| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08098214B2 |
Method for remote transfer of display data between two computers
A method for exchanging image data with a number of image elements, which are respectively parameterized by a display value set, between a data source computer and a data query computer that each have a display device for the presentation of the image data, an input device for the input of control commands, and a data interface for the transmission and the reception of data via a remote data transfer network, including the steps: of copying image data on the data source computer and transmission to the data query computer, receiving the image data from the data source computer by the data query computer, and presentation of the image data on the display device of the data query computer, and these steps are repeated regularly or given alteration of image data. In order to selectively transfer among all data the public data but to have confidential data remain excluded from the transfer or at least the presentation on the receiving computer, the presentation of the image data is discriminated dependent on at least one of the display values in the display value set. |
| US08098213B2 |
Frequency selective surface structure for filtering of single frequency band
There is provided provided a frequency selective surface (FSS) structure for filtering a single frequency band, including: a plurality of unit cells arranged at a predetermined distance, wherein each of the unit cells includes: a substrate; a circular loop formed on the substrate with a predetermined width and having at least one of meanderingly bent portions, wherein a filtering frequency band is controlled by a length of the circular loop, a width of the circular loop, a distance between the unit cells, and a thickness and dielectric constant of dielectric. |
| US08098210B2 |
Antenna matching in video receivers
A method of matching a receive-only antenna (60) for use in receiving video signals in which measurements made on a transceiver's antenna (14) when in an transmitting mode are used in matching the receive-only antenna. The ratio of the amplitude of the reflected signal to the strength of the transmitted signal strength is used not only in selecting components for matching the transceiver's antenna (14) but also in selecting components for matching the receive-only antenna (60). The ratio may be applied to respective look-up tables (54, 64) for selecting the components to be used in matching the respective antennas. |
| US08098206B2 |
Antenna arrangement for hearing device applications
A device having an electric antenna and a magnetic antenna is described, the antennas being spatially arranged in immediate mutual proximity. The electric antenna has at least one current-carrying electric conductor which acts as a resonator for the electric antenna, while the magnetic antenna has a coil with at least one current-carrying conductor loop which acts as an inductor of the magnetic antenna. Thus the electric antenna and the magnetic antenna are spatially arranged relative to each other such that the direction of the current in the electric conductor of the electric antenna extends substantially at right angles to the direction of the current in the conductor loop of the magnetic antenna. |
| US08098199B2 |
Array antenna apparatus including multiple steerable antennas and capable of avoiding affection among steerable antennas
A steerable antenna includes an radiating antenna element and parasitic antenna elements. Each of the parasitic antenna elements is provided with a pair of PIN diodes. On each of control lines connecting the PIN diodes to a controller, inductors are provided at predetermined intervals on portions of the control line electromagnetically coupled to another steerable antenna. The intervals for providing the inductors is set to such a length that substantially no resonance occurs in a section of the control line between the inductors at an operating frequency of the steerable antenna. |
| US08098198B2 |
Vertically integrated phased array
A vertically integrated electronically steered phased array that employs beamsteering using a programmable phase locked loop including a local oscillator. The local oscillator provides an oscillator signal that is converted to an RF signal that can be either up-converted for a transmit operation or down-converted for a receive operation. The relative off-set between independently generated local oscillator signals forms the basis of the off-set phase required for a phased array. The absolute measure of off-set phase is referenced to a globally distributed clock signal that aligns the zero degree phase shift of the oscillator. |
| US08098194B2 |
Determining characteristics of a radar cross section (RCS) test range
A method for determining characteristics of a RCS test range may include vertically orienting a field probe including an elongated rigid body at a predetermined location within the RCS test range. The method may also include generating incident radar waves at a selected frequency and polarization and pivoting the field probe in a vertical direction broadside to the incident radar waves. The method may additionally include receiving return radar data scattered by the field probe during pivoting of the field probe. The method may further include determining a field distribution along the elongated rigid body of the field probe from the return radar data to determine characteristics of the RCS test range. |
| US08098188B2 |
Method of characterizing the convection intensity of a cloud, by a meteorological radar
The present invention relates to a method of characterizing the convection intensity of a cloud by a meteorological radar.The reflectivity of said cloud to an electromagnetic wave being distributed in space, the distribution of the reflectivity being discretized according to a network of points (i, j, k) of the space in three dimensions, at least one profile (22) is defined as a normalized function of a parameter (21), which is in turn a given numeric function in two dimensions (i, j) of the distribution of the reflectivity at each point of the network, said normalized function varying uniformly between a minimum constant value and a maximum constant value, the function being equal to the minimum value when the parameter is less than a low threshold (threshold min) and being equal to the maximum value when the parameter is greater than a high threshold (threshold max), the cloud being characterized as convective when the profile is equal to one of the constant values and as stratiform when it is equal to the other constant value.The invention applies notably to meteorological radars on board aeroplanes. |
| US08098187B1 |
Wide field of view millimeter wave imager
An imager comprising a sphere of dielectric material and a geodesically configured substrate disposed adjacent said sphere. The geodesically configured substrate comprises a plurality of triangularly shaped elements, at least selected ones of the triangularly shaped elements having an array of detectors disposed thereon, the detectors in the array also being disposed adjacent the dielectric sphere for receiving and detecting incoming electromagnetic waves delivered via said sphere. |
| US08098186B2 |
Through-the-obstacle radar system and method of operation
There are provided a through-the-obstacle radar system and method of operating thereof comprising recording signals and/or derivatives thereof collected during a certain substantial monitoring period, and using the recorded information for generating patterns informative of a monitoring scene. There are further provided a method of motion detection based on through-the-obstacle radar and the system thereof. The method comprises collecting signals and/or derivatives thereof acquired by the radar system during a certain substantial monitoring period and accommodating respective records, said records comprising information characterizing the signals and/or derivatives thereof and information indicative, at least, of the time the signals were obtained; processing the accommodated records and generating at least one histogram characterizing a normative motion level at different time intervals; comparing an actual motion level with the level in the normative histogram corresponding to the same time intervals; and recording the motion as detected if its actual level fits a certain relationship with the corresponding level in the normative histogram. |
| US08098185B2 |
Millimeter and sub-millimeter wave portal
In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a millimeter or sub-millimeter wave portal system is provided. Generally, the portal system comprises an electrooptic source and one or more millimeter or sub-millimeter wave detectors. The electrooptic source comprises an optical signal generator, optical switching and encoding circuitry, and one or more optical/electrical converters. Additional embodiments are disclosed and claimed. |
| US08098183B1 |
Priority delivery apparatus and method
A method conveys information over a network to client processors, each with a maximum analysis rate. Sensed signals include target track updates generated at an aggregate track update rate depending on the number of targets and sensors. The track updates are prioritized. The prioritized updates are analyzed, for each client, in view a channel-priority representing the time rate of updates previously sent to the client. The selected higher-priority updates are destined for the client at an average rate no greater than the maximum analysis rate of the client. The lower-priority track updates not destined for the client are deleted. The selected updates are transmitted to their client processors. |
| US08098178B2 |
Chip and system utilizing the same
A system including a pulse generating module and a processing module is disclosed. The pulse generating module generates a target signal. The processing module outputs a processing signal according to the target signal. Throughput of the target signal exceeds throughput of the processing signal. |
| US08098172B2 |
Adaptable traffic control sign
A portable traffic control sign that includes a lightweight sign head selectively attachable to a lightweight pole. The sign head includes a thin interior frame sandwiched between two opposite facing, traffic sign panels. The interior frame includes an octagonal outer support structure and an inner support structure. Attached to the opposite surfaces of the outer and inner support structures are two arrays of LED bulbs. The two sign panels each include a thin transparent window. When placed on opposite sides of the interior sign frame, light from the first and second array of LED bulbs is able to be transmitted through the two windows exteriorly. In the preferred embodiment, each panel is made of DOT approved retro-reflective material. The two arrays are connected to a main control unit mounted inside the lightweight pole which also contains the battery pack and optional flasher switches. |
| US08098171B1 |
Traffic visibility in poor viewing conditions on full windshield head-up display
A method to dynamically register a graphic onto a driving scene of a vehicle utilizing a substantially transparent windscreen head-up display includes monitoring driving viewing conditions of the vehicle, detecting poor viewing conditions based on the monitored driving viewing conditions, monitoring a traffic pattern location, determining a graphic representing the traffic pattern location based on the monitored traffic pattern location and the detected poor viewing conditions, dynamically registering a location of the graphic upon the substantially transparent windscreen head-up display corresponding to the driving scene of the vehicle, and displaying the graphic upon the substantially transparent windscreen head-up display at said location, wherein the substantially transparent windscreen head-up display includes one of light emitting particles or microstructures over a predefined region of the windscreen permitting luminescent display while permitting vision therethrough. |
| US08098165B2 |
System, apparatus and associated methodology for interactively monitoring and reducing driver drowsiness
A system, apparatus and associated methodology for interactively monitoring and reducing driver drowsiness use a plurality of drowsiness detection exercises to precisely detect driver drowsiness levels, and a plurality of drowsiness reduction exercises to reduce the detected drowsiness level. A plurality of sensors detect driver motion and position in order to measure driver performance of the drowsiness detection exercises and/or the drowsiness reduction exercises. The driver performance is used to compute a drowsiness level, which is then compared to a threshold. The system provides the driver with drowsiness reduction exercises at predetermined intervals when the drowsiness level is above the threshold. |
| US08098163B2 |
Birth monitoring system for piglets
The number of piglets dying at birth is reduced by providing a temperature sensor in a farrowing crate at the piglet area thereof on a movable cover so that, when the sow is expected to give birth, the sensor is located in the crate at a location to detect the presence of one or more piglets after birth. On detection by a control unit using the sensor signal of the one or more piglets, the sensor communicates a signal to a pager carried by an operator indicating to the operator that birth of piglets is in progress and activates a heating lamp for the piglets in the pen to attract them away from the area of the sow to reduce crushing. The control unit and the sensor also control the heat output. The cover can slide along the piglet area and can lift to expose the piglet area. |
| US08098160B2 |
Method and system for remotely provisioning and/or configuring a device
A method and system for remotely configuring and/or provisioning a device that is nonoperational is provided. The device may be, in general, any electronic device that includes at least one setting (“device setting”) that can be programmatically or otherwise established or adjusted to configure and/or provision the device for its operation. The method includes detecting, via a radio frequency identification (“RFID”) tag, a state of a device that is communicatively coupled to the RFID tag; and providing the device setting via the RFID tag when the state signifies that the device is nonoperational. |
| US08098159B2 |
RF device comparing DAC output to incoming signal for selectively performing an action
A Radio Frequency (RF) device such as a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag according to one embodiment includes a Digital to Analog Converter (DAC) for generating a reference signal based on a stored digital comparison criteria value, and a mechanism for comparing an incoming signal to the reference signal. The device performs an action such as backscattering based on the comparison. Additional systems and methods are also disclosed. |
| US08098157B2 |
Intruder deterrent lighting
A zoned interactive control area (10) wherein an architectural space is divided in to a plurality of zones (16), each having its own sensor (22) and zone lights (18). In a normal operating mode (50) the sensors (22) are used to detect the presence of a person such that the zone lights (18) can be turned on and/or adjusted for light level. Each zone light (18) also has a light sensor (24) used, at least in part, for communication with the other zone lights (18), such that the light level can be adjusted not just in response to a presence in the respective zone (16) but also in response to presence in other zones (16). According to a security method (70) when the zone lights (18) are not in use for normal lighting (as when they are turned off) then if the sensors (22) detect the presence of an intruder the zone lights (18) flash to deter the intruder and also communicate the fact of the presence of the intruder to the other zone lights (18) via the light sensors (22). |
| US08098156B2 |
Security system with activity pattern recognition
A security system and method of operation thereof stores information related to a plurality of detected events and determines an activity pattern based on the stored information. The system and method then determines a type of alarm, if any, to issue in response to a detected trigger event based at least in part on the determined activity pattern. |
| US08098150B2 |
Method and system for locating devices with embedded location tags
One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that locates a set of target transmitting mechanism using a mobile sensing infrastructure. During operation, the system determines a reference frame of a sensing mechanism by detecting signals from at least two transmitting mechanisms. The system further determines locations of the target transmitting mechanism relative to the reference frame using the sensing mechanism. In addition, the system produces a result to indicate the locations of the target transmitting mechanisms. |
| US08098143B2 |
Power aware techniques for energy harvesting remote sensor system
A distributed monitoring system for monitoring one or more operating conditions of a structure includes: one or more sensor nodes coupled to the structure, each sensor node including: a power supply adapted to scavenge energy directed at the power supply; a sensor operably coupled to the power supply for sensing one or more operating conditions of the structure in the environment; and a communications interface operably coupled to the power supply and the sensor for communicating the sensed operating conditions of the structure; a communication network operably coupled to the sensor nodes; one or more controllers operably coupled to the communication network for monitoring the sensor nodes; and an energy radiator positioned proximate the structure adapted to radiate energy at the power supplies of the sensor nodes. |
| US08098138B2 |
Tracking system using radio frequency identification technology
A tracking system determines the orientation of an object. A transceiver transmits a signal and detects responses from multiple transponders. A processing unit determines an orientation parameter of the object by comparing the responses from the multiple transponders. |
| US08098130B2 |
System and method for activating electromechanical systems using flexible intelligent radio frequency modules
A system for activating electromechanical systems of a vehicle, including at least one first flexible intelligent radio frequency module mounted on the vehicle, for receiving wireless communications signals; at least one second flexible intelligent radio frequency module mounted on the vehicle, for receiving wireless communications signals from a transponder, at least one third flexible intelligent radio frequency module mounted on the vehicle, for transmitting a signal when its capacitance is changed when an object is proximal to the at least one third flexible intelligent radio frequency module; at least one fourth flexible intelligent radio frequency module mounted on the vehicle, for receiving sounds external to the vehicle; and a vehicle bus in communication with the at least one first, second, third, and fourth flexible intelligent radio frequency modules. |
| US08098125B2 |
Form-less electronic device assemblies and methods of operation
Improved form-less electronic apparatus and methods for manufacturing the same. In one exemplary embodiment, the apparatus comprises a shape-core inductive device having a bonded-wire coil which is formed and maintained within the device without resort to a bobbin or other form(er). The absence of the bobbin simplifies the manufacture of the device, reduces its cost, and allows it to be made more compact (or alternatively additional functionality to be disposed therein). One variant utilizes a termination header for mating to a PCB or other assembly, while another totally avoids the use of the header by directly mating to the PCB. Multi-core variants and methods of manufacturing are also disclosed. |
| US08098124B2 |
High-voltage transformer and power supply for an X-ray tube including such a transformer
A high-voltage transformer has a plurality of elementary transformers. Each elementary transformer comprises an elementary primary circuit configured to be powered by an elementary primary voltage, an elementary secondary circuit comprising at least one secondary winding and at least one capacitor that is connected to the terminals of a secondary winding, and an elementary magnetic circuit configured to couple the elementary primary circuit and the elementary secondary circuit. The output voltage of the transformer is equal to the sum of the elementary balanced secondary voltages, and the elementary primary circuits are connected to one another so as to form a common circuit with the elementary transformers. The common circuit is configured to be supplied by a primary voltage, which is equal to the sum of the elementary primary voltages. |
| US08098120B2 |
Spring structure for MEMS device
A MEM device has a movable element (30), a pair of electrodes (e1, e2) to move the movable element, one electrode having an independently movable section (e3), resiliently coupled to the rest of the respective electrode to provide additional resistance to a pull in of the electrodes. This can enable a higher release voltage Vrel, and thus reduced risk of stiction. Also, a ratio of Vpi to Vrel can be reduced, and so a greater range of voltage is available for movement of the movable element. This enables faster switching. The area of the independently movable section is smaller than the rest of the electrode, and the spring constant of the resilient coupling is greater than that of the flexible support. Alternatively, the movable element can have a movable stamp section resiliently coupled and protruding towards the substrate to provide an additional resistance to pull in when it contacts the substrate. |
| US08098119B2 |
Protection switch
A protection switch includes a plurality of single-pole protection switch modules in a mechanically coherent unit forming a multi-pole protection switch configuration. Each module includes a housing, a switching arm, a moving contact on the switching arm pivotably movable against a fixed contact between closed and open positions, a manual operating mechanism for adjusting the switching arm between the closed and open positions and a tripping mechanism for automatically resetting the switching arm into the open position upon a tripping condition. The manual operating mechanisms of all modules are coupled so that the modules are only switched jointly. The tripping mechanisms of all modules are coupled so that the tripping mechanism of each also trips all others. A one-piece coupling is insertable between adjoining modules for both mechanically fixing the modules to one another and coupling the manual operating mechanisms and the tripping mechanisms of the adjoining protection switch modules. |
| US08098116B2 |
LC composite electronic component
An LC composite electronic component, having a large noise suppression effect without increasing in size, includes a multilayer structure in which first and second capacitor units (10), (20) and first and second coil units (30), (40) are stacked and incorporates four LC resonance circuits. A noise circulating capacitance (C21) is formed between a coil electrode (31a) and a resonance adjusting electrode (51a), and a noise circulating capacitance (C22) is formed between a coil electrode (31c) and a resonance adjusting electrode (51b). A noise circulating capacitance (C23) is formed between a coil electrode (42a) and a resonance adjusting electrode (53a), and a noise circulating capacitance (C24) is formed between a coil electrode (42c) and a resonance adjusting electrode (53b). A noise circulating capacitance (C25) is formed between lead-out electrodes (32a), (41b), and a noise circulating capacitance (C26) is formed between lead-out electrodes (32d), (41d). |
| US08098113B2 |
Self-terminating coaxial cable port
A circuit for automatically terminating a user port in a coaxial cable system includes a signal path extending from a user-side port toward a supplier-side port, the signal path including a conductor and a ground. The user-side port is adapted to connect to a user device. The circuit further includes a passive signal sampler coupled to the signal path, and a comparator element in communication with the passive signal sampler. The comparator is adapted to compare a line signal on the signal path to a reference signal and generate an output. A switch disposed in the signal path has a first state for terminating the line signal and a second state for passing the line signal. The first state and the second state are responsive to the output generated from the comparator. |
| US08098111B2 |
Reduced phase noise multi-band VCO
Embodiments of a multi-band voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) are provided herein. The multi-band VCO is configured to adjust a frequency of an output signal based on an input signal. The multi-band VCO includes a tank module, an active module, and a control module. The tank module includes a parallel combination of a capacitor and an inductor. The active module includes a pair of cross-coupled transistors that are configured to provide a negative conductance that cancels out a positive conductance associated with the tank module. To improve the phase noise associated with the multi-band VCO, the control module is configured to adjust the body voltage of the cross-coupled transistors. |
| US08098109B2 |
Differential varactor circuit for a voltage controlled oscillator
According to one exemplary embodiment, a differential varactor circuit for a voltage controlled oscillator having two differential outputs includes a first varactor having first and second terminals and a second varactor having first and second terminals. In the differential varactor circuit, each of the first and second terminals of the first varactor and each of the first and second terminals of the second varactor are coupled to one of the two differential outputs of the voltage controlled oscillator, thereby allowing a size of each of the first and second varactors to be reduced so as to increase varactor quality factor. Each of the first and second terminals of the first varactor can be coupled to one of the two differential outputs by a capacitor, and each of the first and second terminals of the second varactor can be coupled to one of the two differential outputs by a capacitor. |
| US08098107B2 |
Voltage/current regulator system using constant loop gain
A system for providing voltage and current regulator sources based on a oscillator having variable loop gain is described. Only when the oscillator loop gain is at least the value of one does the oscillator oscillate. The oscillator's ability to oscillate is controlled by the one or more variable impedance or gain devices. Negative feedback of the voltage or current output level is used to control the loop gain of the oscillator circuit. |
| US08098105B2 |
Spin-valve or tunnel-junction radio-frequency oscillator
This radio-frequency oscillator includes a magnetoresistive device in which an electric current is able to flow. The magnetoresistive device includes a first magnetic layer, known as a “trapped layer”, whereof the magnetization is of fixed direction. The magnetoresistive device further includes a second magnetic layer known as a “free layer” and a non-magnetic layer, known as an “intermediate layer”, interposed between the first and second layer, known as the intermediate layer. The oscillator further includes means capable of causing an electron current to flow in said layers constituting the aforementioned stack and in a direction perpendicular to the plane which contains said layers. One of the three layers constituting the magnetoresistive device includes at least one constriction zone of the electric current passing through it. |
| US08098102B2 |
RF power amplifier and RF power module using the same
The RF power amplifier circuit including multiple amplification stages has a previous-stage amplifier, a next-stage amplifier and a controller. The previous-stage amplifier responds to an RF transmission input signal. The next-stage amplifier responds to an amplification signal output by the previous-stage amplifier. In response to an output-power-control voltage, the controller controls the former- and next-stage amplifiers in quiescent current and gain. In response to the output-power-control voltage, the quiescent current and gain of the previous-stage amplifier are continuously changed according to a first continuous function, whereas those of the next-stage amplifier are continuously changed according to a second continuous function. The second continuous function is higher than the first continuous function by at least one in degree. The RF power amplifier circuit brings about the effect that the drop of the power added efficiency in low and middle power modes is relieved. |
| US08098098B2 |
Amplifier circuit, integrated circuit device, and electronic instrument
An amplifier circuit includes an amplifier section that includes a P-type differential section, an N-type differential section, and an output section, an offset adjustment section that adjusts an offset of the amplifier section, a first offset adjustment register that stores a first offset adjustment value for the P-type differential section, a second offset adjustment register that stores a second offset adjustment value for the N-type differential section, and a control section that sets the first offset adjustment value in the offset adjustment section in a first operation mode in which the P-type differential section operates, and sets the second offset adjustment value in the offset adjustment section in a second operation mode in which the N-type differential section operates. |
| US08098097B2 |
Radio frequency buffer
Systems, methods, and devices for receiving a differential input signal and generating a non-differential output signal are described herein. For example, an RF buffer is described that includes first and second transistor elements. The first transistor element receives a first polarity signal of a differential signal and drives a non-differential output of the RF buffer. A second transistor element receives a second polarity signal of the differential signal and drives the non-differential output of the RF buffer. The first and second transistor elements substantially simultaneously drive the non-differential output of the RF buffer. |
| US08098096B2 |
Device and method for generating an output signal
An embodiment provides a device for generating an output signal as a function of an input signal, wherein a plurality of circuit sections generate partial signals and the output signal is composed from the partial signals. |
| US08098094B2 |
Instrumentation input systems
An input stage for an instrumentation system may include a resistor coupled between an input terminal and a summing node, and an amplifier arranged to maintain the voltage at the summing node. In anther embodiment, an instrumentation input system may include an input stage to receive a signal to be measured, and a variable gain amplifier having an input coupled to an output of the input stage, wherein the variable gain amplifier comprises two or more gain stages. A variable gain amplifier may include an attenuator having an input and a series of tap points and a series of low-inertia switches to steer outputs from the attenuator to an output terminal. |
| US08098093B1 |
Efficient envelope tracking power supply for radio frequency or other power amplifiers
An apparatus includes an envelope tracking power supply configured to control a power amplifier. The power supply includes a first amplifier configured to receive an input voltage and generate a supply voltage for the power amplifier. The power supply also includes a second amplifier configured to receive a shifted input voltage. An output of the second amplifier is coupled to the first amplifier. The first amplifier is configured to maintain an operational mode of the power amplifier. The power supply could further include a third amplifier. An output of the third amplifier is coupled to an input of the second amplifier, and the third amplifier is configured to receive a second shifted input. |
| US08098092B2 |
Power amplifier
A Doherty amplifier is provided with a clipping circuit for making signal power flow to ground if the signal power becomes equal to or higher than a predetermine value in order to prevent a carrier amplifier, which is a small amplifier, from being destroyed if the signal power is increased to a sevenfold to tenfold multiple of a ratio of the size of the carrier amplifier to that of a peak amplifier. |
| US08098091B1 |
Method in the compensation of unlinearities in an amplifier, and uses of the method and the amplifier
In a method and an amplifier for the compensation of unlinearities e.g. of the class D type, wherein an audio signal is pulse-width modulated, e.g. with a carrier wave signal in the form of a triangular signal to provide a pulse-width modulated small-signal, the so-called multiplicative error signals, which occur prior to the provision of a pulse-width modulated great-signal (7), are detected in a detector (10)).It is noted that the carrier wave signal could be analog as well as digital.The signal from the detector, which is derived on the basis of differences between the pulse widths of the small-signals and the pulse widths of the great-signals, is used for changing the carrier wave signal so that the amplifier gets a constant gain in the entire audio range and is thereby linearized.To compensate additionally for the multiplicative errors which manifest themselves in the pulse height as well as the pulse width of the pulse-width modulated great-signal (7), the value of the carrier wave signal is changed as a function of the pulse-width modulated small-signal (5) multiplied by the pulse-width modulated great-signal and the inverted pulse-width modulated small-signal multiplied by the inverted pulse-width modulated great-signal. |
| US08098089B2 |
Voltage booster
A voltage booster for generating a boosted voltage, including a charge pump adapted to generate the boosted voltage starting from a supply voltage by a transfer of electric charge controlled by at least one oscillating signal having an oscillation frequency; an oscillator for providing the oscillating signal; and a regulation circuit arranged to receive and perform a comparison of a voltage related to the boosted voltage and a reference voltage, and adapted to provide at least one regulation signal indicative of a result of said comparison, wherein said regulation signal is fed to the oscillator to control said oscillation frequency. The regulation circuit is adapted to cause the at least one regulation signal take one among a plurality of discrete values, depending on the result of the comparison, so that the oscillation frequency of the at least one periodical signal accordingly can take one among a plurality of discrete oscillation frequency values. |
| US08098088B1 |
High-voltage switch using three FETS
Switch circuits are disclosed, for providing a single-ended and a differentially switched high-voltage output signals by switching a high supply voltage in response to at least one logic-level control signal. The switch that provides the single-ended switched high-voltage output signal includes a chain of at least three serially coupled field effect transistors (FETs). The chain receives the high supply voltage and switches it to output the high-voltage output signal. The switch that provides the differentially switched high-voltage output signal includes two differentially coupled chains, each having at least three serially coupled FETs. The chains receive the high supply voltage and switch it to output the differential high-voltage output signal. A control/bias circuit provides a control voltage to at least one of the FETs in the chains, responsive to the control signal. |
| US08098087B1 |
Method and apparatus for standby voltage offset cancellation
A method and apparatus is provided for standby voltage offset cancellation at inputs to a comparator within a receiver channel. Each of a first comparator input and second comparator input is isolated from an input signal such that each of the first and second comparator inputs attains a respective standby voltage level. A voltage level on one of the first and second comparator inputs is incrementally changed, while the output signal of the comparator is monitored. Upon detecting a state transition in the output signal of the comparator, the incremental changing of the voltage level on the one comparator input is stopped at a final voltage level setting. The final voltage level setting is stored in a computer memory for reference in setting of the voltage level at the one comparator input so as to compensate for the standby voltage offset at the inputs to the comparator. |
| US08098081B1 |
Optimization of interconnection networks
A method is implemented for generating a non-blocking routing network design from a crossbar switch-based network design. The non-blocking routing network design includes connections to logic blocks of a programmable integrated circuit. A programmed processor is used to determine, for each row of the crossbar switch-based network design, switches in the row that provide switching functions for logically equivalent external connections, the external connections being one of external inputs and external outputs. The identified switches are removed from the crossbar switched-based network design. Information about the identified switches and the logically equivalent external connections is then stored for access by a placement module associated with the programmable integrated circuit. |
| US08098080B2 |
Semiconductor programmable device
An ePLX unit includes a logic unit having an SRAM and a MUX, and a switch unit having an SRAM and a TG for establishing wiring connection in the logic unit. When a composite module is set in the first mode, an Add/Flag control unit uses the SRAMs as a data field and a flag field, respectively, to autonomously control the read address of each of the data field and the flag field in accordance with a control flag stored in the flag field. Furthermore, when the composite module is set in the second mode, the Add/Flag control unit writes configuration information into each of the SRAMs to reconfigure a logic circuit. Consequently, the granularity of the circuit configuration can be rendered variable, which allows improvement in flexibility when configuring a function. |
| US08098075B2 |
Testing method for electronic apparatus
An electronic apparatus includes a first power contact, a second power contact, and a control unit. The first power contact is electrically connected with an anode of a power supply source, and the second power contact is electrically connected with a cathode of the power supply source. The control unit electrically connects the first power contact and the second power contact for forming a signal transmission path and receiving the power generated by the power supply source. When the control unit is operated in a testing mode, the control unit operates in a working mode or a sleeping mode according to an instruction of a default instruction set for changing a current waveform signal transmitted over the signal transmission path, so as to achieve the purpose of providing a convenient and high-efficiency testing. |
| US08098073B2 |
System for terminating high speed input/output buffers in an automatic test equipment environment to enable external loopback testing
An apparatus comprising a test termination card having a first set of connections and a second set of connections. The first set of connections may be configured to connect to a specific pinout of a device under test. The second set of connections may be configured to connect to a general pinout of a tester load board. The termination card may toggle between (a) connecting the first set of connectors to the second set of connectors to implement a first test type and (b) disconnecting the first set of connectors from the second set of connectors to implement a second test type. |
| US08098071B2 |
Resistivity imaging using phase sensitive detection with a floating reference signal
A device, method and system for measuring characteristics of a geologic formation using a floating reference signal having a mud chamber, an electrode disposed within the mud chamber, and an electrically conductive plate disposed within the mud chamber, the plate separated from the electrode. An alternating current source is provided on the electrode, whereby an electric field is be maintained between the electrode and the conductive plate. An opening in the mud chamber allows drilling fluids to pass there through. |
| US08098069B1 |
Adaptive closure with removable vent for sealing containers and method of use
A closed container having a single opening is sealed by a plug fabricated from a self-sealing elastomer. Before insertion, the plug is transfixed with a tube to allow air to escape as the plug is pushed into the container. The plug and tube are then inserted into a container. After the plug has been seated in the container, the tube is withdrawn, allowing the self-sealing elastomeric material to close the canal formed by the tube and to form a hermetic seal. |
| US08098066B2 |
Magnetometric device for evaluating a physical parameter, and use
A magnetometric device for evaluating a physical parameter (D, K), comprising a circuit (1) which is sensitive to a magnetic field, a measurement circuit (2) and a magnetic field generator (3), the sensitive circuit (1) being subjected to a magnetic field which varies with the physical parameter to be measured and having an electrical characteristic which is evaluated by the measurement circuit and which varies as a function of the magnetic field. The field generator (3) is designed to reverse the polarity of the applied magnetic field, the evaluation of the physical parameter thus being able to be corrected of the parasitic influence of the terrestrial magnetic field. |
| US08098065B2 |
Magnetostrictive sensor probe for guided-wave inspection and monitoring of wire ropes/cables and anchor rods
An economical, flexible, magnetostrictive sensor (MsS) probe assembly for use on longitudinal cylindrical structures, for guided-wave, volumetric inspection of the structures is described. The paired flexible plate MsS probes each include a flexible strip of magnetostrictive material that is positioned and/or adhered to the base of a generally flat, flexible, conductor coil assembly, preferably with an elastomeric adhesive. The conductor coil assembly has a core composed of a thin flexible layer of metal and a thin bendable permanent magnet circuit. The flexible core is surrounded by a flat flexible cable (FFC) that is folded and looped over the layers of the core. The exposed conductors at the ends of the FFC are shifted from each other by one conductor spacing and joined together so that the parallel conductors in the FFC form a flat, flexible, continuous coil. The probe assemblies may preferably be utilized in pairs and conformed to match the curved contours of the cylindrical surface of the structure under investigation in a manner that is specifically tailored for wire rope, cable, and anchor rod type applications. |
| US08098061B2 |
Linear inductive position sensor
A linear position sensor having a transmitter coil which generates electromagnetic radiation when excited by a source of electrical energy and wound in a first direction. A receiver coil is contained within the transmitter coil and the receiver coil includes both a first loop wound in a first direction and a second loop wound in the opposite direction. A coupler element linearly moves along a first direction relative to the transmitter coil which varies the inductive coupling between the transmitter coil and the receiver coil as a function of the linear position of the coupler element to thereby vary the electrical output signal from the receiver coil when excited by the transmitter coil. The first and second loops of the receiver coil are linearly aligned with each other along the first direction. |
| US08098054B2 |
Optimal load controller method and device
A method and device for optimizing power output of a power generation system having a load engaging system, a load optimizing system, a load selection system, a motive driver and one or more loads or power transfer parameters. The power generation system is illustrated using an electrical generator to consume system power out, however the load(s) may be other than an electrical generator. The load engaging system decides when and how the load or power transfer parameters are applied to and removed from the system. The load selection system enables multiple power transfer parameters to be optimized by selecting and isolating one power transfer parameter at a time to be optimized. The load optimizing system optimizes system power output by manipulating the selected power transfer parameter, dynamically in response to change in power output. |
| US08098044B2 |
Vehicle charging system, vehicle charging device and electric vehicle
When a connector portion is coupled, switching dampers block a vehicle compartment air intake duct and a vehicle compartment air discharge duct, respectively. By a blowing fan, the air-conditioned air supplied through an air-conditioned air supply conduit flows through an outside air intake duct, a power supply unit, an outside air discharge duct, and an air-conditioned air discharge conduit in turn, and cools a battery. |
| US08098043B2 |
Induction type power supply device
