| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US07919964B2 |
Combined electromagnetic sensor and magnetometer
A combined electromagnetic and magnetometer detection system for detecting objects. The system includes a primary electromagnetic transmitter for generating a primary magnetic field; an electromagnetic sensor for sensing secondary magnetic fields generated by a target region subjected to the primary magnetic field; a magnetometer sensor substantially centered at a center of the primary magnetic field; a compensation transmitter for generating a compensating magnetic field that substantially negates the primary magnetic field across the magnetometer sensor; and a signal generator electrically connected to the primary electromagnetic transmitter and the compensation transmitter for driving the transmitters to generate the primary magnetic field and the compensating magnetic field, respectively. |
| US07919957B2 |
Digital linear voltage regulator
A digital linear voltage regulator includes a comparator, a finite state machine, and a current digital-to-analog converter (DAC). The comparator is preferably coupled to receive a reference voltage and an operating voltage supplied to a dynamic load. The comparator generates, during a clock cycle, a binary output based on a comparison between reference and operating voltages. The finite state machine (FSM) is coupled to receive at least one control signal that indicates a target operating state for the digital linear voltage regulator. The FSM receives the binary output from the comparator and generates a digital word, during a clock cycle, based on the target operating state of the digital linear voltage regulator and on the binary output. The current DAC is coupled to the FSM, receives the digital word and delivers current at the desired voltage to the dynamic load. |
| US07919955B2 |
Multi-threshold multi-gain active transient response circuit and method for digital multiphase pulse width modulated regulators
Disclosed is a multi-phase pulse width modulated voltage regulator and method in which transient voltage excursions or deviations that exceed the load line voltage by more than a pre-determined amount are detected by an ATR circuit and a correction signal is applied. The correction signal is in the form of asynchronous pulses and the number of such pulses is a function of the magnitude of the voltage excursion as determined by the number of thresholds that are exceeded. Also disclosed is an adaptive voltage positioning (AVP) circuit and method for early detection of a transient event by sensing voltage changes at the load and adjusting the target voltage with pre-determined current values prior to the time that ATR event changes in the current at the load are detected. |
| US07919949B2 |
High efficiency generator
A generator system that includes a three-phase AC machine and an active rectifier bridge employing low on-resistance MOSFET switches for converting the AC current from the machine to a DC current. The system also includes a switch control circuit to switch the MOSFET switches in synchronization with the three-phase current flow. The system determines the phase-to-ground voltages of the machine as inputs to the switch control circuit. The control circuit calculates the phase-to-phase voltages from the phase-to-ground voltages. The control circuit then determines if each of the phase-to-phase voltages is above or below first and second predetermined threshold voltages, where if the phase-to-phase voltage is above the first threshold voltage, the control circuit closes the switch, and if the phase-to-phase voltage is below the second threshold voltage, the control circuit opens the switch. |
| US07919945B2 |
Synchronized vibration device for haptic feedback
The present invention relates to synchronized vibration devices that can provide haptic feedback to a user. A wide variety of actuator types may be employed to provide synchronized vibration, including linear actuators, rotary actuators, rotating eccentric mass actuators, and rocking mass actuators. A controller may send signals to one or more driver circuits for directing operation of the actuators. The controller may provide direction and amplitude control, vibration control, and frequency control to direct the haptic experience. Parameters such as frequency, phase, amplitude, duration, and direction can be programmed or input as different patterns suitable for use in gaming, virtual reality and real-world situations. |
| US07919944B2 |
Motor driving circuit
A motor driving circuit for controlling a current amount flowing through a motor coil includes: a comparator configured to output a comparison signal indicating a comparison result between a set current amount and a current amount based on an inputted set current signal according to the set current amount and a current signal according to the current amount flowing through the motor coil; a current control signal update circuit configured to update a current control signal for controlling the current amount flowing through the motor coil in a stepwise manner so that the current amount flowing through the motor coil is changed to the set current amount in a stepwise manner, based on the comparison signal outputted from the comparator; and a driving circuit configured to drive the motor coil based on the current control signal outputted from the current control signal update circuit. |
| US07919940B2 |
System and method for jerk limited trajectory planning for a path planner
A system for generating a motion profile in real time includes a processor. The processor breaks a move into a first phase and a second phase. The first phase includes commanding the move toward a constant velocity segment, and the second phase includes monitoring the first phase to determine when during a move in progress it is necessary to implement a jerk value required to successfully reach end conditions. The processor also transmits command signals based upon the motion profile and calculates the point at which the second phase must take control of the move in progress to reach a target position. The system further includes at least one input/output module that receives command signals. A method for generating a motion profile in real time is also presented. |
| US07919939B2 |
Remote vertical blind opening and closing system
A remote blind actuating system for use in opening and closing blinds with a string incorporates a motor, a pulley, a receiver, and a housing. The motor, the pulley, and the receiver are disposed within the housing. The motor is connected with the pulley and is in communication with the receiver. The pulley is an cylindrical member with a first distal end and a second distal end. The pulley is rotatably affixed to the motor about an axis. The first distal end of the pulley is connected with the motor and the second distal end is connected with the string. |
| US07919935B2 |
Brightness sensor
An electroluminescent (EL) element is connected to the power supply and is intermittently operated as a lighting device and as a brightness sensor. For this purpose, the processing unit induces the controlled AC voltage source to reduce the voltage for a short period. The current intensity is measured by current measuring devices and the corresponding measuring signal is digitized using the analog/digital converter (A/D). A processing unit uses the signal and the effective voltage to determine, by means of empirical calibration data stored in the memory or by using a calibration function, the brightness, i.e. the luminance of the light that is incident on the EL element. The processing unit associates, using desired values stored in the memory, the detected brightness with an operating voltage level which ensures the desired emission brightness of the EL element when operated as a lighting device. Optionally, the determined operating voltage is corrected in order to take into consideration any brightness loss of the EL element caused by aging. The optionally corrected value is output via the control channel as the desired operating voltage and is maintained by the power supply unit until the next measuring interval. |
| US07919929B2 |
Lamp driving device having impedance component detecting abnormal discharge
In one aspect, an impedance component which exhibits a high impedance in a high frequency region is arranged on a high pressure line formed on a secondary side of a transformer. The potential difference generated at both ends of the impedance component is used to detect an abnormal electrical discharge generated in the high pressure line. When the abnormal electrical discharge is detected, a switching operation is stopped by a controlling circuit whereby a protection operation is performed. |
| US07919928B2 |
Boost LED driver not using output capacitor and blocking diode
An LED driver is disclosed that boosts an input voltage to drive any number of LEDs in series. The driver includes a switch-mode current regulator that supplies regulated current pulses to the LEDs. No high voltage output capacitor is used to smooth the current pulses, so the LEDs are turned on any off at the switching frequency. Also, no blocking diode between the switching transistor and the LEDs is used. The cathode of the “bottom” LED in the string is connected to ground via a current sense resistor. In parallel with the sense resistor is connected an RC filter using a small, low voltage filter capacitor. The RC filter provides a substantially smooth feedback voltage for the current regulator to control the duty cycle of the switching transistor so that the feedback voltage matches a reference voltage. |
| US07919926B2 |
Aggregate ignition method in high frequency metal halide lamps
A high frequency ballast for a metal halide lamp comprises a controller, a switch, and an oscillator. The controller selectively enables and disables the oscillator via the switch to ignite the lamp. The ignition method includes enabling the oscillator such that the oscillator provides the lamp with a pulse train comprising a rapid series of short ignition pulses, cools for a period of time, and provides an addition pulse train to the lamp if necessary to ignite the lamp. When the lamp ignites, the ballast maintains enablement of the oscillator. |
| US07919922B2 |
Green phosphor for plasma display panel and plasma display panel including a phosphor layer formed of the same
Provided are a green phosphor for a plasma display panel (PDP) represented by Formula 1 and a PDP including a phosphor layer formed of the same: (Y1-x-yGdx)Al3(BO3)4:Tby Formula 1 where 0≦x<1, 0 |
| US07919921B2 |
Photomultiplier
The present invention relates to a photomultiplier having a fine structure capable of realizing high multiplication efficiency. The photomultiplier comprises a housing whose inside is maintained vacuum, and, on a device mounting surface which is a part of an inner wall surface defining an internal space of the housing, a photocathode serving as a reflection type photocathode, an electron-multiplier section, an anode, and a voltage distributing section are disposed integrally. In particular, the electron-multiplier section is constituted by dynodes at multiple stages cascade-multiplying photoelectrons from the photocathode, and the voltage distributing section, which applies corresponding voltages to the dynodes at the respective stages respectively, is on the same surface together with the electron-multiplier section. |
| US07919920B2 |
Organic light-emitting display device and method for fabricating the same
Disclosed is an organic light-emitting display device capable of blocking the infiltration of oxygen and moisture and effectively preventing light leakage. The device includes a first substrate with first and second pixel regions wherein a plurality of organic light-emitting diodes are formed. The device further includes a non-pixel region around the first and the second pixel-regions, a second substrate disposed on the upper part of the first substrate to be overlapped with the first and the second pixel regions and a part of the non-pixel region, and a frit provided between the first and the second substrates to be overlapped with at least one of the first and the second pixel regions and at least a part of the non-pixel region. The first and the second substrates are adhered to each other by the fit in the part corresponding to the non-pixel region. |
| US07919918B2 |
Organic light emitting display device
Provided is an organic light emitting display device that reduces a unused area and reduces the voltage drop of a driving power bus line. The organic light emitting display device includes a pixel region having a plurality of organic light emitting diodes; a power bus line that is located on an outer side of the pixel region and supplies power to each of the organic light emitting diodes; and a metal layer that overlaps the driving power bus line, is electrically connected to the driving power bus line, and comprises a panel mark. |
| US07919915B2 |
Cold cathode fluorescent display
A monochromic, multi-color and full-color cold cathode fluorescent display (CFD), comprises of some shaped white or multi-color or red, green blue color cold cathode fluorescent lamps (CCFL), reflector, base plate, temperature control means, luminance and contrast enhancement face plate, shades and its driving electronics. CFD is a large screen display device which has high luminance, high efficiency, long lifetime, high contrast and excellent color. CFD can be used for both outdoor and indoor applications even at direct sunlight, to display a character, or graphic and video image. |
| US07919913B2 |
Light illuminating element
A light illuminating element including a transparent closed casing, an exciting gas, a first exciting coating, and a first dielectric multi-layer long-pass filter is provided. The transparent closed casing has a first inner side, a second inner side, a first outer side corresponding to the first inner side, and a second outer side corresponding to the second inner side. The exciting gas is disposed inside the transparent closed casing, and suitable for providing an ultraviolet light. The first exciting coating is disposed on the first inner side or the first outer side, and is suitable for absorbing the ultraviolet light to provide a visible light. The first dielectric multi-layer long-pass filter is disposed on the second inner side or the second outer side, and suitable for reflecting the ultraviolet light and allowing the visible light to pass through. |
| US07919912B2 |
Electron emission source, composition for forming electron emission source, method of forming the electron emission source and electron emission device including the electron emission source
An electron emission source includes a carbon-based material and resultant material formed by curing and heat treating at least one silicon-based material represented by formula (1), (2), and/or (3) below: where R1 through R22 are each independently a substituted or unsubstituted C1-C20 alkyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted C1-C20 alkoxy group, a substituted or unsubstituted C1-C20 alkenyl group, a halogen atom, a hydroxyl group or a mercapto group, and m and n are each integers from 0 to 1,000. An electron emission device and an electron emission display device include the electron emission source. A composition for forming electron emission sources includes the carbon-based material and the silicon-based material. A method of forming the electron emission source includes applying the composition to a substrate; and heat treating the applied composition. The adhesion between the electron emission source including the cured and heat treated resultant material of the silicon-based material and a substrate is excellent, and thus the reliability of the electron emission device including the cured and heat treated resultant material of the silicon-based material can be enhanced. |
| US07919911B2 |
Image display apparatus
By making Nd concentration in the tunneling insulating film 11 smaller than Nd concentration in the base electrode first layer 16, the accumulated electric charge amount in the tunneling insulating film 11 is reduced and afterimage is decreased. By setting a relation between a position of a stack interface of the base electrode 13 and a thickness of an insulating layer properly, the generation of a device defect is prevented. |
| US07919907B2 |
Circuit module
A circuit module, e.g., for use in a vehicle tire, includes a housing, a piezoelectric generator, which has a mass element that is movable within the housing and a spring device, which has at least one piezoelectric element, the mass element and the spring device forming an oscillatory system, and the piezoelectric element being elastically deformable in response to the oscillation of the oscillatory system. A current supply circuit is provided for receiving a piezoelectric voltage output by the piezoelectric element in response to the mechanical deformation thereof and for supplying power to the circuit module. |
| US07919904B2 |
Method for producing piezoelectric actuator, method for producing liquid droplet jetting apparatus, piezoelectric actuator, and liquid droplet jetting apparatus
A film-forming nozzle is moved so that a boundary portion of a plurality of areas on which a piezoelectric material layer is formed by a film-forming nozzle moving relative to a vibration plate is positioned outside deformable portions of the vibration plate and overlaps with restricted portions. This reduces stress concentration on a portion of the piezoelectric layer corresponding to the boundary portion of the deposition areas, and therefore, damage of the piezoelectric material layer is prevented. |
| US07919903B2 |
MEMS switch
A Micro Electro Mechanical System (MEMS) switch includes a substrate, a fixed signal line formed on the substrate, a movable signal line spaced apart from one of an upper surface and a lower surface of the fixed signal line, and at least one piezoelectric actuator connected to a first end of the movable signal line so as to bring or separate the movable signal line in contact with or from the fixed signal line. The piezoelectric actuator includes a first electrode, a piezoelectric layer formed on the first electrode, a second electrode formed on the piezoelectric layer, and a connecting layer formed on the second electrode and connected with the movable signal line. |
| US07919899B2 |
Electrical machine
The invention describes an electrical machine having an armature with armature slots for accommodating armature coils. At least one armature coil is formed from two coil elements which are arranged symmetrically with respect to one another in relation to an axis of symmetry, which runs through the center-point of the armature shaft. The coil elements are connected to two adjacent commutator laminates of a commutator. A first brush, a second brush and a third brush bear against the commutator in a manner such that they can slide. The second brush interacts with the first brush or the third brush. The third brush is arranged in relation to the two coil elements in such a way that, when the two adjacent commutator laminates come into contact with one another, the third brush and the center-point of the armature shaft form an axis which has an angle of 90 DEG−(180 DEG/number of laminates)−(180 DEG/3×number of laminates) up to 90 DEG+(180 DEG/number of laminates)+(180 DEG/3×number of laminates) in relation to the axis of symmetry of the two coil elements. |
| US07919898B2 |
Rotor core assembly for electric motor
A rotor core assembly for an electric motor includes a stack of laminations and first and second end plates disposed at opposite ends of the stack of laminations. A plurality of concentric fastener holes extend through the laminations and the end plates for receiving stainless steel pins. Each pin has a head against one of the end plates, and each pin has spaced apart grooves thereon extending from the other end plate. A stainless steel collar engages each of the pins and contacts one of the end plates. Each collar has a deformed portion in at least one of the grooves of the pin. |
| US07919897B2 |
Axial gap type motor
An axial gap type motor 10 includes: a rotor 11 having a rotor core 13, the rotor core 13 including: multiple main magnet pieces 41 respectively magnetized in a direction of the rotation axis O of the rotor, and multiple main magnet piece storing hole portions 15 respectively for holding associated main magnet pieces; and a pair of stators 12 to be mounted onto the rotor 11, wherein the rotor core 13 is structured by winding a tape-shaped magnetic plate 14, and includes a first winding layer and a second winding layer; and in portions of the first and second winding layers that are situated in the same phase from the center of rotation of the rotor core 13, the first winding layer includes an outside magnetic flux short preventive portions 62, and the second winding layer includes an outside connecting portions 61. |
| US07919896B2 |
Stator for rotary electric machine
A stator for a rotary electric machine with wedge members insertable into slots without being bent or folded is provided. A coupling portion is integrally formed at a non-inserted end portion, which is not inserted into a slot, of a wedge member, the coupling portion extending across an end of a partition wall portion and an end of a block portion. The wedge member and the coupling portion are formed of a synthetic resin material. Two or more coupling portions of two or more adjacently disposed wedge members are integrally formed as a continuous coupling portion. |
| US07919895B2 |
Squirrel-cage rotor of an asynchronous machine
The invention relates to an asynchronous motor comprising a stator or a cage rotor, said cage rotor comprising a shaft (1) and a laminated bundle (2) and rotor rods (3) are arranged within the laminated bundle, running through the openings (10) of each end plate (9) at both ends of the laminated bundle (2) and terminated with a short-circuit ring (4) which electrically connects the ends of the rotor rods (3) on one side of the cage rotor. Each end plate (9) comprises a circumferential projection which at least partly covers the short circuit ring (4) on the outside thereof with a positive fit and each end plate (9) contains a part of the rotor rod (3) and a part of the short circuit ring (4). |
| US07919892B2 |
Brushless electric machine with stationary shaft and method of making same
Disclosed herein is an electric machine. The electric machine includes, a housing defining an internal volume, a stationary shaft fixedly attached to the housing, a stationary field coil attached to the shaft, a pole assembly rotatable about the shaft, and a pulley fixedly attached to the pole assembly being positioned externally of the internal volume. |
| US07919890B2 |
Rotating electric machine
A rotating electric machine, comprising a stator, a rotor, a case storing the stator and the rotor, and an oil pump. Oil discharge ports are formed at the terminal part of an oil discharge passage of the case, and a cooling oil is supplied to the upper cutout parts of the stator. A groove part is covered by a cover to form a closed flow passage. Since the cooling oil is sufficiently applied to the portion of a coil exposed to the inside of the flow passage, a cooling efficiency is increased. Also the cooling oil is guided to an orifice on the lower side in the gravitational direction. Accordingly, since the cooling oil does not flow in an air gap between the rotor and the stator, a power loss can be prevented from occurring. |
| US07919889B2 |
Oscillator device, optical deflector and optical instrument using the same
An oscillator device includes an oscillator, a resilient support member configured to support the oscillator for oscillatory motion about an oscillation central axis, a magnetic member provided on the oscillator, and a magnetic-field generating member disposed opposed to the oscillator, wherein the oscillator has a through-hole extending through the oscillator from its top surface to its bottom surface, and wherein the magnetic member is provided in the through-hole. |
| US07919887B2 |
High repetitous pulse generation and energy recovery system
In order to provide a pulse power supply device using regenerating magnetic energy stored in a discharge circuit to a capacitor so as to use it as next discharge energy and supplying a bipolar pulse current with high repetition, a bridge circuit is composed of four inverse-conductive semiconductor switches, a charged energy source capacitor is connected to a DC terminal of the bridge circuit, and an inductive load is connected to its AC terminal. A control signal is supplied to gates of the inverse-conductive semiconductor switches, and a control is made so that when a discharge current rises, is maintained, or is reduced, all the gates are turned off, and the magnetic energy of the electric current can be automatically regenerated to the energy source capacitor by a diode function of the switches. Further, a large current power supply is inserted into a discharge circuit so as to replenish energy loss due to discharge, thereby enabling high-repetition discharge. |
| US07919886B2 |
Power receiving device and power transfer system
There is provided a power receiving device capable of receiving a carrier wave transmitted from a power transmitting device without contact and obtaining electric power from the received carrier wave, which includes a carrier receiving section at least including a communication antenna having predetermined inductance and not equipped with an intermediate tap, to receive the carrier wave and generate an induced voltage corresponding to the carrier wave, a processing section to generate a drive voltage based on the induced voltage and perform data processing using the generated drive voltage, and an impedance converting section to convert impedance between the carrier receiving section and the processing section. |
| US07919883B2 |
Two-wire adapter
A two-wire adapter circuit comprises a current shunt monitor and a circuit for sensing an abrupt change in the output of the current shunt monitor, a power supply, and a two-wire electrical conduit connecting the power supply to a load via the current shunt monitor, the circuit for sensing the abrupt change in the output of the current shunt monitor configured to output a defined digital signal on a third wire upon sensing the abrupt change. |
| US07919881B2 |
Method for supplying the electrical on-board power network of ships with external energy
A method is disclosed for supplying external energy to electrical on-board power networks of ships, with there being at least one generator, one converter and electrical loads in the ship's on-board power network. In at least one embodiment of the method, the converter (shore connection converter) on board the ship, for transfer into the on-board power network, is fed by a connectable external current source with current of a different frequency and voltage to that of the on-board network and the current is converted in the converter semiconductors into current with the voltage, and the frequency of the on-board power network and fed to the on-board power network. |
| US07919880B2 |
Method for damping tower oscillations, an active stall controlled wind turbine and use hereof
The invention relates to a method for damping tower oscillations in the tower of an active stall controlled wind turbine. The method comprises the steps of operating two or more blades of the wind turbine in a stall condition, detecting if the tower oscillates beyond a predefined level, and establishing different stall conditions between at least two of the blades, wherein the different stall conditions are established by offsetting the pitch angle of at least a first blade in relation to the pitch angle of one further blade. The invention further relates to an active stall controlled wind turbine and use hereof. |
| US07919879B2 |
Power conditioning architecture for a wind turbine
A wind turbine 36 has a back-to-back AC/DC/AC power electronic converter chain in which the grid side converter 48 is connected in series with DFIG stator windings 64. The machine side converter 56 is fed from the rotor windings 54 of the DFIG 44. Series connection of the grid side converter 48 enables voltage sag ride-through capability via control of the stator flux.In the event of a grid voltage sag, the series converter allows for a controlled response in the stator flux and electromagnetic shaft torque, protects the machine side converter and enables continued power delivery to the grid. |
| US07919878B2 |
Electrical energy generation using hydro-voltaic (HV) cells
Inverse magneto hydrodynamics is employed to exploit natural movement of ocean water at coastal facilities using arrays of tubes to channel the water through orthogonal magnetic fields to generate DC voltage. Each such tube houses a plurality of serially arranged hydro-voltaic cells to produce electrical energy without mechanical movement. The tubes are preferably arranged to produce improved land use efficiency as compared to other known renewable energy generating systems such as photo-voltaic and wind turbines. A pumped salt water version is also disclosed. |
| US07919875B2 |
Semiconductor device with recess portion over pad electrode
A manufacturing method of a semiconductor device formed in a chip size package is improved to enhance a yield and reliability. A window to expose first wirings is formed only in a region of a semiconductor substrate where the first wirings exist. As a result, area of the semiconductor substrate bonded to a supporting body through an insulation film and a resin is increased to prevent cracks in the supporting body and separation of the semiconductor substrate from the supporting body. A slit is formed along a dicing line after forming the window, the slit is covered with a protection film and then the semiconductor substrate is diced into individual semiconductor dice. Thus, separation on a cut surface or at an edge of the semiconductor dice, which otherwise would be caused by contact of the blade in the dicing can be prevented. |
| US07919874B2 |
Chip package without core and stacked chip package structure
A chip package including a base, a chip, a molding compound and a plurality of outer terminals is provided. The base is essentially consisted of a patterned circuit layer having a first surface and a second surface opposite to each other and a solder mask disposed on the second surface, wherein the solder mask has a plurality of first openings by which part of the patterned circuit layer is exposed. The chip is disposed on the first surface and is electrically connected to the patterned circuit layer. The molding compound covers the pattern circuit layer and fixes the chip onto the patterned circuit layer. The outer terminals are disposed in the first openings and electrically connected to the patterned circuit layer. |
| US07919867B2 |
Chip structure and process for forming the same
A chip structure comprises a substrate, a first built-up layer, a passivation layer and a second built-up layer. The substrate includes many electric devices placed on a surface of the substrate. The first built-up layer is located on the substrate. The first built-up layer is provided with a first dielectric body and a first interconnection scheme, wherein the first interconnection scheme interlaces inside the first dielectric body and is electrically connected to the electric devices. The first interconnection scheme is constructed from first metal layers and plugs, wherein the neighboring first metal layers are electrically connected through the plugs. The passivation layer is disposed on the first built-up layer and is provided with openings exposing the first interconnection scheme. The second built-up layer is formed on the passivation layer. The second built-up layer is provided with a second dielectric body and a second interconnection scheme, wherein the second interconnection scheme interlaces inside the second dielectric body and is electrically connected to the first interconnection scheme. The second interconnection scheme is constructed from at least one second metal layer and at least one via metal filler, wherein the second metal layer is electrically connected to the via metal filler. The thickness, width, and cross-sectional area of the traces of the second metal layer are respectively larger than those of the first metal layers. |
| US07919865B2 |
Post passivation interconnection schemes on top of IC chip
A new method is provided for the creation of interconnect lines. Fine line interconnects are provided in a first layer of dielectric overlying semiconductor circuits that have been created in or on the surface of a substrate. A layer of passivation is deposited over the layer of dielectric, a thick second layer of dielectric is created over the surface of the layer of passivation. Thick and wide interconnect lines are created in the thick second layer of dielectric. The first layer of dielectric may also be eliminated, creating the wide thick interconnect network on the surface of the layer of passivation that has been deposited over the surface of a substrate. |
| US07919864B2 |
Forming of the last metallization level of an integrated circuit
An integrated circuit including one or several metallization levels, metal conductive strips and metal contact pads being formed on the last metallization level, the last level being covered with a passivation layer in which are formed openings above the contact pads. The thickness of the pads, at least at the level of their portions not covered by the passivation layer, is smaller than the thickness of said conductive strips. |
| US07919863B2 |
Semiconductor constructions
Some embodiments include methods of forming semiconductor constructions. Oxide is formed over a substrate, and first material is formed over the oxide. Second material is formed over the first material. The second material may be one or both of polycrystalline and amorphous silicon. A third material is formed over the second material. A pattern is transferred through the first material, second material, third material, and oxide to form openings. Capacitors may be formed within the openings. Some embodiments include semiconductor constructions in which an oxide is over a substrate, a first material is over the oxide, and a second material containing one or both of polycrystalline and amorphous silicon is over the first material. Third, fourth and fifth materials are over the second material. An opening may extend through the oxide; and through the first, second, third, fourth and fifth materials. |
| US07919853B1 |
Semiconductor package and fabrication method thereof
A semiconductor package and method of manufacture has a substrate having an aperture. A semiconductor die is positioned in the aperture of the substrate and attached to a heat spreader by a first adhesive and electrically coupled to the substrate by at least one conductive wire. The heat spreader spans the aperture and is peripherally attached to a bottom surface of the substrate by a second adhesive. An encapsulant encapsulates the aperture, the semiconductor die, and the electrically conductive wire. |
| US07919849B2 |
Package substrate and device for optical communication
A package substrate includes a laminated body having a conductor circuit and an insulating layer formed and laminated, solder resist layers formed and laminated on both sides of the laminated body, respectively, an optical element, and an optical path for transmitting an optical signal. One or more of the solder resist layers formed and laminated on the laminated body is an outermost layer which has a transmittance for light having a wavelength for communication of about 60% or more at a thickness of 30 μm. |
| US07919848B2 |
Integrated circuit package system with multiple devices
An integrated circuit package system includes: forming a die-attach paddle, an outer interconnect, and an inner interconnect toward the die-attach paddle beyond the outer interconnect; mounting an integrated circuit device over the die-attach paddle; connecting the integrated circuit device to the inner interconnect and the outer interconnect; encapsulating the integrated circuit device over the die-attach paddle; attaching an external interconnect under the outer interconnect; and attaching a circuit device under the die-attach paddle and extended laterally beyond opposite sides of the die-attach paddle. |
| US07919845B2 |
Formation of a hybrid integrated circuit device
Formation of a hybrid integrated circuit device is described. A design for the integrated circuit is obtained and separated into at least two portions responsive to component sizes. A first die is formed for a first portion of the hybrid integrated circuit device using at least in part a first minimum dimension lithography. A second die is formed for a second portion of the device using at least in part a second minimum dimension lithography, where the second die has the second minimum dimension lithography as a smallest lithography used for the forming of the second die. The first die and the second die are attached to one another via coupling interconnects respectively thereof to provide the hybrid integrated circuit device. |
| US07919836B2 |
Semiconductor device
Disclosed is a semiconductor device which includes a semiconductor chip and a base substrate. The semiconductor chip includes a semiconductor substrate, an interconnect layer and a high-frequency interconnect. The interconnect layer is provided on the substrate. The high-frequency interconnect is formed within the interconnect layer. The semiconductor chip is mounted onto the base substrate. An electromagnetic shield layer is provided between the high-frequency interconnect and the interconnect. |
| US07919835B2 |
Semiconductor device and method for manufacturing the same
The present invention provides a semiconductor device having a low-k film including an interconnect layer and a highly-reliable through-substrate contact plug. The semiconductor device includes: a semiconductor substrate having a first surface and a second surface facing each other; a first insulating film formed on the first surface of the semiconductor substrate and having a specific permittivity of 4 or higher; a circuit constituent element formed on the first surface of the semiconductor substrate and covered with the first insulating film); a contact plug formed in the first insulating film and electrically connected to the circuit constituent element; a through-substrate contact plug penetrating through the semiconductor substrate and the first insulating film; a second insulating film formed on the first insulating film and having a specific permittivity of 3.5 or lower; an interconnect layer formed in the second insulating film and electrically connected to the through-substrate contact plug and the contact plug; a first electrode formed in an exposed state and external to the second insulating film and electrically connected to the interconnect layer; and a second electrode formed in an exposed state and external to the second surface of the semiconductor substrate and electrically connected to the through-substrate contact plug. |
| US07919834B2 |
Edge seal for thru-silicon-via technology
One or more multilayer back side metallurgy (BSM) stack structures are formed on thru-silicon-vias (TSV). The multiple layers of metal may include an adhesion layer of chromium on the semiconductor wafer back side, a conductive layer of copper, diffusion barrier layer of nickel and a layer of nobel metal, such as, gold. To prevent edge attack of copper after dicing, the layer of nickel is formed to seal the copper edge. To also prevent edge attack of the layer of nickel after dicing, the layer of gold is formed to seal both the layer of copper and the layer of nickel. |
| US07919832B2 |
Stack resistor structure for integrated circuits
A resistor structure for an integrated circuit includes a first set of contacts connected between a semiconductor layer and a first conductive layer; and a second set of plugs connected between the first conductive layer and a second conductive layer, wherein the first set of contacts and the second set of plugs are coupled together as a first resistor segment to provide a predetermined resistance for the integrated circuit. |
| US07919831B2 |
Nitride semiconductor device having oxygen-doped N-type gallium nitride freestanding single crystal substrate
The present invention is a nitride semiconductor device including an n-type gallium nitride single crystal substrate, an epitaxially grown nitride film on the substrate, and electrodes deposited on a top and a bottom of the substrate. In order to produce the substrate, oxygen is doped into a gallium nitride crystal by preparing a C-plane gallium nitride seed crystal or a three-rotationally symmetric plane foreign material seed crystal, supplying material gases including gallium, nitrogen and oxygen to the C-plane gallium nitride seed crystal or the three-rotationally symmetric foreign seed crystal, growing a faceted C-plane gallium nitride bulk crystal having facets of non-C-planes on the seed crystal, maintaining the facets on the C-plane gallium nitride bulk crystal, and eliminating the seed crystal from the bulk crystal. |
| US07919830B2 |
Method and structure for ballast resistor
A method for fabricating a low-value resistor such as a ballast resistor for bipolar junction transistors. The resistor may be fabricated using layers of appropriate sheet resistance so as to achieve low resistance values in a compact layout. The method may rely on layers already provided by a conventional CMOS process flow, such as contact plugs and fully silicided (FUSI) metal gates. |
| US07919829B2 |
Liner for shallow trench isolation
A method of depositing dielectric material into sub-micron spaces and resultant structures is provided. After a trench is etched in the surface of a wafer, a silicon nitride barrier is deposited into the trench. The silicon nitride layer has a high nitrogen content near the trench walls to protect the walls. The silicon nitride layer further from the trench walls has a low nitrogen content and a high silicon content, to allow improved adhesion. The trench is then filled with a spin-on precursor. A densification or reaction process is then applied to convert the spin-on material into an insulator. The resulting trench has a well-adhered insulator which helps the insulating properties of the trench. |
| US07919828B2 |
Image sensor for reduced dark current
A method and structure for reducing dark current in an image sensor includes preventing unwanted electrons from being collected in the photosensitive region of the image sensor. In one embodiment, dark current is reduced by providing a deep n-type region having an n-type peripheral sidewall formed in a p-type substrate region underlying a pixel array region to separate the pixel array region from a peripheral circuitry region of the image sensor. The method and structure also provide improved protection from blooming. |
| US07919825B2 |
Thin film transistors with poly(arylene ether) polymers as gate dielectrics and passivation layers
The use of a poly(arylene ether) polymer as a passivation or gate dielectric layer in thin film transistors. This poly(arylene ether) polymer includes polymer repeat units of the following structure: —(O—Ar1—O—Ar2—O—)m—(—O—Ar3—O—Ar4—O)n— where Ar1, Ar2, Ar3, and Ar4 are identical or different aryl radicals, m is 0 to 1, n is 1−m, and at least one of the aryl radicals is grafted to the backbone of the polymer. |
| US07919824B2 |
Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the same
A semiconductor device includes a super junction region that has a first-conductivity-type first semiconductor pillar region and a second-conductivity-type second semiconductor pillar region alternately provided on the semiconductor substrate. The first semiconductor pillar region and the second semiconductor pillar region in a termination region have a lamination form resulting from alternate lamination of the first semiconductor pillar region and the second semiconductor pillar region on the top surface of the semiconductor substrate. The first semiconductor pillar region and/or the second semiconductor pillar region at a corner part of the termination region exhibit an impurity concentration distribution such that a plurality of impurity concentration peaks appear periodically. The first semiconductor pillar region and/or the second semiconductor pillar region at a corner part of the termination region have an impurity amount such that it becomes smaller as being closer to the circumference of the corner part. |
| US07919817B2 |
Electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection applying high voltage lightly doped drain (LDD) CMOS technologies
An electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection circuit includes a triggering diode that includes a junction between a P-grade (PG) region and an N-well. The PG region has a dopant profile equivalent to a P-drain dopant profile of a PMOS transistor having a breakdown voltage represented by V whereby the triggering diode for conducting a current when a voltage greater than the breakdown voltage V is applied. In an exemplary embodiment, the dopant profile of the PG region includes two dopant implant profiles that include a shallow implant profile with a higher dopant concentration and a deep implant profile with a lower dopant concentration. |
