Document Document Title
US07659778B2 Apparatus and method for class D amplifier with sampling rate conversion
A class D amplifier is provided. The class D amplifier includes an interpolator, a sampling rate converter, a pulse width modulator, a sigma-delta modulator, and a pulse width modulation (PWM) pulse generator (PPG). The sampling rate converter interpolates the output of the interpolator such that the sampling rate converter up-samples the interpolator output by a factor that is greater than one and less than two. The pulse width modulator outputs a multi-bit digital signal. The sigma-delta modulator performs sigma-delta modulation on the pulse width modulator output, the order of the sigma-delta modulation is programmable, and the output of the sigma-delta modulator is a multi-bit, digital signal. At least one of the orders to which the sigma-delta modulator can be programmed is greater than two. The PPG provides a pulse signal such that the width of each pulse is based on the value of the sigma-delta modulator output.
US07659773B2 Semiconductor integrated circuit device and power control method thereof
A semiconductor IC includes a logic block, and a voltage control circuit controlling an operating voltage supplied into the logic block. The voltage control circuit controls the operating voltage to be increased in a stepwise fashion during an initial operation of the logic block.
US07659769B2 Semiconductor device
A substrate voltage control technique that prevents the operating speed from being decreased and suppresses a leakage current due to a lower threshold voltage with respect to a low voltage use. Since a center value of the threshold voltages is detected by plural replica MOS transistors, and a substrate voltage is controlled to control a center value of the threshold voltages, thereby making it possible to satisfy a lower limit of the operating speed and an upper limit of a leakage current of the entire chip. On the other hand, the substrate voltage is dynamically controlled during the operation of the chip, thereby making it possible to decrease the center value of the threshold voltages when the chip operates to improve the speed, and to increase the center value of the threshold voltages after the operation of the chip to reduce the leakage current of the entire chip.
US07659768B2 Reduced leakage voltage level shifting circuit
A level shifting circuit includes a first stage and a second stage. The first stage and second stage are operatively coupled to a first and second power supply. The first stage translates a differential input voltage into an intermediate differential voltage. The second stage translates the intermediate differential voltage into a differential output voltage and provides feedback to the first stage in response to translating the intermediate differential voltage. The first stage reduces current flow between the first and second power supply through the second stage in response to the feedback.
US07659763B2 Conditioning input buffer for clock interpolation
A conditioning buffer is provided for a clock interpolator that controls the duration of the clock edges to achieve high-linearity interpolation. The conditioning buffer includes a first buffer and a second buffer, with a fixed or variable strength, that receive their respective inputs from a set of mutually delayed clock signals, such as a set of N equidistant clock phases with mutual delay of 360/N degrees, to form a two-tap transversal filter that is insensitive to changes in Process, Temperature, and Voltage (PVT). Use of an equidistant set of clock phases makes the time constant of such transversal filter proportional to the clock period thus making it insensitive to changes in clock frequency as well. Such transversal filtering action operated in conjunction with natural bandwidth limitations of the buffers yields an efficient clock conditioning circuit that is highly insensitive to PVT and clock frequency variations.
US07659761B2 Operation mode setting apparatus, semiconductor integrated circuit including the same, and method of controlling semiconductor integrated circuit
An operation mode setting apparatus includes an operation mode setting control unit that discriminates the phase of a reference clock from the phase of a feedback clock and generates a locking suspension signal, and an operation mode setting unit that generates a locking completion signal in response to a pulse signal and a phase comparison signal under the control of a reset signal and the locking suspension signal.
US07659756B2 MOSFET transistor amplifier with controlled output current
A switched current source has a first voltage source, a second voltage source, and a third voltage source. A first transistor has a drain terminal coupled to one terminal of a load and a source terminal coupled to the third voltage source. A second transistor has drain, gate and source terminals. The drain terminal of the second transistor is coupled to the gate terminal of the first transistor. The source terminal of the second transistor is coupled to the source terminal of the first transistor. The gate terminal of the second transistor is coupled to the first voltage source. A third transistor has drain, gate and source terminals. The drain terminal of the third transistor is coupled to the gate terminal of the first transistor. The source terminal of the third transistor is coupled to the second voltage source. The gate terminal of the third transistor is coupled to the first voltage source.
US07659755B1 Method and apparatus including a driver for driving a floating bipolar switch
A switch for switchably coupling a signal source to a high impedance load. The switch includes a first bipolar transistor and a floating switch driver. The first bipolar transistor is configured to switchably couple the signal source to the high impedance load responsive to a driver signal applied to a base thereof. The floating switch driver has a control input and an output terminal coupled to the base of the first bi-polar transistor to supply the driver signal thereto. The driver signal comprises a limited forward current during the “On” state of the floating switch driver and a voltage “Voff” not less than the reverse breakdown voltage nor greater than the forward voltage drop across a base-emitter connection of the first bipolar transistor during the “Off” state of the floating switch driver.
US07659746B2 Distributed supply current switch circuits for enabling individual power domains
An integrated circuit includes multiple power domains. Supply current switch circuits (SCSCs) are distributed across each power domain. When a signal is present on a control node within a SCSC, the SCSC couples a local supply bus of the power domain to a global supply bus. An enable signal path extends through the SCSCs so that an enable signal can be propagated down a chain of SCSCs from control node to control node, thereby turning the SCSCs on one by one. When the domain is to be powered up, a control circuit asserts an enable signal that propagates down a first chain of SCSCs. After a programmable amount of time, the control circuit asserts a second enable signal that propagates down a second chain. By spreading the turning on of SCSCs over time, large currents that would otherwise be associated with coupling the local and global buses together are avoided.
US07659744B2 Pixel testing circuit and method for liquid crystal display device
A testing circuit and method for a liquid crystal display device are presented. The circuit comprises: a substrate, a plurality of pixels formed on the substrate and having n sub-pixels, a plurality of signal paths, and a plurality of p shorting bars, The plurality of signal paths is formed on the substrate and connected to the sub-pixels correspondingly; the p shorting bars are formed on the substrate and respectively connected to (p×m+1)th, (p×m+2)th, (p×m+3)th . . . , (p×m+p)th numbered signal paths The method comprises: dividing the p shorting bars into n groups; and applying testing signals respectively to the shorting bars of every group. The method also comprises: dividing the p shorting bars into groups by odd-even sequence; and applying testing signals respectively to every group, so as to effectively increase the testing efficiency of array and cell tests in fabrication of the device.
US07659743B2 Method and apparatus for testing electronic components within horizontal and vertical boundary lines of a wafer
A method and an apparatus are provided which make it possible, when testing chips arranged on a wafer, to be able to test optionally both additional components arranged on horizontal boundary lines and on vertical boundary lines. The additional components arranged on horizontal boundary lines are tested in a first position of the wafer. For testing the additional components arranged on vertical boundary lines, the wafer is rotated about its vertical axis through 90° relative to the first position into a second position. The apparatus comprises a housing and, in the housing, at least one test probe for making contact with an electronic component, a chuck for moving the wafer and a rotatably mounted additional plate operatively connected to the chuck.
US07659741B2 Parallel scan distributors and collectors and process of testing integrated circuits
An integrated circuit (70) having parallel scan paths (824-842, 924-942) includes a pair or pairs of scan distributor (800,900) and scan collector (844,944) circuits. The scan paths apply stimulus test data to functional circuits (702) on the integrated circuit and receive response test data from the functional circuits. A scan distributor circuit (800) receives serial test data from a peripheral bond pad (802) and distributes it to each parallel scan path. A scan collector circuit (844) collects test data from the parallel scan paths and applies it to a peripheral bond pad (866). This enables more parallel scan paths of shorter length to connect to the functional circuits. The scan distributor and collector circuits can be respectively connected in series to provide parallel connections to more parallel scan paths. Additionally multiplexer circuits (886,890) can selectively connect pairs of scan distributor and collector circuits together. The scan distributor and collector circuits can be formed in core circuits (704). The core circuits then can be connected to other core circuits and functional circuits with simple connections to the parallel scan circuits through the scan distributor and collector circuits.
US07659739B2 Knee probe having reduced thickness section for control of scrub motion
An improved knee probe for probing electrical devices and circuits is provided. The improved knee probe has a reduced thickness section to alter the mechanical behavior of the probe when contact is made. The reduced thickness section of the probe makes it easier to deflect the probe vertically when contact is made. This increased ease of vertical deflection tends to reduce the horizontal contact force component responsible for the scrub motion, thereby decreasing scrub length. Here “thickness” is the probe thickness in the deflection plane of the probe (i.e., the plane in which the probe knee lies). The reduced thickness probe section provides increased design flexibility for controlling scrub motion, especially in combination with other probe parameters affecting the scrub motion.
US07659738B2 Test sockets having peltier elements, test equipment including the same and methods of testing semiconductor packages using the same
A test socket includes a socket body in which a semiconductor package is located, a socket head combined with the socket body, a Peltier element in the socket head, and power terminals connected to the Peltier element. A test equipment includes the test socket and a method of testing the semiconductor package uses the test socket.
US07659730B2 Measuring apparatus and method for recognizing foreign bodies in a product, particularly tobacco, cotton or another fibrous product
The invention concerns a measuring apparatus for the detection of foreign bodies in a product, in particular in tobacco, cotton or some other fibrous product, having a measuring device, a device for generating an alternating electromagnetic field in the measuring device, which is influenced by a product which is arranged in a measuring volume of the measuring apparatus, a circuit device which includes the measuring device and which is designed to determine at least one suitable measurable variable of the alternating field influenced by the product, and an evaluating device which is designed for detection of the foreign body by suitable evaluation of the measurable variable determined with the circuit device, and is distinguished in that the measuring device is a measuring capacitor and the frequency of the alternating field is in the high-frequency range below the microwave range. The application further concerns a corresponding measuring method.
US07659728B1 Method and apparatus for measuring degradation of insulation of electrical power system devices
A method for measuring degradation of electrical power system device insulation utilizes a conductive composite sensor. A selected polymeric matrix of the conductive composite provides a sensor resistance response that correlates to the mechanical degradation of the insulation. The sensor may be embedded in the windings, core or stator of the electrical power system device and wired to a connector on the electrical power system device for interrogation by an ohmmeter.
US07659726B2 Image forming apparatus with plural AC sources
An image forming apparatus includes two AC power input cords to be connected to an AC power source. The image forming apparatus can detect if at least one of the two AC power input cords is not connected to the AC power source. An input voltage detector or a zero-cross signal detector receives an input from the one AC input power cord, and detects a voltage state of connection to the AC power input cord. A controller utilizes signals from the input voltage detector or zero-cross signal detector to detect whether the one AC input power cord is connected to the AC power source. An operator can also be provided an indication if it is determined that the one AC power input cord is not connected to the AC power source.
US07659725B2 Method for assessing the suitability of metered dose inhaler actuators
A method of assessing the suitability of a metered dose inhaler actuator A test canister equipped with a valve and containing a pressurized propellant is provided. One or more actuators manufactured for use in a metered dose inhaler is provided and tested, wherein each actuator is tested by coupling the canister to the actuator, positioning the actuator with respect to an electrostatic measurement device and firing the canister such that electrostatic charge from an aerosol emitted by the canister is measured by the electrostatic measurement device. The measured electrostatic charge is compared to a predetermined specification range to make a determination whether the measured electrostatic charge is within or outside the predetermined specification range and accordingly whether the actuator is or is not acceptable.
US07659724B2 Surveying method using an arrangement of plural signal sources
The survey technique for use in a marine environment to survey a subterranean structure includes providing an arrangement of plural signal sources in a body of water to produce corresponding signals. The signals of the signal sources in the arrangement are set to cause reduction of at least one predetermined signal component in data received by a receiver in response to the signals.
US07659723B2 Broadband resistivity interpretation
Resistivity measurements are made at a plurality of frequencies. An asymptotic high-frequency limit is determined and the electrical efficiency is estimated as a ratio of the high frequency resistivity limit to the low frequency resistivity. From the electrical efficiency, petrophysical parameters of a rock such as porosity and water saturation can be estimated.
US07659720B2 Magnetic resonance imaging apparatus and method of setting slice-area/slice-volume orientation at each moved couch position
An observation-point arranging unit arranges an observation point indicating a portion to be included in a slice area on a positioning image displayed on a display device. A scanning-condition receiving unit receives a specification of a scanning condition including number of movements of a couch on which an object is placed during scanning and a size of the slice area. A slice-area setting unit sets the slice area including the observation point for each position to which the couch is to be moved, based on the observation point and the scanning condition. A scanning unit scans the object multiple times while moving the couch, based on the slice area.
US07659719B2 Cavity resonator for magnetic resonance systems
An magnetic resonance apparatus in embodiments of the invention may include one or more of the following features: (a) a coil having at least two sections, (b) the at least two sections having a resonant circuit, (c) the at least two sections being reactively coupled or decoupled, (d) the at least two sections being separable, (e) the coil having openings allowing a subject to see or hear and to be accessed through the coil, (f) a cushioned head restraint, and (g) a subject input/output device providing visual data to the subject, the input/output device being selected from the group consisting of mirrors, prisms, video monitors, LCD devices, and optical motion trackers.
US07659718B1 Blip design for random sampling compressed sensing of flyback 3D-MRSI
A method of providing a magnetic resonance spectral image (MRSI) is provided. A magnetic resonance imaging excitation is applied. Data is acquired, comprising applying an oscillating gradient in a first dimension and applying blips in at least a second dimension in a pseudo-random order to acquire pseudo-random temporally undersampled spectral data in at least two planes. The pseudo-random order is used to reconstruct a magnetic resonance spectral image in at least two dimensions.
US07659712B2 System and method for process measurement
Process measurement may be achieved by systems and techniques generating output signals based on the measured process. In certain implementations, process measurement systems and techniques may include the ability to generate a magnetic field and successively change the orientation of the magnetic field. The systems and techniques may also include the ability to sense the presence of at least a first orientation of the magnetic field with a magnetic field sensor including a conductor and at least two Wiegand-effect conductors as the magnetic field orientation is changed and to generate an electrical pulse in the conductor with each Wiegand-effect conductor when the first orientation of the magnetic field is sensed.
US07659704B2 Regulator circuit
A regulator circuit for efficiently and accurately outputting a target voltage with a simple circuit configuration. The regulator circuit includes an output circuit, a comparator, a counter block, a latch block, and a decoder block. When the target voltage is applied to an output terminal of the output circuit, the output circuit supplies the comparator with feedback voltage. Further, the feedback signal is provided to the counter block. The counter block performs counting in correspondence with the feedback signal. The latch block holds the signal acquired from the counter block and provides the held signal to the decoder block. The decoder block supplies the comparator with reference voltage. The comparator compares the reference voltage and the feedback voltage and controls the counting.
US07659697B2 Apparatus and method to provide power to battery-backup assemblies disposed in an information storage and retrieval system
A method to supply power to one or more battery-backup assemblies, wherein the method supplies a first controller, a second controller, a first battery-backup assembly, and a second battery-backup assembly. The method further supplies a power bus interconnected to the first controller, the second controller, the first battery-backup assembly, and the second battery-backup assembly, and a first power supply and a second power supply interconnected with the power bus. The method provides power to the first controller and to the second controller and to the first battery-backup assembly over a first period of time, and provides power to the first controller and to the second controller and to the second battery-backup assembly over a second period of time, where the first period of time differs from the second period of time.
US07659696B2 Battery charger and assembly
Battery chargers and combinations. In some aspects and in some constructions, the invention may provide a combination including a battery charger having a housing and a charging circuit, and protective structure separate from and connectable with the battery charger. The protective structure, when connected, extending from the housing beyond a battery connected to the battery charger. In some aspects and in some constructions, the invention may also provide a combination including a first battery charger, a second battery charger and a connecting structure operable to connect the first battery charger and the second battery charger as a unit. In some aspects and in some constructions, the invention may further provide a combination including a battery charger and a handle separate from and connectable with the battery charger. In addition, in some aspects and in some constructions, the invention may provide a battery charger including a housing having a base and an upper portion opposite the base. A height is defined between the base and the upper portion and the base having a width less than or equal to the height.
US07659694B2 Self-aligning terminal block for battery pack
A self-aligning terminal block in a tool terminal assembly having electrical contacts for connecting to a removable battery pack to be used in conjunction with hand-held power tools having a rechargeable battery. The electrical contacts of the terminal block are preferably female terminals with two resilient guideways that taper away from each other at distal ends, preferably forming an enlarged entry area to help receive and align the battery terminals as they are inserted into narrow sections of the female terminals. The guideways can be aligned with battery terminal blades functioning as electrical contacts of the battery pack. The self-aligning terminal block has clearance on at least one side to allow lateral movement within the tool body to keep constant contact with mating electrical contacts of the terminal block and the battery pack.
US07659690B2 Vehicular battery charging method
A method for charging a battery pack for an electric vehicle charges at a preselected maximum charging current until the battery pack voltage reaches a reference voltage level. The battery pack is then charged while maintaining the reference voltage until the charging current decreases to a first reference current level. Charging continues at the first reference current level until a time rate of change of the battery pack voltage reaches a first reference time rate of change. The battery pack voltage is determined and whenever the battery pack voltage is less than a decision voltage reference level, the battery pack is further charged at a second reference current level until the time rate of change of the battery pack voltage reaches a second reference value. A manually initiated pack recovery charge routine is also provided to address new battery pack installations.
US07659689B2 Power conversion apparatus and method and automobile
An apparatus and method for supplying a polyphase (AC) alternating current motor with driving voltages. A conversion unit is coupled to phases of the polyphase AC motor and includes a plurality of switching devices and includes, in at least one phase, a first switching device between a bus of an AC power supply and an output terminal, a second switching device between a bus of a direct current (DC) power supply and the output terminal, and a third switching device between a common bus for the AC power supply and the DC power supply and the output terminal. Driving voltages for the polyphase AC motor are generated by selecting a voltage from among voltages having potential values corresponding to the AC power supply and the DC power supply, and the selected voltage is used to operate a switch of the plurality of switching devices.
US07659688B2 Method and system for resolver alignment in electric motor system
Methods and systems are provided for aligning a resolver in an electric motor system. The method includes commanding a d-axis current command and a speed command, operating an electric motor without a load in response to the d-axis current command and the speed command, determining a rotor speed in response to the speed command, and determining an offset of the resolver based on the speed command and the rotor speed when the rotor speed has substantially stabilized.
US07659686B2 Motor-generator control system
In a motor-generator control system for controlling a motor-generator, first and second sets of multiphase windings of a motor-generator are arranged to be spatially shifted in phase from each other. An allocating unit is configured to, upon input of workload request for the motor-generator, determine a first torque to be allocated to the first set of multiphase windings and a second torque to be allocated to the second set of multiphase windings. A resultant torque of the first torque and second torque meets the input workload request for the motor-generator. An energizing unit is configured to energize the first set of multiphase windings to create the first torque and energize the second set of multiphase windings to create the second torque.
US07659684B2 Method and system for operating a motor to avoid selected pulse ratio values
A method and system for operating a motor are provided. Power is provided to the motor through at least one switch operating at a first switching frequency. A pulse ratio of the motor is calculated based on the first switching frequency. The at least one switch is operated at a second switching frequency if the calculated pulse ratio is less than a first pulse ratio value and greater than a second pulse ratio value.
US07659683B2 Resonant frequency identification
Systems and methods that determine resonant frequencies of a motor system via employing an output of a velocity regulator. The velocity regulator enables the motor drive to command the rotation of the motor at predetermined rotations, by setting rotational speeds of the motor. The output of the velocity regulator can then be stored as a function of time, and a Fast Fourier Transform performed on such time data to obtain a frequency data and a signal power spectrum.
US07659679B2 System and method for adjusting a dead-time interval in a motor control circuit
A system and a method for adjusting a dead-time interval between de-activating a first transistor and activating a second transistor in a motor control circuit are provided. The method includes determining a plurality of commanded torque values associated with a motor based on a received signal over time. The method further includes setting the dead-time interval value equal to a first value when one commanded torque value of the plurality of commanded torque values is within a first torque range. The method further includes decreasing the dead-time interval value as other commanded torque values of the plurality of commanded torque values increase over time within a second torque range. The second torque range is greater than the first torque range. The dead-time interval value is indicative of a desired dead-time interval.
US07659678B2 System for operating DC motors and power converters
A system is disclosed for driving a DC motor (15) under conditions of a controlled average current. An inductive element may be arranged for connection in series with the DC motor. A switch (14) is preferably coupled to the inductive element for connecting and disconnecting a terminal of the inductive element from the voltage source. A diode may be arranged for connection in parallel with a combination of the inductive element and the DC motor arranged in series, with the appropriate polarity so that current circulating through the inductive element circulates through the diode when the switch disconnects the terminal from the voltage source. A capacitor is arranged for connection in parallel with the motor, for limiting a resulting voltage over the motor or for storing charge depending on the embodiment of the invention. A device for measuring a current through the motor is provided, and a device (13) for controlling operation of the switch dependent upon the measured current in the motor is also provided. An airflow apparatus is also disclosed.
US07659677B2 Rotation brake method and device for working machine
To stop, in an emergency, a revolving superstructure quickly from rotating while preventing damage of a mechanical brake. A revolving superstructure is driven swiveling using a permanent magnetic-type swiveling electric motor; in an emergency, such as a malfunction in a drive or control system for the swiveling electric motor, allowing electric power generated in the electric motor due to inertial rotation to be consumed in an external braking resistor so as to make an electric braking action; and a mechanical brake is activated to stop the rotation and hold the stopped revolving superstructure when a rotation speed of the revolving superstructure becomes equal to or lower than a preset value.
US07659676B2 Lighting system using GPS receiver
A lighting system using a GPS receiver is provided. The lighting system includes: a GPS receiver for calculating sunrise time and sunset time from an inputted GPS signal and outputting an on/off signal and a satellite detection indicating signal according to the calculated sunrise time and sunset time; a security light configured to be turned on/off in response to the on/off signal; and an LED configured to be turned on/off in response to the satellite detection indicating signal. Accordingly, the GPS receiver itself receives GPS satellite signal, sunrise time and sunset time are automatically calculated from the received position information and reception information by using a baseband processor, and a security light is turned on/off at the calculated sunrise and sunset time, so that the number of components is greatly reduced.
US07659675B2 Device for illuminating the stope support at a longwall face
The light sources for illuminating the stope support at a longwall face are operated at low voltage, connected to the control network device, for low voltage supply of the system controllers. LEDs are particularly suitable as light sources. Measures for avoiding an impairment of the function of the system controllers are disclosed.
US07659674B2 Wireless lighting control methods and apparatus
Methods and apparatus involving at least two LEDs configured to generate at least two different spectra of radiation that are combined to produce white light. At least one parameter of the at least two different spectra of radiation generated by the at least two LEDs is controlled, based at least in part on at least one lighting control signal received by the apparatus over at least one wireless communication link, so as to control at least a color temperature of the white light.
US07659672B2 LED driver
The present invention provides a flexible light emitter driver circuit which adjusts the luminance of the light emitter diodes (LED) by a manual input signal. The light emitter driver circuit comprises a Duty Ratio Change Logic, a PWM Generate and Control Logic, an oscillator, and a gate driver. The Duty Ratio Change Logic adjusts the duty cycle of the output signal according to the manual input signal. The PWM Generate and Control Logic generates a PWM signal according to the output signal to control the current of the LED, thus adjusts the luminance of the LED. The present invention further provides a highly flexible display system that comprises a light emitter driver circuit which can adjust the LED luminance by manual input signal.
US07659668B2 Plasma display device
A plasma display device having a panel main body in which a pair of transparent substrates is arranged in opposition so as to form a discharge space between the substrates on at least a front side, barrier ribs are arranged on at least one of the substrates to divide the discharge space into a plurality of spaces, a group of electrodes is arranged on the substrates so as to generate discharge in the discharge space divided with the barrier ribs, and phosphor layers that emit by discharge are provided, in which the phosphor layers are equipped with a green phosphor layer including at least a mixture of Zn2SiO4:Mn and (Y, Gd)BO3:Tb, the surface of the Zn2SiO4:Mn is coated with magnesium oxide, and the ratio of the Mg element to the Si element on the surface measured with an XPS apparatus is 0.7 to 6.0.
US07659667B2 Plasma display device with chassis base formed of plastic and conductive material
A plasma display device is disclosed. In one embodiment, the plasma display device includes a plasma display panel on which an image is displayed, a chassis base coupled to the rear side of the plasma display panel and formed of a material in which plastic and a conductive material are mixed, and at least one circuit board mounted on the rear side of the chassis base and driving the plasma display panel. According to embodiments of the present invention, a lightweight plasma display device can be manufactured, since the weight of the chassis base can be reduced by manufacturing the chassis base from a mixed material of plastic and a conductive material. Also, the grounding and EMI shielding of the circuit board or a signal transmitting member can be achieved.
US07659665B2 OLED device with metal foil
An OLED device includes a substrate, electrode layers and organic layers arranged on the substrate and at least one metal foil on top thereof. The first metal foil is electrically connected to one of the electrode layers. An enclosure of at least the organic layers is provided by the metal foil in conjunction with a sealant 113. Thus, the metal foil plays a major role in forming an OLED package. In addition, the metal foil provides a low ohmic external connection, which for example can be used for applying a driving current to the OLED.
US07659663B2 Organic light-emitting display device and method for fabricating the same
Disclosed is an organic light-emitting display device capable of blocking the infiltration of oxygen and moisture, etc. by encapsulating an array of pixels by interconnecting first and second substrates with a frit. The organic light-emitting display device includes a first substrate, a second substrate opposing the first substrate, an array of pixels interposed between the first and second substrates, and a frit positioned between the first and the second substrate to adhere the first substrate to the second substrate. The frit is formed to overlap with at least a part of scan drivers.
US07659662B2 Electroluminescence display device with microlens
An electroluminescence (EL) display device is disclosed with a microlens layer positioned between a light-emission layer and a color converting layer or a color filter layer. The microlens layer can be formed separately or integrally with an electrode of the EL display device. Light emitted from the light-emitting layer passes through an electrode and then through the microlens layer, which has a higher refractive index than the electrode to focus light in a predetermined direction. The light then passes through the color converting layer or a color filter layer to emit red, green, or blue light from the device. The microlens layer and color converting layer or color filter layer can be disposed for either active matrix or passive matrix, and for either a top-emission type, bottom-emission type, or dual emission type EL display device for improved external light coupling efficiency and brightness.
US07659661B2 Full color OLED and method of fabricating the same
A full color organic light emitting display device (OLED) and a method of fabricating the same are provided. The OLED includes an element substrate and an encapsulating substrate. The element substrate includes a color filter layer or a color conversion layer, as well as an organic layer with an emission layer that emits light of a single color. The encapsulating substrate includes a color filter or a color conversion layer and a moisture absorbent, and a the color filter or color conversion layer corresponds to the emission region. Accordingly, there is no need to have a separate process for the moisture absorbent and the color filter layer or the color conversion layer may be formed without using a shadow mask, so that a high resolution OLED may be advantageously realized.
US07659658B2 White phosphor, and white light-emitting equipment or device
A white phosphor is provided, which is a white phosphor comprising a single material, wherein the light-emitting center is one element other than Mn, and emitting white light having excellent color rendering properties by near ultraviolet excitation. The white phosphor is represented by the formula SraSbMgcZndSieOf:Eu2+ (with the proviso that when e=1, 0<(c+d)/(a+c+d)≦0.2, 1.8≦a+c+d≦2.2, 0≦b/(b+f)≦0.07 and 3.0≦b+f≦4.4), among which, as one preferred example, the white phosphor is represented by the composition formula (SrO1-αSα)x.(Mg1-βZnβO)y.(SiO2)z:Eu2+ (in the formula, 4.5≦x/y≦27.5, 3≦z/y≦14.5, 0≦α≦0.3 and 0≦β≦0.7) is proposed.
US07659657B2 Flat fluorescent lamp with improved capability of luminance and reduced initial operational voltage
A flat fluorescent lamp which can be used with an LCD display includes a plurality of discharge channels. Pairs of electrodes are formed on both ends of the discharge channels. Each of the plurality of channels has an emitting section at the middle, and electrode sections on both ends thereof. A width of the electrode sections is the same as that of the emitting section. However, a height of the electrode sections is greater than a height of the emitting section, resulting in the electrode section having a cross-sectional area that is larger than that of the emitting section.
US07659655B2 Pre-chamber spark plug
A method and apparatus to maximize spark plug life in pre-chamber spark plugs operating with ultra-lean mixtures and/or elevated engine BMEP is presented. Electrode erosion is reduced by spreading discharge energy over a wider surface area, maintaining fuel concentration in the spark gap, controlling gas static pressure during discharge, and maintaining safe electrode temperature. Energy is spread via a swirling effect created by periphery holes in an end cap, resulting in a lower specific energy discharge at the electrodes. Divergently configured electrodes reduce the spark voltage at high operating pressures and the energy required for ignition. The flow field generated at the electrodes prevents electrical shorts due to water condensation and avoids misfire. The center electrode insulation provides an effective heat transfer path to prevent electrode overheating and preignition. The volume behind the electrodes provides a volume for burnt products from previous combustion cycles and leads to more reliable ignition.
US07659653B2 Acoustic wave device and filter
An acoustic wave device includes a piezoelectric substrate, a first dielectric film formed on the piezoelectric substrate, and electrodes that are provided on the first dielectric film and excite an acoustic wave, the electrodes including electrode fingers. At least a part of the first dielectric film is cut out between adjacent electrode fingers among the electrode fingers.
US07659648B2 Motor with raised rotor
A motor has a stator, a rotor having a shaft, and a sleeve bearing in contact with the rotor shaft. The sleeve bearing also is fixedly secured to the stator. Additionally, the motor also has a movable support member axially supporting the shaft. The movable support member illustratively is movable relative to the shaft. The rotor center of gravity coincides approximately with the opening in the bearing-shaft interface.
US07659647B2 Linear actuator
An actuator. In one embodiment, the actuator comprises a reversible electric motor having a stator having a housing, a rotor housed in the housing of the stator, and a shaft having a forward portion and a rearward portion extending oppositely and coaxially from the rotor, respectively; a fan member coaxially attached to the forward portion or the rearward portion of the motor shaft such that the fan member is operable simultaneously with the rotor of the reversible electric motor; and an electromagnetic brake movable between a first position and a second position, positioned in relation to the fan member such that when the electromagnetic brake is in the first position, the fan member is rotatable with the rotor of the reversible electric motor, and when the electromagnetic brake is in the second position, the fan member stops rotating firmly, thereby causing the motor stops instantly.
US07659646B2 Outer rotor superconductor journal bearing
An outer rotor superconductor journal bearing that comprising modules and including an outer rotor superconductor journal bearing that cools a superconductor that is mechanically fixed to a module below a critical temperature, attains a strong magnetic fixing force in an axial direction and a radial direction, prevents the superconductor from being damaged due to a different thermal expansion between the superconductor and a cryostat when cooled, and is easier for assembling and repair and maintenance. Preferably, the outer rotor superconductor journal bearing includes a rotor in which a solid of revolution magnet is magnetized in an axis direction in an inner portion of an inner circumference thereof; and a stator comprising a cryostat in the shape of a cylinder in which a superconductor that is tightly adhered to an inner circumference of the rotor is mounted in an outer circumference of the cryostat.
US07659644B2 Brushless motor and manufacturing method thereof
A centerpiece rotatably supports a rotatable shaft therein. A stator core is placed radially outward of the centerpiece. A generally cylindrical vibration isolator is made of a resilient material and is radially placed between the centerpiece and the stator core.
US07659643B2 Linear motor and linear compressor using the same
There are provided a linear motor and the linear compressor using the linear motor. The linear motor includes a bobbin, a coil wound in the bobbin, an outer core provided on the bobbin, an inner core provided to perform a linear reciprocating motion with a moving body, and a magnet provided on the inner core so that the inner core and the moving body perform a linear reciprocating motion. The magnet is configured to provide a gap between the magnet and an outer core and to be in close contact to the inner core.
US07659642B2 Stator fixing apparatus of reciprocating compressor
A stator fixing apparatus of a reciprocating compressor comprises a first frame on which a plurality of first core blocks, each comprising a plurality of laminated stator core sheets, are radially coupled, the plurality of first core blocks being coupled to one side surface of a bobbin body, and a second frame on which a plurality of second core blocks, each comprising a plurality of laminated stator core sheets, are radially coupled. The plurality of second core blocks are coupled to the other side surface of the bobbin body. A coupling portion is provided at each contact portion between the first core block and the second core block, for coupling the first and second core blocks. Thus, deformation of an initial shape of the stator or increase of a defect rate due to a molding material can be prevented, and heat and moisture can easily be discharged, so as to improve the efficiency and reliability of the reciprocating compressor.
US07659641B2 Moving magnet type linear slider
In some embodiments, a moving magnet type linear slider capable of eliminating a magnet suction force caused by a linear motor to minimize the linear guide friction is provided. The field of the linear motor includes magnet track having a horizontally arranged generally U-shaped magnetic yoke and plural pairs of field permanent magnets arranged on inner opposed surfaces of the magnetic yoke with polarities arranged alternately in a longitudinal direction of the magnetic yoke, each pair of the filed permanent magnets being arranged with opposite polarities faced with each other. The armature of the linear motor includes an armature holder mounted on the side portion of the fixed base in a vertically extended manner, and a planar coreless armature holder horizontally held by the armature holder. The stroke direction length Lmg of the magnet track is set to be longer than the stroke direction length La of the armature. Furthermore, a gravity compensation spring for compensating the weight of the movable unit is provided at the bottom portion of the magnet track so as to face the fixed base.
US07659639B2 Connection unit for the connection of electrical components to a motor vehicle battery
The invention relates to a connection unit for the connection of electrical and/or electronic components to a pole of a motor vehicle battery comprising a first conductor section that can be connected to a battery pole; a second conductor section originating from the first conductor section and including a main conductor and a bypass conductor, to which the at least one respective electrical and/or electronic component can be connected; an interruption unit, by which an electrical and/or electronic component connected to the main conductor can be electrically isolated from the battery; and at least one sensor for the measurement of a battery current and/or of a battery voltage.
US07659638B1 Neutral starter interlock for motorcycles
A neutral starter interlock for motorcycles, a form of electronic safety circuit, is disclosed. The interlock is designed as a retrofit especially for Harley-Davidson® Big Twin and Sportster® motorcycles manufactured prior to model-year 2007 and factory equipped with an electric starter and a neutral indicator light. The interlock circuit interconnects the neutral indicator circuit (between the battery and the transmission neutral switch) and the starting circuit (between the battery and the starter solenoid) of the motorcycle, and includes an electronic relay that bars current from flowing from the battery to the starter solenoid unless the motorcycle's transmission is in neutral. This prevents unanticipated movement of the motorcycle if an attempt is made to start the engine with the transmission in gear.