An induction type power supply device includes a power supply base unit having a connection interface connectable, an oscillator circuit for producing an AC signal upon connection of the connection interface to an electric outlet, a driver circuit for amplifying the AC signal and a primary inductor for obtaining a resonant frequency and releasing the AC signal, and an attached induction device placed on the power supply base unit and having a secondary inductor for receiving the AC signal from the primary inductor by means of magnetic induction, a rectifier filter circuit for converting the AC signal into a DC power supply, a power management circuit for regulating the DC power supply subject to a predetermined voltage and current value and a connection device for the connection of an external mobile electronic apparatus and for outputting the regulated DC power supply from the power management circuit to the connected external mobile electronic apparatus. |
| US08098039B2 |
Generator motor driving device and method for discharging charges from capacitor of generator motor driving device
The present invention provides a generator motor driving device that can promptly perform discharging of charges from the capacitor during a maintenance operation, and a capacitor discharge method to be implemented in the generator motor driving device. Power is supplied from the capacitor to the generator motor being driven by the engine, and the generator motor is driven, with the engine as a load. Rated constant current control is performed on the generator motor, and rated constant voltage control is performed on the booster, until the capacitor voltage decreases to a first voltage. After the capacitor voltage decreases to the first voltage, the rated constant current control is performed on the generator motor, and voltage control is performed on the booster to maintain a predetermined ratio between the capacitor voltage and the booster output voltage to be output to the driver, until the capacitor voltage decreases to a second voltage that is lower than the first voltage. |
| US08098038B2 |
Servomotor control system enabling high-speed oscillating motion to be highly precise
A servomotor control system that includes a numerical control unit and servo control unit enables the use of learning control based on an angle synchronization method in high-speed oscillating motion performed by, for example, a jig grinder. The numerical control unit calculates a reference angle θ(=ωt), and also calculates a cyclic oscillation command F(t) according to the reference angle θ and a machining condition (angular velocity ω). The servo control unit calculates a difference between the value in the oscillation command F(t) and the position of the servomotor (positional difference ε) at intervals of a predetermined cycle, and performs learning control according to the reference angle θ, oscillation command F(t), and positional difference ε. |
| US08098035B2 |
Motor control unit
A motor control unit (10) includes: a power converter (40) having a rectifier circuit (20) which rectifies an AC voltage from an AC power supply (31), a capacitor circuit (22) which receives an output of the rectifier circuit (20) and outputs a rectified voltage having pulses from both ends of a capacitor (13) and an inverter circuit (25) which receives the rectified voltage and outputs an AC voltage to the motor (30); and a motor controller (41) controlling the motor (30) by controlling the inverter circuit (25). The motor controller (41) performs torque control to vary an output toque of the motor (30) in response to variation in load torque of the motor (30). |
| US08098031B2 |
Active brake unit
The invention relates to a circuit arrangement for recirculating the energy produced during the braking of electric motors into a supply system. The object of the invention is to implement the feeding of the energy that can be obtained when braking electric motors to the supply system without the use of an isolating transformer. Said object is solved by a forward branch (3), comprising a rectifier (32) connected to the supply system (1). The rectifier is guided via a first intermediate circuit (33) to a first inverter (34) that is connected to the motor (2), and a backward branch (4), comprising a second intermediate circuit (42) connected to the output of the first intermediate circuit (33), wherein a second inverter (41) is connected to the second intermediate circuit, and the second inverter in turn is connected to the supply system (1) via a mains circuit (5). Each pole of the second intermediate circuit (42) is connected via a series connection of a current-compensated throttle (61, 62) and a diode (64, 65) to the output of the first intermediate circuit (33). |
| US08098023B2 |
Driving circuit for and semiconductor device for driving laser diode
A driving circuit supplies a suppression current (I4) which reduces a decrease in a driving current (Idrive) immediately after occurrence of an overshoot at the time of the rise of the driving current (Idrive) to a laser diode (1). The driving circuit draws a suppression current (I5) which reduces an increase in the driving current (Idrive) immediately after occurrence of an undershoot at the time of the fall of the driving current (Idrive) from the driving current (Idrive). |
| US08098022B2 |
Circuit configuration for operating at least one discharge lamp and method for generating an auxiliary voltage
A circuit arrangement for operating at least one discharge lamp may include: a first and a second input terminal for connecting a supply voltage; an inverter, which includes at least one first switch and one second switch, which are coupled in series between the first and the second input terminal and between which a bridge center point is defined; a drive circuit for at least the first switch and the second switch with an input for receiving a control signal; an apparatus for generating an auxiliary voltage. The apparatus may include: a first capacitor; a terminal for the provision of the auxiliary voltage, which terminal is coupled to a reference potential via the first capacitor; a two-state controller with a first input to which the control signal in inverted form is coupled, a second input, which is coupled to the terminal for the provision of the auxiliary voltage, and an output; a switch—with a control electrode, a working electrode and a reference electrode, the control electrode being coupled to the output of the two-state controller, the working electrode being coupled to the terminal for the provision of the auxiliary voltage; and a nonreactive resistor; wherein the apparatus for generating the auxiliary voltage furthermore includes a transformer with a primary winding and a secondary winding, the transformer being coupled to the first and the second input terminal, the terminal for the provision of the auxiliary voltage and the switch-in such a way that a current through the switch results in a current through the primary winding, in a current through the secondary winding and therefore in charging of the first capacitor. |
| US08098017B2 |
Automatic, low level floor lighting system
An automatic, low level floor lighting system includes a light unit including a light operable to produce visible light when energized by a power source and a control means for allowing a user to adjust an intensity of the visible light. The light unit also includes an ambient light sensor to inhibit the light from being energized when an ambient light is above a predetermined level. The light unit further includes a receiver for receiving an activation signal to energize the light and a deactivation signal to de-energize the light. A transmitter transmits the activation and deactivation signals to an additional light unit. The system also includes a remote activation unit for transmitting the activation and deactivation signals to the receiver when the user engages the remote activation unit where the user can remotely turn the light on and off when the ambient light is below the predetermined level. |
| US08098015B2 |
Lamp operation device and image display device
A lamp operation device includes a mode setting part that sets an operation mode for lamps, and a lamp operation part that controls switching between the lamps in accordance with the set operation mode. The lamp operation part includes a process corresponding to a manual switching mode in which a lamp selected by a user is set as an illumination lamp, and a process corresponding to an automatic switching mode in which the plurality of lamps is automatically set in sequence as an illumination lamp. In the automatic switching mode, after one lamp has been set as the illumination lamp, cumulative illuminating time (amount of change) of the lamp is measured. Then, the illumination lamp is switched to the other lamp, depending on whether a measurement result has exceeded predetermined threshold time. |
| US08098014B2 |
Mercury-free arc tube for discharge lamp unit
There is provided a mercury-free arc tube for a discharge lamp unit. The mercury-free arc tube includes a plurality of electrodes and a sealed chamber including a metal halide and a starting rare gas enclosed in the sealed chamber. A clearness index value P2·W/ρ is equal to or greater than about 800, where ρ denotes a density (mg/cm3) of the enclosed metal halide, P denotes a pressure (atmospheres) of the enclosed starting rare gas, and W denotes a maximum input power (watts) input to the sealed chamber through the electrodes. |
| US08098012B2 |
Photo-sensitive composition, photo-sensitive paste composition for barrier ribs comprising the same, and method for preparing barrier ribs for plasma display panel
A photosensitive composition, which has a cross-linking monomer having at least two ethylenic double bonds, a photopolymerization initiator, and an organic solvent, and a method of preparing a barrier rib for a plasma display panel, wherein the photosensitive composition is used. The photosensitive composition provides improved adherence to an inorganic material and an organic material. |
| US08098007B2 |
Organic light emitting display device
An organic light emitting display device capable of minimizing an IR drop of pixel power sources supplied to an organic light emitting display panel is taught. The organic light emitting display device includes an organic light emitting display panel comprising a first side on which an image is displayed and a second side that faces the first side and a plurality of first and second power source pads provided at two or more edges of the second side to receive first and second pixel power sources in at least two different directions; and a pixel power source supplying flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) provided on the second side of the organic light emitting display panel to comprise a plurality of pads electrically coupled to the first and second power source pads and to supply the first and second pixel power sources to the organic light emitting display panel. |
| US08098000B2 |
Ultrasonic sensor
An ultrasonic sensor for detecting an object includes: a piezoelectric element having a piezoelectric body and first and second electrodes for sandwiching the piezoelectric body; an acoustic matching element having a reception surface, which receives an ultrasonic wave reflected by the object; and a circuit electrically coupled with the piezoelectric element via a wire. The piezoelectric element is embedded in the acoustic matching element so that the acoustic matching element covers at least the first electrode, a part of a sidewall of the piezoelectric element and a part of the wire between the circuit and the piezoelectric element, and the sidewall of the piezoelectric element is adjacent to the first electrode. |
| US08097995B2 |
Split stator for electric motor and manufacturing method of the same
A split stator for an electric motor includes a core having a tooth portion, a coil formed around the tooth portion, insulation spacers arranged between a surface of the tooth portion and an inner periphery of the coil, and holding the inner periphery of the coil with a space kept from the surface of the tooth portion, and a resin filler material having high thermal conductivity and filling the space. The resin filler material is configured to allow heat release from the inner periphery of coil to the core. |
| US08097992B2 |
Electric compressor
The present invention has an object to provide an integrated electric compressor further downsized. An inverter control apparatus comprises: a power board 16 converting a direct current supplied from a high voltage power supply to an alternating current and applying it to a motor; and a control circuit board 15 controlling the application of the alternating current to the motor, wherein the power board 16 and the control circuit board 15 respectively have tall components 28 and 52 surface-mounted on one surfaces, which are relatively taller than components on the other surfaces, and the one surfaces face each other. The tall components 28 and 52 of the power board 16 and the control circuit board 15 are placed facing each other without interfering with each other in projection directions thereof. |
| US08097991B2 |
Reciprocating vibration generator
A reciprocating vibration generator of a structure enabling force of a reciprocating vibrating body striking a coil to be absorbed by magnetic fluid even if an external impact force is applied, that is, a reciprocating vibration generator provided in a case body 100 with an upper plate spring 40 and a lower plate spring 50 for supporting a ring-shaped weight 20 having a ring-shaped permanent magnet 30 comprised of a combination of semi-ring-shaped permanent magnets 30R, 30L at its inner circumference side so as to be able to reciprocally vibrate in a vertical direction and a cylindrical excitation coil 60 passing through the inside of the ring-shaped permanent magnet 30 in the vertical direction and generating a reciprocating vibrating magnetic field, wherein the semi-ring-shaped permanent magnets 30R, 30L are magnetized in a direction spanning the inner circumferential surface and outer circumferential surface, the inner circumferential surface and top and bottom end faces of the semi-ring-shaped permanent magnet 30R, 30L are covered by magnetic fluid F, and a gap between the inner circumferential surface and the outer circumferential surface of the excitation coil 60 is filled with magnetic fluid F. |
| US08097990B2 |
Electrical generator that utilizes rotational to linear motion conversion
A method and device for energy conversion from a moving fluid to electrical energy. The device includes at least one magnetic structure, at least one coil structure, a rotating component, and a rotary to linear motion conversion mechanism. The at least one coil structure includes electrically conductive material. The rotating component rotates relative to a corresponding axis of rotation in response to forces applied by the moving fluid on a structure coupled to the rotating component. The rotary to linear motion conversion mechanism is coupled to the rotating component. Rotation of the rotating component around the corresponding axis of rotation generates a relative linear displacement between the at least one magnetic structure and at least one coil in the at least one coil structure. The relative linear displacement between the at least one magnetic structure and the at least one coil generates electrical energy in the at least one coil structure. |
| US08097985B2 |
Current sensing load demand apparatus and methods
An apparatus supplies AC power to a load. The apparatus includes a set output terminals, a primary circuit, and a load sensing circuit. The primary circuit is electrically coupled to a source of AC power and to the output terminals for selectively providing power at a low voltage at the output terminals or electronically coupling the source of AC power directly to the output terminals. The load sensing circuit coupled to the primary circuit and the source of AC power for determining a resistance associated with the load at initial application of the load and controlling the primary circuit to electronically couple the source of AC power directly to the output terminals if a proper load is detected. |
| US08097979B2 |
System and method for optimizing regulated voltage output point
A device includes a plurality of voltage regulators, and a test module. Each of the voltage regulators are configured to provide a regulated voltage to one of a plurality of subsystems. The test module is in communication with the voltage regulators, and is configured to perform a subsystem component inventory for each of the subsystems at a start of a power-on self-test of the device, to determine a configuration of the device. The test module is also configured to capture first voltage data for the subsystems during an idle operation, to capture second voltage data for the subsystems during a stressed operation, and to set a voltage set point for each of the regulated voltages provided by one of the voltage regulators based on the subsystem component inventory, a power requirement table, or the first and second voltage data. |
| US08097974B2 |
Vehicular electric power source controller
A vehicular electric power source controller that controls the electrification of an electrical load mounted in a vehicle includes: a first electrical load that are a portion of the electrical load mounted in the vehicle; a second electrical load that are electrified preferentially over first electrical loads when a vehicle is parked; an electric power source-switching ECU, an ACC relay and an IG relay that switch not only the electrification of the first electrical load to but also the electrification of the second electrical load; and an electric power source management ECU, a parked state ACC relay and a parked state IG relay that switch the electrification of only the second electrical load. The vehicular electric power source controller curbs wasteful electricity consumption while operating an electrical load that is used while the vehicle is parked. |
| US08097972B2 |
Gas turbine with magnetic shaft forming part of a generator/motor assembly
A gas turbine engine including a first shaft being one of a main shaft concentrically mounted to at least one turbine rotor and a tower shaft directly driven by the main shaft and extending generally radially therefrom, the first shaft having a reduced diameter portion located within the gas turbine engine, an electrical assembly having a rotor comprising permanent magnets retained on an outer surface of the reduced diameter portion and a stator comprising a magnetic field circuit disposed adjacent an outer periphery of the rotor, and an electrical connection between the magnetic field circuit and at least one of a power source and an electrically drivable accessory. |
| US08097968B2 |
Position-controlled start from the AC line using a synchronous machine
A synchronous electric machine operates as a starter-generator for an aircraft. When operating in a starting mode, a main stator of the machine is supplied with electrical power at a constant frequency. An exciter stator is supplied with variable frequency power. As rotational speed increases, the exciter variable frequency changes correspondingly to maintain synchronous operation of the machine and maximum torque. In a generator mode, variable frequency is applied to the exciter stator with the exciter frequency varying as a function of rotational speed of an engine driving the machine. This provides for a constant frequency output from the machine. |
| US08097967B2 |
Energy systems, energy devices, energy utilization methods, and energy transfer methods
Energy systems, energy devices, energy utilization methods, and energy transfer methods are described. In one arrangement, energy utilization methods include providing first energy from a power grid to an induction generator at a first moment in time; using the induction generator and the first energy from the power grid, charging an energy storage device; using second energy from the energy storage device, powering a motor causing the induction generator to generate third energy during a second moment in time; and providing the third energy to the power grid. Other arrangements are described. |
| US08097957B2 |
Flash memory card
A Flash memory card is disclosed comprising a substrate, a Flash memory die on top of the substrate, a controller die on top of the Flash memory die, and an interposer coupled to with the controller die and on top of the Flash memory die wherein the interposer results in substantial reduced wire bonding to the substrate. The interposer can surround or be placed side by side with the controller die. A system and method in accordance with the present invention achieves the following objectives: (1) takes advantage of as large of a Flash memory die as possible, to increase the density of the Flash card by reducing the number of wire bond pads on the substrate and enabling insertion of the largest die possible that can fit inside a given card interior boundary; (2) more efficiently stacks Flash memory dies to increase density of the Flash card; and (3) has a substantially less number of bonding wires to the substrate as possible, to improve production yield. |
| US08097952B2 |
Electronic package structure having conductive strip and method
An electronic package structure and method use a conductive strip to bond die-to-die, die-to-lead, chip carrier-to-lead, or lead-to-lead. A conductive strip may carry greater current than a bonding wire, and thus may replace several bonding wires. The bonding of the conductive strip may be carried out by an SMT process, and thus requires lower cost than wire bonding processes. A conductive strip may be bonded to more than two dice or leads to save more bonding wires. A conductive strip is stronger than a bonding wire, and thus lowers the possibility of being broken. |
| US08097951B2 |
Integrated circuit having wiring layer and a pattern in which a gap is formed and method for manufacturing same
When an integrated circuit having an interlayer insulation film built up on top of a wiring layer is subjected to a heat treatment, it is unlikely that a void formed in the interlayer insulation film will rupture in a portion wherein are connected a narrow gap between wirings and a wide open part contiguous therewith. A corner part of a wiring positioned at a portion where a gap and an open part are connected is chamfered, and an end part of the gap is shaped so as to widen toward the open part. Providing the widening end part in the gap thus mitigates any discontinuity in the built up interlayer insulation film between the gap and the open part. As a result, the interlayer insulation film does not readily seal off an end of a void formed in the gap. |
| US08097950B2 |
Semiconductor device and electronic component module using the same
A semiconductor device includes a circuit board having an element mounting area, connecting pads positioned in the same surface side as the element mounting area and external connectors to be connected with the connecting pads, respectively; and a semiconductor element mounted on the element mounting area of the circuit board and having electrode pads to be electrically connected with the connecting pads, respectively. The external connectors are detachably configured through a combination of convex portions and concave portions which are mechanically and electrically connected with one another. |
| US08097949B2 |
Control of localized air gap formation in an interconnect stack
The present invention relates to a method for fabricating an interconnect stack of an integrated-circuit device. Air gaps are fabricated in the interconnect stack on one or more interconnect levels. The method comprises forming local etch vias (216, 218) between a lower etch-barrier layer (236) and an upper etch-barrier layer (211) on top of an upper-intermediate interconnect level (224). Lateral inhomogeneities of the dielectric constant on the upper-intermediate interconnect level are removed in comparison with prior-art devices. For in the finished interconnect stack local variations in the dielectric permittivity can only occur at the (former) etch vias, which are either visible by the presence of air cavities or hardly visible due to a later filling with the dielectric material of the next interlevel dielectric layer. The integrated-circuit device of the invention completely avoids a penetration of copper from the metal interconnect line sections into the adjacent interlevel or intermetal dielectric layers. |
| US08097941B2 |
Semiconductor device having projecting electrode formed by electrolytic plating, and manufacturing method thereof
A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate, and a plurality of wiring lines provided on one side of the semiconductor substrate, each of the wiring lines having a connection pad portion. An overcoat film is provided on the wiring lines and the one side of the semiconductor substrate. The overcoat film has a plurality of openings in parts corresponding to the connection pad portions of the wiring lines. A plurality of foundation metal layers are respectively provided on inner surfaces of the openings of the overcoat film and electrically connected to the pat portions of the wiring lines. A plurality of projecting electrodes are respectively provided on the foundation metal layers in the openings of the overcoat film. |
| US08097933B2 |
Flexible semiconductor package and method for fabricating the same
A flexible semiconductor package includes a flexible substrate. A data chip is disposed over the flexible substrate. The data chip includes a data storage unit for storing data and first bonding pads that are electrically connected to the data storage unit. A control chip is disposed over the flexible substrate. The control chip includes a data processing unit for processing the data in the data chip and second bonding pads that are electrically connected to the data processing unit. Wirings are formed in order to electrically connect the first bonding pads to the second bonding pads. |
| US08097930B2 |
Semiconductor devices with trench isolations
In an embodiment, a semiconductor device is provided. The semiconductor device may include a first diffusion region, a second diffusion region an active region disposed between the first diffusion region and the second diffusion region, a control region disposed above the active region, a first trench isolation disposed laterally adjacent to the first diffusion region opposite to the active region, and a second trench isolation disposed between the second diffusion region and the active region. The second trench isolation may have a smaller depth than the first trench isolation. |
| US08097927B2 |
Highly sensitive photo-sensing element and photo-sensing device using the same
The present invention provides an image display unit integrated with a photo-sensor, comprising a photo-sensing element with high sensitivity and low noise and a polycrystalline silicon TFT prepared at the same time on an insulating substrate using planer process. After a first electrode 11 and a second electrode 12 of the photo-sensing element are made of polycrystalline silicon film, a light receiving layer (photoelectric conversion layer) 13 of the photo-sensing element is prepared by amorphous silicon film on upper layer. In this case, a polycrystalline silicon TFT is prepared at the same time. |
| US08097921B2 |
Semiconductor device with high-breakdown-voltage transistor
A semiconductor device includes a high-breakdown-voltage transistor having a semiconductor layer. The semiconductor layer has an element portion and a wiring portion. The element portion has a first wiring on a front side of the semiconductor layer and a backside electrode on a back side of the semiconductor layer. The element portion is configured as a vertical transistor that causes an electric current to flow in a thickness direction of the semiconductor layer between the first wiring and the backside electrode. The backside electrode is elongated to the wiring portion. The wiring portion has a second wiring on the front side of the semiconductor layer. The wiring portion and the backside electrode provide a pulling wire that allows the electric current to flow to the second wiring. |
| US08097917B2 |
Silicon carbide semiconductor device
A silicon carbide semiconductor device includes: a semiconductor substrate having a silicon carbide substrate, a first semiconductor layer, a second semiconductor layer, and a third semiconductor layer; a trench penetrating the second and the third semiconductor layers to reach the first semiconductor layer; a channel layer on a sidewall and a bottom of the trench; an oxide film on the channel layer; a gate electrode on the oxide film; a first electrode connecting to the third semiconductor layer; and a second electrode connecting to the silicon carbide substrate. A position of a boundary between the first semiconductor layer and the second semiconductor layer is disposed lower than an utmost lowest position of the oxide film. |
| US08097913B2 |
Electrically erasable and programmable read only memory device comprising common source region and method of manufacturing same
An electrically erasable and programmable read only memory (EEPROM) device and a method of manufacturing the EEPROM device are provided. First and second gate structures having the same structure are formed on a tunnel insulating layer formed on a substrate, such that the first and second gate structures are spaced apart from each other. A common source region is formed at a portion of the substrate located between the first and second gate structures. First and second drain regions are formed at first and second portions of the substrate adjacent to the first and second gate structures, respectively. Thus, the EEPROM device is manufactured including first and second transistors that have the same structure and may alternately serve as a memory transistor and a selection transistor according to an applied signal. |
| US08097911B2 |
Etch stop structures for floating gate devices
Etch stop structures for floating gate devices are generally described. In one example, a floating gate device includes a semiconductor substrate having a surface on which one or more floating gate devices are formed, a tunnel dielectric coupled with the surface of the semiconductor substrate, a floating gate structure coupled with the tunnel dielectric, the floating gate structure having a first surface, a second surface, and a third surface, wherein the third surface is substantially parallel with the surface of the semiconductor substrate and wherein the first surface is substantially parallel with the second surface and substantially perpendicular with the third surface, an etch stop film coupled with the third surface of the floating gate structure, and an inter-gate dielectric coupled with the first surface and the second surface of the floating gate structure wherein the inter-gate dielectric comprises a material that is less resistant to an etchant that removes material of a control gate structure than the etch stop film. |
| US08097905B2 |
Cascoded high voltage junction field effect transistor
A cascoded junction field transistor (JFET) device comprises a first stage high voltage JFET cascoded to a second stage low voltage JFET wherein one of the first and second stages JFET is connected to a drain electrode of another JFET stage. |
| US08097903B2 |
Semiconductor memory device
A semiconductor memory device comprises a semiconductor substrate; a memory block formed on the semiconductor substrate and including plural stacked cell array layers of cell arrays each comprising a plurality of first lines, a plurality of second lines crossing the plurality of first lines, and memory cells connected at intersections of the first and second lines between both lines; and a plurality of contacts extending in the stack direction of the cell array layers and connecting the first lines in the cell arrays with diffusion regions formed on the semiconductor substrate. A certain one of the cell array layers is smaller in the number of the first lines divided and the number of contacts connected than the cell array layers in a lower layer located closer to the semiconductor substrate than the certain one. |
| US08097902B2 |
Programmable metallization memory cells via selective channel forming
A programmable metallization memory cell that has an apertured insulating layer comprising at least one aperture therethrough positioned between the active electrode and the inert electrode. Superionic clusters are present within the at least one aperture, and may extend past the at least one aperture. Also, methods for making a programmable metallization memory cell are disclosed. |
| US08097901B2 |
Semiconductor device having insulated gate semiconductor element, and insulated gate bipolar transistor
A semiconductor device having an IGBT includes: a substrate; a drift layer and a base layer on the substrate; trenches penetrating the base layer to divide the base layer into base parts; an emitter region in one base part; a gate element in the trenches; an emitter electrode; and a collector electrode. The one base part provides a channel layer, and another base part provides a float layer having no emitter region. The gate element includes a gate electrode next to the channel layer and a dummy gate electrode next to the float layer. The float layer includes a first float layer adjacent to the channel layer and a second float layer apart from the channel layer. The dummy gate electrode and the first float layer are coupled with a first float wiring on the base layer. The dummy gate electrode is isolated from the second float layer. |
| US08097898B2 |
Light-emitting diode
The outer peripheral portion of a substrate is provided with a first peripheral edge and a second peripheral edge. The first peripheral edge is provided on the edge portion of a first upper surface of the substrate on which a light-emitting diode element is mounted. The second peripheral edge is formed either on an extension of an imaginary line connecting an edge of the light-emitting facet of the light-emitting diode element and the first peripheral edge or inwardly of the extension. The second peripheral edge is located at a position where the first peripheral edge blocks direct light from the light-emitting diode element. This configuration prevents the second upper surface of the substrate provided between the first peripheral edge and the second peripheral edge from becoming deteriorated due to the direct light. |
| US08097896B2 |
Light emitting device package and method for manufacturing the same
A light emitting device package capable of achieving an enhancement in light emission efficiency and a reduction in thermal resistance, and a method for manufacturing the same are disclosed. The method includes forming a mounting hole in a first substrate, forming through holes in a second substrate, forming a metal film in the through holes, forming at least one pair of metal layers on upper and lower surfaces of the second substrate such that the metal layers are electrically connected to the metal film, bonding the first substrate to the second substrate, and mounting at least one light emitting device in the mounting hole such that the light emitting device is electrically connected to the metal layers formed on the upper surface of the second substrate. |
| US08097894B2 |
LED with molded reflective sidewall coating
A submount wafer, having mounted on it an array of LEDs with a phosphor layer, is positioned with respect to a mold having an array of indentions. A mixture of silicone and 10%-50%, by weight, TiO2, is dispensed between the wafer and the indentions, creating a molded substantially reflective material. The molded mixture forms a reflective wall covering the sidewalls of the LED. The reflective material is then cured, and the submount wafer is separated from the mold such that the reflective material covering the sidewalls contains light emitted from the LED. The submount wafer is then diced. A piece (e.g., a reflector, support bracket, etc.) may then be affixed to the submount so the LED protrudes through a center hole in the piece. The inner edge of the piece is easily formed so that it is located at any height above or below the top surface of the LED. |
| US08097893B2 |
Light emitting device
A light emitting device 10 has a supporting substrate 12; a first electrode 14 disposed on the supporting substrate; an electroluminescent layer disposed on the first electrode and including at least a light emitting layer 16; a second electrode 18 disposed opposite to the first electrode, with the electroluminescent layer being interposed therebetween; a resin layer 20 disposed on the second electrode directly or with an intermediate layer interposed therebetween, or on a surface of the supporting substrate at the opposite side of a surface where the first electrode is disposed; and light transmitting particles 22 scattered in the resin layer, and at least a portion of the light transmitting particles are scattered in the resin layer such that a part of each of the scattered particles is embedded in a surface of the resin layer at the side at which light is extracted from the light emitting layer. |
| US08097891B2 |
Group III nitride semiconductor light emitting device and method for producing the same
The present invention provides a group III nitride semiconductor light emitting device and a method for producing the same. The group III nitride semiconductor light emitting device comprises (a1), (b1) and (c1) in this order: (a1) an N electrode, (b1) a semiconductor multi-layer film, (c1) a transparent electric conductive oxide P electrode, wherein the semiconductor multi-layer film comprises an N-type semiconductor layer, light emitting layer, P-type semiconductor layer and high concentration N-type semiconductor layer having an n-type impurity concentration of 5×1018 cm−3 to 5×1020 cm−3 in this order, the N-type semiconductor layer is in contact with the N electrode, and the semiconductor multi-layer film has a convex. |
| US08097890B2 |
Image sensor with micro-lenses of varying focal lengths
An image sensor having a plurality of micro-lenses disposed on a semiconductor substrate. A first micro-lens has a different focal length, height, shape, curvature, thickness, etc., than a second micro-lens. The image sensor may be back side illuminated or front side illuminated. |
| US08097888B2 |
Package carrier for effectively blocking optical signal transmission between light emitting device and light receiving device
A package carrier suitable for carrying at least one light emitting device and at least one light receiving device includes a carrier substrate and a metal sheet. The carrier substrate includes a first carrying area and a second carrying area. The light emitting device is disposed in the first carrying area and the light receiving device is disposed in the second carrying area. The metal sheet is disposed in the carrier substrate and located between the first carrying area and the second carrier area, for blocking optical signal transmission between the light emitting device and the light receiving device. |
| US08097885B2 |
Compound semiconductor film, light emitting film, and manufacturing method thereof
Provided are a compound semiconductor film which is manufactured at a low temperature and exhibits excellent p-type conductivity, and a light emitting film in which the compound semiconductor film and a light emitting material are laminated and with which high-intensity light emission can be realized. The compound semiconductor film has a composition represented by a Cu2—Zn—IV—S4 type, in which the IV is at least one of Ge and Si. The light emitting film includes the light emitting material and the compound semiconductor film laminated on a substrate in the stated order. |
| US08097875B2 |
Semiconductor memory device
A semiconductor memory device includes the first transistor having first and second source/drain diffusion regions positioned below a second bit line to sandwich the first word line therebetween, and the second source/drain diffusion region positioned between the first and second word lines and connected to a first bit line, a second transistor having second and third source/drain diffusion regions positioned below the second bit line to sandwich the second word line therebetween, a first resistive memory element formed below the second bit line above the first source/drain diffusion region, and having terminals connected to the second bit line and the first source/drain diffusion region, and a second resistive memory element formed below the second bit line above the third source/drain diffusion region, and having terminals connected to the second bit line and the third source/drain diffusion region. |
| US08097872B2 |
Modifiable gate stack memory element
An apparatus and method for storing information are provided, including using an integrated circuit including a transistor having a channel, a gate oxide layer, a gate electrode, and a modifiable gate stack layer. To store information, the on-resistance of the transistor is changed by causing a non-charge-storage based physical change in the modifiable gate stack layer. |
| US08097870B2 |
Memory cell with alignment structure
A memory cell that includes a memory element configured for switching from a first data state to a second data state by passage of current therethrough. The memory cell includes a top electrode and a bottom electrode for providing the current through the memory cell, and an alignment element positioned at least between the top electrode and the top surface of the memory element, the alignment element having an electrically conductive body tapering from the top electrode to the top surface of the memory element. Methods for forming the memory cell are also described. |
| US08097861B2 |
System and method for germicidal sanitizing of an elevator or other enclosed structure
A system for sanitizing an enclosed structure comprises a first sensor, a second sensor, a third sensor, a germicidal ultraviolet light source, a motor, and a controller. The first sensor detects the presence of humans or animals within the enclosed structure. The second sensor detects the position of at least one door of the enclosed structure. The third sensor detects tampering with the system. The ultraviolet light source provides electromagnetic radiation in the ultraviolet range. The motor moves the ultraviolet light source from an inactive position to an active position and from the active position to the inactive position. The controller receives inputs from the first sensor, the second sensor, and the third sensor, and transmits outputs to the ultraviolet light source and the motor. When the controller receives signals that no humans or animals are present in the enclosed structure and that the door is in a closed position, the controller transmits a signal to the motor to move the ultraviolet light source from the inactive position to the active position and a signal to activate the ultraviolet light source. If humans or animals are detected to be present in the enclosed structure or if the door is detected to be open, then the controller deactivates the ultraviolet light source and repositions the ultraviolet light source. |
| US08097859B2 |
Oxygen concentration measuring device
An oxygen concentration measuring device is provided for determining an oxygen concentration of a gas in a sample volume. The device includes an optical device configured for irradiating the sample volume containing oxygen with a first UV radiation intensity, at least one wavelength of which is close to a spectral absorption line of oxygen, a magnetic field generator configured for applying a magnetic field at the sample volume, and a UV light detector configured for measuring a second UV radiation intensity coming from the sample volume. The oxygen concentration in the sample volume is determined on the basis of the applied magnetic field and the measured second UV radiation intensity. |
| US08097857B2 |
Apparatus and method for providing snapshot action thermal infrared imaging within automated process control article inspection applications
This application relates to an apparatus and method for providing snapshot action thermal infrared imaging within automated process control article inspection applications. More specifically, it pertains to the use of snapshot mode lead salt area-array imaging sensors (20) as the imaging front-end in high-speed machine vision inspection systems (12). the relatively low-cost, good measurement sensitivity at temperatures consistent with thereto-electric cooling means, and the ability to be operated in snap-shot mode enables lead salt-based image acquisition sensors (20) to be used in a variety of automated process control and article inspection applications. |
| US08097856B2 |
Super-miniaturized NDIR gas sensor
Two detector elements are optically isolated by having them mounted (die-attached) on the same header so that the thermal tracking of the detectors respectively for the signal and reference channels is close to ideal. Furthermore, such an optical isolation technique or cross-interference suppression between the two detector elements mounted on the same header also allows the use of only one and the same narrow band pass interference filter covering both detectors. Thus the thermal tracking of the filters respectively for the signal and reference channels is also close to perfection as both channels share the same filter. |
| US08097854B2 |
Production method for a surface sensor, system and use of a surface sensor
The invention relates to a surface sensor (100, 200), comprising a frequency-selective surface with periodically arranged THz structures (1), in particular THz resonance structures (1) which are sensitive to THz radiation, a polarization axis (3) being associated with each structure. In order to improve remote field characteristics, the invention provides for a THz structure (1) to be configured asymmetrically, and a group of two or more THz structures (1) to have essentially centrosymmetrically aligned polarization axes (3) for forming a unit cell. |
| US08097852B2 |
Multiple transfer molded optical proximity sensor and corresponding method