| US07919816B2 |
Electrostatic discharge protection element
A gate controlled fin resistance element for use as an electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection element in an electrical circuit has a fin structure having a first connection region, a second connection region and a channel region formed between the first and second connection regions. Furthermore, the fin resistance element has a gate region formed at least over a part of the surface of the channel region. The gate region is electrically coupled to a gate control device, which gate control device controls an electrical potential applied to the gate region in such a way that the gate controlled fin resistance element has a high electrical resistance during a first operating state of the electrical circuit and a lower electrical resistance during a second operating state, which is characterized by the occurrence of an ESD event. |
| US07919815B1 |
Spinel wafers and methods of preparation
Wafer suitable for semiconductor deposition application can be fabricated to have low bow, warp, total thickness variation, taper, and total indicated reading properties. The wafers can be fabricated by cutting a boule to produce rough-cut wafers, lapping the rough-cut wafers, etching the lapped wafers to remove a defect, deformation zone and relieve residual stress, and chemically mechanically polishing the etched wafers to desired finish properties. Etching can be performed by immersion in a heated etching solution comprising sulfuric acid or a mixture of sulfuric and phosphoric acids. A low pH slurry utilized in chemical mechanical polishing of the spinel wafer can comprise α-Al2O3 and an organic phosphate. |
| US07919814B2 |
Semiconductor device with integrated circuit electrically connected to a MEMS sensor by a through-electrode
As well as achieving both downsizing and thickness reduction and sensitivity improvement of a semiconductor device that has: a MEMS sensor formed by bulk micromachining technique such as an acceleration sensor and an angular rate sensor; and an LSI circuit, a packaging structure of the semiconductor device having the MEMS sensor and the LSI circuit can be simplified. An integrated circuit having MISFETs and wirings is formed on a silicon layer of an SOI substrate, and the MEMS sensor containing a structure inside is formed by processing a substrate layer of the SOI substrate. In other words, by using both surfaces of the SOI substrate, the integrated circuit and the MEMS sensor are mounted on one SOI substrate. The integrated circuit and the MEMS sensor are electrically connected to each other by a through-electrode provided in the SOI substrate. |
| US07919811B2 |
Semiconductor device and method for manufacturing same
A semiconductor device includes a second-conductivity-type base region provided on a first-conductivity-type semiconductor layer, a first-conductivity-type source region provided on the second-conductivity-type base region, a gate insulating film covering an inner wall of a trench which passes through the second-conductivity-type base region and reaching the first-conductivity-type semiconductor layer, a gate electrode buried in the trench via the gate insulating film, and a second-conductivity-type region being adjacent to the second-conductivity-type base region below the first-conductivity-type source region, spaced from the gate insulating film, and having a higher impurity concentration than the second-conductivity-type base region. c≧d is satisfied, where d is a depth from an upper surface of the first-conductivity-type source region to a lower end of the gate electrode, and c is a depth from an upper surface of the first-conductivity-type source region to a lower surface of the second-conductivity-type base region. |
| US07919806B2 |
Nonvolatile semiconductor memory device and fabrication method therefor
Disclosed herein is a nonvolatile semiconductor memory device, including a memory transistor. The memory transistor has a channel formation region defined between two source and drain regions formed on a semiconductor substrate a bottom insulating film, a charge storage film and a top insulating film formed in order at least on the channel formation region, the charge storage film having a charge storage function, and a gate electrode formed on the top insulating film. The bottom insulating film is formed from a plurality of films containing nitrogen such that the content of nitrogen of a lowermost one of the films which contacts with the channel formation region and an uppermost one of the films which contacts with the gate electrode is higher than that of the other one or ones of the films which exist between the uppermost and lowermost films. |
| US07919804B2 |
Power distribution for high-speed integrated circuits
An improved technique for power distribution for use by high speed integrated circuit devices. A mixture of high dielectric constant, Er and low Er materials are used in a dielectric layer sandwiched between the voltage and ground planes of a printed circuit board that is used to fixture one or more integrated circuit devices. The low Er material is used in an area contained by the location of the integrated circuit device and its corresponding decoupling capacitors located nearby. High Er material is used in areas between the regions of low Er material. The low Er material improves that speed at which current from an adjoining decoupling capacitor can propagate to a power pin of the integrated circuit device. The high Er material mitigates cross-coupling of noise between the low Er regions. |
| US07919799B2 |
Semiconductor device and semiconductor device manufacturing method
A semiconductor device including a semiconductor substrate having a logic formation region where a logic device is formed; a first impurity region formed in an upper surface of the semiconductor substrate in the logic formation region; a second impurity region formed in an upper surface of the semiconductor substrate in the logic formation region; a third impurity region formed in an upper surface of the first impurity region and having a conductivity type different from that of the second impurity region; a fourth region formed in an upper surface of the second impurity region and having a conductivity type different from that of the second impurity region; a first silicide film formed in an upper surface of the third impurity region; a second silicide film formed in an upper surface of the fourth impurity region and having a larger thickness than the first silicide film. |
| US07919796B2 |
Image sensor and method of manufacturing the same
Provided is an image sensor. The image sensor includes a semiconductor substrate, an interlayer dielectric, metal interconnections, a first electrode, a lower electrode, a second electrode, and a photodiode. The semiconductor substrate has at least one transistor thereon. The interlayer dielectric is on the semiconductor substrate. The metal interconnections pass through the interlayer dielectric. The first electrode is in the interlayer dielectric between the metal interconnections. The lower electrode is on the interlayer dielectric to connect to the metal interconnection. The second electrode is on the interlayer dielectric at a position corresponding to the first electrode, and a gap region is between the second electrode and the lower electrode. The photodiode is on the interlayer dielectric with the lower electrode and the second electrode. |
| US07919795B2 |
Wire structure, method for fabricating wire, thin film transistor substrate, and method for fabricating the thin film transistor substrate
Provided are a wire structure, a method for fabricating a wire, a thin film transistor (TFT) substrate and a method for fabricating a TFT substrate. The wire structure includes a barrier layer formed on a substrate and including copper, copper solid solution layer. |
| US07919791B2 |
Doped group III-V nitride materials, and microelectronic devices and device precursor structures comprising same
A Group III-V nitride microelectronic device structure including a delta doped layer and/or a doped superlattice. A delta doping method is described, including the steps of: depositing semiconductor material on a substrate by a first epitaxial film growth process; terminating the deposition of semiconductor material on the substrate to present an epitaxial film surface; delta doping the semiconductor material at the epitaxial film surface, to form a delta doping layer thereon; terminating the delta doping; resuming deposition of semiconductor material to deposit semiconductor material on the delta doping layer, in a second epitaxial film growth process; and continuing the semiconductor material second epitaxial film growth process to a predetermined extent, to form a doped microelectronic device structure, wherein the delta doping layer is internalized in semiconductor material deposited in the first and second epitaxial film growth processes. |
| US07919784B2 |
Semiconductor light-emitting device and method for making same
One embodiment of the present invention provides a semiconductor light-emitting device, which comprises: an upper cladding layer; a lower cladding layer; an active layer between the upper and lower cladding layers; an upper ohmic-contact layer forming a conductive path to the upper cladding layer; and a lower ohmic-contact layer forming a conductive path the lower cladding layer. The lower ohmic-contact layer has a shape substantially different from the shape of the upper ohmic-contact layer, thereby diverting a carrier flow away from a portion of the active layer which is substantially below the upper ohmic-contact layer when a voltage is applied to the upper and lower ohmic-contact layers. |
| US07919783B2 |
Light-emitting element and light-emitting device employing the same
An object is to provide a white light-emitting element which emits broad white light which is close to natural light and covers a wide wavelength range; that is, a white light-emitting element which has a broad spectrum waveform. Further, there are various different kinds of white light; however, in particular, an object is to provide a white light-emitting element which emits white light which is close to the standard white color of the NTSC. Over a substrate 100, a second light-emitting element 110 and a first light-emitting element 120 are stacked in series. The first light-emitting element 120 exhibits a light emission spectrum having two peaks (two peaks in the blue to green wavelength range) and is disposed close to a film of light-reflecting material. The second light-emitting element 110 exhibits a light emission spectrum having a peak in the orange to red wavelength range, and is disposed in a position which is not close to the film of light-reflecting material. |
| US07919779B2 |
Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing thereof
The manufacturing method of a semiconductor device according to the present invention comprises steps of forming a metal film, an insulating film, and an amorphous semiconductor film in sequence over a first substrate; crystallizing the metal film and the amorphous semiconductor film; forming a first semiconductor element by using the crystallized semiconductor film as an active region; attaching a support to the first semiconductor element by using an adhesive; causing separation between the metal film and the insulating film; attaching a second substrate to the separated insulating film; separating the support by removing the adhesive; forming an amorphous semiconductor film over the first semiconductor element; and forming a second semiconductor element using the amorphous semiconductor film as an active region. |
| US07919778B2 |
Making organic thin film transistor array panels
An organic thin film transistor (OTFT) array panel for a display device includes a gate line and a pixel electrode formed on a substrate, the gate line and pixel electrode each having a first conductive layer including a transparent conductive oxide and a second conductive layer including a metal, a data line crossing the gate line and including a source electrode, a drain electrode facing the source electrode and connected with the pixel electrode, and an organic semiconductor in contact with the source electrode and the drain electrode. |
| US07919777B2 |
Bottom gate thin film transistor and method of manufacturing the same
A method of manufacturing a bottom gate thin film transistor (“TFT”) in which a polycrystalline channel region having a large grain size is formed relatively simply and easily. The method of manufacturing a bottom gate thin film transistor includes forming a bottom gate electrode on a substrate, forming a gate insulating layer on the substrate to cover the bottom gate electrode, forming an amorphous semiconductor layer, an N-type semiconductor layer and an electrode layer on the gate insulating layer sequentially, etching an electrode region and an N-type semiconductor layer region formed on the bottom gate electrode sequentially to expose an amorphous semiconductor layer region, melting the amorphous semiconductor layer region using a laser annealing method, and crystallizing the melted amorphous semiconductor layer region to form a laterally grown polycrystalline channel region. |
| US07919775B2 |
Semiconductor device and method comprising a high voltage reset driver and an isolated memory array
A method of operating a semiconductor device, a semiconductor device and a digital micromirror system are presented. In an embodiment, the semiconductor device comprises a grounded substrate, a memory array, and a reset driver. The memory array may be isolated from the grounded substrate with a buried layer. The set of voltages of the memory array may be shifted with respect to a reset voltage. The reset driver may drive the reset voltage and the reset driver may have at least one extended drain transistor in the grounded substrate. |
| US07919773B2 |
Aromatic amine compound, and light-emitting element, light-emitting device, and electronic appliance using the aromatic amine compound
An object of the present invention is to provide a novel aromatic amine compound, and a light-emitting element, a light-emitting device, and an electronic appliance with high luminous efficiency. An aromatic amine compound expressed by General Formula (1) and a light-emitting element, a light-emitting device, and an electronic appliance formed using the aromatic amine compound expressed by General Formula (1) are provided. By the use of the aromatic amine compound expressed by General Formula (1), the light-emitting element, the light-emitting device, and the electronic appliance can have high luminous efficiency. |
| US07919772B2 |
Semiconductor device and manufacturing method thereof
A nonvolatile memory has a problem in that applied voltage is high. This is because a carrier needs to be injected into a floating gate through an insulating film by a tunneling effect. In addition, there is concern about deterioration of the insulating film by performing such carrier injection. An object of the present invention is to provide a memory in which applied voltage is lowered and deterioration of an insulating film is prevented. One feature is to use a layer in which an inorganic compound having a charge-transfer complex is mixed with an organic compound as a layer functioning as a floating gate of a memory. A specific example is an element having a transistor structure where a layer in which an inorganic compound having a charge-transfer complex is mixed with an organic compound and which is sandwiched between insulating layers is used as a floating gate. |
| US07919770B2 |
Substituted benzazoloporphyrazines for polymerization and surface attachment and articles formed therefrom
The present invention provides an article of manufacture formed from a substrate and a benzazoloporphyrazine bound to the substrate. The article may take a variety of different forms and may be for example an electrochromic display, a molecular capacitor, a battery, a solar cell, or a molecular memory device. Methods of making such articles, along with compounds, methods and intermediates useful for making such benzazoloporphyrazines, are also described. |
| US07919769B2 |
Three-dimensional illuminators
An exemplary illuminator includes a first electrode, a second electrode, and a light-emitting chip. The light-emitting chip includes light-emitting layers arranged three-dimensionally. The first and second electrodes are configured for providing different voltages to the light-emitting chip, and the light-emitting chip is capable of emitting light simultaneously along all dimensional axes. |
| US07919767B2 |
Semiconductor memory device and fabrication method thereof
A semiconductor memory device comprises a heater electrode, a phase change portion, a heat insulation portion and an upper electrode. The phase change portion comprises a concave portion and a contact portion. The concave portion is in contact with the heater electrode. The contact portion is formed integrally with the concave portion. The heat insulation portion is formed in the concave portion. The upper electrode is formed on the contact portion and the heat insulation portion so that the heat insulation portion is positioned between the concave portion and the upper electrode. |
| US07919761B2 |
Fluorescence observation apparatus
Clearly observing the state of an examination site is made by sufficiently suppressing the influence of residues. Fluorescence observation apparatus includes: a light source emits excitation light for irradiating the vicinity of an examination site; a fluorescence information acquisition unit acquires information about fluorescence emitted from the vicinity of the examination site through the irradiation with the excitation light from the light source; a residue fluorescence information acquisition unit acquires information about fluorescence emitted from residues selectively dyed with a fluorescent dye, through the irradiation with the excitation light from the light source; and a fluorescence information correction unit generates fluorescence information about the examination site in which the fluorescence from the residues is suppressed, based on the fluorescence information from the vicinity of the examination site, acquired by the fluorescence information acquisition unit, and the fluorescence information from the residues, acquired by the residue fluorescence information acquisition unit. |
| US07919757B2 |
Radiation detector
A thin radiation detector with a high sensitivity is described. The radiation detector has light receiving elements receiving lights emitted by scintillators, performs a photoelectric conversion by using an avalanche multiplication film formed by amorphous selenium, and reads signals by using electron beams constantly discharged from a plurality of electron beam emitting sources called as a field emission array. The avalanche multiplication film formed by amorphous selenium is quite thin and has a simple structure, so it can be formed compactly and realized at a low cost. In addition, a signal amplification degree is approximately 1000 times, so an expensive low noise amplifier or a dedicated temperature adjusting mechanism is not required, and a quantum efficiency is sufficient for a wavelength of 300˜400 nm. |
| US07919756B2 |
Gamma image detection device
The invention provides a detection device and a method of making a gamma detection image.The detection device comprises a gamma camera and an additional camera, that can make an image of the object outside the gamma detection space. Through correlating the positions of the object with respect to the first and the second camera, the images therefrom may also be correlated.The correlation of the images allows quick and accurate navigation through the object. |
| US07919750B2 |
Electron gun, electron beam exposure apparatus, and exposure method
An electron gun includes an electron source configured to emit electrons. The electron source includes an electron emission region configured to emit the electrons and an electron emission restrictive region configured to restrict emission of the electrons. The electron emission restrictive region is located on a side surface of the electron source except an electron emission surface on a tip of the electron source and is covered with a different material from the electron source. The electron gun emits thermal field-emitted electrons by applying an electric field to the tip while maintaining a sufficiently low temperature to avoid sublimation of a material of the electron source. The material of the electron source may be lanthanum hexaboride (LaB6) or cerium hexaboride (CeB6). The electron emission restrictive region may be covered with carbon. |
| US07919740B2 |
Wing-unfolding apparatus, folding wing assembly, and vehicle with folding wing assemblies
An apparatus for wing unfolding is particularly suited for an airborne vehicle. The apparatus has a base body with a longitudinal axis, a number of moveable flaps, and a number of lateral recesses. Attachment devices are configured for fitting the base body to an end face of a wing, with the one or more moveable flap being formed to influence a drag of the wing. Each lateral recess is designed for self-detachable attachment of the base body to the wing. Furthermore, a folding wing is specified, in particular for an airborne vehicle, having a wing, having a swiveling mechanism for extension of the wing to a limit position, having a wing pocket for holding the wing on the longitudinal side in the retracted state, and having an apparatus, which is arranged at the end, for wing unfolding of the type already known. A flying object, such as a guided missile, has a number of such folding wing assemblies. |
| US07919737B2 |
High-speed cooking oven with optimized cooking efficiency
The present invention is directed to improving the conventional high-speed cooking oven based on a combination of hot air impingement and microwave heating by providing a time-dependent spatial variation in the net air impingement and/or net microwave energy applied to the food product in the oven. This is aimed at optimizing heat transfer and microwave efficiencies in a high-speed cooking oven, thereby enabling the oven to deliver an optimal cooking efficiency in comparison to the conventional high-speed cooking oven. In addition, under the present invention, the cooking efficiency may be further optimized by dimensioning the nozzles for hot air impingement to tighten impingement plumes, subject to the space constraint of the oven's cooking chamber, and dimensioning the cooking chamber of the oven in integer multiples of the wavelength of the microwave energy to match the microwave load. With the optimized cooking efficiency provided by the present invention, the high speed cooking technology may now be extended to ovens operating on a power supply based on a voltage less than 220 volts, preferably between 110 and 125 volts, with more productive results, so that the high-speed cooking technology may find a wider applicability and customer base. |
| US07919734B2 |
Method for manufacturing ceramic heater and ceramic heater
A ceramic heater includes a core material and a ceramic sheet covering the core material, and wherein a side of the ceramic sheet opposite the core material is an outer side of the ceramic heater. A method for manufacturing the ceramic heater includes forming a through hole in a ceramic sheet which is diametrically enlarged from a first surface toward a second surface of the ceramic sheet, forming a via conductor, forming on the second surface a heating portion and lead portion for connecting the heating portion and the via conductor, and covering a core material with the ceramic sheet such that the first surface faces an outer side of the ceramic heater. |
| US07919729B2 |
Heating vessel
A heating vessel comprises a bottom portion made of conductive material and perimeter wall extending upward from the bottom portion to form a perimeter and covers the vessel such as to form a cavity. The perimeter wall comprises an outer wall and an inner wall, and at least an adiabatic portion defined between the outer wall and the inner wall, which is as an adiabatic layer. The dimension of the inner wall is less than the outer wall. The inner wall is connected to the bottom. |
| US07919728B2 |
Welding current controlling method in arc welding process using consumable electrode upon detection of constriction
A welding current controlling method is provided for an arc welding process using a consumable electrode and including an alternate repetition of a short-circuiting state and an arc generating state occurring between the consumable electrode and a base material. In the method, a neck detection is performed for the molten electrode in the short-circuiting period of time to determine if a new arc is established between the consumable electrode and the base material. Upon detection of the neck, the welding current is sharply decreased. After the new arc is established, the welding current is increased from a low level to a high level with a predetermined inclination selected for reducing vibration to the molten pool. |
| US07919719B2 |
Dome contact used in pushbutton switch
A dome contact (32) for pushbutton switches (300) includes a diaphragm (33) having a reversible dome portion (331), and a bump (34) projecting from a central portion of a convex surface of the dome portion. A method for fabricating the dome contact includes steps of: providing a diaphragm formed by injection molding or screen printing; and forming a bump on a central portion of a convex surface of the diaphragm via thermal extrusion laminating technology of rapid prototyping technology. |
| US07919716B2 |
Printed wiring board and electronic apparatus
According to one embodiment, a printed wiring board includes an insulating layer, a first conductor pattern on the insulating layer configured to be a signal line, and a second conductor pattern on the insulating layer. The second conductor pattern includes a larger conductor area than the first conductor pattern, and a slit which allows the second conductor pattern to stretch to follow a thermal expansion of the insulating layer. |
| US07919713B2 |
Low noise oximetry cable including conductive cords
In an embodiment, one or more conductive cable cords are twisted with the sensitive signal carrying cables. The cords may advantageously comprise dummy wires, or very flexible hollow cables without an inner conductor. As the conductive cords do not carry and inner conductor, the conductive cords are individually flexible and small, resulting in a twisted bundle that more is flexible while potentially having a smaller outer diameter. |
| US07919707B2 |
Musical sound identification
Systems and methods for identifying musical sounds are provided. In one implementation, a method includes receiving a collection of sound identifiers. Each sound identifier in the collection identifies a sound. Each sound identifier is associated with a corresponding audio representation. The collection of sound identifiers is used to construct a hierarchy of sound identifiers where each sound identifier appears only once in the hierarchy of sound identifiers. The hierarchy of sound identifiers is arranged according to a musical similarity between the sounds identified by the collection of sound identifiers. A selection of a first sound identifier is received. The first audio representation corresponding to the first sound identified by the first sound identifier is unavailable. The second sound identifier identifies a second sound that is musically similar to the first sound identified by the first sound identifier. An available second audio representation corresponding to a second sound identifier is provided. |
| US07919705B2 |
Music training system
A method and apparatus for displaying a sheet of music, which may include providing an image of the sheet of music on an electronic storage media; transmitting the image from the electronic storage media into a system processor; showing the image on a display; and electronically scrolling lines of the music image as a musician plays each line on an instrument. Optionally, the apparatus may include a storage media into which a music sheet is scanned to form an image; a system processor for storing and processing the image from the storage media; and an electronic display for displaying the image while the musician plays the music from the image. |
| US07919704B2 |
Voice signal blocker, talk assisting system using the same and musical instrument equipped with the same
A talk assisting system has a vibration sensor for detecting tones produced through a musical instrument and a signal interrupter connected between a microphone and a sound system; while a player is fingering a music tune on the musical instrument, pieces of vibration data express a wide amplitude of the vibrations, and a tone discriminator changes a state signal to an active high level; and the signal interrupter is responsive to the state signal so as to block the sound system from the voice signal, whereby the tones are not mixed with the voice. |
| US07919702B2 |
Apparatus and method of displaying infinitely small divisions of measurement
The present disclosure relates to a system and method for visualization of precise levels of measurement. In one embodiment, labels are placed around the perimeter of a circle. The difference between a target quantity and a measured quantity is visualized by displaying a line between two of the labels. In some embodiments, the lines representing the intervals are color coded with a different color for each of a chosen set of intervals. In other embodiments, a series of concentric circles are used, with the color within each circle indicating a level of measurement within a given range of measurement. |
| US07919700B2 |
Kalimba system
A musical instrument held and played by hand such as a kalimba having a hollow sound chamber and an angled footing mounting on an outer surface of the sound chamber. A plurality of interchangeable one piece key plate mounted to the angled footing each key plate including a plurality of keys, each key having a length corresponding to a permanent preset musical tone or note. Each interchangeable key plate can have a set of musical sounds different from other key plates such that a musician can change key plates to change the style of music played, or to suit the desired educational environment. |
| US07919697B1 |
Maize variety PHROC
A novel maize variety designated PHR0C and seed, plants and plant parts thereof. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprise crossing maize variety PHR0C with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PHR0C through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. Hybrid maize seed, plant or plant part produced by crossing the variety PHR0C or a trait conversion of PHR0C with another maize variety. Inbred maize varieties derived from maize variety PHR0C, methods for producing other inbred maize varieties derived from maize variety PHR0C and the inbred maize varieties and their parts derived by the use of those methods. |
| US07919694B1 |
Maize variety PHR1C
A novel maize variety designated PHR1C and seed, plants and plant parts thereof. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprise crossing maize variety PHR1C with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PHR1C through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. Hybrid maize seed, plant or plant part produced by crossing the variety PHR1C or a trait conversion of PHR1C with another maize variety. Inbred maize varieties derived from maize variety PHR1C, methods for producing other inbred maize varieties derived from maize variety PHR1C and the inbred maize varieties and their parts derived by the use of those methods. |
| US07919690B2 |
Cotton variety 05Y067
The invention relates to the novel cotton variety designated 05Y067. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants, plant parts and derivatives of the cotton variety 05Y067. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the cotton variety 05Y067 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing cotton plants by crossing the cotton variety 05Y067 with itself or another cotton variety and plants produced by such methods. |
| US07919687B1 |
Soybean variety XB38N08
According to the invention, there is provided a novel soybean variety designated XB38N08. This invention thus relates to the seeds of soybean variety XB38N08, to the plants of soybean XB38N08 to plant parts of soybean variety XB38N08 and to methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing plants of the soybean variety XB38N08 with another soybean plant, using XB38N08 as either the male or the female parent. |
| US07919676B2 |
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. |
| US07919675B2 |
Marker mapping and resistance gene associations in soybean
The invention provides novel molecular genetic markers in soybean, where the markers are useful, for example, in the marker-assisted selection of gene alleles that impart disease-resistance, thereby allowing the identification and selection of a disease-resistant plant. The markers also find use in positional cloning of disease-resistance genes. |
| US07919671B2 |
Method for testing a compound for a therapeutic effect and a diagnostic method
A method for testing compound for a therapeutic effect utilizing a non-human animal or cell having disruption in the prostatic acid phosphatase gene resulting in a decrease or absence in the activity or the level of prostatic acid phosphatase. The compound may be used for treating disorders related to unbalanced phosphatidylinositol phosphate cascade or signaling pathway. Diagnostic methods and methods for treating the disorders with therapeutic compounds or by gene therapy are also disclosed. |
| US07919667B1 |
Absorbent products and methods of preparation thereof
An improved absorbency material for absorbency applications comprised of a cellulosic fibrous material wherein said cellulosic fibrous material such as pulp is a cold alkali solution treated material at a treatment temperature of less than about 50° C.; a process for improving absorbency and other characteristics of said pulp. |
| US07919661B2 |
Method for production of styrene from toluene and syngas
A method for the production of styrene comprising reacting toluene and syngas in one or more reactors is disclosed. |
| US07919657B2 |
Process for dehydration of hexafluoroacetone hydrate
To provide a process for producing anhydrous hexafluoroacetone from hexafluoroacetone hydrate. To provide a process taking environment into consideration, that does not require a treatment of wastes, such as waste sulfuric acid, containing organic substances, which is inevitable in processes conducted hitherto using concentrated sulfuric acid, fuming sulfuric acid, and the like.A process for dehydrating a hexafluoroacetone hydrate, comprising introducing a hexafluoroacetone hydrate and hydrogen fluoride either as a mixture or separately into a distillation column, obtaining a composition containing hexafluoroacetone or a hexafluoroacetone-hydrogen fluoride adduct and hydrogen fluoride as a low boiling component, and obtaining a composition containing water and hydrogen fluoride as a high boiling component. |
| US07919655B2 |
Method for producing an amine
Processes comprising: (i) providing a reactant selected from the group consisting of primary alcohols, secondary alcohols, aldehydes, ketones and mixtures thereof; and (ii) reacting the reactant with hydrogen and a nitrogen compound selected from the group consisting of ammonia, primary amines, secondary amines and mixtures thereof, in the presence of a catalyst comprising a zirconium dioxide- and nickel-containing catalytically active composition, to form an amine; wherein the catalytically active composition, prior to reduction with hydrogen, comprises oxygen compounds of zirconium, copper, and nickel, and one or more oxygen compounds of one or more metals selected from the group consisting of Sb, Pb, Bi, and In. |
| US07919651B2 |
Positive resist composition, method of forming resist pattern, polymeric compound, and compound
A compound represented by general formula (I) shown below; and a polymeric compound having a structural unit (a0) represented by general formula (a0-1) shown below: wherein R1 represents a hydrogen atom, a lower alkyl group or a halogenated lower alkyl group; A represents a divalent hydrocarbon group of 2 or more carbon atoms which may have a substituent; B represents a divalent hydrocarbon group of 1 or more carbon atoms which may have a substituent; and R2 represents an acid dissociable, dissolution inhibiting group. |
| US07919647B2 |
Selective androgen receptor modulators and methods of use thereof
This invention provides a class of androgen receptor targeting agents. The agents define a new subclass of compounds, which are selective androgen receptor modulators (SARM). |
| US07919645B2 |
High shear system and process for the production of acetic anhydride
A system and method for a high shear mechanical device incorporated into a process for the production of acetic anhydride as a reactor device is shown to be capable of decreasing mass transfer limitations, thereby enhancing the process. A system for the production of acetic anhydride including the mixing of catalyst and acetic acid via a high shear device. |
| US07919637B2 |
Fluorine-containing spiroacetal compound and method of producing the same
A fluorine-containing spiroacetal compound represented by the following formula (A): wherein X represents >C(CF3)(Y) or >C═CF2, in which Y represents —CF2OCOR1, —COOR2, —COF, or —CH2OR3, R1 represents an alkyl or cycloalkyl group having at least one fluorine atom, R2 represents a hydrogen atom, an alkali metal, an alkaline earth metal, an alkyl group, or a cycloalkyl group and R3 represents a hydrogen atom or an acyl group; wherein the alkyl or cycloalkyl group for R1 may have a substituent other than fluorine atom; the alkyl or cycloalkyl group for R2 may have a substituent; and the acyl group for R3 may have a substituent. |
| US07919630B2 |
Synthesis of imidazole 2-thiones via thiohydantoins
The present invention provides a method of making an imidazole 2-thione which comprises the step(s) of reducing a thiohydantoin to said imidazole-2-thione. |
| US07919621B2 |
Tricyclic inhibitors of 5-lipoxygenase
Described herein are compounds and pharmaceutical compositions containing such compounds, which inhibit the activity of 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO). Also described herein are methods of using such 5-LO inhibitors, alone and in combination with other compounds, for treating respiratory, cardiovascular, and other leukotriene-dependent or leukotriene mediated conditions, diseases, or disorders. |
| US07919620B2 |
Agent for suppressing blood pressure elevation
The antihypertensive agent of the present invention contains a soluble silicon compound. The soluble silicon compound is preferably metasilicic acid or a salt thereof. In one embodiment, the antihypertensive agent of the present invention contains deep sea water containing the soluble silicon compound, or a dried product of such deep sea water. It is preferred that in such embodiment, the antihypertensive agent further contains metasilicic acid or a salt thereof. The amount of silicon present in the deep sea water in the form of silicic acid (SiO2—Si) is 25 μM or more. The deep sea water is typically collected at a depth of 300 m or deeper, and preferably at a depth of 600 m or deeper. |
| US07919617B2 |
Cytokine inhibitors
The present invention provides low molecular weight compounds useful as cytokine inhibitors, and compositions thereof. In particular, compounds of the invention are useful as anti-inflammatory agents. There are further provided methods for the preparation of such agents and their use in preventing or treating conditions mediated by cytokines such as arthritis. |
| US07919616B2 |
Carbapenem compound
The present invention relates to a carbapenem compound represented by formula (Ia) shown below: The carbapenem compound preferably has a crystalline form, and more preferably, the crystalline form has a powder X-ray diffraction pattern with peaks at 15.64, 9.93, 6.83, 6.52, 5.44, 5.01, 4.72, 4.50, 4.33, 4.24, 3.98, 3.85, 3.57, 3.41, 3.31, 3.10 2.76, and 2.67 as d-spacings (Å). |
| US07919613B2 |
RNAi modulation of SCAP and therapeutic uses thereof
The invention relates to a double-stranded ribonucleic acid (dsRNA) for inhibiting the expression of a SCAP gene (Human SCAP gene), comprising an antisense strand having a nucleotide sequence which is less that 30 nucleotides in length, generally 19-25 nucleotides in length, and which is substantially complementary to at least a part of a SCAP gene. The invention also relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising the dsRNA together with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier; methods for treating diseases caused by Human SCAP expression and the expression of a SCAP gene using the pharmaceutical composition; and methods for inhibiting the expression of a SCAP gene in a cell. |
| US07919612B2 |
2′-substituted oligomeric compounds and compositions for use in gene modulations
Compositions comprising first and second oligomers are provided wherein at least a portion of the first oligomer is capable of hybridizing with at least a portion of the second oligomer, at least a portion of the first oligomer is complementary to and capable of hybridizing to a selected target nucleic acid, and at least one of the first or second oligomers includes a modified sugar and/or backbone modification. In some embodiments the modification is a 2′ substituent group on a sugar moiety that is not H or OH. Oligomer/protein compositions are also provided comprising an oligomer complementary to and capable of hybridizing to a selected target nucleic acid and at least one protein comprising at least a portion of an RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC), wherein at least one nucleotide of the oligomer has a modified sugar and/or backbone modification. |
| US07919608B2 |
Nucleic acid molecules and other molecules associated with plants
Expressed Sequence Tags (ESTs) isolated from maize are disclosed. The ESTs provide a unique molecular tool for the targeting and isolation of novel genes for plant protection and improvement. The disclosed ESTs have utility in the development of new strategies for understanding critical plant developmental and metabolic pathways. The disclosed ESTs have particular utility in isolating genes and promoters, identifying and mapping the genes involved in developmental and metabolic pathways, and determining gene function. Sequence homology analyses using the ESTs provided in the present invention, will result in more efficient gene screening for desirable agronomic traits. An expanding database of these select pieces of the plant genomics puzzle will quickly expand the knowledge necessary for subsequent functional validation, a key limitation in current plant biotechnology efforts. |
| US07919606B2 |
Biological products
There is disclosed antibody molecules containing at least one CDR derived from a mouse monoclonal antibody having specificity for human CD22. There is also disclosed a CDR grafted antibody wherein at least one of the CDRs is a modified CDR. Further disclosed are DNA sequences encoding the chains of the antibody molecules, vectors, transformed host cells and uses of the antibody molecules in the treatment of diseases mediated by cells expressing CD22. |
| US07919597B2 |
Method of producing cell extract for cell-free protein synthesis
A cell extract for cell-free protein synthesis is produced by removing substances, which bind to an affinity support to be used in purification or interaction analysis, from a cell extract having protein synthetic activity. Then, a target protein is synthesized by using the cell extract for cell-free protein synthesis. The synthesized target protein can be purified by using the affinity support and used in interaction analysis. |
| US07919593B2 |
Human antibodies to human delta like ligand 4
An isolated human antibody or a fragment of a human antibody which specifically binds to human delta-like ligand 4 (hDll4) and blocks hDll4 binding to a Notch receptor. The human anti-hDll4 antibody or antibody fragment binds hDll4 with an affinity of ≦500 pM, as measured by surface plasmon resonance. |
| US07919592B2 |
Method for separating off viruses from a protein solution by means of nanofiltration
A method for separating off viruses from a protein solution by nanofiltration, comprising adding to the protein solution at least one ingredient chosen from chaotropic substances chosen from arginine, guanidine, citrulline, urea and derivatives thereof and salts thereof, and compounds chosen from polyethoxysorbitan esters and derivatives thereof, prior to the nanofiltration, in order to decrease or prevent aggregation of the protein molecules, and then filtering the solution through a filter having a pore size ranging from 15 nm to less than 35 nm. |
| US07919591B2 |
