Document Document Title
US07655982B2 Output control device, and AC/DC power source device, circuit device, LED backlight circuit device, and switching DC/DC converter device each using output control device
In one embodiment of the present invention, an output control device is disclosed capable of reducing a chip size and realizing a low cost. An output control device includes a switching transistor controlling an output voltage by having an on/off time ratio controlled and a control IC controlling the on/off time ratio of the switching transistor on the basis of the output voltage controlled by the switching transistor. The switching transistor is made of a lateral power MOSFET.
US07655976B2 Field effect transistors having protruded active regions and methods of fabricating such transistors
Provided are a field effect transistor, a method of manufacturing the same, and an electronic device including the field effect transistor. The field effect transistor may have a structure in which a double gate field effect transistor and a recess channel array transistor are formed in a single transistor in order to improve a short channel effect which occurs as field effect transistors become more highly integrated, a method of manufacturing the same, and an electronic device including the field effect transistor. The field effect transistor can exhibit stable device characteristics even when more highly integrated in such a manner that both the length and width of a channel increase and particularly the channel can be significantly long, and can be manufactured simply.
US07655972B2 Structure and method for MOSFET with reduced extension resistance
The present invention provides a method in which a low-resistance connection between the MOS channel and silicided source/drain regions is provided that has an independence from the extension ion implant process as well as device overlap capacitance. The method of the present invention broadly includes selectively removing outer spacers of an MOS structure and then selectively plating a metallic or intermetallic material on exposed portions of a semiconductor substrate that were previously protected by the outer spacers. The present invention also provides a semiconductor structure that is formed utilizing the method. The semiconductor structure includes a low-resistance connection between the silicided source/drain regions and the channel regions which includes a selectively plated metallic or intermetallic material.
US07655971B2 Nonvolatile semiconductor memory device and method for manufacturing the same
A nonvolatile semiconductor memory device includes: a source region and a drain region formed at a distance from each other in a semiconductor substrate; a tunnel insulating film formed on the semiconductor substrate between the source region and the drain region; a charge storage film formed on the tunnel insulating film; a first alumina layer formed on the charge storage film, and having a first impurity element added thereto, the first impurity element having an octacoordinate ion radius of 63 pm or greater, the first impurity element having a concentration distribution in a layer thickness direction of the first alumina layer that becomes the largest in a region close to the side of the charge storage film; a second alumina layer formed on the first alumina layer, and not having the first impurity element added thereto; and a control gate electrode formed on the second alumina layer.
US07655963B2 Semiconductor device including a lateral field-effect transistor and Schottky diode
A semiconductor device including a lateral field-effect transistor and Schottky diode and method of forming the same. In one embodiment, the lateral field-effect transistor includes a buffer layer having a contact covering a substantial portion of a bottom surface thereof, a lateral channel above the buffer layer, another contact above the lateral channel, and an interconnect that connects the lateral channel to the buffer layer. The semiconductor device also includes a Schottky diode parallel-coupled to the lateral field-effect transistor including a cathode formed from another buffer layer interposed between the buffer layer and the lateral channel, a Schottky interconnect interposed between the another buffer layer and the another contact, and an anode formed on a surface of the Schottky interconnect operable to connect the anode to the another contact. The semiconductor device may also include an isolation layer interposed between the buffer layer and the lateral channel.
US07655962B2 Enhancement mode insulated gate heterostructure field-effect transistor with electrically isolated RF-enhanced source contact
Aspects of the present invention provide an enhancement mode (E-mode) insulated gate (IG) double heterostructure field-effect transistor (DHFET) having low power consumption at zero gate bias, low gate currents, and/or high reliability. An E-mode HFET in accordance with an embodiment of the invention includes: top and bottom barrier layers; and a channel layer sandwiched between the bottom and the top barrier layers, wherein the bottom and top barrier layers have a larger bandgap than the channel layer, and wherein polarization charges of the bottom barrier layer deplete the channel layer and polarization charges of the top barrier layer induce carriers in the channel layer; and wherein a total polarization charge in the bottom barrier layer is larger than a total polarization charge in the top barrier layer such that the channel layer is substantially depleted at zero gate bias.
US07655959B2 Semiconductor light emitting device having textured structure and method of manufacturing the same
A semiconductor light emitting diode having a textured structure and a method of manufacturing the same are provided. The semiconductor light emitting diode includes a first semiconductor layer formed into a textured structure, an intermediate layer formed between the textured structures of the patterned first semiconductor layer, and a second semiconductor layer, an active layer, and a third semiconductor layer sequentially formed on the first semiconductor layer and the intermediate layer.
US07655958B2 Semiconductor light-emitting device and surface light source using the same
A semiconductor light-emitting device can include high heat dissipation properties and a high degree of mounting flexibility. Also a surface light source can be configured to use the above-noted semiconductor light-emitting device. The semiconductor light-emitting element can be mounted on a package obtained by insert-molding lead frames with a resin. One of the end portions of the lead frames can be connected to respective electrodes of the semiconductor light-emitting element, and other end portions thereof can protrude outward from a resin molded portion of the package. One of the lead frames can include a block body on which the semiconductor light-emitting element is disposed. The block body protrudes from the resin molded portion. The semiconductor light-emitting device having the above structure and a circuit substrate can be mounted on a metal base which can be brought into direct contact with the block body. Alternatively, the metal base and the semiconductor light-emitting device can be disposed with a heat conducting sheet sandwiched therebetween.
US07655957B2 Submounts for semiconductor light emitting device packages and semiconductor light emitting device packages including the same
A submount for a solid state lighting package includes a support member having upper and lower surfaces, a first side surface, and a second side surface opposite the first side surface, a first electrical bondpad on the upper surface of the support member and having a first bonding region proximate the first side surface of the support member and a second bonding region extending toward the second side surface of the support member, and a second electrical bondpad on the upper surface of the support member having a die mounting region proximate the first side surface of the support member and an extension region extending toward the second side surface of the support member. The die mounting region of the second electrical bondpad may be configured to receive an electronic device. The submount further includes a third electrical bondpad on the upper surface of the support member and positioned between the second side surface of the support member and the die mounting region of the second electrical bondpad.
US07655956B2 Semiconductor device and method for manufacturing the same
There is provided a semiconductor device mounted with a light emitting element, which can be downsized easily, improve light emitting efficiency and be formed easily, and a method for manufacturing the semiconductor device effectively. The semiconductor device includes a substrate, a light emitting element mounted on the substrate by flip chip bonding, a sealing structure sealing the light emitting element and a phosphor film which is formed on an internal surface of the sealing structure. The sealing structure includes a blocking portion which is formed integrally with the substrate so as to surround the light emitting element on the substrate and functions as a reflector that reflects a light emitted from the light emitting element and a cover portion which is arranged on the top of the blocking portion and is bonded to the blocking portion.
US07655955B2 Light emitting device and backlight unit using the same as light source and field sequential LCD apparatus employing the backlight unit
A light emitting device includes a light emitting element chip and a lens which transmits light generated by the light emitting device asymmetrically; a backlight unit which uses the light emitting device as a light source; and a field sequential LCD apparatus adopting the backlight unit.
US07655954B2 Array type light-emitting device with high color rendering index
An array type light-emitting module includes a blue, a red, a green, a yellow and an amber light-emitting chip sets. Wavelength-converting layer set covers the blue light-emitting chip set. Transparent layer sets cover the red, green, yellow, and amber light-emitting chip sets. A portion of the visible light emitted by the blue light-emitting chip set is converted into visible light with another emission peak wavelength range via the wavelength-converting layer set. The converted visible light mixes with light projected from the red, the green, the yellow and the amber light-emitting chip sets to generate white light with a color rendering index ranging between 90 and 96.
US07655953B2 Semiconductor laser apparatus
A sub-substrate, a blue-violet semiconductor laser device, an insulating layer, and a red semiconductor laser device are stacked in order on a support member through a plurality of fusion layers. The insulating layer is stacked on an n-side pad electrode of the blue-violet semiconductor laser device, and a conductive layer is formed on the insulating layer. The red semiconductor laser device is stacked on the conductive layer through a fusion layer. The conductive layer is electrically connected to a p-side pad electrode of the red semiconductor laser device. The n-side pad electrode of the blue-violet semiconductor laser device and the n-side pad electrode of the red semiconductor laser device are electrically connected to each other.
US07655952B2 Thin films transistor array panel and manufacturing method thereof
A thin film transistor array panel is provided, which includes: a gate line, a gate insulating layer, and a semiconductor layer sequentially formed on a substrate; a data line and a drain electrode formed at least on the semiconductor layer; a first passivation layer formed on the data line and the drain electrode and having a first contact hole exposing the drain electrode at least in part; a second passivation layer formed on the first passivation layer and having a second contact hole that is disposed on the first contact hole and has a first bottom edge, placed outside the first contact hole and a second bottom edge placed inside the first contact hole; and a pixel electrode formed on the second passivation layer and connected to the drain electrode through the first and the second contact holes.
US07655951B2 Thin film transistor and the manufacturing method thereof
A thin film transistor and a method for manufacturing the same capable of reducing a change in a threshold voltage of the thin film transistor formed on a flexible substrate. The thin film transistor includes: a substrate, the substrate being flexible; a buffer layer having a low dielectric constant from about 1.2 to about 4.0 and formed on the substrate; a semiconductor layer formed on the buffer layer; a gate electrode; first insulation layer formed between the gate electrode and the semiconductor layer; a second insulation layer formed on the semiconductor layer and the gate electrode; and a source/drain electrode electrically connected to the semiconductor layer through a contact hole formed in the second insulation layer. Therefore, the thin film transistor can reduce a change in its threshold voltage, thereby reducing changes in brightness, gray scale, contrast, etc., of light-emitting devices using the thin film transistor.
US07655949B2 Thin film transistor substrate having structure for compensating for mask misalignment
A thin film transistors (TFTs) substrate is structured to maintain as constant across the area of the substrate a kickback voltage due to Miller capacitance between the drain and gate of each TFT even in the presence of manufacturing induced misalignments between the drain electrodes and corresponding gate lines. Each thin film transistor includes a gate electrode, an active layer formed on the gate electrode so as to overlap the gate electrode, first and second source electrodes respectively connected to first and second data lines each of which crosses the gate line while being insulated from the gate line, and an elongated drain electrode located between the first and second source electrodes and disposed over the gate electrode so as to a crossing length of the drain electrode is larger than an underlying width of the gate electrode such that misalignment induced shifts of the position of the gate electrode relative to the drain electrode does not substantially change overlap area between the two.
US07655948B2 Light emitting display
The present disclosure provides a light emitting display device including a first substrate and a second substrate and a light emitting part disposed therebetween. The first substrate includes an active layer, source and drain electrodes, an insulating layer, and a gate electrode. The active layer is doped with first dopant ions and second dopant ions. The light emitting display may have a fast response characteristic due to a reduced resistance of the active layer and an improved characteristic of current drift.
US07655947B2 Thin film transistor used as a switching element in an active matrix type liquid crystal display device
The present invention provides a thin film transistor comprising a drain electrode and a source electrode separated by a channel region formed over a contact portion with an amorphous silicon layer and wherein an impurity from the channel region is removed and a remaining impurity is diffused into the contact portion to form a contact layer wherein the contact layer has a second resistance at least lower than the first resistance.
US07655946B2 IC with comparator receiving expected and mask data from pads
Test circuits located on semiconductor die enable a tester to test a plurality of die/ICs in parallel by inputting both stimulus and response patterns to the plurality of die/ICs. The response patterns from the tester are input to the test circuits along with the output response of the die/IC to be compared. Also disclosed is the use of a response signal encoding scheme whereby the tester transmits response test commands to the test circuits, using a single signal per test circuit, to perform: (1) a compare die/IC output against an expected logic high, (2) a compare die/IC output against an expected logic low, and (3) a mask compare operation. The use of the signal encoding scheme allows functional testing of die and ICs since all response test commands (i.e. 1-3 above) required at each die/IC output can be transmitted to each die/IC output using only a single tester signal connection per die/IC output. In addition to functional testing, scan testing of die and ICs is also possible.
US07655943B2 Organic electroluminescent display device having OTFT and method of fabricating the same
An organic electroluminescent display device having an organic thin film transistor (OTFT) and a method of fabricating the same is disclosed. The display device can maintain an insulation property of a TFT and concurrently, ensure a sufficient capacitance by using an organic insulating layer for a gate insulating layer and using an inorganic insulating layer for a capacitor dielectric. In one embodiment, the organic electroluminescent display device includes a substrate having a capacitor region and a transistor region, a TFT formed in the transistor region of the substrate, and having a gate electrode, an organic semiconductor layer, a source electrode, and a drain electrode, a capacitor formed in the capacitor region of the substrate, and having a lower electrode and an upper electrode, and a display element connected to one of source/drain electrodes of the TFT. In one embodiment, a gate insulating layer formed below or on the gate electrode of the TFT includes at least an organic insulating layer, and a capacitor dielectric formed between the upper and lower electrodes of the capacitor includes an inorganic insulating layer.
US07655940B2 Storage node including diffusion barrier layer, phase change memory device having the same and methods of manufacturing the same
A phase change memory device and a method of manufacturing the phase change memory device are provided. The phase change memory device may include a switching element and a storage node connected to the switching element, wherein the storage node includes a bottom electrode and a top electrode, a phase change layer interposed between the bottom electrode and the top electrode, and a titanium-tellurium (Ti—Te)-based diffusion barrier layer interposed between the top electrode and the phase change layer. The Ti—Te based diffusion barrier layer may be a TixTe1−x layer wherein x may be greater than 0 and less than 0.5.
US07655938B2 Phase change memory with U-shaped chalcogenide cell
A phase change memory may be made of a chalcogenide material having a U-shape. The U-shaped chalcogenide may transition between amorphous and crystalline phases in an upper part of a vertical portion thereof. As a result, in some embodiments, self-heating may be achieved without the need for a heater, and without the need for glue in some cases.
US07655937B2 Remote control systems that can distinguish stray light sources
Remote control systems that can distinguish predetermined light sources from stray light sources, e.g., environmental light sources and/or reflections are provided. The predetermined light sources can be disposed in asymmetric substantially linear or two-dimensional patterns. The predetermined light sources also can output waveforms modulated in accordance with one or more signature modulation characteristics. The predetermined light sources also can output light at different signature wavelengths.
US07655935B1 Plutonium radiation surrogate
A self-contained source of gamma-ray and neutron radiation suitable for use as a radiation surrogate for weapons-grade plutonium is described. The source generates a radiation spectrum similar to that of weapons-grade plutonium at 5% energy resolution between 59 and 2614 keV, but contains no special nuclear material and emits little α-particle radiation. The weapons-grade plutonium radiation surrogate also emits neutrons having fluxes commensurate with the gamma-radiation intensities employed.
US07655934B2 Data on light bulb
A light-emitting device includes a plurality of ultra-small resonant structures, each of said structures constructed and adapted to emit electromagnetic radiation (EMR) at a particular wavelength when a beam of charged particles is passed nearby. A combiner mechanism constructed and adapted to combine data from a data source with the EMR emitted by at least one of the ultra-small resonant structures.
US07655929B2 Ion beam measuring method and ion implanting apparatus
A change of a beam current of an ion beam which passes an outside of the side of a forestage beam restricting shutter, and which is incident on a forestage multipoints Faraday is measured while the forestage beam restricting shutter is driven in a y direction by a forestage shutter driving apparatus in order to obtain a beam current density distribution in the y direction of the ion beam at a position of the forestage beam restricting shutter. A change of a beam current of the ion beam which passes an outside of the side of a poststage beam restricting shutter, and which is incident on a poststage multipoints Faraday is measured while the poststage beam restricting shutter is driven in the y direction by a poststage shutter driving apparatus in order to obtain a beam current density distribution in the y direction of the ion beam at a position of the poststage beam restricting shutter. By using these results, an angle deviation, a diverging angle, and/or a beam size in the y direction of the ion beam can be obtained.
US07655927B2 Radiation image converting panel
The present invention relates to a radiation image converting panel with a structure to realize an improvement in moisture resistance in the periphery of the panel. The radiation image converting panel comprises a support body and a radiation converting film formed on the support body. The radiation converting film is formed on a film forming region which exists within a first main surface of the support body and includes at least a gravity center position of the first main surface. An average crystal diameter of columnar crystals located on a peripheral measuring area of the film forming region is controlled to be 1.3 times or more larger than an average crystal diameter of columnar crystals located on a central measuring area corresponding to a gravity center position of the film forming region, whereby moisture resistance in the periphery of the panel is improved, so that a sufficient fluorescence lifetime of the panel as a whole is maintained.
US07655926B2 Rare earth activated alkaline earth metal fluorohalide stimulable phosphor and radiation image conversion panel employing the same
Provided are a rare earth activated alkaline earth metal fluorohalide stimulable phosphor exhibiting high image quality of radiation images and reduction of luminance degradation, and a radiation image conversion panel employing the stimulable phosphor represented by Formula (1) Ba(1-x)M2(x)FBr(y)I(1-y):aM1, bLn, cO, wherein M1 is at least an alkali metal selected from the group consisting of Li, Na, K, Rb and Cs; M2 is at least an alkaline earth metal selected from the group consisting of Be, Mg, Sr and Ca; Ln is at least a rare earth element selected from the group consisting of Ce, Pr, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Tm, Dy, Ho, Nd, Er and Yb; and x, y, a, b and c are values meeting the following conditions: 0≦x≦0.3, 0≦y≦0.9, 0≦a≦0.05 0
US07655924B2 Front plate for an ion source
The present invention relates to a front plate for an ion source that is suitable for an ion implanter. The front plate according to the invention comprises obverse and reverse sides, an exit aperture for allowing egress of ions from the ion source that extends substantially straight through the front plate between the obverse and reverse sides, and a slot penetrating through the front plate from obverse side to reverse side at a slant for at least part of its depth, the slot extending from a side of the front plate to join the exit aperture. The slot is slanted to occlude line of sight into the ion source when viewed from in front, yet provides an expansion gap.
US07655923B2 Spherical aberration corrected electrostatic lens, input lens, electron spectrometer, photoemission electron microscope and measuring system
A mesh (M) having an ellipsoid shape or a shape close to the ellipsoid shape is attached to an electrode (EL1) among electrodes (EL1 to ELn). Voltages of the later-stage electrodes (EL2 to ELn) are appropriately set. With this arrangement, a local negative spherical aberration generated by the mesh (M) is cancelled out with a positive spherical aberration. This optimizes an electric field distribution. As a result, this realizes an electrostatic lens whose acceptance angle is extended to about ±60°.
US07655922B2 Techniques for confining electrons in an ion implanter
Techniques for confining electrons in an ion implanter are disclosed. In one particular exemplary embodiment, the techniques may be realized as an apparatus for confining electrons in an ion implanter. The apparatus may comprise a first array of magnets and a second array of magnets positioned along at least a portion of a beam path, the first array being on a first side of the beam path and the second array being on a second side of the beam path, the first side opposing the second side. At least one magnet in the first array may have a pole facing an opposite pole of a corresponding magnet in the second array.
US07655917B2 Radiation image detection apparatus, residual charge amount estimation method for use with the apparatus and program therefor
A residual charge amount estimation method including the steps of: providing a radiation image detector including pixels, scanning lines, and data lines, each pixel having a collection electrode, a capacitor, and a TFT switch; detecting a leak current flowing out through each data line with the TFT switches being switched OFF; reading out an image signal flowing out through each data line by sequentially switching ON the TFT switches connected to each scanning line on a scanning line-by-scanning line basis; calculating an average leak current per unit saturated pixel from the leak current detected from at least one of the data lines on which a saturated pixel having a saturated value of the image signal is found and the number of saturated pixels; and estimating the amount of residual charges remaining in the unit saturated pixel based on the average leak current.
US07655916B2 Radiation image capturing system
The power consumption of a battery for supplying electric power to a cassette having a radiation detector for detecting radiation image information is greatly reduced. When a cassette transceiver of the cassette starts transmitting the radiation image information to a console transceiver of a console, the cassette transceiver changes the gain of a variable-gain amplifier to change a transmission radio-wave intensity, and transmits a test signal at the changed transmission radio-wave intensity. When the console transceiver receives the test signal, the console transceiver transmits a reception acknowledgement signal generated by a reception acknowledgement signal generator. In response to the reception acknowledgement signal, the cassette transceiver sets its own transmission radio-wave intensity to a value at the time the cassette transceiver received the reception acknowledgement signal, and transmits the radiation image information at the set transmission radio-wave intensity.
US07655915B2 Collimator assembly for computed tomography system
A detector assembly 18 for an imaging system 10 is provided comprising a plurality of scintillator elements 50 positioned within a scintillator pack 56. The scintillator pack 56 forms a scintillator pack upper surface 58 and a plurality of scintillator pack walls 60 positioned between the plurality of scintillator elements 50. A plurality of collimator elements 64 are mounted on the scintillator pack upper surface 58. Each of the plurality of collimator elements 64 is comprised of a stack laminated base 66 mounted to the scintillator pack upper surface 58 and a cast upper wall 68 formed on the stack laminated base 66.
US07655912B2 Direction finding radiation detector, and radiation monitoring method and apparatus
A direction finding radiation detector for detecting the direction of incidence of radioactive rays, comprising: a plurality of scintillators (41, 42, 43) (101, 102, 103) made of the same material, being arranged to overlap circumferentially at least in part so that they are shadowed by each other from radioactive rays incident in circumferential directions and so that light emitted from one of the scintillators is not incident on the other scintillators; and photoreceptor devices (51, 52, 53) (111, 112, 113) having light receiving surfaces optically coupled to the respective scintillators, wherein a combination of proportions of radioactive rays incident directly on the respective scintillators and radioactive rays incident indirectly thereon, being shadowed by the other scintillators, varies with the direction of incidence circumferentially. This achieves weight saving of the detector, improves the detection efficiency of the radioactive rays, elaborates detection information through measurements in half the circumferential directions or all the circumferential directions, and simplifies setting for improved operability.
US07655911B2 Image sensor having a variable aperture and mono-color focal plane array for dual color detection
An image sensor is provided that includes a focal plane array; a cold shield having a top wall disposed over the focal plane array and defining an aperture operatively configured to be selectively switched between a first diameter and a second diameter that is larger than the first diameter; and a filter element disposed between the cold shield aperture and the focal plane array. The filter element includes a first band-pass filter and a second band-pass filter. The first band-pass filter is disposed directly beneath the cold shield aperture when the cold shield aperture is switched to the first diameter or the second diameter. The second band-pass filter is covered by the top wall of the cold shield when the cold shield aperture is switched to the first diameter and is disposed directly beneath the cold shield aperture when the cold shield aperture is switched to the second diameter.
US07655910B2 Apparatus for gas concentration measurement according to gas correlation method
A gas concentration measuring apparatus utilizing a gas correlation method capable of measuring concentrations of a plurality of analyte gases simultaneously and at high sensitivity uses an infrared light source (2) such as an infrared semiconductor diode or a quantum cascade semiconductor laser to increase the intensity of collimated infrared light (5) and to lessen infrared light unnecessary for measurement, thereby improving the S/N ratio while achieving a rise in sensitivity. A plurality of analyte gases are simultaneously measured by means of a gas correlation filter comprising a reference gas cell (6a) filled with all of the analyte gases and a plurality of probe gas cells (6b) each individual of which is filled with all such analyte gases other than one of the analyte gases which is of its particular interest.
US07655906B2 Method and apparatus for scanning and measurement by electron beam
An inspection and measurement method and apparatus for semiconductor devices and patterns such as photomasks using an electron beam capable of measuring the potential of a sample with higher precision than conventional systems. When an S curve is observed in a semiconductor device to be inspected, fluctuations of the potential of the inspection sample surface are suppressed by optimizing the energy of a primary electron beam used for irradiation. When the surface potential of the semiconductor device is measured, a more precise measurement can be obtained without adverse effects from an insulation film surface. Further, the surface potential can be measured without installing a special apparatus for wafer surface potential measurement such as an energy filter, so the cost of the apparatus can be reduced.
US07655904B2 Target workpiece inspection apparatus, image alignment method, and computer-readable recording medium with program recorded thereon
A target workpiece inspection apparatus comprises an optical image acquiring unit to acquire an optical image of a target workpiece, a reference image generating unit to generate a reference image to be compared, a difference judging unit to judge whether an absolute value of difference between pixel values of the images in each pixel at a preliminary alignment position between the images is smaller than a threshold value, a least-squares method displacement calculating unit to calculate a displacement amount displaced from the preliminary alignment position, by using a regular matrix for a least-squares method obtained from a result judged, a position correcting unit to correct an alignment position between the optical image and the reference image to a position displaced from the preliminary alignment position by the displacement amount, and a comparing unit to compare the optical image and the reference image whose alignment position has been corrected.
US07655901B2 Light assisted keyboard for mobile communication device
A mobile communication device having a keyboard with a set of keys representing alpha-numeric characters, the keyboard comprising a light source, located within said mobile communication device; for providing a light; a set of sensors, associated with said keys, for sensing an amount of said light in a vicinity of each of said set of sensors, to determine which of said set of keys has been selected; and a transparent flat cover, overlying said set of sensors, displaying said set of alpha-numeric characters, for associating said set of alpha-numeric characters with said set of sensors.
US07655900B2 Intensity modulation type optical sensor and optical current/voltage sensor
An influence on a sensor output is suppressed to a minimum degree even in the case when there is a ripple in a light source, thereby improving the measurement accuracy. In an intensity modulation type optical sensor, light from a light source 1 is guided to a sensor head 6, the intensity of the light is modulated on the basis of an alternating current (AC) measured object (for example, a current i) changing with time, the modulated light is received in a light receiving element 81 and converted into an electrical signal, and a normalized received signal Xs indicating a degree of modulation is acquired from a ratio of an AC component As and a DC component Ds of the electrical signal to thereby acquiring a value of the AC measured object. Further in this invention, a reference signal Vr is acquired by separating and receiving part of light incident on the sensor head 6, a normalized reference signal Xr is acquired from a ratio of an AC component Ar and a DC component Dr of the reference signal, and the normalized reference signal Xr is subtracted from the normalized received signal Xs, thereby reducing noises and improving the accuracy.
US07655899B2 Method and system for wavelength-dependent imaging and detection using a hybrid filter
Apparatus and methods for wavelength-dependent detection are provided. A detector includes a hybrid filter having unpatterned and patterned filter layers and at least one light-detecting sensor that detects light in first and second wavelength bands from the patterned filter layer of the hybrid filter. The unpatterned filter layer passes light in two nonoverlapping wavelength bands relative to light in wavelength bands between or among the nonoverlapping wavelength bands. The patterned filter layer includes first and second regions configured respectively to pass light in the first and second wavelength bands of the nonoverlapping wavelength bands passed by the unpatterned filter layer.
US07655898B2 Optical filter assembly with selectable bandwidth and rejection
An optical filter assembly having selectable bandwidth is presented. The optical filter assembly includes a first optical filter, a first optical retarder with optical retardance R1, a second optical retarder with optical retardance R2, a polarization switch positioned between the first and second retarders which causes their retardances to substantially add in a first switch setting and to substantially subtract in a second switch setting, and an exit polarizer. A multispectral imaging system using tunable optical filters having selectable bandwidth is presented. A method of filtering light is also presented. The method includes providing a first optical filter, providing a dynamic bandwidth stage including a polarization switch, selecting a first setting of the polarization switch, and producing a first filter action for light passing through the first filter and the dynamic bandwidth stage.
US07655897B2 System and method for performing an optical tracking operation using relative referencing
A system and method for performing an optical tracking operation computes a translated movement value of a displacement values using a relationship between a reference displacement value derived using a reference surface and a corresponding displacement value using a target surface. The displacement value is produced using image correlation by optically sensing the target surface. The translated movement value is used for the optical tracking operation.
US07655894B2 Vehicular image sensing system
An image sensing system for a vehicle includes an imaging sensor comprising a two-dimensional array of light sensing photosensor elements formed on a semiconductor substrate. The imaging sensor is disposed at an interior portion of the vehicle, and may be at or proximate to an interior rearview mirror assembly of the vehicle. The system includes a logic and control circuit comprising an image processor for processing image data derived from the imaging sensor. The image sensing system may identify objects of interest based on spectral differentiation or by comparing over successive frames image data associated with objects in the forward field of view of the image sensor or by objects of interest being at least one of qualified and disqualified based at least in part on object motion in the field of view of the imaging sensor.
US07655892B2 Solid-state imaging device, and method of driving solid-state imaging device
A solid-state imaging device comprises: a semiconductor substrate; and a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements forming a square lattice pattern extending in a column direction and in a row direction substantially perpendicular to the row direction, on a surface of the semiconductor substrate, wherein said plurality of photoelectric conversion elements comprises: a plurality of first photoelectric conversion elements that conduct photoelectric conversion of a relatively higher sensitivity on an amount of incident light; and a plurality of second photoelectric conversion elements that conduct photoelectric conversion of a relatively lower sensitivity on the amount of incident light, wherein said plurality of first photoelectric conversion elements and said plurality of second photoelectric conversion elements are arranged in respective checkered patterns, and wherein said plurality of first photoelectric conversion elements are larger in size than said plurality of second photoelectric conversion elements.
US07655889B2 Display device and control method therefor
A display device has a predetermined display region and includes an array substrate equipped with a drive circuit, and a light sensor for measuring outside illuminance and a temperature sensor both installed on the array substrate. A control method for the display device includes using the light sensor to measure outside illuminance and using an output of the temperature sensor to correct an output of the light sensor, thereby adjusting luminance in the display region. The display device may further include an opposed substrate in opposition to the array substrate, a liquid crystal layer sandwiched between the two substrates to form the predetermined display region, and a backlight, thereby constituting a liquid crystal display device. Another configuration of a display device has a predetermined display region and includes an array substrate equipped with a drive circuit for display, and a light sensor installed on the array substrate for measuring outside illuminance, a filtering circuit for filtering a signal output from the light sensor and a processing circuit for processing the signal output from the light sensor and then filtered with the filtering means.
US07655886B2 Method of measuring a heating plate temperature, substrate processing device and computer-readable recording medium with computer program recorded thereon for measuring the heating plate temperature
When a heating plate performs heat treatment on a substrate by a wireless wafer provided with a temperature detecting portion, a storing portion and a controller, the temperature of the heating plate is measured readily and accurately while suppressing lowering of a heating operation efficiency due to a measuring operation. A temperature measurement start instruction is provided to the controller of the wireless wafer at a position in a wireless wafer carrier, and thereby the wireless wafer starts temperature detection to store time-series data of the detected temperature value in the storing portion. The wireless wafer is transferred to a heating unit through a predetermined transfer path. Based on a transportation time required for placing the wireless wafer on the heating plate and the time-series data of the detected temperature value in the storing portion, the time-series data of the detected temperature value obtained after the wireless wafer is placed on the heating plate is fetched.
US07655883B2 Heated plumbing vent
A heated vent cap assembly is provided which can be coupled to a pipe originating from a plumbing system within a building. A heating element is wound around an inner cylinder which is wrapped in a conductive foil and enveloped by a larger diameter outer cylinder which is lined with a reflective foil defining a void there between. The cylinders are secured at an upper end by an end cap and at a lower end by a lower end cap and a tether is tautly secured within the inner cylinder by a bridge in an opening of the end cap and a lower disk engaged with the lower end of the inner cylinder to support ice blocks formed therein. The heating cable generates heat, which is reflected by the reflective foil and absorbed by the conductive foil to prevent ice from forming on the inner surface of the inner cylinder.
US07655880B2 Method for monitoring a resistance welding process and device therefor
A method for monitoring a resistance welding process carried out on a stack of metal workpieces (1) clamped between two electrodes (2a, 2b) of a clamp (3), and a device therefor. According to the method, the electrodes (2a, 2b) are subjected to a clamping force (F) and a voltage (V(t)) enabling a current (I(t)) to flow through the stack of metal workpieces (1). The monitoring method further includes at least one step of analysing the clamping force (F) by comparison with a model from a prior learning process. The result of the analysis of each step is taken into account by a decision-making matrix to generate a correction and/or control signal intended for the welding process.
US07655879B2 Method for producing permanent integral connections of oxide-dispersed (ODS) metallic materials or components of oxide-dispersed (ODS) metallic materials by welding
A method for producing permanent integral connections of oxide-dispersed metallic materials by welding. The materials or components to be connected are overlapped to form an overlapping region in a joining region of the overlapping region. The materials or components are heated below the melting temperatures of the materials and are welded to at least partially form a diffusion bond by a welding method. A noble metal foil may be between the components to be connected. The diffusion bond is heated subsequently to a temperature below the melting temperature of the materials or components and the bond is mechanically recompacted by hammering.
US07655875B1 Lever switch
A lever operated switch employs an actuating surface and a plurality of tactile switches to generate electrical states corresponding to distinct angular orientations of the lever. The lever extends from a cam having an actuating surface configured to change the state of one switch when the lever is moved between adjacent positions. The cam is reversible, permitting the switch to be mounted on opposite sides of a support with the same lever movement and switch actuation.
US07655872B2 Through-hole arrangement for a ball grid array package
The through holes in an array manner in the signal layer within the chip-interposed region on a substrate of a BGA package comprise a ball pads array having a plurality of ball pads and a vias array. The vias array has a plurality of vias located interlaces with the ball pads array. The outermost portions of the chip-interposed region are designed in such a manner to have at least two rings of vias for signal transmission and power connection. The interval between every two adjacent vias in the ring is not less than twice of the distance of two ball pads. Upon such an arrangement, the BGA package can have a plurality of dissipation channels that can increase dissipation space, dissipate quickly the heat generated from the IC, and transmit well for signal and power.
US07655869B2 Flex-rigid wiring board
A flex-rigid wiring board has an insulative adhesive interposed between portions, lapping over each other, of the rigid and flexible substrates; and the interconnecting electrode pads on the rigid and flexible substrates are electrically connected to each other through a conductor lump penetrating the insulative adhesive, thereby providing lowered inductance in the high-frequency band, shortened signal-delay time, reduced noise generation due to signal reflected-wave, reduced drop impact, high connection reliability and high freedom of wire connection, and the wiring board can advantageously be manufactured with a reduced cost and a high yield.
US07655868B2 Stator bar components with high thermal conductivity
A stator bar. The stator bar may include a number of conductors and an insulation layer positioned about the conductors. The insulation layer includes a ceramic component.
US07655867B2 Conductor for liquid-cooled windings
A conductor for windings cooled by liquid, especially for transformer windings, has an insulating covering which surrounds the entire conductor (1). At least one layer (2) of the covering completely surrounds the conductor (1). An external layer (3) provided with at least two layers (2, 3) of the covering comprises openings (4), holes (5) or frays (6) through which a coolant flowing around the conductor is placed in a turbulent state and better heat exchange is obtained.