US07659637B2 Variable speed wind power generation system
A variable speed wind power generation system including a wind turbine, a generation power command unit for generating a generation power command value based on a state quantity of the wind turbine and a generator control unit for controlling the power converter for controlling electric power of the generator, wherein the generator control unit operates to regulate the generation power of the generator in order to change the generation power amount according to the generation power command value.
US07659635B2 Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the same
A semiconductor device of the present invention includes a chip which has a pad; a bump electrode formed on the pad; and a wire whose stitch bonding is made on the bump electrode. The wire satisfies a condition: (modulus-of-elasticity/breaking strength per unit area)≧400.
US07659634B2 Lead frame, method of manufacturing the same, semiconductor device using lead frame and method of manufacturing semiconductor device
There is provided a lead frame which comprises: a lead frame body comprising a sheet-shaped body made of metal; a groove portion for forming a lead which is formed by a predetermined depth in a lead forming region on a surface of the lead frame body; and a lead portion formed so that the lead portion can protrude from the groove portion onto the surface of the lead frame body, the lead portion being made of material different from material of the lead frame body. A thin type semiconductor device is provided in which the above lead frame is used and after a chip is mounted, the lead frame body is removed by means of etching.
US07659629B2 Semiconductor integrated circuit
A semiconductor integrated circuit having a multilayer wiring structure is provided which includes: a top metal wiring layer (MTOP) including a plurality of top layer power supply wirings and a next-to-top metal wiring layer (MTOP-1) directly below the top metal wiring layer MTOP including a plurality of next-to-top layer power supply wirings. Each of the top layer and the next-to-top layer power supply wirings also includes first potential wirings for supplying a first potential to the circuit elements and second potential wirings for supplying a second potential to the circuit elements. The top layer power supply wirings and the next-to-top layer power supply wirings cross each other and have a top layer insulating film disposed between them. First and second contacts are provided in the insulating film for connecting the first potential wirings and second potential wirings in the top and the next-to-top metal wiring layers with each other.
US07659627B2 Photodiode
A photodiode balanced in increased sensitivity and speed. The photodiode includes a semiconductor substrate, an active region formed on the semiconductor substrate, and a comb electrode connected to the active region. The comb electrode includes a plurality of electrode fingers, and each of the electrode fingers includes a transparent electrode contacting the active region, and an opaque electrode formed on the transparent electrode. Here, the width of the opaque electrode is set smaller than the width of the transparent electrode.
US07659625B2 Contact structure of a wires and method manufacturing the same, and thin film transistor substrate including the contact structure and method manufacturing the same
In a method of fabricating a thin film transistor array substrate for a liquid crystal display, a gate line assembly is formed on a substrate with a chrome-based under-layer and an aluminum alloy-based over-layer while proceeding in the horizontal direction. The gate line assembly has gate lines, and gate electrodes, and gate pads. A gate insulating layer is deposited onto the insulating substrate such that the gate insulating layer covers the gate line assembly. A semiconductor layer and an ohmic contact layer are sequentially formed on the gate insulating layer. A data line assembly is formed on the ohmic contact layer with a chrome-based under-layer and an aluminum alloy-based over-layer. The data line assembly has data lines crossing over the gate lines, source electrodes, drain electrodes, and data pads. A protective layer is deposited onto the substrate, and patterned to thereby form contact holes exposing the drain electrodes, the gate pads, and the data pads. The sidewall of the under-layers for the gate line assembly and the data line assembly is exposed through the contact holes. An IZO-based layer is deposited onto the substrate, and patterned to thereby form pixel electrodes, subsidiary gate pads, and subsidiary data pads. The pixel electrodes are connected to the sidewall of the drain electrodes, and the subsidiary gate and data pads are connected to the sidewall of the gate and the data pads.
US07659624B2 Semiconductor device having a nanoscale conductive structure
A semiconductor device includes a substrate, an insulating layer having an opening, the opening exposing a portion of the substrate, a hydrophobic layer covering substantially only a sidewall and a top surface of the insulating layer, and a nanoscale conductive structure on the exposed portion of the substrate.
US07659620B2 Integrated circuit package employing a flexible substrate
An integrated circuit package includes a flexible laminar substrate 1. The substrate 1 has a flexible layer 5 of heat conductive material on one of its faces. The layer 5 extends across an aperture 9 in the flexible substrate 1. A first integrated circuit 11 is mounted on the layer 5 within the aperture 9, and wire bonded to the substrate 1. A flip chip 21 is mounted on the first integrated circuit 11. The two integrated circuits 11, 21 are embedded in a resin body 23.
US07659619B1 Structures for Z-aligned proximity communication
A device includes a first semiconductor die having a first surface and a second surface. The first semiconductor die is configured to communicate by capacitive coupling using one or more of a plurality of proximity connectors proximate to the first surface. The first semiconductor die is configured to have a flexibility compliance greater than a first pre-determined value in a direction substantially perpendicular to a plane including the plurality of proximity connectors in order to reduce misalignment in the direction between the plurality of proximity connectors and additional proximity connectors on another device.
US07659618B2 Semiconductor device for radio frequencies of more than 10 GHz and method for producing the device
A semiconductor device for radio frequencies of more than 10 GHz having a semiconductor chip is disclosed. In one embodiment, the semiconductor chip, on its active top side, having a radio-frequency region and a low-frequency region and/or a region which is supplied with DC voltage. In one embodiment, the low-frequency region and/or the region which is supplied with DC voltage of the semiconductor chip is directly embedded in a plastic housing composition, the plastic housing composition is arranged such that it is spaced apart from the radio-frequency region on the active top side of the semiconductor chip.
US07659617B2 Substrate for a flexible microelectronic assembly and a method of fabricating thereof
Substrates having integrated rigid and flexible regions and methods of fabricating such substrates are disclosed. The substrates may advantageously be used for mounting semiconductor chips used in flexible microelectronic assemblies.
US07659614B2 High temperature, stable SiC device interconnects and packages having low thermal resistance
A method of forming packages containing SiC or other semiconductor devices bonded to other components or conductive surfaces utilizing transient liquid phase (TLP) bonding to create high temperature melting point bonds using in situ formed ternary or quaternary mixtures of conductive metals and the devices created using TLP bonds of ternary or quaternary materials. The compositions meet the conflicting requirements of an interconnect or joint that can be exposed to high temperature, and is thermally and electrically conductive, void and creep resistant, corrosion resistant, and reliable upon temperature and power cycling.
US07659613B2 Semiconductor device
A frame-shaped sidewall is provided on a metallic base plate surrounding a semiconductor element arranged on the metallic base plate, which is provided with a stepped surface positioned at lower level at a portion of the base plate than a main surface of the base plate. A first dielectric plate is arranged on one side of the semiconductor element and a first circuit pattern is formed on its surface, a second dielectric plate is arranged on another side of the semiconductor element and a second circuit pattern is formed on the first and the second dielectric plate. An insulator is mounted on the stepped surface of the base plate, which forms a part of the sidewall. Power supply portions are provided including a band-shaped conductor. An interconnection is provided which connects the band-shaped conductor to the circuit pattern.
US07659603B2 Semiconductor and method for manufacturing the same
A semiconductor device includes a substrate formed with a predetermined trench, a plurality of devices fixed into the trench, an etch stop layer on an entire surface of the substrate including the devices while selectively exposing the devices, an interlayer dielectric layer on the etch stop layer, in which the interlayer dielectric layer includes a predetermined via hole and a predetermined trench, and a via plug and a metal line formed on the interlayer dielectric layer while filling the via hole and the trench.
US07659601B2 Semiconductor device having moisture-proof dam and method of fabricating the same
A semiconductor device having a moisture-proof dam and a method of fabricating the same are provided. The semiconductor device includes an interlayer insulating layer provided on a substrate having a fuse region. A fuse guard dam is provided on the interlayer insulating layer to surround the fuse region. A cover insulating layer is provided on the interlayer insulating layer to cover the fuse guard dam and have a fuse window exposing a middle part of the fuse region, and at least two upper extension dams are provided in the cover insulating layer to sequentially surround the fuse region and be connected to the fuse guard dam.
US07659599B2 Patterned silicon-on-insulator layers and methods for forming the same
In an aspect, a method is provided for forming a silicon-on-insulator (SOI) layer. The method includes the steps of (1) providing a silicon substrate; (2) selectively implanting the silicon substrate with oxygen using a low implant energy to form an ultra-thin patterned seed layer; and (3) employing the ultra-thin patterned seed layer to form a patterned SOI layer on the silicon substrate. Numerous other aspects are provided.
US07659595B2 Embedded bonding pad for backside illuminated image sensor
The present disclosure provide a microelectronic device. The microelectronic device includes a sensing element formed in the semiconductor substrate; a trench isolation feature formed in the semiconductor substrate; a bonding pad formed at least partially in the trench isolation feature; and interconnect features formed over the sensing element and the trench isolation feature, being coupled to the sensing element and the bonding pad, and isolated from each other by interlayer dielectric.
US07659587B2 Complementary metal oxide semiconductor transistor technology using selective epitaxy of a strained silicon germanium layer
A CMOS integrated circuit includes a substrate having an NMOS region with a P-well and a PMOS region with an N-well. A shallow trench isolation (STI) region is formed between the NMOS and PMOS regions and a composite silicon layer comprising a strained SiGe layer is formed over said P well region and over said N well region. The composite silicon layer is disconnected at the STI region. Gate electrodes are then formed on the composite layer in the NMOS and PMOS regions.
US07659583B2 Ultrathin SOI CMOS devices employing differential STI liners
An oxynitride pad layer and a masking layer are formed on an ultrathin semiconductor-on-insulator substrate containing a top semiconductor layer comprising silicon. A first portion of a shallow trench is patterned in a top semiconductor layer by lithographic masking of an NFET region and an etch, in which exposed portions of the buried insulator layer is recessed and the top semiconductor layer is undercut. A thick thermal silicon oxide liner is formed on the exposed sidewalls and bottom peripheral surfaces of a PFET active area to apply a high laterally compressive stress. A second portion of the shallow trench is formed by lithographic masking of a PFET region including the PFET active area. A thin thermal silicon oxide or no thermal silicon oxide is formed on exposed sidewalls of the NFET active area, which is subjected to a low lateral compressive stress or no lateral compressive stress.
US07659582B2 Active silicon device on a cleaved silicon-on-insulator substrate
A system and method for hydrogen (H) exfoliation are provided for attaching silicon-on-insulator (SOI) fabricated circuits to carrier substrates. The method comprises: providing a SOI substrate, including a silicon (Si) active layer and buried oxide (BOX) layer overlying a Si substrate; forming a circuit in the Si active layer; forming a blocking mask over selected circuit areas; implanting H in the Si substrate; annealing; removing the blocking mask; in response to the H implanting, forming a cleaving plane in the Si substrate; bonding the circuit the top oxide layer to the carrier substrate; and, cleaving the Si substrate. More specifically, the cleaving plane is formed along a horizontal peak concentration (Rp) H layer in the Si substrate and along the buried oxide layer interface.
US07659564B2 CMOS imager photodiode with enhanced capacitance
A pixel sensor cell having a semiconductor substrate having a surface; a photosensitive element formed in a substrate having a non-laterally disposed charge collection region entirely isolated from a physical boundary including the substrate surface. The photosensitive element comprises a trench having sidewalls formed in the substrate of a first conductivity type material; a first doped layer of a second conductivity type material formed adjacent to at least one of the sidewalls; and a second doped layer of the first conductivity type material formed between the first doped layer and the at least one trench sidewall and formed at a surface of the substrate, the second doped layer isolating the first doped layer from the at least one trench sidewall and the substrate surface. In a further embodiment, an additional photosensitive element is provided that includes a laterally disposed charge collection region that contacts the non-laterally disposed charge collection region of the photosensitive element and underlies the doped layer formed at the substrate surface.
US07659563B2 Complementary metal-oxide-silicon (CMOS) image sensor and method of forming the same
A complementary metal-oxide silicon (CMOS) image sensor includes a semiconductor layer of a first conductivity type, a plurality of pixels located in the semiconductor layer, a photoelectric converter located in each of the plurality of pixels in the semiconductor layer and includes a region doped with impurities of a second conductivity type. The CMOS image sensor further includes a deep well of a first conductivity type located in a lower position than the photoelectric converter in the semiconductor layer and has a higher impurity concentration than that of the semiconductor layer. The deep well is located only in a portion of each of the plurality of pixels.
US07659560B2 Transistor structures
A transistor gate forming method includes forming a metal layer within a line opening and forming a fill layer within the opening over the metal layer. The fill layer is substantially selectively etchable with respect to the metal layer. A transistor structure includes a line opening, a dielectric layer within the opening, a metal layer over the dielectric layer within the opening, and a fill layer over the metal layer within the opening. The metal layer/fill layer combination exhibits less intrinsic less than would otherwise exist if the fill layer were replaced by an increased thickness of the metal layer. The inventions apply at least to 3-D transistor structures.
US07659556B2 Electron injection composition for light emitting element, light emitting element, and light emitting device
In the present invention, an electron injection composition for a light-emitting element, comprising a pyridine derivative represented by general formula 1 and at least one of an alkali metal, an alkali earth metal, and a transition metal, is used to form an electron injection layer in a portion of a layer including luminescent material in a light-emitting element, and it is also an object of the present invention to provide, by using the composition, a light-emitting element that has more superior characteristics and a longer lifetime as compared to conventional ones, where each of X1 and X2 represents: (where each of R1 to R8 represents hydrogen, halogen, a cyano group, an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, a haloalkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, an alkoxyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group, or a substituted or unsubstituted heterocyclic group).
US07659553B2 Light-emitting semiconductor device protected against reflector metal migration
An LED has a light-generating semiconductor region formed on a baseplate via a metal-made reflector layer. The light-generating semiconductor region has an active layer sandwiched between a pair of claddings of opposite conductivity types. An annular marginal space is left around the reflector layer between the light-generating semiconductor region and the substrate. In order to preclude the thermal migration of the reflector metal onto the side surfaces of the light-generating semiconductor region, with a possible short-circuiting of the pair of claddings across the active layer, an anti-migration seal is received in the annular marginal space created around the reflector layer between the light-generating semiconductor region and the baseplate.
US07659552B2 Optical lens and light emitting device using the same
An exemplary optical lens (300) includes a top surface (301), a base portion (304) opposite to the top surface, and a peripheral side surface defining a first refractive portion (302). The top surface is a generally funnel-shaped top surface. The first refractive portion is corrugated with a plurality of protruding ridge structures, and each of the ridge structures includes a refractive surface (3021). An exemplary light emitting device incorporating the optical lens is also provided.
US07659546B2 Light emitting device
A light emitting device firstly includes a light emitting diode (LED) structure, having a top surface with a light emitting region. The device also has a heterojunction within the device structure, the heterojunction having a p-type and an n-type semiconductor layer, and a plurality of electrodes positioned on the top surface, each being electrically connected to one of the p-type and n-type semiconductor layers. At least a first and a second electrodes are connected to a same type semiconductor layer and are physically separated from each other. The device further includes a first and a second heterojunction regions within the heterojunction, each being respectively defined between one of the first and second electrodes and one of the other electrodes connected to the other type semiconductor layer. The first and second heterojunction regions are alternatively driven for emitting lights in the time domain.
US07659544B2 Light emitting device with at least two alternately driven light emitting diodes
A light emitting device includes a first light emitting diode (LED) emitting a first light emission of at least a first wavelength, and a second light emitting diode emitting a second light emission of at least a second wavelength. The second LED is placed in close proximity to the first LED such that after a mixing length from the first and second LEDs, a combination of the first and second lights is perceived as one color in the human vision. In use, the first and second LEDs are alternately driven by a power source in the time domain.
US07659543B2 Organic light emitting display and method of fabricating the same
An organic light emitting display including a pixel electrode arranged on a substrate, an organic layer arranged on the pixel electrode and including at least a hole injection layer, a hole acceleration layer, a hole transport layer, and an emission layer, and an opposite electrode arranged on the organic layer. The hole acceleration layer is formed of a material having a hole mobility that is higher than that of the hole injection layer.
US07659540B2 Materials for electroluminescence and the utilization thereof
The present invention relates to organic semiconductors which contain structural units L=X and in addition structural units which emit light from the triplet state. The materials according to the invention are more soluble and easier to synthesize and are therefore more suitable for use in organic light-emitting diodes than comparative materials in accordance with the prior art.
US07659536B2 High performance hyperspectral detectors using photon controlling cavities
According to various embodiments, a photodetector including a first contact layer, a second contact layer, an active region, and a photonic crystal resonant cavity is disclosed. The photonic crystal resonant cavity can operate as a resonant structure to enhance the response of the photodetector at one or more wavelengths. In various embodiments, the photodetectors including a photonic crystal resonant cavity can, for example, demonstrate increased responsivity and quantum efficiency, lower the operating temperature, and/or be used to form a hyperspectral detector.
US07659529B2 Method and apparatus for vibration reduction in laser system line narrowing unit wavelength selection optical element
A method and apparatus is disclosed that may comprise an ultraviolet light source; an optical element within an optical path of the light source mounted on an optical element mount; a vibration damping mechanism operatively connected to the optical element or to the mount which may comprise a wire mesh pad. The optical element may comprise a center wavelength selection optical element, which may comprise a grating, a mirror, or a prism. The vibration damping mechanism may comprise the wire mesh pad comprising an elastic interface between a driving mechanism lever arm operable to move the optical element or the mount and a driving lever arm actuator. The vibration damping mechanism may comprise a mass damping mechanism comprising a mounting plate connected to the optical element or to the mount; a damping mass; the wire mesh pad comprising an elastic interface between the mounting plate and the damping mass.
US07659528B2 Particle beam irradiation system
A particle beam irradiation system includes a particle beam irradiation apparatus, which is free of a gantry structure, having a particle beam irradiator for irradiating an affected area of a patient with a particle beam, the particle beam irradiator being housed in a chamber, a CT scanner installed in the chamber, for positionally confirming the affected area of the patient, a drive unit for moving the patient from a detection range to an irradiation range, a patient fixing device for fixing the patient in position, the device being mounted on the drive unit for rotation, and a housing unit having a structure housing the drive unit with the patient fixing device mounted and the CT scanner, the housing unit being rotatable about an axis perpendicular to a plane including a direction in which the particle beam is applied and a direction in which the drive unit moves.
US07659523B1 Integrated assembly for delivery of air stream for optical analysis
An integrated particle detection apparatus for optical detection of particles in an air stream. The particle detection apparatus includes a scalper for removing large particles from the air stream, a concentrator for separating out small particles and increasing the concentration of particles of interest, and a fluorescence sensor system for detecting the particles present in the air stream. The scalper, concentrator and sensor may include a single integrated unit, such that the scalper is fluidly contiguous with the concentrator and the concentrator is fluidly contiguous with the sensor.
US07659520B2 Orbitron based stand-off explosives detection
A microwave or terahertz and neutron radiation type detector, which uses an orbitron as a radiation source. The detector may have a polarity switching apparatus to enable the orbitron to selectively change from between short wave to neutron emission functions. A highly compact and lightweight identifier of explosives and other chemicals, which may be so small and light as to be hand held, and which is effective at stand-off distances, is thereby provided.
US07659511B2 Image pickup apparatus, image display system, and method for controlling the image pickup apparatus
An image pickup apparatus includes an irradiation unit for radiating, to an object, light having a plurality of wavelength regions, and an image pickup unit for picking up an image that is obtained when the light having the wavelength regions is radiated by the irradiation unit and an image that is obtained when the light is not radiated by the irradiation unit. Based on both images, a wavelength region from among the wavelength regions is determined in which the intensity of external light is low. The irradiation unit is then controlled to radiate light having an increased emission intensity for the light having the wavelength region in which the intensity of external light is low.
US07659508B2 Method for measuring dimensions of sample and scanning electron microscope
The present invention suppresses decreases in the volumes of the patterns which have been formed on the surfaces of semiconductor samples or of the like, or performs accurate length measurements, irrespective of such decreases. In an electrically charged particle ray apparatus by which the line widths and other length data of the patterns formed on samples are to be measured by scanning the surface of each sample with electrically charged particle rays and detecting the secondary electrons released from the sample, the scanning line interval of said electrically charged particle rays is set so as not to exceed the irradiation density dictated by the physical characteristics of the sample. Or measured length data is calculated from prestored approximation functions.
US07659505B2 Ion source vessel and methods
An ion source and method for providing ionized particles to a molecular/atomic analyser, such as a mass spectrometer, are disclosed. The ion source includes a vessel defining a channel; a gas inlet extending from the gas source into the channel, for introducing a gas flow into the channel; a sample inlet extending into the channel for introducing sample within the channel; and an ionizer to ionize the sample in the channel. The vessel is sufficiently sealed to allow the channel to be pressurized, at a pressure in excess of 100 Torr. At least one gas source maintains the pressure of the channel at a pressure in excess of 100 Torr and the pressure exterior to the channel at a pressure in excess of 0.1 Torr and provides a gas flow that sweeps across the ionizer to guide and entrain ions from the ionizer to the outlet.
US07659502B2 Optical tactile sensor
An optical tactile sensor and an image information integrating method capable of measuring large area force vector distribution are provided. The optical tactile sensor comprises a tactile section comprising a transparent elastic body (1) and a plurality of markers (3, 4) provided therein, and a plurality of imaging devices (6, 6) for obtaining a marker image by photographing the behavior of the markers when an object (5) contacts the tactile face (2) of the transparent elastic body (1). The method comprises a step of obtaining a partial image by photographing the partial regions A, B, C and D of the transparent resilient body (1) using the plurality of imaging devices (6, 6) such that each imaging device (6) has an overlapped photograph region (11), and a step of integrating the partial images obtained by each imaging device (6) such that the identical markers in the overlapped photograph region match.
US07659499B2 Photoelectric conversion device and solid-state imaging device
A photoelectric conversion device including: a first electrode; a photoelectric conversion layer; and a second electrode, in this order, wherein the photoelectric conversion device further includes: a deterioration factor adsorptive and/or reactive layer which covers the first electrode, the photoelectric conversion layer and the second electrode and which has at least one of adsorptivity of adsorbing a deterioration factor and reactivity of reacting with the deterioration factor; and a passivation layer which covers the deterioration factor adsorptive and/or reactive layer to protect the first electrode, the photoelectric conversion layer and the second electrode.
US07659494B2 Laser target seeker device
A laser target seeker device arranged to receive a laser beam reflected from an object. Detector elements are arranged to detect the reflected laser beam. A processor is arranged to determine the received radiation on the respective detector element in order to determine the origin of the laser beam. A diffractor is arranged relative to the detector elements and configured to diffract the reflected laser beam into portions prior to being detected by the detector elements. The detector elements are arranged to detect the respective portion. A flyable body is for hitting a target by means of a laser beam. A system for hitting a target by means of a laser beam. A method for detecting a laser beam reflected from an object. Use of a kinoform member in a laser target seeker for diffracting a laser beam.
US07659491B2 Refrigerator door and refrigerator therewith
The present invention relates to a refrigerator door which can prevent vapor condensation on one side thereof, and a refrigerator therewith. To achieve this, the present invention provides a refrigerator door including one pair of door bodies rotatably connected to a refrigerator body; and a heating device provided to at least one of ends of the door bodies facing each other in a state the door bodies are closed, for prevention of vapor condensation on the ends of the door bodies; and a refrigerator therewith, thereby preventing vapor condensation on one side of the door, permitting the user to use the refrigerator with comfort.
US07659488B2 Composite electrode for a plasma arc torch
A plasma arc torch that includes a torch body having a nozzle mounted relative to a composite electrode in the body to define a plasma chamber. The torch body includes a plasma flow path for directing a plasma gas to the plasma chamber in which a plasma arc is formed. The nozzle includes a hollow, body portion and a substantially solid, head portion defining an exit orifice. The composite electrode can be made of a metallic material (e.g., silver) with high thermal conductivity in the forward portion electrode body adjacent the emitting surface, and the aft portion of the electrode body is made of a second low cost, metallic material with good thermal and electrical conductivity. This composite electrode configuration produces an electrode with reduced electrode wear or pitting comparable to a silver electrode, for a price comparable to that of a copper electrode.
US07659482B2 Adapter card electromagnetic compatibility shielding
An electromagnetic shield comprising an electrically conductive frame for establishing electrical contact between a chassis wall and an expansion card mounting bracket. The frame has a plurality of spring fingers interconnected about a perimeter of a central opening in the frame, wherein each spring finger defines a central axis that extends outwardly away from the central opening. The frame may include a substantially planar portion adjacent the central opening in the frame, wherein the plurality of spring fingers incline along the central axis to extend out of the plane defined by the substantially planar portion. The incline of the spring fingers allows a mounting bracket to slide laterally without jamming against the side of a spring finger during installation, removal or side-to-side shifting of the mounting plate.
US07659480B2 Vehicle grommet
A grommet is attached between a body panel and a trunk lid at a location spaced from a hinge structure that movably supports the trunk lid. The grommet forms a wiring passageway between an opening in the body panel and an opening in the trunk lid. The grommet includes a body mounting end, a closure panel mounting end, a first flexible section, a second flexible section and a middle flexible section. The first flexible section extends from the body mounting end and the second flexible section extends from the closure panel mounting end. The middle flexible section extends between the first and second flexible sections in a free floating configuration with respect to the hinge structure, with the first and second flexible sections having a more bendable configuration than the middle flexible section.
US07659479B2 Tool for installing electrical boxes
A tool for installing various configurations of electrical boxes to framing studs during building construction includes a staff having graduations indicating distances from an end of the staff. A mounting fixture is slidably disposed on the staff and can be secured at a desired position along the length of the staff corresponding to a desired installation height for the electrical boxes. The mounting fixture may include pins for engaging apertures on an electrical box, and magnets for magnetically engaging metal electrical boxes, to help retain the electrical boxes on the mounting fixture during installation.
US07659477B2 Mounting bracket with far side support
A mounting bracket is provided for supporting an electrical box to a support structure. The mounting bracket includes a mounting base for coupling to the electrical box, and a body member extending perpendicular to the mounting base and extending against the back wall of the electrical box. The body member includes a support member and extension member that can be folded outwardly from the back wall of the electrical box to contact an opposing wall and support the electrical box. In another embodiment, the mounting bracket includes a front plate with a central opening for receiving an electrical box and a pair of extension members that extend in a rearward direction with respect to the electrical box. The support members can include an extension member that can be folded outwardly to contact an opposing wall surface to support the electrical box.
US07659468B1 Guitar stand system and method of use
A guitar stand system including a bracket, a strap, and one or more studs. The bracket is provided with an upper portion having a horizontally projecting brace and a lower portion having a pair of downwardly projecting legs defining a slot therebetween. A pair of spaced apart hitches is provided on the upper portion of the bracket. The studs may be mounted on a stable object or structure and the bracket may be slidably engaged on the studs. A guitar may be leaned adjacent to the bracket. The strap, which is provided with an “O” ring at each end, may be drawn across the guitar neck and the “O” rings may be engaged on the hitches to confine the guitar securely on the stand.
US07659466B1 Tuning device for stringed musical instrument
A tuning device for a stringed musical instrument comprising a socket to receive a peg of the instrument, a shaft rotatably connected to the socket, a motor to induce rotation of the shaft, a first gear to reduce the shaft rotation and increase torque from the motor, the first gear being engaged to the motor, a second gear to exponentially reduce the reduced shaft rotation, the second gear being engaged between the shaft and the first gear, a cutter to trim a string of the instrument, and a housing to cover and protect the shaft, the motor, and the gears, where the cutter is attached to the housing opposing the socket.
US07659463B2 Viola/violin shoulder rest
A viola/violin shoulder rest includes a first pad and a second pad made of soft foamed plastic material. A retainer is fixed between the first pad and the second pad. Each of the first pad and the second pad is formed with a sound reflection area which is a through hole. The sound reflection area of the first pad is alternatively stuffed with a natural sponge block. The sponge block is selectively coated at its top a gold foil. A number of feet made of silicon gel are fixed on the first pad in delta arrangement. A number of fastening posts are disposed on an upper surface of the retainer. A resilient band extends through where between the retainer and the second pad for the viola/violin player to deliver optimal sound color and quality.
US07659456B2 Plants and seeds of corn variety CV858395
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated CV858395. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CV858395, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CV858395 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to corn seeds and plants produced by crossing plants of variety CV858395 with plants of another variety, such as another inbred line. The invention further relates to the inbred and hybrid genetic complements of plants of variety CV858395.
US07659454B1 Soybean variety D5882437
The invention relates to the soybean variety designated D5882437. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety D5882437. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety D5882437 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety D5882437 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.
US07659450B2 Lcb1 subunit of serine palmitoyltransferase
This invention relates to an isolated nucleic acid fragment encoding a serine palmitoyltransferase Lcb1 subunit. The invention also relates to the construction of a chimeric gene encoding all or a portion of the serine palmitoyltransferase Lcb1 subunit, in sense or antisense orientation, wherein expression of the chimeric gene results in production of altered levels of the serine palmitoyltransferase Lcb1 subunit in a transformed host cell.
US07659447B2 Increasing host plant susceptibility to agrobacterium infection by overexpression of the arabidopsis VIP1 gene
The present invention is directed to methods and compositions which employ an Arabidopsis VIP1 gene or VIP1-like gene from another plant species for purposes of increasing host plant susceptibility to Agrobacterium infection. Methods for increasing susceptibility of a host to Agrobacterium infection and methods for improving Agrobacterium-mediated gene transfer are provided. Also provided are chimeric genes and expression vectors that, upon introduction into a plant cell, enable the plant cell to become more susceptible to Agrobacterium infection and thus better transformed via Agrobacterium-mediated gene transfer. Transgenic plant cells and plants regenerated therefrom which overexpress a VIP1 or VIP1-like gene are also provided.
US07659446B2 Polynucleotides and polypeptides in plants
The invention relates to plant transcription factor polypeptides, polynucleotides that encode them, homologs from a variety of plant species, and methods of using the polynucleotides and polypeptides to produce transgenic plants having advantageous properties compared to a reference plant. Sequence information related to these polynucleotides and polypeptides can also be used in bioinformatic search methods is also disclosed.
US07659445B2 Expression of plasminogen and microplasminogen in duck weed
The present invention provides methods and compositions for the production of recombinant plasminogen, microplasminogen, and fragments thereof in a duckweed expression system. It is the novel finding of the present invention that a duckweed expression system may be used to produce high levels of plasminogen and microplasminogen. The duckweed-produced plasminogen and microplasminogen can be activated to produce a polypeptide having protease activity. Thus, the invention encompasses methods for the expression of plasminogen, microplasminogen, and fragments thereof in duckweed, duckweed plants that are transformed with expression cassettes for the expression of plasminogen, microplasminogen, and fragments thereof, and nucleic acids comprising nucleotide sequences encoding plasminogen, microplasminogen, and fragments thereof, where these nucleotide sequences are modified to enhance their expression in duckweed.
US07659444B2 Compositions and methods using RNA interference for control of nematodes
The present invention concerns double stranded RNA compositions and transgenic plants capable of inhibiting expression of essential genes in parasitic nematodes, and methods associated therewith. Specifically, the invention relates to the use of RNA interference to inhibit expression of a target essential parasitic nematode gene, which is a parasitic nematode pas-5 gene, and relates to the generation of plants that have increased resistance to parasitic nematodes.
US07659443B2 Method of constructing nucleus-implanted egg, parthenogenetic embryo and parthenogenetic mammal
Disclosed is a method for constructing a nucleus-implanted egg, a parthenogenetic embryo and for producing a parthenogenetic mammal each having 2 haploid genome sets originating in mammalian ova, and provides methods of constructing a nucleus-implanted egg having a haploid genome set derived from primitive ovarian follicle egg (ng ovum) and a haploid genome set from MII phase (second meiosis metaphase) egg (fg ovum), a parthenogenetic embryo and a parthenogenetic mammal, including steps (1) introducing ng ovum into a nucleus-deleted deleted germinal vesicle stage (GV) egg, developing the obtained egg to MII phase by in vitro maturing and culturing to prepare a first nucleus-implanted egg, and (2) extracting MII phase chromosome from the first nucleus-implanted egg and introducing it into other fg ovum to prepare a second nucleus-implanted egg, wherein a ng or fg ovum from which an imprinted gene undergoing epigenetic modification during sperm generation is used.
US07659442B2 Method for making homozygous genetic modifications
Methods of generating modified embryos and mammals by introduction of donor cells into an early stage embryo are provided, such that the resulting embryo and animal generated therefrom has a significant contribution to all tissues from the donor cells and is capable of transmitting the donor cell DNA.
US07659440B2 Glow in the dark absorbent article
The present invention provides an article to be worn about a wearer including features that glow in the dark, are illuminative, are light emitting, or are reflective. These features may assist in the identification, location, entertainment, or changing of the wearer, as well as assist in the location of a fresh diaper for changing in a low light environment.
US07659438B1 Isomerization of wet hexanes
A method to isomerize one or more wet hexanes in the presence of a catalyst comprising tungsten, zirconium and a Group VIII metal is provided.
US07659433B2 Purification of 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoroisopropanol
1,1,1,3,3,3-Hexafluoroisopropanol (HFIP) substantially free of 1,1,1-trifluoroacetone (TFA) can be separated from a mixture containing both compounds by A) catalytic reduction with hydrogen followed by fractional distillation; B) cooling to a temperature at which HFIP freezes and TFA remains liquid; C) forming a high boiling complex comprising HF and TFA followed by fractional distillation; or D) producing HF-free conditions to yield a HFIP/TFA azeotrope followed by fractional distillation. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract, which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR § 1.72(b).
US07659422B2 Hydrocyanation process with reduced yield losses
A hydrocyanation process produces adiponitrile and other dinitriles having six carbon atoms. The process involves forming a reaction mixture in the presence of at least one Lewis acid. The reaction mixture includes ethylenically unsaturated nitriles having five carbon atoms, hydrogen cyanide, and a catalyst precursor composition. The reaction mixture is continuously fed while controlling the overall feed molar ratio of 2-pentenenitriles to all unsaturated nitriles and the overall feed molar ratio of hydrogen cyanide to all unsaturated nitriles. In the reaction product mixture, including adiponitrile, the ratio of the concentration of 2-pentenenitriles to the concentration of 3-pentenenitriles is from about 0.2/1 to about 10/1. Included in the catalyst precursor composition is a zero-valent nickel and at least one bidentate phosphite ligand.