Modified human plasma polypeptide or Fc scaffolds and their uses
Modified human plasma polypeptides or Fc and uses thereof are provided. |
| US07919589B2 |
Method for removing endotoxin from proteins
Disclosed is a method for removing endotoxin from proteins. Also disclosed are products made by using the method. The method may be used, for example, to produce endotoxin-free lactoferrin. Bovine milk-derived lactoferrin may be produced in commercial quantities by the method, and endotoxin-free bovine lactoferrin may be used for a variety of therapeutic uses, including improving wound healing. |
| US07919588B2 |
Netrin receptors
The invention provides methods and compositions relating to vertebrate UNC-5 proteins which function as receptor proteins for netrins, a family of cell guidance proteins. The proteins may be produced recombinantly from transformed host cells from the disclosed vertebrate UNC-5 encoding nucleic acid or purified from human cells. The invention provides specific hybridization probes and primers capable of specifically hybridizing with the disclosed vertebrate unc-5 gene, vertebrate UNC-5-specific binding agents such as specific antibodies, and methods of making and using the subject compositions in diagnosis, therapy and in the biopharmaceutical industry. |
| US07919587B2 |
Isolated aquaporin in its closed conformation
The invention relates to an isolated aquaporin having a bound ligand, wherein said ligand close the conformation of said aquaporin and inhibit and/or reduce water transport of said aquaporin, and/or a high resolution structure of an isolated aquaporin in a closed conformation characterized by the coordinates deposited at the Protein Data Bank ID:1Z98 and as set forth in Appendix 1, a crystal of said isolated aquaporin as well as the coordinates defining said crystal and the use of said aquaporin, and the use of the high-resolution structure as defined by the coordinates deposited at PDB ID:1Z98 and as set forth in Appendix 1, and a method to produce said aquaporin. |
| US07919583B2 |
Integration-site directed vector systems
Some aspects of the application describe materials and methods for making a molecular tether. A molecular tether, in certain embodiments, includes a target-DNA-binding domain having a specific binding affinity for a target-DNA segment in a host chromosome, a carrier-binding domain that specifically binds to a DNA segment on a carrier, and a spacer covalently bonded to the target DNA-binding domain and the carrier-binding domain. |
| US07919581B2 |
Bi-dentate compounds as kinase inhibitors
The present invention provides compound having the general structure A or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof: Het-L-P (A) wherein Het is an aromatic moiety comprising a heterocyclic structure mimicking ATP, P is a docking site derived peptide or a docking site peptide mimetic, and L is a linking moiety, wherein L links the ATP mimetic to the docking site peptide moiety. The compounds having the general structure A can serve as inhibitors of kinases, such as the kinases JNK, Erk and p38. |
| US07919580B2 |
Polysaccharide-protein binding model and nano-fibril formation of a starch binding domain
A polysaccharide-protein binding model of SBD, and a fibril-forming 14-residue peptide consisting of X1NNNX2X3NYQX4X5X6X7X8, wherein the X1 and X8 mean a pair of opposite charged amino acid residues, and the X2, X3, X4, X5, X6, or X7 means an amino acid residue is described. A mixture for diminising a polysaccharide, comprising at least two starch binding domains (SBDs) and a polysaccharide in a helix form is also presented. A method of providing an oligosaccharide, and a method of producing an amyloid-like fibril and use thereof are further described. |
| US07919579B2 |
Imaging and therapeutic targeting of prostate and bladder tissues
The present invention provides methods for imaging and the treatment of cancer. In certain embodiments, a polyarginine (e.g., R11) may be used to selectively image prostate or bladder cells (e.g., a metastatic prostate cancer). In other embodiments, a DOC-2/DAB2 peptide, optionally conjugated to a cell permeable peptide (e.g., R11) may be used to treat a cancer, such as prostate cancer. |
| US07919578B2 |
Methods and compositions for inhibition of BCL6 repression
Provided are peptides or mimetics that block corepressor binding to a BCL6 lateral groove. Also provided are methods of blocking corepressor binding to the BCL6 lateral groove. Additionally, methods of inhibiting BCL6 repression in a mammalian, cell, and methods of treating a mammal with cancer are provided. |
| US07919575B2 |
Starter feed stream acidification in DMC-catalyzed process
The process of the present invention provides for the manufacture of lower molecular weight DMC-catalyzed polyols than is possible using non-acidified continuous addition of starter (CAOS) feeds, by adding excess acid to a starter feed stream over that required for mere neutralization of the basicity of the starter. The benefits of the invention also extend to starters which do not contain basicity. Polyether polyols made by the inventive process may be used to produce improved polyurethane products such as coatings, adhesives, sealants, elastomers, foams and the like. |
| US07919571B2 |
Polybutadiene as well as rubber composition using the same and tire
This invention provides a polybutadiene capable of improving wear resistance and resistance to crack growth in a rubber composition and a tire, wherein values of e, f and g derived from the following determinant (I): ( 1.7455 0 - 0.0151 - 0.0454 0.4292 - 0.0129 - 0.007 0 0.3746 ) ( log 10 ( a / d ) log 10 ( a / b ) log 10 ( a / c ) ) = ( e f g ) ( I ) (wherein a is a mountain peak value around 1130 cm−1 in a transmittance spectrum through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and b is a valley peak value around 967 cm−1, and c is a valley peak value around 911 cm−1, and d is a valley peak value around 736 cm−1) satisfy relationships of equation (II): (Calculated value of cis-1,4 bond)=e/(e+f+g)×100≧99 and equation (III): (Calculated value of vinyl bond)=g/(e+f+g)×100≦0. |
| US07919568B2 |
Process for high temperature solution polymerization
The current invention provides a method of improving the efficiency of one or more heat exchangers used in cooperation with a high temperature solution polymerization process. Addition of surface active agents, such as C6 to C22 carboxylic acids, to a two phase liquid-liquid polymer solution downstream of a reactor system and upstream of a heat exchanger system can increase the efficiency of heat exchange by more than 10%. |
| US07919567B2 |
Oligomeric halogenated chain extenders for preparing epoxy resins
An oligomeric halogenated chain extender composition comprising the reaction product of: (a) an excess of a halogenated phenolic compound; and (b) a halogenated epoxy resin; in the presence of (c) a solvent; and a halogenated epoxy resin composition comprising the reaction product of the oligomeric halogenated chain extender composition with an epoxy resin. |
| US07919563B2 |
Low molecular weight hydrogenated nitrile rubber
The present invention relates to the process for preparing hydrogenated nitrile rubber polymers having lower molecular weights and narrower molecular weight distributions than those known in the art. |
| US07919559B2 |
Chemical-resistant and impact-resistant thermoplastic resin composition with excellent hydrolysis resistance
Disclosed herein is a chemical-resistant and impact-resistant thermoplastic resin composition having excellent hydrolysis resistance. The thermoplastic resin composition comprises (A) about 1 to about 97.9% by weight of an epoxy group-containing vinyl copolymer resin; (B) about 1 to about 97.9% by weight of a rubber modified aromatic vinyl copolymer resin; (C) about 1 to about 97.9% by weight of a polyester resin; and (D) about 0.1 to about 97% by weight of an amorphous cycloaliphatic diol modified polyester. |
| US07919555B2 |
Epoxy compositions having improved impact resistance
This invention relates to compositions useful as adhesives and more particularly to the preparation of heat-cured epoxy-based adhesive compositions with improved impact resistance and good adhesion to oily metal substrates. |
| US07919553B2 |
Rubber composition for base tread and tire
The present invention aims to produce a rubber composition for a base tread, which suppresses reversion and achieves excellent mechanical strength, fuel economy and processability, and a tire using the rubber composition, with high efficiency to provide them to customers at low prices. The present invention relates to a rubber composition for a base tread, containing: a rubber component; and a mixture of a zinc salt of an aliphatic carboxylic acid and a zinc salt of an aromatic carboxylic acid, wherein the rubber component contains natural rubber and butadiene rubber, the butadiene rubber content being 10 to 90% by mass per 100% by mass of the rubber component, and the mixture of a zinc salt of an aliphatic carboxylic acid and a zinc salt of an aromatic carboxylic acid is contained in an amount of 1 to 10 parts by mass per 100 parts by mass of the rubber component. |
| US07919550B2 |
Encapsulant of epoxy group-containing (meth)acrylic polymer, anhydride and (meth)acrylic monomer
A photosemiconductor encapsulating resin composition, excellent in light transmittance, ultraviolet resistance and heat resistance, comprising the following component (A) and component (B): (A): a (meth)acrylic polymer containing an epoxy group, and (B): at least one hardener selected from the group consisting of the following components (b1) to (b4) (b1) a polyvalent carboxylic acid, (b2) a polyvalent carboxylic anhydride, (b3) a reaction product of a polyvalent carboxylic acid with a compound of the following general formula (B-1), and (b4) a reaction product of a polyvalent carboxylic anhydride with a compound of the following general formula (B-2) wherein R1 to R6 represent each independently a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, R3 and R4 may be bonded to form an alkylene group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms; R7 represents an alkylene group; a methylene group contained the alkylene group and the alkyl group represented by R1 to R7 may be substituted by an ether group and/or carbonyl group; Y1 and Y2 represent each independently an oxygen atom, or sulfur atom, is provided. |
| US07919549B2 |
Biodegradable resin composition and molded article produced from the same
Disclosed is a resin composition excellent in molding processability which comprises a plant-derived biodegradable plastic produced by actively fixing carbon dioxide present in the earth. A resin composition excellent in molding processability, comprising (A) a biodegradable (3-hydroxyalkanoate) copolymer having a recurring unit represented by the formula (1): [—CHR—CH2—CO—O—] (wherein R represents an alkyl group represented by the formula CnH2n+1 and n is an integer of 1 to 15) and 0.1 to 100 parts by weight, based on 100 parts by weight of (A) the biodegradable (3-hydroxyalkanoate) copolymer, of (B) an acrylic modifier having a weight average molecular weight (Mw) of 500,000 to 10,000,000. |
| US07919546B2 |
Color integrated and mobile paint systems for producing paint from a plurality of prepaint components
What is disclosed is a plurality of prepaints which are used in any combination to produce base paints and/or colored paints of varying end-use application characteristics. Additionally, a mobile-paint factory for producing a plurality of lines of architectural coatings from a plurality of prepaints en route to and/or at various locations is disclosed. The mobile paint factory may include a vehicle having a paint production system and a paint mixer located thereon. Furthermore, a method of producing a plurality of lines of user-selected architectural coatings from a plurality of prepaints en route to and/or at various locations is disclosed. The method may include: providing a mobile paint factory; prompting a user to select through the paint production system an interior or exterior application environment, a paint sheen, and a paint quality; automatically dispensing predetermined amounts of appropriate prepaints; and agitating the dispensed prepaints. |
| US07919543B2 |
Inkjet inks, methods for applying inkjet ink, and articles printed with inkjet inks
Compositions for inkjet inks, methods for applying the ink to a surface of a substrate, and articles that include indicia printed with the ink. The inkjet inks include a cellulose polymer and a liquid carrier. Unlike currently available commercial inks, the inkjet inks of this invention can be formulated with less toxic ingredients, thus reducing the risks of negative impact on environmental quality and the health and safety of workers who use the inks. |
| US07919541B2 |
Method of manufacturing flame-retardant polymer foam comprising a phosphorous flame retardant and flame-retardant foam produced thereby
The present invention concerns a method of manufacturing flame-retardant polyethylene or polypropylene foam using a derivative of carboxylic acid of phenylphosphinic acid and the flame-retardant polymer foam made thereby. More specifically, this invention concerns a method of manufacturing highly expanded flame-retardant polymer foam prepared by mixing the above mentioned phosphorous flame retardant in a polymer resin and expanding the mixture with a volatile blowing agent or by applying a solution of an organic phosphorous compound to an already-made highly expanded foam and then drying the highly-expanded polymer foam, and the flame-retardant foam prepared thereby. |
| US07919538B2 |
Styrene acrylonitrile copolymer foam with infrared attenuating agents
Polymer foam containing styrene-acrylonitrile and containing one or more infrared attenuating agents achieves surprisingly high dimensional integrity at elevated temperatures. |
| US07919535B2 |
Silica-based sols
The invention relates to an aqueous sol containing silica-based particles which sol has a specific surface area of at least 115 m2/g aqueous sol and an S-value within the range of from 10 to 45% or contains silica-based particles having a specific surface area of at least 550 m2/g and less than 1000 m2/g SiO2. The invention further relates to processes for the production of said aqueous sol and the use of the aqueous sol containing silica-based particles as a drainage and retention aid in the production of paper as well as a process for the production of paper from an aqueous suspension containing cellulosic fibres, and optional filler, in which silica-based particles and at least one charged organic polymer are added to the cellulosic suspension. |
| US07919534B2 |
Mixing device
Particular aspects provide compositions comprising an electrokinetically altered oxygenated aqueous fluid, wherein the oxygen in the fluid is present in an amount of at least 25 ppm. In certain aspects, the electrokinetically altered oxygenated aqueous fluid comprises electrokinetically modified or charged oxygen species present in an amount of at least 0.5 ppm. In certain aspects the electrokinetically altered oxygenated aqueous fluid comprises solvated electrons stabilized by molecular oxygen, and wherein the solvated electrons present in an amount of at least 0.01 ppm. In certain aspects, the fluid facilitates oxidation of pyrogallol to purpurogallin in the presence of horseradish peroxidase enzyme (HRP) in an amount above that afforded by a control pressure pot generated or fine-bubble generated aqueous fluid having an equivalent dissolved oxygen level, and wherein there is no hydrogen peroxide, or less than 0.1 ppm of hydrogen peroxide present in the electrokinetic oxygen-enriched aqueous fluid. |
| US07919531B2 |
3,5-dihydroxy-2,4-cyclohexadienones and their derivatives, dietary compositions and fortified food containing them and their uses
The present invention refers especially to 3,5-dihydroxy-2,4-cyclohexadienones of the general formula (I) wherein R1 and R2 are independently from each other C1-6-alkyl, C2-6-alkenyl or x-oxo-Cx-alkyl with x being an integer from 1 to 6, preferably R1 and R2 are independently from each other C2-6-alkenyl or y-oxo-Cy-alkyl with y being an integer from 2 to 5, and wherein R3 and R4 are independently from each other hydroxy, C1-6-alkyl, C2-6-alkenyl or x-oxo-Cx-alkyl with x being an integer from 1 to 6, preferably R3 and R4 are independently from each other hydroxy or y-oxo-Cy-alkyl with y being an integer from 2 to 5, for use as mood balancing agents and stress relievers, as well as to dietary compositions and fortified food/feed/beverages containing such 3,5-dihydroxy-2,4-cyclohexadienones of the general formula (I), and their uses. |
| US07919530B2 |
Compounds, compositions, and methods for the treatment of synucleinopathies
Bis- and tris-dihydroxyaryl compounds and their methylenedioxy analogs and pharmaceutically acceptable esters, their synthesis, pharmaceutical compositions containing them, and their use in the treatment of synucleinopathies, such as Parkinson's disease, and the manufacture of medicaments for such treatment. |
| US07919525B2 |
Radiation protection by gamma-tocotrienol
The present invention relates to methods for the prevention and treatment of a mammal from radiation-induced internal injury using γ-tocotrienol, α-tocopherol succinate or γ-tocotrienol succinate. Specifically, the present invention relates to methods for preventing and treating radiation-induced injuries in a mammal by (1) subcutaneous, intramuscular, intraperitoneal, or intravascular injection of a therapeutically effective amount of γ-tocotrienol; or (2) oral administration of a therapeutically effective amount of α-tocopherol succinate or γ-tocotrienol succinate or both. |
| US07919524B2 |
Compounds, compositions and methods
Compounds useful for treating cellular proliferative diseases and disorders by modulating the activity of KSP are disclosed. |
| US07919523B2 |
Inhibitors of aspartyl protease
The present invention relates to a novel class of sulfonamides which are aspartyl protease inhibitors. In one embodiment, this invention relates to a novel class of HIV aspartyl protease inhibitors characterized by specific structural and physicochemical features. This invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds. The compounds and pharmaceutical compositions of this invention are particularly well suited for inhibiting HIV-1 and HIV-2 protease activity and consequently, may be advantageously used as anti-viral agents against the HIV-1 and HIV-2 viruses. This invention also relates to methods for inhibiting the activity of HIV aspartyl protease using the compounds of this invention and methods for screening compounds for anti-HIV activity. |
| US07919519B2 |
S1P receptor modulating compounds and use thereof
The present invention relates to compounds of the general formula (I) that have activity as S1P receptor modulating agents and the use of such compounds to treat diseases associated with inappropriate S1P receptor activity. The compounds may be used as immunomodulators, e.g., for treating or preventing diseases such as autoimmune and related immune disorders including systemic lupus erythematosus, inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, type I diabetes, uveitis, psoriasis, myasthenia gravis, rheumatoid arthritis, non-glomerular nephrosis, hepatitis, Behçet's disease, glomerulonephritis, chronic thrombocytopenic purpura, hemolytic anemia, hepatitis and Wegner's granuloma; and for treating other conditions. |
| US07919515B2 |
3-phenylpropionic acid derivatives
The invention relates to new compounds, being 3-phenylpropionic acid derivatives of formula I wherein W represents COOH group or its bioisosters, or —COO—C1-C4-alkyl group; Y represents NH, N—C1-C10-alkyl, O, or S; Z represents NH, N—C1-C10-alkyl, N-aryl, N-heteroaryl, S, or O; X represents O, S, NH, N—C1-C10-alkyl, N-aryl, NSO2—C1-C10-alkyl, N—SO2-aryl, or N—SO2-heteroaryl; R, to R8 each independently represent hydrogen atom or a substituent defined in the description; A is as defined in the description; n represents an integer from 0 to 4, inclusive; and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. The compounds are the ligands of PPAR-gamma receptor and are useful as medicaments. |
| US07919513B2 |
Inhibitors of p38
The present invention relates to inhibitors of p38, a mammalian protein kinase involved cell proliferation, cell death and response to extracellular stimuli. The invention also relates to inhibitors of ZAP70. The invention also relates to methods for producing these inhibitors. The invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising the inhibitors of the invention and methods of utilizing those compositions in the treatment and prevention of various disorders. |
| US07919511B2 |
Certain chemical entities, compositions, and methods
Chemical entities that modulate smooth muscle myosin and/or non-muscle myosin, and chemical entities, pharmaceutical compositions and methods of treatment of diseases and conditions associated with smooth muscle myosin and/or non-muscle myosin are described. |
| US07919507B2 |
N-aroyl cyclic amines
Disclosed are N-aroyl cyclic amine derivatives having the formula: wherein the substituent variables are as defined herein, and their use as pharmaceuticals. |
| US07919503B2 |
P2X7R antagonists and their use
The present application is directed to novel P2X7R antagonists that are N-indol-3-yl-acetamide and N-azaindol-3-yl-acetamide compounds, pharmaceutical compositions comprising the same and their use for the prophylactic or therapeutic treatment of diseases mediated by P2X7R activity. |
| US07919499B2 |
Naltrexone long acting formulations and methods of use
The inventions described herein arose from unexpected discoveries made during clinical trials with a long acting formulation of naltrexone. As such, the invention includes a method for treating an individual in need of naltrexone comprising the step of parenterally administering a long acting formulation comprising naltrexone and to the use of naltrexone in the manufacture of medicaments for use in such methods. |
| US07919498B2 |
Substituted pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidines as PI3K inhibitors
Substituted bicyclic heteroaryls and compositions containing them, for the treatment of general inflammation, arthritis, rheumatic diseases, osteoarthritis, inflammatory bowel disorders, inflammatory eye disorders, inflammatory or unstable bladder disorders, psoriasis, skin complaints with inflammatory components, chronic inflammatory conditions, including but not restricted to autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosis (SLE), myestenia gravis, rheumatoid arthritis, acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, multiples sclerosis, Sjoegren's syndrome and autoimmune hemolytic anemia, allergic conditions including all forms of hypersensitivity, The present invention also enables methods for treating cancers that are mediated, dependent on or associated with p110δ activity, including but not restricted to leukemias, such as Acute Myeloid leukemia (AML) Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) myelo-proliferative diseases (MPD) Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) T-cell Acute Lymphoblastic leukaemia (T-ALL) B-cell Acute Lymphoblastic leukaemia (B-ALL) Non Hodgkins Lymphoma (NHL) B-cell lymphoma and solid tumors, such as breast cancer. |
| US07919497B2 |
Analogs of dehydrophenylahistins and their therapeutic use
Compounds represented by the following structure (II) are disclosed: as are methods for making such compounds. Compositions and methods for treating various disease conditions including cancer and non-cancer diseases associated with vascular proliferation are also disclosed. |
| US07919495B2 |
Pyridyl non-aromatic nitrogen-containing heterocyclic-1-carboxylate compound
To provide a compound usable for treatment of diseases associated with fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), especially for treatment of urinary frequency and urinary incontinence, overactive bladder and/or pain.We have found that a novel pyridyl non-aromatic nitrogen-containing heterocyclic-1-carboxylate derivative and its pharmaceutically acceptable salt has a potent FAAH-inhibitory activity. Further, the pyridyl non-aromatic nitrogen-containing heterocyclic-1-carboxylate derivative of the present invention has an excellent effect for increasing an effective bladder capacity, an excellent effect for relieving urinary frequency and an excellent anti-allodynia effect, and is therefore usable for treatment of urinary frequency and urinary incontinence, overactive bladder and/or pain. |
| US07919494B2 |
Pyridyl non-aromatic nitrogen-containing heterocyclic-1-carboxylate compound
A novel pyridyl non-aromatic nitrogen-containing heterocyclic-1-carboxylate compound and its pharmaceutically acceptable salt has a potent FAAH-inhibitory activity. Further, the pyridyl non-aromatic nitrogen-containing heterocyclic-1-carboxylate compound of the present disclosure is also useful in the treatment of urinary frequency and urinary incontinence, overactive bladder and/or pain. |
| US07919491B2 |
Pyridine derivatives and their use in the treatment of psychotic disorders
A pyridine derivative novel compounds of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof where all variables are defined herein. The compounds are useful in the treatment of psychotic disorders. |
| US07919488B2 |
Therapeutic compounds
The present invention provides compounds of formula (I), or pharmaceutically acceptable salts or solvates thereof, methods for their preparation, methods for their use, and pharmaceutical formulations comprising them. |
| US07919487B2 |
Heteroaryl compounds
This invention relates to compounds of formula (I): their compositions and methods of use thereof. The compounds (and compositions) are useful in modulating IL-12 production and processes mediated by IL-12. |
| US07919485B2 |
Protein kinase targeted therapeutics
The present invention relates to compositions and methods useful in treating diseases and disorders related to protein kinases. In particular, the present invention relates to compositions and methods useful for targeting protein kinases related to mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways (e.g., p38 MAPK, JNK, ERK, and upstream and downstream protein kinases) and/or casein kinase (CK) pathways (e.g., CK1δ, and upstream and downstream protein kinases), and diseases and disorders related to MAPK pathways (e.g., p38 MAPK, JNK, ERK, and upstream and downstream protein kinases) and/or CK pathways (e.g., CK1δ, and upstream and downstream protein kinases). |
| US07919480B2 |
Polymers having covalently bound antibiotic agents
An antimicrobial composition comprising: a complex of a polysaccharide covalently bonded with an antibiotic. A medical device having an antimicrobial composition comprising: a complex of an oxidized regenerated cellulose covalently bonded with gentamicin. |
| US07919479B2 |
Antiadhesive carbohydrates
Provided is a pharmaceutical or dietetic product, which serves for reducing and/or blocking the adhesion of pathogenic substances and organisms to eucaryontic cells, in particular mammal cells. Said preparation contains at least one carbohydrate having an uronic acid unit on one of the ends thereof. 10 to 100% of the present, terminal uronic acid units pertaining to the carbohydrates are provided with a double bond that is especially situated between the C4 and C5 atom. |
| US07919478B2 |
Method for treating diabetic ulcers with vectors encoding VEGF
A method and means have been developed to deliver a therapeutic dose or dosages of the angiogenic molecule, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) that results in a statically significant decrease in the time to achieve 100% wound closure and accelerates the rate of healing in experimental diabetic ulcers. Toxicity is evaluated by measuring any local inflammatory response at the wound site, the systemic absorption of VEGF, and the effect on distant organs that may be particularly susceptible to VEGF therapy (e.g., retinopathy and hepatitis) The angiogenic response is quantified by measuring the change in collagen deposition, epithelialization, and the closure rates of diabetic ulcers after therapeutic dosing with ADV-VEGF. Sustained administration of VEGF, stimulates and accelerates the healing process as evidenced by a reduced time to complete healing (defined by 100% epithelialization and no drainage) in experimental diabetic ulcers, with minimal to no toxicity. Important features of the method and reagents for use therein are that the VEGF is released into the ulcer in a sufficient quantity over a period of time for at least two to six weeks, or to closure of the wound. |
| US07919473B2 |
IRNA agents targeting VEGF
The features of the present invention relate to compounds, compositions and methods useful for modulating the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), such as by the mechanism of RNA interference (RNAi). The compounds and compositions include iRNA agents that can be unmodified or chemically-modified. |
| US07919464B2 |
Use of a peptide that interacts with αvβ3 integrin of endothelial cell
The present invention relates to the use of a peptide that interacts with the αvβ3 integrin of endothelial cells. More particularly, the invention relates to a method for inhibiting endothelial cell adhesion, endothelial cell migration and/or angiogenesis, using a peptide consisting of at least 18 amino acids, comprising tyrosine-histidine (TY) or asparagines-histidine (NH), and at least three hydrophobic amino acids with bulky side chains; or equivalents thereof. Furthermore, the invention provides a method for treating or preventing angiogenesis-related diseases, using the peptide. |
| US07919461B2 |
Erythropoietin receptor peptide formulations and uses
The present invention relates to peptide compounds that are agonists of the erythropoietin receptor (EPO-R). The invention also relates to therapeutic methods using such peptide compounds to treat disorders associated with insufficient or defective red blood cell production. Pharmaceutical compositions, which comprise the peptide compounds of the invention, and dosages are also provided. |
| US07919454B2 |
Methods of treating using conjugates transported by a PEPT2 transporter
The invention provides methods of screening agents, conjugates or conjugate moieties, linked or linkable to agents, for capacity to be transported as substrates through the PEPT2 transporter. The invention also provides methods of treatment involving delivery of agents that either alone, or as a result of linkage to a conjugate moiety, are substrates of the PEPT2 transporter. The invention also provides conjugates comprising a pharmaceutical agent which is linked to a conjugate moiety that is a substrate for a PEPT2 transporter. |
| US07919451B2 |
Use of cationic polycondensation products as additives for fixing colours and/or inhibiting the running of colours, for washing products and washing aftertreatment products
The invention relates to the use of cationic polycondensation products as additives for fixing colors and/or inhibiting the running of colors, for washing products and washing aftertreatment products. Said cationic polycondensation products can be produced by the condensation of (A1) non-cyclic amines obtained by the reaction of (A1 a) mono(N,N-dialkylaminoalkyl)amines with (A1 b) bifunctional compounds selected from the group containing urea, thiourea, dialkyl carbonates, aliphatic and aromatic dicarboxylic acids, and aliphatic and aromatic diisocyanates, in a molar ratio 1.2:1 to 2.1:1, or (A2) mixtures of non-cyclic amines (A1) and cyclic amines (A3) in a molar ratio 10:1 to 1:10 with (B) bifunctional compounds selected from the group containing alkylene dihalogenides, dihalogen alkyl ethers, halomethyl oxiranes, and bisepoxides, in a molar ratio (B) to (A1) or (B) to (A2) from 0.6:1 to 1.3:1. |
| US07919449B2 |
Detergent composition with hydrophilizing soil-release agent and methods for using same
Laundry detergent compositions that provide soil release benefits to all fabric comprising an organophosphorus soil release agents and optional non-cotton secondary soil release agents. The present invention further relates to a method for providing soil release benefits to cotton fabric by contacting cotton articles with a water soluble and/or dispersible organophosphorus material. The contacting can be during washing or by pretreating by applying the composition directly to stains or by presoaking the clothing in the composition prior to washing. The present invention further relates to providing soil release benefits to all fabric in the laundry wash load in the presence of a bleaching agent. |
| US07919443B2 |
Exfoliating scrub bar
An exfoliating scrub bar for various parts of the body is made from natural ingredients that exfoliate the skin gently and effectively. The scrub bar comprises powdered or crushed nuts; powdered or crushed oats; and glycerin. The combination of ingredients allows a person to gently exfoliate different parts of the body depending on the location and/or skin sensitivity. The scrub bar provides the user with an effective tool for exfoliation that allows for the removal of dead skin cells. |
| US07919442B2 |
Process for preparing multiphase toilet soap
The present invention relates to a process of preparing bar toilet soap, composed of multiple phases, at least one of them being an opaque phase and at least one being a translucent phase. The translucent phase and the opaque phase(s) are mixed during the process, wherein the translucent phase is incorporated into the opaque phase during the extrusion of this second phase, giving rise to a toilet soap in which one of the phases predominate and the other appears as stripes dispersed in the first one. |
| US07919437B2 |
Wellbore fluid comprising sulfonated copolymers with pendant alkyl groups
Wellbore fluid having a continuous aqueous phase, and comprising at least one polymer which has a number average molecular weight in the range of from 10,000 to less than 100,000, wherein the polymer is selected from a copolymer of at least one hydrophilic monomer and at least one hydrophobic monomer containing an alkyl group having at least 8 carbon atoms. The hydrophilic monomer is selected from acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, maleic acid, maleic anhydride, fumaric acid and itaconic acid, and sulfonate groups have been introduced into the copolymer by reaction of at least a portion of the carboxylic acid and/or anhydride groups with a compound of general formula R12N(CH2)nSO3X (I) or a compound of general formula HO(CH2)nSO3X (II). Each R1 is independently selected from hydrogen, methyl or ethyl, X is either H or a Group IA metal, and n is an integer of from 1 to 6. The combined molecular weight of the pendant alkyl groups that are introduced into the copolymer by the hydrophobic monomer is in the range of from 15 to 70% by weight based on the molecular weight of the polymer such that the polymer has a solubility of at least 2% in water at 20° C. The fluid further comprises at least one additive selected from additional fluid loss control agents, bridging particulate materials, finely dispersed additives for increasing the fluid density, thinners, and shale inhibitors. |
| US07919435B2 |
Superconductor films with improved flux pinning and reduced AC losses
The present invention relates to a method for producing a defect-containing superconducting film, the method comprising (a) depositing a phase-separable layer epitaxially onto a biaxially-textured substrate, wherein the phase-separable layer includes at least two phase-separable components; (b) achieving nanoscale phase separation of the phase-separable layer such that a phase-separated layer including at least two phase-separated components is produced; and (c) depositing a superconducting film epitaxially onto said phase-separated components of the phase-separated layer such that nanoscale features of the phase-separated layer are propagated into the superconducting film. |
| US07919432B2 |
Adsorbent, adsorption apparatus, and method for manufacturing the adsorption apparatus
In an adsorbent of the present invention, at least a surface and its vicinity thereof is composed of an apatite represented by the formula Ca10(PO4)6((OH)1-xAx)2, where A represents a halogen element and 0≦x≦1, and a phosphate group contained in the apatite is bonded to a trivalent metal ion. Further, preferably, the trivalent metal ion is Fe3+. According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an adsorbent capable of specifically adsorbing an object compound, an adsorption apparatus capable of separating and purifying the object compound easily and reliably, and a method capable of manufacturing such an adsorption apparatus easily in a short time. |
| US07919430B2 |
Catalyst for oxidation or ammoxidation, and process for producing the same
It is an object to provide a novel oxide catalyst for producing an unsaturated acid or unsaturated nitrile by which reaction results are good and a high yield can be stably maintained for a prolonged period of time, a process for producing the oxide catalyst, and a process for producing an unsaturated acid or unsaturated nitrile using the oxide catalyst. According to the present invention, there is provided an oxide catalyst represented by following compositional formula (1): Mo1VaSbbNbcMndWeYfOn (1) wherein Y represents at least one element selected from alkaline earth metals and rare earth metals; a, b, c, d, e, f, and n each represents an atomic ratio based on one atom of Mo; 0.1≦a≦1, 0.01≦b≦1, 0.01≦c≦1, 0≦d≦0.1, 0≦e≦0.1, 0<(d+e)≦0.1, 0≦f≦1; and n is a number determined by valencies of the constituent metals. |
| US07919422B2 |
Chiral bisoxazoline catalysts
The present invention describes a heterogeneous chiral catalyst comprising a heterogeneous chiral catalyst precursor complexed with a metal species. The precursor comprises a chiral bisoxazoline group coupled to an inorganic substrate. The heterogeneous chiral catalyst may be capable of catalysing a chemical reaction, for example cyclopropanation, and the chemical reaction may be capable of generating a chiral product. |
| US07919418B2 |
High performance ballistic composites having improved flexibility and method of making the same
A composite material which has excellent ballistic performance and has improved flexibility. Surprisingly, it has been found that a combination of poly(alpha-olefin) fiber and matrix resin provides these desirable product features. The resin matrix is a block copolymer of a conjugated diene and a vinyl aromatic monomer, preferably a styrene-isoprene-styrene block copolymer, that is applied as an aqueous composition. The fiber has a tenacity of at least about 35 g/d and a tensile modulus of at least about 1200 g/d. The composite has a total density equal to or less than about 100 g/m2 and a stiffness of less than about 2.5 pounds (1.14 kg) for a two layer structure of the composite, and a total areal density equal to or less than about 190 g/m2 and a stiffness of less than about 3.0 pounds (1.36 kg) for a four layer structure of the composite. The Peel Strength for a two layer structure of less than about 1.0 pounds (0.45 kg) for a two layer structure of the composite, and less than about 0.7 pounds (0.32 kg) for a four layer structure of the composite. The process of this invention permits fabrication of these desirable products in a cost-effective manner. Body armor made from the composite has improved flexibility and excellent ballistic characteristics. |
| US07919415B2 |
Process of manufacturing a semiconductor device
A process of manufacturing a semiconductor device includes the steps of forming a stacked structure of a first III-V compound semiconductor layer containing In and having a composition different from InP and a second III-V compound semiconductor layer containing In. The second III-V compound semiconductor layer is formed over the first III-V compound semiconductor layer and growing an InP layer at regions adjacent the stacked structure to form a stepped structure of InP. The process further includes the step of wet-etching the stepped structure and the second III-V compound semiconductor layer using an etchant containing hydrochloric acid and acetic acid to remove at least the second III-V compound semiconductor layer. |
| US07919409B2 |
Materials for adhesion enhancement of copper film on diffusion barriers
We have used the state-of-the-art computational chemistry techniques to identify adhesion promoting layer materials that provide good adhesion of copper seed layer to the adhesion promoting layer and the adhesion promoting layer to the barrier layer. We have identified factors responsible for providing good adhesion of copper layer on various metallic surfaces and circumstances under which agglomeration of copper film occur. Several promising adhesion promoting layer materials based on chromium alloys have been predicted to be able to significantly enhance the adhesion of copper films. Chromium containing complexes of a polydentate β-ketoiminate have been identified as chromium containing precursors to make the alloys with chromium. |
| US07919408B2 |
Methods for fabricating fine line/space (FLS) routing in high density interconnect (HDI) substrates
A method for fabricating fine line and space routing described. The method includes providing a substrate having a dielectric layer and a seed layer disposed thereon. An anti-reflective coating layer and a photo-resist layer are then formed above the seed layer. The photo-resist layer and the anti-reflective coating layer are patterned to form a patterned photo-resist layer and a patterned anti-reflective coating layer, to expose a first portion of the seed layer, and to leave covered a second portion of the seed layer. A metal layer is then formed on the first portion of the seed layer, between features of the patterned photo-resist layer and the patterned anti-reflective coating layer. The patterned photo-resist layer and the patterned anti-reflective coating layer are subsequently removed. Then, the second portion of the seed layer is removed to provide a series of metal lines above the dielectric layer. |
| US07919405B2 |
Semiconductor device and manufacturing method thereof
A semiconductor device and a manufacturing method thereof that can prevent mutual diffusion of impurity in a silicide layer and can decrease sheet resistance of an N-type polymetal gate electrode and a P-type polymetal gate electrode, respectively in the semiconductor device having gate electrodes of a polymetal gate structure and a dual gate structure are provided. The P-type polymetal gate electrode includes a P-type silicon layer containing P-type impurity, a silicide layer formed on the P-type silicon layer and having a plurality of silicide grains which are discontinuously disposed in a direction substantially parallel with the surface of the semiconductor substrate, a silicon film continuously formed on the surface of the P-type silicon layer exposed on the discontinuous part of the silicide layer and on the surface of the silicide layer, a second metal nitride layer formed on the silicon film, and a metal layer formed on the metal nitride layer. |
| US07919403B2 |
Method of manufacturing silicon carbide semiconductor device
A method of manufacturing a silicon carbide semiconductor device is provided that includes a step of forming in a surface of a silicon carbide wafer of first conductivity type a first region of second conductivity type having a predetermined space thereinside by ion-implanting aluminum as a first impurity and boron as a second impurity; a step of forming a JTE region in the surface of the silicon carbide wafer from the first region by diffusing the boron ion-implanted in the first region toward its neighboring zones by an activation annealing treatment; a step of forming a first electrode on the surface of the silicon carbide wafer at the space inside the first region and at an inner part of the first region; and a step of forming a second electrode on the opposite surface of the silicon carbide wafer. Thereby, a JTE region can be formed that has a wide range of impurity concentration and a desired breakdown voltage without increasing the number of steps of the manufacturing process. |
| US07919393B2 |
Forming structures that include a relaxed or pseudo-relaxed layer on a substrate
A method for forming a structure that includes a relaxed or pseudo-relaxed layer on a substrate. The method includes the steps of growing an elastically stressed layer of semiconductor material on a donor substrate; forming a glassy layer of a viscous material on the stressed layer; removing a portion of the donor substrate to form a structure that includes the glassy layer, the stressed layer and a surface layer of donor substrate material; patterning the stressed layer; and heat treating the structure at a temperature of at least a viscosity temperature of the glassy layer to relax the stressed layer and form the relaxed or pseudo-relaxed layer of the structure. |
| US07919391B2 |
Methods for preparing a bonding surface of a semiconductor wafer
