Document Document Title
US07663244B2 Semiconductor device and semiconductor wafer and a method for manufacturing the same
The semiconductor device 1 has a semiconductor chip 10 (first semiconductor chip) and a semiconductor chip 20 (second semiconductor chip). The semiconductor chip 20 is formed on the semiconductor chip 10. The semiconductor chip 20 is constituted by comprising a semiconductor substrate 22. The semiconductor substrate 22, which is an SOI substrate, is constituted by comprising an insulating layer 34, and a silicon layer 36, which is provided on the insulating layer 34, including a circuit forming region A1. The insulating layer 34 functions as a protective film (a first protective film) covering a lower face (a face opposite to the semiconductor chip 10) of the circuit forming region A1. A protective film 38 (a second protective film) is provided on the semiconductor substrate 22. The protective film 38 covers a side face of the circuit forming region A1.
US07663243B2 Semiconductor memory device comprising pseudo ground pad and related method
A semiconductor memory device comprising a pseudo ground voltage pad and a method of making the semiconductor device are disclosed. The semiconductor memory device comprises a plurality of pads that are respectively adjacent to one another in a first direction. The plurality of pads comprises a plurality of ground voltage pads and a plurality of data pads. The semiconductor memory device further comprises a first peripheral circuit ground line disposed adjacent to the pads and extending in the first direction, and an insulating layer formed on a portion of a first region of the semiconductor memory device comprising the plurality of pads and at least a portion of the first peripheral ground circuit line, wherein a region of the first peripheral circuit ground line is exposed to define a pseudo ground voltage pad, and the pseudo ground voltage pad is adjacent to one of the data pads.
US07663241B2 Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device comprises a substrate, a first conductive film, a first insulation film, a second insulation film, a second conductive film, and a third conductive film. The first conductive film is formed on the substrate. The first insulation film is formed on the first conductive film and has a first opening. The first opening is formed as having multiple crossing trenches each having a predetermined width. The second insulation film is formed on the sides and bottom of the first opening. The second conductive film is formed on the second insulation film in the interior of the first opening. The third conductive film is formed on the second insulation film and the second conductive film.
US07663235B2 Semiconductor die with reduced bump-to-pad ratio
According to one exemplary embodiment, a semiconductor die includes at least one pad ring situated on an active surface of the semiconductor die, where the at least one pad ring includes a number of pads. The semiconductor die further includes a number of bumps including at least one shared bump. The at least one shared bump is shared by at least two pads, thereby causing the number of bumps to be fewer than the number of pads. The at least two pads can be at least two ground pads, at least two power pads, or at least two reference voltage pads.
US07663230B2 Methods of forming channels on an integrated circuit die and die cooling systems including such channels
A method of forming channels on a die or other substrate. Also disclosed are liquid cooling systems including such channels.
US07663226B2 Heat-releasing printed circuit board and semiconductor chip package
A heat-releasing printed circuit board and semiconductor chip package are disclosed. The heat-releasing printed circuit board includes an insulation layer, on a surface of which a circuit pattern is formed, and a solder resist, which is stacked on the insulation layer, where the solder resist contains carbon nanotubes. The heat-releasing printed circuit board allows the heat generated in a semiconductor chip to be dispersed in several directions of the board or package, to improve heat-releasing property.
US07663225B2 Method for manufacturing electronic components, mother substrate, and electronic component
In a manufacturing process of electronic components which include conductive patterns laminated with insulating layers provided therebetween, conductive pattern layers having conductive patterns formed at intervals therebetween along layer surfaces and insulating layers are alternately laminated to each other. The laminate is pressed by applying a force thereto in the lamination direction, followed by cutting of the laminate along cutting lines provided along boundaries between the electronic components, so that the electronic components are separated from each other. In a cutting-removal region of a mother substrate from which the electronic components are separated from each other by cutting, removal dummy patterns having a size allowing it to be disposed within the above region are formed. In the electronic component, floating dummy patterns which are not electrically connected to the conductive patterns are formed at intervals from the cutting-removal region.
US07663224B2 Semiconductor BGA package having a segmented voltage plane
A semiconductor device assembly and method of making the device are disclosed. The assembly comprises a semiconductor die attached to an electrically conductive layer, which is, in turn, connected to a dielectric layer carrying conductive traces of an electrical connection layer. The conductive traces provide connection between an array of discrete conductive elements and bonding wires connected to bond pads of the die. The conductive layer enhances thermal conduction and structural stiffness for the assembly. In addition, the conductive layer provides a voltage reference plane that may be connected to a power source, a ground source, or an intermediate reference voltage. The conductive layer also includes at least one electrical current isolation slot, which segments the conductive layer to help isolate noise induced in one segment of the conductive layer from the other segments.
US07663223B2 Coupling substrate for semiconductor components and method for producing the same
A coupling substrate for semiconductor components includes a patterned metal layer on a topside of an insulating carrier. Metal tracks project beyond the insulating carrier, the metal tracks being angled away at the lateral edges of the carrier in the direction of the underside of the carrier and projecting beyond the underside of the carrier. The metal tracks have a metal coating, thereby enlarging each cross section such that the metal tracks form dimensionally stable, flat, conductor external contacts of the coupling substrate.
US07663220B2 Semiconductor device module structure
A semiconductor module includes: a semiconductor element (13) having a working unit (11) and a guard ring unit (12); and heat radiation members (15, 14) arranged on an upper surface and a lower surface of the semiconductor element for cooling the semiconductor element. A passivation film (20) covers the guard ring but does not cover the working unit. The upper heat radiation member (15) is made of a flat metal plate connected to the working unit without contact with the passivation film. The upper heat radiation member is connected to the lower heat radiation member (14) in the thermo-conducting way.
US07663219B2 Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the same
A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor package, a circuit board and an interval maintaining member. The semiconductor package has a body and a lead protruded from the body. The circuit board has a first land electrically connected to the lead. The interval maintaining member is interposed between the circuit board and the body. The interval maintaining member maintains an interval between the lead and the first land. Thus, an interval between the lead and the land is uniformly maintained, so that a thermal and/or mechanical reliability of the semiconductor device is improved.
US07663218B2 Integrated circuit component with a surface-mount housing
A semiconductor component including a surface-mount housing and a method for producing the same are described herein. The semiconductor component includes lead pieces embedded into a plastic housing composition and arranged on an underside of the housing. External contact areas of the lead pieces are free of the plastic housing composition. A structured solderable coating is arranged on the external contact areas that have been kept free of the plastic housing composition, the coating includes a plurality of electrically conductive and mechanically elastic contact elements.
US07663215B2 Electronic module with a conductive-pattern layer and a method of manufacturing same
This publication discloses an electronic module and a method for manufacturing an electronic module, in which a component (6) is glued (5) to the surface of a conductive layer, from which conductive layer conductive patterns (14) are later formed. After gluing the component (6), an insulating-material layer (1), which surrounds the component (6) attached to the conductive layer, is formed on, or attached to the surface of the conductive layer. After the gluing of the component (6), feed-throughs are also made, through which electrical contacts can be made between the conductive layer and the contact zones (7) of the component. After this, conductive patterns (14) are made from the conductive layer, to the surface of which the component (6) is glued.
US07663213B2 Wafer level chip size packaged chip device with a double-layer lead structure and method of fabricating the same
The present invention disclosed a wafer level chip size packaged chip device with a double-layer lead structure and methods of fabricating the same. The double-layer lead is designed to meet a tendency of increasing quantity per area of peripheral arrayed compatible pads on a semiconductor chip, and also to save more space for layout of lead on the chip bottom surface for avoiding potential short inbetween which happen in increasing probability with increasing quantity per area on the condition of one-layer lead.
US07663212B2 Electronic component having exposed surfaces
An electronic component includes at least one vertical MOSFET device, a leadframe and a contact clip. A source electrode and gate electrode are provided on a lower surface of the MOSFET device and are mounted on a source portion and a gate portion, respectively, of the leadframe. The contact clip is electrically connected between the drain electrode, which is positioned on the upper surface of MOSFET device, and a drain portion of the leadframe.
US07663211B2 Dual side cooling integrated power device package and module with a clip attached to a leadframe in the package and the module and methods of manufacture
An integrated power device module having a leadframe structure with first and second spaced pads and one or more common source-drain leads located between said first and second pads, first and second transistors flip chip attached respectively to said first and second pads, wherein the source of said second transistor is electrically connected to said one or more common source-drain leads, and a first clip attached to the drain of said first transistor and electrically connected to said one or more common source-drain leads. In another embodiment a partially encapsulated power quad flat no-lead package having an exposed top thermal drain clip which is substantially perpendicular to said with a folded stud exposed top thermal drain clip, and an exposed thermal source pad.
US07663207B2 Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device includes a capacitor with an MIM structure, by which the dimensional accuracy of the device is improved, and a stable capacitance value is given. The semiconductor device 100 includes: a semiconductor substrate 102; a capacitor forming region 130 in which an MIM capacitor is formed, which has an insulating interlayer 104 formed on the semiconductor substrate 102, a first electrode 110, and a second electrode 112, and the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 112 are arranged facing each other through the insulating interlayer 104; and a shielding region 132 which includes a plurality of shielding electrodes 114 formed in the outer edge of the capacitor forming region 130 and, at the same time, set at a predetermined potential in the same layer as that of the MIM capacitor on the semiconductor substrate 102, and shields the capacitor forming region 130 from other regions.
US07663206B2 Interposer including at least one passive element at least partially defined by a recess formed therein, system including same, and wafer-scale interposer
An interposer for assembly with a semiconductor die and methods of manufacture are disclosed. The interposer may include at least one passive element at least partially defined by at least one recess formed in at least one dielectric layer of the interposer. The at least one recess may have dimensions selected for forming the passive element with an intended magnitude of at least one electrical property. At least one recess may be formed by removing at least a portion of at least one dielectric layer of an interposer. The at least one recess may be at least partially filled with a conductive material. For instance, moving, by way of squeegee, or injection of a conductive material at least partially within the at least one recess, is disclosed. Optionally, vibration of the conductive material may be employed. A wafer-scale interposer and a system including at least one interposer are disclosed.
US07663203B2 High-voltage PMOS transistor
In a high-voltage PMOS transistor having an insulated gate electrode (18), a p-conductive source (15) in an n-conductive well (11), a p-conductive drain (14) in a p-conductive well (12) which is arranged in the n-conductive well, and having a field oxide area (13) between the gate electrode and drain, the depth (A′-B′) of the n-conductive well underneath the drain (14) is less than underneath the source (15), and the depth (A′-B′) of the p-conductive well is greatest underneath the drain (14).
US07663202B2 Nanowire photodiodes and methods of making nanowire photodiodes
Nanowire-based photodiodes are disclosed. The photodiodes include a first optical waveguide having a tapered first end, a second optical waveguide having a tapered second end, and at least one nanowire comprising at least one semiconductor material connecting the first and second ends in a bridging configuration. Methods of making the photodiodes are also disclosed.
US07663201B2 Semiconductor device with a diffusion barrier film having a spacing for stress relief of solder bump
The present invention provides a semiconductor device exhibiting an improved reliability. A semiconductor device comprises a semiconductor chip having an electrode on a surface thereof and a mounting substrate, and the electrode (aluminum electrode) of the semiconductor chip is coupled to the mounting substrate through a bump (solder bump 104). A plurality of diffusion barrier films (UBM 112) for preventing a diffusion of a material composing the bump is provided between the electrode and the bump, and the diffusion barrier film is formed to have a plurality of divided portions via spacings therebetween.
US07663200B2 Integrated circuit device packaging structure and packaging method
A packaging structure suitable for an integrated circuit device receiving short-wavelength laser light is provided. A lead-mounted substrate is placed on the side of the light receiving surface of the integrated circuit device having a photo detecting part. The lead is electrically connected with the integrated circuit device via an electrode. The integrated circuit device and the substrate are encapsulated with an encapsulation section. The substrate has an opening at a position above the photo detecting part.
US07663194B2 CMOS image sensor
A pixel of a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor includes a plurality of photodiodes for sensing light to thereby generate photoelectric charges in different regions; a plurality of transfer transistors for transferring photoelectric charges of corresponding photodiodes in response to a first control signal; a floating diffusion region for receiving photoelectric charges transferred by the plurality of transfer transistors; a rest transistor connected between a power supply voltage and the floating diffusion region for resetting the floating diffusion region by controlling a voltage loaded on the floating diffusion region in response to a second control signal; a drive transistor connected between the power supply voltage and the floating diffusion region to serve as a source follower buffer amplifier; and a select transistor connected between the drive transistor and a pixel output terminal for performing an addressing operation in response to a third control signal.
US07663193B2 Semiconductor device and manufacturing method thereof for reducing the area of the memory cell region
A structure is adopted for a layout of an SRAM cell which provides a local wiring 3a between a gate 2a and gate 2b and connects an active region 1a and an active region 1b. This eliminates the necessity for providing a contact between the gate 2a and the gate 2b. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the size of a memory cell region C in a short side direction. Furthermore, a structure whereby a left end of a gate 2c is retreated from the gate 2a and a local wiring 3b which connects the active region 1b and gate 2c disposed in a diagonal direction is adopted. This allows the gate 2a to be shifted toward the center of the memory cell region C.
US07663188B2 Vertical floating body cell of a semiconductor device and method for fabricating the same
A semiconductor device includes a tube-type channel formed over a semiconductor substrate. The tube-type channel is connected to first and second conductive lines. A bias electrode is formed in the tube-type channel. The bias electrode is connected to the semiconductor substrate. An insulating film is disposed between the tube-type channel and the bias electrode. A surrounding gate electrode is formed over the tube-type channel.
US07663187B2 Semiconductor device and method of fabricating the same
An extension region is formed by ion implantation under masking by a gate electrode, and then a substance having a diffusion suppressive function over an impurity contained in a source-and-drain is implanted under masking by the gate electrode and a first sidewall spacer so as to form amorphous layers a semiconductor substrate within a surficial layer thereof and in alignment with the first sidewall spacer, to thereby form an amorphous diffusion suppressive region.
US07663183B2 Vertical field-effect transistor and method of forming the same
A semiconductor device, a method of forming the same, and a power converter including the semiconductor device. In one embodiment, the semiconductor device includes a heavily doped substrate, a source/drain contact below the heavily doped substrate, and a channel layer above the heavily doped substrate. The semiconductor device also includes a heavily doped source/drain layer above the channel layer and another source/drain contact above the heavily doped source/drain layer. The semiconductor device further includes pillar regions through the another source/drain contact, the heavily doped source/drain layer, and portions of the channel layer to form a vertical cell therebetween. Non-conductive regions of the semiconductor device are located in the portions of the channel layer within the pillar regions. The semiconductor device still further includes a gate above the non-conductive regions in the pillar regions. The semiconductor device may also include a Schottky diode including the channel layer and a Schottky contact.
US07663181B2 Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device includes a vertical field-effect transistor having a substrate of first conduction type in a substrate base, a drain electrode formed on a first surface of the substrate, an epitaxial layer of first conduction type formed on a second surface of the substrate, a source region of first conduction type formed on the semiconductor base, a source ohmic contact metal film in ohmic contact with the source region, trenches formed from the second surface of the semiconductor base, and a gate region of second conduction type formed along the trenches. The semiconductor device further includes a gate rise metal film in ohmic contact with the draw-out layer of the gate region on the bottom of the trenches and rising to the second surface of the semiconductor base, and a gate draw-out metal film connected to the gate rise metal film from the second surface of the semiconductor base.
US07663179B2 Semiconductor device with rewritable nonvolatile memory cell
A semiconductor device having a rewritable nonvolatile memory cell including a first field effect transistor for memory, a circuit including a second field effect transistor and a circuit including a third field effect transistor, the transistors each including a gate insulating film formed over a semiconductor substrate, a gate electrode over the gate insulating film and sidewall spacers over the sidewalls of the corresponding gate electrode. Sidewall spacers of the first field effect transistor are different from those of at least the second field effect transistors. Also, the gate insulating film of the third field effect transistor has a thickness larger than that of the second field effect transistor and the gate electrode of the third field effect transistor has a length different from that of either the first field effect transistor or second field effect transistor. The sidewall spacers of the first field effect transistor include a first silicon oxide film, a first silicon nitride film over the first silicon oxide film and a second silicon oxide film over the first silicon nitride film.
US07663177B2 Non-volatile memory device and fabricating method thereof
A non-volatile memory device and fabricating method thereof are provided. In the deposition to form a tunneling dielectric layer, a composite charge trapping layer and a block dielectric layer, an ingredient of a depositing material or the depositing material is adjusted to form a grading energy level structure, such that carriers are trapped or erased more easily in accordance with a variation in grading energy level. Therefore, the carriers are stored more effectively and the probability that the electric leakage occurs is reduced substantially.
US07663176B2 Method of manufacturing a nonvolatile semiconductor memory device, and a nonvolatile semiconductor memory device
For enhancing the high performance of a non-volatile semiconductor memory device having an MONOS type transistor, a non-volatile semiconductor memory device is provided with MONOS type transistors having improved performance in which the memory cell of an MONOS non-volatile memory comprises a control transistor and a memory transistor. A control gate of the control transistor comprises an n-type polycrystal silicon film and is formed over a gate insulative film comprising a silicon oxide film. A memory gate of the memory transistor comprises an n-type polycrystal silicon film and is disposed on one of the side walls of the control gate. The memory gate comprises a doped polycrystal silicon film with a sheet resistance lower than that of the control gate comprising a polycrystal silicon film formed by ion implantation of impurities to the undoped silicon film.
US07663172B2 Vertical memory device and method
Method and apparatus are described for a memory cell includes a substrate, a body extending vertically from the substrate, a first gate having a vertical member and a horizontal member and a second gate comprising a vertical member and a horizontal member. The first gate is disposed laterally from the body and the second gate is disposed laterally from the first gate.
US07663171B2 Magneto-resistance effect element and magnetic memory
It is possible to reduce a current required for spin injection writing. A magneto-resistance effect element includes: a first magnetization pinned layer; a magnetization free layer; a tunnel barrier layer; a second magnetization pinned layer whose direction of magnetization is pinned to be substantially anti-parallel to the direction of magnetization of the first magnetization pinned layer, and; a non-magnetic layer. When the second magnetization pinned layer is made of ferromagnetic material including Co, material for the non-magnetic layer is metal including at least one element selected from the group consisting of Zr, Hf, Rh, Ag, and Au; when the second magnetization pinned layer is made of ferromagnetic material including Fe, material for the non-magnetic layer is metal including at least one element selected from the group consisting of Rh, Pt, Ir, Al, Ag, and Au; and when the second magnetization pinned layer is made of ferromagnetic material including Ni, material for the non-magnetic layer is metal including at least one element selected from the group consisting of Zr, Hf, Au, and Ag.
US07663170B2 Semiconductor device and method for manufacturing the same
A lower electrode film is formed above a semiconductor substrate first, and then a ferroelectric film is formed on the lower electrode film. After that, an upper electrode film is formed on the ferroelectric film. When forming the upper electrode, an IrOx film containing crystallized small crystals when formed is formed on the ferroelectric film first, and then an IrOx film containing columnar crystals is formed.
US07663169B2 Photodiode array and production method thereof, and radiation detector
A photodiode array 1 is provided with an n-type silicon substrate 3. A plurality of photodiodes 4 are formed in array on the opposite surface side to an incident surface of light L to be detected, in the n-type silicon substrate 3. A resin film 6 for transmitting the light L to be detected is provided so as to cover at least regions corresponding to regions where the photodiodes 4 are formed, on the incident surface side of the light L to be detected, in the n-type silicon substrate 3.
US07663168B2 Image pickup element performing image detection of high resolution and high image quality and image pickup apparatus including the same
In a pixel part, in a first active region, a photodiode and a transferring transistor are formed. In a second active region, a resetting transistor is formed. In a pixel part, in a first active region, a photodiode and a transferring transistor are formed. In a second active region, an amplifying transistor is formed. The first and second active regions are respectively the same in shape in image pixel parts. The resetting transistor and the amplifying transistor are shared by the pixel parts.
US07663165B2 Transparent-channel thin-film transistor-based pixels for high-performance image sensors
A pixel circuit, and method of forming a pixel circuit, an imager device, and a processing system include a photo-conversion device, a floating diffusion region for receiving and storing charge from the photo-conversion device, and a transparent transistor for use in operation of the pixel, wherein the transparent transistor is at least partially over the photo-conversion device, such that the photo-conversion device receives light passing through the transparent transistor.
US07663164B2 Semiconductor device with reduced leakage protection diode
A protection diode is used in a CMOS integrated circuit device to direct charged particles to benign locations and prevent damage to the device. The protection diode includes a well region of a first conductivity type formed in a surface of a semiconductor substrate, a heavily doped P-type impurity region disposed within the well region, a heavily doped N-type impurity region disposed within the well region and an STI structure interposed therebetween. A top surface of the STI structure extends above the surface. A silicide resistant block-out layer is formed over the STI structure and extends laterally beyond the STI structure, covering any counterdoped sections that may undesirably be formed in the substrate adjacent the STI structure during implantation operations. The method for forming the structure utilizes processing operations and materials used in the formation of the CMOS integrated circuit device.
US07663163B2 Semiconductor with reduced pad pitch
A semiconductor device includes a first pad, a second pad and a third pad. The first pad and the third pad are electrically connected to each other. The first pad and the second pad are used for bonding. The second pad and the third pad are used for probing. According to this structure, Small size semiconductor device having high reliability even after a probing test can be provided.
US07663161B2 Transistor for preventing current collapse and having improved leakage current characteristics and method for fabricating the same
A transistor includes: a first semiconductor layer and a second semiconductor layer with a first region and a second region, which are sequentially formed above a substrate; a first p-type semiconductor layer formed on a region of the second semiconductor layer other than the first and second regions; and a second p-type semiconductor layer formed on the first p-type semiconductor layer. The first p-type semiconductor layer is separated from a drain electrode by interposing therebetween a first groove having a bottom composed of the first region, and from a source electrode by interposing therebetween a second groove having a bottom composed of the second region.
US07663159B2 Seal ring corner design
Techniques for an integrated circuit device are provided. The integrated circuit device includes a substrate, an active circuit area, and a dielectric layer. A seal ring surrounds the active circuit area. At least one corner area of the integrated circuit includes a plurality of corner band stacks. Each of the plurality of corner band stacks is oriented at about a predetermined angle and extends from a first sawing trace to a second sawing trace. In a specific embodiment, if a structural fault in the at least one corner area occurs, the structural fault is predisposed to extend at about the predetermined angle.
US07663158B2 Nitride compound semiconductor light emitting device and method for producing the same
A nitride compound semiconductor light emitting device includes: a GaN substrate having a crystal orientation which is tilted away from a <0001> direction by an angle which is equal to or greater than about 0.05° and which is equal to or less than about 2°, and a semiconductor multilayer structure formed on the GaN substrate, wherein the semiconductor multilayer structure includes: an acceptor doping layer containing a nitride compound semiconductor; and an active layer including a light emitting region.
US07663157B2 Semiconductor device having group III nitride buffer layer and growth layers
An epitaxial growth system comprises a housing around an epitaxial growth chamber. A substrate support is located within the growth chamber. A gallium source introduces gallium into the growth chamber and directs the gallium towards the substrate. An activated nitrogen source introduces activated nitrogen into the growth chamber and directs the activated nitrogen towards the substrate. The activated nitrogen comprises ionic nitrogen species and atomic nitrogen species. An external magnet and/or an exit aperture control the amount of atomic nitrogen species and ionic nitrogen species reaching the substrate.
US07663156B2 Method and apparatus for calibrating a metrology tool
A method and apparatus for calibrating a metrology tool are disclosed. The apparatus includes a substrate having at least one calibration site formed thereon. The calibration site includes a pattern of cells that have at least one feature disposed in a surface of the substrate. The feature provided for measurement by a step height metrology tool and a phase metrology tool to calibrate the step height and phase metrology tools.
US07663155B2 Luminescent diode chip that is flip-chip mounted on a carrier, and method for production thereof
A luminescent diode chip for flip-chip mounting on a carrier, having a conductive substrate (12), a semiconductor body (14) that contains a photon-emitting active zone and that is joined by an underside to the substrate (12), and a contact (18), disposed on a top side of the semiconductor body (14), for making an electrically conductive connection with the carrier (30) upon the flip-chip mounting of the chip, whereby either the carrier is solder covered or a layer of solder is applied to the contact. An insulating means (40, 42, 44, 46, 48) is provided on the chip, for electrically insulating free faces of the semiconductor body (14) and free surfaces of the substrate (12) from the solder.
US07663154B2 Backlight module and light emitting diode package structure therefor
A LED package structure including a carrier, LED chips, and a package body is provided. The carrier defines a cave with two opposite first side walls, two opposite second side walls and a rectangular bottom surface. An included angle between the first side wall and the bottom surface differs from that between the second side wall and the bottom surface. The LED chips are disposed in a straight-line arrangement on a center line of the bottom surface and electrically connected to the carrier. The center line is parallel to a long side of the bottom surface. The package body is formed on the carrier to cover the LED chips. Since the included angle between the first side wall and the bottom surface differs from that between the second side wall and the bottom surface, light provided by the LED package structure has different spatial radiation patterns in different directions.
US07663153B2 Light emitting diode with embedded saw-tooth multilayer having a photonic crystal structure and process for fabricating the same
A light emitting diode (LED) is provided. The LED at least includes a substrate, a saw-toothed multilayer, a first type semiconductor layer, an active emitting layer and a second type semiconductor layer. In the LED, the saw-tooth multilayer is formed opposite the active emitting layer below the first type semiconductor layer by an auto-cloning photonic crystal process. Due to the presence of the saw-tooth multilayer on the substrate of the LED, the scattered light form a back of the active emitting layer can be reused by reflecting and recycling through the saw-tooth multilayer. Thus, all light is focused to radiate forward so as to improve the light extraction efficiency of the LED. Moreover, the saw-tooth multilayer does not peel off or be cracked after any high temperature process because the saw-tooth multilayer has the performance of releasing thermal stress and reducing elastic deformation between it and the substrate.
US07663150B2 Optoelectronic chip
An optoelectronic chip having a semiconductor body (14), which contains a radiation-emitting region (2), and a partial region (3) in which the surface (13) of the semiconductor body (14) is curved convexly toward a carrier (10). The lateral extent (2r) of the radiation-emitting region (2) is less than the lateral extent (2R) of the partial region (3). A method for producing such a chip is also described.
US07663146B2 Active matrix addressing liquid-crystal display device
An active matrix addressing LCD device having an active matrix substrate on which conductive lines are formed is provided, which suppress the AI hillock without complicating the structure of the lines and which decreases the electrical connection resistance increase at the terminals of the lines, thereby improving the connection reliability. The device comprises an active matrix substrate having a transparent, dielectric plate, thin-film transistors (TFTs) arranged on the plate, and pixel electrodes arranged on the plate. Gate electrodes of the TFTs and scan lines have a first multilevel conductive structure. Common electrodes and common lines may have the first multilevel conductive structure. Source and drain electrodes of the TFTs and signal lines may have a second multilevel conductive structures. Each of the first and second multilevel conductive structures includes a three-level TiN/Ti/Al or TiN/Al/Ti structure or a four-level TiN/Ti/AI/Ti structure. Each of the TiN film of the first and second structures has a nitrogen concentration of 25 atomic % or higher. The Al file may be replaced with an Al alloy.
US07663145B2 Display panel and method for manufacturing the same
A display panel includes a substrate having a display area and a blank area. The blank area includes at least one of a non-metal line region and a metal-line region. The non-metal line region includes a plurality of insulating patterns and a first conductive pattern layer formed on the substrate. The insulating patterns are isolated from each other by the first conductive pattern layer. The metal-line region includes an insulating multilayer formed on the substrate and a conductive pattern layer formed on the insulating multilayer. Several isolated zones are formed by the conductive pattern layer on the surface of the insulating multilayer.
US07663143B2 Thin film transistor having a short channel formed by using an exposure mask with slits
A mask containing apertures therein which is used for fabricating a channel of a thin film transistor (TFT), wherein the pixel charging time for a TFT in a high-resolution liquid crystal display (LCD) device is reduced by minimizing the length of the channel in the TFT when the active region is made of amorphous silicon. The length of the channel can be minimized by exposing light through the apertures in an exposure mask when forming the channel.
US07663142B2 Light emitting device and method of manufacturing the same
To provide a light emitting device capable of promoting an efficiency of taking out light to outside and achieving highly reliable bright image display by lower power consumption, in a light emitting device including a plurality of pixels and including a transistor and a pixel electrode electrically connected to the transistor at each of the plurality of pixels, an insulating film provided below the pixel electrode includes an opening portion an side surface of which is a curved face at a light emitting region. Light emitted from a light emitting element is focused by the curved face provided at the insulating film to reduce propagation thereof in a lateral direction, the efficiency of taking out the light is promoted and therefore, bright image display can be achieved without particularly increasing a current amount to be injected.
US07663138B2 Nitride semiconductor light emitting element
A n-type layer, a multiquantum well active layer comprising a plurality of pairs of an InGaN well layer/InGaN barrier layer, and a p-type layer are laminated on a substrate to provide a nitride semiconductor light emitting element. A composition of the InGaN barrier included in the multiquantum well active layer is expressed by InxGa1-xN (0.04≦x≦0.1), and a total thickness of InGaN layers comprising an In composition ratio within a range of 0.04 to 0.1 in the light emitting element including the InGaN barrier layers is not greater than 60 nm.
US07663135B2 Memory cell having a side electrode contact
Memory cells are described along with methods for manufacturing. A memory cell as described herein includes a bottom electrode, a memory element and a side electrode. The bottom electrode contacts the memory element at a first contact surface on the bottom of the memory element. The side electrode contacts the memory element at a second contact surface on the side of the memory element, where the second contact surface on the side faces laterally relative to the first contact surface on the bottom.
US07663128B2 Radiation shield securing and covering system
A flexible ionizing radiation shield attached to an X-ray machine by a long retractable cable. An elongated opening adjacent to a top edge is used as a hand hold to manipulate the flexible shield during usage and as a means to hang the flexible shield onto two hooks on the cable housing for storage. Sanitary disposable shield covers are dispensed from a dispenser mounted above the shield hanger.
US07663127B2 EUV debris mitigation filter and method for fabricating semiconductor dies using same
According to one exemplary embodiment, an extreme ultraviolet (EUV) source collector module for use in a lithographic tool comprises an EUV debris mitigation filter. The EUV debris mitigation filter can be in the form of an aerogel film, and can be used in combination with an EUV debris mitigation module comprising a combination of conventional debris mitigation techniques. The EUV debris mitigation filter protects collector optics from contamination by undesirable debris produced during EUV light emission, while advantageously providing a high level of EUV light transmittance. One disclosed embodiment comprises implementation of an EUV debris mitigation filter in an EUV source collector module utilizing a discharge-produced plasma (DPP) light source. One disclosed embodiment comprises implementation of an EUV debris mitigation filter in an EUV source collector module utilizing a laser-produced plasma (LPP) light source.
US07663122B2 Laser analytical instrument, laser analytical method, and gas leak inspection instrument
Laser light generated from laser light generating means (10) is fed through laser light transfer means (11) including a demagnification optical system (23) so as to be condensed in a part Ex where an object gas of analysis exists. The laser light is imparted with energy for causing a multiple photon excitation phenomenon or a multiple photon ionization phenomenon of gas in the condensed part Ex. The energy of the laser light is large enough for 17 eV or higher energy to be injected into a hydrogen molecule when the object gas of analysis is hydrogen and for 23 eV or higher energy to be injected into a helium atom when the object gas of analysis is helium. For example, the intensity of the laser light in the condensed part Ex is 1014 W/cm2 or higher. This provides a laser analytical instrument capable of observing various types of gas through an inexpensive and simple arrangement.
US07663121B2 High efficiency UV curing system
An ultraviolet (UV) cure chamber enables curing a dielectric material disposed on a substrate and in situ cleaning thereof. A tandem process chamber provides two separate and adjacent process regions defined by a body covered with a lid having windows aligned respectively above each process region. One or more UV bulbs per process region that are covered by housings coupled to the lid emit UV light directed through the windows onto substrates located within the process regions. The UV bulbs can be an array of light emitting diodes or bulbs utilizing a source such as microwave or radio frequency. The UV light can be pulsed during a cure process. Using oxygen radical/ozone generated remotely and/or in-situ accomplishes cleaning of the chamber. Use of lamp arrays, relative motion of the substrate and lamp head, and real-time modification of lamp reflector shape and/or position can enhance uniformity of substrate illumination.
US07663119B2 Process for neutron interrogation of objects in relative motion or of large extent
The invention relates to the fact that a common industrial neutron interrogation screening requirement is that a high throughput rate be accommodated by the screening system. The accumulation of elemental abundance ratio spectral data to minimize statistical uncertainty is a function of the neutron flux passing through the subject. If the subject passes through a neutron beam, with a strictly limited time window for exposure, the flux must be sufficient to accumulate the required statistics. The level of neutron flux necessary may exceed the cost effective limits of the selected neutron source means. Exposure time window dilation is disclosed through a class of system configurations which become practical for reduction to practice by utilization of linear neutron source topology neutron generators. This disclosure is concerned with example embodiments which utilize the length, width, thickness and segmentation of the source emission zone within an appropriate neutron source.
US07663117B2 Radiation detector for detecting radiation
A radiation detector for detecting radiation has a semiconductor layer on a substrate, the semiconductor layer being covered by a converter layer so that incoming radiation penetrates the converter layer preceding the semiconductor layer. The semiconductor layer forms a part of a detector array formed by a number of detector elements. The semiconductor layer is given increased sensitivity by being formed of a polycrystalline semiconductor material.
US07663114B2 Cassette type radiation image detector
A cassette type radiation image detector having a box-shaped cassette housing configured by engaging a front member that is light-shielding and radiation-transmissive, with a light-shielding back member, and a two-dimensional array type radiation detection sensor for detecting radiation images incorporated in the radiation image detector, the radiation image detector including: a sensor supporting member that supports the radiation detection sensor; a first engaging member provided at the sensor supporting member; a second engaging member provided at the back member; and a shock absorbing member positioned between the first engaging member and the second engaging member, wherein the box-shaped cassette housing is formed by engaging the first engaging member with the second engaging member via the shock absorbing member.
US07663112B2 Cassette
A radiation detecting cassette has a casing including a first flat plate for facing a patient and a second flat panel for facing a surgical table. The first flat plate and the second flat panel are spaced from each other by a predetermined distance. The casing also includes a pair of first and second tapered side members disposed on respective side edges of the first and second flat plates. The first and second tapered side members are progressively tapered toward their distal ends. The first and second tapered side members house therein respective radiation shields, which in turn house therein a battery, a cassette controller, and a transceiver.