US07655865B2 Apparatus for mounting busbars
An apparatus for mounting bus bars having at least one bus bar holder which can be attached to a loadbearing structure and which has at least one foot receptacle for introducing a foot section of a bus bar and fixing the latter by a holding piece. Simple, stable mounting of bus bars can be achieved if the holding piece is configured as a separate part which can be attached releasably or which is attached releasably to a base part of the bus bar holder and which has a connecting section for attachment to an adapted holding piece receptacle of the base part and a head part which engages over the former for fixing the foot section.
US07655863B2 Multi-port compression connector with single tap wire access port
A compression connector is provided for securing wires electrically together but mechanically separated upon completion of a crimping operation applied to the compression connector. The compression connector includes a body portion having a first hook and a first ramp extending from the body portion, the first hook and first ramp forming a first opening providing an entrance to a main wire port in the body portion. The body portion further includes a second hook and a second ramp extending from the body portion, the second hook and second ramp forming a second opening defining an entrance to a common tap wire port in the body portion. A first tap wire nest is located in the body portion with the first tap wire nest having an opening in communication with the common tap wire port. A second tap wire nest is located in the body portion with the second tap wire nest having an opening on communication with the common tap wire port. In an embodiment, a third tap wire nest is located in the body portion, the third tap wire nest having an opening in communication with the common tap wire port.
US07655858B2 Thermoelectric device having an energy storage device located between its hot and cold sides
A thermoelectric device (100, 342) that includes at least one thermoelectric couple (118, 304) that contains a thermoelectric junction (156) between two dissimilar materials (P, N) that allow exploitation of either the Seebeck effect or Peltier effect of the junction. The thermoelectric couple includes two thermoelements (120, 124, 324, 326) that extend between the hot side (104) and cold side (108) of the device. Each thermoelement has a thermally insulating region (128, 132) that insulates the hot side from the cold side and an electrical energy storage device (136, 138, 308, 310) that stores electrical energy. When operating in a Seebeck mode, each storage device may be periodically discharged by harvesting circuitry (200, 300) so as to harvest the energy stored therein. When operating in a Peltier mode, each storage device may be periodically charged by charging circuitry (900, 1000) so as to induce a temperature change at the thermoelectric junction.
US07655853B1 Weight-relieving device for a woodwind instrument
A device relieves the weight on the thumbrest of a woodwind instrument that does not have a curved neck near the mouthpiece, thereby avoiding muscular strain and soreness in the right hand and thumb of the instrument player without altering negatively the instrument playing in the conventional ways. This device includes a strap 20 that suspends on the player's chest an enclosure 30 housing a constant-force spring 34 coupled with a coil of cord 40 which terminates outside of this enclosure in a snap-hook 60 that is secured onto the thumbrest ring 70 of the instrument. In usual playing positions that point the instrument to the ground, the device creates a physical force component on the thumbrest in line with but opposite to the weight of the instrument on the thumbrest and thus diminishes in a perceivable manner the stress of the instrument weight on the right-hand of the player.
US07655850B1 Universal quantum gate
Universal quantum gates that include single qubit and two-qubit gates are provided.
US07655849B2 Plants and seeds of hybrid corn variety CH515277
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH515277. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH515277, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH515277 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH515277.
US07655844B2 Plants and seeds of hybrid corn variety CH298165
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH298165. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH298165, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH298165 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH298165.
US07655842B1 Maize variety PHPT2
A novel maize variety designated PHPT2 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprise crossing maize variety PHPT2 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PHPT2 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 PHPT2 or a trait conversion of PHPT2 with another maize variety. Inbred maize varieties derived from maize variety PHPT2, methods for producing other inbred maize varieties derived from maize variety PHPT2 and the inbred maize varieties and their parts derived by the use of those methods.
US07655832B2 Rapid-throughput teleost regeneration assay
The present invention provides a method of simultaneously screening at least two candidate agents for an activity affecting regeneration of an embryonic teleost. According to this method, for each agent, a fin of the embryonic teleost is amputated. Next, the amputated teleost is incubated with the candidate agent for a specified period of time. After this period of time, the amputated teleost is imaged. This image is compared to an image of an amputated teleost that was incubated for the specified period of time in the absence of the candidate agent. When comparing the images, a change in morphology of the amputated fin of the embryonic teleost incubated in the presence of the candidate agent compared to the amputated fin of the embryonic teleost raised in the absence of the candidate agent indicates that the candidate agent affects regeneration.
US07655830B2 Superabsorbent polymer particles comprising functionalizers and method of making them
The present invention relates to superabsorbent polymer particles having functionalizers covalently bound to the surface of precursor superabsorbent polymer particles.The functionalizers of the present invention comprise a grafting unit with a radiation activatable group and a functional unit covalently bound to the grafting unit. The grafting unit is bound to an aliphatic C—H group comprised at the surface of the precursor superabsorbent polymer particle. The functional unit comprises chemical structures which are not present in the precursor superabsorbent polymer particle. These functional units add an additional function to the precursor suberabsorbent polymer particle or modifying an existing function of the precursor superabsorbent polymer particle.Moreover, the invention relates to a process for making these superabsorbent polymer particles.
US07655829B2 Absorbent pad with activated carbon ink for odor control
An absorbent pad configured for placement under a patient to absorb bodily fluids includes a liquid permeable cover layer, a liquid impermeable back sheet, and an absorbent structure disposed between the cover layer and the back sheet. At least one of the cover layer, back sheet, or absorbent structure incorporates a dried application of a liquid activated carbon ink having activated carbon, a binder, and a solvent, with the dried application of ink having a solids add-on level of at least about 2%. The activated carbon ink is applied in a pattern over between about 25% to about 95% of a total upper surface area of the pad and presents a visually contrasting color against a background color of the pad or a contrasting ink.
US07655826B2 Method for decomposition of ethers
This invention relates to a method of making an olefin from a dialkyl ether comprising (a) introducing an ether having a formula CxH2x+1CyH2y+1 into a thermal or catalytic cracking unit processing a hydrocarbon feedstock; and (b) decomposing at least a portion of the ether to form an olefin having a formula CxH2x and/or CyH2y and an alcohol having a formula CxH2x+1 and/or CyH2y+1OH, wherein x and y independently range from about 1 to about 30. This invention also relates to a method of reducing coking in a thermal or catalytic cracking unit comprising (a) introducing an ether, having a formula CxH2x+1OCyH2y+1, into the cracking unit processing a hydrocarbon feedstock in an amount effective to reduce coke formation relative to processing the hydrocarbon feedstock in the absence of the ether, wherein x and y independently range from about 1 to about 30.
US07655824B2 Processes for producing alkylbenzenes over solid acid catalyst at low benzene to olefin ratios and low heavies make
The alkylation of aromatic compound with acyclic mono-olefin is effected at low aromatic compound to mono-olefin ratios with reduced co-production of heavies. In the processes a small crystal, acidic FAU molecular sieve is used as a catalyst under alkylation conditions. This invention also relates to catalysts containing small crystal, acidic FAU molecular sieve and at least one other acidic catalytic component.
US07655822B2 Reactor with two fluidized reaction zones with an integrated gas/solid separation system
A gas-solid reactor and method including two fluidized reaction zones having an integrated gas-solid separation system which achieves rigorously controlled residence times in the reactor.
US07655811B2 Method for producing OH-terminal organo hydrogen polysiloxanes
Hydroxyl-terminal organopolysiloxanes having diorganosiloxy groups and Si—H groups are prepared by reacting the appropriate chlorosilanes with less than 0.5 mol water per mol of hydrolyzable chlorine in a first step and recovering gaseous HCl, and more fully hydrolyzing with additional water in a second step.
US07655810B2 Phosphine transition metal complex, method for producing the same, and antitumor agent containing the same
A phosphine transition metal complex is expressed by general formula (1): wherein A represents a groups selected from among alkylene, phenylene, and cis-vinylene; M represents an atom selected from the group consisting of gold, silver, copper, and platinum; B1 and B2 each represent a substituted or unsubstituted heterocyclic group containing a trivalent phosphorus atom forming a covalent bond with A and coordinating with M; and C represents an anionic atom.
US07655808B2 Leptomycin compounds
Leptomycin-type compounds according to formula I wherein R0, R1, R2, R10, R11, R12, R13, R14, and m are as defined herein, exhibit anti-tumor activity.
US07655807B2 Low molecular weight conjugated nitrogen compounds and devices fabricated using the same
Low molecular weight conjugated nitrogen compounds having linear conjugated chains, and devices fabricated using the conjugated nitrogen compounds as organic semiconductor materials, hole conducting materials, or light-emitting materials. The conjugated nitrogen compounds can be spin-coated at room temperature, are stable, and has superior electrical conductivity.
US07655806B2 Process for purification of anastrozole
Anastrozole can be purified by crystallization from an aqueous-based solvent system. The aqueous-based solvent system can contain dilute acid, or an alcohol or both.
US07655802B2 Phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitors, including aminoindazole and aminobenzofuran analogs
PDE4 inhibition is achieved by novel compounds, e.g., aminoindazole and aminobenzofuran analogs. The compounds of the present invention are of Formulas I and II: wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R7 and R8 are as defined herein.
US07655800B2 Crystalline 1H-imidazo[4,5-b]pyridin-5-amine, 7-[5-[(cyclohexylmethylamino)-methyl]-1H-indol-2-yl]-2-methyl, sulfate (1:1), trihydrate and its pharmaceutical uses
The invention relates to crystalline 1H-Imidazo[4,5-b]pyridin-5-amine, 7-[5-[(cyclohexylmethylamino)-methyl]-1H-indol-2-yl]-2-methyl, sulfate (1:1), trihydrate, E6070, its method of preparation, and its therapeutic uses. Pharmaceutical compositions containing crystalline E6070 and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier represent one embodiment of the invention. The invention also relates to methods for treating an inflammatory disorder, an autoimmune disorder, or a proliferative disorder comprising the step of administering to a patient in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of crystalline E6070.
US07655798B2 Process of making crystalline Type II aripiprazole
Crystalline aripiprazole Type II can be formed without solid state heat treatment. Instead a liquid is used such as in crystallizing from a solvent, especially 2-propanol, dimethyl sulfoxide, or a combination thereof with ethyl acetate, or in a solvent mediated solid-solid transformation, typically in ethyl acetate.
US07655796B2 Process for the preparation of rosuvstatin
The present invention provides a process for the preparation of the rosuvastatin intermediate FPP-CHO and its conversion to rosuvastatin and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
US07655795B2 Process for preparing pyrrolo[3,2-d]pyrimidine inhibitors of nucleoside phosphorylases and nucleosidases
The present invention relates to a new process for the preparation of compounds of general formula (I) which are inhibitors of purine nucleoside phosphorylases (PNP), purine phosphoribosyltransferases (PPRT), 5′-methylthioadenosine phosphorylases (MTAP), 5′-methylthioadenosine nucleosidases (MTAN) and/or nucleoside hydrolases (NH). The present invention relates to a new process for the preparation of compounds of general formula (I) which are inhibitors of purine nucleoside phosphorylases (PNP), purine phosphoribosyltransferases (PPRT), 5′-methylthioadenosine phosphorylases (MTAP), 5′-methylthioadenosine nucleosidases (MTAN) and/or nucleoside hydrolases (NH).
US07655783B2 Methods and compositions for increasing antibody production
The invention provides methods and compositions for improved expression and production of recombinant antibodies in host cell expression systems. In particular, prokaryotic expression and production of antibodies with modified hinge cysteine residues are provided. The invention further provides compositions, kits and articles of manufacture for practicing methods of the present invention.
US07655781B2 Variants of human glycoprotein hormone alpha chain: compositions and uses thereof
The present invention provides human glycoprotein hormone (hGPH) α-chain splice variants, including isolated nucleic acids encoding these variants and the encoded amino acid sequences, as well as antibodies, antisense oligonucleotides, expression vectors and host cells comprising these sequences. The present invention further discloses the use of these sequences in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of symptoms, diseases and disorders related to glycoprotein hormones.
US07655780B2 Integrin-linked kinase and its uses
ILK genetic sequences and methods of use are provided. In some embodiments, a fragment or portion of an ILK polynucleotide is provided, where the polynucleotide has a sequence consisting of contiguous nucleotides within the provided ILK sequences, which may be within the provided ILK coding sequences. Such polynucleotides may be DNA, RNA, and the like, and may be double stranded or single stranded.
US07655776B2 Bovine CAST gene SNP and meat tenderness
The present invention relates to the identification of a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) within the bovine CAST locus encoding the calpastatin protein, wherein the allelic variation of the SNP is a G/C transversion associated with post-mortem muscle tenderness. The invention further relates to oligonucleotides useful in identifying the genotype of bovines as it relates to the CAST locus polymorphic site. The invention also encompasses computer-assisted methods and systems for improving the production efficiency for livestock having marketably tender meat using multiple data, and in particular the genotype of the animals as it relates to the CAST SNP. These methods of the invention encompass obtaining a genetic sample from each animal in a herd of livestock, determining the genotype of each animal with respect to specific quality traits as defined by a panel of at least two single polynucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), one SNP corresponding to a site between exons 5 and 6 of the bovine CAST locus, grouping animals with like genotypes, and optionally, further sub-grouping animals based on like phenotypes.
US07655773B2 Anti-apoptotically active apatamers
The invention relates to anti-apoptotically active apatamers. The invention describes possible therapeutic and diagnostic applications for, among other things, treating arteriosclerosis, promoting the healing of wounds, treating AIDS, cancer, Alzheimer's disease, systemic lupus erythematosus as well a rheumatoid arthritis and other chronic inflammatory diseases.
US07655771B1 Polymorphisms in the human cyp3a4 and cyp3a7 genes and their use in diagnostic and therapeutic applications
Described are general means and methods of diagnosing and treating the phenotypic spectrum as well as the overlapping clinical characteristics with several forms of inherited abnormal expression and/or function of the CYP3A4 and CYP3A7 genes. In particular, polynucleotides of molecular variant CYP3A4 and CYP3A7 genes which, for example, are associated with insufficient metabolization and/or sensitivity of drugs, and vectors comprising such polynucleotides are provided. Furthermore, host cells comprising such polynucleotides or vectors and their use for the production of variant CYP3A4 and CYP3A7 proteins are described. In addition, variant CYP3A4 and CYP3A7 proteins and antibodies specifically recognizing such proteins as well as transgenic non-human animals comprising the above-described polynucleotide or vectors are provided. Described are also methods for identifying and obtaining inhibitors for therapy of disorders related to the malfunction of the CYP3A4 and CYP3A7 genes as well as methods of diagnosing the status of such disorders. Pharmaceutical and diagnostic compositions comprising the above-described polynucleotides, vectors, proteins, antibodies and inhibitors by the above-described method are provided. Said compositions are particularly useful for diagnosing and treating various diseases with drugs that are substrates, inhibitors or modulators of the CYP3A4 or CYP3A7 gene product.
US07655766B2 Compositions comprising positional isomers of PEGylated G-CSF
A method for increasing the stability and uniformity of a PEGylated G-CSF polypeptide having at least one PEG moiety attached to the epsilon amino group of a lysine residue or the N-terminal amino group and at least one PEG moiety attached to a hydroxyl group, comprising subjecting the polypeptide to an elevated pH of above 8.0 for a period of time suitable to remove PEG moieties attached to a hydroxyl group, and reducing the pH to about 8.0 or lower; as well as PEGylated G-CSF polypeptides and compositions produced according to the method and methods for increasing neutrophil levels in a patient using the PEGylated G-CSF polypeptides and compositions.
US07655752B2 TNF-α converting enzyme inhibitory agents and method of using same
The invention provides peptides, variants of peptides, peptide fragments, and peptidomimetics that can inhibit the protease activity of tumor necrosis factor alpha converting enzyme. The invention also provides coupled proteins containing a partner protein coupled to a peptide, peptide fragment, or peptidomimetic. The invention also provides polyproteins containing at least two peptides, peptide fragments, or coupled proteins that are connected through a linker. Isolated nucleic acid segments, expression cassettes, and nucleic acid constructs are also provided by the invention. The invention also provides antibodies and aptamers. Pharmaceutical compositions are provided by the invention. Methods to lower or increase levels of active tumor necrosis factor alpha in a mammal are also provided.
US07655751B2 Epidermal growth factor receptor-derived peptides
The object of the invention is to provide an EGFR-derived peptide useful for EGFR-based immunotherapy.The invention provides an EGFR-derived peptide capable of inducing both cellular and humoral immune responses and mutant peptide thereof and a polypeptide comprising said peptide, a nucleic acid molecule encoding the same, and a pharmaceutical composition comprising the same.
US07655746B2 Phosphorus containing compounds for reducing acetaldehyde in polyesters polymers
Polyesters whose polycondensation is catalyzed by titanium-containing catalysts and which are susceptible to acetaldehyde formation during polycondensation or subsequent molding operations are prepared with low finished acetaldehyde content and reduced acetaldehyde generation by adding an ammonium or amine salt of an oxyphosphorus-acid. Polyesters, especially polyethylene terephthalate, may be produced with high inherent viscosity in reduced processing time, without the necessity of further polymerization in the solid state.
US07655738B2 Polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane and carborane containing network polymers
A thermoset and method of making such by crosslinking a mixture of a polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane having pendent siloxane groups or unsaturated carbon bonds and a siloxylcarborane compound having unsaturated carbon bonds.
US07655737B2 Polycarbonate-polyester blends, methods of manufacture, and methods of use
A composition comprising a blend of: from 1 to 99 weight percent of a polycarbonate comprising from 10 to 90 mole percent of one or more arylate carbonate units of the formula wherein each Rf is independently a C1-12 hydrocarbon, halogen, or halogen-substituted C1-12 hydrocarbon, and u is 0 to 4; and from 10 to 90 mole percent of different carbonate units of the formula wherein at least 60% of the R1 groups are C6-30 aromatic groups, and from 1 to 99 weight percent of a polyester comprising units of the formula wherein T is a residue derived from a C5-C7 cycloaliphatic or C7-C12 aromatic dicarboxylic acid or a chemical equivalent thereof, and D is a residue derived from a C6-C12 aromatic or C2-C12 aliphatic diol or a chemical equivalent thereof, provided that at least 50 mole percent of D is derived from 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol or a chemical equivalent thereof; and wherein the weight percent of the polycarbonate and the polyester are each based on the total weight of the polycarbonate and the polyester.
US07655735B2 Biodegradable multi-block polymeric composition capable of sol-gel transition and pharmaceutical composition comprising the same
The present invention relates to an ionic multi-block copolymer composition comprising tri-block copolymers having a polypropyleneoxide or polybutyleneoxide block positioned between two polyethyleneoxide blocks and the tri-block copolymers are connected through dicarboxylic acid linkages forming a multi-block copolymer having a weight average molecular weight of more than 40,000 Dalton. The higher weight average molecular weight enables the hydrolgel formed from the multi-block copolymer of the present invention to maintain its gel status for more than several days.
US07655730B2 Transparent polyolefin compositions
Disclosed herein are various compositions, including a transparent compositions comprising propylene-based polymers and a hydrocarbon resin.
US07655721B2 Method for producing a propylene-based resin composition, a propylene-based resin composition, and an injection molded article
Disclosed is a method for producing a propylene-based resin composition comprising: a first step of producing a first resin composition (MB) by melt-kneading a first-propylene polymer (A-I) and a fibrous inorganic filler (B) in a weight ratio of (A-I) to (B) of from 3/7 to 7/3; and a second step of producing a second resin composition by adding a second propylene polymer (A-II), a non-fibrous inorganic filler (C) and an elastomer (D) selected from the group consisting of olefin-based elastomer and vinyl aromatic compound-containing elastomer to the first resin composition (MB), followed by melt-kneading them.
US07655717B2 Ointment composition for treating decubitus ulcers and methods for its making and its use
An ointment composition for treating decubitus ulcers and methods for its making and its use. The composition includes a skin protestant ointment, a rash cream, an antibiotic ointment, virgin olive oil, and boric acid powder. The skin protestant ointment includes active ingredients petroleum 53.4%, lanolin 15.5%, and inactive ingredients cod liver oil containing vitamin A & vitamin D, a fragrance, light mineral oil, microcrystalline wax, and paraffin. The rash cream includes active ingredients dimethicone 1% and zinc oxide 10%, and inactive ingredients aloe barbadensis extract, benzyl alcohol, coconut oil, cod liver oil containing vitamin A & vitamin D, a fragrance, glycerol oleate, light mineral oil, ozokerite, paraffin, propylene glycol, sorbitol, synthetic beeswax, and water. The antibiotic ointment includes active ingredients polymyxin B sulfate 5,000 units, bacitracin zinc 400 units, and neomycin base (as sulfate) 3.5 mg., and an inactive ingredient white petroleum.
US07655714B2 Flame-retardant poly(arylene ether) composition and its use as a covering for coated wire
A flame retardant poly(arylene ether) composition is described. In addition to the poly(arylene ether), the composition includes a polyolefin component, and a flame retardant composition that includes a metal dialkyl phosphinate and a nitrogen-containing flame retardant but excludes a liquid triaryl phosphate. The polyolefin component can be a polyolefin polymer and/or the polyolefin block of a poly(alkenyl aromatic)-polyolefin block copolymer. The composition is particularly suitable as a replacement for poly(vinyl chloride) in insulation for wire and cable.
US07655712B2 Bituminous composition and method
A binder for bituminous compositions including at least one dialkylamide derived from an unsaturated fatty acid; and at least one catalyst for polymerizing the at least one dialkylamide under the action of oxygen is provided. A bituminous composition including (i) 80% b.w. to 94.9% b.w. bitumen; and (ii) a binder, that includes (a) 1% b.w. to 19% b.w. unsaturated fatty acid dialkylamides; and (b) 0.1% b.w. to 1% b.w. of a polymerization catalyst, where the amounts are calculated based on the solids content of the composition, and where the amounts total 100% b.w. is also provided. A method for preparing a binder for a bituminous composition including combining at least one unsaturated dialkylamide derived from an unsaturated fatty acid with at least one catalyst for the polymerization of the at least one dialkylamide under the action of oxygen is also provided.
US07655710B2 Use of water-soluble polymers as auxiliary drying agents for the production of polymer dispersing agents
The invention relates to the use of water-soluble polymers, consisting of a) monoethylenically unsaturated monomers consisting of acidic groups in an acidic, partially or fully neutralized form and b) other monomers which can be copolymerized with monomers a) as a drying agent for the production of redispersion power and/or powdery polymer dispersing agents. The water-soluble polymers contain at least 20 wt. % monomers (a) and a maximum of 8O wt. % monomers (b) and are supplied to the production process in the form of aqueous solutions in amounts of up to 50 wt. % maximum, enabling powder, polymer products with a residual moisture of <2 wt. % to be obtained, particularly in spray drying processes, and which are added to mineral systems as dispersing agents in amounts of 0.05-5 wt. % or are used as building materials for the mineral binding of redispersion powder in adhesives or as a binders in their own right.
US07655706B2 Polymethylmethacrylate bone cement
A polymethylmethacrylate bone cement with a liquid monomer component and a solid component contains in the monomer liquid, for example, 0.001-1.00 mass percent of a dye or dye mixture that is insoluble or poorly soluble in methacrylic acid methylester and, for example, 0.001-2.00 mass percent of a synthetically produced, protein-free, hydrophobic, low molecular or oligomeric solubilizer for the dye or dye mixture. The solubilizer preferably is liquid or pasty at room temperature. The monomer liquid is translucent at room temperature. Preferably, 0.001-1.00 mass percent of a dye or dye mixture that is insoluble or poorly soluble in methacrylic acid methylester and, preferably, 0.001-2.00 mass percent of a synthetically produced, protein-free, hydrophobic, low molecular or oligomeric solubilizer that is liquid or pasty at room temperature are homogeneously dissolved in the polymethacrylate or polymethylacrylate of the powder component.
US07655702B2 Foaming emulsions and foaming compositions containing a polymer comprising water-soluble units and units with an LCST, especially for cosmetic uses
A method of lowering the surface tension or the interface tension of water in cosmetic compositions comprising at least one cosmetic or dermatological adjuvant, the method comprising adding a polymer comprising water-soluble units and units with an LCST, wherein the LCST units an have in water a demixing temperature of from 5 to 40° C. for a concentration of 1% by mass is used, the polymer being present in a concentration such that the gel point of the aqueous phase is from 5 to 40° C., to ensure the stability of the dispersions at temperatures from 4° C. to 50° C.
US07655701B2 Cycloalkylidene-(ortho substituted phenyl)-acetonitriles and their use as odorants
Compounds of formula (I) and their use as fragrance ingredients wherein R is selected from methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, methoxy and ethoxy; R is hydrogen or methyl; and n is 0 or 1.
US07655699B1 Compounds having selective activity for retinoid X receptors, and means for modulation of processes mediated by retinoid X receptors
Compounds, compositions, and methods for modulating processes mediated by Retinoid X Receptors using retinoid-like compounds which have activity selective for members of the subclass of Retinoid X Receptors (RXRs), in preference to members of the subclass of Retinoic Acid Receptors (RARs). Examples of such compounds are bicyclic benzyl, pyridinyl, thiophene, furanyl, pyrrole, and polyenoic acid derivatives including carbocyclic polyenoic acids. The disclosed methods employ compounds for modulating processes selectively mediated by Retinoid X Receptors.
US07655698B2 Use of L-carnitine or of alkanoyl L-carnitines for the preparation of a physiological supplement or medicament for opthalmic use in the form of eye drops
Use of L-carnitine and/or of one or more alkanoyl L-carnitines or one of their pharmaceutically acceptable salts for the preparation of an ophthalmic physiological supplement or medicament in the form of eye-drops, for the treatment of corneal diseases.
US07655697B2 Oral pharmaceutical composition for targeted transport of a platinum complex into the colorectal region, method for producing and use as medicament thereof
An oral pharmaceutical composition for targeted transport of a platinum complex into the colorectal region, includes a mixture of platinum complex of general formula I wherein A each independently is an —NH3 group or an amino group containing 1 to 18 carbon atoms, B each independently is a halogen atom, a hydroxy group or a —O—C(O)—R group wherein R each independently is hydrogen atom or an alkyl, alkenyl, aryl, aralkyl, alkylamino or alkoxy group containing 1 to 10 carbon atoms or functional derivatives of these groups, and X each independently is a halogen atom or a monocarboxylate group containing 1 to 20 carbon atoms, or X together form a dicarboxylate group containing 2 to 20 carbon atoms, and at least one excipient selected from the group including a saccharide, oligosaccharide, polysaccharide, modified polysaccharide mucopolysaccharide, protein, oligoprotein, polyprotein, mucoprotein, peptide, oligopeptide and polypeptide, and optionally a lubricant and/or disintegrant, which mixture is optionally compressed into a tablet or contained in a capsule, and this tablet or capsule is optionally coated with a biodegradable layer and/or an outer pH-sensitive colonic layer, and a method of manufacturing and using the composition for treatment of colorectal carcinoma.
US07655696B2 Anti-tumor composition
The present invention provides composition having as active ingredients a stilbene derivatively and a platinum coordination compound which is highly efficacious and highly safe for treating tumors, particularly for the treatment of solid or malignant tumors and thus methods of cancer and tumor treatment using the composition are also provided.
US07655685B2 Cannabinoid receptor antagonists/inverse agonists useful for treating metabolic disorders, including obesity and diabetes
The present invention provides novel pyrazoles that are useful as cannabinoid receptor antagonists and pharmaceutical compositions thereof and methods of using the same for treating obesity, diabetes, hepatic disorders, and/or cardiometabolic disorders.
US07655683B2 Imidazolopyrazole derivatives useful as selective androgen receptor modulators
The present invention is directed to novel imidazolopyrazole derivatives, pharmaceutical compositions containing them and their use in the treatment of disorders and conditions modulated by the androgen receptor.
US07655681B2 Method of treating and diagnosing sleep disordered breathing and means for carrying out the method
A method of treating or preventing Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) comprises the administration of a pharmacologically effective amount of zonisamide to a patient in need thereof, with the proviso that OSA caused by external mechanical obstruction of the airways, such as by mucus, is excluded. Also disclosed is the use of zonisamide for the manufacture of a medicament useful in the treatment; a protective patch comprising zonisamide and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier for transdermal or transmucosal administration to a person suffering from OSA; and the use of zonisamide for the manufacture of a diagnostic device, kit or composition for the diagnosis of sleep disordered breathing.
US07655674B2 Modulators of hedgehog signaling pathways, compositions and uses related thereto
The present invention makes available methods and reagents for inhibiting aberrant growth states resulting from hedgehog gain-of-function, ptc loss-of-function or smoothened gain-of-function comprising contacting the cell with a hedgehog antagonist, such as a small molecule, in a sufficient amount to aberrant growth state, e.g., to agonize a normal ptc pathway or antagonize smoothened or hedgehog activity. Such methods and reagents may also inhibit the hedgehog pathway in normal cells, e.g., where normal levels of hedgehog signalling are unwanted.
US07655673B2 39-desmethoxyrapamycin, compositions and methods of use thereof
The present invention relates to medical uses of 39-desmethoxyrapamycin.
US07655667B2 Method of treating movement disorders using barbituric acid derivatives
A method of treating movement disorders comprises administering to a human or animal subject in need of treatment a therapeutically effective amount of at least one compound according to the following formula: wherein R3 and R4 are each independently selected from the group consisting of lower alkyl, phenyl and lower alkyl substituted phenyl, and R1 and R2 are each independently either a hydrogen atom or a radical of the formula wherein R5 and R6 are each independently selected from the group consisting of H, lower alkyl, phenyl and lower alkyl substituted phenyl, its pharmaceutically acceptable salts, prodrugs, and metabolites thereof.
US07655661B2 Prodrugs of CC-1065 analogs
Prodrugs of analogs of the anti-tumor antibiotic CC-1065 having a cleavable protective group such as a piperazino carbamate, a 4-piperidino-piperidino carbamate or a phosphate, in which the protecting group confers enhanced water solubility and stability upon the prodrug, and in which the prodrug also has a moiety, such as a disulfide, that can conjugate to a cell binding reagent such as an antibody. The therapeutic use of such prodrug conjugates is also described; such prodrugs of cytotoxic agents have therapeutic use because they can deliver cytotoxic prodrugs to a specific cell population for enzymatic conversion to cytotoxic drugs in a targeted fashion.
US07655659B2 Biomimetic of Evodia rutaecarpa fruit extract for amelioration of inflammation
Compositions and methods are provided for reversing and/or inhibiting inflammation, e.g., by inhibiting prostaglandin and/or COX-2 production, using one or more indolequinazoline alkaloids, preferably in combination with butylated hydroxytoluene. The preferred indolequinazoline alkaloids are rutaecarpine, evodiamine, and dehydroevodiamine, which are naturally found in unpurified form in the traditional Chinese medicine Wu Chu Yu made from the fruit of the herb, Evodia rutaecarpa.
US07655658B2 Thieno [2,3-D]pyrimidine-2,4-dione melanocortin-specific compounds
A thienopyrimidine compound of the formula: wherein R1, R2, R3, and R4 are as defined herein, and methods of use of such compounds for the treatment of melanocortin receptor-associated disorders.
US07655657B2 Fused bicycloheterocycle substituted quinuclidine derivatives
Compounds of formula (II): known as: 5-{6-[(3R)-1-azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-3-yloxy]pyridazin-3-yl}-1-H-indole salt with (2R, 3R)-2,3-dihydroxybutanedioic acid (1:1).
US07655656B2 Hair growth promoting agents
The present invention is directed to crystalline forms of 6-[[(3S,4R)-3,4-dihydro-3-hydroxy-6-[(3-hydroxypheny)sulfonyl]-2,2,3-trimethyl-2H-1-benzopyran-4-yl]oxy]-2-methyl-3(2H)-pyridazinone, formulations containing at least one of these crystalline forms and their use to promote hair growth.
US07655655B1 Method for facilitating extinction training using D-cycloserine
Methods are disclosed for improving treatment of various medical conditions via administration of D-cycloserine to facilitate extinction learning. Specifically, by administering D-cycloserine on a post-extinction training pre-sleep basis, subsequent to extinction training during the day, the methods can improve upon the known ability of D-cycloserine to facilitate extinction learning.
US07655653B2 Tetrahydrobenzfluorene derivatives
A compound having the formula I wherein the O—(CH2)n—N(R1,R2) substituent on the phenyl ring can be in meta or para position; n is 2-4 Re and ′Re are OH, optionally independently etherified or esterified; R1 and R2 are independently (1C-4C)alkyl, (2C-4C)alkenyl, hydroxy(2C-4C)alkyl, (1C-3C)alkoxy(2C-4C)alkyl, aryl or aryl(1C-2C)alkyl; or R1 and R2 together with the nitrogen form an aromatic or non-aromatic heterocyclic ring structure, optionally mono- or poly-substituted with (1C-4C)alkyl, (2C-4C)alkenyl, hydroxy(1C-2C)alkyl, (1C-2C)alkoxy(1C-3C)alkyl or aryl. These compounds can be used for estrogen receptor β selective medical treatments.
US07655650B2 Oxadiazine derivatives
Compounds of the formula in which A is an unsubstituted or mono- to tetrasubstituted, aromatic or non-aromatic, monocyclic or bicyclic heterocyclic radical, where one to two of the substituents of A can be selected from the group consisting of halo-C1-C3alkyl, cyclopropyl, halocyclopropyl, C2-C3alkenyl, C2-C3alkynyl, halo-C2-C3alkenyl, halo-C2-C3alkynyl, halo-C1-C3alkoxy, C1-C3alkylthio, halo-C1-C3alkylthio, allyloxy, propargyloxy, allylthio, propargylthio, haloallyloxy, haloallylthio, cyano and nitro, and one to four of the substituents of A can be selected from the group consisting of C1-C3alkyl, C1-C3alkoxy and halogen; R is hydrogen, C1-C6alkyl, phenyl-C1-C4alkyl, C3-C6cycloalkyl, C2-C6alkenyl or C2-C6alkynyl; and X is N—NO2 or N—CN, and, if appropriate, tautomers thereof, in each case in free form or in salt form, can be used as agrochemical active ingredients and can be prepared in a manner known per se.
US07655648B2 Antibacterial agents
Naphthalene, quinoline, quinoxaline and naphthyridine derivatives useful in the treatment of bacterial infections in mammals, particularly humans, are disclosed herein.
US07655646B2 Dibenzodiazepinone analogues, processes for their production and their use as pharmaceuticals
The invention relates to biologically active dibenzodiazepinone analogs represented by Formula I, to methods of producing them, to pharmaceutical compositions comprising them and to methods of treating neoplastic conditions.
