Document Document Title
US07671486B2 Switching controller having synchronous input for the synchronization of power converters
A switching control circuit having a synchronous input for the synchronization of power converters is provided. It includes a synchronous input circuit for receiving a synchronous input signal. An oscillation circuit is connected to the synchronous input circuit for generating an oscillation signal in response to the synchronous input signal. A signal converter is coupled to receive a feedback signal of the power converter for modulating the oscillation signal in response to the feedback signal for achieving power savings. The oscillation signal is connected for enabling the switching signal of the power converter. The switching signal can be synchronized with the synchronous input signal immediately after the synchronous input signal is inputted. Otherwise, the switching signal will be running free.
US07671484B2 Device for controlling power transfer between two cores of a direct current network
A device for controlling power transfer between two cores of a direct current network, in which the cores, which are source-charge interconnection nodes, include protective and contact members, placed in different areas of a power distribution system in which the direct current network is installed. The device includes an electronic power converter including two switching cells mutually interconnected by an inductance, wherein each switching cell includes two switches, and a module for controlling the converter, which ensures both a controllable direct current power transfer and stabilization of the direct current voltage.
US07671480B2 Systems and methods for remote utility metering and meter monitoring
A system and method for generating and harvesting energy in response to the flow of water through rotating device, such as a nutating or oscillating disk. Mechanical energy from flow of water is converted into electrical energy via an energy conversion unit. For example, the power generation system may be used to power electronic and mechanical devices used in automated meter reading (AMR) systems. The power generator system may recharge a storage circuit that enables long term AMR operations without the need for battery replacement. The power generation system, in various embodiments, can provide additional power for two-way communication and other sensors such as pressure, temperature, water quality and services such as remote shut-off, event-based messaging, and water quality monitoring.
US07671479B2 Portable power pack, fuel/air supply for the portable power pack, uniflow scavenging micro-engine for the portable power pack and operation method thereof
A small portable power pack includes a fuel/air supply for mixing fuel, which is supplied from outside, with outside air, thereby providing mixed gas; a uniflow scavenging micro-engine for receiving mixed gas from the fuel/air supply and igniting mixed gas to explode; a control panel for operating and controlling the uniflow scavenging micro-engine; a capacitor battery for powering the control panel and the uniflow scavenging micro-engine. The portable power pack is easily carried and used without the restriction of spaces and sites.
US07671478B2 Low height vertical sensor packaging
A system and method for packaging a magnetic sensor is described. A sensor die is constructed such that connection pads are situated on two opposing sides of the die in two vertical arrays. Bonding wires connect the connection pads on the sensor die to wire bond pads on a substrate. Alternatively, the connection pads are connected to solderable chip pads on the substrate using flip chip bonding. Traces and vias are used to connect the wire bond pads or the solderable chip pads to sensor package pads. The sensor package pads are located on a single side of a sensor package for mounting on a next assembly. The next assembly has a land pattern that includes at least one leveling pad for positioning the sensor die perpendicular to the next assembly while being mounted and a single row of pads for making connections to the sensor package.
US07671468B2 Light emitting apparatus
A light emitting apparatus is comprised of a multilayer chip varistor having a varistor element body, a semiconductor light emitting element, and a reflecting portion. The varistor element body includes a varistor layer, and a plurality of internal electrodes opposed to each other so as to interpose the varistor layer between the internal electrodes. The semiconductor light emitting element is disposed on the multilayer chip varistor and is electrically connected to the plurality of internal electrodes so as to be connected in parallel to the multilayer chip varistor. The reflecting portion is disposed between the multilayer chip varistor and the semiconductor light emitting element. The reflecting portion reflects light traveling toward the multilayer chip varistor out of light generated by the semiconductor light emitting element.
US07671465B2 Power semiconductor module
A power semiconductor module having an increased reliability against thermal fatigue includes a power semiconductor element, a lower-side electrode connected to the lower side of the element, a first insulating substrate connected to the upper side of the lower-side electrode and having metallic foils bonded on both surfaces thereof, an upper-side electrode connected to the upper side of the power semiconductor element, a second insulating substrate connected to the upper side of the upper-side electrode and having metallic foils bonded on both surfaces thereof, a first heat spreader connected to the lower side of the first insulating substrate, and a second heat spreader connected to the upper side of the second insulating substrate. The power semiconductor element and the first and second insulating substrates are sealed with a resin.
US07671463B2 Integrated circuit package system with ground ring
An integrated circuit package system is provided forming a ring above a paddle and an external interconnect, mounting an integrated circuit die on the paddle, connecting the integrated circuit die and the external interconnect, the external interconnect and the ring, and the ring and the integrated circuit die, and encapsulating the integrated circuit die, the ring, and a portion of the external interconnect and the paddle.
US07671456B2 Power management integrated circuit
An integrated circuit (IC) package is disclosed. The IC package includes a first die; and a second die bonded to the CPU die in a three dimensional packaging layout.
US07671455B2 Semiconductor device package with integrated heat spreader
A multi chip housing has a lead frame to which plural die are soldered. A heat spreader conductive cap encloses a volume containing the plural die or chips and is fixed to the periphery of the lead frame. The die may be silicon or GaN based MOSFETs or integrated circuits or a mixture thereof. The tops of the die are closely spaced from the interior of the cap and the volume is filled with a thermally conductive, electrically insulating plastic encapsulant. One die can be connected to the clip as well as the lead frame and the other may be an IC die insulated from the clip.
US07671450B2 Integrated circuit package for high-speed signals
An integrated circuit package having a multi-segment transmission line transformer for impedance matching a packaged integrated circuit, such as a driver or receiver, to a printed circuit board (PCB) transmission line to which the packaged chip is attached by, for example, solder balls. In one exemplary embodiment, a three-segment transmission line transformer provides improved broadband performance with the advantage of having a middle segment with a flexible length for easier routing. The length of each end segment of the three-segment transformer is adjusted to provide at least partial cancellation of reflections between the PCB and the transformer, and between the transformer and a circuit on the integrated circuit, respectively. Further, the inductive reactance of the solder balls and via wiring may be cancelled out by the transformed chip impedance to provide a non-inductive termination to the PCB transmission line at approximately one-half the highest data rate of the channel.
US07671448B2 Semiconductor device including two organic semiconductor layers
It is an object of the present invention to form an organic transistor including an organic semiconductor having high crystallinity without loosing an interface between an organic semiconductor of a channel where carriers are spread out and a gate insulating layer and deteriorating a yield. A semiconductor device according to the present invention has a stacked structure of organic semiconductor layers, and at least the upper organic semiconductor layer is in a polycrystalline or a single crystalline state and the lower organic semiconductor layer is made of a material serving as a channel. Carrier mobility can be increased owing to the upper organic semiconductor layer having high crystallinity; thus, insufficient contact due to the upper organic semiconductor layer can be compensated by the lower organic semiconductor layer.
US07671445B2 Versatile system for charge dissipation in the formation of semiconductor device structures
The present invention provides a system for dissipating any aberrant charge that may accumulate during the fabrication of a semiconductor device segment (200), obviating overstress or break down damage to a focal device structure (208) that might result from uncontrolled dissipation of the aberrant charge. A substrate (202) has first and second intermediate structures (204, 206) disposed atop the substrate, with the focal structure disposed atop the substrate therebetween. A first conductive structure (210) is disposed atop the second intermediate structure, the focal structure, and a portion of the first intermediate structure. A third intermediate structure (214) is disposed contiguously atop the first conductive structure and the first intermediate layer. A void (216) is formed in a peripheral region (218) of device segment, through the first and third intermediate layers down to the substrate. A second conductive structure (220) is disposed atop the third intermediate structure such that it couples the substrate through the void.
US07671444B2 Empty vias for electromigration during electronic-fuse re-programming
The disclosure relates generally to integrated circuit (IC) chip fabrication, and more particularly, to an e-fuse device including an opening, a first via and a second via in an interlayer dielectric, wherein the opening, the first via and the second via are connected to an interconnect below the interlayer dielectric; a dielectric layer that encloses the first via and the second via; and a metal layer over the dielectric layer, wherein the metal layer fills the opening with a metal, and wherein the first via and the second via are substantially empty to allow for electromigration of the interconnect during re-programming of the e-fuse device.
US07671442B2 Air-gap insulated interconnections
Air-gap insulated interconnection structures and methods of fabricating the structures, the methods including: forming a dielectric layer on a substrate; forming a capping layer on a top surface of the dielectric layer; forming a trench through the capping layer, the trench extending toward said substrate and into but not through, the dielectric layer; forming a sacrificial layer on opposing sidewalls of the trench; filling the trench with a electrical conductor; and removing a portion of the sacrificial layer from between the electrical conductor and the dielectric layer to form air-gaps.
US07671440B2 Lateral field-effect transistor having an insulated trench gate electrode
A field-effect transistor having cells (18) each having a source region (22), source body region (26), drift region (20), drain body region (28) and drain region (24) arranged longitudinally, laterally alternating with structures to achieve a reduced surface field. In embodiments, the structures can include longitudinally spaced insulated gate trenches (35) defining a gate region (31) adjacent the source or drain region (22, 24) and a longitudinally extending potential plate region (33) adjacent the drift region (20). Alternatively, a separate potential plate region (33) or a longitudinally extending semi-insulating field plate (50) may be provided adjacent the drift region (20). The transistor is suitable for bi-directional switching.
US07671436B2 Electronic packages
Assemblies involving integrated circuit dies (e.g. packaged integrated circuits) and packaged dies electrically connected to circuit boards at times mechanically fail at conducting pads used for electrical interconnection. Such failure is mitigated by underlying appropriate pads with a compliant region having specific characteristics.
US07671433B2 Spin transistor based on the spin-filter effect, and non-volatile memory using spin transistors
A spin transistor comprises a spin injector for injecting, from a first nonmagnetic electrode carriers with a spin parallel to a spin band forming the band edge of a first ferromagnetic barrier layer, to a second nonmagnetic electrode layer, as hot carriers. It also comprises a spin analyzer whereby, due to spin-splitting at the band edge of a second ferromagnetic barrier layer, the spin-polarized hot carriers are transported to a third nonmagnetic electrode when the direction of the spin of the carriers injected into the second nonmagnetic electrode is parallel to that of the spin of the spin band at the band edge of the second ferromagnetic barrier layer, whereas the hot carriers are not transported to the third nonmagnetic electrode in the case of antiparallel spin. A memory element is also provided that comprises such a spin transistor.
US07671430B2 MEMS resonator and manufacturing method of the same
A method is for manufacturing a microeletromechanical system resonator having a semiconductor device and a microelectromechanical system structure unit formed on a substrate. The method includes: forming a lower electrode of an oxide-nitride-oxide capacitor unit included in the semiconductor device using a first silicon layer; forming, using a second silicon layer, a substructure of the microelectromechanical system structure unit and an upper electrode of the oxide-nitride-oxide capacitor unit included in the semiconductor device; and forming, using a third silicon layer, a superstructure of the microelectromechanical system structure unit and a gate electrode of a complementary metal oxide semiconductor circuit unit included in the semiconductor device.
US07671423B2 Resistor ballasted transistors
A semiconductor chip comprises low voltage complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) sectors and high voltage lateral double diffused metal oxide semiconductor (LDMOS) sectors and at least one transistor within at least one of the low voltage CMOS sectors. The transistor has a semiconducting channel region within a substrate. A gate conductor is above the top layer of substrate, and the gate conductor is positioned above the channel region. A source/drain region is included in the substrate on a first side of the gate conductor and a lateral source/drain region is included in the substrate on a second side of the gate conductor opposite the first side. The lateral source/drain region is positioned a greater distance from the gate conductor than the source/drain region is positioned from the gate conductor. The embodiments herein also include a source/drain ballast resistor in the substrate between the lateral source/drain region and the gate conductor.
US07671422B2 Pseudo 6T SRAM cell
A pseudo 6T SRAM cell design comprising eight transistors is provided. An embodiment comprises a pair of cross-coupled inverters and a pair of pass-gate transistors electrically coupled to each inverter through the substrate. Each pass-gate transistor has a different beta ratio from the other transistor in its pair, and the smaller beta ratio in the pair acts as a “read” port while the larger beta ratio in the pair acts as a “write” port. Two pairs of bit lines are connected to the pass-gate transistors. A variety of word lines are connected to the pass-gate transistors. In one embodiment, a single word line is connected to all of the pass-gate transistors. In another embodiment, a pair of word lines is connected to the pass-gate transistors. In yet another embodiment, a different word line is connected to each pass-gate transistor.
US07671421B2 CMOS structure and method for fabrication thereof using multiple crystallographic orientations and gate materials
Methods for fabricating a CMOS structure use a first gate stack located over a first orientation region of a semiconductor substrate. A second gate material layer is located over the first gate stack and a laterally adjacent second orientation region of the semiconductor substrate. A planarizing layer is located upon the second gate material layer. The planarizing layer and the second gate material layer are non-selectively etched to form a second gate stack that approximates the height of the first gate stack. An etch stop layer may also be formed upon the first gate stack. The resulting CMOS structure may comprise different gate dielectrics, metal gates and silicon gates.
US07671419B2 Transistor having coupling-preventing electrode layer, fabricating method thereof, and image sensor having the same
A transistor having an electrode layer that can reduce or prevent a coupling effect, a fabricating method thereof, and an image sensor having the same are provided. The transistor includes a semiconductor substrate and a well of a first conductivity type formed on the semiconductor substrate. A heavily-doped first impurity region of a first conductivity type surrounds an active region defined in the well. Heavily-doped second and third impurity regions of a second conductivity type are spaced apart from each other in the active region an define a channel region interposed therebetween. A gate is formed over the channel region to cross the active region. The gate overlaps at least a portion of the first impurity region and receives a first voltage. An electrode layer is formed between the semiconductor substrate and the gate, such that the electrode layer overlaps a portion of the first impurity region contacting the channel region and receives a second voltage. An insulation layer is formed between the semiconductor substrate and the electrode layer, the semiconductor substrate and the gate, and the electrode layer and the gate. The insulation layer surrounds the electrode layer.
US07671416B1 Method and device for electrostatic discharge protection
A device for providing electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection is provided. The device includes a semiconductor substrate having a drain, a source, and a gate formed therein. The drain contains a region having a resistance that is higher than the resistance of the remainder of the drain and the source. The gate region is in contact with this higher resistance region and the source. In one embodiment, the higher resistance is lacking silicide in order to provide the higher resistance. A method of forming a device for providing ESD protection is included.
US07671415B2 Electro-static discharge protection circuit and semiconductor device having the same
An electro-static discharge protection circuit and a semiconductor device having the same is disclosed. The electro-static discharge protection circuit has a current control circuit. The current control circuit has a first capacitive element. When the external source voltage is applied to the external source voltage supply line, the booster circuit in the internal circuitry boosts the internal source voltage of the internal source voltage supply line. The external source voltage becomes transiently greater than the internal source voltage at the early stage of the boosting step when the booster circuit boosts the internal source voltage based on the external source voltage. The first capacitive element restricts a current from flowing from the second terminal of the thyristor rectifier circuit to the internal source voltage, even when the external source voltage becomes transiently greater than the internal source voltage at the early stage of the boosting step when the booster circuit boosts the internal source voltage based on the external source voltage. This prevents the thyristor rectifier circuit from malfunctioning and turning on.
US07671413B2 SOI device with reduced junction capacitance
An SOI FET comprising a silicon substrate having silicon layer on top of a buried oxide layer having doped regions and an undoped region is disclosed. The doped region has a dielectric constant different from the dielectric constant of the doped regions. A body also in the silicon layer separates the source/drains in the silicon layer. The source/drains are aligned over the doped regions and the body is aligned over the undoped region. A gate dielectric is on top of the body and a gate conductor is on top of the gate dielectric.
US07671409B2 Wide gap semiconductor power device with temperature independent resistivity due to channel region resistivity having negative temperature dependence
A field-effect transistor power device includes a source electrode, a drain electrode, a wide gap semiconductor including a channel region and a drift region, the channel region and the drift region forming a series current path between the source electrode and the drain electrode, a gate insulating film that covers the channel region, and a gate electrode formed on the gate insulating film. In the series current path which is electrically conducting when the field-effect transistor power device is in an ON state, any region other than the channel region has an ON resistance exhibiting a positive temperature dependence, and the channel region has an ON resistance exhibiting a negative temperature dependence. A ratio ΔRon/Ron(−30° C.) is 50% or less.
US07671408B2 Vertical drain extended MOSFET transistor with vertical trench field plate
A vertical drain extended metal-oxide semiconductor field effect (MOSFET) transistor or a vertical double diffused metal-oxide semiconductor (VDMOS) transistor includes: a buried layer having a first conductivity type in a semiconductor backgate having a second conductivity type; an epitaxial (EPI) layer having the first conductivity type and formed above the buried layer; a deep well having the first conductivity type in the EPI layer extending down to the buried layer; at least one shallow well having the second conductivity type in the EPI layer; a shallow implant region having the first conductivity type and formed in the shallow well; a gate electrode having a lateral component extending over an edge of the shallow well and stopping at some spacing from an edge of the shallow implant and having a vertical trench field plate extending vertically into the EPI layer.
US07671406B2 Semiconductor device and method of fabricating the same
A method of fabricating a semiconductor device having a non-volatile memory cell includes forming an insulation layer as an uppermost/outermost portion of the memory cell to enhance the charge retention capability of the memory cell. The insulation layer is formed after the gate structure and integrate dielectric of the non-volatile memory cell, and a gate of a logic transistor are formed. The insulation layer thus enhances the function of the intergate dielectric. Subsequently, a conductive layer is formed on the substrate including over the gate of the logic transistor. A silicide layer is then formed on the gate of the logic transistor and on the substrate adjacent opposite sides of the gate. The insulation layer thus also serves prevent the formation of a silicide layer on the non-volatile memory cell.
US07671403B2 P-channel NAND in isolated N-well
A device includes a substrate and multiple wells formed over the substrate and isolated from one another by dielectric trenches. The device further includes multiple memory elements formed over the wells, each of the memory elements extending approximately perpendicular to the wells and including a material doped with n-type impurities. The device also includes multiple source/drain regions, each source/drain region formed within one of multiple trenches and inside one of the plurality of wells between a pair of the memory elements, each of the source/drain regions implanted with p-type impurities. The device further includes a first substrate contact formed in a first one of the multiple trenches through a first one of the wells into the substrate and a second substrate contact formed in a second one of the multiple trenches through a second one of the wells into the substrate.
US07671402B2 Solid-state imaging devices
A solid-state imaging device includes: a substrate; a photoelectric transducer that is provided within the substrate and generates light-generated charge in accordance with incident light; a floating diffusion that retains the light-generated charge generated from the photoelectric transducer; a transfer and retention unit that is provided between the photoelectric transducer and the floating diffusion for a purpose of controlling a transfer of the light-generated charge and has a charge-retaining region that can retain the light-generated charge generated from the photoelectric transducer; a reset unit that initializes a potential of the floating diffusion; an amplifying transistor that generates an output based on a potential of the floating diffusion; a selection transistor that selectively outputs an output of the amplifying transistor; and an excessive charge-discharging unit that discharges excessive electric charge generated from the photoelectric transducer.
US07671396B2 Three-dimensional control-gate architecture for single poly EPROM memory devices fabricated in planar CMOS technology
A capacitor for a single-poly floating gate device is fabricated on a semiconductor substrate along with low and high voltage transistors. Each transistor has a gate width greater than or equal to a minimum gate width of the associated process. A dielectric layer is formed over the substrate, and a patterned polysilicon structure is formed over the dielectric layer. The patterned polysilicon structure includes one or more narrow polysilicon lines, each having a width less than the minimum gate width. The LDD implants for low and high voltage transistors of the same conductivity type are allowed to enter the substrate, using the patterned polysilicon structure as a mask. A thermal drive-in cycle results in a continuous diffusion region that merges under the narrow polysilicon lines. Contacts formed adjacent to the narrow polysilicon lines and a metal-1 trace connected to the contacts may increase the resulting capacitance.
US07671395B2 Phase change memory cells having a cell diode and a bottom electrode self-aligned with each other
Integrated circuit devices are provide having a vertical diode therein. The devices include an integrated circuit substrate and an insulating layer on the integrated circuit substrate. A contact hole penetrates the insulating layer. A vertical diode is in lower region of the contact hole and a bottom electrode in the contact hole has a bottom surface on a top surface of the vertical diode. The bottom electrode is self-aligned with the vertical diode. A top surface area of the bottom electrode is less than a horizontal section area of the contact hole. Methods of forming the integrated circuit devices and phase change memory cells are also provided.
US07671387B2 Lateral junction field effect transistor and method of manufacturing the same
A lateral junction field effect transistor includes a first gate electrode layer arranged in a third semiconductor layer between source/drain region layers, having a lower surface extending on the second semiconductor layer, and doped with p-type impurities more heavily than the second semiconductor layer, and a second gate electrode layer arranged in a fifth semiconductor layer between the source/drain region layers, having a lower surface extending on a fourth semiconductor layer, having substantially the same concentration of p-type impurities as the first gate electrode layer, and having the same potential as the first gate electrode layer. Thereby, the lateral junction field effect transistor has a structure, which can reduce an on-resistance while maintaining good breakdown voltage properties.
US07671378B2 Photonic devices formed on substrates and their fabrication methods
The present invention directed to photonic devices which emit or absorb light with a short wavelength formed using molybdenum oxide grown on substrates which consist of materials selected from element semiconductors, III-V or II-IV compound semiconductors, IV compound semiconductors, organic semiconductors, metal crystal and their derivatives or glasses.New inexpensive photonic devices which emit light with a wavelength from blue to deep ultraviolet rays are realized.
US07671375B2 Nitride-based semiconductor device of reduced voltage drop, and method of fabrication
A light-emitting diode is built on a silicon substrate which has been doped with a p-type impurity to possess sufficient conductivity to provide part of the current path through the LED. The p-type silicon substrate has epitaxially grown thereon a buffer region of n-type AlInGaN. Further grown epitaxially on the buffer region is the main semiconductor region of the LED which comprises a lower confining layer of n-type GaN, an active layer for generating light, and an upper confining layer of p-type GaN. In the course of the growth of the buffer region and main semiconductor region there occurs a thermal diffusion of gallium and other Group III elements from the buffer region into the p-type silicon substrate, with the consequent creation of a p-type low-resistance region in the substrate. Interface levels are created across the heterojunction between p-type silicon substrate and n-type buffer region. The interface levels expedite carrier transport from substrate to buffer region, contributing to reduction of the drive voltage requirement of the LED.
US07671371B2 Semiconductor layer structure and method of making the same
A semiconductor layer structure includes a donor substrate and a detach region carried by the donor substrate. A device structure is carried by the donor substrate and positioned proximate to the detach region. The device structure includes a stack of crystalline semiconductor layers. The stack of crystalline semiconductor layers includes a pn junction.
US07671362B2 Test structure for determining optimal seed and liner layer thicknesses for dual damascene processing
A test structure for integrated circuit (IC) device fabrication includes a plurality of test structure chains formed at various regions of an IC wafer, each of the plurality of test structure chains including one or more vias; each of the one or more vias in contact with a conductive line disposed thereabove, the conductive line being configured such that at least one dimension thereof varies from chain to chain so as to produce variations in seed layer and liner layer thickness from chain to chain for the same deposition process conditions.
US07671360B2 Semiconductor device and method of producing the same
A phase change memory includes a sidewall insulation film and a heater electrode which are formed in a contact hole formed in an interlayer insulation film on a lower electrode. The heater electrode has a recessed structure. In a recessed area surrounded by the sidewall insulation film, the heater electrode and a phase change film are contacted with each other. A phase change region is formed only in an area contacted with the sidewall insulation film. The sidewall insulation film is an anti-oxidizing insulation film. The phase change region and the heater electrode which are heated to a high temperature upon rewriting are not contacted with the interlayer insulation film as an oxidizing insulation film.
US07671357B2 Method of fabricating semiconductor device
A method of fabricating a semiconductor device having high output power and excellent long-term reliability by preventing thermal adverse influence exerted at the time of window structure formation is provided. The method comprises a 1st step of forming predetermined semiconductor layers 2 to 9 containing at least an active layer 4b consisting of a quantum well active layer on a semiconductor substrate 1; a 2nd step of forming a first dielectric film 10 on a first portion of the surface of the semiconductor layers 2 to 9; a 3rd step of forming a second dielectric film 12 made of the same material as that of the first dielectric film 10 and having a density lower than that of the first dielectric film 10 on a second portion of the surface of the semiconductor layers 2 to 9; and a 4th step of heat-treating a multilayer body containing the semiconductor layers 2 to 9, the first dielectric film 10, and the second dielectric film 12 to disorder the quantum well layer below the second dielectric film 12.
US07671345B2 Method of analysing a sample and apparatus therefor
A method for performing photo-modification of a biological sample, the method comprising: (a) irradiating the sample; (b) detecting one or more signals based on the irradiated sample; (c) using one or more processor means to analyze the detected signals and determine one or more irradiation parameters, and, (d) returning to (a) conditioned on the irradiation parameters. Thus modifications may be determined and executed interactively as an experiment progresses, and therefore directed towards specific structures and/or events identified as of particular interest in the course of the experiment.
US07671344B2 Low pressure electrospray ionization system and process for effective transmission of ions
A system and method are disclosed that provide up to complete transmission of ions between coupled stages with low effective ion losses. A novel “interfaceless” electrospray ionization system is further described that operates the electrospray at a reduced pressure such that standard electrospray sample solutions can be directly sprayed into an electrodynamic ion funnel which provides ion focusing and transmission of ions into a mass analyzer.
US07671337B1 System and method for pointing a laser beam
Apparatus and method for directing a laser beam at an object. Some embodiments include generating direction-control information, based on the direction-control information, directing laser energy into a first fiber at a first end of a first fiber bundle during a first time period, forming an output beam of the laser energy from the second end of the first fiber bundle, and steering the output beam of the laser energy from the first fiber in a first selected direction of a plurality of directions during the first time period, and optionally modulating an intensity of the laser energy according to a predetermined pattern. The direction-control information is based on sensing electromagnetic radiation from a scene. Some embodiments use a remote camera wire-connected to the image processor to obtain scene information, while other embodiments use a second fiber bundle to convey image information from an external remote lens to a local camera.
US07671336B2 Method for soil content prediction based on a limited number of mid-infrared absorbances
A single absorbance value was found in the mid infrared (mid-IR) region that correlated directly to soil nitrate content while not being influenced by other components in the soil, such as carbonate and organic matter. Using one or two absorbance values, at which interference from other ions is a minimum, to predict a component's concentration as opposed to the conventional method of using a continuous spectrum allows for an in-situ real-time soil nitrate content sensor.
US07671335B2 Infrared detector and process for fabricating the same
An infrared detector includes a circuit block carrying an infrared sensor element and electronic components. The circuit block is composed of a dielectric resin layer and a first substrate formed with a circuit pattern and mounting the electronic components. The dielectric resin layer is formed in its top with a recess which defines around its periphery with a shoulder for supporting opposite ends of the infrared sensor. The first substrate is integrated to the lower end of the dielectric resin layer with at least one of the electronic components being molded into the dielectric resin layer to make the circuit block of a unified mold structure. Thus, a part or all of the electronic components are molded into the dielectric layer to realize the circuit block of a simple and low profile structure, while retaining an advantage of keeping the infrared sensor element sufficiently away from the electronic components and an associated electronic circuit, thereby assuring to give the infrared detector which is simple in construction, economical in cost, and reliable in the infrared detection.
US07671332B2 Autofocus method for scanning charged-particle beam instrument
An autofocus method for bringing an electron beam into focus on a specimen. Characteristics of the brightness at plural kinds of focus values are found for sets of data. The characteristics are accumulated creating a focus function. The focus function is approximated by a quadratic curve. The focus value at the peak point is found from the quadratic curve. Based on the focus value, the focal condition of the beam is set.
US07671330B2 High resolution mass spectrometry method and system for analysis of whole proteins and other large molecules
A matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) method and related system for analyzing high molecular weight analytes includes the steps of providing at least one matrix-containing particle inside an ion trap, wherein at least one high molecular weight analyte molecule is provided within the matrix-containing particle, and MALDI on the high molecular weight particle while within the ion trap. A laser power used for ionization is sufficient to completely vaporize the particle and form at least one high molecular weight analyte ion, but is low enough to avoid fragmenting the high molecular weight analyte ion. The high molecular weight analyte ion is extracted out from the ion trap, and is then analyzed using a detector. The detector is preferably a pyrolyzing and ionizing detector.
US07671328B2 Method of producing molecular profiles of isoparaffins by low emitter current field ionization mass spectrometry
The present invention is devoted to an analytical method for directly determining carbon number and molecular weight distributions of isoparaffin mixtures. The analytical means uses low in-scan emitter-current field-ionization mass spectroscopy to substantially reduced or eliminated molecular ion fragmentation for isoparaffins, which allows direct measurement of isoparaffin molecular ions for their distributions. The analytical means is capable of directly characterizing isobutane to C50+ isoparaffins, covering naphtha to gas oil ranges.
US07671327B2 Self calibrating irradiation system
A self calibrating irradiation system is provided. The system includes sources for providing a calibration beam and a radiation beam, one or more detectors and a processor. A method of calibrating an irradiation system is also provided. The method includes measuring the energy of a calibration beam and periodically updating a transmission value of the laser system based on a calibration factor and the energy of the calibration beam.
US07671320B2 Electronic device comprising a first and second photodiode wherein a reference potential is supplied to the first photodiode
The semiconductor device includes a first photodiode, a second photodiode which is shielded from light, a first circuit group including a voltage follower circuit, a second circuit group, and a compensation circuit, in which an output from the first photodiode is inputted to the voltage follower circuit of the first circuit group, an output from the first circuit group is inputted to the compensation circuit, and an output from the second photodiode is inputted to the compensation circuit through the second circuit group. By adding or subtracting these inputs in the compensation circuit, an output fluctuation due to temperature of the first photodiode is removed. Note that a reference potential is supplied to the first photodiode so that an open circuit voltage is outputted, and a potential is supplied to the second photodiode so that a forward bias is applied to the second photodiode.
US07671311B2 Gimbal system with airflow
Systems, including apparatus and methods, for driving airflow along a surface of a gimbal. The systems may comprise a gimbal apparatus including a payload and also including a gimbal mount supporting a first gimbal and a second gimbal. The first gimbal may be coupled pivotally to the gimbal mount. The second gimbal may be coupled pivotally to and supported by the first gimbal. The second gimbal may be coupled to and may support the payload. The gimbal apparatus may orient the payload by pivotal movement of the first and second gimbals relative to the gimbal mount about at least two nonparallel axes. The system also may comprise a fan mounted to the first gimbal. The systems also may comprise operating the fan to drive airflow through a gap disposed between the first and second gimbals.
US07671309B2 Microwave combustion system for internal combustion engines
A microwave combustion system is presented that can replace the conventional spark plug in an internal combustion engine. One or more microwave pulses are provided to a microwave feed in a plug that sits in the cylinder. A microwave generated plasma generated by the plug in the vicinity of a fuel mixture can provide for highly efficient combustion of the fuel-air mixture.
US07671308B2 Container to facilitate microwave cooking and handling
A container for use in microwave heating. The container includes a bottom and a sidewall extending upwardly from the bottom. The sidewall defines an interior and terminates at a staking wall. A flange extends from the stacking wall and includes an edge section and an upper section extending radially outward from the container.
US07671304B2 Multiple zone temperature controller for injection molding system
A multiple zone temperature controller for a hot runner injection molding system. The temperature controller includes inputs for signals from two or more thermocouples corresponding to two or more heating zones. The thermocouple inputs are time-division multiplexed and the output is amplified and input to a microcontroller. The microcontroller manages and controls operation of power switching stages for controlling the power supplied to heating elements corresponding to each of the heating zones. The multiplexer is a low impedance switch.
US07671301B2 Cooking appliance cowling apparatus and method
A cooking appliance heating element shield apparatus and method are provided. The apparatus is adapted for use in an electric self-cleaning cooking appliance of the type having an oven cavity heated by a coil heating element of a heating element assembly. The apparatus includes an elongate main portion comprising a substantially planar surface and adapted for positioning between the oven cavity and a portion of the heating element to dissipate direct heat transmitted to the oven cavity from the heating element. The apparatus also includes at least one connection portion adapted for removably attaching the elongate main portion to the heating element assembly.
US07671298B2 Heating line pattern structure of defogger formed on rear window glass panel of motor vehicle and rear glass panel
A heating line pattern structure is provided, in which the effect of the heating lines of a defogger on an antenna for a TV broadcast especially for a digital TV broadcast may be decreased. The defogger is structured by arranging heating lines between bus bars on both sides. The portion of an uppermost heating line in proximity to the monopole antenna are folded rectangularly at a regular interval to form a meander shape. One lateral heating line is extended under the meander-shaped heating line portion, and is connected to a vertical heating line to which four lateral heating lines are connected together.
US07671297B2 Method and apparatus for laser drilling workpieces
A method and apparatus for laser drilling a vibrating workpiece. A laser is mounted to a stationary frame. A separate machine having a separate machine frame has a spherical lens mounted to the top of the machine frame in proximity to a workpiece engaged by the machine. The vibrations of the machine caused by operation are transmitted to the lens and workpiece. A laser beam emitted by the laser is transmitted thought the lens and focused on the workpiece. The apparatus and method provides for precisely drilled and located holes or openings in the workpiece.
US07671294B2 Plasma apparatus and system
A twin plasma apparatus including an anode plasma head and a cathode plasma head. Each of the plasma heads includes an electrode and a plasma flow channel and a primary gas inlet between at least a portion of the electrode and the plasma flow channel. The anode plasma head and the cathode plasma head are oriented at an angled toward one another. At least one of the plasma flow channels includes three generally cylindrical portions. The three generally cylindrical portions of the plasma flow channels reduce the occurrence of side arcing.
US07671293B2 System and method for dynamic allocation for bin assignment
A sorting device and method for dynamically allocating bins to objects such as mail pieces. The device has at least one reading device for reading delivery information of objects and a conveying system which transports the objects. At least one feeder inducts the objects onto the conveying system. A plurality of physical bin locations are adjacent to the conveying system for storage of the object injected from the conveying system. A controller or processor dynamically assigns and reassigns sort locations, as required, to the plurality of physical bin locations during a sorting operation for each object of the objects.
US07671292B2 Compact operating mechanism for medium and high voltage switchgear
Operating mechanism for medium and high voltage switchgear, in which a rotatable main shaft is coupled to a switch, and a rocker plate is rotatable with the main shaft, the main shaft being arranged to open and close said switch by tilting the rocker plate. The rocker plate constitutes a plurality of force transmission levers and comprises a plurality of zones distributed around the main shaft. A rotary actuator has force transmitting means for driving the rocker plate in a direction corresponding to closing of the switch, and an opening spring for driving the rocker plate in a direction corresponding to opening of the switch. Closed switch locking means are coupled to the rocker plate (4) and are disposed substantially in a common plane of the rocker plate.