US07659419B2 Stabilizing agent for hydroalkoxysilane, stabilization method, and stabilized hydroalkoxysilane
A stabilizing agent for a hydroalkoxysilane such as triethoxysilane and trimethoxysilane characterized by comprising a carboxylate such as an alkali metal salt or an alkali earth metal salt of a carboxylic acid having 1 to 18 carbon atoms; a method for stabilizing a hydroalkoxysilane by combining it with a carboxylate; and a hydroalkoxysilane stabilized with a carboxylate.
US07659413B2 (Meth) acryloyl group-containing oxetane compound and production method thereof
The present invention relates to an oxetane compound containing a (meth)acryloyl group represented by formula (1) having a high copolymerizability with compounds containing a (meth)acryloyl group, and to a production method of an oxetane compound containing a (meth)acryloyl group which is characterized by reacting an isocyanate compound having a (meth)acryloyl group represented by formula (5) with an oxetane compound containing a hydroxyl group represented by formula (6). (In the formula, R1 represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group, A represents —OR2— or a bond, R2 represents a divalent hydrocarbon group which may contain an oxygen atom in the main chain, R3 represents a linear or branched alkylene group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, and R4 represents a linear or branched alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms.)
US07659411B2 Process for producing 2-acylthiophene compound
The present invention provides a process for producing a 2-acylthiophene compound which has a low content of the 3-isomer generated as a by-product, the process comprising reacting a thiophene compound represented by formula (1): wherein R1is a hydrogen atom, a C1-6 alkyl group, a phenyl group, or a halogen atom, with at least one member selected from the group consisting of acid anhydrides represented by formula (2): wherein R2 is a C1-6 alkyl group or a phenyl group, and acid halides represented by formula (3): wherein R2 is as defined above and X is a halogen atom, in the presence of a solid acid catalyst at a temperature less than 75° C. in the absence of solvent, thus producing a 2-acylthiophene compound represented by formula (4): wherein R1 and R2 are as defined above.
US07659409B2 3-Hydroxy-3-(2-thienyl) propionamides and production method thereof, and production method of 3-amino-1-(2-thienyl)-1-propanols using the same
The object of the present invention is to provide 3-hydroxy-3-(2-thienyl)propionamides useful as synthesis intermediates of pharmaceutical preparations and the like and a method for obtaining optically active 3-amino-1-(2-thienyl)-1-propanols using the same with high reaction yield, high optical yield and industrially low cost.According to the present invention, 3-amino-1-(2-thienyl)-1-propanols are obtained by carrying out asymmetric reduction of a β-ketocarbonyl compound having thiophene ring in the presence of a catalyst constituted from a compound of a group VIII or IX metal in the periodic table (e.g., a ruthenium compound) and an asymmetric ligand represented by a specified optically active diamine derivative (e.g., a diphenylethylenediamine derivative), or using a cell, a treated product of said cell or the like of a microorganism, and as occasion demands, carrying out amidation of the ester group and then carrying out reduction of the amido group. (each of the substituents is as described in claim 1).
US07659405B2 Polymorph of a pharmaceutical
A new crystalline polymorph of ritonavir and methods for its use and preparation are disclosed.
US07659404B2 Broad spectrum 2-(substituted-amino)-benzothiazole sulfonamide HIV protease inhibitors
The present invention concerns the compounds having the formula N-oxides, salts, stereoisomeric forms, racemic mixtures, prodrugs, esters and metabolites thereof, wherein R1 and R8 each are H, optionally substituted C1-6alkyl, C2-6alkenyl, C3-7cycloalkyl, aryl, Het1, Het2; R1 may also be a radical of formula (R11aR11b)NC(R10aR10b)CR9—; t is 0, 1 or 2; R2 is H or C1-6alkyl; L is —C(═O)—, —O—C(═O)—, —NR8—C(═O)—, —O—C1-6alkanediyl-C(═O)—, —NR8—C1-6alkanediyl-C(═O)—, —S(═O)2—, —O—S(═O)2—, —NR8—S(═O)2; R3 is C1-6alkyl, aryl, C3-7cycloalkyl, C3-7cycloalkylC1-4alkyl, or arylC1-4alkyl; R4 is H, C1-4alkylOC(═O), carboxyl, aminoC(═O), mono- or di(C1-4alkyl)aminoC(═O), C3-7cycloalkyl, C2-6alkenyl, C2-6alkynyl or optionally substituted C1-6alkyl; A is C1-6alkanediyl, —C(═O)—, —C(═S)—, —S(═O)2—, C1-6alkanediyl-C(═O)—, C1-6alkanediyl-C(═S)— or C1-6alkanediyl-S(═O)2—; R5 is H, OH, C1-6alkyl, Het1C1-6alkyl, Het2C1-6alkyl, optionally substituted aminoC1-6alkyl; R6 is C1-6alkylO, Het1, Het1O, Het2, Het2O, aryl, arylO, C1-6alkyloxycarbonylamino or amino; and in case —A— is other than C1-6alkanediyl then R6 may also be C1-6alkyl, Het1C1-4alkyl, Het1OC1-4alkyl, Het2C1-4alkyl, Het2OC1-4alkyl, arylC1-4alkyl, arylOC1-4alkyl or aminoC1-4alkyl; whereby each of the amino groups in the definition of R6 may optionally be substituted; R5 and —A—R6 taken together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached may also form Het1 or Het2. It further relates to their use as broadspectrum HIV protease inhibitors, processes for their preparation as well as pharmaceutical compositions and diagnostic kits comprising them. It also concerns combinations thereof with another anti-retroviral agent, and to their use in assays as reference compounds or as reagents.
US07659403B2 Biphenyl compounds useful as muscarinic receptor antagonists
The invention provides compounds of formula I: wherein a, b, c, m, n, q, r, W, Z1, Ar1, Z2, Y, R1, R2, and R3 are as defined in the specification. The compounds of formula I are muscarinic receptor antagonists. The invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions containing such compounds, processes and intermediates for preparing such compounds and methods of using such compounds to treat pulmonary disorders.
US07659402B2 Piperidines as opioid receptor modulators
This invention is directed towards novel compounds as opioid receptor modulators, antagonists, and agonists useful for the treatment of opioid modulated disorders such as pain and gastrointestinal disorders.
US07659399B2 1-thia-2,4a-diaza-cyclopenta[b]napththalene-3,4-diones and related compounds as anti-infective agents
The invention provides compounds and salts of Formula I and Formula II: which possess antimicrobial activity. The invention also provides novel synthetic intermediates useful in making compounds of Formula I and Formula II. The variables A1, A8, R2, R3, R5, R6, R7, and R9 are defined herein. Certain compounds of Formula I and Formula II disclosed herein are potent and selective inhibitors of bacterial DNA synthesis and bacterial replication. The invention also provides antimicrobial compositions, including pharmaceutical compositions, containing one or more compounds of Formula I or Formula II and one or more carriers, excipients, or diluents. Such compositions may contain a compound of Formula I or Formula II as the only active agent or may contain a combination of a compound of Formula I or Formula II and one or more other active agents. The invention also provides methods for treating microbial infections in animals.
US07659395B2 Urea derivatives as calcium channel blockers
Urea derivatives which comprise compounds of the formula wherein A is H, B is piperidine and each Ar is phenyl are disclosed as useful in treating conditions such as pain, epilepsy, diabetes or prostate cancer.
US07659393B2 Method of preparing cis-8b-methyldecahydro-2a,4a,6a,8a-tetraazacyclopenta[fg]acenaphthylene, cis-decahydro-2a,4a,6a,8a-tetraazacyclopenta[fg]acenaphthylene, cyclene and functionalised cyclenes
A method of preparing cyclene having formula (I) from triethylenetetraamine having formula (VIII) or ethylenediamine having formula (VIII′) includes a series of steps. The first series of steps (I) includes a step A (one-pot preparation of the compound having formula (IIa) from the compound having formula (VIII)), followed by a step B (transforming the compound having formula (IIa) into cyclene having formula (I)). The second series of steps (II) includes a step C (preparing the compound having formula (IIb) from the compound having formula (VIII)), followed by a step D (transforming the compound having formula (IIb) into cylcene having formula (I)). The third series of steps (III) includes a step E involving the onepot preparation of the compound having formula (IIa) from the compound having formula (VIII), followed by a step B involving the transformation of the compound having formula (IIa) into cyclene having formula (I).
US07659391B2 Method for the in vitro synthesis of short double stranded RNAs
The present invention relates to the field of synthesis of short double-stranded RNAs. An in vitro transcription method using bacteriophage polymerases and target sequence-specific single-stranded DNA oligonucleotides as templates is disclosed. The present invention finds particularly advantageous use in the synthesis of short interfering RNAs (siRNAs) that have been shown to function as key intermediates in triggering sequence-specific RNA degradation during posttranscriptional gene silencing in plants and RNA interference in invertebrates and vertebrate systems.
US07659390B2 RNA interference mediated inhibition of muscarinic colinergic receptor gene expression using short interfering nucleic acid (siNA)
The present invention relates to compounds, compositions, and methods useful for modulating the expression of genes associated with respiratory and pulmonary disease, such as cholinergic muscarinic receptor genes, using short interfering nucleic acid (siNA) molecules. This invention also relates to compounds, compositions, and methods useful for modulating the expression and activity of cholinergic muscarinic receptor genes, or other genes involved in pathways of cholinergic muscarinic receptor gene expression and/or activity by RNA interference (RNAi) using small nucleic acid molecules. In particular, the instant invention features small nucleic acid molecules, such as short interfering nucleic acid (siNA), short interfering RNA (siRNA), double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), micro-RNA (miRNA), and short hairpin RNA (shRNA) molecules and methods used to modulate the expression of M3 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor or cholinergic receptor muscarinic 3 (CHRM3).
US07659384B2 Polynucleotides encoding fully human antibodies against human 4-1BB
Fully human antibodies and antigen-binding portions thereof that bind to human 4-1BB and that allow binding of human 4-1BB to a human 4-1BB ligand. In one aspect, the antibody is an IgG4 antibody. Also provided is a method for treating a disease in a subject comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of the antibody to said subject.
US07659383B2 Feline 5T4 antigen
Canine and feline 5T4 polypeptide sequences and nucleotide sequences encoding them are provided. A vector system comprising a nucleic acid encoding 5T4 and a 5T4-specific agent are also provided.
US07659374B2 Eph receptor Fc variants with enhanced antibody dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity activity
The present invention relates to novel Fc variants that immuno-specifically bind to an Eph receptor. The Fc variants comprise a binding region that immunospecifically binds to an Eph receptor and an Fc region that further comprises at least one novel amino acid residue which may provide for enhanced effector function. More specifically, this invention provides Fc variants that have modified binding affinity to one or more Fc ligand (e.g., FcγR, C1q). Additionally, the Fc variants have altered antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) and/or complement dependent cytotoxicity (CDC) activity. The invention further provides methods and protocols for the application of said Fc variants that immunospecifically bind to an Eph receptor, particularly for therapeutic purposes.
US07659373B2 Erythropoietin with high specific activity
The invention concerns new EPO compositions with high specific activity which are characterized by a high proportion of N-acetyl-lactosamine units or/and tetraantennary branches in the carbohydrate structure. In addition the invention concerns a process for producing such EPO products.
US07659371B2 Patched polypeptides and uses related thereto
Methods for isolating patched genes, including the mouse and human patched genes, as well as invertebrate patched genes and sequences, are provided. Decreased expression of patched is associated with the occurrence of human cancers, particularly basal cell carcinomas of the skin. The patched and hedgehog genes are useful in creating transgenic animal models for these human cancers. The patched nucleic acid compositions find use in identifying homologous or related proteins and the DNA sequences encoding such proteins; in producing compositions that modulate the expression or function of the protein; and in studying associated physiological pathways. In addition, modulation of the gene activity in vivo is used for prophylactic and therapeutic purposes, such as treatment of cancer, identification of cell type based on expression, and the like. The DNA is further used as a diagnostic for a genetic predisposition to cancer, and to identify specific cancers having mutations in this gene.
US07659370B2 Human DRG11-responsive axonal guidance and outgrowth of neurite (dragon) proteins and variants thereof
This invention features methods and compositions useful for treating and diagnosing diseases of the nervous system, retina, skin, muscle, joint, and cartilage using a Dragon family protein. Protein and nucleic acid sequences of human, murine, zebrafish, and C. elegans Dragon family members are also disclosed.
US07659369B2 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.
US07659357B2 Silica film forming material, silica film and method of manufacturing the same, multilayer wiring structure and method of manufacturing the same, and semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the same
The silica film forming material of the present invention comprises a silicone polymer which comprises, as part of its structure, CHx, an Si—O—Si bond, an Si—CH3 bond and an Si—CHx- bond, where x represents an integer of 0 to 2.
US07659353B2 Hyperbranched polymers
A method for limiting the transmission of light through a material is disclosed. In the method, a layer composed of a hyperbranched polymer formed via a copolycyclotrimerization reaction is interposed between a light source and the material. Also provided is a method for emitting light comprising exciting the hyperbranched polymer. In addition, methods for limiting the transmission of light and for emitting light using hyperbranched polymers formed by homopolycyclotrimerization reactions are disclosed. A new class of hyperbranched polymers produced by copolycyclotrimerization is also disclosed.
US07659352B2 Antireflective coating composition, antireflection film, and fabrication method thereof
An antireflective coating composition, antireflection films and fabrication method thereof. The antireflection film is constructed by stacked crosslink colloid particles, having a plurality of nanopores distributed uniformly therein. Due to the nanopores, the antireflection film has a refractive index less than 1.45, reducing the reflectivity of less than 3.0%. Furthermore, since the antireflection film comprises crosslink oxide colloid, the film exhibits superior mechanical strength and is suitable for use in display devices.
US07659350B2 Polymerization method for formation of thermally exfoliated graphite oxide containing polymer
A process for polymerization of at least one monomer including polymerizing the at least one monomer in the presence of a modified graphite oxide material, which is a thermally exfoliated graphite oxide with a surface area of from about 300 m2/g to 2600 m2/g.
US07659348B2 Crosslinked (meth)acrylamide particles, process for their production and their use
Crosslinked (meth)acrylamide particles in the form of substantially spherical fine particles having particle sizes of from 1 to 1000 μm made of a polymer of a N-alkoxymethyl(meth)acrylamide and a polyfunctional unsaturated monomer copolymerizable with the N-alkoxymethyl(meth)acrylamide, wherein the structural units derived from the N-alkoxymethyl(meth)acrylamide are crosslinked by a crosslink having a structure represented by the formula 1 (wherein X is hydrogen or a methyl group, and each of R8 and R9 is another structural unit derived from the N-alkoxymethyl(meth)acrylamide and bonded to the nitrogen atom in another structural unit derived from the N-alkoxymethyl(meth)acrylamide monomer via a methylene group).
US07659347B2 Fluorine-containing elastomer composition and molded article comprising the same
The present invention provides a fluorine-containing elastomer composition excellent in heat resistance, comprising a fluorine-containing elastomer containing a vinylidene fluoride unit, which is capable of a crosslinking reaction, and a crosslinking agent. The present invention also provides a molded article, a sealing material, and a sealing material for an oxygen sensor excellent in heat resistance, which comprises the composition. The present invention is a fluorine-containing elastomer composition comprising (A) at least one compound selected form the group consisting of a compound containing at least two crosslinking reaction group s represented by the general formula (1), a compound represented by the general formula (2), a compound represented by the general formula (3) and a compound represented by the general formula (4); and (B) a fluorine-containing elastomer capable of a crosslinking reaction with the compound (A), comprising a vinylidene fluoride unit.
US07659344B2 Shaped articles containing poly(vinylpyrrolidone)-iodine complex
Disclosed is a composition, which may be melt extrudable, comprising polyvinylpyrrolidone-iodine complex in at least one polymer. Also disclosed is a process for preparing the composition or shaped articles, including films, made therefrom. The composition can be extruded, blown film extruded, or molded into films, fibers, tubing, and shaped articles thermoformed or molded shapes, including containers, usable, for instance, as catheters, in delivery systems for drugs and nutrients, specimen containers, or surgical devices.
US07659341B2 Aqueous compositions for can coating
An aqueous coating composition containing A) one or more water-dilutable polyester polyols having an OH number of from 20 to 300 mg KOH/g and an acid number of from 20 to 80 mg KOH/g, obtained by reacting a) 49 to 40 mol % of a carboxylic acid component containing a1) one or more aliphatic, cycloaliphatic, araliphatic and/or aromatic carboxylic acids with a COOH functionality ≧2 and a2) optionally, aromatic, cycloaliphatic and/or aliphatic monocarboxylic acids with b) 51 to 60 mol % of an alcohol component containing b1) one or more aliphatic, cycloaliphatic and/or araliphatic polyols with Mn of from 62 to 272 g/mol and an average OH functionality ≧2 and b2) optionally, aliphatic, cycloaliphatic and/or araliphatic monoalcohols, B) one or more OH-reactive crosslinkers C) water, D) neutralizing agents and E) optionally solvents, auxiliaries and additives. The aqueous coating compositions can be used for coating metal substrates, such as cans.
US07659340B2 Low VOC universal paint colorant compositions
A universal colorant composition for both solvent- and water-based paints and coatings includes a colorant component, such as pigment, dye, colorant, tinting agent and/or metal effect agent; a surfactant package including at least one alkyd-compatible; surfactant and at least one latex-compatible surfactant; and a carrier. When the surfactant package is added to a base paint it provides a mixture having a drop in viscosity of less than about 50%.
US07659337B2 Elastomeric blend for air barriers comprising grafted resin components
A composition suitable for an air barrier such as an automotive tire innertube, innerliner, and aircraft tire innertube or innerliner, curing bladders, and other pneumatic devices is disclosed. The composition comprises an elastomer, a processing oil, and a grafted resin component.
US07659332B2 Flame retardant polycarbonate thermoplastic resin composition having good extrusion moldability and impact resistance
One aspect of the invention relates to a flame retardant thermoplastic resin composition. The invention also relates to a method of making the foregoing composition and an article made from the foregoing composition.
US07659331B2 Shapeable resin compositions
The present invention provides a shapeable resin-containing composition comprising at least one saccharide ester, preferably according to Formula I. wherein “A” is hydrogen or has the structure of Structure I: wherein “R” is an aliphatic or aromatic moiety of about eight to about 40 carbon atoms, and wherein at least one “A” moiety of Formula I is a moiety of Structure I. Also provided are shaping methods and shaped products based on the present compositions.
US07659330B2 Thermoplastic composites containing lignocellulosic materials and methods of making same
A composite includes raw lignocellulosic materials dispersed in a thermoplastic polymeric matrix which includes a blend of different polymers. A composite includes raw lignocellulosic materials and a thermal stabilization agent dispersed in a thermoplastic polymeric matrix. A composite includes lignocellulosic nanoparticles dispersed in a thermoplastic polymeric matrix.
US07659323B2 Hydrophilic gel from reactive hydrophilic oligomers
Hydrophilic compositions are described, which are prepared from a first oligomer containing pendent polymerizable groups and pendent hydrophilic groups, crosslinked with a co-reactive second component oligomer possessing photoinitiator groups. The compositions may be used as in preparation of hydrophilic gel coatings or layers for medical devices.
US07659321B2 Photoinitiator anchored to silicate and use thereof to prepare polymer exfoliated silicate nanocomposite
Photoinitiator modified silicate and ethylenically unsaturated monomer are reacted in solvent to cause living polymerization of monomer and exfoliation of silicate layers and cause attachment of silicate layers to polymer chains, thereby providing dispersed homopolymer or block copolymer silicate nanocomposites.
US07659313B2 Methods and related compositions using specific indanes to reduce weight and inhibit lipase, α-amylase and α-glucosidase activity in mammals
The present invention relates generally to methods and related compositions using flavonoids and/or indanes extracted from the stems and leaves of C. quadrangularis to reduce weight and inhibit lipase, α-amylase and α-glucosidase activity in mammals. By example and not by way of limitation, embodiments of the present disclosure, a composition and related methods for reducing body weight and/or inhibiting any combination of lipase, α-amylase and α-glucosidase is provided. The composition contains an effective amount of one or more flavonoids or indanes selected from 3-O-rhamnopyranosylkaempferol, 3-(4-hydroxybenzylidene)-2-(2,5-dihydroxyphenyl)-1-(4-hydroxyphenyl)indane-4,6-diol, quercitrin, rhamnitrin, rhamnocitrin, quercitrin-3-O″-acetate and parthenocissin A.
US07659306B2 Method of increasing gastric emptying
The invention discloses the administration of nafadotride partially reverse the effect of dopamine on gastric emptying in patients suffering from gastroesophageal reflux.
US07659305B2 Therapeutic proline derivatives
The compounds of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate or pro-drug thereof, are proline derivatives useful in the treatment of epilepsy, faintness attacks, hypokinesia, cranial disorders, neurodegenerative disorders, depression, anxiety, panic, pain, fibromyalgia, arthritis, neuropathalogical disorders, sleep disorders, visceral pain disorders and gastrointestinal disorders. Processes for the preparation of the final products and intermediates useful in the process are included. Pharmaceutical compositions containing one or more of the compounds are also included.
US07659303B2 Methods of using (+)-2-[1-(3-Ethoxy-4-methoxyphenyl)-2-methylsulfonylethyl]-4- acetylaminoisoindoline-1,3-dione
Stereomerically pure (+)-2-[1-(3-Ethoxy-4-methoxyphenyl)-2-methylsulfonylethyl]-4-acetylaminoisoindoline-1,3-dione, substantially free of its (−) isomer, and prodrugs, metabolites, polymorphs, salts, solvates, hydrates, and clathrates thereof are discussed. Also discussed are methods of using and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the (+) enantiomer of 2-[1-(3-Ethoxy-4-methoxyphenyl)-2-methylsulfonylethyl]-4-acetylaminoisoindoline-1,3-dione are disclosed. The methods include methods of treating and/or preventing disorders ameliorated by the reduction of levels of TNF-α or the inhibition of PDE4.
US07659295B2 Therapeutic substituted thiazolidinones, oxazolidinones, and related compounds
A compound having a structure is disclosed herein. Therapeutic methods, compositions, and medicaments related thereto are also disclosed.
US07659294B2 2-(aryl)azacyclylmethyl carboxylates, sulfonates, phosphonates, phosphinates and heterocycles as S1P receptor agonists
The present invention encompasses compounds of Formula I: as well as the pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. The compounds are S1P1/Edg1 receptor agonists and thus have immunosuppressive, anti-inflammatory and hemostatic activities by modulating leukocyte trafficking, sequestering lymphocytes in secondary lymphoid tissues, and enhancing vascular integrity. The invention is also directed to pharmaceutical compositions containing such compounds and methods of treatment or prevention.
US07659286B2 N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-N-methyl-4-(quinolin-8-yl(1-(thiazol-4-ylmethyl)piperidin-4-ylidene)methyl)benzamide
N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-N-methyl-4-(quinolin-8-yl(1-(thiazol-4-ylmethyl)piperidin-4-ylidene)methyl)benzamide, pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, and/or mixtures thereof, as well as, pharmaceutical compositions thereof, methods of treatment therewith, and processes of making N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-N-methyl-4-(quinolin-8-yl(1-(thiazol-4-ylmethyl)piperidin-4-ylidene)methyl)benzamide and intermediates thereof.
US07659279B2 Quinazoline derivatives and their use in the treatment of cancer
The invention concerns quinazoline derivatives of the formula: (I); wherein X1, Q1, Z, R1, R2, Y, a and m are as defined in the description, which are erbB tyrosine kinase inhibitors, particularly EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Also claimed are processes for their preparation; pharmaceutical compositions containing them; and their use as therapeutic agents in the treatment of erbB tyrosine kinase mediated diseases such as cancer.
US07659274B2 Unsaturated mTOR inhibitors
Compounds represented by Formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, are inhibitors of mTOR and useful in the treatment of cancer.
US07659267B2 1,3-Benzothiazinone derivatives, process for producing the same use thereof
As prophylactic and/or therapeutic agents for cardiovascular diseases, bone or joint diseases, infectious diseases, inflammatory diseases, kidney diseases, etc. having safe and excellent effects of cell death inhibition, MIF binding, etc., there are provided compounds represented by formula: [wherein, R1 represents a halogen atom, etc., R2 represents a group represented by formula: (wherein, R3 represents hydrogen atom, an optionally substituted alkoxy, etc., R4 represents hydrogen atom, bromine atom, cyano, etc., R5 represents hydrogen atom, hydroxy, etc., R6 represents hydrogen atom, etc., R7 represents hydrogen atom, etc.) etc., and n represents an integer of 0 to 4] or salts thereof.
US07659262B2 Combretastatin A-4 phosphate prodrug mono- and di-organic amine salts, mono- and di-amino acid salts, and mono- and di-amino acid ester salts
Provided herein are novel and useful combretastatin A-4 prodrug salts that increase the solubility of combretastatin A-4, readily regenerate combretastatin A-4 in vivo under normal physiological conditions, and which produce physiologically tolerable products as a result of the regeneration of combretastatin A-4.
US07659259B2 Method of treating inflammation of the eye
The present invention includes a method of treating inflammation of the eye comprising administering to an eye of a patient suffering from inflammation of the eye, a composition comprising an aqueous solution of alginate having a minimum of about 50% mannuronate residues based upon the total number of saccharide monomeric units.
US07659252B2 Transdermal delivery peptides and method of use thereof
Transdermal delivery peptides for the treatment of skin diseases and/or facilitation or enhancement of transdermal delivery of pharmaceutically active agents are provided. Compositions comprising the transdermal delivery peptides and methods of therapeutic use, including the improvement of transdermal delivery of drugs or other pharmaceutically active agents, are also disclosed. Nucleic acids, expression vectors, and methods of their use, which encode the transdermal delivery peptides are disclosed. Methods are also provided for in vivo phage display for identifying further peptides with enhanced transdermal delivery capability.
US07659250B2 BMP-7 variant compositions, methods and uses
Human Bone Morphogenic Protein 7 (hBMP-7) variant peptide chains, nucleic acids encoding these peptide chains, and methods of making and using the foregoing are disclosed.
US07659247B2 Production of a von Willebrand factor preparation having a high specific activity
This invention relates to a process for the production of a von Willebrand factor preparation having a high specific activity, hydroxylapatite being used as a chromatography medium.
US07659243B2 Treatment of ALS and variants thereof consisting of primary lateral sclerosis (PLS) or spinal muscular atrophy (SMA)
The invention relates to the use of angiogenin, or a fragment or variant thereof, to treat diseases or conditions characterised by neuronal injury or death, or axonal degeneration, especially neurodegenerative diseases such as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). The invention also describes a plurality of mutations of the human angiogenin gene which are associated with a neurodegenerative disease phenotype, and particularly a ALS phenotype. Also described is a method of assessing whether an individual is afflicted with, or generically predisposed to develop, a disease or condition characterised by neuronal injury or death, or axonal degeneration.
US07659241B2 Drug conjugates and their use for treating cancer, an autoimmune disease or an infectious disease
Compounds and compositions are disclosed in which a Drug unit (D) is linked to a Ligand unit (L). In an exemplary embodiment, the compound is of the formula LAa-Ww-Yy-D)p  Ia or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, where A is a stretcher unit, W is an amino acid unit, Y is a spacer unit, D is of the formula and a, w, y, p and R2-R10 are as disclosed in the specification. Methods for treating cancer, autoimmune disease, and infectious disease using the compounds and compositions of the invention are also disclosed.
US07659240B2 Mucin immobilized chromatography
An in vitro high-throughput screening method that models the absorption of drugs across the epithelial mucosa is provided. The invention discloses an in vitro mucin immobilized chromatography model to estimate drug permeability coefficients. The invention describes compositions for mucin immobilized chromatography media and methods to prepare this media. The invention also discloses a method to estimate in vitro drug permeability coefficients using mucin immobilized chromatography media. The invention also discloses methods to determine absorption processes in the digestive system and discloses methods of use for mucin chromatography media in column, batch, assay, diagnostic, or high-throughput screening analyses.
US07659239B2 Process of incorporating microcapsules into dryer-added fabric care articles
Dryer-added fabric conditioning articles that comprise friable perfume microcapsules provide consumers an impactful freshness experience while wearing clothing that is treated by the article. Manufacturing processes of incorporating friable perfume microcapsules into dryer-added articles that maximizes the yield of unruptured microcapsules are provided.
US07659228B2 Synergistic insecticide mixtures
The invention relates to insecticidal mixtures of fipronil and agonists or antagonist of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors for the protection of industrial materials and plants.
US07659227B2 Catalysts for hydrogen production
Embodiments of the present invention provide catalysts for production of hydrogen from methanol. In an embodiment, a Cu/Zn catalyst may be promoted by Zr and/or Ce, in addition to, in embodiments, Pd or another noble metal. In an embodiment, a chemical composition may have a Cu/Zn base catalyst with a promoter element of Ce, Zr, and/or Pd or another noble metal. Methods of producing hydrogen using such catalysts are also provided.
US07659225B2 Precious metal catalyst for debenzylation
Disclosed is a catalyst composite containing a metal catalyst and a specifically defined carbon support containing a carbonaceous material. For example, the carbon support may have a total pore surface area of about 800 m2/g or more and about 2,000 m2/g or less where about 20% or less of the total pore surface area is micro pore surface area. Alternatively the carbon support may have a total pore volume of at least about 0.75 cc/g where about 15% or less of the total pore volume is micro pore volume. Alternatively, the carbon support may have a phosphorus content of about 0.75% by weight or less. Also disclosed are methods of making and using the catalyst composite.
US07659221B2 Metal nanostructured colorants for high redox glass
A colorant for a high redox glass composition comprising: total iron (Fe2O3) 0 to 1.1 weight percent; and from 0.0001 to 0.15 weight percent of at least one of the following: Cu nanostructures, Au nanostructures, or Ag nanostructures, wherein the weight percents are based on the total weight of the glass composition. The colorant of the invention can be used to make glass compositions having various colors.
US07659219B2 Highly porous self-cohered web materials having haemostatic properties
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. The web materials possess haemostatic properties.
US07659216B2 Method for producing annealed wafer and annealed wafer
The present invention is a method for producing an annealed wafer, wherein, at least, when a boat in which a semiconductor wafer is placed is inserted into a furnace tube, the boat is inserted along with introducing an inert gas into the furnace, so that entirety of the semiconductor wafer to be a product reaches a thermally uniform portion, then an insertion rate of the boat in which the semiconductor wafer is placed is decelerated and/or suspended, so that an interval between the furnace tube and the shutter is maintained for a predetermined time, and then the furnace tube is blocked in with the shutter. Thereby, there can be provided a method for producing an annealed wafer by which during the heat treatment, it can be more certainly prevented that the wafer is contaminated with conductive impurities and that thereby resistivity of the wafer is changed before and after the heat treatment.
US07659211B2 Method and apparatus for fabricating a memory device with a dielectric etch stop layer
The present technique relates to a method and apparatus to provide a dielectric etch stop layer that prevents shorts for a buried digit layer as an interconnect. In a memory device, such as DRAM or SRAM, various layers are deposited to form structures, such as PMOS gates, NMOS gates, memory cells, P+ active areas, and N+ active areas. These structures are fabricated through the use of multiple masking processes, which may cause shorts when a buried digit layer is deposited if the masking processes are misaligned. Accordingly, a dielectric etch stop layer, such as aluminum oxide Al2O3 or silicon carbide SiC, may be utilized in the array to prevent shorts between the wordlines, active areas, and the buried digit layer when the contacts are misaligned.
US07659209B2 Barrier metal film production method
A Cl2 gas plasma is generated at a site within a chamber between a substrate and a metal member. The metal member is etched with the Cl2 gas plasma to form a precursor. A nitrogen gas is excited in a manner isolated from the chamber accommodating the substrate. A metal nitride is formed upon reaction between excited nitrogen and the precursor, and formed as a film on the substrate. After film formation of the metal nitride, a metal component of the precursor is formed as a film on the metal nitride on the substrate. In this manner, a barrier metal film with excellent burial properties and a very small thickness is produced at a high speed, with diffusion of metal being suppressed and adhesion to the metal being improved.
US07659208B2 Method for forming high density patterns
Methods are disclosed, such as those involving increasing the density of isolated features in an integrated circuit. In one or more embodiments, a method is provided for forming an integrated circuit with a pattern of isolated features having a final density of isolated features that is greater than a starting density of isolated features in the integrated circuit by a multiple of two or more. The method can include forming a pattern of pillars having a density X, and forming a pattern of holes amongst the pillars, the holes having a density at least X. The pillars can be selectively removed to form a pattern of holes having a density at least 2X. In some embodiments, plugs can be formed in the pattern of holes, such as by epitaxial deposition on the substrate, in order to provide a pattern of pillars having a density 2X. In other embodiments, the pattern of holes can be transferred to the substrate by etching.
US07659203B2 Electroless deposition process on a silicon contact
Embodiments as described herein provide methods for depositing a material on a substrate during electroless deposition processes, as well as compositions of the electroless deposition solutions. In one embodiment, the substrate contains a contact aperture having an exposed silicon contact surface. In another embodiment, the substrate contains a contact aperture having an exposed silicide contact surface. The apertures are filled with a metal contact material by exposing the substrate to an electroless deposition process. The metal contact material may contain a cobalt material, a nickel material, or alloys thereof. Prior to filling the apertures, the substrate may be exposed to a variety of pretreatment processes, such as preclean processes and activations processes. A preclean process may remove organic residues, native oxides, and other contaminants during a wet clean process or a plasma etch process. Embodiments of the process also provide the deposition of additional layers, such as a capping layer.
US07659201B2 Process for manufacturing semiconductor integrated circuit device
In order to provide an anticorrosive technique for metal wirings formed by a chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) method, a process for manufacturing a semiconductor integrated circuit device according to the invention comprises the steps of: forming a metal layer of Cu (or a Cu alloy containing Cu as a main component) over the major face of a wafer and then planarizing the metal layer by a chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) method to form metal wirings; anticorroding the planarized major face of the wafer to form a hydrophobic protective film over the surfaces of the metal wirings; immersing the anticorroded major face of the wafer or keeping the same in a wet state so that it may not become dry; and post-cleaning the major face, kept in the wet state, of the wafer.