US07655645B2 Indole derivatives
The invention relates to indole derivative having the general Formula I wherein A represents a 5-membered aromatic heterocyclic ring, wherein X1, X2 and X3 are independently selected from N, O, S and CH; Y represents CH2, O, S or SO2; R1 is H, (C1-4)-alkyl, (C1-4)alkyloxy, CN or halogen; R2, R2′, R3, R3′, R4, R4′, R5 and R5′ are independently hydrogen, (C1-4)alkyl (optionally substituted with OH) or CO—OR8; or one pair of geminal substituents R3 and R3′ or R5 and R5′ together represent a keto group, and the others are all hydrogen or (C1-4)alkyl; or R2 and R5 together represent a methylene or an ethylene bridge, and R2′, R3, R3′, R4, R4′ and R5′ are hydrogen; n is 1 or 2; R6 is H, (C1-4)alkyl (optionally substituted with OH, (C1-4)alkyloxy, CO—NR9R10, CO—OR11 or 1,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl), SO2NR12R13 or COOR14; R7 is H or halogen; R8 is (C1-4)alkyl; R9 and R10 are independently hydrogen, (C1-4)alkyl or (C3-7)cycloalkyl, the alkyl groups being optionally substituted with OH or (C1-4)alkyloxy; R11 is H or (C1-4)alkyl; R12 and R13 are independently H or (C1-4)alkyl; R14 is (C1-6)alkyl; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, as agonists of the cannabinoid CB1 receptor, which can be used in the treatment of pain such as for example peri-operative pain, chronic pain, neuropathic pain, cancer pain and pain and spasticity associated with multiple sclerosis.
US07655643B2 Antibacterial macrocycles with substituted biphenyl
The invention relates to antibacterial macrocycles with substituted biphenyl and processes for their preparation, their use for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of diseases, and their use for the production of medicaments for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of diseases, especially of bacterial infections.
US07655641B2 Sulfonamide derivatives as PPAR modulators
The present invention is directed to a compound of Formula (I): and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, solvates, hydrates or stereoisomers thereof, which are useful in treating or preventing disorders mediated by a peroxisome proliferator activated receptor (PPAR) such as syndrome X, type II diabetes, hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, obesity, coagaulopathy, hypertension, arteriosclerosis, and other disorders related to syndrome X and cardiovascular diseases.
US07655640B2 Camptothecin analogs and methods of preparation thereof
A method of inhibiting topoisomerase I mediated DNA cleavage including administering a pharmaceutically effective amount of a compound having the following formula or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof: wherein R1 and R2 are independently the same or different and are hydrogen, an alkyl group, an aminoalkyl group, an alkylaminoalkyl group, a haloalkyl group, a hydroxyalkyl group, an alkenyl group, an alkynyl group, an alkoxyl group, an aryloxy group, a carbamoyloxy group, a halogen, a hydroxyl group, a nitro group, a cyano group, an azido group, a formyl group, a hydrazino group, —C(O)Rf, an amino group, an alkylamino group, a dialkylamino group, —SRc, or R1 and R2 together form a group of the formula —O(CH2)nO— wherein n represents the integer 1 or 2; R3 is H, F, a halogen atom, a nitro group, an amino group, a hydroxyl group, or a cyano group; or R2 and R3 together form —O(CH2)nO— (n=1 or 2); R4 is H, F, a C1-3 alkyl group, a C2-3 alkenyl group, a C2-3 alkynyl group, or a C1-3 alkoxyl group; R5 is a C1-10 alkyl group, or a propargyl group.
US07655638B2 Partial and full agonists of A1 adenosine receptors
Disclosed are novel compounds that are partial and full A1 adenosine receptor agonists, useful for treating various disease states, in particular tachycardia and atrial flutter, angina, and myocardial infarction.
US07655635B2 Suppression of nuclear factor-κB dependent processes using oligonucleotides
Antisense oligonucleotides which hybridize with nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) mRNA and methods of using these oligonucleotides.
US07655634B2 Use of hepatitis B X-interacting protein (HBXIP) in modulation of apoptosis
Novel methods of regulating cellular apoptosis by affecting the interaction of hepatitis B X-interacting protein (HBXIP) with Survivin are described. More specifically, these novel methods of enhancing apoptosis of neoplastic cells comprises inhibiting interaction of hepatitis B X-interacting protein (HBXIP) with Survivin using siRNA or antisense compounds.
US07655629B2 Peptides and their use for the treatment of HIV infections
The invention relates to peptides with biological activity against infection having the amino acid sequence Z1-LE-X1-IP-X2-X3-X4-P-X5-X6-X7-X8-X9-X10-K-X11-X12-X13-X14-X15-Z2, wherein X1 is a lysine, alanine, or aspartic acid; X2 is a cysteine, methionine or isoleucine; X3 is a serine, cysteine, lysine or glycine; X4 is an isoleucine, alanine, phenylalanine or cysteine; X5 is a proline, D-proline or a substituted L- or D-proline; X6 is a cysteine or glutamic acid; X7 is an amino acid with a hydrophobic or an aromatic side chain or cysteine; X8 is an amino acid with a hydrophobic or an aromatic side chain or cysteine; X9 is an amino acid with an aromatic side chain; X10 is a glycine, alanine or asparagine; X11 is a proline, aspartic acid, octahydroindolyl-2-carboxylic acid or D-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid; X12 is a phenylalanine, alanine, glycine, glutamic acid or D-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid; X13 is an amino acid with a hydrophobic or an aromatic side chain; X14 is an amino acid with a hydrophobic or an aromatic side chain; X15 is a phenylalanine or deletion; Z1 is NH2 or a sequence of 1 to 10 amino acid residues; Z2 is COOH or a sequence of 1 to 10 amino acid residues; and peptides which are fragments and/or covalently linked oligomers and/or derivatives, especially amidated, alkylated, acylated, sulfated, pegylated, phosphorylated and/or glycosylated derivatives, and mutants thereof, and with the provisio that (a) if X12 is alanine, glycine, glutamic acid, or D-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid than X13, X14 and X15 are phenylalanine, valine and phenylalanine respectively; and/or (b) if X12 is phenylalanine, than X13, X14 and X15 are valine, phenylalanine and a deletion, respectively; and (c) that there are at maximum two cysteine residues in a peptide.
US07655625B2 Methods of treating blepharospasm using cyclosporine components
Methods of treating humans or animals afflicted with primary blepharospasm, for example, benign essential blepharospasm, or secondary blepharospasm not caused by an ocular surface disease or condition, are component to a human or animal so afflicted.
US07655624B2 Peptide and peptide mimetic conjugates with integrin-inhibitor properties
The invention relates to compounds of formula (1) B-Q-X1, wherein B is bioactive cell adhesive mediating molecule. Q is absent or is an inorganic spacer molecule and X1 is an anchor molecule, selected from the group Lys-(CO—CH2—(CH2)n—PO3H2)2(I), -Lys-[-Lys-(CO—CH2—(CH2)a—PO3H2)2]2(ii) or -Lys-(Lys[-Lys-(CO—CH2—(CH2)n—PO3H2]2 (iii), and n independently represents 0, 1, 2 or 3, wherein a free amino group of group B is linked in peptide form to a free carboxyl group of the spacer molecule Q or of the anchor molecule X1, or a free amino group of the radical Q is linked in peptide form to a free carboxyl group of the radical X1. The invention also relates to the salts thereof. The inventive compounds can be used as integrin inhibitors for the treatment of illnesses, deficiencies, inflammations caused by implants and osteolytic illnesses such as osteoporosis, thrombosis, cardiac infarction and arteriosclerosis, in addition to the acceleration and strengthening of the integration process of implants or the biocompatible surface in tissue.
US07655622B2 Composition and method for regulation of body weight and associated conditions
Methods for regulating body weight and/or regulating weight gain are provided herein. The methods are useful, for instance, for treating or preventing obesity. Specifically, methods of administering varying levels of various alpha melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH) analog compounds to an animal are provided for reducing body weight and/or reducing the rate of body weight gain.
US07655615B2 Method for producing a bone material enriched with bone growth factors
The aim of the invention is to produce a bone material which is enriched with bone growth factors and whose bone growth factors are released in a delayed manner after surgically applied in the body. To this end, the invention provides a method according to which the bone material is loaded with a bone growth factor or with a mixture of bone growth factors and is then coated with a reabsorbable substance.
US07655612B2 Laundry wrinkle control composition
A laundry additive for removing or reducing wrinkles in fabrics, which contains a wrinkle removing or reducing component, which includes a saccharide or oligosaccharide, a polyhydroxy carboxylic acid compound, and an optional chelating agent; and one or more optional ingredients that do not remove or reduce wrinkles. Also presented is a method for removing or reducing wrinkles from fabrics including the step of contacting the fabrics with an aqueous solution or suspension of an effective amount of the laundry additive.
US07655611B2 Structural family on non-ionic carbohydrate based surfactants (NICBS) and a novel process for their synthesis
A novel composition of matter as well as a straightforward single step process for the preparation or production of said novel composition of matter is disclosed. The composition affords a new type of nonionic carbohydrate based surfactants (NICBS), a type of biodegradable neutral surfactant. The produced surfactant compositions have both neutral, but polar polyhydroxyl heads and nonpolar tails that are linked via at least one amide bond and possibly another ester bond as well.
US07655608B2 Reduced metal etch rates using stripper solutions containing a copper salt
Resist stripping agents, useful for fabricating circuits and/or forming electrodes on semiconductor devices for semiconductor integrated circuits with reduced metal etch rates, particularly copper etch rates, are provided with methods for their use. The preferred stripping agents contain low concentrations of a copper or cobalt salt with or without an added amine to improve solubility of the copper or cobalt salt. Further provided are integrated circuit devices and electronic interconnect structures prepared according to these methods.
US07655607B2 Method of providing stability for liquid cleansing compositions comprising selection fatty acyl isethionate surfactants
The invention provides a method for providing a stable liquid cleanser compositions which can use fatty acyl isethionates mixtures, regardless of free fatty acid contact of isethionates mixture or chain length distribution of isethionates mixture. The key is to insure a specific combination of liquid crystal inducer (of surfactant phase) and of modifier (to ensure large size domain providing stability) so that the isethionates will be stable at low and high temperatures.
US07655606B2 Lubricants for sports equipment
The invention relates to polychlorotrifluoroethylenes (PCTFE) for improving the gliding properties of sports equipment and, in particular, winter sports equipment, to compositions containing the same, and to their use for this purpose. The polychlorotrifluoroethylenes are, in particular, polychlorotrifluoroethylenes which have a molecular weight selected so that they have a pourpoint in the range from −70° C. to 200° C. (−94° F. to 392° F.), and preferably from 0° C. to 100° C. (32 to 212° F.).
US07655605B2 Processes for producing extra light hydrocarbon liquids
The present invention relates to an extra light hydrocarbon liquid derived from highly paraffinic wax. This extra light hydrocarbon liquid is suitable for use as a lubricant additive diluent oil in oil soluble additive concentrates. This extra light hydrocarbon liquid derived from highly paraffinic wax has a viscosity of between about 1.0 and 3.5 cSt at 100° C. and a Noack volatility of less than 50 weight % and comprises greater than 3 weight % molecules with cycloparaffinic functionality and less than 0.30 weight percent aromatics. The extra light hydrocarbon liquid makes an excellent lubricant additive diluent oil because it has low volatility, low viscosity, good additive solubility, and excellent solubility in lubricant base oil stocks. The present invention also relates to finished lubricants comprising the oil soluble additive concentrates made with the extra light hydrocarbon liquid and finished lubricants comprising the oil soluble additive concentrates. The present invention further relates to processes for making these lubricant additive diluent oils, oil soluble additive concentrates, and finished lubricants.
US07655601B2 Enhanced melt-textured growth
A method for the enhanced melt-textured growth of superconducting crystals is disclosed for a sample having a first material capable of exhibiting superconducting properties. The sample is heated above a peritectic temperature of the first material, cooled below the peritectic temperature, and is subsequently subjected to a plurality of temperature spikes in which the sample is rapidly reheated above the peritectic temperature and recooled below the peritectic temperature to produce a superconducting crystalline structure substantially free of secondary nucleations. The resulting crystal is a superconducting crystalline structure comprising a plurality of bands formed in succession around a seed material. Each band has a non-uniform microstructure from an inner portion to an outer portion of the band.
US07655600B2 1-(azolin-2-yl)amino-1,2-diphenylethane compounds for combating insects, arachnids and nematodes
The present invention relates to 1-(azolin-2-yl)amino-1,2-diphenylethane compounds of the general formula (I) wherein A is a radical of the formulae A′ or A2: NRA′A2 and wherein m is 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5, n is 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5, X is sulfur or oxygen, and wherein the variables R1, R2, R3, R4, R5a, R5b, R5c, R5d are as defined in the claims, and to the agriculturally acceptable salts thereof. The invention relates also to a method of combating animal pests, selected from insects, arachnids and nematodes and to a method for protecting crops from attack or infestation by insects, arachnids or nematodes, which comprises contacting a crop with a pesticidally effective amount of a 1-(azolin-2-yl)amino-1,2-diphenylethane compounds of the general formula I and/or at least one salt thereof.
US07655599B2 Agrochemical formulations
The present invention relates to novel agrochemical formulations based on ethylene diamine alkoxylate derivative emulsifiers, to a method for producing said formulations, and to the use of the same for applying the active ingredients contained therein.
US07655597B1 Pesticide compositions including polymeric adjuvants
Pesticidal compositions of improved effectiveness are provided, including a pesticide (e.g., an insecticide or herbicide) together with a copolymer adjuvant or additive selected from the group consisting of acid or salt copolymers containing individual quantities of maleic and itaconic moieties. The compositions of the invention provide multiple-fold increases in effectiveness, as compared with an equal amount of the pesticide in the absence of the copolymer.
US07655596B2 Catalyst for epoxidation of an alkene to an alkene oxide, method of making and method of using thereof
The present invention if for a catalyst for epoxidation of an alkene, such as ethylene, to an alkene oxide, such as ethylene oxide, on which silver has been deposited on alumina as a support which has been modified with certain weak base compounds, such as oxides of a Group 1A, Group 2A, Group 3A or the first transition series of the Periodic Table of Elements, and with a high temperature heat treatment. Optional promoters selected from the group consisting of compounds of Group 1A, Group 2A, Group 7A and Group 8 may be contacted with the alpha-alumina support in solution with a silver compound, with the catalyst precursor before calcination or with the catalyst after calcination. The catalyst is brought into contact with alkene and oxygen under reaction conditions to selectively convert the alkene to an alkene oxide.
US07655593B2 Catalysts
A method of manufacturing a cobalt catalyst is described, which comprises the steps of forming an aqueous solution of a cobalt amine complex, oxidising said solution such that the concentration of Co(III) in the oxidised solution is greater than the concentration of Co(III) in the un-oxidized solution, and then decomposing the cobalt amine complex by heating the solution to a temperature between 80 and 110° C. for sufficient time to allow an insoluble cobalt compound to precipitate out of the solution. A catalyst intermediate is also described which comprises a cobalt compound, comprising a Co(II)/Co(III) hydrotalcite phase and a CO3O4 cobalt spine) phase, wherein the ratio of cobalt hydrotalcite phase: cobalt spine) phase is less than 0.6:1, said cobalt hydrotalcite phase and said cobalt spine) phase being measured by X-ray diffractometry.
US07655591B2 Catalyst for making fluoroelastomer compositions and methods of using the same
A catalyst is preparable from a first component represented by R′C(CF2R)O− Q+ and a second component (NCCFR″)bZ. The catalyst may be combined with a fluoropolymer having nitrogen-containing cure-sites to form a curable composition that is useful for preparing fluoroelastomer compositions.
US07655590B2 Ziegler-Natta catalyst for particle size control
Catalyst components, methods of forming catalyst compositions, polymerization processes utilizing the catalyst compositions and polymers formed thereby are described herein. The methods generally include providing a magnesium dialkoxide compound, contacting the magnesium dialkoxide compound with a first agent to form a solution of a reaction product “A1”, contacting the solution of reaction product “A1” with a reducing agent to form a reduced reaction product “A2”, contacting reduced reaction product “A2” with a second agent to form a solid reaction product “A3”, contacting solid reaction product “A3” with a metal halide to form reaction product “B” and contacting reaction product “B” with an organoaluminum compound to form a catalyst component.
US07655586B1 Dental restorations using nanocrystalline materials and methods of manufacture
Dental articles are produced using relatively low sintering temperatures to achieve high density dental articles exhibiting strengths equal to and greater than about 700 MPa. Ceramic powders comprised of nanoparticulate crystallites are used to manufacture dental articles. The ceramic powders may include sintering agents, binders and other similar additives to aid in the processing of the ceramic powder into a dental article. The ceramic powders may be processed into dental articles using various methods including, but not limited to, injection molding, gel-casting, slip casting, or electroforming, hand, cad/camming and other various rapid prototyping methods. The ceramic powder may be formed into a suspension, pellet, feedstock material or a pre-sintered blank prior to forming into the dental article.
US07655572B2 Semiconductor device manufacturing method, semiconductor device manufacturing apparatus, control program and computer storage medium
Photoresist film is used as a mask, plasma etching of a SiO2 film is selectively performed to a photoresist film, and a hole is formed. An etching gas comprising unsaturated fluorocarbon gas containing oxygen expressed with CxFyO (y/x is 1-1.5 at an integer in x, as for 4 or 5, and y) is used for the plasma etching. C4F4O gas and C4F6O gas are used for the unsaturated fluorocarbon gas containing oxygen, for example.
US07655569B2 Method of manufacturing semiconductor device
The invention prevents a wiring layer in a memory region from being exposed to prevent a change in wire resistance and degradation of reliability. A SiO2 film as an etching stopper film which transmits ultraviolet light is formed on pad electrodes and an interlayer insulation film. Then, the SiO2 film on the pad electrodes is etched selectively and the SiO2 film in an EPROM region is left. A silicon nitride film and a polyimide film are then formed on the SiO2 film and on the pad electrodes where the SiO2 film is removed, as a protection film which does not transmit ultraviolet light. The silicon nitride film and the polyimide film on the pad electrodes and in the EPROM region are then selectively removed by etching. Since the SiO2 film functions as an etching stopper at this time, the interlayer insulation film under the SiO2 film is prevented from being etched and a control gate line metal layer is prevented from being exposed.
US07655566B2 Method for manufacturing semiconductor device
A semiconductor device is manufactured by forming a gate electrode layer over a substrate having a light transmitting property; forming a gate insulating layer over the gate electrode layer; forming a photocatalyst material over the gate insulating layer; immersing the photocatalyst material in a solution containing a plating catalyst material and selectively exposing the photocatalyst material to light transmitted through the substrate in the solution containing the plating catalyst material with the use of the gate electrode layer as a mask to adsorb or deposit the plating catalyst material onto the light-exposed photocatalyst material; immersing the plating catalyst material in a plating solution containing a metal material to form a source electrode layer and a drain electrode layer on the surface of the photocatalyst material adsorbing or depositing the plating catalyst material; and forming a semiconductor layer over the source electrode layer and the drain electrode layer.
US07655560B2 Wiring board, manufacturing method thereof, semiconductor device and manufacturing method thereof
The invention provides a wiring board having a small-scale and high-performance functional circuit while realizing a multi-layer wiring with a small number of steps. In addition, the invention provides a semiconductor device in which a display device is integrated with such high-performance functional circuit on the same substrate. According to the invention, first to third wirings, first and second interlayer insulating films and first and second contact holes are formed over a substrate having an insulating surface. The second wiring is wider than the first wiring, or the third wiring is wider than the first wiring or the second wiring. The second contact hole has a larger diameter than the first contact hole.
US07655556B2 Interconnect structures for semiconductor devices
A cap layer for a copper interconnect structure formed in a first dielectric layer is provided. In an embodiment, the cap layer may be formed by an in-situ deposition process in which a process gas comprising germanium, arsenic, tungsten, or gallium is introduced, thereby forming a copper-metal cap layer. In another embodiment, a copper-metal silicide cap is provided. In this embodiment, silane is introduced before, during, or after a process gas is introduced, the process gas comprising germanium, arsenic, tungsten, or gallium. Thereafter, an optional etch stop layer may be formed, and a second dielectric layer may be formed over the etch stop layer or the first dielectric layer.
US07655551B2 Control of poly-Si depletion in CMOS via gas phase doping
A method to control the poly-Si depletion effect in CMOS structures utilizing a gas phase doping process which is capable of providing a high concentration of dopant atoms at the gate dielectric/poly-Si interface is provided. The present invention also provides CMOS structure including, for example, nFETs and/or pFETs, that are fabricated utilizing the gas phase doping technique described herein.
US07655548B2 Programmable power management using a nanotube structure
Programmable power management using a nanotube structure is disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes coupling a nanotube structure of an integrated circuit to a conductive surface when a command is processed, and enabling a group of transistors of the integrated circuit based on the coupling the nanotube structure to the conductive surface. A current may be applied to the nanotube structure to couple the nanotube structure to the conductive surface. The nanotube structure may be formed from a material chosen from one or more of a polymer, carbon, and a composite material. The group of transistors may be enabled during an activation sequence of the integrated circuit. In addition, one or more transistors of the group of transistors may be disengaged from the one or more power sources (e.g., to minimize leakage) when the nanotube structure is decoupled from the conductive surface.
US07655547B2 Metal spacer in single and dual damascene processing
A method and structure for a single or dual damascene interconnect structure comprises forming wiring lines in a metallization layer over a substrate, shaping a laminated insulator stack above the metallization layer, patterning a hardmask over the laminated insulator stack, forming troughs in the hardmask, patterning the laminated insulator stack, forming vias in the patterned laminated insulator stack, creating sidewall spacers in the bottom portion of the vias, depositing an anti-reflective coating on the sidewall spacers, etching the troughs, removing the anti-reflective coating, depositing a metal layer in the troughs, vias, and sidewall spacers, and applying conductive material in the troughs and the vias. The laminated insulator stack comprises a dielectric layer further comprising oxide and polyarylene.
US07655544B2 Self-assembled nanostructures
Methods and apparatus for producing self-assembling quantum nanostructures by nanoheating a substrate with one or more laser interference patterns.
US07655543B2 Separate injection of reactive species in selective formation of films
Methods and apparatuses for selective epitaxial formation of films separately inject reactive species into a CVD chamber. The methods are particularly useful for selective deposition using volatile combinations of precursors and etchants. Formation processes include simultaneous supply of precursors and etchants for selective deposition, or sequential supply for cyclical blanket deposition and selective etching. In either case, precursors and etchants are provided along separate flow paths that intersect in the relatively open reaction space, rather than in more confined upstream locations.
US07655538B2 MEMS device and interposer and method for integrating MEMS device and interposer
A method for producing Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS) and related devices using Silicon-On-Insulator (SOI) wafer includes providing an SOI wafer, performing a mesa etch to at least partially define the MEMS device, bonding the SOI wafer to an interposer by direct boding, removing the handle layer of the SOI wafer, removing the oxide layer of the SOI wafer, and further etching the device layer of the SOI wafer to define the MEMS device. A structure manufactured according to the above described processes includes an interposer comprising an SOI wafer and a MEMS device mounted on the interposer. The MEMS device comprises posts extending from a silicon plate. The MEMS device is directly mounted to the interposer by bonding the posts of the MEMS device to the device layer of the interposer.
US07655536B2 Methods of forming flash devices with shared word lines
Word lines of a NAND flash memory array are formed by concentric, rectangular shaped, closed loops that have a width of approximately half the minimum feature size of the patterning process used. The resulting circuits have word lines linked together so that peripheral circuits are shared. Separate erase blocks are established by shield plates.
US07655531B2 Semiconductor device and method for fabricating the same
The semiconductor device comprises a capacitor formed over a semiconductor substrate 10 and including a lower electrode 32, a dielectric film 34 formed over the lower electrode and an upper electrode 36 formed over the dielectric film, a first insulation film 42 formed over the semiconductor substrate and the capacitor, a first interconnection 48 formed over the first insulation film and electrically connected to the capacitor, a first hydrogen diffusion preventive film 50 for preventing the diffusion of hydrogen formed over the first insulation film, covering the first interconnection, a second insulation film 58 formed over the first hydrogen diffusion preventive film and having the surface planarized, a third insulation film 62 formed over the second insulation film, a second interconnection 70b formed over the third insulation film, and a second hydrogen diffusion preventive film 72 for preventing the diffusion of hydrogen formed on the third insulation film, covering the second interconnection. Since the second hydrogen diffusion preventive film positioned above the capacitor is planarized, the dielectric film is surely prevented from being reduced with hydrogen.
US07655530B2 Segmented end electrode capacitor and method of segmenting an end electrode of a capacitor
An exemplary embodiment providing one or more improvements includes a capacitor with a segmented end electrode and methods for segmenting an end electrode of a capacitor for reducing or eliminating instances of thermally induced damage of the capacitor.
US07655527B2 Semiconductor element and process of manufacturing semiconductor element
Shown are embodiments where a process of manufacturing a semiconductor element on a semiconductor wafer is shown. The semiconductor element is obtained by dividing the function-providing semiconductor wafer into functional elements. The function-providing semiconductor wafer is, at its first main surface, mechanically coupled to a handling wafer. The thinning is carried out in the coupled state of the function-providing semiconductor wafer, and the function-providing semiconductor wafer is divided in its state coupled to the handling wafer. During or after connecting the semiconductor element to a lead frame the mechanical coupling between the semiconductor element and the corresponding part of the handling wafer is destroyed. Other embodiments are also shown.
US07655526B2 Method for manufacturing semiconductor device
Disclosed is a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device. The method for manufacturing a semiconductor device includes the steps of forming a gate electrode on a semiconductor substrate, forming a drift area in the semiconductor substrate by implanting a dopant using the gate electrode as a mask, forming a sidewall spacer at sides of the gate electrode, and forming a source/drain area in the semiconductor substrate by implanting a dopant using the gate electrode and the sidewall spacer as a mask.
US07655522B2 Metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) transistor having a recessed gate electrode and methods of fabricating the same
A metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) includes an isolation layer disposed in a semiconductor substrate to define an active region. A source region and a drain region are disposed on both sides of the active region such that a first direction is defined from the source region to the drain region. A channel recess is disposed in the active region between the source and drain regions. The channel recess has a convex surface when viewed from a cross-sectional view taken along a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. A gate electrode fills the channel recess and crosses the active region in the second direction. A gate insulating layer is interposed between the gate electrode and the active region.
US07655521B2 Method of fabricating semiconductor memory device
A semiconductor memory device and method of fabricating a semiconductor memory device, wherein a tunnel insulating layer, a first charge trap layer and an isolation mask layer are sequentially stacked over a semiconductor substrate in which a cell region and a peri region are defined. The isolation mask layer, the first charge trap layer, the tunnel insulating layer and the semiconductor substrate are etched to thereby form trenches. An isolation layer is formed within each trench. The first charge trap layer is exposed by removing the isolation mask layer formed in the cell region. A second charge trap layer is formed on the exposed first charge trap layer and the isolation layer. A blocking layer and a control gate are formed over the semiconductor substrate in which the second charge trap layer is formed.
US07655520B2 Non-volatile memory having three states and method for manufacturing the same
Disclosed is a non-volatile memory having three data states and a method for manufacturing the same. The non-volatile memory includes a silicon substrate having a device separation film; a floating gate formed on the silicon substrate; a tunnel oxide film interposed between the silicon substrate and the floating gate below both ends of the floating gate; a ferroelectric substance interposed between the silicon substrate and the floating gate inside the tunnel oxide film; a diffusion barrier film enclosing the ferroelectric substance; a control gate formed on the substrate including the floating gate; a gate oxide film formed below the control gate; spacers formed on both lateral walls of the laminated floating gate and control gate including the tunnel oxide film and gate oxide film, respectively; and source/drain regions formed within the substrate surfaces on both sides of the control gate including the spacers, respectively.
US07655513B2 Method of manufacturing a semiconductor device
After crystallization of a semiconductor film is performed by irradiating first laser light (energy density of 400 to 500 mJ/cm2) in an atmosphere containing oxygen, an oxide film formed by irradiating the first laser light is removed. It is next performed to irradiate second laser light under an atmosphere that does not contain oxygen (at a higher energy density than that of the first laser light irradiation), thus to increase the flatness of the semiconductor film.
US07655512B2 Method for forming electrodes of organic electronic devices, organic thin film transistors comprising such electrodes, and display devices comprising such transistors
Disclosed are methods for forming electrodes for organic electronic devices which allow for the use of an improved range of conductive materials for forming source/drain electrodes. The disclosed methods also allow for the use of different conductive materials for forming data lines and source/drain electrodes during the fabrication of organic electronic devices. Organic electronic devices manufactured according to the methods may provide advantages over conventional methods including, for example, improved patterning and increased accuracy in the formation of electrodes for organic electronic devices. Organic electronic devices fabricated according to the disclosed method are expected to be useful in display devices and electronic displays.
US07655503B2 Method for fabricating semiconductor package with stacked chips
A semiconductor package with stacked chips and a method for fabricating the same are proposed. The semiconductor package includes a lead frame having a plurality of leads and supporting extensions; at least one preformed package having an active surface, and a non-active surface attached to the supporting extensions of the lead frame; at least one chip mounted on the active surface of the preformed package; a plurality of bonding wires for electrically interconnecting the lead frame, the preformed package and the chip; and an encapsulant for encapsulating the preformed package, the chip, the bonding wire and a portion of the lead frame. The active surface of the preformed package serves for carrying the chip and can be used as a wire jumper, so as to solve a known good die (KGD) problem of a multi-chip module.
US07655502B2 Method of packaging a semiconductor device and a prefabricated connector
A method of packaging a first device having a first major surface and a second major surface includes forming a first layer over a second major surface of the first device and around sides of the first device and leaving the first major surface of the first device exposed, wherein the first layer is selected from the group consisting of an encapsulant and a polymer; forming a first dielectric layer over the first major surface of the first device, forming a via in the first dielectric layer, forming a seed layer within the via and over a portion of the first dielectric layer, physically coupling a connector to the seed layer, and plating a conductive material over the seed layer to form a first interconnect in the first via and over a portion of the first dielectric layer.
US07655501B2 Wafer level package with good CTE performance
The present invention provides a structure of package comprising a substrate with a pre-formed die receiving cavity formed and/or terminal contact metal pads formed within an upper surface of the substrate. A die is disposed within the die receiving cavity by adhesion and a dielectric layer formed on the die and the substrate. At least one re-distribution built up layer (RDL) is formed on the dielectric layer and coupled to the die via contact pad. Connecting structure, for example, UBM is formed over the re-distribution built up layer. Terminal Conductive bumps are coupled to the UBM.
US07655499B2 Forming method of contact hole and manufacturing method of semiconductor device, liquid crystal display device and EL display device
When forming a contact hole by a conventional manufacturing step of a semiconductor device, a resist is required to be formed on almost entire surface of a substrate so as to be applied on a film other than an area in which a contact hole is to be formed, leading to drastically reduced throughput. According to a forming method of a contact hole and a manufacturing method of a semiconductor device, an EL display device and a liquid crystal display device of the invention, an island shape organic film is selectively formed over a semiconductor layer, a conductive layer or an insulating layer, and an insulating film is formed around the island shape organic film to form a contact hole. Therefore, a conventional patterning using a resist is not required, and high throughput and low cost can be achieved.
US07655496B1 Metal lift-off systems and methods using liquid solvent and frozen gas
A method of fabricating a semiconductor device includes patterning a layer of photoresist onto a surface of a wafer to define metal feature areas and residual metal areas. A layer of metal is deposited over the patterned layer of photoresist, the metal layer includes metal feature portions in the metal feature areas, residual metal areas in the residual metal areas, and residual metal flaps at the edges of the metal feature portions. The wafer is sprayed with high-pressure solvent at a pressure to dissolve the layer of photoresist and to physically remove the residual metal portions from the residual metal areas, leaving only at least a portion of the residual metal flaps. The wafer is sprayed with a stream of frozen gas particles to remove the residual metal flaps.
US07655493B2 Multi spectral sensor
A light sensor having a light conversion element between first and second electrodes is disclosed. The light conversion element includes a body of semiconductor material having first and second surfaces. The body of semiconductor material is of a first conductivity type and has doping elements in a concentration gradient that creates a first electrostatic field having a magnitude that varies monotonically from the first surface to the second surface. A bias circuit applies a variable potential between the first and second electrodes to create a second electrostatic field having a direction opposite to that of the first electrostatic field and a magnitude determined by the potential. One of the electrodes is transparent to light in a predetermined band of wavelengths. The body of semiconductor material can include an epitaxial body having a monotonically increasing concentration of a doping element as a function of the distance from one the surfaces.
US07655492B2 Methods for depositing, releasing and packaging micro-electromechanical devices on wafer substrates
A method for forming a MEMS device is disclosed, where a final release step is performed just prior to a wafer bonding step to protect the MEMS device from contamination, physical contact, or other deleterious external events. Without additional changes to the MEMS structure between release and wafer bonding and singulation, except for an optional stiction treatment, the MEMS device is best protected and overall process flow is improved. The method is applicable to the production of any MEMS device and is particularly beneficial in the making of fragile micromirrors.
US07655491B2 P-type Group III nitride semiconductor and production method thereof
An object of the present invention is to provide a method for producing a p-type Group III nitride semiconductor which can be used to produce a light-emitting device exhibiting a low operation voltage and a sufficiently high reverse voltage.The inventive method for producing a p-type Group III nitride semiconductor comprises, during lowering temperature after completion of growth of a Group III nitride semiconductor containing a p-type dopant, immediately after completion of the growth, starting, at a temperature at which the growth has been completed, supply of a carrier gas composed of an inert gas and reduction of the flow rate of a nitrogen source; and stopping supply of the nitrogen source at a time in the course of lowering the temperature.
US07655487B2 White light emitting diode (WLED) and packing method thereof
A white light emitting diode (LED) and the packing method thereof are described. The white LED includes a supporting frame, a LED chip, glue for mixing phosphor powder, and phosphor powder, wherein the glue for mixing phosphor powder comprises a first set of compositions and a second set of compositions, the first set of compositions comprises polydimethyl-siloxane, and the second set of compositions comprises the copolymer having dimethyl-siloxane, methyl hydrogen siloxane and vinyl-siloxane wherein the copolymer has a weight percentage from about 94% to 99%, the dimethyl-siloxane has a weight percentage from about 84% to 90%, the methyl hydrogen siloxane has a weight percentage from about 4% to 9%, and the vinyl-siloxane has a weight percentage from about 2% to 7%.
US07655481B2 Method for manufacturing industrial products and combination of masks for manufacturing the same
A method for manufacturing an industrial product encompasses: forming a intermediate product pattern, which implements a part of a intermediate product of the industrial product by a sequence of processes corresponds to a part of a procedure for manufacturing the industrial product; forming an interconnect-changing insulator on the intermediate product pattern; boring sampling contact holes in the interconnect-changing insulator so as to make bare a part of the intermediate product pattern to define sampling sites; delineating evaluation interconnects on the interconnect-changing insulator so that each of the evaluation interconnects can electrically connected to at least one of the sampling sites of intermediate product pattern; and measuring an electrical resistance between subject sampling sites through the evaluation interconnects so as to detect a product defect in the intermediate product pattern.
US07655479B2 Luminescence characterization of quantum dots conjugated with biomarkers for early cancer detection
Luminescent semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) conjugated with biomolecules to serve as sensitive probes for early detection of the cancer cells, specifically for ovarian cancer and lung cancer, which represents the most lethal malignancies. The luminescence characterization of the bin-conjugated QDs with cancer specific antigens using linkage molecules. Photo-enhancement is measured at various laser density power, temperatures and laser wavelengths.
