sixth of the plurality of loops of thread arranged into a third pair, the third pair engaged with the primary release wire, the primary release wire deviating towards the secondary release wire so as to locate the intermediate constraint arrangement substantially in-line with the end constraint arrangement.
US08926684B2 Endoprosthesis stent delivery system and method of using the same
An endoprosthesis deployment system includes an axial catheter, an outer sheath extending parallel to the axial catheter, and an inner sheath positioned transversely between the axial catheter and outer sheath, the inner sheath including first and second inner sheath sections extending along the axial catheter, each of said first and said second inner sheath sections mounted for axial movement relative to the other inner sheath section.
US08926683B2 Stent delivery systems and methods
Apparatus, systems, and methods are provided for deploying an implantable device, such as a stent, within a lumen of a body of a patient. The delivery device may include an inner member and an outer sheath surrounding a distal portion of the inner member and configured to retain the implantable device sheathed near the distal end of the outer sheath until deployment. The outer sheath is slidably moveable relative to the inner member such that proximal movement of the outer sheath relative to the inner member deploys the implantable device. A trigger assembly of the delivery device can include an internal connector coupled to the outer sheath, a plurality of triggers, and a floater coupling two of the triggers. The triggers are serially retracted to deploy the stent. A panchor secures the stent against proximal and distal movement relative to the inner member during deployment.
US08926666B2 Cervical spine spacer
A cervical spine spacer includes a spacer body configured to be disposed between adjacent cervical vertebrae in the cervical spine and to maintain a desired spacing between the adjacent cervical vertebrae. The cervical spine spacer also includes a channel passing completely through the spacer body from a first surface of the spacer body to a second surface of the spacer body and a fastener configured to pass through the channel. At least one of the first surface and the second surface is configured to contact one of the adjacent cervical vertebrae and the channel is sized to accommodate the fastener passing through the channel at a plurality of angles.
US08926664B1 Laminoplasty fixaction devices
Devices and methods for treating degenerative conditions of the spine or for alleviating pain or discomfort associated with the spinal column are disclosed. In particular, laminoplasty fixation devices and methods are disclosed. Also disclosed, is a vertebral implant comprising a first bone engaging portion configured for securing to a first cut portion of a vertebra and a second bone engaging portion configured for securing to a second cut portion of the vertebra. A body portion is provided for associating the first and second bone engaging portions at a preselected spacing from each other, wherein the implant is adjustable to select said spacing.
US08926660B2 Systems and methods of anchoring surgical wires, catheters, and other medical objects
The present disclosure generally provides systems and methods of anchoring surgical wires, catheters, leads, and other medical objects in an effective, efficient, and cost-sensitive manner. In one embodiment, the present disclosure could include a system to secure a medical object. The system could include a body having a first inner arm, a second inner arm, and a first outer arm. The first inner arm and the first outer arm could include a pronged structure. The system could also include a crossbar having a bore to receive a screw. The crossbar could be disposed between opposing surfaces of the first inner arm and the second inner arm and could be coupled to sliding grooves disposed along the opposing surfaces. When the screw is in an engaged position relative to the crossbar, the pronged structure could be configured to secure the medical object.
US08926651B2 Self-locking tourniquet and automated timer
Tourniquet assemblies are provided including a pressure applicator adapted to be secured around a limb and a tensioning mechanism for applying a working tension to the pressure applicator. The tensioning mechanism may include a platform, a clip and a tensioning member. The tensioning mechanism may be configured to apply the working tension via rotation of the tensioning member, and the clip may be configured to receive, and at least temporarily inhibit rotation of, the tensioning member. A tension indicator may also be provided including a base configured to attach to a tourniquet strap, a platform configured to move relative to the base when subjected to a tourniquet working pressure, and one or more tactile or visual indicators configured to provide a variable tactile or visual indicator based on the tourniquet working pressure.
US08926650B2 Mechanically detachable vaso-occlusive device
A device for delivering an occlusive element includes an elongate pusher member having a lumen extending between distal and proximal ends. An elongate releasing member is slideably disposed within the lumen of the elongate pusher member. A retaining member is disposed on the distal end of the elongate pusher member and includes a finger portion having an aperture sized to receive the distal end of the elongate releasing member. An occlusive element such as a coil is provided and includes a securing member positioned at a proximal end thereof. The securing member is releasably secured to the finger portion of the retaining member. The securing member is secured to the finger portion when the elongate releasing member is disposed in the aperture of the finger portion and unsecured when the elongate releasing member is retracted proximally from the aperture of the finger portion.