US07659200B2 Self-constrained anisotropic germanium nanostructure from electroplating
A nanostructure comprising germanium, including wires of less than 1 micron in diameter and walls of less than 1 micron in width, in contact with the substrate and extending outward from the substrate is provided along with a method of preparation.
US07659198B2 In-situ deposition for Cu hillock suppression
A semiconductor interconnect structure having reduced hillock formation and a method for forming the same are provided. The semiconductor interconnect structure includes a conductor formed in a dielectric layer. The conductor includes at least three sub-layers, wherein the ratio of the impurity concentrations in neighboring sub-layers is preferably greater than about two.
US07659197B1 Selective resputtering of metal seed layers
Metal seed layers are deposited on a semiconductor substrate having recessed features by a method that involves depositing a first portion of seed layer material, subsequently selectively resputtering the deposited seed layer material in the presence of exposed diffusion barrier material, and, depositing a second portion of the seed layer material. Resputtering operation improves seed layer coverage on the recessed feature sidewalls by redistributing seed layer material within the feature. Resputtering, however, sometimes exposes an underlying diffusion barrier material at the feature bottom and at the top corners of the feature. In order to prevent inadvertent removal of diffusion barrier layer, resputtering is performed under conditions that allow etching of the seed layer material at a rate which is at least five times greater than the etching rate of a diffusion barrier material. Selective resputtering is performed by impinging on the wafer substrate with low-energy argon and/or copper ions.
US07659194B2 High reliability multilayer circuit substrates and methods for their formation
A multilayer circuit substrate for multi-chip modules or hybrid circuits includes a dielectric base substrate, conductors formed on the base substrate and a vacuum deposited dielectric thin film formed over the conductors and the base substrate. The vacuum deposited dielectric thin film is patterned using sacrificial structures formed by shadow mask techniques. Substrates formed in this manner enable significant increases in interconnect density and significant reduction of over-all substrate thickness.
US07659191B2 Gold/silicon eutectic die bonding method
A direct gold/silicon eutectic die bonding method is disclosed. The method includes the steps of gold plating a die bonding pad, grinding a wafer to a desired thickness, dicing the wafer after the grinding step, picking a die, and attaching the die to the die bonding pad at a temperature above the gold/silicon eutectic temperature. For thinner wafers, a dicing before grinding process is employed.
US07659186B2 Method of manufacturing CMOS image sensor
A method for manufacturing the CMOS image sensor comprising forming an epitaxial layer provided with a plurality of photo diodes on a semiconductor substrate, coating a first photo resist on the epitaxial layer and performing a patterning process on the first photo resist using a predetermined reference value in order to form a first photo resist pattern, coating a second photo resist on the epitaxial layer and first photo resist pattern and performing a patterning process for the second photo resist in order to form the second photo resist pattern on the first photo resist pattern; and forming a well area of a pixel area by performing a dopant implantation process using a mask pattern including the first photo resist pattern and the second photo resist pattern.
US07659181B2 Sub-micron space liner and filler process
A method of depositing dielectric material into sub-micron spaces and resultant structures is provided. After a trench is etched in the surface of a wafer, an oxygen barrier is deposited into the trench. An expandable, oxidizable liner, preferably amorphous silicon, is then deposited. The trench is then filled with a spin-on dielectric (SOD) material. A densification process is then applied, whereby the SOD material contracts and the oxidizable liner expands. Preferably, the temperature is ramped up while oxidizing during at least part of the densification process. The resulting trench has a negligible vertical wet etch rate gradient and a negligible recess at the top of the trench.
US07659179B2 Method of forming transistor using step STI profile in memory device
A method of forming a memory device includes forming first and second isolation structures on a semiconductor substrate, the first and second isolation structures defining an active region therebetween; and etching a portion of the semiconductor substrate provided within the active region to define a step profile, so that the active region includes a first vertical portion and an upper primary surface, the first vertical portion extending above the upper primary surface.
US07659178B2 Semiconductor device structures with reduced junction capacitance and drain induced barrier lowering and methods for fabricating such device structures and for fabricating a semiconductor-on-insulator substrate
Semiconductor device structures with reduced junction capacitance and drain induced barrier lowering, methods for fabricating such device structures, and methods for forming a semiconductor-on-insulator substrate. The semiconductor structure comprises a semiconductor layer and a dielectric layer disposed between the semiconductor layer and the substrate. The dielectric layer includes a first dielectric region with a first dielectric constant and a second dielectric region with a second dielectric constant that is greater than the first dielectric constant. In one embodiment, the dielectric constant of the first dielectric region may be less than about 3.9 and the dielectric constant of the second dielectric region may be greater than about ten (10). The semiconductor-on-insulator substrate comprises a semiconductor layer separated from a bulk layer by an insulator layer of a high-dielectric constant material. The fabrication methods comprise modifying a region of the dielectric layer to have a lower dielectric constant.
US07659171B2 Methods and structure for forming self-aligned borderless contacts for strain engineered logic devices
A method for forming a borderless contact for a semiconductor FET (Field Effect Transistor) device, the method comprising, forming a gate conductor stack on a substrate, forming spacers on the substrate, such that the spacers and the gate conductor stack partially define a volume above the gate conductor stack, wherein the spacers are sized to define the volume such that a stress liner layer deposited on the gate conductor stack substantially fills the volume, depositing a liner layer on the substrate, the spacers, and the gate conductor stack, depositing a dielectric layer on the liner layer, etching to form a contact hole in the dielectric layer, etching to form the contact hole in the liner layer, such that a portion of a source/drain diffusion area formed in the substrate is exposed and depositing contact metal in the contact hole.
US07659170B2 Method of increasing transistor drive current by recessing an isolation trench
By recessing the isolation structure of a transistor prior to silicidation, the series resistance may be reduced due to the increased amount of metal silicide formed in the vicinity of the isolation structure. By recessing the isolation structure prior to the formation of the gate electrode, an increased degree of poly wrap around may be obtained, thereby increasing the effective channel width.
US07659169B2 Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing thereof
There is a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device with a dual gate field effect transistor, the method including a semiconductor body a semiconductor material having a surface with a source region and a drain region of a first conductivity type and with a channel region of a second conductivity type opposite to the first conductivity type between the source region and the drain region and with a first gate region separated from the surface of the semiconductor body by a first gate dielectric above the channel region and with a second gate region situated opposite to the first gate region and formed within a recess in an opposite surface of the semiconductor body so as to be separated from the channel region by a second gate dielectric wherein the recess is formed with a local change of the doping of the channel region and by etching starting from the opposite surface of the semiconductor body.
US07659168B2 eFuse and methods of manufacturing the same
In a first aspect, a first apparatus is provided. The first apparatus is an eFuse including (1) a semiconducting layer above an insulating oxide layer of a substrate; (2) a diode formed in the semiconducting layer; and (3) a silicide layer formed on the diode. Numerous other aspects are provided.
US07659165B2 Method of fabricating a field effect transistor
A field effect transistor in which at least one vertically arranged semiconductor column, with a diameter in the nanometer range, is located between a source and a contact and has an annular surround of a gate contact with retention of an insulation gap. A simplified production method is disclosed and the transistor produced thus is embodied such that the semiconductor columns are embedded in a first and a second insulation layer, between which a metal layer, running to the outside as a gate contact, is arranged, the ends of which, extending upwards through the second insulation layer, are partly converted into an insulator, or removed and replaced by an insulation material.
US07659161B2 Methods of forming storage nodes for a DRAM array
The invention includes memory arrays, and methods which can be utilized for forming memory arrays. A patterned etch stop can be used during memory array fabrication, with the etch stop covering storage node contact locations while leaving openings to bitline contact locations. An insulative material can be formed over the etch stop and over the bitline contact locations, and trenches can be formed through the insulative material. Conductive material can be provided within the trenches to form bitline interconnect lines which are in electrical contact with the bitline contact locations, and which are electrically isolated from the storage node contact locations by the etch stop. In subsequent processing, openings can be formed through the etch stop to the storage node contact locations. Memory storage devices can then be formed within the openings and in electrical contact with the storage node contact locations.
US07659152B2 Localized biasing for silicon on insulator structures
A silicon-on-insulator device has a localized biasing structure formed in the insulator layer of the SOI. The localized biasing structure includes a patterned conductor that provides a biasing signal to distinct regions of the silicon layer of the SOI. The conductor is recessed into the insulator layer to provide a substantially planar interface with the silicon layer. The conductor is connected to a bias voltage source. In an embodiment, a plurality of conductor is provided that respectively connected to a plurality of voltage sources. Thus, different regions of the silicon layer are biased by different bias signals.
US07659151B2 Flip chip with interposer, and methods of making same
A device is disclosed which includes a die comprising an integrated circuit and an interposer that is coupled to the die, the interposer having a smaller footprint than that of the die. A method is disclosed which includes operatively coupling an interposer to a die comprising an integrated circuit, the interposer having a smaller footprint than that of the die, and filling a space between the interposer and the die with an underfill material.
US07659148B2 Bonding method and apparatus
A bonding method and an apparatus that enable metal bonding under the atmospheric pressure and at room temperature, wherein the surfaces of objects (1b, 2a) to be bonded together are cleaned in an initial cleaning step (S1) to remove bonding inhibitor substances (G) such as oxides and adhered substances; one (1b) of the bonding surfaces is provided with an uneven profile with a predetermined roughness in a surface roughness control step (S3); a surface treatment step (S5) is performed to remove the substances (F) that have been removed but adhered to the bonding surfaces (1b, 2a) again; and the uneven bonding surface (1b) is pressed against the other bonding surface (2a) to bond them together.
US07659137B2 Structure capable of use for generation or detection of electromagnetic radiation, optical semiconductor device, and fabrication method of the structure
A fabrication method of fabricating a structure capable of being used for generation or detection of electromagnetic radiation includes a forming step of forming a layer containing a compound semiconductor on a substrate at a substrate temperature below about 300° C., a first heating step of heating the substrate with the layer in an ambience containing arsenic, and a second heating step of heating the substrate with the layer at the substrate temperature above about 600° C. in a gas ambience incapable of chemically reacting on the compound semiconductor. Structures of the present invention capable of being used for generation or detection of electromagnetic radiation can be fabricated using the fabrication method by appropriately regulating the substrate temperature, the heating time, the gas ambience and the like in the second heating step.
US07659135B2 Semiconductor device fabrication method and semiconductor device
A semiconductor device fabrication method in which when a semiconductor device with a built-in light receiving element is fabricated, a section for dividing the light receiving element is protected from damage caused by, for example, etching. An antireflection coating is formed not only on a light receiving area in a divided photodiode area but on a division area including a junction area between a division section outside the light receiving area for dividing a photodiode and a cathode. A polycrystalline silicon film is formed so as to cover the antireflection coating. Accordingly, the antireflection coating on the junction area between the division section outside the light receiving area and the cathode is protected against, for example, etching by the polycrystalline silicon film. As a result, the appearance of a crystal defect, a change in impurity concentration, or the like is suppressed in this area. Therefore, a high-performance high-quality semiconductor device with a built-in photodiode can be fabricated.
US07659131B2 Process for producing a flat panel radiation detector and a flat panel radiation detector
Because a restricting plate 27 is disposed using a spacer 25, an upper plate 15 is allowed to expand upward when resin is injected, but unnecessary overexpansion is restricted by the restricting plate 27. Therefore the injection of a slightly larger amount of resin 37 does not cause a distortion or breakage of the upper plate 15 and a large amount resin 37 than the predetermined amount may be injected. As a result, damage to the upper plate 15 by the injection of the resin 37 and damage to the upper plate 15, the exfoliation of the radiation sensitive layer, and the like caused by the curing of the resin 37 may be prevented and damage to the flat panel radiation detector 1 may be prevented thereby.
US07659127B2 Manufacturing device of semiconductor package and manufacturing method of semiconductor package
A manufacturing device of a semiconductor package includes: a holding element for holding a substrate; a bonding element for holding the package and bonding a first metal bump of the package to a second metal bump of the substrate; a monitoring element for irradiating an infrared light toward the substrate and monitoring an electrode pad under the second metal bump based on a reflected light reflected on the pad; and a determination element for determining a state of a bonding surface between the first and second metal bumps based on monitoring information of the pad. The monitoring element faces the bonding element through the holding element, the substrate and the package.
US07659124B2 Method for the detection and/or analysis of compounds simultaneously exhibiting nuclear quadrupolar resonance and nuclear magnetic resonance, or double nuclear quadrupolar resonance
The present invention contributes to the resolution of the problem of detecting, for example, plastic explosives, which are not easily detected by conventional inspection techniques, as those based on X-ray apparatuses; or those using more sophisticated means from traces of explosive material which may remain, “contaminating” the external surface of luggage. As regards the first technique, the invention has an additional advantage in that it is fully automatic, that is, it is independent from the operator's ability to interpret low contrast images. As regards the second technology, the main advantage of the present invention consists of its speed and safety when inspecting luggage.
US07659123B2 In situ remedial alternative and aquifer properties evaluation probe system
In general, the purpose of the probe system is to provide improved rapid field methods using re-designed direct push technology (DPT) and “push-pull testing” concepts to evaluate in situ chemical, biochemical, surfactant, adsorptive media, and leaching and fixation remediation technologies for hazardous subsurface contaminant(s). The probe system and methods described here when applied to a hazardous waste site being considered for in situ remediation of contaminants (organic or inorganic) by the listed treatment technologies will yield information that greatly reduces the uncertainty with regards to treatment effectiveness for the in situ soil, groundwater, and contaminant(s) conditions affecting dosage requirements and reaction rate(s) for various reactants. The probe system described here is multi-purpose in that it was designed: 1) to measure the relative permeability of the subsurface soil and groundwater to a liquid or gas ejectant, 2) to recover soil gas, soil, or groundwater samples for contaminant analyses, 3) to measure the chemical dosage and reaction, dissolution, adsorption, desorption, leaching, or fixation rate of a reactant such as a chemical or biochemical oxidant, metallic or bimetallic dehalogenating agent, surfactant or emulsifier solution, adsorbent media regenerant, leaching or fixation reagent that is injected into the matrix and withdrawn during a push-pull test, 4) to perform combinations of the above, 5) to measure the in situ adsorption capacity of adsorbent media and subsequently measure the effectiveness of regenerant(s) for the adsorbent media, and (6) to measure the effectiveness of a treated soil column for inorganic contaminant(s) leaching or fixation. In addition to being an in situ remedial alternatives evaluation tool, the probe system can be used as a reactant(s) delivery device after the specific remedial technology has been selected.
US07659120B2 Δ 15 desaturases suitable for altering levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids in oleaginous plants and yeast
The present invention relates to fungal Δ-15 fatty acid desaturases that are able to catalyze the conversion of linoleic acid (18:2, LA) to alpha-linolenic acid (18:3, ALA). Nucleic acid sequences encoding the desaturases, nucleic acid sequences which hybridize thereto, DNA constructs comprising the desaturase genes, and recombinant host plants and microorganisms expressing increased levels of the desaturases are described. Methods of increasing production of specific omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids by over-expression of the Δ-15 fatty acid desaturases are also described herein.
US07659119B2 Method and compositions for obtaining mature dendritic cells
We describe an improved method for generating sizable numbers of mature dendritic cells from nonproliferating progenitors in human blood. The first step or “priming” phase is a culture of T cell depleted mononuclear cells in medium supplemented with GM-CSF and IL-4 to produce immature dendritic cells. The second step or “differentiation” phase requires the exposure to dendritic cell maturation factor such as monocyte conditioned medium. Using this two-step approach, substantial yields are obtained. The dendritic cells derive from this method have all the features of mature cells. They include a stellate cell shape, nonadherence to plastic, and very strong T cell stimulatory activity. The mature dendritic cells produced according to this invention are useful for activating T cells.
US07659114B2 Recombinant feline herpesvirus type 1 and polyvalent vaccine using the same
An attenuated feline recombinant herpesvirus 1 (FHV-1), which is prepared by identifying gene regions in the genome wherein inserted foreign genes can be expressed without affecting the replication of FHV-1 and has least two types of foreign nucleic acid sequences inserted thereinto, usable as a vector virus or a vaccine. In this attenuated recombinant FHV-1, at least two types of foreign genes are inserted in such a manner as allowing the expression into two different gene regions exerting no lethal effect on the proliferation of the virus in the feline herpesvirus 1 genome.
US07659113B2 Delivery system
A retroviral delivery system capable of transducing a target site is described. The retroviral delivery system comprises a first nucleotide sequence coding for at least a part of an envelope protein; a second nucleotide sequence coding for at least a part of an envelope protein and one or more other nucleotide sequences derivable from a retrovirus that ensure transduction of the target site by the retroviral delivery system; wherein the first and second nucleotide sequences are heterologous with respect to at least one of the other nucleotide sequences; and wherein the first nucleotide sequence codes for at least a part of an influenza HA protein or a mutant, variant, derivative or fragment thereof that is capable of recognising the target site. Preferably said second protein is an influenza M2 protein.
US07659111B2 Method for freezing viable cells
A method and a device for improved freezing of biological containing living cells is disclosed. Directional cooling coupled with agitation, preferably rotation, of the vessel containing the biological sample allows for the freezing of large volume samples at much greater rates than before. Whether a sample is large or not, the greater thermal homogeneity during the freezing process as well as the resulting crystal morphology yield a frozen sample which is exceptionally suited for lyophilization.
US07659106B2 Non-homogeneous systems for the resolution of enantiomeric mixtures
The present invention relates to a process for the biocatalyst-mediated enantioselective conversion of enantiomeric mixtures of hydrophobic esters using a biphasic solvent system. More particularly, the present invention relates to the enzyme-mediated enantioselective synthesis of anti-viral compounds, such as 2-hydroxymethyl-5-(5-fluorocytosin-1-yl)-1,3-oxathiolane (FTC) and its analogues, in a non-homogenous reaction system.
US07659105B2 Methods and compositions for butanol production
A butanol producing cell and a method for the production of butanol are provided. Butanol producing cells comprising a butanol synthesis system or butanol export proteins may be used to enhance the production of butanol from a carbon substrate composition.
US07659103B2 Nucleic acid construct containing fulllength genome of human hepatitis C virus, recombinant fulllength virus genome-replicating cells having the nucleic acid construct transferred thereinto and method of producing hepatitis C virus Particle
The present invention provides a method for replicating efficiently an RNA containing fulllength HCV genomic sequence and a method for producing HCV virus particles containing fulllength HCV replicon RNA or fulllength HCV genomic RNA by using a cell culture system. Further, the present invention relates to a method for producing hepatitis C virus particles which comprises culturing a cell, into which a replicon RNA comprising a nucleotide sequence comprising a fulllength genomic RNA sequence of hepatitis C virus of the genotype 2a, at least one selectable marker gene and/or at least one reporter gene and at least one IRES sequence or the fulllength genomic RNA of hepatitis C virus of the genotype 2a is introduced, and generating virus particles in the culture medium. Still further the present invention relates also to a hepatitis C vaccine and an antibody against hepatitis C virus particles.
US07659098B2 Method of treating waste from alcohol production
A method of treating a plurality of byproducts generated in the process of producing alcohol using corn as a raw material, and making effective use of them, particularly as feed compositions. The method of treating byproducts generated in the process of producing alcohol from corn comprises a step of using a koji mold to ferment a mixture of at least one solid byproduct and a distillation residue generated in the process of producing alcohol, to produce a koji fermentation product.
US07659096B2 Reaction system for performing in the amplification of nucleic acids
A method of carrying out an amplification reaction, said method comprising supplying to a well in a disposable unit (a) a sample which contains or is suspected of containing a target nucleic acid sequence (b) primers, nucleotides and enzymes required to effect said amplification reaction and (c) a buffer system, and subjecting the unit to thermal cycling conditions such that any target nucleic acid present within the sample is amplified; wherein the disposable unit comprises a thermally conducting layer and a facing layer having one or more reagent wells of up to 1000 microns in depth defined therebetween; and the reaction mixture comprises at least one of the following: A) a buffer system wherein the pH is above 8.3; B) a detergent; and/or C) a blocking agent. Apparatus for effecting the method as well as disposable units for use in the method are described. The method is particularly suitable for rapid PCR reactions.
US07659093B2 DAP12 nucleic acids
The purification and isolation of various genes which encode mammalian cell surface polypeptides. Nucleic acids, proteins, antibodies, and other reagents useful in modulating development of cells, e.g., lymphoid and myeloid, are provided, along with methods for their use.
US07659089B2 Chemical sensor enhanced by direct coupling of redox enzyme to conductive surface
The invention provides a method, apparatus and system for detecting electrochemical oxidoreduction activity mediated by a redox enzyme at a site remote from the enzyme. In one embodiment, the method comprises immobilizing the redox enzyme on a first region of a conductive surface and contacting a substrate capable of producing a detectable signal upon oxidation or reduction with a second region of the conductive surface. The second region is electrically coupled with the first region and the redox enzyme is not present in the second region. The method further comprises exposing the immobilized redox enzyme to conditions that effect oxidation or reduction of the enzyme, and detecting oxidation or reduction of the substrate at the second region. The invention can be adapted for detecting a plurality of analytes.
US07659086B2 Immunoassay employing two-step internal calibration reaction
Methods for quantitatively measuring the amount of an analyte of interest in a fluid sample, and kits useful in the methods, are disclosed. The methods comprise sandwich assays, and utilize an internal calibration reaction that closely mimics the reaction of test particles by the use of a two-step reaction.
US07659075B2 Method for the diagnosis of sepsis with determination of soluble cytokeratin fragments
Method for early differential diagnosis and detection, for prognosis and assessment of the severity and for therapy-accompanying assessment of the course of sepsis and sepsis-like systemic infections, in which, preferably with additional determination of at least one further parameter suitable for sepsis diagnosis, the amount of soluble cytokeratin fragments, in particular of CYFRA 21-1, TPS, TPA and/or sCY1F, in a biological fluid of a patient in whom a sepsis is present or a sepsis is suspected is determined and conclusions with regard to the presence, the expected course, the severity and/or the success of initiated measures for the therapy of the sepsis are drawn from the determined amount of soluble cytokeratin fragments.
US07659074B2 Diagnosis and treatment of disorders of iron metabolism
The invention concerns a method for detecting disorders of iron metabolism and in particular the differential diagnosis of disorders of iron metabolism by means of three independent parameters. The differential diagnosis can be used to classify disorders of iron metabolism and to recommend the required treatment and to monitor the progress and response to treatment.
US07659065B2 Transgenic fungi expressing Bcl-2 and methods of using Bcl-2 or portions thereof for improving biomass production, survival, longevity and stress resistance of fungi
Methods for enhancing growth in fungi and, more particularly, transgenic fungi expressing the Bcl-2 gene having improved biomass production, survival, longevity and stress resistance in solid and liquid culture are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods of using the transgenic fungi of the present invention for biocontrol.
US07659062B2 Gene expression profiling of uterine serous papillary carcinomas and ovarian serous papillary tumors
Oligonucleotide microarrays were used to profile and compare gene expression patterns between uterine serous papillary carcinoma and ovarian serous papillary carcinoma or normal endometrial epithelial cells. mRNA fingerprints readily distinguish the more biologically aggressive and chemotherapy resistant USPC from OSPC or NEC. Plasminogen activator inhibitor is the most highly up-regulated gene in OSPC relative to USPC, whereas the c-erbB2 gene product (HER-2/neu) is strikingly overexpressed in USPC relative to OSPC and may therefore represent a novel diagnostic and therapeutic marker for this highly aggressive subset of endometrial tumors.
US07659061B2 Pharmaceutical compositions having a modified vehicle
A composition comprising: (a) one to three bioactive agents; and (b) a vehicle comprising; (i) a modified liquid carrier, and (ii) an unmodified liquid carrier wherein the ratio by volume of the modified liquid carrier to the unmodified liquid carrier is between 0.00001:99.99999 to less than 0.01:99.99, that provide the composition with predictable sustained-release properties and wherein immediately after manufacture of the composition, said composition can be administered to a host such that the one to three bioactive agents is released to the host on a sustained basis.
US07659059B2 Method for detecting and/or identifying bacteria of the genus Staphylococcus
The present invention relates to a method for detecting and/or identifying bacteria of the genus Staphylococcus, comprising the following steps: A. the nucleic acid material of the bacteria of the genus Staphylococcus is extracted, B. at least one target sequence of the nucleic acid material of the bacteria of the genus Staphylococcus is amplified using at least one amplification primer comprising at least 10 nucleotide motifs of SEQ ID No. 1 and/or at least one amplification primer comprising at least 10 nucleotide motifs of SEQ ID No. 2, in order to obtain amplicons of the target sequence, C. the presence of bacteria of the genus Staphylococcus is determined by detecting said amplicons.
US07659055B2 Fragments of nucleic acids specific to mycobacteria which are members of the M. tuberculosis complex and their applications for the detection and the differential diagnosis of members of the M. tuberculosis complex
A fragment of a nucleic acid specific to mycobacteria of M. tuberculosis complex having a nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID No: 1 and SEQ ID No: 2 and their complimentary sequences.
US07659047B2 Materials for photoresist, negative-tone photoresist composition, method of forming resist pattern, and semiconductor device
With the tendency of reducing the size of semiconductor circuit patterns, edge roughness on a resist pattern is increased when pattern dimensions required are close to the size of the resist molecules. Provided is a technique for preventing degradation of the device performance and negative effects over the system performance caused by the phenomena. A photoresist compound is used, which is a molecule having functional groups that are chemically converted due to an action of an acid with reduced solubility in alkaline developer.
US07659045B2 Method for manufacturing toner and toner
Resin particles containing at least binding resin and wax particles having a diameter of 30 to 600 nm are coagulated, and a resulting coagulated product is heated. Such wax particles are manufactured, for example, by way of a coarse particle preparing step, a slurry preparing step, a pulverizing step, a cooling step, and a depressurizing step. Slurry of wax coarse particles obtained by way of the coarse particle preparing step and the slurry preparing step is directed under heat and pressure through a pressure-resistant nozzle whereby the wax coarse particles are pulverized into the wax particles at the pulverizing step. The cooling step and the depressurizing step are disposed just after the pulverizing step to prevent the wax particles from coarsening.
US07659044B2 Photoconductor, producing method thereof, image forming process and image forming apparatus using photoconductor, and process cartridge
A photoconductor comprising a photosensitive layer disposed on a support, wherein the photosensitive layer has a crosslinked layer and the crosslinked layer is produced by curing a dispersion in which at least one of an acryl-modified polyoraganosiloxane having a radical reactivity and an acryl-modified polyoraganosiloxane having an amine structure is dispersed in a radical polymerizable monomer.
US07659040B2 Exposure mask and method of manufacturing the same, and semiconductor device manufacturing method
An exposure mask 24, includes a quartz (transparent) substrate 20, a film 21 formed on the quartz substrate 20, a rectangular main feature 21a formed in the film 21, a first assist feature 21b formed in the film 21 away from the main feature 21a and having a size that is not resolved as a rectangle that has a long side 21e opposing to one side 21d of the main feature 21d, and a second assist feature 21c formed in the film 21 and positioned on a virtual prolonged line L of a diagonal of the main feature 21a and having a size that is not resolved.
US07659038B2 Lithographic method for wiring a side surface of a substrate
In a lithographic proximity method for wiring an end or internal side surface of a substrate, the required exposure of strips, defining the wiring pattern, is performed by a mask having a diffraction structure to deflect exposure radiation to the side surface. An exposure beam, which is perpendicularly incident on the mask, is used so that enhanced tolerance for proximity gap width variations is obtained. The method allows manufacture of accurate and fine wiring.
US07659033B2 Graphite powders suited for negative electrode material of lithium ion secondary battery
A graphite powder suitable for a negative electrode material of a lithium ion secondary battery which assures a high discharging capacity not lower than 320 mAh/g is to be manufactured at a lower cost. Specifically, a graphite powder containing 0.01 to 5.0 wt % of boron and having a looped closure structure at an end of a graphite c-planar layer on the surface of a powder, with the density of the interstitial planar sections between neighboring closure structures being not less than 100/μm and not more than 1500/μm, and with d002 being preferably not larger than 3.3650 Å, is manufactured by (1) heat-treating a carbon material pulverized at an elevated speed before or after carbonization for graphization at temperature exceeding 1500° C. or by (2) heat-treating the carbon material pulverized before or after carbonization at a temperature exceeding 1500° C. for graphization and subsequently further heat-treating the graphized material at a temperature exceeding a temperature of the oxidating heat treatment and the heat treatment in the inert gas.
US07659026B2 Fluorinated sulfonamide compounds and polymer electrolyte membranes prepared therefrom for use in electrochemical cells
A fluorinated sulfonamide small molecule having the general structure wherein m, n and p are 0 to 3, with the proviso that m+n+p is equal to 1 to 4; A1 is an aromatic heterocyclic group, with the proviso that carbon atoms of the heterocyclic ring are fully substituted by fluorinated sulfonamide groups; and R1, R2, and R3 are linear or branched perfluoroalkylene groups, optionally containing oxygen, chlorine, bromine, or iodine atoms. Polymers and small molecules useful in making polymer electrode membranes, membrane electrode assemblies, and electrochemical cells, such as fuel cells, are also described.
US07659025B2 Electrode-supported solid state electrochemical cell
A process for manufacturing a solid oxide fuel cell involves forming a tubular anode comprising an electrolyte substance and an oxide of an electrochemically active metallic substance without a distinct pore forming substance, sintering the tubular anode, forming an electrolyte onto the sintered anode, forming a cathode onto the electrolyte, and after forming the electrolyte and the cathode, reducing the oxide of the electrochemically active substance in the sintered anode to form pores in the anode.
US07659022B2 Integrated solid oxide fuel cell and fuel processor
An integrated fuel cell unit (10) includes an annular array (12) of fuel cell stacks (14), an annular cathode recuperator (20), an annular anode recuperator (22), a reformer (24), and an anode exhaust cooler (26), all integrated within a common housing structure (28).
US07659020B2 Power supply plate for a coplanar circuit fuel cell
The bipolar plate is thinner because it includes in a single plane all of the channels (21) for circulation of the oxidiser, the fuel and the coolant fluid (41).The feed plate, which is preferably made of a composite material, has on each of its faces (1A, 1B) a network of channels for the circulation either of oxidiser or fuel, which are supplied through feed apertures (2, 3) passing through the plate. Refrigeration is achieved by means of feed apertures (4) feeding into one or more refrigeration channels (41) positioned between the parts of the circulation channels (21) for the oxidiser or the fuel. Possible through passages (43) allow these different channels to pass from one face to the other so as to organise the circulation and the removal of these three fluids. It is thus possible to distribute the oxidiser and the fuel to both sides of the plate, while also arranging its refrigeration.Application to fuel cells of average and high power.
US07659015B2 Combined fuel cell system
A fuel cell system comprises a combination of a first fuel cell of a first type and a second fuel cell of a second type, arranged downstream of the first fuel cell. The anode side of the first fuel cell is coupled with a cathode side of the second fuel cell; allowing the purge gas emanating from the first fuel cell to be fed to the cathode side of the second fuel chamber, rather than to outside air.
US07659012B2 Organic electroluminescent display device
An organic electroluminescent (EL) device including an organic EL unit sealed by an encapsulation layer comprising a layered inorganic substance/polymer/curing agent nanocomposite. The organic EL device according to the present invention may have a flat glass substrate.
US07658999B2 Heat spreader for emissive display device
A heat spreader for a display device, such as a plasma display panel, a light emitting diode or a liquid crystal display, comprising at least one sheet of compressed particles of exfoliated graphite having a surface area greater than the surface area of that part of the back surface of the display device where a localized region of higher temperature is generated.
US07658997B2 Multiply structured particle and method for producing the same
In the present invention, when hollow polyhedral fine particles consisting of atoms of a first element and atoms of a second element are produced, atoms of the first element and atoms of the second element are structured in a reversed micelle composed of a surfactant. Thereby, hollow polyhedral fine particles can be synthesized by simple and easy procedures.
US07658995B2 Nickel powder comprising sulfur and carbon, and production method therefor
A nickel powder exhibits superior oxidation behavior, reduction behavior and sintering behavior in a production process for a multilayer ceramic capacitor and is suitable for the capacitor; a production method therefor is also provided. The nickel powder, which may be used as a raw material, is treated with a sulfur-containing compound, and the sulfur-containing compound is coated on the surface thereof, or alternatively, a nickel-sulfur compound layer is formed on the surface thereof.
US07658993B2 Card intermediates
A card intermediate, as for identification, which includes a business from having one or more selectively-pattern-treated laminae diecut into it and adhesively secured to a film.
US07658990B2 Super light weight ceramic panel and process for preparing the same
A super lightweight ceramic panel for a non-bearing wall utilizing an expandable clay mineral and a process for preparing the same are provided. The super lightweight ceramic panel is comprised of a clay composition containing 90 to 98% by weight of an expandable clay mineral, 1.5 to 5% by weight of a flux (glass), and 0.5 to 5% by weight of silicon carbide, and is prepared by mixing and pressing the clay composition, followed by firing at a temperature of 1100 to 1200° C. The super lightweight ceramic panel in accordance with the present invention is a material having a light weight and exhibiting improvement in physical properties such as water resistance, flame retardancy, heat insulation and rigidity, via formation of closed pores inside the ceramic material.
US07658989B2 Nano-and micro-cellular foamed thin-walled material, and processes and apparatuses for making the same
Polymeric materials having a plurality of cells formed therein are described. The polymeric materials include a foamed layer comprising a plurality of uniform microcells, nanocells or combinations thereof in a closed cell network, a transition layer positioned adjacent to the foamed layer, and at least one unfoamed outer layer positioned adjacent to the transition layer. The foamed layer may be present in a volume ranging from about 80 to about 99 percent based on the volume of the polymeric material, the transition layer may present in a volume ranging from about 0 to about 10 percent based on the volume of the polymeric material, and the at least one outer layer may be present in a volume ranging from about 0.01 to about 10 percent based on the volume of the polymeric material. Methods of making such polymeric materials are also described, as are apparatus for providing foamed polymeric materials.
US07658986B2 Anodes with corner and edge modified designs
Porous sintered anode bodies for capacitors formed from valve metals are treated by electrolysis to form a dielectric layer and coated with cathode layers. When standard parallelpiped shapes are used, cathode coverage at the edges and corners is non-uniform and failures occur at those locations. Rectangular prisms, obround prisms and cylindrical prisms are formed with transition surfaces at edges and corners, such as chamfers and curves, to enhance cathode layer uniformity. The transition surface greatly enhances the application of polymer slurries.