The invention concerns a method of treating one or both bonding surfaces of first and second substrates and in particular, the surfaces of donor and receiver wafers that are intended to be bonded together. A simultaneous cleaning and activation step is carried out immediately prior to bonding the wafers together, by applying to one or both bonding surfaces an activation solution of ammonia (NH4OH) in water, preferably deionized, at a concentration by weight in the range from about 0.05% to 2%. The method is applicable to fabricating structures used in the optics, electronics, or optoelectronics fields. |
| US07919389B2 |
Semiconductor memory device that is resistant to high voltages and a method of manufacturing the same
A semiconductor memory device having a memory cell region and a peripheral circuit region, and a method of manufacturing such a semiconductor memory device, are proposed, in which trench grooves are formed to be shallow in the memory cell region in order to improve the yield, and trench grooves are formed to be deep in the high voltage transistor region of the peripheral circuit region, in particular in a high voltage transistor region thereof, in order to improve the element isolation withstand voltage. A plurality of memory cell transistors having an ONO layer 15 serving as a charge accumulating insulating layer are provided in the memory cell region, where element isolation grooves 6 for these memory cell transistors are narrow and shallow. Two types of transistors, one for high voltage and the other for low voltage, having gate insulating layers 16 or 17, which are different from the ONO layer 15 in the memory cell region, are provided in the peripheral circuit region, where at least element isolation grooves 23 for high voltage transistors are wide and deep. In this way, it is possible to improve the degree of integration and yield in the memory cell region, and secure withstand voltage in the peripheral circuit region. |
| US07919386B2 |
Methods of forming pluralities of capacitors
The invention includes methods of forming pluralities of capacitors. In one implementation, a method of forming a plurality of capacitors includes providing a plurality of capacitor electrodes within a capacitor array area over a substrate. The capacitor electrodes comprise outer lateral sidewalls. The plurality of capacitor electrodes is supported at least in part with a retaining structure which engages the outer lateral sidewalls. The retaining structure is formed at least in part by etching a layer of material which is not masked anywhere within the capacitor array area to form said retaining structure. The plurality of capacitor electrodes is incorporated into a plurality of capacitors. Other aspects and implementations are contemplated. |
| US07919385B2 |
Semiconductor device and method of forming the same
A semiconductor device includes a first insulating layer, a capacitor, an adhesive layer, and an intermediate layer. The first insulating layer may include a first insulating film. The first insulating layered structure has a first hole. The capacitor is disposed in the first hole. The capacitor may include bottom and top electrodes and a capacitive insulating film. The capacitive insulating film is sandwiched between the bottom and top electrodes. The adhesive layer contacts with the bottom electrode. The adhesive layer has adhesiveness to the bottom electrode. The intermediate layer is interposed between the adhesive layer and the first insulating film. The intermediate layer contacts with the adhesive layer and with the first insulating film. The intermediate layer has adhesiveness to the adhesive layer and to the first insulating film. |
| US07919383B2 |
Capacitor element manufacturing jig and capacitor element manufacturing method
The invention relates to a jig for producing capacitor elements, which is formed of resin material and is used for accommodate a plurality of capacitor element substrates therein to thereby batch-process the substrates. The jig is characterized in that portions of the jig at which the jig is supported during the process are protected with metal material. According to the invention, a group of capacitors each having a semiconductor layer serving as one electrode can be simultaneously produced with narrow variety in capacitance and with good precision, repeatedly, by using the jig having a high durability. |
| US07919379B2 |
Dielectric spacer removal
The present invention relates to semiconductor devices, and more particularly to a process and structure for removing a dielectric spacer selective to a surface of a semiconductor substrate with substantially no removal of the semiconductor substrate. The method of the present invention can be integrated into a conventional CMOS processing scheme or into a conventional BiCMOS processing scheme. The method includes forming a field effect transistor on a semiconductor substrate, the FET comprising a dielectric spacer and the gate structure, the dielectric spacer located adjacent a sidewall of the gate structure and over a source/drain region in the semiconductor substrate; depositing a first nitride layer over the FET; and removing the nitride layer and the dielectric spacer selective to the semiconductor substrate with substantially no removal of the semiconductor substrate. |
| US07919377B2 |
Contactless flash memory array
A method for forming a contactless flash memory cell array is disclosed. According to an embodiment of the invention, a plurality of active regions is formed on a substrate. An insulating layer is then deposited over the active regions, and a portion of the insulating layer is removed to form a one-dimensional slot and to provide access to the active regions. A bit line is then formed in the slot in contact with the active regions. |
| US07919376B2 |
CMOS transistor and method for manufacturing the same
A method for manufacturing a CMOS transistor includes preparing a silicon substrate provided with a first buried layer, a second buried layer and a body, vertically forming device-isolation films inside the body, forming a first-type well inside the body arranged on the first buried layer, and vertically forming a first source and drain region inside the first-type well, forming a second-type well inside the body arranged on the second buried layer, and vertically forming a second source and drain region inside the second-type well, and vertically forming a recessed gate between the first-type well and the second-type well. |
| US07919368B2 |
Area-efficient electrically erasable programmable memory cell
Electrically erasable programmable “read-only” memory (EEPROM) cells in an integrated circuit, and formed by a single polysilicon level. The EEPROM cell consists of a coupling capacitor and a combined read transistor and tunneling capacitor. The capacitance of the coupling capacitor is much larger than that of the tunneling capacitor. In one embodiment, field oxide isolation structures isolate the devices from one another; a lightly-doped region at the source of the read transistor improves breakdown voltage performance. In another embodiment, trench isolation structures and a buried oxide layer surround the well regions at which the coupling capacitor and combined read transistor and tunneling capacitor are formed. |
| US07919367B2 |
Method to increase charge retention of non-volatile memory manufactured in a single-gate logic process
A non-volatile memory cell with increased charge retention is fabricated on the same substrate as logic devices using a single-gate conventional logic process. A silicide-blocking dielectric structure is formed over a floating gate of the NVM cell, thereby preventing silicide formation over the floating gate, while allowing silicide formation over the logic devices. Silicide spiking and bridging are prevented in the NVM cell, as silicide-blocking dielectric structure prevents silicide metal from coming in contact with the floating gate or adjacent sidewall spacers. The silicide-blocking dielectric layer may expose portions of the active regions of the NVM cell, away from the floating gate and adjacent sidewall spacers, thereby enabling silicide formation on these portions. Alternately, the silicide-blocking dielectric layer may cover the active regions of the NVM cell during silicide formation. In this case, silicide-blocking dielectric layer may be thinned or removed after silicide formation. |
| US07919366B2 |
Laser crystallization method for amorphous semiconductor thin film
A laser crystallization method in which an amorphous silicon thin film 2 formed on a substrate 1 is irradiated with a laser beam, the method including the steps of providing the amorphous silicon thin film 2 with an absorbent to form an absorbent layer 3 on the desired specific local areas of the amorphous silicon thin film 2 and laser annealing for crystallizing the specific local areas of the amorphous silicon thin film 2 by irradiating the amorphous silicon thin film 2 including the specific local areas with a semiconductor laser beam L having a specific wavelength absorbable by the absorbent layer 3 and unabsorbable by the amorphous silicon thin film 2 for heating the absorbent layer 3. |
| US07919365B2 |
Fabrication methods of a ZnO thin film structure and a ZnO thin film transistor, and a ZnO thin film structure and a ZnO thin film transistor
Provided is a method of fabricating a ZnO thin film structure and a ZnO thin film transistor (TFT), and a ZnO thin film structure and a ZnO thin film transistor. The method of fabricating a ZnO thin film structure may include forming a ZnO thin film on a substrate in an oxygen atmosphere, forming oxygen diffusion layers of a metal having an affinity for oxygen on the ZnO thin film and heating the ZnO thin film and the oxygen diffusion layers to diffuse oxygen of the ZnO thin film into the oxygen diffusion layers. |
| US07919363B2 |
Integrated circuit with additional mini-pads connected by an under-bump metallization and method for production thereof
A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor chip. External connection pads and further pads are disposed over a surface of the semiconductor chip. Selected ones of the further pads are electrically connected to one another so as to activate selected functions within the semiconductor chip. |
| US07919362B2 |
Method for preparing a cover for protecting a component on a substrate
A method for preparing a cover on a substrate in particular for the encapsulation of electronic, optical, optoelectronic components, of the electromechanical microsystems type, also known as Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) or optoelectromechanical microsystems, also known as Micro-Opto-Elect-Mechanical systems (MOEMS), joined to the substrate. |
| US07919361B2 |
Semiconductor package with position member
The present disclosure provides a very thin semiconductor package including a leadframe with a die-attach pad and a plurality of lead terminals, a die attached to the die-attach pad and electrically connected to the lead terminals via bonding wires, a position member disposed upon the die and/or die-attach pad, and a molding material encapsulating the leadframe, the die, and the position member together to form the semiconductor package. The method for manufacturing a very thin semiconductor package includes disposing a first position member on one side of the die-attach pad of a leadframe, attaching a die onto the opposite side of the die-attach pad, optionally disposing a second position member on top of the die, electrically connecting the die to the lead terminals of the leadframe, and encapsulating the leadframe, the die, and the position member(s) together to form the very thin semiconductor package. |
| US07919357B2 |
Method for mutually connecting substrates, flip chip mounting body, and mutual connection structure between substrates
A resin containing conductive particles and a gas bubble generating agent is supplied between a first substrate and a second substrate, and then the resin is heated to generate gas bubbles from the gas bubble generating agent contained in the resin so that the resin is self-assembled between electrodes. Then, the resin is further heated to melt the conductive particles contained in the resin, thereby forming connectors between electrodes. A partition member sealing the gap between the substrates is provided near a peripheral portion of the resin, and gas bubbles in the resin are discharged to the outside through the peripheral portion of the resin where the partition member is absent. |
| US07919355B2 |
Multi-surface IC packaging structures and methods for their manufacture
An IC package having multiple surfaces for interconnection with interconnection elements making connections from the IC chip to the I/O terminations of the package assembly which reside on more than one of its surfaces and which make interconnections to other devices or assemblies that are spatially separated. |
| US07919349B2 |
Photonic integration scheme
Provided is an apparatus and method for manufacture thereof. The apparatus includes a passive optical waveguide structure and a photodiode detector structure. The structures are located on a substrate, and the photodiode detector is laterally proximate to the semiconductor passive waveguide structure. The passive optical waveguide structure includes a first lateral portion of a semiconductor optical core layer on the substrate, a semiconductor upper optical cladding layer on the optical core layer, and a first lateral portion of a doped semiconductor layer on the upper optical cladding layer. The photodiode detector structure includes a second lateral portion of the semiconductor optical core layer, a semiconductor optical absorber layer on the optical core layer, and a second lateral portion of the doped semiconductor layer. |
| US07919348B2 |
Methods for protecting imaging elements of photoimagers during back side processing
Methods for processing photoimagers include forming one or more protective layers over the image sensing elements of a photoimager. Protective layers may facilitate thinning of the substrates of photoimagers, as well as prevent contamination of the image sensing elements and associated optical features during back side processing of the photoimagers. Blind vias, which extend from the back side of a photoimager to bond pads carried by an active surface of the photoimager, may be formed through the back side. The vias may be filled with conductive material and, optionally, redistribution circuitry may be fabricated over the back side of the photoimager. Photoimagers including features at result from such processes are also disclosed. |
| US07919343B2 |
Group III nitride crystal and method for surface treatment thereof, group III nitride stack and manufacturing method thereof, and group III nitride semiconductor device and manufacturing method thereof
A method for surface treatment of a group III nitride crystal includes the steps of lapping a surface of a group III nitride crystal using a hard abrasive grain with a Mohs hardness higher than 7, and abrasive-grain-free polishing the lapped surface of the group III nitride crystal using a polishing solution without containing abrasive grain, and the polishing solution without containing abrasive grain has a pH of not less than 1 and not more than 6, or not less than 8.5 and not more than 14. Accordingly, the method for surface treatment of a group III nitride crystal can be provided according to which hard abrasive grains remaining at the lapped crystal can be removed to reduce impurities at the crystal surface. |
| US07919340B2 |
Method for manufacturing light-emitting device
In the present invention, a first substrate which is an evaporation donor substrate is prepared in which a material layer is formed over a patterned reflective layer. A surface of the material layer over the first substrate is irradiated with first light which satisfies one predetermined irradiation condition to pattern the material layer. A surface opposite to the surface of the first substrate is irradiated with second light which satisfies another predetermined irradiation condition to evaporate the patterned material layer onto a second substrate, which is a deposition target substrate. According to the present invention, deterioration of a material included in the material layer can be prevented and a film pattern can be formed on the second substrate with high accuracy. |
| US07919339B2 |
Packaging method for light emitting diode module that includes fabricating frame around substrate
A packaging method for light emitting diode module that includes fabricating frame around substrate, wherein the method comprises the steps of: fabricating a printed circuit layer with a plurality of staggered nodes on a substrate; fabricating a frame around the substrate; fabricating a protruding inclined pier around the bottom rim of the inner wall of the frame; fabricating a plurality of convex reflecting microstructure points on the surface of the printed circuit layer; positioning chips and wire bonding; spraying reflecting paint on the surface of the substrate and the inner wall of the frame except the chips; filling a silica gel diffusion layer formed by mixing the silica gel and the diffusion powder into the frame; and evenly coating a fluorescent glue layer formed by evenly mixing another silica gel and fluorescent powder on the silica gel diffusion layer. |
| US07919338B2 |
Method of making an integrally gated carbon nanotube field ionizer device
A method of making an integrally gated carbon nanotube field ionization device comprising forming a first insulator layer on a first side of a substrate, depositing a conductive gate layer on the first insulator layer, forming a cavity in the substrate by etching a second side of the substrate to near the first insulator layer, wherein the second side is opposite the first side and wherein a portion of the first insulator is over the cavity, etching an aperture in the portion of the first insulator layer and the conductive gate layer to form an aperture sidewall, depositing a second insulator layer removing the second insulator layer from the top surface, depositing a metallization layer over the second insulator layer, depositing a catalyst layer on the metallization layer and growing a carbon nanotube from the catalyst layer. |
| US07919335B2 |
Formation of shallow trench isolation using chemical vapor etch
A method includes measuring a depth of a shallow trench isolation (STI) region below a surface of a substrate. The STI region is filled with an oxide material. The substrate has a nitride layer above the surface. A thickness of the nitride layer is measured. A first chemical vapor etch (CVE) of the oxide material is performed, to partially form a recess in the STI region. The first CVE removes an amount of the oxide material less than the thickness of the nitride layer. The nitride layer is removed by dry etching. A remaining height of the STI region is measured after removing the nitride. A second CVE of the oxide material in the STI region is performed, based on the measured depth and the remaining height, to form at least one fin having a desired fin height above the oxide in the STI region without an oxide fence. |
| US07919330B2 |
Method of improving sensor detection of target molcules in a sample within a fluidic system
Methods of improving microfluidic assays are disclosed. Assays can be improved (better signal to noise ratio) by using sessile drop evaporation as an analyte concentration step (enhanced signal) and repeated passes of wash droplets as a means to reduce non-specific binding (noise reduction). In addition multiple massively parallel analyses improve the statistical precision of the analyses. |
| US07919326B2 |
Tracking a status of a catalyst-driven process using RFIDs
A method of tracking a status of a catalytic process in a mixture incorporates the use of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags that have corrosive-sensitive coatings. The coatings are removable, by a corrosive in the mixture, at a rate that tracks with the rate at which a catalytic-driven process progresses. As coatings on the RFID tags are removed by the corrosive in the mixture, the digital signatures returned by the RFID tags change, in response to the corrosive damaging the RFID tags. By quantifying the number of damaged RFID tags, a determination can be made as to the progress status of the catalytic process. |
| US07919325B2 |
Method and apparatus for monitoring liquid for the presence of an additive
The present invention relates to an apparatus and methods for the identification or authentication of liquid products by the addition of an anti-Stokes marker. The invention features an apparatus and method for the identification of a liquid, dynamic or static, that includes adding an anti-Stokes luminescent marker compound to the liquid followed by exposing the compound to a light source of a known wavelength or known wavelengths and then detecting one or more shorter wavelength emissions from the marker, where the identity of the liquid is confirmed by the emission wavelength or wavelengths that are detected and quantified. The irradiating source of light includes, but is not limited to, a laser and other conventional light sources. |
| US07919317B2 |
Methods of differentiating and protecting cells by modulating the P38/MEF2 pathway
The present invention provides a method of differentiating progenitor cells to produce a population containing protected neuronal cells. A method of the invention includes the steps of contacting the progenitor cells with a differentiating agent; and introducing into the progenitor cells a nucleic acid molecule encoding a MEF2 polypeptide or an active fragment thereof, thereby differentiating the progenitor cells to produce a population containing protected neuronal cells. In one embodiment, the MEF2 polypeptide is human MEF2C or an active fragment thereof. |
| US07919308B2 |
Form in place gaskets for assays
Assay chambers that include a form-in-place gasket between a substrate and a cover, and methods of forming such assay chambers, are described. The assay chambers may further be associated with an analysis site for analyzing a sample solution contained within the assay chamber. |
| US07919306B2 |
Biological sample reaction chip, biological sample reaction apparatus, and biological sample reaction method
A biological sample reaction chip, including: a plurality of reactors disposed on one plane; a reaction fluid distribution channel connected via a microchannel to each reactor and provided on the plane on which the plurality of reactors are disposed; and a reaction fluid movement stopping unit, which is connected to an end point of the reaction fluid distribution channel and is capable of controlling movement of a reaction fluid. |
| US07919302B1 |
Solenopsis invicta virus
A Unique Solenopsis invicta viruse (SINV2) have been identified and its genome sequenced. Oligonucleotide primers have been developed using the isolated nucleic acid sequences of the SINV2. The virus is used as a biocontrol agent for control of fire ants. |
| US07919294B2 |
Process for preparing stabilized reaction mixtures which are partially dried, comprising at least one enzyme, reaction mixtures and kits containing said mixtures
The invention relates to a method consisting of bringing into contact, in one container, (a) an aqueous solution of a reaction mixture comprising at least one enzyme, and (b) an aqueous solution of a stabilizing mixture comprising (i) at least one protective agent against drying, (ii) at least one inhibitor of the condensation reaction between carbonyl or carboxyl groups and amine or phosphate groups, and (iii) at least one inert polymer capable of generating a mesh structure preventing the mobility of the dried reagents. The invention also consists of removing all or part of the water contained in the resulting aqueous solution. Said process is suitable for carrying out enzymatic reactions, for example, amplifying, sequencing and characterizing nucleic acids, performing hybridization tests and for the restriction analysis. |
| US07919293B2 |
Nanoparticles for protein drug delivery
The invention discloses the nanoparticles composed of chitosan, poly-glutamic acid, and at least one protein drug or bioactive agent characterized with a positive surface charge and their enhanced permeability for paracellular protein drug and bioactive agent delivery. |
| US07919291B2 |
Method for producing ethanol using raw starch
The present invention relates to methods for producing high levels of alcohol during fermentation of plant material, and to the high alcohol beer produced. The present invention also relates to methods for producing high protein distiller's dried grain from fermentation of plant material, and to the high protein distiller's dried grain produced. The present invention further relates to reduced stack emissions from drying distillation products from the production of ethanol. |
| US07919290B2 |
Bio-recycling of carbon dioxide emitted from power plants
The invention provides a method to decrease emission of carbon dioxide from combustion of fossil fuels or other hydrocarbons and to enhance the efficiency of methane production from anaerobic biodigesters. The invention involves feeding carbon dioxide from the exhaust gas of hydrocarbon fuel combustion to an anaerobic biodigester where biomass is anaerobically fermented to produce methane. Carbon dioxide is an electron acceptor for anaerobic fermentation, and thus some of the carbon dioxide is reduced to methane, which can again be used for fuel. In this way, at least a portion of the exhaust gas CO2 is recycled to form fuel methane instead of being released into the atmosphere. Thus, the net CO2 emission from burning a given amount of fossil fuel is decreased. Adding carbon dioxide to an anaerobic fermentation also increases the efficiency and amount of methane production in the fermentation. |
| US07919287B2 |
Process for enzymatically converting glycolonitrile to glycolic acid
A process is provided to improve the specific activity of an enzyme catalyst having nitrilase activity when converting glycolonitrile to glycolic acid under aqueous reaction conditions. Inclusion of an effective amount of at least one amine protectant improves the specific activity and catalytic productivity of the enzyme catalyst. |
| US07919279B2 |
Methods and compositions for KIR genotyping
The present invention provides methods for single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)-based killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR) gene cluster genotyping using the matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometer. In general, the methods involve amplifying a plurality of target sequences of a plurality of KIR genes, and detecting the presence or absence of a plurality of single SNPs of the plurality of KIR genes by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. The invention also features compositions, including arrays of capture primers and optionally extension primers on a substrate surface, and kits, for use in the methods of the invention. |
| US07919274B2 |
Light-emitting fusion proteins and diagnostic and therapeutic methods therefor
Light-generating fusion proteins having a ligand binding site and a light-generating polypeptide moiety and their use as diagnostics, in drug screening and discovery, and as therapeutics, are disclosed. The light-generating fusion protein has a feature where the bioluminescence of the polypeptide moiety changes upon binding of a ligand at the ligand binding site. The ligand may be, for example, an enzyme present in an environment only under certain conditions, e.g., ubiquitin ligase in a hypoxic state, such that the light-generating fusion protein is “turned on” only under such conditions. |
| US07919273B2 |
Structural variants of antibodies for improved therapeutic characteristics
The present invention provides substituted humanized, chimeric or human anti-CD20 antibodies or antigen binding fragments thereof and bispecific antibodies or fusion proteins comprising the substituted antibodies or antigen binding fragments thereof. The antibodies, fusion proteins or fragments are useful for treatment of B-cell disorders, such as B-cell malignancies and autoimmune diseases, as well as GVHD, organ transplant rejection, and hemolytic anemia and cryoglobulinemia. Amino acid substitutions, particularly substitution of an aspartate residue at Kabat position 101 of CDR3 VH (CDRH3), result in improved therapeutic properties, such as decreased dissociation rates, improved CDC activity, improved apoptosis, improved B-cell depletion and improved therapeutic efficacy at very low dosages. Veltuzumab, a humanized anti-CD20 antibody that incorporates such sequence variations, exhibits improved therapeutic efficacy compared to similar antibodies of different CDRH3 sequence, allowing therapeutic effect at dosages as low as 200 mg or less, more preferably 100 mg or less, more preferably 80 mg or less, more preferably 50 mg or less, most preferably 30 mg or less of naked antibody when administered i.v. or s.c. |
| US07919270B2 |
Mammalian expression system
The present invention relates to protein expression systems and in particular to a mammalian protein expression system. Specifically, the present invention provides a rodent cell line with enhanced protein production capabilities.The invention also relates to eukaryotic cloning and expression vectors and related methods, and in particular to DNA vectors capable of high level expression of a protein of interest. The invention allows for long-term episomal maintenance of expression vectors in mammalian cells. |
| US07919268B2 |
Reducing sample turbidity in measurement of enzymatic activity in cell lysates
Disclosed are methods and kits for measuring enzyme activity in which the turbidity of a sample caused by cell components is minimized by particular additives. The methods include the steps of providing a cell suspension or a cell lysate containing cell components, adding a chromogenic substrate at the start of the enzyme reaction, adding a first additional substance to stop the enzyme reaction, and making a colorimetric measurement, wherein a second additional substance which reduces the light scattering and/or absorption caused by the cells or the cell components is added during or after termination of the enzyme reaction. In particular, a method is disclosed wherein the enzyme is lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and the first additional substance to stop the reaction is HCl. |
| US07919266B2 |
Method of detecting red cell antigen-antibody reactions
A process for the detection of antibodies in a test sample by preparing a suspension of erythrocytes with a test serum or plasma by mixing a test serum or plasma with erythrocytes; incubating the suspension of erythrocytes at a temperature of from 37° C. to 45° C. to bind any antibodies in the test serum or plasma to the surface of said erythrocytes; combining the suspension of erythrocytes with an amount of a solution of a macromolecule which is effective to agglutinate the erythrocytes; packing the resultant red cell agglutinates by centrifuging the suspension of erythrocytes; and, determining the presence of anti-erythrocyte antibodies by observing if antibody-dependent erythrocyte agglutination has occurred. |
| US07919263B2 |
Organic material-immobiling structure and method for production of the same, and peptide and DNA therefor
The invention provides an organic material-immobilizing structure employing new immobilization means, characterized in that at least a part of the surface of the substrate is comprised of one or more members containing silicon oxide, the organic material is bound to the surface of the substrate through a binding domain bound to the organic material and containing an amino acid sequence capable of binding to silicon oxide, selected from the group consisting of amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOS: 1 and 2: Val-Ser-Pro-Met-Arg-Ser-Ala-Thr-Thr-His-Thr-Val; and Ile-Pro-Met-His-Val-His-His-Lys-His-Pro-His-Val, and derivatives thereof. |
| US07919260B2 |
Screening methods using GPR52
Disclosed are compounds or their salts that promote or inhibit the activities of a protein comprising the same or substantially the same as the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 1, compounds or their salts that promote or inhibit the activities of a gene for the protein, antisense polynucleotides comprising the whole or part of a base sequence complimentary or substantially complimentary to the base sequence of a polynucleotide encoding the protein or its partial peptide, antibodies to the protein, etc. These compounds or their salts, antisense nucleotides, antibodies, etc. can be used as agents for the prevention/treatment of mental disorders, prolactin-related disorders, etc. |
| US07919258B2 |
Rapid tuberculosis detection method
Methods for diagnosing Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection in a human that include providing blood serum, contacting the serum with an Eis antigen fixed on a substrate, thereby forming complexes of Eis antigen with a human antibody that binds to the Eis antigen, contacting the antibody/Eis complexes with a labeled anti-human secondary antibody, and measuring a titer of the human antibody bound to the Eis antigen. In addition, statistically significant positive or negative diagnosis of infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis is provided by comparing patient serum antibody titer with a second titer from a negative control blood sample. |
| US07919250B2 |
Diagnostic and treatment methods for characterizing bacterial microbiota in skin conditions
The present invention relates to methods for characterization of bacterial skin microbiota to provide diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventive measures for alleviating skin conditions. In certain embodiments, the invention relates to characterization of bacterial skin microbiota associated with psoriasis and related diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventive measures for alleviating psoriasis. These methods will be useful for detecting, diagnosing, and monitoring individuals who have or are at risk of certain skin conditions. |
| US07919248B2 |
Methods for the modulation of IL-13
The present invention is drawn to methods for modulating IL-13 expression and/or activity in a mammal comprising administering an effective amount of an agent which modulates the expression and/or activity of IL-9. |
| US07919247B2 |
Simultaneous quantification of nucleic acids in diseased cells
A process for assessing mitochondrial toxicity of a compound that includes contacting nucleic acids from a host with an amplification reaction mixture that contains at least two primers that provide detectable signals, wherein: a first primer provides a first detectable signal upon amplification of a host mitochondrial nucleic acid; a second primer provides a second detectable signal upon amplification of a host nuclear nucleic acid; and comparing the first and second detectable signals. |
| US07919246B2 |
SEMA4D in cancer diagnosis, detection and treatment
This invention is in the field of cancer-related genes. Specifically it relates to methods for detecting cancer or the likelihood of developing cancer based on the presence or absence of the SEM A4D gene or proteins encoded by this gene. The invention also provides methods and molecules for upregulating or downregulating the SEMA4D gene. |
| US07919243B2 |
Method for the detection of Fusarium graminearum
A method for the detection of Fusarium graminearum (Gibberella zeae) comprising the steps: providing a sample containing a nucleic acid, contacting said sample with at least one forward primer and at least one reverse primer, wherein the at least one reverse primer hybridises within the β-tubulin nucleic acid sequence of Fusarium graminearum (Gibberella zeae) and comprises the nucleic acid sequence 5′-R1TTTTCGTX1GX2AGT-3′ (SEQ ID NO 1), wherein R1 comprises at least one nucleic acid residue of the β-tubulin nucleic acid sequence located upstream of the hybridisation site of the nucleic acid sequence SEQ ID NO 1 and subsequent to the nucleic acid sequence SEQ ID NO 1, X1 is guanine, adenine or inosine, X2 is cytosine, adenine or inosine, and wherein the at least one forward primer hybridises upstream of the hybridisation site of a nucleic acid sequence complementary to the at least one reverse primer, subjecting the sample contacted with the at least one forward primer and the at least one reverse primer to a nucleic acid amplification technique, and optionally determining the presence of Fusarium graminearum (Gibberella zeae) in a sample by detecting a nucleic acid amplification product. |
| US07919234B2 |
Methods and compositions for determining the pathogenic status of infectious agents
Methods and compositions for the detection of disease caused by infectious agents and microbes are provided. In particular, methods and compositions comprising novel combinations of nucleic acid amplification and drug susceptibility technologies are provided. In certain embodiments, the present invention enables the detection of infectious agents and microbes as well as providing information concerning the viability status of the agent or microbe. In one embodiment, the present invention is used for the detection of mycobacterial infections, including, but not limited to, tuberculosis. |
| US07919233B2 |
Motif of the beclin protein which interacts with anti-apoptotic members of the Bcl-2 protein family, and uses
The invention relates to a method of identifying modulators of programmed cell death, comprising an interaction between a motif of Beclin protein and an anti-apoptotic member of the family of Bcl-2 proteins and the detection of said interaction be means of fluorescence polarization. The modulators identified on the basis of said method are administered to cancer patients in order to induce apoptotic- and/or autophagic-type programmed cell death. The invention also relates to a motif of the Beclin protein which can interact with an anti-apoptic member of the family of Bcl-2 proteins and to the use thereof in order to induce programmed cell death in a cancer patient. |
| US07919228B2 |
Method of forming pattern of semiconductor device
The present invention relates to a method of forming a pattern of a semiconductor device. According to the method, patterns are formed on a substrate. First photoresist patterns are formed in regions where the patterns are opened. The first photoresist patterns are diffused to upper corners of the patterns, thus forming second photoresist patterns. The patterns are etched using the second photoresist patterns as an etch-stop layer. Accordingly, smaller photomask patterns can be formed. |
| US07919227B2 |
Positive resist composition and method of forming resist pattern
A positive resist composition including a resin component (A) which exhibits increased alkali solubility under action of acid and an acid-generator component (B) which generates acid upon exposure, the resin component (A) including a structural unit (a1) represented by general formula (I) shown below: wherein R represents a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a lower alkyl group or a halogenated lower alkyl group; R1′ represents a hydrogen atom or a lower alkyl group; n represents an integer of 0 to 3; R1 represents a lower alkyl group, a fluorine atom, or a fluorinated lower alkyl group; and p represents an integer of 0 to 2. |
| US07919226B2 |
Sulfonate salts and derivatives, photoacid generators, resist compositions, and patterning process
Sulfonate salts have the formula:CF3—CH(OCOR)—CF2SO3−M+ wherein R is C1-C20 alkyl or C6-C14 aryl, and M+ is a lithium, sodium, potassium, ammonium or tetramethylammonium ion. Onium salts, oximesulfonates and sulfonyloxyimides and other compounds derived from these sulfonate salts are effective photoacid generators in chemically amplified resist compositions. |
| US07919218B2 |
Method for a multiple exposure beams lithography tool
An aspect of the present invention includes a method for patterning a workpiece covered at least partly with a layer sensitive to electromagnetic radiation by simultaneously using a plurality of exposure beams. In an example embodiment it is determined if any of the beams have an actual position relative to a reference beam which differs from its intended position. An adjustment of the exposure dose for a wrongly positioned beam is performed if said beam is printed at en edge of a feature. Other aspects of the present invention are reflected in the detailed description, figures and claims. |
| US07919217B2 |
Pellicle and method for producing pellicle
A pellicle film of a silicon single crystal film and a base substrate supporting the pellicle film are formed of a single substrate using an SOI substrate. The base substrate is provided with an opening whose ratio in area to an exposure region when a pellicle is used on a photomask (an open area ratio) is 60% or more, and provided with a reinforcing frame in a non-exposure region of the base substrate. Since the pellicle film and the base substrate supporting the pellicle film are formed of the single substrate (an integrated structure), and the base substrate is provided with the reinforcing frame, the effect of increased strength is obtained. Moreover, a principal plane of a silicon single crystal film is a crystal plane inclined at 3 to 5° from any lattice plane belonging to {100} planes or {111} planes. |
| US07919216B2 |
Mask and design method thereof
A mask and the design method thereof are provided. The mask includes a light-shielding area shielding off a light, wherein the light-shielding area includes a photonic crystal having a lattice constant, and a ratio of the lattice constant to a wavelength of the light is a specific value within a band gap of the photonic crystal. |
| US07919214B2 |
Cathode side hardware for carbonate fuel cells
Carbonate fuel cathode side hardware having a thin coating of a conductive ceramic formed from one of Perovskite AMeO3, wherein A is at least one of lanthanum and a combination of lanthanum and strontium and Me is one or more of transition metals, lithiated NiO (LixNiO, where x is 0.1 to 1) and X-doped LiMeO2, wherein X is one of Mg, Ca, and Co. |
| US07919213B1 |
Fuel cell bipolar plate and composition therefore
A bipolar plate is provided which is constructed of a composite material including at least thirty percent carbon and up to seventy percent of a flowable resin. The material is flowed into a mold and hardened, preferably by heat or catalyst, to form the bipolar plate. The resin is preferably a polyester resin which, along with the carbon, can function effectively within a bipolar plate of a fuel cell. A method for forming bipolar plates from a composite material including carbon and a flowable resin, by flowing the material into a mold, is also provided. Specific compositions for the composite material are also provided. |
| US07919212B2 |
Separator for fuel cells
The object of the invention is to provide a separator for fuel cells which is of improved strength and corrosion resistance and facilitates the assembling of unit cells. The separator comprises an electrically conductive resin layer formed by electrodeposition in such a way as to cover a metal substrate and a gasket component. The resin layer contains an electrically conductive material. The separator of the invention has thus an enhanced corrosion resistance, makes some considerable improvements in the assembling work efficiency of unit cells, and makes sure higher strength because of the use of the metal substrate. |
| US07919211B2 |
On-board fuel cell system and method of controlling the same
An on-board fuel cell system adapted to be installed on a motor vehicle includes a main passage connecting a hydrogen-gas storage device with an inlet of a fuel cell, a circulation passage that connects an outlet of the fuel cell with a first point in the main passage, a pump disposed in the circulation passage, and a bypass passage that connects a second point between the outlet of the storage device and the first point, with a third point located in the circulation passage between the outlet of the fuel cell and the pump. During a normal operation condition of the system, the hydrogen gas flows from the storage device to the fuel cell through the main passage, and hydrogen gas discharged from the fuel cell returns to the main passage through the circulation passage. When the pressure of the hydrogen gas is lower than a reference pressure, the pump operates to draw the hydrogen gas out of the storage device and feed the hydrogen gas from the main passage to the circulation passage through the bypass passage, and to the fuel cell through the main passage. |
| US07919209B2 |
System stability and performance improvement with anode heat exchanger plumbing and re-circulation rate
A fuel cell system that increases stack stability by reducing the amount of liquid water droplets at the anode input of a fuel cell stack in the system. Re-circulated anode exhaust gas from the fuel cell stack and fresh hydrogen gas are sent to an anode heat exchanger so that both the fresh hydrogen gas and the re-circulated anode exhaust gas are heated to reduce the formation of water droplets in the anode input gas. Further, a portion of the heated cooling fluid directly from the fuel cell stack is sent to the heat exchanger to heat the fresh hydrogen gas and the re-circulation hydrogen before the cooling fluid is sent to an isolation heat exchanger to have its temperature reduced. |
