Document | Document Title |
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US07675325B2 |
GTL backplane bus with improved reliability
Isolation components such as p-n junction or Schottky diodes are provided at pull-up resistors of each signal line of a Gunning Transceiver Logic (GTL) backplane bus in an electronic system for improved reliability, specifically to prevent momentary termination of the bus to ground when a circuit card incorporating the pull-up resistors is inserted into the system. |
US07675317B2 |
Integrated circuits with adjustable body bias and power supply circuitry
An integrated circuit is provided with adjustable transistor body bias circuitry and adjustable power supply circuitry. The adjustable circuitry may be used to selectively apply body bias voltages and power supply voltages to blocks of programmable logic, memory blocks, and other circuit blocks on the integrated circuit. The body bias voltages and power supply voltages may be identified by computer aided design tools. The body bias voltages may be used to reduce leakage currents and power consumption when high speed circuit block operation is not required. Reduced power supply voltages may also be used to reduce power consumption when high speed circuit block operation is not required. To ensure optimum switching speeds, circuit blocks for which high-speed performance is critical can be provided with minimal body bias voltage or no body bias and can be provided with maximum power supply levels. |
US07675313B1 |
Methods and systems for storing a security key using programmable fuses
Systems and methods are disclosed herein to provide improved security key techniques for programmable logic devices. For example, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a method of providing data security for a programmable logic device (PLD) includes programming a plurality of programmable fuses that stores a security key comprising a plurality of data bit values, wherein each data bit value is associated with a respective subset of at least three of the fuses. The security key is retrieved from the fuses using the data bit values stored by each subset of the fuses. An encrypted configuration data bitstream is decrypted using the retrieved security key to obtain an original configuration data bitstream to configure the PLD. |
US07675312B2 |
Sub-sampling of weakly-driven nodes
A method and apparatus for performing on-chip voltage sampling of a weakly-driven node of a semiconductor device are disclosed. In some embodiments, the node is a floating node or is capacitively-driven. In some embodiments, it is involved in proximity-based communication. Sampling the node may include isolating the signal to be sampled using a source-follower amplifier before passing it to the sampling circuit. Sampling the node may include biasing the node to a desired voltage using a leaky transistor or other biasing circuit. In some embodiments, the biasing circuit may also be used to calibrate the sampler by coupling one or more calibration voltages to the node in place of a biasing voltage and measuring the sampler output. The sampler may be suitable for sub-sampling high frequency signals to produce a time-expanded, lower frequency version of the signals. The output of the sampler may be a current communicated off-chip for testing. |
US07675310B2 |
Device under test power supply
A power supply includes a first amplifier, a first current stage, and a second current stage. The first amplifier is configured to set an output voltage equal to a fixed input voltage for supplying to a device. The first current stage is configured to source and sink a first range of first output currents and provide a first measurement current representing a first output current. The second current stage is configured to source and sink a second range of second output currents and provide a second measurement current representing a second output current in response to the first range being exceeded. The first output current and the second output current are summed for supplying to the device. The first measurement current and the second measurement current are summed at a node. |
US07675308B1 |
Test circuit and test method for power switch
For on-chip testing an on-chip power switch coupled to a core logic and to a decoupling capacitance, after the power switch enters a test mode, the decoupling capacitance is pre-charged or discharged; the power switch is turned ON or OFF according to test patterns; and a voltage level at the decoupling capacitance is analyzed or a leakage current flowing the power switch is measured. So that, whether the power switch is passed or failed is identified. |
US07675306B2 |
Prober apparatus and operating method therefor
An operating method for a prober apparatus is disclosed which includes controlling the temperature of at least one part of the prober apparatus. Another operating method for a prober apparatus includes production and transfer of thermal energy between means for the exchange of heat and at least one component of the prober apparatus, wherein the production, the transfer or the production and the transfer of thermal energy is controlled. A prober apparatus includes at least one heat exchange element disposed in a spatial relation to at least one probe tool support so as to have an impact on the temperature thereof. |
US07675298B2 |
Determining fluid characteristics
Characteristics of a fluid are determined, in one embodiment, by flowing the fluid (which may contain charged particles) between a plurality of electrode pairs, applying respective DC voltages across at least two of the electrode pairs, and measuring resulting currents through the fluid at the respective electrode pairs. In one example, respective plates of the electrode pairs are configured so that they do not fully encircle one another. |
US07675295B2 |
Passive wireless corrosion sensor
A passive wireless corrosion sensor is disclosed. A circuit is configured to provide a signal response when energized. An antenna is configured to wirelessly receive energy for energizing the circuit and to receive the signal response from the circuit and transmit the signal response. A corrosion sensitive connector interposes the circuit and the antenna. The corrosion sensitive connector conducts the energy from the antenna to the circuit and conducts the signal response from the circuit to the antenna when in a substantially non-corroded state. The corrosion sensitive connector creates an effectively non conducting link between the antenna and the circuit when in a substantially corroded state. |
US07675291B2 |
Method and device for monitoring deterioration of battery
A battery characteristic detecting method according to the invention includes a first step in which constant current discharge from a battery is performed at a predetermined current value, and a voltage during constant current discharge is measured; a second step in which overpotential for mass transfer control in the battery or resistance for the mass transfer control in the battery is calculated based on the voltage measured in the first step; and a third step in which a determination that a characteristic change has occurred in the battery is made, when the overpotential for the mass transfer control in the battery or the resistance for the mass transfer control in the battery calculated in the second step is larger than a predetermined threshold value. |
US07675289B1 |
Underground anomalies detection vehicle and trailer
A system for detection of linear underground anomalies passing under surface roads comprises an electromagnetic (EM) gradiometer mounted on a vehicle trailer. A transmitter is mounted to the front bumper of a car or vehicle towing the trailer and provides carrier synchronization information to the EM-gradiometer. An opportunistic radio station can be used as an illuminator. The transmitter or ground wave from an opportunistic radio station directs radio waves down into the ground where objects like linear underground anomalies and their equipment will produce reflections and scattered waves. These reflections will have phase angles and magnitudes that can be interpreted for characterizing information about the linear underground anomalies. Each EM-gradiometer measurement is tagged with GPS location information and then stored in a database. Subsequent passes over the same roadways and tracks are compared (change detection) to the earlier stored data. New linear underground anomalies and features become very obvious in these comparisons. |
US07675286B2 |
Magnetoresistive sensor device
According to the present invention, a magnetoresistive sensor device, which can be manufactured at a high yield and a low cost, is excellent in magnetoresistance characteristics and is reliable can be provided. The magnetoresistive sensor device comprises a substrate, a signal processing circuit formed on the substrate, a flattening film for flattening the signal processing circuit, a silicon nitride film formed on the flattened signal processing circuit, and magnetoresistive sensor elements formed on the silicone nitride film, in which the flattening film is preferably a spin-on-glass (SOG) film. |
US07675284B2 |
Rotation angle detecting device
A rotation angle detecting device includes a permanent magnet member, a pair of magnetic sensor elements disposed in a magnetic field formed by the permanent magnet member to provide a pair of output voltage signals when the magnetic field changes as the rotating object rotates; and a rotation angle calculating unit. The rotation angle calculating unit calculates a phase difference between the pair of output voltage signals from a magnitude of the output signal of one of the magnetic sensor elements when detecting a specific magnitude of the output signal of the other magnetic sensor elements whose phase angle is known. |
US07675280B2 |
Power factor correction boost circuit
The invention relates to a power factor controller for use in a power factor correction circuit. The power factor controller comprises a first input (VinSense) for receiving an input voltage (Vin) of the power factor correction circuit, a second input (VoSense) for receiving an output voltage (Vout) of the power factor correction circuit, and a controllable current source (VCCI) having a control input coupled to the first input, and a current supply output coupled to the second input, wherein said controllable current source (VCCI) sources a current to the second input (VoSense) that is inversely proportional to the input voltage. |
US07675279B2 |
Switching regulator soft start circuitry using a D/A converter
A switching regulator which does not require a capacitor having large time constant as a soft start circuit, reduces variation of the soft start time and the time until a start of a power source voltage stabilizing controlThe output voltage signal of the soft start circuit is set to a step voltage signal which increases or decreases stepwise at a predetermined rate. A changing period of the step voltage signal is set to a predetermined period after a power source is turned ON. The changing period of the step voltage of the output signal of the soft start circuit is made larger than the predetermined period according to a timing of changing of the PWM pulse output from “H” to “L” or “L” to “H” after an initial period, and after the power source is turned ON by monitoring the PWM pulse output by a detection circuit. |
US07675277B2 |
Multiphase DC chopper and method for operating a multiphase DC chopper
A multiphase DC chopper converts an input voltage of an input capacitor into an output voltage of an output capacitor. The multiphase DC chopper has a plurality N of DC choppers connected in parallel between the input capacitor and the output capacitor in which case the nth DC chopper, with nε[1, . . . , N], providing on its output side an nth charge current for charging the output capacitor. A regulation device, which in each case regulates a phase difference signal of two charge currents, which sequentially charge the output capacitor to a value of 360°/N. |
US07675276B2 |
DC/DC converter
A DC/DC converter includes a main switching element and a subordinate switching element, and is arranged to supply power to load via a coil. The ON-time of a subordinate switching element in a succeeding cycle is controlled based on a period of time tdif from the time when the subordinate switching element is turned off until the time when voltage at the point of connection of the two switching elements reaches a predetermined threshold value. |
US07675275B2 |
DC-DC converter
According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a DC-DC converter including a high-side transistor, a low-side transistor, a first current detector, a second current detector and a driver. The first current detector monitors a first current flowing through the high-side transistor and outputs a first control signal when the first current becomes smaller than a first reference value. The second current detector monitors a second current flowing through the low-side transistor and outputs a second control signal when the second current becomes smaller than a second reference value. The driver turns on the low-side transistor based on the first control signal and turns on the high-side transistor based on the second control signal. |
US07675274B2 |
Circuit arrangement for aircraft engine regulators
A circuit arrangement for aircraft engine regulators, for providing or generating a bipolar output direct current signal as a function of at least one pulse-width modulated input signal is disclosed. Said circuit arrangement comprises at least two driver stages, each driver stage being controllable by a pulse-width modulated input signal and wired up to preferably one step-down actuator stage in such a way that, for the control of a first driver stage, a first switching device of a step-down actuator stage controls a low-pass filter device of the step-down actuator stage, and for the control of a second driver stage, a second switching device of the step-down actuator stage controls the low-pass filter device of the step-down actuator stage. |
US07675273B2 |
Wideband low dropout voltage regulator
A method and apparatus for regulating a supply voltage to an integrated circuit is disclosed. The method and apparatus provides good power supply noise rejection characteristics over a wide bandwidth as well as low dropout voltage. In the disclosed methods and apparatus, native NMOS source followers may be stacked and coupled to a supply rail to supply a regulated voltage to a load. The gates of the native NMOS source followers may be coupled to the outputs of internal regulators. The internal regulators may also contain stacked NMOS source followers. In an embodiment, the internal regulators may be supplied by a high voltage source, while native NMOS source followers may be supplied by a low voltage source. In another embodiment, lo-pass filters may filter the signal from the internal regulators to the NMOS source followers. In yet another embodiment, the gates of the source followers may be coupled to the sources of the transistors with the internal regulators. |
US07675271B2 |
System for generating electrical power
Described is a system for generating electrical power, which system includes a turbine that is mechanically connected to a generator, which in turn is connected via a multiphase transformer to a load. In at least one embodiment, at least two counter-connected switching devices of the converter are assigned to each phase of the transformer. The transformer is provided on the side facing the converter with two winding arrangements in a star connection. Each of the windings of the first winding arrangement is connected to the switching devices belonging to one phase and switched in one direction. Each of the windings of the second winding arrangement is connected to the switching devices belonging to one phase and switched in the opposite direction. The star points of the two winding arrangements are connected via a direct current choke. |