Various embodiments of a multiple-stage-molded optical proximity sensor and method of making same are disclosed. According to one embodiment, the method comprises mounting an infrared light emitter atop a first portion of a substrate, and mounting an infrared light detector, an ambient light detector and an integrated circuit atop a second portion of the substrate. In a first molding step, an infrared light pass component is molded over the substrate and the infrared light emitter, the infrared light detector, the ambient light detector, and the integrated circuit. The infrared light pass component is then cured, followed by forming a slot in the cured infrared light pass component between the first and second portions of the substrate. In a second molding step, an infrared light cut component is molded over the slot, the integrated circuit, the ambient light detector, and over portions of the infrared light emitter and the infrared light detector. |
| US08097851B2 |
Light detection circuit for ambient light and proximity sensor
A circuit for implementing an ambient light sensing mode and a proximity sensing mode includes a light sensor, a light source, and a controller coupled to the light sensor and the light source. The controller is configured to process outputs from the light sensor before and after the light source is energized to obtain an ambient light level output and to compare the ambient light level output with an output from the light sensor when the light source is energized to implement the proximity sensing mode. |
| US08097847B2 |
Particle-optical systems and arrangements and particle-optical components for such systems and arrangements
A particle-optical arrangement comprises a charged-particle source for generating a beam of charged particles; a multi-aperture plate arranged in a beam path of the beam of charged particles, wherein the multi-aperture plate has a plurality of apertures formed therein in a predetermined first array pattern, wherein a plurality of charged-particle beamlets is formed from the beam of charged particles downstream of the multi-aperture plate, and wherein a plurality of beam spots is formed in an image plane of the apparatus by the plurality of beamlets, the plurality of beam spots being arranged in a second array pattern; and a particle-optical element for manipulating the beam of charged particles and/or the plurality of beamlets; wherein the first array pattern has a first pattern regularity in a first direction, and the second array pattern has a second pattern regularity in a second direction electron-optically corresponding to the first direction, and wherein the second regularity is higher than the first regularity. |
| US08097846B1 |
Metrology and 3D reconstruction of devices in a wafer
A method for measuring three-dimensional devices in a wafer comprises the step of obtaining a plurality of cross-sectional images of a corresponding plurality of three-dimensional devices in the wafer. The plurality of three-dimensional devices have essentially identical geometries. Each cross-sectional image is obtained from a plane in the corresponding three-dimensional device at a predetermined distance from a fiducial mark thereof. The predetermined distance is different for each of the plurality of cross-sectional images. The method further comprises the step of determining the geometries of the plurality of three-dimensional devices based on the cross-sectional images thereof. |
| US08097843B2 |
Photoluminescent markings with functional overlayers
A photoluminescent marking that includes at least one functional overlayer is disclosed. The overlayer generally provides for at least one of selective filtration, reflection and absorption of wavelengths that may cause photolytic degradation of underlying photoluminescent materials. A method of fabrication is provided. |
| US08097839B2 |
Radiation image processing apparatus for removing periodic patterns caused by a scattered radiation removing means
A filter processing means removes periodic patterns caused by a scattered radiation removing means from radiation images, which are obtained by detecting radiation that has passed through the scattered radiation removing means with a radiation detector. The filter processing means removes only the spatial frequency components of the periodic pattern from the radiation images. |
| US08097836B2 |
Inferential temperature control system
A system manages the temperature of thermoplastic material by initiating a default heating cycle in response to a sensor failure. The system may thus continue to heat the thermoplastic material according to the default heating cycle until the sensor can be repaired or replaced. A system controller implements the default heating cycle using a stored profile. That is, the controller causes a heating element to generate heat according to a default heating profile retrieved from a memory. The profile may be determined using historical heating data, user input and/or a factory setting. |
| US08097826B2 |
Penetration enhancing flux formulation for tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding of austenitic stainless steel and its application
A Penetration Enhancing Activating Flux (PEAF) in paste form for autogenous TIG welding of austenitic stainless steels adapted for ready application with a brush on top weld surface prior to conducting autogenous TIG welding to favor single weld pass, of austenitic stainless steels of AISI 304LN and AISI 316LN varieties with weld bead penetration up to a section thickness of 12 mm. Importantly, the (PEAF) paste based TIG welding of the invention achieves an increase in weld bead penetration of about 300% over the conventional TIG process without activating flux. The PEAF paste based TIG welding also favors higher productivity and high quality apart from being cost-effective due to less requirement of consumables and controlled heat input to arrest distortion, making it widely acceptable for variety of industrial applications for welding of austenitic stainless steel. |
| US08097823B2 |
Wiring standard selector switch and universal network cable
A wiring standard selector switch for use in a universal network cable system includes a baseboard made of an insulating material and a cover shaped and dimensioned to be connected to the baseboard. A switch actuator is mounted beneath the cover and has a portion which extends through a slot formed in the cover and is movable slidably along the slot of the cover. A plurality of circuit conductors carried by the switch actuator are disposed on the switch actuator so as to achieve paired electrical contact between a first and a second set of contact members on the baseboard. By moving the switch actuator slidably along the slot of the cover, at predetermined space intervals, the first and second sets of contact members engage the plurality of circuit conductors so as to establish a different complete circuit. Each of the different complete circuits corresponds to a different network wiring standard. |
| US08097822B2 |
Light emitting key structure
A light emitting key structure is provided. The key structure includes a base, a reflective sheet, a circuit board, an elastic member, a linkage mechanism, and a key cap sequentially disposed one on another in order. The reflective sheet is disposed on the base. The circuit board is made of a light guide material. At least one light source is bonded to a lateral side of the circuit board. The circuit board, together with the light source bonded to the lateral side thereof is disposed on the reflective sheet. The elastic member is directly coupled to the circuit board. The key cap is featured with a light transmission characteristic. Therefore, in operation, the light emitted from the light source can be directly guided into the circuit board, and then outputted from the light transmissive key cap, thus achieving the light emitting effect. |
| US08097813B2 |
Carbon nanotube based interposer
In at least one embodiment, an interposer for a board interconnect system is provided. The interposer comprises a frame and at least one interconnect. The frame receives a substrate. The substrate includes a top side, a bottom side, and a conductive interface. The conductive interface extends through the top side and the bottom side for delivering an electrical signal from an electrical device positioned on the top side therethrough. The at least one interconnect includes a plurality of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) positioned within the frame for contacting the conductive interface of the substrate to deliver the electrical signal to a conductive arrangement of a circuit board. |
| US08097812B2 |
Flexible pixel array substrate and flexible display
A flexible pixel array substrate includes a flexible base, at least one first driving transistor, at least one second driving transistor and at least one pixel electrode. The first driving transistor is disposed on the flexible base and has a first current channel. The second driving transistor is disposed on the flexible base and has a second current channel. The first current channel is not parallel to the second current channel. The pixel electrode is disposed on the flexible base. The pixel electrode is electrically connected to first driving transistor. The pixel electrode is electrically connected to the second driving transistor. In addition, a flexible display applying the flexible pixel array substrate is also provided. Besides, another flexible pixel array substrate and another flexible display applying the same are also provided. |
| US08097810B2 |
High pressure, high voltage penetrator assembly
The invention relates to a high pressure, high voltage penetrator assembly for subsea, topside or land based use, wherein the assembly is upright attachable to a wet gas and/or liquid handling compressor or pump or to/from a transformer, and wherein the assembly includes a penetrator unit for feed-through of electric power to a motor of the compressor or pump or to/from the transformer; a funnel shaped housing with a housing chamber, the penetrator unit being located at an upper end of the chamber; a grid located inside the chamber transversely of a longitudinal axis of the chamber, the penetrator unit being located above the grid, a filter located in the chamber below the grid and above an inlet to a housing of the motor or to/from a housing of the transformer, and a sensor unit extending into the chamber from the penetrator unit and towards, but spaced from the grid. |
| US08097809B2 |
Low-smoke self-extinguishing cable and flame-retardant composition comprising natural magnesium hydroxide
A cable having a conductor and a flame-retardant coating having (a) a polymer matrix; and (b) natural magnesium hydroxide particles having an average size (d50) of 0.5 μm to 5.0 μm and an average pore diameter less than or equal to 0.35 μm. |
| US08097803B2 |
Solar energy system
A solar energy system includes a reflecting unit, a heat absorber and a first solar panel. The reflecting unit having a photovoltaic cell with a first energy band gap and a reflecting surface reflects or focuses sunlight. The reflecting unit converts the sunlight with a wavelength shorter than or equal to x nm into electric energy according to the first energy band gap, and reflects or focuses the sunlight with a wavelength longer than x nm onto the heat absorber and the first solar panel. The heat absorber converts the sunlight that has a wavelength longer than or equal to y nm and is reflected by the reflecting unit into thermal energy. The first solar panel having a photovoltaic cell with a second energy band gap converts the sunlight penetrating the heat absorber and having a wavelength shorter than or equal to z nm into electric energy. |
| US08097799B2 |
Plectrum receptacle systems
This invention relates to providing a plectrum holder device that may be easily attached to a guitar at the desired location of the guitar player. More particularly, this invention relates to providing a system for retaining multiple plectrums close to the surface of a guitar, in a low profile configuration, in a convenient location for easy access by the guitar player. Also, a guitar comprising the plectrum holder may still fit in its guitar case due to the low profile of the plectrum holder. Further, the plectrum holder holds picks of a variety of shapes and sizes. |
| US08097796B1 |
Maize variety PHHAR
A novel maize variety designated PHHAR and seed, plants and plant parts thereof. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprise crossing maize variety PHHAR with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PHHAR through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. Hybrid maize seed, plant or plant part produced by crossing the variety PHHAR or a trait conversion of PHHAR with another maize variety. Inbred maize varieties derived from maize variety PHHAR, methods for producing other inbred maize varieties derived from maize variety PHHAR and the inbred maize varieties and their parts derived by the use of those methods. |
| US08097793B2 |
Tomato line PSQ24-2150
The invention provides seed and plants of tomato hybrid PS02420487 and the parent lines thereof. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of tomato hybrid PS02420487 and the parent lines thereof, and to methods for producing a tomato plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another tomato plant, such as a plant of another genotype. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of such plants, including the fruit and gametes of such plants. |
| US08097787B2 |
Soybean cultivar 1000682
A soybean cultivar designated 1000682 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar 1000682, to the plants of soybean 1000682, to plant parts of soybean cultivar 1000682, and to methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing soybean cultivar 1000682 with itself or with another soybean variety. The invention also relates to methods for producing a soybean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic soybean plants and plant parts produced by those methods. This invention also relates to soybean cultivars, or breeding cultivars, and plant parts derived from soybean variety 1000682, to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 1000682, and to the soybean plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid soybean seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing the cultivar 1000682 with another soybean cultivar. |
| US08097785B2 |
Soybean cultivar 8730231
A soybean cultivar designated 8730231 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar 8730231, to the plants of soybean 8730231, to plant parts of soybean cultivar 8730231, and to methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing soybean cultivar 8730231 with itself or with another soybean variety. The invention also relates to methods for producing a soybean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic soybean plants and plant parts produced by those methods. This invention also relates to soybean cultivars, or breeding cultivars, and plant parts derived from soybean variety 8730231, to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 8730231, and to the soybean plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid soybean seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing the cultivar 8730231 with another soybean cultivar. |
| US08097783B1 |
Soybean variety XB38AA09
According to the invention, there is provided a novel soybean variety designated XB38AA09. This invention thus relates to the seeds of soybean variety XB38AA09, to the plants of soybean XB38AA09 to plant parts of soybean variety XB38AA09 and to methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing plants of the soybean variety XB38AA09 with another soybean plant, using XB38AA09 as either the male or the female parent. |
| US08097781B1 |
Soybean variety RJS08001
According to the invention, there is provided a novel soybean variety designated RJS08001. This invention thus relates to the seeds of soybean variety RJS08001, to the plants of soybean RJS08001 to plant parts of soybean variety RJS08001 and to methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing plants of the soybean variety RJS08001 with another soybean plant, using RJS08001 as either the male or the female parent. |
| US08097773B2 |
Process for selecting banana clones and banana clones obtained thereby
The invention provides a process for selecting banana clones that are characterized by increased bunch weight and by increased total fruit yield, which process is based on somaclonal variation and comprises the steps of initiating tissue cultures from apical meristem explants, and propagating and rooting the same; hardening, potting, and growing in vivo, plants propagated in the previous step; forming a mat from a cluster of plants grown in the previous step originating from the same clone; planting the mats from the previous step in a field, and growing them under conditions of abiotic stress, the conditions including the growth of the mats in an area wherein the average winter night temperature is below 10° C.; measuring bunch weight and total fruit yield of the mats for a period of at least 3 years and selecting mats, the plants of which exhibit the best characteristics of increased bunch weight and increased total fruit yield; and utilizing mats selected in the previous step for preparing apical meristem explants. |
| US08097772B2 |
Polypeptides having beta-glucosidase activity and polynucleotides encoding same
The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having beta-glucosidase activity and isolated polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods for producing and using the polypeptides. |
| US08097771B2 |
LysM receptor-like kinases to improve plant defense response against fungal pathogens
Perception of chitin fragments (chitooligosaccharides) is an important first step in plant defense response against fungal pathogen. LysM receptor-like kinases (LysM RLKs) are instrumental in this perception process. LysM RLKs also play a role in activating transcription of chitin-responsive genes (CRGs) in plants. Mutations in the LysM kinase receptor genes or the downstream CRGs may affect the fungal susceptibility of a plant. Mutations in LysM RLKs or transgenes carrying the same may be beneficial in imparting resistance against fungal pathogens. |
| US08097767B2 |
Hydrophobic surface coated absorbent articles and associated methods
The present invention relates to absorbent articles which include one or more components that have been treated with a hydrophobic surface coating intended to render such components impermeable to liquids having relatively low surface tensions. |
| US08097766B2 |
Self-adhering friction reducing liner and method of use
A patch of low friction materials, such as a film of polytetrafluoroethylene is sized to provide an area of low friction support for a portion of a human body relative to an object such as a shoe or prosthetic socket. The patch can be lined with foam, or preferably, a stretch fabric so that it will fit around irregular contours of the shoe, or socket, or the skin itself. The patches reduce shear trauma in critical load areas. After identifying regions of high loads, the method comprises applying the patches as needed to avoid sores, calluses, blisters and abrasions. |
| US08097764B2 |
Methods of isomerizing xylenes with a catalyst reduced in the presence of hydrogen and a base
A xylene isomerization process includes introducing gas comprising hydrogen and a base to a reaction zone in which a catalyst comprising a Group VIII metal and a zeolite support resides. In one embodiment, the base may be formed in situ within the reaction zone from nitrogen and hydrogen that are introduced to the reaction zone. In another embodiment, the base is introduced directly to the reaction zone. The conditions in the reaction zone are effective to reduce the catalyst. A stream comprising C8 aromatics, e.g., xylenes and ethylbenzene may then be fed to the reaction zone containing the reduced catalyst. The reaction zone may be operated at conditions effective to isomerize the xylenes and hydrodealkylate the ethylbenzene. The xylene loss during the isomerization of the xylenes is lowered as a result of using the catalyst reduced in the presence of the gas comprising a base and hydrogen. |
| US08097761B2 |
Process for production of carotenoid
A method for producing a composition containing carotenoid at a content of 80% or greater, characterized in performing extraction on a culture of a microorganism, a concentrate of the culture, or a dried substance thereof with at least one selected from the group consisting of lower alcohols, water-containing lower alcohols, lower dialkylketones and ethers; and then washing a precipitate, obtained by concentrating the extract solution, with at least one selected from the group consisting of lower alcohols, water-containing lower alcohols, hydrocarbon-based solvents and lower dialkylketones; and food, a pharmaceutical composition or a cosmetic substance comprising the carotenoid-containing composition. |
| US08097759B2 |
Inflammatory cytokine release inhibitor
A medicament having inhibitory activity against NF-κB activation, which comprises a compound represented by the following general formula (I) or a pharmacologically acceptable salt as an active ingredient: wherein X represents a connecting group, A represents hydrogen atom or acetyl group, E represents an aryl group or a heteroaryl group, and ring X represents an arene or a heteroarene. |
| US08097758B2 |
Isoserine derivatives for use as coagulation factor IXa inhibitors
The invention relates to the compounds of formula (I) having antithrombotic activity which especially inhibit blood clotting factor IXa, to methods for producing the same and to the use thereof as drugs. |
| US08097754B2 |
Synthesis of (S)-(+)-3-(aminomethyl)-5-methyl hexanoic acid
Provided are syntheses of (S)-(+)-3-(aminomethyl)-5-methylhexanoic acid, (S)-Pregabalin via a chiral intermediate of the following formula 4 wherein Ar is a C6-10 aromatic group, R is a straight or branched C1-4 alkyl, ester, or carboxylic acid, and R1 is a straight or branched C1-5 alkyl, aralkyl, or substituted aralkyl. |
| US08097752B2 |
Antiprotozoal ring-substituted phospholipids
Disclosed are novel ring containing phospholipids represented by the structural formula A-X—PO3—W and physiologically acceptable salts thereof and a process for the preparation of these compounds. The compounds can be used for the treatment of protozoal diseases and especially leishmaniasis. |
| US08097750B2 |
Cinchona alkaloid-catalyzed asymmetric mannich reactions
The instability of carbamate-protected alkyl imines has greatly hampered the development of catalytic asymmetric Mannich reactions suitable for the synthesis of optically active carbamate-protected chiral alkyl amines. A highly enantioselective Mannich reaction with in situ generation of carbamate-protected imines from stable α-amido sulfones catalyzed by an organic catalyst has been developed. This reaction provides a concise and highly enantioselective route converting aromatic and aliphatic aldehydes into optically active aryl and alkyl β-amino acids. |
| US08097746B2 |
Method for producing 2-isopropenyl-5-methyl-4-hexen-1-yl 3-methyl-2-butenoate
The present invention provides a method of producing 2-isopropenyl-5-methyl-4-hexen-1-yl 3-methyl-2-butenoate industrially advantageously in a high yield. More particularly, the present invention provides a method of producing 2-isopropenyl-5-methyl-4-hexen-1-yl 3-methyl-2-butenoate represented by the following formula (IV): which comprises reacting 2-isopropenyl-5-methyl-4-hexen-1-ol with an organic sulfonyl halide in the presence of a basic substance to give a sulfonate compound represented by the following formula (III): wherein R is a hydrocarbon group, and reacting the obtained sulfonate compound with senecionic acid in the presence of a basic substance. |
| US08097744B2 |
Free flowing filler composition comprising mercapto-functional silane
The disclosure herein relates to organofunctional silanes and mixtures of organofunctional silanes possessing mercaptan and hydrocarbyl and/or heterocarbyl functionality. These silanes reduce or eliminate the generation of volatile organic compounds (VOC's) during use, aid in the processing of filled elastomeric materials and enhance the end-use properties of the filled elastomer. The present disclosure relates to a free flowing filler composition comprising these silanes. |
| US08097742B2 |
Water-soluble, surface-functionalized nanoparticle for bioconjugation via universal silane coupling
The invention provides a process for the preparation of a surface-functionalized nanoparticle comprising: (a) reacting a nanoparticle with a functionalized silane and a base in a substantially non-aqueous solvent to obtain a partially conjugated silanated nanoparticle, wherein the functionalized silane and the base are present in relative amounts such that said functionalized silane undergoes substantially only a single hydrolysis reaction; (b) reacting the partially conjugated silanated nanoparticle formed in step (a) with a base in a solvent in which the partially conjugated silanated nanoparticle is substantially insoluble and in which the base is substantially soluble. The invention also provides a surface-functionalized nanoparticle prepared therefrom and a bioconjugate comprising said a surface-functionalized nanoparticle. |
| US08097738B2 |
Ruthenium (II) catalysts for use in stereoselective cyclopropanations
Chiral ruthenium catalysts comprising salen and alkenyl ligands are provided for stereoselective cyclopropanation, and methods of cyclopropanation are provided. The chiral ruthenium catalyst is prepared in situ by combining an alkenyl ligand, a deprotonated chiral salen ligand, and a ruthenium (II) metal. A preferred catalyst is prepared in situ by combining 2,3-dihydro-4-venylbenzofuran, deprotonated 1,2-cyclohexanediamino-N,N′-bis(3,5-di-t-butyl-salicylidene) and RuCl2(p-cymene)]2. |
| US08097737B2 |
Process for production of optically active amine derivatives
An industrial process for production of high-purity optically active amine derivatives in high yield while inhibiting the formation of by-products, which comprises subjecting (E)-2-(1,6,7,8-tetrahydro-2H-indeno[5,4-b]furan-8-ylidene)ethylamine to asymmetric reduction, catalytically reducing the obtained product at a reaction temperature of 40 to 100° C. and a pH of 3 to 9, subjecting the obtained (S)-2-(1,6,7,8-tetrahydro-2H-indeno[5,4-b]furan-8-yl)ethylamine to propionylation, and then crystallizing the reaction mixture. |
| US08097736B2 |
Stable lactide particles
The present invention is directed to a method for the manufacture of stable lactide particles, more specifically lactide particles which are stable enough to be stored and transported at room temperature and have a quality high enough for use as starting material for polylactic acid. The lactide particles are obtained via a flaking process, comprising the contacting of a continuous flow of molten lactide with a surface on which the lactide solidifies and subsequently is removed from said surface. |
| US08097733B2 |
Pyrazole derivatives as 5-LO-inhibitors
The invention relates to compounds of formula (I) processes for their preparation, their use as 5-lipoxygenase inhibitors and pharmaceutical compositions containing the same. |
| US08097732B2 |
1-arylpyrazoles and their use as pesticide
Disclosed are compounds of formula (I) or pesticidally acceptable salts thereof, wherein, for example, W is ═N—, ═CH—, ═CR7— or ═C(NR8R9)—, R7 is halogen, R8 and R9 are independently of one another hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, heterocyclyl, aralkyl or heterocyclylalkyl, R1 is cyano, halogen, haloalkyl or CS NH2, R2 is alkyl or cycloalkyl, R3 is hydrogen, alkyl or cycloalkyl, R4 is hydrogen, alkyl or cycloalkyl, R5 is haloalkyl, haloalkoxy, halogen or —SF5, R6 is hydrogen, halogen, haloalkyl, nitro or NR16R17, R16 and R17 are independently of one another hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, heterocyclyl, aralkyl or heterocyclylalkyl, X is —S—, —SO—, or —SO2—, Y is —O—, —S—, —SO—, or SO2—, Z is hydrogen, halogen, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, heterocyclyl, aralkyl, heterocyclylalkyl or NR18R19, and R18 and R19 are hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, heterocyclyl, aralkyl, heterocyclylalkyl. These compounds can be used for controlling pests, especially by treatment of domestic animals. |
| US08097728B2 |
Iminosugar compounds with antiflavirus activity
An anti-viral compounds effective against viruses belonging to the Flaviviridae family, wherein the anti-viral compounds are 1,5-dideoxy-1,5-imino-D-glucitol derivative compounds having the general formula (I) wherein R2, R3, R4 and R5 are the same or different and are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, acyl, benzyl, alkyl, aryl, sulfonyl, phosphonyl, silyl, R6 is at least one of alkyl or branched alkyl, heteroalkyl or aryl, R6′ is a bridging group selected from at least one of bicycle[2.2.1]heptyl, bicycle[3.2.1]octyl, oxa analogs, admonyl and cubyl, n′=2-10, n″=1-10, enantiomers and stereoisomers of said compounds and physiologically acceptable salts or solvates of said compounds, enantiomer or stereoisomer. |
| US08097724B2 |
Process for the preparation of Sitagliptin
A process for the preparation of a compound of formula (I) such as 2(R)-4-oxo-4-[3-(trifluoromethyl)-5,6-dihydro[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a]-7(8H)-pyrazinyl]-1-(2,4,5-trifluorophenyl)-2-butanamine, or a salt thereof, in the anhydrous or hydrated form, either as a mixture of enantiomers, or as a single (R) or (S) enantiomer, comprising the conversion of a compound of formula (II), or a salt thereof, either as a single (R) or (S) enantiomer or as a mixture thereof wherein X is hydrogen, hydroxy, C1-C8 alkyl, C1-C4 alkoxy, aryl, amino, N3 or halogen; into a compound of formula (I), and if desired, the separation of a single enantiomer of formula (I) from the racemic mixture, and/or, if desired, the conversion of a compound of formula (I) into a salt thereof, or vice versa. |
| US08097723B2 |
Process for the preparation of abacavir
Process for the preparation of abacavir, or its salts or its solvates comprising the step of reacting a compound (IV) where R1 is a (C1-C4)-alkyl radical with anhydrous hydrochloric acid/(C1-C6)-alcohol, and then with tri(C1-C4)-alkyl orthoformate, in the absence of water. The preparation process may include further steps of reacting the compound obtained with cyclopropylamine and subsequently hydrolysis to yield abacavir. |
| US08097720B2 |
Process for the synthesis of ivabradine and addition salts thereof with a pharmaceutically acceptable acid
Process for the synthesis of ivabradine of formula (I): and addition salts thereof with a pharmaceutically acceptable acid. |
| US08097717B2 |
Compositions comprising polidocanol and derivatives
This invention relates to a composition comprising a chaotropic agent, a buffering substance, and 0.5 to 5% (V/V) polidocanol or a derivative thereof. The invention is further related to uses of this composition and to a kit comprising the composition according to the invention. The invention is further related to a method for the detection of a nucleic acid in a biological sample comprising the steps of incubating the biological sample in the presence of a chaotropic agent, a buffering substance, and 0.5 to 5% (V/V) polidocanol or a derivative thereof, optionally isolating the nucleic acid, optionally amplifying the nucleic acid, and detecting the nucleic acid. The invention is further related to a method for the purification of a nucleic acid in a biological sample comprising the steps of incubating the biological sample in the presence of a chaotropic agent, a buffering substance, and 0.5 to 5% (V/V) polidocanol or a derivative thereof and isolating the nucleic acid thereby purifying the nucleic acid. |
| US08097712B2 |
Compositions for conferring tolerance to viral disease in social insects, and the use thereof
Compositions and methods for reducing susceptibility to infectious disease in bees using RNA interference technology, and more particularly, prevention and treatment of viral infections in honeybees such as Israel acute paralysis virus (IAPV) by feeding of pathogen-specific dsRNA. Further, multiple-pathogen specific dsRNA is disclosed. |
| US08097711B2 |
Thioether substituted aryl carbonate protecting groups
Embodiments of the invention include nucleotide and nucleoside monomers protected at the 5′- or 3′-hydroxyls with thioether substituted aryl carbonate protecting groups. In certain cases, the carbonate protecting groups include an aryl moiety, e.g., a phenyl group, attached to the carbonate, where the aryl moiety further includes a thioether group, e.g., an alkyl or aryl thioether group, bound directly to the aryl ring. Aspects of the invention further include methods of synthesizing nucleic acids, e.g., oligonucleotides, using such protected nucleoside monomer monomers, as well as nucleic acids produced using methods of the invention and compositions thereof. |
| US08097704B2 |
Antibody specifically binding to DR5 and composition for preventing or treating cancers comprising the same
The present invention provides an antibody specifically binding to death receptor 5 (DR5), which is selected from the group consisting of: an antibody comprising a heavy chain variable region (VH) having the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 1 to 3 at complementary determining regions (CDRs) and a light chain variable region (VL) having the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 4 to 6 at CDRs; and an antibody comprising a (VH) having the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 7 to 9 at CDRs and a (VL) having the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 10 to 12 at CDRs, and a composition for preventing or treating a cancer comprising the same. The antibody of the present invention can be effectively used for the prevention or treatment of various cancers, through inducing autophagic cell death of TRAIL-sensitive cancer cells as well as TRAIL-resistant cancer cells by specific binding to DR5. |
| US08097703B2 |
CD19 antibodies and their uses
The present disclosure provides isolated monoclonal antibodies, particularly human monoclonal antibodies that specifically bind to CD19 with high affinity. Nucleic acid molecules encoding such CD19 antibodies, expression vectors, host cells and methods for expressing the CD19 antibodies are also provided. Immunoconjugates, bispecific molecules and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the CD19 antibodies are also provided. Methods for detecting CD19, as well as methods for treating various B cell malignancies, including non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, are disclosed. |
| US08097700B2 |
TAT294 polypeptides
The present invention is directed to compositions of matter useful for the diagnosis and treatment of tumor in mammals and to methods of using those compositions of matter for the same. |
| US08097699B2 |
Crystal structure of thyroid stimulating hormone receptor
This invention relates to a crystallizable composition comprising a TSHR polypeptide, to crystals comparing a TSHR polypeptide and to TSHR-related applications. |
| US08097694B2 |
Organic semiconductor thin films using aromatic enediyne derivatives and manufacturing methods thereof, and electronic devices incorporating such films
Disclosed are organic semiconductor thin films using aromatic enediyne derivatives, manufacturing methods thereof, and methods of fabricating electronic devices incorporating such organic semiconductor thin films. Aromatic enediyne derivatives according to example embodiments provide improved chemical and/or electrical stability which may improve the reliability of the resulting semiconductor devices. Aromatic enediyne derivatives according to example embodiments may also be suitable for deposition on various substrates via solution-based processes, for example, spin coating, at temperatures at or near room temperature to form a coating film that is then heated to form an organic semiconductor thin film. The availability of this reduced temperature processing allows the use of the aromatic enediynes derivatives on large substrate surfaces and/or on substrates not suitable for higher temperature processing. Accordingly, the organic semiconductor thin films according to example embodiments may be incorporated in thin film transistors, electroluminescent devices, solar cells, and memory devices. |
| US08097693B2 |
Endless tubular polyimide film
The present invention provides a method for producing a high-quality nonconductive or semi-conductive seamless (jointless) tubular polyimide film in a simple, efficient, and economical manner, and the like. More specifically, the invention relates to an electrically non-conductive or electrically semi-conductive seamless tubular polyimide film comprising polyimide having at least two aromatic tetracarboxylic acid derivatives comprising 15 to 55 mol % of asymmetric aromatic tetracarboxylic acid component and 85 to 45 mol % of symmetric aromatic tetracarboxylic acid component and at least one aromatic diamine component, in which, as required, a specific amount of carbon black is dispersed, and relates to a method for producing the same. |
| US08097692B2 |
Purification method of high-molecular-weight polyoxyalkylene derivative
A purification method in which, from a specific polyoxyalkylene derivative having a molecular weight of 8,800 to 100,000, an impurity differing in the number of hydroxyl groups is separated, the method including steps (A), (B), (C), and (D). Step (A): a step in which an aprotic organic solvent is used in an amount at least 5 times by weight the amount of the polyoxyalkylene derivative to dissolve the polyoxyalkylene derivative therein and give a solution; step (B): a step in which an adsorbent comprising an oxide containing at least one of aluminum and silicon is added to the solution in an amount 0.5 to 5 times by weight the amount of the polyoxyalkylene derivative to thereby yield a slurry; step (C): a step in which the slurry is stirred at 25° C. or higher; step (D): a step in which the polyoxyalkylene derivative is recovered from the slurry. |
| US08097690B2 |
Cyclic dihydrogenpolysiloxanes, hydrogenpolysiloxanes, processes for their production, silica type glass moldings and a process for their production, optical elements and a process for their production
Cyclic dihydrogenpolysiloxanes, hydrogenpolysiloxanes of specific siloxane unit formulas etc., a process for their production using hydrolysis/condensation, a process for the production of silica type glass moldings with an optical transmittance of 90% to 100% in the vacuum-UV region to UV region and an optical transmittance of 98% to 100% in the visible region to near infrared region by curing said cyclic dihydrogensiloxanes or said hydrogenpolysiloxanes in a mold, said silica type glass moldings, optical elements made up of the silica type glass, a process for the production of optical elements having such a silica type glass film layer by coating an optical element with the hydrogenpolysiloxanes and curing them, and optical elements having such a silica type glass film layer. |
| US08097688B2 |
Ink composition and inkjet recording method
The present invention provides an ink composition containing (A) a polymer compound having (a-1) a photoradical generation site and (a-2) at least one segregation site selected from a fluoroalkyl group, a siloxane structure, and a long-chain alkyl group, (B) a radical-polymerizable compound, and (C) a photoradical generator having a structure different from that of (A). |
| US08097681B2 |
1-butene propylene copolymer compositions
A 1-butene/propylene copolymer composition having a content of propylene derived units from 1 to 4% by weight, wherein at least 50% of the crystalline polymer is present in the thermodynamically stable, trigonal Form I (detected by DSC analysis) after 100 hours of the first melting at room temperature comprising: b) from 5% by weight to 95% by weight of an atactic 1-butene propylene copolymer having the following features: i) distribution of molecular weight Mw/Mn equal to or lower than 4; ii) no enthalpy of fusion detectable at a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC); and iii) infrared crystallinity lower than 0.5%; b) from 5% by weight to 95% by weight of an isotactic 1-butene propylene copolymer having the following features: i) isotactic pentads (mmmm) measured by 13C-NMR, higher than 80%; ii) melting point (Tm(II)) higher than 70° C.; and iii) distribution of molecular weight Mw/Mn equal to or lower than 4. |
| US08097673B2 |
Aqueous fluoropolymer dispersion stabilized with amine oxide surfactant and process for making coagulated fluoropolymer resin
An aqueous fluoropolymer dispersion comprising an aqueous medium, fluoropolymer particles, and an amine oxide surfactant. Coagulated fluoropolymer resin is produced from the dispersion by adding an acidic reagent in sufficient amount to cause coagulation and separation of the coagulated fluoropolymer resin from the aqueous medium. Another particulate component such as particular polymer, filler, pigment, solid lubricant, etc., may be added to the dispersion and co-coagulated to form a mixture of coagulated fluoropolymer resin and particulate component. |
| US08097669B2 |
Flame-retardant elastic block copolymer
The invention relates to a flameproofed resilient block polymer comprising polymerized units of at least one vinylaromatic monomer and at least one diene monomer with at least one flameproofing agent B) which comprises a compound comprising phosphorus, in particular a phosphorus-containing melamine compound, a process for the preparation and the use for the production of moldings. |
| US08097667B2 |
Fire-extinguishing aerosol composition for heavy current electric apparatuses
A fire-extinguishing aerosol composition for heavy current electric apparatuses is disclosed, which includes oxidant, combustible, adhesive and additive. The composition of the present invention is characterized in that the oxidant is the mixture of the potassium salt and the strontium salt, in which the content of the potassium salt oxidant is more than 20 mass % to less than or equal to 35 mass % of the total mass of the composition, and the content of the strontium salt oxidant is more than or equal to 30 mass % to less than 48 mass % of the total mass of the composition. In the fire-extinguishing aerosol composition of the present invention, the mean particle diameter of all components is less than or equal to 50 μm. After quenching the fire in a space with the heavy current electric apparatus, the fire-extinguishing aerosol composition of the present invention can ensure that the insulation resistance of the heavy current electric apparatus is more than or equal to 20 MΩ. The fire-extinguishing aerosol composition of the present invention is more reasonable than the prior art, friendly to the environment, and applicable to the heavy current electric apparatuses. |
| US08097666B2 |
Cement additive for stucco applications
An additive composition, a cement composition, and method for modifying rheology of an uncured masonry cement, comprising the use of at least one extra-cellular biopolymer, at least one anionic surfactant, and at least one cationic or amphoteric surfactant. Preferably, the biopolymer and surfactants are incorporated into the cement by incorporating the components into the grinding of clinker as part of the manufacture of the cement. Masonry cements produced by the invention have excellent workability, particularly when coarse sands are employed. |
| US08097664B2 |
Cationic electrodeposition coating composition
A cationic electrodeposition coating composition including amino group-containing modified epoxy resin (A), blocked polyisocyanate curing agent (B), phenol resin (C), metal compound (D), and nitrogen oxide ion (E), wherein the metal compound (D) is contained in an amount of 10 to 10,000 ppm calculated as metal and the nitrogen oxide ion (E) is contained in an amount of 50 to 10,000 ppm, relative to the mass of the cationic electrodeposition coating composition. The cationic electrodeposition coating composition exhibits excellent anti-corrosion properties when coated onto untreated steel sheets. |
| US08097660B2 |
Rigid polyurethane foams with low thermal conductivity and a process for their production
Rigid closed-cell polyurethane foams with low k-factors are produced by reacting an organic polyisocyanate with an amine-based polyether polyol and a polyester polyol in the presence of a catalyst and a hydrofluorocarbon blowing agent, preferably, HFC-245fa. It is preferred that no water be added to the reaction mixture. |
| US08097652B2 |
AMPA receptor potentiators
The present invention relates to a compound of Formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof which is useful for the treatment of conditions associated with glutamate hypofunction, such as psychiatric and neurological disorders. |
| US08097651B2 |
Diclofenac formulations and methods of use
Methods and formulations are provided for treating migraine and other acute pain episodes using diclofenac, and formulations of diclofenac that provide both rapid and sustained relief from acute pain. Methods and formulations are also provided for treating symptoms that often accompany migraine and acute pain such as photophobia, phonophobia, nausea and vomiting. |
| US08097649B1 |
Composition and method for stabilizing the same
Disclosed is a novel composition comprising a novel bi-cyclic compound, which is expected to be pharmaceutically active, and a glyceride. The stability of the bi-cyclic compound can be improved significantly by dissolving the same in a glyceride. |
| US08097646B2 |
Ophthalmic preparation containing menthyl ester of indomethacin
There is provided an ophthalmic pharmaceutical preparation comprising menthyl ester of indomethacin as an active ingredient. Also provided are different possible formulations of the ophthalmic preparation, and different methods of treating ophthalmic irritation using the ophthalmic preparation. |
| US08097645B2 |
Compounds for activating TGF-β signaling