US07671290B2 Illuminated key-pad assembly
For a cell-phone or PDA, the rows of key-caps include respective light-strips, which pick up light from respective LEDs surface-mounted on the PCB. The light-strips are sandwiched between the key-caps and the key-switch actuators (whereby the light-strips move with the keys when the keys are depressed). Sockets for receiving the key-caps are co-molded to the light-strips. Sockets are provided in the resilient webs of the keys for receiving under-blocks co-molded to the light-strips.
US07671289B2 Capacitance type light-emitting switch and light-emitting switch element used for such capacitance type light-emitting switch
A capacitance type light-emitting switch and a light-emitting switch element are provided that operate properly by preventing failure in entry and for which a small number of parts are used. A light-emitting switch 61 has a light-emitting switch element 51 and a control element 31. A light-emitting switch element 51 has a panel 2 made of transparent materials, a decorated layer 3 arranged on at least one side of the panel, a light guide plate 4 arranged on the back sides of the panel and the decorated layer, a point light source 5 or a line light source arranged on the side of the light guide plate, and a reflective layer 1 that is made of an opaque metal film of less than 1Ω/cm2 of surface resistance measured by the four-point probe array measurement method, mounted on the back side of the light guide plate, and is formed to have an electrode unit 1a and a conductive unit 1b connected to the electrode unit. The control element 31, which is connected to the electrode unit 1a through the conductive unit 1b, switches a circuit/circuits for an external loading device, depending on the change in the capacitance of the electrode unit.
US07671285B2 Dome switch assembly and mobile communication terminal having the same
A dome switch assembly that can reduce the SAR value and improve radiation performance of a mobile communication terminal and a mobile communication terminal having the same are provided. The ground layer of the dome switch assembly is connected to a hinge by a hinge contact unit. The hinge contact unit extends through a groove formed in the ground layer towards the inside area of the ground layer and is connected to a bottom surface of the groove. The position and length of the connection of the hinge contact unit to the ground layer may be adjusted so that the SAR value can be reduced and radiation performance can be improved.
US07671284B2 Multidirectional actuator with variable return force
The invention proposes a multidirectional actuator (18) comprising: a bottom support (22) with a main vertical axis “A”, a top actuation member (24) that is mounted so as to tilt relative to the bottom support (22) between a central rest position and several actuation positions that are distributed angularly about the vertical axis “A” of the support (22); and means (48, 60) of returning the actuation member (24) to its central rest position which exert on the actuation member (24) a return force, whose vertical component is not zero and is oriented upwards, at at least one bearing point “P” situated radially at a distance from the vertical axis “A” of the support (22), characterized in that the value of the vertical component of the return force varies according to the angular position of the actuation member (24) about the vertical axis “A” of the support (22).
US07671283B2 Apparatus for shielding electromagnetic radiation
A gasket and gasket system for diminishing electromagnetic radiation from an enclosure having two edges remote from one another. The gasket has tangs on one edge for gripping one enclosure edge, and tangs on the other edge for gripping the other enclosure edge. The gasket system includes the combination of an enclosure member having two edges remote from one another with a two-sided gasket having tangs on one side engaged in gripping one enclosure edge, and tangs on the other edge engaged in gripping the other enclosure edge.
US07671282B2 Structure of a circuit board for improving the performance of routing traces
A structure of a circuit board for improving the performance of routing traces is described as eliminating the resonant effects from the inner layers in a circuit board. For eliminating the stray capacitor effect between the planes in the circuit board, the present invention uses a method for etching an area of a power plane and the area is corresponding to a routing plane. Consequently, the routing trace can make good electric potential reference of a ground plane. Due to the reduction of the stray capacitor, the structure for improving the performance of routing traces of the invention can avoid the resonance effect and parasitic resonance in the circuit board as produced in a high-frequency situation in order to promote the quality of the circuit board.
US07671279B2 Current-seen cable
A current-seen cable, includes a main cord as a power cord or a signal cord and a plurality of electroluminescence cords, said a plurality of electroluminescence cords are arrayed abreast and are intertwisted helically in sequence to be a electroluminescence cable which is insulated from the main cord and emit light section by section, in which every electroluminescence cord is controlled by a driver working in synchronization with the main cord to emit light in sequence. Said current-seen cable is driven to emit light by a plurality of output drivers controlled by the program-operated chip. When the main cord is live, the drivers work synchronously, then each electroluminescence cord emits and dies light periodically under the control of program-operated chip of the driver, and as each electroluminescent cord is intertwisted helically and people can only see one side of the cable visually, said whole cable is shown as a kind of lighting phenomenon in which a lighting section (or a lighting dot) of said cable goes after another section (or another dot) next to it. The visual direction for going after light is same as the direction of the current flowing in the main cord, so it can indicate the direction of power input and output.
US07671278B2 Cable having EMI-suppressing arrangement and method for making the same
Provided herewith a cable (1, 2) with EMI suppressing arrangement which comprises a conductive wire (10) and an insulative layer (20) enveloping over the wire. A braided metal layer (30) envelops over the insulative layer, and a magnetic layer (40, 501) is arranged thereover. And an insulative jacket (50, 502) envelops over the magnetic layer.
US07671271B2 Thin film solar cell and its fabrication process
A method for producing a solar cell including the steps of forming a p-type microcrystalline silicon oxide layer on a glass substrate using a PECVD method and raw gases comprising Silane gas, Diborane gas, Hydrogen gas and Carbon Dioxide gas. The method may employ a frequency of between about 13.56-60 MHz. The PECVD method may be performed at a power density of between about 10-40 mW/cm2 and a pressure of between about 0.5-2 Torr, and with a ratio of Carbon Dioxide to Silane of between about 0.10-0.24; a ratio of Diborane to Silane of 0.10 or less, and a ratio of Silane to Hydrogen of 0.01 or less. A tandem solar cell structure may be formed by forming top and bottom layers by the method described above, and placing the top layer over the bottom layer.
US07671268B2 Internally mounted self-contained amplifier and speaker system for acoustic guitar
An apparatus for the amplification and projection of the sound of a musical instrument, such as an acoustic guitar, adapted to mount within the guitar itself. The apparatus may mount within the sound hole of the guitar, with an outward facing speaker within the sound hole adapted to project the sound of the instrument. The apparatus may have an amplifier attached to the speaker in a unitary design. The apparatus may be battery powered.
US07671265B2 System and method for teaching music theory
An instructional system for teaching music theory incorporates a human-readable harmony matrix which displays at least one repeat pattern of indicia corresponding to a particular placement of the notes of the twelve note scale. This pattern is arranged so that major or minor chords may be formed by rotations and/or inversions of a basic set of patterns. These patterns depict the interrelationship of the various chords. Transposition of chords from one key to another may be readily accomplished by moving the pattern across the matrix. The matrix pattern may also be used to depict and build chord progressions. The system operates to provide a two-dimensional representation of the relationship between musical tones and may be implemented in a variety of systems for teaching music theory.
US07671263B1 Locking mechanism for percussion musical instrument
A high hat cymbal has a magnetic clutch that engages the top cymbal and allows it to be controlled by a standard high hat foot pedal. When the drummer's foot is removed from the high hat foot pedal, the magnetic clutch strikes a mechanical arm which causes the magnetic clutch to disengage without any action required on the part of the drummer. The top cymbal can be re-engaged by the magnetic clutch so that the high hat foot pedal can now be operated again, simply by depressing the high hat foot pedal. A trip bar may be provided to provide for automatic disengagement of the clutch mechanism.
US07671262B1 Adjusting mechanism of an instrument pedal
This specification discloses an adjusting mechanism of an instrument pedal that is pivotally disposed on a pivotal axis of a base to sway along the radial direction of the pivotal axis. The adjusting mechanism has a foundation. There is an arc surface around the radial direction of the pivotal axis outside the foundation. A sliding groove is formed along the radial direction of the arc surface. A fixed hole is formed on the pivotal axis corresponding to the sliding groove. One end of the fixing element goes through the sliding groove and connects to the fixing hole. The other end of the fixing element engages with the arc surface on both sides of the sliding groove for fixing the adjusting mechanism.
US07671261B1 Musical instrument carrier and related methods
A body-supportable musical-instrument carrier featuring a rigid frame, a belly plate, and first and second mounting members is provided. The frame includes a substantially U-shaped intermediate section and end sections at opposite ends of the intermediate section. The intermediate section substantially conforms to shoulder and upper back regions of a user for resting on the shoulder regions and extending across the upper back region of the user in use. The end sections extend substantially parallel to one another for resting in front of a front torso region of the user in use. The first mounting members are mountable on the belly plate and engageable with the end sections, respectively, for securing the belly plate to the frame. The second mounting members are mountable on the belly plate and engageable with a musical instrument for securing the musical instrument to the carrier.
US07671255B2 Low pungency long day onion
The present invention includes long-day onion plants comprising bulbs having low pungency and methods for obtaining such onions. The present invention also provides reagents and materials that can be used in the methods for obtaining such onions.
US07671248B2 Process for producing sec-butyl benzene
A process for producing sec-butylbenzene comprises contacting a feed comprising benzene and ethylene under alkylation conditions with catalyst comprising (i) a molecular sieve having an X-ray diffraction pattern including d-spacing maxima at 12.4±0.25, 6.9±0.15, 3.57±0.07 and 3.42±0.07 Angstrom and (ii) at least one metal selected from Group 10 of the Periodic Table of Elements to produce an alkylation effluent comprising sec-butylbenzene.
US07671243B2 Method and device for using reaction heat during the production of 1,2-dichloroethane
The invention relates to a method for using reaction heat produced by reaction during the production of 1,2-dichloroethane from ethylene and chlorine in a direct chlorination reactor. The chlorine is produced in a sodium chloride electrolysis and the reaction heat, during the formation of 1,2-dichloroethane is used at least partially for the evaporation of NaOH, which is produced during NaCl-electrolysis for producing the required chlorine for direct chlorination, as a coupling product. The invention also relates to a device for carrying out said method, comprising a multi-tube heat exchanger comprising two fixed tubular plates and a NaOH-liquid phase part, and the caustic soda passes through the inside of the tube and 1,2-dichloroethane passes the outside of the tube. The heat exchanger also comprises devices for feeding and distributing the caustic soda in the inside of the tube.
US07671235B2 Tetralin and indane derivatives and uses thereof
Compounds of the formula I, II or III: or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein m, n, q, Ar, R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5 are as defined herein. Also provided are methods for preparing, compositions comprising, and methods for using compounds of formulas I-III.
US07671234B2 Method for producing methylglycine-N,N-diethanoic acid-trialkali metal salts with a low by-product content
The invention relates to a process for preparing low-by-product, light-color methylglycine-N,N-diacetic acid tri(alkali metal) salt by alkaline hydrolysis of methylglycinediacetonitrile (MGDN), comprising the steps in the sequence (a) to (f): (a) mixing of MGDN with aqueous alkali at a temperature of ≦30° C.; (b) allowing the aqueous alkaline MGDN suspension to react at a temperature in the range from 10 to 30° C. over a period of from 0.1 to 10 h to form a solution; (c) allowing the solution from step (b) to react at a temperature in the range from 30 to 40° C. over a period of from 0.1 to 10 h; (d) optionally allowing the solution from step (c) to react at a temperature in the range from 50 to 80° C. over a period of from 0.5 to 2 h; (e) optionally allowing the solution from step (c) or (d) to react at a temperature in the range from 110 to 200° C. over a period of from 5 to 60 min; (f) hydrolysis and removal of ammonia of the solution obtained in step (c), (d) or (e) by stripping at a temperature of from 90 to 105° C.
US07671225B2 Ferrocenyl ligands for homogeneous, enantioselective hydrogenation catalysts
Compounds of the formula (I) or (I′), where R1 is a hydrogen atom or C1-C4-alkyl and R′1 is C1-C4-alkyl; X1 and X2 are each, independently of one another, a secondary phosphine group; R2 is hydrogen, R01R02R03Si—, C1-C18.acyl substituted by halogen, hydroxy, C1-C8-alkoxy or R04R05N—, -or R06—X01—C(O)—; R01, R02 and R03 are each, independently of one another, C1-C12-alkyl, unsubstituted or C1-C4-alkyl or C1-C4-alkoxy-substituted C6-C10-aryl or C7-C12-aralkyl; R04 and R05 are each, independently of one another, hydrogen, C1-C12-alkyl, C3-C8-cycloalkyl, C6-C10-aryl or C7-C12-aralkyl, or R04 and R05 together are trimethylene, tetramethylene, pentamethylene or 3-oxapcntylene; R06 is C1-C18-alkyl, unsubstituted or C1-C4-alkyl- or C1-C4-alkoxy-substituted C3-C8-cycloalkyl, C6-C10-aryl or C7-C12-aralkyl; X01 is —O— or —NH—; T is C6-C20-arylene; v is 0 or an integer from 1 to 4; and * denotes a mixture of racemic or enantiomerically pure diastereomers or pure racemic or enantiomerically diastereomers, are excellent chiral ligands for metal complexes as enantioselective catalysts for the hydrogenation of prochiral organic compounds.
US07671221B2 Modulators of ATP-Binding Cassette transporters
Compounds of the present invention and pharmaceutically acceptable compositions thereof, are useful as modulators of ATP-Binding Cassette (“ABC”) transporters or fragments thereof, including Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator (“CFTR”). The present invention also relates to methods of treating ABC transporter mediated diseases using compounds of the present invention.
US07671220B2 Processes for the 3,3-dialkylation of 4-chromanones
The present invention relates to methods for the preparation of 3,3-dialky 4-chromanones, and particularly to the preparation of 6-fluoro-3,3-dimethyl-2,3-dihydro-4H-chromen-4-one and 3,3-dimethyl-2,3-dihydro-4H-chromen-4-one. In some embodiments, the processes include reaction of a 4-chromanone compound with an alkyl halide in the presence of a metal alkoxide at low temperature.
US07671219B2 Method for manufacturing fullerene derivatives
Provided is a method for manufacturing fullerene 1,3-dioxolane conveniently at high yield. Fullerene 1,3-dioxolane is manufactured by reacting a fullerene oxide and a carbonyl compound in the presence of a catalyst.
US07671217B2 Method for the decarboxylation of dicarboxylic acids
The invention relates to a method for the thermal decarboxylation of dicarboxylic acids, in particular to 3,4-ethylene dioxythiophene-2,5-dicarboxylic acid as an educt. According to said method the educt is used in solid form and/or the reaction is carried out in the presence of a plurality of fluidised bed bodies. No solvents are used in the reaction and the decarboxylation product that is formed during the reaction is carried away from the reaction zone in gaseous form.
US07671208B2 Acetone solvate of phthaloyl amlodipine
An acetone solvate of phthaloyl amlodipine, as well as a process for its preparation including dissolving phthaloyl amlodipine in acetone and cooling the mixture. The present invention also comprises a method for the synthesis of amlodipine, its salts or solvates, which comprises the use of an acetone solvate of phthaloyl amlodipine.
US07671207B2 Process to prepare pioglitazone via several novel intermediates
A process for preparing thiazolidinediones, preferably pioglitazone, is described. Also described are intermediates involved in synthesizing thiazolidinediones, and processes for preparation and use in medicine.
US07671205B2 6-aminoisoquinoline compounds
6-Amino isoquinoline compounds are provided that influence, inhibit or reduce the action of a kinase. Pharmaceutical compositions including therapeutically effective amounts of the 6-aminoisoquinoline compounds and pharmaceutically acceptable carriers are also provided. Various methods using the compounds and/or compositions to affect disease states or conditions such as cancer, obesity and glaucoma are also provided.
US07671204B2 N-demethylation of N-methyl morphinans
The present invention provides a synthetic process for the N-demethylation of N-methyl morphinans. In particular, the invention provides improved synthetic methods for the preparation of N-demethylated morphinan compounds that may be employed as starting materials, for example, commonly available N-methyl opiates such as oripavine and thebaine, and C(3)-protected hydroxy derivatives of oripavine.
US07671203B2 Method and system for separation and purification of at least one narcotic alkaloid using reverse phase preparative chromatography
An apparatus and method for separating at least one narcotic alkaloid that includes loading a stationary phase media into a high performance preparative liquid chromatography column, feeding a crude narcotic alkaloid solution into the chromatographic column, applying a mobile phase to the chromatographic column, and recovering a narcotic alkaloid eluate from the chromatographic column. The narcotic eluates arc collected and treated separately from each other. Each separated alkaloid, however, has sufficient recovery and purity.
US07671202B2 Perylene n-type semiconductors and related devices
Mono- and diimide perylene and naphthalene compounds, N- and core-substituted with electron-withdrawing groups, for use in the fabrication of various device structures.
US07671200B2 Quinazolinone KSP inhibitors
Quinazolinones of formulae (a, b, c and d) are disclosed. They are useful for treating cellular proliferative diseases and disorders associated with KSP kinesin activity.
US07671199B2 Process for the preparation of [(1R), 2S]-2-aminopropionic acid 2-[4-(4-fluoro-2-methyl-1H-indol-5-yloxy)-5-methylpyrrolo[2, 1-F][1,2,4]triazin-6-yloxy]-1-methylethyl ester
The invention relates to an improved process for preparing [(1R), 2S]-2-aminopropionic acid 2-[4-(4-fluoro-2-methyl-1H-indol-5-yloxy)-5-methylpyrrolo[2,1-f][1,2,4]triazin-6-yloxy]-1-methylethyl ester of the formula: Compound I has been shown to be useful for the treatment of certain types of cancer.
US07671198B2 Process for preparing intermediates to 5-HT4 receptor agonist compounds
The invention provides 8-azabicyclo[3.2.1 ]octyl intermediates useful for the preparation of 5-HT4 receptor agonist compounds. The invention also provides processes for the preparation of such useful intermediates.
US07671195B2 Process for preparing dibenzothiazepine compounds
A dibenzothiazepine compound is suitably prepared by subjecting a 2-amino-2′-carboxy-diphenylsulfide compound to dehydration-condensation reaction in the presence of an acidic catalyst; the 2-amino-2′-carboxy-diphenylsulfide compound is suitably prepared by reducing a 2-nitro-2′-carboxy-diphenylsulfide compound in a lower aliphatic ester solvent; and the 2-nitro-2′-carboxy-diphenylsulfide compound is suitably prepared by reacting a nitrobenzene compound with a thiosalicylic acid compound in a mixture of a lower aliphatic alcohol and water.
US07671193B2 Method for adjusting the degree of substitution with acetyl group of cellulose acetate
A process for adjusting an intermolecular or intermolecular degree of acetyl substitution of cellulose acetate is disclosed. The process comprises ripening cellulose acetate in the presence of a catalyst, an acetyl donor, and water or an alcohol. The amount of water and the alcohol is in the range of 0.1 to 10 mol % based on the amount of the acetyl donor.
US07671189B2 Enzymes having dehalogenase activity and methods of use thereof
The invention relates to haloalkane dehalogenases and to polynucleotides encoding the haloalkane dehalogenases. In addition methods of designing new dehalogenases and method of use thereof are also provided. The dehalogenases have increased activity and stability at increased pH and temperature.
US07671180B2 Fibroblast growth factor-like polypeptides and variants thereof
The present invention provides novel Fibroblast Growth Factor-like (FGF-like) fusion polypedtides.
US07671179B2 Antibodies and methods for generating genetically altered antibodies with high affinity
Dominant negative alleles of human mismatch repair genes can be used to generate hypermutable cells and organisms. By introducing these genes into cells and transgenic animals, new cell lines and animal varieties with novel and useful properties can be prepared more efficiently than by relying on the natural rate of mutation. These methods are useful for generating genetic diversity within immunoglobulin genes directed against an antigen of interest to produce altered antibodies with enhanced biochemical activity. Moreover, these methods are useful for generating antibody-producing cells with increased level of antibody production. The invention also provides methods for increasing the affinity of monoclonal antibodies and monoclonal antibodies with increased affinity.
US07671178B1 Solubilization and reconstitution of silk using ionic liquids
Silk is dissolved in an ionic liquid and is regenerated in a range of structural forms without requiring the use of harmful solvents. Silk solubility can be controlled by the selection of the ionic liquid constituents, with small cations and halide or pseudohalide anions favoring solution. The rinse solvent exercises a significant influence over the final properties of the regenerated silk.
US07671177B2 Leucine-based motif and clostridial neurotoxins
Modified neurotoxin comprising neurotoxin including structural modification, wherein the structural modification alters the biological persistence, preferably the biological half-life, of the modified neurotoxin relative to an identical neurotoxin without the structural modification. The structural modification includes addition or deletion of a leucine-based motif or parts thereof. In one embodiment, methods of making the modified neurotoxin include using recombinant techniques. In another embodiment, methods of using the modified neurotoxin to treat biological disorders include treating autonomic disorders, neuromuscular disorders or pains.
US07671172B2 Poly(trimethylene-ethylene ether) glycols
A poly(trimethylene-ethylene ether) glycol is disclosed. The poly(trimethylene-ethylene ether) glycol is, preferably, prepared by the polycondensation of 1,3-propanediol reactant and ethylene glycol reactant. The composition is preferably used in breathable membranes, synthetic lubricants, hydraulic fluids, cutting oils, motor oils, surfactants, spin-finishes, water-borne coatings, laminates, adhesives, packaging, films and foams, fibers and fabrics.
US07671170B2 Film-forming material containing phosphorous
Film-forming materials include resins having a covalently bonded phosphorous atom, the phosphorous atom having at least one covalently bonded oxygen atom. Film-forming resins containing phosphorous can include epoxy, acrylic, polyurethane, polycarbonate, polysiloxane, polyvinyl, polyether, aminoplast, and polyester resins. A process to produce a film-forming resin includes reacting various polymers to incorporate a pendent group comprising a covalently bonded phosphorous atom.
US07671168B2 Unsymmetrical aromatic ether diacids and absorbable polymers therefrom
The present invention relates to compounds of formula I, which are unsymmetrical aromatic ether diacids, and polymers formed from the same. [R′—(Y)p—O]q—Ar—[O—(X)r—R′]s   I Polymers formed from the functionalized unsymmetrical aromatic ether diacids are expected to have controllable degradation profiles, enabling them to release an active component over a desired time range. The polymers are also expected to be useful in a variety of medical applications.
US07671166B2 High internal free volume compositions for low-k dielectric and other applications
The present invention provides materials, devices, and methods involving new heterocyclic, shape-persistent monomeric units with internal free volume. In some cases, materials the present invention may comprise monomers, oligomers, or polymers that incorporate a heterocyclic, shape-persistent iptycene. The present invention may provide materials having low dielectric constants and improved stability at high operating temperatures due to the electron-poor character of materials. In addition, compositions of the invention may be easily synthesized and readily modified to suit a particular application.
US07671164B2 Aliphatic polycarbonates, methods of making, and articles formed therefrom
A method of making a polycarbonate is described. The method comprises melt reacting an ester-substituted diaryl carbonate and a multifunctional compound of the formula: in the presence of catalyst to form an oligomer comprising less than 2,000 ppm of an ester-linked terminal group, and melt polymerizing the oligomer to form a polycarbonate. Use of specific reaction conditions produces a polycarbonate having an Mw of greater than or equal to 25,000 g/mol as determined by gel-permeation chromatography relative to polystyrene standards. Polycarbonates comprising units derived from the multifunctional compound, including homopolycarbonates, aliphatic copolycarbonates further comprising units derived from an aromatic dihydroxy compound, and aliphatic polycarbonate-polyesters, are also disclosed, as are a thermoplastic composition and an article including the disclosed polycarbonates.
US07671162B2 Control of polymer surface molecular architecture via amphipathic endgroups
Polymers whose surfaces are modified by endgroups that include amphipathic surface-modifying moieties. An amphipathic endgroup of a polymer molecule is an endgroup that contains at least two moieties of significantly differing composition, such that the amphipathic endgroup spontaneously rearranges its positioning in a polymer body to position the moiety on the surface of the body, depending upon the composition of the medium with which the body is in contact, when that re-positioning causes a reduction in interfacial energy. An example of an amphipathic surface-modifying endgroup is one that has both a hydrophobic moiety and a hydrophilic moiety in a single endgroup. For instance, a hydrophilic poly(ethylene oxide) terminated with a hydrophilic hydroxyl group is not surface active in air when the surface-modifying endgroup is bonded to a more hydrophobic base polymer. If the hydroxyl group on the oligomeric poly(ethylene oxide) is replaced by a hydrophobic methoxy ether terminus, the poly(ethylene oxide) becomes surface active in air, and allows the poly(ethylene oxide) groups to crystallize in the air-facing surface. In this example, immersion in water destroys the crystallinity as the poly(ethylene oxide) sorbs water and the hydrophobic methoxy group retreats below the surface of the polymer. Also disclosed are methods and articles of manufacture that make use of these polymers.
US07671160B2 Curable perfluoropolyether compositions and rubber or gel articles comprising the cured products of the compositions
Curable perfluoropolyether rubber compositions are provided comprising (A) a linear perfluoropolyether compound containing at least two alkenyl groups and having a perfluoropolyether structure containing recurring units —CaF2aO— in its backbone, (B) an organosilicon compound containing at least two SiH groups, (C) an inorganic powder capable of chemical and/or physical adsorption of acidic gases and/or sulfur-containing gases, and (D) a hydrosilylation catalyst. The compositions cure into rubber or gel products having minimal permeability to acidic gases and sulfur-containing gases.
US07671158B2 End-capped polymer chains and products thereof
According to an aspect of the present invention, a method is provided in which a double diphenylethylene compound is reacted with a polymer that contains a carbocationically terminated chain thereby providing a 1,1-diphenylene end-functionalized chain. Subsequently, an alkylating agent is reacted with the 1,1-diphenylene end-functionalized chain, thereby providing an alkylated 1,1-diphenylene end-functionalized chain. In some embodiments, the method further comprises (a) optionally combining a 1,1-diphenylorganolithium compound with the alkylated 1,1-diphenylene end-functionalized polymer followed by (b) reacting an organolithium compound with the alkylated 1,1-diphenylene end-functionalized polymer. This provides an anionically terminated polymer, which can be used, for example, in subsequent anionic polymerization and coupling reactions. According to another aspect of the present invention, a novel polymer is provided that comprises a polymer chain, which chain further comprises the following: (a) a plurality of constitutional units that correspond to cationically polymerizable monomer species and (b) an end-cap comprising a group or a group, where R is a branched or unbranched alkyl group containing from 1 to 20 carbons and R1 is a branched, unbranched, or cyclic alkyl group or an aryl group, containing from 1 to 20 carbons. Other aspects of the present invention relate to novel copolymers that comprise: (a) a first polymer block that comprises a plurality of constitutional units that correspond to isobutylene; and (b) a second polymer block that comprises a plurality of constitutional units that correspond to hydroxyethyl methacrylate.
US07671157B2 Modification of polymers having aromatic groups through formation of boronic ester groups
The C—H bond of pendant aromatic groups such as commercial polystyrenes with three types of tacticities (syndiotactic, isotactic, atactic) undergo catalyzed functionalization with boron reagents. A boronic ester group formed on the polymer in the polystyrene was further converted to hydroxy and arene via oxidation and coupling reactions, respectively. These functionalizations proceeded without significantly affecting the molecular weight of starting polymer and the functional concentrations could be easily controlled by changing the ratio of boron reagent to monomer unit.
US07671156B2 Silicone hydrogels
The present invention provides silicone hydrogel materials having relatively high oxygen permeability and a relatively low modulus. The relatively-low modulus is achieved by adding a chain transfer agent into a polymerizable fluid composition in an amount sufficient to provide to the resultant silicone hydrogel material with a reduced modulus. In addition, the invention provides silicone hydrogel contact lenses comprising a silicone hydrogel material of the invention, a method for making a silicone hydrogel material of the invention, and a method for making a silicone hydrogel contact lens of the invention.
US07671151B2 Olefin polymerization process
A process for making polyethylene having an uncommon but valuable balance of broad molecular weight distribution and a low level of long-chain branching is disclosed. The process comprises polymerizing ethylene in a single reactor in the presence of an α-olefin and a catalyst comprising an activator and a supported dialkylsilyl-bridged bis(indeno[1,2-b]indolyl)zirconium complex. The polyethylene, which has an Mw/Mn greater than 10 and a viscosity enhancement factor (VEF) of less than 2.5, is valuable for making blown films.
US07671150B2 Polymerization of acyclic aliphatic olefins
A robust, impurity tolerant method of making substantially linear polymers of acyclic aliphatic olefins using catalyst complexes comprising a single palladium metal center and a substituted tri-aryl ligand is disclosed.
US07671145B2 Epoxy-capped polythioethers by reacting dithiol, diolefin and monoepoxy olefin
Epoxy-capped polythioethers and curable compositions of epoxy-capped polythioethers are disclosed.
US07671144B2 Pressure sensitive adhesive composition
The present invention has its object to provide a pressure sensitive adhesive composition which can be applied using no organic solvent or using almost no organic solvent and which manifests excellent pressure sensitive adhesion characteristics. This object can be achieved by a pressure sensitive adhesive composition which comprises, as essential constituents, the following: (A) an oxyalkylene polymer containing 0.3 to 0.7 equivalent of a hydrolyzable silyl group in each molecule and having a number average molecular weight of 15,000 to 100,000 (hydrolyzable silyl group-containing polymer); (B) a tackifier resin; (C) a curing catalyst.
US07671141B2 Second order nonlinear optical polyimides having benzobisthiazole-based pendant groups, and preparation of the same
Disclosed herein are second order nonlinear optic polyimide polymers comprising repeating units represented by the formula: wherein each of the substituents is given the definition as set forth in the Specification and Claims. Also disclosed are the preparation processes of these polymers, chromophore-forming compounds for synthesis of these polymers, and the intermediate polymers thereof. The second order nonlinear optic polyimide polymers of formula (I) may be used in the manufacture of electro-optic (EO) devices, such as electro-optic waveguide devices.
US07671137B2 Rubber composition for tire
To provide a rubber composition for a tire increasing the interaction between rubber fillers, low in heat buildup, and able to raise the vulcanization speed.A rubber composition for a tire containing 100 parts by weight of (A) a sulfur-vulcanizable diene-based rubber, (B) 0.1 to 1 part by weight of a 4,4′-oxybis(benzenesulfonylazide) and (C) a vulcanization type compounding agent, wherein the ingredients (A) and (B) are mixed at the time of a first mixing step before the compounding of the ingredient (C).
US07671136B2 Modified polymers prepared with lanthanide-based catalysts
A functionalized polymer prepared by a process comprising the steps of preparing a pseudo-living polymer by polymerizing conjugated diene monomer with a lanthanide-based catalyst, the polymer having greater than about 85 percent in the 1,4-cis microstructure and less than about 3 percent in the 1,2- or 3,4-microstructure, and reacting the pseudo-living polymer with at least one functionalizing agent defined by the formula (I) or (II): where Z is a substituent that will react or interact with organic or inorganic fillers; with the proviso that each group attached to the imino carbon is attached via a carbon atom and R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R13, R14 and Z are substituents that will not protonate a pseudo-living polymer.
US07671128B1 Tire with a component made of a rubber composition comprised of rubbers having pendant hydroxyl groups
The present invention is directed to a tire comprising at least one component comprising (A) a first copolymer rubber comprised of repeat units derived from (1) 10 to 99 weight percent of a conjugated diene monomer which contains from 4 to 8 carbon atoms; (2) 0 to 70 weight percent of a vinyl substituted aromatic monomer; and (3) 1 to 20 weight percent of at least one co-monomer selected from the group consisting of the following general formulas I: wherein R represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group containing from 1 to 8 carbon atoms; wherein R1 represents a saturated alcohol group containing from 1 to 8 carbon atoms; and (B) a second copolymer rubber comprised of repeat units derived from (1) 10 to 99 weight percent of a conjugated diene monomer which contains from 4 to 8 carbon atoms; (2) 0 to 70 weight percent of a vinyl substituted aromatic monomer; and (3) 1 to 20 weight percent of at least one co-monomer selected from the group consisting of the following general formulas I: wherein R represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group containing from 1 to 8 carbon atoms; wherein R1 represents a saturated alcohol group containing from 1 to 8 carbon atoms; wherein the first and second copolymer have a difference in glass transition temperatures ranging from 30° C. to 60° C.
US07671127B2 Impact-modified thermoplastic molding compositions based on vinyl aromatic copolymers and polyamide
The invention relates to thermoplastic molding compositions, comprising A) from 35 to 95% by weight of at least one graft copolymer A), which is obtainable via reaction of A1) from 5 to 95% by weight of a polymer A1), which is obtained from at least one dicarboxylic anhydride a11) and from at least one vinylaromatic comonomer a12), and A2) from 5 to 95% by weight of a polyamide A2), B) from 5 to 40% by weight of at least one ungrafted or grafted, non-particulate rubber without core-shell structure B), which has functional groups which can react with the end groups of component A), C) from 0 to 50% by weight of at least one particulate or fibrous filler or particulate or fibrous reinforcing material C), D) from 0 to 60% by weight of at least one copolymer D) composed of vinyl aromatic monomers d1) and of comonomers d2), and E) from 0 to 40% by weight of at least one other additive E), where the entirety of components A) to E) gives 100% by weight, and also to processes for preparation of the thermoplastic molding compositions, to the use of the thermoplastic molding compositions for production of moldings, of foils, of fibers, or of foams, and finally to the moldings, foils, fibers, and foams obtainable from the thermoplastic molding compositions.
US07671117B2 Resin composition
Moldings made with a polyester resin which comprises a cyclic compound represented by a following formula A1-B-A2 (in the formula, A1 and A2 are the same or different and show groups represented by a below-described formula, P shows a benzene ring which may be replaced by a material, and B shows a bivalent hydrocarbon group which may be replaced by a material) and polyester capable of having a crystal structure.
US07671115B2 Method for enhancing water-repellency treatment of mineral hydraulic binder compositions and compositions obtainable by said method and their uses
The invention concerns a method for enhancing water-repellency repellency treatment of mineral hydraulic binder compositions and compositions obtainable by said method and their uses in the building sector, said method comprising the step of adding a sufficient amount of at least one monovalent cation salt of a carboxylic acid to said composition.
US07671114B2 Adhesive of substituted oxirane or oxetane compound with silver-based, lead-free solder
In accordance with the present invention, it has now been found that glycidyl epoxy resins containing substitution on the epoxide ring can be used with conventional epoxy curing agents and fluxing agents to produce underfill adhesives that are suitable for use with silver-based alloys. Owing to the structural similarity of the new materials to conventional epoxy resins, physical and material properties of the invention formulations are altered little, if at all, relative to products currently in use, and so are highly compatible with existing processes.
US07671104B2 Fine cell, water-blown rigid polyurethane foams
The invention relates to a process for the production of water-blown, finely cellular rigid foams containing urethane groups and/or isocyanurate groups by the reaction of polyisocyanates with a polyol component in the form of an emulsion. The invention also relates to open-cell polyurethane foams which are foamable in the mould.