| US07919198B2 |
Condensed ring aromatic compound for organic light-emitting device and organic light-emitting device having the same
Provided are a condensed ring aromatic compound for an organic light-emitting device, and an organic light-emitting device having optical output with high efficiency and high luminescence and having durability. An organic light-emitting device including an anode and a cathode, and a layer made of an organic compound interposed between the anode and the cathode, wherein at least one layer of the layers made of the organic compound contains a condensed ring aromatic compound shown in the following general formula [1]: wherein R1 to R16 each independently represent a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted alkoxy group, a substituted or unsubstituted aryloxy group, a substituted or unsubstituted amino group, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group, or a substituted or unsubstituted heterocyclic group, and may be the same or different. |
| US07919197B2 |
Condensed ring aromatic compound and organic light-emitting device having the same
There are provided a condensed ring aromatic compound and an organic light-emitting device having an optical output with high efficiency and high luminance, and durability. An organic light-emitting device including: a pair of electrodes comprising an anode and a cathode of which at least one is transparent or translucent; and an organic compound layer disposed between the pair of electrodes, wherein the organic compound layer contains the condensed ring aromatic compound represented by the following formula [1]. In the formula, X1 to X16 each independently represent a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted alkoxy group, a substituted or unsubstituted aryloxy group, a substituted or unsubstituted amino group, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group, or a substituted or unsubstituted heterocyclic group, and each may be the same or different; adjacent groups combine with each other to form at least one ring in the group selected from X4 to X7; and adjacent groups combine with each other to form at least one ring in the group selected from X12 to X15. |
| US07919196B2 |
Emitting materials and organic light emitting device using the same
The present invention provides a novel light emitting material and an organic light emitting device using the same. |
| US07919194B2 |
High strength steel sheet having superior ductility
A high strength steel sheet and a method for manufacturing the same has superior phosphatability properties and hot-dip galvannealed properties besides a tensile strength of 950 MPa or more and a high ductility, and also having a small variation in mechanical properties with the change in annealing conditions. |
| US07919190B2 |
Polymer composition
The disclosed invention relates to a composition, comprising: (A) at least one halogen-free polymer, the polymer exhibiting a total loss of mass of at least about 7% by weight at a temperature of 370° C. when subjected to thermogravimetric analysis; (B) at least one acid source; (C) at least one carbon-yielding source; and (D) at least one blowing agent. |
| US07919188B2 |
Linked periodic networks of alternating carbon and inorganic clusters for use as low dielectric constant materials
This disclosure relates generally to polymeric networks of fullerene compounds, to methods of preparing precursors for such networks, and to their subsequent use as low dielectric constant materials in microelectronic devices. |
| US07919183B2 |
Particles for use as proppants or in gravel packs, methods for making and using the same
Disclosed herein is a coated particle comprising a substrate comprising an inorganic material, wherein the inorganic material comprises silica and alumina in a silica to alumina weight ratio of about 2.2 to about 5; and wherein the inorganic material has a bulk density of less than or equal to about 1 g/cm3; and a coating disposed upon the substrate. Disclosed herein too is a method of treating a subterranean formation comprising injecting a fracturing fluid into the subterranean formation; wherein the fracturing fluid comprises an inorganic particle that comprises silica and alumina in a silica to alumina weight ratio of about 2.2 to about 5; and wherein the inorganic particle has a bulk density of less than or equal to about 1 g/cm3. |
| US07919182B2 |
Pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet for application to skin
The problem of the present invention is to provide a pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet for skin adhesion, having an adhesive layer, which can be formed without using an organic solvent, shows superior adhesion performance to the skin, and shows extremely mild irritation to the skin and stratum corneum damage. To solve the problem, the present invention provides a pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet for skin adhesion, which has a substrate and an adhesive layer laminated on the substrate, wherein the adhesive layer is obtained by curing an adhesive composition containing polyether polymer (A) having at least one alkenyl group on the terminal, compound (B) having 1-10 hydrosilyl groups in a molecule and hydrosilylation catalyst (C). |
| US07919180B2 |
Treated substrate having hydrophilic region and water repellent region, and process for producing it
A treated substrate having a hydrophilic region and a water repellent region, of which contrast is high on its surface; a process for producing a treated substrate, wherein the treated substrate can be produced with a low amount of light for a short time; wherein the water repellent region is made of a water repellent film formed by curing the composition (A) comprising a photopolymerization initiator and a compound (a) having at least one (meth)acryloyl group, and a water repellent moiety and having a film thickness of from 0.1 to 100 nm; the process uses a hydrophilic substrate or makes the surface thereof hydrophilic, then forms a film containing the composition (A) on the surface, then forms said water repellent film by irradiating light on a part of the film surface to cure the composition (A) and then removes an uncured composition (A) present thereon in order to expose the hydrophilic surface. |
| US07919176B2 |
Ink-jet media porous coatings with chemically attached active ligands
The present invention is drawn to a coated substrate for ink-jet ink printing comprising a substrate, having coated thereon, a porous coating, wherein the porous coating comprises silica covalently attached to a chelating agent, an ultraviolet blocker, and/or a hindered amine light stabilizer. In one embodiment, the chelating agent, ultraviolet blocker, and/or hindered amine light stabilizer can be substantially homogenously distributed on the silica. |
| US07919174B2 |
Tailored core laminated sheet metal
A laminated sheet metal is comprised of a first sheet of metal and a second sheet of metal that are adhered together by a polymer layer core that is interposed between the two sheets and provides visco-elastic adhesion. The polymer layer has at least one region of a first polymer material that is selected for optimal viscous and elastic qualities by which to dampen the transmission of noise and vibration between the sheets, and at least one other region of a second polymer material that is selected for optimal adhesive qualities by which the sheets are optimally joined together against delamination. Thus the laminated sheet metal can be tailored to optimize the qualities that are desired for the manufacture of a particular product. |
| US07919171B2 |
Lidding for a child-resistant blister package
A blister package is provided in which the lidding component includes a tear-resistant nonwoven layer and a barrier layer wherein the controlled delamination of the nonwoven layer increases the puncture resistance, thereby improving the child-resistant properties of the package. |
| US07919169B2 |
Laminate made of fibrous layers for use in absorbent articles
A laminate made of fibrous layers for use in absorbent articles, such as sanitary towels, nappies or the like. The laminate includes an outer layer (5) made of non-woven fabric, which is in contact with the wearer during use of the article, and an inner layer (6), which two layers are interconnected in a first bonding pattern consisting of separate bonding points (7). |
| US07919163B2 |
Thermal packaging system
The present disclosure utilizes the phase change properties of various phase change materials, specifically of 1-decanol and 1-dodecanol. Blood platelets and biological tissues that are chemically unstable at high temperatures can be maintained between 20° C. and 24° C. using 1-Dodecanol in a disclosed container. Temperature sensitive pharmaceutical products may be maintained between 2° C. to 8° C. using 1-Decanol in a disclosed container. The present disclosure may be used to control the temperature of such products during transport by confining the temperature of the product within a predetermined range. This permits light weight packaging with the maintenance of temperatures in narrow, pre-selected ranges over extended periods of time. A nylon and low density polyethylene thermal blanket comprising cells substantially filled with phase change material, which is advantageously puncture proof, durable, and capable of surrounding any payload, is disclosed. |
| US07919155B2 |
Document and method of making document including invisible information for security applications
A document includes paper having an average surface roughness of at least about 0.5 microns and including one or more optical brighteners, and includes at least one image thereon wherein the at least one image includes clear binder and light absorbing material that absorbs light only at wavelengths below 350 nm. The image is substantially not detectable to a naked human eye through differential gloss or exposure to light having wavelengths of 365 nm or more, but may be revealed to the naked human eye by exposing the document to light having a wavelength at which the light absorbing material absorbs light. |
| US07919153B2 |
Laminated structure, process of producing a liquid crystal cell substrate using the same, liquid crystal cell substrate, and liquid crystal display device
A laminated structure comprising, at least one optically anisotropic layer formed of a liquid crystalline composition comprising a compound having two or more types of reactive groups, and at least one photosensitive polymer layer. The laminated structure is useful for forming an optically anisotropic layer inside of a liquid crystal cell. The laminated structure is also useful for forming a liquid crystal cell substrate with an optically anisotropic layer having an optically compensating ability, inside of a liquid crystal cell. |
| US07919152B2 |
Method and apparatus for curing waste containing photopolymeric components
Method and apparatus for polymerizing photoactive materials included in a liquid material by electromagnetic radiation, by dispensing the liquid material layer-wise into a container and irradiating the accumulated layers by a curing radiation, wherein a substantial part of the radiation is well transmitted through the photoactive material. |
| US07919149B2 |
Carbodiimide compound and waterborne curable resin composition containing thereof
It is the purpose of the present invention to provide a carbodiimide compound exhibiting superior water resistance and having good storage stability when it is applied to a waterborne coating composition, and a waterborne curable resin composition comprising thereof, and the carbodiimide compound of the present invention is represented by the following general formula (1): wherein X represents a bifunctional organic group containing at least one carbodiimide group, Y represents a structure in which a hydroxyl group is eliminated from a polyalkylene glycol monoalkyl ether, R0 represents hydrogen or an alkyl group having 2 or less carbon atoms, R1 represents an alkylene group having 4 or less carbon atoms, n represents 0 or 1 and m represents an integer of 11 or more, and wherein the repeating number of oxyalkylene group in the polyalkylene glycol monoalkyl ether is 6 to 40. |
| US07919148B2 |
In-press process for coating composite substrates
An improved process for manufacture of polymer coated composite substrates is described. A coated composite substrate is prepared in the press by applying a layer of a primer coating composition to the surface of a compressible mat comprising fibers and/or particles and a resin binder. The primer coating composition is formulated preferably as a fast setting polymer latex capable of forming a chemically crosslinked polymer matrix when applied to the surface of a compressible mat. A thermosetting top coat composition can be applied directly over the primer coating composition before heat-processing the mat to improve surface quality and release characteristics. Compressing and heating the coated mat produces a finished composite substrate directly out of the press. |
| US07919147B2 |
Coating method
The invention relates to a method for coating objects, particularly plumbing fixtures, having metallic surfaces. According to the method, at least one organosilane is applied during the so-called sol-gel process after an optionally provided pretreatment step that serves to activate the metallic surfaces, and the coating obtained thereby is transformed into a polysiloxane coating. This transformation of the coating into a polysiloxane coating preferably ensues by a thermal treatment effected at temperatures of <100° C., preferably <70° C. |
| US07919146B2 |
Aqueous polyurethane compositions
An aqueous polyurethane composition comprising a polyurethane which is the reaction product of: (A) an isocyanate-terminated prepolymer and (B) at least one active-hydrogen chain-extending compound comprising at least 0.20 stoichiometric equivalents with respect to the isocyanate content of the isocyanate-terminated prepolymer (A), of an active-hydrogen chain-extending compound selected from the group consisting of hydrazine, hydrazine derivatives and mixtures thereof; and wherein at least 0.2 stoichiometric equivalents of the anionic or potentially anionic water-dispersing groups are neutralised with ammonia. |
| US07919140B2 |
Process for producing pressure-sensitive adhesive layer
The present invention relates to a process for producing a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer, which includes irradiating a photopolymerizable acrylic pressure-sensitive adhesive composition layer provided between two films with an active energy beam to polymerize the photopolymerizable acrylic pressure-sensitive adhesive composition layer, in which the polymerization is performed while a layer of a composition for preventing polymerization inhibition which is curable with an active energy beam in the atmosphere is provided on a side surface of the photopolymerizable acrylic pressure-sensitive adhesive composition layer. According to the process for producing a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer of the present invention, owing to the construction as discussed above, it is possible to reuse a film. Moreover, it is possible to prevent a lowering in the cohesive force in the side surface of the thus formed pressure-sensitive adhesive composition layer caused by a lowering in the polymerization degree in the side surface of the photopolymerizable acrylic pressure-sensitive adhesive composition layer during the photopolymerization. |
| US07919139B2 |
CPP with elongated pinned layer
CPP magnetic read head designs have been improved by increasing the length of the AFM layer relative to that of both the free and spacer layers. The length of the pinned layer is also increased, but by a lesser amount, an abutting conductive layer being inserted to fill the remaining space over the AFM layer. The extended pinned layer increases the probability of spin interaction while the added conducting layer serves to divert sensor current away from the bottom magnetic shield which now is no longer needed for use as a lead. |
| US07919130B2 |
Method for crosslinking β-cyclodextrin for cholesterol trapping and regeneration thereof
Shown herein is the use of crosslinked beta-cyclodextrin as a trap for removing cholesterol. The crosslinked beta-cyclodextrin is prepared by crosslinking beta-cyclodextrin in the presence of a crosslinking agent. Treatment with the crosslinked beta-cyclodextrin results in cholesterol-depleted foods. After application to foods, the crosslinked beta-cyclodextrin which traps cholesterol therein can be readily regenerated with organic solvents. The crosslinked beta-cyclodextrin can be applied to almost all cholesterol-containing foods, such as dairy products, meat products, and egg products, with excellent cholesterol removal rates. |
| US07919129B2 |
System and method for spraying meat products with an anti-microbial agent
System and method for applying an antimicrobial agent, such as acidified calcium sulfate (ACS), to unpackaged meat products, in order to eliminate or reduce existing food borne bacterial pathogens and to prevent their growth when the meat products are stored. A conveyor transports unpackaged meat products to a spray chamber having nozzles positioned above and below the conveyor and meat products. The conveyor can be a wire conveyor having wires having a thickness so that they can support the food items, which can be eight to ten pounds, while being small enough so that the they do not block ACS solution sprays from the bottom nozzles, or do so to a negligible degree. The lower nozzles spray ACS solution through apertures of the conveyor and onto at least the bottom surfaces of the unpackaged meat products. The solution is sprayed with a sufficiently high pressure and sufficiently small drop size so that the ACS solution penetrates into tissues of the unpackaged meat products. |
| US07919125B2 |
Modulation of inflammation by hops fractions and derivatives
A natural formulation of compounds that would to modulate inflammation is disclosed. The formulation would also inhibit expression of COX-2, inhibit synthesis of prostaglandin selectively in target cells, and inhibit inflammatory response selectively in target cells. The compositions containing at least one fraction isolated or derived from hops. |
| US07919122B2 |
Composition for production of a sterilizer and a process for producing organic peracid
The invention provides a composition for production of a sterilizer having a water content of 1 to 25% by weight and comprising (A) an ester of a polyhydric alcohol and an organic acid having a hydrocarbon group which may have a hydroxyl group and (B1) hydrogen peroxide. From the composition, a sterilizer is obtained as an aqueous solution containing an organic peracid. |
| US07919121B2 |
Biomaterial derived from vertebrate liver tissue
A tissue graft composition comprising liver basement membrane and a method of preparation of this tissue graft composition are described. The graft composition can be implanted to replace or induce the repair of damaged or diseased tissues. |
| US07919119B2 |
Porous drug matrices and methods of manufacture thereof
Drugs, especially low aqueous solubility drugs, are provided in a porous matrix form, preferably microparticles, which enhances dissolution of the drug in aqueous media. The drug matrices preferably are made using a process that includes (i) dissolving a drug, preferably a drug having low aqueous solubility, in a volatile solvent to form a drug solution, (ii) combining at least one pore forming agent with the drug solution to form an emulsion, suspension, or second solution and hydrophilic or hydrophobic excipients that stabilize the drug and inhibit crystallization, and (iii) removing the volatile solvent and pore forming agent from the emulsion, suspension, or second solution to yield the porous matrix of drug. Hydrophobic or hydrophilic excipients may be selected to stabilize the drug in crystalline form by inhibiting crystal growth or to stabilize the drug in amorphous form by preventing crystallization. The pore forming agent can be either a volatile liquid that is immiscible with the drug solvent or a volatile solid compound, preferably a volatile salt. In a preferred embodiment, spray drying is used to remove the solvents and the pore forming agent. The resulting porous matrix has a faster rate of dissolution following administration to a patient, as compared to non-porous matrix forms of the drug. In a preferred embodiment, microparticles of the porous drug matrix are reconstituted with an aqueous medium and administered parenterally, or processed using standard techniques into tablets or capsules for oral administration. |
| US07919117B2 |
Transdermal delivery of (R)-3,3-diphenylpropylamin-monoestern
The invention relates to a device for transdermally administering a compound of formula (I), wherein A represents hydrogen or deuterium, R represents a group selected among C1-4alkyl, C3-10cycloalkyl, or phenyl, each of which can be substituted by C1-3alkoxy, fluoride, chlorine, bromine, iodine, nitro, amino, hydroxy, oxo, mercapto, or deuterium, the C atom marked by * (asterisk) being provided in the R configuration. The invention is characterized in that the compound of general formula (I) is provided in a polymer matrix and is released at a dose of 0.5 to 20 mg per day through human skin. The invention further relates to the use of said compounds of formula (I) for producing transdermal medicaments. |
| US07919114B2 |
Compositions and methods using Morinda citrifolia
Dietary supplements include a complementary blend of fruits including at least noni and Luo Han Guo. Other fruits having a high ORAC value, such as blueberries and raspberries, are also preferably incorporated. The combination of the Luo Han Guo and noni masks the noni's flavors and odors while sweetening the dietary supplements. The Luo Han Guo can be simultaneously provided in both powder and liquid form so that the liquid form acts as the primary sweetener while the powder form acts as the primary masker. The dietary supplements also have an enhanced natural preservative effect, providing an extended shelf life without the use of artificial preservatives. |
| US07919113B2 |
Dispersible concentrate lipospheres for delivery of active agents
A formulation containing one or more lipophilic agents, methods of making and using the formulation are described herein. The formulation is formed by adding a pre-suspension concentrate composition to an aqueous medium. Upon contact with the aqueous medium, a solid nanoparticle suspension spontaneously forms. The resulting formulation is in the form of a microemulsion. The concentrate contains an amphiphilic solvent, a pharmaceutically acceptable solid carrier such as a solid fatty acid or ester, a surfactant, and an agent. Preferably the concentrate contains a combination of a surfactant with a high hydrophilic/lipophilic balance (HLB) of at least about 8 and a surfactant with a low HLB of less than about 5. The agent is preferably a lipophilic drug and other lipophilic ingredient, such as vitamins. The composition is suitable for use in medical and non-medical applications. The microemuslions described herein have increased stability was compared to the prior art. |
| US07919110B2 |
Medical device drug release regions containing non-covalently bound polymers
According to one aspect, implantable or insertable medical devices are provided, which contain polymeric release regions that release one or more therapeutic agents. The polymeric release regions, in turn, contain the following: (i) a first bonding polymer having a first polymer block and a first bonding group and (ii) a second bonding polymer having a second polymer block and a second bonding group. A therapeutic agent is disposed beneath or within the polymeric release region. The first and second polymer blocks can be the same as or different from one another, as can the first and second bonding groups. The first and second bonding groups are bound to one another via non-covalent bonding, for example, via electrostatic interaction, coordinative bonds, π-π stacking, or hydrogen bonding. According to another aspect, implantable or insertable medical devices are provided, which have a polymeric region that comprises (a) a first polymer having a first polymer block and a first bonding group and (b) a therapeutic agent having a bonding group that bonds to said first bonding group via non-covalent bonding at ambient temperature. |
| US07919102B2 |
Basidiomycetes, basidiomycetes extract composition, health foods, and immunopotentiators
Basidiomycetes which is a novel mushroom having an excellent immunopotentiating action, etc., a Basidiomycetes extract composition, and health foods and immunopotentiators using the Basidiomycetes extract composition are provided.Basidiomycetes has no basidium forming potential. In particular, Basidiomycetes is Basidiomycetes-X FERM BP-10011. A Basidiomycetes extract composition is extracted from them with an extraction solvent including at least one solvent selected from water and a hydrophilic solvent. |
| US07919086B2 |
Anti-glypican 3 antibody
An antibody capable of binding to a specific region of glypican 3, as well as a humanized antibody created based on that antibody are disclosed. The anti-GPC3 antibody of the invention has a higher ADCC activity and CDC activity compared with those of a conventional antibody. The antibody of the present invention is useful as a cell growth inhibitor, an anticancer agent and an agent for diagnosis of cancers. |
| US07919082B1 |
High-activity mutants of butyrylcholinesterase for cocaine hydrolysis and method of generating the same
A novel computational method and generation of mutant butyrylcholinesterase for cocaine hydrolysis is provided. The method includes molecular modeling a possible BChE mutant and conducting molecular dynamics simulations and hybrid quantum mechanical/molecular mechanical calculations thereby providing a screening method of possible BChE mutants by predicting which mutant will lead to a more stable transition state for a rate determining step. Site-directed mutagenesis, protein expression, and protein activity is conducted for mutants determined computationally as being good candidates for possible BChE mutants, i.e., ones predicted to have higher catalytic efficiency as compared with wild-type BChE. In addition, mutants A199S/A328W/Y332G, A199S/F227A/A328W/Y332G, A199S/S287G/A328W/Y332G, A199S/F227A/S287G/A328W/Y332G, and A199S/F227A/S287G/A328W/E441D all have enhanced catalytic efficiency for (−)-cocaine compared with wild-type BChE. |
| US07919079B2 |
Cancer immunotherapy compositions and methods of use
Cellular compositions and methods for inducing an immune response to tumor cells are described. The cellular compositions include a tumor antigen and cells that have been modified to express a cytokine and one or more of a tumor antigen, anti-CTLA4 antibody and an additional cytokine. The cellular compositions find utility in methods for treating cancer. |
| US07919078B2 |
Recombinant interferon α2 (IFNα2) mutants and methods of use thereof
The present invention provides IFNα2 mutants and active fragments, analogs, derivatives, and variants thereof, nucleotide molecules encoding same, pharmaceutical compositions containing the same, and methods utilizing the same for treating cancer, infectious diseases, and autoimmune diseases. |
| US07919077B2 |
Pharmaceutical compositions comprising CCL2 and use of same for the treatment of inflammation
A method of treating an inflammation in a subject thereof is provided. The method comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of CCL2, thereby treating the inflammation. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions and unit dosage forms which comprise CCL2 for the treatment of inflammation. |
| US07919076B2 |
PH-sensitive polymeric conjugates of an anthracycline cancerostatic drug for targeted therapy
Conjugates consisting of a polymeric carrier constituted by 30 to 3,000 monomer units linked to form a polymeric chain, composed of a) 60 to 99% of N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide units, b) 1 to 25% of units of methacryloylated hydrazones of α-amino acids, ε-amino acids, aromatic amino acids or oligopeptides terminated with a molecule of an anthracycline cancerostatic, c) 0.5 to 15% of units of methacryloylated α-amino acids, ε-amino acids, aromatic amino acids or oligopeptides or their sodium salts. |
| US07919075B1 |
Coatings for implantable medical devices
Polymer coatings for medical devices are disclosed. The polymers can include at least one unit derived from ethylene and at least one vinyl unit or acrylic unit. The coatings can have a biologically compatible compound conjugated to, or blended with, the polymer. |
| US07919072B1 |
Nanoparticles for protein drug delivery
The invention discloses the bioactive nanoparticles composed of chitosan, poly-glutamic acid, and at least one bioactive agent characterized with a positive surface charge and enhanced permeability in oral drug delivery. |
| US07919068B2 |
Method for making metal oxides
A method of producing porous complex oxides includes the steps of providing a mixture of a) precursor elements suitable to produce the complex oxide; or b) one or more precursor elements suitable to produce particles of the complex oxide and one or more metal oxide particles; and c) a particulate carbon-containing pore-forming material selected to provide pore sizes in the range of approximately 7 nm to 250 nm, and treating the mixture to (i) form the porous complex oxide in which two or more of the precursor elements from (a) above or one or more of the precursor elements and one or more of the metals in the metal oxide particles from (b) above are incorporated into a phase of the complex metal oxide and the complex metal oxide has grain sizes in the range of about 1 nm to 150 nm; and (ii) remove the pore-forming material under conditions such that the porous structure and composition of the complex oxide is substantially preserved. The method may be used to produce non-refractory metal oxides as well. |
| US07919067B2 |
Method and apparatus for controlling a causticizing process
A method and an apparatus for controlling a causticizing process, the process comprising slaking, causticizing and white liquor preparation. The slaking is carried out using a slaker into which green liquor and lime is fed to produce lime milk. The causticizing process is controlled by applying a model that describes at least a part of the causticizing process. |
| US07919062B2 |
Modular microfluidic system and method for building a modular microfludic system
A “plug-n-play” modular microfluidic system is described herein which can be made by connecting multiple microfluidic components together to form a larger integrated system. For example, the modular microfluidic system includes a motherboard with interconnecting channels and integrated electrodes (or holes for electrodes to pass) which provide electronic connections to external data acquisition and system control devices. The modular microfluidic system can also include channel inserts (which are placed in the channels of the motherboard), heater units, actuator units, fitting components and microchips/modules with different functionalities which are placed on the motherboard. |
| US07919061B2 |
Pipette device system and micropipette thereof
A pipette device system and micropipette thereof is disclosed. The micropipette is disposed on the pipette device system and includes a pipe body, a rotating shaft and a swing member. A rotating hole and an engaging hole of the pipe body are connected with each other. A receiving hole and a discharging hole are formed in the pipe body and connected with the rotating hole. The rotating shaft is disposed in the rotating hole and has a connecting hole and a switching hole. A first connecting opening and a second connecting opening of the connecting hole are respectively connected with the receiving hole and the discharging hole. The switching hole has a third connecting opening and is connected with the connecting hole. The swing member is fixed on two ends of the rotating shaft. The present invention can implement the multiple micro-dispensation based on the simple structure and movement manner. |
| US07919058B2 |
High-solvency-dispersive-power (HSDP) crude oil blending for fouling mitigation and on-line cleaning
A high solvency dispersive power (HSDP) crude oil is added to a blend of incompatible and/or near-incompatible oils to proactively address the potential for fouling heat exchange equipment. The HSDP component dissolves asphaltene precipitates and maintains suspension of inorganic particulates before coking affects heat exchange surfaces. HSDP co-blending for fouling mitigation and on-line cleaning can be affected using different concentrations of top-performing and moderate-performing HSDP crude oils. |
| US07919055B2 |
Method of forming a sealed channel of a microfluidic reactor and a microfluidic reactor comprising such channel
The present invention relates to a method of forming a sealed channel on the surface of a sheet made of a material with a particular extent of plasticity, the sheet forming a reactor block for a microfluidic reactor. |
| US07919052B2 |
Securing catalyst element in catalytic converter with bolted bar
A catalytic converter has a housing. The housing defines a conduit and has a support wall defining an opening in the conduit. A removable catalyst element covers the opening for treating an exhaust gas passing through the conduit. A removable bar abuts the catalyst element. A first end of the bar is anchored to the wall and a second end of the bar is bolted to the wall thus clamping the catalyst element between the wall and the bar. |
| US07919048B2 |
Cellular microarray and its microfabrication method
A cellular microarray is disclosed, which has a substrate, multiple first conductive lines, multiple second conductive lines, and multiple PIREs arranged on the surface of the substrate in an array. Each PIRE includes multiple first ring-shaped electrodes, and multiple second ring-shaped electrodes. The first ring-shaped electrodes, and the second ring-shaped electrodes are located on the surface of the substrate alternately in each PIRE. Moreover, the outermost ring-shaped electrodes of any two adjacent feather-shaped electrodes are different. The disclosed cellular microarray can adhere the cells rapidly and uniformly, increase the output of manufacturing, and reduce the cost for manufacturing and application. |
| US07919046B2 |
Method for grafting molecules of interest on inorganic surfaces, resulting surfaces and uses thereof
The invention concerns a method for grafting molecules of interest on a silicon substrate via a spacer compound, said grafting including at least one click chemistry reaction to the supports thus obtained as well as their uses in nanotechnologies and nanobiotechnologies, such as molecular electronics, the manufacture of biochips or of sensors. |
| US07919040B2 |
Method of preparing pressureless sintered, highly dense boron carbide materials
In a method of preparing a boron carbide material, boron carbide powder is washed with essentially pure water at an elevated temperature to generate washed boron carbide powder. The washed boron carbide powder is combined with a sintering aid. The mixture of the boron carbide powder and the sintering aid is pressed to form a shaped material, and the shaped material is sintered. A sintered boron carbide material comprises a boron carbide component that includes boron carbide, elemental carbon, and not more than about 0.6 wt % of oxygen on the basis of the total weight of the boron carbide component. The sintered boron carbide material has a density of at least about 99% of the theoretical density. Another sintered boron carbide material comprises a boron carbide component that includes boron carbide, silicon carbide, elemental carbon, and not more than about 0.3 wt % oxygen on the basis of the total weight of the boron carbide component, and has a density of at least about 97% of the theoretical density. |
| US07919039B2 |
Ceramic fiber composite material
The invention relates to a particularly low-cost and flexible process for the preparation of a sintered ceramic fiber composite material consisting of oxide-ceramic continuous fibers and an oxide-ceramic matrix, and to a fiber composite material prepared by such process. |
| US07919037B1 |
Process and composition for molding heatable articles and resulting product
A process and a mold for molding parts. The mold is fabricated using a mixture of a viscous resin such as a gel coat containing nano particles. Electrical conductors are incorporated in the mold surface. The resulting mold in use is heatable by application of electricity to produce parts substantially reducing cure and post cure time. Completed parts containing conductive nano particles may also be produced and are heatable in use for applications where it is desirable to heat the part in use such as de-icing panels. A composition for fabricating parts containing a resin and nano particle segments in sufficient quantity to establish a conductive path is also disclosed. |
| US07919033B2 |
Method of manufacturing honeycomb structure and manufacturing apparatus thereof
A method of manufacturing a honeycomb structure having a plugged portion, which is faster and cheaper to manufacture, and a manufacturing apparatus thereof. A film is attached to an end face of a honeycomb structure in a state where the honeycomb structure is positioned in a table portion having a through hole into which the end face portion of the honeycomb structure is to be inserted, and the film is held in a flat state where a remaining portion of the film which is not attached to the end face is attached to the table portion. Then, holes opened so as to correspond to the openings of a part of cells are formed in the film to form the film as a mask, and a plugging material having fluidity is supplied onto the mask or onto the same plane as the mask to fill the cells with the plugging material. |
| US07919021B2 |
Method for producing optical sheet
The present invention aims at providing a manufacturing method for an optical sheet capable of manufacturing a thin optical sheet of a uniform thickness distribution with a high thickness accuracy, and high shaping/transferring performances, and an optical sheet manufactured by using the manufacturing method. A manufacturing method for an optical sheet according to the present invention includes passing a resin discharged from a die between a touch roll and a shaping roll under pressure. |
| US07919018B2 |
Photoactive taggant materials comprising semiconductor nanoparticles and lanthanide ions
This invention provides, in one aspect, a procedure to use optically transparent nanocrystalline quantum dots to absorb UV light. This absorption process leads to an energy transfer to a chemically bound and chelated lanthanide ion that may emit light in either the visible spectrum (400-700 nm) or in the near infrared (700-1600 nm). This invention also provides methods for the use of these taggant materials in inks and aerosols used to disperse the taggant. |
| US07919015B2 |
Silver-containing nanoparticles with replacement stabilizer
A process including: providing a composition comprising silver-containing nanoparticles and molecules of an initial stabilizer on the surface of the silver-containing nanoparticles; and mixing a replacement stabilizer comprising a carboxylic acid with the composition to replace at least a portion of the initial stabilizer with the replacement stabilizer, resulting in molecules of the replacement stabilizer on the surface of the silver-containing nanoparticles. |
| US07919014B2 |
Electrode for use with double electric layer electrochemical capacitors having high specific parameters
The present invention relates to the production of electrochemical capacitors with a DEL. The proposed electrodes with DEL are based on non-metal conducting materials, including porous carbon materials, and are capable of providing for high specific energy, capacity and power parameters of electrochemical capacitors. P-type conductivity and high concentration of holes in electrode materials may be provided by thermal, ionic or electrochemical doping by acceptor impurities; irradiating by high-energy fast particles or quantums; or chemical, electrochemical and/or thermal treatment. The present invention allows for an increase in specific energy, capacity and power parameters, as well as a reduction in the cost of various electrochemical capacitors with DEL. The proposed electrodes with DEL can be used as positive and/or negative electrodes of symmetric and asymmetric electrochemical capacitors with aqueous and non-aqueous electrolytes. |
| US07919013B2 |
Thermoplastic moulding compositions with high stiffness
Thermoplastic molding compositions comprising A) from 40 to 96.2% by weight of a semiaromatic polyamide, B) from 2 to 30% by weight of an impact-modifying polymer which comprises functional groups, C) from 1 to 50% by weight of fibrous or particulate fillers or a mixture of these, D) from 0.2 to 5% by weight of a lubricant, E) from 0.5 to 15% by weight of an electrically conductive additive, F) from 0 to 30% by weight of other added materials, where the total of the percentages by weight of components A) to F) is 100%. |
| US07919011B2 |
LED and its fluorescent powder
A fluorescent powder using YAG (yttrium aluminum garnet) as the substrate and cerium as the excitant, and having added thereto Tb (terbium) ions, Ga (gallium) ions, Yb (ytterbium) ions and Lu (lutetium) ions. The YAG (yttrium aluminum garnet) has the chemical formula of (Y1-x-y-z-p-qGdxTbyYbzLupCeq)3Al5O12. The invention also provides an organic film layer using the fluorescent powder, and a LED using the organic film layer. |
| US07919010B2 |
Doped organic semiconductor material
The present invention relates to a doped organic semiconductor material comprising an organic matrix material which is doped with at least one heteromonocyclic and/or heteropolycyclic compound, the compound having at least one nitrogen atom with a free electron pair. |
| US07919009B2 |
Polymerizable compounds and polymerizable compositions
A polymerizable compound represented by general formula (1) of the invention has good solvent solubility and excellent alignment control properties and optical characteristics. In formula (1), M1 and M2 are each hydrogen or methyl; X1 and X2 are each a single bond, or an optionally branched C1-10 alkylene, alkyleneoxy or alkyleneoxycarbonyloxy; X3 is optionally branched C1-10 alkylene; Y1 and Y2 are each an ester linkage, etc.; and rings A, B, C, and D are each a cyclic structure, such as 2,6-naphthlene. |
| US07919008B2 |
Liquid crystal composition comprising novel silicon containing compounds and liquid crystal display device using the same
Disclosed are a silicon-containing compound, a liquid crystal composition comprising the same compound, and a liquid crystal display device comprising a liquid crystal layer prepared from the liquid crystal composition. The silicon-containing compound, which forms the liquid crystal composition, has low viscosity and high negative (−) dielectric anisotropy. Therefore, it is possible to provide a liquid crystal display device, which has a fast response time and can be driven at a low voltage. |
| US07919006B2 |
Method of anti-stiction dimple formation under MEMS
A method for making a MEMS structure comprises patterning recesses in a dielectric layer overlying a substrate, each recess being disposed between adjacent mesas of dielectric material. A conformal layer of semiconductor material is formed overlying the recesses and mesas. The conformal layer is chemical mechanically polished to form a chemical mechanical polished surface, wherein the chemical mechanical polishing is sufficient to create dished portions of semiconductor material within the plurality of recesses. Each dished portion has a depth proximate a central portion thereof that is less than a thickness of the semiconductor material proximate an outer portion thereof. A semiconductor wafer is then bonded to the chemical mechanical polished surface. The bonded semiconductor wafer is patterned with openings according to the requirements of a desired MEMS transducer. Lastly, the MEMS transducer is released. Releasing advantageously exposes anti-stiction features formed from outer edges of the dished portion of semiconductor material. |
| US07919005B2 |
Dry etching method, fine structure formation method, mold and mold fabrication method
A WC substrate 7 is etched by using plasma 50 generated from a gas including a chlorine atom. |
| US07919004B2 |
Removing reflective layers from EUV mirrors