Compositions and methods for treatment and prevention of disorders and conditions characterized by reduced TGF-β signaling are described. |
| US08097644B2 |
Indole compounds having sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) receptor antagonist
The present invention provides novel compounds having the following general formula I wherein: A, B, X, Y, R1, R2, R3, R4, n, o and p are as defined in the specification. Such compounds are useful for treating a disease or condition selected from the group consisting of glaucoma, dry eye, angiogenesis, cardiovascular conditions or diseases and wound healing. |
| US08097643B2 |
Indol-4 sulfonamide derivatives, their preparation and their use 5-ht-6 as modulators
The present invention refers to new sulfonamide derivatives, of general formula (1a, 1b, 1c), optionally in form of one of their stereoisomers, preferably enantiomers or diastereomers, their racemate, or in form of a mixture of at least two of their stereoisomers, preferably enantiomers or diastereomers, in any mixing ratio, or their salt thereof s, preferably the corresponding, physiologically acceptable salt thereofs, or corresponding solvate thereofs; to the processes for their preparation, to their application as medicaments in human and/or veterinary therapeutics, and to the pharmaceutical compositions containing them. |
| US08097640B2 |
Prophylactic or therapeutic agent for diabetic maculopathy
A prophylactic or therapeutic agent for diabetic maculopathy, which can be administered for a long time and exhibits efficacy in a mechanism different from that of existing medicines. The invention relates to a prophylactic or therapeutic agent for diabetic maculopathy, comprising, as an active ingredient, a compound represented by the general formula: wherein X represents a halogen or a hydrogen atom, R1 and R2 concurrently or differently represent a hydrogen atom or an optionally substituted C1 to C6 alkyl group, or R1 and R2, together with a nitrogen atom bound thereto and optionally another nitrogen atom or an oxygen atom, are combined to form a 5- to 6-membered heterocycle. Preferably, the compound is (2S,4S)-6-fluoro -2′,5′-dioxospiro chroman-4,4′-imidazolidine]-2-carboxamide. The invention also provides a model animal with diabetic maculopathy produced by subjecting a diabetic animal to intraocular ischemia/reperfusion to express edema in a retinal visual cell layer or in a macula lutea. |
| US08097634B2 |
Azacyclic derivatives
The invention provides novel compounds having the general formula (I) wherein R1, R2 and A are as described herein, compositions including the compounds and methods of using the compounds. The compounds inhibit hormone sensitive lipase (HSL) and may be used in the treatment of diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and obesity. |
| US08097626B2 |
IL-8 receptor antagonists
This invention relates to novel compounds and compositions thereof, useful in the treatment of disease states mediated by the chemokine, Interleukin-8 (Il-8). |
| US08097625B2 |
Combination of sedative and a neurotransmitter modulator, and methods for improving sleep quality and treating depression
One aspect of the present invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions containing two or more active agents that when taken together can be used to treat, e.g., insomnia and/or depression. The first component of the pharmaceutical composition is a GABA receptor modulating compound. The second component of the pharmaceutical composition is a serotonin reuptake inhibitor, a norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, a 5-HT2A modulator, or dopamine reuptake inhibitor. In certain embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition comprises eszopiclone. In a preferred embodiment, the pharmaceutical composition comprises eszopiclone and fluoxetine. The present invention also relates to a method of treating a sleep abnormality, treating insomnia, treating depression, augmenting antidepressant therapy, eliciting a dose-sparing effect, reducing depression relapse, improving the efficacy of antidepressant therapy or improving the tolerability of antidepressant therapy, comprising co-administering to a patient in need thereof a GABA-receptor-modulating compound; and a SRI, NRI, 5-HT2A modulator or DRI. |
| US08097624B2 |
Cycloalkyl derivatives of 3-hydroxy-4-pyridinones
The present invention provides an cycloalkyl derivative of 3-hydroxy-4-pyridinone which is useful for the chelation of metal ions such as iron. Its preparation and use is described. In particular, the invention concerns the removal of iron in chemical and biological systems including chelating agents having the formula I wherein R1 is X with the proviso that R2 is Y; or R1 is T with the proviso that R2 is W; or R1 is X with the proviso that R2R5N when taken together form a heterocyclic ring selected from piperidinyl, morpholinyl, pyrrolidinyl or piperazinyl, wherein the group piperidinyl, morpholinyl, pyrrolidinyl or piperazinyl is either unsubstituted or substituted with one to three C1 to C6 alkyl groups. X is C3-C6 cycloalkyl; Y is selected from the group consisting of C1 to C6 cycloalkyl; C1 to C6 alkyl, and C1 to C6 alkyl monosubstituted with a C3-C6 cycloalkyl; T is C1 to C6 alkyl; W is C3-C6 cycloalkyl; R3 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and C1 to C6 alkyl; R4 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and C1 to C6 alkyl; R5 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and C1 to C6 alkyl; and its pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. Pharmaceutical compositions of such compounds are useful in the removal of excess body iron from patients with iron overload diseases. |
| US08097623B2 |
Indoles useful in the treatment of inflammation
There is provided compounds of formula (I), wherein X1, Q, T, Y, R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5 have meanings given in the description, and pharmaceutically-acceptable salts thereof, which compounds are useful in the treatment of diseases in which inhibition of the activity of a member of the MAPEG family is desired and/or required, and particularly in the treatment of inflammation. |
| US08097622B2 |
Morpholinopurine derivatives
There is provided a novel compound that inhibits phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) and/or the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and exhibits anti-tumor activity. The present invention provides a compound represented by the following formula (1) having various substituents that inhibits PI3K and/or mTOR and exhibits anti-tumor activity: wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, Ra, Rb, Rc, and X each have the same meaning as defined in the specification. |
| US08097620B2 |
Diazaquinolones that inhibit prolyl hydroxylase activity
Compounds of Formula I are useful inhibitors of HIF prolyl hydroxylases. Compounds of Formula I have the following structure: where the definitions of the variables are provided herein. |
| US08097619B2 |
Inhibitors of cyclin-dependent kinases, compositions and uses related thereto
The invention pertains to novel cyclin dependent kinase inhibitors (cdks) and specifically, but not exclusively, as inhibitors of cdk/cyclin complexes. As described herein, the inhibitors of this invention are capable of inhibiting the cell-cycle machinery and consequently may be useful in modulating cell-cycle progression, untimately controlling cell growth and differentiation. Such compounds would be useful for treating subjects having disorders associated with excessive cell proliferation. |
| US08097616B2 |
Process for preparation of high-purity meloxicam and meloxicam potassium salt
The invention provides a process for the preparation of high purity meloxicam of the Formula (II). The meloxicam raw product is reacted with the solution of potassium hydroxide or potassium carbonate, whereby high purity meloxicam potassium sait monohydrate is produced. Said sait is subsequently treated with mineral or organic acid to yield high-purity meloxicam. |
| US08097611B2 |
Sulfonyl-derivatives as novel or histone deacetylase
This invention comprises the novel compounds of formula (I) wherein n, m, t, R1, R2, R3, R4, L, Q, X, Y, Z and have defined meanings, having histone deacetylase inhibiting enzymatic activity; their preparation, compositions containing them and their use as a medicine. |
| US08097609B2 |
Swallowtail motifs for imparting water solubility to porphyrinic compounds
Porphyrinic compounds that contain solubilizing groups are described, along with methods of making and using the same and compositions comprising such compounds. Examples of such compounds include compounds of Formula (I) wherein: Z is a porphyrinic macrocyclic, Alk1 and Alk2 are each independently an alkylidene chain; L is a linking group or is absent; R1 is preferably an ionic group or polar group; R2 is an ionic group, polar group, bioconjugatable group, or targeting group: R3 is present or absent and when present is a halo group, bioconjugatable group, or targeting group, n is O or 1 (that is, the CH group is present, or Alk1 and Alk2 are bonded directly to a carbon of the porphyrinic macrocycle Z); or a salt thereof. |
| US08097600B2 |
Method of increasing tear production with purinergic receptor agonists
A method and preparation for the stimulation of tear secretion in a subject in need of such treatment is disclosed. The method comprises administering to the ocular surfaces of the subject a purinergic receptor agonist such as uridine 5′-triphosphate (UTP), dinucleotides, cytidine 5′-triphosphate (CTP), adenosine 5′-triphosphate (ATP), or their therapeutically useful analogs and derivatives, in an amount effective to stimulate tear fluid secretion and enhance drainage of the lacrimal system. Pharmaceutical formulations and methods of making the same are also disclosed. Methods of administering the same would include: topical administration via a liquid, gel, cream, or as part of a contact lens or selective release membrane; or systemic administration via nasal drops or spray, inhalation by nebulizer or other device, oral form (liquid or pill), injectable, intra-operative instillation or suppository form. |
| US08097595B2 |
Modulation of telomere length in telomerase positive cells and cancer therapy
Induction of telomere shortening, G2 arrest and apoptosis in telomerase positive cancer cells using acyclic nucleoside analogs has been disclosed. In addition, methods for impairment or prevention of tumorigenic telomerase positive cells from having a chance to grow into a tumor and methods for promoting tumor regression (decrease in size of an established tumor) using acyclic nucleoside analogs has been disclosed. |
| US08097589B2 |
Small peptides and methods for inhibiting mucus release into airways
Methods for treating cutaneous inflammation, are described. Also described is a method for inhibiting the mucus release into airways of a patient, a method for blocking IgE activation of a lymphocyte, a method for stabilizing the cell membrane of a lymphocyte, thereby preventing their further involvement in the increased inflammatory response to an IgE antigen challenge, and a method for inhibiting the migration of T-cells. Such methods involve administering to said patient a therapeutically effective amount of a peptide having the formula f-Met-Leu-X, wherein X is selected from the group consisting of Tyr, Tyr-Phe, Phe-Phe and Phe-Tyr. |
| US08097587B2 |
IGF-I protein variants for treating IGFBP-1-related disorders
IGF-I variants having an alanine, glycine, or serine amino acid residue at position 16, 25, 49 or at positions 3 and 49 of native-sequence IGF-I are provided that are useful to treat a disorder characterized by dysregulation of the GH/IGF axis in a mammal, such as a renal disorder. |
| US08097586B2 |
Modified exedins and uses thereof
Novel exendins with modifications at one or more of following positions: 2, 14, 27 or 28 and polyethylene glycol derivatives thereof are provided. These compounds are useful in treating type 2 diabetes as GLP-1 receptor agonists. |
| US08097584B2 |
Stabilized formulations of insulin that comprise ethylenediamine
The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical formulation comprising insulin, an insulin analogue or an insulin derivate and ethylenediamine or salts thereof and an antimicrobial preservative agent. |
| US08097578B2 |
Concentrated base for detergent products and products for personal care and hygiene comprising a combination of at least three non-ethoxylated surfactants
The invention relates to a concentrated base, particularly for detergent products and products for personal care and hygiene, comprising a combination of at least three surfactants selected from the group consisting of acylmethyltaurates, alkylamidopropylbetaines, alkyl amphoacetates, alkyl amphodiacetates, alkylsulphoacetates, acyl sarcosinates, acyl lactylates and acyl glutamates. The viscosity of the concentrated base of the invention can advantageously be adjusted by simple dilution with water to the concentration of use and/or by adding small amounts of electrolytes. Detergent products and products for personal care and hygiene comprising the concentrated base of the invention are also described. |
| US08097574B2 |
Personal cleansing compositions comprising a bacterial cellulose network and cationic polymer
A personal cleansing composition comprising a liquid matrix comprising water; a lathering surfactant; and an external structurant comprising a bacterial cellulose network and a cationic polymer; wherein a particulate material is suspended within the liquid matrix and the composition has a compositional pH of less than about 7. Methods of use and making are also provided. |
| US08097573B2 |
Natural personal cleanser compositions
A moisturizing, personal cleansing composition with a limited number of naturally-derived, naturally processed, generally regarded as safe (GRAS), biodegradable ingredients comprising a plurality of oleosomes, an anionic surfactant, a non-ionic surfactant, a lipoaminoacidic surfactant, and a humectant. The personal cleansing composition optionally contains a fragrance, vitamin, essential oil, thickener, exfoliant, preservative, plant extract and other beneficial naturally-derived, naturally processed, generally regarded as safe (GRAS), biodegradable ingredients such as royal jelly. The moisturizing, personal cleansing composition cleanses and moisturizes as well as or better than commercial compositions containing synthetically derived cleansing and moisturizing agents. |
| US08097560B2 |
Heat-sensitive recording material
The present invention provides a heat-sensitive recording material with enhanced color developing sensitivity maintaining heat resistance and image storage stability characteristics such as plasticizer resistance and water resistance. The present invention provides a heat-sensitive recording material including at least a substrate and a heat-sensitive color developing layer containing a leuco dye and developers on the front surface of the substrate, wherein as the developers 4-hydroxy-4′-allyloxydiphenyl sulfone is used in combination with a first diphenyl compound represented by formula (1) and/or a second diphenyl compound represented by formula (2). |
| US08097559B2 |
Compositions for removing halogenated hydrocarbons from contaminated environments
The present invention provides a supported reactant for in situ remediation of soil and/or groundwater contaminated with a halogenated hydrocarbon consisting essentially of an adsorbent impregnated with zero valent iron, wherein the adsorbent is capable of adsorbing the halogenated hydrocarbon. In one embodiment, the adsorbent is activated carbon. |
| US08097558B2 |
Catalyst and method for producing phthalic anhydride
The present invention relates to a catalyst, in particular for the preparation of phthalic anhydride by gas phase oxidation of o-xylene and/or naphthalene, having an inert support and at least one layer which has been applied thereto and has a catalytically active composition comprising TiO2, characterized in that at least a portion of the TiO2 used has the following properties: (a) the BET surface area is more than 15 m2/g, (b) at least 25% of the total pore volume is formed by pores having a radius between 60 and 400 nm, and (c) the primary crystal size is more than 22 ångstrøm. Also described is a preferred process for preparing such a catalyst, and the preferred use of the titanium dioxide used in accordance with the invention. |
| US08097556B2 |
Exhaust gas-purifying catalyst and method of manufacturing the same
An object of the present invention is to provide an exhaust gas-purifying catalyst that is less prone to cause a decrease in its activity even when used at high temperatures in an atmosphere whose oxygen concentration is high. An exhaust gas-purifying catalyst of the present invention includes a composite oxide of alkaline-earth metal and aluminum, and platinum, wherein at least a part of the composite oxide and at least a part of the platinum forms a solid solution. |
| US08097555B2 |
Process for the production of hybrid catalysts for fischer-tropsch synthesis and hybrid catalyst produced according to said process
Process for the production of hybrid catalysts formed by mixing two catalysts; one active in Fischer-Tropsch synthesis, the other being bifunctional. Such hybrid catalyst thus formed is active both in hydrocracking and in hydroisomerization reactions. The present invention in addition provides obtainment of a hybrid catalyst and application thereof conjointly with FT catalysts in Fischer-Tropsch synthesis reactions. The hybrid catalyst of the present invention is capable of producing in conditions typically such as those utilized in Fischer-Tropsch synthesis branched hydrocarbons in diverse bands relating to the products thereof (for example naphtha and diesel), reducing or even eliminating necessity for a subsequent hydrotreatment stage in such synthesis reactions. Utilization of such hybrid catalysts of the present invention prolongs the operational efficiency and working life of conventional Fischer-Tropsch synthesis catalysts, reducing substantially encapsulation of particles thereof by waxes produced in the hydroprocessing reactions. |
| US08097554B2 |
Apparatus for removing soot from diesel engine exhaust streams at temperatures at or below 150° C.
An apparatus for removing soot from diesel engine exhaust streams at temperatures below 150° C. is provided. Although the use of particulate filters for removing carbonaceous soot from such exhaust streams is known, such systems are either active or operate under high temperatures, i.e. in excess of 300° C. The claimed apparatus includes a flow through support device composed of ceramic, such as cordierite or silicon carbide, or a primarily nonferrous metal or stainless steel and coated with an oxide formation comprising hematite and bixbyite in a ratio from 1:1 to 9:1. The claimed apparatus can also include a diesel particulate filter coated with a coating comprising tin, aluminum and zirconium oxides prepared by a co-precipitation process and thereafter coated with platinum or other precious metal. |
| US08097551B2 |
Dielectric ceramic and capacitor
The invention relates to a ceramic dielectric material and to capacitors including the ceramic dielectric material. The ceramic dielectric material of the invention exhibits a high relative dielectric constant and a stable temperature characteristic of the relative dielectric constant. |
| US08097550B2 |
Spinel sintered body, light transmitting window and light transmitting lens
A low-cost spinel sintered body having small polarization and high heat-conductivity is provided. Also, a useful light-transmitting window and light-transmitting lens for light-emitting device is provided. For such purpose, the spinel sintered body of the present invention has a contrast ratio of 300 or more in the case of white light, where the contrast ratio is defined as the quotient obtained by dividing an amount of transmitting light in the case of being arranged between two polarizing plates, the polarizing directions of the two polarizing plates being parallel to each other, by an amount of transmitting light in the case of being arranged between two polarizing plates, the polarizing directions of the two polarizing plates being orthogonal to each other. |
| US08097548B2 |
High-density pressurelessly sintered zirconium diboride/silicon carbide composite bodies and a method for producing the same
A method of sintering a ZrB2—SiC composite body at ambient pressures, including blending a first predetermined amount of ZrB2 powder with a second predetermined amount of SiC powder, wherein both powders are characterized by the presence of surface oxide impurities. Next the blended powders are mixed to yield a substantially homogeneous powder mixture and a portion of the substantially homogeneous powder mixture is formed into a green body. The body is fired to a first temperature, wherein substantially all surface oxide impurities are reduced and/or volatilized to substantially eliminate oxides from the green body, and the body is heated to a second temperature and sintered to yield a composite body of at least about 99 percent theoretical density (more typically at least about 99.5 percent theoretical density) and characterized by SiC whisker-like inclusions distributed substantially evenly in a ZrB2 matrix. |
| US08097545B2 |
Phase-separation-controlled polybutadiene resin composition and printed wiring board using the resin composition
It is an objective of this invention to obtain: a composition superior in processability, dielectric properties, heat resistance, and adhesiveness by controlling phase separation of a 1,2-polybutadiene resin composition without deterioration of dielectric properties exhibited in high-frequency regions; and a multilayer printed wiring board using the same.This invention relates to a polybutadiene resin composition, comprising: a crosslinking component (A) comprising repeating units represented by the following formula (1) and having a number average molecular weight of 1000 to 20000; a radical polymerization initiator (B), the one-minute half-life temperature of which is 80° C. to 140° C.; and a radical polymerization initiator (C), the one-minute half-life temperature of which is 170° C. to 230° C.; wherein 3 to 10 parts by weight of the component (B) and 5 to 15 parts by weight of the component (C) are contained relative to 100 parts by weight of the component (A). The invention also relates to a prepreg, a laminate, and a printed wiring board, which are produced using the same. |
| US08097543B2 |
Apparatus and method of aligning and positioning a cold substrate on a hot surface
Embodiments of the invention contemplate a method, apparatus and system that are used to support and position a substrate on a surface that is at a different temperature than the initial, or incoming, substrate temperature. Embodiments of the invention may also include a method of controlling the transfer of heat between a substrate and substrate support positioned in a processing chamber. The apparatus and methods described herein generally may also provide an inexpensive and simple way of accurately positioning a substrate on a substrate support that is positioned in a semiconductor processing chamber. Substrate processing chambers that can benefit from the various embodiments described herein include, but are not limited to RTP, CVD, PVD, ALD, plasma etching, and/or laser annealing chambers. |
| US08097541B2 |
Method for surface treating semiconductor
Native oxide film on a semiconductor silicon wafer(s) is dry etched at a temperature of 50° C. or less. Hydrogen treatment is then carried out a temperature of 100° C. or more to bond the dangling bonds with hydrogen. A jig 9 that has been used is again used for loading new semiconductor silicon wafer(s) 10. The wafer(s) on the jig 9 is subjected to removal of a native oxide film and then hydrogen bonding. The resultant heat remains in jig and makes it difficult to maintain the wafers to temperature appropriate to removal of a native oxide film.After treatment of hydrogen bonding, inert gas having temperature of from 0 to −30° C. is injected into reaction vessel 5 and/or treatment preparing vessel 21, in which a native oxide film has been removed. |
| US08097540B2 |
Method of opening pad in semiconductor device
A method of opening a pad in a semiconductor device. A protective film on a pad may be etched with a pad opening pattern as a mask. Dielectric heating may be performed on the pad opened by etching the protective film. Organic material containing C and F groups on the pad may be removed by heating with molecular vibration and/or microwaves, which may substantially prevent and/or minimize corrosion. |
| US08097538B2 |
Method of manufacturing semiconductor device
A metal member layer on a silicon member layer is patterned. A sidewall film is formed on a surface of the metal member layer. The silicon member layer is patterned to form a structure including the silicon member layer and the metal member layer, the surface of which is covered with the sidewall film. After the surface of the structure is cleaned, a water-repellent protective film is formed on the surface of the structure before the surface of the structure is dried. |
| US08097537B2 |
Phase change memory cell structures and methods
Phase change memory cell structures and methods are described herein. A number of methods of forming a phase change memory cell structure include forming a dielectric stack structure on a first electrode, wherein forming the dielectric stack structure includes creating a second region between a first region and a third region of the dielectric stack structure, the second region having a thermal conductivity different than a thermal conductivity of the first region and different than a thermal conductivity of the third region of the dielectric stack. One or more embodiments include forming a via through the first, second, and third regions of the dielectric stack structure, depositing a phase change material in the via, and forming a second electrode on the phase change material. |
| US08097536B2 |
Reducing metal voids in a metallization layer stack of a semiconductor device by providing a dielectric barrier layer
Metallization systems on the basis of copper and low-k dielectric materials may be efficiently formed by providing an additional dielectric material of enhanced surface conditions after the patterning of the low-k dielectric material. Consequently, defects such as isolated copper voids and the like may be reduced without significantly affecting overall performance of the metallization system. |
| US08097533B2 |
Method of manufacturing semiconductor device
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device having a back surface electrode, including: a step of preparing a semiconductor wafer having a front surface and a back surface; a thermal processing step of forming a first metal layer on the back surface of the semiconductor wafer and executing thermal processing, thereby creating an ohmic contact between the semiconductor wafer and the first metal layer; and a step of forming a second metal layer of Ni on the back surface of the semiconductor substrate after the thermal processing step. |
| US08097532B2 |
Method for manufacturing a semiconductor light emitting device
To provide a method for manufacturing a semiconductor light emitting device capable of providing sufficiently low operating voltage.The method for manufacturing a semiconductor light emitting device of the present invention includes: a semiconductor laminating step of laminating a plurality of nitride semiconductor layers of to form a semiconductor laminating structure; and an electrode forming step of forming n-side electrode and p-side electrodes on the n-type and p-type semiconductor layers. In the electrode forming step, after a first metallic layer including a Ni layer constituting a part of the n-side electrode is formed on a surface of a forming region of the n-side electrode, the first metallic layer is annealed in an atmosphere containing nitrogen and oxygen. |
| US08097531B2 |
Methods of manufacturing charge trap type memory devices
Manufacturing of a charge trap type memory device can include forming a tunnel insulating layer on a substrate. A charge-trapping layer can be formed on the tunnel insulating layer. A blocking layer can be formed on the charge-trapping layer. Gate electrodes can be formed on the blocking layer and divided by a trench. A portion of the charge-trapping layer aligned with the trench may be converted into a charge-blocking pattern with a vertical side profile by an anisotropic oxidation process. |
| US08097529B2 |
System and method for the manufacture of semiconductor devices by the implantation of carbon clusters
A process is disclosed which incorporates implantation of a carbon cluster into a substrate to improve the characteristics of transistor junctions when the substrates are doped with Boron and Phosphorous in the manufacturing of PMOS transistor structures in integrated circuits. There are two processes which result from this novel approach: (1) diffusion control for USJ formation; and (2) high dose carbon implantation for stress engineering. Diffusion control for USJ formation is demonstrated in conjunction with a boron or shallow boron cluster implant of the source/drain structures in PMOS. More particularly, first, a cluster carbon ion, such as C16Hx+, is implanted into the source/drain region at approximately the same dose as the subsequent boron implant; followed by a shallow boron, boron cluster, phosphorous or phosphorous cluster ion implant to form the source/drain extensions, preferably using a borohydride cluster, such as B18Hx+ or B10Hx+. Upon subsequent annealing and activation, the boron diffusion is reduced, due to the gettering of interstitial defects by the carbon atoms. |
| US08097519B2 |
SOI device having a substrate diode formed by reduced implantation energy
By removing material during the formation of trench openings of isolation structures in an SOI device, the subsequent implantation process for defining the well region for a substrate diode may be performed on the basis of moderately low implantation energies, thereby increasing process uniformity and significantly reducing cycle time of the implantation process. Thus, enhanced reliability and stability of the substrate diode may be accomplished while also providing a high degree of compatibility with conventional manufacturing techniques. |
| US08097518B2 |
Semiconductor device and manufacturing method therefor
There is provided a semiconductor device including a semiconductor substrate (10), a high concentration diffusion region (22) formed within the semiconductor substrate (10), a first low concentration diffusion region (24) that has a lower impurity concentration than the high concentration diffusion region (22) and is provided under the high concentration diffusion region (22), and a bit line(30) that includes the high concentration diffusion region (22) and the first low concentration diffusion region (24) and serves as a source region and a drain region, and a manufacturing method therefor. Reduction of source-drain breakdown voltage of the transistor is suppressed, and a low-resistance bit line can be formed. Thus, a semiconductor device that can miniaturize memory cells and a manufacturing method therefor can be provided. |
| US08097516B2 |
Dual trench isolation for CMOS with hybrid orientations
The present invention provides a semiconductor structure in which different types of devices are located upon a specific crystal orientation of a hybrid substrate that enhances the performance of each type of device. In the semiconductor structure of the present invention, a dual trench isolation scheme is employed whereby a first trench isolation region of a first depth isolates devices of different polarity from each other, while second trench isolation regions of a second depth, which is shallower than the first depth, are used to isolate devices of the same polarity from each other. The present invention further provides a dual trench semiconductor structure in which pFETs are located on a (110) crystallographic plane, while nFETs are located on a (100) crystallographic plane. In accordance with the present invention, the devices of different polarity, i.e., nFETs and pFETs, are bulk-like devices. |
| US08097512B2 |
MOSFET having a JFET embedded as a body diode
A field effect transistor, in accordance with one embodiment, includes a metal-oxide-semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET) having a junction field effect transistor (JFET) embedded as a body diode. |
| US08097503B2 |
Method of manufacturing semiconductor device
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes forming, on a surface of a semiconductor substrate, an isolation trench including sidewall parts and a bottom part, or a stepped structure including a first planar part, a second planar part, and a step part located at a boundary between the first planar part and the second planar part, and supplying oxidizing ions or nitriding ions contained in plasma generated by a microwave, a radio-frequency wave, or electron cyclotron resonance to the sidewall parts and the bottom part of the isolation trench or the first and second planar parts and the step part of the stepped structure by applying a predetermined voltage to the semiconductor substrate, to perform anisotropic oxidation or anisotropic nitridation of the sidewall parts and the bottom part of the isolation trench or the first and second planar parts and the step part of the stepped structure. |
| US08097498B2 |
Damascene method of making a nonvolatile memory device
A method of making a device includes providing a first device level containing first semiconductor rails separated by first insulating features, forming a sacrificial layer over the first device level, patterning the sacrificial layer and the first semiconductor rails in the first device level to form a plurality of second rails extending in a second direction, wherein the plurality of second rails extend at least partially into the first device level and are separated from each other by rail shaped openings which extend at least partially into the first device level, forming second insulating features between the plurality of second rails, removing the sacrificial layer, and forming second semiconductor rails between the second insulating features in a second device level over the first device level. The first semiconductor rails extend in a first direction. The second semiconductor rails extend in the second direction different from the first direction. |
| US08097496B2 |
Method of forming quad flat package
A semiconductor package includes a leadframe having first and second level downset lead extensions, a quad flat nonleaded package (QFN) attached to the first level downset lead extension, and a flip chip die attached to the second level downset lead extension. Another embodiment of a semiconductor package includes a leadframe having a lead, a first quad flat nonleaded package (QFN) connected to the lead, and a second quad flat nonleaded package invertly connected to a top surface of the first quad flat nonleaded package, wherein the second quad flat nonleaded package is wirebonded to the lead. A third embodiment of a semiconductor package includes a leadframe having a lead with a first level downset lead extension, a quad flat nonleaded package (QFN) connected to the first level downset lead extension, and a first wirebondable die attached to a top or bottom surface of the quad flat nonleaded package. |
| US08097487B2 |
Method for making a phase change memory device with vacuum cell thermal isolation
A memory device with improved thermal isolation. The memory cell includes a first electrode element, having an upper surface; an insulator stack formed on the first electrode element, including first, second and third insulating members, all generally planar in form and having a central cavity formed therein and extending therethrough, wherein the second insulator member is recessed from the cavity; a phase change element, generally T-shaped in form, having a base portion extending into the cavity to make contact with the first electrode element and making contact with the first and third insulating members, and a crossbar portion extending over and in contact with the third insulating member, wherein the base portion of the phase change element, the recessed portions of the second insulating member and the surfaces of the first and third insulating members define a thermal isolation void; and a second electrode formed in contact with the phase change member. |
| US08097485B2 |
Solid state image pickup device and manufacturing method thereof
A method of manufacturing a solid state image pickup device including photoelectric conversion elements which are two-dimensionally arranged in a semiconductor substrate, and a color filter having a plurality of color filter patterns differing in color from each other and disposed on a surface of the semiconductor substrate according to the photoelectric conversion elements. The method including the steps of successively subjecting a plurality of filter layers differing in color from each other to a patterning process to form the plurality of color filter patterns. At least one color filter pattern to be formed at first among the plurality of color filter patterns is formed by means of dry etching, and the rest of the plurality of the color filter pattern is formed by means of photolithography. |
| US08097481B2 |
Growth of non-polar M-plane III-nitride film using metalorganic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD)
A method of growing non-polar m-plane III-nitride film, such as GaN, AlN, AlGaN or InGaN, wherein the non-polar m-plane III-nitride film is grown on a suitable substrate, such as an m-SiC, m-GaN, LiGaO2 or LiAlO2 substrate, using metalorganic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD). The method includes performing a solvent clean and acid dip of the substrate to remove oxide from the surface, annealing the substrate, growing a nucleation layer, such as aluminum nitride (AlN), on the annealed substrate, and growing the non-polar m-plane III-nitride film on the nucleation layer using MOCVD. |
| US08097475B2 |
Method of production of a contact structure
A probe card having a plurality of silicon finger contactors contacting pads provided on a tested semiconductor wafer and a probe board mounting the plurality of silicon finger contactors on its surface, wherein each silicon finger contactor has a base part on which a step difference is formed, a support part with a rear end side provided at the base part and with a front end side sticking out from the base part, and a conductive part formed on the surface of the support part, each silicon finger contactor mounted on the probe board so that an angle part of the step difference formed on the base part contacts the surface of the probe board. |
| US08097472B2 |
System and method for the separation of analytes
A separation module operates to fractionate or separate an analyte into fractions according to pI, i.e., pI bands, utilizing capillary isoelectric focusing (“CIEF”) within a first microchannel. The fractions are stacked to form plugs, the number of which is determined by a number of parallel second microchannels integrally connected to the first microchannel, into which the fractions are directed according to the buffer characteristics found in each of the individual microchannels. Within the microchannels the plugs are separated into proteins according to a different chemical property, i.e., “m/z,” utilizing capillary electrophoresis (“CE”). |
| US08097471B2 |
Sample processing devices
Methods and devices for thermal processing of multiple samples at the same time are disclosed. The sample processing devices provide process arrays that include conduits useful in distributing sample materials to a group of process chambers located in fluid communication with the main conduits. The sample processing devices may include one or more of the following features in various combinations: deformable seals, process chambers connected to the main conduit by feeder conduits exiting the main conduit at offset locations, U-shaped loading chambers, and a combination of melt bonded and adhesively bonded areas. |
| US08097467B2 |
Method for the presumptive detection of substances
A composition for use in the detection of an intoxicating drug comprising: (i) a first compound that absorbs UV radiation and generates emitted UV radiation at a wavelength absorbable by said intoxicating drug; and (ii) a second compound that absorbs UV radiation emitted by said intoxicating drug upon absorption by said intoxicating drug of said emitted UV radiation and that emits radiation in the visible spectrum is provided. In addition, methods for detecting an intoxicating drug in a sample comprising irradiating with UV radiation a sample contacted with one or two compounds that absorb UV radiation are provided. |
| US08097465B2 |
Sensor with holographic multiplexed image display
A holographic sensor comprising a thin film polymer matrix that undergoes a change in response to a substance to be sensed, the matrix containing within its volume a set of two or more holographic recordings, each recording providing a holographic image when the sensor is illuminated, wherein the presence or appearance of each image is visible to the eye as a function of the response of the sensor to the substance to be sensed. The images provide the dynamic range of the sensor. Such a sensor can be used to provide a visible image that changes or appears to the eye in response to an analyte. |
| US08097461B2 |
Interference control panel for evaluation of analytical assays for samples derived from blood
The invention relates to quality control of analytical assays, particularly NAT assays of blood samples containing nucleic acids. A control panel containing quantified amounts of substances known to interfere with an analytical assay is used and compared with a reference sample in the analytical assay. A comparison of the assay results interference panel validates the assay and can serve as a periodic quality control check for the analytical assay as well as related methods and protocols. The use of the control panel of the invention can also determine whether interfering substances are present and establish under what conditions the analytical assay reliable. |
| US08097458B2 |
Micro-carrier culture system for rapid expansion of human embryonic stem cells
This disclosure provides an improved system for culturing human pluripotent stem cells. Traditionally, pluripotent stem cells are cultured on a layer of feeder cells (such as mouse embryonic fibroblasts) to prevent them from differentiating. In the system described here, the role of feeder cells is replaced by components added to the culture environment that support rapid proliferation without differentiation. Effective features are a suitable support structure for the cells, and an effective medium that can be added fresh to the culture without being preconditioned by another cell type. Culturing human embryonic stem cells in fresh medium according to this invention causes the cells to expand surprisingly rapidly, while retaining the ability to differentiate into cells representing all three embryonic germ layers. This new culture system allows for bulk proliferation of pPS cells for commercial production of important products for use in drug screening and human therapy. |
| US08097457B2 |
Liquid crystalline substrates for culturing cells
The present invention is directed to liquid crystalline substrates useful in the culture of cells and methods of their use. In certain embodiments, the invention provides methods and devices for imaging changes (e.g., reorganization) of extracellular matrix components by living cells. |
| US08097452B2 |
Human orphan G protein-coupled receptors
The invention disclosed in this patent document relates to transmembrane receptors, more particularly to endogenous, human orphan G protein-coupled receptors. |
| US08097451B2 |
Self-contained deployable automatic factory built ethanol production plant
The present invention provides a modular ethanol production plant constructed of a number of identically sized modules each having a supporting structure main framework to which the components contained in the modules are attached. The plurality of modules includes a fermentation module, a distillation module, a ground grain module, and an optional heating module. Each of the modules are sized to occupy the same approximate space as a standard sized ocean going shipping container. Also, each of the modules has a central walkway including piping and electrical control boxes that are aligned for each connection to the next adjacent module. |
| US08097450B2 |
Thin film chemical analysis apparatus and analysis method using the same
Disclosed is a thin film chemical analysis apparatus and an analysis method using the same, which can solve the sealing problem caused by environmental factors (e.g. impact, temperature) for long circulation and storage periods, as well as can detect an analyte quickly and easily. The thin film chemical analysis apparatus includes at least one chamber adapted to store a fluid necessary for biological or biochemical analysis or to conduct a biological or biochemical reaction; channels for fluid-connection of the chambers; holes arranged between or inside the channels and connected to the channels; a rotatable body having the chambers, the channels, and the holes integrated into the body; and a burst valve having a sealing means for closing the hole and sealing a fluid in the chamber, the sealing means being torn away from the hole by centrifugal force resulting from rotation of the body and opening the hole. |
| US08097449B2 |
Method and apparatus for transferring heat to or from an organ or tissue container
