| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US07973792B2 |
Image forming device and electronic medium and image processing program for image forming device
A method for an image forming device, an electronic medium, and an image processing program, which enables external output of image data and font data for the image data with ease. The image forming device includes an input unit, a font data memory unit, a font data read-and-write control unit, a font control unit, and an output unit. The input unit inputs image data. The font data memory unit stores font data by associating it with a character code. The font data read-and-write control unit controls read-and-write operation on the font data of the font data memory unit. The font control unit acquires the font data to be used for the image data and controls conversion of the acquired font data according to an image forming mode. The output unit controls external output of the image data from the image control unit and the converted font data to be used to for the image data. |
| US07973791B2 |
Apparatus and method for generating CG image for 3-D display
An apparatus generates, by introducing a concept called “virtual viewpoint model”, a CG image for use with a 3-D display through single rendering operation from a single viewpoint without adoption of a process for performing CG rendering operation from a plurality of viewpoints as in the case of a related-art technique and iterating CG rendering while the viewpoint is being changed. |
| US07973790B2 |
Method for hybrid rasterization and raytracing with consistent programmable shading
A method of generating a computer image wherein secondary raytrace vectors are calculated for the image after the image is rendered using rasterization. The secondary raytrace vectors are based on virtual camera angles that are stored during the rasterization process. The raytrace vectors can be calculated using the same processor as the rasterization, thereby providing greater consistency in the image. A metaprogrammed shader can also be applied to the generated image, wherein the shader uses the same processor as the raytrace and rasterization steps. The metaprogrammed shader allows the shader algorithm to be segmented for streamlined processing by the processor. |
| US07973788B2 |
Graphical method for navigating in a database of modeled objects
A relational database contains a set of data and relations between the data of the set. The data may be representative of three dimensional modeled objects. For navigating in the database, the user selects a first data and a first relation; the second data related to the first data according to the first relation are searched. Then, a three-dimensional representation of objects represented by the second data is displayed to the user. When the user selects one of the displayed objects and a second relation, the second data representative of the selected object is identified. Then, third data related to the identified second data according to the second relation are found. A three-dimensional representation of objects represented by the third data is then displayed.The user may navigate in three-dimensional representations of the objects represented in the database, without any need to know and understand the structure of the database. |
| US07973784B2 |
Electro-optical device, drive circuit, and electronic apparatus
A drive circuit of an electro-optical device includes: plural rows of scanning lines; plural columns of data lines; a plurality of common electrodes; pixel switching elements, pixel capacitors; and pixels. Here, the drive circuit includes a scanning line drive circuit; and first transistors corresponding to the plurality of common electrodes. Each of the first transistors includes: a common electrode drive circuit for connecting the common electrode to a power supply line, to which a predetermined voltage is applied, when the scanning line is selected, a common signal output circuit having a voltage for allowing a detection voltage of the common electrode corresponding to a scanning line to become a reference voltage when the scanning line is selected, and a data line drive circuit having a voltage according to the gray scale level of the pixel to the pixel corresponding to the selected scanning line via the data line. |
| US07973782B2 |
Display apparatus, driving method of the same and electronic equipment using the same
Disclosed herein is a display apparatus including: an available pixel section having a plurality of available pixel circuits; a plurality of scan lines; a plurality of capacitor lines; a plurality of signal lines; a driving circuit; and a monitor circuit wherein each of the available pixel circuits laid out on the available pixel section includes a display element having first and second pixel electrodes and a storage capacitor having first and second electrodes, in each of the available pixel circuits, the first pixel electrode and the first electrode are connected to one terminal of a switching device, in each of the available pixel circuits provided on any individual one of the rows, the second electrode is connected to the capacitor line provided for the individual row, and the common voltage signal with the level changing at time intervals determined in advance is supplied to the second pixel electrode of each of the display elements. |
| US07973779B2 |
Detecting ambient light levels in a vision system
The detection of ambient light on an optical touch-sensitive device is disclosed. For example, one disclosed embodiment comprises capturing an image of at least a portion of a display screen with a camera located within the display device, and determined if ambient light in the image is at an acceptable level for display screen operation. Then, a visual representation is displayed representing whether the ambient light level is acceptable for display screen operation. |
| US07973764B2 |
Switching between input modes in a limited input device
The present invention is directed to a method for switching a data entry mode, when editing data displayed on a limited input device. The method comprises evaluating a first input point, in relation to a second input point, positioned in an input window of the limited input device, wherein the first point is associated with a first data entry mode and the second input point is associated with a second data entry mode. |
| US07973754B2 |
Display substrate and display panel having the same
A display substrate includes a base substrate, a gate line, a data line, a pixel electrode and a shielding electrode. The base substrate includes a plurality of unit pixel areas arranged in a matrix shape. The gate line extends between the unit pixel areas. The data line crosses the gate line. The data line extends between the unit pixel areas. The pixel electrode is disposed in the unit pixel area. The pixel electrode is electrically connected to an output electrode of a switching element electrically connected to the gate and data lines. The shielding electrode is disposed the gate and data lines. The shielding electrode has an opening an opening formed therein, the opening disposed above and extending along a direction of the gate line. |
| US07973753B2 |
Image display device, image display method, image display program, recording medium containing image display program, and electronic apparatus
An image display device corrects image data, which are used for displaying an image, using a gray scale value assigned to each pixel and also controls the amount of source light emitted from a light source. The image display device includes a source light amount control device and an image correction device. The source light amount control device determines the amount of source light and then controls the amount of source light. The image correction device corrects a signal used for changing saturations of the image data so as to reduce a change in the saturations due to a change in the amount of source light, the change in the amount of source light being performed by the light source amount control device. |
| US07973751B2 |
Display device using adapted double gamma curves
A display panel has a high pixel and a low pixel that are formed in a pixel area. A driving section receives a first image signal from an external device, outputs a second image signal to the high pixel using gamma data that corresponds to a high pixel gamma curve, and outputs a third image signal to the low pixel using gamma data that corresponds to a Sow pixel gamma curve. A driving section outputs the third image signal to the low pixel using the same gamma data for RGB data that correspond to a low gradation of the low pixel gamma curve. |
| US07973747B2 |
Display and display driving method
There is provided a display device: a display unit including a plurality of scan electrodes arranged to extend in parallel to each other along a first direction, a plurality of data electrodes arranged to extend in parallel to each other along a second direction crossing the scan electrodes, and a plurality of pixels, each pixel at which a pair of the scan electrode and the data electrode cross each other, each pixel having a light emitting layer and a dielectric layer interposed between the scan electrode and the data electrode from a direction vertical to a face; and an erasing pulse supplying unit operable to supply attenuation voltage pulse, to the light emitting layer of each pixel, which starts at a voltage not more than an emission starting voltage at which the light emitting layer starts emission and in which polarity is alternately reversed between positive and negative. |
| US07973745B2 |
Organic EL display module and manufacturing method of the same
On a panel, a plurality of PVDD lines, each of which corresponds to a horizontal line of pixels and supplies power to the pixels of the horizontal line, are provided. A voltage drop correction unit that obtains a voltage drop before reaching the pixel, based on resistance in the plurality of power supply lines and currents flowing therein, and corrects display data so as to cancel the obtained voltage drop of the pixel. A display unevenness correction unit that corrects uneven brightness caused by a variation in a TFT characteristic of the pixel by performing a calculation using display data of the pixel and obtained correction data of the pixel. |
| US07973744B2 |
Display device
A display device uses an organic actuator as a pixel, and an under-layer substrate is formed underneath the actuator. A surface of the actuator is set to a black and a surface of the substrate is set to a white. Seeing the actuator from an outside, the surface of actuator is visible in a black when the actuator is a planar state and visible in a white when the actuator is inflected, which realizes a display. In addition, the actuator has a memory effect by utilizing a shape memory effect and Coulomb force of the organic material. |
| US07973739B2 |
Electronic book with built-in card scanner
An electronic book includes a housing defining a card slot on a first face thereof, the housing including first and second housing portions; a spine member pivotally coupling the first and second housing portions, the spine defining a cavity therein; a screen display mounted on the housing on a second face thereof opposite the first face; microprocessor circuitry positioned in the housing, in between the card slot and the screen display, the microprocessor circuitry controlling an operation of the electronic book; and a card scanner mounted in the housing between the microprocessor circuitry and the card slot, and facing away from the screen display, the card scanner configured to scan a card inserted into the card slot and to convert a two-dimensional pattern on the card into data signals, the card scanner being connected to the microprocessor circuitry. The microprocessor circuitry is configured to convert the data signals into image data to be viewed on the screen display. |
| US07973737B2 |
Storage device with illuminated panel
Different peripheral devices of the present invention include: a display panel interface to which is reversibly operationally attachable a display panel and a power interface for receiving power from a host; a display panel to which are individually reversibly operationally attachable display panels for displaying respective aspects of the device's operation; a display panel for providing a semantic display of the device's mode of operation and a power interface for receiving power from a host; or a display panel, a controller for operating the display panel in accordance with ambient conditions, and a power interface for receiving power from a host. A system includes an appliance, an ornament dock and a peripheral device, reversibly operationally attachable to either the appliance or the ornament dock, that operates a display panel in accordance with data received from the appliance. |
| US07973734B2 |
Apparatus and method for covering integrated antenna elements utilizing composite materials
The present invention provides an antenna system for transmitting and receiving radar signals comprising a first non-conductive material embedding a plurality of parasitic antenna elements, where the first non-conductive material interfaces a second non-conductive material embedding a plurality of electrical feed elements, and wherein the first non-conductive material covers one or more adjacent interconnecting joints. |
| US07973732B2 |
Wideband vehicular antennas
Antennas suitable for wideband transmission and reception are disclosed that are useful in environments susceptible to vibration and impact motion such as for example vehicles of various types, e.g., automobiles, trains, etc. The apparatus can include a bicone antenna including two cone-shaped elements. The physical shape of at least one of the two cone-shaped elements may be at least partially defined by one or more pleats (e.g., a series) that extend about a portion of the cone. An antenna can further includes a mast for supporting the bicone as well as a second antenna section including a fractalized dipole. The fractalized dipole can be configured as a conformal circuit board conforming to the shape of the mast and can include self-similar portions or extensions. The antenna may also include a counterpoise to balance the electrically conductive conformal portion. The counterpoise may be defined substantially by a repetitive tooth-like pattern. |
| US07973730B2 |
Adjustable integrated circuit antenna structure
An adjustable integrated circuit antenna structure includes a plurality of antenna elements, a coupling circuit, a ground plane, and a transmission line circuit. The coupling circuit is operable to couple at least one of the plurality of antenna elements into an antenna based on an antenna structure characteristic signal, wherein the antenna has at least one of an effective length, a bandwidth, an impedance, a quality factor, and a frequency band in accordance with the antenna characteristic signal. The ground plane is proximal to the plurality of antenna elements. The transmission line circuit is coupled to provide an outbound radio frequency (RF) signal to the antenna and receive an inbound RF signal from the antenna. |
| US07973729B2 |
Thin-film EAS and RFID antennas
An antenna assembly is capable of being installed in a structure wherein the structure includes a covering and a substructure and the antenna assembly is configured with thin film materials to have a total thickness such that the antenna assembly can be disposed between the substructure and the covering. The antenna assembly may have a total thickness not greater than about 15 millimeters (mm), and may include at least one of a transmitter antenna, a transceiver antenna, and a receiver antenna. The receiver antenna may be configured as an air core antenna or a non-air core antenna. The receiver antenna may be configured as a non-air core receiver antenna in an internal compartment over or within a base insulating layer. The antenna assembly may be at least partially housed within a housing assembly of thin film materials so that both can be disposed between the substructure and the covering. |
| US07973726B2 |
Multi-antenna module
A multi-antenna module comprises a ground plane, a primary conductor, a secondary conductor and a plurality of coupling conductors, wherein the framework of the parallel primary radiation arm and secondary radiation arm can infinitely expand the number of antenna units in the same antenna structure. The capacitive coupling effect of parallel radiation arms and the inductance of the radiation arms themselves can effectively reduce the signal interference between antennae, whereby a plurality of antennae can be integrated to achieve antenna miniaturization. The primary conductor, the secondary conductor and the coupling conductors are all connected to the same ground plane, whereby the layout space is reduced, and the multi-antenna module is easy-to-assemble for various electronic devices. |
| US07973722B1 |
Electronic device with conductive housing and near field antenna
An electronic device such as a computer monitor is provided that has an antenna that supports near field communications. The electronic device may have a housing with conductive housing surfaces. A display may be mounted in the housing. The conductive housing surfaces may contain a dielectric-filled hole. The antenna may have a substrate and one or more loops of conductive traces. The loops may exhibit mirror symmetry. The loops may overlap the display and the conductive housing surface. The loops may surround an inner loop-free portion of the antenna. The loop-free portion of the antenna may overlap the hole. Ferrite layers may be interposed between the loops of the antenna that overlap the display and the loops of the antenna that overlap the conductive housing. |
| US07973720B2 |
Chip antenna apparatus and methods
A chip component with dielectric substrate and plurality of radiating antenna elements on the surface thereof. In one embodiment, two (2) substantially symmetric elements are used, each covering an opposite head and upper surface portion of the device. The surface between the elements comprises a slot. The chip is mounted on a circuit board (e.g., PCB) whose conductor pattern is part of the antenna. No ground plane is used under the chip or its sides to a certain distance. One of the antenna elements is coupled to the feed conductor on the PCB and to the ground plane, while the parasitic element is coupled only to the ground plane. The parasitic element is fed through coupling over the slot, and both elements resonate at the operating frequency. The antenna can be tuned and matched without discrete components, is substantially omni-directional, and has low substrate losses due to simple field image. |
| US07973715B2 |
Determining a direction of arrival of signals incident to a tripole sensor
A system to determine a direction of arrival of each of a plurality of constituent signals of a superimposed wave includes a tripole radio antenna, a sampling unit, a frequency determining unit, an amplitude and phase determining unit, and a direction determining unit. The sampling unit is configured to periodically sample an output of the tripole radio antenna to generate at least two samples. The frequency determining unit is configured to determine frequencies for each dimension of the constituent signals by performing a unitary matrix pencil method on the at least two samples. The amplitude and phase determining unit is configured to determine x, y, z amplitudes and x, y, z phases for each constituent signal using the determined frequencies. The direction determining unit is configured to determine a direction of arrival for each of the constituent signals from the determined frequencies, amplitudes, and phases. |
| US07973709B2 |
Electronic device for decoding navigation data by using phase angle variation and method thereof
An electronic device for decoding a navigation data by using a phase angle variation and a method thereof are described, which includes the following steps. A phase angle difference between the first phase angle of the first navigation data and the second phase angle of the second navigation data from a satellite signal is calculated. When the phase angle difference is greater than 90 degrees, the first navigation data and the second navigation data are determined to have opposite signs. The second navigation data according to the first navigation data and the result is determined. Therefore, each data is interpreted through directly comparing whether the phase angle difference with the previous data is greater than 90 degrees or not, so that the correct rate in decoding the navigation data is increased. |
| US07973706B2 |
SBAS navigation data update notifying system and method used in GBAS
To maintain the safety by avoiding deterioration in the positioning accuracy through making SBAS satellite navigation data used in a ground system and in an airborne system consistent by employing GBAS. The system includes: a ground system which estimates errors contained in ranging signals received from the navigation satellites, and formats and transmits correction information for correcting the estimated errors; and an airborne system which calculates differential GPS positioning based on the ranging signals received from the navigation satellites and the formatted correction information, and displays a displacement from a regulated route. The ground system notifies update, when SBAS satellite navigation data used for generating the correction information is updated, by adding information regarding update of navigation data to the correction information. The airborne system detects the transmitted update notification of the SBAS satellite navigation data, and calculates the differential GPS positioning by switching to the updated navigation data. |
| US07973705B2 |
Marine bump map display
A plotting system and method for plotting radar and/or sonar signals on a bump map, with a simulated height of each data point representing a corresponding signal strength. The plotting system may comprise a processing device for associating particular signal strengths with normal vectors. The normal vectors may be used to determine the simulated heights to be illustrated on the bump map. The plotting system may also comprise a display for graphically displaying the bump map. Furthermore, the processing device may also associate particular signal strengths with particular colors, such that both color and simulated height may illustrate the strength of the plotted signals. |
| US07973703B2 |
Method and apparatus for creating and processing universal radar waveforms
A new approach to radar imaging is described herein, in which radar pulses are transmitted with an uneven sampling scheme and subsequently processed with novel algorithms to produce images of equivalent resolution and quality as standard images produced using standard synthetic aperture radar (SAR) waveforms and processing techniques. The radar data collected with these waveforms can be used to create many other useful products such as moving target indication (MTI) and high resolution terrain information (HRTI). The waveform and the correction algorithms described herein allow the algorithms of these other radar products to take advantage of the quality Doppler resolution. |
| US07973700B2 |
Dual transmitting antenna system
A vehicle system includes a signal processing module and a first antenna that provides a first transmitted signal that has a first phase. A second antenna of the system provides a second transmitted signal that has a second phase that differs from the first phase. At least one receive antenna of the vehicle system receives first and second received signals that correspond to the first and second transmitted signals, respectively. The signal processing module processes the received first and second signals based on the first and second transmitted signals and selectively controls transmissions of the first and second transmitted signals. |
| US07973699B2 |
Dismount harmonic acceleration matched filtering for enhanced detection and discrimination
A process for detecting the harmonic motion characterizing a desired target. An exemplary method includes generating a radar image of the target utilizing a pulse doppler radar. A plurality of matched filter signals are generated in the receiver, each matched filter signal corresponding to a doppler profile of harmonic acceleration for the desired target. The matched filter signals are generated by an array of matched filters, with each matched filter signal corresponding to a predetermined doppler profile. The received radar image is then correlated to the matched filter signals to detect the desired target. |
| US07973694B2 |
Analog-digital converter
An analog-digital converter according to the present invention includes an input polarity switching unit, an integrator that integrates an input signal, an integrator output adjusting circuit that adjusts an output voltage of the integrator, a window comparator, and a controller that controls the input polarity switching unit, the integrator output adjusting circuit, and the window comparator, and generates a digital signal. When the output voltage of the integrator reaches a first reference voltage, the controller resets reference voltage of a high-voltage side comparator to a second reference voltage. Further, when the output voltage of the integrator reaches a third reference voltage, the controller resets reference voltage of a low-voltage side comparator to a fourth reference voltage. According to the analog-digital converter of the present invention, it is possible to prevent device breakdown and occurrence of through current due to fluctuation of the output voltage of the integrator. |
| US07973691B2 |
Data recovery circuit, data recovery method and data receiving apparatus
A data recovery circuit includes an analog-digital converter creating a digital code sequence, a phase detector calculating a position of a crossing point from the digital code sequence, a phase estimator acquiring a presumed position of a data center point of a data sequence based on the position of the crossing point, and a data determining circuit extracting the sequence of data determination values from the digital code sequence based on the position of the crossing point and the presumed position of the data center point. |
| US07973688B2 |
Photonic filter bank for high-speed analog-to-digital conversion
An analog to digital converter (ADC) structure and method includes a photonic filter bank having at least two filters. The at least two filters are configured to create a corresponding spectral tributary from an input signal at a target rate, and the at least two filters are configured to exhibit orthogonality properties between respective tributaries. An optical/electrical (O/E) converter is coupled to each of the at least two filters in a respective spectral tributary to convert an optical input to an electrical output. An analog to digital converter (ADC) is coupled to each of the O/E converters in a respective spectral tributary to sample the electrical output at a fraction of a target rate and to convert a sampled analog electrical output into a digital signal. A synthesis filter is coupled to each of the ADCs in a respective spectral tributary to reconstruct the input signal digitally at the target rate. |
| US07973685B1 |
Method and apparatus for filtering digital signals
Methods, and other embodiments associated with signal filtering are described. According to one embodiment, an apparatus includes an analog-to-digital converter that generates a first digital component and a second digital component from an analog signal. A filter filters the first digital component and the second digital component to substantially align the phase of the first digital component and the phase of the second digital component. |
| US07973683B2 |
Apparatus and method for lossless coding and decoding
A lossless coding and/or decoding apparatus and method. The lossless coding apparatus may read a probability model corresponding to each of a plurality of context groups. Here, the probability model stored in a memory may be generated by grouping a context. The lossless coding apparatus may code a symbol using the probability model and generate a bitstream. The lossless coding apparatus may enhance coding efficiency and reduce an amount of space utilized by the memory. |
| US07973679B2 |
Encoding/decoding of digital signals, especially in vector quantization with permutation codes
The invention relates to the encoding/decoding of digital signals, especially using permutation codes involving a calculation of combinatorial expressions. According to the invention, the combinatorial expressions are represented by prime factor power decompositions, and determined by a preliminary reading of pre-recorded representations of decompositions of selected integers. |
| US07973676B2 |
Assembly and method for controlling road signal indicators
A method for controlling the movement of vehicles including removing a portable transmitter assembly and a portable receiving assembly from a vehicle, disposing the portable receiving assembly contiguous to an area where at least one vehicle travels, and illuminating at least one indicator on the portable receiving assembly with the portable transmitter assembly for controlling the movement of vehicles. An assembly for controlling the movement of vehicles includes a computer-readable medium. |
| US07973673B2 |
Automated meter reader direct mount endpoint module
An automated meter reader module can be operably connected to an existing utility meter to provide an endpoint for use in an automated meter reader system. The automated meter reader module can utilize an index attachment drive mechanism to electronically and mechanically monitor consumption of a utility such as water, gas, or electricity. The index attachment of the existing utility meter is attached so that it does not physically impede reception or transmission of radio frequency communications by a patch antenna integrated into a printed circuit board located inside the automated meter reader module. A gasket around the edge of the housing sealingly interfaces with the existing utility meter and a multi-faced cover that allows the registered dials located on the index attached to be viewed from a plurality of vantage points. |
| US07973670B2 |
Display device and method for inspecting the same
An object is to provide a display device, in a part of which a monitor light emitting element is provided and in which an anode and a cathode of the monitor light emitting element are prevented from short-circuiting in an early stage and over time by using a circuit which corrects a voltage or a current to be supplied to a light emitting element in consideration of electrical property fluctuation of the monitor light emitting element, and a method for inspecting the display device. A monitor light emitting element is provided, which is electrically connected to a monitor line for supplying a current is provided, and a circuit is provided, which electrically disconnects the monitor light emitting element when an anode and a cathode of the monitor light emitting element are short-circuited in an early stage or over time. Further, a circuit for checking circuit operation before or after a step of providing the monitor light emitting element is provided. |
| US07973667B2 |
Wetness sensor
The present invention relates to a wetness detector system that rapidly detects the presence of wetness due to a liquid leak in a system. The wetness detector system contains a reusable wetness sensor that is able to accurately detect the presence of wetness and, in the case of an extracorporeal blood treatment, the presence of blood. The wetness detector system can quickly alert both a user and medical personnel that a liquid leak has been detected in a treatment system and, if necessary, halt the removal of liquids and/or blood from the patient. If a liquid leak is not detected for a period of time, the wetness sensor can enter a low power state, extending the life of the device. The wetness detector system can monitor a number of wetness sensors simultaneously, which would, for example, eliminate the need for medical personnel to continuously inspect numerous patients visually for potentially fatal blood leaks due to needle dislodgement during an extracorporeal blood treatment. |
| US07973659B2 |
Method and apparatus for automatically disarming a security system
A security system comprises a system control panel for arming and disarming the security system. A door sensing unit comprises a first radio frequency (RF) transceiver interconnected with the system control panel over a network. The first RF transceiver is mounted proximate to a door that defines at least a portion of a perimeter around an area to be monitored by the security system. The first RF transceiver has an RF detection field proximate to the door. A disarm device comprises a second RF transceiver that automatically transmits a disarm device packet. The first RF transceiver receives the disarm device packet when the second RF transceiver is within the RF detection field. The first RF transceiver sends a disarm message to the system control panel over the network to disarm the security system based on at least the disarm device packet. |
| US07973658B2 |
Illumination and detection architecture
An illumination and detection architecture that illuminates a target for detecting a material of interest. The architecture includes an illumination component that illuminates the target using a predetermined light wavelength known to energize and thereby cause a detectable change in the desired chemical and/or compounds associated with the target in a particular way. The change is then captured by an image capture system and processed to determine the presence or absence detected of the desired material of interest at the target. |
| US07973657B2 |
Systems for monitoring proximity to prevent loss or to assist recovery
A portable proximity alarm apparatus comprising a Bluetooth system and an alarm monitors the presence of a portable electronic device equipped with a compatible transceiver within range and alarms when that device leaves its range. On detecting disconnection, the proximity alarm automatically tries to reconnect. A portable proximity alarm apparatus with an optional voice mode allows to additionally use the unit as a headset when an earpiece is folded. A portable proximity alarm apparatus with relay functionality allows using a Bluetooth headset and proximity alarm functions unobtrusively on most mobile phones. |
| US07973655B2 |
Mobile device tracking and location awareness
A system is provided for tracking a mobile device by enabling a user to remotely monitor the external surrounding environment of the mobile device. Initially, a mobile device is configured to selectively report on the device's surrounding environment based on one or more reporting events. Upon an occurrence of a reporting event, the mobile device generates a report by capturing at least one sensory datum related to its external surrounding environment. At least one locating datum is included in the report which can provide at least an approximate geographic location of the mobile device at the time the report is generated. Once the report is generated, the mobile device selectively sends the report to a tracking assist server, which makes the report remotely accessible to the user. Accordingly, when a mobile device is missing, a user can review one or more reports accessible on the server to determine whether the mobile device is stolen. Additionally, the at least one sensory datum provided in the one or more reports can be used to assist the user or others in identifying persons and/or objects in the surrounding environment of the mobile device, which may lead to the identification of the thief and/or recovery of the mobile device. |
| US07973654B2 |
Cutterbar failure detection system and method
A system and method for detecting impending failure of a component of a disc cutterhead of a cutterbar of a plant cutting machine, the components will generate at least one indicator of an impending failure thereof, utilizing a plurality of sensors distributed among the cutterheads, each of the sensors being configured and operable for sensing at least one of the indicators of impending failure and outputting signals representative thereof to a controller automatically operable for processing the signals, to enable identifying an individual location or one of the cutterheads in which an impending failure of one or more of the components is present, and outputting a signal representative thereof to a warning device. The indicators can include, but are not limited to, temperature, sound, and vibration. The controller is also operable for determining comparative threshold values for the indicators, to adapt to changing conditions and norms. |
| US07973646B2 |
Method and apparatus for inspecting radio frequency identification tags
A method and an apparatus for inspecting radio frequency identification (RFID) tags which utilize a way of shielding for inspecting whether RFID tags function properly or not. The method of the present invention comprises steps of: reading a plurality of RFID tags in a readable zone; and determining whether there is any malfunctional RFID tag in the plurality of RFID tags. If all the plurality of RFID tags function properly, the method will check a next plurality of RFID tags. If there is at least one unreadable RFID tag, the at least one malfunctional RFID tag will be found by shielding one or the plurality of RFID tags. By means of the disclosure in the present invention, the present method and apparatus are capable of improving the efficiency during inspection and simplifying the design of a readable zone. |
| US07973639B2 |
PTC-resistor
A PTC-resistor includes a base body made of a ceramic material with a positive temperature coefficient of resistance. The base body extends along a median plane, and is confined by surfaces. At least one surface is configured to electrically connect the base body. An area of the at least one surface is larger than an area of a parallel projection of the base body in a direction perpendicular to the median plane. |
| US07973638B2 |
Voltage non-linear resistor ceramic composition and multilayer varistor using the same
A voltage non-linear resistor ceramic composition has ZnO as a main component and is represented by the general formula (1−x)ZnO+x[Sr1−yMy]1−a[Co1−zAz]1+aO3. Here, M is at least one of Ca and Ba, and A is Mn or Cr. x, y, z and a indicate molar ratios, and 0.0005≦x≦0.10, 0≦y≦0.8, 0≦z≦0.8, and −0.1≦a≦0.2 are satisfied. |
| US07973636B2 |
Impedance transformer and applications thereof
An impedance transformer includes a first winding and a second winding. The first winding includes a first plurality of winding components, wherein each of the first plurality of winding components is on a corresponding layer of a first set of layers of a supporting substrate. The second winding includes a second plurality of winding components, wherein each of the second plurality of winding components is on a corresponding layer of a second set of layers of the supporting substrate and the first and second sets of layers are interleaved. The first winding has a first impedance within a desired frequency range and the second winding has a second impedance within the desired frequency range, where the first and second impedances are based on at least one of spacing, trace width, and trace length of the first and second plurality of winding components. |
| US07973630B2 |
Thin film magnetic device and method of manufacturing the same
A thin film magnetic device is provided, in which magnetic permeability in a high frequency range can be easily improved. Scratch-like grooves extending along an extending direction of a coil (for example, a Y-axis direction being an extending direction of a second coil part) are formed at least one side of a surface and a back of each of a lower magnetic film and an upper magnetic film. A magnetization direction of anisotropic magnetization is controlled in each of formation areas of the scratch-like grooves (formation areas of lower magnetic films and upper magnetic films), and therefore displacement (rotation) of the magnetization direction of the anisotropic magnetization is pinned by the scratch-like grooves. Consequently, certain magnetic permeability is kept even in a high frequency range. Moreover, such formation of the scratch-like grooves may not cause complexity in manufacturing process. |
| US07973629B2 |
Method for making high-performance RF integrated circuits
A new method and structure is provided for the creation of a semiconductor inductor. Under the first embodiment of the invention, a semiconductor substrate is provided with a scribe line in a passive surface region and active circuits surrounding the passive region. At least one bond pad is created on the passive surface of the substrate close to and on each side of the scribe line. A layer of insulation is deposited, a layer of dielectric is deposited over the layer of insulation, at least one bond pad is provided on the surface of the layer of dielectric on each side of the scribe line. At least one inductor is created on each side of the scribe line on the surface of the layer of dielectric. A layer of passivation is deposited over the layer of dielectric. The substrate is attached to a glass panel by interfacing the surface of the layer of passivation with the glass panel. The substrate is sawed from the backside of the substrate in alignment with the scribe line. The silicon that remains in place in the passive surface of the substrate underneath the scribe lines is removed by etching, the glass panel is separated along the scribe line. Under the second embodiment of the invention, the inductor is created on the surface of a thick layer of polymer that is deposited over the layer of passivation. |
| US07973625B2 |
Tool free contact block
The present invention relates to an auxiliary contact block. The auxiliary contact block comprises a housing and a tool free latching mechanism. The tool free latching mechanism further comprising a stationary member integral to the housing and a latching bar. The latching bar comprising a button in communication with a moveable member by a central body. |
| US07973623B2 |
Starter for engines and its starting circuit
The starter has a system of pushing the pinion gear in the direction of the anti-motor side by using the attracting power of the electromagnetic switch via the shift lever. The switch coil of the electromagnetic switch is constituted of one coil that is electrically separated from the motor circuit. The mass of pinion gear is set to 100 g or less, the switch extrusion power stored in the drive spring is set to 70N (Newton) or less, and the operation current of the electromagnetic switch is set to 12 amperes or less. With this starter, since the switch coil and the motor circuit can be electrically separated, the terminal for connection for connecting the conventional attracting coil and conventional “M terminal bolt” can be abolished. Further, by setting the operation current of the electromagnetic switch 10 to 12 amperes or less, it is possible to control the operation current directly by the ECU. |
| US07973622B2 |
Apparatus for auxiliary contact of circuit breaker
An apparatus for auxiliary contact of circuit breaker is disclosed that is capable of preventing an erroneous operation of and damage to an ON/OFF switch caused by over-stroke of a linkage mounted at an auxiliary contact apparatus, and enhancing reliability despite repeated opening/closing thereof. |
| US07973621B2 |
Hom damped high-frequency resonator
A HOM attenuated high frequency resonator provided with a cylindrical resonator cavity on the outer surface of which are arranged three circular tapered waveguides with two symmetrically arranged ridges each, the cut-off frequency of the waveguide base mode being kept constant over the length of the waveguides by varying the height of the ridges, and the ridge waveguides being provided at their end of the smaller diameter with an impedance transformer each for the broadband adjustment of the coaxial line is to be cost-efficiently manufacturable as a compact structure and is to be of improved attenuation properties while at the same time having, relative to prior art arrangements, a high shunt impedance for the fundamental modes. |
| US07973620B2 |
Power amplifier filter for radio-frequency signals
A power amplifier filter for radio-frequency signals having an outphasing type architecture comprising a first stage (2) capable of generating, from an input signal s(t), two signals s1(t), s2(t) having an identical amplitude but phase shifted relative to each other, a second amplifier stage (3) for said signals s1(t), s2(t), and a third recombining stage (4) capable of summing the two signals s′1(t), s′2(t) obtained from second stage (3), characterized in that recombining stage (4) includes an assembly of acoustic wave resonators coupled to each other, some of these resonators referred to as “input resonators” being connected to the outputs of second stage (4) and others of these resonators referred to as “output resonators” being connected to the output terminals of the filter. |
| US07973619B2 |
Electro-magnetic bandgap structure