A method for removing at least one reflective layer (4a, 4b) from an optical element (1) for EUV lithography, wherein the optical element (1) has a substrate (2) and an interlayer (6) between the substrate (2) and the at least one reflective layer (4a, 4b). The method includes etching away the at least one reflective layer (4a, 4b) as far as the interlayer (6) with an etching gas (7), wherein the material of the interlayer (6) does not react with the etching gas (7), and wherein, after the etching away, the interlayer (6) has a surface roughness of less than 0.5 nm rms, preferably of less than 0.2 nm rms, and more preferably of less than 0.1 nm rms. Also, an optical element (1) for reflecting radiation in the EUV wavelength range includes a substrate (2), at least one reflective layer (4a, 4b), and an interlayer (6) arranged between the substrate (2) and the at least one reflective layer (4a, 4b). The interlayer (6) is composed at least partly of a material which does not react with a halogen or a halogen compound as etching gas (7) and which is selected, in particular, from one or more of the following: alkali metal halides, alkaline earth metal halides and aluminum oxide (Al2O3). The interlayer (6) has a surface roughness of less than 0.5 nm rms, preferably of less than 0.2 nm rms, and more preferably of less than 0.1 nm rms. |
| US07919002B1 |
Debris trap and method of trapping debris
Most commercial & residential buildings have rainwater collection systems that consist of leaders and gutters that collect water coming off the roof. These leaders and gutters are connected to drain pipes that channel the water away from the structure, usually into a dry well or storm drain. A substantial add-on to the leader and gutter system is a debris trap with an overflow port. The debris trap/overflow port may be attached to the leader at waist height (for easy access) to collect leaves, tree droppings, windblown litter and other materials. This debris can be easily discarded by opening an access panel to empty a built-in strainer. When a dry well or storm drain becomes saturated, water will back up through the leader causing seepage and overflow into the building and create erosion that can damage the foundation. The function of the overflow port is to divert water from the drain pipe away from the foundation. The debris trap/overflow port system not only channels water away from the building but also prevents overflow of organic materials that can accumulate along the foundation. |
| US07919001B2 |
Water purification system and method using reverse osmosis reject stream in an electrodeionization unit
A method for purifying water, comprising separating a supply stream into a permeate stream and a reject stream, removing non-monovalent salt impurities from the reject stream to produce a treated stream; providing the treated stream to a concentrating compartment of an electrodeionization unit; and, producing an EDI product stream of purified water. |
| US07918998B2 |
Water treatment apparatus with easy filter replacement construction
A water treatment apparatus includes a frame and a plurality of connecting accessories, manifolds and filter cartridges. Each of the connecting accessories includes a seat ring fixed on the frame and a communicating pipe coaxially received in the seat ring. The seat rings together with the communicating pipes are spaced at a distance from one another. Each of the manifolds is suspended between adjacent two of the connecting accessories and has inlet and outlet ports at opposite ends. The inlet and outlet ports of each of the manifolds are rotatably and coaxially received in adjacent the seat rings respectively with their exterior walls in contact with inner walls of adjacent the seat rings and their interior walls in contact with outer walls of adjacent the communicating pipes. Additionally, the filter cartridges are detachably joined to the manifolds respectively. |
| US07918994B2 |
System that removes contaminants from sulfur
A system for removing contaminant from sulfur to a level that allows re-processed sulfur to reenter a supply chain. The system melts contaminated sulfur, filters the molten sulfur, and then dispenses the less contaminated sulfur after filtering it. More specifically, solid contaminated sulfur enters a settling tank, while heated molten sulfur circulates through the system and the settling tank. The circulation of the molten sulfur assists in the melting process of the solid sulfur, allowing the solid sulfur to melt efficiently. In preferred embodiments of the system, the system uses steam jacked sulfur lines and steam tracing to maintain temperatures for melting the solid sulfur and maintaining the molten state of the sulfur circulating through the system. Furthermore, the system comprises a programmable logic controller, which controls motors, pumps, valves, and environment monitoring instruments. |
| US07918992B2 |
Systems, methods, and catalysts for producing a crude product
Methods and systems for contacting of a crude feed with one or more catalysts to produce a total product that includes a crude product are described. The crude product is a liquid mixture at 25° C. and 0.101 MPa. The crude product has an MCR content of at most 90% of the MCR content of the crude feed. One or more other properties of the crude product may be changed by at least 10% relative to the respective properties of the crude feed. |
| US07918990B2 |
Fuel presenting reduced aromatics levels and a high octane number
The invention relates to a fuel containing at least 5 vol. %, and preferably at least 10 vol. %, of a hydrocarbon base (B3) consisting essentially of cycloparaffins comprising between 6 and 8 carbon atoms. The ratio R of the quantities by volume (B1+B2)/B3 is higher than 2 and preferably between 2.3 and 19. |
| US07918989B2 |
Gas sensor and method thereof
A gas sensor and method thereof are provided. The example gas sensor may include first and second electrodes formed on a substrate, a carbon nanotube connecting the first and second electrodes on the substrate, a light source disposed above the carbon nanotube and an ampere meter measuring current flowing between the first and second electrodes. The example method may be directed to identifying a gas, and may include measuring a first current responsive to a first applied voltage during a first mode of operation, comparing the first measured current with a plurality of first index current values to obtain a first comparison result, each of the plurality of first index current values associated with one of a plurality of gases, measuring a second current responsive to a second applied voltage during a second mode of operation, comparing the second measured current with a plurality of second index current values to obtain a second comparison result, each of the plurality of second index current values associated with one of the plurality of gases and determining gas characteristic information based on the first and second comparison results. |
| US07918987B2 |
Electrochemical process to prepare a halogenated carbonyl group-containing compound
The present invention provides a process to prepare a halogenated carbonyl group-containing compound by electrochemically reacting the corresponding carbonyl group-containing compound with a hydrogen halide H—X, an organic halide R′—X and/or a halide salt Mn+—Xn− under substantially water-free conditions, wherein X is a chlorine, bromine or iodine atom, R′ is an alkyl or aryl group that may be linear or branched, optionally containing one or more heteroatoms such as oxygen, nitrogen, chloride, bromide, fluoride or iodide of which the halogen atom X can be electrochemically split off, Mn+ is a quaternary ammonium, alkaline earth metal, alkali metal or metal cation, and n is an integer of 1 to 5, depending on the valency of the metal cation Mn+. |
| US07918986B2 |
Electrolytic method to make alkali alcoholates using ceramic ion conducting solid membranes
Disclosed are processes of making solutions of metal alcoholates in their corresponding alcohols using an electrolytic process. In a preferred embodiment, sodium methylate in methanol is made from methanol and sodium hydroxide solution. The sodium hydroxide solution is placed in the anolyte compartment and the methanol is placed in the catholyte compartment, and the two compartments are separated by a ceramic membrane that selectively transports sodium under the influence of current. In preferred embodiments, the process is cost-effective and not environmentally harmful. |
| US07918979B2 |
Entropic trapping and sieving of molecules
Nanofluidic entropic traps, comprising alternating thin and thick regions, sieve small molecules such as DNA or protein polymers and other molecules. The thick region is comparable or substantially larger than the molecule to be separated, while the thin region is substantially smaller than the size of the molecules to be separated. Due to the molecular size dependence of the entropic trapping effect, separation of molecules may be achieved. In addition, entropic traps are used to collect, trap and control many molecules in the nanofluidic channel. A fabrication method is disclosed to provide an efficient way to make nanofluidic constrictions in any fluidic devices. |
| US07918977B2 |
Solid state electrochemical gas sensor and method for fabricating same
An electrochemical gas sensor, a method for making the sensor and methods for the detection of a gaseous species. The electrochemical gas sensor is a solid-state gas sensor that includes a solid polymer electrolyte. A working electrode is separated from a counter electrode by the solid polymer electrolyte. The sensor can include a multilaminate structure for improved detection properties, where electrode microbands are disposed within the solid polymer electrolyte. |
| US07918975B2 |
Analytical sensors for biological fluid
The subject invention provides devices and methods for the analysis of a body fluid. Embodiments include sensors that are sample-fillable by contacting a corner of the sensor to a sample. |
| US07918974B2 |
Micro-structured insulating frame for electrolysis cell
The invention relates to an insulating frame of an electrolysis cell having a microstructured internal section allowing the penetration of the electrolyte even if the structured section is partly or completely overlapped by the membrane, and to an electrolysis cell equipped with the same. |
| US07918973B2 |
Process for distilling solid organic products
A process for treating solid organic materials, especially for recycling treated wood, uses energy provided by hot gases at the bottom of a reactor column to perform a distillation operation which ensures splitting of organic bonds in the material and uses, as the distillation operation progresses, constant control between a first temperature of the hot gases before they are introduced into the lower part of the reactor column and a second temperature of a layer of the material located in an area immediately above the grid of the reactor column. When the first temperature and the second temperature are identical or virtually identical, corresponding to removal of all the organic bonds of the material by evaporation and transport by the hot gases from the bottom to the top of the column, the layer of material at the second temperature is removed in order to collect a material that largely consists of carbon and constitutes a secondary raw material. |
| US07918971B2 |
Shoe press belt for making paper
A belt (shoe press belt) for a paper making machine, which has good ability of squeezing water from moist paper and which, during use, has reduced damage (cracks and wear) on the outer peripheral surface of the belt. The shoe press belt for making paper carries felt for receiving water squeezed from moist paper. A water discharge groove extended on the surface on the felt side is formed as an intermittent groove, and the width and depth of the water discharge groove are continuously varied in the direction of travel (MD direction) of the groove. The shape of the intermittent groove can be asymmetrical or symmetrical at the left and right with respect to the width, or can be formed to have a narrow width at the center of the groove, or can be formed so that the groove is deep at the center. Because the water discharge groove is intermittent, water discharge ability, the quality of paper, and the smoothness of the surface of moist paper are enhanced at the same time. |
| US07918970B2 |
Band for a machine for producing web material, in particular paper, board or tissue, and process for the production of such a band
A band for a machine for producing web material, in particular paper, board or tissue, includes at least one fabric layer having longitudinal filaments running substantially in a band longitudinal direction and transverse filaments running substantially in a band transverse direction, end regions of the longitudinal filaments being woven with transverse connecting filaments in order to provide an endless configuration of the band, cross-sectional widenings being provided at the filament ends of at least some of the longitudinal filaments woven with transverse connecting filaments. |
| US07918961B2 |
Worn article and method for producing the same
The present invention relates to a new worn article, which gives a close fit and with which it is possible to reduce the production cost. A worn article of the present invention includes a main body portion 20 including an absorbent core 25 and covering a front torso area, a crotch area and a rear torso area of a wearer, and a pair of side panels PL and PR attached to the main body portion 20 and located between the front and rear torso areas when the worn article is worn. Each of the side panels PL and PR is stretchable in an around-the-torso direction X. At least a portion of the side panel PL and PR includes an elastic thread G sandwiched between at least two sheet-like materials S1 and S2 and is in a contracted state where the elastic thread is contracted, thus forming gathers. |
| US07918957B2 |
Method of manufacturing a composite disc structure and apparatus for performing the method
A method of making composite discs continuously, including forming for each disc a first, a second layer, and a third support layer, each support layer being disc shaped and having a first surface with information indicia. An information layer is added to each support layers respectively. The said first and third support layers are positioned in a facing relationship, with the first and third information layers being adjacent. The third support layer is then separated from the third information layer, which thus remains attached to the first support layer. The first and second support layers are then joined. These steps are performed on a manufacturing line with conveyor belts transferring the support layers from station to station. |
| US07918945B2 |
Method for manufacturing surface treated steel material using a chemical conversion treatment liquid
A method of manufacturing a surface treated oil well pipe comprising performing chemical conversion treatment on an oil well pipe having a steel composition containing 0.5-13% Cr using a chemical conversion treatment liquid containing zinc and phosphoric acid or manganese and phosphoric acid and further containing potassium tetraborate to form a chemical conversion film of a zinc-phosphate type or a manganese phosphate type, wherein the chemical conversion treatment is carried out in the absence of fluoride ions. |
| US07918944B2 |
Surface carburization technique of medical titanium alloy femoral head in hip arthroplasty
A surface carburization technique of medical titanium alloy femoral head in total hip arthroplasty comprises subjecting medical titanium alloy TC4 to surface carburization by using acetylene as carburizing agent to carry out gaseous carburization at high temperature to give medical titanium alloy femoral head in total hip arthroplasty with TiC ceramic on surface thereof. The TiC ceramic layer on femoral head can be more than 100 micron thick, which is relatively thick, overcomes the disadvantages in available medical titanium alloy material, and is particularly useful for replacement of total hip or knee arthroplasty. |
| US07918941B2 |
Cleaning composition
The present invention relates to a cleaning agent composition for use in cleaning a substrate for recording media, a substrate for photomask, or a substrate for flat panel display, a surface of which at least contains a metallic or glassy substrate moiety, the cleaning agent composition containing (I) a copolymer compound satisfying at least the following (i) to (iii): (i) a constituting unit A1 derived from acrylic acid is contained in an amount of 20% by mol or more of the entire constituting units; (ii) the constituting unit A1 derived from acrylic acid and a constituting A2 derived from 2-acrylamide-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid are contained in a total amount of 90% by mol or more of the entire constituting units; and (iii) the constituting unit A1 and the constituting unit A2 of the entire constituting units are in a content ratio [constituting unit A1 (% by mol)/constituting unit A2 (% by mol)] of from 91/9 to 95/5. |
| US07918934B2 |
Single crystal semiconductor manufacturing apparatus and manufacturing method, and single crystal ingot
A single crystal semiconductor manufacturing apparatus in which the concentration of oxygen in a single crystal semiconductor is controlled while pulling up a single crystal semiconductor such as single crystal silicon by the CZ method, a single crystal semiconductor manufacturing method, and a single crystal ingot manufactured by the method are disclosed. The natural convection (20) in the melt (5) in a quartz crucible (3) is controlled by regulating the temperatures at a plurality of parts of the melt (5). A single crystal semiconductor (6) can have a desired diameter by regulating the amount of heat produced by heating means (9a) on the upper side. Further the ratio between the amount of heat produced by the upper-side heating means (9a) and that by the lower-side heating means (9b) is adjusted to vary the process condition. In the adjustment, the amount of heat produced by the lower-side heating means (9b) is controlled to a relatively large proportion. Without inviting high cost and large size of the manufacturing apparatus, the oxygen concentration distribution in the axial direction of the single crystal semiconductor, the diameter of the single crystal semiconductor, and the minute fluctuation of the oxygen concentration in the axial direction are controlled. |
| US07918927B2 |
Inkjet recording liquid and inkjet recording method
An inkjet recording liquid includes: water; a colorant; a first water-soluble organic solvent having a structure represented by the following Formula (1), an SP value of 27.5 or less, and a molecular weight of 100 to 210; and a second water-soluble organic solvent having a structure represented by the following Formula (2), an SP value of 27.5 or less, and a molecular weight of 240 to 2000, wherein the mass ratio of the content of the first water-soluble organic solvent to the content of the second water-soluble organic solvent is from 1:3 to 3:1: R1-(A1)n-OH Formula (1) R2-(A2)m-OH Formula (2) In Formulae (1) and (2), R1 represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group, R2 represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, or a group derived from a sugar alcohol, each A1 independently represents an ethyleneoxy group or a propyleneoxy group, each A2 independently represents an ethyleneoxy group or a propyleneoxy group, n represents an integer from 1 to 3 and m represents an integer from 3 to 40. |
| US07918926B2 |
CO2 recovery system and method
A CO2 recovery system includes an absorption tower and a regeneration tower. CO2 rich solution is produced in the absorption tower by absorbing CO2 from CO2-containing gas. The CO2 rich solution is conveyed to the regeneration tower where lean solution is produced from the rich solution by removing CO2. A regeneration heater heats lean solution that accumulates near a bottom portion of the regeneration tower with saturated steam thereby producing steam condensate from the saturated steam. A steam-condensate heat exchanger heats the rich solution conveyed from the absorption tower to the regeneration tower with the steam condensate. |
| US07918922B2 |
Process for removal of hydrogen sulphide, iron pentacarbonyl and nickel tetracarbonyl from a synthesis gas stream
The invention provides a process for removal of hydrogen sulphide, iron pentacarbonyl and nickel tetracarbonyl from a feed synthesis gas stream, the process comprising the steps of: (a) removal of hydrogen sulphide and of iron pentacarbonyl by contacting the feed synthesis gas stream with an absorbing liquid comprising water, physical solvent and an amine, to obtain a synthesis gas stream depleted of hydrogen sulphide and depleted of iron pentacarbonyl; (b) adsorption of nickel tetracarbonyl by contacting the synthesis gas stream depleted of hydrogen sulphide and depleted of iron pentacarbonyl with solid adsorbent comprising activated carbon to obtain solid adsorbent enriched in nickel tetracarbonyl and a purified synthesis gas stream. |
| US07918921B2 |
Gas separation membrane module assembly with residue manifold
A gas-separation membrane module assembly and a gas-separation process using the assembly. The assembly includes a set of tubes, each containing gas-separation membrane elements, arranged within a housing. The housing contains tube sheets that divide the space within the housing into three separate, gas-tight spaces, with the tubes mounted in the central space. Feed gas enters the tubes through apertures positioned to feed multiple membrane elements within a tube in parallel, and one or more manifolds are used to collect residue gas from the membrane elements and direct the gas to the residue port or to a second group of membrane elements within the tube. The assembly can be used in various ways to carry out gas separation processes. |
| US07918914B2 |
Exhaust gas treatment component
In an exhaust gas treatment component with a ceramic body for the purification of exhaust gases and a method for making such a component, the ceramic body is disposed in a sheet metal housing consisting of a housing base from which housing sections extend which are hinged to the housing base by webs and which form together a tubular slotted housing part surrounding the ceramic body, the housing sections being tiltable outwardly about the webs for facilitating insertion of the ceramic body into the housing. |
| US07918912B2 |
Engine hydrocarbon adsorber
Devices, systems and methods are provided for adsorbing hydrocarbons from the air intake system of an internal combustion engine. The devices, systems and methods include a hydrocarbon absorbent material, and a structural element configured to hold the hydrocarbon absorbent material within a clean air tube of an internal combustion engine. |
| US07918910B2 |
Unit for eliminating particles and apparatus for transferring a substrate having the same
In an apparatus for transferring a substrate, a partition wall is disposed in a vertical direction in a housing to divide an interior space of the housing into a first space and a second space. A pressure generating member divides the first space into an upper space and a lower space and moves in a vertical direction in the first space such that a positive pressure and a negative pressure are alternately generated in the upper space and the lower space. A substrate supporting member is movably disposed in the second space to support and to transfer the substrate. A plurality of gates is disposed on a side wall of the housing and the partition wall, and is opened and closed by the positive pressure and the negative pressure such that the particles are eliminated from the second space to an exterior space via the first space. |
| US07918907B2 |
Cleaning nozzle for dust collector
A particulate filtration device having a cleaning assembly including the cleaning nozzle that accelerates gas toward the downstream surface of the filter media. The cleaning nozzle comprises an inlet portion defining a converging inlet path, a throat portion defining a narrowest portion of the nozzle, and an outlet portion defining a diverging path and ending at an exit edge. The inlet portion, throat portion, and outlet portion collectively create an inner surface of the nozzle. The nozzle defines a centerline and an exit half angle relative to the centerline, and the exit half angle is about ten degrees. The nozzle has a throat area at the throat portion and an exit area at the exit edge. A ratio of the exit area to the throat area is about 1.4. A portion of the inlet portion adjacent the throat portion has a throat inlet radius, and a portion of the outlet portion adjacent the throat portion has a throat outlet radius. The throat outlet radius is larger than the throat inlet radius. For example, a ratio of the throat outlet radius to the throat inlet radius is about 2.9. |
| US07918906B2 |
Compact natural gas steam reformer with linear countercurrent heat exchanger
The present invention is natural gas steam reforming apparatus for generating an output gas mixture of carbon dioxide and hydrogen. The apparatus is made from two enclosures. A first enclosure contains a source of water, superheated steam, and channels, located within a lower portion of the first enclosure, which contain a water-gas-shift catalyst for converting CO into CO2 and H2. The heat from hot gas flowing through the channels is released into the first enclosure to boil the water to generate the superheated steam. A second enclosure, contained within an upper portion of the first enclosure, includes a steam inlet for receiving the superheated steam from the first enclosure; a combustion chamber; and a reformation chamber. The combustion chamber is used for combusting a portion of the natural gas to generate additional steam, heat, and a hot gas mixture of CO2, CO, and H2. The reformation chamber is used for steam reforming a remaining portion of the natural gas to generate additional hot gas mixture of CO2, CO, and H2. The hot gas mixture is directed through the channels installed in the first enclosure in which the water-gas-shift catalyst converts residual CO into additional CO2 and additional H2, to produce an output gas mixture of carbon dioxide and hydrogen. In the present invention, the first and second enclosures function as a top-to-bottom linear countercurrent heat exchanger. |
| US07918905B2 |
Method for improving biodiesel fuel
The addition of strong neutralizing amines to react with free fatty acid in biodiesel fuels that may be left from some synthesis routes can lower the total acid number (TAN) of the biodiesel fuel. Surprisingly, the strong neutralizing amines do not interfere with the biodiesel fuel itself which may be primarily fatty acid methyl esters. These strong neutralizing amines may also improve the oxidative stability of biodiesel fuels. |
| US07918897B2 |
Scaffolds for organ reconstruction and augmentation
Biocompatible synthetic or natural scaffolds are provided for the reconstruction, repair, augmentation or replacement of organs or tissue structures in a patient in need of such treatment. The scaffolds are shaped to conform to at least a part of the organ or tissue structure and may be seeded with one or more cell populations. Inserts, receptacles and ports are also provided for the attachment of tubular vessels to the neo-organ scaffolds. The seeded scaffolds are implanted into the patient at the site in need of treatment to form an organized organ or tissue structure. The scaffolds may be used to form organs or tissues, such as bladders, urethras, valves, and blood vessels. |
| US07918895B2 |
Method and apparatus for removing a bearing
A system for replacing a portion of a shoulder joint can include a tray having an outer surface and an inner surface. The outer surface can be adapted to engage a humeral stem. A bearing can include an outer bearing surface and an inner articulating surface. The outer bearing surface can be positioned adjacent to the tray. A ring can be selectively disposed between the tray and the bearing. The ring can define an annular body having a slit formed therein. The ring can be movable between a locked position wherein the ring retains the bearing relative to the tray and an unlocked position. A removal tool can define a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end can define a ring engaging surface and a bearing engaging surface. The ring engaging surface can be adapted to engage the ring at the slit such that the ring expands radially from the locked position away from engagement with the bearing to the unlocked position. The bearing engaging surface can be adapted to engage the bearing and urge the bearing away from the tray. |
| US07918892B2 |
Shoulder prosthesis
A system and method for installing a shoulder prosthesis. The method includes removing the original humeral head and shaping the proximal end of the humerus with one or more implements to prepare the humerus to receive the shoulder prosthesis. |
| US07918882B2 |
Implantable vascular device comprising a bioabsorbable frame
A multiple-sided valve for implantation within a body vessel comprising a frame comprising a bioabsorbable material is provided. The devices can be pushed from a delivery catheter into the lumen of a duct or vessel and may include one or more barbs for anchoring purposes. A full or partial covering of fabric or other flexible material, or a bioabsorbable material, including a collagen-based material such as small intestinal submucosa (SIS), may be attached to the frame to form an occlusion device, a graft, or an implantable, intraluminal valve such as for correcting incompetent veins in the lower legs and feet. |
| US07918881B2 |
Stent deployment systems and methods
A stent deployment system includes a catheter shaft, an expandable member mounted to the catheter shaft, and one or more stents or stent segments slidably positioned on the expandable member. The stent deployment system is adapted for deployment of stents or stent segments in very long lesions and in tapered and curved vessels. The stent deployment system facilitates slidable movement of a stent in a distal direction relative to the expandable member while inhibiting slidable movement in a proximal direction relative to the expandable member. |
| US07918880B2 |
Self-expanding stent and delivery system
A medical appliance is provided that includes an outer sheath adapted to enclose a self-expanding stent in an inner space before deployment of the self-expanding stent and an inner sheath arranged between the outer sheath and the self-expanding stent before deployment of the self-expanding stent. The inner sheath includes longitudinal slits that extend from a distal end of the medical appliance to the proximal end. The longitudinal slits form a plurality of inner sleeve tails. The medical appliance also includes an actuator adapted to move the outer sheath with respect to the inner sheath during deployment of the self-expanding stent. The actuator is adapted to cause the outer sheath to move proximally. A method of deploying a self-expanding stent is provided. A method of loading a delivery mechanism is provided. |
| US07918875B2 |
Interspinous distraction devices and associated methods of insertion
In various embodiments, the present invention provides a plurality of novel interspinous distraction devices and associated methods of insertion. The interspinous distraction devices of the present invention are designed and configured to effectively treat such conditions as lumbar spinal stenosis and degenerative disc disease. Advantageously, the interspinous distraction devices of the present invention may be inserted through conventional open procedures, typically requiring a relatively large incision and a general anesthetic, or through novel minimally-invasive procedures, typically requiring only a local anesthetic. These novel minimally-invasive procedures and related enabling devices are also disclosed and described herein. |
| US07918871B2 |
Device and method for treatment of sinusitis
A method of treating a constricted sinus passageway in a frontal sinus of a patient includes forming an artificial passageway into the frontal sinus of the patient with a tool. An elongate member having an inflation member thereon is inserted through the passageway. The inflation member is positioned with the constricted sinus passageway and the inflation member is expanded so as to expand at least a portion of the constricted sinus passageway. |
| US07918866B2 |
Devices and related methods for securing a tissue fold
The present invention relates to devices and methods for creating and securing a tissue fold during an endoluminal medical procedure. The devices and methods may be used for folding and securing, for example, a fundus wall onto an esophagus wall. An aspect of the invention includes a two-piece tissue clip configured to be installed through an endoluminal device to secure a tissue fold. The clip includes a female member and a male member configured to engage one another to secure the tissue fold. Another aspect of the invention includes a clipping device comprising a tissue clip magazine. The magazine is configured to hold a plurality of tissue clips and install the plurality of tissue clips in a single actuation of the magazine. A method for using the clipping device together with the tissue clips of the present invention to create and secure a fold of tissue during an endoluminal procedure also is disclosed. |
| US07918862B2 |
Water-resistant devices incorporating a switch assembly
An electric-powered device includes (1) a skin-contactable surface and (2) a body having a water-resistant switch assembly. Preferably, the electric-powered device is useful in skin treatment and delivers mechanical forces on the skin. The switch assembly preferably includes, a substantially planar mount having an aperture, a rotatable shaft extending through the aperture, and a seal lining the aperture to restrict water movement along the shaft. In another aspect a water-resistant switch assembly includes first translatable element adapted for substantially planar motion in a first plane; a rotatable shaft, engageable with said first translatable element; a second translatable element adapted for substantially planar motion in a second plane, wherein said second translatable element is engageable with said rotatable shaft; a substantially planar mount having a through-hole and defining a third plane, wherein said rotatable shaft pierces said through hole and said third plane, wherein said third plane is substantially between said second plane and said third plane; and a seal surrounding said through-hole for rendering said through hole water-resistant. |
| US07918860B2 |
Surgical extractor
A surgical extractor for removing objects from a body including, for example, calculi, such as kidney stones and gall stones. The extractor includes a handle at a proximal end with a slider for operation by a physician. At the distal end, the extractor includes a plurality of wires with each wire comprising a first portion having an individual strand and a second portion comprising a plurality of filaments. When a retaining sheath is retracted, the wires, formed of a shape memory material such as stainless steel, expand such that each of the strands assume a spaced relationship to define a first section of a basket and the plurality of the filaments assume a spaced relationship to define a second section of the basket. The use of a basket formed by wires having a first section comprising an individual strand and a second section comprising the plurality of filaments promotes capture of objects within the body by having widely spaced wires in the first section, retention of such objects in the second section by multiplying the number of contacts with entrapped object, and improved selective release of such objects without any deleterious effect on the reliability or size of the extractor. Additionally, use of the basket enables improved dislodgment and capture of embedded or impacted objects. |
| US07918859B2 |
Recanalizing occluded vessels using controlled antegrade and retrograde tracking
A method and systems for treating chronic total occlusions, particularly those that are difficult to treat, is disclosed. In this approach, recanalizing the CTO is achieved using a combined antegrade and retrograde approach. The proximal end of the occlusion is penetrated using an antegrade wire, using a traditional approach. Using collateral vessels, the distal end of the occlusion is crossed in a retrograde fashion and by appropriately maneuvering each member, a continuous channel is created. Additional elements such as capture devices, dilators and injection catheters are also disclosed. |
| US07918858B2 |
Minimally invasive bone anchor extensions
Methods and devices are provided for facilitating delivery and implanting of a bone anchor into bone. In one exemplary embodiment, a bone anchor extension is provided for coupling to a bone anchor to facilitate delivery and implanting of the bone anchor in bone. The bone anchor extension can have a generally elongate configuration that allows it to extend from a skin incision in a patient to a site proximate a patient's spine, and it can include a lumen extending therethrough between proximal and distal ends thereof. A distal end of the bone anchor extension can be adapted to engage a bone anchor, such as a bone screw. Various techniques are provided for locking the distal end of the bone anchor extension into engagement with a bone anchor. |
| US07918851B2 |
Irrigated tip catheter and method for manufacturing therefor
An irrigated tip electrode design includes a shell generally surrounding a plug which jointly define a chamber that is fed with fluid by a lumen. The fluid is distributed to the outer surface of the tip electrode through fluid passages. The chamber is advantageously isolated from a region of the tip electrode occupied by electrical and/or electromagnetic components in the tip electrode. Lumens occupied by the these components terminate in blind holes that have no communication with the chamber. A method of fabricating includes providing a shell configured from a rod to provide an open interior cavity, sealing and partially filling the cavity with a plug to form a chamber, then forming fluid passages between the cavity and an outer surface of the tip electrode, and providing a lumen through which fluid can enter the chamber and exit therefrom through the fluid passages. |
| US07918849B2 |
Devices and methods for tissue access
Methods are provided for access to a compressed space in the spinal anatomy. These methods may be used for selective surgical removal of tissue, e.g., for enlargement of diseased spinal structures, such as impinged lateral recesses and pathologically narrowed neural foramen. In one variation, tissue may be ablated, resected, removed, or otherwise remodeled by standard small endoscopic tools delivered into the epidural space. In one variation, a tissue abrasion device is provided. A cannulated probe may be placed through the neural foramina of the spine and used to position a guidewire around the anterior border of a facet joint. Once properly positioned, a medical practitioner may use the guidewire with an abrasion device to enlarge the lateral recess and neural foramina. A nerve stimulator may be provided to reduce a risk of inadvertent neural abrasion. |
| US07918846B2 |
Method and system for laser treatment of refractive errors using offset imaging
An ophthalmological surgery system and method for performing ablative photodecomposition of the corneal surface by offset image scanning. The image of a variable aperture, such as a variable width slit and variable diameter iris diaphragm, is scanned in a preselected pattern to perform ablative sculpting of predetermined portions of a corneal surface. The scanning is performed with a movable image offset displacement mechanism capable of effecting radial displacement and angular rotation of the profiled beam exiting from the variable aperture. The profiled beam is rotated by rotating the aperture in conjunction with the offset displacement mechanism. The invention enables wide area treatment with a laser having a narrower beam, and can be used in the treatment of many different conditions, such as hyperopia, hyperopic astigmatism, irregular refractive aberrations, post ablation smoothing and phototherapeutic keratectomy. |
| US07918844B2 |
Applier for implantable medical device
An attachment mechanism for a surgically implantable medical device includes one or more fasteners which may be simultaneously moved from an undeployed position to a deployed position by operation of an integral actuator. The attachment mechanism may be configured to be deactuated, and the fasteners simultaneously moved from a deployed position to an undeployed position, allowing removal or repositioning of the medical device. An applier includes a locator for detachably holding the implantable medical device, locating it at the desired position, and actuating the attachment mechanism. The applier is configured to undeploy the attachment mechanism the implantable medical device can be detached from the body tissue. |
| US07918840B2 |
Absorbent article
An absorbent article includes an upper, liquid-permeable cover sheet, a lower, liquid-impermeable cover sheet, and an absorption body arranged between the cover sheets. The article includes first and second side barriers along the respective longitudinal sides of the article. Each side barrier has at least one longitudinal elastic element. The side barriers define a shape which narrows in the direction towards the front portion so that the distance, in the transverse direction of the article, between the elastic elements is greater in the rear portion than in the front portion. Each side barrier is arranged such that, when it is secured in contact with the front portion, each side barrier and the upper cover sheet define a folded structure of substantially Z-shaped cross section with a fold directed towards the inside of the article. |
| US07918837B2 |
Body-attachable sanitary napkin
A body-attachable sanitary napkin including a fluid-pervious cover layer, a fluid-retaining assembly; and a barrier layer having a body-contactable adhesive disposed on at least first portions thereof. The sanitary napkin according to the invention remains securely attached to the body during use, moves with the body during use, yet at the same time enables the user to selectively remove the napkin in a pain free manner. |
| US07918833B2 |
Pen-type injector
The present invention relates to injectors, such as pen-type injectors, that provide for administration of medicinal products from a multidose-cartridge and permit a user to set the delivery dose. The injector may include a housing, a piston rod adapted to operate through the housing, a dose dial sleeve located between the housing and the piston rod, and a drive sleeve located between the dose dial sleeve and the piston rod. The dose dial sleeve may have a helical thread of first lead and the drive sleeve may have a helical groove of second lead. The first lead of the helical thread and the second lead of the helical groove may be the same. |
| US07918830B2 |
Safety device for drug delivery devices and containers
A drug administration safety device having a label configured to be attached to a drug container such as a syringe or IV bag, an adhesive on the back face of the label, and a backing or substrate for holding the label and protecting the adhesive prior to the application of the label to the drug container. In one embodiment, the label includes a first drug name section in a first orientation, a second drug name section in a second orientation, a third drug name section in a third orientation, a drug concentration section, a variable information section, and a gradiation viewing section. The first orientation, second orientation, and third orientation are different from each other to enable a user to readily see the drug name regardless of the position and orientation of the drug container. |
| US07918826B2 |
Trocar assembly
Methods and devices for accessing a body cavity are disclosed. In general, a trocar assembly is provided that can include a housing having a cannula that extends therefrom to define a working channel that is sized and configured to receive a surgical instrument. The trocar assembly can also include a seal unit that is disposed in the housing. The seal unit can be generally configured to allow off-axis insertion of an instrument through the working channel without lateral movement of the seal unit. For example, in one exemplary embodiment, the seal unit can be rotatably disposed in the housing and have at least one seal element that is adapted to selectively seal the working channel. The seal unit can also be adapted to rotate about a longitudinal axis of the assembly and an axis perpendicular thereto. |
| US07918825B2 |
Interfacing a prefilled syringe with an infusion pump to fill the infusion pump
A prefilled syringe may be interfaced with and used to fill an infusion pump with therapeutic liquid. The dispensing end of the prefilled syringe may be coupled (either directly or indirectly using a syringe cap) to a syringe coupling region of the infusion pump, for example, using a threaded engagement or snap fit engagement. As the dispensing end of the prefilled syringe is coupled to the syringe coupling region of the pump housing, a needle passes through the pump housing and/or a needle passage region of the dispensing end such that the prefilled syringe is fluidly coupled to a reservoir in the pump. In various embodiments, the needle may be located in the syringe coupling region or in a syringe cap coupled to the dispensing end of the prefilled syringe. |