An organ perfusion apparatus and method monitor, sustain and/or restore viability of organs and preserve organs for storage and/or transport. Other apparatus include an organ transporter, an organ cassette and an organ diagnostic device. The apparatus and methods include the cassette and transporter with heat transfer surfaces arranged to transfer heat between a cooling source in said transporter and the heat transfer surfaces of the cassette. |
| US08097441B2 |
Ethanol production from graminaceous plants by using immobilized carbohydrate hydrolases on nanoparticles
The present invention relates to a carbohydrate hydrolase-immobilized magnetic nanoparticle; a method of preparing ethanol from graminaceous plants and a continuous system of preparing ethanol. |
| US08097440B1 |
Engineered microorganisms capable of producing target compounds under anaerobic conditions
The present invention is generally provides recombinant microorganisms comprising engineered metabolic pathways capable of producing C3-C5 alcohols under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. The invention further provides ketol-acid reductoisomerase enzymes which have been mutated or modified to increase their NADH-dependent activity or to switch the cofactor preference from NADPH to NADH and are expressed in the modified microorganisms. In addition, the invention provides isobutyraldehyde dehydrogenase enzymes expressed in modified microorganisms. Also provided are methods of producing beneficial metabolites under aerobic and anaerobic conditions by contacting a suitable substrate with the modified microorganisms of the present invention. |
| US08097429B2 |
Method for characterization of abnormal cells
It is described a method to detect and phenotype target cells in cell suspensions by using particles coated with antibodies/ligands directed to antigenic determinants/receptors expressed on the target cells, characterized in that several types of particles, each particle coated with different antibody or ligand, are incubated simultaneously or subsequently with cell suspensions containing the target cells, in connection or not with a per se known enrichment procedure, a use of the method and a kit. |
| US08097419B2 |
Compositions and method for rapid, real-time detection of influenza A virus (H1N1) swine 2009
Disclosed are oligonucleotide amplification primers and detection probes specific for the amplification and detection of pathogenic organisms, including for example, specific Influenza A H1N1 viral isolates. Also disclosed is a biological organism identification kit including the disclosed nucleic acid probes and primers, as well as thermal cycling reagents that is both portable and durable, and may also be self-contained for remote, or in-field analysis and identification of particular influenza isolates from a variety of biological specimen types. |
| US08097418B2 |
Methods and kits for sense RNA synthesis
Methods and kits are provided for performing multiple rounds of sense RNA synthesis. The sense RNA molecules can be used in various research and diagnostic applications, such as gene expression studies involving nucleic acid microarrays. |
| US08097416B2 |
Methods for identification of sepsis-causing bacteria
The present invention provides compositions, kits and methods for rapid identification and quantification of sepsis-causing bacteria by molecular mass and base composition analysis. |
| US08097414B2 |
Method for detecting and amplifying nucleic acid
Problem to be solved There is provided a method for detecting and/or amplifying a nucleic acid contained in a biological sample such as blood or cells conveniently, rapidly, and effectively.Solution There is provided a method for detecting a nucleic acid contained in a sample, comprising the step of adding at least one substance selected from the group consisting of polyphenols, polyhydric alcohols, sugar acids, sugar alcohols, and hydrophilic biodegradable polymers to a sample, the step of complementarily binding an oligonucleotide complementary to a part of the nucleic acid sequence of a nucleic acid to be detected to a part of the nucleic acid sequence, and the step of detecting the nucleic acid to be detected. |
| US08097410B2 |
Methods and compositions for vitamin K epoxide reductase
The present invention provides a method of identifying a human subject having increased or decreased sensitivity to warfarin, comprising detecting in the subject the presence of a single nucleotide polymorphism in the VKOR gene, wherein the single nucleotide polymorphism is correlated with increased or decreased sensitivity to warfarin, thereby identifying the subject having increased or decreased sensitivity to warfarin. |
| US08097409B2 |
Kits for detecting group B Streptococci
Compositions, methods and kits for detecting Group B streptococci. Particularly described are oligonucleotides that are useful as amplification primers and hybridization probes for detecting very low levels of Group B streptococci nucleic acids. |
| US08097405B1 |
Nucleic acid sequencing processes using non-radioactive detectable modified or labeled nucleotides or nucleotide analogs, and other processes for nucleic acid detection and chromosomal characterization using such non-radioactive detectable modified or labeled nucleotides or nucleotide analogs
A process for determining the sequence of nucleic acids of interest employs nucleotides or nucleotide analogs that have been made detectable by non-radioactive modifying or labeling. Such nucleotides or nucleotide analogs are modified on the sugar moieties, the phosphate moieties or the base moieties, including base analogs. Modified nucleotide analogs can be attached to or coupled to or incorporated into DNA or RNA. The modified or labeled nucleotides or nucleotide analogs are also useful in processes for detecting the presence of nucleic acids of interest and for characterizing chromosomal sequences. Detection processes using the modified or labeled nucleotides or nucleotide analogs extend to the use of a gel for separating or resolving hybrids formed between non-radioactively labeled oligonucleotides or polynucleotides and such nucleic acids of interest. |
| US08097403B2 |
Freeze-dried platelets, method of making and method of use as a diagnostic agent
The present invention provides freeze-dried platelets and compositions comprising freeze-dried platelets for use as a diagnostic and calibration reagent for blood coagulation function. The invention also provides methods of diagnosing or monitoring blood coagulation function, including diagnosing or monitoring blood coagulation diseases and disorders. Kits for performing the methods of the invention are also included. |
| US08097397B2 |
Material for formation of protective film, method for formation of photoresist pattern, and solution for washing/removal of protective film
Disclosed are: a material for forming a protective film to be laminated on a photoresist film, which can prevent the contamination of an exposing device with an outgas generated from the photoresist film, which has little influence on the environment, which has a high water repellent property, which sparingly causes mixing with the photoresist film, and which can form a high-resolution photoresist pattern; a method for forming a photoresist pattern; and a solution for washing/removing a protective film. Specifically disclosed are: a material for forming a protective film, which comprises (a) a non-polar polymer and (b) a non-polar solvent; a method for forming a photoresist pattern by using the material; and a solution for washing/removing a protective film, which is intended to be used in the method. |
| US08097395B2 |
Method of manufacturing toner particles, toner particles, two-component developer, developing device and image forming apparatus
A method of manufacturing toner particles capable of decreasing the manufacturing costs by simplifying the manufacturing apparatus and by decreasing the number of the steps, as well as to provide toner particles, a two-component developer, a developing apparatus and an image forming apparatus are provided. A high-pressure homogenizer is constituted by a tank, a feed pump, a high-pressure pump, a heat exchanger, a nozzle, a first depressurizing module, a cooling unit, a second depressurizing module and a take-out port arranged in this order. A flow path constituted in the first depressurizing module has a straight portion tilted with respect to a direction in which the aqueous slurry passes and a portion for relaxing the flow of the aqueous slurry. |
| US08097392B2 |
Liquid developer and image forming apparatus
A liquid developer includes an insulation liquid containing a fatty acid monoester and toner particles comprised of a resin material. The resin material is characterized in that a weight-average molecular weight Mw of the resin material is in the range of 20,000 to 200,000, and an amount of a component of which molecular weight M is 10,000 or less contained in the resin material is in the range of 5 to 40 wt %. The liquid developer described above is harmless to the environment. Further, the liquid developer also has superior preservability or storage stability and superior fixing characteristics at a low temperature. An image forming apparatus that can suitably use such a liquid developer is also provided. |
| US08097388B2 |
Crosslinking outer layer and process for preparing the same
The presently disclosed embodiments are directed to an improved low wear overcoat for an imaging member having a substrate, a charge transport layer, and an overcoat positioned on the charge transport layer, and a process for preparing the same including combining a binder, a hole transport molecule, a melamine formaldehyde crosslinking agent and an acid catalyst dissolved in an alcohol solvent to form an overcoat solution, and subsequently providing the overcoat solution onto the charge transport layer to form an overcoat layer. |
| US08097387B2 |
Photoreceptors comprising aligned nano-sized domains of charge transport components that have significant intermolecular pi-pi orbital overlap
Described herein are photoreceptor devices that include aligned domains of charge transport materials that have a pi-pi orbital overlap. |
| US08097380B2 |
Fuel cell body, fuel cell unit, fuel cell stack, and fuel cell device including each of them
A fuel cell unit (1) according to the present invention comprises a fuel cell (6) having an inner electrode layer (16), an outer electrode layer (20) and a through passage (15); and inner and outer electrode terminals (24, 26) fixed at the opposite ends (6a, 6b) of the fuel cell (6). The fuel cell (6) has an inner electrode peripheral surface (21) electrically communicating with the inner electrode layer (16) and an outer electrode peripheral surface (22) electrically communicating with the outer electrode layer (20). The inner and outer electrode terminals are respectively disposed so that they cover over the inner and outer electrode peripheral surfaces (21, 22) and they are electrically connected thereto. The inner and outer electrode terminals have respective connecting passages which are communicated with the through passage (15). |
| US08097377B2 |
Development of high energy surfaces on stainless steels for improved wettability
A bi-polar plate is provided for a fuel cell stack. The bi-polar plate has improved surface wettability. The bi-polar plate includes a body including at least approximately ninety percent by weight of a metal and defining at least one flow channel. At least about 0.05 percent and up to 100 percent by weight of silicon is disposed on a surface of the at least one flow channel to form a high energy surface to form a high energy surface for the bi-polar plate. This can be achieved by adding from 0.5 to 10 weight % silicon to the steel. The percent of silicon is pre-determined based on a desired wettability of the high energy surface of the at least one flow channel. |
| US08097374B2 |
System and method for providing reformed fuel to cascaded fuel cell stacks
A fuel cell system includes a first fuel cell stack, a second fuel cell stack arranged in a cascade configuration with the first fuel cell stack, and at least one hydrocarbon fuel reformer which is thermally integrated with at least a portion of the first stack. The system is configured such that in operation, at least partial reformation of hydrocarbon fuel occurs prior to entry into the first stack or in the first stack, and the second stack uses fuel exhaust from the first stack as fuel. A method of operating the fuel cell system includes reforming a hydrocarbon fuel to form a reformed fuel while cooling at least a portion of a first fuel cell stack, generating electricity in the first fuel cell stack using the reformed fuel, providing a fuel exhaust stream from the first fuel cell stack into a second fuel cell stack, and generating electricity in the second fuel cell stack using the fuel exhaust stream from the first fuel stack as a fuel. |
| US08097373B2 |
Fuel cell power supply device
It is an object of the present invention to provide a fuel cell power supply device that can realize a reduction in size and improvement of durability of an accumulating unit while maintaining output performance that is applicable when large output is requested. The fuel cell power supply device includes: an output judging unit 31 that judges whether the output of a fuel cell 1 is equal to or higher than a predetermined level with respect to electric power requested by a load 5; and a power-supply controlling unit 30 that limits, when it is not judged that the output of the fuel cell 1 is equal to or higher than the predetermined level, the output of an accumulating unit 21 to be equal to or smaller than a first output limit value for allowing continuous output in first output time an limits, when it is judged that the output of the fuel cell 1 is equal to or higher than the predetermined level, within second output time shorter than the first output time, the output of the accumulating unit 21 to be equal to or smaller than a second output limit value, which is larger than the first output limit value, for allowing continuous output in the second output time. |
| US08097372B2 |
Fuel cell system and method of starting operation of the fuel cell system
A controller of a fuel cell system includes an anode gas replacement apparatus, a stoppage time detection apparatus, and a cathode gas flow rate control apparatus. The anode gas replacement apparatus replaces hydrogen in an anode gas channel using an anode gas supply apparatus. The stoppage time detection apparatus detects a stoppage time during which operation of the fuel cell stack is stopped. When the anode gas replacement apparatus replaces the hydrogen, the cathode gas flow rate control apparatus changes the flow rate of the cathode gas supplied from the cathode gas supply apparatus depending on the stoppage time. |
| US08097371B2 |
Hydrogen generator, fuel cell system comprising the same, and operation method thereof
A hydrogen generator comprises a reformer which generates a hydrogen-containing gas from a steam and a material gas, a first gas supply device which supplies the material gas, a combustor which combusts an exhaust gas exhausted from the reformer to heat the reformer, a combustion air supply device which supplies air to the combustor, a second gas supply device which supplies another gas different from the material gas to the reformer or to a passage connecting the reformer to the combustor, and a controller. The controller is configured to control the combustion air supply device to increase an amount of the air supplied to the combustor (S103), in association with start of supply of the another gas from the second gas supply device (S104), in a state where the material gas is supplied from the first gas supply device to the reformer and the exhaust gas is combusted in the combustor (S101). |
| US08097370B2 |
Dynamically controllable direct oxidation fuel cell systems and methods therefor
A direct oxidation fuel cell (DOFC) system comprises at least one fuel cell assembly including a cathode and an anode with an electrolyte positioned therebetween; a source of liquid fuel in fluid communication with an anode inlet; an oxidant supply in fluid communication with a cathode inlet; a liquid/gas (L/G) separator in fluid communication with anode and cathode outlets for: (1) receiving unreacted fuel and liquid and gaseous products of electrochemical reactions at the cathode and anode, and (2) supplying the unreacted fuel and liquid product to the inlet of said anode; and a control and/or regulation system for determining a fuel efficiency value of the DOFC system during operation and determining and regulating and/or controlling oxidant stoichiometry of the DOFC system at an appropriate value in response to the determined fuel efficiency value. |
| US08097369B2 |
Control apparatus for fuel cell vehicle and control method for fuel cell vehicle
A management ECU of a control unit predicts the reduction degree of a system voltage according to an operational state of a motor based on the temperature of a fuel cell and a number of rotations of the motor, sets motor output restriction start voltage and motor output restriction end voltage which are threshold values of the system voltage for triggering an execution start and an execution end of a processing to restrict an output of the motor, and outputs them to a motor ECU. The motor ECU sets an output restriction coefficient that is a restriction rate in restricting the output of the motor based on a detected value of the system voltage and the motor output restriction start voltage and the motor output restriction end voltage, and restricts the output of the motor. |
| US08097368B2 |
Non-aqueous electrolyte for secondary battery and non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery
The present invention provides a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery comprising a positive electrode, a negative electrode, a separator, and a non-aqueous electrolyte, wherein the non-aqueous electrolyte comprises a non-aqueous solvent and lithium salt as an electrolyte, and wherein the non-aqueous solvent contains chain fluorinated carboxylic acid ester represented by the formula CH3COOCH2CH3-xFx (wherein x is 2 or 3) and a film forming chemical decomposed in the range of +1.0 to 3.0 V based on an equilibrium potential between metal lithium and lithium ion. |
| US08097366B2 |
Alkaline battery separator comprising alkali-resistance synthetic fiber, fibrillated organic solvent-spun cellulose fiber and mercerized pulp, and alkaline primary battery
An alkaline battery separator including 25 to 62% by mass of an alkali-resistance synthetic fiber, 5 to 25% by mass of a fibrillated organic solvent-spun cellulose fiber having a Canadian standard freeness value of 10 to 280 ml, and 33 to 50% by mass of a mercerized pulp having a Canadian standard freeness value of not less than 550 ml, wherein the fibrillated organic solvent-spun cellulose fiber intertwines with the mercerized pulp. |
| US08097358B2 |
Cylindrical secondary battery
A cylindrical rechargeable battery having an insulating gasket prevents an internal short circuit between a cylindrical can and a cap assembly generated by external factors. The cylindrical rechargeable battery includes an electrode assembly; a cylindrical can which has one open side and receives the electrode assembly through the open side, and is electrically connected to the received electrode assembly; and an insulating gasket which is connected to the inner surface of the open side of the cylindrical can and includes a bent cover part; and a cap assembly which seals the open side of the cylindrical can and is electrically insulated from the cylindrical can by the insulating gasket, and is electrically connected to the electrode assembly. The cover part covers an outer surface of the open side of the cylindrical can. |
| US08097354B2 |
Battery packs suitable for use with battery powered appliances
Cooling air intake port (52), cooling air exhaust port (55), and securing walls (86, 87), which contact and secure the side surfaces of one or more battery cells (72), may be defined within two battery pack housing halves (50, 80). When battery pack (99) is assembled, at least one cooling air passage (91, 92) is defined by the side surfaces of the battery cells, the interior surface of the battery pack housing, and the securing walls. The cooling air passage connects the cooling air intake port to the cooling air exhaust port. Further, the securing walls isolate or physically separate the cooling air passage from battery terminals (72a, 72b). By forcing cooling air through the cooling air passage, the battery cells can be effectively and efficiently cooled. In addition, if the battery terminals are isolated from the cooling air by the securing walls, the electrical contact areas of the battery cells are protected or shielded against outside moisture and foreign substances that may be introduced into the battery pack by the cooling air. |
| US08097350B2 |
Glass ceramic composition, glass ceramic sintered body, and multilayer ceramic electronic component
A glass ceramic composition which is formed by firing into a sintered body having a relatively high relative dielectric constant and Q value is provided. It includes a CaZrO3-based ceramic and a Li2O—MgO—ZnO—B2O3—SiO2-based glass. The Li2O—MgO—ZnO—B2O3—SiO2-based glass is 1 to 12 percent by weight of the total composition, the content of Li2O is 3.5 to 15 percent by weight, the content of MgO is 20 to 50 percent by weight, the content of BaO is 0 to 25 percent by weight, the content of CaO is 0 to 10 percent by weight, the content of SrO is 0 to 25 percent by weight, the content of B2O3 is 16 to 29 percent by weight, the content of SiO2 is 11 to 35 percent by weight, the content of ZnO is 5 to 20 percent by weight, and the content of Al2O3 is 0 to 15 percent by weight. This glass ceramic composition is advantageously used for green glass ceramic layers to form a green laminate structure useful as a main component body of an LC filter or the like. |
| US08097342B2 |
Coated article with sputter-deposited transparent conductive coating capable of surviving harsh environments, and method of making the same
Certain example embodiments relate to sputter-deposited transparent conductive coatings (TCCs) that are capable of surviving the harsh environments of ovens so that they can be included, for example, in oven door applications. In certain example embodiments, zirconium oxide (e.g., ZrO2 or other suitable stoichiometry) may be used as a protective overcoat to protect an underlying Ag layer from corrosion in the atmosphere. In certain three lite oven door example embodiments, surfaces 2 and 4 each have an Ag-based TCC sputter-deposited thereon. The Ag-based TCC may have a sheet resistance of about either 4 or 5 ohms/square in certain example embodiments. |
| US08097341B2 |
Process for producing a wipe-proof antireflection layer on a borosilicate glass body
A process for producing a wipe-proof anti-reflection layer on a borosilicate glass body is described, in which the borosilicate glass body is coated with a coating solution having a composition of 1-6% by weight of HCl, 0.5-7% by weight of SiO2 sol (solids content), 0.5-5% by weight of H2O, and 85-98% by weight of a readily volatile water-soluble organic solvent. The borosilicate glass body that is to be coated contains, in % by weight based on oxide content: 63-76 of SiO2, >11-20 of B2O3, 1-9 of Al2O3, 3-12 of alkali metal oxide(s), 0-10 of alkaline earth metal oxide(s), 0-2 of ZnO, 0-5 of TiO2, 0-1 of ZrO2, 0-1 of Nb2O5, and 0-1 of WO3. |
| US08097340B2 |
Coated substrates having undercoating layers that exhibit improved photocatalytic activity
A coated substrate is disclosed. The coated substrate includes a substrate; an undercoating layer comprising at least one layer selected from a mixture of silica and zirconia; a mixture of silica and alumina; or a mixture of silica, alumina and titania overlaying at least a portion of the substrate; and a functional coating overlaying at least a portion of the undercoating. The coated substrates of the invention exhibit improved properties such as increased durability, photocatalytic activity, etc. as a result of the undercoating layer. |
| US08097337B2 |
Structure and manufacturing method of the same
The present invention may provide a structure capable of obtaining a higher difference in refractive indices between that of a transparent material and that of a cavity, than in the past, and a manufacturing method thereof, and the present invention provides a structure having a transparent material and an internal cavity which is formed by irradiating said transparent material with a pulse laser beam having a pulse width of 10×10−12 seconds or less, and wherein refractive index of said transparent material at d line is nd≧1.3. |
| US08097336B2 |
Methods and systems for manufacturing a structure having organized areas
A beaded preform includes a plurality of adjacently positioned beads for forming a plurality of voids in an engineered material. The beaded preforms may be comprised of a filaments (single strand of beads) and mats (two-dimensional and three dimensional arrays of beads). The filaments and mats may be coated to become tows and laminates, respectively, which may then be assembled into composite materials. The preforms may be produced using novel manufacturing apparatuses and methods, and incorporated into known manufacturing processes to produce porous structures, including stress-steering structures, in any material including metals, plastics, ceramics, textiles, papers, and biological materials, for example. Permanent bead material is preferably made of polyacrylonitrile, carbon fiber, or graphite. |
| US08097327B2 |
Touch panel with an anti-highlight structure
Anti highlight structure for a touch panel includes a touch film of a flexible transparent thin film, a substrate of a rigid transparent plate, and a touch sensing unit has two sheets of transparent conductive film arranged with a predetermined gap between the touch film and the substrate. It further includes an anti Newton-Ring layer of a transparent thin film having at least one uneven and rough surface thereof, and a light regulating layer of a transparent thin film. A plurality of transparent granular objects is bound in a transparent matrix of the light regulating layer. The transparent granular objects and the transparent matrix have different indexes of refraction. The transparent granular objects are made of at least one material. The lights will be corrected by the complex indexes of refraction within the light regulating layer so that the highlights causing an image distortion and deformation will be eliminated. |
| US08097323B2 |
Optical recording medium
An object of the invention is to write-once record and reproduce, or only reproduce, a mark smaller than the resolution limit; obtain a high level of reproduction performance (CNR and the like); and realize a high level of reproduction durability. In the invention, between a signal reproducing functional layer composed of Sb or Te and a protecting layer there is introduced a thermally stable diffusion preventing layer, and thereby reactions between the signal reproducing functional layer and the protecting layer due to increased temperature can be prevented or suppressed while increasing reproduction durability. |
| US08097322B1 |
Paper product
A paper product comprising a first layer being a strip of absorbent paper; a second layer comprising a wet component sandwiched between a first protective sheet and a second protective sheet, wherein the second layer is divided into individual flat packages that are removably attached to each other at an edge of the flat packages; and a third layer being a strip of absorbent paper; wherein the second layer is sandwiched between the first layer and the third layer; wherein the first layer, the second layer, and the third layer are embossed to form a weak bond between the respective layers in proximity to a perforation. |
| US08097320B2 |
Glycoluril resin and acrylic resin dual members
A dual layered intermediate transfer member, such as a belt, that includes a substrate that is coated with a layer of a mixture of a glycoluril resin, and a self crosslinking acrylic resin. |
| US08097317B2 |
High-gloss multilayer plastic container
Provided is a high-gloss, multilayer plastic container, comprising: (1) a transparent polyester-based resin outer layer; (2) a transparent adhesive resin layer; and (3) a colored polyolefin-based resin layer in the stated order from an outer surface side of the container, wherein: the transparent polyester-based resin outer layer has a surface roughness Ra of 0.2 μm or less; and an interface between (2) the transparent adhesive resin layer and (3) the colored polyolefin-based resin layer has a concavoconvex level of 15 μm or less. An interface between (1) the transparent polyester-based resin outer layer and (2) the transparent adhesive resin layer preferably has a concavoconvex level of 15 μm or less. According to the present invention, a multilayer plastic container having an even, smooth surface, a high-gloss, deep color tone, and an extremely excellent external appearance can be obtained. |
| US08097315B2 |
Multilayer container
The multilayer container of the present invention comprises an outermost layer, an innermost layer and at least one intermediate layer interposed between the outermost layer and the innermost layer. Each of the outermost and innermost layers is mainly made of a thermoplastic polyester resin A produced by polymerizing a dicarboxylic acid component comprising 80 mol % or higher of terephthalic acid with a diol component comprising 80 mol % or higher of ethylene glycol. At least one of the intermediate layers is mainly made of a mixed resin B of a polyamide resin C and a polyamide resin D in a mixing ratio of 99.5/0.5 to 80/20 by weight. The polyamide resin C is produced by polymerizing a diamine component comprising 70 mol % or higher of m-xylylenediamine with a dicarboxylic acid component comprising 70 mol % or higher of adipic acid. The polyamide resin D has a solubility index satisfying the formula (1): Sa |
| US08097313B2 |
Multilayer bag of paper
A multilayer bag includes at least one outer paper layer and at least one inner paper layer and a synthetic layer located between the outer and an inner paper layer. On the longitudinal side of the paper bag, an overlap of the outer paper web and a partial overlap of the synthetic web is provided, and the outer paper web is partially adhered to itself in the region of overlap. |
| US08097312B2 |
Paper roll with pre-cut windows
A web of fibrous material having windows covered by a transparent material, and which is modified by compression, shaving, or embossing, so as to maintain a substantially uniform thickness throughout the length of the web. When the web is then wound onto itself, the resulting roll will have a substantially circular cross-section. |
| US08097309B2 |
Liquid crystal composition and liquid crystal display device
The subject is to provide a liquid crystal composition that satisfies at least one characteristic among characteristics such as a high maximum temperature of a nematic phase, a low minimum temperature of a nematic phase, a small viscosity, a suitable optical anisotropy, a negatively large dielectric anisotropy, a large specific resistance, a high stability to ultraviolet light and a high stability to heat, or that is suitably balanced regarding two or more characteristics. The other subject is to provide an AM device that has a short response time, a high voltage holding ratio, a high contrast ratio, a long service life and so forth.The invention provides a liquid crystal composition that has negative dielectric anisotropy, including a specific compound having a negatively large dielectric anisotropy as a first component and a two-ring compound having a small viscosity as a second component, and may optionally including a specific compound having a small viscosity as a third component and/or a specific compound having a negatively large dielectric anisotropy as a fourth component, and provides a liquid crystal display device containing the composition. |
| US08097304B2 |
Method of forming nano-particle array by convective assembly, and convective assembly apparatus for the same
A method of forming a nano-particle array by convective assembly and a convective assembly apparatus for the same are provided. The method of forming nano-particle array comprises: coating a plurality of nano-particles by forming a coating layer; performing a first convective assembly by moving a first substrate facing, in parallel to and spaced apart from a second substrate at a desired distance such that a colloidal solution including the coated nano-particles is between the first and second substrate; and performing a second convective assembly for evaporating a solvent by locally heating a surface of the colloidal solution drawn when the first substrate is moved in parallel relative to the second substrate. The present invention provides the method of forming the nano-particle array where nano-particles having a particle size from a few to several tens of nanometers are uniformly arrayed on a large area substrate at a low cost, and the convective assembly apparatus for the same. |
| US08097302B2 |
Electroconductive tin oxide having high mobility and low electron concentration
Tin oxide having high mobility and a low electron concentration, and methods for producing layers of the tin oxide layers on a substrate by atmospheric pressure chemical vapor deposition (APCVD) are disclosed. The tin oxide may undoped polycrystalline n-type tin oxide or it may be doped polycrystalline p-type tin oxide. When the layer of tin oxide is formed on a crystalline substrate, substantially crystalline tin oxide is formed. Dopant precursors for producing doped p-type tin oxide are also disclosed. |
| US08097301B2 |
Electrical insulation film manufacturing method
A method of manufacturing an electrical insulation film includes (i) forming an R film containing at least one rare earth element R selected from the group including Sc, Y, La, Gd, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, and Lu on at least a portion of a surface of a metal substrate where an electrical insulation property is needed, (ii) hydrogenating the R film under an inert gas atmosphere, which contains a hydrogen gas, to form an RH2 film; and (iii) oxidizing the RH2 film to form an R2O3 film. |
| US08097300B2 |
Method of forming mixed rare earth oxynitride and aluminum oxynitride films by atomic layer deposition
A method is provided for depositing a gate dielectric that includes at least two rare earth metal elements in the form of an oxynitride or an aluminum oxynitride. The method includes disposing a substrate in a process chamber and exposing the substrate to a gas pulse containing a first rare earth precursor and to a gas pulse containing a second rare earth precursor. The substrate may also optionally be exposed to a gas pulse containing an aluminum precursor. Sequentially after each precursor gas pulse, the substrate is exposed to a gas pulse of an oxygen-containing gas, nitrogen-containing gas or an oxygen- and nitrogen-containing gas. In alternative embodiments, the first and second rare earth precursors may be pulsed together, and either or both may be pulsed together with the aluminum precursor. The first and second rare earth precursors comprise a different rare earth metal element. The sequential exposing steps may be repeated to deposit a mixed rare earth oxynitride or aluminum oxynitride layer with a desired thickness. Purge or evacuation steps may also be performed after each gas pulse. |
| US08097299B2 |
Organic ruthenium compound for chemical vapor deposition, and chemical vapor deposition method using the organic ruthenium compound
The present invention is an organoruthenium compound for use in production of a ruthenium or ruthenium compound thin film by chemical vapor deposition, including ruthenium and an arene group and norbornadiene both coordinated to the ruthenium and represented by the following formula. The present invention is an organoruthenium compound for use in chemical vapor deposition which does not require the coexistence of oxygen during the thin film formation, and moreover, is liquid at ordinary temperature, thereby having good handleability and recyclability. wherein the substituents, R1 to R6, of the arene group are each hydrogen or an alkyl group, and the total number of carbons of R1 to R6 (R1+R2+R3+R4+R5+R6) is 6 or less. |
| US08097297B2 |
Method of manufacturing flexible display substrate having reduced moisture and reduced oxygen permeability
In a method of manufacturing a flexible display substrate having reduced moisture permeability and reduced oxygen permeability, nanosized or microsized particles are uniformly dispersed in a molten polymer matrix. The molten polymer matrix are formed into plate-shaped molten polymer. The plate-shaped molten polymer is extruded between two extruding rollers to form a polymer or plastic sheet, to orient the nanosized or microsized particles in parallel with a surface of the polymer or plastic sheet. The polymer or plastic sheet is stretched between a glass transition temperature and a melting point to form a polymer or plastic film, exfoliating and orienting the nanosized or microsized particles further in parallel with a surface of the polymer or plastic film. The polymer or plastic film is coated with an organic film to flatten a surface of the flexible display substrate. Heat treatment is performed to cure the organic film. |
| US08097295B2 |
Method of making nanoparticles by electroless plating
A plurality of gold nanoparticles disposed on a surface of a substrate includes nanoparticles having an average particle density greater than 1.8×1011 particles per squared centimeter of the surface. The gold nanoparticles include a monomodal diameter distribution and an average diameter capable of being arbitrarily controlled between about 5 nm to about 300 nm. The surface may be a three-dimensional surface or an internal surface. |
| US08097293B2 |
Operating method for an atomiser and a corresponding coating apparatus
The invention relates to an operating method for an atomiser (1) for the coating of structural components, particularly of vehicle body parts, with the following steps: Application of a spray jet of a coating agent through the atomiser (1); discharge of a first guide air flow (11) for the formation of a spray jet; determination of at least one application parameter (η, γ, T, BC/CC, Qvarnish, n, U,) which reproduces a property (η, γ, T, BC/CC) of the applied coating agent or an operating variable (Qvarnish, n, U) of the atomiser (1) as well as influencing of the first guide air flow (11) as a factor of the application parameter (η, γ, T, BC/CC, Qvarnish, n, U,). Within the framework of the invention, there is the alternative option that fluctuations of the application parameters and, based thereon, variations of the spray jet width are taken into account by means of an adaptation of the path spacing (d) between the adjacent coating agent paths for the purpose of keeping the path overlapping constant. Furthermore, the invention comprises a corresponding coating apparatus. |
| US08097291B2 |
Methods for coating workpieces
The present invention is directed to methods, processes, and systems for coating portions of a workpiece as well as to workpieces that have themselves been coated in accord with the invention. Under these methods and processes of the invention, a means to repel may be positioned on a mandrel prior to applying a coating to the workpiece. The means to repel may prevent the coating of a target surface of the workpiece. |
| US08097290B2 |
Methods for preparing oat bran enriched in β-glucan and oat products prepared therefrom
Dry milling methods for preparing oat products enriched in the content of β-glucan and methods for preparing foodstuffs incorporating such an enriched oat product especially ready-to-eat cereals are provided. Heat conditioned dehulled oats are dry milled to form a coarse whole non defatted oat flour and then, without a preceding removal of fat, dry fractionated into coarser bran and finer oat flour fractions at multiple stages. The coarse oat flour is first dry classified to separate or form a coarser fraction oat bran containing more concentrated β-glucan and a finer oat flour or starch containing or endosperm containing fraction. The oat bran is subjected to second and third rounds of milling and classification to form a high β-glucan content (>7-9%) oat bran and a low β-glucan content (3%) oat flour. The oat bran and oat flours can be used to prepare foodstuffs such as ready-to-eat cereals. |
| US08097285B2 |
Use of sericin for improving the feeling in use of denture
The purpose is to prevent, ameliorate or relieve various conditions induced in the dried oral cavity or to improve the stability of a denture during use. A solution for treating a denture or a denture stabilizer comprising sericin can be used. |
| US08097282B2 |
Methods of administering liquid droplet aerosols of nanoparticulate drugs
There is disclosed an aerosol comprising droplets of an aqueous dispersion of nanoparticles, said nanoparticles comprising insoluble therapeutic or diagnostic agent particles having a surface modifier on the surface thereof. There is also disclosed a method for making the aerosol and methods for treatment and diagnosis using the aerosol. |
| US08097281B2 |
Composition
The present invention relates to dosage forms for oral administration of therapeutic formulations, adapted to provide immediate and/or sustained-release of therapeutic substances, particularly for oral administration of vitamins. There is provided a dosage form for oral administration of a vitamin, comprising: a liquid phase containing a vitamin, e.g. Vitamin C in a relatively fast release form and a solid phase suspended in the liquid phase and containing a vitamin e.g. Vitamin C in a relatively slow release form. |
| US08097280B2 |
Fertilizer and method for producing same
In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a method for producing an enhanced fertilizer, comprising the step of mixing a granular fertilizer with a ferment comprising active bacteria in a fermentation medium, to obtain an enhanced fertilizer. The ferment is used at a rate of at most 3 liters of ferment per ton of fertilizer. In accordance with the present invention, there is also provided an enhanced fertilizer comprising a fertilizer and bacteria chosen for their specific properties on crops or vegetation. |
| US08097278B2 |
Compartmentalized dosage form
The present invention provides a dosage form that prevents misuse of the medicament contained within. The dosage form contains an inactivating substance in combination with the medicament, wherein the two substances are separated by a permeable or semi-permeable partition. The partition becomes impermeable upon activation by a medical professional, thereby effectively sequestering the inactivating substance from the medicament and allowing for the intended administration of the medicament to the patient. Unless activated, however, the inactivating substance and medicament remain commingled in the dosage form, and any attempt to dispense the medicament before activation will result in the release of inactivated medicament. |
| US08097277B2 |
Charge-dynamic polymers and delivery of anionic compounds
The present invention provides dynamic charge state cationic polymers that are useful for delivery of anionic molecules. The dynamic charge state cationic polymers are designed to have cationic charge densities that decrease by removal of removable functional groups from the polymers. The present invention also provides interpolyelectrolyte complexes containing the polymers complexed to a polyanion. Methods for using the interpolyelectrolyte complexes to deliver anionic compounds are also provided. |
| US08097276B2 |
Method for coating particle with lipid film
A method for coating an object, i.e. a particle, with two sheets of lipid film having a space formed there between. In the method for coating a particle having a positive electrostatic-charging property with two sheets of lipid film, the particle having a positive electrostatic-charging property is brought into contact with a plurality of SUV type liposomes having a negative electrostatic-charging property to form a complex having a negative electrostatic-charging property containing the particle having a positive electrostatic-charging property and the SUV type liposomes having a negative electrostatic-charging property coupled electrostatically with the particle having a positive electrostatic-charging property, and then the complex having a negative electrostatic-charging property is treated with cation. |
| US08097275B2 |
External skin patch
An object of the invention is to provide a hydrous external skin patch, which has adherence sufficient for adhering to an affected area for several times without using an auxiliary tape or the like and is excellent in utility so that the patch can be easily peeled off even if the paste adheres to itself before application to the affected area.The hydrous external skin patch is characterized in that a paste of the patch comprises 0.1 to 10 wt % of a drug, 0.1 to 20 wt % of an adhesive base, 0.001 to 3.0 wt % of a crosslinker, 15 to 60 wt % of water, 2 to 20 wt % of a tackifier resin, 0.4 to 10 wt % of a dissolving agent for the tackifier resin, 0.1 to 30 wt % of an oil absorbing inorganic powder, and 0.1 to 20 wt % of a dextrin fatty acid ester and has a thickness of 100 to 1,000 μm. |
| US08097272B2 |
Layered materials for use as wound dressings
The invention provides a wound dressing comprising a layered material comprising a hydrophilic foam layer formed from a first polyurethane and a hydrogel layer formed from a second polyurethane, wherein the hydrogel layer is laminated to the hydrophilic foam layer. The invention also provides methods for preparing the same. |
| US08097271B2 |
Warming compositions and delivery systems therefor