US07663111B2 Variable collimation in radiation detection
Apparatus for detecting radiation emitted from a number of volume elements of a body. The apparatus includes a first plurality of detector elements, each detector element being configured to output signals indicative of an intensity of radiation that is incident thereon. The apparatus also includes a first plurality of adjustable collimator channels, each adjustable collimator channel being associated with and being positioned between a respective detector element and the body, each adjustable collimator channel having a second plurality of dimensional configurations defining respective different sets of the volume elements from which emitted radiation impinges on the respective detector element. A processor computes a radiation intensity from at least a portion of the volume elements in response to the signals output by the detector elements in at least two of the dimensional configurations of the adjustable collimator channels.
US07663108B2 Pulverized bulk material planetary and double helix analyzer system
A system for analyzing a bulk material including a tube for transporting a stream of a bulk material, a plurality of illuminators for directing radiation through the stream and arranged about a circumference of the tube, a plurality of detectors arranged substantially opposite the illuminators, and at least one spectrometer for receiving and analyzing data from the plurality of detectors.
US07663107B2 Method and apparatus for quantitative analysis using terahertz radiation
A method of quantitatively analysing a sample, the method comprising: irradiating the sample with radiation having a plurality of frequencies in the range from 25 GHz to 100 THz; detecting radiation reflected from and/or transmitted by said sample to obtain a frequency domain waveform of said sample; identifying at least one section of interest of said frequency domain wave-form containing spectral features due to intermolecular or other non-intramolecular excitations; and obtaining a value related to the concentration of a component of the sample from the said section.
US07663103B2 Line-width measurement adjusting method and scanning electron microscope
A line-width measurement adjusting method, which is used when first and second electron beam intensity distributions for measuring a line width are produced from intensity distribution images of secondary electrons obtained respectively by scanning a first irradiation distance with an electron beam at first magnification, and by scanning a second irradiation distance with an electron beam at second magnification, includes the step of adjusting the second electron beam intensity distribution of the electron beam at the second magnification such that the second electron beam intensity distribution is equal to the first electron beam intensity distribution of the electron beam at first magnification. The second electron beam intensity distribution may be adjusted by increasing or decreasing a second irradiation distance when producing the electron beam intensity distribution.
US07663102B2 High current density particle beam system
The present invention relates to charged particle beam devices. The devices comprise an emitter for emitting charged particles; an aperture arrangement with at least two apertures for separating the emitted charged particles into at least two independent charged particle beams; and an objective lens for focusing the at least two independent charged particle beams, whereby the independent charged particle beams are focused onto the same location within the focal plane.
US07663101B2 System and methods for preparing microscopy samples
A device, method and system for preparing and storing samples for microscopic analysis is disclosed. The device provides a reservoir that can be attached to a displacement pipette thereby filling the reservoir with reagents desired for preparing the samples for microscopic analysis. In some embodiments, the specimen may be contained on a transmission electron microscope (TEM) grid. In other embodiments, the sample may be a light microscope (LM) specimen or a scanning electron microscope (SEM) specimen. In yet another embodiment, the invention provides a method of preparing samples for microscopic examination including a device for preparing TEM grids with, a device for preparing TEM, SEM or LM specimens with and a device for storing both grids and specimens in. In yet another embodiment, the invention provides a system for tracking the preparation, analysis and histological evaluation of multiple samples while also providing for their long term storage.
US07663100B2 Reversed geometry MALDI TOF
The TOF mass spectrometer disclosed places an even number of ion mirrors in close proximity to a MALDI ion source and a field-free drift space between the exit from the mirrors and an ion detector. This “reversed geometry” configuration may be distinguished from a conventional reflecting TOF analyzer employing a single ion mirror where a large fraction of the total drift space is located between the ion source and the mirror.
US07663096B2 Microelectronic imaging devices and associated methods for attaching transmissive elements
Microelectronic imaging devices and associated methods for attaching transmissive elements are disclosed. A manufacturing method in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes providing an imager workpiece having multiple image sensor dies configured to detect energy over a target frequency. The image sensor dies can include an image sensor and a corresponding lens device positioned proximate to the image sensor. The method can further include positioning standoffs adjacent to the lens devices while the image sensor dies are connected to each other via the imager workpiece. At least one transmissive element can be attached to the workpiece at least proximate to the standoffs so the lens devices are positioned between the corresponding image sensors and the at least one transmissive element. Accordingly, the at least one transmissive element can protect the image sensors while the image sensor dies are still connected. In a subsequent process, the image sensor dies can be separated from each other.
US07663093B2 Absolute position encoder having a second incremental track integrated with the absolute track
A scale has a first incremental track with first incremental patterns including first light and dark patterns formed at equal intervals in first periods, an absolute track with absolute patterns representing absolute positions, and a second incremental track with second incremental patterns including second light and dark patterns formed at equal intervals in second periods longer than the first periods. A light source emits a measurement light to the scale. A photodetector receives the measurement light reflected at or transmitted through the scale. A signal processing circuit processes the received light signal of the photodetector to detect an absolute position of the scale.
US07663090B2 Automatic photodiode biasing circuit
A biasing circuit for a photodiode. The novel biasing circuit includes a first system for setting a reference gain threshold, a second system for setting an operating gain threshold, and a third system for adjusting a bias of the photodiode until a ratio of the operating gain threshold to the reference gain threshold is equal to a predetermined factor Z. In an illustrative embodiment, the reference gain threshold corresponds to a given probability of an output of the photodiode crossing the reference gain threshold when the photodiode is operating at a reference gain bias, and the operating gain threshold corresponds to a given probability of the photodiode output crossing the operating gain threshold when the photodiode is operating at an operating gain bias. The predetermined factor Z is a ratio of noise at a desired operating gain of the photodiode to noise at the reference gain of the photodiode.
US07663085B2 Optical sensor and method of selection of pixel of optical sensor
An optical sensor able to make a pixel area small without degrading an increase of the speed of detection of the change of light intensity and reduction of the power consumption, therefore able reduce the size of a chip at the time of an increase of pixels and a method of selection of pixels of the same, imparting a function of holding charges corresponding to a light reception intensity of a previous frame and a function for comparing strongness/weakness of the light reception intensity of the previous frame and the light reception intensity of the current frame to each of the pixels composing a pixel array part and configuring both function portions by a capacitor Cs connected between a photodiode PD and a selection transistor T2.
US07663080B2 Light sensor assembly having light-sensing portion and compensating unit and display device using same
An exemplary light sensor (20) includes a supporting base, a light-sensing unit (21) provided at at least one first location of the supporting base where ambient light is received, and a compensating unit (22) provided at a second location of the supporting base shielded from ambient light, the compensating unit having a structure that is the same as the light-sensing portion. The light-sensing portion includes at least one amorphous silicon thin film transistor (TFT) (210) configured for sensing light, and the compensating unit is configured for providing a reference value current for the light-sensing unit. A display device using the light sensor is also provided.
US07663074B2 Method and apparatus for securing welding torch components
A method and apparatus for using a collet to align and/or axially secure a liner within the gooseneck of a welding torch and to extend the useful life of the torch components are provided. A method and apparatus for securing torch components including said collet and including tapered locking engagement connections are also provided. A position of the liner with respect to a retaining head or a diffuser can be established and maintained, in spite of bending, swiveling, and other general movement of the torch, while still allowing flow of a shield gas past the collet. The welding torch components, including a gas diffuser, can be secured to the torch or other torch components via tapered locking engagements. The invention is useful for both manual and robotic torch systems.
US07663067B2 Weighing device having gates for casting article onto center area of dispersal table, and method of driving gates of weighing device
A first gate opens obliquely downward, and maintains the posture, rendering the slope angle of the bottom surface thereof steeper than that of the bottom surface of the second gate. Thus, the bottom surface of the second gate forms a gentle slope sliding surface, and the bottom surface of the first gate forms a steep slope sliding surface. Then articles drop following the shape of a parabola toward the bottom surface of the first gate on the steep slope side, with momentum gained from sliding down the bottom surface of the second gate on the gentle slope side, and then change the sliding trajectory inward upon bumping into the bottom surface of the first gate. The articles then drop following the shape of a parabola toward the center area of a dispersal table, with momentum gained from sliding down the bottom surface of the first gate.
US07663066B2 Process for creating a durable EMI/RFI shield between two or more structural surfaces and shield formed therefrom
A method for producing a durable electromagnetic and radio frequency interference shield between two or more structural members of a wall or enclosure and a shielded shelter produced using the method. In one embodiment, joints between structural members are preferably filled with an electrically conductive filler. A base coat of a metal spray that adheres well to the filler and structural member is then applied. At least one layer of a metal spray with magnetic field attenuation properties such as steel, and at least one layer of a metal spray that has plane wave attenuation properties such as tin are applied to the base coat. Optionally, a coat of protective or conductive paint is then applied to the top surface of the metal spray layers. An enclosure with shielded joints according to the present invention has superior shielding capability and durability over the art.
US07663065B2 Shield box
A shield box is composed of metal-made upper box and lower box, which are combined with each other. The shield box houses therein a plurality of shield connectors interconnecting shield wires, and thereby electromagnetically shields entirety of the shield connectors and the shield wires. On an upper surface of a lower surface plate of the lower box, clamp fittings capable of restraining the respective shield connectors in axial, axial rotation, left-and-right and up-and-down directions thereof are provided. On opposite surfaces of the upper and lower boxes, press fittings are provided to sandwich shield terminal portions from upper and lower sides and conduct the shield terminal portions to the upper and lower boxes when the upper and lower boxes are matched with each other. The shield terminal portions, which are electrically connected to shield conductors of respective shield wires and are exposed to both ends of the respective shield connectors, are grounded.
US07663062B1 Flexible circuit board
A flexible circuit board uses a specific structure to alleviate mechanical stress thereof. The flexible circuit board has a flexible film, a plurality of inner leads, a plurality of outer leads, and a plurality of connection portion. Each of the connection portions a corresponding one of the inner leads with a corresponding one of the outer leads. A first width of the inner leads is greater than a second width of the outer leads. Due to rounded concave sections and rounded convex sections of the connection portions, if the flexible circuit board is bent, the mechanical stress around corners of joint portions of the connection portions with the inner leads and the outer leads could be alleviated.
US07663060B2 Systems and methods for cable management
A method for cable management in an electronics enclosure is disclosed. The method involves extruding at least one length of material that forms a cable guide having a plurality of partitions defined by one or more cable dividers and two end clip flanges, where the end clip flanges each have at least one snap guide and at least one locking clip channel. The method further involves sizing at least one cable guide assembly from the length of material, based on a predetermined length for the cable guide assembly, and preparing one or more ends of the at least one cable guide assembly.
US07663058B2 Helically-wound electric cable
The present invention relates to a helically-wound electric cable comprising at least two groups that are wound-together so as to form a group helix, each group comprising at least two twisted-together conductor wires. In the cable of the invention, the pitch of the group helix varies along the helically-wound electric cable between two limit values having the same sign.
US07663053B2 System and method for using pre-equilibrium ballistic charge carrier refraction
A method and system for using a method of pre-equilibrium ballistic charge carrier refraction comprises fabricating one or more solid-state electric generators. The solid-state electric generators include one or more of a chemically energized solid-state electric generator and a thermionic solid-state electric generator. A first material having a first charge carrier effective mass is used in a solid-state junction. A second material having a second charge carrier effective mass greater than the first charge carrier effective mass is used in the solid-state junction. A charge carrier effective mass ratio between the second effective mass and the first effective mass is greater than or equal to two.
US07663052B2 Musical instrument digital interface hardware instruction set
Generating a digital waveform for a Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) voice using a set of machine-code instructions that is specialized for the generation of digital waveforms for MIDI voices. For example, a processor may execute a software program that generates a digital waveform for a MIDI voice. The instructions of the software program may be machine code instructions from an instruction set that is specialized for the generation of digital waveforms for MIDI voices.
US07663049B2 Kernel-mode audio processing modules
Multiple kernel-mode audio processing modules or filters are combined to form a module or filter graph. The graph is implemented in kernel-mode, reducing latency and jitter when handling audio data (e.g., MIDI data) by avoiding transfers of the audio data to user-mode applications for processing. A variety of different audio processing modules can be used to provide various pieces of functionality when processing audio data.
US07663046B2 Pipeline techniques for processing musical instrument digital interface (MIDI) files
This disclosure describes techniques for processing audio files that comply with the musical instrument digital interface (MIDI) format. In particular, various tasks associated with MIDI file processing are delegated between software operating on a general purpose processor, firmware associated with a digital signal processor (DSP), and dedicated hardware that is specifically designed for MIDI file processing. Alternatively, a multi-threaded DSP may be used instead of a general purpose processor and the DSP. In one aspect, this disclosure provides a method comprising parsing MIDI files and scheduling MIDI events associated with the MIDI files using a first process, processing the MIDI events using a second process to generate MIDI synthesis parameters, and generating audio samples using a hardware unit based on the synthesis parameters.
US07663044B2 Musical performance self-training apparatus
The apparatus of the present invention improves training efficiency, and monotonous repetition of training is avoided. A unit acceptance judgment section (4) judges whether all performance of the units in the current rank have reached an acceptable standard or not. When all performance is accepted, a unit in an upper rank is designated. The performance data in the designated unit is read from a performance data storage (7) to a key depression instruction generator (8), and a key depression instruction is displayed based on the performance data. When only a part of the unit in the current rank is acceptable, a unit updating instruction is output to a lesson menu display (14), to thereby display that the unit subsequent to the currently designated is the unit to be played next. When the unit is updated, the unit having the same note information as that already accepted is not designated.
US07663042B1 Adjustable pedal assembly for a percussion instrument
An adjustable pedal assembly has a base, a beater assembly, and a pedal. The base has a pedal end and a beater end. The beater assembly is mounted on the beater end of the base. The pedal is mounted pivotally on the base and connected to the beater assembly, and has a stationary heel, an adjustment bracket, a moving sole and a rigid link. The stationary heel is mounted securely on the pedal end of the base. The adjustment bracket is mounted pivotally on the stationary heel. The moving sole is connected pivotally on the adjustment bracket and connected to the beater assembly. The rigid link is selectively connected the stationary heel and alternately to the adjustment bracket and the moving sole to change a pivoting point and swinging length of the pedal.
US07663036B2 Plants and seeds of hybrid corn variety CH945822
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH945822. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH945822, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH945822 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH945822.
US07663030B1 Inbred corn line G07-NPFA7183
Basically, this invention provides for an inbred corn line designated G07-NPFA7183, methods for producing a corn plant by crossing plants of the inbred line G07-NPFA7183 with plants of another corn plants. The invention relates to the various parts of inbred including culturable cells. This invention also relates to methods for introducing transgenic transgenes into inbred corn line G07-NPFA7183 and plants produced by said methods.
US07663029B1 Soybean variety RJS38001
According to the invention, there is provided a novel soybean variety designated RJS38001. This invention thus relates to the seeds of soybean variety RJS38001, to the plants of soybean RJS38001 to plant parts of soybean variety RJS38001 and to methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing plants of the soybean variety RJS38001 with another soybean plant, using RJS38001 as either the male or the female parent.
US07663027B2 Nucleotide sequences and corresponding polypeptides conferring modulated plant size and biomass in plants
The present invention relates to isolated nucleic acid molecules and their corresponding encoded polypeptides able confer the trait of modulated plant size, vegetative growth, organ number, plant architecture and/or biomass in plants. The present invention further relates to the use of these nucleic acid molecules and polypeptides in making transgenic plants, plant cells, plant materials or seeds of a plant having plant size, vegetative growth, organ number, plant architecture and/or biomass that are altered with respect to wild type plants grown under similar conditions.
US07663026B2 Transformation of seaweed utilizing biolistic gene transfer to spores
This invention relates to marine algae, and more particularly, to a method for producing improved seaweed strains by genetic engineering. The vector for transformation were constructed by inserting the high-plant or algae-derived promoters upstream of foreign reporter genes or such cassettes that functional genes are fused with antibiotics or herbicide-resistant genes. The genetic seaweed was generated by natural development process by recombinated plasmid DNA introduction to seaweed spore with Biolostics as transformation methods. Introduced traits of antibiotics or herbicide-resistance were used to select the transgenic seaweed individuals when foreign functional genes are transformed. Stable transformation could be obtained following this invention.
US07663025B2 Plant Transcriptional Regulators
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 improved tolerance to drought, shade, and low nitrogen conditions, as compared to wild-type or reference plants.
US07663024B2 P15 hairpin constructs and use
The present invention concerns a method of genetic modification of a TGB-3 wild type viral sequence for reducing or suppressing the possible deleterious effects of the agronomic properties of a transformed plant or plant cell by said TGB-3 viral sequence. The invention further relates to genetically modified TGB-3 viral sequences suitable to induce gene silencing. In particular hairpin constructs based on such sequences proved highly efficient to induce a PTGS mechanism and degradation of the whole of RNA2 thereby. When plants are transformed accordingly the spread of the virus in the plant is significantly reduced or blocked.
US07663023B2 Modification of lignin biosynthesis
The invention provides methods for decreasing lignin content and improving lignin profiles. Also provided are the plants prepared by the methods of the invention. Such plants may exhibit improved digestibility relative to prior plants.
US07663022B1 Transgenic bioluminescent plants
Transgenic plants, and a method for making the same, wherein genes encoding the enzyme luciferase and its corresponding substrate luciferin are incorporated into a native plant genome. Once transformed into plant cells, these genes may be regulated such that under certain endogenous or exogenous conditions, their expression in the mature plant results in bioluminescence. Different luciferin/luciferase complexes and/or mechanisms of regulation may be utilized for these transgenic plants, depending on a variety of factors such as plant species and the circumstances under which a bioluminescent reaction is desired. Phototransformation may be utilized to vary the wavelength of light emitted from the mature plant.
US07663021B2 Transgenic pineapple plants with modified carotenoid levels and methods of their production
The present invention provides methods of transforming pineapple cells and plants with carotenoid biosynthetic polypeptide expression regulators that control the accumulation of carotenoids in the transformed cells, and in certain embodiments, the coloration of those cells. The invention also provides for the regeneration of pineapple plants from the transformed cells. In addition, the invention provides pineapple cells and plants that include introduced carotenoid biosynthetic polypeptide expression regulators.
US07663015B2 Traumatic amputation and wound dressing
An integrated and complete dressing for the care and treatment of traumatic amputations and wounds. The traumatic amputation and wound dressing includes an oversized wound pad, an elastic bandage, and fasteners in an integrated unit for quickly and effectively treating an amputation. The elastic bandage may be attached to the wound pad such that the bandage forms an angle of about 90 degrees with respect to a vertical axis of the wound pad. The wound pad can be readily folded over an amputation and quickly wrapped with the elastic bandage. The fasteners may be attached to the periphery of the wound pad. When the dressing is applied to a stump of an amputated limb and the fasteners are engaged, the wound pad is relatively securely held in position and downward pressure is exerted on the stump. In some embodiments, the elastic bandage may also include brakes designed to prevent the bandage from unintentionally unraveling. The brakes also facilitate application of the dressing to the stump.
US07663011B2 Mesoporous material with active metals
A process for treating organic compounds includes providing a composition which includes a substantially mesoporous structure of refractory oxide containing at least 97% by volume of pores having a pore size ranging from about 15 Å to about 30 Å and having a micropore volume of at least about 0.01 cc/g, wherein the mesoporous structure has incorporated therewith at least about 0.02% by weight of at least one catalytically and/or chemically active heteroatom selected from the group consisting of Al, Ti, V, Cr, Zn, Fe, Sn, Mo, Ga, Ni, Co, In, Zr, Mn, Cu, Mg, Pd, Pt and W, and the catalyst has an X-ray diffraction pattern with one peak at 0.3° to about 3.5° at 2 theta (θ). The catalyst is contacted with an organic feed under reaction conditions wherein the treating process is selected from alkylation, acylation, oligomerization, selective oxidation, hydrotreating, isomerization, demetalation, catalytic dewaxing, hydroxylation, hydrogenation, ammoximation, isomerization, dehydrogenation, cracking and adsorption.
US07663010B2 Heavy aromatics processing catalyst and process of using the same
This disclosure relates to a catalyst system adapted for transalkylation a C9+ aromatic feedstock with a C6-C7 aromatic feedstock, comprising: (a) a first catalyst comprising a first molecular sieve having a Constraint Index in the range of 3-12 and 0.01 to 5 wt. % of at least one source of a first metal element of Groups 6-10; and (b) a second catalyst comprising a second molecular sieve having a Constraint Index less than 3 and 0 to 5 wt. % of at least one source of a second metal element of Groups 6-10, wherein the weight ratio of the first catalyst over the second catalyst is in the range of 5:95 to 75:25 and wherein the first catalyst is located in front of the second catalyst when they are brought into contacting with the C9+ aromatic feedstock and the C6-C7 aromatic feedstock in the present of hydrogen.
US07663003B2 Catalyst and method for the hydration of carbonyl compounds
A process for hydrogenating an organic compound which has at least one carbonyl group, in which the organic compound is brought into contact in the presence of hydrogen with a shaped article which can be produced in a process in which (i) an oxidic material comprising copper oxide, aluminum oxide and at least one of the oxides of lanthanum, tungsten, molybdenum, titanium or zirconium is prepared, (ii) powdered metallic copper, copper flakes, powdered cement, graphite or a mixture thereof is added to the oxidic material, and (iii) the mixture resulting from (ii) is shaped to a shaped article.
US07663000B2 Quinoneimines of malonic acid diamides
The present invention provides optionally substituted compounds of the formula I or salts thereof; wherein R1 is O or S when double bonded to the ring or is OH, SH, or a protected equivalent, when single bonded to the ring, R2 is hydrogen or more preferably an C1-C10 organic group attached by a carbon atom, X is H, O, OO, S or SS R3 is absent where X═H, is hydrogen or is a hydroxyl or thiol protecting group, R4 is a hetero- or preferably homo-cyclic aryl group, optionally substituted with a further group R5 and groups T1 are each, independently, absent, hydrogen or an S—R6 group, where any/each R6 is independently an organic group of molecular weight up to around 500 amu. The invention further provides a method for the synthesis of such compounds and a method of treatment comprising administering such compounds to a mammalian subject.
US07662992B2 Process for preparation of isosulfan blue
A process for the preparation of isosulfan blue (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient) is provided. A process is also provided for preparation of the intermediate, 2-chlorobenzaldehyde-5-sulfonic acid, sodium salt of formula (2), used in the preparation thereof and a procedure for the isolation of benzaldehyde-2,5-disulfonic acid, di-sodium salt of the formula (3). Also provided is a process for the preparation of an isoleuco acid of formula (4), which upon mild oxidation gives rise to isosulfan blue of pharmaceutical grade which can be used for preparation of pharmaceutical formulations. The isolation and purification procedures provided in the process provide substantially pure isosulfan blue with HPLC purity 99.5% or greater.
US07662989B2 Process for the preparation of liquid, storage-stable organic isocyanates containing carbodiimide and/or uretonimine groups
The invention relates to a process for the preparation of liquid, storage-stable isocyanate mixtures of low color number containing carbodiimide (CD) and/or uretonimine (UI) groups, the isocyanate mixtures obtainable by this process, the preparation of blends with further isocyanates and the process of the preparation of prepolymers containing isocyanate groups and/or polyurethane plastics, preferably polyurethane foams, from these isocyanate mixtures.
US07662987B2 Methods for synthesis of acyloxyalkyl compounds
Disclosed herein are methods for synthesizing 1-(acyloxy)-alkyl prodrug derivatives of drugs through oxidation of 1-acyl-alkyl derivatives of drugs under anhydrous reaction conditions. The methods typically proceed stereospecifically, in high yield, do not require the use of activated intermediates and/or toxic compounds and are readily amenable to scale-up.
US07662986B2 Polymerization with living characteristics
This invention concerns a free radical polymerization process, selected chain transfer agents employed in the process and polymers made thereby, in which the process comprises preparing polymer of general Formula (A) and Formula (B) comprising contacting: (i) a monomer selected from the group consisting of vinyl monomers (of structure CH2═CUV), maleic anhydride, N-alkylmaleimide, N-arylmaleimide, dialkyl fumarate and cyclopolymerizable monomers; (ii) a thiocarbonylthio compound selected from Formula (C) and Formula (D) having a chain transfer constant greater than about 0.1; and (iii) free radicals produced from a free radical source; the polymer of Formula (A) being made by contacting (i), (ii) C and (iii) and that of Formula (B) by contacting (i), (ii) D, and (iii); and (iv) controlling the polydispersity of the polymer being formed by varying the ratio of the number of molecules of (ii) to the number of molecules of (iii); wherein Q, R, U, V, Z, Z′, m, p and q are as defined in the text.
US07662985B2 Production process for a silicon compound
A production process for a silicon compound represented by Formula (6), characterized by reacting a compound represented by Formula (4) with a compound represented by Formula (5): wherein all of the variables are defined in the specification.
US07662975B2 Coumarin derivatives as ion channel openers
The present invention is directed to novel coumarin derivatives, pharmaceutical compositions containing them and their use in the treatment of disorders related to ion channels such as potassium channels.
US07662968B2 Process for preparing lansoprazole
The invention relates to a process for preparing lansoprazole. It is also directed to lansoprazole having a specific surface area and a pharmaceutical composition comprising lansoprazole.
US07662965B2 Anabaseine derivatives, pharmaceutical compositions and method of use thereof
Disclosed are novel anabaseine derivatives that act as agonists of the α7 nAChR. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions, methods of treating inflammatory conditions, methods of treating CNS disorders, methods for inhibiting cytokine release from mammalian cells and methods for the preparation of the novel compounds.
US07662963B2 Process for the preparation of tiotropium bromide
The invention is directed to improved processes for preparing Tiotropium bromide.
US07662959B2 Quaternary trifluoromethylcyclohexane derivatives for liquid crystals
A compound having the structure: w-A-x-CY—Z(CF3), where CY is cyclohexane or substituted cyclohexane, exemplified by 4-trifluoromethyl-4-methylcarboxy-4′-propyl-1,1′-(bi)cyclohexane.
US07662958B2 Anti-infective agents
The present invention provides HCV polymerase inhibiting compounds having the formula (I): where R1 is cyclobutyl-N(Ra)—, n is 1, 2, 3 or 4, and at least one R5 is RaSO2N(Rj)alkyl-. In a non-limiting example, a compound of the present invention is N-[(3-{1-[(cyclobutyl)amino])-4-hydroxy -2-oxo-1,2-dihydro-quinolin-3-yl}-1,1-dioxo-1,4-dihydro-1λ6-thieno[2,3-e][1,2,4]thiadiazin-7-yl)methyl]methane-sulfonamide. The present invention also features compositions comprising the compounds of the present invention or pharmaceutically acceptable salts, stereoisomers or tautomers thereof, and methods of using the same to treat or prevent HCV infection.
US07662957B2 Method for producing 3,4-dihydro-1,2,3-oxathiazin-4-one-2,2-dioxide compound or salt thereof
A high quality 3,4-dihydro-1,2,3-oxathiazin-4-one-2,2-dioxide compound or a salt thereof is obtained easily and efficiently.When the compound represented by the following formula (2)[Formula 2] (wherein, R1, R2, and R3 are hydrogen atom or an organic group inert to the reaction, and X is hydrogen atom) or a salt thereof is produced by cyclization of a mixture of β-ketoamide-N-sulfonic acid represented by the following formula (1) [Formula 1] or a salt thereof and an inert solvent and a mixture of acid anhydride and an inert solvent, and by subsequent hydrolysis of the product, a step of (A) hydrolyzing the reaction product obtained by the cyclization by mixing with an aqueous solution of sulfuric acid so as a concentration of sulfuric acid in an aqueous phase after the hydrolysis would become 30% by weight or more, and then separating an organic phase and an aqueous phase, or a step of (B) washing the organic phase liquid after the hydrolysis with an aqueous solution of sulfuric acid with a concentration of 30% by weight or more is at least carried out.
US07662954B2 Outer layer having entanglement of hydrophobic polymer host and hydrophilic polymer guest
An outer layer having an entanglement comprising an intermingling of cloaked hydrophilic guest and a hydrophobic polymer host, wherein molecules of the guest have been crosslinked with each other. Under certain circumstances, using complexes of the guest may be desirable or even necessary. The intermingling of the guest and host includes a physical tangling, whether it also comprises crosslinking by primary bonding (e.g., chemical/covalent bonding) there-between. Also a method of producing an outer layer having such an entanglement, including the steps of: temporarily cloaking at least a portion of the hydrophilic groups of the guest; intermingling at least a portion of the cloaked groups with a porous polymeric structure by diffusing the guest with cloaked groups into at least a portion of the structure's pores; within the pores, crosslinking at least a portion of the molecules of the guest with the guest; and removing the cloaking. Cloaking may be performed by silylation or acylation. Intermingling may be performed by producing a mixture of guest and host (whether in solution, powdered, granular, etc., form); next, a crosslinking of the guest with itself is performed; then, the mixture is molded into the outer layer.
US07662953B2 Method for manufacturing cellulose carbamate
The invention relates to a method for manufacturing cellulose carbamate. In the method, an auxiliary agent and urea in solution form and possibly in solid form are absorbed into cellulose, and a reaction between cellulose and urea is carried out in a mixture containing cellulose, a liquid, the auxiliary agent, and urea The absorption of the auxiliary agent and urea into cellulose, and the reaction between the cellulose and the auxiliary agent at least partly are carried out in a working device. According to the invention, it is possible to manufacture cellulose carbamate without ammonia, organic solvents or other auxiliary agents, by using only a small quantity of water as a medium.
US07662951B2 RNA interference mediated treatment of Alzheimer's disease using short interfering nucleic acid (siNA)
The present invention concerns methods and reagents useful in modulating BACE gene expression in a variety of applications, including use in therapeutic, diagnostic, target validation, and genomic discovery applications. Specifically, the invention relates to 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 capable of mediating RNA interference (RNAi) against beta-secretase (BACE), amyloid precursor protein (APP), pin-1, presenillin 1 (PS-1) and/or presenillin 2 (PS-2) gene expression and/or activity. The small nucleic acid molecules are useful in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease and any other condition that responds to modulation of BACE, APP, pin-1, PS-1 and/or PS-2 expression or activity.
US07662950B2 siRNA targeting myeloid differentiation primary response gene (88) (MYD88)
Efficient sequence specific gene silencing is possible through the use of siRNA technology. By selecting particular siRNAs by rational design, one can maximize the generation of an effective gene silencing reagent, as well as methods for silencing genes. Methods, compositions, and kits generated through rational design of siRNAs are disclosed including those directed to nucleotide sequences for MYD88.
US07662938B2 2′-fluoronucleosides
A class of 2′-fluoro-nucleoside compounds are disclosed which are useful in the treatment of hepatitis B infection, hepatitis C infection, HIV and abnormal cellular proliferation, including tumors and cancer. The compounds have the general formula: wherein Base is a purine or pyrimidine base; R1 is OH, H, OR3, N3, CN, halogen, including F, or CF3, lower alkyl, amino, lower alkylamino, di(lower)alkylamino, or alkoxy, and base refers to a purine or pyrimidine base; R2 is H, phosphate, including monophosphate, diphosphate, triphosphate, or a stabilized phosphate prodrug; acyl, or other pharmaceutically acceptable leaving group which when administered in vivo, is capable of providing a compound wherein R2 is H or phosphate; sulfonate ester including alkyl or aryalkyl sulfonyl including methanesulfonyl, benzyl, wherein the phenyl group is optionally substituted with one or more substituents as described in the definition of aryl given above, a lipid, an amino acid, peptide, or cholesterol; and R3 is acyl, alkyl, phosphate, or other pharmaceutically acceptable leaving group which when administered in vivo, is capable of being cleaved to the parent compound, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
US07662936B2 Mass spectrometry of antibody conjugates
Methods to detect, screen, and quantitate biological samples after administration of antibody conjugates, antibody-drug conjugates of Formula I, antibodies, and fragments and metabolites thereof, by affinity separation, chromatography, and mass spectrometry are disclosed. Ab-(L-D)p  I wherein Ab is an antibody; D is a drug moiety; L is a linker covalently attached to Ab, and covalently attached to D; and p is 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8.
US07662930B2 Polishing steps used in multi-step protein purification processes
Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to multi-step systems and methods for target-molecule purification that employ column-chromatography-based and/or membrane-filtration-based polishing steps. In one described embodiment of the present invention, a target-protein-containing eluate having a high residual salt concentration is collected from a first chromatography column prepared with an affinity-chromatography resin, loaded onto a second chromatography column prepared with a cation-exchange resin, and eluted from the second cation-exchange column using a buffer in which a time-dependent pH gradient is established. In another described embodiment of the present invention, a partially purified target-protein-containing eluate is collected from a chromatography column and further purified by passing the target-protein-containing eluate through a salt-tolerant anion exchanger.
US07662927B2 Antibodies to ZCYTO20 (IL-28A) and ZCYTO22 (IL-28B)
The present invention relates to polynucleotide and polypeptide molecules for zcyto20, zcyto21, zcyto22, zycto24, and zcyto25 proteins which are most closely related to interferon-α at the amino acid sequence level. The receptor for this protein family is a class II cytokine receptor. The present invention includes methods of reducing viral infections and increasing monocyte counts. The present invention also includes antibodies to the zcyto20 polypeptides, and methods of producing the polynucleotides and polypeptides.
US07662923B2 Modified vitamin K-dependent polypeptides
The invention provides vitamin K-dependent polypeptides with enhanced membrane binding affinity. These polypeptides can be used to modulate clot formation in mammals. Methods of modulating clot formation in mammals are also described.
US07662915B2 Peptides having protected amines of untargeted sites, methods for production thereof and of specifically conjugated PEG peptides using the same
The present invention relates to synthetic peptides having selectively protected amines of untargeted sites and to methods for production thereof and for specifically conjugating PEG to targeted sites of the synthetic peptides using the same. The present invention provides a much higher yield of PEG conjugated peptides in which PEG is specifically combined to amines at targeted sites.
US07662912B2 Polyomavirus diagnostic reagents
The present invention relates to HLA-A*02-restricted cellular epitopes within the VP1 polypeptide of human polyomaviruses, which are useful as diagnostic reagents for virus infection. Preferred peptides correspond to amino acids residues 107-116, 108-116 and 44-52 of BKV VP1, and are processed in vivo in natural infection with BKV. Effector T cell populations stimulated by the peptides represent functional CTLs as assessed by cytotoxicity and cytokine production, and are reactive against cells presenting both the BKV peptides above and the JC virus homolog sequences.
US07662911B2 Polypeptide films and methods
Disclosed herein is a method of making a film, the method comprising depositing a first layer polyelectrolyte on a surface of a substrate to form a first layer; and depositing a second layer polyelectrolyte on the first layer polyelectrolyte to form a second layer. The first layer polyelectrolyte, the second layer polyelectrolyte, or both, is deposited on the substrate in the presence of a polymeric precipitant; and the first layer polyelectrolyte and the second layer polyelectrolyte have net charges of opposite polarity. Also disclosed are methods of improving bioactive molecule retention during fabrication of a polyelectrolyte multilayer film.