| US07918823B2 |
Devices, systems and methods for medicament delivery
Apparatuses for automatic medicament injection and methods for manufacturing automatic medicament injectors are described herein. In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a housing, a needle, an energy storage member, an actuator, a locking member, and a needle guard. The needle is configured to move between a first position and a second position. In its first position, the needle is contained within the housing. In its second position, at least a portion of the needle extends from the housing. The energy storage member has a first configuration and a second configuration and is configured to produce a force when moving between its first configuration and its second configuration to move the needle from its first position to its second position. The actuator is configured to move the energy storage member from its first configuration to its second configuration. The locking member is movably coupled to the distal end portion of the housing such that the locking member can be moved between a first position and a second position. In its first position, the locking member is configured to engage the actuator to prevent the actuator from moving the energy storage member to the second configuration. The needle guard is removably coupled to at least one of the distal end portion of the housing or a base movably coupled to the distal end portion of the housing. |
| US07918822B2 |
Surgical aspiration system and method of surgical aspiration
A single handed, safe and efficient system for aspirating a surgical site. The aspirating system of the present invention allows the surgeon to aspirate a surgical site by holding the aspiration cannula constantly in the same hand, such that the other hand of the surgeon is never needed for managing or manipulating the aspiration system in any manner. The invention allows a surgical site to be aspirated in an uninterrupted manner despite blood clots and tissue debris which constantly block the tip and the lumen of the aspiration cannula. |
| US07918821B2 |
Universal safety syringe
A syringe comprises a generally-cylindrical, hollow barrel with a hollow nozzle at a distal end thereof. A plunger with an open channel is slidably mounted in the barrel. A needle holder with a needle mounted at one end thereof is arranged in the plunger channel, and movable between an advanced position, whereat the needle projects from a distal end of the nozzle for injection, and a retracted position, whereat the needle is enclosed within the barrel when the injection is complete. A spring retainer is arranged in the barrel. A spring is positioned within the spring retainer, urging the needle holder toward the retracted position. A latch latches the needle holder to the spring retainer thereby maintaining the spring in compression. The latch is releasable in response to the plunger moving to its fully advanced position, whereby the needle holder is released, allowing the spring to expand and thereby move the needle holder to the retracted position. |
| US07918814B2 |
Method for drug delivery to ocular tissue using microneedle
Methods and devices are provided for administering a drug to a patient's eye. The methods include (a) inserting a hollow microneedle into the sclera or corneal stroma without penetrating across the sclera or corneal stroma; and (b) infusing a fluid drug formulation through the microneedle and into the sclera or cornea. It further may include partially retracting the microneedle before infusion to enhance delivery. Alternatively, the methods may include (a) inserting a solid microneedle into the sclera or corneal stroma without penetrating across the sclera or corneal stroma, wherein the solid microneedle comprises a first quantity of a drug formulation and inserting causes the solid microneedle to form a pocket in the sclera or corneal stroma; and (b) releasing the drug formulation into the pocket to form a drug depot, whereby a drug is released from the depot. The methods and devices may include an array of multiple microneedles. |
| US07918813B2 |
Flexibly adjustable dorsal splint
An apparatus and method for treating plantar fasciitis are disclosed. In one embodiment of the apparatus, a dorsal splint device includes an upper portion and a foot portion which are pivotally connected to one another. A strap allows attachment of the upper portion to a suitable portion of the leg, such as the calf. A tensioning element, such as a shock cord, urges the foot portion and the upper portion toward one another. The tension provided by the tensioning element may be adjusted by adjusting the length of the tensioning element. In the method of the present invention, the tensioning element may be first unhooked to allow pivoting of the foot portion with respect to the upper portion so that the device may be attached to a user. The tensioning element is then hooked to the device at the appropriate position to provide the desired tension urging the foot portion toward the upper portion. |
| US07918812B2 |
Compression-suspension strap assembly and knee brace equipped therewith
A knee brace is provided with semi-pliable inserts affixed to inner sides of femoral links of the brace at two points with a bottom portion of the insert left free to move inward toward a facing side of the leg. Anterior and posterior straps that are tightenable by the wearer are attached to the semi pliable inserts in a manner enabling pulling on the straps to cause the inserts to dynamically move inward and compress against the thigh so as improve comfort by diffusing and transferring pressure away from a relatively boney side of the knee of the wearer to a softer thigh area of the wearer. The inserts are also adapted to move inward and press into femoral hollows just proximal to the knee joint of the wearer so as to provide support against movement of the brace along the length of the leg of the wearer. |
| US07918806B2 |
Guide wire with adjustable flexibility
A guide wire with a distal portion having adjustable flexibility. The guide wire may include a distal polymeric member and a heat source. The heat source may be activated to cause the polymeric member to increase in temperature and increase in flexibility. The increase in flexibility of the distal portion of the guide wire enhances the ability of the guide wire to navigate tortuous vasculature to a target site. After the guide wire has been navigated to the target site, the heat source may be deactivated to cause the polymeric member to decrease in temperature and increase in stiffness. The increase in stiffness of the distal portion of the guide wire enhances support provided for devices (e.g., catheters) advanced thereon. |
| US07918803B2 |
Methods and devices for automated biopsy and collection of soft tissue
A biopsy device and related method are disclosed. The biopsy device disclosed includes a needle having a lateral opening for receiving tissue. The needle may be rotatable with respect to a portion of the biopsy device, such as a housing of the biopsy device, and the needle may be offset from a center of the housing. A hollow cutter is disclosed for cutting tissue received in the lateral opening of the needle. |
| US07918801B2 |
Sensors for monitoring movements, apparatus and systems therefor, and methods for manufacture and use
Sensors, apparatus, and methods for measuring movements are disclosed. The sensors include input and output windings wound about a common location and an armature is equally positioned relative to both windings movable to vary inductance reactance of the sensor. The mass of the sensor and the ease of movements are such that flexible membranes, such as skin, can be monitored with insignificant interference. The sensor can be included in “Band-aid” bandage arrangement in which the bandage backing can be removed and held in place on skin by the bandage. A monitoring circuit, responsive to the changes in sensor impedance, provides indications of the detected movements. The monitoring circuit includes an arrangement for self-adjusting parameters so that the system can be automatically preset and continually reset. The monitoring circuit includes a power savings arrangement. |
| US07918793B2 |
Synchronization of ultrasound imaging data with electrical mapping
An image of an electro-anatomical map of a body structure having cyclical motion is overlaid on a 3D ultrasonic image of the structure. The electro-anatomical data and anatomic image data are synchronized by gating both electro-anatomical data acquisition and an anatomic image at a specific point in the motion cycle. Transfer of image data includes identification of a point in the motion cycle at which the 3-dimensional image was captured or is to be displayed. |
| US07918789B2 |
Longitudinally-steerable structure and endoscope comprising said structure
The invention relates to a longitudinally-steerable structure, comprising essentially longitudinal actuators made from shape memory alloy, Peltier effect elements with N and P doping and electrical control device. The above is characterized in that the actuators are arranged in pairs in an antagonistic manner, each actuator being connected at the ends thereof with a Peltier effect element with N doping and a Peltier effect element with P doping respectively. The invention further relates to an endoscope comprising at least one such structure. |
| US07918788B2 |
Apparatus and method for providing flow to endoscope channels
A method provides flow to multiple channels in an endoscope during an endoscope decontamination procedure. A member is inserted into a chamber in a body of an endoscope through an opening into the chamber, the chamber being intersected by a first lumen and a second lumen. The member separates fluidly the first lumen from the second lumen. Fluid is flowed through a first channel through the member into the first lumen and through a second channel through the member into the second lumen. Additional lumens can be so treated at the same time. Fluids can include detergents and other cleaning fluids, disinfectants and sterilants. |
| US07918785B2 |
Medical apparatus, treatment instrument for endoscope and endoscope apparatus
A biopsy forceps as one of treatment instruments for endoscope includes: a tubular coil sheath introduced into a body cavity through a treatment instrument channel included in an endoscope insertion portion; a treatment portion disposed closer to a distal end side than a distal end surface of the coil sheath; an operation wire for transmitting a turning force to turn the treatment portion in a circumferential direction, the operation wire being inserted in the coil sheath in a forwardly/backwardly movable manner and turned in the circumferential direction; and a turn restricting mechanism portion for restricting a turn position of the treatment portion turned by the turning force transmitted by the operation wire with respect to the coil sheath at a first turn-restricting position or at a second turn-restricting position. |
| US07918784B2 |
Endoscopic surgical tool with retractable blade for carpal tunnel release
An endoscopic tool utilizes a fiber optic system for illuminating and imaging ligaments or other tissue which are to be cut. Illumination and imaging is performed above a lateral opening at the distal end of a probe that is inserted into an incision point. Preferably, a two edged blade which can be moved in both the distal to proximal direction and the proximal to distal direction is selectively deployable from of the lateral opening at the distal end of the probe. The endoscopic tool is small in size, and preferably includes a pencil grip with a button actuator for deploying the two edged cutting blade. A wire actuator that fits into a slot in the bottom of the deployable blade, can be nested with the fiber optic cable such that the cross sectional area of the probe is reduced. Alternatively, a tube concentric with the fiber optic cable can be used as the mechanism for actuating the blade or other device. The surgeon can observe cutting of the ligament or other tissue as he moves the endoscopic tool in either or both the forward or reverse direction on a display screen which is operatively connected to the fiber optic system. A retractor can be used in conjunction with the endoscopic tool to lift tissue where dissection is desired, and to function as a guide for the blade. |
| US07918782B2 |
Prosthesis with bladder that adjusts girth
A prosthetic device comprises a column formed of resilient material and having a proximal end and a distal end. The prosthetic device comprises a bladder having a liquid cavity at the distal end. The bladder is inflatable and deflatable to increase and decrease a girth at the distal end of the prosthetic device. The prosthetic device comprises a liquid supply system that couples along the column to the bladder for selectively controlling liquid flow to the bladder to increase and decrease the girth. |
| US07918780B2 |
Apparatus for measuring acute stress
A method and apparatus are provided to quantify psychological and physiological components to measure acute stress in humans, in which a stimulus can be applied to the test subject's environment during the test. The method involves multiple stress/relaxation intervals while physiological measurements are taken and “measured,” and involves questionnaires that are answered after each of the intervals to “measure” the test subject's psychological state. A computerized testing apparatus acquires the physiological measurements, and also is used by the test subject in answering the questionnaires. The “stimulus” can be a fragrance, flavor, product, or task, and a “blank stimulus” is normally used during one of the stress intervals. |
| US07918779B2 |
Therapeutic methods using electromagnetic radiation
This invention provides methods for treating a variety of disorders using localized electromagnetic radiation directed at excitable tissues, including nerves, muscles and blood vessels. By controlling the wavelength, the wavelength bandpass, pulse duration, intensity, pulse frequency, and/or variations of those characteristics over time, and by selecting sites of exposure to electromagnetic radiation, improvements in the function of different tissues and organs can be provided. By monitoring physiological variables such as muscle tone and activity, temperature gradients, surface electromyography, blood flow and others, the practitioner can optimize a therapeutic regimen suited for the individual patient. |
| US07918774B2 |
Therapeutic, fitness, and sports enhancement device
A therapeutic, fitness, and sports enhancement device including a cylindrically shaped body having a plurality of shaped projections configured to enhance mobilization of soft tissue and optimize body core strength and balance training. |
| US07918772B2 |
Selectorized dumbbell having a selector comprising a pin having fork-shaped connecting prong(s)
A selectorized dumbbell has a handle that can be inserted into a gap between stacks of nested left and right weight plates. A selector determines how many left weight plates are coupled to the left end of the handle and how many right weight plates are coupled to the right end of the handle. Each weight plate is held between a pair of flexible arms on a forked carrier. The arms allow the weight plates to deflect out of a normal, substantially upright, orientation if an impact shock is delivered to the dumbbell. The arms are restored to their normal orientation once the impact shock dissipates. Alternatively, the weight plates may comprise a metallic inner weight plate covered with an elastomer encasement and with an integral elastomer lug attaching the weight plates to at least one interconnecting member. The selector may comprise a connecting pin with at least one flexible shock absorbing prong. |
| US07918770B1 |
Adjustable weight-loaded dip-chin machine
An adjustable weight-loaded dip-chin machine. Dip bars and chin bars with means for vertical adjustment are mounted on columns, which in turn are mounted on a base. An arm is pivotally attached to the base, and weights can be added to an arm spindle attached to the arm. A belt is attached to the arm, and weights added to the arm spindle resist upward motion of an exerciser performing dips or chins. Elastic bands may be added connecting the arm to the base, and/or the belt to the base, which serve to render the exercise more strenuous. Dip bars incorporate a plurality of dip bar legs, each a differing distance from the other dip bar. Chin bars incorporate a downwardly-sloping dogleg. An alternate embodiment adjustable dip-chin machine incorporates a weight stack which can be attached to the belt. Stack weights selected from the weight stack render exercise more strenuous. |
| US07918769B2 |
Plyometric training device and method
A method and device for use in plyometric muscular training is provided. In a first version, a rigid frame is provided having a trainee's position, a pair of cables and a weighted bar. The cables are positioned between the trainee's position and the bar. Each cable is attached at an upper location and a forward location of the frame. The cables partially constrain the movement of the bar and restrain the bar from striking sections of the trainee's body. The trainee may explosively push or throw the bar away from the trainee's position and towards the cable attachment locations, wherein the bar is released from the trainee's grasp. The return pathway of the bar is determined by the force of gravity, the force provided by the trainee and the constraints of the cables. The cables reduce the risk of injury to the trainee. |
| US07918762B2 |
Power output apparatus, control method of power output apparatus, and vehicle equipped with power output apparatus
The drive control of the invention executed in a vehicle sets a correction coefficient keg, based on an intake air temperature and an atmospheric pressure reflecting the density of intake air supplied to an engine, and multiplies a power demand required for the vehicle by the set correction coefficient keg to specify a target engine power, which is to be output from the engine. The engine and two motors are then controlled to ensure output of the specified target engine power from the engine and output of a torque demand, which depends upon an accelerator opening. The varying density of the intake air may cause output of excessive power from the engine or output of insufficient power from the engine. A battery is charged or discharged to compensate for the excessive power output from the engine or for the insufficient power output from the engine. The drive control of the invention effectively deals with the environmental change and prevents the battery from being excessively charged with an unexpectedly high electric power or from being excessively discharged to supply an unexpectedly high electric power. |
| US07918760B2 |
Split serial-parallel hybrid dual-power drive system
A split serial-parallel hybrid dual-power drive system, comprised of two or more than two separation drive systems allowing independent operation to respectively drive the load, or all loads driven individually are incorporated in a common frame to drive land, surface, underwater transportation means or aircraft, industrial machines and equipment or any other load drive by rotational kinetic energy. |
| US07918757B2 |
Drive unit connected to a transmission output for producing forward and reverse drive
A drive unit includes a gearset alternately producing forward and reverse drive, an inter-axle differential dividing torque at an output of the gearset between first and second wheel sets, and an inter-wheel differential dividing torque transmitted to the first wheel set differentially between wheels comprising the first wheel set. |
| US07918752B2 |
Game apparatuses
Game apparatus, e.g., a game racquet or a golf club, with selectively variable and maintainable weight distribution, e.g. by moving material (e.g., liquid and/or solid weight members) within or on the apparatus and selectively positioning the weight(s) and maintaining weight position in or on the apparatus. |
| US07918747B2 |
Golf club head having a grooved face
The present invention is directed to a golf club head with an improved striking surface. The grooves are machined into the strike surface with tight tolerances. The grooves have sharp edges, radiused ends, and a draft angle between about 2° and 12°. The striking face is machined such that it has a uniform texture with a roughness of more than 40 Ra. The face may be selectively textured to enhance certain shots that the golfer may perform. This may include providing a plurality of distinct sets of texturing to accommodate a plurality of different shots. The grooves may contain a plurality of portions, including a radiused or angled portion, a portion having substantially parallel walls, a portion having a v-shape, and a curved portion. The grooves may also be characterized by various dimensions, including draft angle, inclusive side wall angle, width, depth, cross-sectional area, spacing, and pitch ratio. |
| US07918738B2 |
Interactive game playing preferences
A disclosed gaming machine may be customized according to one or more player preferences. A player may view and modify player preferences stored in a player preference account as preference account information. The preference account information may include but is not limited to loyalty point account information, loyalty point account settings, promotional opportunities, preferred games, preferred game features for the preferred games, preferred gaming machine settings, preferred bonus games, preferred service options and preferred progressive games. The preference account information may be stored in a plurality of preference accounts on a preference account server. Using a preference account interface which may be compatible with a web-browser, a player may be able to view and modify preference account information stored on the preference account server from a number remote devices such as a gaming machine, a home computer, a hotel room video interface and a casino kiosk. |
| US07918737B2 |
Game method and game system
A competitive game management system is disclosed which manages a competitive game played by a plurality of players. Take, for example, a league competition played by players A, B, C, and D. Between the player A and the player B, for instance, a home game operated by the player A and an away game in which a CPU acts as the simulated player A are arranged. Similarly, between the player A and each of the other players C and D, two games are arranged respectively. These arrangements are made for all combinations of players, and a league ranking is determined based on all the results of the games. Therefore, a player can play the game against other real players, and the result of the competitive game will be evaluated equally for each player. |
| US07918733B2 |
Multi-input game control mixer
Systems, methods and for analyzing game control input data are disclosed. A machine-readable medium having embodied thereon instructions for analyzing game control input data is also disclosed. |
| US07918732B2 |
Manifold compatibility electronic omni axis human interface
A manifold compatibility omni axis, electronic human interface device comprises a controller operatively coupled to an omni axis steering device having one or more attachments for motion detection, and a stationary fitness device operatively coupled to the controller. The controller comprises a re-centerer for re-centering one or more axis of movement, and a ratio processor for interpreting, transmitting, and adjusting one or more ratios for speed and other axis of movement. The controller is operatively coupled to a computer via a standard interface. The computer is configured to play a virtual reality program based at least in part on input from the controller. The controller is configured to mimic natural steering movements, making a user's physical movements with respect to the omni axis steering device and the stationary fitness device closely resemble movements in the virtual reality program. |
| US07918729B2 |
Program product, image generation system, and image generation method
An image generation system includes a display control section which controls display of images displayed in a touch panel display and a display, a movement control section which controls movement of a moving object, a game calculation section which performs processing of calculating a game parameter which changes as a result of game play using the moving object, and a movement permission condition determination section which determines whether or not a condition for permitting movement of the moving object from a game field G1 to a game field G2 has been satisfied based on the game parameter which changes as a result of game play in the game field G1. The movement control section performs control of moving the moving object from the game field G1 to the game field G2 when the movement permission condition has been satisfied. |
| US07918726B2 |
Slot machine and playing method thereof
When the number of bets is determined and a game is started, reels start spinning. After a lapse of a predetermined time, fifteen symbols are repositioned in symbol display regions. Particularly, in case a “RED7” symbol or a “BLUE7” symbol is included in the repositioned symbols, an animation effect to represent a volcanic eruption of a volcano, a performance character, and a sound effect corresponding to a volcanic eruption sound of the volcano are outputted by dragging and dropping the “RED7” symbol or “BLUE7” symbol to a crater of the volcano. |
| US07918725B2 |
Gaming device having symbol revealing mechanism
A gaming device including a housing, a symbol display connected to the housing, and a symbol indicator rotatably connected to the housing which includes at least one section having a viewable area to enable a player to view at least a portion of the symbol display. In one embodiment, after a triggering event associated with a game, the symbol display generates a plurality of first symbols. The symbol indicator moves and positions the viewable area to indicate one or more of the first symbols on the symbol display. The gaming device provides an outcome to the player based on the order of the first symbols indicated on the symbol display. The outcome is based on the position of first symbols indicated on the symbol display. |
| US07918724B2 |
Conditional application of hit card
Methods, devices, systems and computer readable media are described, comprising determining an intermediate player hand in a card game; offering to the player an option to receive a conditional hit card in exchange for resolving the hand according to a second pay table; if the player accepts the offer, dealing a conditional hit card face down to the player; determining a final dealer hand; and if the final dealer hand beats the intermediate player hand, turning the conditional hit card face up and adding the card to the intermediate player hand, thereby determining a final player hand; awarding a payout to the player according to the reduced pay table if the final player hand beats the final dealer hand. |
| US07918723B2 |
Methods and systems for playing baccarat jackpot
A method and system for playing jackpot and live baccarat games are provided. One feature of the jackpot method involves the use of card combinations that includes at least one zero-point card. Another feature of the jackpot method involves initial jackpot contribution from the banker who operates the baccarat game. It is also provided a software program or a set of software program for carrying out any or all the steps of the disclosed gaming method. |
| US07918722B2 |
Image processing device, image processing method and storage medium for storing programs for executing image process cycles
Travel historical data corresponding with each course are pre-prepared in accordance with the course type of the branch-point transition at the branching point. The course selected by the operator is discriminated in real time in the area of the branching point, either set of travel historical data is read, and the travel historical data is made to continue on from the previous travel historical data, whereby the ghost car image is displayed. Therefore, the ghost car image can always be made to travel together with the player moving body in accordance with the course arbitrarily selected by the operator. |
| US07918721B2 |
Methods of separating particulate residue streams
A particulate residue separator and a method for separating a particulate residue stream may include an air plenum borne by a harvesting device, and have a first, intake end and a second, exhaust end; first and second particulate residue air streams that are formed by the harvesting device and that travel, at least in part, along the air plenum and in a direction of the second, exhaust end; and a baffle assembly that is located in partially occluding relation relative to the air plenum and that substantially separates the first and second particulate residue air streams. |
| US07918719B2 |
Feeder for machine for canning tuna and the like and related operating cycle
A feeder for a machine for canning tuna and similar food products includes a feeding device with conveyor belts. The feeding device is suitable to feed tuna loins towards the conveyor belt of the canning machine and to shape the loins into loins having a set thickness. An outlet mouth is located at the end of the belts, together with a knife adjacent to the mouth and suitable to separate the portion of loin projecting through the latter. A mobile wall located opposite the outlet mouth is also provided, as well as a mobile shovel suitable to move the newly formed tuna pat perpendicularly in the direction of motion of the conveyor belt of the canning machine. |
| US07918716B2 |
Mating systems and methods for joining coated abrasives
Mating systems and methods for joining coated abrasives. The mating system comprises mating portions positioned at coated abrasive end portions. Complimentary mating portions may be used to join coated abrasives without glue or mechanical attachment. The mating system of the present invention may be used to join a coated abrasive to itself, or to join multiple coated abrasives to each other. |
| US07918711B2 |
Roughness insulated soft clothing connector system
A clothing connector having tensile components is formed in any of the conventional ways, and a soft roughness insulating covering layer is attached to one side and then moved to the other side in an inside-out process which provides a soft finish not only to the side to which it was moved, but also the peripheral edges and a narrow portion of the side of the clothing connector to which it was originally attached. This structure and process enables quick application of a softening, object insulating covering to any clothing connector expected to face the body. |
| US07918708B2 |
Illuminated magnetic module for toy construction kit
An embodiment of the invention provides a toy construction kit comprising a light element and a construction element. The light element comprises a housing having a first end and a second end, the housing defining a compartment, a magnet disposed in the compartment at the first end, and a printed circuit board disposed at the second end of the housing, the printed circuit board having an illumination device mounted on its side opposite to the compartment. The construction element is held to the light element by a magnetic attractive force between the magnet at the first end of the light element and the construction element. |
| US07918705B2 |
Organic light emitting device and method of fabricating the same
An organic light emitting device and a method of fabricating the same are disclosed. The organic light emitting device includes an opaque substrate having one or more holes, and an organic emissive unit interposed between first and second electrodes positioned on the opaque substrate. |
| US07918699B2 |
Connector for a leg rope
A connector arranged to provide an interconnection between a cord (10) and a fixed element, wherein the cord (10) has a capacity for resilient longitudinal extension, the connector (12) comprising a first portion (22) arranged to be fixed to the fixed element and a second, elongate portion (24) which is resiliently longitudinally extendable and arranged to be fixed to an end (20) of the cord. The invention relates particularly to leg ropes for surfers and connection thereof to surf boards. |
| US07918696B2 |
System and method for dynamic energy recovery in marine propulsion
A method for controlling operation of a propulsion system of a waterborne vessel, comprising adjusting recovery of energy generated from the propulsion system to maintain position of the waterborne vessel in response to at least an indication of vessel position. |
| US07918694B1 |
Connector assembly for solar shingles
A connector assembly for electrically coupling solar shingles is provided. The solar shingles include photovoltaic sections that convert light into electricity and supporting sections having upper surfaces to which additional solar shingles are mounted. The connector assembly includes a contact and a protective cover. The contact electrically couples the photovoltaic sections of adjacent solar shingles by engaging conductive members disposed in recesses of the supporting sections of the solar shingles. The protective cover is disposed in the recesses of the solar shingles. The protective cover encloses the contact between the protective cover and the conductive members. |
| US07918692B1 |
Electrical terminal blocks and assemblies thereof
An electrical terminal block including a mating face and a loading surface that are spaced apart from each other along a longitudinal axis. The mating face extends along a lateral axis. The terminal block also includes first and second sidewalls that face in opposite directions and extend between the mating face and the loading surface. Each of the first and second sidewalls includes a wing member that projects therefrom along the lateral axis and a recess configured to receive a wing member from another terminal block. The wing members and the recesses have matching complementary cross-sections taken along the longitudinal axis such that the wing member on the first sidewall of one terminal block is slidably and securely received within the recess on the second sidewall of another terminal block. |
| US07918691B2 |
Method and device for electrically connecting a functional element contained in a housing
In spite of the absence of a pullout fuse block, functional elements comprising simple socket-type connectors come into contact with an external cable in a mechanically and electrically reliable manner, when said cable has a rod-type or sword-type mating connector which engages directly in the connector by means of a radially protruding return baffle, in a sealed manner, through the rear of an opening in the wall of a housing. If, during the plug-in action, an injection-molded skin which first at least partially closes the opening is enlarged or perforated, the breaking edge nestling against the envelope surface of the mating connector in the plug-in direction provides another retraction block with additional sealing and vibration damping. |
| US07918686B1 |
Server with improved connecting port
A server with an improved connecting port is provided. The server comprises a casing, a fastening module and a connecting port. The fastening module is disposed in an internal receiving space of the casing and further comprises a fastening base plate with a first through hole, a first fastening plate with a second through hole, and a second fastening plate with a third through hole. The connecting port has two ends connected to two engaging wings, respectively. The connecting port is inserted into the first through hole, the second through hole, and the third through hole. The engaging wings are embedded in the second through hole and held by and between the fastening base plate and the second fastening plate. |
| US07918675B2 |
Multi-contact connector with a locking piece incorporated in the thickness of the housing
A connection assembly comprising a first connector housing having at least one blocking element in relief, and a second housing comprising a housing body extending along a longitudinal axis and a locking cap movable relative to the housing body of the second housing perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis between a locked position and an unlocked position. The locking cap includes at least one blocking ramp in which the blocking element in relief of the first housing is capable of sliding. The housing body of the second housing presents at least one setback in its outside surface that corresponds substantially to the thickness of the locking cap in order to receive the locking cap in its locked position. |
| US07918673B1 |
Connector assembly having signal and ground terminals
Each of a pair of signal terminals (TC+ and TC−) includes a signal terminal link portion (uCON) that links a first signal terminal end portion (u1) and a second signal terminal end portion (u2). A ground terminal (TGC) includes a ground terminal link portion (tCON) that links a first ground terminal end portion (t1) and a second ground terminal end portion (t2). The ground terminal link portion (tCON) is wired between the signal terminal link portion (uCON) and a mounting surface (11A) from the opposite side of the mounting surface (11A) relative to the signal terminal link portion (uCON). |
| US07918666B1 |
Interactive computer networked study aid and guide
An interactive study aid provides student- or other source-selected (208) questions for studying. Preferably in conjunction with machine-implemented or other information processing, the interactive study aid of the present invention provides a student with the ability to acquire, present/study, and collaborate upon study material (202) information. Acquisition of study material (202) information may be made through soft-text resources such as digital books or online resources. A pen scanner may be used to access hard copy information making pertinent portions available to the interactive study aid. Study material information may also be entered by hand. Upon entering the study material, the student can indicate the likelihood of its appearing on a test or the importance of the information to the student. Study sessions orchestrated by an Intelligent Learning Agent guide the student towards that material he or she is the most interested in either for tested/evaluated course work for a grade or for self study and interest. |
| US07918665B2 |
Artificial anterior tooth having frictional surface at lingual side, and a set of artificial teeth, and denture
An artificial anterior tooth capable of grinding food is provided. The lingual side of an artificial anterior tooth is provided with a protuberance for forming a frictional surface dented in an arch shape as seen from the mesiodistal direction, and the labial side of an opposite artificial lower tooth is provided with a protuberance for forming a sliding surface abutting the frictional surface and sliding on the frictional surface by a sliding motion of the upper and lower jaws. |
| US07918664B2 |
Permanently fireproof flame guard
A permanently fireproof flame guard includes a flow area (2) which terminates a conduit and within which an inserted flame shield is disposed. The flame shield is provided with a plurality of passage gaps that ensure permanent fire safety. Cooling of the permanently fireproof flame guard can be improved by forming at least one concentric, annular section (5) within the flow area (2) in a massive manner without passage gaps while forming annular sections (4) comprising passage gaps around the concentric, annular section (5). |
| US07918659B2 |
Vacuum pump for a vehicle with multiple one-way valves
The invention relates to a vacuum pump (1) for vehicle motors, comprising a stator (2), a chamber defined within said stator (2) and at least one vane rotatably mounted inside said chamber so as to generate a depression. The stator (2) comprises inlet openings for air and oil, and a first discharge outlet (30) on which a first one-way valve operates (35). According to the invention, the stator (2) further comprises a second discharge outlet (50) separate from said first discharge outlet (30) and a second one-way valve (55) operating on said second discharge outlet (50). In this manner it is possible to separate the air discharge from the oil discharge, both physically and operationally. The invention further relates to a one-way valve for said vacuum pump. Such valve comprises a blade body (60) having a first blade which defines a first one-way valve (35) and at least one second blade which defines at least one second one-way valve (55). |
| US07918655B2 |
Fixed and variable compressor system capacity control
A compressor control system includes at least one variable compressor, at least one fixed-capacity compressor, and a controller. The controller modulates the variable compressor based on a suction pressure reading of the variable compressor. In addition, the controller selectively toggles the fixed-capacity compressor between a run mode and a shutdown mode based on an operating parameter of the variable compressor. |
| US07918654B2 |
Compact vacuum pump
A vacuum pump capable of pumping solid, liquid and gas, or any combination thereof, including a drive (40) and a manually disengageable pumping system connected thereto. The pumping system is composed of a two- or three-chambered canister (1, 18, 21) within which solids, liquids, and gases can be separated from one another. A highly flexible diaphragm (24) attached to the canister and sealed against it circumferentially, facilitates this separation, when reciprocating and pumping. The components of the pumping system are designed to be disposable, and the two- or three-chambered canister provides for a highly efficient pumping system that is significantly smaller in size than those previously known. The pump is particularly useful for medical applications. |
| US07918652B2 |
Dovetail structure of fan
The invention provides a dovetail structure of a fan which attaches a fan 20 having an inlet hub diameter smaller than an outlet hub diameter to a portion around a discoid disc rotationally driven by a turbine. The disc 10 has a plurality of dovetail grooves 12 extending at a fixed angle θ1 with respect to an axis 1 of a rotation axis from a leading edge 10a to a trailing edge 10b thereof, and spaced at a fixed angle in a peripheral direction. The fan 20 has a dovetail portion 22 extending at the same angle as an angle of the dovetail groove and capable of being fitted to the dovetail groove, in an inner end thereof. |
| US07918650B2 |
System for pressurizing fluid
A system for providing low cost fluid pressurization without consumption of limited natural resources, pollution, or greenhouse gas emission, and is independent of wind conditions. Additionally, the system of the present invention includes a venturi-like collar positioned at the top of one or more stacks increasing air flow. |
| US07918648B1 |
Windpower generator apparatus
A windpower generator apparatus has a horizontal shaft, a first arm extending outwardly of the shaft, a second arm extending outwardly of the shaft in spaced relationship to the first arm, a third arm extending outwardly of the shaft in spaced radial relationship to the first and second arms, a first plurality of vanes pivotally affixed to a first arm, a second plurality of vanes pivotally affixed to said second arm, a third plurality of vanes pivotally affixed to said third arm, and a generator cooperative with the shaft for producing electrical energy relative to a rotation of the shaft. Each of the vanes is movable between a first position aligned with the arm and a second position extending transverse to the arm. The vanes are movable between the first and second positions by actions of gravity during the rotation of the shaft. |
| US07918643B2 |
Sealing arrangement in a gas turbine engine
A compressor of a gas turbine engine comprises blades 2, 4 provided on blade platforms 8, 12 of a rotor. Stator vanes 20 lie between the blades 2, 4 and are connected to a vane support structure 22. Sealing rings 38 are secured to the vane support structure 22 to restrict air flow into stator wells 36 on each side of the vane support structure 22. The sealing rings 38 are made from a flexible material so that they deflect on installation of the vane support structure 22 in a direction radially inwards between the adjacent blade platforms 8, 12. |
| US07918637B2 |
Assist device for a tire and wheel assembly
An embodiment of an assist device for maneuvering a tire and wheel assembly is provided. The device comprises a base member, a support frame configured to support a tire and wheel assembly thereon, and a sliding mechanism disposed between the base member and support frame, wherein the sliding mechanism is configured to move the support frame sideways, forward, and backward relative to the base member. |