US07655478B2 Sensor device, sensing method, biological substance sensor device, biological substance sensing method, secretion sensor device, secretion sensing method, emotion sensor device and emotion sensing method
In a sensor device and a sensing method capable of simultaneously extracting plural pieces of information including information about the presence/absence, distribution, and so on, of targets, in case of measuring changes in nature of a detecting portion (11) upon coupling with targets (a and b), information about changes in quantities of the targets (a and b) with time is extracted in addition to information about the presence/absence, distribution, and so on, of the targets (a and b) from geometrical structures of the detecting portion (11), such as locations and/or shapes of bonding sites (A and B) for selectively coupling with the targets (a and b), respectively.
US07655477B1 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”).
US07655475B2 Luminescence based sensor using protuberances to redirect light
The invention provides a luminescent based sensor having a luminescent material optically coupled to a substrate, and adapted to be used in a medium or environment such as water or air. A detector is provided to detect light that is emitted into the substrate by the material. The substrate is adapted to redirect light that is emitted into the substrate at angles with the range θesc ? θ ? θlsc where θesc is the critical angle of the environment/substrate interface and θlsc is the critical angle of the luminescent layer/substrate interface. Examples of possible configurations are described.
US07655472B2 Treatment of disease by inducing cell apoptosis
The present invention relates generally to the treatment and prevention of diseases characterized by excess cell proliferation and/or activation. In particular, the present invention provides compositions and methods to suppress the activation and/or proliferation of various cells. In preferred embodiments, the present invention provides compositions and methods to suppress the activation and/or proliferation of mesenchymally derived cells (including, but not limited to hepatic stellate cells), as well as cells with abnormal growth characteristics. In particularly preferred embodiments, the present invention provides compositions and methods to inhibit or eliminate fibrosis. In alternative preferred embodiments, the present invention provides compositions and methods to induce fibrosis.
US07655470B2 Method for manipulating a plurality of plugs and performing reactions therein in microfluidic systems
The present invention provides microfluidic technology enabling rapid and economical manipulation of reactions on the femtoliter to microliter scale.
US07655468B2 Stable lipid-comprising drug delivery complexes and methods for their production
Novel stable, concentrated, biologically active and ready-to-use lipid-comprising drug delivery complexes and methods for their production are described. The biological activity of the complexes produced are comparable to the formulations prepared according to the prior art admixture method and upon purification, the complexes produced by the method of this invention are 50 to 500 fold more concentrated than the complexes formed by admixture. The method described herein provides for the large scale production of lipid-comprising drug delivery systems useful for gene therapy and other applications.
US07655466B2 Production process for munant
The invention provides a production process for a high-frequent random mutant of an object exogenous gene, wherein a recombinant expression vector in which a eukaryote promoter, an exogenous DNA sequence, an intron enhancer and 3′HS3/4 enhancer are linked is introduced and expressed in an animal cell.
US07655463B2 Methods of activating RET receptor tyrosine kinase using neurotrophic factors
The invention relates to neublastin neurotrophic factor polypeptides, nucleic acids encoding neublastin polypeptides, and antibodies that bind specifically to neublastin polypeptides, as well as methods of making and methods of using the same.
US07655459B2 Enhancer of anticancer activity in viral therapy and method of preventing or treating cancer
The present invention provides a pharmaceutical that safely and effectively enhances the anticancer activity of viral therapy and particularly the antitumor immunity of viral therapy. The present invention also provides a method of preventing or treating cancer that uses this drug. The anticancer activity enhancer according to the present invention contains interleukin as an effective component and is co-administered with a recombinant herpes simplex virus that selectively replicates in cancer cells.
US07655458B2 Nucleic acid molecules encoding endostatin protein and peptide fragments thereof
An inhibitor of endothelial cell proliferation, capable of inhibiting angiogenesis and causing tumor regression, that is approximately 20 kDa and corresponds to a C-terminal fragment of collagen type XVIII, and methods of treating angiogenesis-related disease.
US07655457B2 Cell culture vessel and cultured cell
It is an object of this invention to provide a cell culture vessel which has a simple and convenient structure, can prevent the injury on the cells at the time of peeling, and accelerates the transportation of nutrients and discharge of waste materials. In order to solve the problem mentioned above, the cell culture vessel of this invention has protrusions having a corresponding diameter not smaller than 10 nm and not greater than 10 μm and a height not smaller than 10 nm and not greater than 1 mm on the surface of the cell culture vessel. The protrusions make the culture fluid permeate into the under part of the cells, accelerate the supply of nutrients and discharge of waste materials, and makes the contact between the cells and the vessel as a point-contact and thereby prevents the cells from the injury which the cells undergo at the time of peeling.
US07655456B2 Analytical device having temperature detection unit
The present invention relates to an analytical device (X1) including a mounting portion (10) for mounting an analytical tool (2) capable of outputting information for computation, a computation unit for conducting computation for analyzing a sample based on the information for computation, and a temperature detection unit (12) for outputting the temperature information. The temperature detection unit (12) is disposed in the mounting portion (10). The analytical device (X1) preferably further includes a temperature correction unit for correcting the computation results obtained in the computation unit, based on the temperature information. The temperature detection unit (12) includes, for example, a contact type temperature sensor (12A). In this case, the contact type temperature detection unit (12) may include a thermally conductive portion (12B) having a contact surface (12b) to be brought into contact with the temperature sensor (12A) and the analytical tool (2).
US07655455B2 Method of producing a nitrification carrier containing ammonia-oxidizing bacteria for removing nitrogen
Provided are a nitrite-type nitrification carrier and a method for producing the same and a method and an apparatus for removing nitrogen using the same, in which the quantity of organic matter to be added can be substantially reduced to reduce running cost. A method for producing a nitrite-type nitrification carrier in which ammonia-oxidizing bacteria for nitrifying ammonium to nitrite is preferentially accumulated comprises the steps of: entrapping and immobilizing any sludge selected from sediment from a lake, a river or the sea, soil from the surface of the earth, or activated sludge from a sewage-treatment plant into a monomer or a prepolymer for immobilizing microorganisms; and then subjecting the entrapped and immobilized sludge to heat treatment at 30 to 80° C.
US07655451B2 Alanine 2,3-aminomutase
Alanine 2,3-aminomutase sequences are disclosed, as are cells having alanine 2,3-aminomutase activity and methods of selecting for such cells. Methods for producing beta-alanine, pantothenate, 3-hydroxypropionic acid, as well as other organic compounds, are disclosed.
US07655448B2 Plant caffeic acid 3-O-methyltransferase homologs
This invention relates to an isolated nucleic acid fragment encoding a protein involved in phenylpropanoid metabolism. The invention also relates to the construction of a chimeric gene encoding all or a portion of the protein involved in phenylpropanoid metabolism, in sense or antisense orientation, wherein expression of the chimeric gene results in production of altered levels of the protein involved in phenylpropanoid metabolism in a transformed host cell.
US07655441B2 Nucleic acid sequences having gene transcription regulatory qualities
The invention is concerned with the systematic elucidation and identification of regulatory sequences. The invention provides among others screenings and detection methods with which regulatory sequences can be identified. The invention further provides regulatory sequences and use thereof in various fields such as, but not limited to, protein production, diagnostics, transgenic plants and animals, and the therapeutic field.
US07655439B2 Trimerizing polypeptides
The present invention relates to a method of preparing a trimeric protein comprising culturing a host cell transformed or transfected with an expression vector encoding a fusion protein comprising a ZymoZipper (ZZ) domain and a heterologous protein. In one embodiment, the heterologous protein is a membrane protein, the portion of the heterologous protein that included in the fusion protein is the extracellular domain of that protein, and the resulting fusion protein is soluble. In another embodiment of the present invention, the ZZ domain is derived from the transmembrane (TM) subunit of a virus envelope protein or another heptad repeat containing gene of a virus genome. The method can be used to produced homo- and hetero-trimeric proteins. The present invention also encompasses DNA molecules, expression vectors, and host cells used in the present method and fusion proteins produced by the present method.
US07655438B2 Method for preparing recombinant heterocarpine
A process for preparing recombinant heterocarpine with the complete sequence of heterocarpine (SEQ. ID. NO. 10), expression vectors comprising a polynucleotide encoding for heterocarpine, host cells transformed or transfected by said expression vectors as well as a process for obtaining heterocarpine by means of said transformed or transfected host cells are described where in the recombinant heterocarpine obtained is used to treat cancer.
US07655436B1 Expression of soluble heterologous proteins in bacteria utilizing a thioredoxin/protein expression vector
A method for producing a soluble, properly folded, biologically active protein in bacteria in which the heterologous protein is coexpressed with a thioredoxin protein.
US07655431B2 Compositions and methods based upon the kinase haspin
The present invention is directed to methods for increasing or decreasing the phosphorylation of histone H3 using factors that alter the activity of the kinase haspin. The invention includes assays for identifying inhibitors, peptides that can serve as inhibitors or in the generation of antibodies that specifically recognize phosphorylated histone, polynucleotides encoding peptides, procedures for increasing intracellular haspin levels, and methods for assaying haspin activity in a biological sample to determine whether abnormalities in cell division may be due to the overexpression or underexpression of haspin.
US07655423B2 Nitric oxide donors for inducing neurogenesis
There is provided a method of promoting neurogenesis by administering a therapeutic amount of a nitric oxide donor compound to a patient in need of neurogenesis promotion. Also provided is a compound for providing neurogenesis having an effective amount of a nitric oxide donor sufficient to promote neurogenesis. A nitric oxide compound for promoting neurogenesis is also provided. Further, a method of augmenting the production of brain cells and facilitating cellular structural and receptor changes by administering an effective amount of a nitric oxide donor compound to a site in need of augmentation is provided. There is provided a method of increasing both neurological and cognitive function by administering an effective amount of a nitric oxide donor compound to a patient.
US07655422B2 T1R2 binding assays
The invention relates to binding assays using human T1R2 polypeptides containing the extracellular and/or transmembrane regions of endogenous human T1R2 polypeptide. These assays may be used to identify T1R2 modulators, especially taste modulatory compounds.
US07655420B2 Methods to increase or decrease bone density
The SOST gene gives rise to sclerostin, a protein that leads to apoptosis of bone progenitor cells. The invention provides antagonists to the sclerostin protein, and methods for identifying new sclerostin antagonists. The invention also provides molecules that can depress expression of the SOST gene, as well as methods for identifying such molecules. Such molecules and antagonists are useful for increasing bone mineralization in mammals, for example, in the treatment of osteoporosis.
US07655419B2 Methods and compositions for identifying anti-HCV agents
The invention features methods and compositions for screening for agents that modulate replication of a virus, particularly Flaviviridae virus (particularly hepatitis C virus (HCV)), where the methods provide for detection of agents that modulate the binding of TBC and NS5A, the inhibition of TBC activity, inhibition of Rab1 activity, and/or the expression of the TBC protein and/or Rab1 protein. The invention also features methods of controlling viral replication, and agents useful in such methods.
US07655418B2 Methods for identifying compounds that bind to nematode ATP synthase subunit E polypeptide
Nucleic acid molecules from nematodes encoding ATP synthase subunit E polypeptides are described. ATP synthase subunit E-like polypeptide sequences are also provided, as are vectors, host cells, and recombinant methods for production of ATP synthase subunit E-like nucleotides and polypeptides. Also described are screening methods for identifying inhibitors and/or activators, as well as methods for antibody production.
US07655417B2 VCAM-1 specific monoclonal antibody
The present invention relates to a monoclonal antibody that specifically binds to vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1 or CD106). Specifically, the present invention relates to an antibody that specifically binds to both human and mouse vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), a method for producing the same, a composition for diagnosis or treatment comprising them and a method for diagnosis or treatment using them. The monoclonal antibody of the present invention is the first recombinant monoclonal antibodies that is specific to human and mouse VCAM-1. In addition, the monoclonal antibody of the present invention shows a strong affinity to VCAM-1 expressed in rat skeletal muscle and porcine endothelial cells as well as human and mouse endothelial cells and is found to strongly inhibit the interaction between leukocytes and activated endothelial cells. Accordingly, the monoclonal antibody of the present invention can inhibit a VCAM-1 mediated adhesion of leukocytes to endothelial cells and potently treat VCAM-1 mediated disease, especially inflammatory disease or cancer.
US07655415B2 IL1RL-1 as a cardiovascular disease marker and therapeutic target
This invention pertains to methods and compositions for the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular conditions. More specifically, the invention relates to isolated molecules that can be used to diagnose and/or treat cardiovascular conditions including cardiac hypertrophy, myocardial infarction, stroke, arteriosclerosis, and heart failure.
US07655412B2 Self-assembly molecules
There is provided a method of forming a multimeric complex having affinity for a target. The method comprises: obtaining a plurality of self-assembly molecules, said self-assembly molecules including complementary self-assembly units such as verotoxin subunit B, each of which is operatively connected to an interaction domain such as a single domain antibody specific for the target; and combining said self-assembly molecules such that at least three said self-assembly units simultaneously bind to one another so as to permit the single domain antibodies to bind the target.
US07655411B2 Thrombospondin fragments and binding agents in the detection, diagnosis and evaluation of cancer
The invention relates to thrombospondin fragments found in plasma, their use or use of portions thereof in diagnostic methods, as method calibrators, method indicators, and as immunogens, and as analytes for methods with substantial clinical utility; and their detection in plasma or other bodily fluids for purpose of diagnostic methods, especially for cancer.
US07655408B2 PCA3 messenger RNA species in benign and malignant prostate tissues
This invention concerns the discovery of two distinct PCA3 mRNA sequences. One of these sequences corresponds to a short PCA3 mRNA molecule whereas the other PCA3 RNA molecule is longer as it comprises an additional sequence between exon 3 and exon 4a. The short RNA is associated with prostate cancer whereas the long RNA sequence is associated with a non-malignant state of the prostate. Based on the differential expression levels of these two PCA3 RNA sequences, protocols for the diagnosis of prostate disease are provided. The invention also relates to therapeutic approaches to prostate cancer.
US07655406B2 Nucleotide sequences coding for the non-structural proteins of the hepatitis C virus
The invention concerns the use of cells capable of carrying out a process of prenylation of proteins coded by the hepatitis C virus (HCV) genome, such as prenylation of the NS5A protein, for replicating and, if required, the production of HCV or derivative viable mutants, in a suitable culture medium.
US07655403B2 CHD7 gene polymorphisms are associated with susceptibility to idiopathic scoliosis
The present invention includes compositions and methods for diagnosis of polymorphisms associated with susceptibility to idiopathic scoliosis in a patient by determining the presence of a mutation in a nucleic acid sample provided from the patient for a mutation in a transcription factor binding site in one or more non-coding regions of the chromodomain helicase DNA binding protein 7 gene.
US07655400B2 Substance capable of accelerating nucleotide chain exchange reaction
The purpose of the present invention is to provide a substance having a several ten to several hundred-fold exchange reaction accelerating activity as compared with that of conventional copolymers. In particular, the invention provides a preparation for accelerating an exchange reaction between a nucleotide sequence at specific site of a double stranded DNA or RNA for its homologous nucleotide sequence, the preparation comprising a cationic polymer having a guanidine group-containing main chain and a hydrophilic functional groups as an active ingredient. Thus, a substance having a several ten to several hundred-fold exchange reaction accelerating activity as compared with that of conventional copolymers can be provided. With this substance, the nucleotide chain exchange can be performed at a lower temperature and/or a higher rate than in the prior art.
US07655397B2 Selections of genes and methods of using the same for diagnosis and for targeting the therapy of select cancers
A method of diagnosing a disease that includes obtaining experimental data on gene selections. The gene selection functions to characterize a cancer when the expression of that gene selection is compared to the identical selection from a noncancerous cell or a different type of cancer cell. The invention also includes a method of targeting at least one product of a gene that includes administration of a therapeutic agent. The invention also includes the use of a gene selection for diagnosing a cancer.
US07655392B2 Quenching methods for red blood cell inactivation process
Methods are provided for improved quenching of undesired side reactions upon treating a red blood cell composition with a pathogen inactivating compound comprising a nucleic acid binding ligand and a functional group which is, or which is capable of forming, an electrophilic group. In some embodiments, the improved methods use a suitably high concentration of quencher that comprises a nucleophilic functional group that is capable of covalently reacting with the electrophilic group, wherein the treatment occurs within a desired pH range to provide sufficient quenching. Preferred quenchers for use in some of the methods include thiols, such as glutathione, which have been suitably neutralized such that addition to a red blood cell composition results in the desired concentration of quencher at a desirable pH range of 6.8 to 8.5.
US07655387B2 Method to align mask patterns
Alignment tolerances between narrow mask lines, for forming interconnects in the array region of an integrated circuit, and wider mask lines, for forming interconnects in the periphery of the integrated circuit, are increased. The narrow mask lines are formed by pitch multiplication and the wider mask lines are formed by photolithography. The wider mask lines and are aligned so that one side of those lines is flush with or inset from a corresponding side of the narrow lines. Being wider, the opposite sides of the wider mask lines protrude beyond the corresponding opposite sides of the narrow mask lines. The wider mask lines are formed in negative photoresist having a height less than the height of the narrow mask lines. Advantageously, the narrow mask lines can prevent expansion of the mask lines in one direction, thus increasing alignment tolerances in that direction. In the other direction, use of photolithography and a shadowing effect caused by the relative heights of the photoresist and the narrow mask lines causes the wider mask lines to be formed with a rounded corner, thus increasing alignment tolerances in that direction by increasing the distance to a neighboring narrow mask line.
US07655386B2 Polymer having antireflective properties, hardmask composition including the same, process for forming a patterned material layer, and associated device
An antireflective hardmask composition includes an organic solvent, and at least one polymer represented by Formulae A, B or C: In Formulae A and B, the fluorene group is unsubstituted or substituted, in Formula C, the naphthalene group is unsubstituted or substituted, n is at least 1 and is less than about 750, m is at least 1, and m+n is less than about 750, G is an aromatic ring-containing group having an alkoxy group, and R1 is methylene or includes a non-fluorene-containing aryl linking group.
US07655385B2 Pattern formation method
After forming a resist film including a hygroscopic compound, pattern exposure is performed by selectively irradiating the resist film with exposing light while supplying water onto the resist film. After the pattern exposure, the resist film is developed so as to form a resist pattern.
US07655381B2 Method for producing resist substrates
The invention relates to a method for producing a substrate having a resist layer in the form of a relief structure, which represents a diffraction structure. The resist layer at least in certain areas adjoins a conductive layer, which scatters the primary electrons and/or produces secondary electrons when the resist layer is exposed by means of an electron beam. With this method the material of the resist layer and the conductive layer and the exposure parameters are adjusted to each other such that the resist layer is also exposed outside the area impinged with the electron beam such that the flanks of the relief structure obtain an inclined form.
US07655379B2 Ionic, organic photoacid generators for DUV, MUV and optical lithography based on peraceptor-substituted aromatic anions
A photoacid generator compound P+A−, comprises an antenna group P+ comprising a cation that generates protons upon interaction with light, and A− comprising a weakly coordinating peracceptor-substituted aromatic anion that does not contain fluorine or semi-metallic elements such as boron. In one embodiment, such anions comprise the following compounds 4, 5, 6 and 7, wherein E comprises an electron-withdrawing group and the removal of one proton generates aromaticity. P+ comprises an onium cation that decomposes into a proton and other components upon interaction with photons. P+ may comprise an organic chalcogen onium cation or a halonium cation, wherein the chalcogen onium cation in another embodiment may comprises an oxonium, sulfonium, selenium, tellurium, or onium cation, and the halonium cation may comprise an iodonium, chlorine or bromine onium cation. A novel compound comprises TPS CN5. A photolithographic formulation comprises the photoacid generator in combination with a photolithographic composition such as a photolithographic polymer. The formulation, when on a substrate, is exposed to optical lithographic radiation or ArF (193 nm) or KrF (248 nm) radiation, and developed. A product comprises an article of manufacture made by the method of the invention.
US07655378B2 Negative resist composition and patterning process using the same
There is disclosed a negative resist composition comprising, at least, a polymer comprising a repeating unit of hydroxy vinylnaphthalene represented by the following general formula (1). There can be provided a negative resist composition, in particular, a chemically amplified negative resist composition that can exhibit higher resolution than conventional hydroxy styrene or novolac negative resist compositions, that provides excellent pattern profiles after being exposed and that exhibits excellent etching resistance; and a patterning process that uses the resist composition.
US07655376B2 Process for producing photonic crystals and controlled defects therein
A process comprises (a) providing a substantially inorganic photoreactive composition comprising (1) at least one cationically reactive species, (2) a multi-photon photoinitiator system, and 10 (3) a plurality of precondensed, inorganic nanoparticles; (b) exposing, using a multibeam interference technique involving at least three beams, at least a portion of the photoreactive composition to radiation of appropriate wavelength, spatial distribution, and intensity to produce a two-dimensional or three-dimensional periodic pattern of reacted and non-reacted portions of the photoreactive composition; (c) exposing at least a portion of the non-reacted portion of the photoreactive composition to radiation of appropriate wavelength and intensity to cause multi-photon absorption and photoreaction to form additional reacted portion; (d) removing the non-reacted portion or the reacted portion of the photoreactive composition to form interstitial void space; and (e) at least partially filling the interstitial void space with at least one material having a refractive index that is different from the refractive index of the remaining portion.
US07655366B2 Inkless reimageable printing paper and method
An image forming medium includes a substrate and an imaging layer coated on or impregnated into a substrate, where the imaging layer is formed of an imaging composition that includes a solvent or a polymeric binder, and a photochromic material selected from substituted fulgides and substituted dithienylethenes, dissolved or dispersed in the solvent or polymeric binder, and where the imaging composition exhibits a reversible homogeneous-heterogeneous transition between a colorless state, an intermediate colorless or colored erasable state, and a final colored stable state, the photochromic material converting from the colorless state to the colored stable state upon irradiation with light of a first wavelength and converting from the colored stable state to the colorless state upon exposure to heat and light.
US07655365B2 Wettability variable substrate and wettability variable layer forming composition
It is a main object of the present invention to provide a wettability variable substrate provided with a wettability variable layer which is free from any cloud and is superior in adhesion to a substrate, transparency and liquid repellency. The above object is attained by the provision of a wettability variable substrate comprising a wettability variable layer, on a substrate, which the wettability is varied by exposing to light in the presence of a photocatalyst, wherein the wettability variable layer contains an organopolysiloxane which is a co-hydrolysis condensation polymer obtained using (A) one type or two or more types of organopolysiloxane precursors represented by YnSiX(4-n) (Y represents an alkyl group or a fluoroalkyl group, or a substituent containing these groups, X represents an alkoxyl group, an acetyl group or a halogen, a letter n subscripted to Y and a letter n in (4-n) subscripted to X are an integer from 1 to 3), and (B) an amorphous silica precursor represented by SiX4 (X is the same as above) by a mass ratio of (A)/(B)=1/0.1 to 1/20.
US07655363B2 Method and apparatus for solving mask precipitated defect issue
Disclosed are a method and an apparatus for solving mask precipitated defect issue. A gas is purged into a photomask reticle assembly for diffusing precipitated defects out of a photomask in the photomask reticle assembly. A metal shielding assembly enclosing the photomask reticle assembly is provided for reducing precipitated defects and damages to the photomask. In an illustrative embodiment, the metal shielding assembly comprises an upper metal shielding, a pellicle frame of the photomask reticle assembly, side support frames of the photomask reticle assembly, a top cover, a handle, and a handle cover.
US07655360B2 Electric separator comprising a shutdown mechanism, method for the production thereof, and use in lithium batteries
An electrical separator for a lithium battery is composed of a porous carrier coated with a porous inorganic nonelectroconductive material and a porous shutdown layer on the porous inorganic nonelectroconductive coating. The shutdown layer melts at a selected temperature defined by layer composition. Upon melting, the pores of the inorganic layer are closed. Such an electrical separator provides a lithium battery of improved safety. A method to produce the electrical separator is provided.
US07655359B2 Secondary battery
A secondary battery having a feature in which a positive electrode, a negative electrode and electrolyte are provided; the negative electrode includes a negative electrode active material layer which is alloying at least at a portion of a boundary face with a negative electrode current collector; an approximately tabular electrode body structure is formed by a constitution in which a laminated body of the lamellar positive electrode and the lamellar negative electrode is wound or folded; and in the approximately tabular electrode body structure, relation of B≦1.5A is satisfied when length in a perpendicular direction with respect to a bended portion of the laminated body is made to be A and length in a parallel direction with respect to the bended portion of the laminated body is made to be B.
US07655351B2 Administering device with a power source contacted by spring force
Administering device for infusing or injecting a product, comprising a housing (1, 2) with a receiver (3) for the product, a compartment (7) for a power source in order to supply the conveying mechanism (4) with electrical energy, a first contact spring (15) which is disposed in the compartment and places a terminal of the power source in an electrically conducting contact by means of a spring force when the power source is disposed in the compartment (7), and a second contact spring (16) for establishing an electrically conducting contact for an opposite terminal of the power source, likewise by means of spring force.
US07655349B2 Cylindrical lithium secondary battery
A cylindrical lithium secondary battery includes an electrode assembly which has a first electrode plate, a second electrode plate, and a separator provided between the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate, is wound in a spiral shape, and has a central space at the center of winding; a core member which is inserted into the central space of the electrode assembly; a case having a space for containing the electrode assembly; and a cap assembly which is connected to an upper portion of the case so as to seal the case. The core member is formed in a tube shape having a gap along a longitudinal direction, which divides the core member into a body portion and left and right lateral end portions, wherein an imaginary arc line extending from an outer circumferential surface of the body portion of the core member defines an imaginary circumference, and wherein the left and right lateral end portions are located inside the imaginary circumference and comprise a pair of first bending portions, inwardly bending and symmetrically disposed with respect to the gap, and a pair of second bending portions bending in a rotation direction that is opposite to the inwardly bending rotational directions of the first bending portions.
US07655348B2 Chip-type battery
In order to enhance versatility, a chip-type battery having a means for readily identifying a first terminal and a second terminal is provided. The chip-type battery includes: a body having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape and contains a plurality of power generating elements in a stack, each element including a sintered material; a first terminal having a first polarity; and a second terminal having a second polarity. The first terminal is provided at a first side face of the body. The second terminal is provided at a second side face of the body located on other than the first side face. The first terminal and the second terminal include different metal materials.
US07655347B2 Battery and method of assembling battery
A battery includes a casing made of metal; and a safety valve made of a thin plate. The casing includes a vent hole that provides communication between the inside of the battery and the outside of the battery. A seal member made of synthetic resin is provided between the peripheral edge portion around the vent hole and the peripheral edge portion of the safety valve. The seal member connects the peripheral edge portion around the vent hole to the peripheral edge portion of the safety valve such that the peripheral edge portion around the vent hole does not contact the peripheral edge portion of the safety valve.
US07655345B2 Fuel cell using in the cathode compartment and optionally in the anode compartment oxydoreductase enzymes
A proton exchange membrane fuel cell comprises an cathodic compartment including a cathode, an oxidant consisting of oxygen and at least one enzyme catalyst, an anodic compartment comprising an anode, a fuel and at least one catalyst. The anodic and cathodic compartments are arranged at either end of the membrane. The cell is characterized in that the enzyme catalyst of the anodic compartment is an oxidoreductase type enzyme capable of catalyzing the reduction of oxygen into hydrogen peroxide and the hydrogen peroxide is a direct receptor of the electrons from the cathode.
US07655340B2 Ultra short high pressure gradient flow path flow field
The present invention is directed to a planar flow field design having an intake manifold and an exhaust manifold which are configured in two offset planes. A relatively short passage extends from the intake manifold through the exhaust manifold and terminates at a reactive face of a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) such that a differential flow distribution is provided from the intake manifold through the passage and across a reactive face of the MEA to the exhaust manifold.
US07655338B2 Fuel cell
An output cable for transferring an output of a fuel cell stack to a device provided outside a stack case and an output terminal portion of the fuel cell stack are connected to each other, and a blocking device capable of blocking the fuel cell stack from supplying the output thereof to the device through mechanical operation from outside the stack case is provided. In the stack case, a first through hole for allowing for maintenance and checkout from the outside of the stack case to the inside is formed, and the blocking device is attached so as to cover this first through hole from outside. The blocking device includes a housing made of a solid body, a second through hole for communicating the outside of the stack case with the inside by communicating with the first through hole, and a closing cover for closing the second through hole.
US07655335B2 Air breathing direct methanol fuel cell pack
An air breathing direct methanol fuel cell pack includes: a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) including single cells having an electrolyte membrane, anodes on a first plane of the electrolyte membrane and cathodes on a second plane thereof, the second plane disposed opposite to the first plane; a fuel supply unit facing the first plane; an upper panel member facing the second plane of the MEA and including a first cavity and second cavity, a plurality of air vent holes formed in the first and/or second cavity and air channels connecting the first and second cavities; current collectors disposed on the cathode and anode of single cells of the MEA; conductors electrically connecting the current collectors to form electric circuitry among the single cells; and a lower panel member for forming a housing for accommodating the MEA and the fuel supply unit in cooperation with the upper panel member.
US07655333B2 Sub-micron solid oxide electrolyte membrane in a fuel cell
This document describes the nano-scaling effects of solid-state oxygen-ion conductors when the thickness of an ionic conductor membrane as well as size of the grains within the membrane are scaled down to less than 200 nm. By using such solid-state oxygen-ion conductor membranes as solid-state electrolytes, the performances of solid-state ionic devices like fuel cells, gas sensors and catalytic supporters, can be improved and operating temperature can be lowered.
US07655330B2 Method of operating fuel cell and power supply system
Methods of operating a fuel cell and a power supply systems are provided. The methods and systems of the present invention are capable of suppressing condensation of moisture obstructing an air passage without the need of any complicated system configuration. The method of operating a fuel cell includes controlling a supply of air while monitoring a relative humidity of exhausted air. The step of controlling the supply of air can be performed such that the relative humidity of exhausted air becomes equal to or less than a specific humidity. The power supply system including, as a power supply, a fuel cell having an air supply unit, an air exhaust unit, and a fuel gas supply unit includes a humidity sensor provided on the air exhaust unit, and a control mechanism for controlling a supplied amount of air in the air supply unit based on the information provided from the humidity sensor.
US07655326B2 Thermal barrier coating material and method for production thereof, gas turbine member using the thermal barrier coating material, and gas turbine
A thermal barrier coating material, containing a metal binding layer laminated on a base material and a ceramic layer laminated on the metal binding layer, the ceramic layer comprising partially stabilized ZrO2 which is partially stabilized by additives of Dy2O3 and Yb2O3.
US07655324B2 Electro-magnetic storage device and method
An electro-magnetic storage device and method are disclosed. In one embodiment, a memory device includes a first magnetic material to attract a movable structure (e.g., a ferromagnetic material) when a first voltage is applied between the first magnetic material and the movable structure, and a second magnetic material to release the movable structure when a second voltage is applied between the second magnetic material and the movable structure. The movable arm may create a closed circuit when the second voltage is applied between the second magnetic material and the movable structure. There may be a vacuum-gap between the movable structure and at least one of the first magnetic material and/or the second magnetic material. The memory device may be stackable on other memory devices having similar properties, and/or electrically coupled with other memory devices having similar properties in a memory array.
US07655320B2 Surface pre-treatment method for pre-coated heat-treatable, precipitation-hardenable stainless steel ferrous-alloy components and components coated thereby
The present invention relates to the use, in a pre-coating process, of a flash plating, without a subsequent chromate seal, as a surface pre-treatment for a ferrous-alloy substrate prior to applying a corrosion-inhibiting coating to improve the overall corrosion protection of the pre-treatment component. Preferably the ferrous alloy is a heat-treatable, precipitation-hardenable stainless steel and the pre-treatement is a cadmium flash plate or a zinc-nickel alloy flash plate.
US07655316B2 Cleaning of a substrate support
A cleaning wafer cleans process residues from a support surface used in the processing of a substrate in an energized gas. The cleaning wafer has a disc having a liquid precursor derived polyimide layer formed directly on the disc by applying a liquid polyimide precursor to the disc. The polyimide layer has a thickness of less than about 50 microns, and a cleaning surface shaped to match a contour of the support surface. Process residues adhere to the cleaning surface and are cleaned from the support surface upon removal of the cleaning wafer therefrom.
US07655313B2 Low-E coated articles and methods of making same
In certain example embodiments, low-E coated articles may be designed so as to realize a combination of good visible transmission (Tvis) and an excellent solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC), thereby realizing an improved (i.e., higher) Tvis/SHGC ratio. In certain example embodiments of this invention, if heat treated (HT), the low-E coated articles may have approximately the same color characteristics as viewed by the naked eye both before and after heat treatment (i.e., a low ΔE* value) in certain example instances. Such coated articles may be used in insulating glass (IG) units, windows, and/or other suitable applications.
US07655306B2 Optical film, optical filter and display device including the same
An optical film includes a selective visible light-absorbing layer including at least one dye having a maximum absorption wavelength in a range of about 470 nm to about 510 nm, the selective visible light-absorbing layer having a maximum light transmittance of about 60% or less at the maximum absorption wavelength of the dye and a full width at half maximum of about 50 nm or less.
US07655302B2 Continuous fiber of fullerene nanotubes
This invention relates generally to carbon fiber produced from fullerene nanotube arrays. In one embodiment, the present invention involves a macroscopic carbon fiber comprising at least 106 fullerene nanotubes in generally parallel orientation.
US07655299B2 Surface-coated cutting tool made of hard metal and manufacturing method for same
A surface-coated cutting tool comprising: a hard substrate; a lower layer which is formed on a surface of the hard substrate, contains a composite compound consisting of at least one element selected from Ti and Al, and at least one element selected from N and C, and has an average thickness of 0.1 to 3 μm; and an upper layer having an average thickness of 1 to 13 μm, which is formed on the lower layer and having a texture in which fine grains of crystalline Ti (C,N) based compounds or fine grains of crystalline (Ti, Al)(C, N) based compounds are dispersively distributed in a matrix of a carbon based amorphous material containing W.
US07655297B2 Electrically conductive polyester molding composition having a high quality surface finish
A molding compound formulation is provided that includes a unsaturated polyester, a low profile additive, and high surface area conductive carbon black particulate. The carbon black is dispersed in at least one of the unsaturated polyester and the low profile additive to produce a cured panel having a surface resistivity value of between 1×105-108Ω, and a Diffracto analysis D number of less than 100 when cured against a mold platen having a Diffracto analysis D number of 25. A process for producing such a molding compound panel is also provided that includes mixing through rotary mechanical stirring the high surface area conductive carbon black particulate into one side of the molding compound formulation under conditions that satisfy: ln(viscosity)≦−0.82{ln(RPM)}+12.734  (I) where viscosity is in Centipoise and RPM denotes revolutions per minute.