An electro-magnetic bandgap structure is disclosed. The electro-magnetic bandgap structure in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of conductive plates bridge-connected with one another on a same plane, whereas the each of the conductive plates includes an internal patch; a first ring patch be electrically separated from the internal patch and surrounding the internal patch; and a second ring patch surrounding the first ring patch and electrically connected with the first ring patch through a portion. |
| US07973614B2 |
Invisible balun and method of making same
An apparatus and method for reducing stray magnetic fields include a decoupling circuit includes a balun that comprises a transmission line. The transmission line includes a first spiral positioned substantially parallel to a first plane, the first spiral emanating from a inner portion of the first spiral in a first spiral direction. The transmission line also includes a second spiral positioned substantially parallel to the first plane, the second spiral emanating from a inner portion of the second spiral in the first spiral direction, wherein the inner portion of the first spiral is electrically coupled to the inner portion of the second spiral, and wherein the transmission line comprises a signal line and a ground line. The balun further comprises a first capacitor electrically coupled to the transmission line. |
| US07973607B1 |
RTC circuit with time value adjustment
A technique involves the use of an electronic device having a real-time clock (RTC) circuit. In particular, the technique involves obtaining an RTC value from the RTC circuit. The RTC value is based on a previous time value and being arranged to represent current time. The technique further involves generating an adjustment factor arranged to adjust for imperfection in an oscillator of the RTC circuit, and providing a new time value based on the RTC value and the adjustment factor. The new time value represents current time at least as accurately as the RTC value. |
| US07973601B2 |
Distortion compensation apparatus
An apparatus for compensating a distortion characteristic of an amplifier includes an update unit configured to store a distortion compensation coefficient, configured to calculate the coefficient based on a signal before input to the amplifier and a feedback signal, and configured to update the stored coefficient to the calculated coefficient; a distortion compensation unit configured to perform distortion compensation processing of the signal before input to the amplifier by using the updated coefficient; a delay unit configured to delay the signal before input to the amplifier by a set delay time, to output the delayed signal to the distortion compensation coefficient update unit; and a delay controller configured to control the set delay time based on a phase of a complex number having a power component of the signal before input to the amplifier as a real part, and a power component of the feedback signal as an imaginary part. |
| US07973598B2 |
Audio power amplifier and a pre-amplifier thereof
An audio power amplifier includes a pre-amplifier, an error amplifier, a comparator, a bridge circuit, and a feedback circuit, in which the gain of the pre-amplifier gradually increases when the audio power amplifier is powered on. The comparator generates a PWM signal by comparing a reference signal and an amplified audio signal. The bridge circuit has switches controlled according to the PWM signal such that a driving current alternately flows to and from a load. The feedback circuit generates the feedback signal indicating a condition of the load. |
| US07973588B2 |
Analog insulation/multiplexer
An analog insulation multiplexer not causing magnetic saturation even if a small transformer is used and having a wide use temperature range. The analog insulation multiplexer includes: a first switching element for generating a drive control signal in accordance with an external signal; a drive insulation transformer for receiving the drive control signal on a primary side via a first resistor and for delivering an insulated drive control signal from a secondary side; a second switching element for chopping an analog signal input in accordance with the insulated drive control signal; and an analog signal insulation transformer for delivering an insulated chopped analog signal on a secondary side. The analog insulation multiplexer further includes a secondary side output adjusting circuit having a second resistor connected, on the primary side of the drive insulation transformer, in parallel to the first resistor and a capacitor having one end connected to a ground and another end connected in series to the second resistor. |
| US07973587B2 |
Transconductor having high linearity and programmable gain and mixer using the same
A mixer having high linearity and an associated transconductor combining programmable gain amplifier and mixer functions are provided. The transconductor includes first and second resistors, a differential amplifier, first and second feedback circuits, and first and second transistors. A differential voltage signal is inputted to first and second input ends of the differential amplifier via the first and second resistors. The first and second feedback circuits are provided between a first output end and the first input end, and a second output end and the second input end of the differential amplifier, respectively. The first output end outputs a first output signal for controlling a first current passing through the first transistor. The second output end outputs a second output signal for controlling a second current passing through the second transistor. The first current and the second current determine a differential current. |
| US07973580B2 |
Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device includes: a voltage-control-type clock generation circuit having a plurality of stages of first delay elements and whose oscillation frequency is controlled according to a control voltage applied to the first delay elements; a delay circuit having a plurality of stages of second delay elements connected serially; and a selection circuit selecting one from pulse signals output by the plurality of stages of respective second delay elements. The first delay elements and the second delay elements have a same structure formed on a same semiconductor substrate, and a delay amount of the second delay elements is adjusted according to the control voltage. |
| US07973577B2 |
Control of a variable delay line using line entry point to modify line power supply voltage
Disclosed herein is a VDL/DLL architecture in which the power supply to the VDL, VccVDL, is regulated at least as a function of the entry point of the input signal (ClkIn) into the VDL. Specifically, VccVDL is regulated to be higher when the delay through the VDL is relatively small (when the entry point is toward the right (or minimum delay) edge of the VDL) and is reduced when the delay is relatively high (when the entry point is toward the left (or maximum delay) edge of the VDL). This provides for graduated delays across the stages of the VDL, but without the need to design each stage separately. Other benefits include a VDL/DLL design operable over a wider range of frequencies, and a reduced number of stages, including a reduced number of buffer stages. Moreover, when the disclosed technique is used, buffer stages may be dispensed with altogether. Additionally, the disclosed VDL architecture can be used in any situation where it might be advantageous to delay a signal through a variable delay as a function of VDL entry point. |
| US07973573B2 |
Semiconductor integrated circuit device
A semiconductor integrated circuit having a plurality of ultrasound pulsers corresponding to a plurality of respective channels, and integrally formed on a small area. The ultrasound pulsers each include a MOSFET gate drive circuit in which an input voltage pulse is converted into a current pulse, and the current pulse is converted again into a voltage pulse on the basis of a high potential side voltage +HV, and a low potential side voltage −HV, applied to a transducer drive circuit, and in which a voltage level shift in the input voltage pulse is attained, and a voltage pulse swing is generated by the MOSFET gate drive circuit on the basis of the high potential side voltage +HV, and the low potential side voltage −HV. The MOSFET gate drive circuit is DC-coupled with the transducer drive circuit. |
| US07973572B2 |
Output buffer and source driver utilizing the same
An output buffer including a first input stage circuit, a first output stage circuit, a second output stage circuit, a first switching module, and a second switching module is disclosed. The first output stage circuit is coupled to a first data line. The second output stage circuit is coupled to a second data line. The first switching module is coupled between the first input stage circuit and the first output stage circuit. The second switching module is coupled between the first input stage circuit and the second output stage circuit. |
| US07973565B2 |
Resonant clock and interconnect architecture for digital devices with multiple clock networks
A clock and data distribution network is proposed that distributes clock and data signals without buffers, thus achieving very low jitter, skew, loose timing requirements, and energy consumption. Such network uses resonant drivers and is generally applicable to architectures for programmable logic devices (PLDs) such as field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), as well as other semiconductor devices with multiple clock networks operating at various clock frequencies, and high-performance and low-power clocking requirements such as microprocessors, applications specific integrated circuits (ASICs), and Systems-on-a-Chip (SOCs). |
| US07973563B2 |
Programmable IO architecture
A buffer device coupled to at least one input/output port of an integrated circuit has a plurality of control inputs configured to receive configuration programming information. The at least one input/output circuit is capable of: (a) being configured in a directional sense of communication by the configuration programming information, (b) being configured as an input circuit which can be further configured to provide input logic switching level thresholds according to the configuration programming information, and (c) being configured as at least one output circuit which can be further configured to provide an output drive strength according to the configuration programming information. |
| US07973557B2 |
IC having programmable digital logic cells
An integrated circuit (IC) includes at least one programmable digital logic cell that includes first dedicated digital logic cell having a plurality of transistors including at least one PMOS transistor and at least one NMOS transistor configured to perform at least one digital logical function. The first dedicated digital logic cell includes a plurality of nodes including at least one input node and at least one output node that reflects performance of a digital logical function. Programmable tuning circuitry includes at least one tuning input and at least one tuning circuit output. Circuitry for coupling or decoupling the tuning input or tuning circuit output to at least one of the plurality of nodes of the first dedicated digital logical cell is provided, wherein the coupling or decoupling is operable to change the processing speed for the first reprogrammable digital logic cell. |
| US07973556B1 |
System and method for using reconfiguration ports for power management in integrated circuits
A method of operating an integrated circuit having a circuit block configurable by a configuration memory is disclosed. The method includes determining whether to operate the circuit block in a normal operation mode or a low power mode. The configuration memory is loaded with normal operation mode configuration data for the circuit block if the normal operation mode is determined. If the low power mode is determined, the configuration memory is loaded with low power mode configuration data for the circuit block. |
| US07973550B2 |
Semiconductor device test apparatus including interface unit and method of testing semiconductor device using the same
A semiconductor device test apparatus is provided. The semiconductor device test apparatus includes a test unit on which a semiconductor device under test is disposed, and an automatic test equipment (ATE) unit that inputs a test signal to the test unit and reads a test result signal output by the test unit. The semiconductor device test apparatus includes an interface unit that is interposed between the test unit and the ATE unit, and that compares the test signal with the test result signal and outputs to the ATE unit comparison signals indicating whether the semiconductor device is a failure or not or whether a specific bit failure has occurred or not. |
| US07973538B2 |
Power over ethernet system having hazard detection circuitry to detect potentially hazardous cable conditions
An apparatus includes power circuitry and hazard detection circuitry connectable to a multi-conductor cable. The power circuitry transfers electrical power from a power-sourcing equipment (PSE) to a powered device (PD) over the multi-conductor cable. The hazard detection circuitry senses an electrical characteristic of the multi-conductor cable and generates a detection signal indicating whether a potentially hazardous abnormal operating condition exists in the multi-conductor cable based on the sensed electrical characteristic. Examples include short-circuit detection circuitry which detects a hazard-producing short-circuit connection between sets of conductors that can cause a “stacking” or additive combining of PSE output voltages, and hot-cable detection circuitry detecting the presence of full operating voltage on the cable under abnormal conditions. |
| US07973537B2 |
Corrective device protection
A control system for an electrical power system includes an electrical corrective device, a voltage measuring device coupled to each phase of the electric power system, a current measuring device connected between each phase of the electric power system and the electrical corrective device, and a protective device connected to outputs of the voltage measuring device and the current measuring device. The protective device includes a controller configured to detect an imbalance using the measured voltages and currents output from the voltage measuring device and the current measuring device without using or independently of other recent voltage or current measurements for other points in the electrical corrective device and independently of a neutral-ground measurement at the electrical corrective device. |
| US07973534B2 |
Protection device for assembled battery, and battery pack unit
A protection device for an assembled battery includes a sampling unit which individually samples voltages of batteries of the assembled battery to generate sampled voltages, a holding unit which holds the sampled voltages to generate a plurality of holding voltages, a multiplexer which sequentially reads the holding voltages and outputs each voltage to a common output node, a measuring unit configured to measure the individual voltages and the state of charges of the batteries based on a voltage of the node in a measuring period within a constant measuring cycle, and a control unit configured to turn on/off the sample switches at the same time within the measuring period and repeatedly turn on/off at least one sample switch selected from the plurality of sample switches in accordance with the state of charge in a term other than the measuring period. |
| US07973527B2 |
Electronic circuit configured to reset a magnetoresistance element
An electronic circuit includes a magnetoresistance element for providing an output signal proportional to a magnetic field. The magnetoresistance element also has a hysteresis characteristic. The electronic circuit also includes at least one of a reset conductor or a bias conductor disposed proximate to the magnetoresistance element. For embodiments having a reset conductor, the electronic circuit is configured to generate a reset current carried by the reset conductor in response to the comparison. In response to the reset current, the reset conductor is configured to generate a reset magnetic field at the magnetoresistance element to temporarily force the magnetoresistance element to a saturation region of the hysteresis characteristic. |
| US07973524B1 |
Mixed mode digital control for switching regulator
A regulated power supply includes an inverter comprising an upper switch and a lower switch that are connected in series. A control module selectively controls the upper switch and the lower switch in one of a pulse width modulation (PWM) mode and a discrete control mode (DCM), receives a feedback signal from an output of the regulated power supply, and switches between the PWM mode and the DCM based on the feedback signal. |
| US07973522B2 |
DC/DC converter, and power amplifier applying the same
A DC/DC converter capable of controlling an output signal using a broadband signal input is provided. By employing the above DC/DC converter as a power supply, a highly efficient power amplifier can be configured. The above DC/DC converter includes two class-C amplifiers, a rectifier circuit connected between each output of the two class-C amplifiers, and an oscillator of a predetermined frequency signal. The predetermined frequency signal output from the oscillator is input to each of the two class-C amplifiers, and by controlling the phase difference of the predetermined frequency signal input to the two class-C amplifiers, the magnitude of a direct current voltage output from the rectifier circuit is made variable. |
| US07973521B2 |
Voltage regulators
Voltage regulators are provided. In one embodiment of the voltage regulators, a differential amplifier receives a reference voltage and a feedback voltage, to generate a control signal according to a voltage difference between the feedback voltage and the reference voltage. An output transistor has a first terminal coupled to a power voltage, a control terminal coupled to the differential amplifier for receiving the control signal, and a second terminal coupled to an output terminal. A voltage feedback circuit is coupled between the output terminal and a ground voltage to generate the feedback voltage. A discharge transistor has a first terminal coupled to the ground voltage, a control terminal coupled to a first control signal, and a second terminal coupled to the output terminal through a first resistor in the voltage feedback circuit. |
| US07973519B2 |
Device for transforming a primary AC voltage in a lower AC voltage in a lower AC voltage for supplying an electrical load
A device for transforming an AC voltage to a lower AC voltage includes a generator of a PWM control signal and a first bidirectional switch to couple a load to the AC voltage during a conduction-phase. A second bidirectional switch discharges energy from the load during an off-phase of the first bidirectional switch. A first driving circuit of the first bidirectional switch is input with the PWM control signal and generates a first PWM signal, applied between control and conduction terminals of the first bidirectional switch. A second driving circuit for the second bidirectional switch is input with the PWM control signal and generates a second PWM signal, in phase opposition to the first PWM signal, applied between control and conduction terminals of the second bidirectional switch. An electric decoupling circuit is between the generator and second driving circuit. A transformer is between respective conduction terminals of the bidirectional switches. |
| US07973517B2 |
Control device for vehicle power converter
The control device detects the B-terminal voltage by a B-terminal voltage detection section. When an abnormal voltage detection section detects that a voltage value of the detected B-terminal voltage is equal to or higher than a predetermined voltage value, all switching elements of the negative pole-side arm in a power conversion section are brought into conduction by a negative pole-side arm short-circuiting section, whereas all switching elements of a positive pole-side arm are interrupted. In addition, a field current is limited to zero or to a limit value by a field current control section. |
| US07973516B2 |
Sliding conductor transmission cable
Methods and devices for connecting a current source to a target storage device via a transmission cable extendable and/or retractable via a conduit that may be repositioned. |
| US07973514B2 |
Battery cell balancing systems using current regulators
According to one embodiment of the invention, there is provided a cell balancing circuit used for balancing a cell. The cell balancing circuit includes a bypass path coupled to the cell, a current regulator coupled to the bypass path, and a bleeding control switch. The current regulator is operable for producing a current and for controlling a conductance status of the bypass path. The bleeding control switch conducts the bypass path in response to the current produced by the current regulator. |
| US07973512B2 |
Mobile telephone charger with promotional audio output
A mobile telephone charger capable of reproducing a promotional audio tune is provided comprising a housing, a power input connector attached to the housing for receiving an electrical power input, a power output connector attached to the housing for charging a mobile telephone responsive to the electrical power input, a power detector module for generating an enabling signal in response to detecting the electrical power input, an audio chip module responsive to the enabling signal for generating a predetermined audio signal, the predetermined audio signal corresponding to audio data stored in a computer readable medium disposed in the mobile telephone charger, and an audio transducer for generating an audio output in response to the predetermined audio signal. |
| US07973507B2 |
Raindrop detecting device and method of determining raindrop amount
A raindrop detecting device includes a raindrop sensor, and a controller. The raindrop sensor is disposed in a wiping area of a wiper blade on a front windshield, and outputs a detection signal regarding a raindrop amount. The controller activates the wiper blade based on the detection signal, and sets a prohibition period for which the raindrop sensor is prohibited from determining the raindrop amount. The raindrop sensor outputs signals when raindrop collected by the wiper blade passes above the raindrop sensor in a reciprocating wiping operation. The controller calculates the prohibition period of a second reciprocating wiping operation based on the signals of a first reciprocating wiping operation. |
| US07973506B2 |
Method and device for controlling power car window lift
The invention discloses a method for controlling a power car window lift. The method includes the following steps: detecting an operation state signal of the car window with a detection element; inputting the detection signal of the detection element into the controller; and the controller sending a control signal to an actuator, which controls the operation state of the car window lift. The main control element of the controller is a thyristor or an equivalent functional element. The car window lift's operation state signal includes a car window closed obstacle signal, a car window closed-in-place signal, a car window opened-in-place signal, and a car window opened obstacle signal. The invention further discloses a device for implementing the method for controlling the power car window. |
| US07973504B2 |
Electric power steering control
A method for improving a failure mode diagnostic of an electric power steering system by overcoming a motor electric lock condition due to position sensor signal corruption or other motor faults. If certain conditions are met, the method determines that the motor is in an electric lock condition, and then reduces a torque current command to the motor so that it is able to be rotated by a vehicle hand-wheel. Once the motor is able to be rotated, then the method determines whether certain conditions have been met to determine whether the position sensor is malfunctioning. |
| US07973501B2 |
Fan system and motor control device
A fan system includes a control device and a fan device. The control device has a first node, a rotation speed signal generation circuit and a rotation speed reading circuit. The fan device has a second node, a signal transforming circuit, a motor driving circuit, a motor and a fan. The first node is electrically connected with the second node to set up a transmission route between the control device and the fan device. The rotation speed control signal and the motor rotation speed signal are transmitted via the two-way transmission route, and the control device controls the fan device via a wired or wireless transmission route. A motor control device is also disclosed. |
| US07973497B2 |
Discharge tube lighting apparatus
A discharge tube lighting apparatus includes a converter that converts a voltage received from an alternating-current or direct-current power supply into a predetermined direct-current voltage and an inverter that converts an output voltage of the converter into an alternating-current voltage having a predetermined frequency. The inverter performs burst control based on an externally input dimming signal. The converter operates regardless of the active or inactive period of the burst control of the inverter and performs negative feedback control in response to a detection signal of a tube current in the active period of the inverter. |
| US07973496B2 |
Resonant driver with low-voltage secondary side control for high power LED lighting
The present invention relates to a power supply device for supplying power to a load, preferably a LED, comprising a first circuitry (12) with an inverter unit (24) adapted to provide an AC voltage, preferably a rectangular voltage, and a resonant circuit (30) with a capacitance (32) and an inductance (34), a second circuitry (14) with a rectifier unit (42), a switch (64) and said load (60), said switch being adapted to switch said load on and off, a controller unit (16) adapted to control said switch (64) as to adjust the power provided to said load (60) without any measurement signal from said primary circuitry (12), and a transformer (18) with a primary side (20) and a secondary side (22), said primary side being connected to said first circuitry (12) and said secondary side (22) being connected to said second circuitry (14), preferably said rectifier, so that said first and second circuitries are galvanically isolated. |
| US07973492B2 |
Power supply for plasma display panel, plasma display device including the same, and associated methods
A power supply of a plasma display device includes a power source unit configured to convert a direct current source into an alternating current source, a transformer including a primary side winding electrically coupled to the power source unit and a secondary side winding having a first winding and a second winding, a sustain power supply electrically coupled to the first winding of the secondary side of the transformer, the sustain power supply configured to output a first voltage to a first voltage output terminal, and an address power supply electrically coupled to the second winding of the secondary side and serially connected to the sustain power supply, the address power supply configured to output a second voltage to a second voltage output terminal. |
| US07973491B2 |
Multi-lamp backlight apparatus
A multi-lamp backlight apparatus is disclosed. The multi-lamp backlight apparatus includes 2N lamps, N balancing transformers, and a high-voltage power source. N is a positive integer and k is an integer index ranging from 1 to N. The kth balancing transformer among the N balancing transformers includes a first primary winding, a second primary winding, and a secondary winding. The first primary winding connects in series with the (2k−1)th lamp of the 2N lamps. The second primary winding connects in series with the first primary winding and the (2k)th lamp. The secondary winding corresponds to the first primary winding and the second primary winding. The high-voltage power source is connected between the first primary windings and the second primary windings. |
| US07973489B2 |
Lighting system for illumination using cold cathode fluorescent lamps
A lighting system for illuminating a chamber in a building includes a lighting fixture suitable for being mounted onto a surface of the chamber, so that light emitted by at least one CCFL device mechanically supported by the fixture illuminates the chamber. The one CCFL device includes at least one transformer. A driver adapted to be connected to a surface of the chamber is capable of converting input power from a power source to an AC power having a voltage in the range of about 5-400 volts and a current at a frequency in the range of about 1kc-100 kc. The at least one transformer is suitable for converting the AC power to an output power suitable for operating the at least one CCFL, causing the at least one CCFL to emit light. |
| US07973488B2 |
Constant current driver circuit with voltage compensated current sense mirror
A current sensing circuit for sensing the current provided to LEDs by a constant current power source includes a resistive shunt in series with the load and a current mirror having a first leg connected to a first terminal of the resistive shunt and a second leg connected to a second terminal of the resistive shunt. Both legs of the current mirror are also connected to ground. The first leg provides a reference signal to the second leg, and the second leg uses the reference signal and a voltage at the second terminal of the resistive shunt to provide a ground referenced output signal indicative of the current provided to the LEDs. |
| US07973487B2 |
Power supply circuit
A power supply circuit is proposed for supplying current to a pair of white LEDs connected in series. The circuit comprises a DC-DC power converter, with a charge pump coupled to the output of the DC-DC power converter. A super capacitor is coupled to the charge pump to be charged to a voltage on top of the converter output in a first mode of operation. The super capacitor is discharged through the pair of LEDs during a second mode of operation. A control stage is provided for switching between the first mode of operation and the second mode of operation. |
| US07973486B2 |
Intelligent decorative displays with ambient electromagnetic field switching
A system and method of controlling self powered decorative devices using EMF emanating from, for example, a light string on a Christmas tree. The decorative devices sense the presence of EMF from the light string and actuate in response thereto and turn off when the field disappears, thereby saving energy. In an alternate embodiment, the EMF source is capable of modulation and the slave decorations are coded and tuned to specific EMF characteristics, such as frequency. The master EMF source transmits the EMF of different characteristic thereby causing the coded slave decorations to operate in a synchronized matter. The system may also be responsive to music or other inputs to create special decorative effects. |
| US07973483B2 |
Light emitting pixel and apparatus for driving the same
A light emitting pixel includes a first organic light emitting diode (OLED) and a capacitor supplying to the first OLED current generated by an electric charge corresponding to a difference between a first voltage supplied to a first electrode of the capacitor and a second voltage supplied to a second electrode of the capacitor. The light emitting pixel further include a second OLED to supply the first voltage to the first electrode. The light emitting pixel further includes a voltage supply device to supply the first voltage to the first electrode in response to the second voltage. |
| US07973481B2 |
Nitride sintered body and method for manufacturing thereof
An insulating material high both in thermal conductivity and light reflectance, and a submount high in heat radiatability for mounting an LED element thereon, capable of raising a light utilization factor and quickly radiating heat generated from the element. For example, used as a substrate material of a submount is a nitride sintered body having a reflectance of light in the wavelength region of from 350 nm to 800 nm of 50% or more and a reflectance of light with a wavelength of 700 nm of 60% or more, obtained by sintering a preform consisting of a composition containing 100 parts by mass of aluminum nitride powder and 0.5 to 10 parts by mass of a compound containing an alkaline earth metal such as 3CaO×Al2O3 in an inert atmosphere containing a specific quantity of carbon vapor, or by burning a coat of a nitride paste applied on a base substrate having a heat resistance at a predetermined temperature. |
| US07973479B2 |
Discharge lamp
A discharge lamp for a vehicle is provided with a ceramic luminous tube, a front side electrode and a rear side electrode held by the ceramic luminous tube, a first lead wire connected to the front side electrode, a second lead wire connected to the rear side electrode, a third lead wire having a front end portion connected to the first lead wire, an outer tube, and a socket. The ceramic luminous tube, the first lead wire, the second lead wire and the third lead wire are accommodated in the outer tube. The ceramic luminous tube includes a luminous portion and a pair of small diameter tube portions. The luminous portion is formed into a substantially cylindrical shape extending in a longitudinal direction. The third lead wire includes a horizontal portion extending in the longitudinal direction above the luminous portion. |
| US07973476B2 |
High-pressure mercury discharge lamp
The invention relates to a high-pressure mercury discharge lamp for DC operation at a nominal wattage of more than 1.5 kW. Said high-pressure mercury discharge lamp comprises an anode, at least some areas of which are made of a material containing at least some tungsten, said material having a grain number of more than 200 grains per mm2 and a density of more than 19.05 g/cm3. |
| US07973473B2 |
Flat panel OLED device having deformable substrate
A flat panel OLED device including a transparent deformable substrate having first and second sides and defining a predetermined illumination region and a non-illumination region; a moisture-sensitive OLED disposed over the first side of the transparent substrate within the illumination region and means for applying electrical signals to the OLED which causes the OLED to produce light and heat; a protective layer disposed over the OLED; a flexible encapsulating foil disposed over the protective layer, but not attached thereto, and which dissipates the heat and sealingly connected to the substrate in the non-illumination region; and a rigid chassis structure operatively associated with the transparent deformable substrate for providing rigidity to the transparent deformable substrate. |
| US07973472B2 |
Display device with polygonal chiplets
A display device includes a substrate having a display area; an adhesion layer formed on the substrate surface; a plurality of chiplets adhered to the substrate and distributed within the display area, each chiplet having one or more connection pads, wherein each chiplet has more than four sides; a plurality of pixels formed over the adhesion layer in the display area, each pixel having a bottom electrode electrically connected to a connection pad of one chiplet, one or more layers of light-emitting material formed over the bottom electrode, and a top electrode formed over the one or more layers of light-emitting material; and a cover located over the top electrode and adhered to the substrate. |
| US07973471B2 |
Light emitting device comprising transparent protrusion, first and second electrodes and organic layer
There is provided a method for manufacturing a light emitting device in which no copy-in is caused in the case of a light emitting device having a glossy cathode. An uneven portion is formed on the surface of a cathode which is in contact with an organic layer in a pixel portion, and incident light is reflected in all directions. An insulating film having a high light absorption property is formed in a driver circuit portion, and the copy-in becomes invisible to the observer. |
| US07973466B2 |
Organic electroluminescent display device with light-shielding means and method of fabricating the same
An organic electroluminescent display device includes: a substrate having a pixel region and a non-pixel region surrounding the pixel region; a first electrode on the substrate in the pixel region; an organic luminescent layer on the first electrode; a second electrode on the organic luminescent layer; and a light-shielding means corresponding to the non-pixel region. |
| US07973463B2 |
Electron-emitting device, electron source, image display apparatus and method of fabricating electron-emitting device
There are provided a stable electron-emitting device with less fluctuation in electron-emitting properties and a method of fabricating the electron-emitting device. The electron-emitting device has a substrate; a plurality of columnar first regions respectively orientated substantially perpendicular to the surface of the substrate; a second region provided between the respective first regions higher than the first regions in resistance; and an electron emission layer covering the columnar first regions and the second region. |
| US07973454B1 |
Vacuum hermetic organic packaging carrier and sensor device package
A vacuum hermetic organic packaging carrier and a sensor device package are provided. The organic packaging carrier includes an organic substrate, a conductive circuit layer, and an inorganic hermetic insulation film. The organic substrate has a first surface. The conductive circuit layer is located on the first surface and exposes a portion of the first surface. The inorganic hermetic insulation film at least covers the exposed first surface to achieve an effect of completely hermetically sealing the organic packaging carrier. |
| US07973453B2 |
Ultrasonic transducer
An ultrasonic transducer with a housing having an ultrasonic window in a first region of the housing for transmitting ultrasonic waves, and a transducer element located in the housing adjacent to the ultrasonic window. To prevent ultrasonic waves from being transmitted as housing waves between the first region of the housing, by way of at least one intermediate second region of the housing, to a third region of the housing on opposite side of the second region from the first region, in the second region of the housing, at least two weakly coupled mechanical resonators are provided which are arranged essentially in secession in the propagation direction of the housing waves. |
| US07973450B2 |
Multi-degree-of micro-actuator
The present invention provides a multi-dimensional micro-actuator comprising a stator having a plurality of symmetrically arranged electrode piezoelectric plates, a rotator disposed near the stator, and a plurality of contacting elements. Each of the symmetrically arranged electrode piezoelectric plates comprises a piezoelectric plate, a first electrode, and a second electrode. The first and second electrodes are symmetrically arranged on a first surface of the piezoelectric plate. A second surface of the piezoelectric plate is coupled to the ground. The contacting elements are disposed on the electrode piezoelectric plates for rotation of the rotator. |
| US07973448B2 |
Brush holder and method for manufacturing brush holder
A brush holder having brush holding portions and coil holding portions is disclosed. Each brush holding portion holds a brush such that the brush is slidable on a commutator attached to a rotary shaft. Each coil holding portion holds a choke coil electrically connected to one of the coils. The brush holder includes a holder base member and brush holding members that are assembled to the holder base member so as to form the brush holding portions. Each brush holding member includes a coil supporting portion, which forms the coil holding portion between the corresponding brush holding member and the holder base member. |
| US07973445B2 |
Laminated rotary actuator with three-dimensional flux path
A rotary actuator includes a stator assembly positioned within an outer enclosure. A rotor assembly is positioned adjacent to the stator and is configured to rotate relative thereto and about a centerline axis of the rotary actuator. Each of the outer enclosure, the stator assembly, and the rotor assembly are arranged to carry a magnetic flux therethrough and form a flux path loop, such that as a magnetic flux flows through the outer enclosure, the stator assembly, and the rotor assembly, a torque is generated by rotation of the rotor assembly relative to the stator assembly. |
| US07973438B2 |
AC generator for vehicles
AC generator for vehicles is provided with a frame that supports a rotor and a stator, a rectifier that rectifies an output of the stator and has an output terminal, and a rear cover that covers electric parts including the rectifier. The rear cover is provided with a drain hole in the side part of the output terminal, and a wall part that adjoins the drain hole provided in the output terminal side. |
| US07973437B2 |
Transmission unit
The invention relates to a transmission for a motor vehicle with a transmission housing, with an electrical actuator for the actuation of the transmission and with an electrical control device for the control of the actuator. The transmission has a heat sink device 24 thermoconductively connected to the device and a heat insulating layer between a housing of the actuator and the heat sink device for the thermal insulation of the actuator housing and of the heat sink device, with the actuator housing being thermoconductively connected to the transmission housing or being part of the transmission housing. The invention furthermore relates to a corresponding actuator unit for a transmission. |
| US07973435B2 |
Electrical linear drive
An electrical linear drive device comprises an outer housing consisting of a housing tube and two housing covers disposed at the ends thereof The outer housing defines in the interior thereof a receiving space, into which the drive part of a drive unit in the form of an electrodynamic linear direct drive like a cartridge is placed, and an output drive rod extends outward through the front housing cover. From a drive coil arrangement of the drive unit an electrical operation cable extends to an central electrical interface means. The electrical interface means is disposed laterally on the housing tube and the operation cable and the signal cable extend in a cable channel formed in the wall of the housing tube. |
| US07973434B2 |
Power supply system employing conductive fluid
An electromotive cooling head includes a substrate, an N-pole magnet, and an S-pole magnet, and kept in intimate contact with the backside of the semiconductor integrated circuit so as to cover it. The substrate has a fluid channel having a micro-channel structure, through which a conductive fluid flows. An anode and a cathode are disposed to sandwich the fluid channel. The conductive fluid interacts with a magnetic field to thereby induce an electromotive force between the anode and the cathode. A circuit includes, on its backside, a power supply voltage terminal and a ground terminal, and is driven by the electromotive force induced in the electromotive cooling head. |
| US07973431B2 |
Circuit arrangement for locking and/or unlocking a door lock, especially in an electric appliance
A circuit arrangement for locking and/or unlocking a door lock, especially in an electric appliance that is provided with a door for closing or opening a work area. Said circuit arrangement comprises an electrically actuated door lock actuator which acts upon a locking member when a current flows through the actuator, said locking member locking or unlocking the door lock. A series connection that is composed of two switching devices is arranged in the triggering circuit of the door lock actuator, said two switching devices being controllable by the control device which emits output signals to actuate the two switching devices once specific triggering signals have been fed to the control device. |
| US07973429B2 |
Apparatus with speaker
An apparatus includes two DC/DC converters including two conversion circuits for converting a power supply voltage to first and second output voltages, respectively, two driving circuits for driving the respective conversion circuit based on first and second pulse wave modulated signals, and two pulse width modulation circuits for performing pulse width modulation on a thinned wave signal formed from a first wave signal and on a second wave signal to generate the pulse wave modulated signals, respectively. One DC/DC converter includes a thinning circuit for removing portions of a first wave signal to form the thinned wave signal. The apparatus includes a speaker for generating sound by inputting a signal based on the voltages. |
| US07973427B2 |
Converter control unit