The present invention includes compositions for imparting a controlled-release warming sensation to the oral receptor areas of a user. The oral, controlled-release warming compositions include a warming agent and a hydrated or swollen food-grade polymer which forms a matrix with the warming agent. Also included are oral delivery systems for the warming compositions, methods for preparing same, and methods for imparting and sustaining a warming sensation in the mouth and upper portion of the gastrointestinal tract of the user. |
| US08097262B2 |
Gel type enteral nutrient
An enteral nutrient gel that is excellent at maintaining its solid matter (gel) form in the stomach, does not readily disintegrate or dissolve with a change in pH, is stable in its physical properties even during long-term storage, and can be passed through a feeding tube. The enteral nutrient gel contains agar, alginic acid and/or a salt thereof, soybean protein or a hydrolysate thereof, calcium, magnesium, dextrin, and, optionally, an oligosaccharide, a disaccharide and/or a monosaccharide. A solid composition containing 8 to 30 wt % protein, 2 to 25 wt % fats, and 40 to 70 wt % dextrin is used in preparing the enteral nutrient gel. |
| US08097251B2 |
Functional heavy chain antibodies, fragments thereof, library thereof and methods of production thereof
The present invention relates to functional heavy chain antibodies, functional single domain heavy chain antibodies, functional VH domains, or functional fragments thereof including an amino acid which is neither a charged amino acid nor a C at position 45, and including an amino acid at position 103 independently chosen from the group consisting of R, G, K, S, Q, L, and P, and optionally an amino acid at position 108 independently chosen from the group consisting of Q, L and R, the positions determined according to the Kabat numbering. |
| US08097248B2 |
Mite composition, use thereof, method for rearing the phytoseiid predatory mite Amblyseius sirskii, rearing system for rearing said phytoseiid mite and methods for biological pest control on a crop
The present invention relates to a novel mite composition comprising a population of the phytoseiid predatory mite species Amblyseius swirskii. and a factitious host population, which may be employed for rearing said phytoseiid predatory mite species or for releasing the phytoseiid predatory mite species in a crop. According to further aspects the invention relates to a method for rearing the phytoseiid predatory mite species Amblyseius swirskii, to the use of the mite composition and to a method for biological pest control in a crop, which employ the mite composition. |
| US08097242B2 |
Target CA125 peptides for cancer immunotherapy
TADG-12 and CA125 are two proteins expressed with high specificity in ovarian cancer tumors. They thus would be potential antigens for immunotherapy in ovarian cancer. The invention is based on the discovery of peptides in TADG-12 and CA125 that can be used to induce an autologous T cell response that lyses ovarian cancer cells expressing TADG-12 or CA125. The peptides are contacted with dendritic cells in vitro to generate peptide-loaded dendritic cells. The peptide-loaded dendritic cells are contacted with T cells in vitro to amplify CD8+ T cells that recognize the peptide. At least one CA125 peptide and at least one TADG-12 peptide were found that amplified CD8+ T cells, even from cancer patients, that lysed autologous CA125-expressing or TADG-12-expressing tumor cells. The peptide-loaded dendritic cells can be administered to a cancer patient to amplify CD8+ T cells in vivo that attack the cancer cells. Alternatively, autologous CD8+ T cells can be amplified ex vivo and then infused into the cancer patient. |
| US08097239B2 |
Controlled-release formulations
The present invention relates to formulations of a lipid based controlled-release matrix, a polyhydroxy component and a bioactive agent. Such formulation are useful in the delivery of the bioactive compounds. The invention also relates to the use of a polyhydroxy component for increasing the solubility of a bioactive compound, especially a peptide in a lipid-based controlled-release matrix. |
| US08097238B2 |
Cell targeting conjugates
The present invention relates to cell targeting conjugates and in particular, but not exclusively, to methods of their use in selectively eliminating and in selectively imaging target cells. The invention also relates to processes for production of the conjugates and to intermediate compounds that may be used in production of a specific class of cell targeting conjugates. In one embodiment there is provided a cell targeting conjugate comprising the following components that are covalently conjugated via a linker that is degradable within the target cells: i) a DNA minor groove binding ligand incorporating an effective Auger electron-emitting and/or gamma-emitting and/or positron-emitting atom or photoactive moiety; ii) a target cell specific protein or peptide that is capable of internalization by target cells. |
| US08097234B1 |
Hydrogen permeable encapsulated solid-state hydride materials and method for forming and using same
A capsule having a hydrogen gas permeable shell with solid-state hydride material, such as hydrogen rich LiAlH4, Li3AlH6, and/or AlH3 encapsulated therein. The hydrogen gas permeable shell has pores that are between about 1 nm to about 150 μm in diameter to allow hydrogen gas to be extracted from the capsule. After passing the capsule through a hydrogen extraction zone, the capsule containing the spent solid-state hydride material is removed and is sent to recycling, wherein the capsule is opened to remove the spent solid-state hydride material, and the spent solid-state hydride material is rehydrogenated and repacked in a hydrogen gas permeable shell. The shell of the spent solid-state hydride material can be recycled and reused to make new shells. |
| US08097232B2 |
Method for producing chlorine
A catalytic process for preparing chlorine from hydrogen chloride, which includes recycle of process streams with reduced accumulation of inert gases in the system is provided. The process includes a step wherein a compressed liquid stream comprising chlorine, carbon dioxide and oxygen is recycled into a column countercurrent to the ascending gas phase and feeding part of the chlorine-rich liquid phase leaving the bottom of the column back into the top of the column. Carbon dioxide present in the ascending gas stream is dissolved out of the gas stream and can later be separated from chlorine without problems by distillation. |
| US08097231B2 |
Method and system for producing activated carbon
An activated carbon producing system includes a carbonizer for carbonizing cellulose triacetate as cellulose acylate to create carbonized material. A pulverizer pulverizes the carbonized material to obtain granules. An activation device activates the granules to create activated carbon. The activated carbon producing system includes a dispenser for supplying the cellulose triacetate at a plural number of times. A heating furnace is operated at each time after the dispenser operates, for thermally decomposing the cellulose triacetate from the dispenser, to obtain the carbonized material by carbonization. The pulverizer pulverizes the carbonized material in a size equal to or more than 2 mm and equal to or less than 20 mm. Temperature of the heating furnace is equal to or higher than 300 deg. C. and equal to or lower than 600 deg. C. |
| US08097228B2 |
Method of processing diarsenic trioxide
To provide a method of generating, with good reproducibility and ease and without complicated operations, scorodite which satisfies the elution standard (in accordance with Notification of No. 13 of Japanese Environment Agency) and which has good filterbility and stability for processing arsenic contained in a diarsenic trioxide form. A method of processing diarsenic trioxide, including: a leaching step of adding water to diarsenic trioxide to produce slurry, heating the slurry, and leaching arsenic while adding an oxidant to obtain leachate; a deoxidization step of removing the oxidant so as to obtain an adjusted solution; and a crystallizing step of converting arsenic in the adjusted solution to scorodite crystal. |
| US08097226B2 |
Catalytic reaction device
A catalytic reaction device for fluid-solid heterogeneous catalytic reactions including a distributor, flow controllers, parallel reactors, temperature controllers, coolers and product receivers with reactive fluids flowing into the flow controllers to control the total flow of a fluid is provided. |
| US08097223B2 |
Autoclave waste fluid disposal device
An autoclave waste fluid disposal device includes an outer housing container with a main inlet port for receiving waste fluids from an autoclave, and a main outlet port. A multi-chambered condenser inside the outer housing container includes an inlet tube connected to an innermost primary chamber. A secondary chamber envelopes the primary chamber and has an upper end sealed about the inlet tube and at least one secondary chamber outlet port. A tertiary chamber enveloping the secondary chamber has a closed lower end, an upper end sealed about the inlet tube, and at least one tertiary chamber outlet port in communication with the outer housing container. A coil tube encircles the multi-chambered condenser and has a first end connected to the main inlet port of the outer housing container and a second end connected to the inlet tube of the multi-chambered condenser. |
| US08097221B2 |
Lamp assembly
A lamp assembly including at least one light source, a housing formed from a first moisture barrier composition and a sealing cap formed from a second moisture barrier composition, wherein the at least one light source is arranged within the housing and the sealing cap is hermetically bonded to the housing and the at least one light source, and the sealing cap is arranged to enclose the at least one light source within a volume formed by the housing and the sealing cap. |
| US08097218B1 |
System for generating electricity from alternative energy sources located on a floating platform
A system for generating electricity. The system includes a platform having a top surface. The platform floats on a body of water and includes a plurality of energy modules. Each energy module produces electricity from a different source of energy and is affixed to the platform. Each module contributes produced electricity to the system for storage and distribution. Modules may include wind turbines for generating electricity from wind, water-driven generators for generating electricity from water currents, solar panels for generating electricity from solar energy, an apparatus which floats on water and converts kinetic energy of wave movements into electricity, and an apparatus which extends below the water where the platform is located upon and generates electricity from differences in water temperature at various levels of water depth. An apparatus may be mounted on the platform which produces hydrogen and oxygen gases through a process of electrolysis. |
| US08097212B2 |
Detection of contamination of municipal water distribution systems
A system for the detection of contaminates of a fluid in a conduit. The conduit is part of a fluid distribution system. A chemical or biological sensor array is connected to the conduit. The sensor array produces an acoustic signal burst in the fluid upon detection of contaminates in the fluid. A supervisory control system connected to the fluid and operatively connected to the fluid distribution system signals the fluid distribution system upon detection of contaminates in the fluid. |
| US08097211B2 |
Analyzer
An analyzer comprising: a first specimen holder configured to hold a plurality of first specimen containers; a conveying assembly for conveying the first specimen containers held in the first specimen holder; a second specimen holder arranged at a position higher than an upper end of the first specimen containers held in the first specimen holder; a holder moving assembly for moving the second specimen holder so as to pass the upper side of at least one of the first specimen containers held in the first specimen holder; a container transferring assembly for transferring at least one of the first specimen containers from the first specimen holder to the second specimen holder; and a controller for controlling the holder moving assembly and the container transferring assembly, is disclosed. |
| US08097209B2 |
Method and apparatus for detecting substances or analytes from the analysis of one or more samples
The invention relates to a method and apparatus for detecting substances or analytes form the analysis of one or several samples. The method comprises mixing the sample with a suitable liquid buffer, homogenizing said sample, adding reagents thereto, filtering it, injecting the sample into the incubation chamber, allowing the sample to react with a biosensor, washing the non-reacted sample excess and detecting the sample retained in the biosensor. The apparatus includes a sample homogenizer module with an ultrasonic piezoelectric device formed by a converter (49) and a horn (16); a sample processing module including a homogenization container (6) and a moving frame (17); a reagent and solution management module including a motorized syringe (60), a reaction module consisting of a support (50) forming a reaction chamber (51) and a data reading module including a laser diode (66) and a CCD camera (67). |
| US08097202B2 |
Method for making a refractory ceramic material having a high solidus temperature
A powder metallurgy process for the manufacture of powders of a refractory ceramic material, comprising the consecutive steps of: (i) obtaining a dry mixture of a hafnium dioxide HfO2 powder and an yttrium oxide Y2O3 powder; (ii) step of granulation by pelletization of the dry mixture under stirring in order to obtain a granulated mixture, this granulation step comprising the spraying, into the dry mixture, of an aqueous solution comprising polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and polyethylene glycol (PEG); (iii) drying of the granulated mixture; (iv) filling of a mold with said granulated mixture; (v) isostatical or semi-isostatical pressing of the granulated mixture in order to obtain a compact mixture; (vi) sintering of the compact mixture in order to obtain a refractory ceramic material at a solidus temperature in the range between 2500° C. and 2800° C. |
| US08097201B2 |
Bisplit mold for tire forming and process for manufacturing tire therewith
Provided is a bisplit mold for tire forming capable of avoiding the pinching of the unvulcanized tire at the mold clamping. Also provided is a process for manufacturing a tire by use of the bisplit mold. The bisplit mold includes: a plurality of segments provided to each of the paired containers, and formed by being divided in the tire circumferential direction and; opening-closing means provided to the respective containers, cause the superior and the inferior segments to come close to and separate away from each other, the segments being attached to the pair of containers with vertically bisplit center plates placed between the pair of containers; a superior side plate and an inferior side plate provided respectively to the pair of containers; and vertically bisplit mold pieces provided to the inner sides of the segments. |
| US08097195B2 |
Method for energy usage when cooling extrusion profiles
The invention relates to a method for energy usage during the cooling of extrusion profiles, preferably pipes, wherein energy is supplied in the form of heat for melting the plastic and heat is withdrawn from the plastic again for shaping at least in the devices of mold, calibration, and cooling bath until the plastic is self-supporting. According to the invention, it is provided that a coolant medium runs through the extrusion line opposite to the extrusion direction for cooling, the medium which is used for cooling being guided from one device to the next and the coolant medium heating further in each device. |
| US08097191B2 |
Injection molding quality control system
An injection molding quality control system which seeks to ensure greater accuracy and consistency in parts, more specifically more accurate and consistent part weight, utilizes measured part weight to adjust mold separation to better achieve a desired part weight. The mold separation is controlled via both a cycle-to-cycle adjustment in switchover point (preferably based on injected mass within the cavity), and within-cycle adjustment of holding pressure. The system can result in superior accuracy and consistency in molded parts in both the long term (i.e., over many cycles) and in the short term (from cycle to cycle). |
| US08097188B2 |
Method of manufacturing optical film
A method of producing and optical film, comprises the steps of: mixing a resin and grains, heating a mixture of the resin and the grains and kneading the heated melted mixture, thereby preparing a mixture material of the resin and the grains; dissolving the mixture material in a solvent, thereby preparing a resin solution; and casting the resin solution so as to form an optical film. |
| US08097182B2 |
Hydrocarbon refrigerant and detergent composition
The hydrocarbon refrigerant and detergent composition is a hydrocarbon-based composition, which may be used as a refrigerant for air conditioners, refrigerators or the like, and which may also be used as a detergent for cleaning precision components, such as semiconductor chips, motherboards or the like. The hydrocarbon composition includes about 5.0% ethane, about 60.0% propane, about 5.0% isobutene and about 30.0% butane by volume. |
| US08097179B2 |
Method for abating effluent from an etching process
A method for abating effluent from an etching process in one embodiment includes advancing etch gas product into a passageway of a gas connector in direct fluid communication with a first chamber of an interior void of an apparatus, advancing a gas from a gas source into said passageway of said gas connector at the same time said etch gas product is being advanced into said passageway, and advancing humidified gas from a humidified gas source into a second chamber of said interior void. |
| US08097178B2 |
Surface acoustic wave device and manufacturing method therefor, and communications equipment
A surface acoustic wave device configured by forming an oxide layer 2 on a piezoelectric substrate 1 composed of a lithium tantalate single crystal or a lithium niobate single crystal and having weak pyroelectric properties having a lower oxygen content than a stoichiometric composition ratio, and forming thereon an IDT electrode 3. There is no static destruction of a minute electrode due to the pyroelectric effect of the piezoelectric substrate having weak pyroelectric properties, and frequency characteristics are not degraded. |
| US08097176B2 |
Digital mold texturizing methods, materials, and substrates
Methods, materials, and systems for texturizing mold surfaces is disclosed. In one method and system of the invention, a first step involves generating a graphics file of a desired texture pattern. The graphics file is subsequently output to an ink jet printer, which is configured to print using an acid-etch resist ink. The acid-etch resist ink is formulated to provide optimal properties for ink-jet printing, while also providing excellent acid-etch resist and superior handling properties. The acid-etch resist ink is printed onto a sheet of a carrier substrate that allows the acid-etch resist to be transferred to a mold surface, after which the mold surface is etched with a strong acid. |
| US08097173B2 |
Magnetic porous particles and method of making
The invention provides porous particles that produce a predetermined optical response and that may be manipulated magnetically. A preferred particle of the invention has a porous structure that produces a predetermined optical response and magnetic material adhered to the particle. Another preferred particle is amphiphilic. The optical response provided by a particle of the invention enables particles of the invention to be used in sensing, labeling, signaling, display and many other applications. The magnetic nature of the present magnetic particles permits the particles themselves to be manipulated, e.g., vibrated, moved and re-oriented. The porous particles can also be used to control, move, and/or deliver small volumes of liquids and solids associated with the particles. |
| US08097170B2 |
Process for treating a liquid medium
A device for treating liquid medium has an ultrasound emitter located relative to a compartment of a container holding a liquid medium and a microbubble emitter located relative to the compartment. The ultrasound emitter emits high-frequency ultrasound between about 200 KHz and 10 MHz. The microbubble emitter emits bubbles with an average diameter of less than 1 mm. |
| US08097169B2 |
Method for filtering chemical
A method for filtering a chemical in which a first chemical stored in a first tank is filtered by a filter and a second chemical obtained by the filtering is stored in a second tank has: adding the capture amounts corresponding to the individual first chemicals first to n-th stored in the first tank, and getting an added capture amount; and comparing the added capture amount and a predetermined limit capture amount of the filter, and exchanging the filter based on the comparison result. |
| US08097165B2 |
Eliminating natural organic contaminants from liquids
Modified and insoluble starches are utilized for eliminating natural organic substances/contaminants from liquids and in particular from liquids used for food applications, such as drinking water, beverages, fruit juices or syrups, as well as natural water, industrial process water, or wastewater. |
| US08097163B1 |
Purification of oil field production water for beneficial use
A method and system for purifying production water obtained from oil and gas operations so that the purified water need not be disposed of by forced injection back into the geological formation but can be put to a beneficial use such as agriculture, irrigation, industrial or municipal or potable applications. The production water is treated in a ceramic microfilter after it has been pretreated (preferably by aeration and with a walnut shell filter) to remove volatile hydrocarbons and heavier oils, such as paraffins and asphaltenes, that could foul the ceramic filter. The permeate from the ceramic microfiltration can then be treated with activated charcoal or otherwise treated to meet the specific requirements for the intended beneficial use. |
| US08097162B2 |
Systems and methods of microfluidic membraneless exchange using filtration of extraction outlet streams
A device, system and method for exchanging components between first and second fluids by direct contact in a microfluidic channel. The fluids flow as thin layers in the channel. One of the fluids is passed through a filter upon exiting the channel and is recycled through a secondary processor which changes the fluid's properties. The recycled fluid is reused for further exchange. The filter excludes blood cells from the recycled fluid and prevents or limits clogging of the filter. The secondary processor removes metabolic waste and water by diafiltration. |
| US08097160B2 |
Flat membrane element and manufacturing method thereof
Even when a membrane sheet contains an inorganic material, the membrane sheet and a support plate are properly deposited by a laser emission. In a manufacturing method of a flat membrane element lapping a membrane sheet performing solid-liquid separation on a support plate supporting the membrane sheet and emitting a laser to a mutual joint portion to deposit the membrane sheet and the support plate, when the membrane sheet contains an inorganic material, the support plate is formed by a material having laser penetration and the laser is emitted from the support plate side to the joint portion. |
| US08097155B2 |
Above ground water clarifier
An above ground water clarifier is described. The clarifier includes a spray system for receiving water from an external system and disposing the water onto a filter tray rack. A first recovery chamber is positioned below the filter tray rack for receiving filtered water that is gravity fed through the filter tray rack. A second recovery chamber is positioned adjacent to and fluidly connected with the first recovery chamber. The first and second recovery chambers are formed to filter out solids and/or oils before passing the water to a sump chamber and/or the sewer. The sump chamber includes a plurality of tiered pumps for pumping the water back to the external system. |
| US08097154B2 |
Filter unit having a conical thread
To be able to insert a cylindrical filter element (10) which is joined at each end to an end disk (14) quickly into a housing element (40) in a filter unit (100) and connect it firmly, a screw connection having conical threads (16, 46) on the filter element (10) and on the bottom of the housing (41) is provided. |
| US08097151B2 |
Water harvesting device
The device disclosed is an improved water harvesting device providing the capability of diverting debris away from a water entry area and reducing potential for clogging of the water entry area. The water harvesting device comprises a tank portion for containment of water and a water entry portion for receiving water, particularly rainwater from a building water collection system such as an eaves and downspout configuration. Debris typically accompanying rainwater as it exits from the downspout of the building collection system is diverted away from the water entry area allowing for better water collection efficiency, preventing backing of water and reducing operator maintenance of the device. |
| US08097150B1 |
Wave energy conversion system
A wave energy conversion system includes a barge support frame having a frame superstructure and a plurality of frame support legs selectively extendable from the frame superstructure, a barge carried by the barge support frame and at least one wave energy conversion pump comprising a water transfer conduit carried by the barge support frame and having a filter port and an inner water transfer space disposed in fluid communication with the filter port, a pressure conduit mounted for displacement on the water transfer conduit and having an outer water transfer space disposed in fluid communication with the inner water transfer space and a buoyancy vessel carried by the pressure conduit. Also disclosed are a power generation pumping system and a river or stream fed system having tanks to contain and pressurize water to a force sufficient to drive turbine generators for electric power production and potable water use. |
| US08097149B2 |
Catalyst and method for hydrodesulfurization of hydrocarbons
Oil soluble catalysts are used in a process to hydrodesulfurize petroleum feedstock having a high concentration of sulfur-containing compounds and convert the feedstock to a higher value product. The catalyst complex includes at least one attractor species and at least one catalytic metal that are bonded to a plurality of organic ligands that make the catalyst complex oil-soluble. The attractor species selectively attracts the catalyst to sulfur sites in sulfur-containing compounds in the feedstock where the catalytic metal can catalyze the removal of sulfur. Because the attractor species selectively attracts the catalysts to sulfur sites, non-productive, hydrogen consuming side reactions are reduced and greater rates of hydrodesulfurization are achieved while consuming less hydrogen per unit sulfur removed. |
| US08097141B2 |
Flow dielectrophoretic separation of single wall carbon nanotubes
According to some embodiments, a method for separating a first fraction of a single wall carbon nanotubes and a second fraction of single wall carbon nanotubes includes, but is not limited to: flowing a solution comprising the nanotubes into a dielectrophoresis chamber; applying a DC voltage, in combination with an AC voltage, to the dielectrophoresis chamber; and collecting a first eluent from the dielectrophoresis chamber, wherein the first eluent comprises the first fraction and is depleted of the second fraction, wherein the first and second fractions differ by at least one of conductivity, diameter, length, and combinations thereof. |
| US08097140B2 |
Liquid sample analysis methods
A method for collecting an analyte species from a sample is provided, the method of collection potentially being supplemented to give a method of preparing a sample for analysis and/or a method of analysis. The method including providing part of a sample in a substrate, causing the sample to migrate to an interface between the substrate and a second substrate due to the action of an electrical potential difference, the electrophoretic velocity of the analyte species of the second substrate being balanced by or exceeded by the bulk flow velocity of the second substrate and the bulk flow velocity of the second substrate being in an opposing direction to the electrophoretic velocity of the analyte species in the second substrate. In this way substantial concentration of the analyte species at the interface is provided. Subsequently the species can be conveyed away from the interface for further preparation and/or analysis. |
| US08097139B2 |
Sensor element, gas sensor, and method of manufacturing the sensor element
A sensor element having a plate-like shape and extending in a longitudinal direction and having a chamfered portion at an edge between a main surface and a rear-end surface or between a main surface and a side surface of the sensor element. The sensor element includes a solid electrolyte layer, an insulating layer disposed on the solid electrolyte layer and constituting at least part of the main surface, and an electrode pad disposed away from the chamfered portion for connection to an outside circuit. Furthermore, the solid electrolyte layer and the insulating layer are exposed at the chamfered portion. Also disclosed are a gas sensor including the sensor element and a method of manufacturing the sensor element. |
| US08097135B2 |
Reversible electrochemical sensors for polyions
The present invention is directed to a reversible electrochemical sensor for polyions. The sensor uses active extraction and ion stripping, which are controlled electrochemically. Spontaneous polyion extraction is suppressed by using membranes containing highly lipophilic electrolytes that possess no ion-exchange properties. Reversible extraction of polyions is induced by constant current pulse of fixed duration applied across the membrane. Subsequently, polyions are removed by applying a constant stripping potential. The sensors provide excellent stability and reversibility and allow for measurements of heparin concentration in whole blood samples via protamine titration. The sensors can also monitor a polyion concentration and an enzyme activity, wherein the polyion decomposition is directly proportional to the enzyme activity in a sample. Additionally, the sensors can monitor an enzyme inhibitor activity. Also, an immunoassay can be used to detect analytes by employing one of a polyion and an enzyme as markers. |
| US08097131B2 |
Electrochemical machining method and electrochemical machining device
A method and a device for electrochemically machining workpiece having blade end plates at the longitudinal both ends of a blade-shaped portion having aerofoil shape in cross section by extending and retracting divided electrodes. A part of the blade-shaped portion and one blade end plate continued therewith are electrochemically machined by advancing the main electrode in an acute angle direction relative to the longitudinal direction of the blade-shaped portion. At the same time or subsequently, the remaining part of the blade-shaped portion and the other blade end plate continued therewith are electrochemically machined by slidably advancing an auxiliary electrode along the slope of the main electrode forming an acute angle relative to the blade-shaped-portion-machining-surface. Thus, the number of the parts of an electrode unit can be reduced and the structure thereof can be simplified. |
| US08097128B1 |
Method and apparatus for purifying water
An efficient flash evaporation water purification system located at a hydrocarbon well site. An internal combustion engine uses hydrocarbon fuel from the well and drives a pump to pressurize production water from the well. The engine also generates thermal energy used to preheat the production water. An electrical generator is also driven by the engine to produce electrical power for the water purification system, as well as produce AC power for off-site consumers. |
| US08097125B2 |
Temporary wet strength system for tissue paper
The invention relates to a composition comprising a (a) a temporary wet strength agent component capable of forming hemi-acetal bonds with the fibers of a tissue web to provide initial wet strength, subsequent rapid degradation of the initial wet strength when the tissue web contacts water; and (b) a sizing agent component capable of imparting water-repelling properties to the tissue web; such that the strength agent component and the sizing agent component are present in sufficient amounts so that when the composition is added to a tissue pulp slurry during a tissue-making process, tissue made from the tissue-making process exhibits a combination of (i) improved initial wet tensile, (ii) improved decay, and (iii) absorbency. |
| US08097122B2 |
Papermaking machine dewatering blade incorporating attachment mechanism
Segments, typically ceramic, for use in dewatering blades for papermaking and similar machines comprise lower surfaces to each of which at least one interlock member is bonded. The segments are installed by inserting the interlock members into a channel in an intermediate sub-assembly or base member. The members are securely attached within the channel by a suitable adhesive, or clip means to engage the interlock members, with the optional addition of an adhesive. The segments and dewatering blades, and a method of manufacture, allows for the segments to be made as flat units, without unnecessary angular surfaces, simplifies their attachment to the base, and reduces the occurrence of stress cracking or other damage to the segments. A single segment can be used in various dewatering blade types and in more than one orientation in dewatering blades, reducing manufacturing costs by unitizing construction. |
| US08097120B2 |
Process tuning gas injection from the substrate edge
Broadly speaking, the embodiments of the present invention provides an improved plasma processing mechanism, apparatus, and method to increase the process uniformity at the very edge of the substrate. In one embodiment, a plasma processing chamber comprises a substrate support configured to receive a substrate, and a plurality of tuning gas injection holes surrounding the edge of the substrate, wherein the tuning gas injection holes supplies a tuning gas to the edge of the substrate during plasma processing of the substrate. |
| US08097119B2 |
Heat-resistant structural epoxy resins
Epoxy adhesive compositions containing a rubber-modified epoxy resin contain a bisphenol. The bisphenol can be pre-reacted with the rubber-modified epoxy resin to advance the resin. The adhesives are resistant to thermal degradation as can occur in so-called “overbake” conditions, in which the adhesive is heated to high temperatures for prolonged periods of time. In addition, expanded microballoons are included in epoxy structural adhesives to promote a desired fracture mode. |
| US08097116B2 |
Corrosion-resistant ply bond adhesives and products and processes incorporating such adhesives
Corrosion-resistant adhesive compositions are provided. The compositions are useful for bonding together plies in multi-ply cellulosic fibrous structures. Multi-ply cellulosic fibrous structures incorporating the adhesives, products produced from such structures, and methods of producing the structures are also disclosed. The adhesive compositions incorporate a polyvinyl alcohol polymer and a corrosion inhibitor. The adhesive compositions may be sprayed or coated onto the cellulosic structures to bond layers of the structure to each other. The corrosion-resistant adhesive compositions are useful for preventing corrosion in the various devices used for handling and application of the adhesives such as spray equipment and applicator rolls. The cellulosic fibrous structures may be used to produce a variety of products including paper towels, toilet tissue, facial tissue, napkins, and other absorbent materials. |
| US08097115B2 |
Manufacturing method of electro optical device
A manufacturing method of an electro optical device includes drawing a seal material in adjacent substrate forming areas on a first large size substrate and bonding a second large size substrate to the first large size substrate via the seal material. During drawing of the seal material, the seal material is continuously drawn in the substrate forming areas by a going stroke, a return point, and a returning stroke. In the going stroke, the seal material is continuously drawn through a portion of each of the substrate forming areas to the return point. In the returning stroke, the seal material is continuously drawn from the return point and through a different portion of each of the substrate forming areas. |
| US08097114B2 |
Glass laminate containing ionomer
A non-autoclave process for producing a glass laminate comprises applying a sub-assembly including a rigid layer and an ionomer interlayer in a vacuum bag or vacuum press under vacuum followed by heating, cooling, and releasing vacuum. |
| US08097112B2 |
Method for manufacturing membrane-electrode assembly
A method for manufacturing a membrane-electrode assembly of the present invention includes: a reinforcing member disposing step of disposing a reinforcing member (104A, 104B), whose frame portion is formed to surround an opening of the reinforcing member, on a polymer electrolyte membrane (102) such that the frame portion covers a peripheral portion of at least one surface of the polymer electrolyte membrane; a catalyst layer applying step of applying a coating of a catalyst layer (109A, 109B) on at least an entire surface of the polymer electrolyte membrane (102) which surface is exposed from the opening of the reinforcing member (104A, 104B); and a gas diffusion layer disposing step of disposing a gas diffusion layer (114A, 114B) such that the gas diffusion layer covers the catalyst layer (109A, 109B). |
| US08097111B2 |
Method and apparatus for encoding labels
There is disclosed method and apparatus for encoding labels with information relating to temperature, life expectancy and/or discard dates and times of products such as perishable items. A hand-held portable printer mounts a thermometer which can sense the temperature of an item and the printer can print a label bearing the sensed temperature and/or other related data. |
| US08097110B2 |
Island placement technology
A placement apparatus comprising an anvil roller, a die roller communicatively associated with the anvil roller, and a bump transfer roller communicatively associated with the vacuum roll. The invention also provides a process for placing articles on a web, comprising the steps of providing a stream of articles, placing the articles on the anvil roller, moving the anvil roller, moving an output web, and periodically bringing the output web into communicative association with the anvil roller whereby the articles are transferred to the output web at a predetermined distance from each other. |
| US08097107B2 |
Single stage glass lamination apparatus and process
A glass sheet assembly including a first glass sheet arranged in an opposing parallel configuration with respect to a second glass sheet is provided, with a heat sensitive layer of adhesive laminating film disposed between the first glass sheet and the second glass sheet, the glass sheet assembly having a leading edge and a trailing edge and being of a fixed length and width, the laminating film having a bonding temperature at which melting of the laminating film is initiated. The glass sheet assembly is heated using an array of heating elements so as to cause differential heating along the length of the glass sheet assembly such that the temperature at the leading edge of the glass sheet assembly is higher than the temperature at the trailing edge of the glass sheet assembly with uniform heating across the width of the glass sheet assembly. The first and second glass sheets are pressed toward each other to purge air or moisture from the glass sheet assembly until the first and second glass sheets adhere together via the adhesive laminating film, the step of pressing being initiated at the leading edge of the glass sheet assembly when the temperature of the laminating film at the leading edge of the glass sheet assembly reaches the bonding temperature of the laminating film. |
| US08097105B2 |
Extending lifetime of yttrium oxide as a plasma chamber material
Two methods of extending the lifetime of yttrium oxide as a plasma chamber material are provided. One method comprises making a three-layer component of a plasma processing chamber by co-sintering a dual-layer green body where one layer comprises ceramic particles and a second layer comprises yttria particles. The two layers are in intimate contact during the sintering process. In a preferred embodiment, the three layer component comprises an outer layer of yttria, an intermediate layer of YAG, and a second outer layer of alumina. Optionally, the disks are pressed together during the sintering process. The resulting three-layer component is very low in porosity. Preferably, the porosity of any of the outer layer of yttria, the intermediate layer of YAG, and the second outer layer of alumina, is less than 3%. The second method comprises sealing an yttria plasma spray coated component by applying a liquid anaerobic sealant with a room temperature viscosity of less than 50 cP to the component by brushing the sealant on all yttria surfaces of the component, wet cleaning the component, curing the wet cleaned component for over 2 hours at a temperature of at least 150° C. in an N2 environment; and, applying a second sealant coat to the cured substrate by repeating the procedure used to apply the first coat. |
| US08097103B2 |
Copper complexes with oxalyldihydrazide moieties
Methods of making and resultant compositions thereof, which include copper-oxalyldihydrazide-based complexes, such as pyrotechnic compositions, gas generants, and ignition materials, which are useful, for example, in inflatable restraint systems. Synthesis of one or more copper-oxalyldihydrazide complexes with nitrate and/or hydroxide counter ions provides a composition that may auto-ignite at a low enough temperature to be based with thermally sensitive gas generants. The present copper-oxalyldihydrazide complexes may also be used in conjunction with various oxidizers to produce compositions with sufficient energy to auto-ignite practically any known pyrotechnic composition. |
| US08097100B2 |
Ternary aluminum alloy films and targets for manufacturing flat panel displays
A physical vapor deposition target for the manufacturing of flat panel displays is provided. The target includes a ternary alloy system having, by atom percent, a first component in an amount of about 90 to 99.98, wherein the first component is aluminum, a second component in an amount of about 0.01 to 2.0, wherein the second component is a rare earth element selected from the group consisting of Nd, Ce, Dy and Gd, and a third component in an amount of about 0.01 to 8.0, wherein the third element is selected from the group consisting of Ni, Co, Mo, Sc, and Hf. |
| US08097093B2 |
Methods for treating a ferrous metal substrate
Disclosed are methods for treating and coating a ferrous metal substrate, such as cold rolled steel, hot rolled steel, and electrogalvanized steel. These methods include contacting the ferrous metal substrate with an aqueous pretreatment composition comprising: (a) a Group IIIB and/or IVB metal compound; (b) phosphate ions; and (c) water. |
| US08097092B2 |
Method of cleaning and after treatment of optical surfaces in an irradiation unit
The present invention relates to a method of cleaning and after treatment of optical surfaces in an irradiation unit, said irradiation unit comprising a radiation source (1, 31) emitting EUV-radiation and/or soft X-rays, a first volume (40) following said radiation source (1, 31) and containing first optical components (3, 33) with said optical surfaces, and a second volume (41) following said first volume (40) and containing second optical components (38). The method comprises at least one cleaning step in which a first gas or gas mixture is brought into contact with said optical surfaces, thereby forming volatile compounds with contaminations deposited on said optical surfaces, wherein said compounds are pumped out of the first volume (40) together with the first gas or gas mixture. In an after treatment step following said cleaning step the radiation source (1, 3) is operated once or several times in order to release residues of the cleaning step from the optical surfaces by irradiating said optical surfaces with said EUV-radiation or soft X-rays while the first volume (40) is separated from the second volume (41), wherein said released residues are pumped out of the first volume (40). With this method an improved cleaning result is achieved. |
| US08097090B2 |
Mitigation of deposits and secondary reactions in thermal conversion processes
Described herein are systems and methods for reducing cumulative deposition and unwanted secondary thermal reactions in pyrolysis and other thermal conversion processes. In an embodiment, a system comprises a device, referred to as a reamer, for removing product deposits between thermal conversion and condensation operations of a pyrolysis process. The reamer may comprise, but is not limited to, a mechanical reciprocating rod or ram, a mechanical auger, a drill bit, a high-temperature wiper, brush, or punch to remove deposits and prevent secondary reactions. Alternatively or in addition, the reamer may use a high-velocity curtain or jet (i.e., a hydraulic or pneumatic stream) of vapor, product gas, recycle gas, other gas jet or non-condensing liquid to remove deposits. Preferably, the reamer removes deposits during the pyrolysis process allowing for continuous operation of the pyrolysis process. |