| US07918636B1 |
Pipe handling apparatus and method
A pipe handling apparatus has a boom pivotally movable between a first position and a second position, a riser assembly pivotally connected to the boom, an arm pivotally connected at one end to the first portion of the riser assembly and extending outwardly therefrom, a gripper affixed to an opposite end of the arm suitable for gripping a diameter of the pipe, a link pivotally connected to the riser assembly and pivotable so as to move relative to the movement of the boom between the first and second positions, and a brace having a one end pivotally connected to the boom and an opposite end pivotally connected to the arm between the ends of the arm. The riser assembly has a first portion extending outwardly at an obtuse angle with respect to the second portion. |
| US07918633B2 |
Support for the transport of blades
Support which absorbs the torsion to which blades are subjected during transport, comprising a set of pins (17) inserted in the floor (8) of the container (1) and to the sides of a hollow pipe (21), which connect by means of a clevis (18) to different rods (19) secured with fastening pins (20) that facilitate the lengthways and angular rotation of the unit. The first support is located at a distance “d” from the leading edge of the cradle (9), next to the platform (16) formed between the ribs (15) which run through the lower shell (14). The second support is located on the other side of the platform (16) also inserted between the aforementioned ribs (15). Both supports are inclined at an angle α in relation to the floor (8), each forming articulated quadrilaterals. |
| US07918627B2 |
Method of treating soil, in particular dry soil sensitive to water
A method for treating soils, in particular water-sensitive dry soils, comprising burying a treatment liquid, optionally loaded with a suspended material into trenches and a device for implementing the method. The device comprises a transportable chassis (2), a reservoir and hollow dispensing tines (1). The dispensing tines comprise a vertical supporting portion (3) which connects the dispensing tines (1) to the chassis and a horizontal share portion (4), including a spike (5) prior to penetrating into the soil, and a rear dispenser (6). |
| US07918626B2 |
Systems and methods for pipe replacement
Systems and methods for concurrently destroying old pipes and installing new pipes in their place. An exemplary embodiment is a pipe bursting and replacement tool that includes a body and first and second connectors. The body has a shape that generally tapers from a smaller diameter at the front end to a larger diameter at the rear end. The taper need not be smoothly increasing, but may alternatively be stepped. The first connector couples the body to a pulling rod to and allows the body to be misaligned with the rod to relieve stress on the connection between the two. The second connector couples the replacement pipe to the body so that the replacement pipe can be pulled behind the body into the space previously occupied by an old pipe that is burst by the tool. |
| US07918625B2 |
Support structure for sea wave energy farms
A structure for supporting wave energy conversion mechanisms driven by—floats (24, 25) placed in the sea, said structure comprising: an open sided lattice framework (15); at least one leg (16) for supporting said open sided lattice framework; members (20) which are supported by said lattice framework (15) for providing a platform, in use, above sea level for said wave energy conversion mechanisms; and a plurality of discrete protective containers (21, 22) affixed to said members (20) and each for housing at least part of a wave energy conversion mechanism (23). |
| US07918620B2 |
Magnetically mated cosmetic brushes and/or applicators and holder therefor
An embodiment of a cosmetic applicator set comprises a holder for cosmetic applicators, which holder has within it a first magnetizable element, and at least one cosmetic applicator comprising a second magnetizable element. At least one of the first magnetizable element and the second magnetizable element is a permanent magnet. |
| US07918619B2 |
Packaging and applicator device, and method of making up skin or lips
A packaging and an applicator device may include: a receptacle containing a composition for application; and an applicator for applying the composition contained in the receptacle. The applicator may include: a stem; and an applicator element at one end thereof. The applicator element may project laterally from the stem, and may include at least two branches of plastics material, with at least one of the branches being flocked at least in part. The branches may meet at ends thereof and define between the ends a cavity that is open to the outside via a face of the applicator element that is configured to apply the composition. The cavity may be elongate in shape and may extend along the branches. The branches may be sufficiently rigid to prevent the cavity from deforming substantially between a moment when the applicator element leaves the composition and a moment when the composition is applied. |
| US07918616B2 |
Image sensing apparatus with settable minimum exposure time and control method thereof
An image sensing apparatus comprises an image sensing unit which receives an object image via a lens and accumulate the received image as an electric charge, a mechanical shutter unit which travels so as to shield an image sensing region of the image sensing unit against light, a scanning unit which performs scanning for sequentially starting the accumulation of the electric charge for each image sensing region of the image sensing unit, a control unit which controls the accumulation start scanning of the scanning unit and the travel of a shutter of the mechanical shutter unit, so as to implement a first curtain and second curtain of a shutter and a changing unit which changes a maximum shutter speed on the basis of one of a type of the lens and information on the lens. |
| US07918609B2 |
Fiber optic drop cables and preconnectorized assemblies
A preconnectorized outdoor cable streamlines the deployment of optical waveguides into the last mile of an optical network. The preconnectorized outdoor cable includes a cable and at least one plug connector. The plug connector is attached to a first end of the cable, thereby connectorizing at least one optical waveguide. The cable has at least one optical waveguide, at least one tensile element, and a cable jacket. Various cable designs such as figure-eight or flat cables may be used with the plug connector. In preferred embodiments, the plug connector includes a crimp assembly having a crimp housing and a crimp band. The crimp housing has two half-shells being held together by the crimp band for securing the at least one tensile element. When fully assembled, the crimp housing fits into a shroud of the preconnectorized cable. The shroud aides in mating the preconnectorized cable with a complimentary receptacle. |
| US07918607B2 |
Conical roller bearing comprising a filter cage
A roller bearing includes a plurality of conical roller bodies arranged between inner and outer rings, and a cage having an annular sectional body mounted between the inner and outer rings. The annular sectional body further having an annular oil thrower located on each transverse side, each oil thrower having internal and external radial projections, wherein the free end of each projection is positioned opposite and away from a corresponding one of the inner and outer rings. The bearing has functional axial and radial clearances between the internal and external radial projections and the internal and outer rings. The clearances facilitate the passage of a bearing lubrication fluid there through and form an obstacle to the passage of solid particles. |
| US07918602B2 |
Bistable hammer for a chronograph mechanism
The invention relates to a chronographic timepiece and a chronograph mechanism (7) thereof including an elapsed time indicator member (17), a reset control member (21), and a reset device (25) for the indicator member, which includes a hammer (61), mounted in translation between an inactive position, where the hammer (61) is moved away from heart-pieces (55, 57, 59) that are connected to the indicator member (17), and an active position where stop members (54, 56, 58) of the hammer exert a reset force against the heart-pieces. The hammer (61) includes two studs (64, 66) mounted so as to slide in holes (100, 102) such that the movement vectors (L, K) of the studs (64, 66) between the positions are collinear and not aligned. |
| US07918601B2 |
Dispensing blender jar
A blender jar defines a geometry to impart vertical movement to material being processed in the blender jar, and, alternatively or in combination, improves the horizontal movement to the blended material. By configuring one or more agitators on the floor of a jar, laminar flow or symmetric flow of material around the jar is disrupted. The material is forced in an upward direction in the jar and, therefore, into more frequent contact with the cutter blades rotating in the jar. A dispensing blender jar includes a hole in the jar wall that leads to a dispensing spout. The hole is positioned, at least in part, on the leading edge of a vertical bump in the sidewall of the jar. |
| US07918600B2 |
Planar illumination device and liquid crystal display device using the same
A thin planar illumination device with a high light utilization efficiency is provided. In a planar illumination device 10, light source sections 15, 16, 17 and 18 each radiates laser light. The light guide members 19 and 20 polarize, by total reflection, light incident from side surfaces 19b and 20b on two opposite sides thereof, so as to be radiated from incident surfaces 19a and 20a, respectively. In a light guide plate 21, the light is incident from side surfaces beside the respective light guide members 19 and 20 so as to radiate irradiation light 24 from main surfaces 21a and 21b. The main surface of the light guide plate 21 is formed by a plurality of inclined surfaces, each being gradually thinned from the edge surfaces on two sides thereof toward a center thereof. |
| US07918599B2 |
Optical plate and backlight module using the same
An exemplary optical plate includes at least one transparent plate unit. The transparent plate unit includes a light output surface, a bottom surface, a plurality of enclosing V-shaped protrusions, a plurality of microstructures and a lamp-receiving portion. The light output surface and the bottom surface are on opposite sides of the optical plate. The enclosing V-shaped protrusions are formed on the bottom surface. The microstructures are formed on the light output surface. Each microstructure has circular cross-section taken along a plane parallel to its base surface thereof, a diameter of the circular cross-section decreasing along a direction away from its base surface thereof. The lamp-receiving portion is defined in at least one of the light output surface and the bottom surface. A backlight module using the present optical plate is also provided. |
| US07918593B2 |
Head unit background illumination
A front panel display assembly may have an integrated decorative film having first and second sides. The first side may have a half-mirroredrface that allows the passage of light in only a single direction and the second side may have a non-uniform diffusion pattern that extends across it. The non-uniform diffusion pattern may regulate and diffuse light irradiated onto the second side to pass through the integrated decorative film and to be regulated and emitted uniformly across the front panel display assembly. |
| US07918592B2 |
Integrated position light overlap baffles
A position light including a base that is configured to attach to an aircraft. The base having an extruded overlap baffle. A first LED is coupled to the base underneath the overlap baffle. A circuit card is also coupled to the base and is extended over the first LED toward the over flap baffle. A second LED coupled to a circuit card. The extended overlap baffle and the extended circuit card block visible light emitting from the first LED. |
| US07918585B2 |
Foldable light
A foldable, rechargeable light emitting diode (LED) pocket light is disclosed. The light includes a first compartment, a second compartment and a hinge element. The first compartment has a housing, a plurality of LED lights, a rotatable hinge, and a hook for hanging the light. The second compartment includes a housing, a member for receiving the rotatable hinge and a power source. The light also includes an activating member and circuitry for activating the LED lights. |
| US07918584B2 |
Method and system for three-dimensionally staging
A three-dimensional stage representation method and system are disclosed, for moving a plurality of illumination devices up and down independently. The method comprises the steps of: identifying a device to be operated from input containing information on length of a reel wire from an elevator device to an illumination device and brightness of an LED and generating an indication signal to the device to be operated; transmitting the generated indication signal to the elevator device if the device to be operated is the elevator device; operating the reel; transmitting the generated indication signal to the illumination device if the device to be operated is the illumination device; operating the LED; forming a three-dimensional object using all of the LEDs by operating each of the devices; and forming a dynamic three-dimensional object using all of the LEDs by repeating all of the above-mentioned steps. |
| US07918583B2 |
Illumination devices
Lighting devices are provided for efficiently distributing light over an area to provided uniform illumination over a wide angle or other tailored illumination patterns. Each light device has at least one light source, at least one collimator for partially collimating light from the light source, and at least one diffuser for diffusing light from the collimator. The diffuser provides diffused light over an area from the diffuser having an intensity that is angularly dependent in accordance with the angular distribution intensity of light outputted from the collimator, so as to provide a predetermined illumination pattern from the device. The light sources and collimators may be provided in one or two-dimensional arrays, and a single diffuser may be formed on each collimator or the diffuser may be along a plate spaced from the collimators. |
| US07918581B2 |
Lighting device and lighting method
A lighting device comprising first, second and third groups of solid state light emitters, and first and second groups of lumiphors. A mixture of light emitted from the first group of emitters and the first group of lumiphors has x,y color coordinates within an area defined by coordinates (0.36,0.48), (0.43,0.45), (0.5125,0.4866), and (0.4087,0.5896) (or (0.41,0.455), (0.36,0.48), (0.4087,0.5896), and (0.4788,0.5202)). A mixture of light emitted from the second group of emitters and the second group of lumiphors is within an area defined by (0.32,0.40), (0.36,0.38), (0.30,0.26), and (0.25,0.29). A mixture of light from the first and second groups of emitters and the first and second groups of lumiphors is within an area defined by (0.32,0.40), (0.36,0.48), (0.43,0.45), (0.42,0.42), and (0.36,0.38) (or (0.32,0.40), (0.36,0.38), (0.41,0.455), and (0.36,0.48)). A mixture of light from all of these emitters and lumiphors is within ten MacAdam ellipses of the blackbody locus. Also, methods of lighting. |
| US07918580B2 |
LED illumination device
An LED illumination device includes a light source and a heat sink. The heat sink includes an elongated base and a plurality of fins extending from the base. The base has a heat-absorbing surface and an opposite heat-spreading surface. The fins extend upwardly from the heat-spreading surface. The light source is attached to the heat-absorbing surface, whereby heat generated by the light source is removed by the heat sink. The heat-absorbing surface is one of a convex surface and a concave surface, whereby light emitted from the light source is diverged or converged towards objects. |
| US07918579B2 |
Lighted flooring
A floor assembly including a top having at least one transparent or translucent light emitting portion for emitting light is provided. At least one light source is provided for supplying light. The light source is optically connected to the light emitting portion. The assembly may include a light guide for guiding light therethrough. Also, a light refracting portion may be included for directing light emanating from the light source. |
| US07918576B2 |
Illuminated clipboard with removable light source
An illuminated clipboard is provided including a base member having an outer surface with a first lamp retainer and a storage compartment with a second lamp retainer. A document holder is secured to the base member for holding a document. An illumination source is removably attachable to the first lamp retainer to selectively illuminate a document held by the document holder and attachable to the second lamp retainer for storage in the storage compartment. A second clipboard can be removable attached to the illuminated clipboard in a back-to-back relationship. |
| US07918572B2 |
Indicator device
An indicator device includes a light emitting element for emitting light, and a light conducting plate having a light incidence surface for conducting light from the light emitting element inside thereof and a light output surface, for a lighted indication by the light output surface. The light conducting plate has a triangular recess recessed to form with prescribed recess depths in one planer surface thereof, for light from the light emitting element to be reflected in part. The triangular recess has a recess extremity constituting a single vertex disposed in position on an optical axis of the light emitting element and nearer to the light incidence surface than other end parts thereof. The recess depths becomes shallower as the V-form recess extends from the recess extremity, allowing for an evenness of luminance of light over the light output surface formed on the light conducting plate. |
| US07918568B2 |
Lid structure, apparatus and method for displaying graphical information
A lid structure, apparatus and method for displaying graphical information uses beams of coherent light that are emitted in a scanning manner to project the beams of coherent light onto a display surface to form the graphical information on the display surface. |
| US07918567B2 |
Light emitting device, manufacturing method for light emitting device, illumination device using light emitting device, and projector
A light emitting device capable of achieving a small exit area, high directivity, and low loss; a manufacturing method thereof; an illumination device using this light emitting device; and a projector are provided. The light emitting devices 16 include an LED (light emitting element) 25, in the form of a rectangular light emitting element, having a light emitting part 23 for emitting illumination light; a substrate 26 for fixing the LED 25; a spacer 27 having a mirror surface 27A for reflecting the illumination light emitted from the LED 25; and a tapered rod (columnar light guide unit) 28 having a device-side incident surface (incident surface) 28A upon which illumination light is incident, tapered-rod side surfaces 28B serving as total reflection surfaces for totally reflecting illumination light received from the device-side incident surface 28A, and the device-side exit surface (exit surface) 28C which has a larger area than the device-side incident surface 28A and which emits the illumination light totally reflected at the tapered-rod side surfaces 28B. |
| US07918566B2 |
Image display apparatus, image display method, and program product therefor
There is provided an image display apparatus including a display portion that displays a first image in a given display region, a projection portion that projects to superimpose a second image on the first image displayed with the display portion in the display region, an image recording portion that records the display region, and a controller that controls at least one of displaying the first image with the display portion and projecting the second image with the projection portion, on the basis of a third image of the display region obtained with the image recording portion. |
| US07918562B2 |
Projection optical system having a curved mirror
A projection display device comprises: a light source; liquid crystal panels disposed corresponding to R light, G light and B light; a light guiding optical system for guiding R light, G light and B light among light from the light source to respective corresponding liquid crystal panels; a dichroic prism for synthesizing the R light, G light and B light modulated by the liquid crystal panels; a projection optical system having a curved mirror for enlarging and projecting the light synthesized by the dichroic prism; and a bending mirror. A placement plane for optical members is orthogonal to a projection plane (screen surface), and shorter sides of optical members forming the liquid crystal panels and the light guiding optical system are placed on the placement plane. |
| US07918556B2 |
Digital eyewear
Improved eyewear is disclosed. The eyewear comprises a frame member and a lens. The eyewear also includes circuitry within the frame member for enhancing the use of the eyewear. A system and method in accordance with the present invention is directed to a variety of ways to enhance the use of eyeglasses. They are: (1) media focals, that is, utilizing the eyewear for its intended purpose and enhancing that use by using imaging techniques to improve the vision of the user; (2) telecommunications enhancements that allow the eyeglasses to be integrated with telecommunication devices such as cell phones or the like; and (3) entertainment enhancements that allow the eyewear to be integrated with devices such as MP3 players, radios, or the like. |
| US07918554B2 |
Spectacle and writing instrument combination
A pair of spectacles is provided which includes a writing instrument, a spectacle frame front, a first spectacle temple having an end coupled to the spectacle frame front and a second spectacle temple having an end coupled to the spectacle frame front. The first spectacle temple includes a hollow recess formed in an outer surface thereof, the writing instrument removably received and retained therein. |
| US07918546B2 |
Ink supply arrangement for inkjet printhead having large nozzle number
An ink supply arrangement for an inkjet printhead is provided having at least one collapsible ink bag containing ink for distribution to nozzles of the printhead via a fluid path between the ink bag and nozzles, a body for housing the ink bag and the printhead, and a biasing member in the ink bag. The ink is primed in the fluid path and nozzles so as to be ejected by the nozzles, in use, thereby depleting the ink contained in the ink bag. The ink bag is attached to the body at a wall opposite a wall of the ink bag facing the printhead. The biasing member applies outwardly directed force on the wall of the ink bag facing the printhead thereby maintaining substantially constant negative pressure at the nozzles as the ink is depleted. The fluid path connects the ink bag to at least 6400 nozzles of the printhead. |
| US07918545B2 |
Ink-jet head
An ink-jet head is disclosed. The ink-jet head can include: a channel for holding ink, a nozzle connected with the channel, a pressurizing unit configured to apply pressure to the ink so as to eject the ink, a partition coupled to one side of the channel so as to block the channel, and an actuator configured to deform one side of the channel so as to open the channel. While pressure is applied to the ink, this pressure can be turned on and off, to provide pressure pulses for ejecting the ink. As such, with this arrangement, the ejection properties of the ink-jet head can be adjusted to various settings. |
| US07918544B2 |
Inkjet head
In a harmonica type head chip having a plurality of rows of channels (row A and row B), connection electrodes for row A and the connection electrodes for row B formed on the back surface of the head chip are connected to a multilayer member having an insulating layer on one surface of which are formed the lead wirings for row A and on the other surface of which are formed the lead wirings for row B, and the lead wirings for row B are made to protrude outwards more than the lead wirings for row A and drive interconnections are electrically connected to the lead wirings for row A and the lead wirings for row B. |
| US07918542B2 |
Perovskite oxide, process for producing the perovskite oxide, piezoelectric body, piezoelectric device, and liquid discharge device
A process for producing a piezoelectric oxide having a composition (A, B, C) (D, E, F)O3, where each of A, B, C, D, E, and F represents one or more metal elements. The composition is determined so as to satisfy the conditions (1), (2), (3), and (4), 0.98≦TF(P)≦1.01, (1) TF(ADO3)>1.0, (2) TF(BEO3)<1.0, and (3) TF(BEO3) |
| US07918541B2 |
Micro-electromechanical integrated circuit device with laminated actuators
A micro-electromechanical integrated circuit device comprises a substrate; drive circuitry positioned on the substrate; and a plurality of elongate actuators. Each actuator comprises a fixed end portion fast with the substrate, a free end portion that is spaced from the substrate, and a heating circuit that is connected to the drive circuitry to heat the actuator. A portion of the actuator is formed of a material having a coefficient of thermal expansion such that the material is capable of performing work by thermal expansion. The heating circuit is positioned to generate differential thermal expansion and contraction when heated and cooled to cause reciprocal displacement of the free end portion of the actuator. Each actuator is a laminated structure having a first metal layer and a dielectric layer, the first metal layer being interposed between the dielectric layer and the substrate and defining the heating circuit. The drive circuitry is operable to generate drive pulses of first and second widths, the pulses of the first width being sufficient to cause substantial displacement of the free end of the actuator, and the pulses of the second width being insufficient to cause substantial displacement of the free end of the actuator. |
| US07918540B2 |
Microelectromechanical ink jet printhead with printhead temperature feedback
A microelectromechanical ink jet printhead includes a number of groups of ink ejection nozzles. Each group has a temperature sensor that is monitored by a processor incorporating the printhead. In order to maintain printing ink at a constant viscosity the processor compares temperature signals from the sensors to a predetermined threshold. In the event that the temperature signals indicate that the printhead is below a predetermined temperature then the processor applies heating pulses to the printhead. The heating pulses are of sufficient energy to cause warming of the printhead ink but insufficient to cause actual ink ejection. In this way ink ejection droplet size, and hence print quality, is maintained in spite of operating temperature fluctuations. |
| US07918539B2 |
Liquid discharge head
A recording head includes outlets disposed in a staggered pattern so that the distances from an ink inlet to the outlets differ alternately for adjacent outlets. The recording head includes an outlet group including a plurality of the outlets on at least one side of the ink inlet. The outlet group includes first outlets and second outlets, wherein the distance from the ink inlet to the first outlets differs from the distance from the ink inlet to the second outlets. First recording elements and second recording elements including heat resistors are provided. The first recording elements and second recording elements correspond to the first outlets and the second outlets, respectively, and are disposed in first ink channels and second ink channels, respectively. The first recording elements are rectangular, whereas the second recording elements are substantially square. |
| US07918536B2 |
Ink jet recording apparatus with adhesively bonded ink jet head chip
An ink jet head includes a recording element substrate includes a plurality of ink supply ports and a supply port partition between adjacent ink supply ports; a substrate supporting portion supporting the recording element substrate at a back side thereof, the substrate supporting portion including ink supply passages corresponding to the ink supply ports and a supply passage partition corresponding to the supply port partition; a sealing material contacted to a side surface of the recording element substrate and to the substrate supporting portion; adhesive material fixing the opening partition and the supply passage partition to each other, wherein back sides of opposite ends of the recording element substrate with respect to an arranging direction of the ink supply ports are unfixed by the adhesive material to the substrate supporting portion. |
| US07918532B2 |
Fluid ejecting apparatus
A fluid ejecting apparatus for ejecting fluid includes a head capable of performing effective discharge during which the fluid is discharged to an object to be processed disposed at a predetermined position and capable of preliminary discharge during which the fluid is discharged separately from the effective discharge, a first head capping unit for preliminary discharge covering the head and receiving the fluid discharged from the head while the head performs the preliminary discharge, and a second head capping unit for moisturizing covering the head and moisturizing the head. The first head capping unit and the second head capping unit are stacked in such a manner that the second head capping unit covers both the head and an opening of the first head capping unit for receiving the fluid while the head does not perform either the effective discharge or the preliminary discharge. |
| US07918528B2 |
Drop detector system and method with light collector
One aspect is a drop detection arrangement including a light source for projecting a light beam for scattering light off of an ejected drop. The arrangement includes a light collector configured to collect the scattered light off the ejected drop and a light detector coupled to the light collector and configured to process scattered light into an output signal. The arrangement includes a controller configured to receive the output signal from the light detector. The output signal is indicative of the condition of the ejected drop. |
| US07918526B2 |
Printer and method preventing false detection of a detected object
A printer is provided with: a detector, operable to output an output signal in accordance with a state of a printing medium transported within the printer; and a control signal generator, operable to generate a control signal in accordance with a level of the output signal relative to a threshold. In order to control the printer, the output signal is detected. A timing signal indicative of a timing to judge the state of the printing medium is detected. The control signal is generated with at least two of: a first method, in which the control signal is made valid when the level of the output signal reaches the threshold after the timing signal is detected, and the control signal is unchanged until when a first time period is elapsed from when the control signal is made valid; a second method, in which the control signal is made valid when the level of the output signal reaches the threshold at least once after the timing signal is detected, and the control signal is unchanged until when a next timing signal is detected; and a third method, in which the control signal is made valid in accordance with a condition that the level of the output signal lastly reaches the threshold before a second time period is elapsed from when the timing signal is detected, and the control signal is unchanged until when a next timing signal is detected. |
| US07918517B2 |
Locating structure for a slide assembly
A locating structure for a slide assembly includes a first track, a second track, a releasing member, and a locating member; a locating tab is provided at a front end of the first track; the second track is inserted and connected onto the first track to slide thereon; the second track is provided with a locating portion; the releasing member is mounted to an inner side of the second track; one end of the releasing member is provided with an operation button; the locating member is located on one side of the operation button and has a propped portion and a plunged portion; the locating member provides resilience for the propped portion to hold against the locating portion of the second track; and the locating member drives the propped portion to disengage from the locating portion by means of the plunged portion. |
| US07918516B2 |
Refrigerator case shelf
A refrigerated case shelf has a main panel comprising a top wall and left and right sidewalls, respectively depending from left and right edges of the top wall and cooperating with the top wall to define left and right channels. At least one transverse brace is secured to the main panel. A left bracket has an insertion portion within the left channel and a right bracket has an insertion portion within the left channel. |
| US07918515B2 |
Modular shelving system
A modular shelving system comprises multiple panels, multiple connection bars and multiple connectors. Each panel has multiple mortises. Each connection bar is connected to at least two panels and has multiple housing channels having slots. The connectors are respectively mounted in the housing channels of the connection bars and have four shoulders and multiple arms. The shoulders are formed at right angles to each other and one shoulder is mounted in a corresponding slot. The arms are formed on, protrude from the shoulders and respectively extend into corresponding mortises of the panels and two, three or four arms may be implemented. The modular shelving system can be conveniently assembled and disassembled in various combinations for different spaces while maintaining design consistency. |
| US07918514B2 |
Rim for a bicycle wheel made from composite material with a wear indicator and wheel comprising such a rim
A composite rim (1) for a bicycle wheel (60). The rim has at least one braking surface (20) and a wear indicator (40) that indicates when a predetermined level of wear has been reached at the braking surface (20). The wear indicator (40) is arranged in the rim (1) so that its does not affect the outer surface of the rim (1) or weaken its mechanical strength. |
| US07918508B2 |
Vehicle seat having an integral, retractable step
A vehicle seat with an integral, retractable step. A generally hollow base is secured to a floor of a vehicle, the base having a pair of opposing, spaced-apart side walls. A generally horizontal seat cushion is attached atop the base. A generally vertical seatback is attached at a lower end to at least one of the floor, the base and the seat cushion. A step is coupled to the base, the step being selectively positionable between a stowed position, closing off an open base portion, and a deployed position wherein the step extends at least partially outwardly through the open base portion. In the deployed position the step is generally proximate a front surface of the seat cushion such that the front surface of the seat cushion forms a substantially closed step riser. |
| US07918507B2 |
Device for limiting the adjustability of a vehicle seat
A device for limiting the adjustability of a component, in particular, a vehicle seat is provided. The device has an adjustment range, running in the longitudinal direction of a vehicle wherein the adjustment range comprises a first forward partial range and a second rear partial range. If the component is adjusted to a functional position that is different from the normal position, the device limits the adjustability of the component to the first partial range. |
| US07918506B2 |
Padding structure for a chair
A padding structure for a chair includes a back support, a seat plate, a foam disposed on the back support, two guiding lines mounted on the back support, and two guiding lines mounted on the seat plate. Each guiding line of the back support and the seat plate is connected with a resilient member to control flexibility of the resilient member. An adjustable member is used to control the expansion and retraction of the guiding lines to drive the resilient members to change their radii of curvature, correcting the user's improper posture. |
| US07918503B2 |
Adjustable seat
An adjustable seat (1) incorporates a moveable squab element (4). The squab element may be moved from an initial position in which the squab element is flush with the remaining parts of the vehicle seat to a first intermediate position and then to a subsequent second position. The squab is mounted on a first linkage (7) which carries an intermediate support. A second linkage (10) extends from the intermediate support to a seat mount (9) incorporated with the squab element. |
| US07918498B2 |
Valve layer for a seat
In one aspect, the present invention provides a ventilated seat with a valve sheet having one or more valve assemblies. The valve sheet maybe on a frame of the seat. The valve assemblies open in response to a force such as a force applied by an individual occupying the seat. In another aspect, the present invention provides a method of thermally regulating a seat by occupying a seat with a valve sheet. By occupying the seat one or more valves assemblies open air moving though the open valve assemblies thermally regulates the seat. |
| US07918494B2 |
Assembly type cowl top cover
An assembly type cowl top cover for covering a cowl groove defined between a hood and windshield glass. The assembly type cowl top cover includes a cover body having one end which is coupled to a vehicle body adjacent to the hood; and a plurality of fastening hooks detachably coupled to the other end of the cover body at regular intervals to support the windshield glass from beneath. |
| US07918493B2 |
Impact energy absorber and fabrication method thereof
A main body of an impact energy absorber is formed by integrally molding a deformable portion and a plurality of deformation controlling portions which are adapted to control the direction of plastic deformation of the deformable portion. The deformation controlling portions have such a configuration and shape that, when a compression load equal to or greater than a predetermined value is input to the main body in a tube axis direction, the deformable portion undergoes plastic deformation in at least one of a radially outward direction and a radially inward direction of the main body concurrently with the compressive plastic deformation in the tube axis direction. |
| US07918491B2 |
Adaptable visor for vehicles
An adaptable visor assembly includes a generally planar body portion having a lateral end. An ear segment is removably attachable to the body portion at the lateral end via an interface. The interface includes a projection configured to engage a receptacle when the ear segment is attached to the body portion. |
| US07918490B2 |
Drive device for moving a covering element, door module and method for assembling the drive device
A drive device for moving a covering element for covering an opening in a motor vehicle such as a roller blind, a baggage space cover or a sunroof cover, includes a drive, a guide device and a thrust element which is coupled to the drive. The thrust element is guided in the guide device and is connectable to the covering element in order to move the covering element. The drive for driving the thrust element is coupled to the thrust element via a transmission device being subjected to tensile stress, wherein the transmission device extends at least in certain sections in the guide device. |
| US07918487B2 |
Unlock transmission mechanism for escape door
An unlock transmission mechanism for escape doors is disclosed, including a base, a transmission member, a first drive unit and a second drive unit, wherein the transmission member, the first drive unit and second drive unit are all disposed on the base, and the transmission member is actuated to move relative to the first drive unit and the second drive unit, respectively. In the case that the unlock transmission mechanism is to be installed in an escape door that has a different installation orientation, the transmission member and the first drive unit provided therein have the characteristics of multi-directional changeability, thereby enabling flexible installation of the escape door lock and eliminating the necessity to replace an existing door handle mechanism as encountered in the prior art. |
| US07918482B2 |
Airbag device
To provide a technique that is effective for allowing a pressurized fluid to pass through smoothly between a plurality of bag-like bodies when inflated and extend, and for improving their extendibility.An airbag device includes a first bag 35 composed of a bag body formed by joining base fabrics 35A, 35B, and provided with a supply flow passage for supplying a pressurized fluid supplied from an inflator into the inside and a flow-out passage for allowing the pressurized fluid supplied into the inside to flow out to the outside, a second bag 36 composed of a bag body formed by joining base fabrics 36A, 36B, and provided with a flow-in passage for allowing the pressurized fluid allowed to flow out from the flow-out passage of the first bag 35 to flow into the inside, and a connection panel PN for connecting the first bag 35 and the second bag 36 so that the whole of the first bag 35 and the second bag 36 is configured in a predetermined shape when inflated and extends. |
| US07918481B2 |
Vehicle airbag device and method for manufacturing the same
An airbag device in which a lid part over an opening formed in a base member opens in a suitable opening direction when the airbag is deployed. A tear seam is formed so as to extend along the axis line of a hinge shaft of the lid part in a region further to the outside than the opening. Detaching parts where a skin member on the base member detaches from the base member are provided to the outside region. |
| US07918480B2 |
Roof airbag apparatus with airbag door having limited opening angle
A roof airbag apparatus, may include an inflator, a housing mounted to an opening frame provided in a vehicle roof, the opening frame defining an opening therein to receive the housing, an airbag cushion contained in the housing, the airbag cushion being deployed downwards by gas supplied from the inflator to protect a passenger, an airbag door coupled to the housing by a hinge to support the airbag cushion, and angle limiting means for limiting a rotating angle to a predetermined angle when the airbag door is rotated to open. |
| US07918479B2 |
Curtain airbag
A curtain airbag may include a tube assembly coupled to an inflator and supplying inflation gas generated by the inflator into a cushion, wherein the tube assembly is inserted into a fabric wrap receiving the cushion and the fabric wrap is fixed to the tube assembly. |
| US07918478B2 |
Equalizer for suspension system
An equalizer for a suspension system for a trailer is configured to absorb or dampen the harsh shocks or vibrations coming off of the leaf springs proximate to a center frame hangar, thus allowing for a “softer” ride. The equalizer utilizes one or two independent equalizer arm assemblies or castings which are each rotatably secured within the equalizer. Each equalizer arm assembly or casting is operatively associated with one of the leaf springs such that upon upward movement of the leaf spring, the associated equalizer arm assembly or casting is forced to rotate within the equalizer and to deform a shock absorber provided within the equalizer. The shock absorber, upon the deformation thereof, absorbs the harsh shocks or vibrations which would otherwise normally be transferred from the leaf springs, to the equalizer, and thus to the frame of the trailer. |
| US07918471B2 |
Bicycle frame
Bicycle frame, which consists of a rear triangle (t) joined to a front quadrilateral (c) of tubular elements, with a common coupling element (A) for the two, which is joined at the upper part with an upper tube (4) and the rear triangle (t) consisting of upper braces (3), lower braces (7) and the sealing element (2), which is curved and covers the back wheel of the bicycle, and the shaft (e2) of the coupling element(A) being approximately coplanar with the shaft of the upper braces (3) forming a comfort angle (α) with respect to the shaft of the upper tube (4) of equal value to or greater than 120°: α>120°. |
| US07918469B2 |
Adjustable traction block
A single unit that combines the advantages of a rear spring spacer block and a traction bar. The rigidity of the traction bar and design of the spacer block eliminate wheel hop and axle wrap while maintaining a level vehicle drive height. No welding is required to install the device, the device is length and height adjustable for a plethora of vehicle applications and the factory ride and handling are preserved. |