US07662909B2 Polysulfone compositions exhibiting very low color and high light transmittance properties and articles made therefrom
A polysulfone composition is provided having a total luminous light transmittance of 84% or greater when measured on 0.1 inch thick specimens using ASTM D-1003. The specimens also meet at least one of the following two conditions: 1) a yellowness index (YI) of less than about 5.0 as measured according to ASTM D-1925 on 0.1 inch thick specimens, or 2) a color factor (CF) of less than about 25, wherein CF is defined by the following equation: CF=270[(x+y)sample−(x+y)air]/t wherein x and y are chromaticity coordinates measured in transmittance mode and t is sample thickness in inches. Another polysulfone composition is provided comprising a polysulfone, an organic phosphorous-containing melt stabilizer, and at least one of the following additives: a blue to violet dye, and an organic optical brightener. The polysulfone composition of the present invention is used to form transparent molded articles such as ophthalmic lenses.
US07662908B2 Process for the preparation of activated polythylene glycols
A process for preparing activated polyethylene glycols is disclosed. In some embodiments, the process includes reacting a molten polyethylene glycol with an activator. In other embodiments, the process includes reacting a polyethylene glycol with an activator in the absence of a solvent. The process may be carried out in an inert gas atmosphere, at a temperature at least 10° C. above the melting point of polyethylene glycol, and/or with the activator provided in molar excess of the polyethylene glycol. The invention further provides activated polyethylene glycols produced by this process and their use in a variety of pharmaceutical, medical, cosmetic and chemical applications.
US07662905B2 Copolycarbonate, copolycarbonate composition, and optical molded article obtained therefrom
A copolycarbonate; a copolycarbonate composition that contains the copolycarbonate and a polycarbonate resin; a polycarbonate base resin composition that contains the copolycarbonate and an acryl base resin; an optical molded article containing the copolycarbonate; a light guide plate containing the copolycarbonate; a lens containing the copolycarbonate; an optical molded article containing the copolycarbonate composition; a light guide plate containing the copolycarbonate composition; a lens containing the copolycarbonate composition; an optical molded article containing the polycarbonate base resin composition; a light guide plate containing the polycarbonate base resin composition; and an optical molded article containing the polycarbonate base resin composition.
US07662898B2 Biocompatible material
A biocompatible material having excellent biocompatibility such as small interaction with a component of a living body such as a protein or blood cell. A biocompatible material comprising a polymer obtained by polymerizing a monomer composition comprising an amino acid-type betaine monomer represented by the formula (I): wherein R1 is a hydrogen atom or a methyl group; R2 is an alkylene group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms; each of R3 and R4 is independently an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms; R5 is an alkylene group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms; and Z is an oxygen atom or an —NH group; and a polymerizable monomer represented by the formula (II): wherein R1 is as defined above; and R6 is a monovalent organic group, in a weight ratio, i.e. amino acid-type betaine monomer/polymerizable monomer, of from 1/99 to 100/1. The biocompatible material can be suitably used, for example, in food, a food additive, a medicament, a quasi-drug, a medical device, cosmetics, a toiletry article, or the like.
US07662897B2 Process for producing photoresist polymeric compounds
Process for producing photoresist polymeric compound having repeated units corresponding to at least one monomer selected from monomer (a) having lactone skeleton, monomer (b) having group which becomes soluble in alkali by elimination with acid, and monomer (c) having alicyclic skeleton having hydroxyl group. Process includes (A) polymerizing mixture of monomers containing at least one monomer selected from the above monomers (a), (b), and (c), and (B) extracting polymer formed in the polymerization by using organic solvent and water to partition the formed polymer into organic solvent layer and metal component impurity into aqueous layer, or passing polymer solution, which contains polymer having repeated units corresponding to at least one of the above monomers (a), (b), and (c) and metal content of which is 1000 ppb by weight or less relative to the polymer through filter comprising porous polyolefin membrane having cation-exchange group. The photoresist polymeric compounds have a metallic impurity content that is extremely low.
US07662896B2 Fluorochemical sulfonamide surfactants
Described are fluorochemical surfactants derived from nonafluorobutanesulfonyl fluoride that contain polyalkyleneoxy side chains and may be copolymerized with acrylic acid or methacrylic acid to form polyacrylates or polymethacrylates. The surfactants surprisingly lower the surface tension of water and other liquids in the same or similar low values achieved by premier surfactants such as those derived from perfluorooctane sulfonyl fluoride.
US07662892B2 Impact copolymers
This invention relates to a continuous process to prepare olefin impact copolymers comprising producing a semi-crystalline olefin polymer in a first reactor and then transferring the reactor contents to a second reactor where a low crystallinity olefin polymer is produced in the presence of the semi-crystalline polymer, where a fluorinated hydrocarbon is present in the polymerization medium of the first reactor, the second reactor or both reactors.
US07662887B1 Method of forming polyalkene substituted carboxylic acid compositions
The residual chlorine content of a polyolefin-substituted carboxylic acylating agent formed by a halogen-assisted reaction of a polyalkene and at least one olefinic, monounsaturated mono- or dicarboxylic acid, anhydride or ester, is reduced when the reaction is conducted in the presence of a controlled amount of a metal compound.
US07662886B2 Dynamic vulcanization of fluorocarbon elastomers containing peroxide cure sites
Processable rubber compositions contain a vulcanized elastomeric material dispersed in a matrix of a thermoplastic polymeric material. The vulcanized elastomeric material is a peroxide cure polymeric material containing repeating units derived from fluorine-containing monomers and at least one peroxide cure site monomer. In one embodiment the matrix forms a continuous phase and the vulcanized elastomeric material is in the form of particles forming a non-continuous phase. The compositions are made by combining a radical curing system, a fluorocarbon elastomer material, and a fluoroplastic material, and heating the mixture at a temperature and for a time sufficient to effect vulcanization of the elastomeric material, while mechanical energy is applied to mix the mixture during the heating step. Shaped articles may be readily formed from the rubber compositions according to conventional thermoplastic processes such as blow molding, injection molding, and extrusion. Examples of useful articles include seals, gaskets, O-rings, and hoses.
US07662879B2 Compositions comprising modified metal oxides
The present invention relates to polymerizable compositions comprising at least one monomer and at least one modified metal oxide comprising the reaction product of a metal oxide and at least one coupling agent. In addition, polymer compositions comprising a polymer and the modified metal oxide are also disclosed. Finally, methods for preparing the polymerizable compositions and polymer compositions are described as are optical devices comprising the polymer compositions.
US07662878B2 Aqueous pigment dispersion and ink composition for inkjet recording
The present invention is to provide an orange ink composition for inkjet recording high in color saturation and gloss, while having long storage stability and jet stability, and also to provide an aqueous pigment dispersion mainly composing the ink composition. The aqueous pigment dispersion which contains a styrene-acrylic acid copolymer containing 60% by mass or more of styrene-based monomer units with respect to total monomer components and having an acid value of 130 to 200 and a weight-average molecular weight of 6,000 to 40,000, an alkali metal hydroxide, a wetting agent and C. I. Pigment Red 168 is excellent in storage stability and high in gloss. Further, an ink composition for inkjet recording mainly composing the aqueous pigment dispersion reflects an excellent dispersibility of the aqueous pigment dispersion, thereby having a favorable jettability and excellent light fastness.
US07662877B2 Crystalline thermoplastic polyester resin composition for clear transparent products and process thereof
A polyester resin composition comprising alkylene terephthalate, fast reheat (FRH) additives, nucleating additives, aliphatic dicarboxylic acid comonomers or their mixed composition to impart clarity and transparency to the CPET and a process for the preparation of said thermoplastic composition of clear CPET.
US07662876B2 Arylalkylsilyls used as flame retardant additives
Flame retarded resin compositions comprise at least one resin selected from the group consisting of polycarbonate, polyester and mixtures thereof, and a flame retarding effective amount of at least one nonhalogenated arylalkylsilyl flame retardant, the flame retarded resin composition being substantially free of haloorganic flame retardant and phosphate flame retardant.
US07662873B2 Methods for marking fibrous substrates
The present invention is directed to the preparation of fibrous substrates, including textiles, marked with colloidal particle nanobar codes, to the fibrous substrates so prepared, and to methods for detecting the nanobar codes on the fibrous substrates for use in quality control, counterfeiting, and the like.
US07662871B2 Aqueous polymer dispersions, based on copolymers of vinyl aromatics and butadiene, method for their production and their use as sizing agents for paper
Aqueous polymer dispersions which are obtainable by free radical copolymerization of (a) from 0.1 to 99.9% by weight of styrene and/or methylstyrene, (b) 0.1-99.9% by weight of 1,3-butadiene and/or isoprene and (c) from 0 to 40% by weight of other ethylenically unsaturated copolymerizable monomers, the sum of the monomers (a), (b) and (c) always being 100, in the presence of from 10 to 40% by weight, based on the monomers used, of at least one degraded starch having a molecular weight Mn of from 500 to 40 000 and of water-soluble redox catalysts are prepared by free radical copolymerization of the monomers (a), (b) and, if required, (c) in an aqueous medium in the presence of a degraded starch having a molecular weight Mn of from 500 to 10 000 and redox initiators and are used as engine sizes and surface sizes for paper.
US07662869B2 Dental composition containing unsaturated carbosilane containing components
The invention relates to a dental composition comprising a) carbosilane containing component (A) comprising at least 1 Si-Aryl bond, at least 1 silicon atom, at least 2 unsaturated moiety, no Si—Oxygen bond, b) Si—H functional component (B), c) initiator (C), d) optionally filler (D), and e) optionally component (E) selected from modifiers, dyes, pigments, thixotropic agents, flow improvers, polymeric thickeners, surfactants, odorous substances, diluting agent(s) and flavorings.
US07662862B2 5-HT7 receptor antagonists
The invention relates to compounds having pharmacological activity towards the 5-HT7 receptor, and more particularly to some 2,2a,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-3-aza-acenaphthylen substituted sulfonamide compounds, to processes of preparation of such compounds, to pharmaceutical compositions comprising them, and to their use for the treatment and or prophylaxis of a disease in which 5-HT is involved, such as CNS disorders.
US07662858B2 Method of treating post-surgical acute pain
A method is provided for treating pain in patients recovering from post-surgical trauma by administering between about 13 to about 30 mg of diclofenac potassium in a liquid dispersible formulation over a period of at least 24 hours, wherein the daily total amount of diclofenac potassium administered is less than or equal to about 100 mg. The method is particularly useful in treating acute pain in bunionectomy patients.
US07662857B2 Diagnostic agents for pancreatic exocrine function
A diagnostic agent for pancreatic exocrine function comprising a dipeptide represented by the following formula (I): X1—R1—Y1  (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein X1 is a protecting group, R1 is a phenylalanine, glutamine, valine, tyrosine, methionine, serine or threonine residue, and Y1 is a 13C-labeled alanine molecule optionally having a protecting group.
US07662853B2 Monoacetyldiacylglycerol derivative for the treatment of sepsis
The uses of mono acetyl diacyl glycerol derivatives extracted from deer antler for immunomodulating agent disclosed. Medical supplies and health foods containing the same as an effective ingredient also disclosed. Mono acetyl diacyl glycerol derivatives shows significantly effect for immuno modulation including immune enhancing. In the case of inducing cancer in a hamster by injecting cancer cell line, cancer development was delayed by activating lymphocytes, monocytes, and dendritic cells that are important factors to promote immunity and apoptosis of cancer cell was induced by promoting cytotoxicity of immune cell against cancer cell. Also in the case of mouse induced septic shock, it shows 100% survival rate even after lapse of 120 hours by control of immune function and suppression effect apoptosis. Therefore, mono acetyl diacyl glycerol derivatives according to the present invention can be effectively used for an immunomodulating agent, a sepsis treatment, a cancer treatment, and a health food for an immune modulation or the prevention of cancer.
US07662848B2 Process for the preparation of Fluvastatin Sodium salt
The present invention is directed to a process for preparing Fluvastatin Sodium salt by basic hydrolysis of its alkyl ester. The reaction is performed in conditions suitable to allow a selective hydrolysis of the desired syn isomer, while the unwanted anti isomer is removed by extraction, thus reducing its content in the final product; this diastereomer is the main impurity of Fluvastatin sodium salt and its ester precursor.
US07662840B2 Use of 4-[(4-thiazolyl)phenoxy]alkoxy-benzamidine derivatives for treatment of osteoporosis
This invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition containing 4-[(4-thiazolyl)phenoxyl]alkoxy-benzamidine derivatives expressed by the following formula 1 for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis and more particularly, to the use of 4-{5-[4-(5-isopropyl-2-methyl-1,3-thiazol-4-yl)phenoxyl]pentoxy}-benzamidine or N-hydroxy-4-{5-[4-(5-iso-propyl-2-methyl-1,3-thiazol-4-yl)phenoxyl]pentoxy}-benzamidine expressed by the following formula 1, which is known as an antagonist of leukotriene-B4 receptor, as a pharmaceutical composition for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. [Formula 1], wherein, R is a hydrogen atom or a hydroxy group.
US07662837B2 Inhibitors of c-fms kinase
The invention is directed to compounds of Formula I: wherein A, X, R2 and W are set forth in the specification, as well as solvates, hydrates, tautomers and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, that inhibit protein tyrosine kinases, especially c-fms kinase. Methods of treating autoimmune diseases; and diseases with an inflammatory component; treating metastasis from ovarian cancer, uterine cancer, breast cancer, colon cancer, stomach cancer, hairy cell leukemia and non-small lung carcinoma; and treating pain, including skeletal pain caused by tumor metastasis or osteoarthritis, or visceral, inflammatory, and neurogenic pain; as well as osteoporosis, Paget's disease, and other diseases in which bone resorption mediates morbidity including arthritis, prosthesis failure, osteolytic sarcoma, myeloma, and tumor metastasis to bone with the compounds of Formula I, are also provided.
US07662831B2 Tetracyclic indoles as potassium channel modulators
The present invention is directed to compounds of Formula I: that are potassium channel modulators and pharmaceutical compositions thereof. The present invention is further directed to methods of treatment using the compounds and pharmaceutical compositions of the invention. The present invention is still further directed to synthetic processes for producing the compounds of the invention.
US07662826B2 Pyrazolo [1,5-a] pyrimidine derivative and nad (p) h oxidase inhibitor containing the same
A compound represented by the formula (Ia) (wherein R1a, R2a, and R3 to R5 are the same as defined in the description), a prodrug thereof, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, or solvate thereof. The compounds are useful in the prevention of or treatment for diseases relating to NAD(P)H.
US07662822B2 Substituted azaquinazolines having an antiviral action
This invention relates to substituted azaquinazolines, to a process for their preparation, to pharmaceutical compositions containing them, and to their use for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of diseases, especially for use as antiviral agents, in particular against cytomegaloviruses.
US07662818B2 Phthalazinone derivatives
Compounds of the formula (I): wherein A and B together represent an optionally substituted, fused aromatic ring; X can be NRX or CRXRY; if X=NRX then n is 1 or 2 and if X=CRXRY then n is 1; RX is selected from the group consisting of H, optionally substituted C1-20 alkyl, C5-20 aryl, C3-20 heterocyclyl, amido, thioamido, ester, acyl, and sulfonyl groups; RY is selected from H, hydroxy, amino; or RX and RY may together form a spiro-C3-7 cycloalkyl or heterocyclyl group; RC1 and RC2 are both hydrogen, or when X is CRXRY, RC1, RC2, RX and RY, together with the carbon atoms to which they are attached, may form an optionally substituted fused aromatic ring; and R1 is selected from H and halo.
US07662816B2 Cyclic amine BACE-1 inhibitors having a benzamide substituent
Disclosed are compounds of the formula or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, wherein R1 is R is —C(O)—N(R27)(R28) or and the remaining variables are as defined in the specification. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds of formula I.Also disclosed are methods of treating cognitive or neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease.Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions and methods of treating cognitive or neurodegenerative diseases comprising the compounds of formula I in combination with a β-secretase inhibitor other than those of formula I, an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor, a gamma-secretase inhibitor, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent, an N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist, a cholinesterase inhibitor or an anti-amyloid antibody.
US07662815B2 Diaryl ether β2 adrenergic receptor agonists
The invention provides novel β2 adrenergic receptor agonist compounds. The invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds, methods of using such compounds to treat diseases associated with β2 adrenergic receptor activity, and processes and intermediates useful for preparing such compounds.
US07662814B2 4-aminothieno[2,3-d]pyrimidine-6-carbonitrile derivatives as PDE7 inhibitors
New 4-aminothieno[2,3-d]pyrimidine-6-carbonitrile derivatives having the chemical structure of general formula (I), and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof are disclosed, as well as processes for their preparation and to pharmaceutical compositions containing them and their use in the treatment, prevention or suppression of pathological conditions, diseases and disorders susceptible of being improved by inhibition of PDE7.
US07662794B2 DNA enzyme to inhibit plasminogen activator inhibitor-1
The present invention provides DNAzymes and ribozymes that specifically cleave PAI-1-encoding mRNA. The present invention also provides antisense oligonucleotides that specifically inhibit translation of PAI-1-encoding mRNA. The invention also provides various methods of inhibiting the expression of PAI-1, and methods of treating diseases by such. Finally the invention provides pharmaceutical compositions containing the instant DNAzymes, ribozymes, antisense oligonucleotides, or other inhibitors of PAI-1 expression as active ingredients.
US07662791B2 Gene silencing using mRNA-cDNA hybrids
The present invention provides novel compositions and methods for suppressing the expression of a targeted gene using mRNA-cDNA duplexes. The invention further provides novel methods and compositions for generating amplified mRNA-cDNA hybrids, whose quantity is high enough to be used for the invention's gene silencing transfection. This improved RNA-polymerase chain reaction method uses thermocycling steps of promoter-linked double-stranded cDNA or RNA synthesis, in vitro transcription and then reverse transcription to amplify the amount of mRNA-cDNA hybrids up to two thousand folds within one round of the above procedure.
US07662787B2 Abuse resistant lysine amphetamine compounds
The present invention describes compounds, compositions and methods of using the same comprising lysine covalently attached to amphetamine. These compounds and compositions are useful for reducing or preventing abuse and overdose of amphetamine. These compounds and compositions find particular use in providing an abuse-resistant alternative treatment for certain disorders, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), ADD, narcolepsy, and obesity. Oral bioavailability of amphetamine is maintained at therapeutically useful doses. At higher doses bioavailability is substantially reduced, thereby providing a method of reducing oral abuse liability. Further, compounds and compositions of the invention decrease the bioavailability of amphetamine by parenteral routes, such as intravenous or intranasal administration, further limiting their abuse liability.
US07662786B2 Dolastatin 15 derivatives
Compounds of the present invention include cell growth inhibitors which are peptides of Formula I, A-B-D-E-F-(G)r-(K)s-L   (I), and acid salts thereof, wherein A, B, D, E, F, G and K are α-amino acid residues, and s and r are each, independently, 0 or 1. L is a monovalent radical, such as, for example, an amino group, an N-substituted amino group, a β-hydroxylamino group, a hydrazido group, an alkoxy group, a thioalkoxy group, an aminoxy group, or an oximato group. The present invention also includes a method for treating cancer in a mammal, such as a human, comprising administering to the mammal an effective amount of a compound of Formula I in a pharmaceutically acceptable composition.
US07662785B2 Selective high affinity polydentate ligands and methods of making such
This invention provides novel polydentate selective high affinity ligands (SHALs) that can be used in a variety of applications in a manner analogous to the use of antibodies. SHALs typically comprise a multiplicity of ligands that each bind different region son the target molecule. The ligands are joined directly or through a linker thereby forming a polydentate moiety that typically binds the target molecule with high selectivity and avidity.
US07662784B2 Method for decreasing body weight using a somatostatin receptor agonist
The present invention relates to a method of decreasing body weight in a patient. The method includes the step of administering a therapeutically effective amount of a somatostatin or a somatostatin agonist to said patient. A pharmaceutical/cosmetic composition comprises the somatostatin or somatostatin agonist. Such products are used to prepare such compositions for the reduction or body weight in a human or mammalian animal.
US07662781B2 Immunopotentiating agent
Satisfactory effects have not always been attained by immunotherapy having been tried, and reliance upon direct attack on cells by anticancer agents, radiation, etc has been inevitable. The present invention intends to provide a therapeutic method that ensures less side effects but higher efficacy than in conventional therapeutic methods through enhancing of immune strength inherently had by living organism. Thus, the present invention relates to an immunopotentiating agent comprising MIP-1α or its functional derivative as an active ingredient.
US07662776B2 Treatment of tumors using short peptides from human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG)
Where it was generally thought that the smallest breakdown products of proteins had no specific biological function on their own, it now emerges that the body may utilize the normal process of proteolytic breakdown to generate important compounds such as gene-regulatory or anti-tumor compounds. Such anti-tumor compounds are useful for the treatment or prevention of tumors and can be used as part of a pharmaceutical composition. The invention provides a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment of a subject suffering from or believed to be suffering from a tumor, said pharmaceutical composition comprising: a therapeutically effective amount of anti-tumor peptide or a functional analogue or derivative thereof together with a pharmaceutically acceptable diluent, wherein the peptide is preferably selected from the group VVC, LAG, AQG, LQGV (SEQ ID NO:1), QVVC (SEQ ID NO:), MTRV (SEQ ID NO:6), AQGV (SEQ ID NO:2), LAGV (SEQ ID NO:3), LQAV (SEQ ID NO:7), PGCP (SEQ ID NO:8), VGQL (SEQ ID NO:9), RVLQ (SEQ ID NO:10), EMFQ (SEQ ID NO:11), AVAL (SEQ ID NO:12), FVLS (SEQ ID NO:13), NMWD (SEQ ID NO:14), LCFL (SEQ ID NO:15), FSYA (SEQ ID NO:16), FWVD (SEQ ID NO:17), AFTV (SEQ ID NO:18), LGTL (SEQ ID NO:19), QLLG (SEQ ID NO:20), YAIT (SEQ ID NO:21), APSL (SEQ ID NO:22), ITTL (SEQ ID NO:23), QALG (SEQ ID NO:24), GVLC (SEQ ID NO:25), NLIN (SEQ ID NO:26), SPIE (SEQ ID NO:27), LNTI (SEQ ID NO:28), LHNL (SEQ ID NO:29), CPVQ (SEQ ID NO:30), EVVR (SEQ ID NO:31), MTEV (SEQ ID NO:32), EALE (SEQ ID NO:33), TLAVE (SEQ ID NO:38), VEGNL (SEQ ID NO:39), LNEAL (SEQ ID NO:40), VLPALP (SEQ ID NO:4), MGGTWA (SEQ ID NO:41), LTCDDP (SEQ ID NO:42), VLPALPQ (SEQ ID NO:43), VCNYRDV (SEQ ID NO:44), CPRGVNP (SEQ ID NO:45), QPLAPLVG (SEQ ID NO:46) or DINGFLPAL (SEQ ID NO:47).
US07662775B2 Method for screening agents for the treatment of diabetes
The invention relates to a convenient screening tool for identifying an agent for treating diabetes. The screening tool is a G protein-coupled receptor, a variant of the G protein-coupled receptor, or a homolog of the G protein-coupled receptor, which promotes insulin secretion under a high glucose concentration by activation. The invention also relates to cells transformed with an expression vector comprising a polynucleotide encoding and expressing the screening tool. The invention provides a convenient screening method for identifying an agent for treating diabetes, pharmaceutical compositions comprising the agent, and a process for manufacturing the pharmaceutical composition.
US07662773B2 Natriuretic compounds, conjugates, and uses thereof
Modified natriuretic compounds and conjugates thereof are disclosed in the present invention. In particular, conjugated forms of hBNP are provided that include at least one modifying moiety attached thereto. The modified natriuretic compound conjugates retain activity for stimulating cGMP production, binding to NPR-A receptor, and in some embodiments an improved half-life in circulation as compared to unmodified counterpart natriuretic compounds. Oral, parenteral, subcutaneous, and intravenous forms of the compounds and conjugates may be prepared as treatments and/or therapies for heart conditions particularly congestive heart failure. Modifying moieties comprising oligomeric structures having a variety of lengths and configurations are also disclosed. Analogs of the natriuretic compound are also disclosed, having an amino acid sequence that is other than the native sequence.
US07662772B2 Methods for treating congestive heart failure
The invention features methods of treating or preventing congestive heart failure by administering a polypeptide containing an epidermal growth factor-like domain encoded by a neuregulin gene.
US07662764B2 Azeotrope-like solvent composition and mixed solvent composition
To provide a solvent composition capable of removing soils such as dusts and oils attached to the surface of an article made of an acrylic resin or an article coated with an acrylic resin, without damaging it.An azeotrope-like solvent composition comprising from 38 to 41 mass % of (2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)-1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethane and from 59 to 62 mass % of perfluorohexane. A mixed solvent composition comprising from 30 to 60 mass % of (2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)-1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethane and from 40 to 70 mass % of perfluorohexane.
US07662759B1 Decontamination formulation with additive for enhanced mold remediation
Decontamination formulations with an additive for enhancing mold remediation. The formulations include a solubilizing agent (e.g., a cationic surfactant), a reactive compound (e.g., hydrogen peroxide), a carbonate or bicarbonate salt, a water-soluble bleaching activator (e.g., propylene glycol diacetate or glycerol diacetate), a mold remediation enhancer containing Fe or Mn, and water. The concentration of Fe2+ or Mn2+ ions in the aqueous mixture is in the range of about 0.0001% to about 0.001%. The enhanced formulations can be delivered, for example, as a foam, spray, liquid, fog, mist, or aerosol for neutralization of chemical compounds, and for killing certain biological compounds or agents and mold spores, on contaminated surfaces and materials.
US07662754B2 Composition, foam and process for the decontamination of surfaces
The invention relates to a composition which makes it possible to obtain a gelled aqueous foam capable of decontaminating, stripping or degreasing a surface. The composition of the present invention comprises one or more surfactants, one or more acidic or basic reactants and a gelling agent.The decontamination foam obtained from this composition exhibits long lifetimes, generally of between 1 and 10 hours, guaranteeing a prolonged time of action on the surface and a high decontamination effectiveness. These foams can be used to remove the radioactivity from an inaccessible plant, which is large in size and complex in design, by simple filling or by simple spraying over an accessible surface.
US07662753B2 Degradable surfactants and methods for use
The present invention relates to compositions for treating subterranean formations. A treatment fluid that comprises an aqueous liquid, and a degradable surfactant derived from a degradable polymer is provided. Also provided are emulsified treatment fluids and foamed treatment fluids that comprise degradable surfactants derived from degradable polymers.
US07662748B2 Formulations comprising triazoles and alkoxylated amines
The present invention relates to the use of alkoxylated amines to enhance the activity of fungicidal formulations comprising fungicidal triazoles. It also relates to formulations comprising one or more fungicidal triazoles and alkoxylated amines. These formulations are useful for the protection of any living or non-living material, such as crops, plants, fruits, seeds, objects made of wood, thatch or the like, biodegradable material and textiles against deterioration due to the action of fungi.
US07662747B2 Activated charcoal production
The invention relates to a process for producing granular, particularly spherical activated carbon by carbonization of suitable carbonaceous polymers in the form of polymer granules, in particular polymer spherules, as a starting material, which are convertible by carbonization into carbon at least essentially, wherein the polymer granules, in particular the polymer spherules, are continuously moved through a carbonization apparatus comprising a plurality of temperature zones and/or a temperature gradient so that an at least essentially complete conversion of the starting material to carbon is effected.
US07662744B2 Process for producing an SCR catalyst
In a process for producing an SCR catalyst for the selective reduction of NOx in NOx-containing exhaust gases of internal combustion engines, a support layer is applied to a substrate body. An iron salt dissolved in a liquid is applied to the support layer in such an amount that no excess of iron salt is present.
US07662742B2 Process for producing catalyst for methacrylic acid production, catalyst for methacrylic acid production, and process for producing methacrylic acid
A method for producing a catalyst containing given atoms in a given atomic proportion for use in producing methacrylic acid through gas-phase catalytic oxidation of methacrolein with molecular oxygen comprising the steps of: (i) preparing a solution or slurry containing at least molybdenum, phosphorus, and vanadium (liquid I); (ii) preparing a solution or slurry containing ammonium radical (liquid II); (iii) preparing a mixture of the liquid I and the liquid II by introducing one liquid (liquid PR) of the liquid I and the liquid II into a tank (tank A) and pouring the other liquid (liquid LA) on a continuous region in the surface of the liquid PR, the continuous region occupying 0.01 to 10% of the whole area of the surface of the liquid PR; and (iv) drying and calcining the resultant solution or slurry containing a catalyst precursor comprising all the catalyst constituents.
US07662741B2 Process for preparing silver deposited carbon covered alumina catalyst
The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of highly active silver deposited on carbon covered alumina catalyst, in controlling the microorganism in water.
US07662740B2 Platinum-chromium-copper/nickel fuel cell catalyst
A fuel cell catalyst comprising platinum, chromium, and copper, nickel or a combination thereof. In one or more embodiments, the concentration of platinum is less than 50 atomic percent, and/or the concentration of chromium is less than 30 atomic percent, and/or the concentration of copper, nickel, or a combination thereof is at least 35 atomic percent.
US07662739B2 Catalyst element and manufacturing method thereof
A catalyst body including a catalytic material containing an alkali metal and/or an alkaline earth metal, a carrier carrying the catalytic material, and a method of manufacturing the catalyst body are provided. The carrier has a cordierite binder phase and aggregate phases dispersed in the cordierite binder phase.
US07662735B2 Ceramic fibers and composites comprising same
Ceramic fibers comprising glass, and composites comprising such fibers. The glass comprises at least 35 percent by weight Al2O3, based on the total metal oxide content of the glass, a first metal oxide other than Al2O3, and a second, different metal oxide other than Al2O3. The glass contains not more than 10 percent by weight collectively As2O3, B2O3, GeO2, P2O5, SiO2, TeO2, and V2O5, based on the total weight of the glass. The first and the second metal oxides are each selected from the group consisting of Y2O3, REO, MgO, TiO2, Cr2O3, CuO, NiO, Fe2O3, ZrO2, HfO2 and complex metal oxides thereof. At least a portion of the glass may be converted to crystals.
US07662732B2 Method of preparing patterned carbon nanotube array and patterned carbon nanotube array prepared thereby
A method of preparing a patterned carbon nanotube array a patterned carbon nanotube array prepared thereby are provided. The method includes forming carbon nanotubes in channels of porous templates, arranging the templates in a predetermined pattern on a substrate and selectively removing the templates to expose the carbon nanotubes.
US07662730B2 Method for fabricating ultra-high tensile-stressed film and strained-silicon transistors thereof
A method for fabricating an ultra-high tensile-stressed nitride film is disclosed. A PECVD process is first performed to deposit a transitional silicon nitride film over a substrate. The transitional silicon nitride film has a first concentration of hydrogen atoms. The transitional silicon nitride film is subjected to UV curing process for reducing the first concentration of hydrogen atoms to a second concentration of hydrogen atoms.
US07662728B2 Substrate processing method
A method of forming a low-K dielectric film, comprises the steps of placing a substrate carrying thereon a low-K dielectric film on a stage, heating the low-K dielectric film on the stage, processing the low-K dielectric film by plasma of a processing gas containing a hydrogen gas, the plasma being excited while supplying the processing gas over the low-K dielectric film, wherein the plasma is excited within 90 seconds after placing the substrate upon the stage.
US07662722B2 Air gap under on-chip passive device
A method is provided for fabricating a microelectronic chip which includes a passive device such, as an inductor, overlying an air gap. In such method, a plurality of front-end-of-line (“FEOL”) devices are formed in a semiconductor region of the microelectronic chip, and a plurality of stacked interlevel dielectric (“ILD”) layers are formed to overlie the plurality of FEOL devices, the plurality of stacked ILD layers including a first ILD layer and a second ILD layer, where the second ILD layer is resistant to attack by a first etchant which attacks the first ILD layer. A passive device is formed to overlie at least the first ILD layer. Using the first etchant, a portion of the first ILD layer in registration with the passive device is removed to form an air gap which underlies the passive device in registration with the passive device.
US07662718B2 Trim process for critical dimension control for integrated circuits
Methods of etching substrates employing a trim process for critical dimension control for integrated circuits are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method of etching includes providing a first hard mask layer over a target layer; providing a second hard mask layer over the first hard mask layer; providing a photoresist layer over the second hard mask layer; forming a pattern in the photoresist layer; transferring the pattern into the second hard mask layer; and trimming the second hard mask layer with the photoresist layer on top of the second hard mask layer. The top surface of the second hard mask layer is protected by the photoresist and the substrate is protected by the overlying first hard mask layer during the trim etch, which can therefore be aggressive.
US07662717B2 Method of forming metal layer used in the fabrication of semiconductor device
A method of forming a metal layer on the conductive region of a semiconductor device includes concurrently supplying a mixture gas including a hydrogen gas and a metal chloride compound gas, and a purge gas into a chamber having a sealed space for a predetermined time, thereby forming a first metal layer on the semiconductor substrate, using a plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) method. The hydrogen gas and metal chloride gases are thereafter alternately supplied for a predetermined time while the purge gas is continuously supplied into the chamber, thereby forming a second metal layer on the first metal layer, using a PECVD method. Deterioration of semiconductor devices due to high heat by a conventional CVD method can be prevented using a PECVD method as a low temperature process, thereby improving a production yield.
US07662713B2 Semiconductor device production method that includes forming a gold interconnection layer
A semiconductor device provided with: a first interconnection layer provided on a semiconductor substrate; an interlevel insulation film provided over the first interconnection layer; a barrier layer provided between the first interconnection layer and the interlevel insulation film; and a second interconnection layer of gold provided as an uppermost interconnection layer on the interlevel insulation film. The barrier layer is formed in a region of the first interconnection layer including an interlevel connection opening region of the interlevel insulation, and the region is greater than the interlevel connection opening region. The second interconnection layer is electrically connected to the first interconnection layer via the barrier layer in the interlevel connection opening.
US07662712B2 UV blocking and crack protecting passivation layer fabricating method
A method for fabricating a semiconductor device includes providing a semiconductor substrate comprising a patterned metal conductor layer. To provide UV blocking, an overlying separation layer is formed over the substrate, and a UV blocking layer of silicon enriched oxide is formed over the separation layer. The UV blocking layer has a silicon atomic concentration sufficient for ultraviolet blocking. A gap-filling, hydrogen-blocking layer may be formed over the semiconductor substrate, and any the UV blocking layer, to prevent hydrogen from passing therethrough.