US07671102B2 Gelled biopolymer based foam
Gelled biopolymer based foams are disclosed. The gelled foams comprise a cross-linked biopolymer, preferably alginate; optionally, a foaming agent such as hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose; and a plasticizer, preferably glycerin sorbitol, or a mixture thereof, that forms the predominant portion of the gelled foam. The foams are soft and pliable and have high absorbency. They are used as wound dressing materials, controlled release delivery systems, cell culture, barrier media for preventing tissue adherence, and bioabsorbable implants. They also have various personal care applications, especially in oral hygiene, and can be used in food applications.
US07671095B2 Films and particles
Described herein are compounds and processes that can be used to prepare polymer-based films, particles, gels and related compositions, and processes for delivery of agents, and other uses.
US07671093B2 Mixed co-crystals and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the same
A mixed co-crystal comprising an API, a first co-crystal former, and a second co-crystal former which is isomorphically substitutable with said first co-crystal former is described. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a mixed co-crystal, methods of making mixed co-crystals, and methods of using mixed co-crystals are also described.
US07671090B2 Inhibitors of α4 mediated cell adhesion
The present invention relates to a phenylalanine derivative of Formula (I) wherein X1 is a halogen atom, X2 is a halogen atom, Q is a CH2R— is a carboxyl group which may be esterified; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
US07671089B2 Levodopa prodrugs, and compositions and uses thereof
Prodrugs of levodopa, methods of making prodrugs of levodopa, methods of using prodrugs of levodopa, and compositions of prodrugs of levodopa are disclosed.
US07671086B2 Pharmaceutical compositions comprising flavonoids and menthol
The present invention relates to use of certain antiviral fragrances for reduction of viruses, in particular vira causing common cold. In one embodiment, the invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising an antiviral fragrance, preferably menthol. Said compositions preferably also comprise one or more flavonoids. The invention also relates to treatment of common cold using said compositions.
US07671085B2 Non-steroidal farnesoid X receptor modulators and methods for the use thereof
The efficient regulation of cholesterol synthesis, metabolism, acquisition, and transport is an essential component of lipid homeostasis. The farnesoid X receptor (FXR) is a transcriptional sensor for bile acids, the primary product of cholesterol metabolism. Accordingly, the development of potent, selective, small molecule agonists, partial agonists, and antagonists of FXR would be an important step in further deconvoluting FXR physiology. In accordance with the present invention, the identification of novel potent FXR activators is described. Two derivatives of invention compounds, bearing stilbene or biaryl moieties, contain members that are the most potent FXR agonists reported to date in cell-based assays. These compounds are useful as chemical tools to further define the physiological role of FXR as well as therapeutic leads for the treatment of diseases linked to cholesterol, bile acids and their metabolism and homeostasis.
US07671083B2 P-alkoxyphenylen-thiophene oligomers as organic semiconductors for use in electronic devices
This invention provides phenylene-thiophene compounds that exhibit useful electronic properties such as high mobility and high on/off ratio. The invention also provides electronic devices incorporating these compounds. These devices include field effect transistors (FETs), thin film transistors (TFTs), display devices, light-emitting diodes, photovoltaic cells, photo-detectors, and memory cells. Further, the invention also describes a method for manufacturing these field effect transistors. The invention describes an electronic device comprising one or more compounds represented by Formula: (I) where R is selected from substituents comprising 1-20 carbon atoms, wherein the substituents are selected from substituted or unsubstituted alkyl groups, substituted or unsubstituted alkenyl groups, and substituted or unsubstituted alkynyl groups; n is an integer selected from 2 through 6; and m and m′ are integers selected independently from 1 through 3.
US07671081B2 Multifunctional cationic photoinitiators, their preparation and use
Compounds of formula (I): wherein the substituents are as defined herein.
US07671073B2 Cyclohexylalanine derivatives as dipeptidyl peptidase-IV inhibitors for the treatment or prevention of diabetes
The present invention is directed to novel cyclohexylalanine derivatives which are inhibitors of the dipeptidyl peptidase-IV enzyme (“DP-IV inhibitors”) and which are useful in the treatment or prevention of diseases in which the dipeptidyl peptidase-IV enzyme is involved, such as diabetes and particularly type 2 diabetes. The invention is also directed to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds and the use of these compounds and compositions in the prevention or treatment of such diseases in which the dipeptidyl peptidase-IV enzyme is involved.
US07671070B2 Method of treating ophthalmic infections with moxifloxacin compositions
Ophthalmic, otic and nasal compositions containing a new class of antibiotics (e.g., moxifloxacin) are disclosed. The compositions preferably also contain one or more anti-inflammatory agents. The compositions may be utilized to treat ophthalmic, otic and nasal conditions by topically applying the compositions to the affected tissues.
US07671068B2 N-(alkoxyalkyl) carbamoyl-substituted 6-phenyl-benzonaphthyridine derivatives and their use as PDE ¾ inhibitors
Compounds of the formula I in which the substitutents have the definitions provided in the specification, are novel, effective PDE 3/4 inhibitors.
US07671067B2 Treatment of non-hodgkin's lymphomas with multi-arm polymeric conjugates of 7-ethyl-10-hydroxycamtothecin
The present invention relates to methods of treatment of non-Hodgkin's lymphomas. The present invention includes administering polymeric prodrugs of 7-ethyl-10-hydroxy-camptothecin to patients in need thereof.
US07671065B2 Pyridine derivatives as potassium ion channel openers
The present invention is directed to novel pyridine derivatives, pharmaceutical compositions containing them and their use in the treatment of disorders related to ion channels such as potassium channels.
US07671058B2 N-(3,4-disubstituted phenyl) salicylamide derivatives
A compound represented by the following formula (I) or a salt thereof: wherein R1, R2, R3 and R4 represent hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, cyano group, nitro group, a C1-4 alkyl group, a halogenated C1-4 alkyl group or a C1-4 alkoxy group, R5 represents a halogen atom, cyano group, a C1-4 alkyl group, a halogenated C1-4 alkyl group or a C1-4 alkoxy group, R6 represents a C5-7 cycloalkyl group, a substituted C5-7 cycloalkyl group, a 5 to 7-membered completely saturated heterocyclic group or a substituted 5 to 7-membered completely saturated heterocyclic group, X represents a single bond, oxygen atom, sulfur atom, NR7, —O—CH2— or —N(R8)—CH2—, R7 represents hydrogen atom or a C1-4 alkyl group, or R7 may combine with a substituent of R6 to represent a single bond, methylene group or ethylene group, R8 represents hydrogen atom, a C1-4 alkyl group or a C7-12 aralkyl group, which is useful as an active ingredient of a medicament for prophylactic and/or therapeutic treatment of diseases caused by an activation of STAT6 and/or NF-κB.
US07671054B1 Reverse-turn mimetics and method relating thereto
Conformationally constrained compounds that mimic the secondary structure of reverse-turn regions of biologically active peptides and proteins as well as their prodrugs are disclosed. Such reverse-turn mimetic structures and prodrugs have utility over a wide range of fields, including use as diagnostic and therapeutic agents. Libraries containing the reverse-turn mimetic structures of this invention are also disclosed as well as methods for screening the same to identify biologically active members. The invention also relates to the use of such compounds and prodrugs for inhibiting or treating disorders modulated by Wnt-signaling pathway, such as cancer, especially colorectal cancer, restenosis associated with angioplasty, polycystic kidney disease, aberrant angiogenesis disease, rheumatoid arthritis disease, tuberous sclerosis complex, Alzheimer's disease, excess hair growth or loss, or ulcerative colitis.
US07671052B2 Phenyl derivatives and methods of use
Novel phenyl compounds, pharmaceutical compositions containing these compounds, and methods for their pharmaceutical use are disclosed. In certain embodiments, the compounds are agonists and/or ligands of cannabinoid receptors and may be useful, inter alia, for treating and/or preventing pain, gastrointestinal disorders, genitourinary disorders, inflammation, glaucoma, auto-immune diseases, ischemic conditions, immune-related disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases, for providing cardioprotection against ischemic and reperfusion effects, for inducing apoptosis in malignant cells, and as an appetite stimulant.
US07671050B2 Triazolophthalazines
The compounds of formula (I) in which R1, R2 and R3 have the meanings as given in the description are novel effective PDE2 inhibitors.
US07671049B2 Pyrrole based inhibitors of glycogen synthase kinase 3
New pyrrole based compounds, compositions and methods of inhibiting the activity of glycogen synthase kinase (GSK3) in vitro and of treatment of GSK3 mediated disorders in vivo are provided. The methods, compounds and compositions of the invention may be employed alone, or in combination with other pharmacologically active agents in the treatment of disorders mediated by GSK3 activity, such as diabetes, Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders, obesity, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, essential hypertension, polycystic ovary syndrome, syndrome X, ischemia, traumatic brain injury, bipolar disorder, immunodeficiency or cancer.
US07671046B2 Metal complex protein kinase inhibitors
This inventive subject matter relates to novel metal complex protein kinases inhibitors, methods for making such compounds, and methods for using such compounds for treating diseases and disorders mediated by kinase activity.
US07671042B2 Pharmaceutical compositions containing cyclodextrins and taxoids
The present invention relates to water-soluble solid pharmaceutical compositions and their solutions in aqueous solvents, said compositions containing a) as an active ingredient a finely dispersed large surface area amorphous preferably lyophilized taxoid such as paclitaxel or docetaxel, their salts or their polymorphic hydrates or solvates such as solvates formed with ethanol and b) finely dispersed large surface area amorphous preferably lyophilized acetyl-γ-cyclodextrin or hydroxy-propyl-β-cyclodextrin (cyclodextrin) whereby the weight ratio of said taxoid:said cyclodextrin ranges between 1:25 and 1:400; c) and optionally other water-soluble auxiliary materials usual in pharmaceuticals for parental purposes.
US07671040B2 Chemotherapeutic antineoplastic treatment
Chemotherapeutic antineoplastic method comprising administration of an effective amount of an antineoplastic agent in conjunction with an effective amount of a β-1,3 glucan.
US07671039B2 Composition containing beta-glucan for prevention and treatment of osteoporosis
The present invention relates to a composition containing beta-glucan as an effective ingredient for prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. The above captioned beta-glucan is preferably the beta-1.3/1.6 glucan having a lactic acid as a substituent and this beta-1.3/1.6 glucan is preferably produced from Aureobasidium pullulans SM2001(KCCM 10307).
US07671037B2 Hypoxia induced mitogenic factor
We found that FIZZ1/RELMα is inducible by hypoxia in lung. The hypoxia-upregulated expression of FIZZ1/RELMα was located in the pulmonary vasculature, bronchial epithelial cells, and type II pneumocytes. Recombinant FIZZ1/RELMα protein stimulates rat pulmonary microvascular smooth muscle cell (RPSM) proliferation dose-dependently. Therefore, we renamed this gene as hypoxia-induced mitogenic factor (HIMF). HIMF strongly activated Akt phosphorylation. The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitor LY294002 inhibits HIMF-activated Akt phosphorylation. It also inhibits HIMF-stimulated RPSM proliferation. Thus, the PI3K/Akt pathway, at least in part, mediates the proliferative effect of HIMF. HIMF also has angiogenic and vasoconstrictive activity. Notably, HIMF increases pulmonary arterial pressure and vascular resistance more potently than either endothelin-1 or angiotensin II.
US07671035B2 Epidermal growth factor receptor antisense oligonucleotides
Disclosed are synthetic oligonucleotides complementary to nucleic acids encoding epidermal growth factor and methods of their use.
US07671034B2 Stabilized formulation of ivermectin feed premix with an extended shelf life
The invention relates to a stabilized premix feed or feed-like formulation that has an extended shelf life due to a decrease of the degradates of the active ingredient by controlling the amount of an already existing stabilizer in the formulation. The feed premix is used in the treatment of parasites in mammals, in particular swine and horses. The invention further relates to a method to extend the shelf life of a stable premix feed or feed-like formulation for the treatment of parasite infestation in swine and horses comprising controlling the amount of an already existing antioxidant or stabilizer in the formulation to decrease or to prevent the formation of acid/base catalyzed decomposition of the active ingredient.
US07671032B2 HCV NS-3 serine protease inhibitors
Peptidomimetic compounds are described which inhibit the NS3 protease of the hepatitis C virus (HCV). The compounds have the formula where the variable definitions are as provided in the specification. The compounds comprise a carbocyclic P2 unit in conjunction with a novel linkage to those portions of the inhibitor more distal to the nominal cleavage site of the native substrate, which linkage reverses the orientation of peptidic bonds on the distal side relative to those proximal to the cleavage site.
US07671031B2 Abuse-resistant amphetamine prodrugs
The invention describes compounds, compositions, and methods of using the same comprising a chemical moiety 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.
US07671030B2 Abuse-resistant amphetamine prodrugs
The invention describes compounds, compositions, and methods of using the same comprising a chemical moiety 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.
US07671028B2 Peptides that antagonize FPR class receptor mediated signaling
The present application discloses W-rich peptide that is useful for inhibiting FPR class receptor activity.
US07671026B2 Cytomodulating peptides for treating interstitial cystitis
The methods and compositions relate to treatment of disorders of the bladder. In particular, the methods provide for treatment of interstitial cystitis and related disorders. The methods further comprise treatment to affect various manifestations associated with interstitial cystitis, including, reducing histamine release, modulating Substance P expression, modulating nerve growth factor expression, modulating levels of various cytokines, and maintaining integrity of the urine/blood barrier.
US07671024B2 OBG3 globular head and uses thereof
The present invention relates to the field of obesity research. Obesity is a public health problem that is serious and widespread. The application is related to OBG3 polypepide fragments and compositions comprising these fragments. It also discloses methods of reducing free fatty acid levels with the polypeptide fragments of the invention.
US07671023B2 Amylin agonist for treating depression, anxiety disorder and schizophrenia
Methods and compositions for treating psychiatric diseases and disorders are disclosed. The methods provided generally involve the administration of an amylin or an amylin agonist to a subject in order to treat psychiatric diseases and disorders, and conditions associated with psychiatric diseases and disorders.
US07671016B2 RGD-enriched gelatine-like proteins with enhanced cell binding
The invention concerns a cell support comprising an RGD-enriched gelatine that has a more even distribution of RGD sequences than occurring in a natural gelatine and with a minimum level of RGD sequences. More precise the percentage of RGD sequences related to the total number of amino acids is at least 0.4 and if the RGD-enriched gelatine comprises 350 amino acids or more, each stretch of 350 amino acids contains at least one RGD motif. Preferably the RGD-enriched gelatines are prepared by recombinant technology, and have a sequence that is derived from a human gelatine or collagen amino acid sequence. The invention also relates to RGD-enriched gelatines that are used for attachment to integrins. In particular The RGD-enriched gelatines of the invention are suitable for coating a cell culture support for growing anchor-dependant cell types. Further, the RGD-enriched gelatines of the invention may find use in medical applications, in particular as a coating on implant or transplant material or as a component of drug delivery systems.
US07671014B2 Flowable carrier matrix and methods for delivering to a patient
A carrier matrix may be delivered to a target position within a patient in a minimally invasive manner by first cutting a collagen sponge sheet into a plurality of relatively small pieces. These pieces are sized so that, when wet, they are capable of flowing through a cannula and/or reduced-diameter syringe tip. The pieces are placed into a syringe and wetted, say with a morphogenic solution, and optionally mixed with a bulking material, which is similarly sized to fit through the cannula. The thoroughly mixed and wetted product forms a viscous aggregate which may then be injected into the patient at the target site.
US07671012B2 Formulations and methods for delivery of growth factor analogs
Formulations, kits and methods for bone or cartilage repair, including treatment of osteogenic defects, including formulations of synthetic heparin-binding growth factor analogs, non-ionic polymers, gelling agents and calcium-containing agents.
US07671010B2 Compositions and methods of use of targeting peptides for diagnosis and therapy of human cancer
The present invention concerns compositions comprising and methods of identification and use of targeting peptides selective for cancer tissue, particularly prostate or ovarian cancer tissue. The method may comprise identifying endogenous mimeotopes of such peptides, such as GRP78, IL-11Rα and hsp90. Antibodies against such targeting peptides or their mimeotopes may be used for detection, diagnosis and/or staging of prostate or ovarian cancer. In other embodiments, the compositions and methods concern novel type of gene therapy vector, known as adeno-associated phage (AAP). AAP are of use for targeted delivery of therapeutic agents to particular tissues, organs or cell types, such as prostate or ovarian cancer. In still other embodiments, targeting peptides selective for low-grade lipomas may be used for detection, diagnosis and targeted delivery of therapeutic agents.
US07671009B2 Dermopharmaceutically and cosmetically active oligopeptides
Oligopeptides and derivatives thereof, peptide analogs and derivatives thereof as well as pharmaceutically acceptable salts of these compounds, which correspond to general formula (I) wherein R1 represents H, —C(O)—R7, —SO2—R7, —C(O)—OR7 or —C(O)—N(R7)2 R2 represents, independent of one another, H or —(C1-C4)-alkyl, R3 and R6 represent, independent of one another, —(CH2)q—N(R1)R8 R4 and R5 represent, independent of one another, —CH2—OR2, —CH(CH3)OR8 or —CH2—CH2—OR8 R7 represents hydrogen, optionally substituted (C1-C19)-alkyl; optionally substituted (C1-C19)-alkenyl; phenyl-(C1-C4)-alkyl whose phenyl radical is optionally substituted with amino in the para position R8 represents H, —(C1-C4)-alkyl, —C(O)—R7, —C(O)—OR7, —C(O)—N(R7)2 or —SO2—R7 X represents oxygen (—O—) or —NH—; or XR7, with X=O, also represents the esters of α-tocopherol, tocotrienol or retinol or the carboxylic acid (with R7=H) m, n, p represent, independent of one another, zero or 1 and q in R3 and R6 represent, independent of one another, an integer from 1 to 4, with the provision that the following conditions do not simultaneously occur: R4=—CH(CH3)—OH and R5=—CH(CH3)—OH and R6=—(CH2)4—NH2; dermopharmaceutically and/or cosmetically active compositions containing at least one compound of formula (I).
US07670999B2 Cleansing composition containing hydrophilic silica and oxyalkenylated compounds
A cleansing composition comprising (1) at least one foaming surfactant, (2) at least 1% by weight of at least one hydrophilic silica, relative to the total weight of the composition, and (3) at least one oxyalkylenated compound in a physiologically acceptable aqueous medium comprising at least 35% by weight of water, relative to the total weight of the composition.
US07670997B2 Ophthalmic compositions comprising a branched, glycerol monoalkyl compound and a fatty acid monoester
An aqueous ophthalmic composition comprising a branched, glycerol monoalkyl compound and a fatty acid monoester. The fatty acid monoester comprises an aliphatic fatty acid portion having six to fourteen carbon atoms and an aliphatic hydroxyl portion. The composition will also have an osmolality in a range from 200 mOsmol/kg to 400 mOsmol/kg. The invention is also directed to a method of inhibiting the formation of foam in an aqueous ophthalmic composition that includes a surfactant as well as to a method of enhancing the biocidal efficacy of an aqueous ophthalmic composition containing a fatty acid monoester.
US07670995B2 Viscoelastic wellbore treatment fluid
A viscoelastic wellbore treatment fluid comprises an effective amount of an oligomeric surfactant for controlling the viscoelasticity of the fluid.
US07670989B2 Neutralizing superabsorbent polymer composition
An absorbent and process for the neutralization and absorption of acidic and alkaline liquid spills comprising a mixture of superabsorbent polymer, a styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer, sodium bicarbonate, and optionally a chlorine neutralizer. The absorbent preferably also contains a chlorine neutralizer for the neutralization of any chlorine vapors and a pH indicator to indicate that the spill has been neutralized and is safe for handling and disposal.
US07670988B2 Nanostructured anode PT-RU electrocatalysts for direct methanol fuel cells
An aerosol-assisted method for synthesis of nanostructured metallic electrocatalysts and the electrocatalysts formed thereby. The electrocatalyst may be formed from metals such as, but not limited to, platinum, platinum group metals, and binary and tertiary compositions thereof such as, for example, platinum-ruthenium and platinum-tin. The resulting unsupported electrocatalyst is homogenous and highly disperse.
US07670983B2 Oxygenate treatment of dewaxing catalyst for greater yield of dewaxed product
Fischer-Tropsch hydrocarbon synthesis using a noncobalt catalyst is used to produce waxy fuel and lubricant oil hydrocarbons from synthesis gas derived from natural gas. The waxy hydrocarbons are hydrodewaxed, with reduced conversion to lower boiling hydrocarbons, by contacting the waxy hydrocarbons, in the presence of hydrogen, with an unsulfided hydrodewaxing catalyst that has been reduced and then treated by contacting it with a stream containing one or more oxygenates.
US07670981B2 C0G multi-layered ceramic capacitor
A dielectric ceramic composition in a multilayer ceramic capacitor with a composition of formula: {[(CaO)t(SrO)1-t]m[(ZrO2)v(TiO2)1-v]}1-s-xAsEx wherein: A is a transition metal oxide; E is an oxide of an element selected from the group consisting of Ge, Si, Ga and combinations thereof; m is 0.98 to 1.02; t is 0.50 to 0.90; v is 0.8 to 1.0; s and x are selected from the group consisting of: a) 0≦x≦0.08, 0.0001≦s≦0.043 and x≧1.86s; and b) 0≦x≦0.0533, 0.0001≦s≦0.08 and x≦0.667s.
US07670971B2 Pre-moistened nonwoven webs with visible compressed sites
The disclosure relates to pre-moistened webs and wipes having visible compressed sites that provide the perception of a cloth-like texture. The disclosure also relates to a nonwoven web made of non-thermoplastic fibers with at least one compressed site on the surface of the web that remains visible when the web is pre-moistened.
US07670968B2 Functional textile material provided with microcapsules containing an active ingredient and use thereof
The subject of the invention is a functional textile material (1), wherein the functional textile material (1) comprises a textile backing (2) in the form of a two-dimensional textile formation, and the textile backing (2) is provided with microcapsules (3), which contain at least one active ingredient, and the microcapsules (3) are secured to the textile backing (2) by means of an adhesive (4) applied discontinuously to the textile backing (2). In this way, one obtains a functional textile material (1) with high air-permeability and high water vapor-permeability at reduced basis weight, which material can be used in particular for making functional clothing.
US07670965B2 Production method for silicon wafers and silicon wafer
A silicon wafer is thermal-annealed in an atmosphere to form new vacancies therein by thermal annealing and the atmosphere in the thermal annealing contains a nitride gas having a lower decomposition temperature than a decomposable temperature of N2 so that the thermal annealing is carried out at a lower temperature or for a short time to suppress generation of slip and to provide satisfactory surface roughness.
US07670960B2 Substrate processing method
Disclosed is a substrate processing method that dissolves and deforms a photoresist film having a first pattern formed on a substrate to reshape the resist film into a second pattern. The method includes: evacuating a processing chamber, thereby reducing an internal pressure of the processing chamber from a standard pressure to a first target pressure lower than the standard pressure; introducing a solvent vapor-containing atmosphere into the processing chamber, thereby bringing the internal pressure back to the standard pressure; dissolving the resist film by a solvent contained in the solvent vapor-containing atmosphere; and evacuating a processing chamber, thereby reducing the internal pressure to a second target pressure higher than the first target pressure and lower than the standard pressure and discharging the solvent vapor-containing atmosphere from the processing chamber. Owing to the relatively low second target pressure, undesirable deformation of the resist film or defects in the resist film due to rapid evaporation of the solvent penetrated in the resist film can be prevented.
US07670956B2 Beam-induced etching
A method and apparatus for local beam processing using a beam activated gas to etch material are described. Compounds are disclosed that are suitable for beam-induced etching. The invention is particularly suitable for electron beam induced etching of chromium materials on lithography masks. In one embodiment, a polar compound, such as ClNO2 gas, is activated by the electron beam to selectively etch a chromium material on a quartz substrate. By using an electron beam in place of an ion beam, many problems associated with ion beam mask repair, such as staining and riverbedding, are eliminated. Endpoint detection is not critical because the electron beam and gas will not etch significantly the substrate.
US07670954B2 Method of manufacturing semiconductor device
Provided is a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device including at least two processes. Under an atmosphere comprising hydrogen and oxygen, a sacrificial oxide film is formed on a silicon substrate that is provided with at least one nitride region. Then, the sacrificial oxide film and the nitride region are removed from the silicon substrate.
US07670952B2 Method of manufacturing metal silicide contacts
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device, comprising forming a metal silicide gate electrode on a semiconductor substrate surface. The method also comprises exposing the metal silicide gate electrode and the substrate surface to a cleaning process. The cleaning process includes a dry plasma etch using an anhydrous fluoride-containing feed gas and a thermal sublimation configured to leave the metal silicide gate electrode substantially unaltered. The method also comprises depositing a metal layer on source and drain regions of the substrate surface and annealing the metal layer and the source and drain regions of the substrate surface to form metal silicide source and drain contacts.
US07670949B2 Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing semiconductor device
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device includes: forming a first photosensitive material pattern having an opening hole on a work target layer formed on an active surface of a substrate; performing a first etching by performing an etching treatment to the work target layer using the first photosensitive material pattern as a mask, and forming one of a concave and a groove in a tapered shape with a wide opening to the work target layer while enlarging the opening hole, by performing the etching treatment so as to enlarge the opening hole; and filling a metal film into one of the concave and the groove.
US07670948B2 Semiconductor device having diffusion barriers and a method of preventing diffusion of copper in a metal interconnection of a semiconductor device
Embodiments of a semiconductor device and a method of fabricating the same may include an insulating layer formed on a substrate and having a predetermined hole, a metal interconnection formed in the hole and protruding relative to the insulating layer, a first barrier extending in a lateral direction of the metal interconnection, a second barrier formed on the metal interconnection, and a metal pad formed on the second barrier.
US07670938B2 Methods of forming contact openings
The present invention is directed to methods of forming contact openings. In one illustrative embodiment, the method includes forming a feature above a semiconducting substrate, forming a layer stack comprised of a plurality of layers of material above the feature, the layer stack having an original height, reducing the original height of the layer stack to thereby define a reduced height layer stack above the feature, forming an opening in the reduced height layer stack for a conductive member that will be electrically coupled to the feature and forming the conductive member in the opening in the reduced height layer stack.
US07670937B2 Method for producing doped regions in a substrate, and photovoltaic cell
Method for producing doped regions on the rear face of a photovoltaic cell. A doping paste with a first type of conductivity is deposited on a rear face of a semiconductor-based substrate according to a pattern consistent with the desired distribution of regions doped with the first type of conductivity. Then, an oxide layer is deposited at least on the portions of the rear face of the substrate not covered with the doping paste. Finally, an annealing of the substrate diffuses the doping agents in the substrate and forms doped regions under the doping paste.
US07670935B2 Manufacturing method of semiconductor device
Island-like semiconductor films and markers are formed prior to laser irradiation. Markers are used as positional references so as not to perform laser irradiation all over the semiconductor within a substrate surface, but to perform a minimum crystallization on at least indispensable portion. Since the time required for laser crystallization can be reduced, it is possible to increase the substrate processing speed. By applying the above-described constitution to a conventional SLS method, a means for solving such problem in the conventional SLS method that the substrate processing efficiency is insufficient, is provided.
US07670931B2 Methods for fabricating semiconductor structures with backside stress layers
Methods for fabricating semiconductor structures with backside stress layers are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, the method comprises the steps of providing a semiconductor device formed on and within a front surface of a semiconductor substrate. The semiconductor device comprises a channel region. A plurality of dielectric layers is formed overlying the semiconductor device. The plurality of dielectric layers comprises conductive connections that are in electrical communication with the semiconductor device. A backside stress layer is formed on a back surface of the semiconductor substrate. The backside stress layer is configured to apply to the channel region of the semiconductor device a uniaxial compressive or tensile stress that, with stresses applied by the plurality of dielectric layers, results in an overall stress exerted on the channel region to achieve a predetermined overall strain of the channel region.
US07670927B2 Double-sided integrated circuit chips
A semiconductor structure and method of fabricating the structure. The method includes removing the backside silicon from two silicon-on-insulator wafers having devices fabricated therein and bonding them back to back utilizing the buried oxide layers. Contacts are then formed in the upper wafer to devices in the lower wafer and wiring levels are formed on the upper wafer. The lower wafer may include wiring levels. The lower wafer may include landing pads for the contacts. Contacts to the silicon layer of the lower wafer may be silicided.
US07670918B2 Semiconductor device having impurity-doped resistor element
Resistor elements are formed by doping impurity into a single crystal film formed on a substrate such as a silicon-on-insulator substrate. A semiconductor device having such resistor elements is used as a detector for detecting an amount of airflow, for example. The impurity density in the single crystal silicon is made lower than 1×1020/cm3 to suppress a resistance change by aging especially at a temperature higher than 310° C. To obtain a high temperature coefficient of the resistor element as well as a low resistance change by aging, the impurity density is set in a range from 4×1019/cm3 to 1×1020/cm3, and more preferably in a range from 7×1019/cm3 to 1×1020/cm3. As the impurity, N-type impurity such as phosphorus or P-type impurity such as boron may be used. It is preferable to use the impurity having a low diffusion coefficient to attain a low resistance change by aging.
US07670913B2 Method for forming ultra-thin low leakage multiple gate devices using a masking layer over the semiconductor substrate
The present invention provides a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device having multiple gate dielectric thickness layers. The method, in one embodiment, includes forming a masking layer over a semiconductor substrate in a first active region and a second active region of a semiconductor device, patterning the masking layer to expose the semiconductor substrate in the first active region, and subjecting exposed portions of the semiconductor substrate to a nitrogen containing plasma, thereby forming a first layer of gate dielectric material over the semiconductor substrate in the first active region. The method, in that embodiment, may further include incorporating oxygen into the first layer of gate dielectric material located in the first active region, and then removing the patterned masking layer, and forming a second layer of gate dielectric material over the first layer of gate dielectric material in the first active region and over the semiconductor substrate in the second active region, thereby resulting in a first greater thickness gate dielectric in the first active region and a second lesser thickness gate dielectric in the second active region.
US07670912B2 Methods of fabricating multichannel metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) transistors
Unit cells of metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) transistors are provided including an integrated circuit substrate an a MOS transistor on the integrated circuit substrate. The MOS transistor includes a source region, a drain region and a gate. The gate is positioned between the source region and the drain region. A horizontal channel is provided between the source and drain regions. The horizontal channel includes at least two spaced apart horizontal channel regions. Related methods of fabricating MOS transistors are also provided.
US07670911B2 Method for manufacturing vertical MOS transistor
A method for manufacturing a vertical MOS transistor comprising forming a protrusion-like region, forming a silicon oxide film on an exposed surface of the protrusion-like region and a surface of the silicon semiconductor substrate, increasing a film thickness of at least the silicon oxide film on the silicon semiconductor substrate by thermal oxidation to form a first insulating film, forming a lower impurity diffusion region, removing the silicon oxide film to expose a silicon side of the protrusion-like region, thermally oxidizing the silicon side to form a second insulating film having a thinner film thickness than a film thickness of the first insulating film, forming a gate electrode over a side of the protrusion-like region, and forming an upper impurity diffusion region.
US07670903B2 Method for fabricating a cylindrical capacitor using amorphous carbon-based layer
A method for fabricating a cylindrical capacitor. The method includes forming an isolation structure including an interlayer on a substrate, the substrate having a plurality of contact plugs formed therein, forming a plurality of opening regions by etching the isolation structure, thereby exposing selected portions of the contact plugs, forming storage nodes on a surface of the opening regions, etching selected portions of the isolation structure to form a patterned interlayer that encompasses selected portions of the storage nodes, thereby supporting the storage nodes, removing remaining portions of the isolation structure, and removing the patterned interlayer to expose inner and outer walls of the storage nodes.
US07670899B2 Capacitor of semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the same
A MIM capacitor includes a lower electrode disposed on a semiconductor substrate. A dielectric layer is disposed on the lower electrode to completely cover an exposed surface of the lower electrode. An upper electrode is disposed on the dielectric layer. A method for forming a MIM capacitor includes forming a lower electrode on a semiconductor substrate. A dielectric layer and an upper metal layer are formed on an entire surface of the substrate to cover the lower electrode. The dielectric and upper metal layers are patterned on the lower electrode.
US07670898B2 Methods of forming semiconductor constructions
The invention includes methods of incorporating partial SOI into transistor structures. In particular aspects, dielectric material is provided over semiconductor material, and patterned into at least two segments separated by a gap. Additional semiconductor material is then grown over the dielectric material and within the gap. Subsequently, a transistor is formed to comprise source/drain regions within the additional semiconductor material, and to comprise a channel between the source/drain regions. At least one of the source/drain regions is primarily directly over a segment of the dielectric material, and the channel is not primarily directly over any segment of the dielectric material. The invention also includes constructions comprising partial SOI corresponding to segments of dielectric material, and transistors having at least one source/drain region primarily directly over a segment of dielectric material, and a channel that is not primarily directly over any segment of the dielectric material.
US07670895B2 Process of forming an electronic device including a semiconductor layer and another layer adjacent to an opening within the semiconductor layer
A process of forming an electronic device can include patterning a semiconductor layer to define an opening. After patterning the semiconductor layer, the opening can have a bottom, and the semiconductor layer can have a sidewall and a surface. The surface is spaced apart from the bottom of the opening. The sidewall can extend from the surface towards the bottom of the opening. The process can also include forming a layer over the semiconductor layer and within the opening, and removing a part of the first layer from within the opening. After removing the part of the layer, a remaining portion of the layer may lie within the opening and adjacent to the bottom and the sidewall, and the remaining portion of the layer may be spaced apart from the surface. In another aspect, the electronic device can include a field isolation region including the first layer.
US07670882B2 Electronic device fabrication
A system performs a method including contact printing one of a wetting agent and a non-wetting agent on a semiconductor and inkjet printing an electrically conductive material proximate said one of the wetting agent and the non-wetting agent.
US07670877B2 Reliability enhancement process
A method of packaging a semiconductor component with a printed wiring board is disclosed. The method includes determining a first distance, applying a thin film onto a surface of the semiconductor component such that the thin film is spaced apart from a support of the semiconductor, applying a solder pad onto the printed wiring board, placing the semiconductor component with the thin film onto the printed wiring board, and positioning the thin film adjacent the solder pad.
US07670870B2 Method of manufacturing organic thin film transistor and organic thin film transistor
A method of manufacturing an organic thin film transistor characterized by low costs and high performances, the method in which the self-assemble monolayer is formed in a short period of time, and the organic thin film transistor are provided. A method of manufacturing an organic thin film a transistor having a gate electrode, a semiconductor layer, a source electrode, and a drain electrode on a substrate, wherein a semiconductor solution as a mixture of the self-assembled monolayer material and organic semiconductor material is coated between the source electrode and drain electrode, whereby a semiconductor layer is formed.
US07670869B2 Semiconductor device and fabrications thereof
A memory device is disclosed. A pillar structure comprises a first electrode layer, a dielectric layer overlying the first electrode layer, and a second electrode layer overlying the dielectric layer. A phase change layer covers a surrounding of the pillar structure. A bottom electrode electrically connects the first electrode layer of the pillar structure. A top electrode electrically connects the second electrode layer of the pillar structure.