US07675270B2 |
System and method for reliable information handling system and battery communication
Communication between an information handling system and battery has improved reliability by repeated communications of information from the battery using different commands from the information handling system. A battery management unit responds to a first command from an information handling system by sending information stored at a first address associated with the command and then saving the first address at second address. A power manager of the information handling system sends a second command having the second address to the battery management unit. The battery management unit responds to the second command by retrieving the first address stored at the second address, retrieving information stored at the first address and sending the information to the power manager. The power manager restricts operations of the battery, such as charges or discharges, unless the information received in response to the first and second commands matches. |
US07675267B2 |
Control circuit of power supply and control method of the power supply
This invention aims at providing a control circuit of power supply in which a secondary battery and a device are connected in parallel, to output capable of preventing over-charging of the secondary battery and supplying power from the secondary battery to the device, and a control method of the power supply. A device 5G and a secondary battery 2G are connected to a DC-DC converter 1G in parallel. The device 5G is supplied with both a power from the DC-DC converter 1G and a power from the secondary battery 2G. When the secondary battery 2G is in non-charging state, an offset circuit 15G supplies a positive offset for reducing a difference of voltage between a detection signal Vx1G and reference voltage e1G to a reference voltage e1G corresponding to a charging inhibit signal CAS. An error amplifier ERA1G reduces an actually flowing charging current CCG by an amount corresponding to the offset value as a result of recognizing that the charging current CCG flows more by the amount corresponding to the offset value. |
US07675249B2 |
Apparatus and method for driving backlight unit
The present invention is directed to a drive apparatus for a backlight unit (20) in which plural LED (Light Emitting Diode) elements are cascade-connected every three primary colors, which comprises a signal generating unit (44) for generating a signal having an arbitrary amplitude, an adjustment unit (50) for adjusting light emission quantities of groups of LED elements (30) on the basis of the signal which has been generated by the signal generating unit (44), a voltage applying unit (41) for applying a predetermined voltage every the groups of LED elements (30), light emission quantity detecting units (33) for detecting quantities of rays of light which have been emitted from the groups of LED elements (30), calorific value detecting units (32) for detecting calorific values emitted from the groups of LED elements in accordance with the voltage which has been applied to the voltage applying unit (41), and a control unit (50) for controlling the signal generating unit (44) on the basis of light emission quantities which have been detected by the light emission quantity detecting units (33) and calorific values which have been detected by the calorific value detecting units (32). |
US07675247B2 |
Remote control transmitter which is capable of controlling a plurality of light fittings without the need for a slidable switch
A remote control transmitter is capable of controlling a plurality of light fittings without the need for a slidable switch. The remote control transmitter includes a memory for storing data representing a plurality of control signals for respective channels corresponding respectively to the light fittings, a measurer for calculating a period of time during which the operation button is pressed based on a detected event starting when the operation button is pressed and ending when the operation button is released, and outputting a signal representing the calculated period of time, a transmitter for outputting a control signal based on the data stored in the memory, and a controller for setting one of the channels based on the signal output from the measurer, and controlling the transmitter to output a control signal based on the data stored in the memory in association with the set channel. |
US07675245B2 |
Electronic circuit for driving a diode load
An electronic circuit includes circuit portions for identifying a largest voltage drop through one of a plurality of series connected diode strings and for controlling a boost switching regulator according to the largest voltage drop. The electronic circuit can sense an open circuit series connected diode string, which would otherwise have the largest voltage drop, and can disconnect that open circuit series connected diode string from control of the boost switching regulator. Another electronic circuit includes a current limiting circuit coupled to or within a boost switching regulator and configured to operate with a diode load. Another electronic circuit includes a pulse width modulation circuit configured to dim a series connected string of light emitting diodes. |
US07675243B2 |
Two-end driven lamp controlling device
A two-end driven lamp controlling device includes a direct-current (DC) power supply, square wave switches, a square wave controller, a plurality of lamps, a plurality of starting transformers and a plurality of lamps commonly connective transformers, wherein the plurality of starting transformers or the plurality of lamps commonly connective transformers are disposed besides the plurality of lamps and the square wave switches are connected to the sides of the plurality of starting transformers or the plurality of lamps commonly connective transformers and to the DC power supply and can receive signals from the square wave controller. The present invention utilizes a circuitry design of a plurality of lamps, a plurality of starting transformers and a plurality of lamps commonly connective transformers so as to make the brightness of the plurality of lamps effectively homogenized and balanced and, moreover, to solve the problem of high cost for conventional devices, which use too many components for maintaining the brightness of the lamps. |
US07675241B2 |
Lighting apparatus formed by serially-driven lighting units
A lighting apparatus includes a lighting module, a feedback control circuit, and a DC-to-AC circuit. The lighting module comprises a first lighting unit, a second lighting unit, a first transformer, a second transformer and a third transformer. A first end of a first port of the first transformer is connected to a first end of the first lighting unit, a first end of a first port of the second transformer is connected to a second end of the first lighting unit, a second end of the first port of the second transformer is connected to a first end of the second lighting unit, and a first end of a first port of the third transformer is connected to a second end of the second lighting unit. The lighting apparatus uses serial connection of the lighting units to reduce the number of transformers and still have the feedback control circuit. |
US07675239B2 |
Power management method and device for low-power displays
A device and method for supplying a display, such as a liquid crystal display, for example a bistable ChLCD, with drive voltages for extremely low power operation. The method and the device implementing the method provides an energy storage device and a voltage converter being utilized to store energy in the storage device, such that a display can be driven during an inactive, powered-down phase of the converter by using the stored energy to drive the display. |
US07675236B2 |
Projection device and discharge lamp thereof
A discharge lamp disposed in a projecting device is provided. The discharge lamp includes a housing, a discharge vessel and an ultraviolet (UV) source. The discharge vessel having a first axis is filled with a gas and disposed in the housing. The ultraviolet source disposed at a predetermined distance from the first axis for exciting the gas so as to generate a beam. |
US07675234B2 |
Plasma display panel having honeycomb supporting structures
A plasma display panel and a manufacturing method of barrier ribs thereof are provided. The plasma display panel is divided into a display area and a non-display area located in the periphery of the display area. When discharge space is formed in the display area by barrier ribs, a plurality of honeycomb supporting structures are formed in the non-display area at the same time. The honeycomb supporting structures can increase the yield factor of assembling the substrates, and then the display quality of the plasma display panels can be improved. |
US07675232B2 |
Display device with improved drive arrangement
A self-luminescence display device, in which dispersion in display among a plurality of pixels, caused by dispersion in characteristics among drive thin-film transistors, is decreased and uniform display free of unevenness can be obtained. The device includes a plurality of pixels having current drive type luminescent elements, and parallel-connected n (n≧2) thin-film transistors to feed a drive current to the respective current drive type luminescent elements. The transistors are arranged in different pixels, respectively, for example, in a first region of pixels adjacent to one another along a first direction. A second region of dummy pixels can be provided on at least one side of said first region along said first direction. |
US07675230B2 |
Light-emitting element and device
A light-emitting element used for display devices and illuminating devices has been formed on a flat substrate, and therefore, when the size of such devices is increased, manufacturing apparatuses also have to be enlarged. Also, a problem involved has been that even a failure of one light-emitting element causes the entire device to fail, making improvement of production yield difficult. To solve the above problems, in the present invention, light-emitting elements are formed as linear elements, and the linear elements are combined to form a plane light-emitting device. This enables the light-emitting device to be produced by selecting only linear light-emitting elements of good quality, and enlargement of apparatuses and enhancement of production yield can be expected. |
US07675227B2 |
Image display device and light emission device
An image display device including a light emission section which emits light to an intensity adjusting section and a wavelength conversion section which change the intensity and wavelength of the emitted light. Phosphors and phosphor like materials are employed in wavelength conversion and a liquid crystal is employed for the light adjustment. The light emission device may include plural semiconductor light emitting elements having a different wavelength ranges such as diodes stacked in a compact and predetermined order such that wavelengths of light from each diode are emitted from the light emitting elements. |
US07675217B2 |
Mechanical oscillator formed by a network of basic oscillators
A mechanical oscillator including: at least two deformable linking beams connected to a stationary substrate at a plurality of anchoring points which are distributed along the deformable linking beams, the deformable linking beams facing each other; and a plurality of vibrating cells each connected to and disposed between the at least two deformable linking beams, the plurality of vibrating cells being distributed along the deformable linking beams and a length between two of the plurality of anchoring points being greater or equal to a length of a number of cells greater or equal to 1, wherein each of the plurality of vibrating cells includes a deformable beam having a closed contour, the deformable beam being connected to the at least two deformable linking beams at a first pair of parts which are opposite to each other in the deformable beam. |
US07675213B2 |
Reduction of harmonics in an electric motor
In the present invention the positions of the slots or poles of the stator of an electric motor are changed in order to reduce the harmonics caused by the stator winding and any vibration caused by these harmonics. In the present invention a shape function is defined according to the new placement positions for the stator slots and/or stator poles. A conversion function sums for the slot placement positions to be given to equidistant stator slotting placement. In one embodiment of the invention the conversion function is the sum of sinusoidal functions and in its amplitude small in relation to the distance between the slots. |
US07675206B2 |
Rotating electric machine and manufacturing method thereof
A rotating electric machine which includes: a stator having a stator core fixed inside a bottomed frame and a stator winding wound around the stator core; a bracket fixed to an opening side of the frame; a rotor having a shaft penetrating the bracket and rotatably supported by a bracket side bearing and by a frame side bearing, the rotor being arranged inside the stator core interposing a gap therebetween; a respective phase lead wire electrically connected to the stator winding and led out from the bracket; a rotation sensor that detects a rotational position of the rotor; and a sensor signal wire connected to the rotation sensor and led out from the bracket. A front end portion of the respective phase lead wire is introduced to inside the bracket from outside an opening portion provided at the bracket, thereby electrically connecting to the stator winding. |
US07675205B2 |
Driving apparatus
A driving apparatus that can be made compact, without increasing the number of component parts and decreasing diameters of a rotating shaft and bearings. When a first unit assembled from a first stator and a first bobbin is coupled to a second unit assembled from a second stator and a second bobbin, engaging portions of the first bobbin are caused by a first switching member to shift from a disengaged state from the first stator to an engaged state with the first stator, and a second switching member, and engaging portions of the second bobbin are caused by a second switching member to shift from a disengaged state from the second stator to an engaged state with the second stator. |
US07675203B2 |
Electric drive unit for generating an oscillating displacement
An electric drive unit for generating an oscillating movement, having a stator, a rotor, a torsion element and a tuning element. The tuning element acts upon the torsion element and serves to mechanically tune the resonant frequency of the drive unit. |
US07675199B2 |
Disconnection detecting circuit
In a disconnection detecting mode, first and second MOSFETs are turned off, a transistor is turned on, and charges of a capacitor are initialized. After that, third and fourth MOSFETs are alternately turned on/off by drive signals and having a complementary relation. When an antenna is connected normally, a pulse AC signal is transmitted to an output terminal via the antenna, and current flows from the output terminal into the capacitor via a resistor, a diode, and a resistor. When a voltage across terminals becomes equal to or higher than a determination reference voltage, a disconnection detection signal is changed to the H level (a connection state). |
US07675198B1 |
Inductive pulse forming network for high-current, high-power applications