| US08097089B2 |
Methods for cleaning process kits and chambers, and for ruthenium recovery
A method is provided for recovering a metal from electronic device deposition equipment including: providing deposition equipment wherein the deposition equipment is at least partially coated with a deposited metal; blasting the deposition equipment with a grit to remove at least some of the deposited metal to form a blasted grit and a removed metal; and separating at least some of the removed metal from the blasted grit to form a recovered metal. |
| US08097088B1 |
Methods for processing substrates in a dual chamber processing system having shared resources
Methods for processing substrates in dual chamber processing systems comprising first and second process chambers that share resources may include performing a first internal chamber clean in each of the first process chamber and the second process chamber; and subsequently processing a substrate in one of the first process chamber or the second process chamber by: providing a substrate to one of the first process chamber or the second process chamber; providing a process gas to the first process chamber and the second process chamber; forming a plasma in only the one of the first process chamber or the second process chamber having the substrate contained therein; and providing an inert gas to the first process chamber and the second process chamber via one or more channels formed in a surface of respective substrate supports disposed in the first process chamber and the second process chamber while processing the substrate. |
| US08097081B2 |
High pressure apparatus and method for nitride crystal growth
A high pressure apparatus and related methods for processing supercritical fluids. In a specific embodiment, the present apparatus includes a capsule, a heater, at least one ceramic ring but can be multiple rings, optionally, with one or more scribe marks and/or cracks present. In a specific embodiment, the apparatus optionally has a metal sleeve containing each ceramic ring. The apparatus also has a high-strength enclosure, end flanges with associated insulation, and a power control system. IN a specific embodiment, the apparatus is capable of accessing pressures and temperatures of 0.2-2 GPa and 400-1200° C., respectively. |
| US08097079B2 |
Laminating adhesive
A laminating adhesive includes a polyol; an acid-modified polyol obtained by reaction of a hydrophobic polyol containing a hydrocarbon moiety having 12 to 80 carbon atoms in its molecule in an amount of 30 to 95% by weight or a derivative thereof with an aromatic polycarboxylic acid anhydride and having a carboxyl group at a molecular terminal thereof; an organic polyisocyanate compound; and a silane coupling agent.A laminating adhesive film is excellent even after high-temperature sterilization treatment in adhesion performance between a metal foil or a barrier film and a plastic film serving as an inner layer, and also in adhesion performance between a metal foil or a barrier film and a plastic film serving as an outer layer. |
| US08097078B2 |
Binder for whiteware ceramic mixture and method of using same
An improvement in a mixture for forming into a body that is to be fired into a “whiteware ceramic product” wherein the mixture is a compound of clay and other minerals with a ferric oxide content of less than about 5.0% by weight of the dry mixture. The improvement includes adding to the mixture a binder in the form of a combination of protein and a vegetable flour with an equivalent gram strength of at least 30 grams and a protein content of 20-50% of the binder, where the binder is in the range of 0.05% to 0.50% by weight of the dry mixture. |
| US08097075B2 |
Ink set, ink jet recording method, recorded matter, and ink jet recording apparatus
An ink set includes an oil-based ink composition containing a metallic pigment; and at least one oil-based ink composition selected from the group consisting of a chromatic color ink composition containing a chromatic color oil dye, a black ink composition containing a black oil dye, and a colorless and transparent ink composition that does not contain a colorant. |
| US08097069B2 |
Pressurised container
A pressurized container (10, 20) for containing oil and a gas dissolved therein at a constant overall average pressure at a pressure above atmospheric pressure comprising a means (11a, 11b, 11c, 11d, 21a, 21b, 21c, 21d) for introducing a local area of reduced pressure within the oil. Preferably the local area of reduced pressure result in the gas dissolved in the oil evolving from the oil. This enables gas to be evolved from the oil without needing to reduce the pressure of the entire volume of oil which the gas is to be evolved from. The evolved gas and remaining oil occupy a greater volume than did the gas containing oil and consequently the pressure in the vessel will increase. This will allow the gas to be drawn off while the overall pressure of the container (10, 20) is maintained. |
| US08097067B2 |
Runtime sensor for small forced air handling units
Herein are disclosed devices and methods that can be used to provide an indication of the need to change a filter in a small forced air handling unit, based on the actual operating time (runtime) of the unit. The methods rely on the use of at least one vibration sensor that is placed in contact with a surface of an exterior component of the air handling unit and that can determine whether the unit is operating by sensing vibrations of the surface caused by operation of the unit. |
| US08097065B2 |
System and method for producing metallic iron
A hearth furnace 10 for producing metallic iron material has a furnace housing 11 having a drying/preheat zone 12, a conversion zone 13, a fusion zone 14, and optionally a cooling zone 15, the conversion zone 13 is between the drying/preheat zone 12 and the fusion zone 14. A moving hearth 20 is positioned within the furnace housing 11. A hood or separation barrier 30 within at least a portion of the conversion zone 13, fusion zone 14 or both separates the fusion zone 14 into an upper region and a lower region with the lower region adjacent the hearth 20 and the upper region adjacent the lower region and spaced from the hearth 20. An injector introduces a gaseous reductant into the lower region adjacent the hearth 20. A combustion region may be formed above the hood or separation barrier. |
| US08097062B2 |
Use of conductor compositions in electronic circuits
Use of a composition comprising finely divided particles of (a) an electrically-conductive material; (b) one or more inorganic binders; and (c) zinc, wherein components (a), (b) and (c) are dispersed in a liquid vehicle, in the manufacture of an electrically-conductive pattern on a substrate for the purpose of increasing the resistivity of said electrically-conductive pattern. |
| US08097060B2 |
Laminate filter
A filter includes a spacing member and a filter element having two layers laminated together with the spacing member such that the spacing member extends between the filter element layers. The spacing member spaces apart the filter element layers to define an opening between the filter element layers. |
| US08097052B2 |
Hopper flow smoothing method and device
A filtration system for a particulate-laden stream of gas utilizes a group of fabric bags within the upper chamber of a housing as the means by which particulate matter is filtered out of the gas. The gas inlet into a lower chamber of the housing is provided with an inlet guide that directs the incoming gas against the lower side of a porous diffuser located below the group of bags and spanning at least most of the separation zone defined by the bags. Passages through the diffuser are configured to present an array of nozzles so that the gas is subjected to a pressure drop across the diffuser before flowing to the bags. The nozzle effect causes the particulate-laden gas to spread out evenly on the lower, upstream side of the diffuser and pass through the diffuser at substantially equal velocity at all passages, thereby smoothing the flow and distributing it evenly to all bags. |
| US08097050B2 |
Rotary vacuum apparatus for air screen
A vacuum apparatus rotatable about an axis through a filter screen for continually removing contaminants, which utilizes an asymmetrical vacuum arm supported by a center hub, and large longitudinally extending asymmetrical vacuum orifices in portions of the arm on opposite sides of the hub, operable for removing large elements of debris, trash and the like from the screen. One of the arm portions cleans a radial outer region of the screen, and the other cleans an inner region, the arm portions being generally even in mass for balance. A knife disposed on the screen cleans and cooperates with a brush on the arm for breaking up larger elements of trash. The arm is also manually removable via a snap together vacuum seal joint, for service and cleaning. |
| US08097047B2 |
Fabric color rejuvenation composition
Rejuvenation compositions including a reactive dye are disclosed for the one-shot rejuvenation of the color for dark-colored textile fabrics and garments formed therefrom. The rejuvenation compositions return faded black or dark colored garments to a like-new look. Methods of rejuvenating the faded color of garments by using the dye compositions are also disclosed. |
| US08097045B2 |
Polymeric hair dyes
Disclosed are olymeric dye of formula (1a), (1b), (1c), A and B, independently from each other represent a polymer backbone; X1 and X2 independently from each other are a linkage group selected from —C1-C30alkylene- or —C2-C12alkenylene-, which is interrupted and/or terminated at one or both ends by one or more than one —S—, —N—, —N═—, —N(R5)—, —S(O)—, —SO2—, —(CH2CH2—O)1-5—, —(CH2CH2CH2—O)1-5—, —C(O)—, —C(O)O—, —OCO—, (II), —CON(R1)—, —C(NR1R2)2—, —(R1)NC(O)—, —C(S)R1—; or an optionally substituted, saturated or unsaturated, fused or non-fused aromatic or nonaromatic (heterocyclic) bivalent radical optionally comprising at least one heteroatom; a saturated or unsaturated, fused or non-fused aromatic or nonaromatic bivalent radical comprising at least one heteroatom, which is optionally substituted by C1-C30alkyl, C1-C30alkoxy, C2-C12alkenyl, C5-C10aryl, C5-C10cycloalkyl, C1-C10alkyl(C5-C10arylene), hydroxy or halogen; R1 and R2 independently from each other are hydrogen; unsubstituted or substituted, straight-chain or branched, monocyclic or polycyclic, interrupted or uninterrupted C1-C14alkyl; C2-C14alkenyl; C6-C10aryl; C6-C10aryl-C1-C10alkyl; or C5-C10alkyl(C5-C10aryl); Y1 and Y2 independently from each other are a residue of an organic dye; or hydrogen; wherein at least one of Y1 and Y2 is a residue of an organic dye; An1, An2 and An3, independently from each other are an anion; a and b independently from each other are a number from 1 to 3; m is a number from 0 to 5000; n is a number from 0 to 5000; and p is a number from 1 to 5000; wherein the sum of m+n+p≧3. The dyes are distinguished by their depth of shade and their good fastness properties to washing, such as, for example, fastness to light, shampooing and rubbing. |
| US08097044B2 |
Hair compositions comprising at least one disulfide direct dye and at least one alkaline hydroxide agent and simultaneous hair shaping and dyeing processes
Disclosed herein are compositions for simultaneous shaping, dyeing, and/or lightening of keratin fibers comprising at least one disulfide direct dye and at least one organic or mineral hydroxide alkaline agent. Also disclosed herein are processes for simultaneous shaping, dyeing, and/or lightening of keratin fibers using said compositions and compartmentalized devices comprising said compositions. The compositions disclosed herein may make it possible to obtain a long-lasting dyeing effect, while limiting the degradation of the keratin fibers. |
| US08097038B2 |
Prosthetic vertebral assembly
Intervertebral disc prostheses are provided. More particularly, the invention provides disc prostheses that have adjustable disc heights, that are readily converted into fusion prostheses and that provide a range of motions that effectively mimic the natural range of motions of a spinal disc. |
| US08097037B2 |
Methods and devices for correcting spinal deformities
Method and devices are provided for correction of spinal deformities. The methods and devices are particularly useful for correcting an abnormal curvature of the spine. In one exemplary embodiment, the methods and devices provide a spinal implant that can include a wedged-shape configuration. The wedged implant can be interposed between adjacent vertebrae that form part of an abnormal spinal curvature, thereby realigning the vertebrae and restoring the normal curvature to the spine. |
| US08097035B2 |
Intervertebral space implant for use in spinal fusion procedures
An implant assembly is provided for surgical implantation into an intervertebral space, such as for stabilization of vertebrae adjacent the intervertebral space during a spinal fusion procedure. The implant assembly includes a primary segment separate from a secondary segment. These segments are elongate and of sufficiently small cross-section that they can be implanted posteriorly in a minimally invasive manner. The primary segment preferably includes a tunnel and the secondary segment preferably includes a neck with the tunnel and neck sized complementally so that the segments stabilize each other where they intersect with the neck within the tunnel. The entire implant assembly is thus provided which both widens and supports the intervertebral space and is sufficiently rigid to provide adequate support for the intervertebral space as the vertebrae are fusing together. |
| US08097033B2 |
Extraocular muscle prosthesis
A prosthetic device and method to restore extraocular muscle function. The device includes a housing; a biasing component disposed in the housing; a proximal connector operatively connected to a proximal end of the biasing component; and a distal connector operatively connected to a distal end of the biasing component, wherein the proximal connector is configured for being secured with respect to an orbital bone and the distal connector adapted to be secured to the paralyzed or absent muscle stump, e.g. on the globe, or to the eyelid. |
| US08097026B2 |
Minimally invasive retraction device having removable blades
A retraction device comprises at least one retracting blade and a pedicle screw. The retracting blade has a distal end having at least one projection with a passage for engaging a retention pin. The pedicle screw has a threaded body and a movable head. The movable head has at least one recess with a channel that can be aligned with the passage of the projection. |
| US08097023B2 |
Grommet assembly
A connecting device is provided for use in orthopedic surgery, for example to connect a spinal rod and a vertebral screw or hook. The connector generally includes a receiver member for receiving an elongated member, and an grommet member for receiving a bone fixation member. The grommet member is inserted into the receiver member so that the receiver member and grommet member are rotatably connected. One or more disks may be placed between the receiver member and grommet member to assist in locking the device. |
| US08097022B2 |
Flexible coupling members for spinal stabilization members
A spinal stabilization system includes a first stabilization member and a second stabilization member engaged to one another in end-to-end fashion. A flexible coupling member allows the spinal stabilization members to be assembled and attached to the spinal column to dynamically support of the stabilized levels of the spinal column. |
| US08097021B1 |
Percutaneous spinous process and inter-spinous process stapler and plate stabilizing systems
Spinous stabilizing system comprises spaced apart, pointed staples held to a connecting rod, a stabilizing plate and a set of locking caps for the staple's tips. The tips are forced through the spinous process and captured/secured by the locking caps, pulling the stabilizing plate against the spinous process and toward the heads of the staples and connecting rod. A pair of pliers loaded with the components on the lever arms can be squeezed together to cause the tips of the staple to penetrate the spinous processes and then become frictionally captured within the locking caps. The spacing between the staples are adjusted, pre-installation, by a locking screw acting on the connecting rod or, alternatively, after the device is percutanteously inserted, by laterally directed locking screws which mate with and cam a locking wedge. Matingly engageable speculated plates, installed by pliers, can also be used for spinous fixation. |
| US08097020B2 |
Pedicle dynamic facet arthroplasty system and method
A total facet arthroplasty system and method of assembling a longitudinal member therein comprises a first pedicle screw assembly configured in a monoaxial position, wherein the first pedicle screw assembly comprises a first opening; a second pedicle screw assembly configured in a polyaxial position, wherein the second pedicle screw assembly comprises a second opening; and a longitudinal member attaching the first pedicle screw assembly to the second pedicle screw assembly such that the longitudinal member is mounted through the first and second openings, wherein the first opening is positioned in an orientation other than parallel with respect to the second opening. The longitudinal member comprises an angled orientation other than 180° or a whole factor thereof. |
| US08097015B2 |
Device and methods for preventing formation of thrombi in the left atrial appendage
The embodiments of the present invention provide a device that modifies the left atrial appendage (LAA) to reduce the likelihood of thrombus formation therein. The device includes a liner that reduces the volume of the LAA and remodels the interior geometry and surfaces of the LAA thereby minimizing the crenellations in the LAA that impede blood flow. According to some embodiments, the device further includes an anchor component. The anchor component helps to expand the liner upon deployment of the device in-vivo and further prevents dislodgement and migration of the device, by ensuring the device is properly seated and completely sealed against the walls and ostium of the LAA. |
| US08097011B2 |
Surgical treatment apparatus
A surgical treatment apparatus includes a first unit including a first vibration transmission member and a first holding member, a second unit including a second vibration transmission member, a second holding member, and an elastic member provided between the second vibration transmission member and the second holding member, configured to be deformed in accordance with a relative arrangement of the second vibration transmission member and the second holding member with respect to the axial direction to give the second vibration transmission member an elastic force in the axial direction, and an adjustment coupling mechanism to couple the first unit and the second unit with each other, arrange the first vibration transmission member and the second vibration transmission member coaxially, and adjust a relative arrangement of the first holding member and the second holding member. |
| US08097008B2 |
Laparoscopic hernia mesh spreader
An apparatus is provided for the laparoscopic deployment and positioning of surgical materials, such as mesh. The mesh is applied by at least one extension arm which radiates from a central shaft. Alternate embodiments employ simultaneously and/or individually extended rigid arms, and simultaneously deployed resilient arms. Various methods are also disclosed for attaching the mesh to the abdominal wall once it is deployed by the extension arms. Illustrative attaching methods include staples, low viscosity adhesives, and electro-cauterization. |
| US08097007B2 |
Self-anchoring sling and introducer system
A system for supporting the urethra using an introducer needle, the ends of which are flattened and which have openings therethrough, a handle having a latch mechanism which engages the opening in the flattened portion of the first end of the introducer needle, an implant, and a connector joining the end of the implant to the flattened portion of one of the ends of the introducer needle. These components are used to draw the implant into position, either through vaginal or abdominal incisions, to form a U-shaped loop beneath the urethra. The ends of the implant are adjusted to provide proper support for the urethra. The implant can have slits that open under applied tensile force. |
| US08097004B2 |
Apparatus for dispensing surgical clips
An apparatus is described for dispensing a surgical clip (1) of memory metal, the clip being of the kind having a central portion (2) defining a plane and a pair of limbs (3, 4) extending from opposite sides of the central portion, one (3) of the pair of limbs having a free end disposed forward, and above the plane, of the central portion (2) and the other (4) of the pair of limbs having a free end disposed forward, and below the plane, of the central portion (2). The apparatus comprises an inner shaft (27) in which the clip (1) can be mounted and an outer movable member (25) for displacing the clip along the longitudinal axis of the inner shaft (27). The inner shaft comprises a central region (40) for accommodating the central portion (2) of the clip and a pair of diagonally opposed guide rails (41, 42) provided on opposite sides of the central region (40), one (41) of the guide rails being positioned above the central region to accommodate the one limb (3) and the other (42) of the guide rails being positioned below the central region to accommodate the other limb (4) of the clip. The rails hold the limbs of the clip splayed even though at room temperature they are biased into their clamping configuration, and the clip can then be applied round a body passageway from the end of the shaft (27). |
| US08097003B2 |
Endoscopic apparatus with integrated variceal ligation device
A variceal banding endoscope includes an elongated shaft having a distal end and a proximal end that is removably connected to a control unit. The endoscope includes a variceal banding apparatus fixedly attached to the distal end of the endoscope and capable of receiving a plurality of ligation bands. A trigger cable extends from the proximal end to the distal end of the shaft and is digitally actuated by an actuator in the control unit or handle of the scope in response to a user input device. |
| US08097002B2 |
Anoscope for inspection and/or surgery
An anoscope for inspection and/or surgery is provided. The anoscope includes a tubular body having a distal end, a proximal end, and a longitudinal axis defined therebetween, where the tubular body includes at least one elongated slot. The anoscope also includes an insert removably attached to the at least one elongated slot in the tubular body. The insert including an elongated slot having a smaller width than the at least one elongated slot in the tubular body. |
| US08096999B2 |
Surgical instrument
A bone plate fixing device comprises a first bone contacting element with a rod-shaped connecting member and a second bone contacting element displaceable on the connecting member. A surgical instrument for applying the bone plate fixing device comprises a first tool element positionable on the second bone contacting element, and a second tool element removable from the first tool element, with a transportation device for stepwise transportation of the connecting member with the second tool element. The second tool element has toothing comprising a plurality of teeth forming several receptacles for engaging toothing of the connecting member. The toothing of the connecting member may be on a projection protruding from the connecting member. The toothing of the second tool element may have a pitch which corresponds to an integral multiple of a pitch of the toothing of the connecting member. |
| US08096994B2 |
Percutaneous spinal implants and methods
An apparatus includes an elongate member configured to engage a spinal implant and a locking member. The locking member is disposed at a distal end portion of the elongate member. The locking member is configured to move relative to the elongate member between a first position and a second position in a direction substantially perpendicular to a center line of the elongate member. The locking member is configured to allow the distal end portion of the elongate member to move relative to the spinal implant when in the first position. The locking member is configured to couple the distal end portion of the elongate member to the spinal implant when in the second position. |
| US08096992B2 |
Reduced profile orthopaedic reamer
An orthopaedic reamer, which includes a reamer with a partially hemispherical shell which has a base including three circumferential base segments. The shell has three cutouts each extending to the base. Each of the three circumferential base segments are separated from another of the three circumferential base segments by one of the three cutouts. A driver attachment is directly connected to the three circumferential base segments. |
| US08096990B2 |
Ablative treatment of the heart to improve patient outcomes following surgery
Devices and methods are described for ablation of cardiac tissue for treating cardiac arrhythmias, such as atrial fibrillation. Devices may include a tissue contacting member for contacting epicardial tissue and securing the ablation device to the epicardial tissue and an ablation member for ablating the tissue. Suction apertures attach the contacting member to the epicardial surface with sufficient strength to stabilize the tissue with the device. The devices and methods can be used to ablate epicardial tissue in the vicinity of a pulmonary vein or to ablate cardiac tissues in other locations on a heart. A combined pacing and ablation probe is described for treating cardiac arrhythmia by: advancing the probe through an incision into the vicinity of the patient's heart, verifying at least one location of a cardiac parasympathetic ganglion, and applying ablation energy to the cardiac parasympathetic ganglion. |
| US08096981B2 |
Hip panel for a disposable absorbent article and method of manufacturing same
A disposable absorbent article includes an absorbent assembly having a bodyside liner, an outer cover, an absorbent structure, a first waist region, a second waist region, a crotch region, longitudinally opposite ends, and laterally opposite side edges. A pair of hip panels releaseably secures the first and second waist regions together. One of the hip panels extends laterally outward from one of the side edges in one of the first and second waist regions and the other hip panel extends laterally outward from the opposite side edge in the one of the first and second waist regions. Each of the hip panels has an upper edge, a lower edge, a fixed and a free end. Each of the upper and lower edges has a length and is curved along at least a portion of its length. The curved portions of the upper and lower edges are substantially identical. |
| US08096980B2 |
Controlled evacuation ostomy device with external seal
A flexible membrane is situated within a rigid or semi-rigid cap. The edge of the cap wall is adhesively fixed to the tissue surrounding the stoma. The interior of the cap is pressurized to press the membrane to seal the stoma against the discharge of solid and semi-solid waste. Gas escapes through a vent with a filter element. The cap can be pressurized by an external pump or an integral pump member situated on top of the cap. A relief valve prevents over pressurization. A collection pouch can be provided as part of a device. The device can be removably mounted on a standard two-piece faceplate. |
| US08096977B2 |
Protector and needle set
A protector comprising an inner tube, a lid connected to an upper opening of the inner tube through a hinge, and an outer tube for holding the inner tube in an inner cavity part of the outer tube. A blood collecting needle to which a tube is connected is stored in the inner tube. The inner tube comprises an annular seat face which seats on the base end part of a hub formed integrally with the blood collecting needle when the blood collecting needle moves downward. An operation lever extending downward is installed at the side of the lid, and an end part of the operation lever is slightly projected outward. When the blood collecting needle is moved, the inner tube is pulled integrally with the tube by the annular seat face to be slid relative to the outer tube until the end part abuts on the lower end part of an operation hole. Then, the lid is closed and the blood collecting needle is stored in the inner tube. |
| US08096975B2 |
Injector and thermal jacket for use with same
An apparatus for injecting a material comprising an injector barrel in communication with a delivery needle and a plunger, wherein at least a portion of the plunger is slidably disposed within a proximal portion of the injector barrel, and a proximal end of the delivery needle is in communication with a distal end of the injector barrel, and a thermal jacket surrounding at least a portion of the length of the injector barrel is disclosed. The thermal jacket may be used to regulate the temperature of the material to be delivered. |
| US08096973B2 |
Resettable safety shield for medical needles
A medical needle shield apparatus is provided that includes a needle hub (104) having an outer needle cannula (103) extending therefrom. An inner needle (106) is disposed for slidable movement with the outer needle cannula (103). At least one shield (101) is extensible from a retracted position to an extended position to enclose a distal end of the inner needle (101). The shield (101) includes a binding member (105) disposed within the shield (101) and defines binding surfaces (122) that form an aperture (138) configured for slidable receipt of the inner needle (106). The binding member (105) includes a binding member reset surface (107) aligned with a reset surface (108) for engagement therewith to allow reuse of a shielded needle apparatus. |
| US08096971B2 |
Dual chamber container for lyophilization, process for the filling up and use thereof
Double chamber container for holding and combining, e.g., a lyophilizate and a liquid reconstitution medium, comprising an integral cylindrical body (15) with a closure (20, 60) at each of the two ends (5, 70), an upper movable closure (60) to the side of the reconstitution medium and a lower closure (20) to the side of the lyophilizate, a separating stopper (40) that can be moved in the cylindrical body (15) as a seal between the upper chamber (50) and the lower chamber (30), a bypass (35), arranged below the separating stopper (40), having a length L greater than the height H of the separating stopper (40), wherein at the lower end (5) in the wall of the cylindrical body (15) or in the lower stopper (20) there are provided means (21, 25, 28) that allow connection of the interior of the cylindrical body (15) to the environment during the lyophilization. |
| US08096970B2 |
Diaphragm pump with prophylactic cover
A device for protecting the diaphragm of a pump, such as a diaphragm pump for a breastpump, from fluid (air/milk) is disclosed. A mounted flexible cover is located between the shell of the pump and the movable diaphragm membrane within the shell which isolates the membrane from fluid. |
| US08096964B1 |
Compression garment having grip
A compression garment adapted for placement in a self-retaining configuration on a body part for imparting compression therapy on the body part. The compression garment includes a flexible wrap and a bladder held in use by the wrap for compressing the body part. The wrap includes and inner flap and an outer flap. The outer flap overlaps the inner flap when the garment is in a self-retaining configuration on the body part. A fastener secures the wrap in the self-retaining configuration. When the outer flap overlaps the inner flap, at least a portion of the inner flap is exposed forming a grip for grasping the inner flap when tightening and fastening the garment in the self-retaining configuration. |
| US08096962B2 |
Method of determining depth of chest compressions during CPR
A method of processing a raw acceleration signal, measured by an accelerometer-based compression monitor, to produce an accurate and precise estimated actual depth of chest compressions. The raw acceleration signal is filtered during integration and then a moving average of past starting points estimates the actual current starting point. An estimated actual peak of the compression is then determined in a similar fashion. The estimated actual starting point is subtracted from the estimated actual peak to calculate the estimated actual depth of chest compressions. In addition, one or more reference sensors (such as an ECG noise sensor) may be used to help establish the starting points of compressions. The reference sensors may be used, either alone or in combination with other signal processing techniques, to enhance the accuracy and precision of the estimated actual depth of compressions. |
| US08096955B1 |
Specimen collection system
A specimen collection system for collecting urine and fecal samples for a person so that the urine and fecal samples can be tested includes a dish being positionable under a pelvis of a person to receive excretions from the person. The dish includes a bottom wall and a peripheral wall attached to and extending upwardly from the bottom wall. The peripheral wall has at least one pour spout formed therein and extending outwardly from a top edge of the peripheral wall to facilitate pouring of the excretions from the dish. A cover is positionable over the top edge of the dish and inhibits the excretions inadvertently spilling over the top edge of the dish when the cover is positioned over the top edge. At least one cup receives the excretions poured from the dish. The at least one cup stores the excretions for transport to be tested. |
| US08096950B2 |
Image processing apparatus and ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus
An image processing apparatus includes a random processing device which adds independent random components to a pixel value of a pixel point on each actual frame corresponding to a given time and a pixel value of a pixel point on each actual frame corresponding to a time subsequent to the time respectively thereby to obtain random-processed pixel values and a weighting/adding device which weights/adds the random-processed pixel values thereby to obtain a pixel value of a pixel point on each interpolation frame corresponding to an intermediate time. |
| US08096946B2 |
Vigilance monitoring system
The present invention pertains to a system and method of monitoring the alertness or wakefulness of a driver. The monitored parameters include cardiac, respiratory and movement parameters. Sensors are located in various locations of the driver side section to detect the vigilance of a driver. These sensors include pressure sensors embedded in the seat and pedals, and a head band for monitoring EEG, EMG and EOG signals. |
| US08096945B2 |
Disposable speculums having single-sided support and operating mechanism
The embodiments disclosed herein relate to disposable speculums, and more particularly to disposable vaginal speculums having single-sided support and operating mechanisms. In an embodiment, a speculum includes an upper member having an upper blade and a hinge assembly; a lower member having a handle and a lower blade, wherein a combined smoke channel light guide directs light from a light source in the handle to a distal end of the lower blade for smoke removal; and a linear support member having a proximal end, a distal end, and an elongated body therebetween, the linear support member vertically moveable within a track positioned in the lower member. |
| US08096943B2 |
Flexible endoscope tip bending mechanism using optical fiber as compression member
A flexible endoscope includes an elongate flexible extrusion. A central lumen extends longitudinally through the center of the extrusion, and a plurality of other longitudinally extending lumens are spaced around the central lumen. An optical fiber is inserted within the central lumen and is coupled to its inner surface. This optical fiber serves as a compression member and conveys light through the flexible endoscope. A first pair of tension members extend through lumens on opposite sides of the central lumen. Applying a tension force to one of these tension members causes a distal tip of the flexible endoscope to bend in a first direction, while applying a tension force to the opposite tension member causes the distal tip to bend in an opposite direction. Providing a second pair of tension members in lumens disposed orthogonal to the first pair enables bending of the distal tip relative to orthogonal axes. |
| US08096942B2 |
Endoscope balloon control device
A first and a second pumps for supplying a gas to a balloon for fixation mounted at an outer circumference portion at a tip end portion of an insertion portion of an endoscope and a balloon for fixation mounted at an outer circumference portion at a tip end portion of an overtube into which the endoscope is inserted and a control portion for controlling pressure in the respective balloons by operating the first and the second pumps are provided, and the control portion controls display of balloon inflation/deflation display portions and balloon during operation display portions of a remote controller on the basis of inflation-state information detected by a state detection output portion detecting inflation states of the respective balloons. |
| US08096941B2 |
Insertable device and system for minimal access procedure
The present invention provides a system and single or multi-functional element device that can be inserted and temporarily placed or implanted into a structure having a lumen or hollow space, such as a subject's abdominal cavity to provide therewith access to the site of interest in connection with minimally invasive surgical procedures. The insertable device may be configured such that the functional elements have various degrees of freedom of movement with respect to orienting the functional elements or elements to provide access to the site from multiple and different orientations/perspectives as the procedure dictates, e.g., to provide multiple selectable views of the site, and may provide a stereoscopic view of the site of interest. |
| US08096938B2 |
Controlled anal incontinence disease treatment
An anal incontinence disease treatment apparatus and method include and use an operable restriction device implanted in a patient and engaging the colon or engaging the rectum to form a restricted fecal passageway in the colon or rectum. A source of energy for energizing the restriction device is provided, as well as a control device for releasing energy from the source of energy from outside the patient's body. The released energy is used in connection with the operation of the restriction device, i.e. to enlarge and contract the fecal passageway to allow or substantially prevent passage of fecal material through the passageway. |
| US08096932B2 |
System and method for processing nested/unnested mailpiece content material
A system for processing nested/unnested content material in a mailpiece inserter includes a first accumulator, a second accumulator and a folding module disposed therebetween. The first accumulator is operative to feed individual sheets of content material, in one operating mode, and accumulate multiple sheets of content material in another operating mode. The second accumulator is operative to accumulate unnested, folded sheets of content material in one operating mode, and feed sheets of nested, folded sheets of content material in another operating mode. The folder interposes the first and second accumulators and is operative to (i) receive the individual sheets of content material from the first accumulator, fold the individual sheets, and feed the unnested, folded sheets to the second accumulator, in one of the operating modes, and (ii) receive the multiple sheets of content material from the first accumulator, fold the multiple sheets, and feed the nested folded sheets to the second accumulator, in the other of the operating modes. A system processor is operatively coupled to, and controls the operation of, the first accumulator, second accumulator and the folder in each of the operating modes. |
| US08096928B2 |
Device for treating the lower back
An arrangement for treatment of the back having a base, a backrest, a footplate and a spring arrangement. The spring arrangement is disposed against the backrest so that when a user sits on the seat, and presses against the footplate, the lower back of the user is pressed against the spring arrangement. |
| US08096924B2 |
Hand therapy exercise tools, and methods of constructing and utilizing same
Hand therapy methods and hand therapy exercise tools used with graded resistance putty to simulate fine/gross motor skills to improve hand/digit/forearm conditions. |
| US08096923B2 |
Exercise mat
A mat that can be used for the practice of yoga includes a curve-shaped design and strategically placed stitch markings to assist the user in producing a properly aligned position with each yoga pose or yoga posture. Both the shape enhancements and stitch markings can help create a technological and functional mat to help both novice and expert practitioners achieve better performance in their yoga practice. |
| US08096919B2 |
Motor control device, motored vehicle equipped therewith, and method of controlling a motor
When a torque control value (TR) is larger than a threshold value and vehicular speed (SV) is lower than a threshold value an upper temperature limit setting unit sets the upper temperature limit of a motor generator at an upper temperature limit (TS2) higher than a normally set upper temperature limit (TS1). A torque limitation control controls limiting a torque of the motor generator, as based on a motor temperature (T) and the upper temperature limit set by the upper temperature limit setting unit. |
| US08096918B2 |
Variator
A variator (10) has two races (12, 12) mounted for rotation about a common axis. Opposed, shaped faces (14, 18) of the races define an annular space containing at least one roller (38, 40) which runs upon the races to transfer drive between them. The roller is mounted on a carrier (42, 44) in such a way that its inclination to the common axis is able to change, to enable changes in variator ratio. The rollers and their carriers are controlled through a mechanism comprising a sun (46, 48) and a ring (50, 52) with which the carrier engages. Relative rotation of the sun and ring causes a tipping motion of the carrier (42, 44), so that the rollers steer themselves to a new inclination. To control the sun and ring, there is provided a planet (100) which engages them both. The rotational position of the carrier is controlled independently of its engagement with the sun and the ring. |
| US08096917B2 |
Planetary gearbox having multiple sun pinions
A gearbox is provided having multiple sun gears and one or more planet stages. The planet stages can include a first planet stage and a second planet stage. A first sun gear is connected to the first planet stage, and a second sun gear is connected to the second planet stage. The torque transmitted from the planet stages is at least partially distributed among the first sun gear and the second sun gear. |
| US08096914B2 |
Automatic transmission
An automatic transmission including three single pinion planetary gearsets and six friction elements, in which an input shaft is always connected to a first sun gear of a first planetary gearset, the output shaft is always connected to a second ring gear of a second planetary gearset, a third sun gear of a third planetary gearset is always kept in a fixed state relative to a transmission case of the automatic transmission, a first ring gear of the first planetary gearset and a third pinion carrier of the third planetary gearset are always connected to each other and constitute a first rotary member, and at least eight forward speeds and one reverse speed are respectively established by simultaneous engagements of three friction elements selected from the six friction elements. |
| US08096913B2 |
Locking differential assembly for a model vehicle
A locking differential assembly for use in a toy model vehicle. This is accomplished by mounting a locking clutch assembly on an output shaft of a differential gear carrier having an external face. The locking clutch assembly includes a slider member that may be configured to move along the output shaft to engage the external face to disable a differential action of the differential gear carrier. |
| US08096911B2 |
Eccentric oscillating gear mechanism and industrial robot joint construction using the same
There is provided an eccentric oscillating gear mechanism including an internal gear, an external gear meshing with the internal gear, a crankshaft for moving the external gear eccentrically, and a carrier for supporting rotatably the crankshaft, the internal gear and the carrier being made to rotate relatively, wherein a cylindrical tube body, which penetrates the eccentric oscillating gear mechanism in an axial direction, is supported rotatably on the carrier. |
| US08096910B2 |
Travel assembly for dump truck
Wheels of a dump truck are each provided with a travel assembly for transmitting an output of an electric motor to the wheel via a reduction gear unit. The travel assembly is provided with a cooling circuit for cooling lube oil. The cooling circuit has an oil cooler and a recovery oil passage for guiding lube oil from a side of the gear unit to the cooler. The recovery oil passage has an intra-spindle recovery line inserted on a side of an inner periphery of a spindle, a suction pipe extending from the recovery line to a space surrounded by the spindle, the wheel and two spindle-supporting bearings, and communication holes formed in the wheel to communicate the side of the reduction gear unit with the space. |