US07670865B2 Image sensor pixel having photodiode with multi-dopant implantation
An active pixel using a photodiode with multiple species of N type dopants is disclosed. The pixel comprises a photodiode formed in a semiconductor substrate. The photodiode is an N− region formed within a P-type region. The N− region is formed from an implant of arsenic and an implant of phosphorus. Further, the pixel includes a transfer transistor formed between the photodiode and a floating node and selectively operative to transfer a signal from the photodiode to the floating node. Finally, the pixel includes an amplification transistor controlled by the floating node.
US07670864B2 CMOS image sensor and fabricating method thereof
A CMOS image sensor and method of manufacture reduces the problem of electron loss in a floating diffusion area. A method of fabricating a CMOS image sensor includes forming a gate electrode over a first conductive type semiconductor substrate. A second conductive type first diffusion layer is formed within the semiconductor substrate to be aligned with an edge of one side of the gate electrode. A spacer may be attached to both sidewalls of the gate electrode. A first conductive type second diffusion layer may be formed within the first diffusion layer to leave a distance amounting to a width of the spacer in-between. A second conductive type third diffusion layer may be formed within the semiconductor substrate to be aligned with an edge of the other side of the gate electrode. A first conductive type fourth diffusion layer may be formed over the third diffusion layer, and a first conductive type fifth diffusion layer may be formed under the third diffusion layer.
US07670857B2 Inspection method, manufacturing method of piece for analysis, analysis method, analyzer, manufacturing method of SOI wafer, and SOI wafer
An inspection method is provided for accurate measurement of conductive materials as defects within a silicon oxide film base material embedded in a SOI wafer sample. In the method, the internal state of a sample 2 is inspected by measuring an conductive material within an insulating base material 11 formed upon the sample 2. Ions or electrons are irradiated upon the surface of the inspection region of the base material 11. A surface image is imaged with secondary electrons emitted from the surface 11a and the vicinity of the surface. The inspection region is etched and a surface image is imaged successively with secondary electrons emitted from a surface 11b and from its vicinity, renewed successively at the etched depth. The conductive material within the base material 11 is measured based upon the accumulated surface images.
US07670853B2 Assay device, system and method
A system for treating a blood sample (700) having an analyte of interest comprises a strip (200) having a membrane (218), respective portions (216, 220 and 222, or 300) which are provided for receiving the sample, for lysing cells of the sample to liberate hemoglobin, and for capturing glycated hemoglobin. The latter two portions (220 and 222, or 300) of the membrane are treated with lysing and capture agents, respectively. A portion of the strip (214 or 230 or 240) is provided for holding an eluting agent and for releasing the agent upon a release condition. A system for detecting analyte comprises an optical subsystem (550) that is aligned with the strip to provide a signal corresponding to an amount of analyte, and an electronic subsystem (650) for processing the signal (560) to provide a result, such as an amount or percentage of glycated hemoglobin. To use these systems, the user simply applies a small sample (700) to the membrane (218) and closes a door (10) of the detection system over the strip (200) such that the door triggers the release of the eluting agent. No sample pre-treatment is required. The preferably handheld system (100) is a simple and convenient monitoring tool for the user, such as a diabetic patient who must monitor blood glucose on an on-going basis. While the systems are useful in the monitoring of blood glucose, they may be used for treating a sample other than blood and detecting an analyte other than an analyte in blood.
US07670848B2 Method for measuring luminescence at a luminescence detection workstation
In a luminescence detecting apparatus and method for analyzing luminescent samples, luminescent samples are placed in a plurality of sample wells in a tray, and the tray is placed in a visible-light impervious chamber containing a charge coupled device camera. In the chamber, light from the luminescent samples pass through a collimator, a Fresnel field lens, an infrared filter, and a camera lens, whereupon a focused image is created by the optics on the camera. The use of an infrared filter suppresses stray IR radiation resulting from plate phosphorescence (which can result in abnormally high backgrounds and/or alteration of the image received by the camera).
US07670845B2 Indicator granular material
The present invention relates to indicator granular material, especially for a cat lavatory, in which at least one first granular material is substantially completely coated with a first polymer layer, which is solid at a first pH and is dissolved at a second pH; and also to a cat lavatory and the use of the indicator granular material in a cat lavatory.
US07670842B2 Method for discriminating organic agricultural products from conventional agricultural products by using nitrogen isotope index
The present invention provides a method for discriminating an organic farmland from a conventional farmland, comprising; (a) measuring an amount of nitrogen isotope in a soil sample of a farmland; (b) calculating a nitrogen isotope index according to the formula (I) using the resultant nitrogen isotope value and (c) determining whether the farmland belongs to an organic farmland or a conventional farmland. According to the present invention, it is possible to objectively discriminate an organic farmland from a conventional farmland or discriminate an organic crop from a conventional crop.
US07670840B2 Micro-RNA expression abnormalities of pancreatic, endocrine and acinar tumors
The present invention provides novel methods and compositions for the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of pancreatic cancer. The invention also provides methods of identifying anti-pancreatic cancer agent.
US07670839B2 Process for coating cell-culture support
The invention relates to a support for culturing cells, in particular to microcarriers coated with gelatine or gelatine-like proteins. Such microcarriers serve as support for culturing anchorage dependent cells. In particular the invention relates to a process for the preparation of a cell culture support comprising the step of coating a microcarrier bead with gelatine or gelatine-like protein, said gelatine or gelatine-like protein having a molecular weight of about 40 kDa to about 200 kDa.
US07670837B2 Non-tumorigenic MDCK cell line for propagating viruses
The present invention provides novel MDCK-derived adherent non-tumorigenic cell lines that can be grown in the presence or absence of serum. The cell lines of the present invention are useful for the production of vaccine material (e.g., viruses). More specifically, the cell lines of the present invention are useful for the production of influenza viruses in general and ca/ts influenza viruses in particular. The invention further provides methods and media formulations for the adaptation and cultivation of MDCK cells such that they remain non-tumorigenic. Additionally, the present invention provides methods for the production of vaccine material (e.g., influenza virus) in the novel cell lines of the invention.
US07670830B2 Trichoderma spp strains with high capacity of fungus biological control and selection process thereof by molecular markers
Trichoderma spp. strains with high capacity for fungus biological control in wide ranges of temperature and pH are described, such strains being compatible with each other. Likewise, a process of selection of such strains through molecular markers is described. The described process reduce the number of necessary experiments to determine if a Trichoderma strain, not previously described, can display a biological activity more acceptable than those well known.
US07670829B2 Yeast strains autonomously producing steroids
The present invention relates to genetically modified yeast strains autonomously producing, from a simple carbon source, steroids. The invention also relates to a method for producing steroids from such yeast strains.
US07670824B2 Multicopy-integration of heterologous genes and expression in Methylobacterium
The integration of genes into methylobacterium, such as M. extorquens ATCC is disclosed, using a transposon system, preferably the mini-Tn7 transposon system, and under the control of a promoter, such as the strong methanol dehydrogenase promoter (PmxaF). Multicopy integration of genes of interest is also disclosed. The unique and specific attachment site for the Tn7 attachment (attTn7) is identified for M. extorquens.
US07670818B1 β-mannanase from coffee berry borer, hypothenemus hampei, and uses thereof
The present invention relates to an isolated β-mannanase protein having an amino acid sequence which is 90% similar to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1, as well as isolated polynucleotides encoding the β-mannanase protein, and isolated expression systems and host cells containing the polynucleotides. The present invention also relates to a method of recombinantly producing β-mannanase protein. Also disclosed is a method of degrading mannans and polysaccharides in plant material, which involves providing plant material and contacting the plant material with the β-mannanase protein of the present invention under conditions effective to degrade mannans and polysaccharides in the plant material.
US07670817B2 Dynamin mediated diseases and associated methods and products
This invention relates generally to the treatment of cathepsin or dynamin mediated diseases, such as proteinuria, cancer, and cognitive disease and related products. Diagnostic and other assays are also provided, as well as methods for podocyte cell gene transfer.
US07670814B2 Microbial production of vitamin C
The present invention provides a process for the production of vitamin C from a substrate, such as for instance L-sorbosone using a microorganism belonging to the genus Ketogulonicigenium.
US07670810B2 Methods and compositions for whole genome amplification and genotyping
This invention provides methods of amplifying genomic DNA to obtain an amplified representative population of genome fragments. Methods are further provided for obtaining amplified genomic DNA representations of a desired complexity. The invention further provides methods for simultaneously detecting large numbers of typable loci for an amplified representative population of genome fragments. Accordingly the methods can be used to genotype individuals on a genome-wide scale.
US07670809B2 Use of mutagenic DNA polymerase for producing random mutations
The invention concerns a method for random mutagenesis comprising the replication of a DNA sequence in the presence of an efficient amount of at least a mutase, for example a Pol β, the random mutagenesis rate being at least of the order of 1 mutation for 400 base pairs. The replication product, optionally recombined and amplified, is cloned in an expression vector so as to generate mutated polypeptides which will be selected on the basis of the desired property or properties.
US07670807B2 RNA-dependent DNA polymerase from Geobacillus stearothermophilus
The invention relates to an isolated polynucleotide sequence from the genome of Bacillus stearothermophilus (Geobacillus stearothermophilus) and an amino acid sequence encoded by the polynucleotide sequence, the corresponding amino acid sequence comprising a novel enzyme, Tirt (thermostable intron reverse transcriptase), having reverse transcriptase activity and retaining that activity at temperatures of up to about 75° C.
US07670806B2 ADP-ribosyl acceptor hydrolase 3 (ARH3) polypeptides and methods of use
This disclosure provides methods for catalyzing the release of ADP-ribose from poly(ADP-ribose) or O-acetyl-ADP-ribose. Also provided are methods for modifying DNA repair or chromatin structure by introducing into the cell an agent that modifies the activity of an ARH3 polypeptide, or variant or fragment thereof. Further provided are methods for screening molecules involved in the poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation of proteins or O-acetyl-ADP-ribose content, and method for treating disorders by altering activity of an ARH3 protein.
US07670805B2 Antibodies and peptide antigens for producing antibodies having a selective binding specificity to bioactive intact parathyroid hormone (PTH) 1-84
Peptide antigens corresponding to amino acid residues 2-12, 1-12, 2-15 and 1-15 of parathyroid hormone (PTH), antibodies having an affinity to such peptide antigens and methods of producing the same. Such antigens, antibodies and methods producing the same according to the present invention are useful in determining bioactive intact PTH levels in serum, plasma, and/or cell culture media. Such antibodies further possess a high degree of species cross-reactivity, but substantially mitigated cross-reactivity to non-whole PTH peptide fragments and little to no recognition of the first amino acid residue of PTH.
US07670802B2 CXC-chemokine antagonists isolated from Rhipicephalus sanguineus
A novel CXC-chemokine binding protein is cloned from the salivary glands of Rhipicephalus sanguineus. Compounds prepared in accordance with the present invention can be used as anti-inflammatory and immuno-modulatory compounds and in the treatment or prevention of CXC-chemokine-related diseases.
US07670801B2 Using viruses to detect or purify proteins
Disclosed are methods of isolating and purifying proteins and other organic small molecules produced in hosts using viruses. Also disclosed are methods of visualizing and/or localizing proteins and other organic small molecules produced in hosts using viruses. Further disclosed are compositions of matter containing the protein or small molecule bound to a virus.
US07670798B2 Automated method and reagent therefor assaying body fluid samples such as cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)
The present invention describes semi- and fully-automated methods and reagents therefor for the assay and analysis of body fluid samples, particularly non-blood samples. The methods and reagents are especially useful for the assay and analysis of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples. The reagent compositions sphere and fix all cells in the sample in suspension. Reported results can include red blood cell (RBC) and white blood cell (WBC) counts, WBC differential values, cell-by-cell volumes and dry-mass concentrations.
US07670797B2 Method of determining toxicity with three dimensional structures
A method of determining toxicity of a test agent in a tissue including A) incubating a test agent within a three-dimensional tissue engineered structure comprising a first mold or polymer scaffold, a semi-permeable membrane, and a second mold or polymer scaffold, wherein the semi-permeable membrane is disposed between the first and second molds or polymer scaffolds, and wherein the first mold or polymer scaffold has microchannels comprising vessels that bifurcate, and B) obtaining information from step A) to assess toxicity.
US07670796B2 Metalloprotease assay
An assay to detect a metalloprotease in a sample, comprising contacting the sample with a substrate. The metalloprotease reacts with the substrate to form a product comprising a tag. This is followed by selectively binding the tag to a solid phase, wherein the solid phase comprises a binding partner for the tag. Measuring the mass of the product takes place to determine the presence of the metalloprotease in the sample.
US07670793B2 Enumeration of CD4+ lymphocytes
The invention provides a method of enumerating the number of cells of a cell type in a cell sample by (a) counting the white blood cells in the cell sample to obtain the white blood cell population of the sample; (b) determining the proportion or percentage of the cells of the cell type in the white blood cell population in the sample; and (c) calculating the number of cells of the cell type in the sample. The cell type may be a lymphocyte sub-set selected from the group comprising CD4+ lymphocytes, CD 45 cells, CD19 cells, CD16 and CD56 positive cells, CD8 cells, CD3 cells or any combination thereof. The method is particularly useful in monitoring the immune status of a patient infected with HIV or other immune deficiency state or disease or condition where CD4+ lymphocytes or CD4+ T cells are monitored or counted.
US07670791B1 Method for the suppression of visceral pain by regulating T-type calcium channel
The disclosure concerns a method for the suppression of visceral pain by regulating the T-type calcium channel; a visceral pain inhibitor that includes a T-type calcium channel inhibitor as an effective ingredient; and a method of screening a visceral pain inhibitor by investigating the suppression activity of T-type calcium channels. Particularly, the present invention relates to a method for the suppression of visceral pain by regulating an alpha 1G T-type calcium channel in the central nervous system and alpha 1H and alpha 1I T-type calcium channels in the peripheral nervous system; a visceral pain inhibitor that includes a T-type calcium channel inhibitor as an effective ingredient; and a method of screening a visceral pain inhibitor by investigating the suppression activity of T-type calcium channels. The method of the present invention can be effectively used to suppress visceral pain by regulating T-type calcium channel in a precise mechanism without any side effects.
US07670790B2 Myeloperoxidase detection in diagnosis and prognosis of hematopoietic disorders
The present invention relates to the diagnosis of hematopoietic disorders and to determining the prognosis of patients affected by such disorders. The methods generally comprise determining a level of myeloperoxidase in a body fluid sample from the individual and using the level as a factor for diagnosing the disorder in the mammal or as a factor for determining the prognosis of a patient diagnosed with such a disorder. Myelodysplastic syndrome, acute myeloid leukemia and chronic myeloid leukemia are exemplary disorders. Also provided are method of cancer therapy involving reducing the level of myeloperoxidase in the body fluid of the individual.
US07670789B2 Methods and devices for diagnosis of appendicitis
A method is provided for diagnosing appendicitis in a patient that includes identifying at least one symptom of appendicitis in the patient and identifying the presence of at least one molecule differentially associated with appendicitis in a fluid or tissue sample of said patient. MRP-8/14 and haptoglobin are examples of molecules differentially associated with appendicitis. Devices and kits for performing the appendicitis assays of this invention are also provided. In one embodiment, the device is in a flow-through immunoassay format for testing blood samples. Further, methods for screening for molecules differentially associated with appendicitis are provided that include the use of samples from patients being operated on for suspected appendicitis.
US07670784B2 β-Benzyloxyaspartic acid derivatives having two substituents on their benzene rings
The present invention provides a β-benzyloxyaspartic acid derivative having two substituents on its benzene ring, wherein the derivative has L-glutamate uptake inhibitory effect. More specifically, the present invention provides a compound of Formula (1) having an inhibitory effect against the glutamate uptake activity of L-glutamate transporters (wherein R1 represents an optionally substituted aromatic group, and substituent R2 represents a group selected from an optionally substituted linear or branched C1-C30 aliphatic group whose chain may contain nitrogen or oxygen, and an optionally substituted aromatic group) or a salt thereof, and a method for obtaining the above compound, as well as a method for purifying or detecting L-glutamate transporters using the above compound.
US07670781B2 Activation and expansion of T-cells using an agent that provides a primary activation signal and another agent that provides a co-stimulatory signal
The present invention relates to compositions and methods for activating and expanding T-cells. The T-cells are induced to proliferate by providing a primary activation signal and a co-stimulatory signal to the T cells.
US07670770B2 Nanochannel arrays and their preparation and use for high throughput macromolecular analysis
Nanochannel arrays that enable high-throughput macromolecular analysis are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods of preparing nanochannel arrays and nanofluidic chips. Methods of analyzing macromolecules, such as entire strands of genomic DNA, are also disclosed, as well as systems for carrying out these methods.
US07670766B2 Early detection of flaviviruses using the NS1 glycoprotein
The invention concerns a method for early detection of a flavivirus-induced infection, comprising the detection of the flavivirus non-structural glycoprotein NS1 in a biological sample during the clinical phase of the infection, by an immunological method using at least two identical or different antibodies, the first antibody consisting of polyclonal or monoclonal antibodies pre-selected for their high affinity for said NS1 protein hexameric in shape.
US07670762B2 Biocompatible tissue graft material for implant and method of making
This invention provides an antigen-free and immunologically inert tissue graft material and methods of preparing and using these tissue graft materials.
US07670761B2 Method of forming a fine pattern of a semiconductor device using a resist reflow measurement key
In a resist reflow measurement key, and method of fabricating a fine pattern of a semiconductor device using the same, the resist reflow measurement key includes a first reflow key including a plurality of first pattern elements each having a first pattern with a first radius of curvature located on a first side of a first center line and a second pattern with a second radius of curvature located on a second side of the first center line, and a second reflow key including a plurality of second pattern elements each having a third pattern with a third radius of curvature located on a first side of a second center line and a fourth pattern with a fourth radius of curvature located on a second side of the second center line, the second reflow key being formed on a same plane of a substrate as the first reflow key.
US07670760B2 Treatment for reduction of line edge roughness
A method for reducing line edge roughness (LER) in a layer of photoresist is provided. In accordance with the method, a layer of photoresist is applied to a substrate. The layer of photoresist is then patterned and annealed in an atmosphere comprising at least one gas selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, nitrogen and fluorine-containing materials. Preferably, the anneal is performed after patterning the photoresist, but either immediately after, or subsequent to, the trim.
US07670758B2 Optical films and methods of making the same
Films for optical use, articles containing such films, methods for making such films, and systems that utilize such films, are disclosed.
US07670753B2 Lithographic printing plate precursor
To provide a lithographic printing plate precursor which generates no stains in the non-image area and is also excellent in development latitude. Disclosed is a lithographic printing plate precursor comprising a support and a photosensitive layer, said lithographic printing plate precursor further comprising a subbing layer containing a maleamic acid (co)polymer, in which at least one hydrogen atom on a nitrogen atom is substituted with an onium group, provided between the photosensitive layer and the support.
US07670751B2 Photoacid generator, resist composition, and patterning process
Photoacid generators generate sulfonic acids of formula (1a) or (1c) upon exposure to high-energy radiation. R1—COOCH(CF3)CF2SO3−H+  (1a) R1—O—COOCH(CF3)CF2SO3−H+  (1c) R1 is a C20-C50 hydrocarbon group having a steroid structure. The photoacid generators are compatible with resins and can control acid diffusion and are thus suited for use in chemically amplified resist compositions.
US07670747B2 Pattern transfer method
A pattern transfer method includes first through third steps. In the first step, a desired pattern is transferred onto a resin layer formed on a substrate, a release layer being disposed between the substrate and the resin layer. In the second step, which is executed after the first step, the pattern having been transferred onto the resin layer is transferred to the substrate and the release layer is partially exposed. In the third step, which is executed after the second step, the release layer present between the substrate and the resin layer is dissolved and is thus removed from the substrate.
US07670743B2 Image forming method
An image is formed by projecting an image by way of an image irradiating device onto an image bearing member configured to operate at a linear velocity of at least 300 mm/sec, and which is constructed of(i) an electroconductive substrate having an image bearing surface that has an established surface charge having an electric field intensity of at least 32.1 V/μm which is defined as the ratio of the absolute value (V) of the surface voltage of a non-irradiated portion of the image bearing member at a developing position to the layer thickness of the photosensitive layer (μm), (ii) a charge blocking layer overlying the electroconductive substrate, (iii) a moiré prevention layer overlying the charge blocking layer and (iv) a photosensitive layer overlying the moiré prevention layer consisting essentially of a titanyl phthalocyanine; charging the image bearing member by means of a charging device; irradiating said surface of the image bearing member with plural irradiation beams; developing the latent electrostatic image with a developing device; transferring the developed image by a transfer device configured; and cleaning the image bearing member.
US07670742B2 Recording material, toner, liquid developer and image forming method using the same
It is an object of the present invention to provide a recording material which contains at least a colorant and a resin wherein the colorant contains silver, and a toner which contains at least a colorant and a resin wherein the colorant is an alloy containing silver, zinc and aluminum.
US07670736B2 Photoconductors
A photoconductor containing a first layer, a supporting substrate thereover, a photogenerating layer, and at least one charge transport layer comprised of at least one charge transport component, and wherein the first layer is in contact with the supporting substrate on the reverse side thereof, and which layer contains a semi-penetrating polymer network formed from crosslinking a suitable fluoropolymer, and within which network structure is penetrated with a polycarbonate.
US07670735B2 Phosphoric acid ester containing photoconductors
A photoconductor containing a substrate, a layer thereover wherein the layer comprises, for example, a polyol resin, an aminoplast resin, an ester of phosphoric acid adhesion component, and a metal oxide; and at least one imaging layer of, for example, a photogenerating layer and a charge transport layer formed on the polyol resin containing layer.
US07670730B2 Lithographic apparatus and device manufacturing method
A method for correcting an exposure parameter of an immersion lithographic apparatus is provided. In the method, an exposure parameter is measured using a measuring beam projected through a liquid between the projection system and a substrate table of the immersion lithographic apparatus and offset is determined based on a change of a physical property impacting a measurement made using the measuring beam to at least partly correct the measured exposure parameter. Also, there is provided an apparatus and method to measure a height of an optical element connected to liquid between the projection system and the substrate table in the immersion lithographic apparatus.
US07670729B2 Measurement method and apparatus, exposure apparatus, and device fabrication method
A measurement method for measuring a distortion of a projection optical system that projects a pattern, used by an exposure apparatus that exposes the reticle pattern onto an object to be exposed, the measurement method includes the steps of a first exposing step for exposing a mark pattern onto the object to be exposed, the mark pattern having a mark on or near an optical axis of the projection optical system and a mark beside the optical axis, and being arranged at a position of the reticle, a second exposing step for only exposing a mark on or near the optical axis of the projection optical system in the mark pattern, measuring step for measuring a shape of the mark formed on the object to be exposed via the first and second exposing steps, and calculating step for calculating the distortion of the projection optical system from the shape of the mark measured by the measuring step.
US07670728B2 Method for repairing bridge in photo mask
A method for repairing a bridge in a photo mask includes disposing a phase shift layer pattern and a light shielding layer pattern over a transparent substrate with the phase shift layer pattern disposed between the transparent substrate and the light shielding layer; forming a resist layer over the entire surface of the photo mask having a defective pattern causing a bridge between neighboring portions of the phase shift layer pattern; exposing the defective pattern by etching the resist layer; and removing the exposed defective pattern.
US07670726B2 Optical diffusers, photomasks and their methods of fabrication
A large mask with random apertures may be formed by forming a smaller mask (also called a cell mask) with a random pattern of transmissive apertures which is then repeatedly replicated to create the large mask. The random pattern may be created by perturbing the aperture locations by a small amount or the apertures may be randomly placed within the cell mask provided certain criteria are met. Alternatively, a large mask with a random pattern of transmissive apertures may be formed without using a cell mask. This large mask may be used to fabricate diffusers and other devices that do not suffer from the interference, diffraction and other optical effects common in devices having structures that are non-randomly patterned.
US07670724B1 Alkali-hydroxide modified poly-vinylidene fluoride/polyethylene oxide lithium-air battery
A metal-air battery includes a housing having an aperture for the passage of air and a pair of electrodes that extend from the housing. An air cathode may be interconnected with one of the electrodes and an anode may include a metal foil that is interconnected with another of the electrodes. A separator may be interposed between the air cathode and the metal foil and a barrier layer may surround the metal foil. The barrier layer may function to substantially reduce the passage of moisture to the metal foil. A method of making a metal-air battery is also presented.
US07670723B2 Positive electrode active material, production method thereof and non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery
A positive electrode active material for a non-aqueous electrolyte battery comprising a lithium-containing transition metal oxide, produced with the use of a dry precursor obtained by: introducing an alkaline solution together with an aqueous solution containing two or more of transition metal salts or two kinds or more of aqueous solutions of different transition metal salts into a reaction vessel to obtain a hydroxide or an oxide as a precursor through coprecipitation with a reductant being coexistent or an inert gas being supplied; and drying the precursor at 300 to 500° C. to obtain a dry precursor.
US07670721B2 Process for making lithium transition metal phosphate powder for battery electrode
Methods of manufacture and use of phosphates of transition metals are described as positive electrodes for secondary lithium batteries, including a process for the production of LiMPO4 with controlled size and morphology, M being FexCoyNizMnw, where 0≦x≦1, 0≦y≦1, 0≦w≦1, and x+y+z+w=1. According to an exemplary embodiment, a process is described for the manufacture of LiFePO4 including the steps of providing an equimolar aqueous solution of Li1+, Fe3+ and PO43−, evaporating water from the solution to produce a solid mixture, decomposing the solid mixture at a temperature of below 500° C. to form a pure homogeneous Li and Fe phosphate precursor, and annealing the precursor at a temperature of less than 800° C. in a reducing atmosphere to produce the LiFePO4 powder. The obtained powders can have a particle size of less than 1 μm, and can provide superior electrochemical performance when mixed for an appropriate time with an electrically conductive powder.
US07670714B2 Battery pack
A battery pack for an electrical device has a base body, a locking element for locking the base body to the electrical device, and an actuating element for actuating the locking element. The locking element has a retaining region, which is provided for retaining the actuating element at least in the unlocked state of the base body.
US07670712B2 Metal oxynitride electrode catalyst
An electrode catalyst that maintains catalytic activity under conditions of an electrode potential as high as 0.4 V or above and exhibits improved stability. The metal oxynitride electrode catalyst is composed of an oxynitride containing at least one transition metal element selected from the group consisting of La, Ta, Nb, Ti, and Zr, the metal oxynitride electrode catalyst being used at a potential of 0.4 V or higher relative to the reversible hydrogen electrode potential in an acidic electrolyte. The metal oxynitride electrode catalyst is useful as an electrode catalyst for electrochemical systems used in acidic electrolytes in the fields of water electrolysis, organic electrolysis, fuel cells, etc.
US07670711B2 Cerium-modified doped strontium titanate compositions for solid oxide fuel cell anodes and electrodes for other electrochemical devices
The present invention provides novel compositions that find advantageous use in making electrodes for electrochemical cells and electrochemical devices such as solid oxide fuel cells, electrolyzers, sensors, pumps and the like, the compositions comprising cerium-modified doped strontium titanate. The invention also provides novel methods for making and using anode material compositions and solid oxide fuel cells and solid oxide fuel cell assemblies having anodes comprising the compositions.
US07670710B2 Fuel cell and fuel cell stack with pressure chambers
A fuel cell includes an electrolyte electrode assembly and separators. The separator includes first through third plates which are stacked together. A fuel gas channel connected to a fuel gas supply passage is formed between the first and third plates. The fuel gas channel forms a fuel gas pressure chamber between the first and third circular disks. Further, an oxygen-containing gas channel connected to an oxygen-containing gas supply passage is formed between the second and third plates. The oxygen-containing gas channel forms an oxygen-containing gas pressure chamber between the second and third circular disks.
US07670708B2 Solid polyelectrolyte fuel cell
Provided is a solid polyelectrolyte fuel cell capable of suppressing a gas leak between a fuel electrode film side and an oxide electrode film side by suppressing deterioration of a solid polyelectrolyte film on its peripheral side. A solid polyelectrolyte fuel cell includes: a cell in which electrode films are provided on one side and the other side of a solid polyelectrolyte film, respectively; a first gas diffusion layer provided so as to cover the electrode film on one side of the cell; a second gas diffusion layer provided so as to cover the electrode film on the other side of the cell; and separators provided on the one side and the other side of the cell, respectively, with the gas diffusion layers interposed therebetween. The solid polyelectrolyte fuel cell includes: first insulating layers which are provided between the solid polyelectrolyte film of the cell and the gas diffusion layers and have electrical insulating properties; and second insulating layers which are provided on peripheral edges of the gas diffusion layers and have electrical insulating properties.
US07670704B2 Untreated diffusion media with mesoporous layer and devices incorporating the same
A diffusion media and a process for its fabrication are provided for addressing issues related to water management in electrochemical cells and other devices employing the diffusion media. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a process for fabricating a diffusion media is provided. A diffusion media substrate is provided comprising a porous fibrous matrix defining first and second major faces. The substrate comprises an amount of carbonaceous material sufficient to render the substrate electrically conductive. A mesoporous layer is applied along at least a portion of one of the first and second major faces of the substrate. The mesoporous layer is applied to the substrate by providing a coating comprising a hydrophobic component, a hydrophilic component, and a pore forming agent. The substrate is free of fluorinated polymers outside of regions of the substrate carrying the mesoporous layer. The pore forming agent is decomposed such that the mesoporous layer is more porous than the diffusion media substrate.
US07670702B2 Coolant mixture separator assembly for use in a polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cell power plant
A liquid-gas separator assembly is used in separating gas bubbles from a liquid coolant which liquid coolant is used in a polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cell power plant. The assembly includes a cylindrical housing containing a central tube which is surrounded by an annular chamber. The annular chamber is defined by the outer surface of the central tube and the inner surface of the cylindrical housing. An inlet line injects a stream of the coolant from the fuel cell stack area of the power plant into the bottom of the central tube in a tangential flow pattern so that the coolant and gas bubble mixture swirls upwardly through the central tube. The swirling flow pattern of the coolant and gas bubble mixture causes the gas bubbles to separate from the liquid coolant so that the gas in the mixture will migrate to the central portion of the swirl tube and the liquid component of the mixture will centrifugally migrate to the inner wall of the swirl tube. The gaseous component of the separated mixture is then expelled from the housing through an outlet in the upper portion of the housing, and the coolant liquid descends through the annular chamber to the bottom of the housing where the coolant liquid will be returned to the cell stack area of the power plant. The gas bubbles may include reactant from either the cathode or the anode. The separator of this invention is particularly useful in mobile applications since it is less sensitive to vehicular acceration forces.
US07670701B2 Apparatus and method for heating fuel cells
A fuel cell or fuel cell stack heater using resistive heat. A resistive conductor (preferably some type of metal wire) is attached to a source of electricity such as a battery. The resistive conductor is in proximity with the fuel cell or stack so that when the resistive conductor is heated, the cell or stack will also become hot. An insulating material surrounds the outside of the fuel cell or stack, so that it encloses the cell or stack and the resistive conductor. The insulating material will capture heat from the resistive conductor and any waste heat given off by the operation of the fuel cell or stack. A means for modifying the amount of electrical current in the resistive conductor is attached to the apparatus. When the fuel cell or stack reaches the desired temperature, the means is employed to reduce or turn off current in the resistive conductor.
US07670696B2 Perpendicular magnetic recording medium with patterned magnetic islands and nonmagnetic trenches and manufacturing method for suppressing surface diffusion of trench material
A patterned perpendicular magnetic recording medium of the type that has spaced-apart pillars with magnetic material on their ends and with trenches between the pillars that are nonmagnetic regions is made with a method that allows use of a pre-etched substrate. A nonmagnetic capping layer is located in the trenches above the nonmagnetic regions. The substrate has diffusion material in the trenches that when heated will diffuse into the magnetic recording layer material and chemically react with it. The pillars are formed of material that will not diffuse into the recording layer. The recording layer is formed over the entire substrate and a nonmagnetic capping layer that is not chemically reactive with the diffusion material is formed over the recording layer in the trenches. The substrate is annealed to cause the recording layer material in the trenches and the material in the substrate to diffuse into one another and chemically react to render the trenches nonmagnetic. The capping layer suppresses the diffusion of material from the substrate to the surface in the trenches and thus prevents migration of diffusion material to the recording layer material on the ends of the pillars.
US07670694B2 Media for recording devices
Improvements to magnetic recording device including magnetic recording media are described. The improvements include the addition of copper to the recording layer as well as improved underlayers. In addition, improved manufacturing processes and magnetic/recording properties for media through heating and oxidation are described.
US07670692B2 Cyclometalated transition metal complex and organic electroluminescent device using the same
A cyclometalated transition metal complex very efficiently emits phosphorescent light and an organic electroluminescent device using the same. The transition metal complex is suitable for an organic layer of an organic electroluminescent device, can emit light with a wavelength of 400 to 650 nm, and can emit white light when used with a red emissive material or a green emissive material.
US07670691B2 Cyclometalated transition metal complex and organic electroluminescent display device using the same
A cyclometalated transition metal complex emitting phosphorescence of high efficiency and an organic electroluminescent display device employing the same are provided. The cyclometalated transition metal complex is represented by Formula I: {[C ^N]mM[P(R1R2)][LR3R4]n}z   (I). The cyclometalated transition metal complex can be employed in an organic film of an organic electroluminescent display device, can emit light at a wavelength range of 400 nm to 650 nm, and can emit white light as well when used with a green light emitting material and a red light emitting material.
US07670688B2 Erosion-resistant components for plasma process chambers
An erosion-resistant article for use as a component in plasma process chamber. The erosion-resistant article comprises a support and an oxide coating comprising yttrium, which is disposed over the support. The support and the oxide coating preferably have material compositions that differ from one another in coefficient of thermal expansion by no more than 5×10−6/K. Preferred oxide coating compositions include yttria and yttrium aluminum garnet. Preferred supports include alumina supports and aluminum-silicon carbide supports.
US07670687B2 Amber-colored polyester film with particular suitability for metallization and steel-lamination
The present invention relates to a biaxially oriented polyester film, which a) has a base layer B, which includes a yellow dye and a red dye, b) has, on each side of the base layer B, at least one layer (A or C) which includes, based on the weight of layer A or C, less than 0.01% by weight of the yellow dye and less than 0.01% by weight of the red dye, and c) the film has one absorption maximum lying at from 400 to 500 nm in the UV/visible spectrum from 400 to 800 nm. Preferred dyes are anthraquinone dyes and perinone dyes; the polyester is preferably PET. After metallization or lamination, the film has a gold appearance, and is a suitable packaging material.