US07658983B2 Protective barrier
A protection product has thermal and acoustic barrier characteristics such that it satisfies the requirements of the standard 14 CFR, part 25 issued by the Federal Aviation Administration. The product is designed to be applied along metallic and composite structures, such as aircraft cockpits, boat hulls or the outside structures of trains or of other means of transport. The product is essentially in the form of a “mat” consisting of one or several fiber layers, preferably glass fibers, enclosed in a sheath. The sheath generally comprises at least one first support, preferably made of an organic material having sealing and anti-condensation properties, and an impregnated mica paper. The mica paper preferably has a weight per unit area of less than 50 g/m2 and comprises flakes of mica with a form factor greater than 1000.
US07658981B2 Inkjet recording medium
An inkjet recording medium comprising a support and an ink-receiving layer on a support, wherein the hardness of the ink-receiving layer is 9.0 or more; and the D/I value of the ink-receiving layer defined by ASTM E430 is 40 or more, or an inkjet recording medium comprising a support and an ink-receiving layer on a support, wherein the hardness of the ink-receiving layer is 9.0 or more; and the center surface average roughness (SRa) of the ink-receiving layer is 0.1 μm or less when measured under the condition of cutoff of 0.02 to 0.5 mm, and 0.4 μm or less when measured under the condition of cutoff of 1 to 3 mm.
US07658980B2 Tamper-indicating printable sheet for securing documents of value and methods of making the same
A tamper-indicating printable sheet. A preferred embodiment of the invention provides a tamper-indicating printable sheet comprising a retroreflective layer comprising a plurality of microbeads partially embedded in an inkjet receptive beadbond layer; and a reflector layer between one of the microbeads and the inkjet receptive beadbond layer. The present invention provides a method of making a tamper-indicating printable sheet.
US07658979B2 Liquid crystal alignment film composition, liquid crystal device and display apparatus
To provide a liquid crystal alignment film composition including at least one type of triphenylene compound (I) represented by the following general formula (1): wherein L represents —O— or —S—, R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5 may be identical or different and represent a hydrocarbon group having four or more carbon atoms, R6 represents a divalent hydrocarbon group having four or more carbon atoms, R7 represents —SiR8R9R10 or —P(═O)(OH)2, and R8, R9 and R10 may be identical or different and represent —Cl, —OH, —OCH3 or —OC2H5).
US07658978B2 Liquid crystalline medium
The invention relates to a liquid crystalline medium containing one or more compounds of formula I, wherein R1 and R2 have the meanings described in claim 1, to its use for electrooptical purposes, and to displays containing this medium.
US07658975B2 Sealing porous dielectric materials
Method and structure for minimizing the downsides associated with microelectronic device processing adjacent porous dielectric materials are disclosed. In particular, chemical protocols are disclosed wherein porous dielectric materials may be sealed by attaching coupling agents to the surfaces of pores. The coupling agents may form all or part of caps on reactive groups in the dielectric surface or may crosslink to seal pores in the dielectric.
US07658972B2 Silicone emulsion composition and wood treatment
A silicone emulsion composition for wood treatment is prepared by emulsifying and dispersing (A) an organopolysiloxane, (B) the reaction product of an amino-containing organoxysilane and an acid anhydride, (C) an epoxy-containing organoxysilane, (D) colloidal silica and/or polysilsesquioxane, and (E) a curing catalyst in water to form a silicone emulsion, and adding and mixing (F) a boron compound with the silicone emulsion.
US07658967B2 Methods for applying sound dampening and/or aesthetic coatings and articles made thereby
A method for providing a coated vehicle transparency, includes the steps of: (a) providing a vehicle transparency having a vision area and a non-vision area; and (b) applying a sound dampening coating composition to at least a portion of the non-vision area of the transparency. The coating composition can an aqueous dispersion of polymeric microparticles prepared from components including: (i) a functional material selected from (a) a nitrile functional material, (b) an amide functional material, and (c) a carbamate functional material; (ii) a polyoxyalkylene acrylate; and (iii) a filler material.
US07658961B2 Isothiocyanate preservatives and methods of their use
A composition for preserving solid food products comprising a moisture-sensitive isothiocyanate compound and a hygroscopic carrier, wherein the composition is substantially free of sorbic acid, benzoic acid, and salts thereof. Also disclosed is a solid food product containing the aforementioned preservative composition and a method for preserving solid food products including the steps of adding a moisture-sensitive isothiocyanate to the solid food product and storing the resulting product at a reduced temperature.
US07658960B2 Method and apparatus for manufacturing decorated ice cream confectionery items
A method and device for manufacturing an ice cream dessert that includes a built-in ice cream confectionery decoration deposited in the form of a gathered frill folded over on itself, the folds of which run alternately in one direction then in the opposite direction by extrusion from a set of moving nozzles with flattened end-piece with slot-shaped nozzle outlet placed above a moving support. The apparatus includes a source of cold ice cream composition supplying at least one extruded ribbon of ice cream composition at a temperature of −6° C. or below, a support for the set of moving nozzles which is given an oscillating movement transversely with respect to the moving support, and a mechanical device for setting the oscillating support in motion. The method can be practiced by operation of the device.
US07658959B2 Antimicrobial salt solutions for food safety applications
Antimicrobial formulations and solutions for food safety and quality applications are disclosed. Because some of these formulations and solutions contain a substantial concentration of salt, they are adaptable to a variety of food-processing applications, such as for chilling brine applications, disinfecting meat baths/rinses, beef injection brines, poultry chill tanks, brines used in cheese manufacture, as a wash to kill salmonella and other bacteria on hard-boiled eggs or egg shells, and as a wash to disinfect produce, which can become contaminated with salmonella and other pathogenic bacteria in the field. These uses of concentrated salt solutions that depress the freezing point of the solution provide a low temperature bath or shower in which food products can be cooled. One embodiment comprises between 25 ppm and 100,000 ppm surfactant and between 72% and 99.99% salt. This blend can then be dissolved in water to make a solution of between about 1% total solids by weight up to the saturation point, which can be used as an antimicrobial solution for food safety applications.
US07658958B2 Method and an apparatus for producing ice confection
The present invention concerns an apparatus and a method for producing ice confection comprising mold cavities arranged on lamellae disposed in an endless belt along which are arranged process means for the production of the ice confection by conveying the lamellae between the process means, wherein the apparatus comprises an uneven number of lamellae and the process means are arranged along the belt in such a way, that the ice confection production process may be completed by two full circulations of one lamella on the belt. Due to the uneven number of lamellae a specific lamella will change stop position for each circulation. Hereby, a number of advantages are obtained through an optimal utilization of the lower lamella sequence, such that the shortest possible apparatus is obtained.
US07658957B2 Anti-arthritic herbal composition and method thereof
The invention provides a novel herbal composition for treatment of arthritis and inflammation. The herbal composition comprises a therapeutically effective combination of extracts obtained from the plants Terminalia chebula, Pluchea lanceolata, Desmodium gangeticum, Vitex negunto and Zingiber officinale, optionally along with pharmaceutically acceptable additives. The invention further comprises methods of making the herbal composition and methods of use for the treatment of arthritis and inflammation.
US07658956B2 Erectile dysfunction phyto-nutraceutical synergistic composition
A Phytoceutical composition for the prevention and treatment of erectile dysfunction is provided. A specific combination of extracts of plants and nutraceuticals is based on categorizing plants and nutraceuticals into one of three groups, Energy, Bio-Intelligence, and Organization. Such combination has synergistic effects, with minimal side effects.
US07658955B2 Pueraria candollei var. mirifica A Shaw. & Suvat. extract
An extract is derived from Pueraria candollei var. mirifica A Shaw. & Suvat. for topical and internal use in treating a subject. The extract is obtained by a sequential extraction process using a sequence of different solvents or mixtures of solvents in varying ratios and thereafter combining the liquid extracts. The liquid extract is then evaporated to dryness to obtain the extract. The extract is used in a topical composition that when applied to the skin reduces wrinkles without eye irritation.
US07658954B2 Synergistic antipyretic formulation
The present invention relates to a synergistic antipyretic formulation comprising extracts of plants Berberis aristata , Tinospora cordifolia , Alstonia scholaris, Andrographis paniculata and Hedychium spicatum , optionally along with pharmaceutically acceptable additives; its use in treating fever, and lastly, a process for the preparation said synergistic antipyretic formulation.
US07658953B2 Enhanced activity biocidal hydrogen peroxide composition
The present invention discloses a biocidal composition comprising hydrogen peroxide in a concentration of 0.05-50% (w/w) and a compound with a structure according to Formula 1: (OH)(X)(O)P—O—(CH—(Y)—CH2—O)n—R, or a salt thereof, wherein X is H or OH, Y is H or CH3, n is 2-6 and R is an alkyl radical containing 4-18 carbon atoms, in a concentration of 0.01-60% (w/w). A especially preferred compound according to Formula 1 is a compound wherein X is OH, Y is H, n is 4 and R is a straight alkyl chain containing 10 carbon atoms.
US07658952B2 Dialysis solutions containing pyrophosphates
Dialysis solutions comprising pyrophosphates and methods of making and using the dialysis solutions are provided. In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a dialysis solution comprising a stable and therapeutically effective amount of pyrophosphate. The dialysis solution can be sterilized, for example, using a technique such as autoclave, steam, high pressure, ultra-violet, filtration or combination thereof. The dialysis solution can be in the form of a concentrate.
US07658947B2 Thermo-gelling composition
There is provided a new thermo-gelling composition made with methylcellulose and citric acid. This composition may also have an effective amount of a treating agent, which may be a medicinal agent, cosmetic agent, moisturizer, adjuvant, nutritional agent, other ingredients and combinations thereof. The composition is useful in delivering moisturizers or pharmaceutically active agents to the user in a controlled release manner through the mucosal tissues in a body cavity, or on body surfaces, or as a subcutaneously injected medicament. The composition may also be used as a replacement for the soft tissues of the body as in, for example, the foot cushion and cartilage repair.
US07658945B2 Compositions for delivering hypnotic agents across the oral mucosa and methods of use thereof
The present invention provides novel compositions for the delivery of a hypnotic agent across the oral mucosa. In particular, the buffer system in the compositions of the present invention raises the pH of saliva to a pH greater than about 7.8, thereby facilitating the substantially complete conversion of the hypnotic agent from its ionized to its un-ionized form. As a result, the dose of hypnotic agent is rapidly and efficiently absorbed by the oral mucosa with surprisingly low inter-subject variability. Furthermore, delivery of the hypnotic agent across the oral mucosa advantageously bypasses hepatic first pass metabolism of the drug and avoids enzymatic degradation of the drug within the gastrointestinal tract. Methods for using the compositions of the present invention for treating sleep disorders such as insomnia are also provided.
US07658943B2 Oral pharmaceutical composition for soft capsules containing vinorelbine and method of treatment
The invention described herein relates to a pharmaceutical composition containing vinorelbine as an active ingredient which is suitable for encapsulation in soft capsules. The liquid oral pharmaceutical composition suitable for a liquid fill composition for a soft capsule dosage form comprises: vinorelbine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; ethanol; water; glycerol; and polyethylene glycol. In a preferred embodiment, the tartrate salt form of vinorelbine is used in the composition. The invention also provides for a method of treating cancer comprising orally administering, to a patient in need of treatment thereof, a soft capsule comprising the pharmaceutical composition of the invention.
US07658937B2 Anthraquinones and process for the preparation and method of use thereof
A process for the preparation of hydroxyl substituted anthraquinones is described. The process couples a phthalic anhydride (substituted or unsubstituted) to benzene ring moiety substituted with at least two hydroxyl groups. Remaining hydroxy groups were converted to methoxy groups in some anthraquinones. The compounds are particularly useful for the treatment of parasitic diseases. Also, a method of treating or preventing malaria, filariasis schistosomiasis and other parasitic diseases using anthraquinones.
US07658936B2 Cosmetic or dermatological impregnated cloths
The invention is a cosmetic or dermatological cloth, comprising a water-insoluble nonwoven material, which is moistened with a cosmetic or dermatological impregnating solution comprising an oil-in-water emulsions having a viscosity of less than 2000 mPa·s and comprising one or more partially neutralized glyceride esters selected from the group consisting of monoglyceride and diglyceride esters of saturated fatty acids with citric acid and one or more fatty alcohols selected from the group consisting of branched and unbranched alkyl alcohols with 12 to 40 carbon atoms.
US07658931B2 Mutant forms of cholera holotoxin as an adjuvant
Mutant cholera holotoxins having single or double amino acid substitutions or insertions have reduced toxicity compared to the wild-type cholera holotoxin. The mutant cholera holotoxins are useful as adjuvants in antigenic compositions to enhance the immune response in a vertebrate host to a selected antigen from a pathogenic bacterium, virus, fungus, or parasite, a cancer cell, a tumor cell, an allergen, or a self-molecule.
US07658928B2 Method of vaccination comprising administering an antigen and a cathelicidin derived antimicrobial peptide
Described is a vaccine which comprises at least one antigen and at least one cathelicidin derived antimicrobial peptide or a derivative thereof as well as the use of a cathelicidin derived antimicrobial peptide or a derivative thereof for the preparation of an adjuvant for enhancing the immune response to at least one antigen.
US07658925B2 Human anthrax toxin neutralizing monoclonal antibodies and methods of use thereof
The invention fully humanized monoclonal antibodies that neutralize Bacillus anthracis. Also provided are methods of treating or preventing a Bacillus anthracis infection. The invention also provides methods of passive vaccination of a subject against Bacillus anthracis.
US07658921B2 Molecules with extended half-lives, compositions and uses thereof
The present invention provides molecules, including IgGs, non-IgG immunoglobulin, proteins and non-protein agents, that have increased in vivo half-lives due to the presence of an IgG constant domain, or a portion thereof that binds the FcRn, having one or more amino acid modifications that increase the affinity of the constant domain or fragment for FcRn. Such proteins and molecules with increased half-lives have the advantage that smaller amounts and or less frequent dosing is required in the therapeutic, prophylactic or diagnostic use of such molecules.
US07658920B2 Method of inhibiting the activity of growth factor homolog ZVEGF3
Polypeptide growth factor ZVEGF3, methods of making it, polynucleotides encoding it, antibodies that bind to it, and methods of using them are disclosed. The polypeptide comprises an amino acid segment that is at least 90% identical to residues 46-163 of SEQ ID NO:2 or residues 235-345 of SEQ ID NO:2. Multimers of the polypeptide are also disclosed. The polypeptide, multimeric proteins, and polynucleotides can be used in the study and regulation of cell and tissue development, as components of cell culture media, and as diagnostic agents. The antibodies may be used to inhibit cell growth.
US07658911B2 Antibody assay methods to assess risk for TIA/stroke
A methods, kits and compositions for diagnosing a central nervous system disorder, particularly transient ischemic attack or stroke, comprising measuring the level of NR2A and/or NR2B NMDA receptor or fragment thereof, in a biological sample from a human subject, and optionally measuring other biomarkers such as homocysteine and glutamate. The method is particularly useful for identifying individuals that are at risk for stroke, and for diagnosing stroke in an emergency room setting.
US07658907B2 Titanium-aluminium mixed oxide powder
Titanium-aluminium mixed oxide powder with a proportion of aluminium oxide of less than 1 wt. % or a proportion of titanium dioxide of less than 5 wt. %, wherein the sum of the proportions of titanium dioxide and aluminium oxide is at least 99.7 wt. %. It is produced by transferring a vaporous starting compound of the quantitatively greater component of the mixed oxide into a mixing chamber by means of primary air and a vaporous starting compound of the quantitatively smaller component of the mixed oxide by means of an inert gas, and burning the mixture mixed with hydrogen in a mixing chamber into a reaction chamber. It can be used as a catalyst support.
US07658904B2 Process for the production of hydrogen by the thermochemical route, based on the hydrochlorination of cerium
Process for the production of hydrogen by the thermochemical route from water, based on the chlorine/cerium cycle, in which, according to a first reaction scheme, the following reactions are carried out: H2O+Cl2=2HCl+½O2;  (A) 8HCl+2CeO2=2CeCl3+Cl2+4H2O;  (B) 2CeCl3+4H2O=2CeO2+6HCl+H2;  (C) or in which, according to a second reaction scheme, the following reactions are carried out: H2O+Cl2=2HCl+½O2;  (A) 8HCl+2CeO2=2CeCl3+Cl2+4H2O;  (B) 2CeCl3+2H2O=2CeOCl+4HCl;  (B′) 2CeOCl+2H2O=2CeO2+2HCl+H2;  (C′) and in which the reaction (B) for the chlorination of cerium oxide is carried out in the liquid phase, the cerium chloride passing into solution.
US07658903B2 High purity nuclear graphite
A highly isotropic graphite useful for, inter alia, nuclear applications is disclosed, which has a ash content of less than 300 ppm and a boron equivalence of less than about 2 ppm without requiring a post graphitization purification step.
US07658901B2 Thermally exfoliated graphite oxide
A modified graphite oxide material contains a thermally exfoliated graphite oxide with a surface area of from about 300 m2/g to 2600 m2/g, wherein the thermally exfoliated graphite oxide displays no signature of the original graphite and/or graphite oxide, as determined by X-ray diffraction.
US07658898B2 Compositions and methods for treating exhaust gases
The present invention provides compositions, systems, and methods for achieving high efficiencies of nitrogen oxide (NOx) removal from exhaust gases while minimizing ammonia slip and sulfur dioxide oxidation. In one embodiment, a method of removing nitrogen oxides from an exhaust gas comprises providing a first catalyst layer, adding an ammonia-containing compound to the exhaust gas upstream of the first catalyst layer in excess of the stoichiometric equivalent of the nitrogen oxides in the exhaust gas, flowing the exhaust gas through the first catalyst layer, selectively catalytically decomposing ammonia in excess of the stoichiometric reaction equivalent of the nitrogen oxides in the exhaust gas, and catalytically reducing the nitrogen oxides by reaction with ammonia not selectively catalytically decomposed.
US07658894B2 Method for increasing the chrome to iron ratio of chromites products
A method for increasing the chrome to iron ratio of a chromite product selected from the group consisting of ore and ore concentrate comprising the steps of mixing the chromite product with at least one salt so as to produce a mixture, whereby the concentration of salt in the mixture is selected to induce the selective chlorination of iron; and chlorinating the mixture in the presence of CO at a temperature sufficient to induce the formation of a thin film of a melt around the chromite product and at a temperature able to promote the selective chlorination of iron, whereby an iron impoverished chromite product is yielded having an increased chromite to iron ratio as compared to that of the chromite product.
US07658887B2 Pipette tip grid with lock mechanism
Pipette tip grids with holes for holding pipette tips and packages for the grids are provided. A pipette tip grid package comprises a grid, a base for supporting the grid, and a lock mechanism coupled to the grid and configured to externally engage with a sidewall of the base. The sidewall of the base also supports the grid. The package also can have a detachable cover for the grid, and, the lock mechanism can be external to the cover as well as the base. In some embodiments, the grids are stackable and the cover engages the topmost grid of the stack. Together, the cover, the base, and the sidewalls of the one or more stacked pipette tip grids form a protective case around pipette tips in the one or more grids.
US07658885B2 Micropump, micropump unit including the micropump, sample processing chip for use with the unit, and sheet connector for use with the unit
The present invention relates to a device which is to be utilized at the time of observation of a mixed state or a chemically-combined state of a mixture attained by mixing together trace amounts of gases or trace amounts of liquids or mixing a trace amount of a gas with a trace amount of liquid. A micropump 1 comprises a pump structural material having a reaction chamber formed therein; a reaction agent 4 which is housed in a reaction chamber 6 and produces a gas of predetermined pressure; reaction initiation means 5 which is disposed beside the reaction agent and causes the reaction agent to produce a gas; and a channel 7 which is provided in the pump structural material and guides the gas of predetermined pressure produced by the reaction agent from the reaction chamber to an outlet port. The pump structural material and the reaction initiation means are stacked one on top of the other.
US07658884B2 Photometric method and apparatus for measuring a liquid's turbidity, fluorescence, phosphorescence and/or absorption coefficient
The apparatus for deriving at least one property like turbidity or fluorescence of a sample liquid from measuring emitted light emitted from said sample liquid upon irradiation of said sample liquid with a probe light beam comprises a container for containing said sample liquid, said sample liquid forming a sample surface. It furthermore comprises a light source for generating said probe light beam directed, in an angle β1≠0° with respect to a sample surface normal, at said sample surface, and a detector adapted to detecting an intensity of said emitted light emitted through said sample surface out of said sample liquid generally along a first detection axis, said first detection axis forming an angle γ1≠0° with a sample surface normal. It also comprises an optical barrier arranged between said probe light beam and said first detection axis adapted to blocking a propagation of light originating from reflection or scattering of said probe light beam at said sample surface generally along said first detection axis. The apparatus may comprise an outlet section for removing sample liquid from said container, having at least one opening to said main section located beneath said sample surface and a first separating member for substantially separating a portion of said sample surface belonging to said outlet section from a portion of said sample surface belonging to a main section, where said light enters and exits the sample liquid.
US07658881B2 Multilayered package with barrier properties
The present invention provides compositions useful as a barrier layer in, for example, packaging products. The compositions generally comprise a blend of (i) a polyester resin, preferably an aromatic polyester resin such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and (ii) a polyamide material (e.g., MXD6). The blend optionally may further comprise (iii) an oxygen scavenging material. The present invention also provides containers (e.g., containers formed by expansion of preforms) having a multilayered body-forming portion including: a core layer comprising the aforementioned blend; and inner and outer layers of a formable polymer composition. The present invention also provides methods of making such containers.
US07658880B2 Polymeric stent polishing method and apparatus
A method and apparatus for simultaneously polishing the inner and outer surfaces of an unpolished polymeric stent using a heat process. The unpolished stent can be mounted, for example, on a “spiral-mandrel,” a tubular helical structure with gaps in between a series of coils of the structure. Heat from a heat source can then applied to the spiral-mandrel at a range between the glass transition temperature and melting temperature of the polymer of the stent.
US07658878B2 Method of reinforcing a structure and a clamp
An existing metal structure can be reinforced by providing a reinforcing metal layer on the metal structure in spaced apart relation to thereby form at least one cavity between inner surfaces of the metal structure and the reinforcing metal layer. An intermediate layer including uncured plastics or polymer material is injected into the cavity, and the plastics or polymer material is cured to adhere to the inner surfaces of the metal structure and the reinforcing metal layer. During the injecting and curing process, the reinforcing metal layer is constrained by at least one restraint member that is held to the existing metal structure by at least one magnetic clamp.
US07658873B2 Low density oriented strand board
A low density oriented strand board has an average density of less than about 1.5 times the density of wood species used in the board and a homogenous vertical density profile. Low density OSB may be formed by preheating the wood finish prior to pressing, controlling the moisture content such that the core layer has a higher moisture content than the face layers, or a combination of pre-heating and moisture content control.
US07658872B2 Process for preparing semipermeable membranes having improved permeability
The invention provides methods for preparing reverse osmosis membranes having improved permeability as well as membranes prepared by such methods.
US07658871B2 Method of preparing a negative active material for rechargeable lithium battery
Disclosed is a negative active material for a rechargeable lithium battery comprising a Si phase, a SiM phase and at least one of a X phase and a SiX phase, wherein each of phases has a crystal grain size of 100 nm and 500 nm. The element M is at least one selected from the group consisting of Ni, Co, B, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ti, and Y, the element X is at least one selected from the group consisting of Ag, Cu, and Au. However, where M is Cu, X is not Cu.
US07658869B2 Applicator liquid containing ethyl lactate for preparation of nanotube films
Certain applicator liquids and application techniques are described, which can be used to form nanotube films or fabrics of controlled properties. An applicator liquid for preparation of a nanotube film or fabric includes a controlled concentration of nanotubes dispersed in ethyl lactate. The controlled concentration is sufficient to form a nanotube fabric or film of preselected density and uniformity.
US07658868B2 Molecular actuators, and methods of use thereof
The synthesis of thiophene based conducting polymer molecular actuators, exhibiting electrically triggered molecular conformational transitions is reported. Actuation is believed to be the result of conformational rearrangement of the polymer backbone at the molecular level, not simply ion intercalation in the bulk polymer chain upon electrochemical activation. Molecular actuation results from π-π stacking of thiophene oligomers upon oxidation, producing a reversible molecular displacement that leads to surprising material properties, such as electrically controllable porosity and large strains. The existence of active molecular conformational changes is supported by in situ electrochemical data. Single molecule techniques have been used to characterize the molecular actuators.
US07658858B2 Band filter using film bulk acoustic resonator and method of fabricating the same
A band filter using a film bulk acoustic resonator and a method of fabricating the same. The method includes the steps of forming a membrane layer on a substrate, forming a plurality of resonators on an upper surface of the membrane layer, depositing a mask layer on a lower surface of the membrane layer and patterning the mask layer to form a plurality of main windows and sub windows, and forming cavities along the main windows in the substrate and forming sub walls in the cavities in such a way that the sub walls are separated apart from the membrane layer by using the notch effect caused during a dry etching. It is possible to precisely form cavities with desired sizes even if the cavities have different sizes, to reduce the notched areas in the cavities, to reduce the total size of the filter by decreasing a distance between the cavities and to reduce the total length of wires.
US07658857B2 Treating runoff
Systems and methods for treating water passing through a catch basin may include first and second filters. In some embodiments, the filters each have a plurality of regions with different nominal flow rates.
US07658853B2 Process for the treatment of contaminated water by means of a bifunctional system consisting of iron and zeolites
A process is described for the treatment of water contaminated by metals with a high oxidation degree, aliphatic compounds, aromatic compounds, halogen-aromatic compounds, chlorinated alkane and alkene compounds or mixtures thereof, which consists in circulating the contaminated water through a reactive system consisting of metallic iron and a zeolite having a silica/alumina ratio >50, placed in succession, wherein the first element through which the water passes is iron.
US07658851B2 Method of growing bacteria for use in wastewater treatment
A device and method for growing aerobic and facultatively anaerobic bacteria such as Pseudomonas Fluorescens, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus licheniformis, Starkeya novella and various autotrophic sulfur metabolizing bacteria, along with methods for releasing these bacteria into suspended growth or fixed film wastewater treatment zones such as soil or media, for the purposes of bioremediation and the removal of nitrogen, sulfur, and carbon wastes.
US07658849B2 Use of Rhizopus stolonifer (Ehrenberg) Vuillemin in methods for treating industrial wastewaters containing dyes
Use of a fungal biomass for treating industrial wastewaters containing at least one dye, wherein: i. the fungal biomass contains at least the fungal species Rhizopus stolonifer (Ehrenberg) Vuillemin; ii. the fungal biomass absorbs the at least one dye, so as to obtain wastewater that is basically free of the at least one dye.
US07658847B2 Biological fluid filtration apparatus
Apparatus for use in a biological fluid processing or fluid filtration system is provided. The biological fluid processing or fluid filtration system has novel open and closed loop processing systems wherein the gases transferred into and out of the system during processing pass through a porous medium in upstream and/or downstream gas inlet or outlet housings or vents in a manner which precludes the fluid being processed or filtered from ever contacting the housings or vents. Each housing or vent is separated from the fluid by a column of gas in its respective transfer line. The upstream gas inlet housing or vent is in communication with the unfiltered biological fluid, and the downstream gas inlet housing or vent is in communication with the filtered biological fluid.
US07658846B1 Structure of water filter assembly
A water filter assembly includes an upper cover body, a lower base, and a plurality of filter cores. The upper cover body is formed with a connector extending downwards. The connector is to be connected to a filter core set, which includes the filter cores connected together and has output and input hoses. The lower base has a chamber for accommodating the filter core set and has a cover portion connected to the upper cover body. Positioning members are formed on the output and input hoses at suitable positions. Notches are formed on two sides of the cover portion of the lower base so that the positioning members may engage with the notches.
US07658845B2 Functional water purifier
The invention relates to bio water purifier which improves the structure of water molecular and changes the water to weak alkali drinker. The invention comprises a sediment filter removing rust and floating matters in the water, a precarbon filter removing chlorine and impurities in the water, a ceramic material tube improving the water molecule, maximizing movement of the water molecule and making weak alkali water by radiating far infrared ray, a silver carbon filter removing odor and bacteria in the water and activating the water, and a ceramic filter removing various harmful matters in the water.
US07658844B2 Apparatus for supporting chemical tablets
A chemical feeder for dissolving chemical tablets includes a housing and a plurality of tapered pedestals positioned in the housing for supporting the chemical tablet as the tablet is dissolved by liquid flowing through the feeder. The housing also includes a cup configured to receive a cartridge for holding the tablet; the cup includes inlet and outlet ports for the liquid. The cartridge includes a plate at its lower end; the pedestals are formed on its interior surface. Each pedestal may have a pencil-point shape. When the chemical tablet is installed in the cartridge and the cartridge is installed in the cup, the tapered pedestals support the chemical tablet and thereby expose an underside of the tablet to the liquid. The tablet is immersed in the liquid according to the height of the pedestal; the dissolution rate of the tablet thus corresponds to the height of the pedestals.
US07658841B2 Oil-water separator
An oil-water separator for use in a trench, which surrounds an oilfield. The separator is positioned in the ground such that an inlet conduit extends at about the same level as the bottom of the trench. The trench water is admitted into the housing, where it contacts a plurality of buoyant oil-absorbing members, causing the oil particles to adhere to the surface of the oil-absorbing members. An outlet conduit located downstream from the oil-absorbing members is connectable to a pump to cause the oil-free water to be pumped from the housing and diverted away from the trench.
US07658840B2 Locking filter assembly
A locking liquid filter assembly is disclosed that prevents an unauthorized user from removing the filter media cartridge after installation. The locking filter assembly includes a head unit for coupling with an inlet conduit for delivering unfiltered process liquid into the filter assembly and an outlet conduit for delivering filtered process liquid from the filter, a head portion that includes a manifold for communicating with the inlet conduit and with the outlet conduit, and a locking assembly coupled to the head portion configured such that when the filter media cartridge is fully engaged with the head portion, the locking assembly engages with the filter media cartridge to prevent filter media removal.
US07658837B2 Process and device to optimize the yield of fluid catalytic cracking products
A process and device to optimize the yield of fluid catalytic cracking products through a reactive stripping process are disclosed. One or more hydrocarbon streams (3) are introduced in an intermediary region of the stripper (1) of a fluid catalytic cracking unit (FCC), from a device that allows a homogeneous distribution with adequate dispersion. This/these stream(s) react(s) with the catalyst of FCC, although its activity is reduced due to the adsorption of hydrocarbons in the reaction zone, generating products that improve and/or change the global distribution of products, providing a refinery profile adequate to meet quality demands and requirements.
US07658833B2 Method for copper electrowinning in hydrochloric solution
A method for the production of metallic copper in a substantially dendrite-free crystalline form is described, comprising an electrowinning from a cuprous and/or cupric chloride solution carried out in a spouted bed cell comprising a cathode consisting of a descending bed of metallic beads.
US07658831B2 Three dimensional microstructures and methods for making three dimensional microstructures
Systems and methods for depositing a plurality of droplets in a three-dimensional array are disclosed. The array can comprise a first type of droplets disposed to form a support structure and a second type of droplets forming a conductive seed layer on the support structure. A structure material can be electrodeposited onto the seed layer to create a three-dimensional structure.
US07658830B2 Capillary array and electrophoresis apparatus, and methods
A capillary array capable of being easily mounted on an electrophoresis apparatus without damaging the capillaries. The capillary array can include a plurality of capillaries that can be fixed via hollow electrodes on a load header in a matrix arrangement. The load header can be disposed on the electrophoresis apparatus. The capillary array can include a capillary frame onto which a capillary head and a detection portion can be detachably mounted. The structure allows the load header, the capillary head, the detection unit and other portions of the capillary array to be handled as a unit, thereby making it easier to mount the capillary array on the electrophoresis apparatus.
US07658825B2 Measuring device and measuring method for detecting analytes
A measuring device for the detection and determination of the concentration of at least one analyte in a liquid medium consists of a polymeric carrier having biologically active specific binding molecules dried on its upstream portion. A multiple electrode set consisting of at least one reference electrode and at least one working electrode is located thereon in a downstream region. The working electrode is provided with biologically active specific binding molecules. The carrier has a sample application zone, which is adjoined, in the downstream direction, by a non-deformable, through-flow reaction and detection chamber, a variably dimensioned interstice, and a liquid absorption element. For a qualitative and quantitative analyte determination, two liquid media are applied in succession to the sample application zone. While the first can contain the wanted analyte, the second provides for the formation of an electrical signal.
US07658820B2 Digester wash extraction by individual screen flow control
A continuous digester comprises a wash zone having a plurality of individual wash screens disposed about an inner wall of the digester for the withdrawal of co-current downflow liquor from the wash zone. A conduit is connected in fluid communication between each of the wash screens and a collector for co-current downflow liquor withdrawn from the wash zone of the digester. A valve is interposed along the length of the conduit leading from each of the wash screens. The valve is operable between open and closed positions in response to a signal received from a temperature sensor associated with the conduit leading from each of the wash screens. The signal represent changes in temperature of a corresponding co-current down flow liquor through a corresponding conduit wherein a corresponding valve permits adjustment of a corresponding flow rate of liquor through said corresponding conduit to a flow rate that is substantially equal to each of the other flow rates of co-current downflow liquor through each of the other conduits.
US07658819B2 Composition
The invention relates to a composition used for enhancing softness in paper products. The composition comprises (i) an oil, fat or wax (i) at least one non-ionic surfactant (iii) at least one anionic compound selected from anionic microparticles and anionic surfactants (iv) at least one polymer which is cationic, non-ionic or amphoteric wherein the non-ionic surfactant is added in an amount of from about 60 to about 1000 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of the polymer. The invention also relates to a process for production of paper comprising adding said composition to a cellulosic suspension or to a wet or dry paper web.
US07658816B2 Focus ring and plasma processing apparatus
A focus ring and a plasma processing apparatus capable of improving an in-surface uniformity of a surface and reducing occurrences of deposition on a backside surface of a peripheral portion of a semiconductor wafer compared to a conventional case are provided. Installed in a vacuum chamber is a susceptor for mounting the semiconductor wafer thereon and a focus ring is installed to surround the semiconductor wafer mounted on the susceptor. The focus ring includes an annular lower member made of a dielectric, and an annular upper member made of a conductive material and mounted on the lower member. The upper member includes a flat portion which is an outer peripheral portion having a top surface positioned higher than a surface to be processed of the semiconductor wafer W, and an inclined portion which is an inner peripheral portion inclined inwardly.