An inductive pulse forming network stores electrical energy delivered from an outside prime power supply in the electric field of a low-voltage, high-energy density network capacitor. Through timed actuation of a series of one or more switches, the energy stored in the electric field of the network capacitor is subsequently converted to electrical energy stored in the magnetic field of a network inductor. The energy stored in the network inductor supplies high-current, high-power electrical energy to drive an electromagnetic launcher such as a railgun. |
US07675196B2 |
Power supply apparatus and image forming apparatus
A circuit unit connects outputs from a first power supply and a second power supply in parallel, and simultaneously supplies powers from both power supplies to a load. A control unit controls an output current from the first power supply to an upper-limit value or lower, and controls an output current from the second power supply to a value obtained by subtracting the upper-limit value from a current detected by a current detector. An abnormality detector detects an abnormality in simultaneously supplied power, based on a reference current value associated with an operating state of the power supply apparatus and the current detected by the current detector. |
US07675192B2 |
Active DC bus filter for fuel cell applications
A control system for a vehicle powered by a fuel cell includes a voltage conversion device that communicates with the fuel cell through a voltage bus and a propulsion system that is selectively powered by the fuel cell through the voltage bus and that selectively generates a ripple current in the voltage bus. The voltage conversion device is regulated to selectively generate a counter-ripple current that reduces the ripple current. |
US07675190B1 |
Assembly for transmitting information via a low-voltage power supply network
A coupling apparatus for facilitating communications of data signals over a low voltage electric power network is provided. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a mains terminal configured to be connected to a low voltage electric power network carrying alternating current (AC) power and an appliance terminal configured to receive a male electric plug. The two terminals may be housed in a housing and connected via one or more inductive elements that attenuate high frequencies while allowing the AC power to pass through substantially unimpeded. Thus, interference caused by an appliance connected to the appliance terminal is filtered to prevent such interference from being conducted onto the low voltage electric power network. The apparatus also may include a third terminal that in some embodiments is electrically connected to the mains terminal to thereby output the data signals and AC power. In other embodiments, a modem may connect the third terminal to the mains terminal in which case the third terminal may communicate demodulated data to a communication device without outputting the AC power. |
US07675189B2 |
Power generation system including multiple motors/generators
An electric power-generating system configured to convert a source of energy to electricity by turning a rotor shaft with the source of energy includes a mounting plate coupled to the rotor shaft, a drive gear coupled to the rotor shaft and configured to move when the rotor shaft moves, and a plurality of motor/generator devices mounted to the mounting plate. Each motor/generator device includes an output shaft configured to rotatably couple with the drive gear. Each motor/generator device couples independently to the drive gear to provide a plurality of redundant power generating motor/generator devices. |
US07675188B2 |
Miniature hydro-power generation system
A miniature hydro-power generation system includes an outer housing and an inner housing. The outer housing may receive a flow of liquid flowing in a first direction at a predetermined range of pressure. The flow of liquid may be decreased by a predetermined amount of pressure and increased by a predetermined amount of velocity and channeled to a hydro-generator included in the inner housing with an inlet nozzle. The flow of liquid may be channeled with the inlet nozzle to flow in a second direction that is substantially perpendicular to the first direction. Upon transfer of kinetic energy in the flow of liquid to the hydro-generator, the inner housing may rotate in the second direction. The flow of liquid may then be channeled back to the first direction and out of the housing with an outlet nozzle. The outlet nozzle configured to increase the pressure and decrease the velocity of the flow of liquid to minimized non-laminar flow characteristics. |
US07675185B2 |
Epoxy resin molding material for sealing and electronic component
An epoxy resin molding material for sealing which comprises an epoxy resin, an epoxy resin curing agent, and a pitch, as well as an electronic component comprising an element that is sealed with the molding material. This molding material exhibits favorable coloring properties, and even when used in packages with narrow distances between pads or wires, shorting defects caused by conductive materials can be prevented, as the molding material contains no conductive carbon black. |
US07675184B2 |
Semiconductor device
Input/output cells are formed so as to be peripherally arranged adjacent to a corner cell on a surface of a semiconductor chip, and electrode pads are formed on the respective input/output cells. The electrode pads are configured in a zigzag pad arrangement so as to form inner and outer pad arrays. However, of the electrode pads forming the inner pad array, those electrode pads in predetermined areas adjacent to the two sides of the corner cell are not disposed, such that an interconnect pattern of a carrier which is bump-bonded to the semiconductor chip and vias are prevented from becoming complex. |
US07675182B2 |
Die warpage control
A semiconductor package comprises a substrate; a semiconductor die that comprises a set of one or more interconnects on one side to couple to the substrate; and a shape memory alloy layer provided on another side of the semiconductor die to compensate warpage of the semiconductor die. The shape memory alloy layer deforms with warpage of the semiconductor die and changes from the deformed shape to an original shape to flatten the semiconductor die in response to rise of a temperature during coupling of the die to the substrate. |
US07675181B2 |
Planar multi semiconductor chip package and method of manufacturing the same
Provided are a planar multi semiconductor chip package in which a processor and a memory device are connected to each other via a through electrode and a method of manufacturing the planar multi semiconductor chip package. The planar multi semiconductor chip package includes: a substrate comprising a plurality of first circuit patterns on a first surface and a plurality of second circuit patterns on a second surface; a first semiconductor chip comprising a plurality of memory devices arranged on the substrate, wherein first memory devices surround at least a portion of second memory devices; a second semiconductor chip stacked on the first semiconductor chip and corresponding to the second memory devices; and a plurality of through electrodes arranged on the second memory devices and connecting the first and second semiconductor chips to the second circuit pattern of the substrate. |
US07675180B1 |
Stacked electronic component package having film-on-wire spacer
A film-on-wire spacer covers an entire upper surface of a lower electronic component. Accordingly, an upper electronic component is supported above bond pads and lower bond wires of the lower electronic component. This decreases the stress on the upper electronic component, e.g., during wirebonding, and thus decreases the chance of cracking the upper electronic component. Further, the lower bond wires are enclosed in and protected by the film-on-wire spacer. Further, the film-on-wire spacer is thin resulting in a minimum height of the stacked electronic component package. |
US07675178B2 |
Stacked structure for forming damascene structure
A method of fabricating a stacked structure for forming a damascene process is described. A doped dielectric layer is formed on a substrate. A surface treatment is performed to the dielectric layer to make the dopant concentration in an upper surface layer of the dielectric layer lower than that in the other portions of the dielectric layer. A metal hard mask is then formed on the dielectric layer. Since the dopant conc. in the upper surface layer of the dielectric layer is lowered, the reaction between the metal hard mask and the dopant in the dielectric layer can be inhibited. |
US07675176B2 |
Semiconductor package and module printed circuit board for mounting the same
Provided are a semiconductor package and a module printed circuit board (PCB) for mounting the same. Each of the semiconductor package and the module PCB includes a substrate, a first-type pad structure disposed in a first region of the substrate, and a second-type pad structure disposed in a second region of the package substrate. The first-type pad includes a first conductive pad disposed on the package substrate and a first insulating layer coated on the package substrate. The first insulating layer has a first opening by which a portion of a sidewall of the first conductive pad is exposed, and partially covers the first conductive pad. The second-type pad includes a second insulating layer coated on the package substrate to have a second opening and a second conductive pad disposed on the package substrate in the second opening to have an exposed sidewall. In this structure, the semiconductor package and the module PCB can have an excellent resistance to physical and thermal stresses to enhance structural reliability. |
US07675174B2 |
Method and structure of a thick metal layer using multiple deposition chambers
A thick metal layer is formed on a semiconductor integrated circuit in multiple different deposition chambers. A first portion of the metal layer is formed in a first deposition chamber, the first thickness being approximately half the target thickness. The substrate is then removed from the first chamber and transported to a second chamber. The deposition of the same metal layer continues in a second chamber, having the same grain structure and orientation. The second portion of the metal layer is grown to achieve the final thickness. By using two different deposition chambers to form the single metal layer, layers in excess of 25,000 angstroms in thickness can be obtained. |
US07675172B2 |
Printed circuit board, mounting method of electronic component, and electronic apparatus
According to one embodiment, there is provided a printed circuit board includes a printed wiring board having a component mounting surface, a semiconductor package which is mounted on the component mounting surface of the printed wiring board by solder bonding using solder balls, and reinforcement portions which locally reinforce portions of the solder bonding of the semiconductor package at a plurality of locations on the component mounting surface of the printed wiring board, the reinforcement portions being formed of a resin material having parts entering the solder balls of the portions of the solder bonding. |
US07675166B2 |
Integrated circuit package device comprising electrical contacts making solderless and bondless electrical-mechanical connection
An integrated circuit package comprising an enclosure including a dielectric housing, a first electrical contact, and a second electrical contact. The dielectric housing, the first electrical contact, and the second electrical contact are configured to form a contact side of the enclosure. In addition, the first and second electrical contacts are sized to be substantially alignment insensitive for electro-mechanical connection to corresponding contacts of an end-use equipment. The enclosure encapsulates an integrated circuit die which is electrically coupled to the first and second electrical contacts. The alignment insensitive first and second electrical contacts may be electro-mechanically connected to corresponding contacts of an end-use equipment (e.g., a printer). Further, the integrated circuit package may be hosted by a peripheral device (e.g., a printer cartridge). |
US07675160B2 |
Individual sub-assembly containing a ceramic interposer, silicon voltage regulator, and array capacitor
In some embodiments, an individual sub-assembly containing a ceramic interposer, silicon voltage regulator, and array capacitor is presented. In this regard, an apparatus is introduced having a table-shaped ceramic interposer containing conductive traces, a silicon voltage regulator coupled with contacts on a first surface of the ceramic interposer, and an array capacitor coupled with contacts on a second surface of the ceramic interposer. Other embodiments are also disclosed and claimed. |
US07675154B2 |
RF module with multi-stack structure
A radio frequency (RF) module and a multi RF module including the same include a base substrate, a first element capable of processing RF signals formed on the base substrate, a second element capable of processing RF signals separated from and disposed over the first element, a cap substrate coupled with the base substrate to encapsulate the first and second elements including a plurality of through electrodes that electrically connect the first and second elements to the outside, and a bonding pad that encapsulates and joins the base substrate and the cap substrate and electrically connects the first and second elements to the through electrodes. |
US07675151B1 |
Silicon-based packaging for electronic devices
An electronic device includes a first silicon-based circuit carrying substrate and a die carried by the first silicon-based circuit carrying substrate. The silicon-based circuit carrying substrate is configured to electrically connect the die to other die. The device may include a second silicon-based circuit carrying substrate. The second silicon circuit carrying substrate may be closely coupled to the first silicon-based circuit carrying substrate. The device may also include a second die carried by the second silicon-based circuit carrying substrate. |
US07675149B1 |
Check valve package for Pb-free, single piece electronic modules
Check valve package for pb-free, single piece electronic modules, the package having an exterior and an interior, and at least one electronic device mounted within the interior of the package electrically connected to a lead-free solder ball grid array on a surface of the package, the package having a check valve between the interior and exterior of the package configured to allow flow from the interior to the exterior and to prevent flow form the exterior to the interior. The package withstands the solder reflow temperatures for the reflow of the pb-free solder balls of a ball grid array packaging of an NVSRAM during mounting on a circuit board. The package is suitable for packaging circuits containing rechargeable batteries and for packaging other electronic devices. |
US07675147B1 |
Methods and apparatus for providing a power signal to an area array package
An area array device has a grid array of primary electrical contacts coupled to a coupling surface of the device and configured to carry data signals between the area array package and a circuit board. The area array device also has an additional series of secondary electrical contacts coupled to the coupling surface of the device and configured to carry power signals between the area array package and the circuit board. The additional series of secondary electrical contacts provides a relatively large amount of power to the area array package while allowing a manufacturer to maintain the number of primary electrical contacts of the grid array configured to carrying data signals and therefore maintain the overall performance of the area array package. |
US07675146B2 |
Semiconductor device with leadframe including a diffusion barrier