US07670684B2 Functional coating compositions of perfluoroalkyl perfluoro-phthalocyanine compounds
Coating compositions comprising perfluoroalkyl metallo and non-metallo perfluoro-phthalocyanine compounds and associated coating methods are provided by the present invention. Perfluoroalkyl metallo and non-metallo perfluoro-phthalocyanine compounds are suitable for use as functional coatings and may be optionally combined with conductive polymers. The functional properties imparted generally include one or more of chemical resistance, thermal resistance, biological and chemical non-stick surface behavior, electrochromism, variable electromagnetic field signatures, and/or non-linear optical properties. Advantages of the disclosed perfluoroalkyl metallo and non-metallo perfluoro-phthalocyanine coatings include the fact that an inert uninterrupted fluorinated surface provides for improved hydrophobic properties at the periphery while exhibiting improved hydrophilicity at the center, which in turn results in one or more of the following properties: variable optical, electric and magnetic properties; enhanced durability; and enhanced resistance to chemical and biological surface contamination.
US07670677B2 Latently crimpable conjugate fiber and production method of the same, and fiber assembly, and nonwoven
A latently crimpable conjugate fiber is constructed using a first component containing an ethylene-α-olefin copolymer polymerized with a metallocene catalyst and a second component formed from a thermal plastic polymer having a melting point T2 higher than a melting point T1 of the first component, such that the first component is exposed with an exposed length of at least 20% relative to a peripheral length of the fiber, and which fiber has a single fiber dry heat shrinkage percentage of at least 50%, which is determined according to JIS-L-1015 (dry heat shrinkage percentage) at 100° C. under an initial tension of 0.018mn/dtex (2mg/d) for 15 minutes and a single fiber dry heat shrinkage percentage of at least 15%, which is determined under the same condition under an initial tension of 0.450mN/dtex (50mg/dtex) for 15 minutes. The latently crimpable conjugate fiber develops crimps and has thermal adhesiveness at a low temperature.
US07670675B2 High-temperature layered system for dissipating heat and method for producing said system
Layered systems in prior art are inefficient at cooling an external hot gas. The inventive layered system comprises an external porous layer, in which the pore walls of the pores have differing thicknesses. This improves the cooling action by preventing too much heat from entering the layered system.
US07670671B2 Dust, water and sound barrier including a witness line for ease of application to a vehicle door
A laminated barrier is provided that can be easily attached to the frame of a vehicle door. The barrier reduces the passage of water, dust and sound into and through the vehicle door. The barrier is generally flat and includes a channel formed therein that aids in locating a bead of adhesive material, aligned with, but located on an opposite side of the barrier from the channel. The bead of adhesive material bonds the barrier to the door frame of the vehicle. The channel acts as a witness line and can be formed as part of an overall thermoforming step, or more simply by using a single heated die element during a step when the barrier is trimmed.
US07670669B2 Absorbent paper product such as napkin or handkerchief, methods for manufacturing such a product, and apparatus implementing such methods
The invention relates to an absorbent paper product, such as a napkin or tissue, including at least two tissue paper plies which are superposed and joined, cut or precut into a desired format and connected to one another at least over a segment of a peripheral zone. The plies are joined along the segment by marking patterns without resort to glueing and at least one ply is fitted with embossing patterns in a central zone. The invention applies to sanitary and household papers, in particular disposable napkins and tissues.
US07670667B2 Biaxially oriented polyester film which comprises silicon dioxide and titanium dioxide
The invention relates to a biaxially oriented polyester film having at least one base layer (B) which includes from 0.25 to <1.0% by weight of SiO2 and from 0.25 to <1.0% by weight of TiO2. The invention further relates to a process for the production of the film and to its use. The inventive film features characteristic surfaces and defined optical properties, and has good suitability for use in the industrial sector.
US07670665B2 Tufted laminate web
An absorbent article having a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet. The topsheet has a first side and a second side, the first side being a body-facing side. The topsheet defines a CD-MD plane and includes a fibrous nonwoven web and tufts, the tufts having fibers of the fibrous nonwoven web. The topsheet further includes first, second and third zones, each zone being characterized in a Z-direction by the zone fiber orientation, wherein the first and third zones are displaced relative to each other and each include fibers having portions orientated substantially parallel to said CD-MD plane of the topsheet. The second zone is intermediate and adjacent to the first and third zones, the second zone including substantially reoriented fibers that are substantially vertically oriented with respect to the CD-MD plane of said topsheet.
US07670663B2 Flame-resistant closure
A flame-resistant closure includes at least one closing part having at least one two-dimensional backing fabric (14) of warp threads (10) and weft threads (12) and having functional threads (16) on the right side of the backing fabric (14). The functional threads at least partially extend through the backing fabric (14), and form the closing elements (18). The backing fabric (14) is of the non-flame-resistant type. At least some sections of the backing fabric reverse side include a substrate layer (32) with a substantially inflammable medium and/or with an active extinguishing medium. This closure meets even high demands on inflammability.
US07670662B2 Laminate material element for a hook and loop closure, particularly a diaper closure
A laminate material element (1) for a hook and loop closure, particularly a diaper closure, has a carrier film (2) and a textile material (3) laminated onto the carrier film (2), which has a surface structure that is suitable for forming a connection with the hooks of a hook and loop closure. The carrier film (2) and the textile material (3) are bonded together over their entire surface in an edge region that extends along the edges of the laminate material element and has the shape of a frame. A bond between the carrier film (2) and the textile material (3) that does not cover the entire surface is provided in the region within this frame.
US07670661B2 Synthetic grass turf and related manufacturing method
A synthetic-grass covering, usable, for example, for making artificial pitches for sports activities, consisting of a substrate made of sheet material and filiform formations, implanted in the sheet material so as to present a looped part that extends up against one of the surfaces of the sheet material and lateral branches that extend in order to simulate the grassy sward of natural turf from the opposite surface of the sheet material. The substrate made of sheet material comprises a pad with coupled thereto a layer made of heat-meltable material, and the filiform formations are also made of heat-meltable material, with the aforesaid looped parts that extend in an area corresponding to the layer made of heat-meltable material, heat-welded to the aforesaid layer.
US07670657B1 Patch bag having seal through patches
A patch bag comprises a heat-shrinkable bag comprising tubular bag film, and a heat-shrinkable patch comprising a patch film, the patch being adhered to the bag, the patch bag having a seal which is through both patches as well as through both lay-flat sides of the bag. A process for making the bag includes sealing an inside surface of the film tubing to itself, the sealing being carried out by applying heat to each of the patch outside surfaces, the heat being applied by a first means for heating and a second means for heating, the first and second means for heating being in alignment with one another, with the patches and bag tubing therebetween during sealing.
US07670656B2 Composite substrate and method for manufacture thereof
A plastic substrate includes resin and glass fibers. In an end surface of the substrate, interfaces between the glass fibers and the resin are covered with a solidified melt of the glass fibers.
US07670655B2 Liquid-crystalline medium
Disclosed are liquid-crystalline mediums containing one or more compounds of formula I and uses thereof for electro-optical purposes, e.g., to electro-optical liquid-crystal displays.
US07670653B2 Coating method for an end winding of an electric machine
The coating method is for application to the coating of an end winding (3) of an electric motor (4), whereby the end winding (3) comprises several conductor arrangements (2) for coating. The coating material for application is atomized by means of a spray device (1). An electrostatic potential difference (U) is applied between the spray device (1) and the conductor arrangements (2) for spraying, such that atomized particles of the coating material are transported along the forming electrical field lines in the direction of the conductor arrangements (2) of the end windings (3) for coating.
US07670651B2 Waterborn coating containing microcylindrical conductors
A composition is provided having cylindrically shaped metal or metal-coated particles and a polymer latex dispersion. A coating is provided having cylindrically shaped metal or metal-coated particles and a polymer matrix formed from a latex dispersion. The particles form a continuous, conductive network. A method of electromagnetic shielding is provided having the steps of providing the above composition, applying the composition to a surface, and drying the applied composition.
US07670650B2 Method for producing a replaceable fuser member
A method for producing a replaceable fuser member including a thin, seamless or welded high temperature nickel sleeve, a base cushion positioned around the sleeve and an outside topcoat applied over the base cushion elastomer layer. The sleeve is replaceable on a machine mandrel positioned in an electrophotographic copying machine in a fuser section of the electrophotographic copying machine. The method includes the use of a mandrel having a coefficient of thermal expansion similar to that of the sleeve to support the sleeve during positioning of a cured base cushion layer around the sleeve and a cured topcoat layer over the cured base material.
US07670646B2 Methods for atomic-layer deposition
Atomic-Layer deposition systems and methods provide a variety of electronic products. In an embodiment, a method uses an atomic-layer deposition system that includes an outer chamber, a substrate holder, and a gas-distribution fixture that engages or cooperates with the substrate holder to form an inner chamber within the outer chamber. The inner chamber has a smaller volume than the outer chamber, which leads to less time to fill and purge during cycle times for deposition of materials.
US07670644B2 Die for molding honeycomb structure and manufacturing method thereof
A die for extrusion-forming a honeycomb structure which includes: a die base provided with ceramic puddle introducing holes and slits in communication with the ceramic puddle introducing holes; and a substrate layer, which roughly defines the final width of the slits, and a surface layer, which precisely defines the final width of the slits, formed on the die base in this order so that the final width of the slits becomes 15 to 200 μm, wherein the surface layer is made up of tungsten carbide particles which are 5 μm or less in average particle diameter and contain W3C as a main ingredient. According to this invention, there is provided a die for extrusion-forming a honeycomb structure which can restrain fluctuation in extrusion-forming speed among its parts and resistance to pushing force, both caused at the time of extrusion-forming, to be very small and is superior in productivity and durability.
US07670642B2 Method of powder coating for offset prevention in electrophotographic printers
The present invention provides a method of printing which includes providing a substrate having an inked surface. The inked surface is typically achieved using an offset lithographic printing press. A thermoplastic polymer powder is applied to the inked surface. The surface is then fused. An advantage of the prepared substrate is that there is reduced contamination of electrostatographic fusing systems when fused by heat and pressure fixing. Another aspect of the invention further provides a method of fusing a substrate having an inked surface wherein a thermoplastic powder has been applied to the inked surface prior to stacking the uncured offset prints.
US07670639B2 Forming electrical cables
An elongated electrical cable or flexible circuit board includes an electrically conductive path and an insulating body encompassing and electrically isolating the conductive path, the insulating body including an exposed surface having an array of fastener elements extending therefrom, the fastener elements arranged and constructed to engage mating fastener elements associated with a supporting surface to selectively secure the cable or flexible circuit board to the supporting surface. The fastener elements can be loop-engageable fasteners and/or loops. Such a cable or flexible circuit board is continuously formed by introducing an electrical insulating material including a thermoplastic resin into a gap formed adjacent a peripheral surface of a rotating mold roll, the mold roll defining an array of cavities therein, the insulating material being introduced under pressure and temperature conditions selected to cause the insulating material to at least partially fill the cavities to form fastener element stems integrally with and extending from one broad side of a strip of said insulation material; while introducing conductive wires and/or a conductive path formed on or within a substrate to the gap so as to cause the insulating material to envelop and electrically isolate the conductive path and/or to cause the conductive path to become an integral part of the strip of insulation material from which the fastener element stems extend.
US07670638B2 Protection layer for fabricating a solar cell
A method for fabricating a solar cell is described. The method includes first providing, in a process chamber, a substrate having a light-receiving surface. An anti-reflective coating (ARC) layer is then formed, in the process chamber, above the light-receiving surface of the substrate. Finally, without removing the substrate from the process chamber, a protection layer is formed above the ARC layer.
US07670636B2 Method for the production of a metallic substrate having a biocompatible surface and substrate produced using same
The invention relates to a method for the production of a metallic substrate having a biocompatible surface and to the substrate that is produced by means of said method. The method comprises treatment of a metal, i.e., Ti, Ti alloys with Al, V, Ta, Nb, Ni, Fe, Mo or mixtures thereof, Ta, Ta alloys with Fe, Al, Cr, stainless steel, with a melt of calcium nitrate and an additional component which is an oxygen salt of Na, K, Li, Mg and mixtures thereof, said treatment being effected at 180-480 ° C. for 0.1 to 12 hours. A substrate is obtained, wherein the overall layer thickness ranges from 10 to below 1600 nm and the fatigue strength of the substrate is in the same fatigue strength range as that of an untreated substrate at equal number of vibrations N.
US07670634B2 Method for vacuum stripping of oils and fats
An apparatus for use in a vacuum stripping process having a first stripping vessel (2); at least one second further downstream stripping vessel (3), said at least one second further downstream stripping vessel (3) containing at least two trays (12), (13), (14) and (15) each provided with sparging (16), (17), (18) and (19) respectively, and further having a collector (4) connecting said first stripping vessel (2) and said at least one second stripping vessel (3), said collector (4) being provided with inlet openings above each said tray (12), (13), (14) and (15) and said collector (4) being connected to a pump (5) with a discharge into said first stripping vessel (2).
US07670632B2 Triterpene compositions and methods for use thereof
The invention provides saponin mixtures and compounds which are isolated from the species Acacia victoriae and methods for their use. These compounds may contain a triterpene moiety, such as acacic or oleanolic acid, to which oligosaccharides and monoterpenoid moieties are attached. The mixtures and compounds have properties related to the regulation of apoptosis and cytotoxicity of cells and exhibit potent anti-tumor effects against a variety of tumor cells.
US07670629B2 Method of treating bacterial hoof infections of sheep and cattle
Bacterial infections in cattle and sheep are treated by applying a solution of zinc chloride to the hooves of the animals. Preferably, the solution is applied to the hooves by placing the solution in a foot bath and guiding the animals through the foot bath. The spent solution can then be mixed with manure and applied to the fields. The zinc acts as a micronutrient.
US07670625B2 Pharmaceutical composition containing an active ingredient and a micronised carrier/diluent
The invention relates to a stable pharmaceutical composition useful in the treatment of respiratory disorders such as asthma, rhinitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and a novel micronisation process for manufacturing a stable formulation for formoterol or its enantiomers and a carrier/diluent comprising a carbohydrate such as lactose.
US07670620B2 Topical composition for the treatment of psoriasis and related skin disorders
Compositions and methods of use thereof for the treatment of psoriasis and related skin ailments are disclosed. The compositions include topical skin formulations of glucosamine in an emollient base such as moisturizing cream. In addition to glucosamine, the formulations may include keratolytic substances such as coal tar extract or salicylic acid. The formulations may also include glucosamine and antioxidant anti-inflammatory herbal extracts such as oleuropein and berberine in an emollient base.
US07670616B2 Hydrogel forming system comprising PEG derivative precursor
Variation in precursor ratio and mass of double bond functionalized polyhydric alcohol precursor and polyethylene glycol diacrylate precursor provide a wide range of release rates of drug or other biologically active agent from hydrogel formed therefrom.
US07670615B2 Alcoholic pump foam
An alcoholic foam composition, which can be dispensed as a foam via a pump-foam system contains a) at least 52 to ≦99 wt % of an alcohol or mixture of alcohols, b) a surfactant or a surfactant mixture, c) at least one polyalkylene glycol, d) optionally, at least one foam stabilizer, e) optionally, at least one member selected from the group consisting of cosmetic auxiliaries, adjuvants, active ingredients, and mixtures thereof, and f) optionally water. The surface tension of component b) lies in the range of ±15 dyn/cm of the surface tension of component a) or corresponds to the surface tension of component a), and the sum of components a) to f) is 100 wt % relative to the total quantity of the foam composition.
US07670612B2 Multi-phase, multi-compartment capsular delivery apparatus and methods for using same
A multi-compartment capsule, comprising, a first receiving chamber comprising at least one ingredient having a first physical state, wherein said ingredient is selected from the group consisting of a nutraceutical, a vitamin, a dietary supplement and a mineral; and a second receiving chamber comprising at least one ingredient having a second physical state, wherein said ingredient is selected from the group consisting of a nutraceutical, a vitamin, a dietary supplement and a mineral; wherein said first physical state of said ingredient of said first receiving chamber being different from said second physical state of said ingredient of said second receiving chamber; and said ingredient of said first receiving chamber being different from said ingredient of said second receiving chamber.
US07670610B2 Recombinant BCG vaccine
A recombinant BCG vaccine being transformed with an expression vector that has a polynucleotide encoding a foreign antigenic protein, wherein the polynucleotide is a modified one in which the third position of each codon is substituted with G or C without a change of an amino acid. This recombinant BCG vaccine has an excellent expression rate of antigenic protein and, as a result, capable of inducing a sufficient immune response against target infectious disease, cancer, or the like at the same dose as that of the typical BCG vaccine.
US07670609B2 Recombinant BCG tuberculosis vaccine designed to elicit immune responses to Mycobacterium tuberculosis in all physiological stages of infection and disease
A vaccine against Mycobacteria tuberculosis (Mtb) is provided. The vaccine comprises a recombinant Bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG) subunit-based vaccine in which one or more Mtb antigens and one or more Mtb resuscitation or reactivation antigens are overexpressed, and in which at least a portion of the DosR regulon is up-regulated. The vaccine is protective against active Mtb infection both pre- and post-exposure to Mtb, and thus prevents disease symptoms due to the recurrence of a latent Mtb infection.
US07670608B2 Selection of patients with increased responsiveness to botulinum toxin
Botulinum toxin has been shown to be useful for the treatment of pain when administered for cervical dystonia. Given efficacy for pain relief in regional dystonia, further expanded applications have included myofascial pain, muscle tension headaches, and other forms of headache syndromes. The application in headache practice has expanded to migraine as well as certain secondary headache syndromes. Although multiple case reports involving the use of botulinum toxin have shown promise in its utility for the treatment of primary pain syndromes, to date, controlled trials have failed to consistently and more definitively prove utility. Described herein is a method for selection of patients with headache syndromes more likely to respond to botulinum administration. The method involves identifying coincident diseases and signs within the patient's medical history, and selecting such patients for induction into clinical studies for pain or preferential primary treatment of pain using a botulinum based pharmaceutical.
US07670604B2 Vimentin directed diagnostics and therapeutics for multidrug resistant neoplastic disease
Disclosed are methods for treating or preventing a neoplastic or a multidrug resistant neoplasm in a subject using cell surface vimentin targeted therapeutic agents.
US07670603B2 Human DNAX toll-like receptor 4 proteins, related reagents and methods
Nucleic acids encoding mammalian Toll-like receptors (TLRs) have been identified in human cells. Recombinantly produced TLRs are used in the preparation of antibodies that are capable of binding to the TLRs. The antibodies are advantageously used in the prevention and treatment of septic shock, inflammatory conditions, and viral infections.
US07670601B2 Diagnostic and therapeutic methods based on the L1 adhesion molecule for ovarian and endometrial tumors
A method is described for the diagnosis of an ovarian or endometrial tumor or for a prognosis, characterized in that the L1 level is determined in a patient sample, preferably via an anti L1 antibody, the presence of L1 being an indication of the presence of an ovarian or endometrial tumor or a predisposition for such a tumor. Furthermore, methods for treating of ovarian or endometrial tumors are provided.
US07670599B2 YKL-40 as a marker and prognostic indicator for cancers
This invention provides methods for detecting cancers and for evaluating the prognosis of cancer patients. In particular, the methods of this invention utilize YKL-40 as a marker for the presence or absence of a cancer and for the prognosis (e.g. likelihood of recurrence) of a cancer. Elevated levels of YKL-40 are indicative of the presence of a cancer in undiagnosed subjects and indicate likely recurrence of the cancer in subjects diagnosed as having a cancer.
US07670595B2 Fc-interferon-beta fusion proteins
Disclosed are Fc-interferon-beta (Fc-IFN-β) fusion proteins and nucleic acid molecules encoding them. The Fc-IFN-β fusion proteins include variants of the interferon-beta (IFN-β) protein that are altered to achieve enhanced biological activity, prolonged circulating half-life and greater solubility. Also disclosed are methods of producing the fusion proteins and methods of using the fusion proteins and/or nucleic acid molecules for treating diseases and conditions alleviated by the administration of interferon-beta.
US07670593B2 High-cleaning silica materials and dentifrice containing such
Unique abrasive and/or thickening materials that are in situ generated compositions of precipitated silicas and silica gels are provided. Such compositions exhibit different beneficial characteristics depending on the structure of the composite in situ generated material. With low structured composites (as measured via linseed oil absorption levels from 40 to 100 ml oil absorbed/100 g composite), simultaneously high pellicle film cleaning properties and moderate dentin abrasion levels are possible in order to accord the user a dentifrice that effectively cleans tooth surfaces without detrimentally abrading such surfaces. Increased amounts of high structure composite materials tend to accord greater viscosity build and thickening benefits together with such desirable abrasion and cleaning properties, albeit to a lesser extent than for the low structure types. Thus, mid-range cleaning materials will exhibit oil absorption levels from an excess of 100 to 150, and high thickening/low abrasion composite exhibit oil absorption properties in excess of 150. Such an in situ, simultaneously produced precipitated silica/silica gel combination provides such unexpectedly effective low abrasion and high cleaning capability and different thickening characteristics as compared to physical mixtures of such components. Encompassed within this invention is a unique method for making such gel/precipitated silica composite materials for such a purpose, as well as the different materials within the structure ranges described above and dentifrices comprising such.
US07670590B2 Perturbed membrane-binding compounds and methods of using the same
The present invention relates to compounds that selectively bind to cells undergoing perturbations and alterations of their normal plasma membrane organization, such as cells undergoing apoptosis or activated platelets. The invention further provides methods for utilizing said compounds in medical practice, for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.
US07670589B2 Synthesis of chabazite-containing molecular sieves and their use in the conversion of oxygenates to olefins
The synthesis of a crystalline material, in particular, a high silica zeolite, comprising a chabazite-type framework molecular sieve is conducted in the presence of an organic directing agent having the formula: [R1R2R3N—R4]+Q− wherein R1 and R2 are independently selected from hydrocarbyl groups and hydroxy-substituted hydrocarbyl groups having from 1 to 3 carbon atoms, provided that R1 and R2 may be joined to form a nitrogen-containing heterocyclic structure, R3 is an alkyl group having 2 to 4 carbon atoms and R4 is selected from a 4- to 8-membered cycloalkyl group, optionally, substituted by 1 to 3 alkyl groups each having from 1 to 3 carbon atoms; and a 4- to 8-membered heterocyclic group having from 1 to 3 heteroatoms, said heterocyclic group being, optionally, substituted by 1 to 3 alkyl groups each having from 1 to 3 carbon atoms and the or each heteroatom in said heterocyclic group being selected from the group consisting of O, N, and S, or R3 and R4 are hydrocarbyl groups having from 1 to 3 carbon atoms joined to form a nitrogen-containing heterocyclic structure; and Q− is a anion.
US07670587B2 Fuel steam reformer system and reformer startup process
A hydrogen generation system is disclosed that has a vaporization section receiving and vaporizing fuel along with water and passing the vapor to a reformer catalyst section heated by a combustor section which generates reformate gas and is fueled by off-gas from a H2 purification unit along with a combustion air source. The off-gas outlet feeds the combustor section in the reformer assembly to heat the catalyst section and the vaporization section. An H2 storage unit connected to the H2 purification unit pure H2 outlet receives the pure H2. The storage unit has an outlet selectively connectable to the reformer assembly process inlet during startup without the need for a spark igniter. The startup process includes generating heat in the combustor section of the reformer assembly by passing H2 from the H2 storage unit through the vaporization section, the reformer catalyst section, the H2 purification unit and through the off-gas connection to the combustor section, then introducing water and fuel through the vaporization section and reformer catalyst section to generate reformate gas when the system is warmed, passing the reformate gas through the H2 purification unit to the off-gas connection to the combustor section, and establishing a back pressure on the reformer catalyst section and vaporizer section to decrease the hydrogen flow from the H2 storage unit until the system is fully sustainable without addition of H2 from the H2 storage unit.
US07670586B2 Process and apparatus for the production of synthesis gas
Reactive diluent fluid (22) is introduced into a stream of synthesis gas (or “syngas”) produced in a heat-generating unit such as a partial oxidation (“POX”) reactor (12) to cool the syngas and form a mixture of cooled syngas and reactive diluent fluid. Carbon dioxide and/or carbon components and/or hydrogen in the mixture of cooled syngas and reactive diluent fluid is reacted (26) with at least a portion of the reactive diluent fluid in the mixture to produce carbon monoxide-enriched and/or solid carbon depleted syngas which is fed into a secondary reformer unit (30) such as an enhanced heat transfer reformer in a heat exchange reformer process. An advantage of the invention is that problems with the mechanical integrity of the secondary unit arising from the high temperature of the syngas from the heat-generating unit are avoided.
US07670577B2 Method for operating a nitrogen oxide storage catalyst in a diesel engine
A nitrogen oxide storage catalytic converter which is operated for a relatively long time at low exhaust-gas temperatures in the range between 120 and 250° C. exhibits a decreasing storage capacity as a result of incomplete regeneration at said temperatures. In order to re-establish the original storage capacity of the catalytic converter which is operated in this way, two-stage regeneration is proposed, wherein the storage catalytic converter is initially partially regenerated at the low exhaust gas temperature by means of a switch from the lean mode to the rich mode, and wherein subsequently, with rich exhaust gas again, the exhaust-gas temperature of the engine is raised into a range of between 300 and 400° C. for complete regeneration.
US07670573B2 Process and apparatus for removing coke formed during steam cracking of hydrocarbon feedstocks containing resids
A process for decoking of a process that cracks hydrocarbon feedstock containing resid and coke precursors, wherein steam is added to the feedstock to form a mixture which is thereafter separated into a vapor phase and a liquid phase by flashing in a flash/separation vessel, separating and cracking the vapor phase, and recovering cracked product. Coking of internal surfaces in and proximally downstream of the vessel is controlled by interrupting the feed flow, purging the vessel with steam, introducing an air/steam mixture to at least partially combust the coke, and resuming the feed flow when sufficient coke has been removed. An apparatus for carrying out the process is also provided.
US07670572B2 Multi-phase fluid distributor for a bundled-tube reactor
A distributor includes first and second liquid distribution systems for two liquid phases for an upright tube-bundle reactor. The first system is arranged directly above or on a tubesheet and is connected to at least one outer feed device and contains an annular weir. The second system is connected to at least one other outer feed device and contains one upper and one lower distribution tray which contains a plurality of openings which are arranged flush above the inlet sleeves of the first system, and has at least one device for setting a uniform liquid level above the openings. The upper distribution tray is connected to the feed device for liquid, and contains a plurality of overflow weirs from which the liquid is able to discharge into the lower distribution tray. Each of the overflow weirs is assigned to a plurality of openings of the lower distribution tray.
US07670571B2 Apparatus for photocatalytic reaction
An exemplary apparatus for photocatalytic reaction includes a light-permeable substrate, a photocatalytic layer, and one or more converging lenses. The light-permeable substrate includes a first surface and an opposite second surface. The photocatalytic layer is formed on the first surface of the substrate. The lenses are movably formed on the second surface of the substrate and are configured for converging light onto the photocatalytic layer. The apparatus further includes one or more optical filters. The optical filters each include at least one layer assembly. The layer assembly is formed on one of a topside and an underside of the respective lens. Alternatively, the layer assembly can be formed on one of the first and second surfaces of the substrate. The optical filters are configured for allowing light of at least one predetermined band to pass therethrough.
US07670570B2 Casing tube with thermally insulating beads
A casing tube is provided for a honeycomb element used for exhaust gas treatment. The casing tube is provided with a first area which is located close to a first front face and a third area which is located to close a second front face. The casing tube has a first inner diameter in the first and third area and is provided with a second area that is disposed between the first and the third area. The second area has a second inner diameter that is larger than the first inner diameter. The casing tube is characterized in that the axial length of the first area is less than 5 mm, preferably less than 3 mm. The relatively narrow first area enables the honeycomb to be permanently fixed and ensures that only a small amount of heat is transmitted to the casing tube. As a result, a significant improvement is achieved in the cold start performance of a catalytic converter.
US07670568B2 System for reactivating catalysts
A method of reactivating a catalyst, such as a solid catalyst or a liquid catalyst is provided. The method comprises providing a catalyst that is at least partially deactivated by fouling agents. The catalyst is contacted with a fluid reactivating agent that is at or above a critical point of the fluid reactivating agent and is of sufficient density to dissolve impurities. The fluid reactivating agent reacts with at least one fouling agent, releasing the at least one fouling agent from the catalyst. The at least one fouling agent becomes dissolved in the fluid reactivating agent and is subsequently separated or removed from the fluid reactivating agent so that the fluid reactivating agent may be reused. A system for reactivating a catalyst is also disclosed.
US07670567B2 Scalable microreactors and methods for using same
The present invention provides a scalable microreactor comprising a multilayered reaction block having alternating reaction plates and heat exchanger plates that have a plurality of microchannels; a multilaminated reactor input manifold, a collecting reactor output manifold, a heat exchange input manifold and a heat exchange output manifold. The present invention also provides methods of using the microreactor for multiphase chemical reactions.
US07670562B2 Dispensing container and storage container for analytical disposables
The invention generally relates to a dispensing container for analytical disposables. In particular test elements, for the storage and removal of one disposable each from a storage container provided in the form of a drum cartridge.
US07670561B2 Micro fluidic device and joint therefor
A joint to be attached to a port of a micro fluidic element, has an outer peripheral surface of truncated subulate shape at a front end portion of the joint to form a front surface as a top of the truncated subulate shape, and a cuneiform space in an inside of the joint at the front end portion of the joint, the joint is made of an elastomer, and the cuneiform space includes a front end overlapping the front surface as seen in a direction along which a tube is guided by the cuneiform space when the tube is inserted into the joint so that the tube is enabled to penetrate the front surface through the front end.
US07670559B2 Microfluidic systems with enhanced detection systems
Microfluidic devices and systems having enhanced detection sensitivity, particularly for use in non-fluorogenic detection methods, e.g., absorbance. The systems typically employ planar microfluidic devices that include one or more channel networks that are parallel to the major plane of the device, e.g., the predominant plane of the planar structure, and a detection channel segment that is substantially orthogonal to that plane. The detection system is directed along the length of the detection channel segment using a detection orientation that is consistent with conventional microfluidic systems.
US07670554B2 Automated analyzer
An automated analyzer for analyzing patient samples. The analyzer includes a plurality of cuvettes, which allow the samples to be mixed with various reagents. The analyzer includes one or more detectors, including a detector adapted to detect luminescence of the reaction mixture in the cuvettes. The analyzer allows for various diagnostic assays to be performed on a single system, and provides for high-sensitivity analysis at faster speeds.
US07670552B2 Peracetic acid indicators and methods of use
The present invention provides a hydrogen peroxide indicator and a peracetic acid indicator that include a substrate on which is disposed an indicator composition that includes at least one of a select group of colorants and a transition metal salt. As a result of exposure to hydrogen peroxide and/or peracetic acid, the colorants change color, and even become colorless, thereby providing an indication of the presence of hydrogen peroxide and/or peracetic acid.
US07670544B2 Use of polypropylene films for in-mold labelling
The invention relates to the use of a biaxially oriented microporous film, which contains a propylene polymer and at least one β-nucleating agent and whose microporosity is produced by converting β-crystalline polypropylene when drawing the film, in order to label containers during blow molding.
US07670542B2 Infrared heating method for creating cure gradients in golf balls and golf ball cores
This invention is directed to a method for creating a triple layer like golf ball core out of a single material. A thermoset material is cured for only a partial period of time in a compression mold, therein creating a short-cured core wherein the innermost region of the core is substantially softer than the outer region. Subsequently, the short-cured core is heated with infrared radiation to create a cure gradient in the skin of the core. This results in a relatively hard skin, which is at least 2 Shore D points harder than the rest of the core. The hardness gradients created in the skin are in the range of about 0.005 inches to about 0.040 inches.
US07670540B2 Apparatus for manufacturing balloon catheter and method the same
Disclosed herein are an apparatus and method for manufacturing a balloon catheter in which a non-contact type laser perforator and printer are separately provided above a primary extruder such that inflation apertures can be uniformly perforated through a non-vulcanized lumen tube and simultaneously, tube cutting positions can be printed on the lumen tube at positions uniformly spaced apart from the inflation apertures without stopping a primary extrusion process. Also, a bond preventing agent layer is coated on the lumen tube at balloon inflating portions prior to cutting the tube, to facilitate a secondary extrusion of the tube. With this configuration, continuous and accurate perforation of inflation apertures is possible and automatic tube cutting can be achieved based on the printed tube cutting positions. Also, the present invention can compensate for a time delay due to a bond preventing agent application process and achieve high productivity and minimized loss of material.
US07670535B2 Method for making a casing with protective bellows for transmission device and casing obtained by said method
A method for making a casing (1) with protective bellows (2, 2A) for transmission device, such as a transmission joint, includes at least two shafts mobile axially and/or at an angle relative to each other, the casing (1) with bellows (2, 2A), whereon at least part of the bellows (2′) are radial, having at each open end a section (3A, 3B) for being fixed to the transmission device. The method includes moulding the casing (1) with bellows (2, 2A), using a hollow mould and at least one core, having each at least a matching helical thread delimiting the moulding space and stripping the casing (1) formed by relatively unscrewing the casing (1) and the core to obtain a single-piece casing (1). The invention is applicable to a casing with bellows by arrangement of extensible or flexible coupling elements.
US07670534B2 Method to control an atmosphere between a body and a substrate
The present invention is directed towards a method of controlling an atmosphere about a substrate, the method including, inter alia, positioning a body a distance from a surface of the substrate, the body having a wall coupled thereto placed in a position to create a flow resistance of a fluid between first and second regions of the substrate; and altering the position of the wall such that when a magnitude of the distance between the body and the surface of the substrate is decreased, a probability of the wall contacting the substrate is minimized.
US07670533B2 Switch for the flow of molten plastics material in a hot plate for injection moulding
A cylindrical switch has one or more passages which open onto a lateral cylindrical surface of the switch. The switch is capable of being tightly received in a cylindrical hole in a hot plate and of being selectively orientated so that the passages are angularly in line with or offset from two or more channels in the hot plate which open onto the hole in order to selectively permit, interrupt or divert the flow of molten plastics material between the aforesaid channels. The switch incorporates a circuit for a cooling fluid.
US07670528B2 High flow fluid filtration systems and methods for manufacturing same
The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods of manufacturing filter cartridges are disclosed, the system including a tube of laminated and seamed filter media, a media unwind mechanism, a mandrel having a starting point operatively positioned proximate the media unwind mechanism, structure, operatively positioned proximate the mandrel, for feeding the tube of laminated and seamed filter media into the starting point of the mandrel, structure, operatively positioned in the mandrel, for pressurizing the tube of laminated and seamed filter media with a gas, structure, operatively positioned in the mandrel, for expanding the tube of laminated and seamed filter media into a substantially cylindrical shape as the tube of laminated and seamed filter media passes over the mandrel, a pleater mechanism, operatively positioned proximate the mandrel, a blade mechanism, operatively associated with the pleater mechanism, for alternately engaging the tube of laminated and seamed filter media with the blade mechanism, structure, operatively positioned proximate the pleater mechanism, for moving newly formed pleated filter media downstream; and structure for compressing the tube of laminated and seamed filter media radially toward the mandrel. Methods of manufacturing filter cartridges are also disclosed.