The disclosure relates to a converter control unit or power system stabilizing unit for counteracting oscillations in electric power systems that is equipped and employed to provide and processes information for system-wide monitoring, protection, control and metering. It comprises means for synchronized (e.g. via GPS or another absolute/global time reference) sampling of voltages and/or currents, means for down-sampling in order to decrease the number of samples, and means for calculating phasors, i.e. time stamped amplitude and phase angle of the voltages and/or currents. |
| US07973424B2 |
Method and apparatus for producing tractive effort with interface to other apparatus
An apparatus and method for determining and providing a controlled power from a first apparatus to another apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes an energy source configured to generate a power output, a power converter electrically connected to the energy source to receive the power output and to output a conditioned power, and a transfer switch configured to selectively couple the conditioned power to an external apparatus. The apparatus also includes a controller in communication with the external apparatus and configured to receive apparatus parameter data related to the external apparatus, determine a power requirement of the external apparatus based on the apparatus parameter data, operate the power convertor to output conditioned power that meets the power requirement of the external apparatus, and control the transfer switch to couple the conditioned power that meets the power requirement to the external apparatus. |
| US07973422B2 |
Device for producing electrical power in a two-spool gas turbine engine
A device for producing electrical power in a multi-spool gas turbine engine is disclosed. The device includes at least one first rotary spool and a second rotary spool which drives an electrical machine. The electrical machine is of the twin-rotor type with a first rotor and a second rotor. The first rotor is mechanically connected to the first rotary spool and the second rotor is mechanically connected to the second rotary spool. |
| US07973421B2 |
Jet engine comprising an integrated electric motor/generator unit
A jet engine, in particular for an aircraft, having a high-pressure compressor that is situated inside a compressor housing, the high-pressure compressor having blade elements that, through their rotational motion, compress air flowing into the high-pressure compressor via an intake channel, the high-pressure compressor having a plurality of compressor stages on which the blade elements are situated, and the jet engine also having an integrated electric motor/generator unit, wherein the motor/generator unit is situated in the rotational plane of the at least first compressor stage of the high-pressure compressor, and includes a stator that extends around the periphery of the compressor housing, as well as a runner that is formed by the blade elements of the at least first compressor stage, and that the motor/generator unit has an output power of 100 kVA to 150 kVA. |
| US07973420B2 |
Energy storage
Several embodiments are disclosed that enhance and improve the efficiencies of alternative electrical generating sources by converting electrical energy to potential energy through electro-mechanical means. The embodiments provide gravitational energy storage by lifting masses from lower to higher elevations during desired periods, such as when the generating sources are producing excess energy or when electrical rates are the least expensive. Energy storage is maintained until such time as it is need and then converted from potential mechanical energy to electricity by gravitational forces. By storing energy, one can supplement and enhance the efficiencies of producing electricity by alternative means such as wind and solar by expanding the times when electricity is available. Additionally, one can time-shift the purchase and use of commercial power by buying power to store energy when rates are low and using the stored energy when rates are high. |
| US07973415B2 |
Manufacturing process and structure of through silicon via
A through silicon via reaching a pad from a second surface of a semiconductor substrate is formed. A penetration space in the through silicon via is formed of a first hole and a second hole with a diameter smaller than that of the first hole. The first hole is formed from the second surface of the semiconductor substrate to the middle of the interlayer insulating film. Further, the second hole reaching the pad from the bottom of the first hole is formed. Then, the interlayer insulating film formed on the first surface of the semiconductor substrate has a step shape reflecting a step difference between the bottom surface of the first hole and the first surface of the semiconductor substrate. More specifically, the thickness of the interlayer insulating film between the bottom surface of the first hole and the pad is smaller than that in other portions. |
| US07973408B2 |
Semiconductor chip passivation structures and methods of making the same
Various semiconductor chip passivation structures and methods of making the same are disclosed. In one aspect, a method of manufacturing is provided that includes applying a polymeric passivation layer to a side of a semiconductor chip. The side of the semiconductor chip includes plural conductor pads. Plural openings are formed in the polymeric passivation layer to expose the plural conductor pads. Plural conductor structures are formed on the plural conductor pads. |
| US07973403B2 |
Adhesive sheet for light-emitting diode device and light-emitting diode device
[Problem] To provide an adhesive sheet which is used for a light-emitting diode device, and which is free from cracks and peeling off of the adhered portions.[Means for Solving the Problem] An adhesive sheet for a light-emitting diode device, which comprises a thermoplastic polymer containing epoxy groups and a compound containing functional groups which are addition reactive with the epoxy groups or a polymerization catalyst which can effect a ring opening polymerization of the epoxy groups, and in which said thermoplastic polymer is cross-linked so that its flowability is restrained. |
| US07973402B2 |
LED light using phosphor coated LEDs
A method for creating an improved signal light is disclosed. For example, the improved signal light includes a housing, one or more first type of light emitting diodes (LEDs) emitting a light energy having a first dominant wavelength deployed in the housing, one or more second type of LEDs emitting a light energy having a second dominant wavelength deployed in the housing, a filter and a mixer. The filter may filter the light energy of the one or more second type of LEDs such that only a third dominant wavelength passes from the one or more second type of LEDs. The mixer may mix the light energy having the first dominant wavelength and the filtered light energy having the third dominant wavelength to form a light energy having a desired fourth dominant wavelength. |
| US07973397B2 |
Package substrate having embedded semiconductor chip and fabrication method thereof
A packaging substrate having a semiconductor chip embedded and a fabrication method thereof are provided. The method includes forming a semiconductor chip in a through cavity of a core board and exposing a photosensitive portion of the semiconductor chip from the through cavity; sequentially forming a first dielectric layer and a first circuit layer on the core board, the first circuit layer being electrically connected to the electrode pads of the semiconductor chip; forming a light-permeable window on the first dielectric layer to expose the photosensitive portion of the semiconductor chip and adhering a light-permeable layer onto the light-permeable window, thereby permitting light to penetrate through the light-permeable layer to reach the photosensitive portion. Therefore, when fabricated with the method, the packaging substrate dispenses with conductive wires and dams and thus can be downsized. |
| US07973396B2 |
Electronic price tag device, pop device, management system for electronic price tag device, and method and program for controlling management system for electronic price tag device
The present invention provides a solution to the following problem: when using an electronic price tag device attached to a POP panel, an advertising content of the POP panel may be inconsistent with a price displayed on the electronic price tag device, and such inconsistency is left as is until a person in charge of a store site notices that. An electronic price tag device 1 includes detecting elements SW1 to SW3. A POP panel 30 is provided with a projected and recessed part 33 at a position, with the electronic price tag device 1 attached thereto, facing a detecting unit 16. The projected and recessed part 33 is formed to have different shapes corresponding to the types of the POP panel. Type information of the POP panel based on a signal output from the detecting elements SW1 to SW3 engaged with the projected and recessed part 33 is output to a display 4. |
| US07973394B2 |
Enhanced integrated circuit package
A semiconductor including a selectively plated lead frame is disclosed. The lead frame contains a die pad and a plurality of lead fingers, where each lead finger is formed with a bonding pad on the center portion of the lead finger by selective plating. The surface area of the lead finger material is increased so the adhesion to molding material is improved. The edges of the lead finger tips are half etched to further increase the surface area of lead finger material. A method of manufacturing the lead frame is also provided. |
| US07973392B2 |
Electronic device and method for manufacturing structure for electronic device
An electronic device including a shielded electronic element, and a method for manufacturing a shielding structure. An oxide film is formed on the surface of a silicon substrate having a [100] face. Part of the oxide film is removed to form a first window region. Silicon substrates are joined together to form an SOI substrate, which includes a buried mask having a second window region. Substrate thinning is then performed, and oxide films are formed on the two surfaces of the SOI substrate so that the first window region has a large area and includes the region above the buried second window region. Then, anisotropic etching is performed to form a cap that includes a step. Wire bonding for shielding is performed on the step. |
| US07973387B2 |
Insulated gate bipolar transistor
An insulated gate bipolar transistor includes bump pad connectors to provide thermal contact with a heat spreader for dissipating heat away form the insulated gate bipolar transistor. |
| US07973383B2 |
Semiconductor integrated circuit device having a decoupling capacitor
The bottom side of an N type silicon substrate is connected to a power supply terminal, a second P type epitaxial layer is formed on all sides of the N type silicon substrate, and a device forming portion is provided on the second P type epitaxial layer. A first P type epitaxial layer and an interlayer insulating film are provided on the device forming portion and an N well and a P well are formed on the top surface of the first P type epitaxial layer. The second P type epitaxial layer is connected to a ground terminal via the first P type epitaxial layer, the P well, a p+ diffusion region, a via and a wire. Accordingly, a pn junction is formed at the interface between the second P type epitaxial layer and the N type silicon substrate. |
| US07973380B2 |
Method for providing metal extension in backside illuminated sensor for wafer level testing
A method of providing metal extension in a backside illuminated image sensor is provided in the present disclosure. In one embodiment, a first set of pads and a second set of pads, and a metal layer are provided in a backside illuminated image sensor. The first set of pads are electrically coupled to the second set of pads through the metal layer, and a pad in the second set of pads is exposed to the surface of the backside illuminated image sensor for testing. In an alternative embodiment, a first set of pads, at least one second pad directly positioned over the first set of pads are provided in a backside illuminated image sensor. The first set of pads are electrically coupled to the at least one second pad and the at least one second pad is exposed to the surface of the backside illuminated image sensor for testing. |
| US07973376B2 |
Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the same
The semiconductor device which has a memory cell including the TMR film with which memory accuracy does not deteriorate, and its manufacturing method are obtained. A TMR element (a TMR film, a TMR upper electrode) is selectively formed in the region which corresponds in plan view on a TMR lower electrode in a part of formation area of a digit line. A TMR upper electrode is formed by 30-100 nm thickness of Ta, and functions also as a hard mask at the time of a manufacturing process. The interlayer insulation film formed from LT-SiN on the whole surface of a TMR element and the upper surface of a TMR lower electrode is formed, and the interlayer insulation film which covers the whole surface comprising the side surface of a TMR lower electrode, and includes LT-SiN is formed. The interlayer insulation film which covers the whole surface and includes SiO2 is formed. |
| US07973374B2 |
Semiconductor device and method for fabricating the same
Embodiments relate to a semiconductor device and a method for fabricating the same. According to embodiments, a semiconductor device may include a metal film spaced from a semiconductor substrate at a predetermined interval and in which a plurality of etching holes are formed. A bottom metal pattern disposed on and/or over a space between the semiconductor substrate and metal film and top metal pattern formed on and/or over the bottom metal pattern may be provided. A pillar may be formed on and/or over the semiconductor substrate and may support one side of a low surface of the bottom metal pattern. A pad may be formed on and/or over the semiconductor substrate, and an air layer corresponding to the bottom metal pattern may be inserted therein. According to embodiments, a pyro-electric switch transistor using a bi-metal with different coefficients of thermal expansion may be provided. |
| US07973373B2 |
Microminiature moving device
A microminiature moving device has disposed on a single-crystal silicon substrate movable elements such as a movable rod and a movable comb electrode that are displaceable in parallel to the substrate surface and stationary parts that are fixedly secured to the single -crystal silicon substrate with an insulating layer sandwiched between. Depressions are formed in the surface regions of the single-crystal silicon substrate where no stationary parts are present and the movable parts are positioned above the depressions. The depressions form gaps large enough to prevent foreign bodies from causing shorts and malfunctioning of the movable parts. |
| US07973371B2 |
Semiconductor integrated circuit device including static random access memory having diffusion layers for supplying potential to well region
A static random access memory (SRAM) cell includes a first well region of a first conductivity type, a second well region of the first conductivity type, formed in a location different from a location where the first well region is formed, and a third well region of a second conductivity type, which is located between the first well region and the second well region. The memory cell further includes a first tap diffused layer of the first conductivity type for supplying a potential to the first well region, a second tap diffused layer of the first conductivity type for supplying the potential to the second well region, the first and second tap diffused layers being arranged substantially on a diagonal line in the layout of the SRAM cell, and a metal interconnection connected to the first and second tap diffused layers, the metal interconnection passing on the third well region in the SRAM cell. |
| US07973370B2 |
Fully depleted silicon-on-insulator CMOS logic
A extractor implanted region is used in a silicon-on-insulator CMOS memory device. The extractor region is reversed biased to remove minority carriers from the body region of partially depleted memory cells. This causes the body region to be fully depleted without the adverse floating body effects. |
| US07973369B2 |
Semiconductor devices and methods of manufacture thereof
Methods of forming transistors and structures thereof are disclosed. A preferred embodiment comprises a semiconductor device including a workpiece, a gate dielectric disposed over the workpiece, and a thin layer of conductive material disposed over the gate dielectric. A layer of semiconductive material is disposed over the thin layer of conductive material. The layer of semiconductive material and the thin layer of conductive material comprise a gate electrode of a transistor. A source region and a drain region are formed in the workpiece proximate the gate dielectric. The thin layer of conductive material comprises a thickness of about 50 Angstroms or less. |
| US07973363B2 |
IGBT semiconductor device
To provide a semiconductor device in which dielectric breakdown strength in a peripheral region is increased without increasing on-resistance. An IGBT comprises a body region, guard ring, and collector layer. The body region is formed within an active region in a surface layer of a drift layer. The guard ring is formed within a peripheral region in the surface layer of the drift layer, and surrounds the body region. The collector layer is formed at a back surface side of the drift layer, and is formed across the active region and the peripheral region. A distance F between a back surface of the guard ring and the back surface of the drift layer is greater than a distance between a back surface of the body region and the back surface of the drift layer. A thickness H of the collector layer in the peripheral region is smaller than a thickness D of the collector layer in the active region. |
| US07973362B2 |
Semiconductor component and method for producing it
A semiconductor component includes a semiconductor body having an edge with an edge zone of a first conductivity type. Charge compensation regions of a second conductivity type are embedded into the edge zone, with the charge compensation regions extending from a top side of the semiconductor component vertically into the semiconductor body. For the number Ns of charge carriers present in a volume Vs between two charge compensation regions that are adjacent in a direction perpendicular to the edge, and for the number Np of charge carriers present in a volume Vp between two charge compensation regions that are adjacent in a direction parallel to the edge, Np>Ns holds true. |
| US07973360B2 |
Depletable cathode low charge storage diode
An integrated circuit device comprising a diode and a method of making an integrated circuit device comprising a diode are provided. The diode can comprise an island of a first conductivity type, a first region of a second conductivity type formed in the island, and a cathode diffusion contact region doped to the second conductivity type disposed in the first region. The diode can also comprise a cathode contact electrically contacting the cathode diffusion contact region, an anode disposed in the island, an anode contact electrically contacting the anode, and a first extension region doped to the first conductivity type disposed at a surface junction between the first region and the island. |
| US07973358B2 |
Coupler structure
One or more embodiments relate to a semiconductor device, comprising: a substrate; and a radio frequency coupler including a first coupling element and a second coupling element spacedly disposed from the first coupling element, the first coupling element including at least one through-substrate via disposed in the substrate, the second coupling element including at least one through-substrate via disposed in the substrate. |
| US07973357B2 |
Non-volatile memory devices
Non-volatile memory devices are provided including a control gate electrode on a substrate; a charge storage insulation layer between the control gate electrode and the substrate; a tunnel insulation layer between the charge storage insulation layer and the substrate; a blocking insulation layer between the charge storage insulation layer and the control gate electrode; and a material layer between the tunnel insulation layer and the blocking insulation layer, the material layer having an energy level constituting a bottom of a potential well. |
| US07973355B2 |
Nonvolatile memory devices with multiple layers having band gap relationships among the layers
A nonvolatile memory device may include: a tunnel insulating layer on a semiconductor substrate; a charge storage layer on the tunnel insulating layer; a blocking insulating layer on the charge storage layer; and a control gate electrode on the blocking insulating layer. The tunnel insulating layer may include a first tunnel insulating layer and a second tunnel insulating layer. The first tunnel insulating layer and the second tunnel insulating layer may be sequentially stacked on the semiconductor substrate. The second tunnel insulating layer may have a larger band gap than the first tunnel insulating layer. A method for fabricating a nonvolatile memory device may include: forming a tunnel insulating layer on a semiconductor substrate; forming a charge storage layer on the tunnel insulating layer; forming a blocking insulating layer on the charge storage layer; and forming a control gate electrode on the blocking insulating layer. |
| US07973354B2 |
Semiconductor devices with sidewall conductive patterns and methods of fabricating the same
A gate pattern is disclosed that includes a semiconductor substrate, a lower conductive pattern, an upper conductive pattern, and a sidewall conductive patter. The lower conductive pattern is on the substrate. The insulating pattern is on the lower conductive pattern. The upper conductive pattern is on the insulating pattern opposite to the lower conductive pattern. The sidewall conductive pattern is on at least a portion of sidewalls of the upper conductive pattern and the lower conductive pattern. The sidewall conductive pattern electrically connects the upper conductive pattern and the lower conductive pattern. An upper edge portion of the lower conductive pattern may be recessed relative to a lower edge portion of the lower conductive pattern to define a ledge thereon. The sidewall conductive pattern may be directly on the ledge and sidewall of the recessed upper edge portion of the lower conductive pattern. |
| US07973353B2 |
NAND memory cells
A method for manufacturing NAND memory cells includes providing a substrate having a first doped region formed therein; sequentially forming a first dielectric layer, a storage layer and a patterned hard mask on the substrate; forming a STI defining a plurality of recesses in the substrate through the patterned hard mask; sequentially forming a second dielectric layer and a first conductive layer filling the recesses on the substrate; and performing a planarization process to remove a portion of the first conductive layer and the second dielectric layer to form a plurality of self-aligned islanding gate structures. |
| US07973352B2 |
Capacitors having composite dielectric layers containing crystallization inhibiting regions
Integrated circuit capacitors have composite dielectric layers therein. These composite dielectric layers include crystallization inhibiting regions that operate to increase the overall crystallization temperature of the composite dielectric layer. An integrated circuit capacitor includes first and second capacitor electrodes and a capacitor dielectric layer extending between the first and second capacitor electrodes. The capacitor dielectric layer includes a composite of a first dielectric layer extending adjacent the first capacitor electrode, a second dielectric layer extending adjacent the second capacitor electrode and an electrically insulating crystallization inhibiting layer extending between the first and second dielectric layers. The electrically insulating crystallization inhibiting layer is formed of a material having a higher crystallization temperature characteristic relative to the first and second dielectric layers. |
| US07973350B2 |
Strained-channel transistor device
Semiconductor device comprising at least: one substrate, a transistor comprising at least one source region, one drain region, one channel and one gate, a planar layer based on at least one piezoelectric material, resting at least on the gate and capable of inducing at least mechanical strain on the transistor channel, in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the plane of a face of the piezoelectric layer situated on the gate side, the piezoelectric layer being arranged between two biasing electrodes, one of the two biasing electrodes being formed by a first layer based on at least one electrically conductive material such that the piezoelectric layer is arranged between this first conductive layer and the gate of the transistor. |
| US07973346B2 |
Image sensor with self-boosting transfer transistor gate and methods of operating and fabricating the same
Disclosed is a image sensor (e.g., a CMOS image sensor) including pixels each having a transfer transistor and a drive transistor, in which the gate of at least one of the transistors has a boosting gate disposed over it comprised of a conductive film pattern with interposing an insulation film. Thus, a voltage applied to the boosting gate is capacitively coupled to at least one of the transfer gate of the transfer transistor and a drive gate of the drive transistor. The transfer gate is supplied with the sum of the transfer voltage and the boosting gate-coupling voltage as a result and there is no need for providing a high voltage generator for the image sensor. The dynamic range of operation may be enhanced if such a coupling voltage is applied to the drive gate of the drive transistor. |
| US07973344B2 |
Double gate JFET with reduced area consumption and fabrication method therefor
Double gate JFET with reduced area consumption and fabrication method therefore. Double-gate semiconductor device including a substrate having a shallow trench isolator region comprising a first STI and a second STI, a channel region having a first and second channel edges, the channel region formed in the substrate and disposed between and in contact with the first STI and the second STI at the first and second channel edge. The first STI has a first cavity at the first channel edge, and the second STI has a second cavity at the second channel edge. The device further includes a gate electrode region comprising conductive material filling at least one of the first and second cavities. At least one of the first and second cavities is physically configured to provide electrical coupling of the gate electrode region to a back-gate P-N junction. |
| US07973343B2 |
Multibit electro-mechanical memory device having cantilever electrodes
A multibit electro-mechanical memory device comprises a substrate, a bit line on the substrate, a first interlayer insulating film on the bit line, first and second lower word lines on the first interlayer insulating film, the first and second lower word lines separated horizontally from each other by a trench, a spacer abutting a sidewall of each of the first and second lower word lines, a pad electrode inside a contact hole, first and second cantilever electrodes suspended over first and second lower voids that correspond to upper parts of the first and second lower word lines provided in both sides on the pad electrode, the first and second cantilever electrodes being separated from each other by the trench, and being curved in a third direction that is perpendicular to the first and second direction; a second interlayer insulating film on the pad electrode, first and second trap sites supported by the second interlayer insulating film to have first and second upper voids on the first and second cantilever electrodes, and first and second upper word lines on the first and second trap sites. |
| US07973339B2 |
Diamond semiconductor element and process for producing the same
An integrated optical waveguide has a first optical waveguide, a second optical waveguide, and a groove. The second optical waveguide is coupled to the first optical waveguide and has a refractive index that is different from the first optical waveguide. The groove is disposed so as to traverse an optical path of the first optical waveguide and is separated from an interface between the first optical waveguide and the second optical waveguide by a predetermined spacing. The spacing from the interface and the width of the groove are determined such that reflection at a boundary between the first optical waveguide and the second optical waveguide is weakened. A semiconductor board may be disposed at a boundary between the first optical waveguide and the second optical waveguide. In this case, the width of the groove and the thickness of the semiconductor board are determined such that light reflected off an interface between the first optical waveguide and the groove is weakened by light reflected from an interface between the groove and the semiconductor board, and by light reflected from an interface between the semiconductor board and the second optical waveguide. |
| US07973336B2 |
Released freestanding strained heterojunction structures
Growth of multilayer films is carried out in a manner which allows close control of the strain in the grown layers and complete release of the grown films to allow mounting of the released multilayer structures on selected substrates. A layer of material, such as silicon-germanium, is grown onto a template layer, such as silicon, of a substrate having a sacrificial layer on which the template layer is formed. The grown layer has a lattice mismatch with the template layer so that it is strained as deposited. A top layer of crystalline material, such as silicon, is grown on the alloy layer to form a multilayer structure with the grown layer and the template layer. The sacrificial layer is preferentially etched away to release the multilayer structure from the sacrificial layer, relaxing the grown layer and straining the crystalline layers interfaced with it. |
| US07973331B2 |
Light-emitting device
The present invention is related to a light-emitting device. The present invention illustrates a vertical light-emitting device in one embodiment, comprising the following elements: a conductive substrate includes a through-hole, a patterned semiconductor structure disposed on a first surface of the substrate, a first bonding pad and a second bonding pad disposed on a second surface of the substrate, a conductive line passing through the through-hole connecting electrically the semiconductor structure layer, and an insulation layer on at least one sidewall of the through-hole insulates the conductive line form the substrate. The present invention illustrates a horizontal light-emitting device in another embodiment, comprising the following elements: a substrate includes a first tilted sidewall, a patterned semiconductor structure disposed on a first surface of the substrate, a first conductive line is disposed on at least the first tilted sidewall of the substrate and connecting electrically the patterned semiconductor structure. |
| US07973330B2 |
Substrate-free light emitting diode
A substrate-free light emitting diode (LED) including an epitaxy layer, a conductive supporting layer, and a first contact pad is provided. The epitaxy layer includes a first type doped semiconductor layer, a light emitting layer, and a second type doped semiconductor layer. The light emitting layer is disposed on the first type doped semiconductor layer, and a portion of the first type doped semiconductor layer is exposed. The second type doped semiconductor layer and the conductive supporting layer are sequentially disposed on the second type doped semiconductor layer. The first contact pad is disposed on the exposed first type doped semiconductor layer and electrically connected thereto. The first contact pad and the conductive supporting layer serving as an electrode are disposed on the same side of the epitaxy layer to avoid the light shielding effects of the electrode to improve the front light emitting efficiency of the LED. |
| US07973329B2 |
Semiconductor light emitting device
Embodiments provides a semiconductor light emitting device, which comprises a first conductive semiconductor layer, an active layer under the first conductive semiconductor layer, a second conductive semiconductor layer under the active layer, a second electrode layer under the second conductive semiconductor layer, an insulator on one side of the second electrode layer, and a first electrode electrically connected to a one end of the first conductive semiconductor layer, on the insulator. |
| US07973328B2 |
Light emitting diode package
There is provided a light emitting diode (LED) package in which a phosphor layer encapsulating an LED chip is formed uniformly to facilitate a process. The LED package includes: a package body having a mounting area; a holding part mounted on the mounting area to expose a portion of the mounting area; an LED chip mounted on the mounting area, the LED chip surrounded by the holding part to emit light; and a phosphor layer held by the holding part to seal a space defined by the holding part, the phosphor layer converting a wavelength of the light from the LED chip. |
| US07973325B2 |
Reflective electrode and compound semiconductor light emitting device including the same
Provided are a reflective electrode and a compound semiconductor light emitting device having the reflective electrode, such as LED or LD is provided. The reflective electrode formed on a p-type compound semiconductor layer of a compound semiconductor light emitting device, comprising a first electrode layer formed one of a Ag and Ag-alloy and forms an ohmic contact with the p-type compound semiconductor layer, a third electrode layer formed of a material selected from the group consisting of Ni, Ni-alloy, Zn, Zn-alloy, Cu, Cu-alloy, Ru, Ir, and Rh on the first electrode layer, and a fourth electrode layer formed of a light reflective material on the third electrode layer. |
| US07973323B2 |
Semiconductor device and manufacturing method thereof, and camera module including the same
A semiconductor device includes: an insulating base; a semiconductor element provided on the insulating base; a protector provided on the semiconductor element; and a frame provided on a periphery of the insulating base and surrounding the semiconductor element. A region inside the frame is filled with a sealing resin, and at least one groove is provided in an upper corner portion of the frame on the semiconductor element side of the frame. |
| US07973320B2 |
Organic semiconductor light-emitting device and display using same
An organic semiconductor light-emitting device having the form of a field-effect transistor and a display using this device is provided. In the device, electrons and holes can be transported. The device comprises an organic semiconductor light-emitting layer capable of emitting light by recombination of holes and electrons, a hole injection electrode for injecting holes into the organic semiconductor light-emitting layer, an electron injection electrode for injecting electrons into the organic semiconductor light-emitting layer, and a gate electrode so disposed as to be opposed to the organic semiconductor light-emitting layer between the electrodes. When a control voltage is applied to the gate electrode, the carrier distribution in the organic semiconductor light-emitting layer is controlled. Thus, the light emission can be turned on/off and the emission intensity can be modulated. |
| US07973319B2 |
Display unit, method of manufacturing same, organic light emitting unit, and method of manufacturing same
A display unit capable of being simply designed and manufactured by using more simplified light emitting device structure while capable of high definition display and display with superior color reproducibility and a manufacturing method thereof are provided. The display unit is a display unit (1), wherein a plurality of organic EL devices (3B), (3G), and (3R), in which a function layer (6) including a light emitting layer (11) is sandwiched between a lower electrode (4) made of a light reflective material and a semi-transmissive upper electrode (7), and which has a resonator structure in which light h emitted in the light emitting layer (11) is resonated using a space between the lower electrode (4) and the upper electrode (7) as a resonant section (15) and is extracted from the upper electrode (7) side are arranged on a substrate (2). In the respective organic EL devices (3B), (3G), and (3R), the function layer (6) is made of an identical layer, and an optical distance L of the resonant section (15) is set to a value different from each other so that blue, green, or red wavelength region is resonated. |
| US07973310B2 |
Semiconductor package structure and method for manufacturing the same
Semiconductor package structures and methods for manufacturing the same are provided. The semiconductor package structure comprises a substrate unit and a first chip stack structure. The substrate unit comprises a circuit structure having test pads. The first chip stack structure comprises chips, and each of the chips has a plurality of through silicon plugs. The through silicon plugs of two adjacent chips are electrically connected and further electrically connected to the test pads of the substrate unit for electrical testing. Another semiconductor package structure provided by the present invention comprises a first semiconductor chip and a second semiconductor chip. Each of the semiconductor chips has test pads for electrical testing and a plurality of through silicon plugs connecting to the test pads. The second semiconductor chip is mounted on the first semiconductor chip, and a portion of the through silicon plugs of two semiconductor chips are electrically connected with each other. |
| US07973308B2 |
Organic-semiconductor-based infrared receiving device
An organic-semiconductor-based infrared receiving device comprises an electrode layer having a positive layer and a negative layer to form an electric field, and a transport layer located between the positive and negative layers and having a first and a second predetermined material combined in a predetermined ratio. The energy of infrared light from a light source is received at an interface between the first and second materials. The thickness of the transport layer can be increased to enhance the light absorbance in the infrared light range to form electron-hole pairs, which are then parted to form a plurality of electrons and holes driven by the electric field to move to the negative layer and the positive layer, respectively, so that a predetermined photocurrent is generated. |
| US07973306B2 |
Anthracene derivatives, organic electronic devices using anthracene derivatives, and electronic apparatuses comprising organic electronic device
Disclosed in an anthracene derivative, an organic electronic device using the anthracene derivative, and an electronic apparatus including the organic electronic device. The anthracene derivative is capable of being used as a hole injecting material, a hole transporting material, an electron injecting material, an electron transporting material, and a light emitting material in an organic electronic device including an organic light emitting device. In particular, the anthracene derivative is capable of being used alone as a light emitting material and a host or a dopant in a host/dopant system. The organic electronic device is excellent in views of efficiency, driving voltage, life time, and stability. |
| US07973303B2 |
Nitride semiconductor device
A nitride semiconductor device includes n-type and p-type nitride semiconductor layers, an active layer, the active layer having a lamination of quantum barrier layers and quantum well layers, a thermal stress control layer disposed between the n-type nitride semiconductor layer and the active layer, and formed of a material having a smaller thermal expansion coefficient than the n-type and p-type nitride semiconductor layers, and a lattice stress control layer disposed between the thermal stress control layer and the active layer, and including a first layer and a second layer. |
| US07973295B2 |
Method for making transparent carbon nanotube film
The present method relates to a method for making a transparent carbon nanotube film. The method includes the following steps: (a) making a carbon nanotube film, and (b) irradiating the carbon nanotube film by a laser device with a power density thereof being greater than 0.1×104 W/m2, thus acquiring the transparent carbon nanotube film. |
| US07973294B2 |
Methods and devices for characterizing particles in clear and turbid media
The invention provides methods and devices for detecting, identifying, classifying and characterizing particles in a fluid sample. Optical analyzers are provided having a rotating and/or translating sample container for measuring the concentrations of fluorescent particles present in very low concentrations and for characterizing fluorescent particles on the basis of size, shape, diffusion constant and/or composition. Scanning optical analyzers are provided using pattern recognitions data analysis techniques and multichannel detection. |
| US07973293B2 |
Implantation quality improvement by xenon/hydrogen dilution gas
A method comprises supplying a dopant gas in an arc chamber of an ion source. A dilutant is supplied to dilute the dopant gas. The dilutant comprises about 98.5 wt. % xenon and about 1.5 wt. % hydrogen. An ion beam is generated from the diluted dopant gas using the ion source. |
| US07973290B2 |
System and method of beam energy identification for single wafer ion implantation
The present invention involves a beam energy identification system, comprising an accelerated ion beam, wherein the accelerated ion beam is scanned in a fast scan axis within a beam scanner, wherein the beam scanner is utilized to deflect the accelerated ion beam into narrow faraday cups downstream of the scanner, wherein a difference in scanner voltage or current to position the beam into the Faraday cups is utilized to calculated the energy of ion beam. |
| US07973289B2 |
Method for producing image contrast by phase shifting in electron optics
According to the invention, the image contrast in electron optics can be improved without causing aberrations that are no longer tolerable by using, for production and correction of the at least one anamorphic image, quadrupole fields before and after this image whose extent in the direction of the optical axis is equal to at least twice their focal length, and wherein at least one of the axial rays, by an appropriate choice of the magnification M of the intermediate image, enters the quadrupole field before the at least one anamorphic image at a slope 1/M such that a length of the anamorphic image is achieved at which any aberrations caused are still within a tolerable range. The invention also relates to devices for implementing this method. |
| US07973282B2 |
Charged particle beam apparatus and dimension measuring method
There is provided a charged particle beam apparatus which allows implementation of a high-reliability and high-accuracy dimension measurement even if height differences exist on the surface of a sample. The charged particle beam apparatus includes the following configuration components: An acquisition unit for acquiring a plurality of SEM images whose focus widths are varied in correspondence with the focal depths, a determination unit for determining, from the plurality of SEM images acquired, a SEM image for which the image sharpness degree of the partial domain including a dimension-measuring domain becomes the maximum value, and a measurement unit for measuring the dimension of the predetermined domain from the SEM image whose image sharpness degree is the maximum value. |
| US07973278B2 |
Microengineered ionisation device
This invention provides a method of aligning a capillary needle, a set of electrodes, and an input to a mass spectrometer. The electrode system is formed as an assembly of two separate chips and forms an ionization device. Each chip is formed on an insulating plastic substrate. The first chip carries mechanical alignment features for the capillary electrospray needle together with a set of partial electrodes. The second chip carries a set of partial electrodes. The complete electrode system is formed when the chips are assembled in a stacked configuration. |
| US07973267B2 |
Apparatus and method for levitation of an amount of conductive material
An apparatus for levitation of an amount of conductive material including a coil for keeping the material in levitation using a varying electric current in the coil. The apparatus has two coils, a first coil and a second coil, both coils generating an alternating electromagnetic field during use, the alternating electric field of the first and the second coil counteracting each other. The first and second coils are positioned such that the conductive material kept in levitation between the first coil and the second coil is evaporated. A method for generating an amount of levitated conductive material is also disclosed. |