US07662711B2 Method of forming dual damascene pattern
A method of forming a dual damascene pattern for a metal interconnection by a relatively simple process. Only a portion of an interlayer insulating film is initially etched when forming a via hole. When the interlayer insulating is etched to form a trench, the remaining portion of the via hole may be etched simultaneously.
US07662710B2 Formation of through-wafer electrical interconnections and other structures using a thin dielectric membrane
Providing through-wafer interconnections in a semiconductor wafer includes forming a sacrificial membrane in a pre-existing semiconductor wafer, depositing metallization over one side of the wafer so as to cover exposed portions of the sacrificial membrane facing the one side of the wafer, removing exposed portions of the sacrificial membrane facing the other side of the wafer, and depositing metallization over the other side of the wafer so as to contact the previously deposited metallization. Techniques also are disclosed for providing capacitive and other structures using thin metal membranes.
US07662707B2 Method of forming relatively continuous silicide layers for semiconductor devices
Methods of forming metal silicide layers in a semiconductor device are provided in which a first metal silicide layer may be formed on a substrate, where the first metal silicide layer comprises a plurality of fragments of a metal silicide that are separated by one or more gaps. A conductive material is selectively deposited into at least some of the gaps in the first metal silicide layer in order to electrically connect at least some of the plurality of fragments.
US07662704B2 Electro-optical device, method of manufacturing the same, electronic apparatus, and semiconductor device
An electro-optical device includes: a substrate; a plurality of pixel units provided in a display region on the substrate; and a driving circuit that is provided in a peripheral region surrounding the display region and includes semiconductor elements that drive the plurality of pixel units, each of the semiconductor elements having a first semiconductor layer and a second semiconductor layer. The first semiconductor layer has an SOI (silicon on insulator) structure including a first single crystal silicon layer, and the second semiconductor layer is formed of a second single crystal silicon layer that is formed on the first semiconductor layer by epitaxial growth.
US07662702B2 Method for manufacturing a crystalline silicon layer
A method of forming a crystalline silicon layer on a microrough face of a substrate by reducing the microroughness of the face and then performing a metal induced crystallization process on the face is disclosed.
US07662697B2 Method of forming isolation structure of semiconductor device
A method of forming a semiconductor device includes etching a semiconductor substrate to form a first trench having a first width and a first depth; etching the semiconductor substrate to form a second trench having a second width and a second depth, the second trench overlapping the first trench, the second width being greater than the first width, the second depth being less than the first depth, whereby a trench having a dual structure is formed; and forming a first isolation structure within the trench having the dual structure. An embodiment of the present invention relates to a method of forming an isolation structure of a semiconductor device.
US07662694B2 Capacitor having adjustable capacitance, and printed wiring board having the same
The capacitance of a capacitor is adjusted by forming openings in one of a pair of electrodes of the capacitor, the openings having different sizes d1, d2, d3, . . . , wherein d1>d2>d3> . . . and being arranged in numbers n1, n2, n3, . . . , respectively; and sequentially filling a necessary number of the openings with an electroconductive material in descending order of the size so as to adjust the capacitance gradually with an increasing degree of precision. The resulting capacitor is mounted to a printed wiring board.
US07662693B2 Lanthanide dielectric with controlled interfaces
Methods and devices for a dielectric are provided. One method embodiment includes forming a passivation layer on a substrate, wherein the passivation layer contains a composition of silicon, oxygen, and nitrogen. The method also includes forming a lanthanide dielectric film on the passivation layer, and forming an encapsulation layer on the lanthanide dielectric film.
US07662692B2 Integrated process for thin film resistors with silicides
The formation of devices in semiconductor material is provided using an HF/HCL cleaning process. In one embodiment, the method includes forming at least one hard mask overlaying at least one layer of resistive material. Forming at least one opening to a working surface of a silicon substrate of the semiconductor device. Cleaning the semiconductor device with a diluted HF/HCL process. The HF/HCL process including, applying a dilute of HF for a select amount of time and applying a dilute of HCL for a specific amount of time. After cleaning with the diluted HF/HCL process, forming a silicide contact junction in the at least one of the opening to the working surface of the silicon substrate and forming interconnect metal layers.
US07662687B2 Semiconductor memory having charge trapping memory cells and fabrication method thereof
A semiconductor memory having charge trapping memory cells and fabrication method thereof. The direction of current flow of each channel region of the memory transistors runs transversely with respect to the relevant word line, the bit lines are arranged on the top side of the word lines and in a manner electrically insulated from the latter, and electrically conductive local interconnects of source-drain regions are present, which are arranged in sections in interspaces between the word lines and in a manner electrically insulated from the latter and connected to the bit lines, wherein gate electrodes are arranged in trenches at least partly formed in the memory substrate.
US07662684B2 Method for reducing poly-depletion in dual gate CMOS fabrication process
Disclosed is a method for reducing poly-depletion in a dual gate CMOS fabrication process. The method reduces the poly-depletion in a dual gate CMOS fabrication process by increasing the doping efficiency in a gate polysilicon film. In order to increase the doping efficiency, the method employs the following four technical principles. First, the doping efficiency is increased when the dose of N+ ion implantation is increased. Second, the doping efficiency is increased when the thickness of N+ polysilicon is reduced. Third, the increase of depletion caused by the reduction of the channel width is inhibited when the EFH is adjusted to be less than 0. Fourth, the overall doping efficiency is increased when each step of polysilicon deposition and ion implantation is divided into multiple steps.
US07662667B2 Die rearrangement package structure using layout process to form a compliant configuration
A die rearrangement package structure is provided, which includes a die that having an active surface and a bottom surface, and a plurality of pads is disposed on the active surface; a package body is provided to cover a die and the active surface being exposed; a polymer material with at least one slit is provided to cover the active surface and the pads is exposed from said slits; one ends of a plurality of metal traces is electrically connected to each pads; a protective layer is provided to cover the active surface of the dies and each metal traces, and the other ends of the metal traces being exposed; a plurality of connecting elements is electrically connected other ends of the metal traces, the characterized in that: the package body is a B-stage material.
US07662666B2 Method of processing wafer
An underfill material is provided on the surface of a wafer in such a manner as to cover bumps, then the wafer is irradiated with a laser beam from the surface thereof and along planned cutting lines so as to remove an insulation layer and the underfill material present over the planned cutting lines, and the debris generated in this instance are deposited on the underfill material and are thereby prevented from being deposited on the wafer surface and/or on the bumps. Subsequently, a surface layer of the underfill material is cut so as to make the bumps flush in height and to expose the tips of the bumps.
US07662664B2 Electronic circuit in a package-on-package configuration and method for producing the same
An electronic circuit in a package-on-package configuration includes: a lower subassembly with a first electronic element, a first wiring carrier, a first housing with a first redistribution layer and an arrangement of solder balls disposed on the first redistribution layer and an upper subassembly with a second electronic element mounted on the lower subassembly. A method for producing the electronic circuit in a package-on-package configuration includes: adhering an upper side of the first electronic element to an underside of the first redistribution layer via a radiation-crosslinking thermoplastic adhesive.
US07662661B2 Method of manufacturing a substrate structure for increasing cutting precision and strength thereof
A method of manufacturing a substrate structure includes the steps of: (1) providing a metal substrate having a metal portion; (2) chemically etching a plurality of trenches in the metal substrate; (3) applying a polymer composite material into the trenches to form a substrate having a polymer composite portion abutted to the metal portion; (4) polishing a surface of the substrate to make a height of the polymer composite portion equal to that of the metal portion; (5) forming a covering material on the surface of the substrate; and (6) cutting the substrate via the polymer composite portion for decreasing cutting bur produced on the metal portion. Furthermore, the method is provided for combining the metal substrate and the polymer composite material, thereby to increase cutting precision and strength of the substrate structure.
US07662660B2 Thin film transistor array substrate and fabrication method thereof
A thin film transistor array substrate is disclosed. A gate electrode is disposed overlying a substrate. A gate dielectric layer covers the substrate and the gate electrode. A semiconductor layer is disposed overlying the gate dielectric layer, wherein the semiconductor layer comprises a channel. A source electrode electrically connects a portion of the semiconductor layer on one side of the channel, and a drain electrode electrically connects a portion of the semiconductor layer on the other side of the channel, in which the drain electrode does not overlap the gate electrode.
US07662659B2 Methods of forming arrays of nanoscale building blocks
The invention is a method of producing an array, or multiple arrays of quantum dots. Single dots, as well as two or three-dimensional groupings may be created. The invention involves the transfer of quantum dots from a receptor site on a substrate where they are originally created to a separate substrate or layer, with a repetition of the process and a variation in the original pattern to create different structures.
US07662655B2 Vacuum packaged single crystal silicon device
A method for forming a vibrating micromechanical structure having a single crystal silicon (SCS) micromechanical resonator formed using a two-wafer process, including either a Silicon-on-insulator (SOI) or insulating base and resonator wafers, wherein resonator anchors, capacitive air gap, isolation trenches, and alignment marks are micromachined in an active layer of the base wafer; the active layer of the resonator wafer is bonded directly to the active layer of the base wafer; the handle and dielectric layers of the resonator wafer are removed; windows are opened in the active layer of the resonator wafer; masking the active layer of the resonator wafer with photoresist; a SCS resonator is machined in the active layer of the resonator wafer using silicon dry etch micromachining technology; and the photoresist is subsequently dry stripped. A patterned SCS cover is bonded to the resonator wafer resulting in hermetically sealed chip scale wafer level vacuum packaged devices.
US07662654B2 Vacuum packaged single crystal silicon device
A method for forming a vibrating micromechanical structure having a single crystal silicon (SCS) micromechanical resonator formed using a two-wafer process, including either a Silicon-on-insulator (SOI) or insulating base and resonator wafers, wherein resonator anchors, capacitive air gap, isolation trenches, and alignment marks are micromachined in an active layer of the base wafer; the active layer of the resonator wafer is bonded directly to the active layer of the base wafer; the handle and dielectric layers of the resonator wafer are removed; windows are opened in the active layer of the resonator wafer; masking the active layer of the resonator wafer with photoresist; a SCS resonator is machined in the active layer of the resonator wafer using silicon dry etch micromachining technology; and the photoresist is subsequently dry stripped. A patterned SCS cover is bonded to the resonator wafer resulting in hermetically sealed chip scale wafer level vacuum packaged devices.
US07662653B2 Method of manufacturing a hermetic chamber with electrical feedthroughs
A method of manufacturing a hermetically-sealed chamber with an electrical feedthrough includes the step of hermetically fixing an electrode to a substrate in a predetermined location on the substrate. A passage is formed through the substrate through the predetermined location such that at least a portion of the electrode is exposed to the passage. The passage is then at least partially filled with an electrically conductive material. A housing is then formed including the substrate such that the housing defines a chamber, with the electrode being disposed within the housing and the chamber being hermetically sealed. The electrode within the chamber can be placed in electrical communication with an exterior electrical component by way of the electrically conductive material in the passage.
US07662652B2 Chemical sensor using semiconducting metal oxide nanowires
Indium oxide nanowires are used for determining information about different chemicals or Biologics. Chemicals are absorbed to the surface of the nanowires, and cause the semiconducting characteristics of the Nanowires to change. These changed characteristics are sensed, and used to determine either the presence of the materials and/or the concentration of the materials. The nanowires may be between 10 and 30 nm in diameter, formed using a comparable size particle of catalyst material. The nanowires may then be used as part of the channel of a field effect transistor, and the field effect transistor is itself characterized.
US07662643B2 Reduction of the hook effect in membrane-based assay devices
A membrane-based assay device for detecting the presence or quantity of an analyte residing in a test sample is provided. The device utilizes a chromatographic zone on which is disposed a plurality of microporous particles. The chromatographic zone can effectively reduce the “hook effect” in a simple, efficient, and relatively inexpensive manner. In particular, the plurality of microporous particles allows larger-sized analyte/probe complexes to reach the detection zone before the uncomplexed analyte. Because the uncomplexed analyte is substantially inhibited from competing with the complexes for the binding sites at the detection zone, the incidence of “false negatives” may be limited, even at relatively high analyte concentrations.
US07662637B2 Sensitive detection of urea and related compounds in water
Methods and apparatus (FIG. 4a) are disclosed for selective and very sensitive detection of certain hydrolyzable compounds, especially urea, in water by hydrolyzing said hydrolyzable compounds in a sample of the water to one or more carbon dioxide group compounds and determining the difference in the carbon dioxide content of the water and the hydrolyzed sample using conductivity measurements or other carbon dioxide detector outputs.
US07662634B2 Method and device for determining the isomer composition in isocyanate production processes
The invention relates to a method for determining the isomer composition in an isocyanate isomer mixture, wherein a spectrum of the isomer mixture is recorded and the spectrum is entered into a chemometric calibration model.
US07662633B2 Method of screening for inhibitors of osteopontin
Amino acids 136 to 142 and amino acids 162 to 168 of human osteopontin constitute two sites at which osteopontin interacts with α4 integrins. Products capable of disrupting those interactions are useful in therapy, particularly in the treatment of inflammatory diseases.
US07662631B2 Sample analyzers, bacteria analyzers, and solutions for diluting and cleaning
Sample analyzers for analyzing a sample are described that include a pipette for suctioning the sample; a sample preparation unit for preparing a measured sample by diluting the sample supplied by the pipette with an acidic solution; a pipette washing unit for washing the pipette with the acidic solution; a detection unit for obtaining a detection signal from the measured sample prepared by the sample preparation unit; and a controller for calculating an analysis result from the detection signal obtained by the detection unit. Bacteria analyzers for analyzing bacteria and solutions for use in sample analyzers are also described.
US07662627B2 Adeno-associated virus materials and methods
The present invention provides adeno-associated virus (AAV) materials and methods which are useful for DNA delivery to cells. More particularly, the invention provides recombinant AAV (rAAV) genomes, methods for packaging rAAV genomes, stable host cell lines producing rAAV and methods for delivering genes of interest to cells utilizing the rAAV. Particularly disclosed are rAAV useful in generating immunity to human immunodeficiency virus-1 and in therapeutic gene delivery for treatment of neurological disorders.
US07662625B2 Methods for detecting the differentiation status of cells using 5T4 antigen expression
The present invention relates to methods for detecting the differentiation status of stem cells comprising detecting the expression of 5T4 antigen in said stem cells. The present invention also relates to methods for separating populations of undifferentiated or differentiated mammalian stem cells from a mixture of differentiated and undifferentiated stem cells through detection of 5T4 expression.
US07662623B2 Compositions and methods for enhanced expression of recombinant polypeptides from a single vector using a peptide cleavage site
Vector constructs for expression of two or more functional proteins or polypeptides under operative control of a single promoter and methods of making and using the same are described. The vectors comprise a self-processing cleavage site between each respective protein or polypeptide coding sequence. The vector constructs include the coding sequence for a self-processing cleavage site and may further include an additional proteolytic cleavage sequence which provides a means to remove the self processing peptide sequence from expressed protein(s) or polypeptide(s). The vector constructs find utility in methods for enhanced production of biologically active proteins and polypeptides in vitro and in vivo.
US07662622B2 Flea peritrophin nucleic acid molecules
The present invention relates to flea peritrophin proteins; to flea peritrophin nucleic acid molecules, including those that encode such flea peritrophin proteins; to antibodies raised against such proteins; and to compounds that inhibit the activity of such proteins. The present invention also includes methods to obtain and use such proteins, nucleic acid molecules, antibodies, and inhibitory compounds. The present invention also includes therapeutic compositions comprising such inhibitory compounds, particularly those that specifically inhibit flea peritrophin activity, as well as the use of such therapeutic compositions to treat animals.
US07662621B2 Bovine immunodeficiency virus (BIV) based vectors
This invention pertains to BIV constructs encompassing BIV combination vectors, BIV vectors and BIV packaging vectors and particularly the invention pertains to a three vector system comprising: a) a BIV vector construct including a DNA segment from a BIV genome, a packaging sequence to package RNA into virions; a promoter operably linked to the DNA segment; and a transgene operably linked to a second promoter; b) a BIV packaging vector construct comprising a BIV DNA sequence fragment comprising at least a gag gene or pol gene of BIV; a promoter operably linked to the BIV DNA fragment; and a polyadenylation sequence located downstream of the BIV DNA fragment; and c) an expression vector construct comprising a gene encoding a viral surface protein. Also provided is a method for transferring a gene of interest into a mammalian cell.
US07662620B2 Human and mammalian stem cell-derived neuron survival factors
The present invention relates to human, rat and mouse stem cell-derived neuron survival factor polypeptides (SDNSF), a process for producing them, cDNA encoding SDNSF, a vector comprising the cDNA, host cells transformed by the vector, an antibody against SDNSF, pharmaceutical compositions containing SDNSF or the antibody, a method of assaying SDNSF, a reagent for assaying SDNSF, and a screening method using SDNSF. The polypeptides are effective in the survival of nerve cells and neuronal stem cells, therefore, efficacious in treating injury to the central nerve system and cancer.
US07662619B2 Sol-fusin: use of GP64-6His to catalyze membrane fusion
The present invention provides an isolated nucleic acid comprising the nucleotides set forth in the Sequence Listing as SEQ ID NO: 1. SEQ ID NO: 1 is an example of GP64-6His nucleic acid. The invention further provides polypeptides encoded by GP64-6His nucleic acids as well as the polypeptide encoded by SEQ ID NO: 2. The invention also provides liposomes comprising GP64-6His polypeptides as well as liposomes comprising GP64-6His polypeptides and biological molecules. The invention further provides a method of increasing the solubility of polypeptides comprising linking a 6His tag to a polypeptide and measuring the solubility of the 6His-tagged polypeptide, whereby an increase in solubility of the 6His-tagged polypeptide can be detected. The invention also provides a method of solubilizing a viral fusion polypeptide comprising linking a 6His tag to a viral fusion polypeptide. Further provided is a method of delivering a biological molecule to a cell comprising, administering the liposome comprising a GP64-6His polypeptide to a cell. This invention also provides a method of delivering a viral vaccine to a cell comprising administering the liposome comprising a GP64-6His polypeptide to a cell. Also provided is a method of delivering a DNA vaccine to a cell comprising administering the liposome comprising a GP64-6His polypeptide to a cell. Further provided is a GP64-6His polypeptide further comprising a binding site for a cell surface molecule. Also provided by this invention are chimeric proteins comprising GP64-6His.
US07662616B2 Photosynthetic oil production with high carbon dioxide utilization
A system for processing oil from algae is disclosed. Specifically, the system recycles byproducts of the process for use as nutrients during algae growth and oil production. The system includes a conduit for growing algae and an algae separator that removes the algae from the conduit. Also, the system includes a device for lysing the algae and an oil separator to remove the oil from the lysed matter. Further, the system includes a biofuel reactor that receives oil from the oil separator and synthesizes biofuel and glycerin. Moreover, the algae separator, oil separator and biofuel reactor all recycle byproducts back to the conduit to support further algae growth.
US07662612B2 Chemical sensor device
A sensor device is provided for performing rapid and high-sensitivity detection. The sensor device comprising at least one support for immobilizing a subject to be detected and a cell for containing a solution in which a reaction product generated from the subject to be detected is diffused. At least one reaction region having a constant concentration of the reaction product is formed by diffusion of the reaction product into the solution, and the reaction region is formed in such a manner that the reaction product is specifically detected in a predetermined measurement time.
US07662607B2 Chalaropsis lysozyme protein and its method of use in anti-bacterial applications
A Chalaropsis lysozyme (Lysozyme Ch) is provided which has a corrected amino acid sequence and which can be utilized to prepare recombinant proteins having higher activity than those proteins using the incorrect sequence. Methods are also provided to reduce immunogenicity or increase half-life of the lysozyme. The lysozyme Ch of the present invention will be extremely useful in killing bacteria, particularly resistance strains such as MRSA and VISA, and the enzyme can be utilized in a variety of settings wherein bacterial infection has been a particular problem such as the hospital setting or in veterinary applications, and can also be used as an effective means of combating bioterror agents.
US07662602B2 Polypeptides having lipase activity and polynucleotides encoding same
The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having lipase activity and isolated polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods for producing and using the polypeptides.
US07662601B2 DNA glycosylases and their use
Novel cytosine-, thymine- and uracil-DNA glycosylases, subcellular localization peptides, nucleic acid molecules containing the same, methods of identifying such enzymes and their use in various methods including mutagenesis, cell killing and DNA sequencing and modification, are desired.
US07662600B2 Modified flavin adenine dinucleotide dependent glucose dehydrogenase
An object of the present invention is to provide a more practically advantageous enzyme usable as a reagent for measuring blood glucose than the known enzymes used as blood glucose sensors.A modified flavin adenine dinucleotide dependent glucose dehydrogenase (FADGDH) with more improved heat stability than FADGDH derived from wild-type FADGDH, the modified FADGDH being derived from preferably a eukaryote, more preferably a filamentous fungus, and furthermore preferably an Aspergillus fungus, and, for example, those having a primary structure with at least one amino acid substituted, deleted, inserted or added to FADGDH having an amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID Nos. 2 or 46 in the sequence table.
US07662591B2 Nucleic acid sequences having gene transcription regulatory qualities
The invention is concerned with the systematic elucidation and identification of regulatory sequences. The invention provides among others screenings and detection methods with which regulatory sequences can be identified. The invention further provides regulatory sequences and use thereof in various fields such as, but not limited to, protein production, diagnostics, transgenic plants and animals, and the therapeutic field.
US07662589B2 Polynucleotide encoding an IL-28A polypeptide
Homogeneous preparations of IL-28A, IL-28B, and IL-29 have been produced by mutating one or more of the cysteine residues in the polynucleotide sequences encoding the mature proteins. The cysteine mutant proteins can be shown to either bind to their cognate receptor or exhibit biological activity. One type of biological activity that is shown is an antiviral activity.
US07662588B2 Omp85 proteins of Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Neisseria meningitidis, compositions containing same and methods of use thereof
Nucleic acid and amino acid sequences of the Omp85 proteins of N. gonorrhoeae and N. meningitidis, and fragments thereof are useful in vaccine compositions, therapeutic compositions and diagnostic compositions for use in the prevention, treatment and diagnosis of non-symptomatic gonococcal infection or symptomatic disease and non-symptomatic meningococcal infection and symptomatic disease. Antibodies are developed to these proteins and also useful in the compositions and methods described herein.
US07662586B2 Synthetic gene encoding human epidermal growth factor 2/neu antigen and uses thereof
Synthetic polynucleotides encoding human HER2/neu or a truncated form thereof, are provided, the synthetic polynucleotides being codon-optimized for expression in a human cellular environment. The gene encoding hHER2 is commonly associated with the development of human carcinomas. The present invention provides compositions and methods to elicit or enhance immunity to the protein product expressed by the hHER2 tumor-associated antigen, wherein aberrant hHER2 expression is associated with a carcinoma or its development. This invention specifically provides adenoviral vector and plasmid constructs carrying codon-optimized human HER2 and codon-optimized truncated HER2, and discloses their use in vaccines and pharmaceutical compositions for preventing and treating cancer.
US07662582B2 Method of identifying cancer biomarkers and cancer progression
An efficient method for identifying important cancer biomarkers and identifying progression of bladder cancer using pro-u-PA as a clinical tool is provided. Searching for biomarkers critical for bladder carcinoma diagnosis and prognosis, secreted proteomes of highly malignant U1 and pre-malignant U4 cell lines are first analyzed. Proteins in the cultured media of the U1 and U4 cell-lines were systematically examined by SDS-PAGE combined with MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. Expression of pro-u-plasminogen activator (pro-u-PA) was confirmed by Western blot analysis and further evaluated. A statistically significant relationship between the low level and absence of pro-u-PA in urine with high stages and grades of the tumor samples was established. Constitutive expression of Ras dominant negative protein led to increased expression of pro-u-PA in cultured media, indicating the loss of pro-u-PA is associated with oncogenic transformation. The loss of pro-u-PA in urine has been identified as a marker of more advanced bladder carcinoma.
US07662576B2 Method for identifying ester coolers
The Transient Receptor Potential Cation Channel, Subfamily A, Member 1 (TRPA1) protein has been identified as an ester cooler receptor and therefore is useful in screening assays for identifying ester coolers, in particular ester coolers with a relative cooling strength which exceeds (−)−menthol.
US07662574B2 Use of a G protein-coupled receptor and its cognizant ligand in the identification of compounds that affect prolactin secretion
The polypeptides in the present invention possess the effects of promoting and inhibiting the secretion of prolactin, and are thus useful as drugs for the prevention and treatment of various diseases, in terms of prolactin secretion stimulants, which are associated with the secretion of prolactin, such as hypoovarianism, spermatic underdevelopment, menopausal symptoms, hypothyroidism, etc. The polypeptides are useful as drugs for the prevention and treatment of various diseases, in terms of prolactin secretion inhibitors, which are associated with the secretion of prolactin, such as pituitary tumor, diencephalon tumor, menstrual disorder, autoimmune diseases, prolactinoma, sterility, impotence, amenorrhea, lactorrhea, acromegaly, Chiari-Frommel syndrome, Argonz-del Castilo syndrome, Forbes-Albright syndrome, lymphoma, Sheehan's syndrome, spermatogenesis disorder, etc.
US07662573B2 Methods for evaluating osteoarthritis risk
Methods are provided for evaluating osteoarthritis (OA), for example for diagnosing OA, to confirm a diagnosis of OA, to assess or prognose progression of OA, determining the severity of a subject who has OA, and determining a subject's risk of developing OA in the future, as are arrays and kits that can be used to practice the methods. In particular examples, the method includes determining an amount of activity (such as an amount of protein present or an amount of expression) of OA risk-related molecules, such as soluble vascular adhesion protein 1 (sVAP-1) or interleukin-15 (IL-15). Also provided are methods of identifying one or more compounds that alter the activity of an OA-related molecule, thereby identifying potential anti-osteoarthritis drugs.
US07662570B2 Labor biomarkers, methods comprising same, and methods targeting same
The present invention provides methods of predicting or detecting labor in a female subject and methods of testing a compound for an ability to delay the onset of labor. The present invention also provides methods of testing a labor marker useful in the diagnostic methods, isolated peptides identified in the present invention, methods for inhibiting labor, utilizing the peptides, and kits comprising methods of the present invention.
US07662569B2 Methods of assessing Crohn's disease patient phenotype by I2 serologic response
The invention provides a method of diagnosing or predicting susceptibility to a clinical subtype of Crohn's disease in a subject having Crohn's disease by determining the presence or absence of IgA anti-I2 antibodies in the subject, where the presence of the IgA anti-I2 antibodies indicates that the subject has a clinical subtype of Crohn's disease. In one embodiment, a method of the invention is practiced by further determining the presence or absence in the subject of a NOD2 variant, anti-Saccharomyces cerevisiae antibodies (ASCA), IgA anti-OmpC antibodies, or perinuclear anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (pANCA). The methods of the invention can be used to diagnose or predict susceptibility to a clinical subtype of Crohn's disease, for example, a fibrostenotic subtype, a subtype characterized by the need for small bowel surgery, or a subtype characterized by the absence of features of ulcerative colitis.
US07662567B2 Polymorphisms in the urocortin 3 gene and their associations with marbling and subcutaneous fat depth in beef cattle
Aspects of the present invention also provide methods based on novel UCN3 nucleotide polymorphisms selected from the group consisting of AAFC03043460.1:g.8272-8281AATAATAAAT(SEQ ID NO: 9)>GGAGC, g.8208C>T, g.8265C>T, g.8287T>C, g.8412A>G, g.8426T>A, c.8786C>T, g.9074T>C, c.12609C>T, c.12621T>C, c.12667T>G and c.12669C>A , which may provide novel markers for marbling and/or subcutaneous fat. Additional aspects provide for novel methods which may comprise marker-assisted selection or marker-assisted management to improve marbling and/or subcutaneous fat depth in cattle.
US07662566B2 Gene copy number profiling
The invention relates to copy number profile analysis. Specifically, copy number profile analysis is used to determine whether two or more separate tumors in a single individual are derived from a common source.
US07662564B2 Polymorphisms in mitochondrial transcription factor A (“TFAM”) gene and their associations with measures of marbling and subcutaneous fat depth in beef cattle
The physiological regulation of intake, growth and energy partitioning in animals is under the control of multiple genes, which may be important candidates for unraveling the genetic variation in economically relevant traits in beef production. The present invention relates to the identification of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the bovine gene encoding mitochondrial transcription factor A (“TFAM”) and their associations with economically relevant traits in beef production. The invention further encompasses methods and systems, including network-based processes, to manage the SNP data and other data relating to specific animals and herds of animals, veterinarian care, diagnostic and quality control data and management of livestock which, based on genotyping, have predictable meat quality traits, husbandry conditions, animal welfare, food safety information, audit of existing processes and data from field locations.
US07662563B2 Cancer diagnostic method based upon DNA methylation differences
There is disclosed a cancer diagnostic method based upon DNA methylation differences at specific CpG sites. Specifically, the inventive method provides for a bisulfite treatment of DNA, followed by methylation-sensitive single nucleotide primer extension (Ms-SNuPE), for determination of strand-specific methylation status at cytosine residues.
US07662560B2 Broad specificity affinity arrays: a qualitative approach to complex sample discrimination
Described is a method for discriminating complex biological samples using an array of discrete biological sensing elements immobilized onto a solid support in which constituents bound to the sensor array is directly determined by measuring the mass increase on the surface; data analysis of said method is performed using neutral network or statical based pattern recognition techniques. In a preferred embodiment the liquid sample is tested for the presence of soluble constituent(s) by contacting said sample with said sensor array under specific conditions, removing unbound sample constituent(s), determining the mass increase on the surface and comparising said mass increase data with a reference standard using pattern recognition software.
US07662556B2 Covalent joining of DNA to RNA by vaccinia topoisomerase and uses thereof
The present invention provides a method of covalently joining a DNA strand to an RNA strand comprising (a) forming a topoisomerase-DNA intermediate by incubating a DNA cleavage substrate comprising a topoisomerase cleavage site with a topoisomerase specific for that site, wherein the topoisomerase-DNA intermediate has one or more 5′ single-strand tails; and (b) adding to the topoisomerase-DNA intermediate an acceptor RNA strand complementary to the 5′ single-strand tail under conditions permitting a ligation of the covalently bound DNA strand of the topoisomerase-DNA intermediate to the RNA acceptor strand and dissociation of the topoisomerase, thereby covalently joining the DNA strand to the RNA strand. The present invention also provides a method of tagging a 5′ end of an RNA molecule. The present invention further provides a DNA-RNA molecule which has been joined in vitro by the use of a topoisomerase. The present invention also provides a method of tagging a 5′ end of an mRNA. The present invention provides a method of isolating and cloning full-length gene sequences using capped mRNA after subtraction of non-capped RNA.
US07662555B2 Method for detecting biomolecule, labeling dye used therefore, and labeling kit
The present invention provides a method for detecting a biomolecule. The method includes reacting a biomolecule sample with an organic EL-dye and measuring the fluorescence of the biomolecule sample labeled with the organic EL-dye. The method provides a highly sensitive method of detecting a biomolecule at lower cost.
US07662553B2 Polymorphisms in the ERCC1 gene for predicting treatment outcome
The invention provides compositions and methods for determining the increased risks for recurrence of certain cancers and the likelihood of successful treatment with one or both of chemotherapy and radiation therapy. The methods comprising determining the type of genomic polymorphism present in a predetermined region of the gene of interest isolated from the subject or patient. Also provided are nucleic acid probes and kits for determining a patient's cancer risk and treatment response.
US07662548B2 Method of screening for modulators of HIV infection
The present invention provides polynucleotides that encode the chemokine receptors 88-2B or 88C and materials and methods for the recombinant production of these two chemokine receptors. Also provided are assays utilizing the polynucleotides which facilitate the identification of ligands and modulators of the chemokine receptors. Receptor fragments, ligands, modulators, and antibodies are useful in the detection and treatment of disease states associated with the chemokine receptors such as atherosclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, tumor growth suppression, asthma, viral infection, AIDS, and other inflammatory conditions.
US07662547B2 Compositions and methods for detecting and treating HIV infections
HIV infection can be detected by measuring phosphorylation levels of the actin-depolymerizing factor (AFD)/cofilin family, and infection can be treated and/or prevented by modulating the HIV co-receptor signaling pathway.
US07662544B2 Method for manufacturing a master, master, method for manufacturing optical elements and optical element
Disclosed are a method for manufacturing of a master for manufacturing of optical elements having optically effective structures by molding structures, which are formed on the master, onto a surface of an optical substrate, by providing a substrate; coating a surface of said substrate for forming a coating on said substrate; and patterning said coating for forming structures in said coating; a master for manufacturing of optical elements; and a method for manufacturing of optical elements as well as to an optical element having at least one surface, wherein at least in portions of said surface optically effective structures are formed.
US07662538B2 Derivatized polyhydroxystyrenes (DPHS) with a novolak type structure and blocked DPHS (BDPHS) and processes for preparing the same
A process for preparing a blocked derivatized poly(4-hydroxystryrene)-DPHS having a novolak type structure which comprises the steps of (i) supplying a solution of methanol containing 4-hydroxyphenylmethylcarbinol, (ii) subjecting said solution to an acid catalyzed displacement reaction for a sufficient period of time and under suitable conditions of temperature and pressure to convert substantially all of said carbinol to 4-hydroxyphenylmethylcarbinol methyl ether in solution, (iii) polymerizing said ether containing solution in the presence of a suitable acid catalyst for a sufficient period of time and under suitable conditions of temperature and pressure to form a novolak type polymer; and (iv) reacting said polymer with a vinyl ether, a dialkyl dicarbonate, or a mixture of vinyl ether and a dialkyl dicarbonate to form the blocked DPHS. New compositions of matter which comprise the blocked derivatized poly(4-hydroxystyrene) prepared in the above manner and which have application in the electronic chemicals market such as in a photoresist composition and MEMS, and in other areas such as in varnishes, printing inks, epoxy resins, copying paper, tackifiers for rubber, crude oil separators, toner resins for photocopying, antireflective coatings, and the like.
US07662534B2 Apparatus for producing toner precursor, and method for the same, fibrous toner precursor, apparatus for producing toner, and method for producing electrophotographic toner and fine resin particles
To provide a method including processing electrophotographic toner constituent material to a fibrous fine precursor and pulverizing and cutting it to obtain a uniform fibrous toner with energy efficiency in an apparatus for producing electrophotographic toner including a nozzle unit containing a nozzle having a flow path tapering toward the nozzle hole at 2° to 20° and a gas nozzle unit containing a gas nozzle and gas flow path tapering toward the nozzle hole at 15° to 33° relative to a direction of a nozzle axis, wherein the toner constituent material containing a raw material A containing a resin and pigment, and a raw material B containing one of a low melting point resin, wax and organic solvent, is extruded from the nozzle at 150° C. to 320° C., and drawn by gas flow from the gas nozzles so as to be a fibrous fluid while controlling the flow rate.