US08926648B2 Multi-method and multi-apparatus for treating obesity
A multi-method and multi-apparatus for treating obesity. The multi-method includes a method for estimating a volume of an intragastric balloon appropriate for an individual patient, a method for using an enterocutaneous fistula to inspect an intragastric balloon without sedation and endoscopic complications associated with an upper endoscopy, and a method for decreasing ability of the stomach of an individual patient to distend or expand after a meal increasing satiety and helping the individual patient to comply with a weight loss diet. The multi-apparatus includes an intragastric balloon for inflating without installation of a pressurized gas or liquid, an intragastric balloon for minimizing trauma of the intragastric balloon on the gastric mucosa, and an intragastric balloon for administering therapeutic medications.
US08926645B2 Disposable lancing device
A disposable lancing device including: a lancet housed in a housing and urged by a spring member such that a puncture member provided at a distal end of the lancet is adapted to extend out from the housing so as to carry out a puncturing operation; a locking ring disposed within the housing such that the lancet is allowed to displace in an extension direction through the locking ring; a locking protrusion provided to the lancet and adapted to be engaged by the locking ring so as to hold the lancet in a puncture-ready position located deep in the housing with the spring member being compressed; and an operating member adapted to carry out the puncturing operation by rotating the locking ring so as to disengage the locking protrusion from the locking ring and displace the lancet in the extension direction by means of the spring member.
US08926641B2 Methods and devices for reconfiguring a body organ
Endoluminal treatment devices and methods are provided. Generally, the device and methods can allow an endoluminal device to be introduced into a lumen of a patient and engage a wall of the lumen with an implant device, which can be a drug delivery device or medical device. In one embodiment, a medical implant apparatus is provided that includes an anchor object configured to couple with tissue, and an adjustable mechanism configured to interact with the anchor object such as to apply alternative forces upon the anchor object in response to a stimulus.
US08926640B2 Method and apparatus for closing an opening in thick, moving tissue
A device for placing sutures through thick and/or moving tissue such as the wall of a beating heart. The device includes a tissue welting tip having a trough for forming a welt in a tissue section, an alignment guide having an opening receiving a guide wire and pivotally mounted in the distal end adjacent to the trough, and an elongated sleeve slidably engagable with the guide wire. The device also includes one or more expandable tissue engaging member(s) on the sleeve expandable from a collapsed configuration having a diameter small enough to pass through the opening in the tip to an expanded configuration having a diameter large enough to engage a tissue section and urge it into the trough to form a welt in the tissue section and a retractable needle extendable through at least two portions of a tissue section while the tissue section is engaged with the trough.
US08926635B2 Methods and devices for occlusion of an atrial appendage
A novel occluder application and clip device for treatment of embolic stroke caused by atrial fibrillation uses multiple sutures in a non directional handle to affix the occlusion device to the applicator and manipulate the occluder from an open and receiving position to a closed and occluding position. The occluder is retained in place by a clamping means related to locks retainers, resilient material or otherwise. An actuator mechanism is used to manipulate the occluder to a locked or occluding position. The applicator with the occluder attached has a low profile and remote manipulations to allow the occluder to be delivered to the clamping location within a patient through a small incision or delivery port such as a trocar cannula or the like.
US08926634B2 Apparatus and methods for manipulating and securing tissue
Apparatus and methods for manipulating and securing tissue are described herein. In creating tissue folds within the body of a patient, a tissue manipulation assembly may generally have an elongate tubular member, an engagement member slidably disposed through the tubular member and a distal end adapted to engage tissue via a helical member, tissue stabilizing members positioned at the tubular member distal end which are adapted to stabilize tissue therebetween, and a delivery tube pivotable about the tissue stabilizer. The stabilizing members can be adapted to become angled relative to a longitudinal axis of the elongate tubular member. Moreover, one or all the articulation controls and functions can be integrated into a singular handle assembly connectable to the tissue manipulation assembly via a rigid or flexible tubular body.