| US07973264B2 |
Toaster oven with low-profile heating elements
A toaster oven appliance including low-profile heating elements having a predetermined single-sided surface area calculated to provide uniform heating within the cooking chamber, facilitate cleaning and to increase its usable capacity is disclosed. Various alternative configurations of top, bottom, and side-mounted heating elements in combination with both fixed and vertically movable heating element embodiments are provided for use with standard and digital controls. The heating elements are positioned both internally and externally of the cooking chamber and are provided in unsheathed, plain-sheathed, and metallic-sheathed types for a given application of the present oven. In one embodiment the heating elements are constructed as removable plug-in modules for convenient cleaning and replacement. The present toaster oven further includes an optional forced convection fan to reduce cooking temperature and shorten cooking cycles. An optional rotisserie mechanism is also provided in conjunction with the aforementioned combinations of heating elements and heating controls. |
| US07973263B2 |
Mirror glass component with integrated illuminating means
The invention concerns a vehicle outside mirror module with a heatable mirror glass assembly group, whereby the mirror glass assembly group exhibits at least one mirror glass and an at least one layered, foil-like heating foil, flexibly configured on the back side of said mirror glass, provided with power supply points. To this end, there are configured or integrated, on or in the heating foil, at least one means of lighting and at least one additional power supply point. On or in the heating foil, between the one or the several lighting means and the one or the additional power supply points, are configured or integrated conductive tracks providing current which contact said power supply points. Each lighting means has at least one main light exit surface whose spectral centroid lies above the mirror back surface.With the current invention, a vehicle outside mirror module is developed in which a mirror heater and at least one means of lighting are integrated and connected in such a manner that they can be simply and securely assembled while keeping the expenditure in cabling low. |
| US07973261B2 |
Cooling structure for plasma lighting system
Disclosed is a cooling structure for a plasma lighting system comprising a fan housing having at least two discharge ports having different flow rates for introducing external air into a case and cooling heat generating components in the case. The structure intensively cools heat generating components of high temperature such as a magnetron, thereby prolonging a life span of the components and enhancing a performance of a system. |
| US07973260B2 |
Wire electrical discharge machining
A wire electrical discharge machine (WEDM) including a motion platform, a sink, a workbench, a connecting element, a jib, a first head and a second head is provided. The sink is disposed separately above the motion platform, and the workbench is disposed in the sink. The workbench is connected to the motion platform via the connecting element such that the motion platform drives the workbench moving along a first direction and a second direction. Besides, the jib is fixedly connected with the sink, and the first head is disposed inside the sink and connected with the jib. The second head is disposed above the first head. Thus, the jib does not cause relative motion to the sink in order to avoid leaking. |
| US07973252B2 |
Ignition switch
A three-position, single-pole, double-throw, rotary ignition switch is disclosed that is water-tight and provides qualitative and quantifiable durability in the presence of high-current loads, even after long use. It withstands a continuous 20 A load, plus an additional occasional 20 A load, when in the “run” position. It withstands an additional 75 A inductive load when in the “start” position. Then even after 12,000 operational cycles, leakage current (with 28 VDC supply voltage) when the switch is in the “off” position, and between non-current-carrying terminals when the switch is in the “on” position, remains under 0.3 mA, and still allows leakage current not exceeding 10 mA at any time while each disconnected pair of terminals and between terminals and ground are exposed to 1,000±5 Vrms at a frequency of at least 60 Hz being increased 400 V/sec for one minute. |
| US07973247B2 |
Connecting portion of circuit board and circuit board-connecting structure technical field
In a circuit board-connecting portion 10, a first connecting portion 15 and a second connecting portion 20 are disposed in facing relation such that first conductors 14 contact second conductors 19, and also a first substrate 12 and a second substrate 17 are fixed to each other by an adhesive 22. The first connecting portion 15 has rigid members 24 provided at a reverse surface 12B of the first substrate 12 which is a soft substrate, and the rigid members 24 are disposed along a direction of a thickness of the first substrate 14, and are provided at positions corresponding to at least parts 14A of the first conductors 14. |
| US07973242B2 |
Vertical cable manager
Embodiments of the invention provide a vertical cable manager for routing cables or wires. The vertical cable manager includes a vertical trough with sets of fingers. The fingers include arrow-shaped ends, which allow installation and/or removal of cables and wires, while retaining the cables and wires in cable rings. In some embodiments, a door attached to the vertical cable manager can be removable from one or both sides of the trough. In some embodiments, the vertical cable manager can include removable spools that can be attached to the trough in various positions and configurations. |
| US07973241B2 |
Pressure restraining enclosure for cables
A pressure restraining enclosure for cables can include, for example, a first cable including a conductor and an oil-containing layer surrounding the conductor, and a second cable having a conductor. A splice can connect the conductor of the first cable with the conductor of the second cable. A pressure restraining sleeve can overly the splice and the conductors of the first and second cables. Several fasteners can be applied to several locations on the pressure restraining sleeve to tighten the pressure restraining sleeve around the splice and portions of the first and second cable. Embodiments of the pressure restraining enclosure can be used in the form of a sleeve on a single core cable, or alternatively as a body and a separate sleeve on multiple core cables such as three-core cables. |
| US07973239B2 |
Ultrafine-coaxial-wire harness, connecting method thereof, circuit-board-connected body, circuit-board module, and electronic apparatus
A multicore ultrafine coaxial wire is formed by consolidating a plurality of ultrafine coaxial wires in a flat array. Each of the ultrafine coaxial wires has a center conductor, whose tip portion is exposed, an insulating layer, an outer conductor, and a covering. The harness has a grounding member that connects in common the outer conductors of the multicore ultrafine coaxial wire and an insulator frame that fixes the center conductors. End portions of an underside film and end portions of a topside film both of the insulator frame are provided with an alignment hole to align the center conductors with circuits on a substrate. |
| US07973237B2 |
Outlet assembly
An outlet assembly installed over an existing device box and wiring to provide an integrated appearance for a new low voltage installation alongside the existing device box, without requiring disturbance of the existing device box or wiring. |
| US07973232B2 |
Simulating several instruments using a single virtual instrument
A media application for providing outputs (e.g., audio outputs) in response to inputs received from an input device is provided. The media application may connect input mechanisms of an input device with parameters of channel strips (e.g., which may define output sounds) using an intermediate screen object. The media application may first assign an input mechanism to a screen object, and separately map a screen object to a channel strip parameter. The media application may map a screen object to several channel strips simultaneously such that, based on the value of the screen object, the volume of each of the several channel strips changes. The media application may provide a graphical representation of available channel strips using layers. As the media application accesses a channel strip, the appearance of the portion of the layer associated with the channel strip may change. The media application may also allow the patches, which may include several channel strips, to survive after a new patch is selected instead. |
| US07973228B2 |
Strap for musical instrument and method for adjusting length of strap belt
A guitar strap 10 includes an adjuster 13 by which the length of a second belt section 17 is adjusted. The adjuster 13 includes a base 31, a lever 32 manipulated to adjust the length of the second belt section 17, and a torsion spring 38 urging the lever 32 to pivot in a first direction. The second belt section 17 is clamped by the base 31 and the lever 32 due to urging force of the torsion spring 38. The second belt section 17 is released from a state clamped by the base 31 and the lever 32 by pivoting the lever 32 in a second direction, which is different from the first direction, against the urging force of the torsion spring 38. |
| US07973225B2 |
Peg for stringed instrument
The mounting position of a winding shaft on a main body is changed, and a peg may be mounted in various stringed instruments by miniaturizing the main body or reducing the thickness thereof. The peg for the stringed instrument includes a main body mounted in the stringed instrument; a worm rotatably supported by the main body, the worm having a knob at an end thereof; a worm wheel engaging with the worm, the worm wheel rotatably supported by the main body; a winding shaft connecting to one side of the worm wheel in an axial direction, the winding shaft for winding a string of the stringed instrument; and bearing holes formed in at least two surfaces of the main body, the bearing holes supporting the winding shaft rotatably. |
| US07973224B2 |
Guzmania hybrid named ‘FUSION’
A new and distinct Guzmania hybrid named ‘FUSION’ characterized by solid growth habit; funnel-form rosette plant, measuring about 42 cm to 48 cm in height (above the pot when flowering); numerous, dark green color foliage, measuring about 30 cm to 35 cm in length and about 3.0 cm to 4.0 cm in width; superior floral bract production; bracts have a unique dark purple color which distinguishes this cultivar from typical Guzmania; round, compound inflorescence, measuring about 30 cm in height and about 18 cm in diameter; and long-lasting habit. |
| US07973221B1 |
Soybean variety RJS49002
According to the invention, there is provided a novel soybean variety designated RJS49002. This invention thus relates to the seeds of soybean variety RJS49002, to the plants of soybean RJS49002 to plant parts of soybean variety RJS49002 and to methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing plants of the soybean variety RJS49002 with another soybean plant, using RJS49002 as either the male or the female parent. |
| US07973217B2 |
Stem-regulated, plant defense promoter and uses thereof in tissue-specific expression in monocots
The invention is directed to isolated promoters from stem-regulated, defense-inducible genes, such as OMT promoters. The promoters are useful in expression cassettes and expression vectors for the transformation of plants. Particularly, the invention provides transgenic plants of rice and sugarcane that have been modified such that expression of a heterologous coding sequence is directed by an OMT promoter and is limited to stem tissues or may be upregulated by the presence of a defense-inducing agent. The invention also discloses methods for producing the expression vectors and transgenic plants. |
| US07973215B2 |
Method for the introduction of a heterologous polynucleotide into a mushroom
The invention develops a simple and reliable mushroom transformation procedure on the basis of electroporation of spores or mycelial fragments of mushroom. |
| US07973212B2 |
Soybean plants having superior agronomic performance and methods for their production
This invention provides compositions including favorable alleles of marker loci associated with genetic elements contributing to superior agronomic performance. Also provided are markers for identifying favorable alleles of marker loci associated with genetic elements involved in superior agronomic performance, as well as methods employing the markers. |
| US07973211B2 |
Animal model for hyperpigmentation
An animal model for hyperpigmentations in which the formation of hyperpigmentations in human skin is faithfully simulated is provided. An animal model for hyperpigmentations, wherein a black person's skin is grafted onto a non-human animal, is provided. |
| US07973209B1 |
Fractionation recovery processing of light olefins free of carbon dioxide
Processing schemes and arrangements for the catalytic cracking of a heavy hydrocarbon feedstock and obtaining light olefins substantially free of carbon dioxide via amine treatment and employing fractionation processing are provided. |
| US07973207B2 |
Endothermic hydrocarbon conversion process
The present invention is an improved cyclic, endothermic hydrocarbon conversion process and a catalyst bed system for accomplishing the same. Specifically, the improved process comprises reacting a hydrocarbon with a multi-component catalyst bed in such a manner that the temperature within the catalyst bed remains within controlled temperature ranges throughout all stages of the process. The multi-component catalyst bed comprises a reaction-specific catalyst physically mixed with a heat-generating material. |
| US07973206B1 |
Alkylation process using catalysts with low olefin skeletal isomerization activity
A process is presented for the production of linear alkylbenzenes. The process includes contacting an aromatic compound with an olefin in the presence of a selective zeolite catalyst. The catalyst includes two zeolites combined to improve the linearity, and to produce detergent grade LAB. The two zeolites are selected to limit skeletal isomerization while producing a desired 2-phenyl content for the LAB. |
| US07973205B2 |
Process to make a lubricant component by oligomerizing and alkylating at a molar ratio of olefin to isoparaffin of at least 0.8
We provide a process to make a lubricant component, comprising: a. oligomerizing a feed comprising one or more olefins in an ionic liquid oligomerization zone, at oligomerization conditions, to form an oligomer; and b. alkylating the oligomer in the presence of an isoparaffin, in an ionic liquid alkylation zone, at alkylation conditions including a molar ratio of one or more olefins and one or more isoparaffins of at least 0.8, to form an alkylated oligomeric product that is a lubricant component having a kinematic viscosity at 100° C. of at least 6.9 mm2/s, a VI of at least 134, a cloud point less than or equal to −28° C., and a Bromine Number of less than or equal to 6.1. |
| US07973203B2 |
Method for substituting indenofluorenes
The invention relates to a process for the preparation of trans-indenofluorene compounds of the formula (Ia) or cis-indenofluorene compounds of the formula (Ib) in a reaction with at least one compound of the formula (IIa) or (IIb) respectively with at least one compound of the R-Hal in the presence of at least one organic base and at least one organic, polar, aprotic solvent. |
| US07973202B2 |
Method for producing fluorine-containing olefin
The present invention aims to reduce an amount of by-products generated in a reaction step for obtaining fluorine-containing olefin, and thereby to obtain fluorine-containing olefin as a target substance with a higher selectivity than that in the conventional method.In a reaction step for generating fluorine-containing olefin by a dehydrohalogenation reaction from fluorine-containing halogenated propane expressed by a general formula CF3CH(2-n)XnCH(3-m)Xm (wherein n=0, 1 or 2; m=1, 2 or 3; and n+m≦3; and X is selected from F, Cl and Br, independently), fluorochromium oxide having a fluorine content not less than 30% by weight is used as a catalyst. |
| US07973199B2 |
Process for producing acetone from bioethanol
The present invention provides a technique for producing acetone in a high yield from hydrated ethanol derived from biomass, without requiring a large amount of energy. Hydrated ethanol derived from biomass is heated to a reaction temperature of 400° C. or higher in the presence of a Zr—Fe catalyst, thereby producing acetone. The reaction temperature is preferably from 450 to 550° C., and the Zr—Fe catalyst preferably contains 5 to 10% by mass of Zr. The present invention allows purification of hydrated acetone without requiring purification of the hydrated ethanol. |
| US07973198B2 |
Method for synthesizing optically active carbonyl compounds
The present invention relates to a process for preparing optically active carbonyl compounds by asymmetrically hydrogenating α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds in the presence of optically active transition metal catalysts which are soluble in the reaction mixture and have at least one carbon monoxide ligand, the optically active catalyst which has at least one carbon monoxide ligand and is to be used in each case being prepared by pretreating a catalyst precursor with a gas mixture comprising carbon monoxide and hydrogen and the asymmetric hydrogenation being performed in the presence of carbon monoxide supplied additionally to the reaction mixture. |
| US07973197B2 |
Colorant compound and blue resist composition for use in color filter containing the same
The present invention provides (I) a method of manufacturing a triphenylmethane colorant that can suppress the sub-reactions in conversion to a sulfonamide and is industrially advantageous, (II) a colorant compound that has both excellent spectral characteristics and a high solubility relative to organic solvents or polymers as a coloring agent to be used in color filters and (III) a blue resist composition for use in a color filter that shows a high lightness and an excellent hue particularly for blue color and can be used to display an image that is excellent in terms of spectral characteristics and contrast. |
| US07973194B1 |
High solvating cyclohexane dicarboxylate diesters plasticizers
Diesters of 1,4-cyclohexane dicarboxylate are surprisingly more efficient PVC plasticizers and fuse PVC faster and at a lower temperature than similar phthalates or terephthalate diesters. Hydrogenated orthophthalate diesters are slower fusing, i.e., require higher temperatures, than do the corresponding orthophthalate diesters. |
| US07973193B2 |
Method for producing ester condensed product
The present invention is to provide a method for preparing an ester condensate and a catalyst therefore; wherein the method enables synthesis of enormous amounts of ester condensates comprising a specific structure in good yield, by a reaction of carboxylic acid and alcohol in equimolar amounts, while generation of by-products is prevented; wherein the catalyst exhibits good catalytic efficiency as a catalyst for use, the use of the catalyst in small amount is sufficient, and the catalyst is reusable and can be used repeatedly; therefore, the method for preparing an ester condensate of the present invention and the catalyst therefore can be applied to industrial methods which are preferable in view of green chemistry. Esterification reaction is performed by using a catalyst comprising a zirconium(IV) compound and/or a hafnium(IV) compound and an iron compound and a gallium compound. It is preferable that the zirconium(IV) compound is a compound represented by Zr(OH)a(OR1)b, wherein, R1 represents an acyl group or an alkyl group, and each of a and b is 0 or any one of integers of 1 to 4 and the relationship of a+b=4 is satisfied, and a zirconium(IV) halide. |
| US07973192B2 |
Preparation of both hexamethylene diamine and aminocapronitrile
Hexamethylenediamine and aminocapronitrile are simultaneoussly produced by hemihydrogenation of adiponitrile, which includes a stage of separation of the hexamethylenediamine from the hydrogenate by distillation of the hexamethylenediamine, the distillation of the hexamethylenediamine being carried out from the hydrogenate containing a free acid and/or an alkali metal or ammonium acid salt, whereby a top fraction A recovered at the column top of the stage of distillation of the hexamethylenediamine is essentially crude hexamethylenediamine and a small amount of THA; the amount of THA (tetrahydroazepine) present in the crude hexamethylenediamine constitutes a small proportion of the THA present in the hydrogenate. |
| US07973191B2 |
Method for the production of dibenz[c,e] [1,2]-oxaphosphorin derivatives, amino-dibenz[c,e] [1,2]-oxaphosphorin and also use thereof
The invention relates to general syntheses of (6H)-dibenz[c,e] [1,2]-oxaphosphorins which are substituted with nitrogen compounds on the phosphorus atom and comprising commercially available 6H-dibenz[c,e] [1,2]-oxaphosphorin-6-oxides. These nitrogen-containing (6H)-dibenz[c,e] [1,2]-oxaphosphorins can be used as reactive starting substances for further syntheses or as flameproofing agents or as stabilisers. |
| US07973190B2 |
Polycyclic fused ring type π-conjugated organic material, intermediate therefor, process for producing polycyclic fused ring type π-conjugated organic material, and process for producing intermediate of polycyclic fused ring type π-conjugated organic material
A polycyclic fused ring type π-conjugated organic material (VIIa, VIIb, VIIc, VIId) is obtained in the following manner. That is, as shown in Scheme 1 below, a starting material (I) is dimetalated with an organometallic base. The starting material (I) thus dimetalated is trapped with an organosilicon reagent (i: (1) n-BuLi or t-BuLi; (2) HMe2SiCl). As a result, an intermediate is obtained. Thereafter, the intermediate is allowed to react with a metal reductant. This causes an intramolecular reductive cyclization reaction to proceed. As a result, a dianion intermediate is produced. The dianion intermediate is trapped with an electrophile (ii: (1) LiNaph, THF, rt, 5 min; (2) electrophile or NH4Cl) In this way, the polycyclic fused ring type π-conjugated organic material is obtained. The polycyclic fused ring type π-conjugated organic material, an intermediate therefor, a method for producing the polycyclic fused ring type π-conjugated organic material, and a method for producing the intermediate make it possible to provide a polycyclic fused ring type π-conjugated organic material having excellent light-emitting and charge-transporting properties. |
| US07973189B2 |
Cobalt nitride layers for copper interconnects and methods for forming them
An interconnect structure for integrated circuits incorporates a layer of cobalt nitride that facilitates the nucleation, growth and adhesion of copper wires. The cobalt nitride may deposited on a refractory metal nitride or carbide layer, such as tungsten nitride or tantalum nitride, that serves as a diffusion barrier for copper and also increases the adhesion between the cobalt nitride and the underlying insulator. The cobalt nitride may be formed by chemical vapor deposition from a novel cobalt amidinate precursor. Copper layers deposited on the cobalt nitride show high electrical conductivity and can serve as seed layers for electrochemical deposition of copper conductors for microelectronics. |
| US07973185B2 |
Process for the preparation of phenolic hydroxy-substituted compounds
The invention relates to a process for the preparation of a phenolic hydroxy-substituted compound of the general formula (I) by desalkylation of an alkyl aryl ether of the general formula (II) by treatment with a thiourea/aluminum chloride reagent pair, in said general formulae R1 stands for straight chain or branched C1-6 alkyl group; R2, R3 , R4 , R5, and R6 have the same or different meanings and stand for hydrogen or halogen atom, hydroxy, carboxy, nitro, oxo, C1-6 alkylcarbonyl, straight chain or branched alkyl or -alkoxy, or aryl group, or R2 and R3 together stand for a 5-7 membered ring or fused ring system; said 5-7 membered ring may be a partially saturated ring optionally substituted with an oxo group or can be an unsaturated ring; or said fused ring system may constitute with the first ring a steroid, preferably an estratriene derivative optionally substituted with an oxo or C1-6 alkylcarbonyloxy group in the 17 position. |
| US07973183B2 |
Process for the preparation of an olefin oxide
The present invention relates to a continuous process for the preparation of an olefin oxide wherein an olefin is reacted with a hydroperoxidein the presence of a catalyst, and wherein the reaction which is carried out in at least three reactors operated in parallel is controlled by specifically adjusting the catalyst loads in the reactors. |
| US07973182B2 |
Process for the preparation of enantiomerically pure 1-substituted-3-aminoalcohols
A process for the preparation of enantiomerically pure 1-substituted-3-amino-alcohols, particularly of (S)-(−)- and (R)-(+)-3-N-methylamino-1-(2-thienyl)-1-propanol, by asymmetrically hydrogenating salts of a carboxylic acids with an aminoketone of the formula: wherein R1 is 2-thienyl, 2-furanyl or phenyl, each optionally substituted with one or more halogen atoms and/or one or more C1-4-alkyl or C1-4-alkoxy groups, and wherein R2 is C1-4-alkyl or phenyl, each optionally substituted with one or more halogen atoms and/or one or more C1-4-alkyl or C1-4-alkoxy groups. The corresponding aminoalcohols are obtained by subsequent hydrolysis of their salts. Salts of a carboxylic acid with the aminoketones and the aminoalcohols obtained by asymmetrically hydrogenating the aminoketones, respectively. |
| US07973180B2 |
Process for producing aqueous dispersion of composite of poly(3,4-dialkoxythiophene) with polyanion
The present invention provides a method for the production of an aqueous dispersion containing an electroconductive polymer component which enables electroconductive thin films which are outstanding in their transparency and electroconductivity to be formed, together with the aqueous dispersion obtained by said method. This method includes a stage in which a 3,4-dialkoxythiophene is polymerized in an aqueous solvent using an oxidizing agent in the presence of a polyanion and, in this stage, said oxidizing agent is added by the dropwise addition of a solution or dispersion containing said oxidizing agent to the reaction solution or, alternatively, in the polymerization stage, the alkali metal ion concentration in the reaction liquid is maintained at no more than 400 ppm. |
| US07973176B2 |
Process for production of aralkyloxypyrrolidine derivative
The present invention provides a process for producing a 3-aralkyloxypyrrolidine derivative which is important for production of pharmaceutical products and the like. In the present invention, a N-protected-3-hydroxypyrrolidine is converted into a N-protected-3-aralkyloxypyrrolidine by allowing an aralkyl halide to act in the presence of a base and at least one of a metal halide and a phase-transfer catalyst followed by deprotecting a N-protecting group to convert it to a 3-aralkyloxypyrrolidine derivative and subsequently treating the derivative in a solvent containing a polar solvent, thereby obtaining the 3-aralkyloxypyrrolidine derivative as a crystal. According to the present invention, a 3-aralkyloxypyrrolidine derivative of high purity can be produced conveniently and efficiently on an industrial scale. |
| US07973174B2 |
Process of making 3-aminopentanenitrile
A process for making 3-aminopentanenitrile from a crude 2-pentenenitrile (“crude 2PN”) comprising 2-pentenenitrile, 2-methyl-2-butenenitrile, and 2-methyl-3-butenenitrile includes contacting the crude 2PN with an ammonia-containing fluid and water. The ammonia-containing fluid can include at least one reactant selected from the group consisting of ammonia, aqueous ammonia, and ammonium hydroxide. |
| US07973171B2 |
Process for synthesis of dialkoxyorganoboranes
The invention relates to a process for the synthesis of dialkoxyorganoboranes, in particular to a process for the synthesis of dialkoxyorganoboranes by an ester exchange reaction. Moreover, the invention relates to a process for the synthesis of organo-oxazaborolidine catalysts (organo-CBS) and of trialkylboroxins. Furthermore, the invention relates to methods of using dialkoxyorganoboranes for the preparation of organo-CBS catalysts and in Suzuki-type coupling reactions. |
| US07973168B2 |
Metallic compound and organic electroluminescence device comprising the same
The present invention relates to a light emitting binuclear transition metal compound of Chemical Formulae 1 and 2, and an organic electroluminescence device including the compound. In the Chemical Formulae 1 and 2, M is selected from Ir, Pt, Rh, Re, and Os, and m is 2, provided that the m is 1 when M is Pt. |
| US07973164B2 |
Quinoline derivatives
The invention concerns quinoline derivatives of Formula I or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof, wherein each of X1, p, R1, q, R2, R3, R4, R5, Ring A, r and R6 has any of the meanings defined hereinbefore in the description; processes for their preparation, pharmaceutical compositions containing them and their use in the manufacture of a medicament for use in the treatment of cell proliferative disorders. |
| US07973159B2 |
Non-basic melanin concentrating hormone receptor-1 antagonists
The present application provides compounds, including all stereoisomers, solvates, prodrugs and pharmaceutically acceptable forms thereof according to Formula I. Additionally, the present application provides pharmaceutical compositions containing at least one compound according to Formula I and optionally at least one additional therapeutic agent. Finally, the present application provides methods for treating a patient suffering from an MCHR-1 modulated disease or disorder such as, for example, obesity, diabetes, depression or anxiety by administration of a therapeutically effective dose of a compound according to Formula I. where R1, R1a, R1b, A, R3, R4, R5, R5b and R6 are as defined herein. |
| US07973157B2 |
Imino and amino sugar purification
Novel processes for the purification of an imino or amino sugar, such as D-1-deoxygalactonojirimycin (DGJ). Particularly, there are described processes for the purification of multi-kilogram scale sugars using hydrochloric acid. |
| US07973156B2 |
Hypoxia-regulated genes
According to the present invention, purified, isolated and cloned nucleic acid polynucleotide encoding hypoxia-regulating genes and the proteins thereof and antibodies directed against the proteins which have sequences as set forth in SEQ ID No:1, SEQ ID No:2, SEQ ID No:3, SEQ ID No:4, SEQ ID No:5 and SEQ ID No:6 are provided. The present invention further provides transgenic animals and cell lines as well as knock-out organisms of these sequences. The present invention further provides methods of regulating angiogenesis or apoptosis or regulating response to hypoxic conditions in a patient in need of such treatment. The present invention also provides a method of diagnosing the presence of ischemia in a patient including the steps of analyzing a bodily fluid or tissue sample from the patient for the presence or gene product of at least one expressed gene (up-regulated) as set forth in the group comprising SEQ ID No:2; SEQ ID No:3; SEQ ID No:4; SEQ ID No:5; and SEQ ID No:6 and where ischemia is determined if the up-regulated gene or gene product is ascertained. |
| US07973152B2 |
Nucleotide sequences mediating male fertility and method of using same
Nucleotide sequences mediating 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 mediating male fertility in plants. |
| US07973150B2 |
Reducing the immunogenicity of fusion proteins
Disclosed are compositions and methods for producing fusion proteins with reduced immunogenicity. Fusion proteins of the invention include a junction region having an amino acid change that reduces the ability of a junctional epitope to bind to MHC Class II, thereby reducing its interaction with a T-cell receptor. Methods of the invention involve analyzing, changing, or modifying one or more amino acids in the junction region of a fusion protein in order to identify a T-cell epitope and reduce its ability to interact with a T cell receptor. Compositions and methods of the invention are useful in therapy. |
| US07973146B2 |
Engineered fluorescent dye labeled nucleotide analogs for DNA sequencing
Engineered nucleotide compositions, having polymerase interacting components that improve the interactivity of the polymerase and the nucleotide, particularly for nucleic acid sequencing applications. Compositions include the interactive polymerases along with the nucleotide analogs. Kits, methods and systems are provided for analysis of nucleic acid synthesis reactions. |
| US07973144B2 |
Method for refolding protein
It has been required to refold an inactive protein into an active protein with high efficacy. This problem can be solved by the method for producing a protein including a step of providing a porous body supporting an inactive protein in its mesopores, a step of applying a denaturant to the porous body supporting the inactive protein, and a step of changing the inactive protein to an active protein by removing the denaturant from the porous body. |
| US07973142B2 |
Antibodies that bind human protein tyrosine phosphatase beta (HPTPβ)
Antibodies and antigen binding fragments thereof that bind to human protein tyrosine phosphatase beta (HPTPβ), and uses thereof. |
| US07973139B2 |
Antibodies against nogo receptor
The present invention relates to antibodies and related molecules that specifically bind to the Nogo receptor (NogoR). Such antibodies have uses, for example, in the treatment of spinal cord injury, brain trauma, paralysis, degenerative nervous system diseases, and stroke. The invention also relates to nucleic acid molecules encoding anti-NogoR antibodies, vectors and host cells containing these nucleic acids, and methods for producing the same. |
| US07973132B2 |
Cell-permeable fluorescent proteins
This invention relates to methods and compositions for designing novel fluorescent proteins, preferably to a green fluorescent proteins (GFP). The engineered GFPs are modified by substituting negatively charged amino acids with positively charged amino acids on the exterior of the protein making the protein cell permeable. The ability of the engineered fluorescent proteins to permeate cells obviates the need for transfections, allowing these novel proteins to be used in numerous biological applications. |
| US07973126B2 |
Emissive polymeric materials for optoelectronic devices
Polymers including at least one structural unit derived from a compound of formula I or including at least one pendant group of formula II may be used in optoelectronic devices wherein R1, R3, R4 and R6 are independently hydrogen, alkyl, alkoxy, oxaalkyl, alkylaryl, aryl, arylalkyl, heteroaryl, substituted alkyl; substituted alkoxy, substituted oxaalkyl, substituted alkylaryl, substituted aryl, substituted arylalkyl, or substituted heteroaryl; R1a is hydrogen or alkyl; R2 is alkylene, substituted alkylene, oxaalkylene, CO, or CO2; R2a is alkylene; R5 is independently at each occurrence hydrogen, alkyl, alkylaryl, aryl, arylalkyl, alkoxy, carboxy, substituted alkyl; substituted alkylaryl, substituted aryl, substituted arylalkyl, or substituted alkoxy, X is halo, triflate, —B(OR1a)2, or located at the 2, 5- or 2, 7-positions; and L is derived from phenylpyridine, tolylpyridine, benzothienylpyridine, phenylisoquinoline, dibenzoquinozaline, fluorenylpyridine, ketopyrrole, 2-(1-naphthyl)benzoxazole)), 2-phenylbenzoxazole, 2-phenylbenzothiazole, coumarin, thienylpyridine, phenylpyridine, benzothienylpyridine, 3-methoxy-2-phenylpyridine, thienylpyridine, phenylimine, vinylpyridine, pyridylnaphthalene, pyridylpyrrole, pyridylimidazole, phenylindole, derivatives thereof or combinations thereof. |
| US07973125B2 |
Method of evaluating polymide dissolution rate, method of producing polymide, and polymide obtained using same methods
A method of evaluating the dissolution rate of a polyimide by Raman spectroscopy, wherein the Raman spectral intensity I(a) of imide groups contained within the polyimide is measured, and I(a) is then compared with the Raman spectral intensity I(b) of imide groups contained within a polyimide with a known dissolution rate. The polyimides are preferably obtained using an aromatic tetracarboxylic dianhydride and/or an aromatic diamine. |
| US07973124B2 |
Method for producing thermoplastic polyester elastomer, thermoplastic polyester elastomer composition, and thermoplastic polyester elastomer
The present invention provides a thermoplastic polyester elastomer excellent in heat resistance, heat-aging resistance, water resistance, light resistance, low-temperature property and the like, and further excellent in block order-retaining ability, the thermoplastic polyester elastomer comprising a hard segment which comprises polyester constituted with aromatic dicarboxylic acid and aliphatic or alicyclic diol and a soft segment which comprises mainly aliphatic polycarbonate, wherein the hard segment and the soft segment being connected, and wherein when melting points of the thermoplastic polyester elastomer are obtained by measuring on a differential scanning calorimeter in three cycles in which a temperature is raised from room temperature to 300° C. at a heating rate of 20° C./min., maintained at 300° C. for 3 minutes and lowered to room temperature at a cooling rate of 100° C./min., a melting point difference (Tm1−Tm3) between a melting point obtained in the first cycle (Tm1) and a melting point obtained in the third cycle (Tm3) is 0-50° C., and a tensile strength at break is 15-100 MPa. |
| US07973123B2 |
Reaction injection material for a golf ball
A golf ball having a layer composed of a polyurethane/polyurea material formed from reaction injection molding a polyol component and an isocyanate component. The polyol component preferably comprises a polytetramethylene ether glycol having a molecular weight of approximately 1000 and a 3,5-diethyl-2,4 toluenediamine. The layer is preferably a cover layer having a thickness ranging from 0.010 inch to 0.025 inch. |
| US07973121B2 |
Method of preparing polyorganosiloxane with functional groups in the presence of lithium silanolate
The invention relates to a method of preparing polyorganosiloxanes containing at least one functional group using a lithium silanolate catalyst. A polyorganosiloxane, having at least one hydroxyl group, is reacted with a polyalkoxysilane having the formula (R1)a(R2)bSi(OR3)4-(a+b) (I), where R1 is an alkyl radical, a cycloalkyl radical, or an aryl radical; R2 is —(Z)m-(X)n, wherein m=0 or 1, n=1 or 2; Z is a divalent hydrocarbon residue; X is an unsaturated hydrocarbon radical when m=0 and, when m=1, X is chlorine, bromine, iodine, —O—CO—CR4═CR5R6 (in which R4, R5 and R6 each represent a hydrogen atom, an alkyl radical and/or a phenyl radical), —RF (in which RF is a perfluorinated residue), —NHR7 (in which R7 is a hydrogen atom, an alkyl radical, or a radical-R8—NH2, wherein R8 is Z), or —SH; R3 is an alkyl radical; a=0, 1, 2 or 3; b=0 or 1 and a+b=0, 1, 2 or 3, with the additional condition that the sum a+b=3, symbol b cannot be equal to 0. The method is performed in the presence of an effective quantity of a lithium organosilanolate catalyst having formula (R1)a(R2)b(OR3)3-(a+b)SiO−Li+ (II), wherein R1, R2, R3, a and b have the meanings indicated above. The method is performed without the addition of an aliphatic alcohol having the formula R3OH to the reaction medium. |
| US07973120B2 |
Enamine oils and method for the production thereof
Organosilicon compounds containing at least one silicon-bonded radical of the formula (E1)xZ—Y—C(O)—CR4═C(CH2R4)—NR2—R1— are prepared by reacting the analogous ketoester or tautomer thereof with an amino functional organosilicon compound. |
| US07973117B2 |
Process for continuously producing (meth)acrylic ester polymer or copolymer
A continuous production process, for producing an (meth)acrylic ester (co)polymer comprises the step of continuously feeding an organoaluminum compound-containing polymerization initiator solution and an (meth)acrylic ester into a reactor to continuously obtain a living polymer-containing polymer reaction liquid. The {[molar quantity of methacrylic ester or acrylic ester]/([molar quantity of organoaluminum compound]−[molar quantity of polymerization initiator])} fed into the reactor is regulated to be 15 to 80, and the content of the (meth)acrylic ester in the total feed amount of a polymerization initiator solution and an (meth)acrylic ester fed into the reactor is regulated to not more than 5% by mass. |
| US07973115B2 |
Catalyst systems based on macrocyclic ligands
The present invention discloses the use of rotoxane ligands to prepare catalyst systems suitable for the oligomerization or polymerization of ethylene and alpha-olefins. |
| US07973113B2 |
Transition metal catalyst systems and formation thereof
Catalyst systems and methods of forming the catalyst systems are described herein. The methods generally include contacting a support material with an activator to form a support composition, contacting a component with at least a portion of an aluminum containing compound including TIBAl, wherein the component is selected from the support composition, the transition metal catalyst compound and combinations thereof and contacting the support composition with a transition metal catalyst compound to form a supported catalyst system. |
| US07973111B2 |
Mechanically operated kill agent injection safety system and method to stop a runaway chemical reaction
Disclosed is a method to safely terminate a runaway reaction within a reaction vessel, comprising: sensing an increase in pressure in the reaction vessel, opening a barrier blocking a flow path into the reactor, wherein the barrier opening is achieved via a mechanical response to the sensed increase in pressure, and injecting a kill agent into the reaction vessel via the opened flow path, thereby terminating the reaction. Also disclosed is a system for performing the method. The system functions without an external electrical source and is therefore compliant with ASME standards. |
| US07973108B2 |
Curable composition
[Problem] There is provided a curable composition having good curability and adhesion by use of a non-organotin catalyst.[Means to Solve] A curable composition comprising (A) an organic polymer having a silicon-containing group being capable of crosslinking by forming siloxane bonds, (B) one or more kinds selected from a titanium catalyst, an aluminum catalyst and a zirconium catalyst and (C) a low molecular weight compound containing a hydrolyzable silicon group and having a molecular weight of from 100 to 1,000, characterized in that a ratio (a/b) of the total mole (a) of titanium atoms, aluminum atoms and zirconium atoms of the component (B) in the composition to the total mole (b) of silicon atoms of the component (C) in the composition is more than 0.4. |
| US07973107B2 |
Fluorosilicones and fluorine- and silicon-containing surface treatment agent
A fluorosilicone reaction product of a mercapto functional organopolysiloxane and a fluorine-containing monomer, and methods of preparing the fluorosilicone are disclosed. The fluorosilicone products are suitable for application to substrates such as textiles, particularly fabrics, to impart oil repellent properties to the textile. The fluorosilicone reaction product is prepared from (A) a fluorine-containing monomer of the formula CH2═C(X)COOYRf, and (B) a mercapto functional organopolysiloxane. |
| US07973104B2 |
Rubbery core/shell polymer with improved heat and UV resistance
The present invention relates to rubbery core/shell polymers that have improved heat and ultraviolet light resistance. These polymers can be blended with thermoplastics to make leathery compositions. The core/shell polymers of this invention have an inner core and an outer shell. The inner core is has repeat units which are derived from (a) butyl acrylate, (b) a member selected from the group consisting of methyl methacrylate, ethyl methacrylate, methyl acrylate, and ethyl acrylate, (c) optionally, an alkoxy ethyl acrylate or an alkoxy ethyl methacrylate, (d) acrylonitrile, (f) a cross-linking agent, and (g) a monomer containing reactive cure sites The outer core has repeat units which are derived from (d) acrylonitrile, (e) styrene, and (f) additional cross-linking agent. The outer core of these polymers is void of repeat units that are derived from methyl methacrylate. |
| US07973101B2 |
Biodegradable resin composition and molded article produced from the same