A semiconductor device includes a leadframe having a first face and an opposing second face, a portion of the first face defining a die pad, a diffusion barrier deposited on at least a portion of the die pad, and at least one chip coupled to the diffusion barrier. |
US07675141B2 |
Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the same
In a semiconductor device of the present invention, an N type epitaxial layer is divided into a plurality of element formation regions by an isolation region. In one of the element formation regions, an NPN transistor is formed. Around the NPN transistor, a protection element having a PN junction region is formed. The PN junction region has a junction breakdown voltage lower than that of a PN junction region of the NPN transistor. By use of this structure, when negative ESD surge is applied to a pad for a base electrode, the PN junction region of the protection element breaks down. Accordingly, the NPN transistor can be protected. |
US07675137B2 |
Electrical fuse having sublithographic cavities thereupon
An electrical fuse and a first dielectric layer thereupon are formed on a semiconductor substrate. Self-assembling block copolymers containing two or more different polymeric block components are applied into a recessed region surrounded by a dielectric template layer. The self-assembling block copolymers are then annealed to form a pattern of multiple circles having a sublithographic diameter. The pattern of multiple circles is transferred into the first dielectric layer by a reactive ion etch, wherein the portion of the first dielectric layer above the fuselink has a honeycomb pattern comprising multiple circular cylindrical holes. A second dielectric layer is formed over the circular cylindrical holes by a non-conformal chemical vapor deposition and sublithographic cavities are formed on the fuselink. The sublithographic cavities provide enhanced thermal insulation relative to dielectric materials to the fuselink so that the electrical fuse may be programmed with less programming current. |
US07675136B2 |
Thin-film device including a terminal electrode connected to respective end faces of conductor layers
A thin-film device incorporates a device main body and four terminal electrodes. The device main body has four side surfaces. The terminal electrodes are disposed to touch respective portions of the side surfaces. The device main body includes a lower conductor layer used to form a first passive element and an upper conductor layer used to form a second passive element. At each side surface of the device main body, an end face of the lower conductor layer and an end face of the upper conductor layer are electrically and physically connected to each other. The terminal electrodes touch the end faces of the lower and upper conductor layers, and are thereby connected to the lower and upper conductor layers. |
US07675131B2 |
Flip-chip image sensor packages and methods of fabricating the same
There is provided an imager package including an image sensor die attached to a transparent substrate such that sensitive image sensing components on the sensor die face the transparent substrate. In accordance with an embodiment of the present technique, the imager package may be coupled to an external package via bond wires and other interconnect elements. The sensor die and bond wires may be protected by an encapsulant on which the interconnect elements may be disposed. The bond wires may enable placement of the interconnect elements partially or directly above the sensor die, as opposed to around an outer periphery of the sensor die. There is further provided a method of manufacturing an imager package wherein interconnect elements may be located partially or directly above the sensor die, enabling the manufacture of smaller imager packages than previously envisioned. |
US07675129B2 |
Spin injection device, magnetic device using the same, magnetic thin film used in the same
A spin injection device capable of spin injection magnetization reversal at low current density, a magnetic apparatus using the same, and magnetic thin film using the same, whereby the spin injection device (14) including a spin injection part (1) comprising a spin polarization part (9) including a ferromagnetic fixed layer (26) and an injection junction part (7) of nonmagnetic layer, and a ferromagnetic free layer (27) provided in contact with the spin injection part (1) is such that in which the nonmagnetic layer (7) is made of either an insulator (12) or a conductor (25), a nonmagnetic layer (28) is provided on the surface of the ferromagnetic free layer (27), electric current is flown in the direction perpendicular to the film surface of the spin injection device (14), and the magnetization of the ferromagnetic free layer (27) is reversed. This is applicable to such various magnetic apparatuses and magnetic memory devices as super gigabit large capacity, high speed, non-volatile MRAM and the like. |
US07675124B2 |
Memory array structure with strapping cells
A memory array with a row of strapping cells is provided. In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, strapping cells are positioned between two rows of a memory array. The strapping cells provide a P+ strap between N+ active areas of two memory cells in a column and provide an N+ strap between P+ active areas of two memory cells in a column of the memory array. The strapping cells provide an insulating structure between the two rows of the memory array and create a more uniform operation of the memory cells regardless of the positions of the memory cells within the memory array. In an embodiment, a dummy N-well may be formed along the outer edge of the memory array in a direction perpendicular to the row of strapping cells. Furthermore, transistors may be formed in the strapping cells to provide additional insulation between the strapped memory cells. |
US07675120B2 |
Integrated circuit having a multipurpose resistor for suppression of a parasitic transistor or other purposes
A composite integrated circuit incorporating two LDMOSFETs of unlike designs, with the consequent creation of a parasitic transistor. A multipurpose resistor is integrally built into the composite integrated circuit in order to prevent the parasitic transistor from accidentally turning on. In an intended application of the composite integrated circuit to a startup circuit of a switching-mode power supply, the multipurpose resistor serves as startup resistor for limiting the flow of rush current during the startup period of the switching-mode power supply. |
US07675117B2 |
Multi-gate field effect transistor
A planar, double-gate transistor structure comprising upper and lower gate stacks that each comprises a single-phase high-K dielectric gate dielectric is disclosed. The transistor structure is particularly suitable for fully-depleted silicon-on-insulator electronics having gate-lengths less than 65 nm. |
US07675116B2 |
Semiconductor device with ESD protection function and ESD protection circuit
A semiconductor device with an ESD protection function has an SOI substrate, first to fourth diffusion layers, and a gate. The SOI substrate has a semiconductor layer on an insulation layer. The first diffusion layer is of a first conductivity type and is formed on the semiconductor layer. The second diffusion layer is of the first conductivity type and is formed on the semiconductor layer. The third diffusion layer is of a second conductivity type and is formed on the semiconductor layer so as to be adjacent to the first and second diffusion layers. The fourth diffusion layer is of the second conductivity type and is formed on the semiconductor layer so as to be adjacent to the first diffusion layer and electrically connected to the second diffusion layer. The gate is formed over the third diffusion layer. |
US07675114B2 |
Trench transistor with increased avalanche strength
In order to obtain an increased avalanche strength, a trench transistor is proposed in which the breakdown location is defined in a trench bottom region below body contact zones. This is done by means of a modulation of the dopant concentration in a drift zone and an insulation layer thickness modulation in the bottom region of the trenches. |
US07675109B2 |
Raised vertical channel transistor device
A method for fabricating a vertical channel transistor device is provided. An opening is formed in a dielectric stack comprised of a pad nitride layer and a pad oxide layer. A plurality of epitaxial silicon growth and dry etching processes are carried out to form drain, vertical channel and source in the opening. Subsequently, sidewall gate dielectric and sidewall gate electrode are formed on the vertical channel. The present invention is suited for dynamic random access memory (DRAM) devices, particularly suited for very high-density trench-capacitor DRAM devices. |
US07675104B2 |
Integrated circuit memory system employing silicon rich layers
An integrated circuit memory system that includes: providing a substrate; forming a silicon rich charge storage layer over the substrate; forming a first isolation trench through the silicon rich charge storage layer in a first direction; and forming a second isolation trench through the silicon rich charge storage layer in a second direction. |
US07675102B2 |
Image sensor
Embodiments relate to a method of manufacturing an image sensor. According to embodiments, the method may include preparing a semiconductor substrate formed with a plurality of photodiodes, forming an interlayer dielectric layer on the semiconductor substrate, forming a color filter layer on the interlayer dielectric layer, forming a planar layer on the color filter layer, and forming micro-lenses coated with fat-soluble polymer on the planar layer. Since the micro-lens is uniformly formed due to the fat-soluble polymer coated on the micro-lens, the photo-sensitivity and color reproduction of the image sensor are improved, resulting in the high-quality image sensor. |
US07675097B2 |
Silicide strapping in imager transfer gate device
A CMOS active pixel sensor (APS) cell structure having dual workfunction transfer gate device and method of fabrication. The transfer gate device comprises a dielectric layer formed on a substrate and a dual workfunction gate conductor layer formed on the dielectric layer comprising a first conductivity type doped region and an abutting second conductivity type doped region. The transfer gate device defines a channel region where charge accumulated by a photosensing device is transferred to a diffusion region. A silicide structure is formed atop the dual workfunction gate conductor layer for electrically coupling the first and second conductivity type doped regions. In one embodiment, the silicide contact is smaller in area dimension than an area dimension of said dual workfunction gate conductor layer. Presence of the silicide strap prevents the diodic behavior from allowing one or the other side of the gate to float to an indeterminate voltage. |
US07675096B2 |
Solid-state image pickup element and method of producing the same
A solid-state image pickup element comprises: a semiconductor substrate; an imaging section comprising a photoelectric converting portion, formed on the semiconductor substrate; an intralayer lens formed in an upper layer of the imaging section; and a peripheral circuit section that processes an output of the imaging section, formed on the semiconductor substrate, wherein at least part of the intralayer lens is formed in a lower layer of a wiring portion in the peripheral circuit section. |
US07675094B2 |
Image sensor pixel having a transfer gate formed from P+ or N+ doped polysilicon
An active pixel using a transfer gate that has a polysilicon gate doped with P+ is disclosed. The pixel includes a photosensitive element formed in a semiconductor substrate and an n-type floating node formed in the semiconductor substrate. An n-channel transfer transistor having a transfer gate is formed between the floating node and the photosensitive element. The transfer gate is doped with a p-type dopant. |
US07675092B2 |
Radiation tolerant CCD structure
A CCD structure (20) tolerant to the adverse formation of traps resulting from exposure to irradiation by particles such as protons and neutrons is described. The CCD comprises an image plane (22) having a number of parallel transfer channels. Path defining structures (24), such as barrier implants, define a principal electron flow path through the channel, and define a number of secondary paths which converge on the principal path. The paths ensure that signal charge generated across the entire width of the channel is collected together into regions of smaller area so that the likelihood of interaction with traps is reduced, and charge containment is maintained near the optimum for all signal levels up to the full well. |
US07675087B1 |
Surface mount light emitting device
A surface mount light emitting device includes a substrate, a chip set, a wire set and an encapsulator. The substrate includes a base plate with four corners and four electrode layers arranged on the corners, each electrode layer has a top electrode extended to the top surface of the base plate, a bottom electrode extended to the bottom surface of the base plate and a trace extended toward the center of the top surface of the base plate. The chip set includes two resistor chips and two light emitting chips, the resistor chips arranged on two of the traces extended from two diagonal corners, the light emitting chips respectively arranged on the other two traces extended from the other two diagonal corners. The wire set includes two fuse wires electrically connected the resistor chips to the light emitting chips. The encapsulator is encapsulating the chip set and the wire set. |
US07675084B2 |
Photonic crystal light emitting device
A photonic crystal structure is formed in an n-type region of a III-nitride semiconductor structure including an active region sandwiched between an n-type region and a p-type region. A reflector is formed on a surface of the p-type region opposite the active region. In some embodiments, the growth substrate on which the n-type region, active region, and p-type region are grown is removed, in order to facilitate forming the photonic crystal in an n-type region of the device, and to facilitate forming the reflector on a surface of the p-type region underlying the photonic crystal. The photonic crystal and reflector form a resonant cavity, which may allow control of light emitted by the active region. |
US07675081B2 |
Surface mount optoelectronic component with lens having protruding structure
The invention relates to a surface mount optoelectronic component with a lens attachment, the method for precising the lens position and the method to manufacture the whole component. |
US07675080B2 |
Uniform color filter arrays in a moat
A method and apparatus for improving the planarity of a recessed color filter array when the recessed region or trench depth exceeds the thickness of the color filter film. The method includes the steps of coating the entire wafer with an additional coating material after applying the CFA, then planarizing that resist layer using CMP and then using a dry etch to transfer that planar surface down as far as required to achieve a planar color filter with a uniform thickness. |
US07675078B2 |
Pixel structure
A pixel structure including a control unit, an organic electro-luminescent (OEL) unit, and a filter structure is provided. The control unit is disposed on a substrate and is driven by a scan line and a data line. The OEL unit is disposed on the substrate, and includes a transparent electrode, a light-emitting layer, and a metal electrode. The transparent electrode is electrically connected with the control unit, and the light-emitting layer and the metal electrode are sequentially placed on the transparent electrode. The filter structure is sandwiched between the substrate and the OEL unit, and the filter structure includes a plurality of the first and second dielectric layers. The first and second dielectric layers are alternately stacked, and the refractive index of the first dielectric layers is different from that of the second dielectric layers. |