US07670525B2 Method for fabricating a curved beam from composite material
A method for fabricating a curved beam from fiber composite material. A flat fiber composite laminate including a plurality of layers and at least two different fiber directions is formed. The fiber composite laminate is disposed in contact with a male tool includes a first flange, a second flange and an intermediate web. The male tool is curved in its longitudinal direction with a radius of curvature in such a way that the first flange has a shorter longitudinal extent than the second flange. The fiber composite laminate is brought into contact with and secured to the first flange of the male tool. The male tool and the fiber composite laminate are then rotated relative to one another so that the fiber composite laminate is brought into contact with the intermediate web of the male tool in a first rotational movement, and brought into contact with the second flange of the male tool in a second rotational movement. The fiber composite laminate hardens on the male tool, and the finished beam is separated from the tool. Also a beam of fiber composite material fabricated according to the method.
US07670521B2 Method and apparatus for the manufacture of conduit with assembled components and conduit assembly made therefrom
A method and apparatus for performing a manufacturing operation at a plurality of locations along the length of a previously fabricated flexible conduit. The apparatus comprises a driving mechanism, a manufacturing station, and a support device. The conduit is first fed through the manufacturing station. The manufacturing station then performs the manufacturing operation at a plurality of locations along the length of the conduit. The support device within the conduit is not attached to any other structure and provides structural support at the manufacturing station during the manufacturing operation and remains at a generally fixed axial and functional location while the conduit continues to move axially.
US07670519B2 Method for producing a granular material and product obtained
A method for producing a free-flowing granular material includes screening pumice and mixing it with sludge issuing from the biological treatment of municipal or industrial wastewater.
US07670516B2 Dental prosthetic
A system of manufacturing a custom set of pre-manufactured upper and lower dentures is provided. In one form, a set of master upper and lower dentures is created. The master upper and lower dentures are used to create reusable upper and lower dental matrices, respectively. These re-usable upper and lower dental matrices are repeatedly used to manufacture upper and lower pre-manufactured or standard sized dentures, respectively. Optionally, a dental patient can have these upper and lower pre-manufactured dentures custom fit or relined to fit the dental patient's mouth to form upper reline and/or lower reline pre-manufactured dentures. The dental patient can have custom fit dentures in two visits with the dentist, even two visits in the same day.
US07670515B2 Method for fabricating a mold for a microlens
A method for fabricating a mold for a microlens having a desired radius (R) of curvature by electroplating. In this method, a minimum radius (Rmin) of curvature is utilized to achieve the desired curvature radius.
US07670504B2 Nematic liquid crystal composition and liquid crystal display device using the same
The present invention provides a liquid crystal composition having a negative dielectric anisotropy whose absolute value is large, and a low viscosity, and also provides a VA type liquid crystal element using the same.Disclosed is a liquid crystal composition containing a compound represented by the general formula (I) and an alkenyl compound represented by the general formula (II): By combining the liquid compounds according to the present invention, a liquid crystal composition having a low viscosity and a negative dielectric anisotropy could be obtained while nearly maintaining physical properties such as refractive anisotropy. By using the composition, a liquid crystal element having excellent reliability, capable of maintaining a high voltage retention until a high temperature region, is provided, and the display is very applicable as a VA type, ECB type, or IPS type liquid crystal display, and is particularly effective for speeding up response without thinning cell gaps.
US07670503B2 Liquid crystal display device and electronic device having the same
A liquid crystal display device includes an illuminator and a liquid crystal panel for performing displaying by using light which is emitted from the illuminator. The liquid crystal panel includes a pair of substrates and a liquid crystal layer provided therebetween. The liquid crystal layer is formed of a liquid crystal material which contains molecules having at least one of a carbon-carbon triple bond and a polycyclic group. The illuminator includes a light source causing primary generation of at least blue light, among other light which is used for displaying.
US07670502B2 Liquid crystal composition for bistable liquid crystal devices
The invention is directed to liquid crystal compositions for use in bistable liquid crystal devices and to bistable liquid crystal devices containing said liquid crystal compositions. The liquid crystal composition comprises a component (π) said component (π) containing one or more compounds having a phenyl ring of formula A Whereby XA is F, CI, SF5, NCS or a C1 to C8 alkanyl, alkenyl or alkoxy radical substituted with at least one F atom; and LA is H or F.
US07670501B2 Carbon dioxide blown low density, flexible microcellular polyurethane elastomers
Microcellular polyurethane flexible foams having densities no greater than 0.3 g/cc which are suitable for use as lightweight shoe sole components are produced with carbon dioxide in an amount such that the polyurethane-forming mixture has a free rise density of from about 0.03 to about 0.3 g/cc. At least a portion of that carbon dioxide is dissolved as a gas into one or both of the reaction components. The amount of dissolved carbon dioxide must be such that the froth density of the isocyanate and/or isocyanate-reactive component(s) in which the carbon dioxide is dissolved will be from about 0.1 to about 0.8 g/cc. Additional carbon dioxide may be formed by the reaction of water and isocyanate during the polyurethane-forming reaction but the total amount of CO2 present should be controlled to ensure that the polyurethane-forming mixture has a free rise density of from about 0.03 to 0.3 g/cc. Use of a preferred isocyanate-reactive component in which a specified ratio of diol to triol is satisfied makes it possible to use more water than had been expected. Use of a preferred prepolymer makes it possible to produce microcellular polyurethanes having good physical properties solely with a diol. The product microcellular foams possess a uniform cell structure and enhanced physical properties as compared to all water-blown foams of the same basic formulation and density. The hardness of the foams is more suitable for shoe sole, particularly midsole applications, than that of the water-blown foams, despite the lower urea hard segment content of the CO2 blown foams.
US07670500B2 Reaction product of polyamine, acyclic carbonate and cyclic carbonate
The present invention provides a film-forming composition. The composition includes a reaction product of: a) a polyamine containing a primary amino group and a secondary amino group; and b) an acyclic carbonate. Also provided is a method of preparing a film-forming composition and an article coated with such compositions.
US07670498B2 Coolant composition for fuel cell
The present invention relates to a coolant composition for fuel cell coolant, comprised of sulfur containing alcohol or sulfur containing phenol having at least one sulfur atom per molecule, which effectively prevents increase of electric conductivity due to oxidation of its base component for a long time. The coolant composition when diluted with water to a predetermined concentration effectively suppresses increase of electric conductivity of the coolant and maintain fluctuation of electric conductivity within the range from 0 to 10 μS/cm so that power generation efficiency of the fuel cell may not be lowered.
US07670496B2 Process for producing structural body and etchant for silicon oxide film
A structural body comprising a substrate and a structural layer formed on the substrate through an air gap in which the structural layer functions as a micro movable element is produced by a process comprising a film-deposition step of successively forming a sacrificial layer made of a silicon oxide film and the structural layer on the substrate, an air gap-forming step of removing the sacrificial layer by etching with a treating fluid to form the air gap between the substrate and the structural layer, and a cleaning step. By using a supercritical carbon dioxide fluid containing a fluorine compound, a water-soluble organic solvent and water as the treating fluid, the sacrificial layer is removed in a short period of time with a small amount of the treating fluid without any damage to the structural body.
US07670495B2 Flow-through oxygenator
An oxygen emitter which is an electrolytic cell is disclosed. When the anode and cathode are separated by a critical distance, very small microbubbles and nanobubbles of oxygen are generated. The very small oxygen bubbles remain in suspension, forming a solution supersaturated in oxygen. A flow-through model for oxygenating flowing water is disclosed. The use of supersaturated water for enhancing the growth of plants is disclosed. Methods for applying supersaturated water to plants manually, by drip irrigation or in hydroponic culture are described. The treatment of waste water by raising the dissolved oxygen with the use of an oxygen emitter is disclosed.
US07670491B2 Buffered compositions for dialysis
Acid concentrates, and dialysate compositions prepared therefrom, contain citric acid and an effective amount of a buffering agent selected from acetate and/or lactate. The buffering agent allows a physiologically acceptable amount of citrate to maintain the desired pH of the dialysate.
US07670490B2 Fluid storage and purification method and system
A method of storing and dispensing a fluid includes providing a vessel configured for selective dispensing of the fluid therefrom. The vessel contains an ionic liquid therein. The fluid is contacted with the ionic liquid for take-up of the fluid by the ionic liquid. There is substantially no chemical change in the ionic liquid and the fluid. The fluid is released from the ionic liquid and dispensed from the vessel.
US07670487B2 De-pressurization scheme for chromatography columns
A depressurization process for a packed separation column is provided where the column system experiences a rapid and/or severe drop in pressure that could potentially damage column components. The process provides a safe de-pressurization of the column on the outlet side by decreasing the outlet pressure in controlled steps while allowing the inlet pressure of the column time to lower after each decreased step.
US07670485B2 Water treatment assembly
A water treatment assembly includes a housing having a plurality of water treatment component interfaces. The water treatment assembly also includes a plurality of water treatment components selected from a group of a particulate filter component, a taste and odor filter component, a lead and mercury filter component, a water softener component, and a water disinfection component, wherein each of the water treatment components are coupled to a respective one of the water treatment component interfaces. Plumbing lines provide flow communication between the components, and the plumbing lines include a system water inlet and a system water outlet.
US07670483B2 Adjustable, configurable storm inlet filter
System and apparatus for filtering drainage which includes a configurable and adjustable rigid frame, hanger support structures adapted to contact a surface of a drainage structure, and a sediment bag. The frame may be adjusted or configured by modifying the location of connecting fasteners and/or by altering the orientation of frame components. Additional embodiments provide for an overflow gap comprising a vertical distance between an above grade surface of a drainage structure and the rigid frame, wherein the overflow gap is capable of allowing runoff to bypass the sediment bag when the sediment bag is obstructed. A configurable lifting tool device adapted to lift inlet grates and inlet filter devices includes a lifting bar, a plurality of connectors, a plurality of lifting arms, and a plurality of lifting hooks adapted to contact a grate and/or an inlet filter device lifting bar.
US07670481B2 Device for treating fluids, especially waste water, comprising a stack of disks
A device is provided for treating waste water, the device including a closed housing containing at least one stack of disks through which waste water can flow. A circulating pump is provided for pumping the fluid, the pump forming a structural unit including the housing and the stack of disks arranged therein.
US07670477B2 Desulphurization process comprising a transformation step and a step for extracting sulphur-containing compounds
A process and the use of a process for desulphurizing a hydrocarbon feed is described which comprises at least one of the following steps: A a step for selective hydrogenation of diolefins present in said initial hydrocarbon feed, in the presence of a catalyst comprising a metal from group VIII of the periodic table on an inert support based on metal oxides, in the presence of a quantity of hydrogen which is in excess with respect to the stoichiometric value necessary for hydrogenating all of said diolefins, the mole ratio between the hydrogen and the diolefins being in the range 1 to 5; b) Extraction, using an appropriate solvent, of said hydrogenated fraction to obtain at least two cuts including: a raffinate comprising the majority of the olefins, paraffins and naphthenes and a reduced quantity of sulphur-containing compounds contained in the initial feed; a heavy fraction containing the heavy aromatic hydrocarbons and the majority of the sulphur-containing compounds contained in the initial feed; C a step for regenerating the solvent by distillation; at least two of steps A, B and C being carried out jointly.
US07670476B2 Process to prepare a gas oil
Process to optimize the yield of gas oils from a Fischer-Tropsch derived feed by performing the following steps: (a) performing a hydroconversion/hydroisomerisation step on part of the Fischer-Tropsch derived feed; (b) performing a hydroconversion/hydroisomerisation step on another part of the Fischer-Tropsch feed at a conversion greater than the conversion in step (a); and (c) isolating by means of distillation a gas oil fraction from the two reaction products obtained in steps (a) and (b).
US07670465B2 Anolyte for copper plating
Embodiments of the invention provide a method for plating copper into features formed on a semiconductor substrate. The method includes positioning the substrate in a plating cell, wherein the plating cell includes a catholyte volume containing a catholyte solution, an anolyte volume containing an anolyte solution, an ionic membrane positioned to separate the anolyte volume from the catholyte volume, and an anode positioned in the anolyte volume. The method further includes applying a plating bias between the anode and the substrate, plating copper ions onto the substrate from the catholyte solution, and replenishing the copper ions plated onto the substrate from the catholyte solution with copper ions transported from the anolyte solution via the ionic membrane, wherein the catholyte solution has a copper concentration of greater than about 51 g/L.
US07670464B2 Method for the distillative separation of a mixture containing vinyl ether and alchol
Process for distillatively separating a mixture containing a vinyl ether of the general formula (I) R1—O—CH═CH2  (I) and alcohol of the general formula (II) R2—OH  (II) in which R1 and R2 are each independently a saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic or cycloaliphatic radical having from 2 to 10 carbon atoms, and in which the alcohol (II) has a boiling point which is at least 1° C. higher, measured at or extrapolated to 0.1 MPa abs, than the vinyl ether (I), by a) passing the mixture into a first distillation column and withdrawing, as a top product, an azeotrope containing vinyl ether (I) and alcohol (II) and, as a bottom product, a stream enriched with the alcohol (II); b) passing the azeotrope containing vinyl ether (I) and alcohol (II) from the first distillation column into a second distillation column which is operated at a pressure which is from 0.01 to 3 MPa higher compared to the first distillation column, and withdrawing, as a bottom product or gaseous sidestream in the stripping section, the vinyl ether (I) and, as a top product, an azeotrope containing vinyl ether (I) and alcohol (II); and c) recycling the azeotrope containing vinyl ether (I) and alcohol (II) from the second distillation column into the first distillation column.
US07670463B2 Method and device for producing a pure liquid from a crude liquid
When fresh water is produced from salt water or similar by evaporation of untreated or crude liquid in an evaporation device under partial vacuum and by vapor condensation in a condensation device connected with the vapor outlet of the evaporation device a high degree of evaporation and cost effectiveness can be obtained in that the evaporation device and the condensation device in a disconnected condition, are filled with crude or clean liquid, respectively, and are subsequently exposed to a partial vacuum created by volume enlargement under hermetically sealed conditions and that the evaporation device and the condensation device are not flow-connected with each other until they are under partial vacuum.
US07670462B2 System and method for on-line cleaning of black oil heater tubes and delayed coker heater tubes
A system and method whereby on-line cleaning of black oil heater tubes and delayed coker heater tubes may be effectuated by injecting a high pressure water charge through the tubes during normal process operations so as to prevent tube fouling and heater downtime. The high pressure water charge begins the on-line cleaning process once it enters the heater tube by undergoing intense boiling and evaporation. The cleaning occurs by two methods—a scrubbing action and a shocking action. The scrubbing action occurs because of the complete turbulence caused by the water charge's intense boiling within the heater tubes. The shocking action is caused by the expansion and contraction of the heater tubes resulting from the colder water charge flowing through the heater tubes which is then followed by the hotter process fluid flowing through the heater tubes.
US07670461B2 Papermachine fabric
The invention relates to a papermachine fabric for dewatering and drying a fibrous web in a machine producing a fibrous web, including a plurality of layers with at least one carrier structure and a fiber batt having at least one fiber non-woven. The papermachine fabric according to the invention includes a fiber batt provided with a coating on at least one side.
US07670450B2 Patterning and treatment methods for organic light emitting diode devices
A thermal transfer donor element is provided which can include a support, light-to-heat conversion layer, interlayer, and transfer layer. When the donor element is brought into contact with a receptor and imagewise irradiated, an image is obtained which is free from contamination by the light-to-heat conversion layer. In order to enhance the lifetimes of the transferred material, thermal treatments such as annealing are applied to the receptor before transfer, to the transfer layer after transfer, or a combination of them. The construction and process of the donor element is useful in making colored images including applications such as color proofs, color filter elements, and organic light emitting diode displays and devices.
US07670447B2 Method for applying adhesive to substrate, substrate, coating device, method for producing laminated object, and laminated object
A method for coating a substrate and a coating device used therein that can smoothly form an adhesive layer on the surface of a substrate without roughening, is provided which do not require a drying process and is free of various problems such as sick house syndrome stemming from use of organic solvents. In addition, a method of producing a laminated object using the coating method and the laminated object obtained thereby are provided. In the method for coating a substrate to form an adhesive layer on one surface of the substrate, while the substrate is being conveyed by applying a hot melt adhesive in a melted state via a rotating applicator roller, with the direction of rotation of the applicator roller and the direction of conveying the substrate being the same, adhesive is applied to the substrate while slipping the applicator roller by setting the circumferential speed of the applicator roller to be at least 20% slower or at least 20% faster than the predetermined speed at which the substrate is conveyed.
US07670446B2 Wet processing and loading of percussion primers based on metastable nanoenergetic composites
A method is disclosed for preparing metastable nanoenergetic composites (MNC) and for wet loading those MNCs into percussion primer cups. The method involves dispersing nanosize reactants in an inert liquid or, alternatively, making a nanosize reactant surface modification for improvement of reactant's chemical inertness towards water, followed by application of additives supporting a solid reactant particle dispersion in water or water solution prior to mixing. After mixing of the reactants, one maintains the presence of liquid water together within an energetic material in order to enhance safety during pre-loading of the primer mixture into the primer cups and during the final drying.
US07670441B2 Method for preventing air pollution using a mobile processing enclosure
A method of processing materials at multiple work sites that prevents contamination of the atmosphere. The method includes providing a plurality of work sites containing workpieces, positioning a track connecting the sites, providing a mobile system comprising an enclosure and a treatment system in communication with a space enclosed by the enclosure, moving the mobile system so that the enclosure surrounds the workpieces on the first site, processing those workpieces, moving the mobile system along the track as a single unit onto a second work site, and processing those workpieces on the second site. The enclosure may be readily openable at opposing portions facing the track to enable the enclosure to pass over workpieces on the plurality of work sites. Additionally, a method of constructing an operation for processing workpieces is provided.
US07670440B2 Nozzle and method for washing gas turbine compressors
A nozzle (54) for cleaning a gas turbine unit (1) during operation. The invention further relates to a method for washing a gas turbine unit (1) during operation. The nozzle (54) is arranged to atomize a wash liquid in the air stream in an air intake (2) of the gas turbine unit (1) and comprises a nozzle body (40) comprising an intake end (41) for intake of said wash liquid and outlet end (55) for exit of said wash liquid. The nozzle further comprises a number of orifices (42, 46; 42, 46, 60) that are connected to the outlet end (55) and respective orifice (42, 46; 42, 46, 60) is arranged at a suitable distance from a center axis (49) of said nozzle body (40), whereby the local density of the injected wash liquid in a desired area can be increased with preserved droplet size and thereby the efficiency of the cleaning process can be significantly improved at the same time as the risk for damaging the components in the gas turbine unit is significantly reduced.
US07670438B2 Method of removing particles from wafer
A method of removing particles from a wafer is provided. The method is adopted after a process for removing unreactive metal of a salicide process or after a salicide process and having oxide residue remaining on a wafer or after a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process that resulted with particles on a wafer. The method includes performing at least two cycles (stages) of intermediate rinse process. Each cycle of the intermediate rinse process includes conducting a procedure of rotating the wafer at a high speed first, and then conducting a procedure of rotating the wafer at a low speed.
US07670435B2 Apparatus for epitaxially growing semiconductor device structures with sharp layer interfaces utilizing HVPE
A method and apparatus for fabricating thin Group III nitride layers as well as Group III nitride layers that exhibit sharp layer-to-layer interfaces are provided. According to one aspect, an HVPE reactor includes one or more gas inlet tubes adjacent to the growth zone, thus allowing fine control of the delivery of reactive gases to the substrate surface. According to another aspect, an HVPE reactor includes both a growth zone and a growth interruption zone. According to another aspect, an HVPE reactor includes a slow growth rate gallium source, thus allowing thin layers to be grown. Using the slow growth rate gallium source in conjunction with a conventional gallium source allows a device structure to be fabricated during a single furnace run that includes both thick layers (i.e., utilizing the conventional gallium source) and thin layers (i.e., utilizing the slow growth rate gallium source).
US07670432B2 Exhaust system for a vacuum processing system
A method, computer readable medium, and system for treating a substrate in a process space of a vacuum processing system is described. A vacuum pump in fluid communication with the vacuum processing system and configured to evacuate the process space, while a process material supply system is pneumatically coupled to the vacuum processing system and configured to supply a process gas to the process space. Additionally, the vacuum pump is pneumatically coupled to the process supply system and configured to, at times, evacuate the process gas supply system.
US07670430B2 Method of recovering sodium metal from flux
It is provided a method for gently and safely recovering only sodium metal from a flux containing sodium metal in a short time and in a reusable form. Flux 23 is heated in a medium 19 unreactive with sodium metal 22 at a temperature equal to or higher than the melting point of sodium metal to separate and recover the sodium metal 22 from the flux 23. The medium is a hydrocarbon, for example.
US07670426B2 Concrete mixtures having aqueous foam admixtures
Flowable concrete mixtures have an aqueous foam admixture mixed therein to give the concrete mixture desired strength, flowability, and density. The concrete mixtures include a hydration stabilizer to stabilize the aqueous foam. The hydration stabilizer inhibits the reaction between the hydraulic cement and the water in the aqueous foam. The aqueous foam can be further stabilized using a fluorochemical surfactant. Preferred fluorochemical surfactants comprise an oligomer having at least one hydrophilic nonionic monomer and at least one hydrophilic anionic monomer.
US07670424B2 Methods for reclaiming and beneficiating fly ash particles and systems thereof
A method and system for reclaiming and beneficiating fly ash particles includes recovering at least a portion of fly ash particles from reclaimed feed and supplying at least a portion of the recovered fly ash particles to at least one mixing reactor with a chamber where at least a portion of the supplied fly ash particles are thermally beneficiated.
US07670413B2 Anti-microbial purification device, which diffuses a volatile purification agent, for ventilation, heating and/or air-conditioning systems, in particular in vehicles
An antimicrobial purification device for ventilation, heating and/or air conditioning systems diffuses a volatile purification agent. The antimicrobial purification device includes an air filter (1) having a frame (2) holding a filtering agent (3). The filter (1) comprises at least one means for integrating substrate (5) holding the purification agent, consisting of a housing (4) holding the substrate (5) positioned in the frame (2) of the filter (1) or in a container mounted on this frame (2). A cap (6) sealing the housing (4) is fitted with a pin (18) to pierce a protective cover (19) in order to diffuse the purification agent as required.
US07670411B2 Air-cleaner
An air-cleaner includes a housing attached to an induction system of an internal combustion engine. The air-cleaner includes a filter element located within the housing and separating the internal of the housing into a dust side and clean side, the dust side having an introduction portion for introducing an external air into the housing, the clean side having a feeder portion for feeding a filtered air to an engine. The air-cleaner includes a plate-shaped adsorption element including an adsorbent to adsorb a vaporized fuel returned from an engine side and permitting an air to pass therethrough, the adsorption element arranged to cross the direction of an air flow and fitted to occupy the entire surface of the clean side in the housing. The adsorption element defines a port connecting the filter element and the feeder portion, and includes a valve disc to open or close the port. The valve disc is controlled to open during air inspiration for permitting an air to flow toward the feeder portion. The valve disc includes an adsorbent, and permits an air to pass therethrough.
US07670408B2 Method of separating nitrogen gas and molecular sieve carbon
It is an object of the present invention to provide an industrially viable PSA process that requires small volumes of molecular sieve carbon and feed air. In order to achieve the above object, the PSA process uses the molecular sieve carbon satisfying the following relationships (I) and (II). (1)ln C≦0.325+5.14×ln {(0.64+0.098)×Q/(P+0.098)}  (I) (2)ln U≦2.124−0.135×ln C  (II) where C indicates an oxygen level (ppm) in the nitrogen gas product; Q indicates a volume of nitrogen gas produced per minute per unit effective volume of a single adsorption column; P indicates an adsorption pressure (MPa); and U indicates a ratio of the volume of the feed air to the volume of the nitrogen gas produced.
US07670400B2 Motor mount assembly for an air cleaner
A motor mount assembly for an air cleaner is provided according to an embodiment of the invention. The motor mount assembly includes a motor ring adapted for receiving a motor, a mount ring adapted to be received in the air cleaner, and a plurality of mounting vanes extending between the motor ring and the mount ring. A mounting vane of the plurality of mounting vanes includes a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end is affixed to the motor ring and the proximal end is affixed to the mount ring.
US07670398B2 Filter system
A filter element (10) is disclosed having a integral clamp (100) thereon. The adjustable clamp (100) is held against a sleeve (90) by attached tabs (91). The sleeve (90) covers a collar (70) with a plurality of fingers (72) thereon. A high head, e.g., the apex, formed by a bead (80) in the fingers (72) permits better sealing between the filter (10) and the filter's support housing.
US07670392B2 Environmentally safe charcoal-based heat source
An environmentally-safe, disposable, and combustible charcoal-based heat source includes a first chimney structure and a second wall structure surrounding the chimney structure. An inner chimney flue receives air for igniting and burning the charcoal-based heat source and an outer chimney flue exhausts combustion fumes from the charcoal-based heat source. A bottom wall member secures to the inner chimney flue and the outer chimney flue and forms of a combustible material to be consumed during the ignition and burning of the charcoal-based fuel. A top wall member secures to the inner chimney flue and the outer chimney flue to be consumed during the ignition of the charcoal-based fuel. A plurality of exhaust apertures are arranged within the top wall for exhausting the combustion fumes from the outer chimney flue. An ignition ring establishes a sustained ignition of sufficient duration to ignite uniformly the charcoal-based fuel. A plurality of flaps provide an initial ignition of the ignition ring. The inner chimney flue, the outer chimney flue, the plurality of exhaust apertures, the flaps and the ignition lattice cooperating to provide uniform and rapid burning of the charcoal-based fuel.
US07670391B2 Dye-containing pellets for coloring keratin fibers
The dust-free coated dye-containing pellet is a granulated carrier material that is encapsulated with a dye-containing coating material. The dye-containing coating material contains a mixture of a water-soluble or water-dispersible film-former with at least one direct dye and/or at least one oxidation dye precursor. Preferred carrier materials include dextrose, oligosaccharides and cellulose compounds. The dust-free coated dye-containing pellet is preferably made by granulating the carrier material together with optional antioxidants and auxiliary agents, heating the resulting granulate at no more than 34° C., subsequently coating the granulate by spraying it with a solution or dispersion of the coating material and optionally drying as needed.
US07670389B2 Use of polymers based on modified polyamines as additives for detergents
The use of water-soluble or water-dispersible polymers obtainable by reaction of (a) polyalkylenepolyamines, polyamidoamines or ethyleneimine-grafted polyamidoamines or mixtures thereof, (b) if desired at least bifunctional crosslinkers and (c) monoethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acids, salts, esters, amides or nitriles of monoethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acids, chlorocarboxylic acids and/or glycidyl compounds, said component (a) having an average molecular weight Mw in the range from 20 000 to 2 000 000 and the molar ratio of the hydrogen atoms on the nitrogen in said component (a) to said component (b) being in the range from 1:0.7 to 1:0.9, as a laundry detergent additive.
US07670380B2 Intervertebral disc annulus stent
A stent, or device for repair and reconstruction of the spinal disc wall, or annulus fibrosus, after surgical incision or pathologic rupture, which is inserted through an aperture into the subannular space. The stent has radial extensions which are caused or allowed to expand into an expanded configuration to bridge the aperture. The stent thereby occludes the defective region from the inside of the vertebral disc and prevents the migration of nucleus pulposus therethrough, while also providing a scaffold for tissue growth.
US07670374B2 Methods of distracting tissue layers of the human spine
Methods of separating and/or supporting layers of tissue in the human spine. Such methods generally comprise inserting at least a distal end portion of a guide member between layers of tissue in the human spine wherein the distal end portion defines a predetermined shape. A distraction device is advanced over at least the distal end portion of the guide member so that the distraction device substantially assumes the predetermined shape of the distal end portion of the guide member to form a support structure between the tissue layers that separates and/or supports the tissue layers.
US07670373B1 Occlusion device
An obturator for a bronchial tube or tubule of a human or animal lung comprises a blocking element (92) and a securing element (90). The blocking element serves to seal the tube or tubule against the passage of fluid past the obturator when the obturator is disposed in a bronchial tube or tubule. The securing element serves to retain the blocking element in position. The blocking element comprises a substantially cylindrical plug of biocompatible, resiliently deformable closed-cell foamed plastics material, such as PVC. The securing element comprises a stent having barbs (98) to engage and retain the blocking element. The stent also has anchors (100) to retain the stent in a bronchial tube or tubule. A method of treatment of emphysema or other lung conditions or diseases in human or animal patients comprises placing an obturator in a bronchial tube or tubule of the patient so as to seal the tube or tubule against the passage of fluid past the obturator.
US07670372B2 System and method for breast lifting
A system and a method and a surgical tool for breast lifting, wherein at least one anchor is fixed to a posture tissue, above a desired nipple level, with one or more suspending members suspended from the at least one anchor and extending through the breast for cradling the breast from below.
US07670371B2 Multifocal ophthalmic lens
A method of designing a multifocal ophthalmic lens with one base focus and at least one additional focus, capable of reducing aberrations of the eye for at least one of the foci after its implantation, comprising the steps of: (i) characterizing at least one corneal surface as a mathematical model; (ii) calculating the resulting aberrations of said corneal surface(s) by employing said mathematical model; (iii) modeling the multifocal ophthalmic lens such that a wavefront arriving from an optical system comprising said lens and said at least one corneal surface obtains reduced aberrations for at least one of the foci. There is also disclosed a method of selecting a multifocal intraocular lens, a method of designing a multifocal ophthalmic lens based on corneal data from a group of patients, and a multifocal ophthalmic lens.
US07670370B2 Automatic suture fixation apparatus and method for minimally invasive cardiac surgery
A method for automatically fixing sutures to secure a valve sleeve including an annular cuff and a replacement heart valve to an annulus formed in a patient's heart, includes the steps of removing an existing heart valve thereby forming an annulus in the patient's heart, and placing a first cylinder having a first end and a second end and an interior surface and an exterior surface and comprising first securing means formed on the exterior surface adjacent to the second end of the first cylinder, in which the first cylinder includes a valve sleeve having an annular cuff, such that the annular cuff surrounds the exterior surface adjacent to the first end of the first cylinder. Moreover, the method includes creating a blood-tight seal between the cuff of the valve sleeve and the annulus, and securing the plurality of sutures between the first cylinder and the second cylinder.
US07670358B2 System and method for aligning vertebrae in the amelioration of aberrant spinal column deviation conditions
A system and method for ameliorating spinal column anomalies, such as scoliosis, includes bone screws which are to be implanted in the pedicle region(s) of individual to-be-derotated vertebrae and in vertebrae to which balancing forces must be applied as the spinal column is manipulated en mass to achieve an over-all correction of the condition. A pedicle screw cluster derotation tool simultaneously engages multiple pedicle screws and transmits manipulative forces to multiple vertebrae to effect a whole-spine correction. Pre-contoured spinal rods are engaged post-derotation to secure the correction.
US07670351B2 Medical device using beam construction and methods
A medical device is provided with a flexible shaft having a first beam element with a first elongated cross section and a second beam element having a second elongated cross section. An end effector is located at a distal end of the flexible shaft and actuated by relative movement between the first beam element and the second beam element. In another example, a handle is located at a proximate end of the flexible shaft. A first control is mounted on the handle and is directly coupled to the first beam element for placing the first beam element in tension relative to the second beam element to thereby cause bending of at least a portion of the flexible shaft toward the first beam element.
US07670348B2 Heart defect closure apparatus
An exemplary medical apparatus insertable into the vasculature of a patient at an insertion point for treating a defect in the heart, may include an elongated, flexible driver sufficient in length to extend from the insertion point to the defect in the heart; and a staple frangibly attached to the distal end of the driver. Another exemplary medical apparatus may include a catheter sufficient in length to extend from the insertion point to the patent foramen ovale; a housing attached to the distal end of the catheter; a driver extending into the housing; and a staple frangibly attached to the driver. Another exemplary medical apparatus may include a steering catheter sufficient in length to extend from the insertion point to the patent foramen ovale; an end effector attached to the distal end of the steering catheter, the end effector having a cross-section sufficiently small to allow it to be moved through the vasculature to the patent foramen ovale; and a staple held by the end effector, wherein the staple is frangibly separable from and deployable out of the end effector to close the patent foramen ovale.
US07670343B2 Method and apparatus for reaming an acetabulum
A method and apparatus for repairing a cavity in bone may can include a longitudinal shaft having a distal end and a proximal end. A cutting tool can be selectively attachable to the distal end. A one-piece guide can have a body defining an opening and including a locator member extending therefrom. The locator member can be engageable to a first portion of the bone providing a reference point relative to the cutting tool while the cutting tool engages a second portion of the bone during cutting. The body can be slidably advanced onto the longitudinal shaft through the opening from the proximal end to an operating location in an assembled position. During operation, the body can define a handle concentric with the longitudinal shaft.
US07670342B2 Osteochondral implant procedure and device
A surgical procedure according to which a cutting blade is positioned over an area of the bone to be cut and indicia is projected onto the area. The blade is adjusted relative to the area until the indicia takes a predetermined configuration on the area corresponding to the desired position of the blade relative to the area. Then the blade can be driven to cut an opening in the bone.
US07670339B2 Expandable orthopedic device
A device for stabilizing bone includes a tubular body having first and second end regions defining a longitudinal axis therebetween. A plurality of splines extend from the first end region, the splines including first ends coupled to the first end region, and second ends disposed away from the first end region, the second ends being directable from a generally axial collapsed state to a substantially transverse expanded state. A plurality of support arms are coupled to the splines, and an actuator is coupled to the support arms, the actuator movable axially relative to the elongate body for causing the support arms to direct the second ends of the splines from the collapsed state to the expanded state. Optionally, the device includes another set of splines extending from the second end region or located at an intermediate region of the tubular body.
US07670336B2 Ablation probe with heat sink
An ablation device includes an electrode having an enclosed lumen, and a heat sink located within the lumen. An ablation device includes an elongated body, an electrode secured to the elongated body, and a heat sink connected to the electrode, wherein the heat sink is confined by the electrode and at least a portion of the elongated body. An ablation device includes an electrode, and a heat sink connected to the electrode, wherein the heat sink is not connected to a pump.
US07670330B2 Application of vacuum as a method and mechanism for controlling eye chamber stability
A method for operating a surgical system including a control unit having a vacuum sensor and/or a flow rate sensor, the method including placing a handpiece in an operative relationship with an eye for a surgical procedure and thereafter supplying irrigation fluid to the handpiece while applying a vacuum to the handpiece to aspirate the irrigation fluid from the eye through the handpiece. During fluid aspiration, a vacuum level and/or flow rate is sensed which corresponds to an occlusion of the handpiece and from the sensed vacuum level and/or flow rate, a duration of the occlusion is determined. In response to the determined duration of occlusion, at least one of the handpiece parameters is varied.
US07670328B2 Apparatus and method to provide emergency access to bone marrow
An apparatus and method for penetrating the bone marrow is provided. The apparatus includes a housing, a penetrator assembly, operable to penetrate the bone marrow, a connector operable to releasably attach the penetrator assembly to a drill shaft, the drill shaft operable to connect the penetrator assembly to a gear assembly, a gear assembly operable to engage and rotate the drill shaft, a motor operable to engage the reduction gear assembly and drive the penetrator into the bone marrow by rotation of the drill shaft, and a power supply and associated circuitry operable to power the motor. The apparatus and method may be adapted to insert a probe through the skull and into the brain.