US08926624B2 Bone cement injection device
A bone cement injection device whereby bone cement is inserted through the skin and into bone, and can easily be separated during outflow of the bone cement into the blood vessels and spinal canal and curing. An outer insertion member has an outer needle tube having one end that is sharpened to be inserted through the skin and into bone and a partially closed part where the cross-sectional area of the internal space is reduced. A main hand grip is integrally formed on the other end of the outer needle tube and has a fastening part able to be fastened to a bone cement supply. An inner insertion member includes an inner needle rod for insertion into the other end part of the outer needle tube which opens through the main hand grip, and an auxiliary hand grip which is integrally formed on the inner needle rod.
US08926612B2 Arthrodesis apparatus and method
An apparatus to promote bone fusion between portions of bone tissue comprises a bone engagement member and a flexible retention member. The bone engagement member comprises (a) an extramedullary bone contacting main body with a first surface defining a hole in the main body and (b) an intramedullary bone engaging projection extending from the main body. The projection engages the intramedullary portions of at least one the portions of bone tissue. The projection includes a second surface that defines a retention passage in the projection. The retention passage is spaced away from the hole and oriented transversely relative to the hole. The flexible retention member is configured and dimensioned to extend through the retention passage and into the hole to help retain the projection in intramedullary engagement with the at least one of the portions of bone tissue.
US08926610B2 Electrosurgical instrument
An electrosurgical instrument for coagulating and/or cutting biological tissue which can be manufactured easily and economically and which allows a surgical intervention to be carried out easily and reliably The instrument includes two linked branches which can be moved toward one another, gripping devices at a proximal region of the branches or of the instrument for bringing the branches together, electrode parts at a distal region of the branches or of the instrument for grasping tissue and for conducting a high-frequency current through the tissue, current feed devices for feeding the high-frequency current to the electrode parts from a high-frequency generator, a switching device for activating the high-frequency current with the branches brought together, at least one spacing element to form a defined minimum spacing between the electrode parts, and at least one elastically deformable element, which is arranged at one of the branches or the gripping devices such that, on closing the branches and reaching the minimum spacing, at least one region of the gripping devices can be moved further in the proximal region for actuating the switching device. The instrument can also be carried out as a shaft instrument, wherein at least one electrode part is movable through a shaft in its extension direction.
US08926605B2 Systems and methods for radiometrically measuring temperature during tissue ablation
The present invention provides systems and methods for radiometrically measuring temperature during ablation. An interface module includes a processor; a first input/output (I/O) port configured to receive digital radiometer and thermocouple signals from an integrated catheter tip (ICT) that includes a radiometer; a second I/O port configured to receive ablative energy from an electrosurgical generator; a temperature display; a patient relay in communication with the first and second I/O ports and the processor; and a computer-readable medium storing radiometer and thermocouple operation parameters and instructions for causing the processor to: calculate a temperature adjacent to the ICT based on the radiometer and thermocouple signals and the operation parameters, causing the temperature display to display the calculated temperature, and closing the patient relay so as to pass ablative energy received on the second I/O port to the first I/O port.
US08926604B2 Estimation and mapping of ablation volume
Tissue ablation systems and methods are provided, wherein a cardiac catheter incorporates a pressure detector for sensing a mechanical force against the distal tip when engaging an ablation site. Responsively to the pressure detector, a controller computes an ablation volume according to relationships between the contact pressure against the site, the power output of an ablator, and the energy application time. A monitor displays a map of the heart which includes a visual indication of the computed ablation volume. The monitor may dynamically display the progress of the ablation by varying the visual indication.
US08926594B2 Devices, systems and methods for medicament delivery
An apparatus includes a label configured to be coupled to a medicament delivery device. The label includes a first surface and a second surface. The first surface is configured to be coupled to an outer surface of the medicament delivery device. The second surface includes a textual indicia. The label further includes an electronic circuit system configured to output an electronic signal.
US08926593B2 Wound support for use in vacuum therapy of wounds
A wound support (50) for use in the vacuum therapy of wounds, can be disposed in its intended use in a wound space underneath a vacuum dressing (6) sealing the wound space with respect to the atmosphere in an essentially vacuum-tight manner, wherein the wound space can communicate with a suction tube (10) to which a vacuum can be applied through an opening (20) in the vacuum dressing (6). The wound support (50) comprises a flexibly compliant foamed material and has a through-hole (54) that extends in the direction of the wound depth, which is used to insert or pass through a wound-side end section (44) of a fluid feed tube (40). A sleeve (56) is disposed in the through-hole (54) into which this end section (44) can be inserted.