US07662532B2 Image forming method and image forming apparatus
An image forming method including forming an image of a toner on a receiving material; and fixing the toner image on the receiving upon application of heat and pressure thereto, wherein the weight average particle diameter (D4) of the toner is from 2.0 to 4.5 μm, the pressure (P) is not greater than 15 N/cm2, P×D4 is not less than 30 N/cm2·μm, the melt viscosity (Gw110) of the toner at 110° C. is from 3,000 to 40,000 Pa·s, the melt viscosity (Gw140) of the toner at 140° C. is from 100 to 1,000 Pa·s, and the ratio Gw110/Gw140 is not less than 30.
US07662531B2 Toner having bumpy surface morphology
The toner described herein contains toner particles containing polymer, colorant and cross-linked polymer. The cross-linked polymer is incorporated at least in the shell of the toner particles. Incorporating cross-linked polymer in the shell of the toner particles provide bumps in the surface of the toner particles. These bumps can behave as spacers. Such toner can be formed by aggregating at least polymer particles and colorant particles to form core particles; aggregating at least cross-linked polymer particles to the surface of the core particles; and coalescing the resulting particles to form toner particles.
US07662530B2 Image forming apparatus and image forming method
Provided is an image forming apparatus containing a latent electrostatic image bearing member, a latent electrostatic image forming unit configured to form a latent electrostatic image on the latent electrostatic image bearing member, a developing unit configured to develop the latent electrostatic image using a toner to form a toner image, and a transferring unit configured to transfer the toner image on a recording medium, wherein a surface of the toner is coated with an external additive containing fine particles having an average particle diameter Da of 100 nm to 300 nm, and a value obtained by dividing an average F of non-electrostatic adhesion between the toner and the latent electrostatic image bearing member by a product of volume average particle diameter of the toner Dt and average particle diameter of the external additive Da, [F/(Dt×Da)] is 7.5×104 N/m2 or less.
US07662517B2 Organic/inorganic composite microporous membrane and electrochemical device prepared thereby
Disclosed is an organic/inorganic composite porous separator comprising: (a) a polyolefin-based separator substrate; and (b) an active layer formed by coating at least one region selected from the group consisting of a surface of the substrate and a part of pores present in the substrate with a mixture of inorganic particles and a binder polymer, wherein the inorganic particles in the active layer are interconnected among themselves and are fixed by the binder polymer, and interstitial volumes among the inorganic particles form a pore structure. A method for manufacturing the same separator and an electrochemical device including the same separator are also disclosed. An electrochemical device comprising the organic/inorganic composite porous separator shows improved thermal and electrochemical safety and quality, simultaneously.
US07662506B2 Safety device of battery
A safety device of a battery including a pressure releasing unit provided at a cell and the battery, in which the pressure releasing unit is configured to release an internal pressure within the cell when the internal pressure of the cell exceeds a predetermined set pressure. Also included is a space member covering the pressure releasing unit and configured to form an empty space around the pressure releasing unit such that when the internal pressure of the cell exceeds the predetermined set pressure, the released internal pressure is released into the empty space formed by the space member.
US07662505B2 Porous electrode, and electrochemical element made using the same
The primary object of the present invention is to provide an electrode with which an efficient electrode reaction will occur. The present invention relates to a porous electrode which is an electrode composed of a porous material having electron conductivity, wherein (1) the porous material comprises a three-dimensional skeleton, (2) a substance having one or more proton affinity groups is present on all or part of the three-dimensional skeleton surface, and (3) a catalyst for separating hydrogen into protons and electrons is further included, with the catalyst being supported on the substance.
US07662502B2 Fuel cell system
A fuel cell system includes a fuel cell stack formed by stacking a plurality of power generation cells, and an ejector for supplying a fuel gas to the fuel cell stack. A flow rectifier for rectifying the flow of the fuel gas is provided at a portion of an insulating plate of the fuel cell stack connecting the ejector and the fuel gas supply passage. The flow rectifier includes an opening having a laterally elongated shape in correspondence with the bottom of the fuel gas supply passage having a laterally elongated shape, and a plurality of holes provided above the opening.
US07662501B2 Transpiration cooling and fuel cell for ultra mobile applications
In some embodiments, transpiration cooling and fuel cell for ultra mobile applications is presented. In this regard, an apparatus is introduced having an integrated circuit device, a fuel cell to power the integrated circuit device, wherein the fuel cell produces water as a byproduct, a chassis to house the integrated circuit device and the fuel cell, and a skin to cover the chassis, the skin comprising a waterproof layer configured to prevent water from contacting the integrated circuit device and a water absorbent layer of hydro gel configured to absorb water. Other embodiments are also disclosed and claimed.
US07662500B2 Package for a miniature fuel cell
A package for a fuel cell having an upper plate having a plurality of openings, the front surface of a cell element being intended to be received under each opening to close it, each cell element having a first pad and a second connection pad, each opening being provided with at least one crossbar connecting two sides of the opening, this crossbar having at least a conductive track portion having a first end connected to a pad of a first cell element and having a second end connected to a pad of a neighboring cell element.
US07662496B2 Fuel cell cooling system and method for controlling circulation of cooling liquid in fuel cell
A cooling system for a fuel cell is provided with a cooling apparatus that regulates the temperature of the fuel cell by supplying the fuel cell with a cooling liquid via a cooling liquid passage by means of a water pump; an impurity-removing device which is provided in the cooling liquid passage and which removes impurities from within the cooling liquid; and flow generating means for causing the cooling liquid in the cooling liquid passage to flow through the impurity-removing device when the fuel cell is not operating.
US07662494B2 Fuel cell system
When an operation of a fuel cell system (100) is stopped, a flow of cathode off-gas into a circulation passage (28) is stopped. A stopped state of the flow of the cathode off-gas into the circulation passage (28) is held even after a start-up of the system (100) until the fuel cell (10) is brought into a predetermined state. Such structure prevents an outlet (52) of a three-way valve (50) from being frozen in an opened state. Accordingly the cathode off-gas that contains large amount of water and nitrogen hardly flows into the fuel cell (10) accidentally. This makes it possible to restrain various types of trouble, for example, generation of flooding upon start-up of the system, decrease in the oxygen partial pressure, and decrease in the power generation efficiency resulting therefrom.
US07662492B2 Perpendicular magnetic recording medium having a multi-layer interlayer that includes BCC material
Perpendicular magnetic recording media and methods of fabricating perpendicular magnetic recording media are described. The perpendicular magnetic recording medium of one embodiment includes a soft magnetic underlayer (SUL), an interlayer, and a perpendicular magnetic recording layer. The interlayer comprises a layer formed from a first material (e.g., NiWCr) having a face-centered-cubic (FCC) structure, a layer formed from a second material (e.g., Cr) having a body-centered-cubic (BCC) structure, and a layer formed from a third material (e.g., Ru) having a hexagonal-close-packed (HCP) structure.
US07662489B2 Durable reactive thermal barrier coatings
A turbine engine component is provided which has a substrate and a thermal barrier coating applied over the substrate. The thermal barrier coating comprises at least one layer of a first material selected from the group consisting of a zirconate, a hafnate, a titanate, and mixtures thereof, which first material has been mixed with, and contains, from about 25 to 99 wt % of at least one oxide. The at least one oxide comprises at least one oxide of a material selected from the group consisting of lanthanum, cerium, praseodymium, neodymium, promethium, samarium, europium, gadolinium, terbium, dysprosium, holmium, erbium, thulium, ytterbium, lutetium, scandium, indium, and yttrium. If desired, a metallic bond coat may be present between the substrate and the thermal barrier coating system. A method for forming the thermal barrier coating system of the present invention is described.
US07662488B2 Nitride-based semiconductor substrate and method of making the same
A nitride-based semiconductor substrate having a diameter of 25 mm or more, a thickness of 250 micrometers or more, and an optical absorption coefficient of less than 7 cm−1 to light with a wavelength of 380 nm or more. The nitride-based semiconductor substrate is made by the HVPE method that uses gallium chloride obtained by reacting a Ga melt with a hydrogen chloride gas. The Ga melt is contacted with the hydrogen chloride gas for one minute or more to produce the gallium chloride.
US07662470B2 Method and derived product, for the preparation of chips, flakes, pastes, and similar items, containing particles, to be added to moulding polymers and paints
This invention concerns an agglomeration of particles to be used as additives for moulding thermoplastic polymers or paints, said agglomeration being in the form of chips, flakes, powder or paste in which a coating with a carrier of said particles is provided that moves in between the particles to keep them essentially separate from one another, said particles being substantially coated all over their surface. The invention also concern a method to obtain the particles coating with a carrier substantially all over the surface of said particles in form apt to be additivate to moulding thermoplastic polymers or paints in order to obtain flatting of moulded pieces with said thermoplastic polymers or painted with said paints said agglomeration being in the form of chips, flakes, powder or paste, characterized by the fact that said particles are mixed with said carrier in powder to obtain a mixture, said mixing occurring at a temperature which is close, but lower then melting point of said carrier, in order to provoke an adhesion of speck of said carrier on the surface of said particles.
US07662467B2 Carbon nanotube composite and method for fabricating the same
A CNT composite (10) includes a matrix (14) and a number of CNTs (12) embedded in the matrix. The matrix has a surface (102) and an opposite surface (104). Head portions of the respective CNTs are consistently oriented, parallel to the surfaces of the matrix. A method for manufacturing the composite includes (a) providing a substrate and depositing a catalyst film on the substrate; (b) forming the array of CNTs via the catalyst film on the substrate; (c) immersing the CNTs in a liquid matrix material, infusing the liquid matrix material into the array of CNTs; (d) taking the carbon nanotubes with the infused matrix out of the liquid matrix; (e) pressing the still-soft matrix and the CNTs therein, in order to arrange the CNTs consistently and parallel to the surfaces of the matrix; and (f) solidifying and peeling away the matrix to produce the CNT composite.
US07662459B1 Versatile honeycomb matrix heat shield
A thermal protection system for atmospheric entry of a vehicle, the system including a honeycomb structure with selected cross sectional shapes that receives and holds thermally cured thermal protection (TP) blocks that have corresponding cross sectional shapes. Material composition for TP blocks in different locations can be varied to account for different atmospheric heating characteristics at the different locations. TP block side walls may be attached to all, or to less than all, the corresponding honeycomb structure side walls.
US07662456B2 Guarded cover sheet for LCD polarizers and method of making the same
The invention generally relates to polymer films used as protective cover sheets for polarizer plates, their manufacture, and to a method for producing polarizing plates employing such polymer films. More particularly, the invention provides a guarded cover sheet composite comprising a temporary carrier substrate having a first cover sheet comprising a first low birefringence film on one side and a second cover sheet comprising a second low birefringence film on the other side.
US07662453B2 Microwavable and ovenable pack
A pack suitable for housing liquid and/or solid-liquid contents whose wall comprises a layer of board (3), an inner layer (2) sufficiently impermeable to create a seal between the board (3) and the pack's contents, and an outer protective layer (4,5) covering the board (3), wherein the pack's layers are microwavable and the outer layer (4, 5) is breathable.
US07662450B2 Ornamental ribbon and the process for its formation
A ribbon used in binding and decorating includes two separate superposed flat films of polyolefin plastic, which are bonded or glued together to form an intimate union, the films differing form each other by their elastic elongaton and/or heat-shrinkage properties such that, on leaving the production equipment, the difference between the films results in a different extent of shortening between the two films, to thereby cause curving of their constituted assembly. The curving is contained within a range of elastic deformation compatible with the curvature of the subsequent winding of the ribbon and such as to create spontaneous curling of the ribbon at the ambient temperatures at which it is used, as soon as it is unwound.
US07662449B2 Liquid crystal display
A liquid crystal display. The liquid crystal display includes a color filter substrate and an array substrate, wherein at least one of the color filter substrate and the array substrate comprises polyimide having formula (I): wherein A and A′ are the same or different and comprise cycloaliphatic compounds or aromatic compounds, B and B′ are the same or different and comprise cycloaliphatic compounds or aromatic compounds, and x and y are 10˜10000, wherein at least one of A and A′ is a cycloaliphatic compound.
US07662441B2 High-speed diamond growth using a microwave plasma in pulsed mode
Disclosed is a method for manufacturing a diamond film of electronic quality at a high rate using a pulsed microwave plasma. The plasma that has a finite volume is formed near a substrate (in a vacuum chamber) by subjecting a gas containing at least hydrogen and carbon to a pulsed discharge. The pulsed discharge has a succession of low-power states and of high-power states and a peak absorbed power PC, in order to obtain carbon-containing radicals in the plasma. These carbon-containing radicals are deposited on the substrate in order to form a diamond film. Power is injected into the volume of the plasma with a peak power density of at least 100 W/cm3, while maintaining the substrate to a substrate temperature of between 700° C. and 1000 ° C.
US07662437B2 Template for arranging spacers on a preform and method of densifying a preform including the use of spacers positioned by a template
A template (10) configured for use with an annular preform (26) having a periphery (32) and an inner opening (34), the template (10) having an annular body with an outer periphery (16) and an inner opening (18) and a plurality of spacer openings (12) through its body each for receiving a spacer (25), one of the template inner opening (18) and the template outer periphery (16) having a width equal to the width of the preform inner opening (34) or the preform outer periphery (32). Also a method for densifying preforms that includes a step of positioning spacers using a template.
US07662436B1 Method of spin coating a film of non-uniform thickness
Embodiments of the invention provide a method for spin coating a film onto a substrate. Preferred embodiments deposit a film, such as a resist, having a thickness gradient from the substrate's centrifugal center to its edge. The gradient may be linear or stepwise continuous, for example. Other embodiments of the invention provide a semiconductor fabrication method. The method comprises forming a resist layer having a predetermined thickness on a substrate. Preferably, the predetermining includes making swing curve measurements on a single test wafer that is coated according to embodiments of the invention.
US07662429B2 Laminate comprising polyimide and conductor layer, multi-layer wiring board with the use of the same and process for producing the same
A laminate comprising a polyimide and a conductor layer, which is obtained by forming at least one conductor layer directly on the surface of a thermoplastic polyimide, is thermally fused by pressurizing and heating to thereby enhance the adhesion strength between the thermoplastic polyimide and the conductor layer. Thus, a laminate having an excellent adhesion strength between a conductor layer and a polyimide film can be obtained without performing any surface roughening treatment or using any adhesive metal layer.
US07662424B2 Method of making composite particle for electrode, method of making electrode, method of making electrochemical device, apparatus for making composite particle for electrode, apparatus for making electrode, and apparatus for making electrochemical device
The method of making a composite particle for an electrode in accordance with the present invention comprises a granulating step of integrating a conductive auxiliary agent and a binder adapted to bind the conductive auxiliary agent and an electrode active material together with a particle made of the electrode active material while in close contact with each other in an inert gas atmosphere so as to form a composite particle for an electrode containing the electrode active material, conductive auxiliary agent, and binder. When the composite particle obtained by this method is used as a constituent of an electrode, an electrode having an excellent electrode characteristic and an electrochemical device having excellent electrochemical characteristics can be formed easily and reliably.
US07662422B2 Crisp meat-based food snacks
Meat-based food products and methods and systems for making such products are described herein. One embodiment is directed toward a method of making a meat-based food product that includes forming meat into a bulk form, heating the bulk form, and slicing the heated bulk form into a plurality of slices. The slices have first and second sides that may be spaced apart by a thickness of about 3.5 mm or less. The slices are dried in a first drying stage to produce partially dried slices that have first and second surfaces sufficiently dry to allow them to lay atop one another substantially without adhering to one another. The partially dried slices are further dried in a second drying stage by passing a drying medium through a mass of the partially dried slices. In this second drying stage, at least a substantial minority, and preferably a majority, of the partially dried slices at least partially overlie at least one other partially dried slice.
US07662418B2 Preparation of high viscosity beta-glucan concentrates
This invention relates to methods for secondary processing of plant material and in particular for the recovery of valuable products such as fiber including beta-glucan, starch, and ethanol solubles from plant material containing starch and fiber. In particular, the invention relates to the preparation of high viscosity beta-glucan products through methods involving sonication/sonification and enzymes.
US07662415B2 Microbially expresses xylanases and their use as feed additives and other uses
The present invention relates to codon-optimized xylanase coding sequences and the expression of xylanases in microbes and yeast. The invention further relates to using multiple copies of the xylanase expression construct for high levels of protein expression. The invention also relates to the use of xylanases as feed or food additives. The invention also relates to methods of expression of enzymes to increase thermotolerance by expressing them in organisms that glycosylate proteins compared to expression that the same enzyme without the glycosylation. Further, the invention relates to methods of preparing feed, enzyme feed additives, and methods of reducing the feed conversion ration or increasing weight gain of animals.
US07662414B1 Easily-digestible pet chew that promotes oral health and prevents malodorous breath in animals, and method of making thereof
The present invention is directed to an easily-digestible pet chew for promoting oral health and preventing malodorous breath in animals. The pet chew is formed with ingredients selected to promote mastication and ease digestibility, and additionally includes baking soda and abrasives to reduce tartar and plaque and eliminate malodorous breath. The pet chew has a soft, malleable texture that is easily chewed by animals and easily digested once swallowed. The pet chew also includes a white coloring interspersed with colored crystals formed in a bone-like shape that appeals to both animals and their owners.
US07662413B2 Extracts of sacred water lotus for the treatment of cancer
The present invention provides Nelumbo extract and a method thereof. The present invention further provides a composition comprising said extract and a method for treating subject suffering from breast cancer with the composition.
US07662411B2 Process for removal of solvent and detergent from plasma
The present invention relates to a process of disinfecting biological materials. In particular, a novel process is provided for removing detergent and/or solvent added to biological materials for the inactivation of viral contaminants. Safe, efficient, and economical methods for removing virucidal agents such as solvent-detergent from virus-inactivated pooled plasma by hydrophobic interaction chromatography are provided. Methods for clearing solvent-detergent from virus-inactivated biological materials in a single step are also provided.
US07662409B2 Protein matrix materials, devices and methods of making and using thereof
The present invention relates to protein matrix materials and devices and the methods of making and using protein matrix materials and devices. More specifically the present invention relates to protein matrix materials and devices that may be utilized for various medical applications including, but not limited to, drug delivery devices for the controlled release of pharmacologically active agents, encapsulated or coated stent devices, vessels, tubular grafts, vascular grafts, wound healing devices including protein matrix suture material and meshes, skin/bone/tissue grafts, biocompatible electricity conducting matrices, clear protein matrices, protein matrix adhesion prevention barriers, cell scaffolding and other biocompatible protein matrix devices. Furthermore, the present invention relates to protein matrix materials and devices made by forming a film comprising one or more biodegradable protein materials, one or more biocompatible solvents and optionally one or more pharmacologically active agents. The film is then partially dried, rolled or otherwise shaped, and then compressed to form the desired protein matrix device.
US07662408B2 Sustained-release preparations
A sustained release preparation comprising a combination of a microcapsule which gradually releases a GnRH agonist or a salt thereof for a long term, and a microcapsule which gradually releases a GnRH agonist or a salt thereof for a short term.
US07662406B1 Chewable softgel capsules
A chewable softgel capsule configured for encasing orally ingestible articles. The chewable soft capsule is provided with an outer shell composition which comprises at least one gelatin in a range of 20% to 60% of the total weight of the shell composition, at least one plasticizer in an amount selected to render flexible the outer shell composition, an anti-tacking agent in an amount selected to render the outer shell composition non-sticky, and water. In one embodiment the chewable soft capsule further comprises at least one starch in a range of 0.1% to 35% of the total weight of the shell composition. The chewable softgel capsule is suitable for encasing therein medicines, pharmaceutical compositions, nutraceuticals, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and the like.
US07662404B2 Transdermal delivery system for dried particulate or lyophilized peptides and polypeptides
The present invention provides a system for transdermal delivery of dried or lyophilized pharmaceutical compositions and methods using thereof. The system comprises an apparatus for facilitating transdermal delivery of a peptide or polypeptide that generates hydrophilic micro-channels, and a patch comprising dried therapeutically peptide or polypeptide. Particularly, the system of the present invention facilitates transdermal delivery of parathyroid hormone useful for preventing or treating bone disorders.
US07662399B2 BASB054 polypeptides
The invention provides BASB047, BASB054, BASB068 and BASB069 polypeptides, and polynucleotides encoding BASB047, BASB054, BASB068 and BASB069 polypeptides and methods for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques. Also provided are diagnostic, prophylactic and therapeutic uses.
US07662395B2 Method of enhancing a targeted immune response against tumors
The present invention is a composition of recombinant virus which has incorporated into its genome or portion thereof a gene encoding an antigen to a disease causing agent and a recombinant virus which has incorporated into its genome or portion thereof a gene encoding an immunostimulatory molecule(s) for the purpose of stimulating an immune response against the disease causing agent. Methods of treatment of diseases such as cancer and diseases caused by pathogenic microorganisms is provide using the composition.
US07662394B2 Nucleic acids encoding chimeric Flavivirus immunogens comprising the Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) PRM signal sequence
The present invention encompasses isolated nucleic acids containing transcriptional units which encode a signal sequence of one flavivirus and an immunogenic flavivirus antigen of a second flavivirus or of a chimeric immunogenic flavivirus antigen comprising sequence from more than one flavivirus. The invention further encompasses a nucleic acid and protein vaccine and the use of the vaccine to immunize a subject against flavivirus infection. The invention also provides antigens encoded by nucleic acids of the invention, antibodies elicited in response to the antigens and use of the antigens and/or antibodies in detecting flavivirus or diagnosing flavivirus infection.
US07662391B2 Chlamydia outer membrane protein (OMP) and vaccine uses of the protein
The present invention provides vaccines and methods for immunizing a host, including humans, against disease caused by infection by a strain of Chlamydia, specifically C. pneumoniae. The vaccine and method employ an OMP (outer membrane protein) of a strain of Chlamydia pneumoniae. Modifications are possible within the scope of this invention.
US07662389B2 Use of serum amyloid A gene in diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma and identification of anti-glaucoma agents
The present invention provides compositions and methods for treating glaucoma, methods for diagnosing glaucoma, and methods for identifying agents which may be useful in the treatment of glaucoma. More specifically, the present invention describes the use of agents that modulate the expression of serum amyloid A.
US07662385B2 Agent for inhibiting proliferation of neural stem cells
The object of the present invention is to provide methods for inhibiting proliferation of neural stem cells, an agent for inhibiting proliferation of neural stem cells, and methods for using the same. According to the method of the present invention, a galectin-1 inhibitor such as anti-galectin-1 antibody and/or an integrin β1 inhibitor such as anti-integrin β1 antibody is administered to a human or a vertebrate other than human for inhibiting proliferation of neural stem cells. This method can be used for treatment of nerve injury and nerve tumors.
US07662371B2 Composition for lowering the concentration of intestinal pathogenic peptides
The present invention describes a pharmaceutical, veterinary or alimentary composition comprising one or more bacterial strains capable of lowering the concentration of intestinal pathogenic peptides by means of peptidases of probiotic strains. The invention also relates to the use of such compositions, and a method for selection of probiotic strains. Also, the invention relates to novel bacterial strains.
US07662368B2 Method of inducing SHC phosphorylation of inducing the SHC/MAPK pathway by administering a peptide of IL-2
The present invention relates to new peptides of IL-2, derivatives thereof, and their use as therapeutic agents.
US07662363B2 Amorphous silica
An amorphous silica suitable for use in a dental composition has a weight mean particle size in the range 3 to 15 μm with at least 90 per cent by weight of particles having a size below 20 μm, a Radioactive Dentine Abrasion (RDA) determined on an aqueous slurry of the silica powder of 100 to 220, a Pellicle Cleaning Ratio (PCR), when incorporated in a dental composition at 10 per cent by weight, greater than 85, the ratio of PCR to RDA being in the range 0.4:1 to less than 1:1 and having a Plastics Abrasion Value (PAV) in the range 11 to 19. A silica having the above properties is prepared by a precipitation route. The silica made available by the invention is also useful as an anti-blocking agent in plastics.
US07662359B2 Titanium oxide product method for making the same and its use as a photocatalyst
The invention relates to a process for manufacturing a particulate titanium dioxide product, wherein hydrated titanium dioxide is precipitated from an aqueous solution of titanium oxychloride by adding to the solution titanium dioxide particles as crystal nuclei and the product obtained from the precipitation step is isolated and optionally calcined. The process is characterized by the addition of crystal nuclei to an aqueous solution of titanium oxychloride having a content of >90 g TiO2/l calculated as TiO2 and the performance of precipitation at a temperature below the boiling point of the said aqueous solution and at normal pressure. In addition, the invention relates to a titanium dioxide product prepared by using the process, the use of the product as a photocatalyst, and a photocatalyst, which comprises a titanium dioxide product prepared according to the invention.
US07662358B2 Fine-particled alkaline-earth titanates and method for the production thereof using titan oxide particles
The invention relates to fine-particled alkaline-earth titanates and to a method for the production thereof by reacting alkaline-earth metal compounds with titanium dioxide particles. The titanium dioxide particles have a BET-surface greater than 50 m2/g. The titanium dioxide particles can have a very low sulphate, chloride and carbon content. The reaction can take place at a temperature below 700° C. The alkaline-earth titanate can have a BET-surface of 5-100 m2/g. Advantageously, it does not contain any hydroxyl groups in the crystal lattice. The alkaline-earth titanate can be used in the production of microelectronic components.
US07662352B2 Method and system for removing mercury from flue gas
A biomass feeding unit feeds biomass to a boiler. A hydrogen-chlorine monitoring unit measures hydrogen-chloride content in flue gas fed to a desulfurization equipment. A mercury monitoring unit measures mercury content in treated flue gas emitted from the desulfurization equipment. A feed-amount instruction unit instructs proper feed amount of the biomass to the biomass feeding unit based on measurement values obtained by the hydrogen-chlorine monitoring unit and the mercury monitoring unit.
US07662351B2 Process and plant for producing metal oxide from metal compounds
The present invention relates to a process for producing metal oxide from metal compounds, in particular metal hydroxide or metal carbonate, in which the metal compound is conveyed into a reactor (25) with fluidized bed, heated there to a temperature of 650 15 to 1150° C. by combustion of fuel, and metal oxide is generated, as well as to a corresponding plant. To improve the utilization of energy, it is proposed to introduce a first gas or gas mixture from below through a gas supply tube (26) into a mixing chamber (20) of the reactor (25), the gas supply tube (26) being at least partly surrounded by a stationary annular fluidized bed (27) which is fluidized by supplying fluidizing gas, and 20 to adjust the gas velocities of the first gas or gas mixture and of the fluidizing gas for the annular fluidized bed (27) such that the Particle-Froude numbers in the gas supply tube (26) lie between 1 and 100, in the annular fluidized bed (27) between 0.02 and 2, and in the mixing chamber (20) between 0.3 and 30.
US07662349B2 Reactor
Disclosed is a reactor including: a first reaction part and a second reaction part each comprising a reaction channel where a reactant flows, in which the reactant is applied to cause a reaction of the reactant, and which are arranged to form a gap therebetween; a heat insulating container covering at least entirety of the first reaction part, the second reaction part and the gap, in which a pressure within an inner space of the heat insulating container including the gap is lower than atmospheric pressure; and at least one getter material disposed in a space including the gap in the inner space. The getter material improves degree of vacuum in the inner space of the heat insulating container, and is disposed at the gap between the first reaction part and the second reaction part so as not to increase the size of the reactor.
US07662348B2 Air conditioner devices
An air conditioner includes an ion generator that provides ions and safe amounts of ozone. The ion generator includes a high voltage generator that provides a voltage potential difference between first and second electrode arrays. At least one of the first and second arrays is removable from the housing for cleaning.
US07662339B2 Apparatus having improved gantry assembly suitable for use in a laboratory environment
An assembly suitable for use in a laboratory instrument is set forth. The assembly comprises a plurality of guide rods that are disposed generally parallel with one another and a plurality of carriage assemblies connected for movement along the plurality of guide rods. A sub-carriage assembly is disposed on at least one of the carriage assemblies and is connected to the carriage assembly for movement in a direction transverse to the plurality of guide rods. A plurality of carriage drive mechanisms are employed to move the plurality of carriage assemblies independently along said plurality of guide rods and a sub-carriage drive mechanism is provided to move the sub-carriage assembly in a direction transverse to said plurality of guide rods.
US07662338B2 Manufacturing method of a sintered powder molded body
A sintering compound containing a sinterable powder and a binder removable in a debinding step is injected into a metal mold set provided with a sintering compound injecting mold, in a sintering compound molding step (S104). An add-on forming compound which becomes removable or separable from the sintering compound injection molded body in the debinding step or the sintering step is injected into the metal mold set provided with an add-on mold in an add-on forming step (S102). The sintering compound injection molded body and the add-on are formed integrally with each other in the metal mold set. The integral formation of the add-on and the sintering compound injection molded body enables to prevent damage during release from the mold and make easy to handle the injection molded body.
US07662337B2 Hoisting mechanism for steel processing ladles in RH degassers
A hoisting mechanism for raising a ladle filled with liquid steel from a transfer vehicle to immersion pipes of a vacuum treatment tank of an RH degasser. Two lifting arms are provided, one end of which can be brought into engagement with a support device formed on the ladle, and a bearing end of the arms is supported in a stationary saddle support comprised in such a way of a runway, disposed on the bearing ends of the lifting arms and having the shape of a circular arc, and of a path of rolling contact, adapted to axially fixedly guide the runway during pivoting of the lifting arms, that due to shifting of the point of load introduction in the saddle support occurring during a raising movement, reduction of a horizontal movement of the ladle occurs.
US07662335B2 Metal scrap submergence apparatus
A material scrap submergence device comprises a body (10) of heat resistant and/or a refractory material that includes a side wall (12) and a base (14) that define a submergence chamber (10). The refractory body (10) can include passages (24) that receive rods (22). The rods (22) can place the refractory body (10) under compression. In another embodiment, the body is confined by a frame (72) attached to the body. The submergence chamber (10) can also be used as a gas injection chamber.
US07662333B2 Vacuum-assisted potting of fiber module tubesheets
A tubesheet is formed at the end of a module containing polymeric material for gas separation, by immersing the end of the module in an epoxy material, or its equivalent. A vacuum, or partial vacuum, applied at or near the opposite end of the module, tends to draw the epoxy material towards the source of the vacuum, and results in a tubesheet having a desired thickness, even though the epoxy material may have relatively high viscosity. The method produces effective tubesheets, while minimizing the degree to which the tubesheet covers the otherwise useful surface area of the polymeric material. The method thus produces gas-separation modules having enhanced productivity.
US07662330B2 Use of desiccant material in rubber compounds for reducing the cure time of tires
The present invention is directed towards the use of low levels of a desiccant material in a rubber compound, such as for use as a tire tread, that allows for reduced cure times of tires cured under pressure, thereby increasing tire production. The low level of desiccant material reduces the blow point of the rubber compound by substantially eliminating blows earlier in the pressure curing process, thereby allowing for the reduced cure time of the tire under pressure. In one embodiment, low levels of no greater than about 9 phr of desiccant material, which may include generally a metal oxide (e.g. calcium oxide or magnesium oxide), are provided in the rubber compound. The rubber compound including the low levels of desiccant material may be cured, under pressure, at less than 30% of full cure of the rubber compound.
US07662327B2 Manufacturing method of thin keypad assembly
In a method of manufacturing a thin keypad of a keypad panel having a smooth surface, a mist surface or a lines layer, the method includes the steps of: preparing a mold with an internal bottom surface of a coarse surface, a smooth surface or a lines surface; applying an adhesive into the mold and coating a carrier onto the surface of the adhesive; rolling the surface of the carrier by a roller to level the adhesive in the mold; performing a ultraviolet projection to cure the adhesive to form a keypad layer on the carrier; filming a ground color layer, a function color layer and a font color layer sequentially on the carrier as the background of the keypad panel; and hot pressing and combining the keypad layer and silicon to produce the keypad panel.
US07662326B2 Compositions containing fast-leaching plasticizers for improved performance of medical devices
Medical implants containing a temporary plasticizer, methods of producing such implants, and methods of using the implants in treating a disease, or ameliorating one or more symptoms thereof, in a subject are provided.
US07662325B2 Polyhydroxyalkanoic acid fibers with high strength, fibers with high strength and high modulus of elasticity, and processes for producing the same
The present invention is a process for producing a fiber, comprising: melt-extruding polyhydroxyalkanoic acid; solidifying the polyhydroxyalkanoic acid by quenching it to its glass transition temperature +15° C. or less, to form an amorphous fiber; cold-drawing the amorphous fiber at its glass transition temperature +20° C. or less; and subjecting the fiber to heat treatment under tension. The present invention can provide: a process for producing a fiber with high strength, and the fiber produced through the process; and a process for producing a fiber with high strength and high modulus of elasticity and the fiber with high strength and high modulus of elasticity produced through the process, regardless of molecular weights of PHAs varying depending on origins such as a wild type PHAs-producing microorganism product, a genetically modified product, and a chemical product.
US07662323B1 Elastomeric bicomponent fibers comprising block copolymers having high flow
Bicomponent fibers having a sheath-core morphology where the sheath is a thermoplastic polymer and the core is an elastomeric compound are made which can be continuously extruded from the melt at high production rates. The elastomeric compound comprises a coupled, selectively hydrogenated block copolymer having high flow. The block copolymer has at least one polystyrene block of molecular weight from 5,000 to 7,000 and at least one polydiene block of molecular weight from 20,000 to 70,000 and having a high vinyl content of 60 mol % or greater. The bicomponent fibers are useful for the manufacture of articles such as woven fabrics, spunbond non-woven fabrics or filters, staple fibers, yarns and bonded, carded webs. The bicomponent fibers can be made using a process comprising coextrusion of the thermoplastic polymer and elastomeric compound to produce fibers at greater than 800 mpm and having a denier from 0.1 to 50 g/9000 m.
US07662318B2 Method for post-injection in mold lamination with an adhesively coated functionalized film
A method for laminating a functional film on to a plastic injection molded lens. An outer layer of the film is selected to perform an HMA-type function when subjected to the heat and pressure of the mold. After forming the lens, the mold is open and the film is loaded in to the empty insert. The residual heat and pressure bonds the film via the HMA to the lens, in a press lamination process. A functionally enhanced lens having a film intimately laminated on to one side.
US07662317B2 Dispersant, paste composition including the dispersant, inorganic device using the paste composition, and display apparatus including the inorganic device
Provided is a dispersant including a hydrophobic moiety with a branched alkyl group and an arylene group and a hydrophilic moiety with an alkylene oxide group and a carboxylic acid group. The alkyl group is a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group of 5-30 carbon atoms, the arylene group is a substituted or unsubstituted arylene group of 6-30 carbon atoms, and the alkylene oxide group is a substituted or unsubstituted alkylene oxide group of 2-10 carbon atoms. The dispersant has good dispersibility, and a low residual carbon content after sintering. Thus, a paste composition including the dispersant can maintain a low viscosity and disperse many inorganic particles. Thus, an inorganic device prepared using the paste composition can have a low residual carbon content and a high packing density.