US07670327B2 Catheter systems for delivery of agents and related method thereof
A method is disclosed for the delivery of therapeutic agents into tissues, blood vessels, and body ducts of the human body. A novel catheter enables controlled directing of emitted drug delivery to assist control of drug dwell time in targeted areas. One coaxial catheter embodiment provides capability for locating an outer lumen of the system into the target region, with localization of said outer lumen carried out by use of appropriate medical imaging modalities. In one embodiment, an inner lumen of the catheter means is primed with the agent to be delivered, and recirculated flow of the agent through pluralities of appropriately positioned port holes on the two lumens then occurs via one or more active and/or passive flow driving and guiding techniques intrinsic to the design of the coaxial catheter system. Another coaxial catheter embodiment carries and emits agent in an outer cannula and recaptures agent plus liquid or fluids in the body (such as blood, bile, serum, stable (non-flowing) liquid or kinetic liquid) in an inner cannula.
US07670322B2 Check valve for medical Y-site
A check valve for use in a Y-site in an infusion system comprises a fixation portion configured to retain the check valve in a common lumen of the Y-site, and a flap member extending axially from the fixation portion. The flap member has an outer surface, at least a portion of which is configured to engage an internal wall of the common lumen overlying an inlet from a main lumen. In one embodiment, the flap member comprises a pocket surrounding the hole and any burr extending from the wall adjacent the hole. In some embodiments, the flap member is resiliently biased towards a sealed position, and can flex to allow fluid flow from the main lumen to the common lumen.
US07670319B1 Safety device for use with a vial
A safety device to be used with a vial, or capsule, has a collar dimensioned to slidably fit about the body of the vial. Extending from the collar is a neck member that has connected to its other end a housing pivotable to a position along the longitudinal axis of the vial. A latch member having a lip is integrated to the neck member and extends out from the neck member in a direction towards the center of the collar. Neck member is fabricated to have an elastic characteristic so that if it is not biased by any external force, it will return to its original position. As the collar of the safety device is moved along the body of the vial, neck member is biased away from the vial as the latch member maintains contact along the outer surface of the vial, and then the outer surface of the hub formed at the top end of the vial. Once the collar of the safety device is moved to a position adjacent the hub, given the configuration of the neck member forms a space between the top of the collar and the lip of the latch member, the hub of the vial would fit within the space thus formed, as neck member snaps back to its original position. At which time the lip of latch member latches onto a shoulder portion of the hub. Once latched onto the hub, the latch member would prevent the safety device from being removed from the vial. Instead of the neck member, another embodiment of the inventive safety device has extending from the collar a rigid support frame and an elongate elastic latch member.
US07670318B2 Needle safety device with tortuous path
A prepackaged safety needle device has fitted to a holder a double-ended needle assembly and a needle protection housing pivotally connected to the neck of the housing. The hub of the double-ended needle is mated to the neck of the holder. A circumferential sleeve extending from the neck of the holder envelops the hub so that when the needle that extends away from the holder is capped by a sheath, the lower portions of the sheath would coact with the sleeve to form a relatively tight fit. The configurations of the sleeve and the sheath with respect to the needle hub, at their respective interacting portions are such that a tortuous path is established which allows sterilizing gas to pass into the space capped by the sheath, but yet prevents bacteria or other contaminants from intruding into the space. The opening at the end of the holder away from the needle assembly is sealed by a porous cover that allows sterilizing gas to pass into the interior of the holder while acting as a barrier to prevent bacteria from entering into the holder. Thus, configured, the prepackaged device is a convenient to use device that remains sterile until use.
US07670317B2 One piece low drag septum
A one-piece low drag septum is provided for preventing escape of fluid from an introducer needle during removal of such a needle from a catheter and introducer needle assembly. The septum generally includes a distal portion, a proximal portion, a cavity portion, and a longitudinal axis. The distal portion acts as a primary seal to prevent escape of blood from the catheter into the assembly and is generally positioned furthest away from the user of the apparatus and nearest the patient. The cavity portion reduces friction placed on the introducer needle. The proximal portion of the septum acts as a secondary seal to prevent escape of material from the cavity, seals the cavity, and wipes the needle as it is being withdrawn from the catheter assembly.
US07670316B2 Guidewire and catheter locking device and method
Locking device that is mounted on an endoscope or the like for selectively securing the position of a guide wire and/or catheter relative to the endoscope or the like. The locking device preferably includes a side wall with an opening therein for receiving the proximal end of a guide wire or catheter. The opening is preferably J-shaped or boot shaped, and has an entry end and a locking end. Once a guide wire or catheter is in a desired position within a body cavity, the portion of the guide wire or catheter that extends outside of the endoscope or the like may be moved into the opening. More particularly, a portion of the guide wire or catheter may be inserted by an operator through the entry end of the opening and into the locking end, wherein the locking end frictionally secures the position of the guide wire or catheter relative to the endoscope or the like.
US07670314B2 Injection device for administering a vaccine
A manually-powered injection device that self-administers a painless injection. The injection device provides a method for substantially painless injections of vaccine and other medication into a patient that does not require the use of an anesthetic, that does not require the medical personnel to spend a substantial amount of time performing the injection procedure, that is relatively simple and inexpensive to perform and operate, and that provides a relatively high degree of safety for both the medical personnel and for the patient. The injection needle can have an outside diameter greater than 0.10 mm and less than about 0.38 mm. The vaccine or other medicament can be injected painlessly through the needle and into the patient at a substantially constant volumetric flow rate of about 0.05 μL/s to about 50 μL/s, typically over a 3- to 5-minute period of time. The injection device is configured for easy handling, and is manually powered by the use of the hand or fingers of the medical technician, patient or other person.
US07670308B2 Medical splinting apparatus and methods for using the same
An articulated, adjustable, and lockable alignment arm, and associated extensions and accessories, which are user manipulable to model the size and shape of the fractured limb of a patient in the field. The alignment arm includes a first elongated arm segment, a second elongated arm segment, and connector means for interconnecting the first segment to the second segment through respective pivotal receivers having normal axes of rotation. The alignment arm is adjusted for proper orientation by setting it over the injury, and then locking the arm into a selected orientation which models the patient's limb around the area of the injury. Next, first and second arm extenders and protective end pads are used to expand the effective size of the alignment arm to form a custom splint structure. Lastly, the splint structure is secured to the patient's injured limb through the use of flexible cravats.
US07670307B2 Cervical traction/stretch device kit
The cervical traction/stretch device kit comprises a cervical traction/stretch device including an expandable bellows section which is made of non-elastic and non-stretchable material. The device further includes a shoulder section which can be fixed to or made integral with the bellows section. At least two, preferably three, interchangeable head sections are provided so that substantially all human head sizes can be supported by the device. Also provided is a head frame section which is releasably assembled with one of the head sections, the bellows section and the shoulder section to provide a cervical traction/stretch device. The bellows section, the shoulder section and the head section have aligned U-shaped openings therein adapted to receive and support a patient's neck. A pumping mechanism, preferably including an air pump and pressure relief structure are connected to the bellows section for pumping air into the bellows section for expanding the bellows section and for relieving or releasing air out of the bellows section. A triangular-in-cross-section base is provided in the kit for supporting the device at a small angle to the horizontal.
US07670306B2 Flexible support comprising elastically stretchable framework
A potentiating support for an area of a body includes a framework having a surface for abutment with an area of a body. The framework defines a plurality of permanent openings in the surface regardless of whether the surface is in abutment with the area of the body, the openings extending completely through and being bounded by the framework. Furthermore, the framework, along its entire boundary with at least one of the openings, is elastically stretchable between a first initial state and extended states and, when expanded to an extended state, the framework stores potential energy that is released as kinetic energy upon its return to the initial state. The support also includes a fastening mechanism connected at multiple points proximate each of opposite sides of the framework for applying tension at each of the multiple points for tensioning the framework's surface in abutment with the area of the body.
US07670305B2 Device for showering and turbo-rotative water treatment
A device for showering has a housing and a rotatable massaging element arranged in the housing so that it is rotatable by water and capable of massaging with the simultaneous discharge of water. A rotary unit is located in the housing and is connected with the massaging element to be acted on by water so that the rotary unit rotates and rotates the massaging element. The rotary unit is composed of at least two rotors which are configured so that in a first mode of operation only one of the rotors rotates and provides rotation of the massaging element and issuance of water for showering, and in a second mode of operation both the rotor elements rotate to provide a turbo rotation of water.
US07670304B2 Vertical movement vibrator of magnetic gap type
A vertical movement vibrator of a magnetic gap type is provided. The vibrator can provide a sufficient vertical movement force by a structure that a bobbin coil connected to a vibration plate is disposed in a magnetic gap of a magnetic circuit. The vibrator includes a magnetic circuit which forms an annular magnetic gap, and forms a DC magnetic field in the magnetic gap, a driving coil which is movably inserted into the magnetic gap, the driving coil being vibrated up and down when a driving signal is applied, a driving signal supply unit for supplying the driving signal, a vibration plate to the lower side of which the bobbin is attached to accomplish vibration up and down, a vertical movement guide unit for guiding the vibration plate to perform vertical movement, and a unit which limits a movement range of the vibration plate, and simultaneously absorbs an impact.
US07670299B2 Device for minimally invasive internal tissue removal
A medical device for severing and removing small amounts of internal tissue for biopsy sampling or other purposes is disclosed. Versions of the device may include a hollow probe having a piecing tip, a tissue receiving aperture and a vacuum lumen; a cutter within the probe having a cutting edge that moves past the tissue receiving aperture, and a cutter driver mechanism. A cutter for use with versions disclosed herein may include an angled cutting tip and a cutting edge having a concave grind. Versions of the device also may include an aspirator fluidly connected to the vacuum lumen, coordinated operation of the aspirator and the cutter driver mechanism, and a fluid management system. Versions described may be used for removing multiple samples of tissue during a single insertion of the probe proximate to a target tissue mass.
US07670298B2 Sensing rate of change of pressure in the left ventricle with an implanted device
An implantable device and method for monitoring S1 heart sounds with a remotely located accelerometer. The device includes a transducer that converts heart sounds into an electrical signal. A control circuit is coupled to the transducer. The control circuit is configured to receive the electrical signal, identify an S1 heart sound, and to convert the S1 heart sound into electrical information. The control circuit also generates morphological data from the electrical information. The morphological data relates to a hemodynamic metric, such as left ventricular contractility. A housing may enclose the control circuit. The housing defines a volume coextensive with an outer surface of the housing. The transducer is in or on the volume defined by the housing.
US07670279B2 Percutaneous gastroplasty
Disclosed are methods and apparatus for implantation into the walls of an organ such as the stomach. Deformable or inflatable anchors with a connector between are used to pull the walls of the organ together, or to implant devices in the wall of the organ. Also disclosed are surgical instruments useful in practicing the disclosed methods.
US07670277B2 Composition and method for the solidification of toxic or hazardous drilling and agricultural waste
A method of solidifying toxic or hazardous liquid waste, including the steps of pumping an aqueous waste, e.g., from a drilling fluid holding area; through a shearing device; adding the layered phyllosilicate to said aqueous waste in an amount sufficient to solidify the aqueous waste sufficiently such that the solidified aqueous waste has no free liquid; shearing the pumped aqueous waste, containing said layered phyllosilicate, sufficiently to partially exfoliate the layered phyllosilicate into phyllosilicate platelets and tactoids while in contact with the aqueous waste; pumping the sheared aqueous waste and layered phyllosilicate to a solidification area; and allowing the sheared aqueous waste and partially exfoliated layered phyllosilicate sufficient time to solidify such that there are no free liquids remaining in the solidified waste.
US07670276B2 Decanter type centrifugal separator with torque transmission mechanism
A decanter type centrifugal separator includes a torque transmission mechanism with enhanced effect of absorbing a torsional vibration. The decanter type centrifugal separator (10) includes a bowl (20); a screw conveyor (40) disposed in the bowl (20); a processed liquid feed portion (15); a separated liquid discharge port (81); a solid discharge port (82); a drive portion (71); and a differential gear unit (50) for generating a difference in speeds between the bowl (20) and the screw conveyor (40). A torque transmission mechanism (60, 61) includes an elastic damping member (67) for absorbing the torsional vibration of the screw conveyor (40).
US07670274B2 Folding station with adjustable folding strap
A folding station of a folding box gluing machine for processing a blank having a middle piece and side pieces which are attached to sides of the middle piece and which are deflected upward and inward along folding grooves between the middle piece and the side piece across a folding line toward the lengthwise middle of the blank and then folded up in order to produce a folding boxes, includes a folding strap that deflects the side pieces and folds them upward. The folding strap is guided by a folding shunt, a positioning roller, and one or more deflection and pressure rollers. A distance between the folding strap from the folding line of the blank is adjustable, such that the folding strap acts on an outer region of the side piece.
US07670271B2 Hanging fitness device for abdominals
A hanging fitness device for exercising abdominals includes a flatbed upper arm platform assembly having an arm cushion, vinyl cushion covering, two rubber non-skid floor stands, and a vertical stabilizer bar with an opening to connect to a vertical handle extender and a connector rod. The fitness device includes a safety bar assembly including a small opening that connects the safety bar to the flatbed upper arm platform assembly by a transverse member. The fitness device also includes a handle extender assembly with small vertical round openings on all four sides and horizontal insertion round bar with an inner V spring button. A hand grip unit assembly is configured to slidably receive the horizontal insertion bar of the handle extender, the insertion bar being locked therein by way of an inner V spring button. The device also includes a top hook assembly with a connection assembly to connect a height girder member of the hand grip unit assembly and the connector rod.
US07670266B2 Articulating linkage exercise machine
An elliptical machine has a frame and an operating linkage between the frame and foot supports. Each side of the operating linkage comprises five links that are connected with five pin joints. A foot support is connected to each side of the operating linkage with each of the five pin joints being positioned forward of the foot support.
US07670265B1 Handle-pass trainer method and apparatus
A handle toss training apparatus can be utilized to aid in improving a person's balance, coordination, and skills respective to a maneuver commonly referred to as a handle pass. The handle toss training apparatus includes a balancing board with a base. The base provides a rotational, a rolling, and a pitch motion for the balancing board. A handle is fastened to a wall via a cable. Tension for the handle is created by the specific material used for fabrication of the cable or by a variable weight system.
US07670261B2 Fuel pressure control in a common rail system
The present invention relates to the control of fuel pressure in a common rail engine in connection with an automatic gearshift procedure. Upon receipt of a primary gearshift command, a fuel pressure in the common rail fuel system is decreased. This decrease is initiated during a time interval prior to reducing engine torque. A gear is released after the engine torque is lowered, thereby enabling a smooth gear release.
US07670260B2 Oil warming strategy for transmission
A method is provided for increasing a temperature of oil in a continuously variable transmission during engine start-up, the transmission including a fluid pump and motor, and a mechanical transmission. The method includes starting the engine, maintaining the fluid pump at substantially zero displacement, and heating the transmission oil by relative rotation of a first clutch disc and first clutch hub of a first clutch assembly and by relative rotation of a second clutch disc and second clutch hub of a second clutch assembly. The method further includes maintaining a substantially zero net torque from the transmission during the heating of the oil by the first and second clutch assemblies.
US07670257B2 Method for operating a drive train
A method of operating a motor vehicle drive train having a hybrid drive including an internal combustion engine, an electric motor and an automatic transmission. A clutch is located between the internal combustion engine and the electric motor, and a clutch or a torque converter is located between the electric motor and the automatic transmission such that, when the drive train is powered exclusively by the electric motor, the internal combustion engine can be started by engagement of the clutch located between the internal combustion engine and the electric motor. The clutch, arranged between the internal combustion engine and the electric motor, is engaged during the process of downshifting when the internal combustion engine is started.
US07670256B2 Automotive drive train and method for reducing chatter in the same
The invention relates to a method for reducing chatter in automotive drive train which comprises an internal combustion engine as the drive and a clutch device. According to the method, a rotating component of the drive train is driven by means of the internal combustion engine and the speed of the component is detected. Any chatter is also detected. When chatter occurs, an electric motor is used to transmit a torque onto the rotating component in order to actively dampen the chatter. The rotating component is driven by the electric motor for any chatter component at which the speed of the rotating component decreases and the rotating component is slowed down by the electric motor for any chatter component at which the speed of the rotating component increases.
US07670255B2 Split serial-parallel hybrid dual-power drive system
A split serial-parallel hybrid dual-power drive system, comprised of two or more than two separation drive systems allowing independent operation to respectively drive the load, or all loads driven individually are incorporated in a common frame to drive land, surface, underwater transportation means or aircraft, industrial machines and equipment or any other load drive by rotational kinetic energy.
US07670249B2 Multiple speed automatic transmission
A multi-speed automatic transmission includes an input, an output, a first gear unit drivable connected to the input and including a component rotating at the speed of the input and a first gear unit output, the first gear unit producing a gear ratio of a speed of the input and a speed of the first gear unit output, a planetary gear unit including a modified Simpson gearset, the gear unit being secured to first, second, third, fourth and fifth rotating members, the fifth member being secured to the output for rotation therewith, a first clutch being operable to connect the first rotating member and the first gear unit output, a second clutch being operable to connect the second rotating member and the first gear unit output, a third clutch being operable to connect the third rotating member and an element rotating at a speed of the input, a fourth clutch being operable to connect the fourth rotating member and said element rotating at the speed of the input, a first brake being operable to hold the fourth rotating member against rotation, and a second brake being operable to hold the third rotating member against rotation.
US07670246B2 Multi-speed transmission
The 8-gear transmission comprising an input shaft (AN), an output shaft (AB), four planetary gearsets (RS1, RS2, RS3, RS4), eight rotary shafts (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8) and five shifting elements (A, B C, E, E). The first shifting element (A) is arranged within the power flow between the third shaft (3) and a housing (GG) of the transmission, the second shifting element(B) is arranged within the power flow between the fourth shaft (4) and the housing (GG), the third shifting element (C) is arranged within the power flow between the first and the fifth shafts (1, 5), the fourth shifting element (D) is arranged within the power flow between the fifth and the eighth shafts (5, 8), and the fifth shifting element (E) is arranged within the power flow between the fifth and the seventh shafts (5, 7).
US07670244B2 Power transmission system
A power transmission system having an input member (6) and an output member (2) for transmitting power, and an oil pump (7) for discharging oil by a relative rotation between a first (8, 70) and a second rotary members (9, 87, 88) which is driven by the power transmitted between the input member (6) and the output member (2), characterized in that: the input member (6) and the first rotary member (8, 70) are connected with each other in a power transmittable manner, and the output member (2) and the second rotary member (9, 87, 88) are connected with each other in a power transmittable manner; and characterized by comprising: a transmission member (11, 13, 76, 77) for connecting the first and the second rotary members in a power transmittable manner; and a control valve (9, 87, 88) for controlling a power transmission state between the first and the second rotary members, by controlling a discharge condition of the oil pump (7).
US07670242B2 Electrically variable transmission having three planetary gear sets with two fixed interconnections
The electrically variable transmission family provides low-content, low-cost electrically variable transmission mechanisms including first, second and third differential gear sets, a battery, two electric machines serving interchangeably as motors or generators, and five selectable torque-transfer devices. The selectable torque transfer devices are engaged in combinations of two or three to yield an EVT with a continuously variable range of speeds (including reverse) and four or five mechanically fixed forward speed ratios. The torque transfer devices and the first and second motor/generators are operable to provide five operating modes in the electrically variable transmission, including battery reverse mode, EVT reverse mode, reverse and forward launch modes, continuously variable transmission range mode, and fixed ratio mode.
US07670241B2 Continuously variable transmission metal belt, process for producing metal ring, and process for measuring shape of metal ring
In a continuously variable transmission metal belt, a lateral-most projecting portion of a side edge of a metal ring assembly wherein each metal ring is located between a radially central plane and a radially inner peripheral surface of the metal ring. A contact point in which the projecting portion abuts against a V-face of a pulley is closer to the radially central plane than to the radially inner peripheral surface. Moreover, as the metal rings are laminated on one another, recesses are formed between the side edges of the adjacent metal rings to retain oil therein, which lubricates the sliding faces of adjacent metal rings and enhances durability of the assembly.
US07670237B2 Sports skills training apparatus
An apparatus for training sports skills for games conducted on a playing surface having a goal using one or more simulated opponents on the playing surface to train a player to strike the game object away from an opponent in addition to practicing striking the game object into the goal. A game object machine(s) can be used to project game objects to one side of the playing surface. A controller can be provided to control operation of the simulated opponent(s) and the game object machine(s) to train placement memory and reaction time in addition to muscle memory. For ice hockey and soccer, the controller can receive input from sensor(s) on the game object, player being trained or the goal to locate the game object and/or player to position the simulated opponent(s) to train the player to strike the game object past the simulated opponent into the goal.
US07670230B2 Transmission mechanism for balance training apparatus
A balance training apparatus includes a base and a driving device is connected to the base so as to drive a seat portion in different axes. The driving device has a power source, a swing portion, an active portion driven by the power source and a passive portion which is driven by the active portion. The active portion has a first axle which is driven by the power source of the driving device and cooperated with two eccentric wheels. The passive portion has a second axle which includes a straight section and two crank portions are connected to two ends of the straight section. The two distal ends of the two crank portions are rotatably engaged with the first and second blocks on the base. The active and passive portions drive the seat portion to simulate a horse-riding motion.
US07670223B2 Bingo gaming system with player selected daub modes
Players participate in bingo-type games through player stations each having a suitable player interface. The player may manually select between multiple modes in which the player's bingo card representations are daubed. In one daub mode, once a player is assigned a bingo card representation and a game designation set is associated with the bingo card representation, daubing the bingo card representation must be performed manually by the player at the player's respective player station using a suitable interface at the player station. In a card daub mode, one or more of the player's bingo card representations is automatically daubed in response to a card daub input made by the player at the player station using a suitable input device. In a game daub mode, one or more of the player's bingo card representations are daubed without any action by the player other than the player's selection of the game daub mode and the player's submission of a request to enter a bingo game offered by the system.
US07670220B2 Racing games and other games having garage, showroom, and test drive features
Racing games and other computer-implemented games having garage, showroom and test drive features are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method for implementing a racing game in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes displaying a plurality of cars in a simulated showroom setting. Game players can roam freely about the showroom in first-person mode and inspect the cars in close detail. If a player desires, he or she can test drive one or more of the cars to assess its performance before competing in a racing event with the car.
US07670219B2 Integrated axle and cleaning fan wrapper for an agricultural harvesting machine
An integrated axle and fan wrapper for an agricultural harvesting machine, including a fan wrapper structure connected between first and second spaced apart side sheets and extending sidewardly therebetween in spanning relation to the space, the wrapper structure incorporating at least one cross member connected between the first and second side sheets for holding the side sheets in the parallel spaced relation, and the fan wrapper structure defining and at least partially enclosing an internal cavity configured for receiving a fan for rotation therein. The integrated axle and fan wrapper includes a first axle structure mounted sidewardly outwardly of and integrated with the fan wrapper structure and having a first outer end portion configured for mounting a first wheel thereon, and a second axle structure mounted outwardly of the fan wrapper structure and integrated therewith and having a second outer end portion configured for mounting a second wheel thereon, the fan wrapper structure serving to support and stiffen, strengthen and integrate the axle structures.
US07670218B2 Process and device for controlling working parts of a combine harvester
The process and device for controlling at least one operating condition parameter (54) of working parts (45) of a combine harvester (1) has at least one sensing device (36, 40) for monitoring a crop tailings stream (31) and for generating a grain tailings signal (X) and a tailings flow rate signal (Y) for control of the operating condition parameters (54), such as blower speed, upper sieve mesh, lower sieve mesh, so that changes in the crop harvesting conditions can be reacted to rapidly and efficiently. The device includes an evaluating and display unit (39), which includes a controller (53) for automatically controlling operating condition parameters or for displaying control information produced by control algorithms (56 to 58), so that the operating condition parameters can be optimized according to the grain tailings signal (X) and tailings flow rate signal (Y).
US07670217B1 Window rain shield ventilator
A window rain shield ventilator for installation in an open window, such ventilator having slideably extending first and second ventilator shield members attached, respectively, to first and second flange members, each flange member having at least one rotatable engagement member to aid in retaining the ventilator in the window's sash channels.
US07670215B2 Control device comprising a roller band cassette
The invention relates to a control device (1) for controlling airflows in motor vehicles, comprised of a frame having at least one passage opening (4) and at least one controlling means, which is provided in the form of a roller louver (5) and which serves to modify the passage cross-section for the air flowing through the passage opening (4). The frame comprises a housing (2) with at least two hollow bodies (8) that are open along the longitudinal sides. These hollow bodies (8) accommodate the drive shaft (6) or the return shaft (7) for the roller louver (5), and each have a pivotal cover (8.3) for opening the respective hollow body (8). The control device (1) can be mounted inside airflow ducts of a heating and/or air-conditioning system for motor vehicles.
US07670205B2 Crotch-possessing corrective garment
An object of the present invention is to provide a girdle which can improve posture by acting on the muscles around the pelvis, is easy to handle and can be worn with no uncomfortable feeling. An example of the present invention is a girdle (short girdle and long girdle) containing, in an area fitting over a wearer's body, a tightening portion for which the magnitude of a tightening force varies with areas. When the garment is being worn, the tightening fabric portion extends from the vicinity of an upper part of the buttocks cleft, passing the vicinities of upper parts of the right and left buttocks, to the vicinities of the right and left greater trochanters, and the tightening fabric portion may be made of material having a tightening force. Moreover, a body front tightening fabric portion is provided at the front of the garment.
US07670204B2 Playground toy
A playground toy which is easily accessible to, and easily graspable by, a small child, a wheelchair-bound individual, or any other person with limited mobility. The playground toy generally includes a spherical-shaped ball, a ring handle, and an axle connecting the ball to the ring handle. The ring handle has a slightly different diameter than a diameter of the ball to ensure that the toy will return to the child and/or individual playing with the playground toy if, for some reason, the toy rolls away from the child and/or individual. Thus, the toy will roll away from the child and/or individual for the first half of a circular path and, if the toy continues to roll, the toy will roll towards the child and/or individual for the other half of the circular path. The ring handle provides an efficient gripping structure for picking up the ball.
US07670203B2 Process for making an on-chip vacuum tube device
A method of making a microelectromechanical microwave vacuum tube device is disclosed. The device is formed by defining structural regions and sacrificial regions in a substrate. The structural regions have flexural members. The substrate is treated to remove the sacrificial regions and release the structural regions such that the structural regions are moveable by the flexural members. The structural regions include a device cathode, a device grid or both a device cathode and a device grid. The cathode comprises electron emitters. The device further includes an output structure where amplified microwave power is removed from the device. In the method, the cathode surface and the grid surface are moved to a position where they are substantially parallel to each other and substantially perpendicular to the substrate. The device further comprises an anode that is substantially parallel to the cathode surface and the grid surface.
US07670201B2 Adjustable rigging system for a rowing boat
An adjustable rigging system for a boat including a bracket adapted to connect to an outboard end portion of a stay mechanism for a boat, the bracket including a top hole and a bottom hole, wherein an axis is defined between a center of the top hole and a center of the bottom hole, a pin extending along the axis including two ends, each end removably connected to the bracket adjacent to one of the top and bottom holes, and wherein the location of at least one of the top and the bottom holes is adjustable to change a pitch of the axis and the pin.
US07670197B2 Electrical splice connector
An electrical splice connector includes a housing, a conductive member retained within the housing and defining a longitudinal axis, and at least two biasing members circumferentially disposed about the longitudinal axis of the conductive member and biased toward the conductive member. Each of the biasing members is configured to urge conductors inserted into the housing into electrical contact with the conductive member.
US07670193B2 Connector with insulation piercing contact and conductor guiding passageway
There is disclosed a connector and method for terminating a cable comprised twisted pairs of conductors. In one aspect of the invention the connector comprises a wire lead guide for arranging the twisted pairs of conductors and a plurality of piercing contacts which interconnect with respective ones of the twisted pairs of conductors when the wire guide is secured to the module. In a further aspect of the invention the wire lead guide ensures that the spacing between the conductors of a particular twisted pair is maintained, thereby improving the performance of the subsequent assembly.
US07670191B2 Extension/expansion to universal serial bus connector
An extension to USB includes an insulative tongue portion and a number of contacts held in the insulative tongue portion. The contacts have four conductive contacts and two pairs of differential contacts for transferring differential signals. The four conductive contacts consist of a power contact, a ground contact, a − data contact and a + data contact. One pair of the differential contacts is located between the power contact and the − data contact and the other pair of the differential contacts is located between the power contact and the + data contact. The four conductive contacts are for USB protocol and arrangement of the four conductive contacts with the insulative tongue portion is compatible to the standard USB connector. The two pairs of differential contacts are for non-USB protocol. The extension to USB is capable of mated with a commentary standard USB connector and a commentary extension to USB, alternatively.
US07670189B1 Extend and flip connector
Various connector devices are respectively equipped so that an electrical cable having a substantially right-angle cable head can be electrically coupled to an electronic apparatus by way of a suitable connector device. In turn, the electrical cable can be routed substantially tangentially away from the electronic apparatus in a predetermined direction. The connector devices also provide standoff distances that enable the dressing of electrical cables away from an apparatus having crowded connector sites. In this way, numerous cables can be routed away from an apparatus along a common direction and without mechanical interference with one another.
US07670184B2 Electrical junction box
An electrical junction box including a box main body and a wiring block. The box main body includes a cassette block. The wiring block includes a first bus bar, a second bus bar, and a fuse. Each bus bar includes an electric parts connecting part and the power source connecting part. The electric parts connecting part is connected to electric parts attached to the cassette block. The power source connecting part includes a fuse connecting piece and a connecting piece. A terminal fitting connected to a power source is connected to the connecting piece. The fuse connects the fuse connecting pieces of the bus bars.
US07670182B2 Coaxial connector with built-in capacitor
A coaxial connector with a built-in capacitor includes: a core wire connection terminal having, on a rear end thereof, a core wire connection portion for connecting thereto a core wire of a coaxial cable; an inner terminal having, on a tip end thereof, a fitted/connected portion fitted and connected to an other party's terminal; an insulator holding the inner terminal while covering an outer circumference of the inner terminal, and having a holding hole of the core wire connection terminal on a rear end thereof; a shield terminal having, on a tip end thereof, a cylindrical shell portion that covers an outer circumference of the insulator, and having, on a rear end thereof, a shield conductor crimping portion for crimping and connecting thereto a shield conductor of the coaxial cable; and an inner dielectric that is sandwiched between a tip end portion of the core wire connection terminal and a rear end portion of the inner terminal, and thereby composes a capacitor function portion while using, as opposite electrodes, the tip end portion of the core wire connection terminal and the rear end portion of the inner terminal.
US07670180B2 Shielded subminiature connection assembly and process of forming such an assembly
A shielded subminiature connection assembly having two subminiature connectors with housings provided with means of locking, two molded thermoplastic half-shells having a high contact density miniature sub-assembly with a molded thermoplastic insulating body provided with contact cavities for the positioning and retention of contacts, a back plate provided with a contact-retaining clip and whose sidewalls comprise projecting members, a molded thermoplastic receptacle shell including a flange provided with oblong apertures into which the projecting members of the back plate are locked. The disclosed embodiments also concern the process of forming the connection assembly.
US07670178B2 Electrical connectors with improved engaging arms
An electrical connector for mating with a plug includes an insulative housing, a number of contacts retained in the insulative housing, a metal shield and at least one metal spring fixed to the metal shield. The metal spring and the metal shield are made of different materials. The metal shield covers the insulative housing to define a receiving cavity formed by a plurality of peripheral walls. One of the peripheral walls defines a slot communicating with the receiving cavity. The metal spring is securely fixed to the peripheral walls and including an engaging arm extending into the receiving cavity through the slot.
US07670169B1 Connecting device with cable
The present invention relates to a connecting device with cable, a top housing, one end of a hollow main body provided in the top housing is extended with a connecting device for being connected to a power adapter; an interior retaining sleeve; two copper contact rings; a bottom plastic housing; a conduction wire retaining section for being mounted in a latching slot; and a cable having at least two conduction wires, end sections of the two conduction wires enter the top housing and the bottom plastic housing then are respectively connected to a clamping section. Accordingly, with the above mentioned structure, one end of the connecting device with cable is connected to an AC power source through the cable, the other end thereof is coupled with a power adapter through the connecting device so as to supply converted DC power to an electronic device.
US07670165B2 Restriction mechanism for card
A restriction mechanism for a card is provided. The card includes at least one electronic component mounted thereon. The restriction mechanism includes a substrate, a slot, at least one latch, and at least one latch restriction member. The slot allows the card to be inserted in the slot. The latch is pivotally connected to one side of the slot. The latch is rotatable between a first position in which the card is locked in the slot by the latch, and a second position in which the card is allowed to disengage from the slot. The restriction member is used to prevent the latch from being rotated to the second position.
US07670164B2 Waterproof electrical connector
A waterproof electrical connector having a main housing providing a fitting section which is fitted into a contact-receiving concavity of a mating connector and a head section stretching at a rear of the fitting section in a direction in which the fitting section is fitted into the mating connector, a contact that is housed in the fitting section such that one end of the contact is housed in the head section and is connected to one end of an insulated electrical wire which is guided out in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the fitting section is fitted into the mating connector, a cover housing that covers the head section, and a body that covers at least a boundary portion between the main housing and the cover housing.
US07670163B2 Electric connection and electric component
An electric connection and an electric component, the electric component comprising connectors for connecting the electric component. The connectors are formed of a first and a second electrically conductive laminar conductor, which are placed opposite each other and isolated from one another with an insulator, whereby the electric component is arranged to be connected through the plane surfaces of the laminar conductors, and the insulator is arranged between the laminar conductors such that the insulator comprises at least one free plane surface.
US07670157B2 Lever connector
A female housing (10) includes cam pins (14). A lever (70) is mounted on a male housing (30), and arms (73) of the lever (70) are formed with bearing portions (74) and cam grooves (71) engageable with the cam pins (14). An engaging groove (78) is formed adjacent to the cam groove (71) in each arm (73), and an engaging pin (17) is provided adjacent to each cam pin (14) on the female housing (10). The engaging grooves (78) can receive the engaging pins (17) during the rotation of the lever (70) and have inclination restricting surfaces (79) for restricting the inclination of the female housing (10) by sliding in contact with the engaging pins (17) as the lever (70) is rotated if the posture of the female housing (10) being connected is inclined relative to the female housing (30).
US07670154B2 Solderness cable assembly
An cable assembly (100) includes an insulated housing (1) defining a plurality of contact slots; a plurality of contacts (2) accommodated in the contact slots, with tail portions thereof disposed outside of the insulated housing; at least a cable (4) including two wires (41) enclosed within a conductive shielding portion (43); a grounding member (3) including a main portion (31), a finger portion (33) extending forwardly from the main portion and a connecting portion (32) formed at a rear segment of the main portion, said connecting portion gripping outside of the conductive shielding portion of the cable; and the finger portion and inner conductors of the wires clamped by the tail portions of the contacts.