US07655295B2 Mix of grafted and non-grafted particles in a resin
In one application the mix grafted and non grafted invention provides for high thermal conductivity resin that comprises a host resin matrix with a first class of grafted high thermal conductivity particles that are grafted to the host resin matrix. Also a second class of non-grafted high thermal conductivity particles that are not directly grafted the host resin matrix. The first class and the second class comprise approximately 2-60% by volume of the high thermal conductivity resin. The first class of grafted particles and the second class of non-grafted particles are high thermal conductivity fillers are from 1-1000 nm in length, and have an aspect ratio of between 3-100.
US07655293B2 Coated cutting tool insert
A CVD-coated cutting tool insert with a TiCxNy-layer with a low tensile stress level of 10-300 MPa and an α-Al2O3-layer with a high surface smoothness of <0.1 μm as measured by AFM-technique is disclosed. This is obtained by subjecting the coating to a first intensive wet blasting operation with a slurry of F80 grits of Al2O3 followed by a second wet blasting treatment with a slurry of F320 grits of Al2O3.
US07655288B2 Composite self-cohered web materials
The present invention is directed to implantable bioabsorbable non-woven self-cohered web materials having a high degree of porosity. The web materials are very supple and soft, while exhibiting proportionally increased mechanical strength in one or more directions. The web materials often possess a high degree of loft. The web materials can be formed into a variety of shapes and forms suitable for use as implantable medical devices or components thereof.
US07655286B2 Fusible reactive media comprising mordant
An inkjet recording element comprising a support having thereon in order, from top to bottom, a fusible, porous ink-transporting layer comprising fusible polymeric particles, which particles comprise a thermoplastic polymer with reactive functional groups, the ink-transporting layer further comprising a multifunctional compound having complementary reactive functional groups capable of crosslinking the reactive functional groups on the thermoplastic polymer. The ink-transporting layer is over a fusible dye-trapping layer that preferably comprises a mordant. Optionally, an ink-carrier-liquid receptive layer is present between the dye-trapping layer and the support.
US07655282B2 Method of forming patterned film
A method of forming a patterned thin film comprises the step of forming a frame having an undercut near the bottom thereof on an electrode film, and the plating step of forming the patterned thin film by plating through the use of the frame. The patterned thin film includes a plurality of linear portions disposed side by side. Each of the linear portions has a portion close to the electrode film. This portion has a width greater than the width of the remaining portion of each of the linear portions.
US07655280B2 Extreme low resistivity light attenuation anti-reflection coating structure and method for manufacturing the same
A extreme low resistivity light attenuation anti-reflection coating structure includes a substrate, a coating module, and a composed protection coating layer. The coating module is formed on a front surface of the substrate. The coating module is composed of a plurality of Ti-based oxide coating layers and a plurality of metal coating layers that are alternately stacked with each other. The composed protection coating layer is formed on the coating module.
US07655275B2 Methods of controlling flow
A method of controlling flow includes treating a region of a surface to have a non-wettable surface characteristic or a wettable surface characteristic in the region.
US07655273B2 Method of manufacturing an electrode active material particle for a rechargeable battery
A method of manufacturing an electrode active material particle for a rechargeable battery wherein a layer of an active material capable of being alloyed with Li is formed on a surface of a metal particle incapable of being alloyed with Li and then a heat treatment is conducted to diffuse the active material into the metal particle so that the resulting active material particle has a concentration profile in which a concentration of a metal element of the metal particle decreases from an interior toward the surface.
US07655266B1 Method for making biscuits
A method for making biscuits wherein a dough mixture is dispensed into an agitator. The dough mixture is agitated as it is being dispensed into cavities of a die. The dough mixture is compressed into the cavities of the die by a compression device. The dough mixture is ejected from the cavities of the die by pushing the dough mixture from a top surface of the die out of a bottom surface of the die and onto an apron with an ejection mechanism.
US07655264B2 Process for promoting calcium absorption
Chewy confectionery products, and processes for producing said products, are provided as delivery systems for minerals such as calcium. The carbohydrates of the fortified confectionery products comprise at least one reducing sugar and one non-reducing sugar in a preferred ratio of about 1:0.2 to about 1:1 reducing sugar: non-reducing sugar. The chewy confectionery products offer a matrix for about 0.2 wt. % to 45 wt. % of a fortifying component while maintaining a smooth and soft texture.
US07655262B2 Hair treatment composition
An improved hair treatment composition that strengthens cellulosic fiber found in the composition of hair, that eliminates the degradation of hair, and that provides for skin protection from the adverse reaction of caustic alkaline preparations found in professional hair products that are used in the bleaching and strengthening hair. The composition of the present invention may also be safely used by non professional hair stylist without deteriorating the texture and quality of the end user's hair, without permanent or temporary hair loss, and without injury to the scalp.
US07655253B2 Navel orangeworm pheromone composition
The present invention provides compounds useful for preparing synthetic pheromone compositions that can be used as attractants or inhibitors of insect species. The compositions are useful in the control of navel orangeworm or meal moth insect pests.
US07655251B2 Amphiphilic derivatives of α-C-phenyl-N-tert-butylnitrone
Novel compounds, derivatives of α-C-phenyl N-tert-butyl nitrone, a method for production and use thereof for the preparation of medicaments for the prevention of treatment of diseases related to oxidative stress.
US07655249B2 Compositions and methods for WT1 specific immunotherapy
Compositions and methods for the therapy of malignant diseases, such as leukemia and cancer, are disclosed. The compositions comprise one or more of a WT1 polynucleotide, a WT1 polypeptide, an antigen-presenting cell presenting a WT1 polypeptide, an antibody that specifically binds to a WT1 polypeptide; or a T cell that specifically reacts with a WT1 polypeptide. Such compositions may be used, for example, for the prevention and treatment of metastatic diseases.
US07655246B2 Chlamydia protein, gene sequence and uses thereof
A high molecular weight (“HMW”) protein of Chlamydia, the amino acid sequence thereof, and antibodies that specifically bind the HMW protein are disclosed as well as the nucleic acid sequence encoding the same. Also disclosed are prophylactic and therapeutic compositions, comprising the HMW protein, a fragment thereof, or an antibody that specifically binds the HMW protein or a portion thereof, or the nucleotide sequence encoding the HMW protein or a fragment thereof, including vaccines.
US07655243B2 Methods and systems for toxin delivery to the nasal cavity
Methods and systems for delivering toxin and toxin fragments to a patient's nasal cavity provide for both release of the toxin and delivery of energy which selectively porates target cells to enhance uptake of the toxin. The use of energy-mediated delivery is particularly advantageous with light chain fragment toxins which lack cell binding capacity.
US07655241B2 Methods and compositions for vaccination against or involving enterobacteriaceae bacteria
The present invention concerns the use of methods and compositions to prophylactically or therapeutically vaccinate a subject against a pathogen or disease. Embodiments of the invention include the production of an attenuated bacterium from the family Enterobacteriaceae with a non-functional lipoprotein for use as a vaccine or as a vaccine vector for delivering antigens to a subject to be vaccinated. In certain embodiments, a bacterium of the Enterobacteriaceae family lacking a wild type LP, for example Salmonella typhimurium lacking a wild type LP, may be produced and used as a vaccine or vaccine vector.
US07655240B2 Vaccine composition comprising an immunoadjuvant compound consisting of a Rho GTPase family activator
This invention is based on the experimental finding that activators of Rho GTPases, namely the cytotoxic necrotizing factor 1 (CNF1), and DNT bear immunostimulatory properties towards the systemic response to orally administered ovalbumine. This invention concerns a vaccine composition including an immunoadjuvant compound, wherein the immunoadjuvant compound consists of a Rho GTPase activator.
US07655238B2 Compositions and methods for enhancing the immunogenicity of antigens
The present invention includes compositions, methods and kits for enhancing the immunogenicity of an antigen via fusion to a Listerial protein. The present invention further encompasses Listeria vaccine strains for enhancing the immunogenicity of an antigen.
US07655231B2 Methods for treating pain by administering a nerve growth factor antagonist and an NSAID
The present invention features methods for treating or preventing pain comprising administering an amount of a nerve growth factor antagonist (such as an anti-NGF antibody) and an amount of an NSAID such that together they provide effective pain relief. The invention also features compositions comprising a nerve growth factor antagonist and an NSAID and kits containing the same.
US07655230B2 Co-administration of a tissue plasminogen activator, anti-CD11b antibody and anti-CD18 antibody in stroke
A method for improving clinical outcome in focal ischemic stroke in a mammal by increasing cerebral blood flow and/or reducing infarct size is described which involves administering an effective amount of an anti-CD18 antibody to the mammal, in the absence of removal of the arterial obstruction.
US07655229B2 Anti-FC-gamma RIIB receptor antibody and uses therefor
The present application describes antibodies that selectively bind human FcγRIIB, with little or no binding to other human FcγRs, e.g., human FcγRIIA. The invention also provides isolated bispecific antibodies comprising an antibody that selectively binds FcγRIIB, and a second antibody that specifically binds an activating receptor. Various uses, including therapeutic uses, for those antibodies are also described, including administration with anti-tumor antibodies and methods of inhibiting immune responses and suppressing histamine release.
US07655228B2 Method of modulating the activity of functional immune molecules to GM2
The invention relates to a method for controlling the activity of an immunologically functional molecule, such as an antibody, a protein, a peptide or the like, an agent of promoting the activity of an immunologically functional molecule, and an immunologically functional molecule having the promoted activity.
US07655227B1 Agents for ameliorating low vasopressin level
The present invention provides an agent for ameliorating low vasopressin level, which comprises, as an active ingredient, a substance capable of inhibiting the binding between parathyroid hormone-related peptide (PTHrP) and a receptor thereof; and an agent for ameliorating a symptom caused by a decrease in vasopressin level, which comprises, as an active ingredient, a substance capable of inhibiting the binding between parathyroid hormone-related peptide (PTHrP) and a receptor thereof.
US07655223B2 Method of using interferon-like protein ZCYTO21 (IL-29) to treat hepatitis C
The present invention relates to polynucleotide and polypeptide molecules for Zcyto21, an interferon-like protein, which is most closely related to interferon-α at the amino acid sequence level. The present invention also includes antibodies to the Zcyto21 polypeptides, and methods of using the polynucleotides and polypeptides.
US07655219B2 Cosmetic hair treatment composition comprising a nonassociative fixing polyurethane and an anionic or nonionic associative polyurethane, and cosmetic treatment process
The present invention relates to a cosmetic hair treatment composition comprising, in a cosmetically acceptable medium, at least one nonassociative fixing polyurethane and at least one anionic or nonionic associative polyurethane, packaged in an aerosol device in the presence of a propellant. The invention also relates to a cosmetic treatment process using said cosmetic treatment composition, and also to a use as a leave-in styling product.
US07655218B2 Methods and compositions for detection and diagnosis of infectious diseases
Methods and compositions for the detection and diagnosis of infectious diseases are provided. In particular, efficient and sensitive methods and compositions for the detection of active mycobacterial disease are provided for distinguishing between individuals having active disease, and individuals who have been immunologically exposed, such as those infected with a mycobacterium but are without active disease, or those who have been vaccinated with BCG. The methods comprise topical application of antigen compositions for transdermal delivery.
US07655216B2 Vaccine for activating helper function of CD8+ Tcells
The invention provides compositions and methods for treating or preventing a target disease in a mammal by induction of memory T cells. The methods comprise (1) administering a sensitizing composition comprising a non-target antigen to a patient; and (2) administering a therapeutic composition comprising a non-target antigen and a target antigen to the patient, wherein the target antigen is associated with the disease, and wherein the therapeutic composition is administered after the sensitizing compositions, at an interval sufficient for induction of memory T cells. The methods can alternatively comprise administering a target antigen along with an inhibitory agent such as an inhibitor of DC apoptosis, an inhibitor of Granzyme B, a Granzyme-B-inducible mediator of apoptosis, an inhibitor of perforin, or a perforin-inducible mediator of apoptosis.
US07655213B2 Direct oxidation of sulfur with carbon dioxide recycle
A method for removing hydrogen sulfide to produce elemental sulfur from a synthesis gas feed stream containing hydrogen sulfide, carbon monoxide, hydrogen, carbon dioxide and water using direct oxidation of hydrogen sulfide by contacting a feed stream containing synthesis gas with oxygen in the presence of a catalyst comprised of metal oxides to convert a substantial fraction of the hydrogen sulfide present in the feed stream into sulfur and water, followed by cooling the reaction products to a temperature below the dew point temperature of the water and sulfur, separating the reaction products into two streams, with the first stream containing elemental sulfur and water in liquid form and the second stream containing unreacted components from the synthesis gas, hydrogen sulfide, carbon monoxide, hydrogen, carbon dioxide and water, and then recycling a portion of the unreacted components to the feed stream.
US07655210B2 Porous carbons
A method of making mesoporous carbon beads comprises steps of providing a nucleophilic component such as phenolic compound or phenol condensation prepolymer, dissolving the nucleophilic component in a pore former, together with at least one electrophilic cross-linking agent such as formaldehyde, paraformaldehyde, furfural and hexamethylene tetramine, dispersing the resulting solution into a mineral oil to form beads, condensing both the component and the agent in the presence of the pore former to form beads of porous resin, removing the beads from the mineral oil and carbonizing the beads to form mesoporous carbon beads.
US07655206B2 Process for the manufacture of hydrogen-rich cyclosiloxane
The present invention relates to a for controlled synthesis of hydrogen-rich cyclosiloxanes of the (H2SiO)n type. where n is an integer equal to or greater than 3, by reacting: a.) a halosilane of the H2SiX2 type where X=halogen with b.) a lithium salt, copper(II) salt or a salt of a metal from main group 2 or transition group 2 of the periodic table of the elements, or a mixture of these salts. The ring size is advantageously adjustable to n=3, 4, 5, 6 (especially n=4 to 6), such that larger rings are not formed.In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the process, for the selective preparation of cyclohexasiloxane (H2SiO)6, after the reaction, the solvent is at least partly removed and then solvent is added again.
US07655205B2 Process for the removal of SO2, HCN and H2S and Optionally COS, CS2 and NH3 from a gas stream
Disclosed is a process for the removal of sulfur from a gas stream containing sulfur dioxide, hydrogen cyanide and hydrogen sulfide. The process includes a hydrogenation step, a hydrolysis step, an ammonia removal step and a hydrogen sulfide removal step. An aqueous alkaline washing liquid is used in the hydrogen sulfide removal step and with the spent sulfide containing washing liquid being regenerated using an oxidation bioreactor that utilizes sulfide oxidizing bacteria such as autotropic aerobic cultures of Thiobacillus and Thiomicrospira.
US07655204B2 Heat-treated active carbons for use in denitration, processes for producing same, denitration method using same, and denitration system using same
This invention relates to a technique for removing nitrogen oxides (NOx) present in exhaust gases discharged from boilers and the like. When the temperature of the exhaust gas is 100° C. or below, a heat-treated active carbon produced by heat-treating a raw active carbon at 600 to 1,200° C. in a non-oxidizing atmosphere so as to remove oxygen-containing functional groups present at the surfaces thereof and thereby reduce the atomic surface oxygen/surface carbon ratio to 0.05 or less is preferably used. When the temperature of the exhaust gas exceeds 100° C., a heat-treated active carbon produced by heat-treating a raw active carbon at 600 to 1,200° C. in a non-oxidizing atmosphere and activating the surfaces thereof with sulfuric acid or nitric acid to impart oxidizing oxygen-containing functional groups thereto is preferably used.
US07655199B2 Process for uranium recovery using anion exchange resin
The present invention relates to a process for the recovery of uranium in high silica environments comprising the use of a strong base macroreticular ion exchange resin.
US07655197B2 III-V nitride substrate boule and method of making and using the same
A boule formed by high rate vapor phase growth of Group III-V nitride boules (ingots) on native nitride seeds, from which wafers may be derived for fabrication of microelectronic device structures. The boule is of microelectronic device quality, e.g., having a transverse dimension greater than 1 centimeter, a length greater than 1 millimeter, and a top surface defect density of less than 107 defects cm−2. The Group III-V nitride boule may be formed by growing a Group III-V nitride material on a corresponding native Group III-V nitride seed crystal by vapor phase epitaxy at a growth rate above 20 micrometers per hour.
US07655196B2 Reforming catalyst and method and apparatus for making and loading same
A reforming catalyst member having an elongated body whose outer surface has a number of peak and valley regions so as to increase the area of the outer surface to enhance catalyst utilization. The catalyst member is adhered to a fuel cell current collector using an adhesive and dried using infrared radiation.
US07655195B1 Undulated-wall honeycomb structure and manufacturing method thereof
An undulated-wall honeycomb structure (1) has multiple cell passages (2) with mutually parallel passage directions. With this undulated-wall honeycomb structure (1), intersections (4) between walls (3) partitioning the cell passages (2) are formed at cross-sections perpendicular to the cell passages (2) and positioned systematically maintaining a predetermined pitch, and also the wall face portions (5) of the walls (3) excluding the intersections (4) are formed with undulated shapes in both the cell passage direction and the cross-section direction perpendicular to the cell passage direction. According to this undulated-wall honeycomb structure, advantages such as improved exhaust gas purification capabilities and catalyst capabilities, improved mechanical strength for canning, and further improved heat-resistant shock properties can be obtained.
US07655193B1 Apparatus for extracting and sequestering carbon dioxide
An apparatus and method associated therewith to extract and sequester carbon dioxide (CO2) from a stream or volume of gas wherein said apparatus hydrates CO2 and reacts the resulting carbonic acid with carbonate. Suitable carbonates include, but are not limited to, carbonates of alkali metals and alkaline earth metals, preferably carbonates of calcium and magnesium. Waste products are metal cations and bicarbonate in solution or dehydrated metal salts, which when disposed of in a large body of water provide an effective way of sequestering CO2 from a gaseous environment.
US07655190B2 Biochemical reaction apparatus and biochemical reaction method
A biochemical reaction apparatus used to carry out a chemical reaction of fluid includes a cartridge including a container which is at least partially structured with an elastic body, the container including inside thereof a plurality of chambers to contain the fluid and flow passages to connect the plurality of chambers and rollers to apply an external force to the elastic body and deform the elastic body to move the fluid in the flow passages or the chambers by rotationally moving on a front surface of the elastic body while the roller contacts with the front surface of the elastic body, and in a cross-sectional shape of the roller, which is perpendicular to a roller shaft, at least not less than three corners are included, and the cross-sectional shape is a shape in which sides between the corners are equal in length.
US07655187B2 Systems for isolating toxins and collecting eluates for testing for toxins and methods using the same
The present invention provides systems for isolating toxins and collecting an eluate from a sampling column for subsequent testing and to methods of extracting and collecting an eluate using the same systems. Preferably, the systems comprise a sample holder such as an immuno-affinity column for holding the sample and a self-contained fluid delivery system that can deliver liquid, e.g., reagents, and gaseous fluids, e.g., compressed air. More preferably, the fluid control system of the fluid delivery system provides some amount of pressurized gas continuously to the headspace of the column even when a fluid is not being forced through the resin gel in the column.
US07655181B2 Screw conveyor of rotary hearth furnace for discharging reduced iron
A reduced iron discharging screw conveyer is provided in a rotary hearth furnace and discharges reduced iron out of the rotary hearth furnace. The rotary hearth furnace produces the reduced iron by charging and heating a pellet including metallic oxide and coal material onto a rotary hearth rotating in a horizontal plane. The reduced iron discharging screw conveyer has a rotary shaft and a screw blade which is spirally formed on an outer surface of the rotary shaft. A lead angle θ of the screw blade 5a satisfies a condition of “0.46 rad ≦θ≦0.79 rad”. A ratio (h/D) between height h of the screw blade and an outer diameter D of the screw conveyer is smaller than 0.2, and a ratio (t/h) between thickness t and height h of the screw blade is larger than or equal to 0.12.
US07655179B2 Heat-resistant resin container and method of producing the same
A container with a flange having excellent heat resistance and impact resistance in the lower part of the barrel portion and having excellent transparency in the wall despite the container is formed by molding an amorphous polyester sheet, and a method of producing the same.
US07655177B2 Method for manufacturing wide mouth barrels of thermoplastic materials
A wide mouth plastic barrel with a removable lid and a clamping ring closure is manufactured by extruding a plastic tube into a blow mold and by producing a closed preform. The preform is finish-blown to a barrel body, wherein the blowing air for finish-blowing a barrel body with a closed lid is introduced through a blow nozzle inserted into an intermediate ring of the barrel body and the blowing air for finish-blowing a barrel body with a bung lid is introduced through a bung hole by a blow nozzle and optionally through a blow nozzle in the intermediate ring. After removal from the blow mold, the lid is separated from the barrel body by cutting out the intermediate ring. A seal is inserted into the barrel lid, and the barrel lid is fastened by the clamping ring on a projection of the basic barrel member.
US07655173B2 Air knockout plate and a method for pneumatically knocking out portioned food
A food portioning system to efficiently output portion food material, the system including a hopper, a mold plate, air knockout assembly, and air and hydraulic cylinders. Flowable food material is put into the hopper where it is pushed into the mold cavity of the mold plate. By the action of the air and hydraulic cylinders, the mold plate is driven to a knockout position where the air knockout assembly releases compressed air onto the mold cavity to knock out the portioned food from the mold cavity.
US07655170B2 Adjustable shims and washers
A method comprising disposing an active device comprising a shape memory polymer upon a first surface; wherein the active device is operative to change at least one physical attribute in response to a thermal activation signal; activating the active device with a thermal activation signal to substantially decrease its modulus, contacting and compressing the active device with a second surface, and cooling the device to set a compressed geometry. In another embodiment, a method comprising disposing an active device comprising a shape memory polymer in a gap between two opposing surfaces; wherein the active device is operative to exhibit a memorized shape in response to a thermal activation signal; activating the active device with a thermal activation signal to increase a dimension of the active device; filling the gap between the opposing surfaces, and cooling the device to set a new gap filling dimension.
US07655162B2 Acetabular shell system and method for making
A method for forming an acetabular shell includes providing a working surface such as a mandrel, and spraying the working surface with a first layer of material having a first composition such as aluminum oxide. After a suitable thickness is generated, the spray composition is gradually changed to other compositions having desired particle sizes and distribution. In one example, the composition is changed to a mixture of aluminum oxide and titanium oxide and/or titanium. As thickness builds up, the relative amount of aluminum oxide is decreased such that the composition is all titanium and titanium oxide. After a desired thickness is generated, the acetabular shell is extracted off the mandrel.
US07655159B2 Conductive polymer, conductive polymer compositions and their use
The invention provides an electrode, electrolyte and/or a separator plate comprising a conductive material-doped ester-cured alkaline phenolic resole resin containing conducting alkaline salts.
US07655158B2 Corrosion inhibitor
The corrosion inhibitor blend of at least one corrosion inhibitor base (which may be a Mannich reaction product), a solvent selected from the group consisting of C1 acids and ester and salt derivatives thereof, and optionally a surfactant, has been found to be effective as a corrosion inhibitor for metals in acid media, particularly fluids containing halogen acids. The corrosion inhibitor has improved performance over similar or identical corrosion inhibitor compositions where an alcohol such as methanol is used as a solvent. Suitable, non-limiting possibilities for the solvent include, but are not necessarily limited to formic acid, formate salts, methyl formate, ethyl formate, benzyl formate, formate salts of amines, inorganic formate, and mixtures thereof.
US07655157B2 Doped cadmium tungstate scintillator with improved radiation hardness
This invention provides novel cadmium tungstate scintillator materials that show improved radiation hardness. In particular, it was discovered that doping of cadmium tungstate (CdWO4) with trivalent metal ions or monovalent metal ions is particularly effective in improving radiation hardness of the scintillator material.
US07655155B2 Liquid crystal thermoset monomer or oligomer, thermosetting liquid crystal polymer composition comprising the same and printed circuit board using the same
A liquid crystal thermoset (LCT) monomer or oligomer having both ends capped with maleimide having at least one methyl group, represented by Formula 1: wherein R1 and R2 are each independently CH3 or H, and at least one of R1 and R2 is a methyl group, and Ar1 is a divalent organic group containing one or more structural units selected from the group consisting of ester, amide, ester amide, ester imide and ether imide units, and Ar1 has a molecular weight not greater than 5,000.
US07655153B2 Deicer compositions including corrosion inhibitors for galvanized metal
A deicing composition with a carboxylate salt as the primary deicer and that has a low corrosivity to galvanized steel is disclosed. The composition includes a soluble silicate as a corrosion inhibitor and a gluconate salt as a silicate stabilizer to maintain adequate solubility of the silicate salt at pH values below about 11.5.
US07655151B2 Method of operating a fluid treatment device employing a non-bonded media
A fluid treatment and media management device having concentric inner and outer perforated cylinders defining a chamber therebetween for containing a media. A case surrounds the perforated cylinders and forms an annular space between the case and the outer perforated cylinder. Respective end caps engage the opposite ends of the case and perforated cylinders to support such members. One or both of the end caps provide ports to the central core of the inner perforated cylinder, to the media chamber and to the annular space. The media can be removed from the fluid treatment and media management device without disassembly of the device for the purpose of disposal and/or regeneration of the media.
US07655150B2 Method and apparatus for programably treating water in a water cooler
An apparatus for a programmable self sanitizing water dispenser apparatus with a digital computer as well as a programmable method for generating ozone for cleaning the reservoir and the water contained within it.
US07655148B2 Water treatment compositions and methods of making and using
A water treatment composition includes an oxidizing component and an adsorbing component, wherein one or both of the oxidizing component and adsorbing component comprise nanostructured materials. The water treatment compositions are useful in at least partially removing contaminants such as metallic or cationic arsenic, lead, chromium, and/or mercury from water.
US07655141B2 Membrane pipe module
The invention relates to a membrane pipe module, said module comprising a cylindrical housing containing a plurality of tubular membrane sections which extend in the axial direction and are interconnected at the ends thereof, forming longer tubular membrane sections. Said cylindrical housing comprises a heatable chamber, on one or both sides, comprising U-shaped connection pipes which are arranged therein and are guided through a separating wall between the chamber and the housing, with the two open ends thereof, and respectively connect two adjacent open tubular membrane sections, forming a membrane loop.
US07655140B2 Automatic water drain for suction fuel water separators
A fuel water separator system includes a fuel tank for storing fuel and a fuel water separator fluidly coupled to the fuel tank for separating water from the fuel. A fuel pump has a suction side that is fluidly coupled to the fuel water separator for pumping fuel from the fuel water separator. The fuel pump has a high pressure side where the fuel has a higher pressure than at the suction side. A water pump, such as a venturi or a jet pump, is fluidly coupled between the fuel water separator and the fuel tank for pumping the water from the fuel water separator into the fuel tank. The water pump is fluidly coupled to the high pressure side of the fuel pump to receive the fuel at the higher pressure to drive the water pump.
US07655132B2 Process for improving the lubricating properties of base oils using isomerized petroleum product
A method for improving the lubricating properties of a isomerized distillate base oil having a kinematic viscosity at 100 degrees C. between about 2.5 cSt and about 8 cSt, the method comprising blending with said isomerized distillate base oil a sufficient amount of a pour point depressing base oil blending component to reduce the pour point of the resulting base oil blend at least 3 degrees C. below the pour point of the distillate base oil wherein the pour point depressing base oil blending component is an isomerized petroleum derived base oil containing material having a boiling range above about 1050 degrees F.; also lubricating base oil blends prepared according to the process; and the pour point depressing base oil blending component.
US07655131B2 Gas sensor and method for controlling the same
Disclosed is a gas sensor for controlling a concentration of oxygen and/or measuring NOx by allowing a current to flow through an ion-conductive member for conducting oxygen ion, by the aid of a current supply circuit, wherein the current, which is outputted from the current supply circuit, has a pulse waveform (current signal) having a constant crest value, and the current supply circuit comprises a rectangular wave-generating circuit for controlling a frequency of the current signal on the basis of an electromotive force generated in the ion-conductive member to which the current signal is supplied. Accordingly, it is possible to highly accurately measure the predetermined gas component while scarcely being affected by the electric noise or the like.
US07655128B2 Electrochemical test strip
An electrochemical test system comprising an electrochemical test strip capable of initiating an instrument, determining if it is inserted into a correct position of the instrument, a sample is injected into a reaction region of the electrochemical test strip, and the sample covers the reaction region properly. The electrochemical test strip includes an insulating substrate, an electrode system, and an insulating layer. The electrode system includes a resistor, a set of measurement electrodes which includes a reference electrode and a working electrode insulated from each other, and a set of identifying electrodes which includes first and second identifying electrodes connected through the resistor. A method for detecting a sample includes the steps of inserting the electrochemical test strip into a measurement instrument, providing the sample in the reaction region, and applying a voltage between the reference electrode and the working electrode, and measuring a current corresponding to the voltage.
US07655124B2 Apparatus to assist platelet manipulation to prevent and treat endovascular disease and its sequelae
The separation of platelets from whole blood or any of its components Through electricity-based and/or mixed-phase effects.
US07655120B2 Biosensor
A biosensor measuring an analyte contained in a sample is provided, including: an insulative lower substrate that has at least one electrode on which an enzyme reaction layer reacting with the analyte is formed; an upper substrate that faces the lower substrate and is made of a conductive material; and an adhesive layer that has a sample feed with a predetermined height on the enzyme reaction layer and attaches the upper and lower substrates to each other, where an end of the upper substrate acts as an electrode in which an electron-transfer mediator contained in the enzyme reaction layer is oxidized or reduced, and the other end acts as an electrical contact part that electrically contacts a measurement unit.
US07655116B1 Anti-electrolysis system inhibiting the erosion metal objects
A system for preventing erosion of metal objects in a swimming pool having chemicals therein includes a metal piece sacrificial anode, which may be of zinc. This metal piece sacrificial anode is contained within a tubular container and placed in a location along the swimming pool where it can be readily viewed. The metal piece sacrificial anode is removably supported within the container on the cover of the container, which is threadably attached to the container. The container is supported on piping through which water is supplied to the pool and to the interior of the container. The metal piece sacrificial anode is attached at one end to a an electrically conductive wire and to an electrically conductive copper wire or “bonding wire”, which runs around the pool and is attached to metal objects in the pool.
US07655115B1 Long-lived photo-protonated carbocation for photochromic, photoconductive liquids
An apparatus and method provide a solute-solvent solution that allows the solute to become photo-protonated by the solvent on absorption of ultraviolet light. The solute is 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8-octamethylanthracene (OMA). The solvent is 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoro-2-propanol (HFIP). The protonated form of the solute absorbs visible light to change the coloration of the solution from a substantially clear state to a colored state.
US07655110B2 Plasma processing apparatus
In the present invention, a probe which detects a time varying magnetic flux density in a direction around a center axis of a processing space is provided in a process vessel of a plasma processing apparatus. The probe detects an induced electromotive force generated in a coil as the time varying magnetic flux density, and a computer calculates an amount of radio-frequency current in the process vessel from the induced electromotive force, based on a predetermined calculation principle.
US07655104B2 Method of forming a embossed, cross-laminated film
A moisture resistant film is for covering an architectural structure. The film includes a flexible membrane defining a plane and a first plurality of spaced apart, discrete embossings formed in the membrane extending outwardly of the plane. The embossings are formed in rows in an x-direction and in columns in a y-direction. The rows are parallel to and spaced from one another and the columns are parallel to and spaced from one another. A method and tool for making the film are also disclosed.
US07655101B2 Steel alloy for cutting tools
A steel alloy for cutting tools, wherein the alloy comprises C, Si, Mn, Cr, Mo, W, V, Al, P, S and N within the concentration ranges recited in the claims. This abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.
US07655100B2 Method for preparation of steel material
A raw steel is coated with or surrounded by a boron compound (step S1). A coating film of h-BN is formed on the surface of the raw steel. Then, the raw steel is nitrided by a nitriding gas while being heated (step S2). B from the boron compound and N from the nitriding gas are diffused into the raw steel, turning the raw steel into a steel material containing B and N. Most of B and N are present as an Fe (B, N) solid solution or an Fe (C, B, N) solid solution in the structure of the steel material. The raw steel is heated and nitrided under conditions such that B and N are contained ranging from 7 to 30 ppm by weight and ranging from 10 to 70 ppm by weight, respectively.
US07655099B2 High-k dielectric film, method of forming the same and related semiconductor device
A high-k dielectric film, a method of forming the high-k dielectric film, and a method of forming a related semiconductor device are provided. The high-k dielectric film includes a bottom layer of metal-silicon-oxynitride having a first nitrogen content and a first silicon content and a top layer of metal-silicon-oxynitride having a second nitrogen content and a second silicon content. The second nitrogen content is higher than the first nitrogen content and the second silicon content is higher than the first silicon content.
US07655098B2 Readying cooling circuits for use in fuel cells
A flush and fill process is used to ready a fuel cell cooling circuit for initial use. An external flushing system releasably connected to the cooling circuit circulates flushing coolant through the cooling circuit to remove contaminants from the wetted surfaces of the cooling circuit before the fuel cell is put into use. The flushing system includes a pump for circulating the flushing coolant through the cooling circuit, filters for removing contaminants from the coolant and a heater for elevating the temperature of the coolant. Following the flushing process to remove contaminants, the flushing system is disconnected from the cooling circuit and the cooling circuit is filled with fresh coolant.
US07655093B2 Wafer support system
A wafer support system comprising a susceptor having top and bottom sections and gas flow passages therethrough. One or more spacers projecting from a recess formed in the top section of the susceptor support a wafer in spaced relationship with respect to the recess. A sweep gas is introduced to the bottom section of the susceptor and travels through the gas flow passages to exit in at least one circular array of outlets in the recess and underneath the spaced wafer. The sweep gas travels radially outward between the susceptor and wafer to prevent back-side contamination of the wafer. The gas is delivered through a hollow drive shaft and into a multi-armed susceptor support underneath the susceptor. The support arms conduct the sweep gas from the drive shaft to the gas passages in the susceptor. The gas passages are arranged to heat the sweep gas prior to delivery underneath the wafer. Short purge channels may be provided to deliver some of the sweep gas to regions surrounding the spacers to cause a continuous flow of protective purge gas around the spacers.
US07655092B2 Tandem process chamber
The present invention provides an apparatus for vacuum processing generally comprising an enclosure having a plurality of isolated chambers formed therein, a gas distribution assembly disposed in each processing chamber, a gas source connected to the plurality of isolated chambers, and a power supply connected to each gas distribution assembly.
US07655091B2 Formation of single-crystal silicon carbide
The invention concerns a device (10) for forming in single-crystal state a compound body with incongruent evaporation, capable of being in monocrystalline or polycrystalline form, comprising at least one first chamber (20) containing a substrate (42) whereat is formed a polycrystalline source of said body and a monocrystalline germ (46) of said body; a second chamber (14), said substrate being arranged between the two chambers; means for input (36) of gaseous precursors of said body into the second chamber capable of bringing about deposition of said body in polycrystalline form on the substrate; and heating means (26) for maintaining the substrate at a temperature higher than the temperature of the germ so as to bring about sublimation of the polycrystalline source and the deposition on the germ of said body in monocrystalline form.