Disclosed is a resin composition excellent in impact resistance, tensile properties and processability such as draw down property, which is produced by using a plant-derived biodegradable polymer produced by actively fixing carbon dioxide present in the earth. A resin composition comprising (A) a specific biodegradable (3-hydroxyalkanoate) copolymer, (B) a graft copolymer and (C) an acrylic processing modifier, the graft copolymer (B) and the acrylic processing modifier (C) being contained in the composition in amounts of 0.1 to 100 parts by weight and 0.1 to 30 parts by weight, respectively, based on 100 parts by weight of the biodegradable (3-hydroxyalkanoate) copolymer (A). |
| US07973100B2 |
Polypropylene resin and blow molded container
Polypropylene resins of the present invention give blow molded containers excellent in transparency, impact resistance and flexibility. Stretch blow molded containers obtained from the polypropylene resins enable volume reduction and weight reduction. A polypropylene resin includes a random polypropylene (P1) having MFR (ASTM D 1238, 230° C., 2.16 kg load) of 0.5 to 100 g/10 min and an ethylene content of 3.0 wt % to less than 7.0 wt %, (i) the resin containing the random polypropylene (P1) at not less than 80 wt %, (ii) the resin showing a broad DSC melting curve which has a single melting point peak and in which the maximum intensity peak temperature (Tm) is not more than 120° C. and the half-value width on a higher temperature side from the maximum intensity peak is not less than 20° C. |
| US07973095B2 |
Water-soluble or water-swellable polymers, particularly water-soluble or water-swellable copolymers made of acrylamide and at least one ionic comonomer having a low residual monomer concentration
The invention relates to a process for the production of water-soluble or water-swellable polymers having a low content of residual monomers, particularly on the basis of acrylic acid and/or acrylamide and at least one additional water-soluble comonomer, in which process a monomer solution in a polymerizing state is treated with electromagnetic radiation at the earliest after reaching the maximum temperature of polymerization, and the gel obtained is subsequently crushed and dried, and it also relates to the water-soluble or water-swellable polymers as such, which can be obtained according to said process, to their use in the hygiene industry, packaging industry, in the agrarian technology or in agriculture and horticulture, in the cable industry and information technology, in the food industry, papermaking industry, and to their use as flocculation aids and as drilling fluid in petroleum production. |
| US07973093B2 |
Foamed rubber member
An object of the present invention is to provide a foamed rubber member which has low hardness and excellent durability. The foamed rubber member of the invention, produced through an impregnation treatment of a foamed elastic body with a treatment liquid containing an isocyanate compound and an organic solvent, the foamed elastic body being produced by foaming a base rubber, exhibits a compression set smaller than that of the foamed elastic body before undergoing the impregnation treatment, and exhibits a percent increase in stress, with respect to the stress of the foamed elastic body before undergoing the impregnation treatment, of 50% or less. |
| US07973091B2 |
Process for producing re-dispersable particles of highly fluorinated polymer
A process for producing flowable and liquid dispersable particles of a highly fluorinated ion exchange polymer is provided in which a dispersion of a highly fluorinated ion exchange polymer in a liquid comprised of at least 10 wt % of an organic liquid is provided, atomized to produce droplets, and released into a inert heated gas. The dispersion droplets dry to produce flowable particles of highly fluorinated ion exchange polymer having dry exterior surfaces and an internal residual moisture content of at least 4 wt %. |
| US07973087B2 |
Process of synthesis gas conversion to liquid fuels using mixture of synthesis gas conversion catalyst and dual functionality catalyst
A process is disclosed for converting a feed comprising synthesis gas to liquid hydrocarbons within a single reactor at essentially common reaction conditions. The synthesis gas contacts a catalyst bed comprising a mixture of a synthesis gas conversion catalyst on a support containing an acidic component and a dual functionality catalyst including a hydrogenation component and a solid acid component. The hydrocarbons produced are liquid at about 0° C., contain at least 25% by volume C10+ and are substantially free of solid wax. |
| US07973083B2 |
Pesticidally active compounds
A pesticidally active combination comprising an HPPD-inhibiting herbicide in the form of an agrochemically acceptable salt and an insecticide is disclosed, provided that the HPPD inhibiting herbicide is not a compound of formula (A) wherein Ra is C1-2 alkyl or chloro; Rb is hydrogen or C1-4 alkyl; and Rc is C1-4 alkyl is disclosed. |
| US07973082B2 |
Substituted aryloxy alkylamines and their use as monoamine neurotransmitter re-uptake inhibitors
This invention relates to novel substituted aryloxy alkylamines useful as monoamine neurotransmitter re-uptake inhibitors.In other aspects the invention relates to the use of these compounds in a method for therapy and to pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds of the invention. |
| US07973081B2 |
Emulsion compositions containing quaternary ammonium compounds
Composition containing quaternary ammonium compounds in which the nitrogen atom is substituted by at least one alkyl group having at least 12 carbon atoms, the composition including at least 20% in weight by weight of the total composition, of ammonium halides in which the nitrogen atom is substituted by at least one alkyl group having at least 14 carbon atoms and more than 5%, preferably more than 7% in weight by weight of the total composition, of ammonium halides in which the nitrogen atom is substituted by at least one alkyl group having at least 16 carbon atoms. Ophthalmic oil-in-water emulsions containing such compositions, the ophthalmic emulsions being useful for eye care or for the treatment of eye conditions are also disclosed. |
| US07973080B2 |
Method for inhibiting the growth of antibiotic resistant of bacteria by using pentane-1,5-diol
A method for inhibiting the growth of multiple-resistant bacteria comprises the topical administration of a pharmaceutical composition comprising 15% by weight or more of pentane-1,5-diol and a pharmaceutical acceptable carrier. Also disclosed is a method of preparing a corresponding medicament. A method of disinfecting a surface contaminated with multiple-resistant bacteria comprises providing a disinfecting composition comprising 15% or more by weight of pentane-1,5-diol and an aqueous carrier, applying the composition to the surface; optionally, keeping it in contact with the surface for a period of time from 5 min to 24 hrs at ambient temperature, and rinsing the surface with water or an aqueous detergent composition. Also disclosed is the use of a corresponding bacteriostatic composition. |
| US07973079B2 |
Methods and compounds for treating retinol-related diseases
Compounds that reduce serum retinol levels are used to treat ophthalmic conditions associated with the overproduction of waste products that accumulate during the course of the visual cycle. We describe methods, compounds, and compositions to treat, for example, the macular degenerations and dystrophies or to alleviate symptoms associated with such ophthalmic conditions. |
| US07973077B2 |
Amino acid based compositions for the treatment of pathological conditions distinguised by insufficient mitochondrial function
The present invention relates to compositions suitable for the treatment of pathological conditions distinguished by insufficient or reduced mitochondrial function. The compositions comprise, as principal active ingredients, the amino acids leucine, isoleucine and valine. The compositions may also comprise, as further active ingredients, amino acids threonine and lysine, and optionally, histidine, phenylalanine, methionine, tryptophan, as well as tyrosine and cysteine. |
| US07973064B2 |
Method and composition for potentiating an opiate analgesic
Composition and methods of treating pain and reducing or reversing tolerance to opiate analgesics are disclosed. The composition and method utilize an opiate analgesic and an endothelin antagonist as active agents to treat pain in mammals, including humans. |
| US07973059B2 |
Potassium channel inhibitors
The present invention relates to compounds having the structure useful as potassium channel inhibitors to treat cardiac arrhythmias, and the like. |
| US07973056B2 |
Triazole derivative or salt thereof
A triazole derivative or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof is provided, the triazole derivative being represented by formula (I): wherein * represents an asymmetric carbon and takes R configuration or S configuration; and R1 represents a structure represented by formula (II) or (III): represents single bond or double bond wherein Y represents a hydrogen atom or an oxygen atom; and R2 and R3 each independently represent a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, an aryl group, an alkoxy group, a formyl group, a carboxyl group, an alkylcarbonyl group, an arylcarbonyl group, an alkoxycarbonyl group, a carbamoyl group, an amino group, an alkylcarbonylamino group, an arylcarbonylamino group, a cyano group, a nitro group or a halogen atom. |
| US07973055B2 |
Crystalline forms of a biphenyl compound
The invention provides crystalline forms of biphenyl-2-ylcarbamic acid 1-[2-({3-[2-(4-hydroxybenzylamino)ethylcarbamoyl]benzoyl}methylamino)ethyl]piperidin-4-yl ester, and pharmaceutically acceptable solvates thereof. The crystalline form can be a freebase (Form I or II), a salt such as a hemiedisylate salt or a heminapadisylate salt, or a solvate of a salt such as a heminapadisylate methanolate or a heminapadisylate ethanolate. The invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising these crystalline compounds or prepared using these compounds; processes and intermediates for preparing the crystalline compounds; and methods of using these compounds to treat a pulmonary disorder. |
| US07973054B2 |
Use of glucosidase inhibitors for therapy of mucovisidosis
A method provides for the use of glycosidase inhibitors selected from compounds of general formula (1), wherein R1 represents a CH3 group, or CH2OH, R2 represents H or an alkyl group having 1-5 carbon atoms, or R1 and R2 together form a group having formula (II), with carbon in position (a) and nitrogen of formula (I) mentioned above, for the preparation of a medicament used to treat mucovisidosis. A corresponding product is also described. |
| US07973050B2 |
Enantiomeric compounds with antibacterial activity
Novel compounds in enantiomeric excess that are inhibitors of bacterial methionyl synthetase (MetRS) are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for their preparation and their use in therapy as antibacterial agents, and in particular their use in therapy for Clostridium difficile infection. |
| US07973049B2 |
Morphinan compounds
This disclosure relates to novel morphinan compounds and their derivatives, pharmaceutically acceptable salts, solvates, and hydrates thereof. This disclosure also provides compositions comprising a compound of this disclosure and the use of such compositions in methods of treating diseases and conditions that are beneficially treated by administering a σ1 receptor agonist that also has NMDA antagonist activity. |
| US07973048B2 |
Pharmaceutical composition
A pharmaceutical composition comprising an analgesic or analgesic combination and a stool softener is disclosed. The analgesic is selected from morphine, meperidine, fentanyl, hydromorphone, oxymorphone, oxycodone, hydrocodone, methadone, propoxyphene, pentazocine, levorphanol, codeine, acetaminophen and combinations of these analgesics. The composition is formulated for oral administration as a liquid or solid dosage form for immediate, slow, delayed or sustained-release characteristics. |
| US07973045B2 |
Anhydrous form of dasatinib and process for preparation thereof
The invention provides anhydrous forms of dasatinib, methods for their preparation, and pharmaceutical compositions thereof. |
| US07973044B2 |
Heteroaryl, heterocyclic and aryl compounds which inhibit leukocyte adhesion mediated by VLA-4
Disclosed are compounds which bind VLA-4. Certain of these compounds also inhibit leukocyte adhesion and, in particular, leukocyte adhesion mediated by VLA-4. Such compounds are useful in the treatment of inflammatory diseases in a mammalian patient, e.g., human, such as asthma, Alzheimer's disease, atherosclerosis, AIDS dementia, diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, tissue transplantation, tumor metastasis and myocardial ischemia. The compounds can also be administered for the treatment of inflammatory brain diseases such as multiple sclerosis. |
| US07973038B2 |
Modulators of ATP-binding cassette transporters
Compounds of the present invention, and pharmaceutically acceptable compositions thereof, are useful as modulators of ATP-Binding Cassette (“ABC”) transporters or fragments thereof, including Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator (“CFTR”). The present invention also relates to methods of treating ABC transporter mediated diseases using compounds of the present invention. |
| US07973037B2 |
Cathepsin cysteine protease inhibitors
This invention relates to a novel class of compounds which are cysteine protease inhibitors, including but not limited to, inhibitors of cathepsins K, L, S and B. These compounds are useful for treating diseases in which inhibition of bone resorption is indicated, such as osteoporosis. |
| US07973036B2 |
2-methyl-5-imino-benzo[D][1 ,3]oxazin[5-B]pyrazole compound, preparation and use thereof
The present invention disclosed compound 2-methyl-5-imino-benzo[d][1,3]oxazin[5-b]pyrazole and preparation method and uses thereof. The compound 2-methyl-5-imino-benzo[d][1,3]oxazin[5-b]pyrazole of the present invention has the following structure of formula (II), wherein the compound or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof can be used for preparing the drugs for treatment or prevention of cardiovascular diseases. |
| US07973032B2 |
Staurosporine derivatives for use in alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma
This invention relates to staurosporine derivatives are effective when used in combination with ionizing radiation for the delay of progression or treatment of a proliferative disease, especially a disease associated with a PAX/FKHR translocation including a PAX3/FKHR translocation and a PAX7/FKHR translocation, more especially a solid tumor disease such as a Sarcoma, most especially an Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma. |
| US07973031B2 |
Staurosporine derivatives as inhibitors of FLT3 receptor tyrosine kinase activity
The present invention relates to the use of staurosporines derivatives for the preparation of a drug for the treatment of diseases involving deregulated FLT3 receptor tyrosine kinase activity, especially for the curative and/or prophylactic treatment of leukemias and myelodysplastic syndromes, and to a method of treating diseases involving deregulated FLT3 receptor tyrosine kinase activity. |
| US07973023B2 |
Oxidized lipids and uses thereof in the treatment of inflammatory diseases and disorders
Novel synthetic oxidized lipids and methods utilizing oxidized lipids for treating and preventing an inflammation associated with an endogenous oxidized lipid are provided. |
| US07973016B2 |
Methods of treating, reducing, or preventing autoimmune conditions
The present invention relates to methods and kits for treating, reducing, or preventing autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis by administering to a mammal in need thereof an agent that modulates the expression level or biological activity of Toll-like receptor-9 (TLR-9). Also disclosed are screening methods that make use of TLR-9 for the identification of novel therapeutics for autoimmune conditions. |
| US07973015B2 |
Induction of exon skipping in eukaryotic cells
The present invention provides a method for at least in part decreasing the production of an aberrant protein in a cell, the cell comprising pre-mRNA comprising exons coding for the protein, by inducing so-called exon skipping in the cell. Exon-skipping results in mature MRNA that does not contain the skipped exon, which leads to an altered product of the exon codes for amino acids. Exon skipping is performed by providing a cell with an agent capable of specifically inhibiting an exon inclusion signal, for instance, an exon recognition sequence, of the exon. The exon inclusion signal can be interfered with by a nucleic acid comprising complementarity to a part of the exon. The nucleic acid, which is also herewith provided, can be used for the preparation of a medicament, for instance, for the treatment of an inherited disease. |
| US07973014B2 |
Medicinal composition containing ginseng secondary glycosides, its preparation method and application
Medicinal composition containing ginseng secondary glycosides, its preparation method and application. The present composition contains mainly, as active ingredients, the ginsenoside with protopanoxadiol as aglucone (ginsenoside Rg3) and the ginsenoside with protopanoxatriol as aglucone (ginsenoside Rg2 and ginsenoside Rh1). It is prepared from the ginseng genus of plants through extracting, acid hydrolyzing and using macroreticular resin to separate, purify and concentrate. It is useful in the manufacture of medicaments for treating CHD, angina pectoris, myocardial ischemia, hemorrhagic shock, heart failure, and arrhythmia. |
| US07973000B2 |
Semi-solid lubricant composition for transmission element and mechanical system provided with the same
A semi-solid lubricant composition for transmission elements which is excellent in lubricity, antiwear properties, and energy-saving performance, has high reliability, and is for use as a turbine oil, machine tool oil, metal working oil, plastic working oil, cutting oil, compressor oil, vacuum-pump oil, electrical-contact oil, grease, or machine oil; and a mechanical system provided with the composition. The composition, which reduces the wear of sliding parts of a transmission element, comprises: an amide compound having one or two amide groups and forming a three-dimensional network structure; and a liquid base oil ingredient having a dynamic viscosity at 100° C. of 25 mm2/s or lower and a viscosity index of 120 or higher. The composition contains substantially no ingredients other than the amide compound and liquid base oil ingredient. The mechanical system has a transmission element including sliding parts which are provided with the semi-solid lubricant composition for transmission elements. |
| US07972999B2 |
Heat transfer oil comprising a base oil having a low traction coefficient
A heat transfer oil, comprising: a. a base oil fraction have a traction coefficient less than or equal to 0.015, when measured at a kinematic viscosity of 15 cSt and at a slide to roll ratio of 40 percent; and b. optionally, an antifoam agent; wherein the heat transfer oil has an auto ignition temperature greater than 329° C. (625° F.) and an ASTM Color less than 0.5. |
| US07972996B2 |
Gelled hydrocarbons for oilfield processes, phosphate ester compounds useful in gellation of hydrocarbons and methods for production and use thereof
Phosphate esters useful for gelling hydrocarbons in combination with a metal source are disclosed along with methods of preparation of the phosphate esters. Fouling in oil refinery towers has been attributed due to distillation of impurities present in phosphate esters used to gel hydrocarbons for oil well fracturing. The improved method of preparation of the phosphate ester results in a product that substantially reduces or eliminates volatile phosphorus, which is phosphorus impurities that distill up to 250° C., and increases the high temperature viscosity of the hydrocarbon gels formed using the phosphate esters. |
| US07972994B2 |
Methods for synthesis of encoded libraries
The present invention provides methods of synthesizing libraries of molecules comprising a functional moiety which is operatively linked to an encoding oligonucleotide, wherein the encoding oligonucleotide comprises a capping sequence containing degenerate nucleotides. The methods generally include providing a solution comprising initiator compounds comprising an initial functional moiety comprising n building blocks which is operatively linked to an initial oligonucleotide; dividing the solution into reaction vessels; reacting the initiator compounds in each reaction vessel with a building block comprising a complementary reactive group to form a covalent bond; and reacting the initial oligonucleotide in each aliquot with a distinct incoming oligonucleotide in the presence of an enzyme which catalyzes the ligation of the incoming oligonucleotide and the initial oligonucleotide, under conditions suitable for enzymatic ligation of the incoming oligonucleotide and the initial oligonucleotide to form an encoding oligonucleotide. |
| US07972993B2 |
Identification of protein binding sites
The invention relates to the field of molecular recognition or detection of discontinuous or conformational binding sites or epitopes corresponding to a binding molecule, in particular, in relation to protein-protein, protein-nucleic acid, nucleic acid-nucleic acid or biomolecule-ligand interactions. The invention provides a synthetic molecular library allowing testing for, identification, characterization or detection of a discontinuous binding site capable of interacting with a binding molecule, the library having been provided with a plurality of test entities, each test entity comprising at least one first segment spotted next to a second segment, each segment having the capacity of being a potential single part of a discontinuous binding site. |
| US07972992B2 |
Methods for synthesis of encoded libraries
The present invention provides methods of synthesizing a molecule comprising a functional moiety which is operatively linked to an encoding oligonucleotide. The methods include providing an initiator compound comprising an initial functional moiety comprising n building blocks, wherein the initial functional moiety comprises at least one reactive group, and is operatively linked to an initial oligonucleotide; reacting the initiator compound with a building block comprising at least one complementary reactive group, under conditions suitable for reaction of the complementary reactive group to form a covalent bond; and reacting the initial oligonucleotide with an incoming oligonucleotide corresponding to the building block in the presence of an enzyme which catalyzes ligation of the initial oligonucleotide and the incoming oligonucleotide, under conditions suitable for ligation of the incoming oligonucleotide and the initial oligonucleotide to form an encoding oligonucleotide. |
| US07972991B2 |
Heat-sensitive recording material
Disclosed herein is a heat-sensitive recording material shows good barcode printability and provides printed images having an excellent milk resistance. The heat-sensitive recording material comprises a heat-sensitive recording layer contains 3,3′-diallyl-4,4′-dihydroxydiphenylsulfone and 1,2-di(methylphenoxy)ethane in a specific amount relative to the leuco dye, and contains a crosslinked diphenylsulfone-based compound in an specific ratio based on the total solid in the heat-sensitive recording layer. |
| US07972986B2 |
Fibrous structures and methods for making same
Fibrous structures that exhibit a pore volume distribution such that greater than about 40% of the total pore volume present in the fibrous structure exists in pores of radii of from about 121 μm to about 200 μm, and methods for making such fibrous structures are provided. |
| US07972983B2 |
Interlock double weave fabric and methods of making and using the same
Woven fabrics suitable for use as a lightning strike material are disclosed. Methods of making woven fabrics are also disclosed. Methods of using woven fabrics are further disclosed. |
| US07972977B2 |
ALD of metal silicate films
Methods for forming metal silicate films are provided. The methods comprise contacting a substrate with alternating and sequential vapor phase pulses of a silicon source chemical, metal source chemical, and an oxidizing agent, wherein the metal source chemical is the next reactant provided after the silicon source chemical. Methods according to some embodiments can be used to form silicon-rich hafnium silicate and zirconium silicate films with substantially uniform film coverages on substrate surface. |
| US07972968B2 |
High density plasma gapfill deposition-etch-deposition process etchant
A high density plasma dep/etch/dep method of depositing a dielectric film into a gap between adjacent raised structures on a substrate disposed in a substrate processing chamber. The method deposits a first portion of the dielectric film within the gap by forming a high density plasma from a first gaseous mixture flown into the process chamber, etches the deposited first portion of the dielectric film by flowing an etchant gas comprising CxFy, where a ratio of x to y is greater than or equal to 1:2 and then deposits a second portion of the dielectric film over the first portion by forming a high density plasma from a second gaseous mixture flown into the process chamber. |
| US07972963B2 |
Polished semiconductor wafer and process for producing it
A polished semiconductor wafer has a front surface and a back surface and an edge R, which is located at a distance of a radius from a center of the semiconductor wafer, forms a periphery of the semiconductor wafer and is part of a profiled boundary of the semiconductor wafer. The maximum deviation of the flatness of the back surface from an ideal plane in a range between R-6 mm and R-1 mm of the back surface is 0.7 μm or less. A process for producing the semiconductor wafer, comprises at least one treatment of the semiconductor wafer with a liquid etchant and at least one polishing of at least a front surface of the semiconductor wafer, the etchant flowing onto a boundary of the semiconductor wafer during the treatment, and the boundary of the semiconductor wafer which faces the flow of etchant being at least partially shielded from being struck directly by the etchant. The shielding extends in the direction of a thickness d of the semiconductor wafer and is at least d+100 μm long. |
| US07972962B2 |
Planarization method using hybrid oxide and polysilicon CMP
A method of planarizing a semiconductor device is provided. The semiconductor device includes a substrate, first and second components provided on the surface of the substrate, and a first material provided between and above the first and second components. The first component has a height greater than a height of the second component. The method includes performing a first polishing step on the semiconductor device to remove the first material above a top surface of the first component, to remove the first material above a top surface of the second component, and to level the top surface of the first component. The method also includes performing a second polishing step on the semiconductor device to planarize the top surfaces of the first and second components. |
| US07972959B2 |
Self aligned double patterning flow with non-sacrificial features
Embodiments of the present invention pertain to methods of forming features on a substrate using a self-aligned double patterning (SADP) process. A conformal layer of non-sacrificial material is formed over features of sacrificial structural material patterned near the optical resolution of a photolithography system using a high-resolution photomask. An anisotropic etch of the non-sacrificial layer leaves non-sacrificial ribs above a substrate. A gapfill layer deposited thereon may be etched or polished back to form alternating fill and non-sacrificial features. No hard mask is needed to form the non-sacrificial ribs, reducing the number of processing steps involved. |
| US07972954B2 |
Porous silicon dielectric
Embodiments of the invention provide a semiconductor device having dielectric material and its method of manufacture. A manufacturing method comprises forming a layer of silicon over a substrate, forming an opening through the layer of silicon, filling the opening with a conductor; and anodically etching the layer of silicon so as to form porous silicon. Embodiments may further include passivating the porous silicon such as by treating its surface with an organometallic compound. Other embodiments of the invention provide a semiconductor device comprising a layer comprising functional devices; and an interconnect structure over the layer, wherein the interconnect structure comprises a porous silicon dielectric. In an embodiment of the invention, the interconnect structure comprises a dual damascene interconnect structure. Other embodiments may include a passivation step after the step of oxidizing the porous silicon. |
| US07972952B2 |
Compound semiconductor light-emitting device and method for manufacturing the same
A compound semiconductor light-emitting device which includes an n-type semiconductor layer, a light-emitting layer and a p-type semiconductor layer, that are made of a compound semiconductor, formed on a substrate, the n-type semiconductor layer and the p-type semiconductor layer are stacked so as to interpose the light-emitting layer therebetween, a first conductive transparent electrode and a second conductive electrode. The first conductive transparent electrode is made of an IZO film containing an In2O3 crystal having a bixbyite structure. Also discussed is a method of manufacturing the device. |
| US07972947B2 |
Method for fabricating a semiconductor element, and semiconductor element
In a method for fabricating a semiconductor element in a substrate, first implantation ions are implanted into the substrate, whereby micro-cavities are produced in a first partial region of the substrate. Furthermore, pre-amorphization ions are implanted into the substrate, whereby a second partial region of the substrate is at least partly amorphized, and whereby crystal defects are produced in the substrate. Furthermore, second implantation ions are implanted into the second partial region of the substrate. Furthermore, the substrate is heated, such that at least some of the crystal defects are eliminated using the second implantation ions. Furthermore, dopant atoms are implanted into the second partial region of the substrate, wherein the semiconductor element is formed using the dopant atoms. |
| US07972946B2 |
Plasma treatment method and plasma treatment device
Provided are a plasma treatment method and a plasma treatment device capable of forming a silicon nitride film having high compressive stress. In the plasma treatment method for depositing the silicon nitride film on a process target substrate by use of plasma of raw material gas containing silicon and hydrogen and of nitrogen gas, ion energy for disconnecting nitrogen-hydrogen bonding representing a state of bonding between the hydrogen in the raw material gas and the nitrogen gas is applied to the process target substrate so as to reduce an amount of nitrogen-hydrogen bonding contained in the silicon nitride film. |
| US07972943B2 |
Manufacturing method of semiconductor device
A cap film is formed over semiconductor films formed over an insulating substrate; the semiconductor films are irradiated with a laser beam which is capable of completely melting the semiconductor film in a film-thickness direction to completely melt the semiconductor film. By controlling the laser beam, a crystalline semiconductor films are formed over the substrate, in each of which orientations of crystal planes are controlled. In addition, an n-channel thin film transistor is formed using a crystalline region in which crystal planes are oriented along {001} and a p-channel thin film transistor is formed using a crystalline region in which crystal planes are oriented along {211} or {101}. |
| US07972942B1 |
Method of reducing metal impurities of upgraded metallurgical grade silicon wafer by using epitaxial silicon film
Metal impurities of an upgraded metallurgical grade (UMG) silicon (Si) wafer are reduced. The UMG Si wafer having a 5N (99.999%) purity is chosen to grow a high-quality epitaxial Si thin film through atmospheric pressure chemical vapor deposition (APCVD). Through heat treating diffusion, the epitaxial Si film is used to form sink positions for the metal impurities in the UMG Si wafer. By using concentration gradient, temperature gradient and interface defect, individual and comprehensive effects are built for enhancing purity of the UMG Si wafer from 5N to 6N. Thus, a low-cost Si wafer can be fabricated for Si-based solar cell through a simple, fast and effective method. |
| US07972941B2 |
Method of manufacturing a semiconductor device
A gate structure is formed on a substrate. An insulating interlayer is formed covering the gate structure. The substrate is heat treated while exposing a surface of the insulating interlayer to a hydrogen gas atmosphere. A silicon nitride layer is formed directly on the interlayer insulating layer after the heat treatment and a metal wiring is formed on the insulating interlayer. The metal wiring may include copper. Heat treating the substrate while exposing a surface of the interlayer insulating layer to a hydrogen gas atmosphere may be preceded by forming a plug through the first insulating interlayer that contacts the substrate, and the metal wiring may be electrically connected to the plug. The plug may include tungsten. |
| US07972937B2 |
Method for producing semiconductor substrate
An object of the present invention is to provide a method by which bonding at a low temperature is possible and an amount of metal contaminants in an SOI film is decreased. An embodiment of the present invention is realized in the following manner. A single crystal silicon substrate 10 surface-activated by a plasma-treatment and a quartz substrate 20 are bonded together at a low temperature, to which an external impact is given to mechanically delaminate silicon film from a single crystal silicon bulk thereby obtaining a semiconductor substrate (SOI substrate) having a silicon film (SOI film) 12. Next, the SOI substrate is subjected to a heat-treatment at a temperature of 600° C. to 1250° C. so that metal impurities accidentally mixed into an interface of the SOI film and the quartz substrate and into the SOI film in such a step as a plasma-treatment are gettered to a surface region of the silicon film 12. Then, in the end, a surface layer (gettering layer) of the silicon film 12 of the SOI substrate after the heat-treatment is removed to finally prepare an SOI film 13 and a semiconductor substrate (SOI substrate) is obtained. |
| US07972930B2 |
Transistor and method of manufacturing the same
In a transistor and a method of manufacturing the same, the transistor includes a channel layer arranged on a substrate, a source electrode and a drain electrode formed on the substrate so as to contact respective ends of the channel layer, a gate insulating layer surrounding the channel layer between the source electrode and the drain electrode, and a gate electrode surrounding the gate insulating layer. |
| US07972926B2 |
Methods of forming memory cells; and methods of forming vertical structures
Some embodiments include methods of forming memory. A series of photoresist features may be formed over a gate stack, and a placeholder may be formed at an end of said series. The placeholder may be spaced from the end of said series by a gap. A layer may be formed over and between the photoresist features, over the placeholder, and within said gap. The layer may be anisotropically etched into a plurality of first vertical structures along edges of the photoresist features, and into a second vertical structure along an edge of the placeholder. A mask may be formed over the second vertical structure. Subsequently, the first vertical structures may be used to pattern string gates while the mask is used to pattern a select gate. Some embodiments include methods of forming conductive runners, and some embodiments may include semiconductor constructions. |
| US07972925B2 |
Flash memory device and fabrication method thereof
The present invention relates to a flash memory device and a fabrication method thereof. A trench may be formed within a junction region between word lines by etching a semiconductor substrate between not only a word line and a select line, but also between adjacent word lines. Accordingly, the occurrence of a program disturbance phenomenon can be prevented as the injection of hot carriers into a program-inhibited cell is minimized in a program operation. |
| US07972921B2 |
Integrated circuit isolation system
A method of manufacturing a self-aligned inverted T-shaped isolation structure. An integrated circuit isolation system including providing a substrate, forming a base insulator region in the substrate, growing the substrate to surround the base insulator region, and depositing an insulator column having a narrower width than the base insulator region on the base insulator region. |
| US07972918B1 |
Fabrication of semiconductor architecture having field-effect transistors especially suitable for analog applications
A semiconductor structure is provided with (i) an empty well having relatively little well dopant near the top of the well and (ii) a filled well having considerably more well dopant near the top of the well. Each well is defined by a corresponding body-material region (108 or 308) of a selected conductivity type. The regions respectively meet overlying zones (104 and 304) of the opposite conductivity type. The concentration of well dopant of the selected conductivity type locally reaches a maximum in each body-material region at a location no more than 10 times deeper below the upper semiconductor surface than the overlying zone's depth, decreases by at least a factor of 10 in moving from the empty-well maximum-concentration location through the overlying zone to the upper surface, and reaches at least one other maximum in moving from the filled-well maximum-concentration location through the other zone to the upper surface. |
| US07972917B2 |
Method for manufacturing semiconductor device and semiconductor device
A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device is disclosed. The method includes: forming a LDMOS region, an offset drain MOS region, and a CMOS region; simultaneously forming a first well in the LDMOS region and the offset drain MOS region; simultaneously forming a second well in the first well of the LDMOS region and the CMOS region; and forming a second well in the CMOS region, wherein a depth of the first well is larger than a depth of the second well and the second well is a retrograde well formed by a high energy ion implantation method. |
| US07972915B2 |
Monolithic integration of enhancement- and depletion-mode AlGaN/GaN HFETs
A method for and devices utilizing monolithic integration of enhancement-mode and depletion-mode AlGaN/GaN heterojunction field-effect transistors (HFETs) is disclosed. Source and drain ohmic contacts of HFETs are first defined. Gate electrodes of the depletion-mode HFETs are then defined. Gate electrodes of the enhancement-mode HFETs are then defined using fluoride-based plasma treatment and high temperature post-gate annealing of the sample. Device isolation is achieved by either mesa etching or fluoride-based plasma treatment. This method provides a complete planar process for GaN-based integrated circuits favored in high-density and high-speed applications. |
| US07972913B2 |
Method for forming a Schottky diode
Improved Schottky diodes with reduced leakage current and improved breakdown voltage are provided by building a JFET with its current path of a first conductivity type serially located between a first terminal comprising a Schottky contact and a second terminal. The current path lies (i) between multiple substantially parallel finger regions of a second, opposite, conductivity type substantially laterally outboard of the Schottky contact, and (ii) partly above a buried region of the second conductivity type that underlies a portion of the current path, which regions are electrically coupled to the first terminal and the Schottky contact and which portion is electrically coupled to the second terminal. When reverse bias is applied to the first terminal and Schottky contact the current path is substantially pinched off in vertical or horizontal directions or both, thereby reducing the leakage current and improving the breakdown voltage of the device. |
| US07972911B1 |
Method for forming metallic materials comprising semi-conductors
The method for forming first and second metal-based materials comprises providing a substrate comprising an area made from a first semi-conductor material and an area made from a second semi-conductor material comprising germanium separated by a pattern made from dielectric material, depositing a metal layer and performing a first heat treatment in an atmosphere comprising a quantity of oxygen comprised between 0.01% and 5%. The metal layer reacts with the first semi-conductor material and the second semi-conductor material comprising germanium to respectively form the first metal-based material and the second metal-based material containing germanium. |
| US07972907B2 |
Via configurable architecture for customization of analog circuitry in a semiconductor device
A semiconductor device having a plurality of layers and a plurality of circuit elements arranged in tiles. At least one of the plurality of layers in the semiconductor device may be a via layer configured to determine the connections of the plurality of circuit elements. The semiconductor device may include an interconnection quilt having a plurality of metal layers disposed to interconnect the plurality of circuit elements. The plurality of circuit elements may be analog circuit element and/or digital circuit elements. The tiles may be analog tiles and digital tiles that form a mixed signal structured array. |
| US07972906B2 |
Semiconductor die package including exposed connections
A clip structure and semiconductor die package. The clip structure includes a first portion and a second portion, with a connecting structure located between the first and second portion. The clip structure is substantially planar. The semiconductor die package includes a semiconductor die located between a leadframe structure and a clip structure. Slots are formed within the molding material covering portions of the semiconductor die package. The slots are located between a first portion and the second portion of the clip structure, and the slot overlap with the semiconductor die. |
| US07972905B2 |
Packaged electronic device having metal comprising self-healing die attach material
A method of assembling an electronic device and electronic packages therefrom. A die attach adhesive precursor is placed between a top surface of a workpiece and an IC die. The die attach adhesive precursor includes metal particles, a first plurality of first microcapsules having a polymerizable material inside, and a second plurality of second microcapsules having a polymerization agent inside to form a first polymer upon rupture of first and second microcapsules. A force sufficient to rupture at least a portion of the first plurality of first microcapsules and at least a portion of the second plurality of second microcapsules is applied to form a self-healing die attach adhesive wherein the first polymer binds the plurality of metal particles and the remaining microcapsules and secures the IC die to the top surface of the workpiece. The self-healing die attach adhesive generally includes at least 90 vol. % metal. |
| US07972903B2 |
Semiconductor device having wiring line and manufacturing method thereof
An insulating film covering the lower surface of an external connection electrode of a semiconductor construct is formed. A mask metal layer in which there is formed an opening having a planar size smaller than that of the external connection electrode is formed on the insulating film. The mask metal layer is used as a mask to apply a laser beam to the insulating film, such that a connection opening reaching the external connection electrode is formed in the insulating film. A wiring line is formed on the insulating film in such a manner as to be connected to the external connection electrode via the connection opening. |
| US07972902B2 |
Method of manufacturing a wafer including providing electrical conductors isolated from circuitry
Conductive lines are formed on a wafer containing multiple circuits. The conductive lines are isolated from the circuits formed within the wafer. Chips are mounted on the wafer and have their chip pads connected to the conductive lines of the wafer. The wafer may then be protected with a packaging resin and singulated. |
| US07972899B2 |
Method for fabricating copper-containing ternary and quaternary chalcogenide thin films