US07662308B2 Polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) based fluorescent colorants
Novel fluorescent polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) colorants are provided. The colorants are strongly fluorescing and long lasting with excellent light stability. The novel colorants can be prepared from chromophores found in common pigments and provide a simple way to convert an insoluble pigment into a soluble fluorescent colorant.
US07662299B2 Nanoimprint lithography template techniques for use during the fabrication of a semiconductor device and systems including same
A method for forming a template useful for nanoimprint lithography comprises forming at least one pillar which provides a topographic feature extending from a template base. At least one conformal pattern layer and one conformal spacing layer, and generally a plurality of alternating pattern layers and spacing layers, are formed over the template base and pillar. A planarized filler layer is formed over the pattern and spacing layers, then the filler, the spacing layer and the pattern layer are partially removed, for example using mechanical polishing, to expose the pillar. One or more etches are performed to remove at least a portion of the pillar, the filler, and the spacing layer to result in the pattern layer protruding from the spacing layer and providing the template pattern.
US07662294B1 Method for reducing organic contamination
Certain exemplary embodiments provide methods for reducing a concentration of a contaminant associated with a medium, which can be any substance or material, such as soil, water, air, and/or fluid. In one exemplary method, the medium is treated with a ferric chelate and an oxidizing agent in amounts effective to oxidize at least a portion of the contaminant.
US07662292B2 Radium selective media and method for manufacturing
Media for selectively removing radium ions from water where manganese oxide (DMO) has been dispersed in a cation ion exchange resin (gel or macroporous) to adsorb radium ions. The media is manufactured by precipitating a soluble manganese (II) salt such as manganous sulfate with a permanganate salt such as sodium permanganate inside a strong acid cation (SAC) to form a resin containing highly dispersed manganese oxides. The resin is then post treated with a reducing agent such as sodium metabisulfite (Na2S2O2) to prevent the leaching of soluble manganese from the resin. The reducing treatment ensures that soluble manganese species will be converted into an insoluble oxide form.
US07662287B2 Wastewater denitrification system
The disclosed process and system are used for the denitrification of wastewater. The system comprises: an influent flow meter for measuring an influent flow Q; an influent concentration analyzer for measuring an influent dissolved oxygen concentration DOin, an influent nitrate concentration NO3—Nin, and an influent nitrite concentration NO2—Nin; an effluent concentration analyzer for measuring an effluent nitrate concentration NO3—Neff, and an effluent nitrite concentration NO2—Neff′, and a feed chemical controller for providing a feed chemical at a controlled rate. The feed chemical controller is responsive to one or more output signals provided by an automated control loop that accepts input signals from the influent concentration analyzer and the effluent concentration analyzer, which input signals relate to at least NO3—Nin, NO2—Nin, NO3—Neff, and NO2—Neff.
US07662283B2 Modular drinking water filtration system with locking arrangement to assure filter cartridge compatibility
A modular filter system using replaceable filter cartridges includes a locking arrangement that prevents rotation of the flow control valve spindle in the filter head, but includes an unlocking arrangement on the cartridge that unlocks the locking arrangement if the proper replacement cartridge is used. The locking arrangement may include spring biased locking pins carried on the filter head and matching unlocking pins on the filter cartridge to operate through an intermediate adaptor ring that is set on assembly to match the positions of the locking and unlocking pins.
US07662282B2 Permanent magnet array iron filter
A permanent magnet array iron filter has a generally circular collar made of a high magnetic permeability material with a plurality of magnetic assemblies interiorly disposed longitudinally around an interior circumference therein. Each magnetic assembly has two magnets with opposite poles facing the center of the filter and a gap between the adjacent assemblies. This arrangement intensifies the resultant magnetic field and projects the field deeply within the interior region of the filter. Rare earth permanent magnets are used to maximize the magnetic field. The collar may be coated with a plastic coating to protect the filter. The collar has a gap to provide flexibility when sliding the filter over an oil filter. The thickness of the collar may be adjusted to meet the requirements of a particular application.
US07662281B1 Apparatus for treating sludge
Sludge can be treated by placing it in a carrier sized for bulk shipment of sludge by road or by rail. An antipathogenic substance such as lime is mixed into the sludge located in the carrier in order to treat pathogens in the sludge. At least one mixer adapted for mixing sludge throughout the carrier is employed. A dispenser such as a conduit or a loader bucket can dispense the antipathogenic substance so that the mixer can mix the substance with the sludge. The sludge is transported in the carrier either before or after the mixing with the antipathogenic substance. The mixture of sludge and antipathogenic substance is allowed to remain in the carrier long enough to treat pathogens with the substance before unloading the sludge from the carrier at a destination established for utilization, storage, transfer or disposal of the sludge.
US07662279B2 Filtering device, in particular for fish basins
A filtering device, in particular for fish basins, having a housing (10) encompassing a filter chamber (20) and a filter drum (30), which is rotatably disposed in the filter chamber (20) and is loadable with water to be purified, about which a filter belt (40) is guided along part of its circumference from a dispensing roller (42) to a receiving roller (41) that is driven by a paddle wheel (5) disposed outside the filter chamber (20). The paddles (51) of the filter wheel are activated by unpurified water in such a way that the filter belt (40) is wound from the dispensing roller (42) onto the receiving roller (41).
US07662267B2 Device and method for electrodialysis
An improved apparatus and operating method related thereto for deionizing water to produce substantially pure water using electric field and ion exchange materials are disclosed, including embodiments incorporating one or more of the novel features of brine and electrode streams flowing in a direction counter-current to the stream being deionized, a filling of the brine stream with stratified ion exchange materials, a stream mixing feature for mixing the stream being deionized, a gas removal feature for removal of gases, a spiral-wound embodiment of an electrodialysis device according to the invention, and a method for determining the preferred operating current for electrodialysis systems according to this invention.
US07662266B2 Device and method for regenerating an electroless metal plating bath
In regenerating an electroless metal plating bath by electrodialysis, it has been found that the metal of the metal plating bath deposits in the electrolysis arrangement. To overcome this problem, an improvement to prior art regenerating devices is suggested, said improvement consisting in providing main cation exchangers for removing ions of this metal from a concentrate fluid. The main cation exchangers are coupled to the concentrate compartments of the electrolysis arrangement in such a manner that the concentrate fluid flowing through the concentrate compartments is allowed to pass through the main cation exchangers and to be recirculated back into the concentrate compartments.
US07662264B2 Method for producing magnetic recording medium
A method for producing a magnetic recording medium, includes: forming an SOG film on a surface of a magnetic layer; forming a concavo-convex structure in the SOG film comprising one selected from a group consisting of silica glass, alkylsiloxane polymer, methyl silsesquioxane polymer, hydrogen silsesquioxane polymer and hydro alkylsiloxane polymer; etching the SOG film to expose the surface of the magnetic layer; etching the exposed surface of the magnetic layer by ion milling; and forming a filling layer on the surface of the magnetic layer while leaving a portion of the magnetic layer having been subjected to the ion milling.
US07662262B2 Supercalendering optimization using a steam shower
There is described a method and apparatus for applying steam from a steam source to a moving web to thereby improve the smoothness and gloss of the web. A housing has at least one cooling chamber upstream and at least one steam chamber downstream. The cooling air in the cooling chamber is used to cool the web before steam is applied to the web from the steam chamber. This allows a sufficient volume of steam to be delivered to the web to thereby raise its moisture content to a desired level to thus achieve optimized calendering of the web.
US07662259B2 Method for dewatering a fabric
A method of dewatering a fabric includes contacting the fabric with an endless wicking substrate.
US07662258B2 Roofing mat using urea-formaldehyde binder of particular viscosity and surface tension
Provided is thermosetting urea-formaldehyde (UF) resin binder formulation, preferably prepared with modified styrene-maleic anhydride. The formulation has a viscosity in the range of from 3 to 10 cP and a surface tension of from 35 to 50 mN/m, and is prepared using a UF resin composition exhibiting a viscosity of from 175 to 250 cP.
US07662257B2 Multi-ply paper towel with absorbent core
A multi-ply absorbent sheet of cellulosic fiber with continuous outer surfaces is provided an absorbent core between the outer surfaces. The absorbent core includes a non-woven fiber network having: (i) a plurality of pileated fiber enriched of relatively high local basis weight interconnected by way of (ii) a plurality of lower local basis weight linking whose fiber orientation is biased along the direction between pileated interconnected thereby, and (iii) a plurality of fiber-deprived cellules between the fiber enriched and linking regions, also being characterized by a local basis weight lower than the fiber enriched regions. The cellules provide a sponge-like internal structure of low fiber density regions.
US07662254B2 Methods of and apparatus for aligning electrodes in a process chamber to protect an exclusion area within an edge environ of a wafer
Positional relationships are established in a process chamber. A base is configured with a lower electrode surface to support a wafer, and an upper electrode has a lower surface. A drive mounted on the base has a linkage connected to the upper electrode. A fixture placed on the lower surface moves into a desired orientation of the lower electrode. With the upper electrode loosely connected by the linkage to the drive, the fixture transfers the desired orientation to the upper electrode. The linkage is tightened to maintain the desired orientation, the fixture is removed and a process exclusion insert is mounted to the upper electrode. The drive moves the upper electrode and the insert to define an inactive process zone between the upper electrode and the wafer on the lower electrode to protect a central area of the wafer during etching of a wafer edge environ around the central area.
US07662249B2 Semiautomatic jacketing method
A method for jacketing a product having a generally cylindrical outer surface locates a sheet of jacketing material on first and second belts for conforming the sheet of jacketing material to and pressing the sheet of jacketing material against the outer surface of the product and locates the product on the sheet of jacketing material. Preferably, the belts are mounted on frames that are pivoted from a first position where the sheet of jacketing material can be placed on the belts and the product can be placed on the sheet of jacketing material to a second position where the belts are each wrapped part of the way around the outer surface of the product while the product remains stationary to conform the sheet of jacketing material to and press the sheet of jacketing material against the outer surface of the product so that the sheet of jacketing material may be bonded to the outer surface of the product. When the frames are pivoted from the first position to the second position, the frames draw the belts over the sheet jacket with a force less than that required to crush the product and greater than that required to overcome friction between the belts and the sheet of jacketing material.
US07662246B2 Steel for components of chemical installations
An iron-based alloy for use in a material for high-pressure components. This Abstract is not intended to define the invention disclosed in the specification, nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.
US07662240B2 Seal for worm gear speed reducer
The performance of a worm assembly seal is improved by (1) the use of a hardened steel worm with a bronze worm gear; (2) a tribological coating on one or both of the worm thread or spiral and the gear teeth; 3) a tribological coating on one or both of the input or output shaft or shaft sleeves; or (4) a tribological coating applied to the worm thread, the gear teeth, the input and output shafts or shaft sleeves, or combinations thereof. In each of the approaches, the worm, worm gear, and input and output shafts or shaft sleeves can have surface finishing treatments. Additionally, in each of the three approaches, carbon or carbon/nitrogen concentration gradients can be added to the worm.
US07662233B2 ALD apparatus and method
Improved apparatus and method for SMFD ALD include a method designed to enhance chemical utilization as well as an apparatus that implements lower conductance out of SMFD-ALD process chamber while maintaining full compatibility with standard wafer transport. Improved SMFD source apparatuses (700, 700′, 700″) and methods from volatile and non-volatile liquid and solid precursors are disclosed, e.g., a method for substantially controlling the vapor pressure of a chemical source (722) within a source space comprising: sensing the accumulation of the chemical on a sensing surface (711); and controlling the temperature of the chemical source depending on said sensed accumulation.
US07662232B2 Plasma processing apparatus
The object of the invention is to provide a plasma processing apparatus having enhanced plasma processing uniformity. The plasma processing apparatus comprises a processing chamber 1, means 13 and 14 for supplying processing gas into the processing chamber, evacuation means 25 and 26 for decompressing the processing chamber 1, an electrode 4 on which an object 2 to be processed such as a wafer is placed, and an electromagnetic radiation power supply 5A, wherein at least two kinds of processing gases having different composition ratios of O2 or N2 are introduced into the processing chamber through different gas inlets so as to control the in-plane uniformity of the critical dimension while maintaining the in-plane uniformity of the process depth.
US07662231B2 Cord rotating head for a crystal drawing system
The invention relates to the production of a cable rotating head, which is devoid of an abrasion ring, for a Czochralski-crystal drawing system which is used to drive a drawing cord in an azimuthal and vertical manner and the nucleus of a crystal is fixed therein. According to the invention, the cord rotating head comprises a cord winding mechanism which can be supported by a vertical hollow shaft, through which the drawing cord is suspended in the crystal drawing system, and the cord rotating head is rotationally mounted about the axis thereof and can be offset by a rotation motor, which is secured to the crystal drawing system, together with the cord winding mechanism and the drawing cord in a rotational movement, and said vertical hollow shaft is surrounded in a coaxial manner by a double toothed gear which is rotationally mounted opposite to the hollow shaft and can be driven by a drawing motor which is secured to the crystal drawing system. The double toothed gear can be driven by a gear of the cord winding mechanism, such that the mechanical drive energy of the drawing motor, which is secured in a stationary manner to the crystal drawing system, can be transferred to the cord winding mechanism which rotates in relation to the crystal drawing system.
US07662219B2 Wet type electrostatic precipitator
An electrostatic precipitator that can prevent the corrosion of a discharge electrode even if a gas to be treated containing a corrosive mist is treated. In an electrostatic precipitator having a discharge electrode arranged along a flow path of the gas to be treated, a spray nozzle that can spray a water to the upstream side of the discharge electrode is mounted. A wet film is formed on the surface of the discharge electrode with the water sprayed from the spray nozzle. The sprayed water is desirably a water vapor or a water droplet having a particle diameter of less than 10 μm.
US07662218B2 Filter for purifying hydrogen and method for manufacture thereof
A hydrogen-purification membrane comprises a Pd alloy film joined to one surface of a porous support substrate. Each pore in the porous support substrate is such that between the thickness T of the porous support substrate, the opening diameter D1 of the pore on the side joined to the Pd alloy film and the opening diameter D2 of the pore on the opposite side, there are relations represented by 1.0≦D1/T≦5.0 and 1.0≦D2/T≦5.0, and between the opening diameter D1 of the pore on the side joined to the Pd alloy film, the opening diameter D2 of the pore on the opposite side and the opening diameter D3 of the narrowest portion of the pore there are relations represented by D3/D1<0.8, D3/D2<0.9 and D3<250 μm. Furthermore, the total opening area of the pores on the side joined to the Pd alloy film accounts for 20 to 80% of the area of the porous support substrate.
US07662213B2 Silver-exchanged zeolites and methods of manufacture therefor
The present invention relates generally to zeolites having a silica/alumina ratio of less than or equal to 10 (Si/Al≦10) that are exchanged with Ag+ and thermally treated in such a way to favor adsorption over alternative catalytic and chemically reactive functionalities. The adsorbents of the present invention and the method of producing such adsorbents maximize the working adsorption capacity through π-complexation. Applications for such adsorbents include any process in which contaminants from gas streams can form π-complexes with the Ag in the zeolite, particularly the removal of CO, ethylene, propylene and the like from air and CO/H2 from air in prepurifier adsorbers in the production of ultra high purity (UHP) N2.
US07662211B2 Dehumidification method and plant, particularly for granular materials
The present invention relates to a granular-material dehumidification plant including at least one silo or hopper arranged to receive granular material to be dehumidified at the top thereof and provided with a controlled lower delivering mouth, at least one feeding duct designed to be dipped in the granular material contained in each hopper to supply hot and dry processing air thereto, and at least one exhaust duct for humid processing air; at least two molecular sieve towers arranged alternatively to supply hot and dry processing air to the at least one hopper, each tower delimiting therein a space for housing molecular sieves and a chamber for housing heating means, the space and the chamber being in fluid communication with one another at one end thereof, while being in fluid communication at the other end thereof, with a respective air inlet/outlet duct.
US07662205B2 Processes to beneficiate heat-dried biosolid pellets
This invention is directed to systems, devices and methods for modifying the process of producing dried biosolids pellets or granules into beneficiated inorganically-augmented bioorganic fertilizer. The present invention describes a method to beneficiate heat-dried biosolids or sludge pellets or granules as presently manufactured by municipalities or companies from a) dewatered municipal wastewater biosolids or sludges within the municipal wastewater treatment plant heat-dried biosolids production facility or from b) finished dry heat dried biosolids pellets or granules in a separate manufacturing facility from the municipal wastewater treatment plant to produce a fertilizer containing sufficient organic and inorganic plant nutrients to be valuable and saleable into the commercial agricultural industry. The present invention describes beneficiation methods to increase the plant nutrient content to a level which permits the finished beneficiated dried biosolids pellet or granule product to compete in the commercial agricultural fertilizer marketplace and also to reduce the odors associated with traditionally-produced heat dried biosolids.
US07662203B2 Air cleaner; replaceable filter cartridges; and, methods
The disclosure concern air cleaners. Preferred air cleaners are shown which include a housing and a removable and replacement primary filter cartridge. Optional and advantageous features are shown. An optional mechanical interlock, operated with a non-threaded, movement of the cartridge, is provided between the primary filter cartridge and the housing. The preferred primary filter cartridge is conical in shape. A preferred optional safety or secondary filter cartridge is shown. Preferred methods of assembly and use are provided.
US07662202B2 Dust collector of vacuum cleaner
Disclosed is a dust collector of a vacuum cleaner. The dust collector comprises: a cyclone body forming a cyclone chamber and having a bottom wall and an air inlet, air being admitted into the cyclone chamber and rotating in the cyclone chamber; an outlet pipe extending upwardly from the bottom wall of the cyclone body; and a dust-bin body surrounding the cyclone body in such a manner that a dust collection space is formed between the dust-bin body and the cyclone body. The inner diameter of the cyclone body is increased as approaching a height near the top end of the outlet pipe from the bottom wall of the cyclone body.
US07662199B2 Cyclonic filter for surface maintenance machine
A filter system for a surface maintenance machine having a hopper assembly for receiving brush-thrown debris including a cyclonic separator for separating dust and debris from air drawn through the hopper via vacuum action. The cyclonic separator may include multiple cyclone and may be in fluid communication with the hopper assembly so as to periodically receive dust and debris exiting the filter system.
US07662197B2 Method of operating an exhaust gas cleaning unit with particle filter and nitrogen oxygen store
In a method for operating an exhaust-gas cleaning unit of a diesel engine including a particle filter and a nitrogen oxide storage device arranged upstream of the particle filter, wherein sulfur regeneration of the nitrogen oxide storage device is performed periodically at raised exhaust gas temperatures and, in certain phases, with a rich exhaust gas composition, and also soot regeneration of the particle filter is performed at raised exhaust gas temperatures with a lean exhaust gas composition, at least some of the sulfur regeneration and the soot regeneration phases are performed in a combined soot and sulfur regeneration phase, and for the sulfur regeneration, at least temporarily, a rich exhaust-gas composition with a temperature higher than the temperature of the lean exhaust gas composition is provided for the soot regeneration of the particle filter.
US07662196B2 Procedure for gasification of glycerine
Procedure for the use of glycerine as biomass, for the production of energy by means of a spray gasification process, based on the use of a mixture of oxygen, vapour and atmospheric air as gasifying agents, which are introduced into a Gasification Chamber at temperatures above 900° C., so that the gas produced is transferred to a Reformer wherein, also at temperatures above 900° C., the different partial oxidation/thermal cracking reactions in the presence of metal oxides are completed and, subsequently, hot cycloned to retain ashes greater than 5 microns in size, whereupon the gas is sharply cooled using a basket-type Evaporator.
US07662194B2 Binder composition for fuel cell, membrane-electrode assembly for fuel cell, and method for preparing the membrane-electrode assembly
The present invention relates to a binder composition for a fuel cell including a proton conductor and one or more binders selected from the group consisting of poly[2,2′-(m-phenylene)-5,5′-bibenzimidazole] (PBI), poly[2,5-benzimidazole] (ABPBI), polybenzoxazole (PBO), and polybenzothiazole (PBT).
US07662189B2 Massive modular system
The specification discloses a modular system for the formation of a prosthesis for the replacement of a long bone in a human or animal body. The system provides a prosthesis comprising a proximal or distal end component such as a trochanter or condylar head, forming one component of a prosthetic joint, a shaft for assembly with the distal or proximal end component and a stem for engagement in a resected bone. The system allows the assembly of a custom fitted prosthesis from a limited range of components.
US07662183B2 Dynamic spinal implants incorporating cartilage bearing graft material
A dynamic spinal implant utilizes cartilage bearing graft material in dynamic disc replacement and/or facet arthroplasty. Methods and apparatus for dynamic spinal implants incorporate bulk articular graft tissues derived from donor joint sources in human (allograft or autograft) or non-human (xenograft) tissue. The donor joint is preferably prepared as a biological dynamic spinal implant with articular cartilage as a bearing interface between adjacent bone surfaces that naturally articulate with respect to one another.
US07662179B2 Haptics for accommodative intraocular lens system
An open chamber, accommodative, intraocular lens system operable to be positioned within the interior of an evacuated capsular bag of a human eye. The present invention provides new haptic cross-sections, novel complex lens structures by introduction of the concept of a lens ledge, fixation of haptics to lenses at a lens ledge, structural solutions to provide customized fitted correction, and accordion structural solutions to ease the insertion of complex lenses into the capsular bag of the eye.
US07662175B2 Upload shank swivel head bone screw spinal implant
A polyaxial bone screw having a bone implantable shank, a head and a retaining ring. The retaining ring includes an outer partial hemispherical surface and an inner bore with radially extending channels and partial capture recesses. The shank includes a bone implantable body with an external helical wound thread and an upwardly extending capture structure. The capture structure includes at least one spline which extends radially outward and has a wedged surface that faces radially outward therefrom. The capture structure operably passes through a central bore of the retaining ring while the spline passes through a suitably shaped channel so that the spline becomes positioned above the head at which time the shank is rotated appropriately and the shank is drawn back downwardly so that the spline engages and seats in the capture recess.
US07662172B2 Pedicle screw systems and methods of assembling/installing the same
The pedicle screw system may be used for fixation of spinal segments and may be advantageous when minimally invasive surgery (MIS) techniques are employed. The pedicle screw system includes a tulip assembly comprising of a tulip body, a inner member, and an expansion member. Installation of the pedicle screw system into pedicles of the spine, for example, includes inserting the pedicle screw into a portion of the spine and then coupling the tulip assembly to the pedicle screw. The tulip assembly may be locked onto the pedicle screw before a distraction rod is placed in the tulip assembly. After the rod is placed in the tulip assembly, the tulip body and the inner member can be rotated relative to one another to lock the rod into the tulip assembly. In addition, the relative rotation may also provide additional locking of the tulip assembly to the pedicle screw.
US07662168B2 Vascular closure
An apparatus for closing an aperture comprising a horizontally extending member and elongated strand portions having extremity portions curving inwardly. The extremity portions have shape memory characteristics seeking to cause the extremity portions to curl to retain tissue engaged thereby when delivered from a delivery member. A central portion extends between the horizontally extending member and the elongated strand portions.
US07662165B2 Embolic protection device
An embolic protection device has a filter assembly having a collar and a collapsible filter element mounted on a carrier such as a guidewire. The filter element has a collapsible filter body with a proximal inlet end and a distal outlet end and a filter support frame. The proximal inlet end has inlet openings sized to allow blood and embolic materiel to enter the filter body. The outlet end has outlet openings which allow the passage of blood but retain embolic material within the filter body.
US07662164B2 Living-body tissue removing apparatus
A living-body tissue removing apparatus according to the present invention includes a grip portion, an inserting portion which is connected to the grip portion and is inserted in the body, an endoscope inserting channel which is arranged in the inserting portion and in which an endoscope is inserted, and a blood vessel keeping member which is arranged in the inserting portion and which is movable back and forth in the axial direction of the inserting portion. The blood vessel keeping member includes a blood vessel keeping bed which keeps the blood vessel and a locking member which accommodates therein the blood vessel in closed space when the blood vessel keeping member keeps the blood vessel on the blood vessel keeping bed.
US07662162B2 Tool and method for minimally invasive bypass surgery
A minimally-invasive coronary artery bypass graft procedure may be performed with a splittable proximal anastomosis tool. A distal anastomosis tool may be used as well, where that distal anastomosis tool may include a staple holder having two spaced-apart arms, staples detachably held by the staple holder, and an anvil connected to the staple holder.
US07662161B2 Vascular hole closure device
A device for closing an aperture in a vessel wall comprising an elongated member having a longitudinal axis and positionable inside the vessel against the internal opening of the aperture. The elongated member has a dimension to prevent egress of fluid through the aperture. A material forms two curved legs having ends positionable external of the vessel. The legs curve in different directions and a retention portion is formed in the material to retain the legs during placement of the elongated member inside the vessel.
US07662157B2 Bone anchor system
A bone anchor includes a screw portion configured to penetrate a bone. The screw portion includes a retention thread extending at least part of a length of the screw portion and a tip at a first end of the screw portion. The bone anchor includes a protrusion adjacent a second end of the screw portion. The second end is opposite the first end of the screw portion. The protrusion comprises a plurality of external sides forming a shape and a rounded interior surface enclosing a protrusion recess. The rounded interior surface includes a recess thread configured to retain a component at least partially in the protrusion recess. The protrusion has a maximum width that is less than a maximum diameter of the screw portion such that a shoulder is formed where the protrusion meets the second end of the screw portion.
US07662153B2 Minimal invasive endoscopic methods and apparatus for harvesting blood vessels
A blood vessel in a patient is severed by inserting a shaft through an incision in the patient, the shaft carrying first and second clamps. The first and second clamps are closed against the vessel in closely adjacent relationship to one another. Thereafter, the clamps are moved in generally opposing directions to sever the vessel at a location between the clamps. Each clamp carries a cauterizing pad for cauterizing the severed ends of the vessel.
US07662150B2 Variable size apparatus for supporting diagnostic and/or therapeutic elements in contact with tissue
A probe that facilitates the creation of circumferential lesions in body structures that may vary in size.
US07662145B2 Partial-length indwelling urinary catheter and method permitting selective urine discharge
A partial-length catheter, or an extendable tube or sleeve member of the catheter, is selectively movable within the prostatic urethra to open a urine drainage passageway through and obstructed portion of the prostatic urethra or to open the external urinary sphincter muscle and thereby discharge urine from the bladder. A control element is manipulated at a position exterior of the urinary canal to selectively move the catheter or the extendable tube or sleeve member, thereby selectively controlling urine discharge. The catheter may also be used to diagnose urinary retention problems caused by a weak bladder or a prostatic obstruction.
US07662143B2 Apparatus and method for treating intravascular disease
Medical devices and methods of treatment using medical devices, and more particularly, methods of treating a treatment site in a blood vessel and devices or apparatuses for use therewith. In some embodiments, a method and apparatus for treating a treatment site in a blood vessel using fluid movement or agitation adjacent the treatment site is disclosed. In some embodiments, an apparatus is provided including one or more deployable structures adapted to create fluid movement within the vessel. The apparatus is inserted into the vessel, and the deployable structure is positioned adjacent the treatment site. The deployable structure is used to create fluid movement adjacent to the treatment site. In some embodiments, a treatment material, such as a medicine or drug, is introduced into the vessel proximate the treatment site, and the deployable structure is used to create fluid movement or agitation adjacent the treatment site to create a better interface between the treatment site and the medicine, or to move the medicine into the treatment site. In some embodiments, the fluid movement created by the deployable member aids in removal of tissue or other material from the treatment site.
US07662142B2 Sinus delivery of sustained release therapeutics
The invention provides biodegradable implants for treating sinusitis. The biodegradable implants have a size, shape, density, viscosity, and/or mucoadhesiveness that prevents them from being substantially cleared by the mucociliary lining of the sinuses during the intended treatment period. The biodegradable implants include a sustained release therapeutic, e.g., an antibiotic, a steroidal anti-inflammatory agent, or both. The biodegradable implants may take various forms, such as rods, pellets, beads, strips, or microparticles, and may be delivered into a sinus in various pharmaceutically acceptable carriers.
US07662139B2 Pump cassette with spiking assembly
An apparatus for use in a fluid processing system having a pump. The apparatus includes a pump cassette for use with the pump. The pump cassette includes at least one pump chamber and a first port in selective fluid communication with the at least one pump chamber. A spiking assembly includes at least one hollow spike having a piercing end for piercing a first container. The at least one hollow spike includes a first spike in fluid communication with the first port of the pump cassette.
US07662136B2 Disposable absorbent article
A disposable absorbent article having a liner, an outer cover and an absorbent body therebetween for absorbing liquid body waste penetrating the liner. In one embodiment, the absorbent body has an inner layer and an outer layer. The inner layer has a lower absorbent capacity per unit weight than the outer layer. A flow control layer between the inner layer and the outer layer at least retards the flow of liquid body waste from the inner layer to the outer layer to facilitate a prolonged feeling of wetness to the wearer. In another embodiment, a surge layer lies between the liner and an absorbent body. A flow control layer between the liner and the surge layer, or between the surge layer and the absorbent body, at least retards the flow of liquid body waste through the surge layer toward the absorbent body.
US07662131B2 Liquid-injection syringe assembly, and a sheath for the assembly
The assembly comprises a body forming a reservoir for the liquid, the body being provided with a liquid-injection needle, a plunger mounted to be axially movable in the body between a ready position and an end-of-injection position, and a sheath in which the body is mounted to be axially movable between an active position in which the needle projects from a distal end of the sheath, and a protecting position in which the needle is retracted inside the sheath. The assembly also comprises means for axially securing the plunger and the sheath in a relative position of said plunger and said sheath serving firstly to position the body in its protecting position relative to the sheath and secondly to position the plunger in its end-of-injection position relative to the body.
US07662126B2 Ultrasonic disbursement of magnetically delivered substances
A system and method are provided for attracting a magnetically responsive substance inserted in a subject's body towards a target area within the body to treat the area. The system generally comprises a medical device having a proximal end, a distal end, and at least one magnetic element disposed at the distal end of the medical device for orienting the distal end in a desired direction to place an aperture against the opposite wall of the vessel. The system further includes a voltage that may be applied to a coil that is disposed on the side of the medical device and proximally spaced from the magnetic element. A voltage is applied to the coil to attract the magnetically responsive substances inserted into the body around the coil. A high frequency alternating current voltage is applied to an adjacent transducer to ultrasonically disperse the collected magnetically responsive substances into the surrounding target tissue.
US07662122B2 Orthotic or prosthetic devices with adjustable force dosimeter and sensor
An orthotic knee brace for treating unicompartmental osteoarthritis in a knee joint is described. The brace includes a fabric sleeve mounting and a bracing member removably positioned in the sleeve to provide a therapeutic force on the joint. The force is applied by a force dosimeter assembly that draws an incrementally adjustable amount of force on cables connected to the bracing member. The amount of force applied by the force dosimeter is detected by a force sensor, and is indicated by a force indicator, each also removably attachable on the fabric sleeve mounting. The foregoing features, while exemplified in the context of a knee brace, are adaptable to any orthotic or prosthetic device where it is desired to apply an adjustable amount of force to a point on the device to provide a therapeutic benefit, and to provide a real-time indication to the user of the amount of force being applied.
US07662118B2 Orthotic hinge system with spring-biased pawl control of ratchet member
The invention relates to an orthopedic hinge system, including an outer and an inner lateral base, each substantially complemental in peripheral dimension to each other, the bases each having a major vertical axis, the inner base having a recess. Also included is an elongate distal member having a semi-circular pivot end including, upon a portion of the end, ratchet teeth pointing in a counter-clockwise direction, the pivot end rotationally secured to both of the bases. Further included is an elongate proximal member having a transverse end element proportioned for complemental securement within the recess of the inner base, transverse end element including an axis of rotation co-linear with an axis of rotation of the distal member and defining an axis of rotation of the pivot end of the distal member. The system also includes a cam lever including a pawl surface having teeth pointing in a clockwise direction and, upon contact with the ratchet teeth of the distal member, then complemental therewith, the lever having an axis of rotation co-linear with a second axis within a transverse end element of the proximal member, the lever also including a radial projection disposed radially oppositely from the pawl surface to which an end of a biasing spring is attached.
US07662114B2 Ultrasound phased arrays
Ultrasound transducers are disclosed which focus acoustic energy at various focal locations while minimizing focal spot degradation and the generation of unwanted on-axis or off-axis energy concentrations through using a generally constant f-number at the various focal locations.
US07662112B2 Medical measuring device and method
A subsurface wound measuring device and method are provided for measuring a subsurface wound or cavity of a patient, the device including a flexible strip having first and second sections, the sections having first and second ends respectively with an intermediate bend being located between the first and second ends. The first end is adapted for being located internally to a patient, the second end being adapted for being located externally to the patient. The first and second sections have generally concave-shaped cross-sections with measuring indicia being located along at least one of the sections. The device also optionally includes a measuring strip and a receiver mounted on the second end for receiving the measuring strip, where the measuring strip and the flexible strip form complementary structure for measuring a subsurface wound or cavity.
US07662110B2 Devices for collecting blood and administering medical fluids
Novel devices which can be used to both collect blood samples from and administer medical fluids to a patient on a repeated and continual basis using one rather than multiple needle insertions. The device typically includes a main tubing segment confluently connected to a cannula for insertion in the patient's vein. A syringe port and a volumeter for collecting blood branch separately from the main tubing segment. The device is used to collect blood by attaching an empty blood collection syringe to the syringe port, inserting the cannula in the patient's vein, allowing passive flow of blood from the main tubing segment into the volumeter under intrinsic venous blood pressure and capillary action, and then facilitating active flow of blood from the volumeter into the blood collection syringe by extending the syringe plunger. The device may be used to administer medical fluids to the patient through the main tubing segment from a medical fluid syringe or catheter attached to the syringe port.
US07662105B2 Systems and methods for determining respiration metrics
Systems, devices and methods provide for acquiring respiration information. A respiration information device includes timer circuitry to time a plurality of shorter time apertures and a plurality of longer time apertures. A respiration sensor, which may be implemented as a transthoracic impedance sensor, is configured to generate a signal indicative of patient respiration. For each aperture of the plurality of shorter time apertures and for each aperture of the plurality of longer time apertures, an estimated characteristic of the respiration is determined. Respiration metrics are developed using one or both of the estimated respiration characteristics of the shorter time apertures and the estimated respiration characteristics of the longer time apertures.