| US08096903B1 |
Device for connecting a soccer net to the horizontal crossbar of a soccer goal and method of use
A device for connecting a soccer net to the horizontal crossbar of a soccer goal eight feet above the ground without using a ladder includes a resilient clip having an inner surface which is shaped and dimensioned to receive the horizontal crossbar and a line long enough to be thrown over the crossbar and hang down low enough to be reached and pulled down. The clip is attached to the edge cord of the net. The line is then thrown over the crossbar and pulled down raising the clip and net to the crossbar until the mouth of the clip is facing downward on the top of the crossbar. The line and net are then pulled down simultaneously forcing the mouth of the resilient clip to open, receive, and clamp on the horizontal cross bar. Conversely, when the net is to be removed, the line is thrown over the crossbar in the opposite direction and the line is pulled down until the clip is rotated until the mouth of the clip is facing upward on the crossbar. The line and clip are then pulled down simultaneously forcing the mouth of the resilient clip to open and disengage from the crossbar. |
| US08096902B2 |
Water-based training
A substantially hollow exercise and rehabilitation device is disclosed, and is useable by athletes and others in training and/or rehabilitation sessions to develop stronger and more precise movements. A user typically stands in a pool of water approximately chest-deep and moves the device through the water in an approximation of a proper swing for a sport, or in a motion designed to rehabilitate or strengthen one or more muscles or muscle groups. The device includes holes that tend to minimize turbulence that a solid device would generate, yet provides both resistance and good haptic feedback to the user. The holes are adjustable in size to provide variable resistance. These features develop or redevelop strength and consistency in the user's movement. Analogous training benefits are obtained for many activities, such as batting, golfing, and tennis, and for rehabilitation and strength training using devices in the shape of tools and other instruments. |
| US08096899B2 |
Golf ball comprising isocyanate-modified composition
Presently disclosed embodiments concern an isocyanate-modified composition which includes A) from about 65 to about 99 weight % (based on the total weight of the isocyanate-modified composition) of a base polymer having either hydroxyl groups or amine groups or mixtures thereof, and B) from about 1 to about 35 weight % (based on the total weight of the isocyanate-modified composition) of a blocked isocyanate. The presently disclosed embodiments also include a golf ball made from the isocyanate-modified composition, and a method of making a golf ball using the isocyanate-modified composition, such as by injection molding. |
| US08096894B2 |
Releasable and interchangeable connections for golf club heads and shafts
Assemblies for releasably connecting a golf club head and shaft may include: (a) a shaft engaging member including a rotation-inhibiting structure having a circular cross-section and a first set of circumferentially spaced teeth; (b) a club head engaging member including a retaining structure for engaging the rotation-inhibiting structure, the retaining structure having a circular opening with a second set of circumferentially spaced teeth to engage the first set of teeth on the rotation-inhibiting structure; and (c) a securing system for releasably securing the shaft engaging member with respect to the club head engaging member. The first set of teeth may have a different number of teeth than the second set of teeth. Golf club heads are releasably engaged with shafts so that the shafts can be readily interchanged and/or so that the shaft position with respect to the club head can be readily changed. |
| US08096892B2 |
Control system for water amusement devices
A control system for a water amusement system is described. The control system is configured to operate the water amusement system to produce water effects, sound effects, and/or light effects when the control system receives an activation signal. The activation signal may be sent to the control system by an activation point, such as an optical touch button, or a water target. The control system is further configured to produce water effects, sound effects, and/or light effects in the absence of an activation signal to attract participants to the water amusement system. |
| US08096891B2 |
Redundant array water delivery system for water rides
A redundant array pumping system and control system is provided for water rides for ensuring continuous and non-disruptive supply of water. The pumping system incorporates a redundant pump and filter array in conjunction with a nozzle system for injecting water onto a ride surface. The nozzle system may incorporate a plurality of redundant or quasi-redundant nozzles. The hydraulic system can include many levels of redundancy as applied to its various components, such as pumps, filters and nozzles. Additionally, the system can be equipped with a plurality of pressure and flow sensors for monitoring and controlling the performance of the pumps, filters and nozzles of the hydraulic system. |
| US08096890B2 |
Amusement ride assembly and method
An amusement ride assembly includes a rotatable endless loop cable spanning between end stations and a drive system operable to rotate the loop cable. A passenger carrier is suspended from the cable and includes a roller mechanism to enable the passenger carrier to free-roll along the cable and an associated clamping mechanism to alternatively fix the passenger carrier to the cable. A control system may control the drive system and to enable actuation of the clamping mechanism to fix the passenger carrier to the cable when the carrier is at a position along the cable remote from the end stations. |
| US08096885B2 |
Method and apparatus for lash prevention using coil springs
A vibration damper including a first spline having a plurality of first teeth, a second spline having a plurality of second teeth, a third spline having a plurality of third teeth and at least one spring interconnected between the first and second splines, wherein the plurality of third teeth are intermediate the plurality of first teeth and the plurality of second teeth, and the at least one spring biases the plurality of first teeth and the plurality of second teeth against the plurality of third teeth. A method of preventing lash in a vibration damper, the vibration damper including a first spline having a plurality of first teeth, a second spline having a plurality of second teeth, a third spline having a plurality of third teeth and at least one spring interconnected between the first and second splines, the method including the steps of: introducing the plurality of third teeth intermediate the plurality of first teeth and the plurality of second teeth; and, biasing the plurality of first teeth and the plurality of second teeth against the plurality of third teeth with the at least one spring. |
| US08096884B2 |
Gaming machine with adjustable button panel
Disclosed are gaming machines, including related methods, apparatus, and systems, including computer program products, implementing and using techniques for providing a game of chance. Peripheral devices, such as a bill acceptor and ticket printer, are consolidated in a central region of the gaming machine, behind a moveable door of the machine. Doors of the machine, including a door having a display, are moveable in directions along a longitudinal axis of the machine between open and closed positions. An adjustable button panel is moveable to a plurality of positions along the longitudinal axis, independent of the moveable doors. An array of networked displays on one or more gaming machines are controlled to simultaneously output lighting patterns, including synchronized patterns, associated with various events. Designated lighting patterns can also be output on light borders disposed around groups of buttons and other input devices on the button panel. A player interface is coupled to receive player input for setting parameters defining the audio and video presentation of game data on the machine. Contributing to the audio presentation, one or more speakers situated in an upper region of the cabinet are oriented at a downward angle. |
| US08096881B2 |
Storage medium storing game program and game apparatus
Output data varying depending on a motion of an input device itself is obtained and stored into a memory. From the stored output data history, successive extremums of values indicated by the output data are detected. An interval between times when the output data indicating the successive extremums and an elapsed time from the detection of the extremum is measured. Thereafter, game input data is calculated by substituting into a predetermined function the measured elapsed time and the calculated time interval, and the game input data is used to execute a game process. |
| US08096870B2 |
Gaming machine capable of bet of monetary value as a condition for acquisition of insurance pay
A display displays a frame of image associated with a unit game, a counter to be reset under a prescribed condition increments a count value along with execution of the unit game, and a controller determines by an external input an upper limit of a number of bet pieces of monetary value as a condition for acquisition of an insurance pay in the unit game, pays out a prescribed number of pieces of monetary value for the play result of the unit game to be a special play result, accepts, within a range of the upper limit of the number of bet pieces, a bet of monetary value as the condition for acquisition of the insurance pay, and gives the insurance pay for the count value having reached a preset upper limit count value in the unit game having the bet of monetary value as the condition for acquisition of the insurance pay. |
| US08096868B2 |
Gaming method and machine with bonus game
A method and system is provided for conducting a wagering game. A spin result is determined, the spin result including a set of symbols positioned within a set of symbol positions. The symbol positions may be arranged in rows and columns or another arrangement. The spin results and associated symbol positions may be displayed on a viewable display area. A prize associated with the spin result may be awarded. The wagering game may include a first trigger condition, a second trigger condition and an end condition. If the spin result meets the first trigger condition, additional symbol positions may be added. If the spin result meets the second trigger condition, symbol positions may be removed. If the spin result meets the end condition, the wagering game ends. If the spin result does not meet the end condition, the wagering game continues by determining a next spin result. |
| US08096866B2 |
Gaming machine and method for gaming machine
The present invention provides a gaming machine that includes a slot machine, a bonus device and a device controller. The device controller remotely operates the bonus device and the bonus device provides a bonus award independently from the slot machine. The bonus device describes a bonus display information upon receiving from the device controller with a condition independent from a game result of the slot machine. Also, the device controller can collect a wager from one or more slot machines, determine a bonus content based on the collected wager, remotely operate one or more bonus devices, and transmit same or different bonus display information for each bonus device. |
| US08096861B2 |
Housing apparatus for heat generating device
According to one embodiment, a housing apparatus for a heat generating device includes a housing being provided with sidewalls arranged sideward to separate from each other, and shelf members placed at a plurality of positions along the sidewalls between the sidewalls. The shelf members support a plurality of devices including a heat generating device, and each sidewall has a plurality of ventilation openings corresponding to the devices held by the shelf members. A duct member is provided on at least outermost sidewall to correspond to at least two adjacent ventilation openings in the outermost sidewall. An airflow producing unit is provided in the duct member and includes at least two airflow producing devices performing one of supplying outside air into the inside of the housing and evacuating the inside air from the housing through the at least two adjacent ventilation openings. |
| US08096858B2 |
Polishing pad conditioner
The invention provides a polishing pad conditioner that enables stabilization of brazing metal melting point, minimization of abrasive grain detachment by uniformizing and stabilizing abrasive grain brazing condition, and enhancement of flatness by minimizing thermal deformation of the metal support. The polishing pad conditioner is fabricated by brazing multiple abrasive grains to the surface of a metal support with brazing metal, wherein the composition of the brazing metal expressed in mass % is such that 70%≦Ni+Fe≦90% (provided that 0≦Fe/(Ni+Fe)≦0.4), 1%≦Cr≦25%, 2%≦Si+B≦15% (provided that 0≦B/(Si+B)≦0.8), and 0.1%≦P≦8%. |
| US08096856B2 |
Motor-driven machine tool
A motor-driven machine tool (1) with a tool (7) that can be rotatably driven comprises a drive shaft (5) and a driven shaft (6) on which the tool (7) is received, the rotational movement of the drive shaft (5) being transmissible onto the driven shaft (6) via a coupling device (8). The drive shaft and the driven shaft are arranged in parallel, the driven shaft (6) extending at least partially at the level of and parallel to the drive unit. |
| US08096849B2 |
Rattle stick for attracting animals
A rattle stick having an elongated member with an outwardly extending flange at one end and a handle at the opposite end. On the outer surface of the elongated member is at least one knob. Slidably fitted over the elongated member is a sleeve having at least one knob on an inner surface that is positioned to engage at least one knob on the outer surface of the member. |
| US08096848B2 |
Collapsible toy airplane
A collapsible toy airplane reconfigurable between storage and use configurations. At least one spar member forms first and second wings and is coupled to a fuselage. The main body member and the at least one spar are formed from spring steel with an arcuate cross section whereby they can be reconfigured from a straight, substantially rigid disposition to a coiled configuration. A sheath of flexible material envelops the at least one spar member. The at least one spar member can be pivotable from a use configuration forming the first and second wings to a collapsed configuration substantially in-line with the main body member. The wings can be formed from first and second spar members, each pivotally coupled to the main body portion and each adjustable from a use configuration disposed at a dihedral angle to a collapsed, in-line configuration. |
| US08096844B2 |
Engine control system for jet-propulsion boat, jet-propulsion boat incorporating same, and method of using same
An engine control system, for controlling an engine of a jet-propulsion boat, includes a cavitation-control-mode determination unit, which starts a cavitation-control mode when an engine speed not faster than 3200 rpm is maintained for a predetermined time period. During a normal sailing operation, ignition timing is set by a first ignition-timing setting unit. Upon detection of a cavitation-control-mode by the cavitation-control-mode determination unit, an engine speed is raised up to a speed not slower than 3200 rpm, which makes an ignition-timing switching unit to select a second ignition-timing setting unit. The second ignition-timing setting unit retards the ignition timing for the normal sailing operation when the engine speed becomes 6500 rpm or faster. In addition to retardation of the ignition timing, a boost pressure control command upper-limit value is switched to a value at a startup operation, which is less than a value at the normal sailing operation. |
| US08096843B2 |
Electrical connector
An electrical connector (200) includes a housing (30) having a number of contact cavities (34) and a number of contacts (20) upwardly inserted respectively into said contact cavities (34). Each of the contacts (20) has a lower section (22) and two upper contact beams (24, 26). The lower section (22) includes a center fixing portion (225), two end fixing portions (224, 226), and two connecting portions (228, 229) connected between the center fixing portion (225) and the two end fixing portions (224, 226). The two upper contact beams (24, 26) respectively extend upwardly from the two connecting portions (228, 229). The two end fixing portions (224, 226) and the center fixing portion (225) are fixed to the housing (30). |
| US08096842B2 |
Electro-mechanical connector for solar arrays
A connector assembly is provided for connecting two planar surfaces or structures together to permit electrical transmission between the two. As described, the connector have at least two housing sections having grooves formed therein for receiving springs, such as canted coil springs. The springs are configured to provide constant mechanical and electrical connection between multiple parts and allow for small motions between such parts. By allowing for movement of the connected parts, adequate connection during thermal changes and/or vibrations is maintained. This is possible due to the spring contact interface between the connector assembly and the connecting parts, which allows relative movement between the springs and the connecting parts. |
| US08096838B2 |
Header assembly for implantable medical devices
A header assembly for an implantable medical device (IMD). The header assembly includes a plurality of cavities with a plurality of insulating rings interdisposed between adjacent ones of the cavities. The cavities receive electrical contact rings. In certain embodiments, the insulating rings are formed integrally with a body of the header assembly. |
| US08096836B2 |
Electrical connector with contacts having tail portions with a different pitch than or discrete from contact portions of the contacts
An electrical connector comprises an insulative housing and a plurality of contacts. Each contact comprises an upper contact and a lower contact. The upper contact has a retention portion and a contact portion. The lower contact has a soldering portion and a planar board extending upwardly from the soldering portion. The lower contacts fixed to different parts of upper contacts, respectively, so as to have a larger neighbor distance than that of the upper contacts. |
| US08096835B2 |
Electrical connection part formed by a casing with two arms oriented at 90°
An electrical connection part for electrically connecting first and second devices includes a casing having two arms oriented at 90° with respect to one another. This casing houses a pair of electrical connectors of which a first end is in the shape of a pin housed longitudinally in one of arms, while a second end is in the shape of a sleeve housed longitudinally in the other of the arms. These pins and sleeves may be electrically connected to matching sleeves carried by the first device, respectively to matching pins carried by the second device. The casing is formed by two independent parts including a body and a removable cover. The cover accommodates and/or locks the connectors. The arm which contains the pins is equipped with a shunt element that can connect the pins electrically in the absence of a connection at the sleeves of the first device. |
| US08096834B2 |
Connector with electromagnetic conduction mechanism
A connector to be disposed within a housing of an electronic device includes a main body and a conduction member. The conduction member includes a connecting portion and a resilient portion. The resilient portion is formed on the connecting portion and configured to abut against the housing. |
| US08096832B2 |
Shieldless, high-speed, low-cross-talk electrical connector
An electrical connector may include a first connector with electrically-conductive contacts. The contacts may have blade-shaped mating ends, and may be arranged in a centerline. The electrical connector may include a second connector with electrically-conductive receptacle contacts, which may also be arranged in a centerline. The connectors may be mated such that the mating portion of a first contact in the second connector may physically contact of a corresponding blade-shaped mating end of a contact in the first connector. |
| US08096831B2 |
Electrical connector having robust interengagement arranged between contacts and housing
An electrical connector includes a base portion defining a receiving cavity, a tongue plate portion retained in the receiving cavity and a first set of contacts retained in the tongue plate portion. The tongue plate portion defines a mating portion projecting out of the at least one receiving cavity for mating with a plug connector and receiving grooves thereon. The first set of contacts includes four first contacts each defining a retaining portion received in a corresponding receiving groove and retained in the receiving cavity, a contacting portion extending forwards from a front end of the retaining portion and a mounting portion. The retaining portion defines a pair of wings bending upwards from two side edges thereof and projecting out of the receiving groove, and the base portion defines corresponding pressing portions projecting to and pressing the wings. |
| US08096830B2 |
Connector with deformable compression sleeve
A connector for a coaxial cable that includes a connector body and a deformable sleeve. The deformable sleeve and the connector body have cooperative structure for engaging the deformable sleeve with the receiving end of the connector body for securing a cable in the connector body. The deformable sleeve has a front section connected to a rear section by a web. The deformable sleeve is movable from a first position, wherein the front end of the deformable sleeve is separably attached to the receiving end of the connector, to a second position, wherein the cable is compressively secured in the connector body. The web stretches and/or breaks when the deformable sleeve moves into the second position. |
| US08096826B1 |
Snap-on switch module assembly
A snap-on switch module assembly includes a plug connector adapted to be received by an electrical device. A second housing is connected to a first housing. A switch device is disposed between the first and second housings. At least one first opening is formed in the second housing. A plurality of wires pass through the at least one first opening and are connected to the switch device. Accordingly, the switch device protects and controls electrical apparatus connected to the electrical device. |
| US08096825B2 |
Electrical coupler system and method for manufacture thereof
In one embodiment, a coupler system is configured to couple to electrical terminals of a battery. The coupler system comprises a coupler bridge comprising a first section, where the first section comprises a first height and a first edge. The coupler system also comprises a second section adjacent to the first section and opposite the first edge, a first coupler coupled to the second section of the coupler bridge, and a second coupler coupled to the second section of the coupler bridge. The first section of the coupler bridge is configured to restrict the first and second couplers from being electrically coupled to the electrical terminals of the battery when the first edge faces towards the battery. Other embodiments are also disclosed herein. |
| US08096823B2 |
Electrical connector
An electrical connector comprising a manipulative lever operative to engage with a mating electrical connector, which has a body portion and a pair of end portions connected respectively with both ends of the body portion and supported respectively by a pair of supporting structures provided in a conductive shell covering partially an insulated housing, wherein each of the end portions of the manipulative lever comprises an elongated portion stretching to be bent from the body portion and a top end portion stretching further from the elongated portion so as to extend as a whole in a first direction from an end portion to a central portion of the insulated housing, the top end portion protrudes from the elongated portion in a direction perpendicular to an imaginary central axis of the elongated portion to form a stepped portion between the elongated portion and the top end portion, and a stopper member provided in the supporting structure engages with the stepped portion so as to prevent the end portion of the manipulative lever from getting out of the supporting structure when the end portion is shifted in a second direction opposite to the first direction. |
| US08096817B2 |
Rotatable and foldable electrical plug connector
An electrical plug connector includes a rotary assembly, an electrical plug assembly having a live prong assembly, a neutral prong assembly, and a ground prong assembly and capable of rotating with respect to a first predetermined axis, and a linkage portion between the rotary assembly and the electrical plug assembly for linking the live prong assembly, the neutral prong assembly, and the ground prong assembly. The linkage portion is configured to enable the live prong assembly, the neutral prong assembly, and the ground prong to rotate with respect to a first predetermined axis simultaneously. When not so linked the three prongs may be folded into receiving spaces on the plug connector. |
| US08096816B2 |
Beam clamp
Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a clamp for securing a grounding connector to a structural member. The clamp includes a clamp body having a top section, a bottom section, and a side section, which define an opening for receiving the structural member. The top section includes a plurality of mounting sections separated by at least one slot. Each of the mounting sections includes a mounting hole for receiving a mounting fastener to secure the clamp to the structural member. |
| US08096814B2 |
Power connector
A pair of mating connectors includes a receptacle having an insulative housing and at least one conductive receptacle contact with a pair of spaced walls forming a plug contact receiving space. The plug connector has an insulative housing and at least one conductive contact having a pair of spaced walls which converge to form a projection engageable in the plug receiving space of the receptacle contact. The electronic power connectors can also be modified to accommodate connections for an external AC power supply. The connector housing incorporating the AC power connection capability can accommodate different forms of AC power supply termination contacts, such as spade-type contacts having a spring-like plug for receiving discrete quick connect socket terminals. |
| US08096809B2 |
System and method for automated end-user support
A system and method for displaying content in a browser window associated with an end-user is described. In one implementation, data that includes links is received from a content provider, each of the links is identified and encoded, and the received data along with the links are displayed in the end-user's browser window. |
| US08096808B2 |
Alternative steel and concrete target
An alternative steel and concrete target configurable to represent a wide variety of military surplus vehicles is described herein. The alternative steel and concrete target is used as a hard target for training on high explosives bombing ranges. |
| US08096805B2 |
Manufacturing apparatus for semiconductor device and manufacturing method of semiconductor device
A manufacturing apparatus for a semiconductor device that includes a bake chamber for a wafer with a coating film formed thereon to be baked at a predetermined temperature, a cooling chamber connected to the bake chamber, a first carrying unit for the baked wafer to be carried in the cooling chamber, a first temperature control unit for the wafer carried by the first carrying unit to be cooled down, and an unloading gate for unloading the wafer cooled down from the cooling chamber. |
| US08096804B2 |
Device for controlling the radial profile of the temperature of a confined gas stream
This invention describes a new device for controlling the radial profile of the temperature of a confined gas stream that is designed to be used as a coolant in an exchanger that is located downstream from said device. |
| US08096802B2 |
Nanoimprint stamper and a fine-structure transfer apparatus using the stamper
A nanoimprint stamper can simultaneously conform to two types of anomaly in the shape of a transfer substrate, for example warpage and surface protrusions (including foreign objects) that differ greatly in the wavelength of variation. The nanoimprint stamper is capable of performing transfer with a smaller number of defects and in a uniform way. The nanoimprint stamper includes a light-transmitting rigid substrate, a light-transmitting resilient plate, a light-trarsmitting and flexible rigid stamper base, a light-transmitting stamper buffer layer, and a light-transmitting patterned stamp layer. The stamper buffer layer has a lower Young's modulus than the patterned stamp layer. |
| US08096800B2 |
Fine-structure transfer apparatus and method
A fine-structure transfer apparatus includes a stamper, a stage on which to place a transfer element having a coating of resist, and a device for heating the resist coating to be vaporized or a device for supplying a vapor of the resist into a space between the stamper and the transfer element. |
| US08096790B2 |
Oil pump resonator
The invention provides an oil pump resonator in which various vibrations caused by pulsations that change in response to changes in oil pressure on a discharge port side can be attenuated by a resonator that comprises only one chamber, whereby the volume occupied by the resonator can be minimized. An oil pump in an engine, for feeding oil from a suction port to a discharge port through rotation of a rotor fitted in a pump housing, includes: a discharge flow channel communicating with the discharge port; a resonator comprising an introduction channel formed in the discharge flow channel and a chamber communicating with the introduction channel; and a piston having a leading end face section that makes up an inner wall face of the chamber, and reciprocating in response to pulsation changes. The piston slides so as to reduce the volume of the chamber as the frequency distribution of the pulsations becomes higher. |
| US08096786B2 |
Three dimensional micro-fluidic pumps and valves
A system is disclosed for the control of fluid flow in a micro-fluidic system, the system having: a substrate; at least one micro-fluidic channel having disposed in a microchannel layer atop the substrate; a conformable layer disposed on the micro-fluidic layer; a receiving cavity disposed within the at least one micro-fluidic channel; at least one occluding member disposed within the conformable layer, and configured to be received by the receiving cavity so as to occlude the micro-fluidic channel when depressed by an actuator. |
| US08096784B2 |
Bi-directional continuous peristaltic micro-pump
A bi-directional continuous peristaltic micro-pump is described. The micro-pump comprises: a substrate, an actuating mechanism and a fluid channel. The actuating mechanism comprises: a first slanted membrane the thickness of which increases progressively from left to right, a first chamber formed between the first slanted membrane and the substrate; and a second slanted membrane, the thickness of which decreases progressively from left to right, the second slanted membrane being located to the first slanted membrane's right side and parallel to the first slanted membrane with a space between the two membranes, a second chamber formed between the second slanted membrane and the substrate. By inflating the first chamber and the second chamber, the first slanted membrane and the second slanted membrane generate a continuous sweeping motion to force the working fluid to flow. |
| US08096780B2 |
Single piece dual jet pump and fuel system using it
Single piece dual jet pump comprising at least one pressurized fluid inlet orifice and 2 separate outlet orifices which are built has two separate jet pumps. Fuel system for an internal combustion engine including a fuel tank, a reservoir within said tank, a pump for supplying the engine with fuel drawn from the reservoir and such a single piece dual jet pump designed to allow the filling of the reservoir with fuel from at least two different locations in said tank outside the reservoir. |
| US08096778B2 |
Structural beam for a wind generator blade production method thereof
Structural beam of a wind turbine blade comprising a body-root and a body-trunk in the form of a box with a section decreasing towards the blade tip, comprising various piles each formed by various layers of carbon fiber impregnated with a synthetic resin, located on the upper and lower areas, intercalated between various layers of fiber glass impregnated with synthetic resin arranged along its perimeter, including between two piles, at least one layer of reinforcing material on each of the side areas enveloped by an adhesive resin film.The invention also comprises a procedure for the manufacture of the structural beam which, amongst other stages, includes the application of the layers mentioned onto a mold and the beam curing process. |
| US08096775B2 |
Steam turbine rotating blade for a low pressure section of a steam turbine engine
A steam turbine rotating blade for a low pressure section of a steam turbine engine is disclosed. The steam turbine rotating blade includes an airfoil portion. A root section is attached to one end of the airfoil portion. A dovetail section projects from the root section, wherein the dovetail section includes a skewed axial entry dovetail. A tip section is attached to the airfoil portion at an end opposite from the root section. A cover is integrally formed as part of the tip section. The blade includes an exit annulus area of about 30.5 ft2 (2.83 m2) greater. |
| US08096771B2 |
Trailing edge cooling slot configuration for a turbine airfoil
A gas turbine engine hollow turbine airfoil having pressure and suction sidewalls extending chordwise between leading and the trailing edges. The trailing edge includes a pressure sidewall lip and a suction sidewall lip, and a breakout distance between the pressure sidewall lip and the suction sidewall lip. A cooling fluid channel extends spanwise through the airfoil for supplying a cooling fluid to the airfoil. Flow channels are provided extending chordwise between the cooling fluid channel and the suction sidewall lip and include a metering section, an internal diffusion section and a breakout slot. The interior diffusion section includes a spanwise dimension and a widthwise dimension perpendicular to the spanwise dimension, wherein the spanwise dimension continuously increases extending in the chordwise direction, and the widthwise dimension continuously decreases extending in the chordwise direction. |
| US08096768B1 |
Turbine blade with trailing edge impingement cooling
A turbine blade for an industrial gas turbine engine, the blade includes a squealer pocket formed by a pressure side tip rail and a suction side tip rail with tip cooling holes opening onto the tip floor in the trailing edge region, a tip corner and two impingement cooling air exit slots formed between the pressure side and the suction side tip rails and the tip corner. The cooling air flowing along the tip pocket flows out the exit slots as impingement jets and provide cooling for the tip corner to prevent an over-temperature that results in erosion. |
| US08096757B2 |
Methods and apparatus for reducing nozzle stress
A gas turbine engine nozzle is described. The gas turbine engine nozzle includes at least one nozzle vane having a first end and a second end. The first end is coupled to an inner sidewall and the second end is coupled to an outer sidewall. The gas turbine engine nozzle also includes at least one stress relief pocket defined within at least one of the inner sidewall and the outer sidewall proximate to the at least one nozzle vane. The at least one stress relief pocket is configured to reduce stress on the proximate nozzle vane. |
| US08096755B2 |
Crowned rails for supporting arcuate components
A flange for supporting arcuate shrouds and shroud hangers comprising at least one arcuate rail, each arcuate rail having an inner radius, a first taper location, a first taper region, a second taper location, a second taper region, wherein the thickness of at least a portion of the first taper region is tapered and wherein the thickness of at least a portion of the second taper region is tapered. |
| US08096752B2 |
Method and apparatus for cooling a transition piece
Disclosed is a compressor discharge can including a transition piece and a flow redirector located about the transition piece, defining an airflow space therebetween, the flow redirector configured to reduce recirculation of flow in the airflow space. |
| US08096751B2 |
Turbine engine component with cooling passages
A component for use in a turbine engine including a first member and a second member associated with the first member. The second member includes a plurality of connecting elements extending therefrom. The connecting elements include securing portions at ends thereof that are received in corresponding cavities formed in the first member to attach the second member to the first member. The connecting elements are constructed to space apart a first surface of the second member from a first surface of the first member such that at least one cooling passage is formed between adjacent connecting elements and the first surface of the second member and the first surface of the first member. |
| US08096750B2 |
High efficiency turbine and method of generating power
The present invention is directed to a turbine comprising a pair of opposing end discs concentrically aligned with a central axis of the turbine and a plurality of blades extending between the end discs. At least one end discs is adapted for engaging with a generator for generating power. The plurality of blades rotates in a single direction when exposed to fluid flow and thereby rotates the pair of opposing end discs. The plurality of blades are interconnected by at least one faired ring oriented parallel to the pair of opposing end discs and intersecting the plurality of blades, wherein the at least one faired ring is in concentric alignment with the central axis. The present invention further comprises a method for generating power comprising engaging the turbine with a generator to create a turbine generator unit and deploying the turbine generator unit within a fluid flow. |
| US08096747B2 |
Apparatus and related methods for turbine cooling
An apparatus and a method for cooling and/or sealing a gas turbine by selectively boosting the pressure of air extracted at a lower extraction stage is provided. The pressure of the extracted air is boosted by an external compressor before it becomes available for cooling and/or sealing the turbine components. A bypass line includes a higher extraction stage providing air for cooling the turbine. |
| US08096746B2 |
Radial loading element for turbine vane
A vane assembly for a gas turbine engine comprising a number of radial loading elements disposed between lugs of the vane ring and the vane support, such as to generate a radial load force against the vane ring. The radial load force prevents unwanted relative movement between the vane ring and the vane support during operation of the gas turbine engine. |
| US08096745B2 |
Paper roll transport cart
A three wheeled cart for transporting heavy rolls of paper to and from unwinders and reminders. The operator stands at the rear end where he can start and stop the cart, steer it, and control the carriage at the front end for lifting the paper roll from the floor and/or into a processing machine. The steerable rear wheel is driven electrically from a twist type throttle on a steering handle that can be moved from an active position to a stowed position. In the stowed position the cart is secured by the same motor-brake that drives the single rear wheel. |
| US08096744B2 |
Wafer processing system, wafer processing method, and ion implantation system
Two load lock chambers having a load lock pedestal are provided adjacent to a vacuum process chamber through a vacuum intermediate chamber. A passage opening is provided between the vacuum process chamber and the vacuum intermediate chamber. Two wafer retaining arms are installed between a platen device in the vacuum process chamber and the vacuum intermediate chamber. The two wafer retaining arms are reciprocatingly movable between the corresponding load lock pedestals and the platen device while passing through the passage opening and crossing with an overpass each other at different levels. By retaining an unprocessed wafer by one of the wafer retaining arms and retaining a processed wafer by the other wafer retaining arm, transfer of the unprocessed wafer from one of the load lock pedestals to the platen device and transfer of the processed wafer from the platen device to the other load lock pedestal are performed simultaneously. |
| US08096737B2 |
Spindle device of machine tool
It is an object to provide a spindle device of a machine tool which has a simple structure and is capable of having high suction efficiency of cutting chips. A draw bar bringing engaging claws into engagement with a tool holder or releasing the engagement includes an engagement drive part moving the engaging claws to an engagement position with the tool holder; and a draw bar main body connected to the engagement drive part, and the engagement drive part is inserted into the draw bar main body to be detachably connected to an inner surface of the draw bar main body. |
| US08096732B2 |
Methods and apparatus for foundation system
Methods and apparatus for foundation systems generally include a vertical support. a horizontal support configured to couple to the vertical support, and a composite material configured to couple to the horizontal support. The vertical support may be configured to resist fluctuation in soil elevation. The composite material may comprise a block material and a fibrous material. |
| US08096726B2 |
Sheet lifter
Sheet Lifter for use with multi ring sheet or page holders and multi ring binders. The Device is made from a thin ridged panel with a plurality of notches and slots. The Device is positioned in order to interact with the rings and binder spine of the page holder or binder. The Device rests on the spine with the pages or sheets resting on the Device. The Device prevents the pages or sheets from traveling past the maximum horizontal diameter point of the rings when the holder or binder is fully opened. When the holder or binder is closed the Device creates sufficient upward pressure against the pages or sheets to return them to their closed position at the maximum vertical diameter point of the rings. The pressure required is minimal. |
| US08096725B2 |
Writing implement comprising a device for venting the reservoir
A writing implement that includes an ink reservoir, a writing tip fluidically connected to the reservoir and through which the ink emerges during a use of the implement, and a reservoir-venting device that includes a cavity in communication with the reservoir and with an orifice open to the outside of the implement. The cavity is suitable for absorbing an overflow of ink, characterized in that the cavity is filled with separate grains having angles and sharp edges having dimensions that are significant compared with an apparent dimension d of the grains. |
| US08096724B2 |
Package for merchandising consumer care products
A package for a consumer care product that includes (a) a product chamber and (b) an outer jacket at least partially surrounding the product chamber. The product chamber comprises at least one lateral wall having an inner surface that at least partially surrounds a consumer care product. Each of the product chamber and the outer jacket contain an identifier, wherein the identifier of the product chamber and the identifier of the outer jacket coordinate to aid a consumer in selecting the desired consumer care product. |
| US08096723B2 |
Swivel squeegee 360
A squeegee with a swiveling squeegee handle and squeegee head with a detachable squeegee blade container with affixed squeegee blade and spraying device enclosed in the squeegee handle. The squeegee head has an elongated groove or notch on top of the squeegee head allowing squeegee blade in various size and shape to be fasten on to the squeegee head, and clamp like devices attach at the rear of the squeegee head to fasten a wiping material across the front surface of the squeegee head. The squeegee blade container and an enclosed squeegee blade, and wiping material are detachable from the squeegee head. The squeegee handle has an enclosed container for holding liquid and an attached sprayer/pump for dispensing the contained liquid, and threaded squeegee handle to allow extended poles to be attached to provide longer reach. The swivel joints allow extensions, squeegee handle and/or squeegee head, to swivel and locked to an angled position or swivel with specified degree of resistance. |
| US08096721B2 |
Retractable solid or semi-solid substance dispenser
The application relates to a solid or semi-solid substance dispenser featuring a body, an opening, and a retractable barrel which may be electively presented at the opening whereby the solid or semi-solid substance might be projected from the barrel for application to a target. |