An apparatus for depositing a solid film onto a substrate from a reagent solution includes reservoirs of reagent solutions maintained at a sufficiently low temperature to inhibit homogeneous reactions within the reagent solutions. The chilled solutions are dispensed through showerheads, one at a time, onto a substrate. One of the showerheads includes a nebulizer so that the reagent solution is delivered as a fine mist, whereas the other showerhead delivers reagent as a flowing stream. A heater disposed beneath the substrate maintains the substrate at an elevated temperature at which the deposition of a desired solid phase from the reagent solutions may be initiated. Each reagent solution contains at least one metal and either S or Se, or both. At least one of the reagent solutions contains Cu. The apparatus and its associated method of use are particularly suited to forming films of Cu-containing compound semiconductors. |
| US07972890B2 |
Methods of manufacturing image sensors
Example embodiments may provide methods of manufacturing an image sensor. Example methods of manufacturing an image sensor may include forming a photoelectric converter in a semiconductor substrate, forming an interlayer insulating film covering a surface of the semiconductor substrate, forming metal wires and an inter-metal insulating film filling between the metal wires on the interlayer insulating film, forming openings above the photoelectric converter by removing a part of the inter-metal insulating film and the interlayer insulating film, curing the surface above the photoelectric converter by irradiating light into the openings, and/or forming a light transmitter filling the openings. |
| US07972889B2 |
Methods of fabricating camera modules including aligning lenses on transparent substrates with image sensor chips
Example embodiments may provide a camera module including a high-resolution lens member and/or an image sensor chip that may be integrally formed, and a method of fabricating a camera module. Example embodiment camera modules may include a semiconductor package including an image sensor chip. A transparent substrate may include an upper plate portion and/or a supporting portion defined by a cavity under the upper plate portion, and the supporting portion may be attached on the semiconductor package. The upper plate portion may be spaced from the semiconductor package by the supporting portion. A lens member may be attached to the upper plate portion of the transparent substrate. A stop member may be formed on a top side of the transparent substrate and may expose a portion of the lens member. |
| US07972886B2 |
Method of manufacturing micro electro mechanical systems device
Provided is a MEMS device which is robust to the misalignment and does not require the double-side wafer processing in the manufacture of a MEMS device such as an angular velocity sensor, an acceleration sensor, a combined sensor or a micromirror. After preparing a substrate having a space therein, holes are formed in a device layer at positions where fixed components such as a fixing portion, a terminal portion and a base that are fixed to a supporting substrate are to be formed, and the holes are filled with a fixing material so that the fixing material reaches the supporting substrate, thereby fixing the device layer around the holes to the supporting substrate. |
| US07972870B2 |
Methods and compositions relating to the regulation of MUC1 by HSF1 and STAT3
This invention relates to regulation of cell signaling, cell growth, and more particularly to the regulation of cancer or inflammatory cell growth and/or activation. The invention provides methods of inhibiting interactions between MUC1 and a heat shock factor, method of inhibiting interactions between transcription factors and the MUC1 promoter, and methods of inhibiting MUC1 expression. The invention also provides screening methods for identifying compounds that inhibit the aforementioned interactions. Pharmaceutical compositions containing the identified compounds can be useful in treating cancers and inflammatory conditions. |
| US07972869B2 |
Method and device for collecting and transferring biohazard samples
A method and system for collecting airborne particles and hydrating the collected particles for analysis. The airborne particles, which may be biological contaminants, are collected from a container containing one or more mailpieces. In the collection stage, a dry filter collection assembly is connected to the container and air is drawn out of the container through a dry filter. A hydration solution is then injected into the collection assembly to hydrate the collected particles. Part of the hydration solution containing the collected particles is caused to move out of the collection assembly to a test cartridge for further testing. |
| US07972868B2 |
Methods for detecting dihydroxyvitamin D metabolites by mass spectrometry
Provided are methods of detecting the presence or amount of a dihydroxyvitamin in D metabolite in a sample using mass spectrometry. The methods generally comprise ionizing a dihydroxyvitamin D metabolite in a sample and detecting the amount of the ion to determine the presence or amount of the vitamin D metabolite in the sample. In certain preferred embodiments the methods include immunopurifying the dihydroxyvitamin D metabolites prior to mass spectrometry. Also provided are methods to detect the presence or amount of two or more dihydroxyvitamin D metabolites in a single assay. |
| US07972867B2 |
Methods for detecting vitamin D metabolites by mass spectrometry
Provided are methods of detecting the presence or amount of a vitamin D metabolite in a sample using mass spectrometry. The methods generally comprise ionizing a vitamin D metabolite in a sample and detecting the amount of the ion to determine the presence or amount of the vitamin D metabolite in the sample. Also provided are methods to detect the presence or amount of two or more vitamin D metabolites in a single assay. |
| US07972865B2 |
Sensor for detecting and differentiating chemical analytes
A sensor for detecting and differentiating chemical analytes includes a microscale body having a first end and a second end and a surface between the ends for adsorbing a chemical analyte. The surface includes at least one conductive heating track for heating the chemical analyte and also a conductive response track, which is electrically isolated from the heating track, for producing a thermal response signal from the chemical analyte. The heating track is electrically connected with a voltage source and the response track is electrically connected with a signal recorder. The microscale body is restrained at the first end and the second end and is substantially isolated from its surroundings therebetween, thus having a bridge configuration. |
| US07972864B2 |
Method of measuring concentration of fuel
A method of measuring concentration of a fuel is provided. First, a fuel cell unit having at least an anode, a cathode, and a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) is provided. Next, a fuel is supplied to the anode, while a reactive gas is supplied to the cathode. Then, the amount of the reactive gas supplied to the cathode is adjusted and the concentration of the fuel is estimated in accordance with the consumption rate of the reactive gas in the fuel cell unit. |
| US07972863B2 |
System and method for alkylation process analysis
A method and apparatus is provided for determining concentration of components in a liquid hydrocarbon mixture including hydrocarbons and water flowing through an alkylation process. A fluid flow path conveys the liquid continuously from the alkylation process through a first instrument configured for measuring a property of the liquid mixture, and having responsivities to concentration of the components, which are independent of the concentration of the water. A temperature detector generates temperature data for the liquid, and a second instrument measures another property of the liquid mixture. The instruments have mutually distinct responsivities to concentrations of the components. A processor captures data from the temperature detector and instruments, using the data with a model of responsivities of various concentrations of the components at various temperatures, to determine a temperature compensated concentration of the components while the liquid mixture flows continuously through the fluid flow path. |
| US07972861B2 |
Methods for performing hematocrit adjustment in glucose assays and devices for same
Methods and devices for performing in situ hematocrit adjustments during glucose testing using glucose-monitoring products and using those adjusted values to estimate the hematocrit value of blood samples to reduce or eliminate the assay bias caused by the different hematocrit levels of blood samples. One method involves measuring the glucose value, Glum, of the blood sample; measuring the resistance of the blood sample (Rcell) using a biosensor reagent; measuring the resistance of plasma (Rplasma) using the biosensor reagent; determining the calculated resistance of red blood cells, RRBC, of the blood sample according to the relationship RRBC=Rcell−Rplasma; calculating the percent hematocrit, % Hctc, of the blood sample; determining whether to adjust the glucose value, Glum, to an adjusted glucose value, Gluadj; and using the percent hematocrit, % Hctc, and either the glucose value, Glum, or the adjusted glucose value, Gluadj, to adjust for any bias of the biosensor reagent. |
| US07972859B2 |
Authentication of ingestible products using saccharides as markers
A method of determining authenticity of an ingestible product purportedly from a batch of saccharide-marked ingestible product is provided. The ingestible product is a food, beverage, or pharmaceutical, for example. The method includes identifying a sample of the ingestible product to be tested; and testing the sample for a marked presence of the saccharide using a saccharide-specific binding protein. The ingestible product is not authentic when the testing demonstrates an unexpected change in the marked presence of the saccharide, and the ingestible product is authentic when the testing demonstrates no unexpected change in the marked presence of the saccharide. |
| US07972857B2 |
Methods for the replacement, translocation and stacking of DNA in eukaryotic genomes
The present invention includes compositions and methods for site-specific polynucleotide replacement in eukaryotic cells. These methods include single polynucleotide replacement as well as gene stacking methods. Preferred eukaryotic cells for use in the present invention are plant cells and mammalian cells. |
| US07972855B2 |
Microorganisms that extracellularly secrete lipids and methods of producing lipid and lipid vesicles encapsulating lipids using said microorganisms
There are provided microorganisms, for example, Mortierella alpina, having a property of producing a lipid containing unsaturated fatty acids as constituent fatty acids and extracellularly secreting the produced lipid encapsulated in lipid vesicles, methods of screening said microorganisms, as well as methods of efficiently producing a fatty acid-containing lipid using said microorganisms. Furthermore, there are provided lipid vesicles encapsulating a lipid containing unsaturated fatty acids, and foods, cosmetics, and animal feeds comprising said lipid vesicles added thereto. Artificially treated microorganisms or microorganisms collected from nature are grown on a solid medium, and microbial strains that form lipid vesicles at the periphery of the colonies and/or microbial strains that, when cultured in a transparent liquid medium, make the culture liquid cloudy are selected. The microorganisms obtained are cultured, lipid-containing lipid vesicles secreted in the culture liquid, are separated from the culture liquid, and the lipid is separated and purified. |
| US07972854B2 |
Methods and compositions for targeted cleavage and recombination
Disclosed herein are methods and compositions for targeted cleavage of a genomic sequence, targeted alteration of a genomic sequence, and targeted recombination between a genomic region and an exogenous polynucleotide homologous to the genomic region. |
| US07972852B2 |
Method of preparing basement membrane, method of constructing basement membrane specimen, reconstituted artificial tissue using the basement membrane specimen and process for producing the same
A reconstructed artificial tissue is obtained by seeding and culturing desired homogeneous or heterogeneous cells having an ability to form a basement membrane on the basement membrane specimen constructed by the following process: the cells having an ability to form a basement membrane adhered onto a support structure through a basement membrane are treated with a surface active agent; the lipid component of cells is lysed; the mixture of an alkaline solution and a protease inhibitor is used to lyse the protein remained on the surface of the basement membrane of the cells. A protein support structure is temporarily adhered to plastic surface through an adsorptive polymer by hydrophobic bonding, such as an alternating copolymer of methyl vinyl ether and maleic anhydride, which has a hydrophobic linear carbon skeleton and a functional group which can react with protein in a molecule and a basement membrane specimen or an artificial tissue is formed thereon. |
| US07972848B2 |
Isolation and identification of cross-reactive T cells
Cross-reactive T cells recognizing both MBP93-105 and HHV-61-13 peptides represent a significant subset of T cells with some degree of TCR degeneracy. It appears that the recognition of the cross-reactive T cells has a less stringent requirement for the flanking residues of the two peptides. In contrast, these flanking residues are critical for the T cell recognition of mono-specific T cells. The association between HHV-6 and autoreactive immune responses to MBP indicates that cross-reactive T cells, peptides from the V-D-J region of the T cell receptor from autoreactive T cells, and antiviral agents may prevent or treat MS. |
| US07972847B2 |
Mature type-1 polarized dendritic cells with enhanced IL-12 production and methods of serum-free production and use
The present invention discloses novel dendritic cell maturation-inducing cytokine cocktails, and methods for inducting type-1 polarized dendritic cells in serum-free conditions which enhance the desirable properties of DC1s generated in serum-supplemented cultures. The invention further discloses methods and systems using IFNγ and other ligands of the IFNγreceptor, in combination with IFNα (or other type I interferons), poly I:C, and other IFNα (and IFNβ) inducers to enhance the IL-12-producing properties of dendritic cells. More specifically, the present invention discloses type-1 polarized dendritic cells that have a unique combination of a fully-mature status and an elevated, instead of “exhausted”, ability to produce IL-12p70 allows for the generation of fully-mature DC1s in serum-free AIM-V medium. The invention discloses systems that use the foregoing products and methods to facilitate the clinical application of DC1-based vaccines and the identification of novel factors involved in the induction of Th1 and CTL responses by DC1. |
| US07972844B2 |
Nuclear factor κB inducing factor
The present invention is directed to nuclear factor κB (NFκB)-inducing factor polypeptides (NFIF polypeptides) which are capable of inducing NFκB. The present invention includes within its scope NFIF polypeptides, including NFIF-14b and NFIF-7a, DNA, including cDNA, encoding these polypeptides, and expression vectors capable of expressing NFIF polypeptides. Also included are methods and compositions for increasing NFκB induction in a patient, methods and compositions for lowering NFκB induction in a patient, methods for inhibiting inflammation, and methods for manufacture of a medicament intended for the treatment and/or prevention of an NFκB-regulated inflammatory response. In addition, methods for determining whether a test compound inhibits or enhances the activity of NFIF polypeptides are provided. |
| US07972843B2 |
DNA-transfection system for the generation of infectious influenza virus
The present invention is based on the development of a dual promoter system (preferably a RNA pol I-pol II system) for the efficient intracellular synthesis of viral RNA. The resultant minimal plasmid-based system may be used to synthesize any RNA virus, preferably viruses with a negative single stranded RNA genome. The viral product of the system is produced when the plasmids of the system are introduced into a suitable host cell. One application of the system is production of attenuated, reassortant influenza viruses for use as antigens in vaccines. The reassortant viruses generated by cotransfection of plasmids may comprise genes encoding the surface glycoproteins hemagglutinin and neuraminidase from an influenza virus currently infecting the population and the internal genes from an attenuated influenza virus. An advantageous property of the present invention is its versatility; the system may be quickly and easily adapted to synthesize an attenuated version of any RNA virus. Attenuated or inactivated RNA viruses produced by the present invention may be administered to a patient in need of vaccination by any of several routes including intranasally or intramuscularly. |
| US07972837B2 |
Signal enhancement system with multiple labeled-moieties
Dipstick tests for detecting analyte are described. In a preferred embodiment, a multiple biotinylated antibody capable of binding analyte is bound to an anti-biotin antibody labeled with colloidal gold and wicked up the dipstick with test solution thought to contain analyte. Complex formed between analyte, biotinylated anti-analyte antibody, and colloidal gold labeled anti-biotin antibody is captured at a capture zone of the dipstick. Presence of colloidal gold label at the capture zone indicates the presence of analyte in the test solution. The sensitivity of analyte detection using such methods is an order of magnitude higher than for comparable methods in which biotinylated anti-analyte antibody bound to analyte is wicked up the dipstick in a first step, and a colloidal gold labeled anti-biotin antibody is wicked up the dipstick in a separate step. Kits for performing the tests of the invention are also described. |
| US07972829B2 |
Process for producing transglutaminase
The present invention relates to a process for secretory production of a foreign protein, in particular, transglutaminase by a coryneform bacterium.According to the present invention, a process is provided for the secretory production of a foreign protein, in particular, transglutaminase, by making a coryneform bacterium to produce an industrially useful foreign protein, in particular, transglutaminase and efficiently release the product extracellularly (i.e., secretory production).An intended foreign protein, in particular, transglutaminase, is produced by using an expression construct wherein the gene sequence of the intended foreign protein containing the pro-structure part, in particular, pro-transglutaminase gene sequence, is ligated to the downstream of a sequence encoding the signal peptide region from a coryneform bacterium, introducing this expressional genetic construct into a coryneform bacterium, culturing the thus transformed coryneform bacterium, and treating the extracellularly released protein with a protease, etc. to cleave and eliminate the pro-part. |
| US07972828B2 |
Stabilized compositions of thermostable DNA polymerase and anionic or zwitterionic detergent
The present invention provides compositions, methods, and kits for protecting thermostable DNA polymerase during amplification reactions conducted at a temperature ranging from about 40° C. to greater than 100° C. The composition comprises a thermostable DNA polymerase and an anionic detergent or zwitterionic detergent. |
| US07972826B2 |
Methods for reducing enzyme consumption in second generation bioethanol fermentation in the prescence of lignin
Provided are methods of liquefaction, saccharification and fermentation of pre-treated lignocellulosic biomass in production of bioethanol. Addition of PEG or surfactant is effective to enhance cellulase hydrolysis yields at high dry matter (>20%) at surprisingly low concentrations compared with comparable results in low dry matter hydrolysis. This effect is most pronounced at comparatively low cellulase loading <7 FPU (g DM)−1. At high dry matter content, cellulase enzyme consumption can be reduced, without loss of hydrolysis yield, by addition of small quantities of PEG or surfactant. |
| US07972824B2 |
Microbial fermentation of gaseous substrates to produce alcohols
The present invention relates to methods for increasing the efficiency of anaerobic fermentation processes (1) that produce acetate as a by-product in addition to a desired product, and (2) that can utilize hydrogen and/or carbon dioxide in the fermentation. The method comprises the steps of converting acetate produced by the fermentation process into hydrogen gas and carbon dioxide gas, and utilizing hydrogen gas and/or carbon dioxide gas obtained from the acetate conversion in the anaerobic fermentation process. In particular aspects, the invention relates to processes of producing alcohols, particularly ethanol. |
| US07972822B2 |
Enzyme-catalyzed polycarbonate and polycarbonate ester synthesis
An enzymatic process for preparing aliphatic polycarbonates via terpolymerization or transesterification using a dialkyl carbonate, an aliphatic diester, and an aliphatic diol or triol reactant. A catalyst having an enzyme capable of catalyzing an ester hydrolysis reaction in an aqueous environment is subsequently added to the reaction mixture. Next, polymerization of the reaction proceeds for an allotted time at a temperature≦100° C. Finally, the copolymer is isolated from an the catalyst via filtration. |
| US07972821B2 |
Production of functional proteins: balance of shear stress and gravity
A method for the production of functional proteins including hormones by renal cells in a three dimensional culturing process responsive to shear stress uses a rotating wall vessel. Natural mixture of renal cells expresses the enzyme 1-α-hydroxylase which can be used to generate the active form of vitamin D: 1,25-diOH vitamin D3. The fibroblast cultures and co-culture of renal cortical cells express the gene for erythropoietin and secrete erythropoietin into the culture supernatant. Other shear stress response genes are also modulated by shear stress, such as toxin receptors megalin and cubulin (gp280). Also provided is a method of treating an in-need individual with the functional proteins produced in a three dimensional co-culture process responsive to shear stress using a rotating wall vessel. |
| US07972818B2 |
Flow cytometric detection method for DNA samples
Disclosed herein are two methods for rapid multiplex analysis to determine the presence and identity of target DNA sequences within a DNA sample. Both methods use reporting DNA sequences, e.g., modified conventional Taqman® probes, to combine multiplex PCR amplification with microsphere-based hybridization using flow cytometry means of detection. Real-time PCR detection can also be incorporated. The first method uses a cyanine dye, such as, Cy3™, as the reporter linked to the 5′ end of a reporting DNA sequence. The second method positions a reporter dye, e.g., FAM™ on the 3′ end of the reporting DNA sequence and a quencher dye, e.g., TAMRA™, on the 5′ end. |
| US07972815B2 |
Method of producing sugar chain using human G4 polypeptide
The present invention provides a novel polypeptide having a β1,3-N-acetylglucosaminyl transferase activity; a method for producing the polypeptide; a DNA which encodes the polypeptide; a recombinant vector into which the DNA is inserted; a transformant comprising the recombinant vector; a method for producing a sugar chain or complex carbohydrate, using the polypeptide; a method for producing a sugar chain or complex carbohydrate, using the transformant; an antibody which recognizes the polypeptide; a method for screening a substance which changes the expression of the gene which encodes the polypeptide; and a method for screening a substance which changes the activity of the polypeptide. |
| US07972814B2 |
Antimicrobial polypeptides from Pseudoplectania nigrella
The present invention relates to polypeptides having antimicrobial activity and polynucleotides having a nucleotide sequence which encodes for the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the nucleic acid constructs as well as methods for producing and using the polypeptides. |
| US07972810B2 |
Production of glycoproteins using manganese
Culture media comprising manganese and methods of culturing cells to improve sialylation and glycosylation of glycoproteins are provided. |
| US07972808B2 |
Protein hydrolysate rich in tripeptides
The present invention describes a protein hydrolysate which is rich in tripeptides whereby the tripeptides are rich in proline at one end of the peptide. |
| US07972802B2 |
Lipoprotein-associated markers for cardiovascular disease
The invention provides methods of screening a mammalian subject to determine if the subject is at risk to develop, or is suffering from, cardiovascular disease. The methods comprise detecting an amount of at least one biomarker in a biological sample, or HDL subfraction thereof, from the subject, and comparing the detected amount of the biomarker to a predetermined value, where a difference between the detected amount and the predetermined value is indicative of the presence or risk of cardiovascular disease in the subject. In some embodiments, the biomarker comprises at least one of ApoC-IV, Paraoxonase 1, C3, C4, ApoA-IV, ApoE, ApoL1, C4B1, Histone H2A, ApoC-II, ApoM, Vitronectin, Haptoglobin-related protein, and Clusterin, or combinations thereof. |
| US07972801B2 |
Determining and reducing immunoresistance to a botulinum toxin therapy using botulinum toxin B peptides
The present invention provides BoNT/B peptides, BoNT/B peptide compositions, tolerogizing compositions, immune response inducing compositions, as well as methods of determining immunoresistance to botulinum toxin therapy in an individual, methods of treating immunoresistance to botulinum toxin therapy in an individual, methods of reducing anti-botulinum toxin antibodies in an individual and methods of inducing a BoNT/B immune response an individual. |
| US07972799B2 |
Method for determining sepsis using pro-ADM
Uses of recombinant procalcitonin 3-116 in the diagnosis and therapy of septic diseases and the measurement of prohormones other than procalcitonin, and of dipeptidyl peptidase IV, as biomarkers in the diagnosis of sepsis. |
| US07972794B2 |
Oxidized apoA-I determination by mass spectrometry
Methods are provided for the detection and quantitation of proteins generally and apolipoprotein A-I and oxidized derivatives thereof in particular. Further provided are methods for the assessment of the risk cardiovascular disease in a subject, wherein the assessment is based on the amount of oxidized and unoxidized apolipoprotein A-I in a biological sample obtained from a subject. |
| US07972793B2 |
Methods and compositions for the treatment of psychotic disorders through the identification of the SULT4A1-1 haplotype
Methods and compositions that relate to genetic markers of psychotic disorders, e.g., schizophrenia (SZ), are provided. For example, in certain aspects methods for determinations of a SULT4A1-1 haplotype are described. Furthermore, the invention provides methods and compositions involving treatment of psychotic disorders using the haplotype status. |
| US07972782B2 |
Steroid-activated nuclear receptors and uses therefor
A novel nuclear receptor, termed the steroid and xenobiotic receptor (SXR), a broad-specificity sensing receptor that is a novel branch of the nuclear receptor superfamily, has been discovered. SXR forms a heterodimer with RXR that can bind to and induce transcription from response elements present in steroid-inducible cytochrome P450 genes in response to hundreds of natural and synthetic compounds with biological activity, including therapeutic steroids as well as dietary steroids and lipids. Instead of hundreds of receptors, one for each inducing compound, the invention SXR receptors monitor aggregate levels of inducers to trigger production of metabolizing enzymes in a coordinated metabolic pathway. Agonists and antagonists of SXR are administered to subjects to achieve a variety of therapeutic goals dependent upon modulating metabolism of one or more endogenous steroids or xenobiotics to establish homeostasis. An assay is provided for identifying steroid drugs that are likely to cause drug interaction if administered to a subject in therapeutic amounts. Transgenic animals are also provided which express human SXR, thereby serving as useful models for human response to various agents which potentially impact P450-dependent metabolic processes. |
| US07972781B2 |
Detection of DNA damage
The health condition of a living organism is detected by electrochemically analyzing samples from selected areas of the body of said living organism for elevated free levels of nucleotide excision products resulting from DNA or RNA damage. |
| US07972779B2 |
Method for assessing predisposition to depression
The present invention relates to diagnostic methods for assessing predisposition of a subject to a mental disorder phenotype having an association with an at-risk allele of a brain-functional gene having a plurality of alleles, the association being conditioned by a pathogenic environmental risk factor status condition. Additionally, the invention relates to methods for discovering a conditional association between a mental disorder phenotype and an at-risk allele of a brain-functional gene having a plurality of alleles, the association being conditioned by a pathogenic environmental risk factor status condition. |
| US07972778B2 |
Method for detecting the presence of a single target nucleic acid in a sample
A miniaturized assembly is provided whereby a fluid sample can be divided into a plurality of sample portions in retaining wells and the sample fluid can be displaced from open ends of the wells while simultaneously being sealed in the wells. A method of dividing a fluid sample using the assembly is also provided. |
| US07972777B1 |
Nucleic acid probe-based diagnostic assays targeting ssrA genes of prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms
Use of the ssrA gene or tmRNA, an RNA transcript of the ssrA gene, or fragments thereof as target regions in a nucleic acid probe assay for the detection and identification of prokaryotic and/or eukaryotic organisms is described. Nucleotide sequence alignment of tmRNA sequences from various organisms can be used to identify regions of homology and non-homology within the sequences which in turn can be used to design both genus specific and species specific oligonucleotide probes. These newly identified regions of homology and non-homology provide the basis of identifying and detecting organisms at the molecular level. Oligonucleotide probes identified in this way can be used to detect tmRNA in samples thereby giving an indication of the viability of non-viral organisms present in various sample types. |
| US07972774B2 |
Methods of diagnosing cervical cancer
The invention provides reagents and methods for detecting pathogen infections in human samples. This detection utilizes specific proteins to detect the presence of pathogen proteins or abnormal expression of human proteins resulting from pathogen infections. Specific methods, compositions and kits are disclosed herein for the detection of oncogenic Human papillomavirus E6 proteins in clinical samples. |
| US07972772B2 |
KIF11 and method for diagnosing non-small cell lung cancer
Disclosed are methods for detecting non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) using differentially expressed genes KIF11, GHSR1b, NTSR1, and FOXM1. Also disclosed are methods of identifying compounds for treating and preventing NSCLC, based on the interaction between KOC1 and KIF11, or NMU and GHSR1b or NTSR1. |
| US07972770B2 |
Methods of detection of cancer using peptide profiles
The disclosed methods address the identification and monitoring of cancer in a subject using serum peptide profiles. Such profiles allow the detection of the differential presence of certain serum peptide markers in comparison with controls. The profiles can be determined employing mass spectrometry. |
| US07972766B2 |
Method for forming fine pattern of semiconductor device
A method for forming a fine pattern of a semiconductor device comprises: forming anti-reflection coating patterns over an underlying layer of a semiconductor substrate using an anti-reflection coating composition comprising a silicon-containing polymer; forming a photoresist pattern between the anti-reflection coating patterns using a photoresist composition comprising a silicon-containing polymer; and patterning the underlying layer using the photoresist patterns as an etching mask. |
| US07972765B2 |
Pattern forming method and a semiconductor device manufacturing method
A pattern forming method is disclosed, which comprises forming a photo resist film on a substrate, irradiating the photo resist film with an energy ray to form a desired latent image pattern, placing the substrate on a spacer provided on a hot plate, heating the photo resist film by using the hot plate, and developing the photo resist film to form a photo resist pattern, wherein an amount of irradiation of the energy ray is set such that the amount of irradiation of the energy ray in an exposure region in which a distance between a back surface of the substrate and an upper surface of the hot plate is long is larger than the amount of irradiation of the energy ray in an exposure region in which a distance between the back surface of the substrate and the upper surface of the hot plate is short. |
| US07972761B2 |
Photoresist materials and photolithography process
A material for use in lithography processing includes a polymer that turns soluble to a base solution in response to reaction with acid and a plurality of magnetically amplified generators (MAGs) each having a magnetic element and each decomposing to form acid bonded with the magnetic element in response to radiation energy. |
| US07972757B2 |
Resin for electrostatic-image-developing toner, electrostatic-image-developing toner, electrostatic image developer, method for forming image, and image-forming apparatus
A resin for an electrostatic-image-developing toner includes a graft polymer, wherein the graft polymer has a polyester structure in the main chain thereof; the graft polymer includes monomer units derived from vinyl monomers in the side chains thereof; and at least a part of the monomer units have a residue of surfactant. |
| US07972756B2 |
Ketal containing photoconductors
A photoconductor that includes, for example, a supporting substrate, a photogenerating layer, and at least one charge transport layer comprised of at least one charge transport component, and wherein the at least one charge transport layer contains at least one of ketal. In embodiments, the charge transport layer may include an α-hydroxyketone, an α-diketone, or mixtures thereof. |
| US07972755B2 |
Substrate processing method and substrate processing system
There is disclosed a substrate processing method by a multi-patterning technique, which comprises a lithography process and an etching process, each of the processes is performed to one substrate at least twice. The substrate processing method is performed by using a substrate processing system comprising a plurality of process units for performing respective steps of the lithography process. When a second lithography process is performed to a substrate, process unit(s) for performing one or more steps of the second lithography process to be used in the second lithography process is automatically selected based on the process history of the first lithography process in such a way that the process unit(s) to be used in the second lithography process is (are) identical to the processed unit(s) used in the first lithography process. |
| US07972749B2 |
Low voltage power tap on high voltage stack
A fuel cell system that includes a fuel cell stack providing high voltage power. A tap is electrically coupled to the positive end of the stack to provide a positive voltage output terminal of the fuel cell stack, and a tap is electrically coupled to the negative end of the stack to provide a negative output terminal of the fuel cell stack. A low voltage tap is electrically coupled to one or more intermediate bipolar plates of the stack to provide low voltage power. Several intermediate taps can be electrically coupled to the bipolar plates, where a center intermediate tap is designated a reference potential tap. A switching network switches the several voltage potentials to provide an AC signal. |
| US07972746B2 |
Device to control the flow speed of media through a fuel cell stack
A fuel cell stack that includes a stack of fuel cells each having a cathode side bipolar plate including parallel cathode gas flow channels. Airflow from a cathode inlet manifold is directed to the flow channels to provide the cathode gas to the fuel cell membrane. The fuel cell stack includes a device positioned within the inlet manifold that selectively blocks a predetermined number of the flow channels for each cell at low load operation to increase the flow rate in the unblocked flow channels, so that the fuel cell stack generates the desired low load output, and the increased flow rate prevents water from accumulating in the unblocked flow channels. |
| US07972744B2 |
Fuel cell assembly
A composite electrolyte membrane for a fuel cell is disclosed. The membrane is formed of a polymer having layers of a clay-based cation exchange material. The substrate comprises an electrode formed from a solution that has an exfoliated, inorganic, sodium-based cation exchange material, an ionically conductive polymer-based material, and a solvent-dispersant. |
| US07972743B2 |
Membrane electrode assembly, method for producing the same, and solid state polymer fuel cell
A membrane-electrode assembly (MEA) 1 has a solid polymer electrolyte membrane 2. The membrane 2 has ion-conductive domains 3 and non-ion-conductive domains 4 and an electrode catalyst 5. The electrode catalyst 5 is present selectively on surface sites of the solid polymer electrolyte membrane 2 which corresponds to the ion-conductive domains 3 rather than surface sites of the membrane 2 which corresponds to the non-ion-conductive domains 4. A spray liquid containing the electrode catalyst and a solvent is applied onto a surface of the membrane 2 by electrostatic spray deposition to selectively adhere the electrode catalyst 5 on the surface sites of the membrane 2 which corresponds to the ion-conductive domains 3. The membrane 2 is preferably subjected to a hydrophilization treatment before being sprayed with the spray liquid. |
| US07972741B2 |
Diffusion media for seal support for improved fuel cell design
A fuel cell stack that includes straight cathode flow channels and straight anode flow channels through a seal area between bipolar plates in the stack. The fuel cell stack includes a seal that extends around the active area of the stack and between the stack headers and the active area. At the locations where the cathode flow channels extend through a seal area to the cathode input header and the cathode outlet header, and the anode flow channels extend through a seal area to the anode input header and the anode output header, the diffusion media layer on one side of the membrane is extended to provide the seal load. Alternately, shims can be used to carry the seal load. |
| US07972737B2 |
Fuel cell
In a fuel cell which includes a plurality of stacks in which a plurality of cells, which cause reaction gases to undergo electrochemical reaction and generate electricity, are stacked in layers; and an electrically conductive member which electrically connects together end portions of the stacks, so that the stacks constitute a series circuit, there is also provided a first relay which electrically connects together some cell other than one at an end portion of a stack, and a cell of another stack. This first relay can create a bypass for cutting out a cell whose cell voltage value has become less than or equal to a predetermined value from the series circuit of the fuel cell. |
| US07972735B2 |
Fuel cell system and activation method for fuel cell
A fuel cell system capable of performing activation for stabilizing electrical characteristics of a fuel cell with suppressing generation of polarity inversion associated with drying of a polymer electrolyte membrane and excess power consumption. An activation method for a fuel cell, the fuel cell system including a fuel cell having a fuel electrode and an oxidizer electrode that are provided on both sides of a polymer electrolyte membrane; a resistance detector for detecting an internal resistance of the fuel cell; a load connection portion having a mechanism for connecting a resistor between the fuel electrode and the oxidizer electrode; and a control unit for controlling the load connection portion. The control unit controls the operation of the load connection portion based on a value of the inner resistance of the fuel cell, which is detected by the resistance detector. |
| US07972734B2 |
Process for producing polymer electrolyte emulsion
A process for producing a polymer electrolyte emulsion having the following steps (1) and (2) is provided. Step (1): a step of dissolving a polymer electrolyte in a solvent comprising a good solvent for the polymer electrolyte to prepare a polymer electrolyte solution having a polymer electrolyte concentration of 0.1 to 10% by weight. Step (2): a step of mixing the polymer electrolyte solution 10 obtained in the step (1), and a poor solvent for the polymer electrolyte at a ratio of 4 to 99 parts by weight of the poor solvent based on 1 part by weight of the polymer electrolyte solution. In addition, a process for producing a polymer 15 electrolyte emulsion comprising separating a polymer electrolyte dispersion in which a polymer electrolyte particle is dispersed in a dispersing medium, with a membrane is provided. |
| US07972730B2 |
Nonaqueous electrolyte battery, battery pack and vehicle
A nonaqueous electrolyte battery includes a negative electrode including a current collector and a negative electrode active material having a Li ion insertion potential not lower than 0.4V (vs. Li/Li+). The negative electrode has a porous structure. A pore diameter distribution of the negative electrode as determined by a mercury porosimetry, which includes a first peak having a mode diameter of 0.01 to 0.2 μm, and a second peak having a mode diameter of 0.003 to 0.02 μm. A volume of pores having a diameter of 0.01 to 0.2 μm as determined by the mercury porosimetry is 0.05 to 0.5 mL per gram of the negative electrode excluding the weight of the current collector. A volume of pores having a diameter of 0.003 to 0.02 μm as determined by the mercury porosimetry is 0.0001 to 0.02 mL per gram of the negative electrode excluding the weight of the current collector. |
| US07972726B2 |
Primary alkaline battery containing bismuth metal oxide
Primary alkaline batteries containing pentavalent bismuth metal oxides are disclosed. |
| US07972721B2 |
Method for manufacturing battery pack
A heat insulation sheet (16) covers a temperature fuse (10) arranged on a sealing plate (23) of a rechargeable battery (2) so as to provide a shield from heat of resin that is filled in a gap between the rechargeable battery (2) and a circuit substrate (3) to form a primary mold (11) and to prevent destruction of the temperature fuse (10) caused by the heat. |
| US07972719B2 |
Battery assembly having slim battery tray
A battery assembly (10) has a series of rectangular cells (20) and a square-U shaped tray (14) to support the cells (20) in series, with bottoms (24) coplanar and adjacent sides parallel. The tray (14) has spaced arms (43) for opposing the endmost ones of the series of cells (12) interconnected by a rigid web (41) that provides a generally flat seating surface for the cell bottoms (24). The web (41) has longitudinal tracks (49) which raise above the seating surface of the wen (41) and which extend beneath all the cell bottoms (24). The cell bottoms (24) have counterpart longitudinal channels (52) for self-assembling with the tracks (49) of the web (41) and provide properly aligned seating of the cell bottoms (24) by disallowing lateral displacement but allowing longitudinal sliding order to form as dense as a single-file line-up (12) as possible. The tracks (49) also serve to stiffen the web (41) against sagging or twisting. |
| US07972715B2 |
Glass substrate and thermal-assisted magnetic recording disk
A plurality of recording magnetization portions is arranged in a concentric manner around a center of a glass substrate. A plurality of non-magnetization portion having a thermal conductivity lower than that of the recording magnetization portions is formed each between adjacent recording magnetization portions along a circumferential direction on a main surface of the glass substrate. A mean squared roughness of a surface of an area where each of the non-magnetization portions is formed is equal to or smaller than 1 nanometer. |
| US07972705B2 |
Use of a crosslinkable silicone-based inverse emulsion for producing “breathable waterproof” coatings