US07662103B2 Apparatus for non-invasive diagnosis of vasovagal syncope in a patient
An apparatus for non-invasive diagnosis of states of vasovagal syncope in a patient placed on a tilt table and subjected to a tilt-test, the apparatus comprising: circuits for sensing the patient's endocardiac acceleration; circuits for sensing the patient's heart rate; and analyzer circuits receiving as inputs said endocardiac acceleration and said heart rate, and outputting information about the sympthetico-vagal activity of the patient. The circuits for sensing endocardiac acceleration comprise an external accelerator sensor suitable for being held in contact with the patient's rib cage. The analyzer circuits comprise classifier circuits suitable, in the event of a syncope occurring, for determining one type of syncope amongst a plurality of syncope types as a function of the endocardiac acceleration and heart rate values sensed during a plurality of heart cycles preceding the occurrence of the syncope.
US07662102B2 Method of measuring instantaneous arterial blood pressure and compliance and device thereof
A method of measuring the instantaneous arterial blood pressure and compliance and the device thereof are disclosed. The method identifies a critical depth under the skin. At this critical position, the arterial mean blood pressure is equivalent to the mean blood pressure obtained on the skin. The variation in the arterial mean blood pressure is tracked and controlled to maintain the equivalence between the mean blood pressure measured on the skin and the arterial mean blood pressure. In this case, the compliance of the muscle tissues remains invariant. Therefore, the variation measured on the skin is simply the behavior of the blood vessel. Using the skin-artery correlation, the invention can obtain the instantaneous blood pressure after some computation and the dynamic compliance at the critical position.
US07662099B2 Method and instrumentation to sense thermal lesion formation by ultrasound imaging
A combination therapy and imaging instrument is provided. The instrument includes: a therapy probe for producing energy to alter tissue; and an imaging probe proximate the therapy probe for imaging the tissue altered with the therapy probe.
US07662098B2 Ultrasonic probe and ultrasonic device
An ultrasound probe comprises therapeutic transducers which include a plurality of arrayed first transducer elements and emit therapeutic ultrasounds to a subject, and diagnostic transducers which include a plurality of arrayed second transducer elements and emit diagnostic ultrasounds to the subject and receive the diagnostic ultrasounds, wherein the therapeutic transducers are stacked over the diagnostic transducers.
US07662093B2 Reduced size imaging device
A reduced diameter in vivo imaging device, such as a swallowable imaging capsule. The imaging device includes a first circuit board configured for accommodating at least an image sensor, and a second circuit board, which is in electrical communication with the first circuit board and which extends substantially perpendicularly from the bottom surface of the first circuit board.
US07662092B2 Endoscope device with electrically actuated bending
An electric bending endoscope according to the present invention includes a bending portion arranged to an inserting portion, a bending driving mechanism which electrically bends the bending portion, an operation input member which instructs an operation to the bending driving mechanism so that the bending driving mechanism bends the bending portion, and a bending angle holding mechanism which holds the bending angle of the bending portion.
US07662088B2 Adult sexual novelty device for those physically challenged
An adult sexual novelty device for those physically challenged which comprises a handle. A first stimulating component is provided. A mechanism is for attaching the first stimulating component at a right angle and in an adjustable manner near to a first end of the handle for insertion into an orifice of a person. A second stimulating component is also provided. Another mechanism is for attaching the second stimulating component at a right angle and in an adjustable manner near to a second end of said handle for insertion into an orifice of a person. The first stimulating component and the second stimulating component are in a parallel relationship to each other, to be used as prescribed by a physician, therapist and persons having special expert professional knowledge in the field.
US07662087B2 Gastric ring for treatment of obesity
This gastric ring (1) comprises: a band (3) which is able to surround the wall of the stomach, and connection means (4, 40, 51, 54) with which this band can be maintained in the form of a ring. According to the invention, the band (3) is made of a bioabsorbable material.
US07662086B2 Detection and/or monitoring of diastolic heart failure
In an implantable medical device for detecting and/or monitoring the progression of diastolic heart failure (DHF), and a corresponding method, a parameter is measured that is indicative of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and a variable is also measured that is indicative of the workload of the patient, and a relation is determined between LVEF and the workload, and DHF is detected and/or the progression of DHF is monitored, dependent on this relation.
US07662084B2 Blood pump actuator and a blood pump system thereof
A blood pump actuator to generate a driving force for driving a blood pump is disclosed. The blood pump actuator includes: a motor unit having a stator and a rotor, and rotating to generate a rotating force; a cam unit to convert the rotating motion of the motor unit into a rectilinear reciprocating motion; and a bellows unit having a bellows, which is expandable and contractible and contains a fluid therein, and an upper bellows plate and a lower bellows plate respectively attached to the upper and lower ends of the bellows, wherein the lower bellows plate moves upwards and downwards in a vertical direction according to the rectilinear reciprocating motion of the cam unit engaging with the lower bellows plate, and the bellows repeatedly expands and contracts according to the vertical movement of the lower bellows plate.
US07662081B2 Apparatus, composition, and methods to remediate an acid and/or liquid spill
A method to remediate a release of one or more acidic materials, by supplying a powder composition comprising a polyacrylamide, and disposing that powder onto a liquid spill comprising one or more acidic materials.
US07662077B1 Ab/back bench system
A platform has upper and lower surfaces with upper, lower and side edges. A primary support bar has upper and lower ends. The primary support has a linear major extent and an arcuate minor extent. A cylindrical rear cross bar is coupled to the minor extent. A secondary support bar has upper and lower ends. A cylindrical front cross bar is coupled to the secondary support bar adjacent to the platform. A hinge has an axis of rotation coupling the secondary support bar to the primary support bar. A supplemental support bar has upper and lower ends. The lower end is slidably received in the secondary support bar. Knee cylinders extends laterally with respect to the supplemental support bar adjacent to its upper end. A pair of instep cylinders is provided. A bar rotatably receives the instep cylinders. A foot hinge pivotably couples the small bar to the secondary support bar.
US07662076B1 Exercising machine
An exercising machine includes a front foot member, a rear foot member, an upright mounted on the front foot member to support a handlebar, two sliding tubes connected in parallel between the upright and the rear foot member, two slide members respectively coupled to the sliding tubes by a respective set of sliding wheels to hold a respective footplate for movement along the slide members, two elastic pull straps respectively inserted through the sliding tubes and connected between the upright and the slide members, and two tension adjusters for adjusting the tension of the elastic pull strap.
US07662075B2 Squat machine for exercising
The squat machine of the present invention includes a base having opposite sides, a stationary foot plate fixed on the base, a pair of frames each pivotally mounted to respective sides of the base, and a back rest pivotally mounted to the frames so that the frames and back rests are moveable between an initial squat position and an extended position. The back rest is oriented at approximately a 45°-60° angle in the squat position and moves toward a substantially horizontal orientation in the extended position. In use, with proportional foot platement on the foot plate, the user's knees remain behind their toes throughout full range of motion through the hips during movement of the back rest so as to minimize risk of knee shear. The orientation of the back rest minimizes risk of spinal compression during use of the machine.
US07662071B2 Verticle exercise bicycle
A vertical exercise apparatus having overhead and waist high support rails capable of supporting the users body weight for use in conditioning upper body and lower body muscle groups. A kit having overhead and waist high support bars with attachment clamps that attach to a conventional exercise bike so as to convert the conventional exercise bike into a vertical exercise apparatus for use in conditioning upper body and lower body muscle groups.
US07662070B1 Recumbent bicycle for disabled users
A recumbent bicycle for use by disabled users. The bicycle includes a seat unit that is adjustable in both the horizontal direction and in the vertical direction as well as a pedal unit that has a motor for controlling both the time and rotational speed of pedals. Straps are located to hold the user in the seat unit. The pedals are oversized with respect to the user's feet and have a heel-engaging ledge as well as straps to hold the user's feet on the pedals.
US07662069B2 Ellipical exercise apparatus with flexible unitary force imparting member
An exercise apparatus has a linkage assembly which links rotation of a crank to generally elliptical movement of a force receiving member. The linkage assembly includes a flexible drawbar interconnected between the crank and frame of the exercise apparatus.
US07662067B2 Exercise apparatus
An exercise apparatus comprises at least one upright joined to a cross bar provided with a limb support means. The limb support comprises an upright connecting cross bar of such a length that the cross bar is spaced from the floor sufficiently such that, in use, the legs of the user can rest on the cross bar when the user is positioned beneath the cross bar. The cross bar also being sufficiently spaced from the floor such that, in use, the limb support comprises a handgrip to enable a user to push down on the exercise apparatus so that the exercise apparatus supports at least some of the user's weight. The limb support comprises two outer concave regions that are relatively spaced along the longitudinal axis of the cross bar. The cross bar is provided with a third inner concave region in between the two outer concave regions.
US07662066B2 Facial and neck muscle exerciser
The present invention is a way to exercise the face and neck by choosing a resistance strength by a user by locating a at least one dot on a tension adjuster barrel or lining up at least two orifices. The user will place end cups of the face and neck exercise device securely into both corners of an open mouth of the user. The user will press upper and lower lips smoothly over teeth of the user and attempt to close a mouth of the user.
US07662065B1 Method and apparatus to provide daily goals in accordance with historical data
A method and apparatus for identifying a raw target exercise level for a user and applying a goal setting algorithm to adjust the raw target exercise level for the user, the adjustment made in accordance with analysis of the user's data, and displaying an adjusted target exercise level to the user, in order to achieve the raw target exercise level for the user.
US07662060B2 Resiliently loaded side gears in a differential mechanism
A differential mechanism includes annular wave springs, each spring located between the back of a side gear and the inner surface of a differential casing. The spring is formed with waves that extend around the spring's circumference and radially across its width, each wave having an amplitude formed of angularly spaced peaks and valleys spaced angularly and located between the peaks. When the mechanism transmits torque, each spring is compressed by a thrust force at the mating teeth of the pinion and side gears, thereby producing a spring force that urges the side gears toward the pinions.
US07662053B1 Ball returning backstop
A ball returning backstop assembly includes a backstop that collects a thrown ball and a ball return assembly that returns the collected ball. The ball return assembly includes a housing that supports a linkage for propelling the collected ball and a motor for driving the linkage. The housing includes a tube that receives the collected ball, with the linkage having a piston that is slidable within the tube to propel the ball out of the tube. The motor is electrically connected to switches that control when the motor drives the linkage. One switch being configured to turn the motor on when the collected ball is ready to be returned and the other switch being configured to turn the motor off after the ball is propelled out of the tube.
US07662047B2 Information processor having input system using stroboscope
A stroboscope is utilized as an input device of a golf game system (10), for example. The golf game system includes a game machine (12) as an information processing apparatus and a golf-club-shaped input device (14), and within a housing of the game machine, an imaging unit (28) is housed, and the imaging unit is provided with an image sensor (40) and an infrared-LED. By utilizing the infrared-LED, an infrared ray is intermittently emitted to a predetermined range of an upper portion of the imaging unit. Accordingly, the image sensor intermittently images a reflective body provided in the golf-club-shaped input device moving within the range. Such the stroboscope image processing of the reflective body enables calculation of a velocity, and so on as an input of the game machine.
US07662042B2 Adjustable video game cockpit
An adjustable video game cockpit that facilitates a number of independent adjustments to accommodate users of all sizes. The video game cockpit may include a video monitor stand and a universal video game console mount. The inclusion of the video monitor stand and universal video game console permit the cockpit to operate as a single gaming unit. The video game cockpit collapses down to a low profile for convenient relocation and storage.
US07662038B2 Multi-matrix lottery
The invention is a system and method for hosting a multi-matrix game where a player makes selection from two matrices and the winning numbers are also drawn from these two matrices. Matches are allowed between the player's selection from one matrix and the winning numbers selected from a different matrix.
US07662037B2 Roof ridge vent
A roof ridge vent is formed with separation lines parallel with its outer edges which permit separation of the outer edge portions of the structure. In its original configuration, the roof vent structure may be used with wide cap shingles. Removal of the outer edge portions permits the ridge vent to be used in connection with narrower cap shingles.
US07662036B2 3-cone diffuser
3-Cone Diffuser including a central cone (1), an intermediate cone (2) and outer cone or outer frame (3) placed one above the other in a spaced apart relationships having same vertical axis (14). The central cone (1) at the back is provided with bracket (8) spot welded or brazed or rivetted directly or via an intermediate plate to the central cone to hold the centre cone which is fixed on the intermediate cone with the central opening (15) having outwardly projected flanges (16) having holes (17) to accommodate the front (18) and back (19) support of the bracket. The back support is provided with springs (9) for easy removal of the bracket, thereby enabling dismantling the central cone easily. The intermediate cone (2) on its outer flanges of the central opening (15), provided with pipe/rod (6) with spring (7) welded or brazed so as to fix the intermediate cone on the brackets (5) provided in the inner part of the outer cone enabling dismantling the intermediate cone by a slight pressing of the biasing spring (7). The outer cone (3) has a central inlet (20) with flanged portion outwardly directed (4) to connect with the ducting or damper. The inlet is adjustable as per the requirement of the ducting and the central cone is further provided with a hole (10) to adjust the aperture of the damper.
US07662032B1 Portion cutter
An apparatus for producing selectively sized multiple portions of meat from a larger piece of meat. A plurality of product carriers having open-top recesses are mounted on a conveyor for travel along a path. At least two transverse sets of parallel slots are provided in each carrier. Each product carrier is moved through a pair of cutting stations having a number of spaced knife edges extending downwardly into a passage that receive the product carriers. The blades are removably mounted to removable knife blocks. The product carrier is rotated via engagement between a rotation gear on the carrier and a rotation bracket along the path of travel. In this manner, a plurality of laterally spaced cuts are made in two directions through the larger piece of meat to produce a multiplicity of smaller portions having a similar size, shape and weight.
US07662031B1 Turkey breast defatter
An automated poultry defatting apparatus which includes a housing having a product feed inlet and discharge outlet and housing a conveyor aligned to engage the upper surface of a piece of poultry product entering the feed inlet. The apparatus is provided with upper and lower peeling members for engaging the upper and lower surfaces of the poultry product passing between the conveyor and the peeling members. The peeling members have a plurality of grooved rollers that rotate in a cooperative manner to pinch and pull fat off the product while leaving the underlying muscle intact. The conveyor is pivotably mounted to the housing to permit automatic adjustment to a range of sizes of poultry product while maintaining a controlled downward force against the product to maintain firm engagement with the peeling members.
US07662027B2 Rotor with wear-resistant core for a power abrading or polishing tool
A power driven abrading or polishing tool is provided that includes a motor having a rotor; a carrier part having a shaft and a key extending from the shaft; and an abrading or polishing head attached to the carrier part. The rotor includes an outer body of a first material and a core of a second material having a resistance to wear greater than the first material. The core includes an inner passage with a keyway which receives the key on the shaft of the carrier part such that a rotation of the rotor is transmitted to the carrier part and the head.
US07662023B2 Double side wafer grinder and methods for assessing workpiece nanotopology
A double side grinder comprises a pair of grinding wheels and a pair of hydrostatic pads operable to hold a flat workpiece (e.g., semiconductor wafer) so that part of the workpiece is positioned between the grinding wheels and part of the workpiece is positioned between the hydrostatic pads. At least one sensor measures a distance between the workpiece and the respective sensor for assessing nanotopology of the workpiece. In a method of the invention, a distance to the workpiece is measured during grinding and used to assess nanotopology of the workpiece. For instance, a finite element structural analysis of the workpiece can be performed using sensor data to derive at least one boundary condition. The nanotopology assessment can begin before the workpiece is removed from the grinder, providing rapid nanotopology feedback. A spatial filter can be used to predict the likely nanotopology of the workpiece after further processing.
US07662021B2 Lapping plate texture for increased control over actual lapping force
A slider lapping texture for implementation in a lapping environment. The slider lapping texture includes a lapping texture structure for utilization in a lapping process performed on a slider. The structure also includes a first surface having a base elevation. The structure further includes a second surface at an elevation higher than the base elevation. The second surface is for lapping the slider. The structure additionally includes an opening for expelling residue associated with a lapping process. The slider lapping texture is configured to generate an attractive force when the slider is motioned thereupon in a substantially unidirectional manner.
US07662017B2 Toy vehicle
A toy vehicle comprises a lift mechanism which allows the toy vehicle to be lifted from a support surface in a lifting motion and roll end over end over end. The lift mechanism includes a lift arm pivotally mounted to a housing of the toy vehicle. A lift arm actuating motor is coupled to a lift arm drive screw that is in threaded engagement with a lift arm drive nut. A strut is coupled between the drive nut and the lift arm. In operation, the lift arm actuating motor drives the lift arm drive screw and causes the lift arm drive nut to drive the strut and move the lift arm into an extended position, causing the lift arm to engage a support surface to lift the toy vehicle. In the extended position, the toy vehicle is sufficiently rounded to permit the vehicle to roll end over end over end.
US07662015B2 Interactive toy unicorn
An interactive toy unicorn is disclosed, where the unicorn can emit sounds and flap its wings. Pressing a button on the unicorn's head, where this button also doubles as the unicorn's horn, will trigger this functionality. Alternatively, the unicorn will emit sound and flap its wings if a magnet is placed over a magnetic switch located in the nose of the unicorn. This magnet can be placed inside of a toy wand, to give a magical effect to the toy unicorn. Lights can be placed inside the wings and light up when the wings flap.
US07662014B2 Joining system for polyhedric modules
A joint system for joining polyhedric facet elements together. Polyhedrons have a plurality of facets. The polyhedric facet elements have facet planes that are generally congruent with the facets of the polyhedrons in which they are found. Various facet elements occupy angular relationships such that they can be joined in rigid stable joints by means of key elements where the planes of the key elements extend generally perpendicular to the planes of each of the facet elements. The joint system is suitable for inter-polyhedron joint systems where the joints include four joint elements, three of which are in the respective polyhedrons that are to be joined, and the fourth is a key element perpendicularly disposed between the other three joint elements. The joint system is likewise suitable for intra-polyhedron joint systems where there are three joint elements, two of which are in the polyhedron (in-polyhedron) and the other is a key element that extends in perpendicular relationship inter-facet between the two in-polyhedron facet elements. The intra-polyhedron embodiment of the joint system is particularly well suited to permitting polyhedron structures to be formed with alternating open and closed facets for aesthetic, structural, and other utilitarian purposes.
US07662008B2 Method of assembling displays on substrates
Various embodiments of methods and systems for designing and constructing displays from multiple light-modulating elements are disclosed. Display elements having different light-modulating and self-assembling characteristics may be used during display assembly and operation.
US07662006B2 Shaped inflatable water sports board
A shaped inflatable water sports board is presented. The inflatable water sports board includes an airtight elongated housing having a predetermined shape. An internal structure is contained within the housing for substantially maintaining the predetermined shape when the board is inflated. An inflation valve is provided for inflating the board where when the board is inflated the board is sufficiently rigid to maintain the predetermined shape under the weight of an adult.
US07662005B2 Outboard motor with reverse shift
An outboard motor for small watercraft, such as a pleasure boat, has a capability of changing between a forward shift position and a reverse shift position by causing a lower part of the unit to rotate in small increments and move along an arc formed by a ratchet plate secured above the propeller assembly.
US07662004B1 Human-powered flapping hydrofoil craft
A pair of foils are pivotably coupled to a nacelle. The nacelle is pivotably coupled to a mast extending down from to a frame and below a water surface. A push rod oscillates, causing the nacelle to experience a heaving motion, in turn causing the foils to flap up and down. The push rod is driven by a power plant such as a human rider. Angles of attack for the foils are actively controlled to optimize lift and propulsion forces provided by the foils to cause the water craft to move over the water. A steering fin is also provided for heading control of the water craft. A control system for separate angles of attack for the foil sends appropriate information to servo motors which cause the foils to rotate relative to the nacelle to achieve optimal angles of attack relative to the particular position of the nacelle at any given moment.
US07662002B2 Carbon fiber tow termination and method for making
Discrete portions of a carbon fiber tow, selected from a group of tows, ranging in number of fibers from about 1,000 to about 150,000, and terminated by discrete contact portions of a metal conductor within a non-metallic termination assembly formed by the joinder of a cradle and a cap defining opposing parallel clamping surfaces receiving the tow portions and the contact portions in crossing engagement therebetween. Opposing energy directors on the cradle and cap serve as temporary guide rails for positioning the carbon fiber portions before and during assembly. Meltdown of the energy directors during a pressure and ultrasonic welding cycle enable self-leveling of the carbon fiber portions whereby uniform distribution of carbon fiber over the entire cross section of each of the carbon fiber portions of the assembly may be attained. The clamping surfaces remain intact after welding and retain clamping integrity.
US07661993B2 Electronic device and receptacle connector thereof
A receptacle connector is provided for connection with a plug having two hooks. The receptacle connector includes a first tongue segment, a second tongue segment, and a housing forming an opening and two holes. The first and second tongue segments are disposed in the housing and opposite to each other. The first tongue segment includes a main body, a plurality of first contacts and two stoppers, wherein the two stoppers are located at opposite sides of the contacts and fixed to the main body. When the plug is inserted into the housing through the opening with a normal posture, the hooks are engaged in the holes. When the plug is wrongly inserted into the housing with an inverted posture (upside down), the stoppers obstruct the hooks to prevent insertion of the plug.
US07661990B1 Electrical connector
An electrical connector includes a dielectric housing, a plurality of terminals and a shield. The dielectric housing defines a plurality of terminal grooves therein for receiving the terminals. At least one recess is formed in an outer surface of the dielectric housing. The shield has a plurality of sidewalls to define a receiving space therebetween for receiving the dielectric housing therein. At least one of the sidewalls is punched inward at a portion corresponding to the recess of the dielectric housing to form a retaining portion restricted in the recess after the dielectric housing is mounted in the receiving space. The retaining portion is restricted in the recess for fixing the dielectric housing inside the shield. The depth of the recess and the retaining portion restricted in the recess is not limited by the depth of the material of the shield. The dielectric housing is fixed in the shield firmly.
US07661986B2 Connector
First terminal fitting accommodating chambers (61A) are arranged in a width direction in a housing (41) of a connector (40) for receiving first terminal fittings (42). A second terminal fitting accommodating chamber (61B) for receiving a second terminal fitting (42) is adjacent the first terminal fitting accommodating chambers (61A) in a height direction and between the first terminal fitting accommodating chambers (61A) in the width direction. First lances (64A) are in the first terminal fitting accommodating chambers (61A) for engaging the inserted terminal fittings (42) and are deformable into first deformation spaces (65A) lateral to the second terminal fitting accommodating chamber (61B). A second lance (64B) is in the second terminal fitting accommodating chamber (61B) for engaging the second terminal fitting (42) and is deformable into a second deformation space (65B) between the first terminal fitting accommodating chambers (61A).
US07661981B2 Tamper evident connector system
An electrical assembly is disclosed that provides evidence of tampering. The assembly includes a plug housing with a seal cover attached thereto. A wire dress cover is attached over the seal cover, and a locking insert is placed through the wire dress cover and is held in place by a serialized lock-wire. The locking insert overlies a jack screw, which prevents the disconnection of the plug housing or removal of a wire cover without first removing the locking insert or lock-wire.
US07661977B2 Snap-lock connector
An end cap may include an end cap body that is tubular in shape, an end cap face provided at a first end of the end cap body, a plurality of end cap terminals provided on the end cap face, and a clip notch provided on an exterior side of the end cap body. The second end of the end cap body may be open and structured to receive the lamp therein. A socket may include a socket body that is generally tubular in shape, a socket face provided at a first end of the socket body, a receiving wall extending from an outer periphery of the socket face and extending in a direction away from the socket body, a plurality of socket terminals provided on the socket, and a resilient clip provided on an inner side of the receiving wall.
US07661973B2 Card edge connector positioning apparatus
A card edge connector positioning apparatus has a first retaining trough, a second retaining trough and a support member. The first retaining trough is closer to a distal end of the positioning apparatus than the second retaining trough. The support member has a first edge and a second edge at two opposite sides. The first edge is wedged in the first retaining trough to form a movement fulcrum. The second edge is held in the second retaining trough to form a gap greater than that of the first edge in the first retaining trough. Thus the second edge has a greater displacement in the second retaining trough than that of the first edge in the first retaining trough. Thereby a displacement space for installation tolerance is formed for the support member.
US07661969B2 Lever fitting connector
A lever fitting connector includes: a connector having a housing; a lever pivotally mounted on the housing and rotated to connect/disconnect the connector to/from a mating connector; a center portion provided on the lever to serve as a pivot of the lever; a center supporting portion provided on an outer surface of the housing at a center along a direction perpendicular to a connecting direction of the connector toward the mating connector so as to pivotally support the center portion; a pair of expanding-prevention portions symmetrically provided with respect to a virtual line parallel to the connecting direction of the connector through the center supporting portion so that the lever is prevented from expanding to outside of the housing.
US07661965B2 Surface mounting lug terminal and method for mounting the same
A surface mounting lug terminal formed of a metallic plate having terminal leads and positioning projections can readily be positioned on a printed board with high precision by fitting the positioning projections into positioning cutouts formed in the printed board. The terminal leads of the surface mounting lug terminal can easily be soldered to land patterns on the printed board to secure the surface mounting lug terminal onto the printed board irrespective of the number of terminal leads. The surface mounting lug terminal can be reduced in size, thus to contribute miniaturization of electronic circuits.
US07661962B2 Socket for electric component
A socket for an electric component may have a socket main body, a plurality of contact pins disposed within the socket main body, a socket cover, a slide plate disposed inside the socket main body to be movable up and down, and drive levers which are provided between the socket main body and the bottom face of the socket cover. The drive levers press both end portions of two opposing sides of the slide plate by a down-movement-operation of the socket cover to lower the slide plate. The socket may also include sub-levers provided between the socket main body and the bottom face of the socket cover for pressing one or plural positions of other opposing two sides of the slide plate, which oppose to each other in a direction perpendicular to the two opposing sides pressed by the drive levers to lower the slide plate.
US07661961B2 Electrical connection guide assembly for break-apart personal mobility vehicle
A personal mobility vehicle includes a first vehicle unit and a second vehicle unit. A connection assembly, for electrically coupling a first electrical plug-in unit fixedly mounted to the first vehicle unit and a second electrical plug-in unit fixedly mounted to the second vehicle unit, includes a guide disposed on the second vehicle unit intermediate the first electrical plug-in unit and the second electrical plug-in unit. The first electrical plug-in unit has a first plurality of electrical wires and has an outer configuration. The second electrical plug-in unit has a second plurality of electrical wires. The guide has an aperture sized to accept the outer configuration of the first electrical plug-in unit.
US07661959B2 Interior design system and method
An interior design system of the present disclosure can comprise a user interface configured to display a plurality of interior design components. The system may further comprise logic configured to receive a user selection of one of the components and display the selected component in the user interface. The logic may further be configured to receive a plurality of user inputs, via the user interface, the inputs related to characteristics of the selected component.
US07661957B2 Method for reversible fixing of a tool to an implantable element and device for carrying out such a fixing method
A method for reversible fixing of a tool to an implantable element, when fitting of a dental prosthesis is performed, comprises, in a first step, reversible fixing of a hollow intermediate connecting part onto an external complementary part of the tool. In a second step, the method consists in placing the tool equipped with the intermediate connecting part, on the end of the implantable element until the intermediate connecting part clips onto an external complementary part of the implantable element. The hollow intermediate connecting part is preferably fixed by clipping or screwing onto the external complementary part of the tool.
US07661952B2 Hot runner device and injection molding machine
The present invention enables one hot runner device to be shared between a plurality of molds whose resin inlets are disposed at different positions.This hot runner device discharges supplied molten material to a resin inlet 18b of a mold 18. A hot runner body 42 comprises an inlet opening into which the molten material is supplied, an outlet opening from which the molten material is discharged, and a flow passage. The inlet opening is formed at one end, and the outlet opening is formed at the other end. The flow passage connects the inlet opening and the outlet opening. The hot runner body 42 is driven and moved by a drive mechanism 56 so that the outlet opening 52 can make contact with the resin inlet 18b of each of a plurality of molds whose resin inlets 18b are disposed at different positions. Accordingly, the hot runner device can be commonly used for the plurality of molds whose resin inlets are disposed at different positions.
US07661950B2 Device for separating molds
A mold separating device includes a base with a driven member and a driving member rotating on the base. The driven member has a first through hole in it, and the base has a second through hole in it. The through holes receive a first mold and a second mold. The first through hole is coaxial to the second through hole. A cavity is defined in an inner wall of the driven member. An ejector is elastically fixed in the cavity and can be expelled from the cavity. A separator is disposed on a front portion of the ejector. A rotatable shaft is fixed in the driving member.
US07661945B2 Apparatus for extruding and blow molding multicolored plastic articles
Cylindrical extrusions having multiple colors, capable of serving as parisons for subsequent blow molding operation, are formed in an apparatus in which plastics of each color to be incorporated in the finished product are fed by separate extruders to an extruding head having a stack of cylindrical spools each formed with a number of apertures around their periphery. The apertures in each spool are interleaved with corresponding apertures in the other spool or spools. The interiors of the apertures are fed into a conduit which extends coaxially with the axes of each of the spools so that the outputted plastic has multicolored stripes along its length. In an embodiment in which the spool is rotated in timed relation to the feed from the extruders, the output is twisted along the central axis to form a “barber pole” stripe arrangement. In an alternate embodiment a programming plate is disposed beneath the output. The plate has apertures which align with certain of the feeds from the spool and block others, and the plate may be rotated between a number of alternating positions to provide extrusions with horizontal stripes or checkerboard patterns. By blow molding the resulting parisons, multicolored containers with interesting patterns may be produced.
US07661944B2 Tire vulcanizing device
A tire vulcanizer is provided in which upper and lower clamp rings can be positioned at a shaping position easily and smoothly with a simple engagement structure. The tier vulcanizer with a vulcanizer body (A) and a shaping unit (B) is configured that the upper and lower clamp rings (5, 6) are connected by an extendable shaft (5a) having an inner shaft (51) and an outer tubular shaft (61) so that the inner shaft is slidably fitted into an inside of the outer tubular shaft. A latch member (53) on the inner shaft is engaged with a step portion (63) on an inner surface of the outer tubular shaft, thereby positioning the upper and lower clamp rings at the shaping position.
US07661939B2 Drive shaft for a compressor
A compressor drive shaft may include a first bearing portion, a second bearing portion, and an intermediate portion disposed therebetween. The intermediate portion may include a continuous, nonlinear, central axis in an unloaded state.
US07661938B2 Linking element for connecting the two volutes of a scroll compressor
The invention concerns an element comprising an annular body (9) provided with two series of pins (10, 12) projecting from at least one side of the body (9), the pins (10) of a first series being engaged in grooves (7) of the fixed volute (3) and the pins (12) of a second series being engaged in grooves (8) of the mobile volute (4), to provide an orbital movement of the mobile volute (4) relative to the fixed volute (3), the contact surfaces of the pins (10, 12) of a common series with the walls of the grooves of the corresponding volute being parallel and the contact surfaces of the pins (10, 12) belonging to two series of pins being perpendicular. The annular body (9) is made of a first metal with a specific density and the pins are made of a second metal having a lower density than that of the first metal.
US07661937B2 Axial piston machine and a control plate for an axial piston engine
The invention relates to a control plate (20) for an axial piston engine (1). The inventive control plate (20) comprises a through hole (38) and a radial internal edge of said control plate (20) embodied in the form of a centering surface (29) which centers the control plate (20) to a centering body (7) arranged on the side of a bearing surface. Said centering surface (29) consists of several partial surfaces (29.1, 29.2, 29.3) formed on segments (43.1, 43.2, 43.3) of the internal edge (47) of the control plate (20) radially extending towards the internal space of said through hole (38). The segments (43.1, 43.2, 43.3) are divided by cuts (36.1, 36.2, 36.3).
US07661931B1 Bladed rotor with shear pin attachment
A fan type compressor includes a rotor disk with a plurality of root insertion openings to receive a blade. Each insertion opening includes two shear pin slots on the sides, and the blade includes a root portion with shear pin slots formed on the pressure side and the suction side of the root. The blade is inserted into the insertion opening such that the slots are aligned, and a shear pin is inserted into both slots to secure the blade within the rotor disk. The shear pin slots are formed below the airfoil curvature and follow the airfoil curvature at the root portion. The shear pins are flexible enough to bend during insertion into the slots, and are strong enough to prevent from shearing off during rotor disk operation. The blade attachment structure provides for reduction of the dead weight from the attachment structure in order to simulate an IBR while providing for easy removal and replacement of a damaged blade.
US07661928B2 Device for rotationally locking a clamping nut for a component on a shaft, clamping nut and shaft comprising it, and aircraft engine equipped therewith
The device for rotationally locking a clamping nut for a component on an end of a hollow shaft, said clamping nut being screwed inside said shaft and having a free end, comprising: at least one shaft cutout on the radially inner periphery of said end of the shaft, at least one nut cutout on the radially outer periphery of an end of said clamping nut, and a locking plug intended to be placed in a locking hole formed by bringing a shaft cutout into coincidence with a nut cutout.
US07661926B2 Turbomachine blade
A turbomachine blade presenting a free end having an end wall from which there projects a rim, the rim including a first fraction starting from the trailing edge of the blade and running along the suction side of the blade to a connection zone, and a second fraction of closed outline connected to the first fraction at the region of the connection zone. The second fraction extends the first fraction, running along the suction side of the blade, along the leading edge of the blade, and then returning to the connection zone.
US07661923B2 Casing, equipment unit and fan units provided with the casing, and electronic equipment provided with the fan units
The invention provides a casing, equipment unit, fan unit and electronic equipment capable of easily implementing assembling, disassembling, attaching and so forth without using fixture components, tools, and so forth. The structure is made up of casing sections, hinge parts and a coupling part. The casing sections are made up of not less than two sections and enclosing a hosing space, and members for securing the housing space thereby. The hinge parts are members coupled with the casing sections and supporting each casing section. That is, not less than two casing sections couple the edge parts of each casing section, and bendably support each casing section. The coupling part is a member for restraining the casing sections positionally and maintaining and fixing the housing space. That is, the coupling parts detachably couple each casing section to hold the housing space on each casing section.
US07661918B2 Binding machine and method
A machine for binding a sheath of punched sheets together by means of a spine binder includes a closing assembly for closing the spine binder over the sheath of punched sheets. The closing assembly includes a rail and a closing tool carried by and movable along the rail, and adapted to engage the spine binder for closing the spine binder over the sheath as the closing tool is moved along the rail.
US07661917B2 Three piece garage hook
In one aspect, a holder mountable to a friable substrate may include a self-drilling drywall fastener, a wall engaging base plate having an opening for receiving a fastener, and at least one leg extending from the base plate for holding an object. In another aspect, a holder may include a self-drilling drywall fastener having a drilling portion longer than a drywall thickness followed by a high-threaded portion, a wall engaging base plate, and at least one leg for holding an object. In still another aspect, a holder may include a self-drilling drywall fastener having a screw-like drilling portion longer than a drywall thickness followed by a high-threaded portion, a drywall engaging base plate having a recess for receiving a rotary driver and a pair of openings each capable of receiving a threaded drywall fastener and engaging threads thereof.