US07670150B2 Low profile board-mounted connector
An electrical connector mountable to a circuit board is disclosed. The disclosed connector includes a shell which comprises a first plate-like portion, a second plate-like portion and connection portions. The first plate-like portion extends in a predetermined direction and is provided with fixed portions at opposite ends thereof in the predetermined direction. The fixed portion is to be fixed to the circuit board. The second plate-like portion extends in the predetermined direction. Each of the connection portions connects the first and the second plate-like portion. The second plate-like portion is provided with force resist portions at opposite ends thereof in the predetermined direction. The force resist portions are configured so that, when a force is applied to the electrical connector along a direction from the first plate-like portion towards the second plate-like portion, the force resist portions resist the force.
US07670149B2 Electric board and image forming apparatus
An electric board is configured to be removably installed in a main body of an apparatus. The electric board includes a board member on which electric components can be mounted. A shielding member is attached to the board member. A handle member is fitted on the shielding member whereby a user can hold the handle member when pulling-out the electric board from the main body.
US07670143B2 Model for demonstrating pathological physiological conditions
A model for demonstrating a physiological condition of a part of a being includes a chamber with a transparent wall, and first and second components located in the chamber and configured to represent the part of the being and a substance capable of affecting the normal condition of the being's part, respectively. The components interact with one another to demonstrate the physiological condition of the organ caused by the substance during displacement of the model.
US07670136B2 Artificial acetylene gas candle
An improved artificial candle having an exterior appearance of a traditional wax candle, but which provides illumination by means of producing and burning acetylene gas.
US07670134B2 Injection molding apparatus
An injection molding apparatus capable of minimizing cracks at the corners of a mold is provided. The injection molding apparatus includes first and second molds that mate with each other to define a molding cavity, a stationary member that supports the first mold, a movable member that supports the second mold and moves backwards and forwards together with the second mold, and a plurality of pressing members installed around the first mold so as to press a periphery of the first mold toward the molding cavity by a pressing force of the movable member when the first mold is mated with the second mold.
US07670129B1 Process and apparatus for bending gypsum board
Gypsum boards are bent to curved shape by placing a water dampened flat rectangular gypsum board upon a resiliently bendable panel positioned below a bender shell having a wall of arcuate cylindric contour which grips a margin of the gypsum board, and rolling the bender shell upon the gripped board to produce bending. A circular cylindrical weight rolls within the bender shell to apply compressive force upon the gypsum board during the bending process.
US07670128B2 Apparatus for forming fine pattern on substrate
An apparatus of forming a fine pattern includes a chamber having a predetermined process space, a stage for supporting a substrate on which a photosensitive organic layer is formed, using buoyancy, a template disposed away from the stage to imprint a preprocess pattern dividing etching and non-etching regions on the organic layer of the substrate, and a driving unit for moving the stage toward the template so that the pattern formed on the template can be formed on the organic layer of the substrate.
US07670127B2 Apparatus for pattern replication with intermediate stamp
The invention relates to an imprint apparatus for carrying out a two-step process for transferring a pattern from a template to a target surface of a substrate. The apparatus works by creating an intermediate disc, e.g. from a flexible polymer stamp, by imprint from the template in a first imprint unit. A feeder device is then operated to feed the intermediate stamp to a second imprint unit, where it is used to make an imprint in a target surface of a substrate.
US07670125B2 Device for injection moulding and assembling plastic parts
The invention concerns a device for injection molding comprising a first fixed half-mold and a second half-mold mobile in direction (y) of the side blocks of an injection molding machine. Between the first and the second molds are mounted first and second intermediate elements mobile in the direction of the side blocks. The first and the second intermediate elements comprise each a mold support pivoting relative to a base about a pivoting axis. Centering elements are used to center the intermediate elements relative to the half-molds upon the opening and closure of the injection molding device.
US07670123B2 Tire tread wear indicator molding device for forming a tread wear indicator
A tire has at least one tread wear indicator. Each wear indicator is a single mark that provides continuous information to the consumer, while changing its presentation based upon the amount of tread wear. The mold blade employed to form the ear indicator has a series of stacked portions, each portion having a different configuration, the configuration being constant for the length of each portion.
US07670120B2 Scroll-type refrigerant compressor having fluid communication between lubrication duct and return duct
A scroll-type refrigerant compressor includes a drive shaft with an off-axis lubrication conduit which is supplied with oil from an oil pan located in the lower part of the compressor by an oil pump that is disposed at a first end of the shaft. The lubrication conduit has lubrication holes at the different shaft guide bearings. The second end of the shaft is equipped with a device that enables the orbital movement of the moving scroll of the compressor. The aforementioned shaft also includes a return conduit which is inclined in relation to the axis of the shaft and which extends over at least part of the length thereof. One of the ends of the return conduit opens at the wall of the shaft in the area located beyond the rotor on the side of the oil pan. In addition, fluid communication is provided between the lubrication conduit and the return conduit.
US07670115B2 Turbo fan
A turbo fan includes a plurality of blades positioned vertically in a radial direction between a main plate and a shroud. Each of the plurality of blades is formed with a slope at an outer periphery thereof to suppress generation of turbulence.
US07670112B2 Turbine blade with cooling and with improved service life
A turbine blade, including an intrados wall, an extrados wall, at least one first radial trailing edge cavity, at least one second radial cavity upstream of the trailing edge cavity, an internal wall separating the radial cavities and with at least one channel connecting the cavities to one another, the channel being oriented in an axis intersecting the internal surface of the intrados wall.
US07670111B2 Seal
A seal for a compressor for sealing a shaft includes a first seal part of a first material, a second seal part of a second material different from the first material, and a stiffening part. The second seal part is connected at least with a radially extending surface area to at least one of the other parts and the surface area of the second seal part opposite the aforementioned surface area is kept from making contact with the stiffening part. The first seal part is provided, toward the axial side, with a sealing lip which is adapted for sealing contact with the shaft, and the second seal part is made such that the radially inner area of the second seal part extends axially and is free from collision with the sealing lip when the seal is properly installed.
US07670109B2 Turbine
A turbine (100) of a turbine installation, especially a steam turbine of a steam turbine installation, includes at least one radial or diagonal turbine stage (120) with radial or diagonal inflow and axial outflow, and also at least one axial turbine stage (121-125) with axial inflow and axial outflow. The at least one radial or diagonal turbine stage (120) forms the first stage of the turbine (100) and the at least one axial turbine stage (121-125) is arranged downstream of the radial or diagonal turbine stage (121) as an additional stage of the turbine. The at least one radial or diagonal turbine stage (120) has a higher temperature resistance than the at least one axial turbine stage (121-125). The turbine (100) makes it possible to significantly increase the process temperature of the steam turbine installation, wherein measures for increasing the temperature resistance need only to be adopted for components of the radial or diagonal turbine stage (120).
US07670108B2 Air seal unit adapted to be positioned adjacent blade structure in a gas turbine
An air seal unit to be positioned adjacent blade structure in a gas turbine is provided. The air seal unit comprises a main body including a plurality of first impingement cavities and at least one first interconnecting passage extending between and communicating with a first pair of the first impingement cavities. The first interconnecting passage is nonparallel to the first pair of the first impingement cavities and defines a path for cooling air to pass from one impingement cavity of the first pair of the first impingement cavities to another impingement cavity of the first pair of the first impingement cavities so as to strike a wall defining at least a part of the other impingement cavity of the first pair of the first impingement cavities.
US07670103B2 Mounting arrangement for turbine blades
In order to improve cooling of a blade 31, 41/disc 32, 42 combination, a pre-swirler feature 40, 50 is utilised in order to present coolant air through presentational pathways typically incorporating holes 37 or grooves/slots such that coolant air displaces hotter air leaked past a seal 35, 45. The swirler features 40, 50 are located within stationary housing components 34, 44 such that the coolant air is propelled at substantially the same rotational speed as the disc 32, 42 whilst presentation of the coolant air flow A, C, E is such that hot air displacement is achieved at least adjacent front faces 36, 46 of blade roots 33, 43.
US07670101B2 Portable hydro-generator
A portable hydro-generator, for the generation of power, including a tower (10) filled with a driving fluid, a semi-sealed curved tubular housing with a drive portion and a return portion primed with a fluid, the drive portion having a larger diameter than the return portion, an inlet to allow the fluid to enter the tubular housing, a plurality of paddles to harness the kinetic energy of the fluid entering the curved tubular housing, a linkage assembly to link the plurality of paddles, a drive chamber, a sprocket within the drive chamber to engage a portion of the paddles, and an output power generator attached to the sprocket. A paddle adapted to be used in the hydro-generator include a top surface, a bottom surface, seals to prevent water leakage through the paddles, a linkage bar to allow an attachment of the paddle to subsequent paddle, wherein the top surface of the paddle further includes studs to increase the effective surface area of the top of the paddle.
US07670099B2 Working arm for construction machine and method of producing the same
A wide plate-like material (27), having thin and thick wall portions in a transverse direction, is prepared by alternately joining one of flat thin plates (28, 29) and one of thick corner plates (30) or thick plates (31). The wide plate-like material (27) is bent at and along right and left thick corner plates (30) and formed into a U-shaped structure (32) which is U-shape in cross section. Separately from the U-shaped structure (32), a plate-like member (33) is prepared by butt welding thick plates (35) to right and left sides of a thin plate (34). The plate-like member (33) is welded to a lower side of the U-shaped structure (32) by laser welding or the like to form a square tubular structure, which is in a square shape in cross section and serves as a major part of an operating arm.
US07670097B2 Vehicle cargo management device
A cargo management device and vehicle including a cargo management device having a base portion having a surface. The device also includes a support portion pivotably mounted to the base portion and being configured to receive cargo. A locking member is pivotably mounted to the support member and in sliding contact with the surface of the base portion. The support member is capable of detachable engagement with a portion of the surface. A bridge portion is associated with the support portion and is capable of being secured at a first position with respect to the support portion. The device is capable of loading and unloading cargo from a cargo compartment by an incline formed by the support portion. A method for unloading cargo is also disclosed.
US07670090B1 Wind turbine blade transportation system and method
A system for transporting an airfoil having a root end, a tip end, and a midsection over a railroad, utilizing a first railcar coupled to a second rail car. The system includes a bracket fixed to the root end of the airfoil and also connected to the first railcar, where the bracket is oriented to align the tip end of the airfoil toward the second rail car. A sling stand is connected to the second railcar, and a sling is hung from the sling stand and aligned to engage and support the midsection of the airfoil, and thereby accommodates misalignment during transport over the railroad. A pair of rollers are disposed on either side of the airfoil to limit lateral movement thereof.
US07670087B1 Sheet piling wall having facade
A wall for retaining water includes a backing support, formed by vertically arranged sheet piling, a base attached to the sheet piling, and a rock or boulder facade supported on the base. The sheet piling is formed of undulating, interlocking steel sheets. A backing plate is welded to the sheet piling. A high quality plaster is applied between the facade and the backing plate and between the backing plate and the sheet piling. Preferably, the plaster is a pool plaster type, typically used to seal cracks and form an exposed surface in in-ground swimming pools.
US07670078B2 Dust boot with grease relief passage
A joint enclosure apparatus includes a dust boot having an opening and a rim located adjacent to the opening, a flexible flap formed as a portion of the rim, and at least one grease relief passage located on an outer surface of the dust boot adjacent to the flexible flap. The dust boot is useful for use in a ball joint assembly which includes a ball stud having a shank portion and a ball portion; a housing adapted to receive the ball portion in articulatable engagement in a ball stud exit end; a dust boot having a shank opening in sealing engagement with the shank portion and a housing opening in sealing engagement with the housing at the ball stud exit end and a rim adjacent to the shank opening; a flexible flap formed as a portion of the rim; and at least one grease relief passage located on an outer surface of the dust boot adjacent to the flexible flap. The grease relief passage may comprise a rib or a recessed channel. The area of the outer surface of the dust boot adjacent to the flexible lip may be undercut to control the relief characteristics of the flexible lip. As grease is flushed from the dust boot, it is directed along a path defined by the grease relief passage. If a dust boot becomes pinched during stud articulation, the grease relief passage provides an escape path for grease after it passes the flap.
US07670076B2 Multi-sided shaft tapered locking hub apparatus
A multi-sided shaft and locking hub apparatus, wherein the locking hub includes an inner hub having a multi-sided inner surface extending around a center hole for receiving the shaft for preventing rotation therebetween, the inner hub including a tapered outer surface, and being cut through, and an outer hub having a tapered inner surface defining a central hole for receiving the inner hub such that the tapered surfaces abut, the outer hub including a multi-sided inner surface defining an extension of the center hole therethrough for receiving the multi-sided shaft with the sides of the inner surface of the outer hub in non-rotating relation, and the tapered surfaces including opposing inner and outer half-holes at spaced locations therearound, for cooperatively receiving threaded members, outer half-holes at some of the spaced locations being threaded so as to be threadedly engageable with the threaded members for pressing the inner and outer hubs together while compressing the inner hub, and the inner half-holes at others of the spaced locations being threadedly engageable with the threaded members for jacking the inner and outer hubs apart.
US07670075B2 Binder unit
A binder unit, for binding a sheet stack having a mounting hole, includes an elongated binding body and two fastening arms. The binding body has a first binding portion biasing against a top side of the sheet stack at an edge portion thereof, a second binding portion biasing against a bottom side of the sheet stack, and a guiding slot aligning with the mounting hole. The fastening arms are extended from a first edge of the binding body to detachably engage with the second binding portion of the binding body at a position that the fastening arms are slidably coupled within the guiding slot through the mounting hole, wherein the fastening arms are bent for resting on the bottom side of the sheet stack to reinforce the edge portion of the sheet stack being securely sandwiched between the first and second binding portions of the binding body.
US07670074B2 Video slide projection book
A video slide projection book is shown. The video slide projection book has a front cover and a back cover connected to the front cover at a binding. A plurality of pages are interposed between the front cover and the back cover and are connected to the binding. The video slide projection book also has a projector configured to accept a video slide source. The projector is configured to have a casing defining an interior volume; a circuit positioned in the interior volume and a lens. A holder is connected to the back cover wherein the holder is configured to accept the projector.
US07670066B2 Camera device
According to one embodiment, a camera device includes a camera body including an optical system, a rotational shaft having both ends extending on both sides from the camera body, and a pair of holders which rotatably support both ends of the rotational shaft, respectively and permit the camera body to rotate about the rotational shaft. At least one of the holders includes a cup-shaped bearing portion into which an end of the rotational shaft is inserted, a holder body, and a spring portion which extends from the holder body, supports the bearing portion at the extended end thereof, and urges the bearing portion toward the other holder side in the axial direction of the rotational shafts.
US07670062B1 Universal optical subassembly holder
A universal holder for optical subassembly devices includes a clamping element affixed to a main body. The main body of the holder includes four locating surfaces to accurately position the optical subassemblies in the transceiver module. The main body further includes a central opening that receives a front ferrule of the optical subassembly. The central opening locates the optical subassembly in the x-y plane so that the optical subassembly is concentric with the holder. The locating surfaces accurately seat the optical subassembly in the transceiver module. The clamping element comprises a plurality of clamping arms that contact the back side of a flange on the front ferrule of the optical subassembly. When the holder is assembled to the optical subassembly, hooked ends of the arms secure the holder to the flange.
US07670057B2 Vehicle wheel bearing apparatus
A vehicle wheel bearing apparatus for a driven wheel has an outer member integrally formed with a body mounting flange on its outer circumference. The body mounting flange is adapted to be mounted on a knuckle forming part of a suspension apparatus of the vehicle. The outer member inner circumference includes double row outer raceway surfaces. An inner member includes a wheel hub and at least one inner ring. The inner member has a plurality of inner raceway. Double row rolling elements are freely rollably contained, via cages, between the outer raceway surfaces and inner raceway surfaces. The knuckle is integrally formed with a disc-shaped bottom. The outer member is adapted to be connected to the knuckle, via bolts, with the body mounting flange abutted against the knuckle. The inner side end of the inner member is covered by the knuckle.
US07670056B2 Stepped outer diameter semi-floating bearing
An exemplary bearing assembly for a turbocharger includes a center housing with a bearing bore having a bearing bore turbine end radius and an inlet for lubricant and a unitary bearing disposed in the bearing bore and forming an outer lubricant film between the bearing and the bearing bore wherein the bearing includes a central axis, an internal bore to receive a shaft extending between a compressor end and a turbine end of the bearing and forming an inner lubricant film between the internal bore and the shaft, a locating mechanism between axial ends of the bearing to prevent rotation and translation of the bearing within the bearing bore and a turbine end protrusion wherein the protrusion comprises a radius that exceeds the bearing bore turbine end radius to thereby deflect lubricant from the outer lubricant film layer radially outward. Other exemplary technologies are also disclosed.
US07670050B2 Packaging container consisting of a plastic film
A packaging container made of plastic film has a strap handle arranged within the contour of the container: The container has a container wall made of plastic film. The container wall has an inner side and the strap handle is arranged on the inner side. The container wall has an access opening through which the strap handle is accessible from the exterior of the container. A support patch made of plastic film is connected to the container wall. The access opening is closed off relative to the interior of the container by the support patch.
US07670048B2 Drive unit for X-ray system
The invention relates to a drive unit (12) for vertical or horizontal movement of a component (7) of a diagnostic X-ray device (1), comprising a motor and gear unit (14), a pulley (10) mounted on a drive shaft (13) of the motor and gear unit (14), and traction means (9), e.g. a rope or a drive belt, wound around the pulley (10), the component (7) to be moved being either attached to the traction means (9) or connected with the drive unit (12). In order to provide a drive unit (12) enabling collision detection, emergency stop functionality, and improved handling with regard to control of the motion of the component (7) by an operator of the X-ray device (1), the invention proposes that the motor and gear unit (14) is rotatable about the axis of the drive shaft (13) against the elastic force of a balancing spring (15), wherein provision is made for a rotation sensor (17,24), which rotation sensor (17,24) is adapted for detecting a rotation of the motor and gear unit (14) and for generating a corresponding rotation detection signal.
US07670047B2 Exhaust gas temperature sensor inspecting apparatus
A temperature sensor disposed in an exhaust system of an engine is inspected. Determination is made that conditions for inspecting the temperature sensor are satisfied in the current engine load range. The time for the temperature in the exhaust system to reach a value appropriate for checking the temperature sensor is determined in accordance with engine water temperature. Output of the temperature sensor is checked to determine if the temperature sensor is normal at the determined time.
US07670044B2 Water circulation systems for ponds, lakes, and other bodies of water with adjustable solar panels
Circulation systems for ponds, lakes, or other bodies of water using a flotation platform, dish, and impeller. One embodiment has a connecting arrangement between the drive motor and the impeller that permits the two to be easily and quickly coupled and uncoupled. The connecting arrangement also is designed to accommodate slight misalignments between the shafts. An arrangement to adjust and calibrate the depth of the inlet to the draft tube is disclosed. The system further includes solar panels that can be pivotally swung outwardly to open positions, angularly adjusted about a horizontal axis, and mounted to face toward the central axis of the flotation platform rather than away from it. Arrangements are further provided to monitor and control the components of the system including remotely from shore.
US07670043B2 Device having a polysomic drive body for generating pulsed motions in a gas, liquid and/or bulk good
A device generating pulsed motions comprises: (A) two parallel shafts (3; 4) each having a longitudinal axis (5; 6), a rear end (7; 8) and a front end (9; 10), (B) a gear unit (2) comprising at least two gears (20; 21) where at least two gears (20) are oval gears and each gear (20; 21) is connected to a rear end (7; 8) of the two shafts (3; 4), (C) two arcuate drive levers (30; 31) each having a first end (32; 33) and at least one second end (34; 35), where each first end (32; 33) of the drive levers (30; 31) is connected to one front end (9; 10) of the two shafts (3; 4) in rotatable manner about a first axis of rotation (11; 12), and (E) a drive body (40) which is connected to the second ends (34; 35) of the drive levers (30; 31) in rotatable manner about two second axes of rotation (13; 14), where (F) the drive body (40) is a polysomic body.
US07670039B2 Status indicator lens and light pipe structure for a dimmer switch
A light pipe structure for a dimmer switch comprises a continuous status indicator lens and a plurality of light pipes, which are operable to conduct the light from a plurality of discrete sources to the lens. The light conducted from one of the discrete sources through a light pipe generates a pinpoint of light on the front surface of the lens. The pinpoint of light is surrounded by a diffusion of light across the front surface of the lens, which produces an aesthetically-pleasing effect by increasing the uniformity of the illumination across the front surface of the status indicator lens. The light pipes are coupled to the lens via a plurality of rounds, which provide for diffusion of light around the pinpoint of light on the lens. The light pipes may comprise light-refracting structures, which the amount of light emitted from adjacent discrete sources from reaching the front surface of the lens.
US07670035B2 Fragrance releasing electronic candle
A fragrance releasing electronic candle comprises a housing constructed in the form of a cylinder and including a circuit board and a battery case, both of which are assembled therein, the battery case including a power switch arranged thereon and a bottom lid covered to the opening thereof, characterized in that the housing includes a receiving compartment formed on the top end thereof for receiving a fragrance piece, and includes a fan secured in the lower side thereof for the connection with the circuit board, the housing also includes an upper cover covered thereon and having a plurality of bores arranged thereon and having a central hole formed at the center thereof for inserting at least one LED lamp therein, such that the at least one LED may be electrically conducted with the circuit board, and a lamp shield in the shape of a flame may be adhesively affixed in the central hole of the upper cover.
US07670033B2 Fire stop for light fixture
A fire stop for use with a light fixture in a suspended ceiling or wall. It prevents flames and smoke from passing through the light fixture and spreading throughout a building by moving above the ceiling or behind the walls. The fire stop has a lightweight enclosure that defines an interior space disposed above the suspended ceiling, or behind the wall. Contained within the interior space are a portion of the light fixture and a layer of intumescent material. The intumescent material forms a material with a relatively low thermal conductivity that substantially fills the interior space, impeding the movement of flames or smoke, when the intumescent material reaches at least a pre-determined activation temperature.
US07670028B2 LED lamp with a heat sink
An LED lamp includes a post (10), a heat sink (20) enclosing the post, an LED module (30) mounted on the post, a holder (40) secured on the LED module, and a lens (50) covering the holder. The heat sink is formed by a plurality of separated fins assembled together. Each fin comprises an outer portion (22) and an inner portion (24). An inner edge of the outer portion abuts interferingly against a periphery of the post, and a bottom of the inner portion contacts a top surface of the post. Heat generated by the LED module is conducted through the post to the plurality of fins, which dissipate the heat to the ambient air.
US07670018B2 Illumination device for refrigerator and method of controlling the same
An illumination device for a refrigerator and a method of controlling the same are provided. The illumination device includes a lamp assembly that irradiates light to an inside of a storage chamber of the refrigerator, a base plate mounted on a side within the storage chamber, wherein the lamp assembly is provided on a side of the base plate, a watertight cover formed to enclose the lamp assembly blocking direct penetration of water into the lamp assembly, and at least one fastening device formed on a side of the base plate. The at least one fastening device surrounds an outer surface and an inner surface of entire lower edge of the watertight cover along a side of the watertight cover forming a recess-prominence engagement with the watertight cover. Lamps provided in the lamp assembly are individually controlled through a manipulation panel mounted on the main body.
US07670016B2 Interior rearview mirror system with compass
An interior rearview mirror system for a vehicle includes an interior rearview mirror assembly having a mirror housing, a transflective reflective element, a compass sensor and compass circuitry. An information display is disposed in the mirror housing rearward of a transflective mirror reflector of the reflective element, and information displayed by the information display is viewable by a driver of the equipped vehicle through the transflective minor reflector of the reflective element when the information display is displaying information. The compass sensor may be disposed in the mirror housing rearward of the reflective element. The compass circuitry may be responsive to the compass sensor for determining a directional heading of the vehicle. The information display is operable to display the directional heading to the driver of equipped vehicle. The compass circuitry at least partially compensates for movement of the compass sensor caused by adjustment of the mirror housing.
US07670014B2 Infant viewing auto mirror
An infant viewing auto mirror comprising a main panel having a reflective surface (i.e., mirror) exposed in the front side or surface thereof, and a flap affixed to the rear surface thereof. The flap is releasably secured to the rear surface of the main panel through the use of complimentary snaps. In addition to the main panel, the auto mirror comprises a mounting strap which is extensible about and removably attachable to a headrest through the use of a strip of Velcro disposed adjacent one end of the strap which is itself releasably engageable to a portion of the strap adjacent the opposite end thereof. Protruding from one side of the strap in the approximate center thereof is a dome-shaped support fabricated from hard foam. Extending diametrically across the support is a strip of fabric material. When the strap is properly secured to the headrest, the foam support (and hence the strip) is forwardly presented. The main panel is cooperatively engaged to the strap by advancing or “threading” the flap of the main panel between the fabric strip and foam support of the strap, the main panel being maintained in releasable engagement to the strap by thereafter snapping the flap to the rear surface of the main panel.
US07670013B2 Triangular-pyramidal cube-corner retroreflective article having curved reflective lateral face
To provide a retroreflective article formed of many triangular-pyramidal cube-corner retroreflective element pairs. One-side groove angle formed between a cross line between a plane vertical to the common plane and to a V-groove vertical plane which includes the base line of a V-shaped groove is vertical to the common plane, and a reflective lateral face containing the base line of the V-shaped groove, and the V-groove vertical plane, does not form a constant angle in the reflective lateral face but the lateral face forms a curved and/or multiple surface. A base line constituting any directional V-shaped groove in retroreflective element pairs is a nonlinear base line which does not form a linear trajectory and the reflective lateral face formed of the V-shaped groove forms a curved and/or multiple surface.
US07670012B2 Projection system and methods
A projection system has a housing and a projector removably, pivotally attached to the housing. The projector can pivot relative to the housing between a first position, where a light outlet of the projector is covered by the housing, and a second position, where the light outlet of the projector is exposed.
US07670008B2 Oblique projection optical system
In an oblique projection optical system for performing enlargement projection from a primary image surface on the reduction side to a secondary image surface on the enlargement side, at least one reflective surface having an optical power is provided, and, assuming that of the aforementioned surfaces, the reflective surface located on the most secondary image surface side in the optical path is a first curved reflective surface, the first curved reflective surface has a portion having a positive optical power and a portion having a negative optical power.
US07670006B2 System and method for projection
A pattern projector including a source of light to be projected, a spatial light modulator arranged in a spatial light modulator plane, the spatial light modulator receiving the light from the source of light and being configured to pass the light therethrough in a first pattern and projection optics receiving the light from the spatial light modulator and being operative to project a desired second pattern onto a projection surface lying in a projection surface plane which is angled with respect to the spatial light modulator plane, the first pattern being a distortion of the desired second pattern configured such that keystone distortions resulting from the difference in angular orientations of the spatial light modulator plane and the projection surface plane are compensated.
US07669999B2 Ink-jet recording apparatus and recording method therefor
A recording apparatus has a recording head, a platen, and a first hole. The recording head includes a dot formation element array, and the platen holds a recording medium opposite the recording head. The first hole is disposed in an area of the platen opposite a downstream portion of the dot formation element array and guides ink discarded outside an end of the recording medium when the end is printed without a margin. Alternatively or additionally, a second hole is formed in an area of the platen opposite an upstream portion of the dot formation element array, and the platen guides ink, which is discarded outside an end of the recording medium when the end is printed without a margin, to the second hole.
US07669996B2 Inkjet printer with elongate array of nozzles and distributed pulse dampers
An inkjet printer that has an elongate array of nozzles for ejecting ink and ink conduits for supplying the array of nozzles with ink. The ink conduits are aligned with the longitudinal extent of the elongate array and have a plurality of pulse dampers individually in fluid communication with the ink conduits. Each pulse damper contains a volume of gas for compression by pressure pulses in the ink conduits, distributed along the length of the elongate array. A pressure pulse moving through an elongate printheads, such as a pagewidth printhead, can be damped at any point in the ink flow line. However, the pulse will cause nozzle flooding as it passes the nozzles in the printhead integrated circuit, regardless of whether it is subsequently dissipated at the damper. By incorporating a number of pulse dampers into the ink supply conduits immediately next to the nozzle array, any pressure spikes are damped at the site where they would otherwise cause detrimental flooding.
US07669995B2 Sealing component defining first, second, and third seals
A sealing component includes an elastomeric material. An exterior side surface of the elastomeric material is to define at least a first seal with a first external mating member into which the sealing component is insertable. An interior surface of the elastomeric material is to define a second seal and a third seal with a second external mating member insertable into the sealing component.
US07669993B2 Ink cartridge and recording apparatus
The ink cartridge includes an ink supply port formed at a position, offset to one side, of a wall configuring an ink container body; a positioning projecting portion, formed on one wall out of two opposing walls adjacent the wall, whose upper surface and side portion are regulated in position when the cartridge has been mounted on a recording apparatus; a lever, formed on the other wall out of the two walls, maintaining a normal hinged-open state and having a projection that is forcibly displaced outward when the cartridge is mounted on the recording apparatus; and electrodes that are connected to a memory unit storing information on the ink in an ink container and formed on the positioning projecting portion.
US07669983B2 Liquid droplet jetting apparatus and ink-jet printer
A head is formed by stacking a plurality of plates including a cavity plate and a manifold plate, and includes a plurality of manifolds formed in the manifold plate, a communicating channel which makes the manifolds formed in the manifold plate communicate, and a plurality of pressure chambers formed in the cavity plate, which communicate with the manifold. Each pressure chamber is isolated by a partition wall of the cavity plate. Since the communicating channel and the pressure chambers are formed at different positions in terms of height, it is possible to widen a width of the communicating channel without widening an interval between the pressure chambers, and it is possible to accelerate a movement of a liquid between the manifolds.
US07669982B2 Laminated and bonded structure of plates
A laminated and bonded structure includes plural plates. The plates include first and second plates. The plates are laminated and bonded to each other with an adhesive agent. The first and second plates have laminated surfaces bonded to each other. A first escape groove is defined in the laminated surface of at least one of the first and second plates. The first escape groove guides the adhesive agent along the laminated surface. The first escape groove includes an outlet portion in an outer peripheral side surface of the at least one of the first and second plates. The outer peripheral side surface intersects with the laminated surfaces. One of the first and second plates defines a recessed first reservoir portion being capable of accumulating the adhesive agent passing through the first escape groove. The first reservoir portion communicates with the first escape groove.
US07669977B2 Nozzle device with expansive chamber-defining layer
A nozzle device is provided for an inkjet printhead. The nozzle device includes a substrate assembly defining an ink supply. A chamber-defining layer defines a nozzle chamber in fluid communication with a nozzle opening and the ink supply. An actuating arm is coupled to the substrate assembly and terminates in a paddle separating the ink supply and the nozzle chamber. The arm includes a thermal bend portion proximal to the substrate assembly, and is configured to bend during actuation so that the paddle moves and causes ink within the nozzle chamber to be ejected out through the nozzle opening.
US07669973B2 Printhead having nozzle arrangements with radial actuators
A printhead for an inkjet printer has a wafer that defines a plurality of nozzle chambers and ink supply channels in fluid communication with the nozzle chambers to supply the nozzle chambers with ink. An ink ejection port is associated with each nozzle chamber. A series of actuators is associated with each nozzle chamber and is radially positioned with respect to the nozzle chamber. The actuators are operable so that, when activated, they are displaced into the nozzle chamber to generate an ink meniscus at the ink ejection port and, when deactivated, return to an original position resulting in the necking and breaking of the ink meniscus to eject an ink drop.
US07669970B2 Ink nozzle unit exploiting magnetic fields
An ink nozzle unit is provided for an inkjet printhead. The nozzle unit includes a substrate assembly. A nozzle extends from the substrate assembly. The nozzle defines an internal nozzle chamber and an ink ejection portal through which ink supplied to the nozzle chamber can be ejected. A magnetic field generator is configured to generate a magnetic field passing though the nozzle chamber. A paddle is movably mounted within the nozzle chamber and includes at least one solenoid coil. An actuator is configured to activate the solenoid coil so that the paddle moves and ejects ink within the nozzle chamber out through the ink ejection portal.
US07669968B2 Refill unit
A refill unit that includes an ink cartridge formed by jointing a pair of body members, a case, a door for closing an opening of the case, a pushing unit disposed on the door and pushing the ink cartridge into the case, and a leg portion disposed on the pushing unit for contacting evenly with the ink cartridge.
US07669964B2 Ink supply unit for a printhead in an inkjet printer
An ink supply unit is provided for supplying ink to a printhead in a printer. An elongate manifold defines a plurality of sets of ink passages and further defines a recess in which the printhead can be received so that the ink passages are in fluid communication with respective ink inlets of the printhead. An ink supply includes an elongate housing encasing a partitioning unit to define a plurality of ink chambers which can each contain a respective type of ink. The ink supply is engageable with the manifold so that ink from the ink chambers can be provided to respective sets of ink passages.
US07669963B2 Multi-carriage printing device and method
A multi-carriage printing device has a first member, a first bar mounted on the first member, and a first printer carriage mounted on the first bar. The device further has a second bar mounted on the first member, a second printer carriage mounted on the second bar, and a first temperature sensor positioned to sense a first temperature of the member.
US07669962B2 Capping sheet and liquid jet apparatus
A capping sheet that seals a nozzle surface of a liquid jet head having a liquid jet nozzle that ejects liquid onto a target, the capping sheet includes: a sheet body including an opposite surface facing the nozzle surface of the liquid jet head, the sheet body being provided separately from a capping-sheet carrying mechanism that carries the sheet body from a non-capping position where the opposite surface does not face the nozzle surface to a capping position where the opposite surface faces the nozzle surface; and on the opposite surface, a sealing part that seals the nozzle surface with a sealed space therebetween if the capping sheet is carried to the capping position by the capping-sheet carrying mechanism and relatively moved in a way that the opposite surface comes close to the nozzle surface at the capping position.
US07669961B2 Print engine for an inkjet printer
A print engine for an inkjet printer including: a removable inkjet cartridge of a type having a pagewidth printhead and an ink supply; and a cradle having a body adapted to receive the removable inkjet cartridge and to control the operation of the printhead for printing; wherein the cradle is configured to be secured to the inkjet printer to receive print media from a media input tray and to deliver printed media to a media output tray.
US07669960B2 Special service station module for extra servicing
A technique for servicing an inkjet printhead on an inkjet printer including a first service module. The technique includes identifying a printhead-related service condition not adequately addressed by servicing the printer with the first service module, providing a second service module different from the first service module and adapted to address the printhead-related service condition. A set of instructions can be provided for using the second service module with the inkjet printer. The technique can further include removing the first service module from the printer, installing the second service module in the printer, and using the set of instructions, conducting a special printer servicing operation. After completion of the special printer servicing operation, the second service module can be removed from the printer, and the first service module reinstalled in the printer in place of the second service module.