US08926586B2 Thermochemical ablation of bodily tissue
Thermochemical ablation techniques may provide ablation of bodily tissue using chemical reaction energy.
US08926581B1 Intergluteal perspiration pad
An intergluteal perspiration pad for wicking perspiration from a gluteal cleft including an absorbent pad having a convex top side configured to conform to a gluteal cleft, a pair of U-shaped first and second ends of the pad, an absorbent cover continuously disposed on the pad, and a pair of U-shaped clip attachment members slidingly disposed through the first and second ends to secure the combined pad and cover to the waistband of various garments.
US08926578B2 Male incontinence protector
A male incontinence protector includes a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction, a front end portion with a front end edge, and a rear end portion with a rear end edge. The front end portion has greater maximum extension in the transverse direction than the maximum extension of the rear end portion in the transverse direction. The male incontinence protector further includes side edges extending between the front end edge and the rear end edge, a garment-facing surface, and a wearer-facing surface. The incontinence protector has a tendon engagement member arranged in the rear end portion.
US08926568B2 Medicament delivery device comprising a manual activation member with improved gripping and activation abilities
A medicament delivery device includes a housing for a medicament container assembly; a drive member interactively connected to the assembly for expelling a dose of medicament; a dose actuation assembly operably connected to the drive member; and an actuation member interactively connected to the housing and the dose actuation assembly by a gear assembly. The actuation member is movable generally perpendicularly to a longitudinal axis of the device from an initial position, in which the actuation member is positioned within the housing, to a dose-set position, in which a portion of the actuation member protrudes a distance proportional to the set dose from the longitudinal surface of the housing when the dose actuation assembly. The actuation member is manually operated in a direction generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the device from the dose-set position to the initial position for driving the dose actuation assembly and drive member.
US08926564B2 Catheter introducer including a valve and valve actuator
Tear-away sheath introducers for catheters and methods for making and using such introducers are described. The sheath introducers contain movable valves that are encapsulated in a movable housing that allows the valve to move along the introducer axis. As the movable valve and housing travel along the axis, a portion of the hub protrudes past the valve and is exposed. As well, the sheath introducers can also contain a stationary valve and housing that can be opened to expose a portion of the hub when a conduit penetrates the stationary valve. The conduit can include a one-way, two-way, or other suitable valve actuator that can penetrate and open the valve, yet remain attached to a portion of the introducer when the introducer is split for removal from a patient. In both instances, the protruding portion of the hub contains a friction-free pathway for a catheter into the sheath introducer.
US08926561B2 Infusion pump system with disposable cartridge having pressure venting and pressure feedback
Embodiments are directed to portable infusion devices, systems, and methods of using the same for dispensing materials. In some cases, the devices, systems and methods may be used for infusing a material such as medicament, e.g., insulin, into a body in need thereof.
US08926557B2 Fluid dispenser with tongue depressor
A fluid dispenser contains a fluid and selectively delivers the fluid orally to a subject. The fluid dispenser includes a main body defining a vessel that contains the fluid. The fluid dispenser also includes a dispensing portion that extends from the main body. The dispensing portion defines a passage therethrough that is in fluid communication with the vessel. The passage terminates at a dispenser opening through which the fluid exits the passage and flows into the mouth of the subject. Moreover, the fluid dispenser includes a tongue depressor that extends from the dispensing portion. The tongue depressor is operable to depress the tongue of the subject while the fluid is dispensed into the mouth of the subject.
US08926550B2 Data communication system for peritoneal dialysis machine
A portable peritoneal dialysis apparatus having a USB interface for uploading and downloading patient files and records using a USB flash drive, and for playing a training video for the PD machine on the machine's own display, transferred via a USB flash drive.
US08926549B2 Handle for a medical instrument
A handle for a medical instrument having a handle housing that can be closed by a cover and having at least one drainage or irrigation hose in the handle housing that can be connected to a hose connection support. To create a handle that is of a simple construction and ensures a reliable fluid-proof insulated connection of the at least one hose and the hose connection support while protecting a material of the at least one hose, it is proposed that each drainage or irrigation hose should be connectable by an adaptor to the hose connection support and that the adaptor upon closing the handle housing can be pressed against the hose connection support by a stop positioned on the cover or on a base portion of the handle housing.