US07658813B2 Method of preparing closure components suitable for use in diapers
A method of preparing closure components and a method of preparing a stable roll of such components. The methods include (a) providing a fastening portion comprising fastening means; (b) providing a continuous web of a material in a machine direction, said web having a first outer major surface and a second inner major surface and a left and right longitudinal edge at least one of said first and second major surfaces being capable of releasably engaging with the fastening means; (c) joining said fastening portion in the machine direction to the inner and/or outer major surfaces of the web so that the fastening means of said fastening portion are exposed; applying at least two first cuts to the web in order to provide at least two flaps each having a top edge and a baseline, each of said at least two first cuts being discontinuous in the machine direction and in a cross direction, each of said at least two flaps bearing at least part of said fastening portions and being connected to the web at least through its respective baseline so that the baselines of said at least two flaps face opposite longitudinal edges of the web; (e) folding over the flaps into a direction from their top edges to their baseline essentially along said base line onto the web so that the fastening means releasably engage with the first outer major surface or the second inner major surface of the web. A closure component and a stable roll made according to the methods are also disclosed.
US07658808B2 Method for extending long-term electrical power cable performance
An improved method for imparting excellent long-term dielectric performance to an in-service electrical cable section having a stranded conductor surrounded by a conductor shield encased in a polymeric insulation and having an interstitial void volume in the region of the conductor, the cable section having an average operating temperature T. The method comprising injecting a dielectric enhancement fluid composition into the interstitial void volume, the composition comprising at least one component selected from: (1) a water-reactive material selected from an organosilane monomer, the above organosilane monomer wherein at least one of the water-reactive groups has been substituted with a condensable silanol group, an oligomer oligomer of the above organosilane monomer, or a co-oligomer of the above organosilane monomer, the organosilane monomer having a diffusion coefficient at least about 15 times greater than the diffusion coefficient of its corresponding tetramer; (2) a water-reactive material similar to (1) having at least one group attached to silicon comprising 7 to about 20 —CH2— units; (3) a non-water-reactive organic material which has a diffusion coefficient of less than about 10−9 cm2/sec and an equilibrium concentration of at least about 0.005 gm/cm3 in the polymeric insulation, the above mentioned diffusion coefficients and equilibrium concentration being determined at temperature T; or (4) an organic compound having an equilibrium concentration in the polymeric insulation at 55° C. which is less than 2.25 times the equilibrium concentration at 22° C.
US07658803B2 Manufacturing and cleansing of thin film transistor panels
A manufacturing a thin film transistor array panel includes depositing a first thin film including aluminum on a substrate, patterning the first thin film by photolithography and etching, cleansing the substrate including the first thin film, and depositing a second thin film on the cleansed substrate. The cleansing is performed using a cleansing material including ultrapure water, cyclic amine, pyrogallol, benzotrizole, and methyl glycol. The cleansing material includes ultrapure water at about 85 wt % to about 99 wt %, cyclic amine at about 0.01 wt % to about 1.0 wt %, pyrogallol at about 0.01 wt % to 1.0 wt %, benzotrizole at about 0.01 wt % to 1.0 wt %, and methyl glycol at about 0.01 wt % to 1.0 wt %.
US07658801B2 Heat treatment apparatus
A heating means is disclosed which comprises a reflector plate composed of an opaque quartz and a quartz tube welded to the surface of the reflector plate. A carbon wire which generates heat when a current is applied is inserted in the quartz tube.
US07658791B2 Anticorrosive coating compositions
It is an object of the present invention to provide an anticorrosive coating composition which uses a pollution-free (heavy metal-free) rust preventive pigment and exhibits anticorrosive performances equal or superior to those of lead compounds or chromic acid compounds even if the pigment is blended in various binder resins and also to provide an anticorrosive coating composition having excellent storage stability. The present invention relates to an anticorrosive coating composition comprising a binder resin and a pollution-free (heavy metal-free) rust preventive pigment containing a condensed calcium phosphate produced by baking a single substance or mixture of a calcium component and a phosphorous component in the following atomic ratio (Ca/P=m): 0.50
US07658788B2 Ion transport membrane module and vessel system with directed internal gas flow
An ion transport membrane system comprising (a) a pressure vessel having an interior, an inlet adapted to introduce gas into the interior of the vessel, an outlet adapted to withdraw gas from the interior of the vessel, and an axis; (b) a plurality of planar ion transport membrane modules disposed in the interior of the pressure vessel and arranged in series, each membrane module comprising mixed metal oxide ceramic material and having an interior region and an exterior region; and (c) one or more gas flow control partitions disposed in the interior of the pressure vessel and adapted to change a direction of gas flow within the vessel.
US07658785B2 System with canopy and electrode for air cleaning
System for separating particles from an environment, the system including a perforated screen and an ionisation electrode in the environment for creating an electrostatic potential between the electrode and the screen to attract the particles to the screen.
US07658784B2 Composite material, in particular composite membrane, and process for the production of the same
Composite materials are provided. A representative material is configured as a composite membrane for gas separation, vapor separation, or pervaporation. The composite membrane comprises at least a first polymer and a second polymer. Processes for the production of composite materials, in particular composite membranes, also are provided.
US07658783B2 High temperature heap bioleaching process
A heap is constructed with hypogenic copper sulfide bearing ore to include exposed sulfide mineral particles at least 25 weight % of which are hypogenic copper sulfides. The concentration of the exposed sulfide mineral particles is such that the heap includes at least 10 Kg of exposed sulfide sulfur per tonne of solids in the heap. At least 50% of the total copper in the heap is in the form of hypogenic copper sulfides. A substantial portion of the heap is heated to at least 50° C. The heap is inoculated with a thermophilic microorganism, and bioleaching is carried out so that sufficient sulfide mineral particles in the heap are biooxidized to oxidize at least 10 Kg of sulfide sulfur per tonne of solids in the heap and to cause the dissolution of at least 50% of the copper in the heap in a relatively short period of time.
US07658781B1 Silicon-containing composite bodies, and methods for making same
Composite bodies made by a silicon metal infiltration process that feature a metal phase in addition to any residual silicon phase. Not only does this give the composite material engineer greater flexibility in designing or tailoring the physical properties of the resulting composite material, but the infiltrant also can be engineered compositionally to have much diminished amounts of expansion upon solidification, thereby enhancing net-shape-making capabilities. These and other consequences of engineering the metal component of composite bodies made by silicon infiltration permit the fabrication of large structures of complex shape. Certain liquid-based preforming techniques are particularly well suited to the task, particularly where a high volumetric loading of the reinforcement component is desired.
US07658779B2 Monolithic element with reinforced corners for the filtration of particles
The invention relates to a honeycomb monolithic element for the filtration of particles, characterized in that the peripheral channels forming part of the outer wall of said element are configured to help in the formation of an outer wall whose inner face is substantially flat over the whole length of the element and in that said flat wall also has an increased thickness at the corners, so that, on a cross section, the ratio R of the thickness Ec of the wall, measured along the bisecting line of the angle at a corner of the element, over the minimal thickness Emin of said wall is greater than 1.5.
US07658777B2 Filter element and filter system for the intake air of an internal combustion engine
A filter element (12), particularly for the intake air of an internal combustion engine. The filter element (12) has a filter body (13) and a seal (15) disposed circumferentially around the filter body (13). The seal (15) is bonded to the filter body (13) with an adhesive (31) and includes a hard component (26) and a soft component (27). The hard component (26), which rests directly on a housing section, prevents the filter element (12) from moving relative to this housing section, and since the filter element cannot move relative to the housing section, damage to the filter element is avoided.
US07658776B1 Biomass reactor for producing gas
Apparatus for producing synthesis gas from a biomass feed in a closed, helical coil reactor utilizing a heat source such as a natural gas burner. The reactor includes the helical coil disposed in a reactor vessel with the heat source positioned toward a bottom of the reactor vessel. A heat shield is preferably disposed within at least an upper section of the helical coil, and the coil is placed adjacent to, but spaced from, a sidewall of the vessel so that convective heat may flow upwardly and around the individual coils of the helical coil. A lower section of the helical coil is preferably exposed to direct heat from the heat source. This lower section may exhibit a coil diameter that is greater than a coil diameter of the upper section. The biomass feed may be supplied to the helical coil from a mixing chamber including a spiraling screw valve.
US07658772B2 Process for making electrode pairs
The present invention is a process for making a matching pair of surfaces, which involves creating a network of channels on one surface of two substrate. The substrates are then coated with one or more layers of materials, the coating extending over the regions between the channels and also partially into the channels. The two coated surfaces are then contacted and pressure is applied, which causes the coatings to be pressed into the network of channels, and surface features on one of the layers of material creates matching surface features in the other, and vice versa. It also results in the formation of a composite. In a final step, the composite is separated, forming a matching pair of surfaces.
US07658769B2 Oxidation hair dye composition
An oxidation hair dye composition that provides an improved dyeing property. The oxidation hair dye composition comprises an oxidation dye, an alkaline chemical, and an oxidizing agent. The oxidation hair dye composition further comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of microbial hyaluronic acids and salts thereof.
US07658766B2 Intervertebral implants with covered inner chamber and methods of use
The present application discloses intervertebral implants and methods of using the implants. The implants may include inferior and superior surfaces, and a sidewall that together form the body of the implant. An inner chamber is formed between the surfaces and the sidewall. An opening extends through the body to access the inner chamber. A cover plate is sized to extend across the opening. The cover plate is adjustable between an open position to access the inner chamber, and a closed position to prevent the bone growth material from escaping from the inner chamber.
US07658765B2 Resilient intervertebral disc implant
Resilient surgical meshes that, in some aspects, can be compressed or otherwise configured, for minimally invasive delivery in the intervertebral discs are provided. According to one or more embodiments, the surgical mesh can be robust, fatigue resistant, stable and capable of withstanding the dynamic environment generic to intervertebral discs.
US07658764B2 Myringopexy type titanium prosthesis
A middle ear prosthesis comprises a one piece disk shaped prosthesis including a generally circular malleable body including a bore. The body engages a tympanic membrane and the bore receives a head of a stapes when implanted in a middle ear. More particularly, the middle ear prosthesis comprises a body comprising an annular head, a collar, and a plurality of radially extending members connecting the head to the collar. The head engages a tympanic membrane and the collar receives a head of a stapes when implanted in a middle ear.
US07658759B2 Intralumenally implantable frames
Implantable frames for use in body passages are provided herein. The implantable frames comprise one or more of certain preferred structural features that are generally applicable to frames comprising a plurality of curved and straight member portions that together define an interior lumen extending along a longitudinal axis between a proximal end and a distal end. The implantable frames have an exterior surface comprising a plurality of openings between the interior lumen and the exterior surface, and preferably include one or more undulating hoop members attached to one or more longitudinal connecting members. The implantable frames can be formed from any suitable material, but preferably comprise material permitting the frame to radially self-expand from a radially compressed configuration to a radially expanded configuration. The implantable frames are useful for endolumenal implantation within a body vessel, for example as a stent or as a support frame of an implantable valve.
US07658758B2 Method and apparatus for loading a beneficial agent into an expandable medical device
The present invention relates to method and apparatus for dispensing a beneficial agent into an expandable medical device. The method includes the step of placing an expandable medical device on a mandrel, the medical device forming a cylindrical device having a plurality of openings and dispensing a beneficial agent into the plurality of openings.
US07658757B2 Endoprosthesis delivery system
Endoprothesis delivery systems and methods for making an using the same. An example medical endoprosthesis delivery system may include an inner member. An outer member may at least partially surround the inner member. The inner member and the outer member may be configured so that an implantable medical endoprosthesis can be disposed therebetween. A coupling device may be coupled to a portion of the outer member so that, when there is substantially no slack in the coupling device, as the coupling device moves in a proximal direction the portion of the outer member moves in the proximal direction. An adjustable stop may be coupled to the coupling device so that, when there is slack in the coupling device, as the adjustable stop is moved in the proximal direction, the amount of slack in the coupling device can be reduced.
US07658755B2 Disposable cassette for intravascular heat exchange catheter
A heat exchange fluid supply system for supplying a heat exchange fluid to an intravascular heat exchange catheter includes a disposable cassette having a bulkhead and an external heat exchanger, and which is configured to operate in combination with a reusable master control unit. The bulkhead includes a reservoir section and a pump section. The reservoir section is provided with a means to monitor the amount of heat exchange fluid that is in the system. The bulkhead provides the mechanism for priming the system with heat exchange fluid from an external source and for circulating fluid to the catheter in a closed circuit. The pump section is configured to allow for pumping of heat exchange fluid at a constant pressure.
US07658753B2 Device and method for correcting a spinal deformity
A device and method for correcting a spinal deformity are provided. A spinal implant for correcting a spinal deformity includes a multipoint connector that connects to at least one vertebra of a spine at a plurality of locations and a force directing device that applies a force to the vertebra through the multipoint connector. The force directing device may include a rod which extends generally along an axis of the spine and a force directing member which is adjustably coupled to both the rod and the multipoint connector and which applies a corrective force to the at least one vertebra.
US07658752B2 Posterior dynamic stabilization x-device
Various methods and devices are provided for stabilizing the posterior elements of the spine, and more preferably methods and devices are provided for sharing the load with the intervertebral disc, the facet joints, the ligaments, and the muscles of the spinal column. In certain exemplary embodiments, methods and devices are provided for substantially controlling or providing resistance to movement, e.g., flexion, extension, lateral bending, and/or axial rotation, of the adjacent vertebrae.
US07658751B2 Method for implanting soft tissue
A suture construction and method for forming a suture construction is disclosed. The construction utilizes a suture having an enlarged central body portion defining a longitudinal passage. First and second ends of the suture are passed through first and second apertures associated with the longitudinal passage to form a pair of loops. Portions of the suture lay parallel to each other within the suture. Application of tension onto the suture construction causes constriction of the longitudinal passage, thus preventing relative motions of the captured portions of the suture.
US07658750B2 Suture anchoring system and method
A suture anchoring system and method includes a plurality of anchor members interconnected to form an anchor assembly with a suture extending therefrom. The anchor assembly has an insertion configuration wherein the anchor members are aligned in a substantially linear arrangement for delivery through an aperture in bodily tissue and an expanded configuration wherein the anchor members are transitioned to a non-linear arrangement to prevent passage of the anchor assembly back through the aperture.
US07658749B2 Method for creating a temporary hypobaric wound space in an intentionally left open surgical wound to diagnose substrate losses and prevent exogenous contamination with microorganisms
A hypobaric wound space is provided for prophylactic and diagnostic purposes in surgical wounds of the abdomen deliberately left open. The hypobaric wound space provided is established by a combination of an impermeable folio sheet or thin flexible membrane, tissue fluid absorbing gauze or sponge, a drain tube, and a suction device to create hypobaric conditions and prevent wound contamination and infection, and to collect wound fluid to diagnose protein, fluid and other substrate losses on a quantity and quality basis. More specifically the invention provided relates to postoperatively applying negative pressure to the wound space of any surgical wound that was deliberately left open by filling the wound space with medical gauze or any material that is capable of absorbing tissue fluid, sealing the wound space with an impermeable folio or flexible membrane by engaging the folio to the skin of surrounding wound edges, and evacuating air and tissue fluid from the wound space by continuous suction through a drain tube to protect the wound from contamination and infection, and to diagnose fluid and losses substrate losses on a quantity and quality basis.
US07658748B2 Right retrieval mechanism
An occlusion device for the closure of physical apertures, such as vascular or septal apertures, that can be retrieved, reloaded, and redeployed in situ. A plurality of puller arms and a floating center post allow the device to collapse for loading when a physician pulls on a delivery device, which is attached to the floating center post. This also allows for easy loading of the device into a catheter for delivery to the heart.
US07658746B2 Vacuum ring with linear bearings for an automated corneal shaper
A medical device that can be used to cut a cornea. The device may include a blade that is coupled to a head by a blade holder. The device may also have a retention spring that exerts a force on the blade and blade holder. The head and blade can be moved across a ring by a drive assembly that contains a lead screw. The ring may contain one or more openings which have a length that is greater than a width. The openings may be coupled to a vacuum source by a tube. The vacuum pressure of the tube can be displayed by a console. The console may also have switches that allow different operating parameters to be entered through a single knob.
US07658745B2 Ear cleaning device with an integral bulbous end
A disposable ear cleaning device having a one-piece, plastic body with an integral scoop at one end having a bowl portion having a smooth lower surface on the bowl. Openings may be formed in the bottom of the bowl for scraping wax and debris from the ear. The preferred openings are parallel slots. The preferred bowl has rounded, upper edges at the rim for scraping ear wax with the front, distal end at a lower height than a rear end of the bowl which is joined to a handle. The preferred handle may be fluted for gripping and turning the bowl when scraping ear wax. A flexible neck may join the bowl to the handle. A bulbous end of plastic or of cotton may be provided at the end of the device opposite the bowl. The referred cleaning device weighs less than one gram and is inexpensive.
US07658739B2 Methods and apparatuses for stabilizing the spine through an access device
An apparatus for stabilizing vertebrae while permitting a range of motion therebetween may include first and second fasteners for engaging adjacent vertebrae and a motion preserving device that can be coupled to the first and second fasteners. The motion preserving device may include a longitudinal member that includes an array of load-bearing elements. The longitudinal member may be configured to permit the load-bearing elements to move relative to each other and/or relative to other portions of the member. In some embodiments, the longitudinal member is relatively inflexible along a longitudinal axis and relatively flexible in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis.
US07658738B2 Medical devices for use with endoscope
A medical device is provided for use with an endoscope. The medical device can include a tissue resection device comprising an RF cutting wire. The tissue resection device can be supported for proximal and distal movement relative to the endoscope.
US07658737B2 Method and apparatus to sense temperature in an implantable pump
An implantable drug infusion pump for delivering drug therapy is made more reliable and its performance improved by monitoring drug pump temperature. Monitoring pump temperature can also provide for temperature-related drug therapy modification.A pump temperature sensor is read by the infusion pump's microprocessor. Pump temperature data is stored in pump memory for later access by a remote controller. A simple thermistor or semiconductor temperature sensor can provide fast and reliable temperature monitoring of the pump and/or of a patient by reading the temperature sensor's value and calculating a temperature therefrom.
US07658736B2 Internal drug dispenser capsule medical device
The present invention provides a swallowable internal drug medical device. The device includes a swallowable capsule. A sensing module is disposed in the capsule. A bioactive substance dispenser is disposed in the capsule. A memory and logic component is disposed in the capsule and in communication with the sensing module and the dispenser.
US07658734B2 Reservoir connector
A method and apparatus for a connection interface between a reservoir or syringe, infusion set tubing, and an infusion pump is provided. A base is provided which is adapted to receive a reservoir. The base has a base engagement member, such as a detent, projecting therefrom. A cap is provided which is adapted to receive the base. The cap includes a first cap engagement member, such as a detent opening, which is adapted to removably engage the base detent. The cap further includes a second cap detent opening which is adapted to removably engage the base detent. A piercing member, such as a needle, is disposed in the interior of the cap in such a manner that the needle is separated from the reservoir septum when the base detent is in the first cap detent opening, and the needle pierces the reservoir septum when the base detent is in the second cap detent opening. When the reservoir, the base and the cap are connected to form an integrated unit, this unit is then capable of being inserted and secured in the infusion pump housing.
US07658731B2 Disposal means on an absorbent diaper
An absorbent diaper (1) has a topsheet (5) and a backsheet (6) and an absorbent core (7). The diaper also has a rear waist portion (4), and a front waist portion (2), each having an upper edge respectively (8,9). The diaper further has a disposal tape (14) which is attached to both the topsheet (5) and the backsheet (6) across and around an upper edge (8, 9). One of the attachments (17) is releasable. The disposal tape (14) may be used for maintaining the diaper in a rolled or folded configuration for disposal, while before being used for disposal it covers an upper edge (8, 9) of the diaper, providing a comfortable upper edge for the wearer.
US07658730B2 Adult male disposable incontinence system for disposable underwear
An external male urine collection device is inserted into a front opening of a disposable nonwoven diaper or brief. The device comprises a resilient ring for receiving and restraining the penis in a funnel-shaped collection assembly bag extending from the diaper or brief. A distal funnel-like end of the collection bag is attached to a one-way valve and tube assembly to direct the urine from the bag. The tube is attached to a bedside urine storage bag or leg bag.
US07658729B2 Attachment device and system for corneal irrigating cannula and method thereof
A cannula support serves in supporting a cannula relative to a non-contact lens assembly and a positioning mechanism for positioning the non-contact lens assembly. The cannula support includes a cannula holder and a gripper disposed relative to the cannula holder. The cannula holder is provided for receiving at least a portion of the cannula. The gripper is adapted to cooperatively engage a portion of one of the non-contact lens assembly and the positioning mechanism.
US07658727B1 Implantable medical device with enhanced biocompatibility and biostability
An implantable medical device comprising a drug-loaded polymer overlaid with a fabric that promotes tissue ingrowth is useful in a wide variety of tissue engineering applications. The invention includes, for example, prosthetic heart valves, annuloplasty rings, and grafts, having enhanced biocompatibility and biostability. Methods of making and using the implantable medical devices of the invention are also included.
US07658725B2 Enclosed needle device with duckbill release mechanism
An enclosed needle catheter insertion device (10) includes a catheter (12) and a needle insertion device (14) which are held together by cooperating arms (52, 53) with one or more detents (56) cooperating with a radially projecting surface (26) of the catheter hub (16). Insertion device (14) includes a guard housing (30) to enclose a needle (34) in a shielded position and a support housing (32) supporting the needle (34) for movement between a ready position, with the tip (36) of the needle (34) exposed, to the shielded position. Cooperating lock elements (47, 78) are provided for the housings (30, 32) which are positioned to define a lock actuation stage between the ready and shielded positions, whereat the needle is still within a passageway (54) defined by the cooperating arms (52, 53).
US07658722B2 Adapter for power injectors
A syringe adapter includes an adapter body having a first connecting portion that may be received into a power injector unit used to deliver contrast media. The adapter also includes a second connecting portion configured to receive the rearward end of an associated syringe. The adapter includes means for encoding information about the associated syringe that may be communicated to the power injector unit through one or more sensors. The means for encoding information may include a mechanism that moves linearly laterally back and forth to activate an actuator used to convey the encoded information. In particular, the action of installing the adapter may be decoupled from the action of encoding information.
US07658720B2 Orthopedic appliance with moisture management system
An orthopedic appliance such as a body brace or a prosthesis includes a substantially rigid structure adapted to be placed against a body portion. The orthopedic appliance of the invention includes a moisture management system for facilitating the removal of moisture that would otherwise accumulate between the affected body portion and the substantially rigid structure. The moisture management system includes a plurality of ventilation holes through the substantially rigid structure, and means for facilitating the transfer of moisture directly out through the ventilation holes to the atmosphere. The facilitating means can include a flexible support means disposed between the substantially rigid body portion, the support means either being porous, or the support means having a plurality of holes therethrough in alignment with the holes in the substantially rigid structure. The orthopedic device may also include a fabric liner disposed against the body portion, the fabric liner serving to wick away moisture directly through the vent holes, and also serving to provide sufficient compression to prevent window edema.
US07658719B2 Bandage bag
A bandage bag provides the dual functions of holding a medical apparatus to a patient for daily wear and of serving as a waterproof bandage, especially for a catheter and its insertion site. The bandage bag comprises a bag and two adhesive layers. The bag opens along a first edge. One adhesive layer is placed along the other three edges on the anterior side of the bag. The second adhesive layer is placed along the first edge on the posterior side of the bag. The bag is attached to a patient's arm near the insertion site using the second adhesive layer. The catheter tubing and port is placed in the bag. The bag is then folded over so the first adhesive layer on the anterior side faces the arm and covers the insertion site, forming a waterproof bandage for the insertion site and the medical apparatus.
US07658717B2 Pulmonary evaluation device
Pulmonary evaluation device has sensor means adapted to sense fluctuations in a user's lung operation and feedback means, driven by said sensor means, for determining successive values representative of the user's lung fluctuations and adapted to translate said values into appropriate lung-evaluating information. Optionally, the sensor means comprises or forms part of an item suitable to be worn by or carried adjacent the user so as to follow body movements caused by the user's lung operation to evaluate the user's lung operation.
US07658716B2 Vital signs monitor using an optical ear-based module
The invention provides a system for measuring blood pressure from a patient that includes: 1) an optical module configured to be worn on the patient's ear and comprising at least one optical source and a photodetector; 2) a calibration source configured to make a blood pressure measurement; and, 3) a processing module configured to: i) receive a first signal from the optical module; ii) receive a second signal from the calibration source; iii) process the first and second signals to generate a calibration table; and iv) receive a third signal from the optical module and compare it to the calibration table to determine the patient's blood pressure.
US07658715B2 Miniature actuator mechanism for intravascular imaging
The present invention relates to a new intravascular imaging device based on a Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) actuator mechanism embedded inside an elongate member such as a guide wire or catheter. The present invention utilizes a novel SMA mechanism to provide side-looking imaging by providing movement for an ultrasound transducer element. This novel SMA actuator mechanism can be easily fabricated in micro-scale, providing an advantage over existing imaging devices because it offers the ability to miniaturize the overall size of the device, while the use of multiple transducer crystals maximizes field of view. Also disclosed are methods of using the same.
US07658714B2 Intelligent ultrasound examination storage system
An intelligent ultrasound examination storage system is disclosed, which permits a sonographer to focus entirely on the examination process while the system analyses image data and marks events of interest for post-examination review or storage.
US07658711B2 Endoscope, in particular for tracheotomy
An endoscope, comprising an elongated tubular shaft for introducing into a body of a patient, the shaft having a longitudinal axis and a distal end, and further having an opening the distal end. A light guide is arranged along the shaft and has a light-emitting distal end, the light-emitting distal end being arranged in the area of the opening of the shaft in order to radiate light from the opening.
US07658707B2 Clitoris friction stimulator and method for stimulating erogenic zones of a woman during a coition
The invention relates to medical engineering, in particular to exiting and attaining a woman orgasm. The invention consists of a stimulating element in the form of a strip having a relief surface, a connecting ring wearable on a coronal sulcus of a glans penis, a tension device and a method for stimulating erogenic zones of a woman during a coition. One end of the stimulating element is fixed to the coronal sulcus of a glans penis and the other end is connected to the tension device. During frictions, the stimulating element envelops a woman's pubic bone, reciprocatively moves and continuously touches the woman erogenic zones in the clitoris area, thereby exiting and additionally stimulating the clitoris. The aim of said invention is to amplify the sex sensation of a woman and to facilitate the orgasm.
US07658702B1 Push-up bench
An adjustable exercise device for performing push-ups is provided. The push-up bench is designed to accommodate exercisers of varying heights, sizes and fitness levels. The exercise device comprises a base assembly, an inclined exercise platform assembly flexibly attached to the base along one end, and a connecting leg assembly which is connected to both the base and the inclined platform. Adjustment of the leg assembly with respect to the base adjusts the inclined platform from a fully horizontal position to multiple degrees of inclination, providing multiple degrees of exercise difficulty. The inclined platform may also include foot pads and hand grips to properly position the exerciser. The inclined platform is adjustable lengthwise to permit the distance between hand grips and foot pads to be adjusted, to accommodate users of varying heights.
US07658701B2 Dual axis abdominal exercise apparatus
An abdominal exercise apparatus is provided that includes at least a lower carriage, an upper carriage, and a frame supporting the lower and upper carriages. A linkage mechanism operably associates the upper and lower carriages together to allow coordinated movement relative to one another. The upper carriage includes an upper pivot axis relative to the frame, and an upper carriage pivot axis relative to the upper carriage, and the lower carriage includes a lower pivot axis relative to the frame.
US07658694B2 Adaptive training system
A mobile unit configured to train an athlete is disclosed. The mobile unit includes multiple sensors, communication devices and a mobility system. The mobile unit executes one or more training paths to simulate chasing associated with various sports. The mobile unit is capable of determining its own location and the location of the athlete throughout a training session, as well as other information. The mobile unit is configured to adapt the training path to stress weaknesses of the athlete with respect to various types of athletic skills.
US07658687B2 Wood-type golf club head
A hollow wood-type golf club head with improved directional stability having, in head periphery region Ao including head contour line OL defined by crown portion 4 when viewed from above as a plane view of the head in the standard state, thick wall portion 9 extending along the contour line and expanding toward the hollow portion side to have an increased thickness, wherein the thick wall portion 9 comprises crown thick wall portion 9c which forms a part of crown portion 4 and has a thickness of 1.2 to 2.0 mm, and side thick wall portion 9s which is continuous with the crown thick wall portion 9c and forms a part of side portion 6 and has a thickness of 1.2 to 3.0 mm, and wherein the thick wall portion 9 has a width along the head outer surface of 6 to 16 mm in a vertical section passing through the head center of gravity G in the standard state.
US07658684B2 Golf club grip
A golf club grip for attachment to a golf club shaft formed of an upper section having a first outer diameter, an intermediate tapered transitional area and a lower section having a second outer diameter larger than the upper section outer diameter. The upper section accommodates the ring finger and pinky finger of the upper hand. The intermediate tapered transitional section accommodates the middle and index fingers and the thumb of the upper hand. The lower section accommodates the fingers of the lower hand. The structure of the golf club grip promotes better feel and allows a golfer's non-dominant upper hand to obtain a firmer and stronger grip while allowing the dominant lower hand to impart more force to the ball with the golf club.
US07658683B1 Gulf putting training aid
Apparatus and method for a golf putting training aid, which is attached to the shaft of a conventional existing putter which putter would normally be used by the golfer for putting. The apparatus comprises a second handle, which is disposed parallel to the first handle of the existing putter, wherein the apparatus has means of being attached to the shaft of the existing putter so that the second handle on the golf putting training aid is disposed parallel to the handle of the existing putter. The second handle is removable and can be moved along the first handle and the distance between the first and second handles can be varied.
US07658679B2 Series-parallel multistage torque converter damper
A method and apparatus for damping torque output from a torque converter turbine to input to a transmission. The damper includes: (a) an input device for connection to an engine; (b) a first spring set having drive springs; (c) a second spring set having secondary springs; (d) a third spring set having parallel springs; (e) a floating apparatus; and (f) an output device. Springs of the first spring set are compressible in a forward direction toward the output device as a result of torque applied to the input device and compressible in a reverse direction toward the input device as a result of torque applied by the output device. The first and second spring sets are in series between the input device and output device during a first forward compression of the first spring set, and the series is in parallel with the third spring set between the input apparatus and output device during a second compression of the first spring set. The first spring set is in parallel with the third spring set between the input apparatus and output device without the second spring set during a third compression of the first spring set. The floating apparatus is between the input apparatus and the output device and between springs of said first and second spring sets during the first forward compression of the first spring set. The method includes the steps of: (a) operating a spring set one and a spring set two in series between torque input and torque output; (b) placing a spring set three in parallel with spring sets one and two allowing more torque per degree of wind-up than in step (a); and (c) removing spring set two from series with spring set one resulting more torque per degree of wind-up than in step (b).
US07658678B2 Pronged sleeve-type flexible shaft coupling
A shaft coupling with a flexible annular sleeve, a driver end piece, and a driven end piece. The end pieces have a plurality of axially projecting prongs arranged so that the driver prongs loosely interlock in the spaces between the driven prongs with a gap between each pair of prongs. The sleeve fits snugly around the periphery of the loosely interlocked prongs. Each prong has at least one prong groove in its outer periphery. Each of two peripheral edges may be shaped to form a groove flank, and each set of two adjacent groove flanks on adjacent prongs may form a gap groove. The sleeve has a plurality of inner teeth including a plurality of groove teeth in alternating arrangement with a plurality of gap teeth. The prong grooves and groove teeth mesh, and the gap grooves and gap teeth mesh. Groove teeth may be bigger than gap teeth.
US07658673B2 Gaming device having risk evaluation bonus round
A gaming device that provides an offer/acceptance game, wherein the player preferably knows all the necessary information to make an informed decision whether to risk a currently held award and attempt to obtain a higher value award. The game determines the success or failure of a game event regardless of whether the player risks the offer award. If the player keeps an offer award, the game still displays a success or failure outcome, so that the player can see what the player missed, good or bad. The game also includes a plurality of levels or offers, wherein the player can sequentially trade up a currently held offer award a plurality of preferably predetermined times. The game is preferably embodied in a plurality of sequentially more difficult motorcycle jumps.
US07658672B1 Multi-play poker gaming system with predetermined game outcomes
A gaming system which provides the player a plurality of playing cards to form an initial primary poker hand and also displays one or more other poker hands. The player selects one or more of the initially dealt cards in the primary poker hand to hold or to discard. The held cards are also held in one, more or each of the other simultaneously displayed hands. The gaming device evaluates the held cards and determines which poker game outcomes are possible based on the held cards and the remaining cards in the deck. The gaming device utilizes a stored table of different distributions of poker game outcomes which would result in each payout amount and a table regarding which poker game outcomes are possible based on the player's held cards to determine a distribution of outcomes that provides a total payout equal to the payout of the predetermined game outcome.
US07658657B1 Single-pole electrical connector having a steel retaining spring
A male plug of a single-pole electrical connector assembly includes a non-conductive housing and a conductive contact having first and second ends disposed in the housing. The first end is adapted to receive an electrical cable and the second end is adapted to engage a corresponding female contact. An axially extending slot is formed in the contact and extends toward the first end of the contact from the second end. The slot forms first and second slotted portions of the contact. A spring disposed proximal the second end of the contact substantially prevents yielding of the first and second slotted portions of the contact and biases the first and second slotted portions radially outwardly.
US07658654B2 Female terminal fitting
A female terminal fitting includes a bottom plate which extends in a front-back direction, a female electrical contact portion formed on a front side of the bottom plate, a board connecting portion extending backward of the bottom plate, and a stress relaxation portion. The bottom plate has a first stress relaxation portion which is resiliently deformable in an up-down direction. A side wall is erected from and formed on at least one side portion of the bottom plate in a right-left direction. A connecting portion connects to the board connecting portion in a state that the board connecting portion is arranged so as to be parallel to the front-back direction and is located more inside than the side wall. The connecting portion is a second stress relaxation portion which is resiliently deformable in the right-left direction and in the front-back direction.
US07658652B2 Device and method for reducing crosstalk
A device and method for reducing crosstalk between wires is provided. The method includes spatially separating first and second sets of wires. A device is disposed relative to the first and second sets of wires to maintain the spatial separation. The method also comprises coupling pins to the first and second sets of wires. Additionally, the method includes covering the device with a connector housing.