US07675074B2 |
Light emitting device including a lamination layer
A light emitting device having a plastic substrate is capable of preventing the substrate from deterioration with the transmission of oxygen or moisture content can be obtained. The light emitting device has light emitting elements formed between a lamination layer and an inorganic compound layer that transmits visual light, where the lamination layer is constructed of one unit or two or more units, and each unit is a laminated structure of a metal layer and an organic compound layer. Alternatively, the light emitting device has light emitting elements formed between a lamination layer and an inorganic compound layer that transmits visual light, where the lamination layer is constructed of one unit or two or more units, and each unit is a laminated structure of a metal layer and an organic compound layer, wherein the inorganic compound layer is formed so as to cover the end face of the lamination layer. In the present invention, the lamination layer is formed on the primary surface of the plastic substrate, so that a flexible substrate structure can be obtained while preventing the substrate from deterioration with the transmission of oxygen or moisture content. |
US07675073B2 |
Integrated circuit package provided with cooperatively arranged illumination and sensing capabilities
An integrated circuit package includes an angled one-piece substrate having a light source fixed to one area and a sensor die fixed to a second area, such that the light source is directed to illuminate the field of view of the sensor die when a surface of interest is imaged. The integrated circuit package is well suited for generating navigation information regarding movement relative to a surface. In one method of forming the integrated circuit package, the single-piece substrate is originally a generally flat lead frame to which the sensor die and light source are attached. After the components have been connected, the lead frame is bent to provide the desired light source-to-sensor angle. In an alternative method, the lead frame is pre-bent. For either method, optics may be connected to the integrated circuit package, thereby providing a module that includes the optics, the light source, the sensor and the packaging body. |
US07675069B2 |
InAlGaN emitting light in ultraviolet short-wavelength region and process for preparing the same as well as ultraviolet light-emitting device using the same
For the purpose of emitting light in an ultraviolet short-wavelength region having a wavelength of 360 nm or shorter, it is arranged in InAlGaN in such that a ratio of composition of In is 2% to 20%, a ratio of composition of Al is 10% to 90%, and a total of ratios of composition in In, Al, and Ga is 100%. |
US07675063B2 |
Liquid crystal display device and method of fabricating the same
A liquid crystal display device includes a plurality of gate lines and data lines on a first substrate defining a plurality of pixel regions, a thin film transistor within the pixel regions, a pixel electrode within the pixel regions, and at least one TiOx layer provided with the thin film transistor. |
US07675060B2 |
Semiconductor device and method for producing it
Disclosed is a technique of improving the heat resistance of the aluminum gate electrode in bottom-gate-type TFT of which the active layer is made of a crystalline silicon film. A pattern of a laminate of a titanium film 102 and an aluminum film 103 is formed on a glass substrate 101. The pattern is to give a gate electrode 100. Then, the titanium film 102 is side-etched. Next, the layered substrate is heated to thereby intentionally form hillocks and whiskers on the surface of the aluminum pattern 103. Next, the aluminum pattern 103 acting as an anode is subjected to anodic oxidation to form an oxide film 105 thereon. The anodic oxidation extends to the lower edge of the aluminum pattern 103, at which the titanium layer was side-etched. Next, a gate-insulating film 106 and an amorphous silicon film are formed. A mask is formed over the pattern, which is to give the gate electrode, and then a nickel acetate solution is applied to the layered structure. Thus, nickel is kept in contact with the surface of the structure. Next, this is heated to induce crystal growth in the silicon film from the region contacted with nickel to the masked region. In the bottom-gate-type TFT thus produced, the active layer is made of a crystalline silicon film. In this process, since the anodic oxide film is formed as in FIG. 1(C), aluminum does neither melt to flow away nor diffuse away. Thus, the heat resistance of the aluminum electrode formed is improved. |
US07675059B2 |
Copolymer, organic insulating layer composition, and organic insulating layer and organic thin film transistor manufactured using the same
Disclosed herein is a copolymer, which may include side chains which may decrease the surface energy of an insulating layer, thereby improving the alignment of a semiconductor material, and side chains including photoreactive functional groups having an increased degree of cross-linking, thereby improving the characteristics of an organic thin film transistor manufactured using the same, an organic insulating layer composition including the copolymer, an organic insulating layer, an organic thin film transistor, an electronic device including the same and methods of fabricating the same. According to the copolymer of example embodiments, the surface energy of an insulating layer may be decreased, so that the alignment of a semiconductor material may be improved, thereby improving the threshold voltage and charge mobility and decreasing the generation of hysteresis at the time of driving the transistor. |
US07675052B2 |
Nonvolatile memory device and fabrication method thereof
A nonvolatile memory device and its fabrication method of the present invention may ensure a margin of the threshold drive voltage during a design process of the device by forming a resistance layer determining phase of ReRAM along an upper edge of a lower electrode, and improve operating characteristics of the device. |
US07675050B2 |
Apparatus and method for ion beam implantation using ribbon and spot beams
An ion implantation apparatus with multiple operating modes is disclosed. The ion implantation apparatus has an ion source and an ion extraction means for extracting a ribbon-shaped ion beam therefrom. The ion implantation apparatus includes a magnetic analyzer for selecting ions with specific mass-to-charge ratio to pass through a mass slit to project onto a substrate. Multipole lenses are provided to control beam uniformity and collimation. A two-path beamline in which a second path incorporates a deceleration or acceleration system incorporating energy filtering is disclosed. Finally, methods of ion implantation are disclosed in which the mode of implantation may be switched from one-dimensional scanning of the target to two-dimensional scanning. |
US07675049B2 |
Sputtering coating of protective layer for charged particle beam processing
A coating is applied to a work piece in a charged particle beam system without directing the beam to work piece. The coating is applied by sputtering, either within the charged particle beam vacuum chamber or outside the charged particle beam vacuum chamber. In one embodiment, the sputtering is performed by directing the charged particle beam to a sputter material source, such as a needle from a gas injection system. Material is sputtered from the sputter material source onto the work piece to form, for example, a protective or conductive coating, without requiring the beam to be directed to the work piece, thereby reducing or eliminating damage to the work piece. |
US07675048B2 |
Wafer holding robot end effecter vertical position determination in ion implanter system
A wafer handling robot, ion implanter system including a wafer handling robot and a related method are disclosed. An ion implanter system may include an ion implanting station including a load lock coupled thereto; a wafer handling robot located at least partially within the load lock, the wafer handling robot including an end effecter for handling at least one wafer, and a motor for moving the end effecter vertically; and a sensor positioned within the load lock to determine a vertical position of the end effecter. |
US07675045B1 |
3-dimensional imaging at nanometer resolutions
An apparatus and method for enabling precise, 3-dimensional, photoactivation localization microscopy (PALM) using selective, two-photon activation of fluorophores in a single z-slice of a sample in cooperation with time-gated imaging for reducing the background radiation from other image planes to levels suitable for single-molecule detection and spatial location, are described. |
US07675043B2 |
Mesh and method of observing rubber slice technical field
Left and right sides of the mesh sandwiching the placing region therebetween are set as left and right to-be-fixed portions to be fixed to sample holder separation portions respectively to be moved in a stretch direction. A slit for dividing use is formed from a portion of the periphery of the mesh disposed between the left and right to-be-fixed portions thereof toward the rubber slice-placing position of the mesh in a direction orthogonal to the stretch direction of the rubber slice or a direction inclined thereto. When the to-be-fixed portions are moved in a separation direction by moving the sample holder separation portions, the mesh is divided into left and right parts by the slit for dividing use so that the rubber slice fixed to the left and right sides of the mesh is stretched. |
US07675042B2 |
Beam optical component for charged particle beams
The present invention relates to a beam optical component (1, 201) for acting on a charged particle beam (63) including a first element (3; 203) having a first opening (9; 209) for acting on the charged particle beam (63), at least a second element (5; 205) for acting on the charged particle beam (63); at least one distance piece (20a, 20b, 20c) positioned between the first element (3; 203) and the second element (5; 205) to define a minimum distance between the first element (3; 203) and the second element (5; 205); and a first holding piece (30a; 30b; 30c) for abutting the first element (3) to the at least one distance piece (20a, 20b, 20c), whereby the first holding piece (30a; 30b; 30c) is attached to the at least one distance piece (20a, 20b, 20c). First and second elements (3; 203; 5; 205) are preferably electrodes or pole pieces to act on the charged particle beam by an electrostatic or magnetic force. With the first holding piece (30a; 30b; 30c) attached to the at least one distance piece, distorting mechanical forces on the first and second elements (3, 5) are reduced which improves the performance of the respective beam optical components (1; 201). |
US07675039B2 |
Phosphor sheet for radiation detector, radiation detector and apparatus for radiographic equipment
A phosphor sheet 8 for a radiation detector used by being attached to a photoelectric conversion film 20 of a radiation detector 4 includes a sheet-shaped support 11, and a phosphor layer 12 provided thereon. The phosphor layer 12 contains a europium-activated rare earth oxysulfide phosphor having a europium concentration in a range of 0.01 to 3.5 mol %. The radiation detector 4 includes the phosphor sheet 8 being irradiated with radiation rays transmitted through a specimen and converting the radiation rays into light, a photoelectric conversion film 20 for converting the light from the phosphor sheet 8 into electric charges, and a charge information reading section 30 for reading out the charges generated on the photoelectric conversion film 20 for each of a plurality of pixels 31. |
US07675035B2 |
Coupling and method for a transition-edge bolometer
The invention relates to a circuit for transition-edge bolometers, which comprises a resistor element (1) arranged to operate in the transition-edge zone, and an amplifier (5) connected to the resistor element (1). According to the invention, in connection with the amplifier (5) means are arranged for implementing positive (4, 5) and negative (5, 2) feedbacks in the resistance measurement. |
US07675029B2 |
Apparatus and a method for visualizing target objects in a fluid-carrying pipe
An apparatus for recording and displaying images of and identifying material types in a target object in a fluid carrying conduit includes a downhole unit. The downhole unit includes a controllable light source, the controllable light source structured to emit high energy photons. The downhole unit further includes a sensor unit structured to detect the high energy photons that are backscattered from the target object and to generate signals in response to the detected high energy photons. The apparatus also includes a control and display unit that includes a signal transmitter and a viewing screen structured to display at least one two-dimensional image that is generated using the signals from the sensor unit. |
US07675028B2 |
Low-scattering foam phantom for molecular imaging
A phantom for use in generating a normalization data set to be used in PET scanning (particularly integrated MR/PET scanning) is disclosed. The phantom features radiation activity distributed throughout a foam material. The foam—e.g., a polyurethane foam—may be produced by reacting two liquids, one of which is emulsified with water in which Ge68 has been dissolved. The foam produced thereby exhibits uniform distribution of radioactivity and a long mean free path for 511 keV gamma particles—two attributes that are important attributes of a PET phantom. |
US07675024B2 |
Method and apparatus providing color filter array with non-uniform color filter sizes
Color filter arrays, methods of assembling color filter arrays, and systems containing color filter arrays. Color filter arrays are formed such that light entering through certain regions of the color filter array passes through multiple color filters to help prevent optical crosstalk and allow for tuning spectral responses. |
US07675023B2 |
Image sensor and method of fabricating the same
An image sensor and a method for fabricating the same are provided. The image sensor includes color filter layers having a photonic crystal for color separation. Since transmittance of the color filter layers is higher than that of a pigment or dye of an organic material and can easily be controlled in an unnecessary wavelength region, the image sensor having high sensitivity and good color reproduction can be fabricated. |
US07675019B2 |
Method and device for adjusting at least one light beam in an optical system
A device (70) is disclosed for adjusting a light beam (1) in an optical system (100), whereby the optical system (100) defines an optical axis (60). The device (70) for adjusting comprises means for coupling-in (3) of the light beam into a housing part (80) of the device (70). The means for coupling-in (3) determines a coupling-in point (3a) and a coupled in light beam (9). At least a first and a second photo detector (10, 22) are arranged in different in distances to the coupling-in point. (3a). In the coupled in light beam (9) at least one beam splitter (36) is provided, which directs the coupled in light beam (9) on at least one of the photo detectors (10, 22). |
US07675016B2 |
Solid-state image pickup device and method of producing the same