US07655090B2 Method of controlling stress in gallium nitride films deposited on substrates
Methods of controlling stress in GaN films deposited on silicon and silicon carbide substrates and the films produced therefrom are disclosed. A typical method comprises providing a substrate and depositing a graded gallium nitride layer on the substrate having a varying composition of a substantially continuous grade from an initial composition to a final composition formed from a supply of at least one precursor in a growth chamber without any interruption in the supply. A typical semiconductor film comprises a substrate and a graded gallium nitride layer deposited on the substrate having a varying composition of a substantially continuous grade from an initial composition to a final composition formed from a supply of at least one precursor in a growth chamber without any interruption in the supply.
US07655089B2 Process and apparatus for producing a single crystal of semiconductor material
A process for producing a single crystal of semiconductor material, in which fractions of a melt, are kept in liquid form by a pulling coil, solidify on a seed crystal to form the growing single crystal, and granules are melted in order to maintain the growth of the single crystal. The melting granules are passed to the melt after a delay. There is also an apparatus which Is suitable for carrying out the process and has a device which delays mixing of the molten granules and of the melt.
US07655085B2 Thermally stable anthrapyridone
An anthrapyridone composition of the formula: is disclosed, where “A” and “B” are independently selected from substituted or unsubstituted cyclic ketone groups having from about 10 to about 20 ring carbon atoms; “a” is an integer having a value from 0-4, R1-R4 are monovalent substituents; with the proviso that when “a” is 0, R1 is selected from the group consisting of a hydrogen, an alkyl group, a secondary amino group and an aminosulphonyl group; and R2-R4 are substituents selected form the group consisting of a hydroxyl group, an aliphatic group, an aromatic group, a heterocyclic group, a halogen atom, a cyano group, a carbonyl containing group, an amino group and a sulphonyl-containing group. The anthrapyridones are useful as thermally stable colorants for producing colored polymer resins and articles that require high temperature polymer processing conditions.
US07655079B2 Gas-liquid separation apparatus
A gas-liquid separation apparatus includes an inlet pipe for transferring liquid with gas dissolved therein and a separating pipe for separating the gas from the liquid. The separating pipe has a spiral-shaped guiding member therein. The separating pipe extends from the inlet pipe and is in alignment and communicating with the inlet pipe. An outlet pipe extends from a joint of the inlet pipe and the separating pipe and communicates with the separating pipe, for transferring therein the liquid after the liquid has been degassed by the spiral-shaped guiding member in the separating pipe. A gas storage device communicates with the separating pipe and outside for collecting the gas from the separating pipe and discharging the gas to the outside.
US07655075B2 Filter element and method for the production thereof
A method for producing a filter element involving applying a membrane layer to a carrier substrate, etching a membrane chamber, producing pores in the membrane layer, subjecting the membrane layer to an additional treatment to increase the mechanical strength.
US07655072B2 Process for purifying CO2 gas streams
A process for purifying CO2 offgas streams to free them of chemical compounds, and to the recycling of the purified gas streams into the production process.
US07655071B2 Process for cooling down a hot flue gas stream
A process for cooling down a hot flue gas stream comprising water vapour and carbon dioxide, the process including: (a) heat exchange between the hot flue gas stream and a cooling water stream so that the hot flue gas stream is cooled to a cooled down gas stream at a temperature at which at least part of the water vapour therein has condensed and the cooling water stream increases in temperature; (b) combining the condensed water vapour and the cooling water stream to produce a combined water stream; (c) separation of the cooled down gas stream from the combined water stream; (d) cooling the combined water stream by contact with air from the atmosphere and by evaporation of a portion of the combined water stream; (e) using at least part of any non-evaporated and cooled water of the combined water stream as at least part of the cooling water stream for cooling the hot flue gas stream in step (a); and (f) storing any non-evaporated and cooled water of the combined water stream that is not used in step (e) and using the stored water later as at least part of the cooling water stream in step (a).
US07655064B2 Particulate matter-containing exhaust emission controlling filter, exhaust emission controlling method and device
A particulate matter-removing filter being resistant to clogging and ash blocking, requiring no special means such as back-washing and heating combustion, and being formed of inexpensive materials; and exhaust emission controlling method and device using this. (1) A particulate-matter-containing exhaust emission controlling filter which uses as a basic unit a pair of porous corrugated sheet and a porous flat sheet that support an exhaust emission controlling catalyst, has a molding formed by laminating the porous corrugated sheets so that their ridge lines alternately cross perpendicularly, has one of side surfaces, perpendicularly crossing the corrugated sheet ridge lines, of the molding or mutually-adjoining two surfaces that are the perpendicularly-crossing side surfaces sealed, and has exhaust gas in-flow passage and out-flow passage respectively formed between porous corrugated sheets via a porous flat sheet. (2) A filter having the exhaust emission controlling catalyst that is an oxidizing catalyst for oxidizing nitrogen monoxide in an exhaust gas.
US07655063B2 Can-filter structure of oxygen concentrator
The invention is a can-filter structure of an oxygen concentrator, which includes: a first can-filter having filter material; a second can-filter having filter material; and an outlet cover. The first can-filter includes an air inlet provided at the entrance side of the first can-filter and a first conical joint formed at the exit side of the first can-filter, wherein the first conical joint is hollow and at least one recess is provided on the outer surface thereof. The second can-filter includes a second conical joint formed at the entrance side of the second can-filter, wherein the second conical joint is hollow, and at least one engaging hook corresponding to the recess is provided on the inner surface thereof for coupling to the first conical joint. The outlet cover is provided at the exit side of the second can-filter and is coupled thereto by ultrasonic fusion.
US07655060B2 Dust collection unit for electric vacuum cleaner and upright electric vacuum cleaner
An electric vacuum cleaner is equipped with a dust collection unit (20) that can be detachably installed in the air passage en route from a suction unit to an electric fan of the cleaner. The dust collection unit (20) comprises a dust collecting case (21) for accumulating dust sucked in, a lid member (32) that can be opened to discharge the accumulated dust; and a lock mechanism (clamp lever) (33) for locking the lid member 32 tightly closed. The dust collection unit (20) is further provided with a hand grip (24), arranged to face said user, thereby facilitating a user to hold the dust collection unit when discharging dust from the bottom of the dust collecting case. Further, a hinge (31) is arranged at a position which is adjacent to said bottom (32) of said dust collecting case (21) facing the user holding the hand grip. Furthermore, a lock mechanism (33) is arranged near the periphery of the lid member (32) and at a position opposite to the hinge.
US07655057B2 Polishing composition and polishing method
A polishing composition contains a compound represented by the general formula (1) below and abrasive grains. In the general formula (1), X represents a residue of polyether polyol (having a polyether chain containing an oxyethylene group in an amount of 20 to 90% by mass) derived from a compound having an active hydrogen atom and an alkylene oxide; m represents an integer of 2 to 8, which is equal to the number of hydroxy groups contained in a single polyether polyol molecule; Y and Z represent a lower alcohol residue to which ethylene oxide or propylene oxide is added by addition polymerization, an alkyl group or an alkylene group, respectively; and n is an integer of 3 or more.
US07655055B2 Biofuel
A biofuel containing an estolide ester, an ether ester, or a combination thereof. The estolide ester and ether ester can be of formula A: R1—CH(O—X)R2CO2R3 wherein R1 is an alkyl group having from 1 to 36 carbons, X is an alkyl group having from 1 to 10 carbons and preferably 1, 2, or 3 carbons or is an acyl group of formula COR5 where R5 is an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbons and preferably 1, 2, or 3 carbons, R2 is an alkylene group or alkenylene group having from 1 to 36 carbons, and R3 is alkyl having 1 to 10 carbons and preferably 1, 2, or 3 carbons.
US07655050B2 Computer controlled prosthetic knee device
A prosthetic knee provides a single axis of rotation and includes a hydraulic damping cylinder, a microprocessor, and sensors. Based on input from the sensors, the microprocessor selects a flow path within the hydraulic cylinder in order to provide the proper amount of knee resistance to bending for a given situation. The resistance of each flow path within the hydraulic cylinder is manually preset. Changes in gait speed are accommodated by employing a hydraulic damper with intelligently designed position sensitive damping. Moreover, the knee need not be un-weighted to transition from the stance phase to the swing phase of gait. As a result, the knee safely provides a natural, energy efficient gait over a range of terrains and gait speeds and is simpler, less costly, and lighter weight than the prior art.
US07655049B2 Socket insert having a bladder system
A prosthetic device having a socket with an insert having a bladder system for monitoring and compensating for volume fluctuations in a residual limb is provided. A plurality of bladders are preferably provided, in one embodiment, substantially only on a posterior portion of the socket. The bladders may be organized into zones, with the zones being inflatable to differing pressures depending on volume fluctuations in a residual limb. Pressure sensors may be provided for each bladder or for each zone, and flow regulators may be provided to control fluid flow into or out of the bladders or zones of bladders based on readings from the pressure sensors to control volume within the insert. Alternatively, bladders can be manually inflated depending on an amputee's needs.
US07655047B2 Craniofacial implant
A composite surgical implant that is made of a planar sheet of a thermoplastic resin that includes a top surface (400), a bottom surface (410), and a surgical grade metal mesh (405) contained therein. The implant may be bent by hand, wherein upon the displacement of the implant, the implant will generally maintain the shape to which it has been displaced.
US07655044B2 Artificial facet joint device having a compression spring
A prosthetic facet joint having compression springs interposed between articulating surfaces for providing gradual resistance to extreme movements.
US07655043B2 Expandable spinal implant and associated instrumentation
An expandable spinal implant including an implant body transitionable between an initial configuration and an expanded configuration. The implant body includes first and second axial walls spaced apart along a transverse axis, with at least one of the walls including first and second axial wall portions laterally offset from one another. An expansion member co-acts with the first wall portion to outwardly displace the first wall portion relative to the second wall portion to transition the implant body to the expanded configuration. In another embodiment, the first wall portion defines a recessed region relative to the second wall portion when the implant body is in the initial configuration, and wherein the recessed region is outwardly expanded as the implant body is transitioned to the expanded configuration. In a further embodiment, the first wall portion is movable while the second wall portion remains substantially stationary.
US07655036B2 Bifurcated endoluminal prosthetic assembly and method
The invention provides a bifurcated endoluminal prosthetic assembly. The assembly includes a trunk body including a body lumen and at least one access port. At least one branch body is positioned adjacent the access port. The branch body includes a branch lumen in communication with the body lumen. The assembly further includes a ring including at least one connector operably attached to the branch body. The ring is sized to operably engage the trunk body. The ring retains the branch body adjacent the access port. The invention further provides a method of retaining a branch body adjacent a bifurcated endoluminal prosthetic assembly. A ring operably attached to the branch body is compressed. The ring is positioned within the endoluminal prosthetic assembly. The compressed ring is expanded into operable engagement with the endoluminal prosthetic assembly.
US07655034B2 Stent-graft with anchoring pins
A proximal anchor stent ring of an endoprosthesis includes proximal apexes, distal apexes, struts extending between the proximal apexes and the distal apexes, and anchor pins. The struts, the proximal apexes, and the distal apexes define an imaginary cylindrical surface. A pair of the anchor pins is located on the struts adjacent each of the proximal apexes, the anchor pins extending inwards from inside surfaces of the struts and protruding from the struts radially outward from the cylindrical surface. By locating the anchor pins inwards, the delivery profile of the proximal anchor stent ring is minimized.
US07655033B2 S-shaped stent design
A variable curvature stent limb is disclosed herein. A stent derived from a plurality of these variable curvature stent limbs may be highly compressible, such that it is compatible with a low-profile delivery device. This stent may be useful over a wider range of body vessel diameters and may possess a greater fatigue life, since this stent may provide a more controlled constant radial force.
US07655032B2 Stent cell configurations
A generally cylindrical, radially expandable stent may be composed of a plurality of interconnected multibonate cell structures. The cells have three or more enlarged end portions radiating from a common center within the cell. The cells may be of tribonate or higher order multibonate configuration. Stents composed up of a series of generally multibonate cell elements are also disclosed.
US07655027B2 Method for inserting and deploying an expandable interbody spinal fusion implant
Methods for inserting and expanding fusion implants having an expandable height are disclosed. An implant holder having a passage therethrough that is adapted to receive an expander driver is provided. The implant holder is attached to the implant, and the expander driver is inserted through the passage to engage an expander of the implant. Using the expander driver, the expander is rotated from a first position to a second position to expand the expandable implant from a first collapsed height to a second expanded height.
US07655026B2 Expandable spinal rods and methods of use
A spinal rod includes an elongated tubular member that is inflatable from a first insertion profile to a second enlarged profile. An expandable tubular reinforcement sleeve is concentrically positioned adjacent to the balloon. The balloon may be bonded to the sleeve. The spinal rod may also have longitudinal reinforcement members. A joining member may join two or more of the longitudinal reinforcing members at a discrete point along each. The spinal rod may further include end portions on either side of an inflatable portion.
US07655024B2 Surgical suture needle
A surgical needle includes an elongated needle body defining a longitudinal axis. The surgical needle has a first end for attachment to a suture and a second needled end for penetrating tissue. The needled end includes lower and upper opposed surfaces and a pair of side surfaces extending between the lower and upper surfaces and being contiguous therewith. The upper surface and the side surfaces extend to a pointed tip. The lower surface extends to a cutting edge, which is defined at the intersection of the sides surfaces and proximal of the pointed tip. The cutting edge extends in oblique relation relative to the longitudinal axis and terminating at the pointed tip.
US07655023B2 Blood vessel locating and stabilizing device and method of using the same
A blood vessel locating and stabilizing device including a transparent planar device that may be used to locate and stabilize a blood vessel so that the blood vessel is less likely to roll when it is punctured with a needle. The device is planar and includes a transparent region and a recess formed in a distal side surface that is configured to locate and stabilize a blood vessel. In a method of using the present device, the planar member is gripped along a first and second major surfaces of the device, the recess is positioned over the targeted blood vessel, and a force is applied to the device so that the blood vessel is located and stabilized.
US07655022B2 Compliant guiding catheter sheath system
A guiding catheter system employs a compliant shaft with an inflatable balloon affixed to a distal portion of the shaft. The inflatable balloon includes channels that allow some amount of blood to flow past the balloon when inflated in a blood vessel. One or more inflation lumens is in fluid contact with the balloon and allows inflating the balloon from a proximal end of the catheter. A series of perfusion orifices may be included on the shaft proximal to the balloon.
US07655020B2 Surgical punching instrument
A surgical punching instrument is provided with a fixed handle (14) attached to a punching bar (2) and with an actuating lever (16), which is mounted thereon in a pivotingly movable manner and which is connected via a short lever arm (17) to a punching slide (1), which is in turn under the action of a restoring spring (23). The punching slide (1) lies with its flat sliding surface (3) on a flat guiding surface (4) of the punching bar (2) over its entire length and is guided at same in an axially movable manner by means of guide elements (5 through 8), which have a T-shaped profile, engage one another in a positive-locking manner and are detachable by longitudinal displacement. To make it possible to remove the restoring spring, which is not arranged between the handle and the actuating lever, from the punching bar in a simple manner, for example, for cleaning purposes, and to bring it into connection with same again, the restoring spring (23), designed as a compression coil spring, is arranged and guided at least partially in a guide groove (24) of the sliding surface of the punching slide (1) by means of a guide shaft (22, 22/1), which passes axially through it. A distal stop face (27), which is rigidly connected to the punching slide (1), is provided as a step bearing for the rear spring end of the restoring spring (23), and the restoring spring (23) is in contact by its front end with a proximal stop face (30) of the punching slide (1) when the punching slide (1) is removed, and with a proximal stop face (26) of the punching bar (2) when the punching slide (1) is mounted ready for operation.
US07655014B2 Apparatus and method for subcutaneous electrode insertion
Devices and methods for electrode implantation. A first embodiment includes an electrode insertion tool adapted to tunnel through tissue and attach, at its distal end, to a lead, such that the lead may be pulled into the tunneled space as the electrode insertion tool is removed. Additional embodiments include methods for inserting electrode/lead assemblies, including a method wherein an insertion tool is first used to tunnel through tissue, then to pull an electrode/lead into the tunneled space. In a further embodiment the insertion tool is next used, with a splittable sheath disposed thereon, to create an additional path into tissue, after which the insertion tool is removed, leaving the sheath in place; a lead is inserted to the sheath, and, finally, the splittable sheath is removed over the lead.
US07655013B2 Snare retrieval device
A snare for retrieving objects from a body cavity during a medical procedure comprises a guide element having a proximal end and a distal end, a loop provided on the guide element near the distal end and a flexible element provided on the guide element near the distal end and forming a tip.
US07655011B2 Method and apparatus for fixing a graft in a bone tunnel
A method and apparatus for fixing a ligament in a bone tunnel by cross-pinning the ligament in the bone tunnel.
US07655008B2 Methods and instruments for spinal derotation
Derotation instrument assemblies and systems are provided to facilitate positioning one or more vertebrae of a spinal column into a desired alignment. The instrument assemblies and systems include implant holders engageable to respective implants engaged to vertebrae of the spinal column, transverse bridges to connect implant holders associated with a particular vertebra, and inter-level linking assemblies to connect instrument assemblies associated with different vertebrae. Derotation handles can be provided on the implant holders to facilitate application of the alignment forces, while the assemblies distribute the corrective forces to the connected implants and vertebrae.
US07655003B2 Electrosurgical power control
A method and apparatus include determining a value of a parameter associated with operation of an electrosurgical probe having a particular probe design, and determining whether the value of the parameter is within a range of values that has been predetermined for the particular probe design to indicate that the probe is treating tissue in a desired manner. Power is delivered to the probe according to an algorithm based upon a determination that the value of the parameter is outside the range of values The algorithm delivers power in a pulsed profile including portions of low power and portions of high power. In one embodiment, the tissue treatment is ablation, the parameter is impedance, and the method limits tissue necrosis to less than 200 microns. In another embodiment, the tissue treatment is shrinkage, the parameter is temperature, and the method limits power delivery when the probe is not shrinking tissue.
US07655002B2 Lenticular refractive surgery of presbyopia, other refractive errors, and cataract retardation
Methods for the creation of microspheres treat the clear, intact crystalline lens of the eye with energy pulses, such as from lasers, for the purpose of correcting presbyopia, other refractive errors, and for the retardation and prevention of cataracts. Microsphere formation in non-contiguous patterns or in contiguous volumes works to change the flexure, mass, or shape of the crystalline lens in order to maintain or reestablish the focus of light passing through the ocular lens onto the macular area, and to maintain or reestablish fluid transport within the ocular lens.
US07654996B2 Catheter flushing fluid lock system and method
A catheter-flushing extension tube for maintaining the patency and sterility of the lumen of an indwelling catheter. The system is comprised of an extension tube in fluid connection with an indwelling catheter; the extension tube defines an internal volume and at least one sealed proximal terminal for intermittent connection with an external fluid source. The extension tube is configured such that the internal volume of the tube can be progressively reduced at a plurality of different times so that the extension tube itself provides the source of catheter flush solution for intermittently flushing the catheter.
US07654995B2 Vial adaptor for regulating pressure
In certain embodiments, a vial adaptor for removing liquid contents from a vial comprises a piercing member and a bag. The bag can be contained within the piercing member such that the bag is introduced to the vial when the vial adaptor is coupled with the vial. In some embodiments, the bag expands within the vial as liquid is removed from the vial via the adaptor, thereby regulating pressure within the vial. In other embodiments, a vial comprises a bag for regulating pressure within the vial as liquid is removed therefrom. In some embodiments, a vial adaptor is coupled with the vial in order to remove the liquid. In some embodiments, as the liquid is removed from the vial via the adaptor, the bag expands within the vial, and in other embodiments, the bag contracts within the vial.
US07654993B2 Absorbent articles with comfortable elasticated laminates
An absorbent article that includes a component with an elastic laminate portion, which provides y-direction elongation. The elastic laminate portion is a support sheet and an elastic material, together forming a laminate portion of the component. The elastic laminate portion has zones, each with a different degree of maximum elongation. The zones also have different wrinkle heights and/or densities, such that one or more zones are created that cause less or no pressure marks, whilst overall an excellent force profile is maintained, resulting in well performing, comfortable to wear absorbent articles.
US07654992B2 Interlabial pad
An interlabial pad is provided which is capable of being precisely inserted into the recess between the wearer's labia minora, which does not have a linear shape. An interlabial pad 1 includes a highly-compressed rigid region 10, which is highly resistant to being compressed, at a central region along the center line X-X′ in the longitudinal direction. When the interlabial pad is worn, the highly-compressed rigid region 10 protrudes, thereby allowing the wearer to fit the protruding highly-compressed rigid region 10 in the recess between the labia.
US07654991B2 Product array having indicators
An array of disposable absorbent articles having a first article and a second article. The first article has an outer surface wherein the outer surface has an outer surface area and a first identifier having a first surface area. The first identifier is disposed on the first article and corresponds to a first performance characteristic. The second article has an outer surface wherein the outer surface has an outer surface area and a second identifier having a second surface area. The second identifier is disposed on the second article and corresponds to a second performance characteristic. The first article is a different article than said second article.
US07654990B2 Disposable diaper
A disposable diaper improved so that the wearer's skin can be reliably protected from being soiled with feces. A chassis constituting the diaper includes a spacer sheet attached to an inner sheet of the chassis. The spacer sheet has a front end zone and a rear end zone fixed to the inner sheet and an intermediate zone left free from the inner sheet. The intermediate zone is formed with an opening shaped so as to describe a circular arc which is convex forward. Along the opposite side edges of the opening, the spacer sheet is provided with elastic members extending in the length direction of the diaper and attached thereto in a stretched state in the direction. These elastic members extend forward with respect to the diaper along the peripheral edge of the opening so as to get close to a center line bisecting a width of the diaper.
US07654982B2 Flow control system and method with variable pressure and variable resistance
An infusion pump and method are provided which control flow rates with variable fluid pressure and variable series flow resistance.
US07654976B2 Drug pump systems and methods
A menu driven reprogrammable drug pump is provided with a memory, such as flash memory, a display, a keyboard, and a communications port to allow a generic pump to be programmed with a desired pump application (therapy) program and patient specific settings. Programming and data transfer with another pump or a computer to and from the patient pump is by the communications port that allows local and/or remote communications with the pump. Flash memory stores the pump application program during use. Patient safety is provided by a cassette identification system, an occlusion detection system, and a latch/lock detection system. Automated testing of the pump is by a closed loop testing system.
US07654969B2 Integrated spot monitoring device with fluid sensor
A bodily fluid sampling device is operable to breach the skin surface and allow bodily fluid to emerge from the breach location. The bodily fluid sampling device further evaluates the amount of bodily fluid emerged from breach location and determines whether the amount is sufficient or insufficient for a particular purpose, such as sampling and testing. The determination is accomplished automatically without moving the device. The user may also intervene to perform a variety of tasks following the determination of the amount of bodily fluid.
US07654961B2 Ultrasonic probe
An ultrasonic probe includes ultrasonic oscillating elements arranged in a two-dimensional array shape, connection leads connected to the ultrasonic oscillating elements, and at least one board to connect the ultrasonic oscillating elements and integrated circuits. The board includes a first part having through-holes which are electrically connected to the connection leads when the connection leads are inserted, and second parts having bendable portions configured to connect the first part and the integrated circuits.
US07654954B1 Surgical retractor clamp connectable to an arm of the retractor
A surgical retractor having laterally extending rack with a first arm connected to the rack spaced from the second arm. A retractor clamp has a slot which engages one of the arms. Extending from the clamp is a leg with a mount which receives a connector head of a retractor blade. One or more retractor clamps may be advantageously positioned on either of the arms at a desired location. In the preferred embodiment, the mount is rotatable relative to a member housing the slot such that a retractor blade connected to the mount may be pivoted into and out of an incision. Furthermore the housing member is configured so that a hand held gripper may be connected to the connector head of a retractor blade as it extends through the mount.
US07654951B2 Anastomosis system for performing anastomosis in body
There is provided an anastomosis system for performing an anastomosis in a body. The system includes an anastomosis button, which has two foldable flange portions and a tubular main body portion extending between the flange portions, for coupling two lumen portions in the body to each other, and a housing which can receive the anastomosis button as the flange portions are folded. The system further includes a guide, which has a distal end to be inserted through a patient's mouth to a target portion in the body and a proximal end arranged outside the body, for guiding the housing to the target portion. A release line having a distal end to be inserted to the target portion along the guide and a proximal end held outside the body is operated, whereby the anastomosis button can be ejected from the housing and be held at the target portion.
US07654950B2 Implantable device which is freely movable in a body cavity
An implantable medical device (10) for insertion into a body cavity. The device comprises an expandable balloon having a torroidal shape defining a hole (80), and an insert (82) configured to be received and secured in the hole. The device may be used in a method for treating urinary incompetence, a method for releasing a substance in the body, a method for monitoring a body cavity, or a method for imaging a body cavity.
US07654947B1 Apparatus for adjusting a swing arc and centering of swinging director chute
An apparatus for adjusting a swing arc and centering of a swinging director chute during separating, folding, stacking and transporting a continuous web that allows stacks of web that are relatively large (four-feet-high or more) to be generated at high speed directly beneath the folding mechanism and to be transferred as complete, discrete stacks to downstream locations and stack utilization devices without interrupting the ongoing, upstream stack-folding and stack-formation process. The apparatus includes a lever arm, interconnected with the swinging director chute, and a connecting rod having a first pivot end and a second pivot end. The first pivot end is adjustable movable along the lever arm. A drive arm connected to the second pivot end includes a lead screw. The lead screw can be operatively connected to an index wheel having a plurality of directed posts and a movable pawl that advances the index wheel.
US07654941B2 Exercise apparatus
An improved exercise apparatus for martial arts is provided and includes a longitudinally extending platform, a support on which the platform rests or is otherwise supported and a plate unit slidably carried along the platform and movable between a first retracted position and a second extended position in response to a force being applied to the plate unit by the leg or arm of an individual during exercise.
US07654939B1 Technique plate for a barbell
A technique plate in accordance with the present invention has a dimension ring, two clamping disks and a sleeve. The dimension ring has an internal edge, two side surfaces and a clamping protrusion. The clamping protrusion is formed on and protrudes from the internal surface. The clamping disks are mounted on and clamp the clamping protrusion of the dimension ring. Therefore, compared to a conventional technique plate of the same diameter, the technique plate of the present invention is lighter, so the distance between a bar of a barbell and the ground is higher to prevent beginner's injury.
US07654933B2 Split serial-parallel hybrid dual-power drive system
A split serial-parallel hybrid dual-power drive system, comprised of two or more than two separation drive systems allowing independent operation to respectively drive the load, or all loads driven individually are incorporated in a common frame to drive land, surface, underwater transportation means or aircraft, industrial machines and equipment or any other load drive by rotational kinetic energy.
US07654930B2 Continuously adjustable gear
Two continuously variable transmission parts are connected to a common driven train through a pick-off gear so as to provide an entire continuously variable transmission operating with high efficiency even at high torques.
US07654926B2 Continuously variable V-belt transmission
A continuously variable V-belt transmission basically has a driving pulley, a driven pulley and a V-belt wound around the pulleys. The frictional engagement between the pulleys and the V-belt is controlled by regulating pulley axial thrusts to the pulleys. The V-belt has a plurality of torque transmitting connected by an annular ring. A boundary-detection arrangement is provided to detect a boundary position between a first region, in which the elements are arranged without any gap therebetween, and a second region, in which the elements are arranged with a gap therebetween, along a portion of the driving pulley when torque is being transmitted. The detected boundary position is used to estimate the pulley axial thrust applied by the driving pulley against the V-belt, and to control the pulley axial thrust to a lower limit which ensures that the V-belt will not slip upon application of the maximum torque.
US07654924B2 Auto-tensioner
An auto-tensioner includes a housing having an open end and a closed bottom at another end. A cylindrical plunger is slidably inserted in the housing with its open end facing the closed bottom of the housing and its other end protruding from the housing. A ring-shaped seal member is mounted between the inner periphery of the housing and the outer periphery of the plunger for hermetically sealing oil in the housing. A screw rod and a nut member are mounted in the plunger so as to be coaxial with the plunger, with the nut member in threaded engagement with the screw rod. A return spring is mounted between the nut member and the plunger to bias the nut member and the plunger in a direction axially away from each other. A spring is mounted between the screw rod and the closed bottom of the housing to bias the screw rod in a direction away from the closed bottom of the housing.
US07654920B2 Multi-purpose golf accessory assembly
A multi-purpose golf accessory assembly comprises an elongated body member having a number of components mounted thereon. The components include a divot green repair tool, a magnetically secured marker and a golf ball marking instrument. The components are configured in such a way as to provide a golfer with a compact hand-held implement that is easily and conveniently utilized while the golfer engages in a round of golf.
US07654919B2 Golf ball
Golf ball 2 has numerous dimples 8. Provided that mean diameter of all the dimples 8 is Da, ratio (N1/N) of number N1 of adjacent dimple pairs having a pitch of (Da/4) or less to total number N of the dimples is equal to or greater than 2.70. Ratio (N2/N1) of number N2 of the adjacent dimple pairs having a pitch of (Da/20) or less to the number N1 is equal to or greater than 0.50. The northern hemisphere N and the southern hemisphere S of this golf ball 2 have a pole vicinity region 20, an equator vicinity region 22 and a coordination region 24, respectively. The pole vicinity region 20 includes 5 units which are rotationally symmetric each other centered on the pole point P. The equator vicinity region 22 includes 6 units which are rotationally symmetric each other centered on the pole point P. The coordination region 24 does not include any unit.
US07654913B2 Weld structure of metal club head
A golf club head is formed with openings respectively on top and bottom sides thereof and a circumferential recessed groove is formed in the club head along a circumference of each opening. Pegs are formed in and spaced along the circumferential grooves. A faceplate and a bottom plate are provided, each having a circumferential edge along which notches are formed in a spaced manner to correspond to the pegs. Thus, when the faceplate and the bottom plate are received in the top and bottom openings respectively to be supported by the circumferential grooves, the notches respectively snugly fit over the pegs to thereby securely and properly hold the faceplate and the bottom plate in position for subsequently welding operation. Thus, the subsequent welding operation can be carried out in a smooth manner without any underside shifting of the faceplate and bottom plate with respect to the club head.
US07654912B1 Golfing stance training apparatus and method
A golfing stance training apparatus and method includes a spherical housing has a diameter between 5 inches and 9 inches. The housing is comprised of an elastic material and is inflated. The housing is positioned between a person's legs so that the housing is positioned adjacent to knees of the legs and the legs support the housing over a ground surface. A golf swing is made a golf swing by the person while retaining the housing between and supported by the legs.
US07654911B2 Pool table leveling system
The invention provides a leveling apparatus that cooperates with a game table leg by vertically translating the leg, wherein the apparatus is actuated near the top of the leg.
US07654904B2 Game machine, backup control program of game data and backup control method
A game machine includes a CPU and, when a game cartridge is loaded in the game machine, the CPU is electrically connected to a ROM in the game cartridge and an electronically erasable non-volatile flash memory having at least two game data storage backup areas. Game data generated during the progress of a game is maintained in a volatile work memory and, in response to an instruction provided by a user, an attempt to save this data (referred to herein as “last” game data or as the “latest” game data) in an appropriate backup storage area of a non-volatile flash memory is made. Whenever the user instructs the game machine to save a game, the CPU compares the write age of each backup area and selects a game data backup area that is stored with game data having an oldest write age. Because electronically erasable non-volatile memories become less reliable and susceptible to degradation and failure after repeated usage, the CPU attempts a writing of the game data to the selected backup area, and then immediately performs a check to determine if the write operation to the selected backup area was successfully performed. If writing to the selected backup area can not be successfully performed after a predetermined number of repeated attempts, for example, due to memory element defect or an abrupt failure of memory area, and only a single other remaining backup storage area containing older game data is available, a writing of the latest game data over the game data from a previous gaming session which was stored in that single remaining backup storage area is precluded (i.e., prohibited), so as to always leave intact at least one area of older saved game data that was generated during the preceding game play session. Writing to the selected backup area to save the latest game data is prohibited if there are not at least two available and writable (i.e., non-defective) backup areas present in the non-volatile memory. In addition, the flash memory may be provided with flag storage areas for identifying “write prohibited” backup areas and “unwritable” backup areas.
US07654903B2 Online gaming cheating prevention system and method
Technology is provided for preventing cheating during online gaming, including a first online gaming server computer system configured to gather information regarding cheaters detected during online gaming; a second online gaming server computer system configured to receive the information; and a central database configured for aggregating the received information regarding cheaters detected during online gaming gathered by the first online gaming server computer system along with information stored on the central database regarding cheaters detected during online gaming gathered from a plurality of online gaming server computer systems. The aggregated information from the central database regarding cheaters detected is made available to the second online gaming server computer system, and cheaters identified in the aggregated information are prevented from online gaming on the second online gaming server computer system based on the aggregated information from the central database.
US07654902B2 User-name switching method on network game
A terminal receives service provided by a server while using any one of a group of user-names stored in the server for each user and while using a character associated with the user-name. When a character currently in use is switched to another character according to a user instruction, the terminal compares a user-name associated with the switched character with a user-name currently in use. When the compared user-name is different from the user-name currently in use, the terminal switches the user-name on the terminal side to a user-name associated with the switched character, and transmits information, indicating the user-name associated with the switched character, to the server.
US07654901B2 Video game system using bio-feedback devices
A video game system using one or more bio-feedback devices for the monitor and transmission of physiological data of a participant of the video game system to the video game system where the data, along with conventional controller data is incorporated into game play provided by software through the video game system. A headset electrically coupled to a video game system, the headset including one or more bio-feedback devices for transmitting participant physiological data to the video game system for real-time incorporation into game play.
US07654900B2 Image display method
It is an object of this invention to display the marks obtained by a player corresponding to game scenes by switching between an analog score display and a digital point display. In this invention, a key input detecting means, detects keys input by the player and obtains key operation signals. A correct or incorrect answer determining means, determines whether the answer is correct or incorrect by comparing the key operation signals with the correct input patterns. A point/score calculating means, calculates the marks obtained by the player on the basis of the correct or incorrect answer determination. A point/score display switching means, generates video signals for displaying the marks obtained by the player corresponding to the game scenes, by switching between an analog score display and a digital point display.
US07654898B2 Method for selecting wild symbols by a player
A method for playing a slot machine displays for a wager one matrix of random symbols for player selection of at least one symbol. Providing strategic information to the player for favorable play. Converting the at least one position associated with the at least one symbol selected to be wild and awarding the player in accord with available pay table and/or game rules. Allowing the player to make a wager and begin play of a reel slot machine having positions set in a matrix of columns and rows wherein symbols move during play in the columns and stop in perhaps one of the rows. After the reels stop the player selects one or more symbols in accord with the rules of play and/or pay table. The player applies strategy based on information available on the pay table and/or rules of play to select at least one symbol. The player qualifies for wild symbols by random achievement of triggering. An apparatus for strategically playing a casino slot machine for a wager has a display for pay table and/or rules of play information and a matrix presentation for each wager of symbols randomly positioned. With a selector the player chooses one or more symbols and a converter changes that to be wild for awarding according to the pay table and/or rules of play.