Silicone coating on various soft supports, for instance textiles, made of synthetic polymers (polyamide, polyester) provides an efficient method for producing water impermeable and water permeable coatings, on soft supports, said method enabling to improve permeability to water vapor of the silicones while preserving impermeability to water. The inventive method enabling this consists mainly in: coating one of the surfaces of the support with a film formed by an invert water-in-oil silicone emulsion comprising a continuous oily silicone phase phi s, crosslinkable into elastomer and including a polyorganosiloxane (POS) A crosslinkable by addition polymerization, by cationic process or free-radical process; optionally a crosslinking organosilicon compound B; and optionally at least a catalyst C; an aqueous phase phi a; a stabilizing agent; and in ensuring crosslinking of the silicone phase phi s and elimination of water. The invention also concerns water impermeable and water vapor permeable soft polyamide or polyester substrates obtained by using an invert water-in-oil silicone emulsion. |
| US07972702B2 |
Defect inspection method for a glass substrate for a mask blank, glass substrate for a mask blank, mask blank, exposure mask, method of producing a glass substrate for a mask blank, method of producing a mask blank, and method of producing an exposure mask
On inspecting a glass substrate for a mask blank which substrate has surfaces including one end face, the glass substrate is prepared to have the one end face which has a chamfered surface and a remaining surface serving as a side surface. The chamfered surface of the one end face is smaller in width than a chamfered surface of an opposite end face of the glass substrate. A short-wavelength light having a wavelength of 200 nm or less is introduced into the side surface of the one end face. From either the one end face or a different surface of the surfaces of the glass substrate, a long-wavelength light is received which is longer in wavelength than the short-wavelength light and which is generated by an internal defect of the glass substrate in response to the short-wavelength light. The internal defect is detected with reference to the long-wavelength light. |
| US07972701B2 |
Substrates coated with a polyurea comprising a (meth)acrylated amine reaction product
A metallic substrate coated at least in part with a multilayer coating composite, comprising at least one of an electrocoat layer, a base coat layer, and a clearcoat layer; and a polyurea formed from a reaction mixture comprising isocyanate and a (meth)acrylated amine reaction product of a monoamine and a poly(meth)acrylate is disclosed. The ratio of equivalents of isocyanate groups to equivalents of amine groups in the polyurea is greater than 1 and the isocyanate functional component and the (meth)acrylated amine functional component can be applied to the substrate at a volume mixing ratio of 1:1. A building comprising a building component coated at least in part with such a polyurea is also disclosed, as is a substrate coated at least in part with such a polyurea, wherein the ratio of equivalents or isocyanate to equivalents of amine groups is greater than 1.3:1. |
| US07972698B2 |
Carbon foam core panels
The core panel includes a plurality of carbon foam blocks. One or more of the blocks have a cell volume wherein at least about 90% of the cells have a diameter of between at least about 10 microns and about 150 microns. Also at least about 1% of the cell volume of the block has cells having a diameter of about 0.8 microns to about 3.5 microns. |
| US07972688B2 |
High density polyurethane and polyisocyanurate construction boards and composite boards
A covered low-slope or flat roof comprising (a) a roof deck, (b) an optional insulation board including a polyurethane or polyisocyanurate cellular structure having a density that is less than 2.5 pounds per cubic foot, (c) a coverboard including a polyurethane or polyisocyanurate cellular structure having a density greater than about 2.5 pounds per cubic foot, and (d) a membrane. |
| US07972687B2 |
Porous silicon and method of preparing the same
The present invention relates to a porous silicon material comprising one or more pore parts which include a first pore, a second pore, and a third pore. The first pore is formed in an upper side of the silicon. The second pore is formed in a lower side of the first pore and has a diameter that is larger or smaller than a diameter of the first pore. The third pore is formed in a lower side of the second pore and has a diameter that is identical or similar to the diameter of the first pore. The pore part having a double structure is formed in a silicon material. Since different electronic materials can be implanted into different pores of the porous silicon, it is easy to form interfaces of the implanted electronic materials. |
| US07972686B2 |
Composite materials with improved performance
A composite material comprising at least one polymeric resin and optionally at least one fibrous reinforcement, where the polymeric resin comprises; at least one difunctional epoxy resin; and at least one epoxy resin with a functionality greater than two having at least one meta-substituted phenyl ring in its backbone. |
| US07972681B2 |
Textured screen-printed laminates
A multi-layer laminate having a textured surface comprises a thin, flexible, thermoformable polymeric base layer, and a layer of spaced part segments of an ink material screen printed in a pattern on a surface of the polymeric base material. The ink material comprises a UV curable screen printing ink which contains a resinous binder, a hardener, and a fine particulate filler. The ink is pressed through a screen having an emulsion with a thickness from about 40 to 50 microns. The ink segments are dried on the base layer by UV curing to a height and a hardness sufficient to form a heat stable textured surface adhered to the base layer. In one embodiment, the printed ink layer has a print height from about 25 to about 50 microns and resists deformation from subsequent thermoforming and/or injection molding. The ink segments meet automotive hardness and abrasion specification requirements. |
| US07972679B1 |
Ballistic-resistant article including one or more layers of cross-plied uhmwpe tape in combination with cross-plied fibers
A ballistic-resistant molded article having a sandwich-type structure including two outer portions of a first high modulus material surrounding an inner portion of a second high modulus material. The outer portions are comprised of a plurality of interleaved layers of adhesive coated cross-plied non-fibrous ultra high molecular weight polyethylene tape. The inner portion is comprised of a plurality of interleaved layers of high modulus cross-plied fibers embedded in resin. The stack of interleaved layers is compressed at high temperature and pressure to form a hybrid sandwich ballistic-resistant molded article that includes a mix of high modulus materials. It has been found that ballistic resistance is higher for the hybrid structure than for a monolithic structure of comparable areal density. |
| US07972674B2 |
Information recording medium, its manufacturing method, and sputtering target for forming information recording medium
A write-once information recording medium having a high recording sensitivity and reliability with respect to long-term storage is provided. The information recording medium has a recording layer on a substrate, to which information can be recorded and from which information can be reproduced by irradiating the recording layer with laser light or applying electrical energy to the recording layer. The recording layer contains, as its primary components, TeO2 and a material A, where the material A is a material that exhibits a eutectic reaction with TeO2. |
| US07972673B2 |
Optical recording medium
An optical recording medium is provided. The optical recording medium includes at least a reflective film and a cover layer on a substrate; main data by a combination of pit and land are recorded on the substrate; a write-once recording is made to be possible on the reflective film by irradiating a laser light; sub-data are recorded by a mark that is formed by the irradiation of laser light for the write-once recording with respect to the reflective film; a reproducing signal level at portion where said mark is formed increases for the land of specified length; the mark by which the reproduced level decreases at the portion where the mark is formed is formed for an optical disc recording medium manufactured by physical copy; the reflective film is composed of an Ag-alloy film of Ag100-xXx(0 |
| US07972672B2 |
Laminated anti-fatigue area rug and method of manufacture
A laminated anti-fatigue area rug comprises a bottom laminate of anti-fatigue material being rubber or vinyl having anti-slip properties for stability, a top laminate of cork with an upper wearing surface having a polyurethane coating and a middle bonding laminate of fiberglass cloth and adhesive material to bond the layers together. There resulting rug is sufficiently flexible that it may be rolled for storage without cracking the cork or delaminating. |
| US07972669B2 |
Biodegradable resin foam sheet, biodegradable resin foam article and biodegradable resin molded container
Disclosed is a foam sheet made of a biodegradable resin composition. The biodegradable resin composition contains a wax and/or a polyolefin resin. The biodegradable resin is mainly composed of polylactic acid. Natural candelilla wax or paraffin wax is preferable as the wax. Polyethylene is preferable as the polyolefin resin. Also disclosed are a foam article and a molded container made of such a foam sheet wherein the degree of crystallinity of the biodegradable resin is 10% or more. |
| US07972668B2 |
Foamed laminated construction
A laminated construction having a first layer having a plurality of criss-crossing foamed filaments adhered to each other and defining a net, an impermeable layer laminated to the first layer along two opposite longitudinal edges to form a sleeve, and a perforated pipe extending within the sleeve. In another embodiment, a porous membrane surrounds the layer having a plurality of criss-crossing foamed filaments adhered to each other. In another embodiment, the laminated construction forms a pipe having a first layer having a plurality of criss-crossing foamed filaments adhered to each other and defining a net, an impermeable layer laminated to the first layer along two opposite longitudinal edges to form a sleeve, and a plurality of loose fill elements are within the sleeve for passage of fluid therethrough. |
| US07972666B2 |
Coating compositions for forming inkjet-receptive coatings on a substrate
Coating compositions for forming inkjet-receptive coatings on a substrate which are glossy, dry rapidly, provide good color density, exhibit low density loss, and are water-resistant, include (a) a crosslinkable cationic terpolymer, (b) an adhesion promoter, (c) a crosslinker, (d) a binder, and (e) water. |
| US07972662B2 |
Substrate for information recording medium, information recording medium and process for producing information recording medium
An information recording medium is prepared by forming a multi-layered film, including an information recording layer, on a substrate by transferring the substrate heated at an average heating rate of at least 10° C./second in a heating zone, along consecutive film-forming zones, and consecutively forming layers forming the multi-layered film in the film-forming zones. |
| US07972658B2 |
Control of a coating process
Devices, systems and methods for controlling the coating of a sample are disclosed. The exemplary system may have a manufacturing device for providing a sample with one or more sample characteristics associated with one or more coating characteristics. The exemplary system may have a sample sensor for determining the one or more sample characteristics and a manufacturing controller for controlling the manufacturing device and controlling the one or more characteristics of the sample provided by the manufacturing device based on the determined one or more sample characteristics. The exemplary system may also have a coating device for providing coating to the sample with the one or more coating characteristics; a coating sensor for determining the one or more coating characteristics; and a coating controller for controlling the coating device and controlling the one or more characteristics of the coating provided by the coating device based on the determined one or more coating characteristics. |
| US07972653B2 |
Method for removing amorphous carbon coatings with oxidizing molten salts and coated member regeneration method
A coating film removal method for a coated member having a coating film formed over the surface of a substrate is disclosed, which can easily achieve a coating film removal, even for a carbon-based coating film containing carbon as a main component, besides a carbon-based coating film containing a metal element etc. A coated member regeneration method is also disclosed, which removes a coating film from a coated member, and then forms a new coating film over the member, to regenerate the coated member. The coating film removal method is adapted to remove a carbon-based coating film from a coated member (10) including a substrate, and the carbon-based coating film coated on at least a portion of a surface of the substrate while containing carbon as a main component. The coating film removal method includes bringing a molten salt having an oxidizing function for carbon into contact with the carbon-based coating film, to remove at least a portion of the carbon-based coating film coated over the surface of the substrate. A coated member regeneration method includes removing the carbon-based coating film from the coated member, using such coating film removal method, and subsequently forming a coating film on at least a portion of a surface of the film-removed member (11). |
| US07972651B2 |
Method for forming multi-layered structure, method for manufacturing wiring substrate, and method for manufacturing electronic apparatus
A method for forming a multi-layered structure using a droplet-discharging device; the method comprises: (A) forming a first insulating-material layer covering the material-body surface by discharging a droplet of a first insulating material including a first photosensitive resin to a material-body surface; (B) obtaining a first insulating layer by curing in the first insulating-material layer; (C) forming a pattern of an electric conductive material layer on the first insulating layer by discharging a droplet of an electric conductive material to the first insulating layer; and (D) forming a wiring pattern on the first insulating layer by activating the pattern of the electric conductive material layer. |
| US07972650B1 |
Method for manufacturing 3D circuits from bare die or packaged IC chips by microdispensed interconnections
A method for manufacturing an electronic circuit in three-dimensional space provides for interconnecting electronic components within the circuit by directly writing conducting lines. The method may include observing a direct writing tool of a direct write system using a vision system, determining proper placement of the direct writing tool at least partially based on the step of observing, and directly writing conducting lines in three dimensions using the proper placement. The direct writing may be on a surface or in free space. The method may include stacking a plurality of chips to provide a stack having a top surface and edges extending away from the top and interconnecting connections of the chips by directly writing conducting lines along one of the edges. |
| US07972647B2 |
Method for improving a protein product
The invention relates to a method for improving one or more functional properties of a protein product, said method having the adjustment of the pH of the protein product to a value higher than 7. The invention further relates to a product having such a protein product and to the use of a protein product in a food product in order to improve one or more functional properties of the food product. |
| US07972640B2 |
Lemon/lime flavored beverages having improved stability
A combination of an acidulant system and a buffer salt system is included in lemon/lime flavored beverages to achieve improved stability. The acidulant system includes citric acid and/or phosphoric acid and an additional organic acid having a smaller dissociation constant than both phosphoric acid and citric acid; the buffer salt system includes a citrate salt and a phosphate salt. |
| US07972639B2 |
Beverage dispenser with additive dispensing
Beverage dispensers and dispensing methods that facilitate mixing of one or more additives (e.g., flavorings) with a base liquid are described. In a preferred method of preparing a beverage, a base liquid is dispensed from a dispensing device (100) into a container (150). A flowable additive is dispensed from the dispensing device into the container to mix the flowable additive with the base liquid during the dispensing of the base liquid to provide the beverage. Preferably, the dispensing of the base liquid and the flowable additive is controlled to vary the relative concentration of the additive in the base liquid in the container during the dispensing. |
| US07972638B2 |
Foodstuff
There is provided use of a conversion agent to prepare from a food material a foodstuff comprising at least one functional ingredient, wherein the at least one functional ingredient has been generated from at least one constituent of the food material by the conversion agent. |
| US07972633B2 |
Nutritional supplements for healthy memory and mental function
Compositions for supporting healthy memory and optimizing mental energy and methods for improving, preventing, and treating mental disorders or deterioration. The compositions of the invention can be formulated as nutritional or dietary supplements. |
| US07972632B2 |
Identification of Free-B-Ring flavonoids as potent COX-2 inhibitors
The present invention provides a novel method for inhibiting the cyclooxygenase enzyme COX-2. The method is comprised of administering a composition containing a Free-B-Ring flavonoid or a composition containing a mixture of Free-B-Ring flavonoids to a host in need thereof. The present also includes novel methods for the prevention and treatment of COX-2 mediated diseases and conditions. The method for preventing and treating COX-2 mediated diseases and conditions is comprised of administering to a host in need thereof an effective amount of a composition containing a Free-B-Ring flavonoid or a composition containing a mixture of Free-B-Ring flavonoids and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. |
| US07972629B2 |
Product comprising a combination of milk serum apoproteins and free fatty acids
The present invention relates to use of a milk apoprotein or a mixture thereof to prevent or treat microbial or viral infection of the human or animal body. It is believed that this is achieved by inhibiting adhesion of potential pathogens. More preferably, at least one milk apoprotein or a mixture thereof is administered, simultaneously or sequentially, with either or both of at least one free fatty acid or a mixture thereof or a monoglyceride thereof; and/or at least one organic acid or a salt or ester thereof or a mixture thereof. The active agent(s) may be delivered by means of a pharmaceutically acceptable delivery system which includes parenteral solutions, ointments, eye drops, nasal sprays, intravaginal devices, surgical dressings, medical foods or drinks, oral healthcare formulations and medicaments for mucosal applications. |
| US07972626B2 |
Fluticasone propionate nasal pharmaceutical formulations and methods of using same
Nasal pharmaceutical formulations comprising a drug substance having a specific particle size distribution profile are disclosed herein. Such profile provides increased bioavailability, increased efficacy or prolonged therapeutic effect of the drug substance when administered intranasally. The formulations of the present invention may comprise one or more corticosteroids having a specific particle size distribution profile. In a preferred embodiment, the corticosteroid is fluticasone or a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative thereof for the treatment of one or more symptoms of rhinitis. Preferably, the drug substance is fluticasone propionate. The formulations herein may be provided as an aqueous suspension suitable for inhalation via the intranasal route. |
| US07972622B1 |
Method and apparatus for manufacturing dissolvable tablets
Consumable or dissolvable tablets are manufactured by supplying a liquid containing a biodissolvable carrier to an outlet; establishing an electric field between the outlet and a support surface to cause liquid issuing from the outlet to form at least one fiber or fibrils of the biodissolvable carrier which fiber or fibrils deposit(s) onto the surface to form a fiber web or mat; separating the web or mat into a plurality of individual tablets; and incorporating at least one active ingredient on or in the tablets. |
| US07972619B2 |
Biodegradable polymer for marking tissue and sealing tracts
A tissue marker formed of a biodegradable polymer having drug-delivery capabilities is combined with a sealant that encapsulates the tissue marker and which serves to help anchor the tissue marker against migration. The sealant is delivered to a site in dehydrated form and moisture inherent in tissue at the site expands the sealant. The expanded sealant is formed of a hydrogel and is therefore more compatible to the surrounding tissue than the material of the tissue marker. The sealant and the tissue marker are both bioabsorbed over time. |
| US07972618B2 |
Edible water-soluble film containing a foam reducing flavoring agent
An edible water-soluble film is provided. The film includes at least one water-soluble polymer, and a foam reducing flavoring agent, wherein the film is free of added anti-foaming or defoaming agents. |
| US07972616B2 |
Medical device applications of nanostructured surfaces
This invention provides novel nanofiber enhanced surface area substrates and structures comprising such substrates for use in various medical devices, as well as methods and uses for such substrates and medical devices. In one particular embodiment, methods for enhancing cellular functions on a surface of a medical device implant are disclosed which generally comprise providing a medical device implant comprising a plurality of nanofibers (e.g., nanowires) thereon and exposing the medical device implant to cells such as osteoblasts. |
| US07972612B2 |
Remedy for glaucoma comprising Rho kinase inhibitor and β-blocker
A subject of the present invention is to find utility of a combination of a Rho kinase inhibitor having a novel action and a β-blocker as a therapeutic agent for glaucoma. Actions of reducing intraocular pressure are complemented and/or enhanced each other by combining the Rho kinase inhibitor with the β-blocker. For the administration mode, each drug can be administered in combination or in mixture. |
| US07972607B2 |
Attenuated francisella and methods of use
Francisella tularensis is the bacterial pathogen that causes tularemia in humans and a number of animals. To date, no approved vaccine exists for this widespread and life-threatening disease. The present disclosure provides attenuated Francisella mutants that include functional deletions in one or more of the dsbB, FTT0742, pdpB, fumA, and carB genes. Also provided are immunogenic compositions that include the attenuated bacteria. Methods are provided for treatment using the attenuated Francisella mutants. |
| US07972605B2 |
Modified vaccinia ankara virus vaccine
The present invention relates, in general, to vaccines and, in particular, to a modified vaccinia Ankara (MVA) virus, to a composition comprising such a virus and to methods of using same to induce an immune response. |
| US07972603B2 |
Stable immunogenic product comprising antigenic heterocomplexes
The invention relates to a stable immunogenic product for the induction of antibodies against one or more antigenic proteins in a subject. The invention is characterised in that it comprises proteinaceous immunogenic heterocomplexes which are formed by associations between (i) antigenic protein molecules and (ii) proteinaceous carrier molecules and in that less than 40% of the antigenic proteins (i) are linked to the proteinaceous carrier molecules (ii) by a covalent bond. |
| US07972600B2 |
IGF-IR antagonists as adjuvants for treatment of prostate cancer
The present invention relates to a method of treating prostate cancer with androgen deprivation therapy and an insulin-like growth factor receptor (IGF-IR) antagonist. Although the response rate of prostate cancer to androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is high, surviving cancer cells invariably become androgen independent (AI) and tumor growth follows. The invention inhibits or delays transition of androgen dependent cancer to androgen independent cancer, significantly decreases risk of recurrence, and improves treatment outcome. |
| US07972598B2 |
VEGF-binding fusion proteins and therapeutic uses thereof
Fusion proteins which bind and inhibit vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). The VEGF-binding fusion proteins are therapeutically useful for treating VEGF-associated conditions and diseases, and are specifically designed for local administration to specific organs, tissues, and/or cells. |
| US07972597B2 |
Methods of reducing chemotaxis using antibodies against monocyte chemotactic proteins
The invention provides antibodies that bind to a plurality of β-chemokines, particularly monocyte chemotactic proteins MCP-1, MCP-2 and MCP-3. The invention also provides cells producing the antibodies, and methods of making and using the same. |
| US07972588B2 |
Radiolabelling methods
The invention relates to radiodiagnostic and radiotherapeutic agents, including biologically active vectors labelled with radionuclides. It further relates to methods and reagents labelling a vector such as a peptide comprising reaction of a compound of formula (I) with a compound of formula (II): R*-L2-N3 (II) or, a compound of formula (III) with a compound of formula (IV) in the presence of a Cu (I) catalyst. The resultant labelled conjugates are useful as diagnostic agents, for example, as radiopharmaceuticals more specifically for use in Positron Emission Tomography (PET) or Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) or for radiotherapy. |
| US07972584B2 |
Magnesiothermic methods of producing high-purity silicon
Magnesiothermic methods of producing solid silicon are provided. In a first embodiment, solid silica and magnesium gas are reacted at a temperature from 400° C. to 1000° C. to produce solid silicon and solid magnesium oxide, the silicon having a purity from 98.0 to 99.9999%. The silicon is separated from the magnesium oxide using an electrostatic technology. In a second embodiment, the solid silicon is reacted with magnesium gas to produce solid magnesium silicide. The magnesium silicide is contacted with hydrogen chloride gas or hydrochloric acid to produce silane gas. The silane gas is thermally decomposed to produce solid silicon and hydrogen gas, the silicon having a purity of at least 99.9999%. The solid silicon and hydrogen gas are separated into two processing streams. The hydrogen gas is recycled for reaction with chlorine gas to produce hydrogen chloride gas. |
| US07972582B2 |
Method and apparatus for treating exhaust gas
An apparatus for treating an exhaust gas that includes a pre-treatment section that removes a powdery component, a water-soluble component or a hydrolytic component from the exhaust gas. The exhaust gas contains a fluorine compound and CO. A heating oxidative decomposing section performs heating oxidative decomposition of at least one of the fluorine compound and CO to detoxify the exhaust gas. The apparatus also has a post-treatment section for post-treating an acid gas such as HF which has been produced by the heating oxidative decomposition. |
| US07972579B2 |
Device for the automatic opening and closing of reaction vessels
The invention relates to a device for the automatic opening and closing of reaction vessels. It comprises a holding device for the non-rotatable holding of one or more reaction vessels, a gripper for the gripping of a lid for the reaction vessel, wherein the gripper has gripping jaws to take hold of the lid, and a holding arm with a rotating mechanism for rotatable holding of the gripper. The gripping jaws are arranged in such a way that, when the lid is inserted into the area between the gripping jaws, it is held by the latter through frictional contact, and the gripper has no active operating device for opening and closing the gripping jaws. |
| US07972577B2 |
Chip using method and test chip
A measuring chip is configured for separating and measuring a target component in a sample by rotation around first and second axes of rotation. The measuring chip includes a centrifugal separation tube that centrifugally separates the target component from the sample by rotating the measuring chip around the first axis of rotation; a first holding section installed in the bottom of the centrifugal separation tube, wherein non-target components other than the target component in the sample are introduced therein by rotation around the first axis of rotation, and the first holding section holds the non-target components during rotation around the second axis of rotation; and a measuring section connected to one end of the centrifugal separation tube that measures the non-target components introduced from the centrifugal separation tube by rotation around the second axis of rotation. |
| US07972576B2 |
Coiled capillary for compensating mechanical stress
A fluidic device comprising a capillary for conducting a fluid and a pivot arm configured for being pivoted, wherein the pivot arm supports at least a portion of the capillary, and a part of the capillary is coiled to at least partially compensate stress resulting from pivoting of the pivot arm. |
| US07972572B2 |
Reactor vessel and liner
A reactor vessel liner system includes a liner having a plurality of first conduits and a plurality of second conduits for conveying a coolant. The plurality of second conduits is located at least partially within corresponding ones of the plurality of first conduits. |
| US07972568B2 |
Apparatus for separating para-xylene from a mixture of C8 and C9 aromatic hydrocarbons
The apparatus includes at least two adsorptive separation zones to separate para-xylene from a feed stream comprising C8 aromatic hydrocarbons and at least one C9 aromatic hydrocarbon component. The first adsorptive separation zone delivers a raffinate stream to a raffinate distillation zone and an extract stream to an extract distillation zone. The raffinate distillation zone delivers a stream to the second adsorptive separation zone and at least one of the extract distillation zone and raffinate distillation zone delivers a recycle stream to the first adsorptive separation zone. |
| US07972564B2 |
Combined labyrinthine fluid sterilizing apparatus
The present invention provides a combined labyrinthine fluid sterilizing apparatus, comprising a chamber having an inlet and an outlet as well as a blower/fan provided in the chamber. Ultraviolet lamps are mounted in the lumen of the chamber. The lumen of the chamber is divided by a plurality of bafflers having pores. The pores in the adjacent bafflers are arranged to stagger up and down or from side to side. A mesh plate is provided at the pore. The top and bottom plates of the chamber can be flipped open. The baffler is inserted in the slots in the inner side of the front and back plates. The top and bottom plates have the pore and a cover plate which are both covered by a shield. At least one of the bafflers has a pore, and is provided with a one-way openable valve. The blower is mounted at the pore of the baffler. The chamber and the bafflers are coated with a layer of titanium dioxide. According to the present invention, it is possible to add, remove, or replace the baffler, the filter mesh, the blower or the purifying accessories and the like. The one-way openable valve can prevent the polluted water or air from flowing backwards. Further the to and fro winding disinfecting and sterilizing path prolongs the disinfecting and sterilizing process and increases the duration. With the photocatalytic effect of titanium dioxide, the organic substances are effectively decomposed, the dirt is eliminated, and deodorization and sterilization achieved. As a result, an ideal effect of disinfection and sterilization is achieved. |
| US07972561B2 |
Microfluidic device
The invention relates to a microfluidic device comprising at least one micro-channel connected at one end to an enclosed area, characterized in that it also comprises an inlet circuit and an outlet circuit connected to the enclosed area and between which the fluid can be discharged without any contact with the micro-channel, wherein at least one of said inlet and outlet circuits can be controlled in such a way that the pressure at the end of the micro-channel can be modified independently from the pressure at the other end of the micro-channel. |
| US07972560B2 |
Apparatus for dispensing material
An apparatus capable of dispensing drops of material with volumes on the order of zeptoliters is described. In some embodiments of the inventive pipette the size of the droplets so dispensed is determined by the size of a hole, or channel, through a carbon shell encapsulating a reservoir that contains material to be dispensed. The channel may be formed by irradiation with an electron beam or other high-energy beam capable of focusing to a spot size less than about 5 nanometers. In some embodiments, the dispensed droplet remains attached to the pipette by a small thread of material, an atomic scale meniscus, forming a virtually free-standing droplet. In some embodiments the droplet may wet the pipette tip and take on attributes of supported drops. Methods for fabricating and using the pipette are also described. |
| US07972559B2 |
Particle or cell analyzer and method
A particle analyzer in which tagged particles to be analyzed are drawn through a suspended capillary tube where a predetermined volume in the capillary tube is illuminated. The illumination scattered by said particles is detected by a detector to count all particles. The fluorescent illumination emitted by tagged particles is detected and the output signals from the fluorescent detectors and scatter detector are processed to provide an analysis of the particles. |
| US07972557B2 |
Plasmon filter
A plasmon filter may include an element supportive of plasmon energy and having a plurality of openings through which a material may pass. A system includes a fluid filter supportive of evanescent energy, an evanescent field generator, a sensor, and/or other components. A corresponding method may include generating plasmons on the filter and exposing a material to the plasmon energy. |
| US07972556B2 |
Electromagnetic agitator
An electromagnetic stirring apparatus includes a vessel (2) for containing an electroconductive material in a molten state, such as a molten metal (1); an axially traveling magnetic field generating coil (3) for generating magnetic line of force (15) in an axial direction of the vessel (2) towards the molten metal (1) contained in the vessel (2) from an outside of the vessel (2); and a strip-shaped magnetic plate (4) disposed between the coil (3) and the vessel (2). Portions (11) where an axial electromagnetic force is generated in the molten metal contained in the vessel by the coil (3), and portions (10) into which a magnetic field is prevented by the magnetic plate (4) from locally entering, are formed in the vessel (2), whereby a circumferential pressure gradient is generated. Only with the axially traveling magnetic field generating coil (3), streams formed by convolution of axial motion and rotary motion are generated in the molten metal (1) in accordance with the axial electromagnetic force and the circumferential pressure gradient, thereby to perform stirring of the molten metal (1). |
| US07972553B2 |
Method for imprint lithography at constant temperature
Method for transferring a pattern from a template (10) having a structured surface (11) to a substrate (12) carrying a surface layer (14) of a material devised to 5 solidify upon exposure to radiation, comprising: arranging said template and substrate mutually parallel in an imprint apparatus, with said structured surface facing said surface layer; heating the template and the substrate to a temperature Tp by means of a heater device (20); and while maintaining said temperature Tp, performing the steps of: pressing the template towards the substrate for imprinting said pattern into said layer; exposing said layer to radiation (19) for solidifying the layer, and—postbaking the layer. |
| US07972552B1 |
Method to locate and eliminate manufacturing defects in a quartz resonator gyro
A method for locating and eliminating defects on a substrate wafer includes illuminating a top surface of the substrate wafer with a first illumination source, illuminating a bottom surface of the substrate wafer with a second illumination source, forming an image of a portion of the top surface of the substrate wafer while the substrate wafer is illuminated by the first and second illumination sources, adjusting a contrast of the image to accentuate defects on the top surface of the substrate wafer, locating defects in the image, and ablating the defects on the top surface with a laser. |
| US07972550B2 |
Method of increasing the load capacity of a radial tire
An underground mine tire 20 having a nominal bead diameter of 20.0 inches or less has a carcass, a tread 25 and a pair of rubber sidewalls 23, each extending along the outer periphery of the carcass 21 below the tread 25. The tire 20 has a nominal bead width D greater than 8.50 inches and an overall diameter of less than 55 inches. The carcass 21 has at least one radial steel cord reinforced ply 24. |
| US07972547B2 |
Solution casting method
A casting dope (27) prepared from CAP, additive and solvent is cast onto a belt (46) and peeled as a wet film (74) that is drawn in the longitudinal direction in a transporting area (80). In a tenter device (47), while the wet film (74) is stretched in the widthwise direction, a relaxation of the wet film (74) in the longitudinal direction is made. If an extent percentage of the stretch is less than 70%, the relation is started. The wet film (74) is fed out as a polymer film (82) from the tenter device (47). On the polymer film (82), the in-plane retardation increases and the thickness retardation decreases. Thus the optical properties become preferable. |
| US07972545B2 |
Device and method for manufacturing end mill
A device and a method for manufacturing an end mill in which the amount of grinding of a blank end mill is small. The device for manufacturing an end mill includes: upper and lower punches; a die; a feed box for supplying a powder of material for the end mill; and a cleaner for eliminating the powder from a top surface of the die. The upper and lower punches are movable up and down relative to each other and have a lengthwise molding cavity formed thereon. The die has a penetrating slit sized to be approximated to the width of the upper and lower punches. The penetrating slit allows the up-and-down movements of the upper and lower punches. The feed box supplies the powder into a space formed by the wall of the penetrating slit and the lower punch. |
| US07972544B2 |
Resin multilayer injection molding method
While a second layer resin is being charged, a movable platen is moved backward to reach a given movable platen position (S1) to enlarge the capacity of a second cavity. After the completion of charging of the resin, a toggle mechanism is promptly driven to reduce the second cavity capacity to reach a given movable platen position (S2), and after the lapse of a given time, the toggle mechanism is driven again to enlarge the second cavity capacity to reach a given movable platen position (S3). Thus, a high quality multilayer injection molded article which has small variations in the wall thickness, dimension, and mass and which is free from deformation or warpage can be stable obtained. |
| US07972540B2 |
Electronic device fabrication process
A process to fabricate an electronic device comprising: (a) liquid depositing a composition comprising a liquid, silver-containing nanoparticles, a replacement stabilizer comprising a carboxylic acid on the surface of the silver-containing nanoparticles, and a residual amount of an initial stabilizer on the surface of the silver-containing nanoparticles, resulting in a deposited composition; and (b) heating the deposited composition to form an electrically conductive layer comprising silver. |
| US07972538B2 |
Conductive pattern formation ink, conductive pattern and wiring substrate
A conductive pattern formation ink capable of producing a conductive pattern with reduced likelihood of generation of cracks, a conductive pattern which is small in the number of cracks generated, low in specific resistance and superior in high-frequency characteristics, and a wiring substrate provided with the conductive pattern which is small in the number of cracks generated, low in specific resistance and superior in high-frequency characteristics are provided. The conductive pattern formation ink is used for forming a conductive pattern on a base member by patterning and comprised of a dispersion solution. The dispersion solution includes a solvent, metal particles dispersed in the solvent, and an anti-cracking agent contained in the solvent, wherein the anti-cracking agent is contained for preventing generation of cracks in the conductive pattern during desolvation of the solvent. |
| US07972537B2 |
Carbon nanotube-conductive polymer composite
A carbon nanotube-conductive polymer composite includes a plurality of CNTs and conductive polymer fibers. The CNTs are connected with each other to form a network. The conductive polymer fibers adhere to surfaces of the CNTs and/or tube walls of the CNTs. |
| US07972535B2 |
Composite particles for electrochemical device electrode, method of production of composite particles for electrochemical device electrode, and electrochemical device electrode
Composite particles for an electrochemical device electrode containing an electrode active material, a conductive material, and a binder, wherein primary particles of the composite particles have a volume average particle size of 1 to 500 μm and, when a relative particle amount of the primary particles having a particle size of a fine range near a mode radius R1 of the primary particles in the particle size distribution of the primary particles of the composite particles found by the volume standard is ρ1 and a relative particle amount of secondary particles having a particle size of the fine range in the particle size distribution of the secondary particles of the composite particles found by the volume standard in measurement at 23° C. is ρ2, ρ2/ρ1 is 0.03 to 0.60. |
| US07972534B2 |
Retarding oxidants for preparing conductive polymers
Process for preparing specific oxidants which in mixtures with precursors for preparing conductive polymers display a long processing time during the polymerization; oxidants obtainable by this process; mixtures comprising such specific (retarding) oxidants and the use of said oxidants for preparing solid electrolyte capacitors and conductive layers. |
| US07972531B2 |
Anti-freezing/deicing agent and related methods
A composition for deicing or inhibiting formation of ice includes waste material from a fermentation process for producing an amino acid from a carbohydrate source, and at least some second anti-freezing and deicing agent or a carrier. The active agent is waste material from a fermentation process for producing an amino acid from a carbohydrate source. The carrier may be water. A method for deicing an icy surface includes applying to that surface an effective amount of waste material from a fermentation process for producing an amino acid from a carbohydrate source. |
| US07972530B2 |
Deicing and anti-icing compositions comprising renewably-based, biodegradable 1,3-propanediol
Disclosed herein are deicing and anti-icing compositions comprising 1,3-propanediol, wherein the 1,3-propanediol in said deicing or anti-icing composition has a bio-based carbon content of about 1% to 100%. In addition, it is preferred that the 1,3-propanediol be biologically-derived, and wherein upon biodegradation, the biologically-derived 1,3-propanediol contributes no anthropogenic CO2 emissions to the atmosphere. |
| US07972529B2 |
Lubricant oil for a refrigeration machine, lubricant composition and refrigeration machine and system
A lubricant oil for a refrigeration machine, and refrigeration machine, said refrigeration machine being of the type that operates with a refrigerant consisting of at least one component of the HC (hydrocarbon) group, the lubricant oil consisting of an alkylbenzene oil containing at least 80% by weight of alkylbenzene having a molecular weight of 120-288 and having a viscosity between about 3.0 and 7.0 cSt at a temperature of 40° C. and the lubricant composition consisting of said alkylbenzene oil and until about 8% by weight of one or more additives selected from a group consisting of improvers of oxidation resistance and thermal stability, corrosion inhibitors, metal inactivators, lubricity additives, viscosity index improvers, reducers of fluidity and flocculation point, detergents, dispersants, antifoaming agents, antiwear agents and extreme pressure resistant additives. |