A solid-state image pickup device including a substrate having a first face and a second face which serves as an opposite face of the first face; a solid-state image pickup element having a plurality of electrodes and a light sensing part, an opposite face of the light sensing part being bonded to the first face via a bonding agent; a plurality of wires formed over the face, first ends of the wires serving as external electrode terminals; and a connection part for electrically connecting the electrodes to the wires, wherein an endless-shaped contraction frame formed of resin larger in thermal expansion coefficient than the substrate and image pickup element is bonded to and formed on surface of the substrate located outside the light sensing part so as to surround the light sensing part, and a light sensing face of the light sensing part is warped. |
US07675014B2 |
Image sensor having linear abutting bars
The invention relates to large-dimension linear image sensors operating by relative translation between the image and the sensor and consisting of a plurality of linear arrays abutting in a staggered fashion. In order to improve the design of the sensor, according to the invention the arrays are mounted on packages whose upper surface has an elongate rectangular shape provided on two opposite sides of the rectangle with two extensions substantially covered by the ends of the array, two adjacent packages bearing against each other along a respective extension of each of them. The staggered arrangement prevents the blind zones, photosensitive points being present in the extensions, and the offset between the two rows of staggered chips is practically no greater than the width of the chips. |
US07675010B2 |
Fixing apparatus
A fixing apparatus an aspect of the present invention includes, a heating object which generates the heat by a magnetic flux produced from a coil which generates a predetermined magnetic flux by electromagnetic induction in accordance with a frequency of an input current, and a pressurization mechanism which can provide a predetermined pressure to the heating object, and a coil of the heating object is formed of a litz wire obtained by twisting the number of conductors having a small cross section which are not affected by the skin effect caused due to the frequency of the input current, the number of which allows passage of a quantity of current to be inputted. |
US07675008B2 |
Attachment of connector bushings to tubular electric heating elements
Connector bushings are crimped to the terminal ends of tubular electrical heating elements for heating equipment, particularly equipment intended for use in hazardous environments, e.g. where there is a risk of explosion. |
US07675007B2 |
Heated architectural panel system and method
Heated architectural panel temperature control systems and methods are provided for heating windows that are formed from heated architectural panels. The control system comprises the heated architectural panel that produces heat when connected to external AC power, a panel frame disposed around the panel periphery, and a temperature control circuit that is electrically connected to the window. The temperature control circuit, which may be disposed in the panel frame, controls the temperature of the panel by utilizing a Hall effect sensor and the panel temperature coefficient of resistance α. The panel may comprise insulated glass panels, laminated structures, or combinations thereof, where the window is disposed in an opening of a building. |
US07675006B2 |
Temperature sensing circuit in cooking appliance and controlling method of the same
A temperature sensing circuit and a method of automatically controlling the temperature sensing circuit in a cooking apparatus for more accuracy are provided. In the method, the low temperature table and the high temperature table are selectively used based on a current temperature of a cooking chamber, when cooking is ended. The low temperature table and the high temperature table are selectively used based on preset cooking temperatures for different types of cooking together with a current temperature of the cooking chamber, while cooking is performed. |
US07674998B2 |
Cutting machine
To enable the amount of air capable of bringing smoke to the vicinity of a discharge opening of a gas discharge chamber to be sent into the gas discharge chamber. A cutting machine has gas discharge chambers arranged side by side by partitioning the inside of a table, blower openings each provided on one end side of a gas discharge chamber, gas discharge openings each provided on the other side of the gas discharge chamber, and fans for sending air, while moving to the outside of the table, to at least one gas discharge chamber from the blower opening of the gas discharge chamber and arranged in the direction of the movement. The fans are arranged at intervals such that two or more fans face the blower opening of one gas discharge chamber, and the two or more fans can simultaneously send air to the one gas discharge chamber. |
US07674997B2 |
Spinner for fiberizing glass and method
A spinner for fiberizing glass has fiberizing holes formed in the spinner sidewall by a process utilizing an electron beam perforating process. A backing material used in the process is deposited on the walls of the fiberizing holes for increasing the corrosion resistance of the fiberizing holes. With regard to the formation of each fiberizing hole, an interaction of the backing material with an electron beam during the electron beam perforating process creates a gaseous backing material that expands through a hole created by the electron beam in the spinner sidewall to eject molten alloy material of the spinner sidewall made molten by the electron beam from the hole and deposit a thin substantially uniform coating layer of the backing material on the wall of the hole to increase the corrosion resistance of the fiberizing hole thus formed. |
US07674992B2 |
Key for a mobile device
A mobile device operable with keys 14 having characters 16 engraved onto the surface of the keys. To provide back illumination, visual traces of the characters are provided by a plurality of holes 18 made to the keys to provide spot light outlets adapted to collectively define the traces. The holes can be drilled and the key caps can be made of steel or other metals. The grooves 16 can be closed by a translucent material such as resin to block the ingress of dirt into the holes 18. |
US07674991B2 |
Pedal assemblies and methods for signal control
Pedal assemblies and methods provide for signal control, such as for controlling audio and/or effects path signals used in generating audio from a musical instrument. The pedal assemblies may provide for simultaneous audio and effects control via electrical pathways dedicated to each. Rotation of the pedal about one or more axes of rotation results in modifying an electrical characteristic of devices of the pedal that control the audio and effects path signals. A particular axis of rotation that modifies the electrical characteristic of a device may be configured to produce a particular audio or effects path control based on which of the jacks are in use such that by changing the jacks that are in use, the function of a particular axis of rotation may change. Furthermore, a pedal assembly may provide for two axes of rotation where the centers of rotation of the two axes are non-coincident. The two axes of rotation may be better isolated as a result. |
US07674989B2 |
Wiring board and method for manufacturing the same
A wiring board for mounting a semiconductor element or electronic component having a plurality of wiring layers, an insulating layer provided between these wiring layers, and a via which is provided to the insulating layer and which electrically connects the wiring layers. In this wiring board, the cross-sectional shape of the via in the plane parallel to the wiring layers is obtained by the partial overlapping of a plurality of similar shapes (circles). Stable operation can be obtained in a semiconductor element by minimizing obstacles to increased density, effectively increasing the cross-sectional area of the via, and preventing the wiring resistance from increasing by making the cross-sectional shape of the via into a shape obtained by the partial overlapping of a plurality of similar shapes. |
US07674986B2 |
Circuit board structure having capacitor array and embedded electronic component and method for fabricating the same
A circuit board structure having a capacitor array and an embedded electronic component and a method for fabricating the same are proposed. Two carrier boards and a high dielectric constant material layer are provided, wherein the carrier boards have electronic components embedded therein and one surface of each carrier board has a plurality of electrode plates. The two carrier boards are laminated with the dielectric constant material layer interposed between them. The electrode plates on the surfaces of the carrier boards are opposite to each other across the high dielectric constant material layer to constitute a capacitor array. Therefore, the capacitor assembly for design of electronic devices is provided. |
US07674981B1 |
Structured dielectric for coaxial cable
A geometrically-structured coaxial cable may prevent infiltration of water vapor and other contaminants by using a closed cell structure. The cable may be fabricated by wrapping bubble tape around its central conductor. Alternatively, plastic may be extruded through channels to create a plurality of layers. In either case, these layers are staggered in a zig-zag pattern to ensure that no radial spokes connect the inner and outer conductors of the coaxial cable without passing through a plurality of dielectric layers. |
US07674979B2 |
Synthetic material end for a DC electric cable
The invention relates to a synthetic material end for a DC electric cable. In the invention, the synthetic material end includes a composite insert that is placed between the inner insulator and the outer insulating sleeve of the cable, the insert generally being in the form of a sheath surrounding the inner insulator over a partially-stripped portion of the cable, and being made up of a resistive portion of high resistivity, and of a semi-conductive portion of lower resistivity, the interface between said resistive and semi-conductive portions forming a deflector, the end of the resistive portion that is remote from the deflector being electrically connected to the central conductor of the cable, and the end of the semi-conductive portion that is remote from the deflector being electrically connected to the outer semi-conductor of the cable. Application to making connections to high-voltage electric cables. |
US07674974B1 |
Weatherproof siding flange
A plurality of siding flange implementations comprising weatherproof siding flanges combined with an electrical wall box or a while-in-use electrical cover. The siding flange may be integrally formed with the electrical wall box or removably coupled to the electrical wall box, for example, on an inside surface of the box. The siding flange may comprise weight reducing pockets separated by strengthening ribs. The siding flange may also comprise a lip extending forward of the siding flange and having one or more grooves therein. The grooves may allow portions of the lip to be removed to adapt to varying siding material thickness. |
US07674973B2 |
Electrical conductor and cable utilizing same
A conductor includes a central element having a length, a plurality of insulated strands disposed about the central element in at least first and second concentric layers, a layer of a dielectric material having a velocity of propagation disposed around the plurality of insulated strands. Each of the plurality of insulated strands has a conductive element and a layer of insulative material disposed around the conductive element and a length approximately equal to an inverse of the velocity of propagation of associated dielectric materials multiplied by the product of the length of the central element and the number one hundred. |
US07674972B2 |
Fold-in braided shield
A braided shield includes a housing formed from a plurality of wires braided together and having a dual-layer configuration. The housing has an outer layer integrally formed with an inner layer. A support is at least partially disposed in the housing, and the inner layer is disposed between the support and the outer layer. The inner layer and outer layer reduce electromagnetic radiation leakage into/out of the housing by reducing the number of holes in the housing. Forming the braided shield includes providing the housing, which defines a longitudinal axis and a passage extending along the longitudinal axis. The housing has an end portion, and the end portion is compressed transverse to the longitudinal axis. The end portion is then forced into the passage. Accordingly, the braid shield reduces or eliminates electromagnetic radiation while providing a strong and consistent crimp with the support. |
US07674970B2 |
Multifunctional digital music display device
Herein described are at least a method and a system for assisting a musician in playing an instrument by way of using an intelligent multifunctional digital music display device (MDMDD). The multifunctional digital music display device (MDMDD) may be used to assist musicians or performers during practice sessions or performances. The various aspects of the invention provide a method of constructing an ADSR envelope for a note generated by an instrument, displaying one or more pages of music, generating a more accurate metronome beat consistent with the music being played, and alerting the musician when his instrument is out-of-tune. Further, the various aspects of the invention provide a method of statistically monitoring and reporting the performance of the musician. The system comprises a storage device capable of storing an instructional code, a processor for executing the instructional code, a microphone, and a display. |
US07674964B2 |
Electronic musical instrument with velocity indicator
A keyboard electronic musical instrument is of a type which comprises a keyboard including a plurality of individual keys for playing individual musical notes and arrayed in a first direction, and a key detecting device for detecting respective key depression velocities of the individual keys. The instrument further comprises an indicator device which presents a plurality of bar-graphic indications respectively for the individual keys in the keyboard, the bar-graphic indications being arrayed side by side in the first direction, each bar-graphic indication being elongate in a second direction which is perpendicular to the first direction and representing the key depression velocity of each of the individual keys. When a key is depressed, the key depression velocity is detected and the bar-graphic indication which corresponds to the depressed key is illuminated in green color with a length representing the key depression velocity. When performance data containing velocity data of the respective note is given, the bar-graphic indication of the corresponding key of the note is illuminated in red color with a length representing the velocity of the note. |
US07674963B1 |
String instrument with variable openings
A removable insert for an opening in a wall board of a string instrument, includes a side wall having dimensions less than those of the opening for insertion in the opening, and a flange wall having dimensions greater than those of the opening so as to seat on the wall board. An arrangement is provided for releasably securing the removable insert to the wall board such that the side wall is positioned in the opening in the wall board, the arrangement including two wing brackets that are rotatably mounted to the side wall for movement between a first position within the confines of the insert in which the insert is removable from the opening and a second position in which the wing brackets are secured to an undersurface of the wall board to lock the insert in the opening. |
US07674960B2 |
Garden bean line EX 15340804