US07654897B2 Bonus accumulator for a wagering game
A gaming machine for conducting a wagering game comprises a processor and a value input device for receiving a wager from a player to play the game. The processor is operative to accumulate bonus points based on predetermined criteria, and allow the player to redeem a number of the bonus points for an award at a time selected by the player.
US07654893B2 Video game
A simplified video game includes a series of timed events where each event is capable of a positive or negative result based on the timing of player input signal. A positive result requires a time period greater than a negative result. The following event automatically is initiated after completion of the preceding event until a certain cumulative time period is reached.
US07654890B2 Device for de-rinding trimming a piece of meat or a piece of slaughtered animal
A device and a method are proposed for de-rinding or trimming a piece of meat or piece of a slaughtered animal, in which an arrangement device for the arrangement of the piece, an industrial robot with a manipulator arm and a sensor system, which detects the part that is to be separated, are provided. The sensor system comprises a camera and an image processing system as well as, if necessary, a distance measuring system, which determines the distance between a predefined zero point and a measuring point on the surface of the piece. Further, a cutting tool is provided, which separates the part from the piece.
US07654889B2 Clip machine
A clip machine for dividing and sealing tubular-shaped packaging filled with stuffing having at least two axially spaced pairs of radially opposed displacement elements, relating to the axis of the packaging tube, which are linked to and equipped with a linear guide, to be compressed radially towards one another and then separated axially in pairs, for the local constriction of the filled packaging and the formation of a tubular braid radially-linearly, and a pivotably arranged first sealing tool and a second sealing tool, with the first and second sealing tools being equipped to set and close at least one clamp fastener around the formed tubular braid, to be compressed radially between the axially separated displacement element pairs, the radial movement direction of displacement element pairs coincides with the radial movement direction of sealing tools.
US07654884B2 Method of polishing end surfaces of a substrate for a recording medium by a grain flow processing method
The object of the invention is to provide a method of polishing the end surfaces of a substrate for a recording medium, which is capable of efficiently polishing the inner peripheral end surface and/or the outer peripheral end surface of the substrate preventing the reliability of performance of the recording medium from being impaired by the adhesion of the residual polishing material. According to the invention, there is provided a method of polishing end surfaces of a substrate for a recording medium wherein an inner peripheral end surface or an outer peripheral end surface of a substrate for a disk-like recording medium having a circular hole at the central portion thereof is brought into contact with a polishing medium obtained by dispersing polishing grains in a viscoelastic resin carrier and the polishing medium flows, thereby to polish the inner peripheral end surface or the outer peripheral end surface.
US07654883B2 Polishing apparatus, polishing head and polishing method
A polishing apparatus comprises a polishing plate (24), an abrasive cloth (25) attached to the surface of the polishing plate (24), a chuck (19) for holding and pressing one surface of a wafer (39) against the abrasive cloth (25), and a circular retaining ring (23) concentrically arranged on the periphery of the chuck (19). The retaining ring (23) is rotatable and vertically movable with respect to the chuck (19), and is pressed against the abrasive cloth (25) during the lapping step. The retaining ring (23) is lifted upward during the final polishing step, thereby preventing lapping grains from being brought into the final polishing stage. Accordingly, lapping and final polishing can be successively conducted using the same polishing head. With this structure, cost cutting of the apparatus can be realized, since lapping and final polishing are successively conducted using the same polishing head without bringing the lapping grains used for lapping into the final polishing stage.
US07654882B2 Bra and body shaper garment
A woman's garment comprising a tubular garment body having an integrated full support bra at the front portion thereof and a back portion. The back portion has a high cut neckline which the natural curve of the back of the neckline and is contoured around the back arm and underarm areas for evenly compressing and supporting the upper back and lower back and posterior auxiliary fat pads without visible bra lines or bulges on the back and underarm area.
US07654881B2 Action figure with movable appendages
An action figure is provided having movable appendages. The action figure includes a body having a plurality of appendages including a first appendage configured to rotate about a first axis and a second appendage configured to rotate about a second axis. The action figure further includes a first movement assembly configured to drive movement of the first appendage and a second movement assembly configured to drive movement of the second appendage. At least one of the first and second movement assemblies is configured to delay movement of a corresponding appendage.
US07654876B1 Aftermarket supercharger for personal watercraft
A personal watercraft is disclosed as including an engine and a forced air induction system including an aftermarket supercharger. The aftermarket supercharger replaces the personal watercraft's original-equipment supercharger and increases the charge of compressed air provided to the engine. The preferred supercharger incorporates a spur gear that includes a smaller pitch diameter than the original-equipment supercharger. The smaller spur gear and engine flywheel thereby provide an increased gear ratio and permit greater supercharger rotational speeds when compared with the original supercharged engine. In order to permit intermeshing engagement with the engine flywheel, the spur gear is axially offset from the original spur gear axis. However, the supercharger case maintains the same engine-mating surface as the original-equipment supercharger so that the case may be received within a complemental socket of the engine housing. Other embodiments relate to aspects of the invention applicable to original equipment and other internal combustion engine applications.
US07654875B1 Self-contained hydraulic thruster for vessel
A self-contained hydraulic thruster for vessel. The hydraulic thruster incorporates an elevated helm platform mounted to a base having reinforced base feet, and a hydraulic fluid reservoir mounted on the helm platform. The elevation of the hydraulic fluid reservoir facilitates flow of hydraulic fluid to a hydraulic power pack mounted on the base. A lower unit mounting tube is attached to the base, and at least one lower unit is mounted at an end of the lower unit mounting tube, laterally offset from the helm platform, so that when the lower unit is retracted and tilted up, it lies on one side of the platform, and the platform doesn't interfere with retraction and tilting of the lower unit. Lower units are pivotably mounted in lower unit housings with lower unit bushings, and steering is provided by a steering motor through an overhung load adaptor to a drive gear.
US07654873B2 Electrical connector provided with alignment slot
An electrical connector includes a mating portion including a first cavity (13) and a second cavity (11) divided by a partition (17). The first cavity (13) is structurally different from the second cavity (11), the first cavity (13) being of an L shape including a vertical alignment part (15) positioned proximate to the partition (17), while the second cavity (11) has no vertical alignment slot, which is removed to make the insulative housing (10) to have a greatly-reduced lateral dimension thereof so as to mount the insulative housing (10) onto a limited space of a printed circuit board.
US07654869B2 Card connector
A card connector (100) for connecting with an electronic element, includes a first connector (30) comprising a first insulating housing (50) retaining a plurality of first terminals (51) and a first cavity (20) for receiving a first card; a second connector (40) stacked with the first connector and comprising a second insulating housing (60) retaining a plurality of second terminals (131) and a second cavity (80) for receiving a second card; a printed circuit board (10) sandwiched by the first connector and the second connector, the first terminals and the second terminals set on opposite sides of the circuit board; and a third connector (14) mounted on the printed circuit board for connecting the first connector and the second connector with the electronic element electrically.
US07654868B1 Card connector
A card connector is disclosed that includes an insulating housing and a plurality of contacts. The insulating housing defines a plurality of contact slots. Each of the contact slots extends outwardly and laterally to opposite sides to form two resisting protrusions respectively, wherein each of the resisting protrusions forms a resisting surface extending obliquely and inwardly from one side thereof. The contacts are respectively received in the contact slots of the insulating housing. Each of the contacts has a contact portion protruding upwardly for being pressed by a card and the contact portion is connected with a bearing portion resisting against the resisting surface for preventing the contact portion from flipping upwardly out of the insulating housing.
US07654867B2 Receptacle connector assembly for IC card and IC card connector
Disclosed is a receptacle connector assembly for an IC card, comprising: a connector housing (20) having a top surface (21), a bottom surface (22), and a peripheral wall (23) located between the top surface and bottom surface; a plurality of terminals (30) mounted in the connector housing and extending from the peripheral wall; a shielding member (40) removably attached to the top surface of the connector housing and having a portion extending over the terminals; and a supporting member (50) removably attached to the connector housing and covering the portion of the shielding member extending over the terminals.
US07654865B2 Electrical connector
The electrical connector includes an electrical terminal, a housing delimiting a chamber for receiving the terminal along a reception direction (X), successively at a reception position and at a retained position, a pawl hinged to one amongst the housing and the terminal, and a stop fixed to the other amongst the housing and the terminal. Said pawl and stop cooperate for retaining the terminal at its retained position, and said housing includes a guiding wall with guiding surface on which the terminal is pushed against by the pawl being elastically pushed back. The guiding surface comprises a raising slope inclined toward the inside of the chamber along the reception direction (X) 1 the slope being located to be climbed on by the terminal pushed from its reception position to its retained position. Application in the automotive industry.
US07654864B2 Mounting bracket structure
When a predetermined rupture load is applied to a mounting bracket formed on an attachment part, a rupture develops in the mounting bracket, and the attachment part can be separated from a base part by this rupture. The mounting bracket, in which a slit extending in a direction intersecting a loading direction of a rupture load is formed, includes a rigid portion disposed at one side of the slit and a breakable portion disposed at the other side of the slit which is breakable because of the presence of the bolt.
US07654860B2 Signal transmission wire with an audio interface and a USB interface
A signal transmission wire with audio interface and USB interface, the wire is a four-core connection wire, one end of which is connected to a USB interface, the other end of which is connected to a dual-track audio interface; the four-core signal connection wire is further provided with a winder, the winder is a box, and a bobbin for intertwining the four-core connection wire is pivotally jointed in its cavity; two opening holes are set on the surface of the winder; the double ends of the four-core connection wire pass through the two opening holes respectively; the wire of the four-core connection wire is winded on the bobbin.
US07654859B2 Battery connecting structure
An exemplary battery connecting structure includes a housing and a contact spring. The housing includes a base, a sidewall extending around a periphery of the base, and at least one fixing portion defined at an inner surface of the sidewall away from the base. The contact spring includes a plurality of loops. A loop of an end of the contact spring is fixed between the base and the fixing portion, such that the end of the contact spring is electrically fixed to the base of the housing. In the present battery connecting structure, the contact spring is not easily detached from the housing. A battery-powered device using the battery connecting structure is also provided.
US07654857B2 Digital multimeter having sealed input jack detection arrangement
A multimeter for testing a plurality of electrical parameters comprises a case having a plurality of test lead jacks. Each of the test lead jacks includes a unitary conductive socket. Preferably, the sockets are made of metal such as brass. A circuit board located in the case has jack conductors in electrical communication with each of the sockets. A jack detection arrangement is adapted to automatically determine whether a plug is inserted into a respective one of the sockets based on a change in electrical characteristics. For example, the jack detection arrangement may include a photonic emitter and a photonic detector situated such that a beam path therebetween is interrupted by insertion of a plug. The case may further have a rotary selector knob for selecting a multimeter function.
US07654855B2 Socket assembly
A socket assembly includes a socket body, a connecting line and an electrical connector. The socket body comprises a panel and at least one socket unit. The socket body is provided with a receiving trough. One end of the connecting line extends into the inside of the socket body. The electrical connector is connected to the other end of the connecting line. The connecting line and the electrical connector are stored in the receiving trough or extend beyond the receiving trough selectively. Via the above arrangement, the socket assembly of the present invention can provide a connecting line and an electrical connector to facilitate the user to quickly connect electronic products. Further, when the connecting line and the electrical connector are not in use, they can be stored in the socket body and thus may not cause clutter and disturbance.
US07654854B1 Push-cord energy saving lampholder easy for the stripping of cord
The present invention is to provide a push-cord energy saving lamp holder that is easy for the stripping of power cord, which comprises: a lamp holder body, having push-cord holes and nearby cord-stripped sockets at its top, and first lodging troughs and second lodging troughs in its internal; a set of push-cord stands, each having a plug face from which a power connect face and a conducting face are formed by bending its top and bottom portions, where the edge of the power connect face is further divided into a power connect notch corresponding to the push-cord hole and a cord-stripped trench corresponding to the cord-stripped socket; a set of conducting springy slices, having a plug face lodged in the second lodging trough for a fixing and a conducting face connected to the conducting face of the push-cord stand; and a cover plate, placed on the hollow of the lamp holder body, having a set of positioning grooves on the plate, which accommodate the insertion of the conducting terminals of an energy saving lamp; the cord-stripped socket is designed for accommodating the insertion of a slender cord-stripped tool, where the tool is pushed to bend the cord-stripped trench, which in turn bends the power connect notch, and the effect causes the conducting end portion of the power cord is released easily from the push-cord hole.
US07654853B2 Reader board assembly circuit, system, and method for identifying a digital device among multiple digital devices
The present invention provides an electronic circuit for detecting, identifying, and/or activating a digital device, including a touch-and-hold connector configured to hold an object of interest, the digital device coupled to the touch-and-hold connector, for example, wherein the digital device has a unique digital registration number, a microcontroller that reads the unique digital registration number of the digital device, a storage receptacle configured to selectively receive the touch-and-hold connector, a light-emitting source coupled to the storage receptacle and associated with the touch-and-hold connector, and an electrical power source. Further including, an apparatus for releasably securing a digital device to a touch-and-hold connector including a digital device having a unique digital registration number with a first end and a second end, at least one prong located on the first end of the digital device, a touch-and-hold connector having a top portion forming a lip and at least one opening located within the lip for receiving the at least one prong of the digital device, wherein the prong of the digital device is received with the at least one opening within the lip, whereby the digital device is rotated into a position so that the prong is in a spaced apart relationship with the at least one opening forming a releasably secure arrangement between the digital device and touch-and-hold connector.
US07654849B2 Releasably locking auto-aligning fiber optic connector
A connector assembly couples signal lines for an optical catheter by providing a guided releasable latching mechanism that ensures optimal alignment with only a single vertical dimension under control. A receptacle carrying a first signal line defines a channel for receiving a plug carrying a second signal line. A spring-loaded pawl on the receptacle locks to a retaining bracket on the plug when the plug slides into the channel, imparting a retaining force on the plug, the force having a first component normal to channel and a second component parallel to the channel to maintain the first and second signal lines in optimal alignment. The retaining bracket may include a sloped edge to allow for easy release of the pawl in the presence of a release force. The release force may be set to allow disconnection of the assembly without affecting catheter installation or causing patient discomfort.
US07654847B2 Probe having a field-replaceable tip
A probe is provided for testing the electrical characteristics of a device. The probe includes a housing, a plurality of cables, a circuit board located within the housing, and a field-replaceable probe tip. The probe tip includes an array of contacts. Each of the plurality of cables is connected to a corresponding contact. The probe includes a retractable shroud that retracts as the probe is connected to the device. The contacts have bifurcated tips. An alignment assembly for aligning a probe with respect to a device to be tested includes a first alignment block, a second alignment block, and an alignment piece connecting the first alignment block and the second alignment block. The first alignment block and the second alignment block are arranged to be attached to the device to be tested to align the probe with respect to the device to be tested.
US07654846B2 Connector for electrically connecting circuit boards
A connector capable of electrically connecting two plate-shaped to-be-connected objects in a state arranged on substantially the same plane. Upper contacts are inserted into a housing from rearward, and held thereby. Lower contacts are inserted into the housing from forward, and held thereby. A contact portion of each upper contact is located on a front side of the housing, for contact with an upper surface of a circuit card inserted into a receiving space of the housing. A terminal portion of the upper contact is located on a rear side of the housing, for connection to a motherboard. A contact portion of each lower contact is located on the front side of the housing, for contact with a lower surface of the circuit card inserted into the receiving space of the housing. A terminal portion of the lower contact is located on the rear side of the housing, for connection to the motherboard.
US07654843B2 Connector assembly with internal seals and manufacturing method
A medical device connector assembly and fabrication method are provided wherein the connector assembly includes a core element, a plurality of conductive members positioned along the core element, and a plurality of sealing members positioned between the conductive members, the sealing members having an outer surface supported by the core element.
US07654841B2 Pre-terminated outlet assembly for raceway systems
Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a pre-terminated outlet assembly. The pre-terminated outlet assembly includes a device bracket, an outlet, and a plurality of electrical conductors. The outlet is connected to the device bracket. The plurality of electrical conductors is pre-terminated at the outlet.
US07654840B1 DIMM connector and memory system with compensated airflow impedance
An embodiment of the present invention is directed to a memory module connector having a pivotable air baffle that controls airflow at the memory module connector. When the memory module connector is occupied by a memory module, the air baffle may rest on an upper edge of the memory module, substantially parallel to the system board and in general alignment with the airflow. When the memory module has been removed, the air baffle may be pivoted downward toward the connector base and into the airflow, to offset the reduction in airflow impedance caused by the removal of the memory module from the memory module connector.
US07654836B2 Card connector
A card connector adapted for receiving a card, includes an insulating housing (10) including a base portion (11), a pair of arms (12, 12′) extending from opposite ends of the base portion, one of the arms having a locking device (121) at an outer side thereof; a plurality of terminals (20) retained in the insulating housing; a shell (30) covering the insulating housing and defining a cavity for receiving the card, and defining an inserting/ejecting direction of the card; and an ejector for moving the card along the inserting/ejecting direction comprising a base (51) defining a heart-shaped slot therein, an ejecting member (53) protruding into the cavity to engage with the card, a pin member (54), and a resilient member (52). The base includes a vertical wall (510) abutting against the one arm of the insulating housing, and a locking portion is disposed on the vertical wall and fastening with the locking device of the arm.
US07654831B1 Cable assembly having improved configuration for suppressing cross-talk
A cable assembly (1000) includes a housing (1) has a receiving space (10), said receiving space including a hollow portion and a mating port located in front of the hollow portion; a spacer (4) located in the receiving space; a first and second printed circuit boards (31, 32) partially enclosed within the spacer and arranged apart from one another, both the first and second printed circuit boards having mating interfaces extending into the mating port and mounting portions disposed in the hollow portion; a metallic plate (2) assembled to the spacer and disposed between the pair of first and second printed circuit boards; a plurality of cables (7) coupled to the mounting portions of the pair of first and second printed circuit boards, respectively.
US07654829B1 Electronic device and connector assembly
A connector assembly includes a circuit board, a housing, terminals, a flexible circuit board and a reinforcement plate. The housing has a depression portion and is disposed on the circuit board. The depression portion has a first opening and a second opening adjacent to the first opening, and the terminals are disposed in the depression portion and electrically connected to the circuit board. The flexible circuit board has a first surface, a second surface and pads disposed on the first surface, and the reinforcement plate is disposed on the second surface near one end of the flexible circuit board, wherein when the flexible circuit board is joined to the housing and the first opening faces to the flexible circuit board, the pads contact the terminals, whereby the flexible circuit board is electrically connected to the circuit board, and the flexible circuit board extends from the housing via the second opening.
US07654828B1 Socket with contact for being soldered to printed circuit board
A socket, adapted for electrically connecting a printed circuit board to an IC package, comprises a housing and a plurality of contacts arranged in an angular fashion within the passageways. The housing defines a mating face and a mounting face opposed to the mating face and a number of angular passageways extending from the mating face to the mounting face. Each contact includes a bend portion, a first leg and a second leg extending from two opposed ends of the bend portion. The second leg has an arc contacting portion extending out of the mating face for contacting with the IC package. Firstly a solder ball is disposed on a bottom surface of the bend portion and soldered to the printed circuit board to mount the contact to the printed circuit board. Or secondly the contacts (Mounting end) have no solder balls and solder paste is applied to PCB then connector is placed onto PCB and reflow soldered into place without use of solder balls.
US07654819B2 Tubular flame burner and method for controlling combustion
A tubular flame burner, a combustion method, and combustion controller, are disclosed. Here, the tubular flame burner comprises: a tubular combustion chamber whose h one end is open; fuel-spraying nozzles and oxygen-containing-gas spraying nozzles. The respective nozzle orifices are formed in the inner face of the combustion chamber so that each spraying direction is in a neighborhood of a tangential direction of the inner circumferential wall of the combustion chamber. And an ignition device is disposed at a position r/2 from the tube axis of the combustion chamber (r: the radius of the combustion chamber). The length of the combustion chamber can be adjusted, the tubular flame burner is a multi-stage burner formed of multiple tubular flame burners, and a gap between the inner tube and the outer tube serves as a gas-flow path. A combustion control method for the tubular flame burner is disclosed, wherein on/off of switching valves is controlled so that the spraying speed from each nozzle is maintained in a predetermined range corresponding to the combustion load.
US07654818B2 Hot runner nozzle system
A hot runner nozzle system (500) comprising a nozzle tip (100) adjacent to a nozzle (405) in series, and a retainer (400) adjoining both the nozzle tip (100) and the nozzle (405) in parallel, the retainer (400) having a first retainer thread (435), for connection to a nozzle thread (420) to form a first seal (450) between the nozzle end (440) of the retainer (400) and a nozzle shoulder (430), a second retainer thread (460), for connection to a tip thread (455) to form a second seal (470) between the inlet end (475) of the nozzle tip (100) and the gate end (425) of the nozzle (405), a seal ring (115) for creating a gate seal (496) with a gate insert (120), and a plurality of flats (410) thereon to facilitate torquing of the retainer (400) to the nozzle (405), the torque value applied to the retainer (400) being about two to four times of that applied to the nozzle tip (100) to facilitate removal of the nozzle tip (100) independent of the retainer (400).
US07654817B2 Vent piece
To provide a vent piece capable of being attached to and detached from a mold easily.A vent piece body 4 and a connection sleeve 5 are connected to each other to form a cylindrical shape. The vent piece body 4 and the connection sleeve 5 are inserted in an insertion hole 3 penetrating the wall surface of a mold 2 to connect the inside of the mold 2 to the outside thereof. One end portion 9 of the vent piece body 4 is beforehand formed into a countersunk head screw shape. A cone-shaped concave portion 10 is beforehand formed around the inside opening of the insertion hole 3 in the mold 2. The countersunk head screw shaped end portion 9 is fitted in the cone-shaped concave portion 10. Thereby, the movement of a vent piece 1 to the other side is restrained. A nut 8 is threadedly mounted in the other end portion 14 of the connection sleeve 5 from the outside of the mold 2. By mounting and demounting the nut 8, the vent piece 1 can be attached to and detached from the mold 2 easily.
US07654816B2 Lithographic mask alignment
Systems and methods of aligning a lithographic mask are described. In one aspect, a substrate and a lithographic mask are aligned based at least in part on a motive force between a substrate alignment mark on the substrate and a mask alignment mark on the lithographic mask that induces movement of at least one of the substrate and the lithographic mask into mutual alignment.
US07654815B2 Belt-shaped mold and nanoimprint system using the belt-shaped mold
There is provided a fine pattern transfer, belt-shaped mold, with which a fine structure having a high aspect ratio can be formed rapidly and stably using nanoimprinting, and a fine pattern transfer system (a nanoimprint system) that employs this mold. According to the present invention, a nanoimprint mold includes: a belt-shaped support member; a plurality of stampers, for each of which a fine convex-and-concave pattern, to be transferred, is formed on one surface; and an adhesive member, to which the belt-shaped support member and the stampers are to be securely adhered, wherein the adhesive member includes a porous member and adhesive layers, which are deposited on either face of the porous member, for impregnating one part of the porous member, and wherein, for the porous member, a porous area that is not impregnated with the adhesive layers, is provided and positioned so as to sandwich the porous member between portions impregnated with the adhesive layers.
US07654814B2 Rotary press
Rotary press comprising a rotor rotatably driven about a vertical axis, said rotor exhibiting a die plate and upper and lower punches which are vertically guided in guides of the rotor working together with die holes in a die plate, at least one press station which exhibits an upper and a lower pressure passed by the punches and through which the punches are moved towards the die hole in order to compress the material in the die hole, characterized in that the rotor is provided with means which act upon compacts or parts thereof which adhere to the pressing surface or which means eliminate or prevent an adherence of a compact or parts thereof to the pressing surface of the upper punch, respectively, during the return stroke.
US07654813B1 High capacity extrusion die assembly
High-capacity extrusion die assemblies (20, 90, 130, 140, 180, 252) each having a tubular sections (44, 146, 162, 268) and an elongated, axially rotatable, helically flighted screw section (56, 56a, 152, 168, 276, 278) which cooperatively define frustoconical, outwardly diverging material flow paths (75, 160, 291) at constant or differing divergence angles of from about 1-11°. The use of diverging tubular sections (44, 146, 162, 268) and screw sections (56, 56a, 152, 168, 276, 278) permits the use of larger die plates (76, 118, 292) with an increased number of die openings (80, 124, 296). This allows significant increases in extrusion production rates. The die assemblies (20, 90, 130, 140, 180, 252) can be used in the production of a wide number of human foods or animal feeds, and particularly aquatic feeds of the floating or sinking variety. In another aspect of the invention, an extruder (210) is provided having diverging and converging sections (212, 214) along the length thereof and defining corresponding flow paths (230, 246).
US07654809B2 Injection molding machine having a force peak time detecting device
If a screw is moved forward after a metering step is completed, the screw moves in a state where a check ring on a tip end of the screw is in open state. Resin flows in a direction opposite to the injection direction. A rotational force is applied to the screw due to the backflow of the resin. If the check ring closes a resin passage, the rotational force acting on the screw is reduced. A peak time of the screw rotational force is detected as closing point in time of the check ring. Physical amounts such as a screw rotational force and a screw position at that timing are detected. Since the closing point in time of the check ring is precisely detected, correction of the injection/hold pressure switching position and the injection speed switching position can be adjusted more precisely. It is possible to precisely determine whether a molded article is non-defective or defective based on the detected physical amount.
US07654799B2 Modular rotor blade for a wind turbine and method for assembling same
A sectional wind turbine rotor blade is provided, the sectional wind turbine rotor blade having first and second blade sections, wherein the first and second blade sections are fixedly mountable to each other via a connector. Furthermore, a method for assembling a sectional wind turbine rotor blade is provided.
US07654797B2 Blade with shroud
A blade for a turbo machine has a blade section and a shroud element terminating the blade section in the blade section longitudinal direction. The blade section has a suction face and a pressure face. The shroud element extends essentially at right angles to the blade section longitudinal direction and has a first platform section projecting beyond the blade section and a second platform section projecting beyond the blade section. The platform sections are asymmetric with respect to one another. At least the first platform section of the shroud element is arranged at an additional inclination angle with respect to a normal alignment of the first platform section, with the additional inclination angle being in the opposite direction to the bending torque which acts on the first platform section during operation.
US07654796B2 Electric fan with bearing
An electric fan includes a fan base (10), a bearing (40) and a rotor assembly (20). The fan base forms a central tube (11) receiving the bearing therein. The rotor assembly includes a fan hub (22), and a pivot axle (23) joined to the fan hub. The pivot axle pivotably extends into the bearing. The bearing has an outer wall (41) with a plurality of bulwarks (45) circumferentially formed thereon. At least one partition hole (424, 43a) corresponding to the bulwarks is defined in the bearing. The at least one partition hole effectively prevents a radially inward pressure exerted by the central tube on the bearing from being exerted to the pivot axle via the bearing. Therefore, a friction between the bearing and the pivot axle is reduced.
US07654794B2 Methods and apparatus for assembling steam turbines
Method and apparatus for assembling steam turbines are provided. The method of assembling a steam turbine includes providing an annular outer member, providing an annular inner member, coupling a plurality of airfoils to the inner member with a plurality of generally radial fastener assemblies such that the plurality of airfoils extend substantially radially outward from the inner member, and coupling each of the plurality of airfoils to the outer member.
US07654791B2 Apparatus and method for controlling a blade tip clearance for a compressor
An apparatus and method for controlling a blade tip clearance for a compressor of a turbo-engine, in particular of an aircraft engine, is disclosed. A blade tip clearance control device, which has a rotor and a housing surrounding the rotor forming a blade tip clearance, includes a sealing element that is movable into the blade tip clearance and an actuator unit, where the sealing element is designed as a circumferential shroud liner made of a flexible rubbery material in which at least one tubular diaphragm that is also circumferential is arranged. The diaphragm is acted upon with hydraulic fluid via the actuator unit. This makes it possible to counteract degradation that occurs during operation due to erosion, aging, etc. As a result, efficiency is maintained and the pump limit interval is retained.
US07654790B2 Wind turbine lightning connection means method and use hereof
The invention relates to a wind turbine (1) comprising stationary means such as a nacelle (3) and a tower (2) comprising stationary lightning protection means (46), and rotating means such as a rotor including at least one wind turbine blade (5) and shaft means (14), each of said at least one wind turbine blade (5) comprising rotating lightning protection means (47). The stationary and rotating lightning protection means (46, 47) comprise contact surfaces (17, 18) connected by lightning connection means (15). The lightning connection means (15) comprises at least two contact means (19, 19a, 19b) adapted for connecting said rotating and stationary lightning protection means (46, 47). Further, it comprises at least one electric conductor (30) establishing a dedicated connection between said at least two contact means (19, 19a, 19b) and force transferring means (26, 27) for said at least two contact means (19, 19a, 19b) establishing a continuous connection between said at least two contact means (19, 19a, 19b) and the contact surfaces (17, 18) of said stationary and rotating lightning protection means (46, 47). The invention also relates to lightning connection means (15) for a wind turbine (1), a method and use hereof.
US07654788B2 Device for mounting a pneumatic tire onto a vehicle wheel rim
A device for mounting a pneumatic tire onto a vehicle wheel rim comprises a handling robot, including a robot hand (7), which is movable about a plurality of axes and comprises a rotationally drivable flange (8) and a gripper (2) attached thereto, the gripper including a base element (10) and at least two gripper arms (15) which are movable radially relative to the centre axis of the gripper (2). The gripper arms (15) are coupled to a synchronization device, which synchronizes the radial movement of the gripper arms (15) and includes a disc (23), mounted on the base element (10) of the gripper (2) so as to be rotatable about the centre axis of the gripper and rotationally drivable via a motor, and coupling members (25) fixed to the disc (23) and the gripper arms (15) via hinged joints (26,27) in such a way that a rotation of the disc (23) produces a synchronous radial movement of the gripper arms (15).
US07654784B2 Device housing with integral fastener retainers
The present invention is a housing for a surface-mountable device such as a security device (a PIR, a microwave motion detector, and the like). The housing has a surface-mountable housing portion with at least one aperture for receiving a surface-mounting member therethrough, the housing portion fabricated substantially from a plastic material. A member-retaining portion is integrally molded with the housing portion and extends substantially perpendicular from said housing portion, said member-retaining portion adapted to receive a surface-mounting member when inserted therethrough and retain said surface-mounting member in place. As a result of this configuration, when a surface-mounting member such as a screw is inserted therethrough, the surface-mounting member is held in place by the member-retaining portion and is insertable through the aperture when pressure is applied thereto. Preferably, the aperture is circular and the member-retaining portion is substantially cylindrical with at least one slot extending along said member-retaining portion. The member-retaining portion is adapted so as to allow a user to push a surface-mounting member therethrough and to hold the surface-mounting member in place. The member-retaining portion is compressible and/or collapsible so that when a surface-mounting member is inserted therethrough so as to force the surface-mountable housing portion against a wall, the member-retaining portion is substantially compressed and/or collapsed between a head portion of the surface-mounting member and the housing portion.
US07654783B2 Fastening element
The invention relates to a fastening element comprising a clip part (4), which has a top plate (10), a base plate (3) and a joining section (9). A cutout (11) is made in the top plate (10), and a cutout (5) is made in the base plate (3), these cutouts facing one another. The fastening element also comprises an elongated shaft part (1), which is formed on the base plate (3), has a smooth-wall shaft cutout (2) that leads into the cutout (5) in the base plate and which provided for receiving a connection part. This connection part is provided with an external thread having a nominal diameter and can be guided through the cutout (11) in the top plate and through the cutout (5) in the base plate (3). The cutout (11) in the top plate has, at least in sections, a diameter that is less than the nominal diameter of the external thread but greater than the inside diameter of the shaft cutout (2). This prevents the component from tipping by establishing a pre-fixing in the area of the cutout (11) in the top plate before the external thread engages with the shaft part (1).
US07654782B2 Weld nut or stud, fastening system and method
A threaded fastener such as a weld nut or a weld stud has a projection from a surface thereof, with the projection bearing a thread. A weld ring substantially surrounds the threaded projection. In a fastener system using the fastener, a mounting structure has a keyhole including a larger diameter hole and a narrower diameter slot. In the assembly, a portion of the weld ring projects into the slot to resist rotation of the fastener relative to the mounting structure.
US07654781B2 Anchor for hollow walls
An anchor (910) for mounting to a hollow wall (W) made of friable material comprises a proximal flanged end (918) adapted to be engaged by a rotatable tool (B) to rotate the anchor (910) about a longitudinal axis (A) thereof and to cause is to gradually engage the wall (W). The anchor (910) also includes a distal end (912) adapted to cut through the wall (W) as the anchor (910) is rotated, and a shank (920) extending between the proximal and distal ends (918, 912). The shank (920) includes at least one expandable leg (924) that is in a collapsed position thereof when the anchor (910) is rotated to mount it to the wall (W) and that is located distally beyond a non visible surface of the wall (W) once the anchor (910) has been mounted to the wall and is in a first position thereof. The wall anchor (910) includes an outer thread (922) that securely engages the wall (W). A threaded fastener (B), e.g. a screw, is adapted to be introduced in the anchor (910) and to threadably engage the same distally of the leg (924) such that sufficient rotation of the threaded fastener (B) retracts the distal end (912) towards the proximal end (918) thereby causing the leg (924) to displace to a laterally expanded position thereof and to engage the non visible surface of the wall (W).
US07654770B2 Highway marking sphere dispensing apparatus
A marking sphere dispensing apparatus for dispensing fluid-assisted marking spheres into pavement marking materials applied to a surface has a frame defining a marking sphere receptacle, a valve seat defining an opening between the marking sphere receptacle and an expulsion duct. A plunger is disposed coaxially to the longitudinal axis of the dispensing apparatus and defines an internal fluid passage for providing pressurized fluid. The plunger is moveable in a longitudinal direction within the marking sphere dispensing frame between a first position at which a plunger head of the plunger is seated against the valve seat to close the opening, and a second position at which the plunger head is axially offset from the valve seat to define a marking sphere inlet gap across the opening. A method for applying marking spheres uses the marking sphere dispensing apparatus.
US07654767B2 Transport securing arrangement
A transport securing arrangement for a side extension arm of a vehicle includes a locking device and a securing hook, wherein the locking device is arranged in relation to the securing hook in such a way that release of the locking device leads to the release of the securing hook from its anchorage.