US07658651B2 Electrical connectors and circuit boards having non-ohmic plates
An electrical connector includes a housing and a plurality of contacts within the housing that are configured to engage with mating contacts of a mating connector. The contacts form at least a first differential pair and a second differential pair. The electrical connector also includes a circuit board housed within the housing. The circuit board has a substrate body formed from a dielectric material and includes a first trace electrically coupled to a contact of the first differential pair and a second trace electrically coupled to a contact of the second differential pair. At least one of the first and second traces is an open-ended trace. The circuit board also has a non-ohmic plate that is positioned adjacent to the traces. The plate is positioned to electromagnetically couple the first and second traces to each other and the non-ohmic plate and traces are configured for a desired electrical performance.
US07658630B2 System and method for connecting electronic components
A system and method for connecting electrical components. More specifically, a method includes positioning a first set of electrical contacts of a first device opposite from a second set of electrical contacts of a second device, and activating a mechanism configured to rotate the first set of electrical contacts between an engaged position against the second set of electrical contacts and a disengaged position offset from the second set of electrical contacts.
US07658629B2 Cable connection assembly
A cable connection assembly for coupling a cable to an apparatus. The cable connection assembly may include a main body defining an inner cavity adapted to receive a pressurized fluid and receive at least a portion of the cable. The cable connection assembly may also include an attachment mechanism adapted to couple the main body to the cable and a seal assembly adapted to sealingly couple the main body to the apparatus. The cable connection assembly may also include an inlet port passing through the main body for permitting the pressurized fluid to be injected into the inner cavity.
US07658627B2 Electrical connector assembly with pick-up cap
An electrical connector assembly includes an electrical connector with an insulative housing and a pick-up cap assembled to the electrical connector. The insulative housing defines a substantially rectangular cavity in middle thereof and a number of contacts received in the cavity. The pick-up cap includes a main portion with a planar top surface and a plurality of spring arms extending from opposite edges of the main portion for engaging with the electrical connector. Each spring arm has a locking portion for engaging with the main portion if excessive deformation of the spring arm is encountered.
US07658626B2 Connector system
A portable computer is disclosed. The portable computer comprises a chassis and a connection system. The connection system has a plurality of different connector receptacles. The connection system is configured to swing relative to the chassis between an open position where the connector receptacles are exposed for use and, closed position where the connector receptacles are hidden and stored within the chassis.
US07658624B2 Electrical connector assembly having contacts without soldering legs
An electrical connector (100) assembled to a printed circuit board (5) for connecting with a mating connector, includes a longitudinal insulative housing (1) and a plurality of contacts (2, 3) received in the housing. Each of the contacts (2, 3) defines a retaining section (20, 30), a contacting portion (21) extending forwards from the retaining section for contacting with the mating connector and a compressing portion (220, 320) extending rearwards from the retaining section for connecting to the printed circuit board. The compressing portions are arranged in two rows, and the compressing portions nip and elastic compress against the printed circuit board instead of being soldered thereto to connect the electrical connector to the printed circuit board steadily.
US07658623B2 Electronic apparatus with a pin mount
An electronic apparatus has an electronic component and a pin mount. The electronic component has a working surface and two pins protruding from the working surface and each pin being bent to form an L-shape with a proximal part and a distal part. The pin mount has a flat bottom, a rear, two through holes and two communicating recesses. The through holes are defined through the pin mount in parallel, are formed from the front to the rear and receiving the proximal parts of the pins. The communicating recesses are formed in parallel in the front from the through holes toward the bottom of the pin mount, communicate respectively with the through holes and receiving the distal parts of the pins. The pin mount immobilizes the electronic component to prevent the pins from being detached from the electronic component or the PCB to retain the lifetime of the pins.
US07658621B2 Connector assembly having connecting device
A connector assembly (100) includes a mother board (12), a mother receptacle (11), a daughter board (22), a daughter receptacle (21), and a connecting device (30) mounted between said two boards. The connecting device includes a shroud (31), a pair of standoffs (32) mounted at opposite sides of the shroud and engageable with the two boards, and an extender (33) positioned alongside the shroud and between the pair of standoffs. The extender defines a lower interface (332) mating with the mother receptacle and an upper interface (331) mating with the daughter receptacle.
US07658620B2 Electrical connector having an improved frame
An electrical connector adapted for connection an Integrated Circuit (IC) chip to a printed circuit board (PCB) includes an insulating housing having a plurality of passageways, a plurality of contacts received in the passageways and a frame moveable assembled on the housing to allow the IC chip to be inserted therein. The frame includes a first and second side walls parallel to each other and a third side wall connecting with ends of the first and second side walls without a sidewall opposite the third wall, thereby a hatch is defined opposite to the third wall.
US07658618B2 Electric connector
An electric connector provided with a plurality of connecting elements which electrically connect a first electrode group and a second electrode group opposite between two devices, wherein (a) first contact points in contact with electrodes of the first electrode group of the connecting elements correspond to intersection points on an a×b where a and b correspond to pitch size, and (b) second contact points in contact with electrodes of the second electrode group of the connecting elements form at least two groups.
US07658609B2 Internal combustion burner, particularly for drawing mineral fibers
An internal combustion burner, especially for attenuation of mineral fibers, and including a combustion chamber, into which at least one duct for feeding fuel and oxidizer opens, and provided with an expansion orifice. The combustion chamber is provided with at least one flame stabilizing element, the geometry of the walls of which is chosen to create a confinement zone in which at least part of the combustion between oxidizer and fuel takes place.
US07658599B2 Rotary compressor with a filling member in the vane slot
A rotary compressor including a cylinder to form a compression chamber, and including a vane slot including a vane guide part recessed outward from an inner surface of the compression chamber and an extended part having a width wider than the width of the vane guide part by a predetermined extension width in an outer end area of the vane guide part, a roller to eccentrically rotate in the compression chamber and to compress a medium, a vane reciprocatingly accommodated in the vane slot, and contacted to an outer surface of the roller to divide the compression chamber, and a filling member accommodated in a space of the extension width in the extended part.
US07658594B2 Wind turbine, hydraulic system, air bleed system and method of controlling at least two wind turbine blades
The invention relates to a wind turbine having rotating means including at least two wind turbine blades which are turnable around the longitudinal axis of said blades, and a wind turbine hub connecting said at least two wind turbine blades with at least one shaft. Further, the wind turbine includes hydraulic means for actuating said at least two wind turbine blades, said hydraulic means being incorporated in said rotating means. The invention also relates to a hydraulic system, an air bleed system and a method of controlling at least two wind turbine blades.
US07658593B2 Heat accumulation segment
A heat accumulation segment for local separation of a flow duct inside a turbo engine, from a stator housing that radially surrounds the flow duct is provided. The heat accumulation segment includes two axially opposed joining contoured elements that are engageable with two components that are axially adjacent along the flow duct. A first one of the two joining contoured elements has a radially oriented recess with a frustoconical contoured surface against which a securing pin having a frustoconical external contour that acts radially under force action from a component that adjoins the first joining contoured element, and the first joining contoured element has a collar portion having a radially upper collar surface and a radially lower collar surface. The collar portion is connected within a counter-contoured receiving contoured element in the axially adjacent component by a joining force that acts between the securing pin and the frustoconical contoured surface.
US07658591B2 Cooling layout for a turbine blade, turbine blade included therein, turbine and aircraft engine equipped therewith
A layout for cooling a blade having a cavity surrounded by an internal wall including cooling fins which are spaced apart from each other by a pitch (p) and each have a thickness (e). The blade has, inside the cavity, a jacket passed through by emission holes each having a diameter (d). When the jacket is in place in the cavity of the blade, and in respect of the critical operating point of the turbine engine, each emission hole of the jacket is opposite a place on the internal wall of the blade which is located between cooling fins.
US07658589B2 Turbine with tube arrangement and method of preventing detachment of a fluid flow
Turbine system including a turbine and a tubular arrangement having an exit opening. The tubular arrangement is arranged on a downstream side of the turbine. At least one flow controlling device at least partially prevents a fluid flow through the tubular arrangement from becoming detached from the tubular arrangement. The at least one flow controlling device is positioned within the fluid flow and in an area of the exit opening. The turbine system is configured to operate efficiently in an environment wherein at least an upper edge of the exit opening is arranged above a downstream liquid level.
US07658588B1 Optimized blade tip clearance process for a rub tolerant design
A process for optimizing a blade tip clearance for a rub tolerate design in a gas turbine engine that includes evaluating a selection of candidate materials for galling and heat generation, selecting a subset of the candidate materials and analyze engine transient tip clearance for the subset materials, verifying the optimum material cooling and heat shielding for tip clearance and structures, and analyze and select an engine break-in procedure for the optimum tip clearance between turbine and compressor. If one of the subset materials results in a poor performance, than another material from the candidate materials is selected and reanalyzed until the best materials have been found. When the best materials are found, then a finite element method of analysis is performed from the blade and the static parts that form the tip clearance is performed to evaluate the materials for damage. If required, the blade and tip squealer configuration is altered to reduce stress, or blade tip coating is used. If a micro-crack in the static part will propagate, then the configuration of the hooks, scallops and the part thickness is reconfigured to reduce stress. Then, a #D analysis is performed for out-of-roundness, centerline bending and rotor sag. The design configuration and manufacturing is reiterated in order to optimize out-of-roundness.
US07658585B2 Binding-in and pressing machine
A binding-in and pressing machine (1) with a plurality of pressing stations (60) and heated joint forming rails situated on a reciprocating carriage (50). An alignment station (20) is provided for aligning the book case joints (2a) at the height of the joint forming rails (49a, b), including a height-adjustable alignment table (21) with rails (22, 23) for supporting the book (2) on the outer edges of its spine and guide elements (28, 6) for centering the book on the alignment table. A separate pre-forming station (40) is also provided that comprises the forming rail (51), clamping plates (41a, b), and joint rails (48a, b) that engage into the book case joints (2a) and counteract a downward movement of at least the book case joints (2a). The books (2) aligned in the alignment station (20) are transferred into the pre-forming station (40) while being clamped in lateral regions near the joints. The effective times available for realizing a functionally safe alignment and a permanent pre-forming of the books are extended due to the assignment of the alignment and pre-forming functions to two separate stations.
US07658577B2 Fastening device for fastening a movable element
A fastening device for fastening a movable element to a structure includes a support member and at least one belt retractor having a retractable belt and a fitting. The belt retractor may be fastened to a support member. The belt retractor is arranged in such a way that, if the fitting couples the structure and the movable element, the retractor prevents unrolling of the belt by more than a predefinable range if an external force, such as sudden mid-air turbulence acts on the movable element. Thus, the movable element is secured.
US07658573B2 Trench shoring extraction device
A hydraulic lifting device including a main beam, two or more connection plates fixedly connected to the main beam, at least two legs, each leg pivotably attached to two of the plates, at least two hydraulic cylinders, each cylinder disposed between the beam and one of the legs, and two or more load connectors.
US07658571B2 Barreling wave generating apparatus and method
A wave forming apparatus has a channel for containing a flow of water, the channel having an inlet end connected to a water supply for supplying a flowing stream of water, a base, and spaced side walls, and at least one oblique foil member in the channel. The oblique foil member has a leading face extending at an oblique angle to the water stream in the channel, and a trailing, venturi face with a leading portion facing one of the side walls to form a venturi or constricted pass between the side wall and leading portion of the venturi face. The leading face, venturi face, and venturi pass together are adapted to form a standing barreling wave at the venturi pass.
US07658564B2 Palm rest with detachable assembly mechanism
A palm rest with a detachable assembly mechanism attaches to a keyboard via the detachable assembly mechanism. The palm rest has a shell and at least one assembly mechanism. The shell forms a concave portion. The assembly mechanism has a base and a joint arm. The base is disposed in the concave portion of the shell. One end of the joint arm is pivotally mounted on the base so that the joint arm is rotatable and retractable in order to be received in the concave portion. The other end of the joint arm can extend outside the shell for assembly with the keyboard.
US07658558B2 Shutter and optical apparatus having the same apparatus
A shutter for an optical apparatus has multiple sectors and an operation member. Each of the multiple sectors has a cam opening for engagement and is pivotally provided to open and close a shutter opening, the operation member moves each of said multiple sectors in engagement with the cam opening, and the cam opening of at least one sector that is one of the multiple sectors is formed to change a moving direction of said at least one sector, when the operation member moves said at least one sector to a position to close the shutter opening.
US07658557B2 Camera device
A camera device comprises a first main body, a pivoting component, a second main body, and a camera unit. A first connection member is disposed on the side end of the first main body. One end of the pivoting component is pivotally connected with the first main body. The second main body is pivotally fixed at the other end of the pivoting component, and is electrically connected to the first main body. The camera unit is electrically connected to the second main body. The first connection member of the first main body is first electrically connected with a predetermined electronic device to attach the first main body, and the second main body then rotates relative to the first main body via the pivoting component to adjust the visual angle of the camera unit.
US07658554B2 Camera installation device
A camera installation device has a camera installation base (12) and a camera support section (14). A coupling direction (X) between the camera support section (14) and the camera installation base (12) is inclined relative to the direction vertical to a camera installation surface (16). Further, in the camera installation device, the angle of the camera support section (14) relative to the camera installation base (12) on a coupling reference surface (Y) crossing a coupling direction (X) is variable depending on the angle of the installation surface (16). Preferably, an inclination angle in the coupling direction (X) is 45°, and the camera support section (14) is reversible on the coupling reference surface (Y). Further, the camera support section (14) can be installed on an upper side and a lower side of a camera (18). The camera installation device can be used in different installation places such as a wall surface and a ceiling.
US07658552B2 Interface between light source and optical component
An optical system includes an optical device having waveguides defined in a first light transmitting medium. The optical device includes stops extending upward from a laser platform. The system also includes a laser bar having a plurality of lasers. The laser bar is positioned on the platform such that each laser is aligned with one of the waveguides. The laser bar includes alignment trenches that each includes a secondary stop extending upward from a bottom of the alignment trench. The secondary stop includes layers of material having different composition. The stops each extend into an alignment trenches such that each stop contacts one of the secondary stops.
US07658551B1 Optical fiber connector
An optical fiber connector has a rear housing, a reinforcing sleeve and a front housing. The rear housing has a front end, a rear end, a top, a bottom, two opposite sides and two slits longitudinally defined respectively through the top and the bottom at the front end. The reinforcing sleeve is mounted in the rear housing. The front housing is mounted around and the rear housing from the front end of the rear housing and completely covers the slits of the rear housing. The optical fiber connector with the slits has high resistance to the external transverse pulling force and is excellently durable.
US07658549B2 Pre-connectorized fiber optic distribution cable having overmolded access location
A pre-connectorized fiber optic distribution cable assembly includes a plurality of optical fibers and at least one mid-span access location along the length of the distribution cable. At least one of the optical fibers is accessed, terminated and then connectorized at the mid-span access location to an optical connector disposed within a receptacle. The mid-span access location, the accessed, terminated and connectorized optical fiber, the optical connector and at least a portion of the receptacle are encapsulated with a protective overmolded shell. A tether including at least one optical fiber connectorized at a first end of the tether is optically connected to the optical connector through the receptacle. A second end of the tether opposite the first end terminates in a network optical connection terminal, thereby compensating for a span length measurement difference between the actual location of the mid-span access and the desired location of the optical connection terminal.
US07658548B2 Coupling device for a light guide
A coupling device includes a first coupling element having a first passage, and an end section connected to the free end of the light guide; as well as a second coupling element with a second passage for holding/fixing an intermediate section following the end section of the light guide. In one implementation, the first coupling element and the second coupling element can be detachably joined in a coupled state, where the first passage and the second passage form a common passage and/or have (or surround) a common longitudinal axis. The first passage can be configured with a funnel-shaped section that, in the coupled state, the first passage faces the second passage and widens toward the second passage. In addition, the first coupling element may be formed from ceramic material at least on its inner surface in the region of the funnel-shaped section.
US07658538B2 Method for evaluating solder joint portion
A method for evaluating a solder joint portion by means of which a part and a substrate are joined to each other includes a preparation process for preparing the substrate including the solder joint portion, a thermal shock process for applying thermal shock to the solder joint portion multiple times, and an evaluation process for obtaining a change of a crystal grain size in the solder joint portion caused by the application of the thermal shock so as to evaluate a lifespan of the solder joint portion based on the change of the crystal grain size obtained.
US07658536B2 Microfluidic flow manipulation device
Disclosed is an apparatus and method for the mixing of two microfluidic channels wherein several wells are oriented diagonally across the width of a mixing channel. The device effectively mixes the confluent streams with electrokinetic flow, and to a lesser degree, with pressure driven flow. The device and method may be further adapted to split a pair of confluent streams into two or more streams of equal or non-equal concentrations of reactants. Further, under electrokinetic flow, the surfaces of said wells may be specially coated so that the differing electroosmotic mobility between the surfaces of the wells and the surfaces of the channel may increase the mixing efficiency. The device and method are applicable to the steady state mixing as well as the dynamic application of mixing a plug of reagent with a confluent stream.
US07658535B2 Lamp having improved vibration damping
The invention relates to a lamp (8), in particular a vehicle lamp, having a base (17), a burner (7) having a light-generating element (11, 12), and an adapter plate (1) having a connecting region (2) and a receiving portion (3), the connecting region (2) being connected to the base (17) and the receiving portion (3) to the burner (7). The adapter plate (1) has cutouts (4) between the connecting region (2) and the receiving portion (3) such that the connection region (2) is no longer rigid but has a certain flexibility.
US07658532B2 Portable display device
A portable display device includes a display panel, a light source supplying light to the display panel, a mold frame supporting the display panel and surrounding at least two sides of the light source, and a relief unit between the mold frame and the light source.
US07658529B2 Surface light source device and liquid crystal display unit
A surface light source device which illuminates a transmission-type liquid crystal display unit from the back surface includes P×Q surface light source units with individually controlled light sources. Each of the light sources includes a plurality of light-emitting element units. Each of the light-emitting element units includes at least one red light-emitting element that emits red light, at least one green light-emitting element that emits green light, and at least one blue light-emitting element that emits blue light. The center of mass of a luminance profile based on each of a plurality of red light-emitting elements, a plurality of green light-emitting elements, and a plurality of blue light-emitting elements in each surface light source unit substantially coincides with the center of mass of the surface light source unit.
US07658520B2 Vehicle flashlight with charger
The invention relates to a torch (1) having rechargeable batteries and contacts (3) on the housing outer surface (4), via which a closed circuit with a battery charging device (2) can be produced, said device being provided with an adapter plug for connection to a passenger vehicle or goods vehicle outlet, in particular a cigarette lighter socket (8). According to the invention, the battery charging device has a pot-shaped or sleeve-shaped housing (6), into which the torch (1) can be plugged such that contacts (7) on the inner surface of the housing (6) bear against the contacts (3) of the housing outer wall (4) of the torch (1).
US07658515B2 Optical package, optical lens and backlight assembly having the same
In an optical package capable of guiding light, and an optical lens and a backlight assembly having the optical package, the optical package includes a plurality of light emitting parts and a lens plate. The lens plate defines a plurality of lens parts corresponding to the light emitting parts, respectively. The lens plate has a plurality of light guiding portions extended from the lens parts in a side direction of the optical package.
US07658513B2 LED illumination device with a highly uniform illumination pattern
An LED (light emitting diode) illumination device that can generate a uniform light output illumination pattern. The illumination source includes first and second reflectors with a conic or conic-like shape. One reflector is mounted in the same plane as the LED and wraps around the front of the LED to redirect the light emitted along a central axis of the LED.
US07658512B2 Lighting unit
The invention relates to a lighting unit (1) having a concave reflector (2) with an axis of symmetry (3) and a light emission window (21) bounded by a circumferential edge (20) transverse to the axis, an elongate light source (30) extending substantially along the axis of symmetry (3), which light source (30) is accommodated in a holder (4) opposite the light emission window (21), and a cup-shaped axially positioned cap (5), which cap partly surrounds the light source and forms an optical screening means to intercept unreflected light rays. According to the invention, the cap (5) is surrounded at a distance d by a screening ring (50), which extends over a height h in the direction of the light emission window (21).
US07658505B2 Modular temporary lighting assembly
A modular temporary lighting assembly and multi-outlet stringer particularly suited for building construction settings. The assembly is formed by connecting a plurality of like-shaped stringers and a plurality of like-shaped multi-outlet receptacles. Each of the several section of the assembly includes one stringer and one receptacle. Each stringer has a two or three-prong twist-lock plug at one end, and a two or three-port twist-lock outlet at the other. Each receptacle has a light socket, one male twist-lock plug, three female twist-lock outlets, and a mounting hook. The receptacles are hung along the ceiling of the building and electrically connected by the stringers. The sections of the lighting assembly are connected in a single linear routing or a multi-branch pattern throughout the desired areas of the building. Each receptacle has a supply stringer that supplies it with electric power, and two or more feed stringers that supply power to other receptacles.
US07658500B2 Shutter opening and closing apparatus for beam projector
A shutter opening and closing apparatus for protecting a projection lens of a beam projector, wherein a shutter member is provided at an exterior case for selectively opening and closing an opening for exposing the light output surface of the projection lens and a driving unit mounted separately from the shutter member for driving the shutter member whereby the apparatus can be used as a wall hanging slim beam projector or a stand-up type slim beam projector capable of operating with a reduced consumption of electricity because of its compact, light-weight construction.
US07658499B2 Projector with a linearly adjustable zoom projection lens
A projector has a case, a zoom lens, a zoom ring, a control plate, a lodging element, a control rod, and a handle. The case has an opening, and the zoom ring is disposed within the case and nearby the opening, the zoom ring is moved back and forth to drive the zoom rod. The control plate is mounted on the case and laid over the opening movably, the lodging element is movably contacted with the control rod, wherein the handle accepts the force along the extending direction of the rectangular opening so as to let the control plate move the lodging element along the extending direction of the rectangular opening and further to move the control rod for continuously regulating the focal length of the zoom lens.
US07658495B2 Eye examination device by means of tomography with a sighting device
A sighting device for an examination by in vivo tomography of an eye of a subject including a viewer controlled by a control system for displaying at least one moving target where the at least one moving target has at least one of a programmable shape and a programmable trajectory, and is visible by the eye of the subject during the examination period to allow the subject to fixate and follow the target with their eye.
US07658492B2 Rimless spectacles
A pair of rimless spectacles includes two lenses, a frame including two temple units and a bridge, and a connection mechanism. The connection mechanism includes a plurality of first connectors spacedly provided at the lenses at a predetermined location and a plurality of second connectors provided at a predetermined location of each of the temple units and the bridge respectively, wherein the second connectors are coupled with the first connectors respectively to couple the temple units at two outer sides of the lenses respectively and to couple the bridge between two inner sides of the lenses respectively in a tool-less manner.
US07658491B2 Multi-purpose spectacle frame set
A spectacle frame set includes a detachable spectacle frame and a utility spectacle frame. The detachable spectacle frame includes two hangers, a lens supporter extended between two inner sides of a pair of optical lenses, two first connectors provided at two front ends of the hangers respectively to detachably couple with two outer sides of the optical lenses respectively. The optical lenses are selectively assembled with the detachable spectacle frame or disassembled from the detachable spectacle frame to detachably mount the optical lenses behind the utility spectacle frame at a position that the optical lenses are overlapped aligned with the utility lenses of the utility spectacle frame respectively.
US07658478B2 Non-conductive fluid droplet forming apparatus and method
A method and apparatus for forming fluid droplets includes a nozzle channel, a pressurized source of a non-conductive fluid in fluid communication with the nozzle channel, and a stimulation electrode. The pressurized source is operable to form a jet of the non-conductive fluid through the nozzle channel. At least one portion of the stimulation electrode is electrically conductive and contactable with a portion of the non-conductive fluid jet. The at least one electrically conductive and contactable portion of the stimulation electrode is operable to transfer an electrical charge to a region of the portion of the non-conductive fluid jet with the electrical charge stimulating the non-conductive fluid jet to form a non-conductive fluid droplet.
US07658477B2 Liquid ejecting head, imaging forming apparatus, device for ejecting a liquid drop, and recording method
A liquid ejecting head comprising a nozzle configured to eject a liquid drop of recording liquid, a liquid chamber communicating to the nozzle, and an energy generating device configured to generate energy for pressurizing recording liquid in the liquid chamber is provided, wherein a flow channel forming member configured to form a flow channel for the recording liquid is made of a metal material containing nickel and a peak intensity for a (200) face of nickel is higher than a peak intensity for a (111) face of nickel which intensities are measured by means of X-ray diffraction analysis, or a flow channel forming member configured to form a flow channel for the recording liquid is made of a metal material containing nickel and thallium.
US07658476B2 Liquid ejecting head and liquid ejecting apparatus
A liquid ejecting head that includes a plurality of pressure generating chambers, a plurality of piezoelectric elements, and a film wiring substrate. The piezoelectric elements each have a lower electrode, a piezoelectric layer and an upper electrode. Each of the piezoelectric elements is provided in an area opposite to the associated pressure generating chamber. The wiring substrate includes wiring layers, each of which is electrically connected to the associated upper electrode so as to supply electricity to the piezoelectric element. The piezoelectric elements include active piezoelectric elements and inactive piezoelectric elements. Each of the active wiring layers is electrically connected to the associated active piezoelectric element. Each of the inactive wiring layers is electrically connected to the associated inactive piezoelectric element.
US07658458B2 Inkjet recording apparatus and method of determining control condition in the apparatus
An actuator can selectively switch a volume of a pressure chamber between a first state V1 and a second state V2, which is greater than V1. The actuator changes from the first state into the second state and then changes back into the first state to eject ink from an ejection port. A controller controls the actuator such that To/Tc falls within a range from 0.51 to 0.54. To represents the time period between time the actuator starts to change from the first state into the second state, to a time the actuator starts to change from the second state into the first state. Tc represents the period of proper oscillation of ink filling up the individual ink passage. The actuator is controlled so that a variation in ink ejection speed is prevented from being too large relative to the variation in the degree of deformation of the actuator.
US07658455B2 Traction enhancement device
An enhanced traction device for use with a vehicle having dual tandem wheels includes a series of generally parallel track pads, each track pad having an alignment portion and a traction portion defining first and second ends. Each traction portion includes an inner surface for contacting the vehicle wheels and an outer surface for contacting ground. Each alignment portion extends away from a respective traction portion outer surface and is configured to pass between the dual wheels. The alignment portions maintain proper positioning of the track pads upon the dual tandem wheels of the vehicle. The traction device further includes a first chain coupled to each respective track pad first end for maintaining a predetermined spacing between said track pad first ends. Similarly, the traction device includes a second chain coupled to each track pad second end for maintaining a predetermined spacing between the track pad second ends.
US07658452B2 Hub and wheel, in particular for bicycles
A hub and a wheel equipped with such a hub for bicycles, wherein the hub includes a fixed hub axle and a hub body rotatably mounted relative to fixed hub axle through two bearings. The hub body includes a hub sleeve and two separate hub flanges positioned on the hub sleeve at which spokes are disposed to connect the hub body with a rim. The hub flanges are fastened to the hub sleeve by connecting members positioned substantially perpendicular to the hub axle.
US07658451B2 Aircraft wheel grease retainer and method for retrofitting the same
An aircraft wheel grease retainer for use in a wheel assembly having an axis of rotation, and further having bearings which are each located in a bearing cavity, wherein the bearing uses grease, which is introduced into the bearing cavity, wherein the wheel assembly is comprised of an outer wheel half assembly, and an inner wheel half assembly, wherein the grease retainer comprises a cylindrical retaining structure which spans from the bearings on the outer wheel half assembly to the bearings on the inner wheel half assembly, and two pliable interface rings. The cylindrical retaining structure has a centerline which corresponds to the wheel assembly axis of rotation, and further has an outer end and an opposing inner end, with a corresponding outer retaining flange and inner retaining flange which extend over the bearing cavities. The pliable interface rings seat on the cylindrical retaining structure, and interface between the cylindrical retaining structure and the wheel assembly.
US07658444B2 Energy absorbing seat anchor restraint system for child safety seats
An energy-absorbing deformable structure to attach a child safety seat to a mounting portion of a vehicle comprises a bracket. The bracket includes a base configured to be coupled to the mounting portion of the vehicle, a metal strap positioned in the base such that a first end of the metal strap is configured to be free and coupled to the child safety seat, a second end of the metal strap is separably attached to the base, and a body of the metal strap is bent between the first end and the second end. When the metal strap is pulled in tension, the metal strap tears from the base, thereby absorbing energy.
US07658443B2 Inboard buckle attachment for a four-way seat
The inboard buckle for a four-way seat is attached to the seat through a variable buckle guide. Attaching the inboard buckle to the seat allows the buckle to move with the seat and obviates the need for a long buckle which introduces undesirable slack into the seat belt system during a crash event. Since the buckle moves with the seat, it remains in a location that is convenient for the occupant and provides the maximum occupant protection. The variable buckle guide is attached to the upper rail supporting the seat, and in a crash event, the variable buckle guide transfers the occupant load on the belt to the upper rail, avoiding distortion of the seat or the height adjusting levers supporting the seat, and thus precludes slack in the belt caused by such distortion.
US07658433B2 Locating structure for an instrument panel assembly of a motor vehicle
An instrument panel assembly for a motor vehicle includes a first component, a second component and a frame. The first component has a first aperture. The second component has a second aperture. The frame has a main wall. The frame includes a generally cylindrical boss extending outwardly from the main wall. The boss has an outer surface. The boss has a bore aligned with the first aperture of the first component to receive a fastener therethrough to secure the first component to the frame. The boss extends through the second aperture of the second component such that the outer surface locates the second component relative to the frame along a plane generally orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of the boss. The second component is disposed between the first component and the frame so as to be constrained along the longitudinal axis of the boss.
US07658425B2 Cantilevered support for automotive seats
An interior seat assembly for a motor vehicle is provided. The interior seat assembly includes a center console, a seat back, a seat bottom, and a cantilevered member. The center console extends in fore and aft directions of the vehicle. The center console includes a first console section coupled to a floor of the vehicle and having at least one seat track positioned therein. The center console further includes a second console section supported by the first console section for storing items. The seat back is positioned adjacent to the center console. The seat bottom is coupled to the seat back for coacting with the seat back to support a passenger thereon. The cantilevered member is coupled to the seat track of the first console section and to the seat back for moving the seat back and the seat bottom in the fore or the aft directions of the vehicle.
US07658421B2 Axial member with flange, connection member and production methods thereof
A target tubular member with flange, such as a bumper stay, has a flange having an outer diameter larger than the diameter of an axial section and is formed by electromagnetic forming without excessive expansion. The tubular member with flange includes an axial member made of a tubular aluminum alloy extrudate and a flange member joined to an end of the axial member. The axial member has an end flange being integrated at its end and having an area smaller than that of the flange member. The flange member has a hole, and a cylindrical hole flange at the edge of the hole. The axial member fits in the hole of the flange member, the end flange is in intimate contact with the flange member, and the outer periphery of a small-diameter portion of the axial member is in intimate contact with the inner periphery of the hole flange. The hole flange is held between the end flange and a protrusion. The tubular member with flange may be produced by inserting an untreated pipe into the hole of the flange member and expanding the untreated pipe by electromagnetic forming.
US07658418B1 Swivel connector for nonmetallic electrical conduit
A swivel coupling for electrical conduit is formed of a pair of arcuate tubular sections joined together at a pair of connecting flanges. A liquid tight seal is provided by an O-ring which seats in registered annular grooves in the face of each flange. A coupling nut tightens the flanges against one another. Formed at the end of one of the sections is a junction box fitting including a threaded nipple which is inserted through an opening of the junction box until a stop nut, positioned on the nipple, engages the box. A tightening nut is engaged over the nipple from the interior of the junction box to secure the swivel coupling to the box. The end of the other tubular section includes a conduit fitting for securing a length of electrical conduit. Because the stop nut is installed after the coupling nut has been advanced past the nipple, a reduced diameter coupling nut may be employed.
US07658417B2 Hose hinge assembly
A high-pressure hose hinge assembly provides a continuous fluid path between first and second components that move relative to each other. The hose hinge assembly includes a plurality of rotatable swivel fittings that couple a plurality rigid pipe sections. A first swivel fitting is fixedly coupled to the first component and another swivel fitting is coupled to the second component. At least one swivel fitting and two rigid pipe sections extend between the swivel fittings coupled to the first and second components to provide a continuous fluid path.
US07658416B1 Album system and components thereof
An album system and components thereof. The system is an improved book-like system for use as a photo album, scrapbook or the like. Embodiments include leaves and covers which can be reversibly attached by a hook and loop attachment system and leaves that significantly reduce the accidental spilling of the contents stored for display in such albums. In some embodiments, each rectangular leaf is made from two sheets of polypropylene sealed together on all four edges, there is slit in a single sheet, near (but not at) one edge, and the opposite a region near the opposite edge is surfaced with one component of a hook and loop attachment system.
US07658414B2 Fuel tank fixing structure
A fuel tank fixing structure for a low-profile fuel tank is provided with a plate-shaped attachment member formed so as to fit the fuel tank. The plate-shaped attachment member is brought into contact with the fuel tank at least at a part of a lower wall of the fuel tank and a part of a side wall of the fuel tank, and fixed to an underside portion of the vehicle body.
US07658412B2 Frame for heavy-duty vehicles
A frame for a heavy-duty vehicle includes a pail of spaced-apart, parallel, elongated, and longitudinally-extending main members. At least a pair of transverse cross members extend between and are attached to the main members, and each one of at least a pair of hangers is attached to and depends from a respective one of the main members and/or the cross members. A component is disposed between each one of the hangers and its respective main member, or alternatively is incorporated into the hangers, for absorbing the energy that is created by an extreme event during vehicle operation, to reduce the possibility of damage to the main members and/or the cross members caused by movement of at least one of the hangers during the extreme event.
US07658410B2 Passenger restraining harness
A passenger restraining harness has a web (30) which during ready position stored within the backrest of a seat (10) and there is also a headrest (31) rested on top of the backrest covering the exit opening of the web, during the course of an accident, the propelling device (50) will receive commend from the sensor to propel carrying cams (80) (801)(802)(803) with the web and headrest along the looped channels (40) to the engaged positions at the anchor brackets (60) effectively restraining a person (11), the cable guides (20) with the tightening cable (32) function together to tighten up middle section of the web (30). Showing is the inside section of a vehicle (9).