| US07972528B2 |
Refrigerant composition
A refrigerant composition consists essentially of three hydrofluorocarbon components selected from HFC134a, HFC125 and HFC143a and an additive selected from a saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon or mixture thereof boiling in the range −50° C. and +40° C. |
| US07972518B2 |
Method for removing suspended solids from aqueous fluids
A method for cleaning solids-laden aqueous fluids uses an apparatus comprising a settling tank having a sloping floor, which drops off into a collection area; primary and secondary mixing tanks, the lower regions of which are in fluid communication via fluid transfer means; and agitators in each of the mixing tanks. Solids-laden fluid is introduced into the primary mixing tank along with selected coagulant and/or flocculent chemicals, whereupon the agitator in the primary mixing tank is actuated to induce downward fluid flow toward the fluid transfer means and into the secondary mixing tank. The agitator in the secondary mixing tank is actuated to induce upward fluid flow in the secondary mixing tank, from which the fluid mixture overflows into the setting tank. Solids settle or precipitate into the settling tank, and then move downward along the settling tank's sloped floor and into the collection area, from which the solids can be removed for further treatment or disposal. Clean water is collected from the upper region of the settling tank, preferably via a spillway along the perimeter of the settling tank. |
| US07972517B1 |
Method for treatment of agricultural waste
A method for treating a portion of liquid waste manure comprising adding a first reagent to the portion in a first vessel to cause the formation of waste manure flocs of a first size; adding a second reagent to liquid portion to cause growth of the waste manure flocs of the first size into separable waste manure flocs; adding optionally a third reagent to the portion of liquid containing waste manure flocs to cause further growth of the separable waste manure flocs; separating the liquid volume containing separable waste manure flocs into a waste manure sludge and a first filtrate; and dewatering the waste manure sludge in a filtration system comprising a first filter including a first housing, a first displaceable filter medium, and a first displacement actuator disposed between the first housing and the first displaceable filter medium. |
| US07972514B2 |
Method and a system for performing maintenance on a membrane used for pressure retarded osmosis
A method and system for performing maintenance on a membrane having semi-permeable properties and is used in a pressure retarded osmosis PRO, the membrane having a high pressure first side and second side of lower pressure. A time controllable first valve or pump (31; 41; 51; 61; 71; 81; 91) is connected between an input (12) to the low pressure side of the membrane (13′) and an input (11) to the high pressure side of the membrane (13′), said first valve or pump operable to selectively deliver a plug (21) of a second type of water (FW) to the first side of the membrane to lower concentration of dissolved substance (s) in water of a first type (SW) thereat, thereby creating a PRO pressure backwash function with the water of the second type (FW) from the first to the second side of the membrane pressurized on said first side by high pressure supply of water of the first type (SW) upstream of said plug (21) of water of the second type (SW). |
| US07972513B2 |
Process for treating nitrogenous wastewater with simultaneous autotrophic denitrification, hetertrophic denitrification and COD removal
A process for treating nitrogenous wastewater contains an autotrophic denitrification reaction, a heterotrophic denitrification reaction and a COD removal reaction simultaneously and mixedly taking place in a single reactor. The nitrification reaction is caused by nitrifying bacteria, in which ammonium is oxidized into nitrite. The autotrophic denitrification reaction is caused by autotrophic denitrifying bacteria, in which ammonium used as electron donor and nitrite used as electron acceptor are converted into nitrogen gas and nitrate. The heterotrophic denitrification reaction is caused by heterotrophic denitrifying bacteria, in which nitrate and COD are consumed. It is not necessary to build two separate reactors for aerobic nitrification and anaerobic denitrification, thereby effectively reducing the fabrication and operation cost. |
| US07972512B2 |
Suspended media granular activated carbon membrane biological reactor system and process
A system and process for treating an industrial wastewater stream is provided using a membrane biological reactor in which granular activated carbon material is introduced into an aeration portion and maintained upstream of a membrane operating system. The size of the granules of activated carbon is selected so that they can be screened or otherwise readily separated from the mixed liquor stream before the mixed liquor enters the membrane operating system tank(s) containing the submerged membranes, thereby preventing abrasion of the membrane by the carbon granules. The aeration portion includes a waste discharge port whereby a portion of spent granular activated carbon can be removed when the effluent concentration of chemical oxygen demand compounds approaches limits typically set by governmental agencies, and replaced by addition of fresh or regenerated granular activated carbon having greater adsorbent capacity. |
| US07972510B2 |
Filtration apparatus
A filtration apparatus for performing solid-liquid separation by immersing a plurality of hollow fiber membranes in a to-be-treated liquid containing a suspended component includes the hollow fiber membranes folded double, a treated liquid collection means communicated with an open end of each of the hollow fiber membranes, a holding member for holding a bent portion of each of the hollow fiber membranes with a gap formed between the bent portion and the holding member, and a gas-jetting means for jetting a cleaning gas from the bent side of each of the hollow fiber membranes to a side of the open end. A gap for flowing the gas jetted by the gas-jetting means is formed between the hollow fiber membranes and the holding member or/and in at least one part of gaps between the hollow fiber membranes. |
| US07972508B2 |
Rotary disc filter and module for constructing same
A rotary disc filter device includes a rotary drum and one or more disc-shaped filter members secured about the drum. Each disc-shaped filter member includes a filter disposed on opposite sides thereof and each disc-shaped filter member includes a modular frame made up, in part at least, by a series of interconnected modules. One module of the modular filter frame includes a base that is secured to the rotary drum and a support projecting outwardly from the base. A series of these modules are interconnected to form a modular filter frame. |
| US07972507B2 |
Advanced wastewater treatment process using up and down aerobic/anaerobic reactors of channel type
An apparatus for advanced wastewater treatment using up & down aerobic-anaerobic reactors of channel type in the single reaction tank provides the effluent recycle of channel type aeration reactor (internal cycle). For this, the anaerobic reactor of channel type is under the aerobic reactor of channel type in the single reaction tank. And the flow of the wastewater in the single reaction tank is based on the water level difference between inlet and outlet, and the air lift effect of the air diffusers. The partitions of channel type anaerobic reactor and the partitions of channel type aerobic reactor are cross each other. Consequently, the energy cost is cut down because the wastewater flow does not need much pumping energy. And the site need is reduced because of up & down aerobic-anaerobic reactors of channel type in the single reaction tank. |
| US07972503B2 |
Adjustable pin rack systems for cog rake bar screens
A support plate is used in a cog rake bar screen of a wastewater treatment facility and the cog rake bar screen includes an adjustable pin rack system coupled to a frame. The support plate includes a plate having a centerline extending between opposite side walls of the plate. The plate includes a fastener hole for receiving a fastener to couple the plate to the pin rack system and the frame. A set screw is connected to the plate for adjusting position of the plate relative to the frame and thereby adjusting position of the pin rack system. |
| US07972501B2 |
Fluid clarification system and apparatus
A fluid clarification system and method is described in which fluid is passed through one or more settling compartments, each having a solids outlet at the base of the compartment. The base of each compartment includes inclined surfaces for guiding settled solids to the outlet. Also described is a polymer reaction trough including baffles to promote gentle mixing of inflow fluid with flocculant. The system is designed to reduce costs of transportation, flocculent, and solids handling. The system is preferably arranged to facilitate transport on a skid or trailer, while maximizing fluid handling capabilities and minimizing costs. |
| US07972500B2 |
Waste water purification apparatus
A wastewater purifying apparatus has plural treatment chambers for stepwise purifying wastewater discharged from a lavatory, a storage chamber for storing purified wastewater derived from the downstream-most treatment chamber, and a purified wastewater storage tank. A suction port is formed in the upstream-most treatment chamber for sucking the wastewater. Refluxing equipment refluxes wastewater from the treatment chambers downstream of the upstream-most treatment chamber into the upstream most treatment chamber. A purified wastewater supplier supplies the purified wastewater in the purified wastewater storage tank into the upstream-most treatment chamber. The above arrangement performs expedient and sophisticated purification treatment of the wastewater containing sludge components, such as sewage discharged from the lavatory, or miscellaneous effluents generated by pulverizing garbage by a disposer. The arrangement also simplifies washing of the apparatus. |
| US07972497B2 |
Process to prepare a heat transfer oil
A process to prepare a heat transfer oil, comprising: a. dewaxing a substantially paraffinic wax feed by hydroisomerization dewaxing using a shape selective intermediate pore size molecular sieve under hydroisomerization conditions including a defined hydrogen to feed ratio, whereby a lubricating base oil is produced, b. selecting one or more fractions of the lubricating base oil having: i. a low pour point, ii. greater than 10 weight percent and less than 70 weight percent total molecules with cycloparaffinic functionality, wherein the one or more fractions have at least 31.2 wt % 1-unsaturations by FIMS, and iii. a ratio of weight percent molecules with monocycloparaffinic functionality to weight percent molecules with multicycloparaffinic functionality greater than 15; and c. blending the one or more fractions of the lubricating base oil with less than 0.2 wt % antifoam agent to prepare the heat transfer oil of a defined ISO viscosity grade. |
| US07972487B2 |
Micro-band electrode
The invention concerns an electrochemical cell which, either alone or together which a substrate onto which it is placed, is in the form of a receptacle. The electrochemical cell contains a working electrode and a counter electrode, the working electrode being in a wall of the receptacle. At least one of the electrodes has at least one dimension of less than 50 μm. The electrochemical cell is principally intended for use as a micro-electrode suitable for screening water, blood, urine or other biological or non-biological fluids. |
| US07972485B2 |
Methods and apparatus for electromechanically and/or electrochemically-mechanically removing conductive material from a microelectronic substrate
Methods and apparatuses for electromechanically and/or electrochemically-mechanically removing conductive material from a microelectronic substrate. An apparatus in accordance with one embodiment includes a support member configured to releasably carry a microelectronic substrate and first and second electrodes spaced apart from each other and from the microelectronic substrate. A polishing medium is positioned between the electrodes and the support member and has a polishing surface positioned to contact the microelectronic substrate. At least a portion of the first and second electrodes can be recessed from the polishing surface. A liquid, such as an electrolytic liquid, can be provided in the recess, for example, through flow passages in the electrodes and/or the polishing medium. A variable electrical signal is passed from at least one of the electrodes, through the electrolyte and to the microelectronic substrate to remove material from the substrate. |
| US07972484B2 |
Gas diffusion electrode for electrolyte-percolating cells
The invention relates to a gas-diffusion electrode for chlor-alkali electrolysis cells integrated in a percolator of plastic porous material suitable for being vertically crossed by a downward flow of electrolyte. The electrode comprises a catalytic composition based on silver and/or nickel mixed to a polymeric binder, directly supported on the percolator without any interposed reticulated metal current collector. |
| US07972482B2 |
Method for processing hydrocarbon pyrolysis effluent
A method is disclosed for treating the effluent from a hydrocarbon pyrolysis unit without employing a primary fractionator. The method comprises passing the gaseous effluent to at least one primary heat exchanger, thereby cooling the gaseous effluent and generating high pressure steam, and then cooling the gaseous effluent to a temperature at which tar, formed by reactions among constituents of the effluent, condenses. The gaseous effluent and the condensed tar are fed to at least one knock-out drum, whereby the tar is separated from the gaseous effluent. The gaseous effluent is then further cooled to condense a pyrolysis gasoline fraction from the effluent and to reduce the temperature of the effluent to a point at which it can be compressed efficiently. The condensed pyrolysis gasoline fraction is separated from the effluent and then distilled so as to reduce its final boiling point. |
| US07972477B2 |
Surface treatment of substrate or paper/paperboard products using optical brightening agent
The present invention relates to a process for applying optical brightening agent (OBA) to a sheet of paper or paperboard substrate. The process comprises the step of spraying an aqueous composition comprising an optical brightening agent onto at least one surface of a sized paperboard substrate to form a treated paperboard substrate. The treated paperboard substrate includes a layer of OBA on at least one surface of the paper or paperboard substrate in which the brightness of the treated paper or paperboard substrate is greater than the sized paper or paperboard substrate before treating thereof. |
| US07972468B2 |
Semiconductor device fabricating system
A semiconductor device fabricating system 1 includes a casing 10, processing units 12, 13 and 14, for carrying out semiconductor device fabricating processes, disposed inside the casing, and platforms 15, 16 and 17 set outside the casing. The platforms are foldable. Spaces required by the platforms can be reduced and the footprint of the semiconductor device fabricating system can be reduced by folding the platforms. |
| US07972467B2 |
Apparatus and method to confine plasma and reduce flow resistance in a plasma reactor
An apparatus configured to confine a plasma within a processing region in a plasma processing chamber. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a ring that has a baffle having a plurality of slots and a plurality of fingers. Each slot is configured to have a width less than the thickness of a plasma sheath contained in the processing region. |
| US07972465B2 |
Reinforced multi-lumen catheter
A reinforced multi-lumen catheter and method of manufacturing the same. An assembly for manufacturing the multi-lumen catheter includes a catheter body substrate including a septum, one or more mandrels, a reinforcing element and one or more sleeves. The septum may have a distal region with a cross-sectional thickness greater than that of a proximal region. The septum can be separately formed. The septum can be split along a length of the distal region. The reinforcing element can be positioned over at least a proximal region of the catheter body substrate. |
| US07972464B2 |
Mat member, method of fabricating mat member, exhaust gas treating apparatus, and silencing device
A mat member includes inorganic fibers, a first main surface, a second main surface opposite to the first main surface, an edge surface surrounding the first main surface and the second main surface, and an inorganic fiber scattering reduction unit. The inorganic fiber scattering reduction unit is provided on at least a part of the edge surface of the mat member and configured to reduce scattering of the inorganic fibers. |
| US07972463B2 |
Continuous composite rod and methods
A continuous composite fiberglass sucker rod for connection between a pump and a pump drive has a rectangular cross section. End fittings having a rod receiving cavity are connected to the rod ends using a curable adhesive. The rod fitting is maintained in a vertical position with the cavity facing upwardly. The rod end portion is positioned in the cavity with the end at the bottom of the cavity. Curable adhesive is introduced into the cavity. A centralizer bushing is used to maintain alignment of the rod relative to the cavity. A portable heating device receives the fitting and rod end portion and enhances the curing process. |
| US07972460B2 |
Method of manufacturing printed circuit board
Disclosed is a method of manufacturing a printed circuit board. The method of manufacturing a printed circuit board having a via for connecting one layer to another layer can include forming a circuit pattern on one surface of a carrier; processing a hole corresponding to the via on one surface of the carrier; compressing the surface of the carrier into one surface of an insulation body; removing the carrier; processing a via hole on the insulation body, corresponding to a position of the hole; and forming a conductive material in the via hole, to thereby easily process a hole for forming a via and have high design freedom. |
| US07972456B2 |
Method of producing tire
There is provided a method of producing a tire comprising the steps of: applying a chafer rubber 21 by spirally winding a rubber ribbon onto a base 15; applying a sidewall rubber 22 of a first color by spirally winding a rubber ribbon at a position on the base 15 spaced from the position where the chafer rubber is stuck; applying a sidewall rubber 23 of the second color by spirally winding a rubber ribbon between the chafer rubber sticking position and the first color sidewall rubber sticking position; and applying a cover rubber 24 of the first color over the entire surface of the sidewall rubber of the second color, wherein on the occasion when said chafer rubbers 21 or sidewall rubbers 23 of the second color are stuck, they are applied so that they are adjacent to each other, thereby sticking a rubber member of a colored tire onto the sidewall of the tire without involving defects such as trapped air and a bare as well as severe decrease of the productivity. |
| US07972454B2 |
Gasser composition and method of gassing
A method of preparing a gassed water-in-oil emulsion explosives composition from a gasser solution of an inorganic nitrate, an ammonium species and an optional accelerator which is added to an emulsion explosive composition, reacts and forms gas bubbles is disclosed. The emulsion explosive composition is composed of a discontinuous aqueous phase, a continuous water immiscible organic phase, and an emulsifier. The reaction between the gasser solution and the emulsion explosive composition is such that the emulsifier does not undergo chemical attack. |
| US07972448B2 |
Method for the production of an anisotropic magnetic powder and a bonded anisotropic magnet produced therefrom
Disclosed herein is a method for the production of an anisotropic magnetic powder or a magnet produced from said powder, wherein a hydrogenating and dehydrogenating method is applied to the starting material in order to produce the powder. An anisotropic oriented magnetic material, more particularly magnetic scrap metal, is advantageously used as starting material so that the complicated use of a molten mass with isotropic distribution of the c axes of the hard metal crystals is not required. The result is an anisotropic material having a fine grain structure and a crystallographic orientation matching a TMXB phase formed during hydrogenation. |
| US07972446B2 |
Automated cleaning system for structures
A washing system for an elevated surface has a) a housing having a liquid application cleaning system therein; b) a support element that supports and elevates the washing system; c) a rigid member extending from a surface of the housing that faces away from a surface to be cleaned so that the cable, when supporting the cleaning system against the surface to be cleaned and connected to the housing at a connection point, exerts a rotational force on the cleaning system in relation to the fixed fulcrum at the roof top; and d) weights provided at a distance and direction from the connection point fulcrum to at least in part counterbalance the rotational force. |
| US07972443B2 |
Metering of particulate material and vaporization thereof
Apparatus for metering and vaporizing a particulate material, includes: a metering device having: a reservoir for receiving particulate material; a housing having an internal volume and having first and second openings; a rotatable shaft disposed in the internal volume, the shaft having a smooth surface and a circumferential groove; a rotating agitator with a plurality of tines disposed in the reservoir and cooperating with the rotating shaft for fluidizing particulate material and transporting it from the reservoir into the groove; cooperating such that particulate material is transported by the groove; a scraper cooperates with the groove to dislodge particulate material retained therein, and deliver metered amounts of particulate material through the second opening; the rotatable shaft and the scraper cooperates to fluidize the particulate material at the second opening; and a flash evaporator that flash vaporizes the received particulate material. |
| US07972442B2 |
Photoplate for OLED deposition screen
A photoplate for manufacturing a deposition mask that is used to form a matrix of pixel areas used in a display panel. The photoplate comprises a layer of material such as quartz, on which a matrix of pixel etching areas is defined. The pixel etching areas are configured to form pixel areas having a specified separation from each other in a vertical direction. The pixel etching areas on the photoplate include an outer periphery having a generally rectangular shape with elongated corners. |
| US07972441B2 |
Thermal oxidation of silicon using ozone
A method and apparatus for oxidizing materials used in semiconductor integrated circuits, for example, for oxidizing silicon to form a dielectric gate. An ozonator is capable of producing a stream of least 70% ozone. The ozone passes into an RTP chamber through a water-cooled injector projecting into the chamber. Other gases such as hydrogen to increase oxidation rate, diluent gas such as nitrogen or O2, enter the chamber through another inlet. The chamber is maintained at a low pressure below 20 Torr and the substrate is advantageously maintained at a temperature less than 800° C. Alternatively, the oxidation may be performed in an LPCVD chamber including a pedestal heater and a showerhead gas injector in opposition to the pedestal. |
| US07972440B2 |
Monitoring and control of a fabrication process
A system (10) for monitoring and controlling a fabrication process includes at least a first subsystem (12), a crystallographic analysis subsystem (14), and a second subsystem (16), wherein the first subsystem and second subsystem perform respective fabrication steps on a workpiece. The crystallographic analysis subsystem may be coupled to both the first subsystem and second subsystem. The analysis subsystem acquires crystallographic information from the workpiece after the workpiece undergoes a fabrication step by the first subsystem and then provides information, based on the crystallographic information acquired, for modifying parameters associated with the respective fabrication steps. The system may also include neural networks (24, 28) to adaptively modify, based on historical process data (32), parameters provided to the respective fabrication steps. The analysis subsystem may include a electromagnetic source (61), a detector (66), a processor (67), a controller (68) and a scanning actuator (65). |
| US07972438B2 |
High-index UV optical materials for immersion lithography
This invention is related to material for use as an ultraviolet (UV) optical element and particularly for use as a 193 nm immersion lens element. The material for use as a UV optical element includes a Lithium Magnesium Aluminate (LMAO) body. The specific compound for this application is the disordered lithium magnesium spinel, having the general composition of LixMg2(1−x)Al4+xO8 where x=0 to 1 as the high-index UV transparent material for immersion lithography. The LMAO body may include a disordered spinel, such as, for example, a single crystal that may be cubic in symmetry, optically isotropic, and having cation disorder within the structure to reduce the intrinsic birefringence (IBR). The LMAO body has certain desired material properties and may be readily made in relatively large sizes suitable for use as the UV optical element for photolithography. |
| US07972437B2 |
Hollow nanocrystals and method of making
Described herein are hollow nanocrystals having various shapes that can be produced by a simple chemical process. The hollow nanocrystals described herein may have a shell as thin as 0.5 nm and outside diameters that can be controlled by the process of making. |
| US07972436B2 |
Air management in cementitious mixtures having plasticizer and a clay-activity modifying agent
An exemplary surface active agent admixture composition of the invention comprises (1) a first surface active agent comprising a betaine, an alkyl or aryl or alkylaryl sulfonate, or mixture thereof; and (2) a second surface active agent comprising a nonionic oxyalkylene-containing polymer surfactant. The present invention therefore provides a system for ensuring the presence in a hydratable cementitious composition (when hardened) a sufficient air volume and sufficient air void fineness and consistency. Further exemplary admixture compositions may comprise one or more plasticizers and one or more clay activity-modifying agents. Cementitious compositions and methods for modifying cementitious compositions, which incorporate the above-mentioned surface active agent combination, are also described. The invention provides the ability to adjust and stabilize air void systems in hydratable cementitious compositions, while allowing conventional air entraining agent (AEA) dosage practices to be followed. |
| US07972430B2 |
Composition and method for use with ceramic matrix composite T-sections
A composition is for use with fabricating a ceramic composite stiffening member that defines a T-section. The stiffening member includes a web portion, at least one flange portion, a radius region disposed between the web portion and the at least one flange portion, and a skin member that is secured to the at least one flange portion and the radius region. The composition is a pliable mixture of refractory particles, plasticizers, silica-yielding polymers, and solvents that is applied along the radius region. |
| US07972426B2 |
Printed security mark
Embodiments of a printed security mark and a process are disclosed. |
| US07972420B2 |
Hydrogen-processing assemblies and hydrogen-producing systems and fuel cell systems including the same
Hydrogen-processing assemblies, components of hydrogen-processing assemblies, and fuel-processing and fuel cell systems that include hydrogen-processing assemblies. The hydrogen-processing assemblies include a hydrogen-separation assembly positioned within the internal volume of an enclosure in a spaced relation to at least a portion of the internal perimeter of the body of the enclosure. |
| US07972413B2 |
Precious metal recovery from solution
A method for recovering precious metals such as gold and silver from aqueous solution as solid is described The method includes mixing an aqueous solution (e.g, thiosulfate or thiocyanate lixiviant) containing precious metals with ferrous ions in the presence of an effective amount of hydroxide ions. The precious metal ions are reduced and co-precipitate with iron hydroxides and/or hydrated iron oxides The co-precipitate is collected and purified. De-oxygenation of the reaction solution is optional. The recover/method is fast, complete and clean. |
| US07972412B2 |
Process for recovering platinum group metals from ores and concentrates
A method for recovering at least one platinum group metal (PGM) species from a feed product selected from the group consisting of chromite ore, chromite ore concentrate and PGM concentrate comprising the steps of: mixing the feed with at least one salt so as to produce a mixture, whereby the concentration of salt in the mixture is sufficient to convert at least one PGM species into a corresponding PGM chloride salt; and contacting the mixture with gaseous chlorine and CO at a temperature between about 240° C. and 800° C. to induce the conversion of at least one species of PGM into a solid material containing a corresponding PGM chloride salt, whereby said chloride salt of at least one PGM species can be recovered. |
| US07972405B2 |
Air cleaner arrangements; serviceable filter elements; and, methods
An air cleaner arrangement or assembly is provided. The air cleaner arrangement includes a serviceable filter cartridge. The air cleaner assembly also includes an arrangement for positioning the filter cartridge into a preferred, sealing, orientation and for securing the filter cartridge in that location. Preferred serviceable filter cartridges are provided, as well as methods of assembly and use. |
| US07972401B2 |
Air intake filter assembly
An air intake filter assembly for filtering air flowing from a front end to a rear end includes a housing, a first filter stage, and a second filter stage. The filter stages are insertable in and removable from the housing. A latch is movable between a latched position in which the first filter stage is secured to the housing, and an unlatched position in which the first filter stage is not secured to the housing. A hinge is formable between the housing and the first filter stage, and the hinge allows the first filter stage to pivot with respect to the housing when the latch is in the unlatched position. When the first filter stage and the second filter stage are inserted in the housing and the latch is in the latched position, then the first filter stage is compressed against the second filter stage, which is compressed against the housing. |
| US07972399B2 |
Fabric filter with fluidised dust-bed, and a method of maintaining it
A fabric filter (1) has at least a first compartment (2) and a second compartment (4). A hopper (42) is adapted for fluidisation of dust collected in the compartments (2, 4) to form a bed (52) of fluidised dust. A partition wall (62) is located between the compartments (2, 4) to separate them from each other. A passage (68) is formed at a lower end (66) of the partition wall (62) such that fluidised dust may pass through said passage (68). The partition wall (62) is arranged to extend into the bed (52) of fluidised dust for forming a seal (74) even when one of the compartments (2, 4) has been shut off. When shutting off a compartment (4) the inlets and outlets to that compartment (4) are closed and the dust in the hopper (42) is fluidised to provide a seal (74) between the compartments (2, 4). |
| US07972394B2 |
Selective methanation reactor for reducing carbon monoxide in a reformate stream
A method of operating a methanation reactor to reduce carbon monoxide concentration in a reformate stream in a fuel cell reformer. The reactor includes a flowpath with a noble metal catalyst supported by a ceramic support such that the reactor preferentially converts carbon monoxide via methanation over that of carbon dioxide. The reduced level of carbon monoxide present in the reformate stream after passing through the methanation reactor reduces the likelihood of poisoning of the catalyst used on the fuel cell anode. |
| US07972392B2 |
Fuel preparation
The invention relates to a fuel preparation for use in diesel engines consisting of plant oil mono-alcohol esters and up to 20 weight percent linear and branched paraffins and olefins of chain length C5-C11 and alcohols of chain length C2-C8, whereby the paraffins, olefins and alcohols are obtained by means of gasification of biomass and subsequent Fischer-Tropsch synthesis not involving any processing of the Fischer-Tropsch fraction by means of hydrogenating procedures and the preparation has a flash point >55° C. and a density >820 kg/m3. |
| US07972390B2 |
Methods for controlling crystal growth, crystallization, structures and phases in materials and systems
This invention relates to novel methods for affecting, and/or directing various crystal formation, structure formation or phase formation/phase change reaction pathways or systems by exposing one or more components in a holoreaction system to at least one spectral energy pattern. In a first aspect of the invention, at least one spectral energy pattern can be applied to a crystallization reaction system. In a second aspect of the invention, at least one spectral energy conditioning pattern can be applied to a conditioning reaction system. The spectral energy conditioning pattern can, for example, be applied at a separate location from the reaction vessel (e.g., in a conditioning reaction vessel) or can be applied in (or to) the reaction vessel, but prior to other (or all) crystallization reaction system participants being introduced into the reaction vessel. |
| US07972388B2 |
Methods and kits for maintaining the condition of colored hair
The present invention provides for kits and methods of treating hair in order to inhibit color fading and/or impart both shine- and condition-enhancing properties to colored hair, comprising a pre-treatment composition, a color-altering composition, a developer composition, a shampoo composition, a conditioner composition, and a post-treatment composition, wherein the post-treatment composition contains at least about 5% by weight of at least one oily component, based on the total weight of the post-treatment composition. |
| US07972387B2 |
Composition for dyeing keratin fibers comprising at least one oxidation base and a polyoxyethylenated sorbitan ester
The present disclosure relates to a composition for dyeing keratin fibers such as the hair, which comprises, in a suitable medium, at least one oxidation base, optionally at least one coupler and at least one polyoxyethylenated sorbitan ester with a number of moles of ethylene oxide of less than or equal to 10. Such a composition makes it possible to conserve a strong coloration, while at the same time limiting the discomfort that may be experienced on the scalp at the time of application of the dye composition or after this application. |
| US07972381B2 |
Spinal implant surface configuration with a projection having a back cut
The present invention is a specialized implant having opposed surfaces for engaging each of the vertebral bodies adjacent a disc space into which the implant is implanted. The surface comprises arrayed projections having at least one forward facing facet directed at least in part toward the leading end of the implant and at least one rearward portion directed at least in part toward the opposite trailing end of the implant. Each of the forward facet and rearward portion has a length and a slope. The length of the forward facet is longer than the length of the rearward facet. The slope of the rearward facet is steeper than the slope of the forward facet. The surface projections also have opposed side facets directed generally toward the sides of the implant. The side facets are located between the forward facet and rearward facet and converge toward each other in a direction away from the base of the surface projections. The surface may also include projections having left and right forward side facets and a rearward facet. The surface further may include projections having left and right rearward side facets and a forward facet. |
| US07972378B2 |
Stents for prosthetic heart valves
A stented valve including a stent structure including a generally tubular body portion that has a first end and a second end, wherein an area adjacent the first end has a first stiffness, an area adjacent the second end has a second stiffness, and a central region between the areas at the first and second ends has a third stiffness that is less than the stiffness adjacent the first and second ends, wherein the stent structure can be reconfigured in its central area to match a curved patient anatomical region. The stented valve further includes a valve structure attached within the generally tubular portion. |
| US07972375B2 |
Endoprostheses including metal matrix composite structures
An endoprosthesis that includes a composite having a metal matrix and a plurality of stiffening particles in the matrix. The metal of the metal matrix can include titanium, niobium, tantalum, or alloys thereof. The stiffening particles can include a metal core and a thin surface layer. The thin surface layer can include oxides, carbides, nitrides, or combinations thereof. |
| US07972373B2 |
Balloon expandable bioabsorbable stent with a single stress concentration region interconnecting adjacent struts
An expandable, implantable medical device, such as an intraluminal stent fabricated from polymeric materials, includes a plurality of elongated struts in consecutive series and alternating stress concentration junctions interconnecting ends of adjacent struts. When the stent is in an expanded condition, the adjacent struts form expanded substantial V-shapes and stresses are concentrated within the junctions. The junctions define pivot points for the respective attached, adjacent struts. Each of the pivot points is located substantially on a line bisecting the V-shapes formed by the struts, when the stent is expanded. |
| US07972370B2 |
Stent graft system and method of use
A stent graft system and method of use includes a stent graft for fixation at an attachment site with graft material defining at least one opening having an opening perimeter; a support attached to the graft material; a guide rail attached around the opening perimeter; and a helical anchor having a plurality of coils with a point at one end. The plurality of coils are rotatable around the guide rail to cause the pointed end of the coils to penetrate the graft material and the adjacent tissue in contact with the stent graft to sew the stent graft to the attachment site. |
| US07972369B2 |
Method for delivering a luminal prosthesis
An embodiment of the invention provides a prosthesis delivery system comprising a delivery catheter having an expandable member and a prosthesis carried over the expandable member. The prosthesis includes a radially expandable scaffold section and at least two anchors extending axially from an end thereof; and means for capturing at least the anchors to prevent the anchors from divaricating from the expandable member as the catheter is advanced through a patient's vasculature. |
| US07972367B2 |
Device and method using integrated neuronal cells and an electronic device
The present invention provides a device of integrated neuronal cells interfaced with an electronic device and a method of producing the same. |
| US07972366B2 |
Bone plate and screw retaining mechanism
A bone plate assembly utilizing at least one bone screw for fixation of adjacent bones of a spine including a base plate having at least one aperture extending therethrough and screw retaining mechanism mounted and movable on the plate between locked and unlocked positions relative to the aperture for preventing the bone screw from backing out from the base plate. Furthermore, a device for placement into an aperture of a base plate including a screw retaining mechanism mountable and movable on a plate between locked and unlocked positions relative to an aperture for preventing a bone screw from backing out from the base plate. |
| US07972362B2 |
Wound closure product
A wound closure system and a method of closing a wound are disclosed. The wound closure system includes a plurality of skin anchors mechanically attached to external skin tissue around a periphery of a wound, a line extending between the skin anchors, the line slidably engaged with each skin anchor, and a biasing member that provides tension on the line to draw all of the skin anchors toward the wound. The method of closing a wound includes the steps of attaching a plurality of skin anchors to external skin around a periphery of a wound, extending a line between the skin anchors around substantially the entire periphery of the wound, and providing tension to the line to draw the skin anchors toward the wound. |
| US07972360B2 |
Method for use in repairs of injured soft tissue
A method, system and apparatus for augmenting the surgical repair of soft tissue injuries, in which a first end of a bridge member attaches to a first portion of healthy tissue, and a second end of the bridge member attaches to a second portion of healthy tissue. The bridge member (or bridge members) used to augment the soft tissue repair may be interconnected or function independently. Flexibility and elasticity of the bridge member are determined by the situation and may be altered to improve healing. The device may be used in arthroscopic procedures, and may be manufactured in a variety of lengths, or may be manufactured one length and be cut to the desired length, or otherwise altered to provide an optimal length of the bridge member. |
| US07972358B2 |
Apparatus for sealing a puncture by causing a reduction in the circumference of the puncture
Apparatus is provided for sealing a vascular puncture by causing a reduction in the circumference of the puncture tract through delivery of a closure agent into tissue surrounding the puncture tract. A resultant inflammatory response and volumetric increase cause the tissue to swell into the puncture tract, thereby sealing it. |
| US07972355B2 |
Emboli and thrombi filter device and method of using the same
A filter basket device includes two shaft wires, a filter basket adapted to capture emboli and thrombi, and an actuation handle. The shaft wires are loosely twisted together so that they remain adjacent to each other, and yet are able to slide relative to each other with little friction and without plastic deformation. One shaft wire is connected to the distal end of the filter basket, and the other shaft wire is connected to the proximal end of the filter basket. The actuation handle moves the shaft wires relative to each other to control opening and closing of the basket. In one embodiment, a guidewire-accepting fitting is attached to a distal portion of the device and permits advancement of the device over a guidewire until a desired location along the guidewire is reached. In another embodiment, the basket is provided with a tip resembling a guidewire. |
| US07972351B2 |
Balloon folding design and method and apparatus for making balloons
An expandable balloon for a medical device having a static state, at least one first expanded state, and at least one second expanded state, the expandable balloon having a substantially polygonal geometric shape in the static state. |
| US07972349B2 |
Blood sampling devices
A housing retains a lancet body which encloses a needle whose tip is covered by a cap. The cap has a head provided with flanges. These flanges locate within notches at the end of the housing on only two sides of the housing. The location of the flanges within the notches holds the lancet within the body, before use, so as to compress a spring positioned between a head and a slotted portion of the housing. When the device is to be used, the head of the cap is rotated through 90° so as to detach the cap from the rest of the lancet body and release the flanges from the notches. This allows the lancet body to be actuated by a sprung-loaded trigger-release mechanism, when required, so that the tip of the needle projects momentarily through the opening at the end of the housing and then bounces back. |