US07654763B2 Mechanical pencil
A chuck unit (4) for grasping a writing lead (10) and a rotor (6) arranged to be movable in a direction of rotation and an axial direction within a body cylinder (1) are provided. First and second cam faces (6a) and (6b) are respectively formed at one end face and another end face of the rotor in the axial direction, and first and second fixed cam faces (13a) and (17a) are arranged on the body cylinder side to face the first and second cam faces respectively. The first cam face in the rotor is brought into abutment with and meshed with the first fixed cam face by retreat operation of the chuck unit under writing pressure, and the second cam face in the rotor is brought into abutment with and meshed with the second fixed cam face by releasing the writing pressure, so that the rotor rotates, whereby the writing lead also rotates.
US07654757B2 Diaphragm
A diaphragm comprising a single plate, the single plate comprising: a first plate portion having an aperture; and a second plate portion formed at an outer side of the first plate portion, wherein a first thickness of the first plate portion is thinner than a second thickness of the second plate portion.
US07654754B1 Camera having improved camera cushion and seal
A silicon-like resilient member is utilized for at least one of a mirror cushion and a light seal. This new member is believed to resist flaking and other problems associated with traditional foam members.
US07654751B2 Electro-optical data transmission arrangement, as well as method for its configuration
The invention relates to an electro-optical data transmission arrangement with an optical multicore fiber, on the respective end faces of which an electro-optical transducer is arranged, wherein at least one of the electro-optical transducers consists of several segments. The electro-optical data transmission arrangement allows high data transmission rates and broad tolerances in the manufacture.
US07654747B2 Multi-fiber fiber optic receptacle and plug assembly
A multi-fiber fiber optic assembly comprising a receptacle and a plug that correspond and mate to optically connect a plurality of optical fibers. The receptacle comprises a receptacle housing, a receptacle multi-fiber ferrule and an excluding feature. The plug comprises a plug housing, a plug multi-fiber ferrule and a clearance opening for receiving the excluding feature therein. The receptacle and plug may further comprise at least one of a threaded coupling nut, a key for engaging a first key slot defined by the plug housing, a sleeve defining a second key slot for receiving the key therein, and a biasing spring.
US07654745B2 Clinch spot bearing
The rotatable joinder of two sheets is provided by a two-piece interfitting bearing assembly with each element separately attached to one of the sheets so that the sheets are joined but rotation is controlled by the interfitting bearing surfaces. The interfitting parts comprise an inner and outer race which are placed together in superposition with aligned apertures in the sheets. The rotatable attachment of the sheets is accomplished in a single pressing operation in which each race is simultaneously pressed into one of the sheets with a gap remaining between them.
US07654743B2 Bearing assembly, motor and recording disk drive
A bearing assembly for use in an electric motor minimizes the generation of a negative pressure. In the bearing assembly, gaps are formed between a shaft provided with a flange portion, a ring member mounted on the shaft, and a sleeve member with a through hole formed therein are continuously filled with lubrication oil. When a rotor rotates, the rotor is supported by a fluid dynamic pressure. In the bearing assembly, herringbone grooves are formed in an upper surface of the flange portion of the shaft fixed to a base plate. When the sleeve member rotates with respect to the shaft, ends of all of the herringbone grooves and the through hole are superposed on each other sequentially. Thus, the lubrication oil can be efficiently supplied to an outer peripheral region in the thrust dynamic pressure bearing mechanism in which the negative pressure is most prone to be generated, and generation of the negative pressure can be efficiently minimized.
US07654742B2 Hydrodynamic bearing device, motor, recording disc driving apparatus and assembly jig
A hydrodynamic bearing device 4 comprises a shaft 41, a second thrust flange 41c, a sleeve 42, a radial bearing 71, and a thrust bearing 73. The second thrust flange 41c is fixed near one end of the shaft 41. A third cylindrical protrusion 42e that protrudes farther in the axial direction than the second thrust flange is fixed to or integrally machined at one end of the sleeve 42. A notch 50 that communicates between a radial inner space and a radial outer space separated by the third cylindrical protrusion 42e is provided to the third cylindrical protrusion 42e.
US07654741B2 Rotatable supporting module and gantry apparatus having same
An exemplary rotation module configured for a gantry apparatus includes a rotary plate, a base, and a bearing. The rotary plate has a through hole. The base is arranged in the through hole. The bearing is arranged between the rotary plate and the base. The bearing includes an inner race and an outer race rotatable relative to the inner race. The inner race is securely coupled to the base and the outer race is securely coupled to the rotary plate, whereby the rotary plate is rotatable relative to the base. A gantry apparatus are also provided.
US07654726B2 Multi-shaft extruder
A multiple-shaft extruder comprises a core (4) with outward leading channels that can be flown through by a cooling liquid. At least two housing segments (16 to 19) are each provided with a cooling circuit with interconnected cooling bore holes (28), which can be flown through by a cooling liquid, are distributed in the peripheral direction and in an axially parallel manner, and which are located on the section of the housing segments (16 to 19) that faces the process chamber (2).
US07654716B1 Enhanced visualization illumination system
A first light source producing a first light beam with a first intensity and a second light source producing a second light beam with a second intensity. A light filter device receives the first light beam and transmits a filtered portion of the first light beam. A first angling device reflects the filtered portion of the first light beam in a first angled direction and a second angling device reflects the second light beam in a second angled direction. A mirror receives and in turn reflects the filtered portion of the first light beam reflected by the first angling device and the second light beam reflected by the second angling device to form a converged light beam with a third intensity.
US07654711B2 Lamp assembly
A lamp assembly includes a light module and a stem. The light module includes a reflector, a first fixing plate, a second fixing plated mounted on the first fixing plate and having a plurality of fixing pieces pivotally connected thereon for fixing the reflector between the first fixing plate and the second fixing plate, and a lamp. By rotating the fixing pieces, the reflector is easy to replace. The stem includes a plurality of connecting tubes and connecting assemblies. Each connecting assembly has a male joint with an L-shape projecting and a female joint with an L-shape slot. The male joint is fitted into the connecting tube, and the female joint is fitted into another connecting tube. By engaging the L-shape projection with the L-shape slot, the two connecting tubes can be connected without twisting a wire inside the stem.
US07654709B2 Compact fluorescent lamp high bay luminaire
A compact fluorescent lamp luminaire with chambered structure to improve ventilation for controlling the temperature of ballasts and lamps in the luminaire. In such compact fluorescent lamp luminaires a plurality of compact fluorescent lamps is arranged inside a dome structure. The compact fluorescent lamps are powered through ballasts. Heat generated by the lamps is exhausted out of the luminaire without air heated by the lamps from passing through a chamber housing ballasts of the luminaire.
US07654706B2 Method and apparatus for securing a door to a lighting device chassis
An apparatus and method according to which a door is secured to a lighting device chassis.
US07654705B2 Recessed fixture with hinged doors and rotatable lamp
A recessed light fixture having a rotation ring allowing rotation of a lamp mounted over the fixture frame aperture, the rotation ring easily rotatable on the frame and held in place by a ring clamp. The recessed light fixture rotation ring has a mechanical brake for locking the ring in place after positioning of the lamp. The ring also has a slip disc positioned between the surface of the frame and the ring to allow easy rotation. The housing of the fixture has junction boxes mounted on side walls which are hinged to the sidewalls of the housing and which swivel into the interior of the housing for ready access after installation through the aperture of the frame. The lamp of the fixture movable about a horizontal adjustment and vertical adjustment axis while also maintaining position with respect to the reflector.
US07654704B2 Display with lighting device
The present invention discloses a display with a lighting device comprising a display body having a housing and a power supply panel. The lighting device mounted at the bottom of the housing comprises a transparent base having a receiving cavity and a light source body disposed within the receiving cavity and powered by a power supply. Mounted at the bottom of the display body, the lighting device has the light downwards to illuminate the whole keyboard area of the medical diagnostic device such that the structure is tight without occupying extra space, thereby no inconvenience occurs during doctors' operation. Moreover, the entire lighting device is designed in a modularized manner, and therefore it is convenient for renewal and maintenance.
US07654703B2 Directly viewable luminaire
A luminaire comprising a housing having thermally separate compartments for an electronics portion and a lighting portion. These thermally separate compartments can provide thermal isolation between the electronics portion and the lighting portion. The lighting portion comprises a plurality of light-emitting elements and further includes an optical device comprising two linear diffuser elements and can be used to further improve the light emission characteristics of the light-emitting elements thereby providing a directly viewable luminaire wherein the illumination produced by point light sources appears uniform along the length of the luminaire. A power supply for supply of energy to the light-emitting elements and a controller for controlling application of energy from a power source to the light-emitting elements is provided in the electronics portion and can be thermally separated within the electronics portion.
US07654693B2 Absolute fixture positioning
A lighting fixture having at least one internal processor and at least one fixed element to which controllable moving elements are rotatably fastened, one moving element having at least one light source that generates a beam of light. Information concerning positions of moving components in a lighting fixture is automatically achieved. Correct position indication at start up is obtained without moving the components to their end stops for finding set points for step motors by the provision of at least one absolute encoding device, which encoding device indicates the angular movement of a first input axel in relation to the encoding device, which absolute encoding device has a gearbox with a second internal axel, which first input axle drives a first toothed timing wheel, intermeshing with a second toothed timing wheel that rotates the second axel with a angular velocity different from the angular velocity of the first input axle.
US07654692B2 Spread illuminating apparatus
A spread illuminating apparatus includes a plurality (m×n pieces) of lighting units (P11 to Pmn) which are disposed in a matrix with m rows and n columns, and each of which is an edge light type principally including a light conductor plate and at least one LED disposed at one side of the light conductor plate, and the entire luminous region of the spread illuminating apparatus is divided into segment areas constituted respectively by the lighting units (P11 to Pmn) which can be turned on and off in a controlled manner independently of one another.
US07654691B2 Light-guiding modules and LED lamp using the same
An LED lamp includes a heat sink, a plurality of LED modules mounted on the heat sink and a plurality of light-guiding modules respectively fixed on the LED modules. Each light-guiding module comprises a frame having a bottom panel placed on the LED module and two side panels extending upwardly from two opposite edges of the bottom panel and a plurality of guiding units each having two engaging flanges extending outwardly from two opposite lateral sides thereof. Each guiding unit receives an LED of a corresponding LED module therein. The two side panels respectively define two runners in inner sides thereof. The two engaging flanges of each guiding unit are respectively received in the two runners of the frame and movable therealong to adjust a position of the guiding unit in the frame.
US07654689B2 LED lamp assembly
An exemplary LED lamp includes a housing having an opening, a printed circuit board, at least one LED, a light reflective element, at least one light-shielding sheet and a lamp cover. The printed circuit board is positioned on a bottom of the housing. The LED is electrically connected with the printed circuit board. The light reflective element defines at least one through hole, the LED passing through the corresponding through hole. The at least one light-shielding sheet corresponds to the at least one LED respectively. Each light-shielding sheet comprises a bottom reflective plate and a pair of opposite sidewalls extending from two opposite ends of the bottom reflective plate. A plurality of light holes is defined at ends of the bottom reflective plate adjacent to the two opposite sidewalls. The lamp cover is fixed on the opening of the housing. The LED lamp assembly has a uniform luminance.
US07654688B2 LED lamp with an improved heat sink
A recessed LED lamp for being mounted in a wall or a ceiling, includes a housing (10), a printed circuit board (20) received in the housing, a plurality of LEDs (22) mounted on the printed circuit board, a casing (40) surrounding the housing, a pair of arms (50) resiliently and pivotably attached on the casing, and a heat sink (30) secured below the housing. The heat sink includes a base (32) contacting the printed circuit board and thermally connecting therewith, a plate (34) extending outwardly from the base and a plurality of fins (36) extending downwardly from the plate (34).
US07654685B2 Variable-wavelength illumination system for interferometry
An illumination system for an interferometer combines a white-light source and a green source with a reflective green dichroic filter. When the green source alone is energized for PSI measurements, the output of the illumination system is green only. When a white-light output is desired for VSI measurements, both sources are energized and the intensity of the green light is judiciously calibrated to match the spectral band filtered out by the dichroic mirror. Therefore, the system can switch between green and white light simply by changing the selection of energized sources, without any mechanical switching and attendant delays and vibrations. Multiple narrowband sources may be combined with white light in a similar manner.
US07654683B2 Bi-directional rechargeable/replaceable induction power pack and method
A bi-directional rechargeable/replaceable induction power pack and method employing sealed induction coils to power an electrical device underwater, in liquids, or in high humidity conditions.
US07654682B2 Glove supporting a pom pom at a finger tip
A glove having a pom pom freely attached to a tip of one or more of the glove fingers. The glove may bear indicia, for example, a team logo. The pom poms are typically multicolored, consisting of strands of the team, school, or organization colors. The gloves provide warmth to the wearer's hands. In addition, the wearer's hands are free to hold other items, for example, beverage containers, cameras, programs, etc. Selective movement of a wearer's fingers and/or thumb causes a respective pom pom to move in response thereto. Patterns of successive finger/thumb movements may be executed to cause a variety of visual effects from the pom pom-bearing glove. Bells and/or light sources may also be attached to the gloves instead of or in addition to the pom poms. A motion sensitive switch and/or a simple sequencer may be used to create predetermined or random light patterns.
US07654681B2 Surface light source device using light emitting diodes
A surface light source device using light emitting diodes, the device including: a housing having a top opening to emit light; a light emitting diode board disposed on an inner bottom surface of the housing, the board on which a plurality of light emitting diodes are arranged; and a color conversion laminate formed by depositing a plurality of phosphor-mixed resin layers containing phosphors, the layers disposed at a top of the opening of the housing and providing light having different wavelengths.
US07654680B2 Console assembly
A console assembly for an automobile is provided. The console assembly includes a console and a cable. The console has at least one cavity for receiving objects. The at least one cavity is illuminated by the cable containing an electroluminescent (EL) tape.
US07654674B2 Method and apparatus for determining the visual acuity of an eye
The invention relates to a method for determining the visual acuity of an eye and a respective apparatus. The method comprises the steps of: providing the wavefront information of the eye, generating a point spread function based on the wavefront information of the eye, said point spread function representing a specific intensity distribution for a corresponding pupil size. After comparing the intensities of the point spread function with a selectable intensity level of intensity, those parts of the point spread function having an intensity being larger than the selectable intensity level are determined as a relevant part of the point spread function.
US07654667B2 Progressive addition lens operating in combination with a multi-order diffractive optic
A multi-focal spectacle lens is presented having far distance, intermediate distance, and near distance vision correction, in which the lens includes a progressive addition surface with a progression of optical power. The lens further includes a multi-order diffractive surface relief structure with an optical add power. The multi-order diffractive structure reduces chromatic aberration as compared to a conventional diffractive structure of equivalent optical power. The lens may also include a wavefront splitting device diffractive structure for generating multiple optical powers simultaneously. When the progressive addition surface and the multi-order diffractive surface relief structure are in optical communication an overall progression of optical add power may be provided by the combination of the progressive addition surface with the multi-order surface relief diffractive structure.
US07654663B2 Transfix roller load controlled by motor current
A printing device includes an image receptor adapted to have formed thereon an inked image layer, a transfer roller, and a transfer roller biasing system. The biasing system is structured to displace the transfer roller toward the image receptor upon actuation of a motor, exerting a backing pressure.
US07654660B2 Energy activated printing process
Reactive inks and methods of generating an image on a substrate using both reactive and heat activated inks are presented. An image is printed on a substrate, without reacting the reagents in the ink. Subsequently, the reagents are reacted to fix the image to a substrate, with substantial permanency and fastness. Sublimation or similar heat activated dyes are printed are also printed on the substrate. The sublimation or similar heat activated dyes are activated, and have an affinity for polymer that is applied to the substrate.
US07654657B2 Liquid ejecting apparatus
A liquid ejecting apparatus includes a liquid ejecting head, a carriage carrying the liquid ejecting head, a plurality of subtanks carried on the carriage, a main tank disposed on a body of the apparatus, and a feed pipe. The carriage is moved back and forth in a main scanning direction. Each subtank contains a highly concentrated color ink which corresponds to one of the respective ink colors. The main tank contains a diluent containing no coloring component and/or a colorless ink. The diluent and/or the colorless ink is supplied from the main tank to the carriage through the feed pipe. The liquid ejecting head is supplied with the respective color inks and ejects the inks.
US07654656B2 Ink-jet recording apparatus
A switching unit is provided near a tube for connecting an atmosphere communicating section of an ink cartridge to a charge tank. This switching unit comprises: a base; and a pressing mechanism arranged inside the base and capable of individually pressing tubes, so that the switching unit can apply the pressure from the charge tank and the tube pump selectively onto a plurality of the ink cartridges.
US07654649B2 Liquid delivering device
A liquid delivering device including: a flow passage unit having a plurality of pressure chambers each of which communicating with a liquid ejection port; a piezoelectric actuator for selectively changing the volume of the plurality of pressure chambers, the piezoelectric actuator including a plurality of individual electrodes corresponding to the plurality of pressure chambers, a common electrode opposing the plurality of individual electrodes, and a piezoelectric layer sandwiched between the plurality of individual electrodes and the common electrode; and a rigidity reduction section which reduces the rigidity of the piezoelectric actuator and which is provided in an area where at least the pressure chamber is formed and in a vicinity of the individual electrode, in perspective plan view.
US07654646B2 Ink jet head
Disclosed is an ink jet head driven by a drive IC for ejecting an ink droplet having conductivity, comprising a chamber for storing ink, a nozzle plate attached to the chamber, an actuator provided with an electrode electrically contacting ink in the chamber and activated by a current flowing through the electrode from a power supply, a conductive plate including an opening and glued to the nozzle plate such that the nozzle is exposed through the opening, and a current limiter limiting the current when the ink is purged from the nozzle during a period other than that of ink being ejected. Even if the purge is repeatedly carried out, an extraordinarily rising in temperature of the drive IC and resultant breakdown of the IC can be prevented.
US07654644B2 Printhead nozzle arrangement having variable volume nozzle chamber
Provided is a printhead having a plurality of nozzle arrangements. Each arrangement includes a substrate which defines an ink inlet aperture with a wall portion bounding the ink inlet aperture and a crown portion defining a nozzle opening. Each arrangement also includes a skirt portion depending from the crown portion to form part of a peripheral wall of the nozzle assembly. The crown and skirt portions are displaceable with respect to the wall portion towards the substrate to alter a volume of a nozzle chamber defined by the wall, crown and skirt portions such that when the volume is altered, ink is ejected from the nozzle opening. Each arrangement also includes a thermal actuator that interconnects the crown and skirt portions with the substrate, the actuator for displacing the crown and skirt portions. The wall portion and skirt portion are configured to define a fluidic seal to inhibit the egress of ink during such displacement.
US07654643B2 Inkjet printhead nozzle assembly having a raised rim to support an ink meniscus
Provided is a nozzle assembly for an inkjet printhead. The nozzle assembly includes a substrate defining a nozzle chamber and an ink inlet channel leading to the chamber. The nozzle assembly also includes a nozzle defined on the substrate and located over the nozzle chamber, the nozzle having a crown portion with a skirt portion depending from the crown portion, the skirt portion forming a first part of a peripheral wall portion of the nozzle chamber, the nozzle surrounded by a raised rim which supports a meniscus of a body of ink in the nozzle chamber. Also included is an actuator with a connecting arm fast with the nozzle to operatively displace the nozzle towards the substrate, wherein the nozzle, actuator and connecting arm are defined according to micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) techniques.
US07654641B2 Inkjet nozzle assembly having moving roof portion defined by a thermal bend actuator having a plurality of cantilever beams
An inkjet nozzle assembly is provided. The assembly comprises a nozzle chamber comprising a floor and a roof. The roof has a nozzle opening defined therein, and a moving portion moveable towards the floor. The assembly further comprises a thermal bend actuator, having a plurality of cantilever beams, for ejecting ink through the nozzle opening. The moving portion of the roof comprises the actuator.
US07654640B2 Printhead with drive circuitry components adjacent the printhead IC
A printhead for an inkjet printer, that has a printhead IC with an array of nozzles for ejecting ink and a support structure for mounting the printhead IC in the printer adjacent a paper path. The printhead IC is mounted on a face of the support structure that, in use, faces the paper path. A flexible printed circuit board (flex PCB) has drive circuitry for operating the array of nozzles on the printhead IC. The drive circuitry has circuit components connected by traces in the flex PCB, and contacts for receiving print data from the print engine controller. The flex PCB being mounted to the support structure at the contacts onto a face that does not face the paper path such that the flex PCB extends through a bent section between the printhead IC and the contacts. The printhead IC and the circuit components are adjacent each other and separated from the contacts by the bent section of the flex PCB. The bent section reduces the likelihood of trace cracking by holding the flex PCB at a set radius rather than allowing the flex to follow an irregular curve and thereby risking localized points of high stress on the traces.
US07654635B2 Media print system
A media print system includes a first print unit, a second print unit, at least one actuator configured to move the first unit and the second unit relative to one another and a controller configured to generate control signals. The at least one actuator positions the first unit and the second unit at the first and second positions, respectively, during a first longitudinal pass of a medium and positions the first unit at a third position during a second longitudinal pass of the medium in response to the control signals.
US07654621B2 Tracked traveling gear with two drive units per chain
The present invention relates to a tracked traveling gear with two drive units per chain, wherein at least one of the drive units is linearly movable and pretensionable against the traveling gear frame. In an embodiment the drive unit is asymmetrically mounted to a supporting element which is linearly movable and pretensionable against the traveling gear frame. The drive unit includes a tumbler which is laterally detachable and removable from the drive unit while the drive unit is mounted to the travelling gear frame.
US07654620B2 Method for control regenerative braking of electric vehicle
A method for controlling regenerative braking of a vehicle includes: initiating the regenerative braking; detecting an amount of slip of a wheel during the regenerative braking; if the amount of slip is increasing, reducing a regenerative braking torque; and if the amount of slip is greater than a set value, actuating an antilock brake system and reducing the regenerative braking torque or a hydraulic braking torque continuously until the vehicle is stopped. Alternatively, if the amount of slip is increasing, the regenerative braking torque is not reduced.
US07654619B2 Method for braking a vehicle by means of a fluidically triggered vehicle brake system, and vehicle brake system
In a method for braking a vehicle by means of a fluidically triggerable vehicle brake system, wherein the vehicle brake system comprises a respective fluidically triggerable brake unit that is assigned to a vehicle wheel and is fluidically coupled to a brake force generator via at least one fluid circuit, wherein a pumping mechanism by means of which at least one of the brake units can be fed with brake fluid regardless of whether the brake force generator is activated, is provided in the at least one fluid circuit in order to convey brake fluid, and wherein control valves by means of which the brake force generator can be fluidically coupled to and disconnected from the brake units and the pumping mechanism are provided in the fluid circuit, it is provided that in order to comfortably create a parking brake condition, the following steps are carried out: A) a fluid pressure is built up in the at least one fluid circuit via the brake force generator such that at least two of the brake units are fluidically triggered; B) the brake force generator is disconnected from the brake units and the pumping mechanism by closing the control valves; C) the pumping mechanism is activated (in two) and brake fluid is conveyed from one of the at least two brake units to the other one of the at least two brake units, respectively.
US07654618B2 Webbing tack
A webbing tack in a seat belt prevents overspooling in the seat belt webbing. The webbing tack is configured to be temporarily tacked. The webbing tack includes an elongated filament and first and second bars; each bar is attached to opposite ends of the filament. The filament extends through first and second layers of the webbing, the first bar is positioned adjacent the first layer and the second bar is positioned adjacent the second layer.
US07654614B2 Lumbar support and control device for a lumbar support and method for controlling a lumbar support of a motor vehicle
Lumbar support and control device of a lumbar support and method for controlling a lumbar support of a motor vehicle. An electric control device is provided for a lumbar support which has a drive coupled mechanically to an adjusting mechanism for setting the seat contour of the lumbar support. The control device has at least one computer unit which controls a massaging movement of the lumbar support whereby the massaging movement is characterized through several predefinable ideal speeds. Several ideal speeds for one or more adjusting directions of the lumbar support are controllable through the computer unit. For control by the ideal speeds a drive moment of the drive is adapted to an actual load of the drive so that the massaging movement can be controlled substantially independent of the actual time-changeable or locally variable load. The drive moment is consequently changeable through the control device.
US07654608B2 Extended-travel sliding door with articulating roller bracket
A sliding door for a vehicle has a door bracket. A track is mounted along the vehicle and extends to a remote end. A roller bracket is movable between a first position proximate the opening and a second position at the end of the track. The roller bracket includes an articulating arm retained by the roller bracket by a first pivot and pivotally retained at a second end by the door bracket. The articulating arm has a first orientation for rotationally positioning the sliding door toward the closed position and a second orientation for rotationally positioning the sliding door into the open position. Movement of the roller bearing into the second position results in the articulating arm moving from the first to the second orientation. An over-center spring mechanism may maintain the positioning of the roller bracket relative to the sliding door throughout the travel of the bracket.
US07654605B2 Roof opening/closing apparatus
A roof opening/closing apparatus includes a roof moved between first and second positions and structured with first, second and third panels, a first supporting mechanism movably supporting the first and second panels in association with each other, a second supporting mechanism movably supporting the third panel, a first lock mechanism locking the first panel to the vehicle body, a second lock mechanism locking the first supporting mechanism, and a third lock mechanism locking the third panel to the second panel. The roof is moved between the first position and the second position by the first and second supporting mechanisms and retained at the first position by the first to third lock mechanisms. The second and third lock mechanisms are connected to each other by an operational member and operated in association with each other to release locking operations thereof by the operational member.
US07654602B2 Reclining seat for a material handling vehicle
A reclining seat for use in a material handling vehicle includes a seat back that is pivotally coupled to a wall of the operator compartment and to a seat pad. The seat pad is moveable toward a center of the operator compartment to provide the capability to recline, and is typically maintained in the upright position by a spring.
US07654600B2 Vehicle tailgate movement assist mechanism using lever driven rotary damper
A vehicle tailgate movement assist mechanism including a tailgate configured to rotate between opened and closed positions, and a tailgate lever arm fixedly connected to a bottom area of the tailgate. A drive lever may be pivotally connected to the lever arm and to a bell crank at opposite ends thereof. The bell crank may be connected to a shaft of a rotary gear pivotally anchored to a vehicle body. A rotary damper may be anchored to the vehicle body and include a damper gear connected to a shaft thereof. The damper gear may be rotatably meshed with the rotary gear. Rotation of the tailgate from a closed to an opened position simultaneously rotates the lever arm to move the drive lever and the bell crank to thereby rotate the rotary gear which rotates the damper gear to actuate the rotary damper to reduce an opening speed of the tailgate.
US07654595B2 Articulated driving mechanism, method of manufacturing the mechanism, and holding hand and robot using the mechanism
A multi-joint drive mechanism includes a bone-member layer member (101) in which a plurality of bone members are arranged in arrays and in a generally planar fashion, the plurality of bone members being movably coupled at coupling portions (3A), and elastically expanding/contracting members (3) which are arranged so as to stretch over the coupling portions on one side or both sides of the bone-member layer member and moreover which are fixed between the plurality of bone members, wherein the multi-joint drive mechanism drives flexural motions of joints between the plurality of adjoining bone members by expanding or contracting the elastically expanding/contracting member.
US07654594B2 Shackle
The present invention provides an improved shackle having particular utility in underwater salvage operations. The present invention discloses a shackle that has a generally U shaped body that is comprised of a bow portion and first and second spaced apart arms. Each arm has an end portion with an opening for receiving a shackle pin. The shackle pin is sized and shaped to simultaneously fit through the shackle pin openings, and end portion of the pin having external pin threads. A nut provides an internally threaded opening for engaging external threads of a shackle pin. The nut is rotatably mounted to a second end portion of the shackle body. The external pin threads of the shackle pin and the internal threads of the nut are engaged when the pin is connected to the nut by rotating the nut. The pin does not rotate relative to the shackle body, due to an elongated groove in the pin that travels on a key portion of the shackle body that is in one of the openings.
US07654593B2 Safety hook for patient lift
A safety hook for mounting on the extremity of a spreader bar of a patient lift is secured to a base member that is connected to or integral with the spreader bar. A load-bearing hook member is pivotally suspended from the base member to allow the hook member to move in the plane of the hook member between an open position and a closed position in which the free end of the hook member engages the base member at an engagement point. The hook member is shaped such that it is urged to the closed position when a downward load is applied to it, and that it is urged to the open position when an upward load is applied to it. Under normal circumstances the safety hook closes automatically because of the weight of the load.
US07654592B2 Wheeled snow shovel having vertical lift and projected forward and/or side dump
a) A frame having a handle, an upright post extending therefrom having a slide stop on an upper portion, a lower and upper slide on a central portion, a lever having a central portion hinged to the frame having a rearwardly extending end, and a forwardly extending slide lift end, attached and configured through a slide lift to lift the lower slide when the rearwardly extending end is depressed; b) a shovel having a bottom snow carrying portion and an upright back portion; c) a lower shovel arm having one end hinged to a lower portion of the upright back portion of the shovel, and the other opposite end hingably connected to the upper slide; d) an upper shovel portion projecting/dumping linkage, having an upper shovel arm having one end hinged to an upper portion of the upright back portion of the shovel and having the other end hingably connected to an upper end of a pivoting arm, the other end hingably connected to the lower slide and a central portion pivotably pinned to a central portion of the lower shovel arm. When the slides are lifted by the lever the shovel is first lifted up the post, and then when the top slide is prevented from further sliding, the bottom slide continues to move, causing the other ends of the lower arm and the pivoting arm to move together, thereby causing the shovel to extend outwardly and turn from a snow collection to a dumping position.
US07654591B2 Dual or triple surface snow removing device
A snow shovel includes a blade, a handle stem, a stabilizer bar, and multiple positions to couple the handle stem to the blade. The blade may include a soft edge and a hard edge. One position is achieved by coupling a taper in the handle stem to the blade at a strap for shoveling snow at the ground level with the hard edge. One position is achieved by coupling the taper in the handle stem to the blade at a folded tab for shoveling snow off a car with the soft edge.
US07654589B2 Rotary action draw latch
A latching system including a latch assembly, a cup, and a keeper plate. The latch assembly includes a base, a lever, and a catch. The lever is pivotally connected to the base and the catch is pivotally connected to the lever. The base is pivotally attached to the cup such that it rotates about an axis of rotation that is perpendicular in direction in relation to the direction of the axis of rotation of the lever relative to the base. The keeper plate includes a keeper projection. The lever can be lifted and the latch assembly rotated about the axis of rotation of the base to clear the keeper from the catch and thereby allow the opening of a first closure member relative to a second closure member.
US07654585B2 High-pressure threaded union with metal-to-metal seal, and metal ring gasket for same
A metal ring gasket provides a high-pressure temperature tolerant metal-to-metal seal between subcomponents of a threaded union. The metal ring gasket is received in an annular cavity formed between mating surfaces of the subcomponents of the threaded union. The metal ring gasket is capable of maintaining a fluid seal even at very high temperatures resulting from direct exposure to fire. At high fluid pressures the metal ring gasket is energized because hoop stress induced by the fluid pressure forces the metal ring gasket into tighter contact with the subcomponents of the threaded union.
US07654584B2 Guide bushing easily inserted into a coupling bore, and a corresponding coupling
A guide bushing for guiding a tubular element in a bore of a coupling, the bushing being provided externally with retaining elements for retaining the bushing in the bore, and internally with guide shoes for guiding the tubular element inside the bushing, the retaining elements and the guide shoes being associated with portions of the bushing that are deformable between a first state in which the retaining elements are in an active position anchoring the bushing in the bore and in which the shoes define a section for passing the tubular element, and a second state in which the retaining elements are in inactive position set back from their active position and in which the guide shoes define a section that is smaller than the section for passing the tubular element. The invention also provides a corresponding coupling.
US07654583B2 Device for a pressure-compensated swivel
A device for a pressure-compensated swivel comprising a swivel housing and a swivel pipe rotatably arranged in the swivel housing, wherein pressure from fluid in the swivel acts on opposing compensating areas in the swivel, whereby an axially compressive force is established between the swivel housing and the swivel pipe.
US07654581B2 Security document with ultraviolet authentication security feature
The invention relates to the field of printed security documents and, more particularly, to security documents and methods of making security documents bearing enhanced security features. The security documents may include identification documents or any other known documents of value. The security document includes a transparent window area with an ultraviolet blocking agent incorporated therein. Invisible ultraviolet fluorescent ink patterns are printed on respective opposite sides of the ultraviolet blocking agent within the region of the transparent window area. When either the face side or back side of the security document is illuminated with ultraviolet light, only the pattern printed proximate that side within the area of the transparent window becomes visible. When both face and back sides are simultaneously illuminated with ultraviolet light, the patterns printed on both sides of the ultraviolet blocking agent within the area of the transparent window become visible at the same time.
US07654577B2 Notepad system for holding and dispensing various sized notepads
A notepad system includes a piece of generally flat backing material, and a plurality of generally rectangular notepads removably mounted to the piece of backing material. The plurality of notepads are located immediately adjacent to each other and define a recognizable shape.
US07654571B2 Joining structure for side members and cross members in chassis frames
A structure for joining a cross member (2) to a side member (1) of a chassis frame, wherein a flange (4) is formed integrally at an end of the cross member via a flare (3), an extension member (5) inserted into the end of the cross member (2) to project from the afore-mentioned flange (4) is welded to the flare (3), the extension member (5) is passed through an inside hole (9i) formed in an inside part (8i) in the width direction of the vehicle in the closed-section part of the side member (1) and welded to an outside hole (9o) formed in an outside part (8o) in the width direction of the vehicle, and the outer periphery of the flange (4) is welded to the inside part (8i) in the width direction of the vehicle. The closed-section part (8) is formed in a rectangular shape, and the top and bottom parts of the periphery of the flange (4) are located near top and bottom bends (12) of the closed-section part (8).
US07654570B2 Support leg assistant
A support leg assistant for use with a support jack having a telescoping support leg comprises an elongated housing member having a first end attached to the stationary outer tube of the jack and a second end extending outwardly from the jack. Preferably, housing member is generally horizontal and the second end thereof is at or near the edge of a trailer supported by the jack. An elongated pin extends through the housing member with a first end passing through a portion of the support leg in the outer tubing to hold the leg in position and a second end extending outwardly of the housing member to a handle. A elongated member, such as a cable, wire or rope, interconnects a crank with the bottom of the support leg so that the operator may raise, lower and secure the leg without crawling, bending or reaching under the trailer.
US07654569B2 Rollover protection system for a motor vehicle and related method
A reinforced frame having a roof member and a pillar includes a brace interconnected to the frame. The brace is moveable between a stowed position and a deployed position. The deployed position is defined by the brace extending diagonally between the pillar and the roof member.
US07654563B2 Cover to wheel attachment method for improved gap control
A steering wheel assembly that receives an airbag may include a steering wheel framework. This framework may include a back cover and a first attachment feature. The steering wheel assembly may include an airbag cover having a second attachment feature for engaging the first attachment feature to directly attach the airbag cover to the steering wheel framework. This attachment may be accomplished without the use of an airbag housing. In some situations, the framework further includes an armature. The first attachment feature is positioned either on the armature or on the back cover.