US07658407B2 Air bag with active vent
A safety system comprising an air bag configured to have at least one inflatable volume or chamber, an inlet through which inflation gas enters the inflatable volume, the air bag including at least one exit port or vent which when in an open state permits inflation gas to exit the volume or chamber, the exit port or vent located in a selected region of the air bag, a vent closure mechanism secured to the air bag and movable to close the exit port or vent by tension created in a tether which is part of the vent closure mechanism; as the air bag inflates, the tether has one end operatively secured to the air bag, a second end operatively secured to the vent closure mechanism, the tether including a medial portion slidably guided across a portion of the air bag.
US07658403B2 Side airbag apparatus
A side airbag apparatus is provided with an airbag which is stored within a vehicle seat. A rear portion of the airbag is fixed to the vehicle seat. Further, the side airbag apparatus is provided with an inflator which is arranged within a rear portion of the airbag and is fixed to the vehicle seat. The side airbag apparatus jets out gas from the inflator in correspondence to an impact applied to a vehicle from a side direction, and inflates and deploys the airbag between a body side portion and the vehicle seat. Further, a vent hole for discharging the gas within the airbag is provided between a gas outlet of the inflator and at least one of an upper end and a lower end of a rear portion of the airbag. Further, the airbag is folded in such a manner as to start and finish an inflation of the airbag finally in the vicinity of the vent hole between the vent hole and the gas outlet.
US07658398B2 Rotating connection system with braking means
A connection system for connecting a board 1 to a boot comprises a plate 5 which is connectable to the board 1, a button 3 having a bottom face and a top face, the top face being connectable to a boot or binding 2, and a collar 4, wherein a part of the button 3 is sandwiched between the collar 4 and the plate 5 with its bottom face adjoining the plate 5, and its top face exposed through the collar 4, such that it can rotate about an axis passing through the connection system and wherein the bottom face of the button 3 has a curved surface, which has rotational symmetry with and which adjoins a complimentary curved surface on the plate 5, such that button 3 can roll to move its axis of rotation A away from an axis P perpendicular to the plate 5, and in that the connection system comprises braking means 8, which restricts movement of the button 3.
US07658397B2 Combined truck and trailer
A truck and trailer combination has a trailer removably mounted on the truck frame with longitudinal and horizontal channel members secured to the truck frame and longitudinal rails fastened to the trailer. The rails have a slide fit with respect to the channel members. Lock pins connect the rails to the channel members.
US07658396B2 Articulated vehicle made from several vehicle parts which are couplable together
The invention relates to an articulated vehicle consisting of several vehicle parts (1, 2) which are couplable together, each vehicle part (1, 2) comprising at least two axles and one coupling frame (12) that is connected to said vehicle part (1, 2) through a bellows (13), a joint device (20, 31) being provided between said vehicle part (1, 2) and said coupling frame (12), said joint device (20, 31) comprising a coupling carrier (30) that is located approximately in the plane of said coupling frame (12), said coupling carrier (30) comprising at least coupling means (25) for coupling to the joint device (20, 31) of the other vehicle part (1, 2).
US07658394B1 Rear suspension system for bicycles
A rear suspension system includes a bottom bracket integrally connected between two respective first ends of two chain stays and the bottom bracket is engaged with a recess defined between two lugs on the conjunction end of the seat tube and the down tube. The chain stay unit includes two first pivot points and two second pivot points. A first link unit has a first end pivotably connected to the first pivot points and a second end of the first link unit is pivotably connected to one of the two lugs. A second link unit has a first end pivotably connected to the second pivot points and a second end of the second link unit is pivotably connected to the other one of the two lugs. The distance between the bottom bracket and the rear wheel axle is not changed when the rear suspension system is activated.
US07658393B2 Complementary suspension device
Complementary suspension device applicable between the hydro-pneumatic suspension systems of at least two wheels of a vehicle, which transfer the forces originating in said wheels to the aforementioned complementary device by means of displacement, and/or decanting, of the fluids of said suspension systems through the corresponding conduits, said device comprising two fluid distribution units connected in parallel by means of each joint conduit, between the hydro-pneumatic suspension systems of at least one pair of vehicle wheels, in such a way that for each pair of wheels the first distribution unit is capable of allowing the intake of fluid through the joint conduit with the suspension system of one of the wheels and, at the same time, lets fluid exit through the joint conduit with the suspension system of the other wheel, whereas the second unit only allows the intake of fluid through the joint conduits with the two suspension systems at the same time.
US07658387B2 Reinforced elastomeric seal
A dynamic seal is provided which is made of a processable rubber composition containing a matrix of vulcanized elastomeric material with powder filler dispersed therein. In a preferred embodiment, the elastomeric material contains a micro powder which has repeating units derived from tetrafluoroethylene. The micro powder has a median particle size of between 1 and 50 μm.
US07658386B2 Retrofittable severe duty seal for a shaft
The present invention discloses a seal and a method of sealing dynamic shaft applications. The seal comprises an inner portion, an outer portion, a faceplate, and at least one flexible member located between the inner and outer portions. The method comprises providing a dynamic shaft assembly containing a bore for receiving a seal, providing a unitized seal, and placing the unitized seal on the shaft, thus sealing the assembly so that lubricants may not escape, and foreign material may not enter. The unitized seal can provide permanently lubricated sealed bearings in severe service conditions such as rollers and idlers of track-driven vehicles and agricultural equipment.
US07658380B2 Adaptive and predictive document tracking system
A system and method for adaptive and predictive analysis of sensor readings to track documents in a document processing system. The system comprises: a plurality of sensors for sensing a document, wherein each sensor includes an associated filtering system for filtering sensor readings, and a performance tracking system for collecting performance data; and a control system that and adjusts filtering characteristics of the filtering system based on the collected performance data. In addition, a correlation system is provided for using data from at least one upstream sensor to interpret an ambiguous downstream sensor signal.
US07658376B2 Method and apparatus for depositing sheet of paper onto a stack using intermediate transport member
Depositing a sheet of paper onto a stack of sheets of paper, preferably for use in a printing press, where the sheet to be deposited is grasped by at least one rotationally drivable sheet conveyor member with the front edge of the sheet fed into a receptacle, and the sheet's front edge is released from the receptacle of the rotating sheet conveyor member prior to depositing of the sheet onto the stack of sheets, and instead, it is deposited into a receptacle of an intermediate transport member where it is further released for depositing the sheet onto the stack of sheets.
US07658374B2 Sheet feeder
A pick roller picks a sheet stacked in a hoper and transports the sheet toward a separating section at which a separator roller and a brake roller is provided. The separator roller and the brake roller transport the sheet one by one. A first unit is provided on the brake roller and is adapted to detect a rotation of the brake roller. A second unit is provided in the separating section and is adapted to detect a speed of the sheet. A controller is operable to determine an entry state of the sheet with respect to the separator roller based on presence or absence of the sheet in the separating section determined from the speed of the sheet in the separating section and whether or not the brake roller is rotating, and to optimally control a force acting in separation for the sheet.
US07658373B2 Method for producing multi-part print products
A method for producing multi-part print products includes supplying a folded main print product fold first to respectively one pouch of successively following pouches on a conveying device for a production line that includes a plurality of feeders. The folded main print product has front and rear legs extending from the fold. The rear leg has a frontal edge region that is penetrable by a movable clamping part. The method further includes moving the front and rear legs apart by penetrating the frontal edge region of the rear leg with the movable clamping part to clamp the front leg against a pouch wall. At least one partial print product is inserted into the main print product when the front and rear legs are moved apart to accommodate partial print products side-by-side.
US07658371B2 Magnetic strip removable portion format
A system for producing removable portions having personalized information, for mass-distributable packets, by single-pass manufacturing, in which a printed web is slit into two ribbons, one of which is then folded and glued upon itself to create a multi-ply ribbon that appears to be of heavier stock than the original paper, and a label containing a magnetic strip is applied. The magnetic strip can be encoded with information personalized to the recipient or the advertiser. Alternatively, the multi-ply ribbon can be created by gluing together multiple ribbons, or by a combination of folding ribbons and gluing ribbons. The multi-ply ribbon is die cut into an inside portion and an outside portion and married to the other ribbon, after which the outside portion is removed, leaving the inner portion as removable portions. Alternatively, the folded ribbon can be kiss cut after it has been married to the other ribbon. The removable portions can be coated or laminated to simulate plastic and can be printed with information personalized for the advertiser or for the recipient.
US07658362B2 Two piece wall hanger
A two piece hanger device for mounting an object on a wall wherein one piece is mounted on the object and one piece is mounted on the wall and wherein one of the two pieces can be angularly adjusted with respect to the other to permit proper horizontal alignment of the object to be hung.
US07658358B2 Rotary table for enclosed hose reel
A rotatable base apparatus for use with a hose reel enclosure. The base comprises an upper and a lower portion. A bearing is located in between the upper and lower portions and allows the portions to rotate with respect to each other. The bearing can comprise balls mounted in sockets in the lower base portion which ride in a track in the upper base portion. Clips are provided on the upper base portion to secure the hose reel enclosure thereto. This arrangement allows the user to remove the hose from the reel in any direction without the danger of the hose reel enclosure tipping over. The hose reel enclosure will rotate to the direction in which the hose is being removed. It also allows the hose reel enclosure to rotate to the direction that the hose is being wound onto the reel. This prevents the hose from being unevenly wound onto the reel, i.e. piling up on one side of the reel.
US07658356B1 Mounting bracket for solar panel applications
A bracket is disclosed for attaching solar panels to roof structures. The bracket may comprise first, second and third planar portions, the first and third portions generally parallel to each other, and the second planar portion disposed at an oblique angle with respect to first and third portions. The first portion may have a plurality of elongated stiffening members disposed at oblique angles with respect to a longitudinal axis of the bracket. Gussets may be provided across the transition between the first and second portions, and the transition between the second and third portions. The gussets and stiffening members are shaped, sized and oriented to enhance the strength of the bracket. The bracket may have a drain hole to allow water to pass through the bracket, and a plurality of fastener holes are provided to enable the bracket to attach to a variety of different solar panels and roof structures.
US07658352B2 Device to facilitate stationary placement of a paintbrush
An attaching mechanism to attach to a paintbrush. The attaching mechanism comprises a hook so that when the attaching mechanism is attached to a paintbrush, the paintbrush can be hung by the hook on a rim of a paint can.
US07658349B2 Pilot flight control stick haptic feedback system and method
A pilot flight control stick haptic feedback system includes a pilot user interface, a position sensor, a pilot motor, and a control circuit. The pilot user interface is movable to a position at a movement rate. The position sensor senses the position of the pilot user interface and supplies a pilot user interface position signal. The pilot motor is coupled to the pilot user interface, and receives pilot motor feedback signals. The pilot motor, in response to the pilot motor feedback signals, supplies feedback force to the pilot user interface. The control circuit determines one or more of the pilot user interface position, movement rate, aircraft control surface slew rate capacity, aircraft control surface load rate capacity, and aerodynamic stall risk and, based on at least a subset of these determinations, supplies pilot motor feedback signals to the pilot motor.
US07658345B2 Fiber handling cart for cables with tethers
A fiber axis cart includes a series of spools arranged side-by-side on a common shaft where the spools may be locked to turn with the shaft, or they may be made to turn independent of the shaft. A cable is wound onto the spools. The cable winding progresses to the next spool at each access point on the cable. Cable slack for working on each access point is obtained by unlocking the spools and allowing the spools to rotate with respect to an adjacent spool.
US07658342B2 Auto-feed buit-in a paper shredder
Disclosed is an auto-feed built-in a paper shredder, including a pair of bisecting lids that are each provided at an inside thereof with a paper press, a paper receiving compartment, an auto-feed, and a paper shredding device located exactly below the auto-feed, wherein the auto-feed includes a paper tray, a paper inlet and two roller assemblies; the paper inlet and the paper shredding device located therebelow are aligned along an identical central axis; the two roller assemblies are provided at opposing sides of the paper inlet in parallel and project into the paper tray, whereby after placing a pile of paper into the paper receiving compartment to be supported by the paper tray, and closing the bisecting lids, the paper presses provided at the insides of the lids would apply a force against the pile of paper, such that a bottommost paper of the pile of paper would be folded in half by the two rollers rotating towards each other and then fed into the paper inlet to be subsequently shredded by the paper shredding device located below the paper inlet.
US07658340B2 System and method for nanoparticle and nanoagglomerate fluidization
With the coupling of an external field and aeration (or a flow of another gas), nanoparticles can be smoothly and vigorously fluidized. A magnetic force and/or pre-treatment may be employed with the fluidizing gas and, when coupled with a fluidizing medium, provide excellent means for achieving homogenous nanofluidization. The magnetic force interacts with non-fluidizing magnetic particles and helps to break channels as well as provide enough energy to disrupt the strong interparticle forces, thereby establishing an advantageous agglomerate size distribution. Enhanced fluidization is reflected by improved performance-related attributes. The fluidized nanoparticles may be coated, surface-treated and/or surface-modified in the fluidized state. In addition, the fluidized nanoparticles may participate in a reaction, either as a reactant or a catalyst, while in the fluidized state.
US07658335B2 Hydronic heating system
A hydronic heating system for a building includes condensing and non-condensing boilers in a hybrid arrangement. A control apparatus receives information from one or more condition sensors, such as air temperature or water flow, and calculates heating load requirements. The control apparatus then independently selects and operates the various boilers of the system to optimize boiler efficiency and operating characteristics.
US07658332B1 Protective overlay for a transaction card
An overlay is provided which can be adhered over the front and/or rear faces of a transaction card (e.g., a credit card) to protect it from wear, and also to lend it a personalized appearance. The overlay is preferably defined by transparent film having window portions that may be situated over important card indicia (such as card numbers, signature panels, and the like), and printed portions that may rest over and maskless critical regions of the transaction card, and which may bear images and/or text for personalizing the transaction card. The overlay is preferably provided with an adhesive rear face and a peelable backing so that a cardholder may peel the overlay from the backing and apply it to a transaction card.
US07658331B1 Checkout device with hand grip
A checkout device which can be gripped for carrying, installation, and removal. The checkout device includes a generally L-shaped housing including a first housing portion suited to placement within a checkout counter, and a second housing portion mounted above the first housing portion and suited to extending above the checkout counter. The first and second housing portions include a barcode reader for sending scanning light beams from a first aperture in the first housing portion and a second aperture in the second housing portion to form a multi-line scan pattern. The second housing portion has a rear surface including a hand grip.
US07658330B2 Automatic POS-based digital image capturing and processing system employing object motion controlled area-type illumination and imaging operations
An automatic digital image capturing and processing system for use in a POS environment, comprising a system housing having vertical housing section provided with an imaging window, and containing an area-type illumination and imaging station for generating and projecting an area-type illumination and imaging zone through the imaging window, and into a 3D imaging volume definable relative to the imaging window. An object motion detection subsystem automatically detects the motion of objects passing through the 3D imaging volume, and generates motion data representative of detected object motion within the 3D imaging volume. And a control subsystem, responsive to the object motion detection subsystem, automatically controls operations within the area-type illumination and imaging station during system operation. The area-type illumination and imaging zone supports automated illumination and imaging of objects passing therethrough, so that digital area-type images of the objects are automatically generated as objects pass through the area-type illumination and imaging zone within the 3D imaging volume during system operation.
US07658328B2 Authorization verification method and devices suited therefor
The invention relates to an authorization verification method and devices suited therefor, which play back authorization data via a user interface (11) of an electronic playback device (1). During the playback of authorization data via the user interface (11) of a first playback device (1), the playback attributes are modified. The playback of authorization data via the user interface (11) of the first playback device (1) is compared with the playback of reference data via a user interface (21) of a second electronic playback device (2). Authorization is granted in the event the playback of authorization data via the user interface (11) of the first playback device (1) matches the playback of reference data via the user interface (21) of the second playback device (2), and modifications of the playback attributes are, in essence, time-synchronized. The dynamic modification of the playback attributes during the playback of authorization data and playback of the reference data render practically impossible the unauthorized copying of image contents or audio contents for falsifying an authorization. In addition, a simultaneous playback of authorization data and reference data render unnecessary inquiries made to an authorization center (3).
US07658327B2 Virtual retail assistant
The present invention, as embodied in the claims, relates to customer care management via a communications systems and methods including, in embodiments, a combination of automated and human services to be provided to a customer in a retail store environment in real time. For example, one embodiment of the present invention provides an automated method for assisting a customer in a retail store comprising: identifying the customer; periodically identifying the customer's position in the store; identifying a product of interest to the customer; and communicating information to the customer via a remote specialized sales agent or other audio, visual and/or computer data relevant to the customer.
US07658323B2 Point-of-service (POS) and POS application compatability
A system for using compatible point-of-service (POS) applications to access and control devices of a POS unit. A server runs a POS application and a set of peripheral drivers (or device controls). A networked POS unit communicates with the host server via a communication network, and the networked POS unit includes peripherals connected locally to its I/O ports. The POS unit further includes a device communications management module processing output received from the host server that is generated by the POS application and is targeted at one of the connected peripheral ports. The device communications management module transfers POS device input from the peripherals over the communication network to the host server for processing by the POS application. The POS application interfaces with the peripheral drivers, and the output is provided by one of the peripheral drivers that corresponds to the target peripheral of the networked POS unit.
US07658316B2 Packing container and assembling method thereof
A packing container includes: an outer case; a partition member disposed inside the outer case; and a pair of holding plates connected to upper edges of a pair of side plates of the outer case and inserted into the inside of the outer case, the pair of holding plates holding the partition member.
US07658313B2 Ball forming device in a bonding apparatus and ball forming method
A ball forming device and method used in a bonding apparatus, including a bonding arm, a capillary attached to the bonding arm, an electronic flame off prove for forming a ball at the tip of a wire passing through the capillary, and a gas atmosphere forming unit for bringing the vicinity of the tip end of the wire into a gas atmosphere. The gas atmosphere forming unit is made of an inner wall element and an outer wall element with a hollow space section in between. The bonding arm side of the inner wall element has an inside open space which is wider than the portion of the bonding arm where the capillary is attached, and gas ejection ports are formed in the inner wall element. A gas supply pipe is connected to the outer wall element to supply, for instance, a reducing gas into the hollow space section.
US07658312B2 Surgical instrument having an articulated jaw structure and a detachable knife
A surgical instrument with articulated jaw structure includes a frame and two jaws. The jaws have proximal portions that are mounted to each other for movement in a substantially parallel relation between a fully open position wherein the jaws are separated for receiving tissue therebetween and an approximated position wherein the jaws are closer together. Preferably, the jaws are in the fully open position when the distal portion of at least of the jaws is located in an extended position and are in the approximated position when the distal portion of the extended jaw or jaws is located in a retracted position. The surgical instrument may further include a detachable knife assembly and knife actuating mechanism.
US07658307B2 Tool bag which can be carried next to the body of a person
The invention relates to a tool bag which can be carried next to the body of a person, the tool bag comprising at least one receiving element for at least one tool. The inventive tool bag respectively comprises a three-dimensional flexible safety chord for each tool associated with a receiving element. The chord can be fixed to the associated tool, and can be fixed to the tool bag in such a way that it can be extracted and automatically retracted by means of an extracting and retracting device.
US07658304B2 Apparatus and method for dispensing vapocoolants
An apparatus and method for discharging vapocoolants in stream or mist form includes the use of selected fluoroelastomers for valve parts to regulate discharge. The fluoroelastomers provide long-term stability to the vapocoolants to enable superior shelf life without minimal loss or contamination of the vapocoolant. In addition, a filter is provided to remove contaminants from vapocoolant prior to passage through the nozzle opening.
US07658303B2 Personal water and additive apparatus
A personal water and additive apparatus includes a first container; a manifold having a water passageway and an additive passageway, the water passageway and additive passageway intersecting to form a single mixing passageway; a first tube connecting the first container to the water passageway of the manifold, the combination of the first tube and the water passageway defining a water channel; a second container; a second tube connecting the second container to the additive passageway of the manifold, the combination of the second tube and the additive passageway defining an additive channel; an outlet tube having one end connected to the mixing passageway of the manifold; a check valve disposed in the water channel; and a flow regulator that controls flow in at least one of the water passageway and the additive passageway.
US07658299B2 Sealable paint tray assembly
A paint tray system including a paint tray and a lid that may be sealed to the paint tray in a generally airtight manner. The shape of the lid corresponds to the interior of the paint tray so that the volume of air sealed in the paint try by the lid is minimized. The underside of the lid may also include a recess that may receive a paint applicator between the paint tray and the lid. The paint tray may also include an applicator rest for holding a paint roller in the paint tray while keeping the handle out of a paint reservoir.
US07658298B2 Food container
The container has a bowl and lid which together define a hollow enclosure. A reservoir projects downwardly into the enclosure from the lid. The reservoir has an opening which is closed by a cap which, when closed, prevents the contents of the reservoir from discharging into the bowl. A lever is attached to the cap and is in contact with the brim of the opening. The brim acts as a fulcrum about which the lever pivots. A catch causes the lever to pivot with resulting opening of the cap and discharging of the contents of the reservoir into the enclosure. The catch extends through an opening in the lid so that it can be operated from outside the container.
US07658297B2 Cap device with torque mechanism
A fuel cap 10 maintains high sealing even when subjected to external force; is easy to operate; and requires minimal space for accommodation. The cap device comprises a casing body 20 for closing the filler opening FNb in a sealed condition, a cover 40, a handle 45, a clutch mechanism 60 and a torque transmission mechanism 80. By upraising the handle to the handling position and applying rotational torque, rotational torque is transmitted to the casing body 20 via the clutch mechanism 60 and the torque transmission mechanism 80, closing the filler opening FNb. The handle 45 lowers back to the retracted position when released, whereupon the clutch mechanism 60 assumes non-transmission mode wherein the cover 40 and the handle 45 rotate freely if subjected to external force such as in a collision.
US07658296B2 Sealable portion cups and lids therefor
A container ensemble for food packaging comprising a substantially planar lid member formed of a polymeric material which has a plurality of substantially planar lids which are integrally formed and separably joined to each other, each of the lids including a sealing channel around its perimeter and a skirt extending outwardly therefrom. The lid member is provided with tearable portions to facilitate separation. The other component of the ensemble is a cup member formed of a polymeric material defining a plurality of cups which are integrally formed and also separably joined to each other, the cups including a bottom, a sidewall, and a brim about an upper opening of each cup. Each cup has a skirt extending outwardly from its brim provided with tearable portions to facilitate separation. The sealing channels of the lids of the lid member are adapted to mate with the brims of the cups to provide a plurality of separably joined sealed containers when the lid member and cup member are joined in sealing engagement; the ensemble being thereby adapted for sequentially: (i) receiving serving portions of food in a plurality of cups; (ii) lidding the cups to provide sealed containers containing individual portions; (iii) separating the sealed containers; and (iv) distributing the portions.
US07658294B2 Nursing bottle with cushiony exterior sidewall
A nursing bottle comprising a fluid container having a cushiony exterior sidewall and an object disposed between the fluid container and the exterior sidewall to enable viewing of the object through the exterior sidewall.
US07658293B2 Installation device for counterweight
A counterweight installation device includes: a weight support unit provided on a rear end of a body frame of a construction machine; a weight mounting unit disposed on a counterweight; a pin member for mounting the counterweight adapted to move between a first position at which the weight mounting unit is mounted on the weight support unit and a second position at which the weight mounting unit is dismounted from the weight support unit; and a rod device, one end of which is linked with the pin member and an other end of which extends so as to project to an outside of the counterweight, adapted to move the pin member between the first position and the second position by operation at the other end thereof.
US07658292B2 Apparatus for textile counting, sorting and classifying system
An apparatus is provided for transporting textile items into sorting bins with reduced energy consumption and improved load measuring accuracy and which provides textile item counting and sorting for a commercial laundry using vacuum air systems to move textiles into sorting bins and using a variable frequency drive to increase on/off response time of vacuum in the system.
US07658291B2 Method and apparatus for sorting fine nonferrous metals and insulated wire pieces
A system for sorting fine nonferrous metals and insulated copper wire from a batch of mixed fine nonferrous metals and insulated wire includes an array of inductive proximity detectors, a processing computer and a sorting mechanism. The inductive proximity detectors identify the location of the fine nonferrous metals and insulated copper wire. The processing computer instructs the sorting mechanism to place the fine nonferrous metals and insulated copper wire into a separate container than the non-metallic pieces.
US07658290B2 Substrate storage container
A substrate storage container includes a container body for accommodating and aligning semiconductor wafers, a door which opens and closes the front of the container body and a pair of valve units disposed at the bottom of the container body for controlling gas flow. Each valve unit includes a fixed sleeve for gas flow, fitted in a rib of a through-hole of the container body, a holding sleeve fitted in the through-hole of the container body with an o-ring interposed therebetween and mated and threaded with the fixed sleeve, a check valve built between the fixed sleeve and the holding sleeve, leaving a clearance, an elastically deformable element for opening and closing the check valve, an interior lid sleeve for gas flow, opposing the check valve and supporting the elastically deformable element, and a filter interposed between the holding sleeve and the interior lid sleeve.
US07658289B2 Substrate storage container
A substrate storage container includes a container body for accommodating and aligning semiconductor wafers, a door which opens and closes the front of the container body and a pair of valve units disposed at the bottom of the container body for controlling gas flow. Each valve unit includes a fixed sleeve for gas flow, fitted in a rib of a through-hole of the container body, a holding sleeve fitted in the through-hole of the container body with an o-ring interposed therebetween and mated and threaded with the fixed sleeve, a check valve built between the fixed sleeve and the holding sleeve, leaving a clearance, an elastically deformable element for opening and closing the check valve, an interior lid sleeve for gas flow, opposing the check valve and supporting the elastically deformable element, and a filter interposed between the holding sleeve and the interior lid sleeve.
US07658284B2 Sleeve retaining assembly
A socket retaining assembly includes a retaining assembly having a seat, and a retaining post; the retaining post being installed at an upper end of the stopper; an outer periphery of the retaining post being installed with a confining projection and a plurality of trenches; a combination unit including a rotating assembly and a push unit; the stopper serving to confine the rotation range of the combination unit; the rotating assembly has a C ring at a lower end thereof two ends of an opening of the C ring being concaved inwards so as to form with inward projections; an upper side of the C ring being installed with a rectangular protruding block; an interior of the protruding block being formed with a rectangular receiving groove; and the push unit being installed in the receiving groove of the protruding block.
US07658283B2 Magazine strip for fastening elements
A magazine strip for carrying fastening elements (1) including two opposite side walls (2) projecting from rear wall (3), extending parallel to each other in a longitudinal direction (L) of the magazine strip, and forming together a space (4) for receiving the fastening elements (1) at least along a portion of a longitudinal extent (a) of the fastening elements, and a loss-preventing element (7) for preventing the fastening elements from falling out in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the magazine strip and having a spring element acting in a direction transverse to a longitudinal extent of the side walls (2) and narrowing at least partially an inner width of the receiving space (4).
US07658281B2 Device for receiving a commodity in a fixed position
A container intended to receive a commodity, in particular a wristwatch or writing implement, includes a dish-shaped lower portion and a dish-shaped upper portion. A fastening element in the container is configured as a pair of clips including a resilient lower holding element arranged in the lower portion and a resilient upper holding element arranged in the upper portion. The two holding elements together form the pair of clips and interact so that they resiliently clamp between them the commodity located in the container when the upper portion is placed on the lower portion of the container. As a result, the commodity is perfectly fixed in position with the lowest structural expenditure substantially irrespective of its shape and dimensions.
US07658280B2 Hinged lid container with sliding device
A container includes a lower box portion, an upper lid portion, and a sliding portion. The lower box portion includes a box bottom wall, a box front wall and a box back wall. The upper lid portion is hinged to the box back wall. The sliding device at least partially covers the lower box portion. The container is opened by moving the sliding device in one direction and closed by moving the sliding device in a second, opposite direction along the lower box portion. The box back wall includes a first stopper flap to limit movement of the sliding device in the first direction, and a second stopper flap to limit movement of the sliding device in the second direction. The first and second stopper flaps are formed by a common cut or incision. Two blanks may be used for the box and sliding device.
US07658277B2 Conveyor belt
An endless conveyor belt comprises a number of links which are each coupled to an adjacent link by means of a hinge. Added to each link is a carrier which has a discrete, flat first carrying surface which consists of the outer surfaces of a number of mutually coupled plates extending with second mutual intermediate spaces in longitudinal direction of the conveyor belt, wherein corresponding plates of adjacent links lie in the same plane. In the second intermediate space there fits a row, extending in transverse direction, of fixedly disposed fingers which extend in longitudinal direction and form a discrete, flat second carrying surface which, at the position of co-action with the first carrying surface, lies in the same plane as this first carrying surface, which fingers are disposed at the end of the active part of the conveyor belt and can take over for further transport objects fed by this conveyor belt in sliding manner while being pushed by objects fed by this conveyor belt.
US07658276B2 Drive beam
A drive beam (18.2) for a reciprocating floor includes a pair of elongate U-shaped channel members with longitudinally extending edges arranged and welded together edge to edge to define an elongate substantially rectangular in transverse cross-section tube member with opposed welded side walls (718) each with a lengthwise welding seam. A pair of elongate opposed reinforcing members (712) is fast with a respective associated welded side wall (718) and located inside the tube member.
US07658271B2 Conveyor
In a movable conveyor belt storage installation including a belt storage means (4), conveyor belt support structures (29) following the belt storage means (4), and a movable takeover car (7) including a deflection means (43) for the conveyor belt and a takeup chute (8) for taking over excavated material, the belt storage means (4) is comprised of at least two segments (13, 20, 22, 26) which are connected with one another so as to be pivotable about an axis extending transversely to the belt running direction and passing through the plane of the floor (31), wherein at least a portion of the support structures (29) are capable of being carried along in or on the takeover car (7).
US07658269B2 Handle of a two pulling rod suitcase
A handle of a two pulling rod suitcase includes a handle body and a pulling rod device disposed at opposite ends of the handle body. The handle body includes a casing pivotably disposed with a hinge member. The hinge member is disposed with a tooth portion at the outside thereof. The hinge member is connected with a spring for return. The casing at least includes first and second connecting members at opposite sides thereof. The first and second connecting members are mated with the tooth portion. Outer ends of the first and second connecting members are respectively disposed with first and second pressing members. The pulling rod device includes two pulling rod units and a transmission member. Each pulling rod member includes at least one pulling rod. The transmission member is pivotably disposed in the pulling rod. The transmission member is connected with the first and second connecting members or the first and second pressing members.
US07658268B2 Control device without a speed sensor for controlling speed of a rotating machine driving an elevator
A control device for a rotating machine driving an elevator suppresses increases in the moving time of the elevator while securing control and stability in accordance with moving direction and load of a car of the elevator. A control device for controlling speed of the rotating machine without using a speed sensor includes a speed command signal generator for generating a rotational speed command for the rotating machine; and a speed sensor-less controller for controlling a voltage applied to the rotating machine without using a speed sensor, based on the rotational speed command from the speed command signal generator. In the control device, the speed command signal generator changes an acceleration running curve in a deceleration interval in accordance with the moving direction and the load of the car of the elevator to generate the rotational speed command.
US07658267B1 Apparatus for holding scuba tanks
Portable apparatus for receiving and supporting scuba diving tanks when not in use. A collapsible or folding sawhorse supports an overlying scuba tank caddy. The caddy includes a horizontal top panel and a horizontal lower panel disposed below the top panel. The top panel has one or more openings adapted to receive a scuba tank. Each scuba tank, when inserted through an opening in the top panel, is supported by the lower panel, which in turn is supported by the sawhorse whereby the tank is maintained upright within the caddy and at a height suitable for a diver to mount a tank from the caddy to his back and vice-versa. In one embodiment, intended for two or more divers who each wear a single scuba tank, the openings are spaced about two feet apart. In an alternative embodiment, intended for a diver who wears dual scuba tanks, the openings are spaced about six inches apart.
US07658265B1 Accessory holder for stepladders
An accessory holder for use on a stepladder. In one embodiment the accessory holder has hangers for holding tools inserted into holders for the hangers. In a second embodiment there is a stepladder having an accessory holder as an integral part thereof. The top member also contains holders for hangers along the periphery for the insertion of hangers for holding accessories. In a third embodiment a frame which fits over the top member of a stepladder contains risers and lateral strips. The accessory holder is secured to the top member of the stepladder by a strap. Hooks and ring hangers are attached to the frame. A front hanger may be swiveled out of the way and bumpers may be added to allow the stepladder to be positioned against a wall.
US07658263B2 Device for noise transmission in a motor vehicle
A device for noise transmission of an intake system of an internal combustion engine to the interior of a motor vehicle has a transmission line having an inlet at a first end and an exit provided with a mouth at a second end. A diaphragm is arranged at the second end to close off the mouth and to enable noise transmission. The inlet of the transmission line communicates with the intake system of the internal combustion engine. A protective device is arranged at the second end to protect the diaphragm.
US07658259B2 Material handling vehicle with ergonomic dual control handle system
A material handling vehicle includes first and second control handles positioned at opposing ends of an operator compartment. The first control handle is positioned adjacent the forks for driving the vehicle in a fore or forks first direction, and the second control handle is positioned adjacent the back of the vehicle for driving the vehicle in the aft or forks trailing direction. The aft control handle is provided in a twist grip style, which can be gripped easily by an operator facing the aft of the material handling vehicle. The control handles provide stability for the operator and an intuitive operator interface irrespective of direction of travel.
US07658257B2 Pump system and axle-driving system
A pump system includes a housing, an input shaft, a pump shaft; a hydraulic pump body, a PTO shaft, a power transmission gear train, and a PTO clutch mechanism. The housing has a narrow gear accommodating space surrounding a region including a mesh point between the first and second transmission gears of the power transmission gear train, a PTO clutch accommodating space which surrounds the PTO clutch mechanism and which is fluidly communicated with the gear accommodating space, and a pair of first and second suction/discharge ports which communicate the internal space of the housing with an outside of the housing. The first suction/discharge port is arranged within the gear accommodating space so as to be positioned in an opposite side to the PTO clutch accommodating space with the mesh point between the first and second transmission gears interposed therebetween.
US07658254B2 System and method for clearing crush space in a vehicle through the use of active components
A system for clearing crush space in an automotive vehicle, the system including a vehicle having a passenger compartment, an impact displaced component assembled to the vehicle in a spaced relationship to the passenger compartment, an intervening component mounted on the vehicle between the passenger compartment and the impact displaced component, an active component secured to the vehicle in close proximity to the intervening component, a controller mounted on the vehicle, the controller activating the active component when the vehicle is involved in a collision, and the active component causing the intervening component to move when the active component is activated wherein crush space for movement of the impact displaced component is at least partially cleared in the event of a collision.