US08926547B2 Applicator having a color gradient
An applicator having a color gradient. The applicator includes an outer member having a first end, a second end disposed opposite the first end, a longitudinal axis, a length measured along the longitudinal axis, and an exterior surface. The outer member further includes a color gradient extending along at least a portion of the length from a first region to a second region, the color gradient being visible by a user viewing the exterior surface of the outer member.
US08926533B2 Therapy head for use with an ultrasound system
Therapy heads and related medical systems having an actuation assembly for controlling the position/orientation of a directional energy applicator in at least two planes are disclosed. A therapy head includes an enclosure, a partition separating a lower compartment from an upper compartment, an aperture in the partition, a control arm extending through the aperture, an actuation assembly positioned within the upper compartment, and a directional energy applicator positioned in the lower compartment for transmitting energy through a window. The control arm includes an upper end disposed within the upper compartment and a lower end disposed within the lower compartment. The actuation assembly is coupled with the upper end of the control arm such that the control arm is movable by the actuation assembly in at least two planes. The directional energy applicator is coupled with the lower end of the control arm.
US08926530B2 Orthopedic insert measuring system for having a sterilized cavity
At least one embodiment is directed to an insert for measuring a parameter of the muscular-skeletal system. The insert can be temporary or permanent. In one embodiment, the insert is prosthetic component for a single compartment of the knee. The insert comprises a support structure and a support structure respectively having an articular surface and a load bearing surface. The height of the insert is less than 10 millimeters. At least one internal cavity is formed when support structures are coupled together for housing electronic circuitry, sensors, and the power source. The cavity is sterilized through a port. A membrane is between the port and the cavity. A sterilization gas permeates the membrane for sterilizing cavity. The membrane prevents ingress of solids and liquids to the cavity.
US08926525B2 Systems, methods, and devices for facilitating access to target anatomical sites or environments
Methods and structures for detecting a physiologic parameter of a target anatomical environment. The device including a housing with a distal portion first port couplable to a probe and a proximal portion; and a sensing unit, a processing unit, and an output unit carried by the housing, the output unit configured to output a reporting signal based on the determined physiologic parameter value such as pressure; the sensing unit, processing unit, and output unit being disposed substantially between the first port and the proximal portion of the housing.
US08926522B2 Weight scale with ultrasound imaging for ankle displacement measurement
A device for correlating trend data with respect to a patient's weight ankle displacement can identify conditions indicative of congestive heart failure. A weight scale or similar device coupled with imaging mechanism operable to measure ankle displacement collects a plurality of measurements over a period of time. Over time trend analysis of both the patient's weight and the ankle displacement measurements can be obtained and compared to identify whether over a particular sample period an increase in a patient's ankle displacement is or is not correlated with an increase in the patient's weight. When an increase in ankle displacement is identified as not correlating to a corresponding change in the patient's weight an alert can be issued of conditions indicative of congestive heart failure.
US08926520B2 Transducer interface system and method
A transducer interface system/method allowing conversion from an analog sensor input to a standardized analog output interface is disclosed. In some preferred embodiments the system/method permits a fiber optic pressure sensor to be interfaced to a standard patient care monitor (PCM) system using standardized Wheatstone Bridge analog interface inputs. Within this context the Wheatstone Bridge sensed output is defined by stimulus from the PCM and modulation of bridge element values by the conditioned output of an analog pressure sensor. The use of analog-to-digital-to-analog conversion in this transducer interface permits retrofitting of PCM devices having analog Wheatstone Bridge inputs with advanced patient monitoring sensors without the need for specialized modifications to the baseline PCM data collection framework. Methods disclosed herein include techniques to connect arbitrary types/numbers of analog sensors to traditional PCM systems without the need for PCM system hardware/software modifications.
US08926518B2 Scanning dental ultrasonography probe
A dental ultrasonography probe includes a probe tip having a scanning ultrasonography transducer that generates a narrow beam ultrasonic transmission signal over a sequence of beam angles, that receives an ultrasonic return signal, and that generates an ultrasonic receive signal in response to the ultrasonic return signal to identify and measure dental and craniofacial objects and features. A probe body has a longitudinal axis that is substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the probe tip.