US07661914B2 Loosening-proof method used for a screw fastening unit and the device thereof
A loosening-proof screw fastening device, including at least one stop wheel on at least one of a plurality of contacting faces; the at least one stop wheel is rotatably assembled in a locating hole on said at least one contacting face with its stop tooth slightly protruded beyond the contacting face; upon application of a backward action force for loosening the fastening device a created torque will bring the at least one stop wheel into rotation and make a stop tooth of the at least one stop wheel protrude beyond the contacting face and penetrate into a surface closely opposed to the at least one contacting face for preventing the fastening device from loosening.
US07661908B1 Trench shield with adjustable vertical panels
A trench shoring or shielding unit, for securing the sidewalls of an earthen formation, trench or excavation, includes a plurality of adjustable, vertically arranged panels forming a protective wall. As a shielding unit, two opposing protective walls are spaced and attached by at least two spreader bars. Each adjustable panel has opposing top and bottom ends, a C-shaped channel traversing the panel's height, and opposing side edges that inter-engage with the side edges of adjacent panels. Further, each adjustable panel is attached to at least one of two or more whalers along an inner surface of the panel by a clamp-like fastener having a bolt passing through the whaler and into the C-shaped channel of the corresponding panel. The inter-engaging side edges are segmented, preferable concave and convex, so that adjacent adjustable panels inter-engage to resist lateral torque or twisting that may be caused by shifting or collapse of the excavation.
US07661907B2 Ground engineering method
A method of modifying geotechnically unsuitable soils at a site involving soil stabilization treatment and rolling dynamic compaction. A portion of the site is excavated to a predetermined depth x. Both the excavated site and the soil excavated therefrom are subjected to soils stabilization treatments before the treated excavated soils is backfilled in layers and subjected to both standard compaction and rolling dynamic compaction.
US07661906B2 Woodpile connector
A woodpile connector has a tubular body defined by an open-end lower portion and an open-end upper portion. The upper portion and the lower portion are fixedly connected, at their free ends, to a separating plate, which is secured between an inner surface and an outer surface of the tubular body. The open ends of the connector body have beveled edges to facilitate compression of the wood being forced into the connector body. By aligning the connector portions in relation to the pile sections, while forcing the connector portions into the ends of the adjoining pile sections, alignment of the pile sections is achieved even when the pile sections do not have evenly cut connecting surfaces.
US07661905B2 Suction pile installation method and suction pile for use in said method
Suction pile installation method comprising the steps of lowering a suction pile to the sea bed, while keeping a top end substantially closed providing openings in the suction pile near a lower end, the interior of the suction pile being in open fluid communication with the exterior via the openings, dropping the pile onto the sea bed, while allowing air to escape from the pile via said openings, and allowing the suction pile to penetrate into the sea bed driven substantially by its weight over such a distance that the openings become closed from the exterior, and pumping air from the suction pile for driving the pile further into the sea bed.
US07661903B1 Low-pressure dosing system for sewage disposal and associated methods
A drain field assembly includes a distribution pipe for receiving liquid effluent that has a plurality of holes through the wall. A plurality of generally cylindrical void pipes receive effluent from the distribution pipe, retaining the effluent for a time, and distributing the effluent to an area of soil. The void pipes are positioned in a trench atop one another so that the cylindrical axis of a bottom void pipe is substantially vertically aligned with the cylindrical axis of a top void pipe, and the cylindrical axis of a middle void pipe is offset from those of the bottom and top void pipes. A distribution pipe is positioned within the top void pipe. In some embodiments a second distribution pipe can be positioned atop the top void pipe. A protective soil-impervious, liquid-permeable sheeting is placed atop and beneath the assembly for protecting the holes pipes from intrusion by soil.
US07661899B2 Lever for a ring binder mechanism
A ring mechanism for retaining loose-leaf pages comprises a housing and ring members for holding loose-leaf pages that are moveable relative to the housing between an open and closed position. An actuation system moves the ring members and includes hinge plates pivotally mounted on the housing and a lever actuating pivoting movement of the hinge plates in at least one direction (e.g., moving the hinge plates and ring members to the open position). The lever is connected to a travel bar that moves lengthwise of the housing between a position blocking pivoting movement of the hinge plates and a position allowing pivoting movement of the hinge plates. At least one of the lever and the hinge plates deforms when the lever moves to delay pivoting movement of the hinge plates so that the lever may move the travel bar so that it does not block movement of the hinge plates.
US07661897B1 Lotion applicator
A unique apparatus for the application of lotions, balms and creams to a person's back area includes interchangeable applicators each having a removable connection through which lotions is introduced to the applicator. Soft, flexible tubing transmits the lotion throughout the interior of the applicator that, in turn, has a series of small apertures allowing the liquid-based material to be dispersed onto the applicator pad when gently squeezed. In use, a person pulls the pad back and forth across their back using the long straps attached to each end. It is also envisioned that the pad could be supported from a shower wall to allow the user to rub their back against it. One side is the applicator pad while the other side and side edges are coated with a waterproof sealant to keep the material from saturating the side that is not is use.
US07661892B2 Image-capturing device, light adjustment mechanism, and light control blade
An image-capturing device includes a lens barrel having therein an optical image-capturing system; a light control blade which opens and closes an optical path of the optical image-capturing system so as to control the amount of light entering the system; and a base body having a transmission hole through which the optical path extends and supporting the light control blade in a movable manner. The light control blade includes a multilayer laminate including a base material composed of a film and serving as a substrate, and at least a metallic layer disposed on the base material; and a light-blocking layer disposed on a first section of the multilayer laminate. A second section of the multilayer laminate not having the light-blocking layer disposed thereon defines a light adjustment filter for adjusting the amount of incident light. The first section having the light-blocking layer defines a light-blocking portion for blocking incident light.
US07661890B2 Imagine apparatus with rotatable lens barrel
An imaging apparatus with a rotatable lens barrel includes the following elements. An optical block includes a lens. An imaging block includes an imaging device. The lens barrel receives the respective blocks and includes a rotating truncated ball larger than a hemisphere of a virtual sphere formed by extending the curved surface of the truncated ball. A mount rotatably holds the lens barrel. The mount includes a support and a retainer. The support has a circular hole with a diameter smaller than that of the truncated ball and holds the ball such that the ball is fitted in the hole. The retainer has a circular opening with a diameter smaller than that of the truncated ball and holds the ball in the opening so as to prevent the lens barrel from coming out. At least part of the optical block is located within the virtual sphere.
US07661885B2 Ball bearing assembly for bicycle
A ball bearing assembly for a bicycle comprises a outer race, a ball cage, settled in the outer race, a cap, having a center hole and a ring portion extended axially from the periphery of the center hole, an inner race, with the inner surface thereof closely surrounding the outer surface of the ring portion, and a packing ring which is in an annular shape and having an annular flange around the bottom outer edge so that when the cap is put over the outer race to make the ball cage press upon the ball cage, the packing ring can be inserted into the center hole of the cap, and the flange is retained around the bottom of the ball cage. The disclosed ball bearing assembly is characterized by improved assembling accuracy and automatic center adjusting function.
US07661883B2 Sealing element for a rotatable part with a tractrix form
A sealing element for rotatable parts is provided by the invention. To achieve low and uniform wear, automatic reshaping of the sealing surfaces for advancing wear, low friction forces, and long service life, the sealing element has sealing surfaces (4) and sealing counter surfaces (5), whose sealing effect is provided by the interaction of a sealing element (3, 11) constructed as a tractrix body with a correspondingly shaped sealing counter element (6, 13, 14).
US07661879B2 Apparatus for detecting temperature using transistors
An apparatus for detecting a temperature using transistors includes a plurality of temperature detecting units that become selectively active according to predetermined temperature intervals; and a detection signal output unit that generates detection signals according to the signals transmitted by the plurality of temperature detecting units, and outputs the detection signals.
US07661872B2 Apparatus for mixing chemicals with a liquid carrier
An application for a device for mixing chemicals into a flow of a liquid includes a mixing chamber and an input port at a first end of the mixing chamber. The input port has an input connection for accepting a flow of the liquid and a plurality of input port channels. The input port channels direct the flow of the liquid from the input connection to the mixing chamber at an angle with respect to an inner wall of the mixing chamber. Located close to the input port is a chemical input orifice for accepting a chemical into the mixing chamber. Located at a distal end of the mixing chamber is an output port that has an output connection for discharging a mixture of the liquid and the chemical and a plurality of output port channels. The output port channels direct a flow of the mixture angularly with respect to the inner wall of the mixing chamber to the output connection.
US07661870B2 Field bendable line voltage track lighting system
A bendable line voltage track lighting system includes a track having a conductor subassembly and first and second bendable sheaths that engage the conductor subassembly. The conductor subassembly includes first and second insulators that receive first and second bus-bars, respectively, and a compression gasket for biasing the two insulators into engagement with guide grooves in the bendable sheaths. Power is fed to the track by power connectors that engage the bus-bars contained within the conductor subassembly. Light fixtures are powered by making electrical contact with the bus-bars of the conductor subassembly.
US07661863B2 Prism sheet including reflective elements with different curvature surfaces
A prism sheet, including a reflective surface having a first side formed by at least a small curvature surface and a surface different from the small curvature surface, and a second side formed by a planar surface.
US07661858B2 Quick connect/disconnect bicycle power pack
A quick connect/disconnect bicycle power pack includes a mounting device mounted on a bicycle and a spare power pack having a mounting portion adapted for quick attachment/detachment with the mounting device. The spare power pack is adapted to connect to and supply electricity to a plurality of electrically-powered accessories, such as a flashlight, a stop watch, and a loudspeaker.
US07661856B2 Vehicular lamp
A vehicular lamp 1 including a lamp chamber 7, which is formed with a lamp body 3 and a transparent front cover 5 attached to the front opening of the lamp body, and a lamp unit 13, which includes a reflector 9 and a light source 11 and is provided in the lamp chamber 7 so that the optical axis direction of the lamp unit is adjusted by a tilting movement adjustment mechanism 15, wherein a millimeter wave radar device 25 is attached to the lamp body, and a reflection mirror 31 that reflects, toward the front of the lamp, a millimeter wave signal 29 emitted by the millimeter wave radar device is attached to a supporting frame 21 which is a part of the tilting movement adjustment mechanism.
US07661852B2 Integrated LED bulb
Disclosed is an integrated LED bulb that utilizes LEDs and can be used as a standard replacement bulb for incandescent lights that operate on standard household current. One or more LEDs are disposed in a lens 102 that is capable of high optical transmission efficiencies. A base portion encapsulates a printed circuit board and connectors, as well as the LED pin leads to hold the package in a secure mounting. The lens can be molded directly to the base or can be removable. The base can be formed to fit standard threaded sockets or bayonet sockets.
US07661851B2 Decorative lamp and method of manufacture
The present invention relates to a decorative lamp comprising a source of light and a shade of a translucent or semi-opaque porcelain material and its manufacturing method. The lamp further includes at least one decorative element of a material of greater opaqueness than that of the porcelain shade located on an inside interior surface of the shade to block the passage of light to reveal its form when the source of light is turned-on and not being visible to the naked eye.
US07661850B2 Decoration plate
A decoration plate includes a transparent substrate; an opaque ink layer provided on a portion of the transparent substrate surface, so that the transparent substrate has a plurality of transparent regions and opaque regions; a deep color transparent ink layer provided on the transparent regions of the transparent substrate; and a multicolor transparent ink layer provided on the deep color transparent ink layer, the transmittance of the multicolor transparent ink layer regarding light being larger than that of the deep color transparent ink layer. Via this arrangement, after the light is transmitted via the transparent regions of the decoration plate, the transparent regions will exhibit different colors.
US07661847B2 Formed lighting fixture having a fibrous layer
An improved formed lighting fixture having a frame, a light source, a cover layer coupled to the frame, and a fibrous layer coupled to the cover layer, in which the frame is formed by gathering a plurality of rods and profiled in a specific contour, the light source is configured to provide light from inside the frame and out through the cover layer onto the fibrous layer. The fibrous layer is configured to provide decorative and functional aspects to the lighting fixture, including, in some embodiments, a contoured or fur-like appearance, or where the fibrous layer has light-diffusive properties, a dazzling glow effect when light from the light source is diffused.
US07661846B2 Fixing structure and backlight module using the same
A fixing structure and a backlight module using the same are provided. The fixing structure is used for fixing a circuit board. The circuit board with several openings has an upper surface and a lower surface. The fixing structure includes a back plate and several hooks. The back plate has a contact surface. These hooks are disposed on the contact surface. The hooks go through the openings so that the contact surface contacts the lower surface. The hooks move toward the walls of the openings and press against the upper surface so as to fix the circuit board onto the back plate.
US07661841B2 Illumination device and display device provided with the same
An illumination device has a blue light emitting element that emits blue light and a light guide member that guides blue light emitted from the blue light emitting element to a light exit surface of the light guide member. A first color conversion element includes a red phosphor that emits red light in response to excitation with the blue light. The first color conversion element is disposed on an optical path between the blue light emitting element and the light guide member. A second color conversion element is disposed on a light exit surface side of the light guide member and separated from the first color conversion element. The second color conversion element comprises a pair of non-permeable transparent substrates, a resin disposed between the non-permeable transparent substrates, and a green phosphor dispersed in the resin for emitting green light in response to excitation with the blue light.
US07661830B2 Lamp device and projector equipped with the same
Aspects of the invention can provide a lamp device that is capable of avoiding concentration of stresses in a sub-mirror fixing portion of an arc tube. The lamp device can include an arc tube provided with a bulb portion encapsulating inside a pair of electrodes, and a pair of sealing portions formed continuously from the bulb portion and sealing inside electrode axes having the electrodes at tip ends and conductor foils to bring the electrode axes into conduction, a main reflection mirror, to which the sealing portion is fixed, to reflect lights emitted from the arc tube toward an illuminated region, and a sub-mirror fixed to the sealing portion in such a manner that a reflection surface opposes the main reflection mirror with the bulb portion in between. The sub-mirror can be bonded with a bonding agent to a surface region of the sealing portion present in a direction moving away from the bulb portion in reference to a position corresponding to a termination of the electrode axis.
US07661829B2 Projection display apparatus
A projection display apparatus is provided which offers improved contrast while smoothly controlling the amount of light, with a simple structure and without deterioration of lifetime due to the heat of the light from a light source. This projection display apparatus includes a light valve, a light source for emitting light to the light valve, an integrator lens disposed on the optical path of the light propagating from the light source to the light valve, for making uniform the illuminance distribution of the light from the light source, and a shutter mechanism disposed on the light path, for controlling the amount of light that illuminates the light valve. The shutter mechanism has a pair of light-blocking members having cuts formed in their respective protruding sides to regulate the passage of light, and the pair of light-blocking members are moved straight to protrude/retract on the optical path, perpendicularly to the optical path from both sides of the optical path, so as to control the amount of the light according to the extent of their protrusion on the optical path.
US07661823B2 Prism structure and projector
A prism structure that includes: a plurality of liquid crystal devices each include a liquid crystal panel and a light emitting-side optical element, and generate an image light through modulation of any of a plurality of color lights in accordance with image information; and a cross dichroic prism that combines the image lights coming from the liquid crystal devices. In the prism structure, each of the liquid crystal devices further includes: a fixture member that is fixed to the cross dichroic prism; a retention member that keeps hold of the liquid crystal panel, and is fixed to the fixture member; and a light emitting-side optical element retention member that keeps hold of the light emitting-side optical element, and is rotation-adjustable about an illumination axis. The light emitting-side optical element retention member is rotation-adjusted about the illumination axis before fixation to the retention member.
US07661820B2 Ophthalmologic instrument
The present invention provides an ophthalmologic apparatus that can noninvasively measure the state of the lacrimal layer formed on the cornea surface and that can quantitatively measure the state of the lacrimal layer without utilizing a reflection image from the retina.The ophthalmologic apparatus according to the present invention comprises an optical projection system for projecting light of a specified pattern onto a cornea surface, and an imaging device for photographing a reflection image of the projected light from the cornea surface. An operating unit calculates the degree of distortion of the reflection image on the basis of the density value distribution of the image photographed by the imaging device. The operating unit can determine the state of the lacrimal layer using the calculated degree of distortion.
US07661818B2 Clip-on light apparatus
A clip-on light apparatus is provided having a polyaxial coupling joint between a light module and frame to permit the light module to be pivoted about a plurality of axes relative to the frame for directing light in a plurality of directions. The polyaxial coupling joint preferably permits pivoting of the light module about at least two orthogonal axes. In one form, the light module is mounted to a pivot shaft about which the module can be turned with the pivot shaft itself being pivoted along one of the two orthogonal pivot axes.
US07661810B2 Image recording apparatus and inkjet apparatus for double-side recording
The inkjet apparatus for double-side recording includes liquid ejection heads which are disposed on either side of a recording medium and face each other across the recording medium, the liquid ejection heads ejecting liquid onto recording surfaces of the recording medium; conveyance devices which hold the recording medium in such a manner that a normal of each of the recording surfaces is substantially horizontal, and convey the recording medium in a horizontal direction in such a manner that the recording surfaces face ejection surfaces of the liquid ejection heads; and end supporting devices which support an upper end and a lower end of the recording medium, as the conveyance devices convey the recording medium in a horizontal direction while holding the recording medium in such a manner that the normal of each of the recording surfaces is substantially horizontal.
US07661809B2 Method and apparatus for forming image
A method and apparatus for forming an image which can form a high-quality image on a great variety of print media regardless of the surface roughness or ink absorptivity of the print medium, without sacrificing the high degree of freedom of the ink jet printing system are provided. An ink jet printing section ejects ink to an intermediate transfer body to form an ink image on the intermediate transfer body. Before the ink image thus obtained is transferred to a print medium, an ink transfer adjuvant is applied to the print medium. Then, the ink image formed on the intermediate transfer body is transferred to the print medium to which the ink transfer adjuvant has been applied.
US07661808B2 Image recording method and image recording apparatus employing the same
Disclosed in an image recording method comprising the steps of ejecting a first water-based UV curable color ink onto a non-absorptive substrate to form a first color ink image on the non-absorptive substrate, exposing to ultraviolet rays the first color ink image to form a first UV cured color ink image, ejecting a second water-based UV curable color ink onto the first UV cured color ink image to form a second color ink image on the first UV cured color ink image, and exposing to ultraviolet rays the second color ink image to form a second UV cured color ink image, wherein a static contact angle of the second water-based UV curable color ink to the first UV cured color ink image is in the range of from 10 to 50°.
US07661805B2 Ink-jet printer
An ink-jet printer including: a buffer tank; an air-discharging valve device; and a valve opening-and-closing device. The ink-jet printer further includes an operating member which is arranged to be interposed between the air-discharging valve device and the valve opening-and-closing device. The valve opening-and-closing device operates the air-discharging valve device via the operating member, such that the air-discharging valve device is placed in a valve-open state and a valve-close state. The ink-jet printer is arranged to execute a first discharge operation in which the air separated from the ink in the buffer tank is discharged while placing the air-discharging valve device in the valve open state, and a second discharge operation in which an inside of the air-discharging valve device is exhausted to remove the ink remaining in the air-discharging valve device while placing the air-discharging valve device in the valve-close state.
US07661799B2 Recording apparatus and method for producing the same
A circuit element which ensures an operation of a driving IC chip and a recording element, is mounted between a power supply and the driving IC chip of a flexible flat cable. Since the circuit element is arranged so as to avoid a bending portion of the flexible flat cable, even in a case of mounting the circuit element near the driving IC chip, it is possible to prevent the circuit elements from being peeled off, and to let the driving IC chip and the heat sink make a close contact assuredly.
US07661797B2 Printhead of an inkjet printer having densely spaced nozzles
A printhead for an Inkjet Printer is disclosed. The printhead has a large number of nozzle assemblies. Each nozzle assembly has an inkjet nozzle having an actuator for ejecting an ink droplet from the inkjet nozzle when a resistive element of the actuator is heated by an electrical current, a drive transistor for providing an energy pulse to the resistive element of said actuator, and control logic for controlling said drive transistor. Nozzles are spaced from other nozzles ejecting ink of a different color by less than 400 microns.
US07661795B2 Inkjet nozzle device with static and movable nozzle portions
A nozzle device is provided for an inkjet printer. The nozzle device includes a support structure defining an ink inlet chamber connected to a source of ink. An elongate actuating arm is cantilevered relative to the support structure. A nozzle chamber structure defines a nozzle chamber for receiving ink from the ink inlet chamber. The nozzle chamber structure includes a static portion extending from the support structure and defines a nozzle opening through which ink in the nozzle chamber can be ejected. The nozzle chamber structure further includes a movable wall portion mounted to the actuating arm, between its ends, so that the actuating arm terminates in a free end within the nozzle chamber. Upon actuation of the actuating arm, the free end of the actuating arm moves within the nozzle chamber and ejects ink therein through the nozzle opening.
US07661794B2 Electrostatic actuator, droplet discharge head, method for driving droplet discharge head, and method for manufacturing electrostatic actuator
To provide an electrostatic actuator capable of attaining a large diaphragm displacement by low voltage drive. Furthermore, a droplet discharge head provided with this electrostatic actuator, a method for driving a droplet discharge head, and a method for manufacturing an electrostatic actuator are provided. A diaphragm, an individual electrode facing the diaphragm with a gap therebetween, while a voltage is applied between the diaphragm and the individual electrode, and an insulating film which is disposed on a surface of the diaphragm, the surface facing the individual electrode, are included, wherein the insulating film is converted to an electret.
US07661790B2 Liquid recovery containers and liquid ejection apparatus
First, second, and third ink absorbing bodies are accommodated in a container of a recovery reservoir in this order from the side corresponding to a bottom surface of the container, so that an introduction chamber is defined in the middle of a recovery space. A lid having a shutter plate and a communication hole is located over the third ink absorbing body. The upper side of the introduction chamber is covered by the shutter plate to suppress volatilization of solvent element of waste ink introduced into the introduction chamber. In addition, the communication hole is located in a portion of the upper surface of the third ink absorbing body, so that solvent element of ink absorbed by the third ink absorption body volatilizes.
US07661787B2 Printing method, computer-readable medium, printing apparatus, method of manufacturing printing apparatus, printing system, and correction pattern
Darkness correction is carried out effectively. A printing method is provided with the following steps: A step of, when a plurality of nozzles arranged in a predetermined direction for each of a plurality of colors of ink is moved in a movement direction intersecting with the predetermined direction while ejecting ink of the plurality of different colors, correcting a darkness of only a predetermined color, of the plurality of colors, for each dot row region so as to inhibit darkness non-uniformities between dot row regions that are formed on a medium by dot rows in the movement direction of the nozzles, and a step of performing printing by moving the plurality of nozzles while ejecting ink.
US07661785B2 Ink jet head driving method and apparatus
In an ink jet head driving method for applying a drive pulse to an actuator ACT to change capacities of a plurality of pressure chambers in which ink has been filled, ejecting an ink droplet from a nozzle formed in communication with the pressure chamber to print onto a printing medium, and moreover, controlling the number of ink droplets ejected according to the number of drive pulses to carry out gradation printing, a control is made such that, in the case where the number of ink droplets is small, a boost pulse Pb for amplifying a pressure vibration of the pressure chamber is applied prior to a drive pulse for ejecting a first ink droplet, and in the case where the number of ink droplets is large, applying of the boost pulse Pb is disabled.
US07661784B2 Methods and apparatus for control of a signal in a printing apparatus
A printing apparatus is provided that precisely control the transition of an electrical signal that causes a printing substance to be deposited. In particular, in some embodiments, a circuit is configured to control the application of a firing pulse to a printing element, and the printing element is configured to control the application of a printing substance. The circuit in this embodiment is configured to condition or control the transition of the firing pulse from the first state to the second state such that current through the printing element dissipates to zero over a period of tine that is neither too fast nor too slow.
US07661779B2 Printing and display device incorporating at least two printheads
A printer configured to receive documents to be printed from a computer system, the printer including an interface, and being configured to: receive, via the interface, input from a user indicative of a print command; send, from the printer to the c A printing and display device comprising: a flat panel display for displaying images from a computer; and a printer, the printer including at least two the printheads, the printheads being disposed on either side of a path through which print media is fed for printing, thereby enabling substantially simultaneous printing of both sides of the print media.
US07661772B2 Method and device for improving braking behavior
A method to improve the braking behavior of a vehicle is provided, in which it is not permitted to exceed a maximum allowable braking pressure difference between the braking pressures on the two wheels of one axle, and in which the maximum allowable braking pressure difference between the wheels of one axle is a function of at least one variable describing the vehicle dynamics. When an unstable behavior of the vehicle is recognized, the maximum allowable braking pressure difference between the wheels of the axle is maintained or reduced.
US07661771B2 Speed sensor fitting structure
When a vehicle speed sensor is provided as a separate unit, the vehicle sensor should be removed when a vehicle wheel is changed. A brake caliper is fitted to an upper stay and a lower stay formed at a lower part of the front fork supporting the front wheel. The sensor stay is fitted to the inside of the lower stay in the vicinity of the brake caliper. A sensor cover is fastened integrally in an overlapping manner to the outside of the sensor stay. A projection formed on the sensor cover overlaps with a fitting bolt of the brake caliper. Thus, it is not possible to remove the brake caliper without first removing the sensor cover. Further, a vehicle speed sensor is sandwiched by the sensor stay and the lower end of the sensor cover and the three members are fastened together.
US07661770B2 Pneumatic emergency brake assurance module
A pneumatic emergency brake assurance module comprises a high capacity transfer valve connected in a first position to the output of the variable load relay valve and in a second position connected to a source of emergency braking air pressure. A timing reservoir is in communication with the pilot port of the high capacity transfer valve. A check valve/choke circuit provides parallel connections between a double check valve and the output of the variable load relay valve such that flow from the variable load relay valve passes through a charging choke and opposite flow to the variable load relay valves passes through a dissipation choke.
US07661768B2 Integral brake system having antilock braking for a motorcycle
In an integral brake system having antilock braking and including at least one brake actuating element, one front wheel brake, and one rear wheel brake, the antilock braking may optionally be selectively deactivated for the front wheel brake.
US07661764B2 Vehicle seat assembly having a hardness gradient via “A” surface intrusions and/or protrusions
A vehicle seat assembly comprising a cushion having an “A” surface and a “B” surface, a central portion, and two bolster areas. Each bolster area is adjacent the central portion, with the cushion having a plurality of intrusions extending from the “A” surface towards the “B” surface to form a hardness gradient between at least one of the bolster areas and the central portion of between 8% to 25%.
US07661761B1 Motorcycle backrest assembly
A motorcycle backrest assembly includes a pair of side plates each for mounting on either the left or right side of the motorcycle's rear fender. A receiver is securable to each plate for adjustably receiving one of two side rails depending from a backrest. Each receiver is angularly adjustable to vary the position of the backrest. The entire assembly can be quickly removed from the motorcycle and stored, if desired.
US07661760B2 Device for vehicle seat
When a seat back in a forwardly folded state is raised to a predetermined raised state by activating an electric motor by turning on a switch, the electric motor is immediately stopped even if the switch is still turned on, and the seat back is retained in the raised state. There are provided a locking member which operates to retain the seat back in the raised state when the seat back is in the predetermined raised state and a lever which turns in association with the operation of the locking member. The lever turns on another switch to open a drive circuit for the electric motor.
US07661759B2 Vehicle headrest cover
A vehicle headrest cover for covering a vehicle headrest having a display mounted therein includes a material designed to correspond with the shape and dimensions of the vehicle headrest and fit over the vehicle headrest for covering the vehicle headrest. The material has a cut-out in a face thereof which corresponds to the position of the display and also includes a zipper mechanism located on the material of the headrest cover which allows the material of the vehicle headrest cover to be zipped up to cover the vehicle headrest with the vehicle headrest cover or unzipped for removing the headrest cover from the vehicle headrest.
US07661755B2 Flatbed trailer sidewall panels
A wall panel for use in a flatbed trailer sidewall system includes a frame and a waterproof fabric sheet. The frame may include a bore therein to receive an enlarged edge profile of the fabric sheet. The frame of the wall panel is generally rectangular in shape and consists of a top rail, a bottom rail, and two opposing side rails extending between the top rail and bottom rail. The rails may be secured to one another using one or both of a corner bracket and a threaded insert and threaded fastener assembly.
US07661749B2 Interior trim assembly and method for operating the same
An interior trim assembly for a vehicle includes a trim component having a first panel; a second panel opposite the first panel; and one or more side panels joining the first and second panels. The first, second and one or more side panels define a cavity; and an acoustic transducer is disposed within the cavity. The acoustic transducer is located adjacent an interior surface of one of the first, second and side panels. Also, the assembly is movable relative to a static headliner.
US07661748B2 Apparatus for preventing transfer of odors from a vehicle to a hunter
An apparatus for preventing transfer of odors from a vehicle to a hunter from a self propelled vehicle has at least one seat, a floorboard and a steering wheel. A cover for the seat, and/or floor mat and/or steering wheel has a vapor barrier to prevent odors from the seat, and/or floor mat and/or steering wheel from passing therethrough, and a material such as silk or RAYON® disposed on top of the vapor barrier of the seat, and/or floor mat and/or steering wheel which is free of any substance foreign to it that would have an odor associated with it, or it can be treated with an odor absorbing substance, or it can be treated with a “cover scent” such as acorn or earth/dirt scent which would be transferred to the hunter's hands and/or clothing and/or boots. Alternatively, a scent absorbing layer, such as a SCENT LOK® layer, can be disposed under the vapor barrier.
US07661745B2 Supporting device
A supporting device supports a cockpit, in particular a control panel, on a central tunnel of a motor vehicle. The supporting device has an X-shaped configuration with two arms which carry the cockpit and two legs which are supported on the central tunnel. The tendency of the cockpit to vibrate is minimized precisely because the central tunnel is connected to the cockpit by the X-shaped support.
US07661737B2 Sling with predictable pre-failure warning indicator
A pre-failure warning indicator is provided for use with a sling. The pre-failure warning indicator triggers at a point that is predictable within a relatively narrow range, thereby increasing the possibility that a damaged sling is removed from use. The pre-failure warning indicator includes a dedicated strand of material that is placed in close proximity to the load-bearing core yarns of the sling but remains separate and independent from the core yarns; the ends of the dedicated strand are connected via a sacrificial “ring.” A warning fiber having an end that is visible to operators/riggers works in conjunction with the sacrificial strand and the ring. The ring is designed to fail when the sling is subjected to a specifically chosen condition (e.g., excessive weight). The failure of the ring causes the warning fiber to withdraw from the rigger's view thereby warning the rigger that the sling was subjected to the specifically chosen condition and may be damaged.
US07661735B2 Assembly consisting of a bumper skin and of a shock absorber
The invention relates to an assembly comprising a vehicle bumper skin and a channel-section bumper impact absorber, the absorber being made of thermoplastic material and comprising a web and two flanges, each having a free longitudinal edge and an opposite longitudinal edge that is connected to the web, the flanges and the web defining a longitudinal channel, in which the bumper skin and absorber are connected together in such a manner that the concave side of the absorber faces towards the bumper skin.
US07661732B2 Switch assembly and foldable portable electronic device using same
A switch assembly (40) and a portable electronic device (100) are provided. The portable electronic device includes a body section (20), a cover section (10) rotatably connecting to the body section, and the switch assembly. The switch assembly includes a first magnetic component (43), a second magnetic component (45), and a movable magnetic component (47). The first magnetic component is mounted on the cover section. The second magnetic component is mounted on the body section, and attracts to the first magnetic component to maintain the portable electronic device at a closed position. The movable magnetic component is movably mounted on the body section, and repels both to the first and second magnetic. The movable magnetic component provides a repulsive force to repel the cover rotates outwards from the body section, when the magnetic component is driven to move close to the first and second magnetic components.
US07661728B2 Threaded tubular connection with progressive axial thread interference
A threaded connection includes at least one contact zone axially separated from threadings in which male and female elements are in sealed contact via bearing surfaces respectively constituted by a cambered surface and by a tapered surface.
US07661722B2 Gas riser apparatus, and method for making and using same
A gas riser apparatus, and methods for making and using a gas riser apparatus, utilize a swivel-nut having an annular collar section thereof which includes a radially outwardly opening annular groove therein adapted for swaged/crimped attachment to the remainder of the riser, at an above-ground end of the riser. For risers including a rigid metallic pipe section, the above-ground end of the pipe may be configured for swaged/crimped attachment to the annular collar of the swivel-nut through application of radially inwardly directed pressure on the above-ground end of the rigid riser pipe. For risers not having a rigid metallic section, a swage/crimp collar may be utilized for forming a connection between a flexible metal conduit and the swivel-nut, through application of radially inwardly directed pressure applied to the swage/crimp collar while the collar is disposed about the above-ground end of the flexible metal conduit.
US07661721B2 Joint assembly for flexible and semi-rigid pipings
A joint assembly, including a piping, comprises a joint end sleeve, a tightening ring and a nut. The ring has an external truncated-cone shaped surface and an internal cylindrical surface with a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the piping, and an internal cylindrical surface with at least one annular edge to cooperate with at least one annular groove in the sleeve in such a way that an inside diameter of the annular edge is substantially equal to the outside diameter of the piping. The nut has an internal cylindrical surface with a diameter slightly larger than the outside diameter of the piping and is disposed opposite a cylindrical portion of the sleeve when the nut is installed. The smaller outside diameter end of the tightening ring is adjacent the internal cylindrical surface of the nut when the nut is installed. An internal truncated-cone shaped surface of the nut has a larger diameter end a size slightly larger than a smaller outside diameter end of the ring.
US07661716B2 Securing arrangement of loose elements in draft arrangement on work surface of hand portable object
An apparatus for securely holding and protecting a layout of elements includes a portfolio having a first cover and a first overlay. The first overlay and the first cover are releasably cohered together, preferably utilizing magnetic forces. A loose arrangement of elements can be secured to a work surface of the first cover using the first overlay for safe storage and transport. The apparatus is used in rubber stamping design, stained-glass design, and quilting design.
US07661715B2 Books and binding method
A method and apparatus for binding a stack of sheets. The stack may form a book and may have a binding region about which a binder can be clamped.
US07661714B2 All terrain vehicle
A vehicle, such as an all terrain vehicle, includes a saddle type seat for the rider to sit on, and a fuel tank arranged below the seat. The fuel tank includes a fuel inlet positioned in front of the seat, in a traveling direction of the vehicle. The all terrain vehicle provides a comfortable ride to a rider by providing the fuel tank in the center of the vehicle, while mounting a fuel tank that is convenient to access.