The invention provides seed and plants of the bean line designated EX 15340804. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of bean line EX 15340804, and to methods for producing a bean plant produced by crossing a plant of bean line EX 15340804 with itself or with another bean plant, such as a plant of another line. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of a plant of bean line EX 15340804, including the pods and gametes of such plants. |
US07674958B2 |
GRG23 and GRG51 genes conferring herbicide resistance
Compositions and methods for conferring herbicide resistance or tolerance to bacteria, plants, plant cells, tissues and seeds are provided. Compositions include polynucleotides encoding herbicide resistance or tolerance polypeptides, vectors comprising those polynucleotides, and host cells comprising the vectors. The nucleotide sequences of the invention can be used in DNA constructs or expression cassettes for transformation and expression in organisms, including microorganisms and plants. Compositions also comprise transformed bacteria, plants, plant cells, tissues, and seeds. In particular, isolated polynucleotides encoding glyphosate resistance or tolerance polypeptides are provided. Additionally, amino acid sequences corresponding to the polynucleotides are encompassed. In particular, the present invention provides for isolated polynucleotides comprising nucleotide sequences encoding the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:2, 4, or 6, or the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:1, 3, or 5. The present invention additionally provides a method to measure enzyme kinetic activity using fluorogenic substrates. |
US07674954B2 |
DNA constructs that contain Helianthus annuus Hahb-10 gene coding sequence, method for generating plants with a shortened life cycle and a high tolerance to herbicidal compounds and transgenic plants with that sequence
The present invention refers to a gene from Helianthus annuus encoding a transcription factor that comprises a homeodomain associated with a leucine zipper. This gene is named Hahb-10. The transcription factor Hahb-10 can be used in DNA constructs to transform host cells and plants. Transgenic plants that overexpress this transcription factor are more tolerant to herbicides, and have a shorter life cycle. |
US07674952B2 |
Stress-inducible plant promoters
The present invention discloses and claims stress-inducible plant promoters, DNA constructs with such promoters, transgenic plants containing such promoters and DNA constructs, isolated DNAs encoding such promoters, and methods of making and using such promoters, DNA constructs, transgenic plants, and isolated DNAs. |
US07674950B2 |
Plant regulatory sequences for selective control of gene expression
Promoters from male reproductive tissues are isolated from corn and wheat. These promoters can be used in plants to regulate transcription of target genes including genes for control of fertility, insect or pathogen tolerance, herbicide tolerance or any gene of interest. |
US07674948B2 |
Window dressing
A self-adherent window dressing includes a fabric layer bounded by an edge. The fabric layer has an adhesive side, an opposite non-adhesive side, and an opening therein to allow for viewing therethrough. A reinforcement member is adhered to at least a portion of the fabric layer. A transparent film layer closes the opening and has first and second opposing sides. The film layer first side is non-adhesive and is mounted on the fabric layer adhesive side to close the opening in the fabric layer. The film layer second side has a skin adhering adhesive portion and an adhesive-free portion. The adhesive-free portion is disposed inwardly of the opening. The film layer adhesive-free portion is adapted not to stick to a wound, connector, or catheter disposed between the film layer adhesive-free portion and skin. |
US07674946B2 |
Method of remediating soil contaminated with polyhalogenated hydrocarbons
Method of remediating a soil contaminated by polyhalogenated hydrocarbons, in particular PCBs, PCDDs and PCDFs, comprising the steps of removing and sieving the soil to free it of stones and gravel; possibly regulating the moisture content of the sieved soil to a value of 10-30%; subjecting the sieved soil to thermal treatment while it flows in the form of a thin, turbulent, dynamic layer in contact with a wall heated to at least 250° C.; separating the thermally treated soil from the steam generated following such treatment, the soil being substantially free of the aforementioned polyhalogenated hydrocarbons. |
US07674945B2 |
Process for alkylation of an aromatic hydrocarbon or isoalkane with an olefin over the catalysis of a solid acid
The present invention discloses a process for alkylation of an aromatic hydrocarbon or isoalkane with an olefin over the catalysis of a solid acid, comprising contacting a reaction material containing an aromatic hydrocarbon or C4-C6 isoalkane, C2-C18 monoolefin and a compound containing a strongly electronegative element as promoter with a solid acid catalyst to carry out the alkylation, characterized in that the solid acid catalyst is contacted with a compound having a strongly electronegative element prior to its contact with the reaction material. Said process not only greatly increases the selectivity of the target product of the alkylation but also improves stability of the solid acid catalyst. |
US07674937B2 |
Hydroformylation catalysts
This invention is directed to a class of compounds that can be both monodentate and bidentate in their association with a transition metal to form a catalyst for reactions such as the hydroformylation of olefins to produce aldehydes. The compounds contain two phosphorus atoms having different steric and/or electronic nature. In hydroformylation catalysts, the compounds advantageously can produce a variable n/iso product mixture of aldehyde products that can be varied by simply changing process variables such as [H2]/[CO] partial pressure gas ratio or temperature/inert gas partial pressure. |
US07674935B2 |
Crystal forms of O-desmethylvenlafaxine
Methods for preparing crystalline forms of O-desmethylvenlafaxine are described. |
US07674932B2 |
Method for the production of urea from natural gas
Disclosed is a method for the production of urea from natural gas, wherein a) natural gas undergoes partial oxidation or autothermal reformation with a gas containing oxygen in a first step and the raw synthesis gas thus arising, consisting essentially of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, methane and hydrogen, can be transformed by catalytic conversion of CO and H2O to form CO2 and H2, whereupon carbon monoxide and methane are removed in a multistep gas cleaning process and the hydrogen is converted into ammonia upon addition of nitrogen, and subsequently, b) the ammonia is recombined with the previously separated carbon dioxide in a second step and the ammonia is thus fully converted into urea. |
US07674929B2 |
Method for the production of β-aminopropionic acid derivatives
The invention relates to a process for preparing β-aminopropionic acid derivatives by reacting a primary or secondary amine with an acrylic acid derivative, wherein comprises (i) a first primary or secondary amine is provided as an amine of value and reacted with the acrylic acid derivative, to obtain a reaction mixture comprising a first β-aminopropionic acid derivative as a product of value and additionally unconverted acrylic acid derivative, (ii) the unconverted acrylic acid derivative present in the reaction mixture is reacted with a second secondary amine as a scavenger amine virtually fully to give a second β-aminopropionic acid derivative to obtain a reaction mixture comprising the first β-aminopropionic acid derivative as a product of value, the second β-aminopropionic acid derivative and unconverted secondary amine. |
US07674927B2 |
Fluorinated organic silicon coating material
Disclosed are perfluoropolyether silicon compounds, coatings containing the perfluoropolyether silicon compounds, methods of making the perfluoropolyether silicon compounds, and methods of making perfluoropolyether silicon coatings. |
US07674926B1 |
Dopant group-substituted semiconductor precursor compounds, compositions containing the same, and methods of making such compounds and compositions
Dopant-group substituted (cyclo)silane compounds, liquid-phase compositions containing such compounds, and methods for making the same. Such compounds (and/or ink compositions containing the same) are useful for printing or spin coating a doped silane film onto a substrate that can easily be converted into a doped amorphous or polycrystalline silicon film suitable for electronic devices. Thus, the present invention advantageously provides commercial qualities and quantities of doped semiconductor films from a doped “liquid silicon” composition. |
US07674923B2 |
Process for preparing forms of atorvastatin calcium substantially free of impurities
The preparation of atorvastatin calcium epoxide dihydroxy (AED) is described. AED can be used as a standard or marker in determining the amount of AED in a sample. AED can therefore be used as a tool in preparing atorvastatin calcium substantially free of AED. |
US07674920B2 |
Methods for preparing oxydiphthalic anhydrides, oxydiphthalic anhydrides prepared thereby, and polyetherimides derived therefrom
A method for preparing an oxydiphthalic anhydride comprises contacting, under reactive and substantially anhydrous conditions in a reactor, at least one halophthalic anhydride containing more than 250 ppm chlorophthalide impurity with a carbonate of the formula M2CO3, wherein M is an alkali metal, in the presence of a catalytic proportion of at least one phase transfer catalyst selected from the group consisting of hexaalkylguanidinium halides and alpha,omega-bis(pentaalkylguanidinium)alkane salts, phosphonium salts, phosphazenium salts, pyridinium salts, phosphazenium salts, ammonium salts, and combinations thereof. The phase transfer catalyst is present in a sufficient amount to prepare the oxydiphthalic anhydride when the chlorophthalide is present in an amount that is more than 250 ppm, and the oxydiphthalic anhydride is produced in a yield, based on the carbonate, of at least 70%. |
US07674918B2 |
Fluorescent dyes and complexes
A fluorescent dye comprising a xanthene-derived fluorophore having the formula (I) wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5 and R6 are independently selected from H, alkyl, alkoxy, alcohol, ether, alkenyl, alkenoxy, aryl, alkaryl, aralkyl and amido, except that R1, R4 and/or R5 is not H when bonded to Y, Y1 or Y2, respectively; X is either O− or S−; and at least one of Y, Y1, Y2, Y3, Y4 and Y5 is a group for covalently bonding the dye, optionally through. the use of a coupling agent, to a target molecule, and is otherwise H. The dye may be covalently attached to a target molecule to form a complex, and the dye and/or complex finds use in cell analysis techniques, particularly pH measurement and analysis of kinetics of migration. |
US07674915B2 |
Process for manufacturing a glutamic acid derivative and a pyroglutamic acid derivative and a novel intermediate in the manufacture thereof
Glutamic acid derivatives, in particular monatin, may be conveniently prepared by alkylating a 4-protected hydroxyl pyroglutamic acid derivative with an alkylating agent to prepare a 4-protected hydroxyl-4-alkylglutamic acid derivative, followed by the steps of hydrolysis and deprotection. The 4-protected hydroxyl pyroglutamic acid derivative is easy to produce from hydroxyproline. The 4-protected hydroxyl pyroglutamic acid derivative is particularly suitable for use in the efficient manufacture of monatin of high optical purity, since it can be alkylated selectively at the 4-position and stereoselectively and after its alkylation, it can easily be converted to a glutamic acid derivative. |
US07674912B2 |
Pro-drugs of N-thiazol-2-yl-benzamide derivatives
The invention relates to compounds of the formula I A-B-Z I wherein the variables are as defined in the claims. The compounds are pro-drugs of A2A-receptor ligands with improved aqueous solubility, and are useful in the treatment of neurological and psychiatric disorders where an A2A-receptor is implicated. |
US07674910B2 |
Process for preparing diimine compounds
Process for preparing diimine compounds, in which a discarbonyl compound is reacted with primary amines in the presence of phosphorus pentoxide. |
US07674908B2 |
Indazole-carboxamide compounds as 5-HT4 receptor agonists
The invention provides novel indazole-carboxamide 5-HT4 receptor agonist compounds. The invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds, methods of using such compounds to treat diseases associated with 5-HT4 receptor activity, and processes and intermediates useful for preparing such compounds. |
US07674903B2 |
Dehydrophenylahistins and analogs thereof and the synthesis of dehydrophenylahistins and analogs thereof
Compounds represented by the following structure (I) are disclosed: as are methods for making such compounds, wherein said methods comprise reacting a diacyldiketopiperazine with a first aldehyde to produce an intermediate compound; and reacting the intermediate compound with a second aldehyde to produce the class of compounds with the generic structure, where the first aldehyde and the second aldehydes are selected from the group consisting of an oxazolecarboxaldeyhyde, imidazolecarboxaldehyde, a benzaldehyde, imidazolecarboxaldehyde derivatives, and benzaldehyde derivatives, thereby forming the above compound wherein R1, R1′, R1″, R2, R3, R4, R5, and R6, X1 and X2, Y, Z, Z1, Z2, Z3, and Z4 may each be separately defined in a manner consistent with the accompanying description. Compositions and methods for treating cancer and fungal infection are also disclosed. |
US07674902B2 |
Luminescent metal complexes for monitoring renal function
Some embodiments of the present invention may be said to be directed to metal complexes of Formula I, wherein at least one of X1, X2, X3, R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5 is what may be characterized as an antenna capable of providing (e.g., absorbing and/or emitting) an appropriate electromagnetic signal. Some embodiments of the present invention are directed to ligands corresponding to metal complexes of Formula I. Some embodiments of the invention are directed to methods of determining renal function using at least one metal complex of Formula I. |
US07674895B2 |
Compositions and methods for siRNA inhibition of angiogenesis
RNA interference using small interfering RNAs which are specific for the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene and the VEGF receptor genes Flt-1 and Flk-1/KDR inhibit expression of these genes. Diseases which involve angiogenesis stimulated by overexpression of VEGF, such as diabetic retinopathy, age related macular degeneration and many types of cancer, can be treated by administering the small interfering RNAs. |
US07674889B2 |
Human skeletal muscle-specific ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme
The present invention provides novel human genes, for example a novel human gene comprising a nucleotide sequence coding for the amino acid sequence shown under SEQ ID NO:1. The use of the genes makes it possible to detect the expression of the same in various tissues, analyze their structures and functions, and produce the human proteins encoded by the genes by the technology of genetic engineering. Through these, it becomes possible to analyze the corresponding expression products, elucidate the pathology of diseases associated with the genes, for example hereditary diseases and cancer, and diagnose and treat such diseases. |
US07674881B2 |
Convergent synthesis of proteins by kinetically controlled ligation