US08926516B2 Ultrasound imaging apparatus and method of ultrasound imaging
An ultrasound imaging apparatus comprises an ultrasonic probe configured to transmit and receive an ultrasonic wave and a controller configured to control the ultrasonic probe such that an ultrasonic wave for imaging a contrast agent injected into an object and an ultrasonic wave for imaging a tissue movement of the object are transmitted in time division. A method of ultrasound imaging comprises transmitting a first ultrasonic wave and a second ultrasonic wave which hardly destroys bubbles of a contrast agent, obtaining blood flow information based on a signal generated from the first ultrasonic wave, and obtaining tissue movement information based on a signal generated from the second ultrasonic wave.
US08926512B2 Ultrasonic imaging apparatus and ultrasonic velocity optimization method
A resolution optimization unit determines an optimal sound velocity corresponding to a tissue component at each position in a scan slice, and calculates a reception delay time or the like for each reception beam from each position in the scan slice. A control processor executes delay addition processing in a scan for acquiring an ultrasonic image actually used for diagnosis by using the reception delay time calculated using an optimal sound velocity. This can correct the difference between the set sound velocity used for the calculation of a reception delay time and the actual in vivo sound velocity and acquire an ultrasonic image with optimized resolution.
US08926511B2 Location system with virtual touch screen
Control of an invasive medical instrument during a medical procedure is achieved using a system that includes magnetic field-based location facilities. Magnetic field sensors are placed in a medical instrument, e.g., a probe, and in an interface device to enable respective positions of the probe and the interface device to be ascertained by a location processor when the sensors are exposed to a magnetic field. The interface device is disposed such that an operator can control the medical instrument and the interface device concurrently. A display device, which can comprise a virtual reality display, is responsive to movements of the interface device as determined by the location processor to control the medical instrument, invoke various functions of the system, e.g., image manipulation, and otherwise facilitate the medical procedure via a graphical user interface.
US08926507B2 Port device including retractable endoscope cleaner
A surgical apparatus includes a housing member having leading and trailing ends that define a longitudinal axis. One or more ports longitudinally extend between the leading and trailing ends, and are configured and adapted to receive a surgical instrument therein in a substantially sealed relation. At least one cleaning port longitudinally extends between the leading and trailing ends, and is configured and adapted to receive a cleaning device therein. The cleaning device is configured and adapted to clean surgical instruments positioned within the one or more ports without necessitating removal of the surgical instruments from the one or more ports.
US08926502B2 Multi camera endoscope having a side service channel
There is provided herein an endoscope assembly comprising at least one front-pointing camera and at least one front illuminator associated therewith, at least one side-pointing camera and at least one of side illuminator associated therewith, a front working channel configured for insertion of a medical tool and a side service channel configured for insertion of a medical tool.
US08926498B2 Device for treatment of premature ejaculation or stimulation of a male organ
A device for treatment of premature ejaculation or stimulation of a male organ includes an elastic sleeve mounted within a housing, at least one aperture formed on the elastic sleeve, and at least one liquid-absorbing member held between the housing and the elastic sleeve over the at least one aperture. The at least one liquid-absorbing member is adapted to soak up a liquid with a temperature higher or lower than the body temperature of a user and deliver the liquid through the at least one aperture and into the elastic sleeve when the at least one liquid-absorbing member is squeezed by a male organ of the user frictionally moving to-and-fro inside the elastic sleeve, thereby stimulating the male organ and reducing the sensitivity thereof.
US08926492B2 Housing for a functional element
A method for selectively expanding and compressing a housing for a blood pump is described. The housing is provided in a compressed state. The housing has a slack, flexible membrane with a plurality of groups of compressed formed parts with gaps between the individual formed parts. The formed parts are moved together outwardly against the membrane to expand the membrane. A fully expanded membrane and housing is formed where the formed parts completely abut against the membrane in a gap free relationship with respect to one another.
US08926489B2 Hypodermic needle containment system
Containment systems and methods safely and permanently encapsulate a sharp portion of a sharp medical instrument (e.g. a hypodermic needle). The containment system includes a cap or other container formed of a durable and flexible material and having a rim defining an open end configured to receive the sharp portion therein and an adhesive disposed on an interior surface of the container. The method of use includes inserting the sharp medical instrument into the container, and compressing the sides of the container to permanently encapsulate the sharp portion of the medical instrument within the adhesive. The adhesive may be an adhesive tape and may be protected before use by a covering, which may be removed at the time of use by pulling a pull tab extending from an opening in the container.
US08926480B2 Three-point adjustment multi-purpose exercise machine
A multipurpose exercise machine requiring only three points of adjustment centrally located. It has a one point height adjustment and two adjustments for the rotating arm assemblies. Dip and chin up bars are attached to the arm assemblies. The machine contains an integrated swingable workout bench. Through the use of a pulley system and counter balance assembly, the cable system maintains tension and provides a constant length of cable.
US08926473B2 Locking unit
The invention refers to a locking unit, in particular a transmission locking unit. It consists of a coil encircling at least partly an armature space. The coil has a wire that can be energized by electric current. An armature rod projecting out of the armature space and carrying an armature is provided, as well as an operating element locking unit interacting with the armature rod. This holds or releases, depending on the position of the armature rod, an operating element, wherein the armature rod or the armature is held in a first position by a permanent magnet, and a current flow through the wire of the coil compensates the holding force of the permanent magnet, and the armature rod gets in the second position.
US08926472B2 Continuously variable transmission for vehicle
Construction of a continuously variable transmission device for a vehicle is achieved that, when a shift lever is shifted to a selection position for a direction opposite the traveling direction at that time, it is capable of preventing the vehicle from continuing to travel at high speed in a direction opposite the direction intended by the operator. When the shift lever is shifted to a selection position of a direction opposite the traveling direction at that time, and the vehicle speed is faster than a specified speed (V1), the connection of a clutch device that transmits power between a continuously variable transmission mechanism and a differential gear mechanism is disconnected, and the drive force from the drive source is prevented from being further transmitted to the wheels. As a result, it is possible to cause the vehicle to decelerate without accelerating even when the operator tries to move faster in the opposite direction, or when the operator steps on the accelerator pedal with the intention of accelerating in the opposite direction, and thus it is possible to prevent the vehicle from continuing to travel at high speed in the direction opposite the intended direction of the operator.
US08926468B2 Ball type continuously variable transmission
A variable transmission includes an input shaft, a planetary gear set drivingly engaged with a variator comprising, a variator carrier assembly, a first ring assembly, and a second ring assembly; and the output shaft, arranged to produce transmissions with continuously variable or infinitely variable output ratios.
US08926463B1 Drive mechanism for a cage in a spiral conveyor belt system
A drive mechanism for a cage in a spiral conveyor belt system including a plurality of tooth segments secured to a drive ring and positioned to define a substantially constant pitch diameter. The drive ring may be formed from a plurality of discrete pie plates positioned adjacent each other and arranged in a substantially circular format around the cage.
US08926459B2 Sport balls and methods of manufacturing the sport balls
A sport ball may include a casing that forms an exterior surface of the sport ball. The casing may incorporate a plurality of joined panels, including a closure panel. In addition, the ball may include a backing layer located radially inward of the closure panel, the backing layer extending beyond a peripheral boundary of the closure panel and at least partially overlapping with one or more panels adjacent to the closure panel. The backing layer may also include an opening located radially inward of the closure panel, the opening being smaller than the surface area of the closure panel. Also, the ball may include a bladder located radially inward of the backing layer, the bladder including a valve for introducing fluid into the ball, the valve extending through the opening and through the closure panel.
US08926453B2 Golf ball dimples having circumscribed prismatoids
The present invention relates to golf balls, specifically, to a golf ball with multifaceted depressions comprising two discrete geometries surrounded by a first perimeter. A second perimeter is circumscribed within the first and surrounds prismatoid depressions or protrusions. Primarily the first and second perimeters are circular and the depressions or protrusions are based on a polyhedral prismatoid having a minimum of three and a maximum of twelve edges, wherein the ratio of the first and second diameters is between 0.25 to 0.90.
US08926447B2 Golf coupling mechanisms and related methods
Embodiments of golf coupling mechanisms are presented herein. Other examples and related methods are also disclosed herein.
US08926445B2 Golf free swing measurement and analysis system
The presented invention relates to a method for determining the effectiveness of a golfer's swing without the requirement of the club head making contact with a golf ball. More specifically, the present invention relates to a measurement and analysis system comprising a first module that attaches to the club head and captures measurement receiver signal strength data during the entire swing time line and may capture motional data on same time line, further first module wirelessly communicates bi-directionally with a second module that is further connected to a user interface device and computational engine where feedback results are derived and conveyed to the golfer. The system provides comprehensive feedback for a swing characterization time line referenced to the spatial domain using receiver signal strength measurements that may be in combination with motional and dynamics orientation measurements.