The present invention concerns methods and compositions for synthesizing a polypeptide using kinetically controlled reactions involving fragments of the polypeptide for a fully convergent process. In more specific embodiments, a ligation involves reacting a first peptide having a protected cysteyl group at its N-terminal and a phenylthioester at its C-terminal with a second peptide having a cysteine residue at its N-termini and a thioester at its C-termini to form a ligation product. Subsequent reactions may involve deprotecting the cysteyl group of the resulting ligation product and/or converting the thioester into a thiophenylester. |
US07674879B2 |
Sterically hindered poly(ethylene glycol) alkanoic acids and derivatives thereof
The invention provides a sterically hindered polymer that comprises a water-soluble and non-peptidic polymer backbone having at least one terminus covalently bonded to an alkanoic acid or alkanoic acid derivative, wherein the carbon adjacent to the carbonyl group of the acid or acid derivative group has an alkyl or aryl group pendent thereto. The steric effects of the alkyl or aryl group allow greater control of the hydrolytic stability of polymer derivatives. The polymer backbone may be poly(ethylene glycol). |
US07674874B2 |
Methods of producing coating compositions containing phosphorous
Methods of making a coating composition including a film-forming material having a covalently bonded phosphorous atom, the phosphorous atom having at least one covalently bonded oxygen atom. Coating compositions can be used to coat a substrate, such as a metal substrate, by electrodeposition. Applied coatings containing the film-forming resins can be cured to form crosslinked films on substrates. |
US07674872B2 |
Method of producing high molecular weight polymer
The present invention provides methods of producing high molecular weight polymer. A method of forming polycarbonate includes the step of combining in a reaction mixture a diaryl carbonate, a transesterification catalyst, an aliphatic dihydroxy compound, and a diacid compound in a reactor system. The temperature and pressure of the reactor system are adjusted to a first reactor setpoints and the reaction mixture is monitored to detect initiation of the exothermic oligomerization reaction. The reactor setpoint are adjusted to second reactor setpoints after detection of initiation of the exothermic oligomerization reaction. The reactor system is maintained at the second reactor setpoints to allow the reaction mixture to react to form an oligomer mixture. The oligomer mixture is then introduced to a polymerization reactor system operating under melt polymerization conditions sufficient to polymerize the oligomer mixture to a Mw of at least 9,000 g/mol (PC) and to remove the phenolic byproduct from the oligomer mixture to form polycarbonate. |
US07674866B2 |
Method of producing polymer using iron complex as catalyst
The object of the present invention is to provide a method of producing a polymer wherein radical-polymerizable monomers can be polymerized in a quantitative manner in a relatively short time, and a polymer or a block copolymer having at its termini a functional group that can be chemically converted while the polymer or the block copolymer has a high molecular weight can be produced. Furthermore, the object of the present invention is to provide a method of producing a polymer wherein the polymer is re-precipitated in a general solvent by an easy method, and the used iron complexes are recovered in the solvent, thereby recycling the iron complexes. |
US07674861B1 |
Thiocarbamoyldisufanyl-functional cycloaliphatic compound, process for its preparation, filled sulfur-vulcanizable elastomer composition containing same and articles fabricated therefrom
A thiocarbamoyldisulfanyl-functional cycloaliphatic compound, useful as a crosslinker for filled sulfur-vulcanizable elastomer compositions, is represented by the general formula: G[-CaH2a—S—S—C(═S)NR2]n wherein G is a saturated, monocyclic aliphatic group of valence n containing from 5 to 12 carbon atoms and optionally containing at least one halogen or a saturated monocyclic silicone [RSiO—]n[R2SiO—]p group of valence n; each R independently is a hydrogen or a monovalent hydrocarbon of up to 20 carbon atoms; each occurrence of subscripts a independently is an integer wherein a is 2 to 6; n is an integer of from 3 to 6; and, p is an integer of from 0 to 3. |
US07674857B2 |
Room temperature-cured siloxane sealant compositions of reduced gas permeability
The present invention provides for a room temperature cured silicone thermoplastic resin sealant composition with reduced gas permeability useful in the manufacture of glazing such as windows and doors. |
US07674856B2 |
Elastomer composition and pressure-sensitive adhesives made by using same
A process for the production of a pressure-sensitive adhesive composition is provided comprising (1) forming an elastomer composition by mixing in the form of a solution, 33.5 to 95% by weight of an aromatic vinyl-isoprene block copolymer (a) having two or more poly(aromatic vinyl) blocks, 0 to 47.5% by weight of an aromatic vinyl-isoprene diblock copolymer (b), and 5 to 33% by weight of isoprene homopolymer (c) having a weight average molecular weight of 20,000 to 100,000, wherein the elastomer composition has a content of aromatic vinyl monomer unit of 14 to 50% by weight, (2) separating the elastomer composition from the solvent, (3) drying the elastomer composition, and (4) blending a petroleum resin with the elastomer composition made by steps (1)-(3), wherein the amount of the petroleum resin is 10 to 500 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of the elastomer composition. |
US07674855B2 |
Polycarbonate molding compositions with improved melt flow and chemical resistance
A thermoplastic molding composition having improved melt flow and chemical resistance is disclosed. The composition contains A) at least one member selected from the group consisting of aromatic polycarbonate and polyester carbonate, B) a graft polymer of at least one vinyl monomer on at least one rubber having a glass transition temperature of <10° C. as graft base and C) vinyl (co)polymer having weight-average molecular weight of 1500 to 5000 g/mol and glass transition temperature of >40° C. The composition may optionally further contain D) a phosphorus-based flame retardant and E) an anti-dripping agent. |
US07674851B2 |
Polymer composition for peroxide bleaching of cellulosic fibre material and processes for peroxide bleaching
The present invention relates to a polymer composition for peroxide bleaching of a cellulosic fiber material, said composition being in the form of a stable aqueous polymer solution obtained by bringing in an aqueous medium a first polymer (A) comprising a partly or totally acidic homopolymer of acrylic acid, methacrylic acid or maleic acid, or a copolymer of acrylic acid and/or methacrylic acid with an unsaturated dicarboxylic acid, into contact with a second polymer (B) comprising a polylactone of a poly-alfa-hydroxyacrylic acid in solid form or as a moist powder or as a slurry, said polymer solution having a pH of at most 8, The invention also relates to peroxide bleaching processes. |
US07674850B2 |
Hardenable self-supporting structures and methods
Compositions, particularly for forming dental products, having a hardenable self-supporting structure with sufficient malleability to be subsequently customized into a second shape and then hardened, and methods. |
US07674849B2 |
Process for the manufacture of a composite material, composite material and use thereof
Process for the manufacture of a composite material (M) comprising a stage (E) according to which a dispersion (D) comprising : (a) at least one polymer, (b) at least one lamellar compound, and (c) at least one dispersing liquid, is dried by atomization. Composite material (M′) comprising (a′) at least one polymer, (b′) at least one lamellar compound, and (d′) at least 0.02% by weight of at least one surface-active agent with respect to the weight of (a′) in the dry state; composed of particles having a weight-average diameter D50 of less than or equal to 200 μm. Method for processing this composite material. |
US07674847B2 |
Vinyl addition polycyclic olefin polymers prepared with non-olefinic chain transfer agents and uses thereof
A method of polymerizing poly(cyclic)olefin monomers encompassing (a) combining a monomer composition containing the poly(cyclic)olefin monomers, a non-olefinic chain transfer agent and an activator compound to form a mixture; (b) heating the mixture; and (c) adding a polymerization catalyst containing Ni and/or Pd. The non-olefinic chain transfer agent includes one or more compounds selected from H2, alkylsilanes, alkylalkoxysilanes, alkylgermanes, alkylalkoxygermanes, alkylstannanes, and alkylalkoxystannanes. The activator is characterized as having an active hydrogen with a pKa of at least 5. The resulting poly(cyclic)olefin polymers can be used in photoresist compositions. |
US07674843B2 |
Stable pigment dispersions
A pigment dispersion includes a pigment with at least one carboxylic acid group and a block copolymer including aromatic monomers having at least one carboxylic acid group or a salt thereof and aromatic monomers having at least one sulfonic acid group or a salt thereof. The pigment dispersions can be used for manufacturing inkjet inks and for the coating of colored layers. |
US07674839B2 |
Methods for the production of polymer carrier materials based on carbon hydrate-bis(meth)acryl-amides
The invention relates to methods for the production of polymer carrier materials for solid phase synthesis, particularly for peptide synthesis. (Meth)acrylamide derivatives based on carbon hydrates, which can also contain other protective groups, are polymerized by means of suspension polymerization in an aqueous phase, optionally with the addition of pore-forming additives, and subsequently the protective groups are fully or partially cleaved. It is thus possible to obtain polymer carriers whose morphology (particle size, porosity), degree of cross-linking and swelling capability in aqueous and organic media can be adjusted in a targeted manner and whose reactive groups offer multiple opportunities for the immobilization of anchor groups and protective groups. The hydroxyl groups of the polymer carrier can be activated according to usual methods of solid phase synthesis. |
US07674836B2 |
Method of making macroporous cation exchange resins
Methods of making macroporous cation exchange resins are described. The macroporous cation exchange resins are in the form of particles such as beads that contain a hydrophilic, crosslinked, (meth)acrylic-type polymeric material. The macroporous cation exchange resins are prepared using an inverse suspension polymerization process in the presence of a water soluble, organic, aliphatic porogen having at least three hydroxy groups. |
US07674830B2 |
Formulation of a mixture of free-B-ring flavonoids and flavans as a therapeutic agent
The present invention provides a novel composition of matter comprised of a mixture of two specific classes of compounds—Free-B-ring flavonoids and flavans—for use in the prevention and treatment of diseases and conditions mediated by the COX-2 and 5-LO pathways. The present invention further provides a novel method for simultaneously inhibiting the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) enzymes, and reducing cox-2 mRNA production. Finally, the present invention includes a method for weight loss and blood glucose control. The methods of this invention are comprised of administering to a host in need thereof an effective amount of the composition of this invention together with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. This invention relates generally to the prevention and treatment of diseases and conditions mediated by the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) pathways, including but not limited to the relief joint discomfort and pain associated with conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other injuries that result from overuse. |
US07674828B2 |
Urea antagonists of P2Y1receptor useful in the treatment of thrombotic conditions
The present invention provides novel pyridyl or phenyl ureas and analogues thereof, which are selective inhibitors of the human P2Y1 receptor. The invention also provides for various pharmaceutical compositions of the same and methods for treating diseases responsive to modulation of P2Y1 receptor activity. |
US07674827B2 |
Indanyl- and tetrahydronaphtyl-amino-thiourea compounds for combating animal pests
Indanyl- and Tetrahydronaphtyl-amino-thiourea compounds for combating animal pestsThe present invention relates to Indanyl- and Tetrahydronaphtyl-amino-thiourea compounds of formula I wherein the variables R1 to R4 are as in the description. The invention relates also to methods of combating or controlling insects, arachnids or nematodes, to methods for protecting growing plants from attack or infestation by insects, arachnids or nematodes, to methods for the protection of seeds from soil insects and of the seedlings' roots and shoots from soil and foliar insects and to methods for treating, controlling, preventing or protecting animals against infestation or infection. |
US07674825B2 |
Dicarboxylic acid derivatives with pharmaceutical properties
The present invention relates to the use of compounds of the formula (I) and to their salts and stereoisomers, for the preparation of medicaments for the treatment of cardiovascular disorders. |
US07674824B2 |
Stable oxaliplatin formulation
A storage stable pharmaceutical composition comprising a solution of Oxaliplatin in water and a catalytic amount of a carbohydrate. A process for forming such pharmaceutical composition comprising dissolving a known amount of Oxaliplatin in water; adding an amount of carbohydrate in the range of 0.0010% to 0.05% w/v with respect to such solution; agitating the mixture to get clear solution; filtering it through a filter membrane under aseptic conditions; and filling the solution resulting into glass vials sealed with elastomeric stoppers and aluminium flip-off seals. |
US07674818B2 |
Aryl, aryloxy, alkyloxy substituted 1H-indol-3-yl glyoxylic acid derivatives as inhibitors of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1)
Compounds of formula I are provided: wherein: R1, R2, and R3, are as defined herein, as well as pharmaceutical composition and methods using the compounds as inhibitors of plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI-1) and as therapeutic composition for treating conditions resulting from fibrinolytic disorders, such as deep vein thrombosis, coronary heart disease and pulmonary fibrosis. |
US07674811B2 |
5-lipoxygenase inhibitors
The present invention relates to 5-lipoxygenase inhibitors. Compounds disclosed herein can be useful in the treatment of bronchial asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder, arthritis, type I diabetes, multiple sclerosis, allograft rejection, psoriasis, inflammatory bowel disease, ulcerative colitis, acne, atherosclerosis, cancer, pruritis, urticaria, atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis, other inflammatory, and autoimmune diseases. Processes for the preparation of disclosed compounds, pharmaceutical compositions containing the disclosed compounds and their use as 5-lipoxygenase inhibitors are also provided. |
US07674809B2 |
Anti-inflammatory and analgesic heterocyclic amidines that inhibit nitrogen oxide (NO) production
Heterocyclic amidines with anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity that inhibit nitrogen oxide production, of formula (I): in which: G1 and G2 are hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, C1-C4 alkoxy, C1-C4 alkyl, and an amidino substituent of formula Q, provided that, for each compound of formula (I), only one of the two substituents G1 or G2 is an amidino substituent of formula Q: and in which the substituents W, Y and X are combined to form 9- or 10-membered bicyclic heteroaromatic derivatives containing up to 2 hetero atoms in the same ring; and Z is an aryl or heteroaryl group, a linear or branched C1-C6 alkyl or alkenyl chain, a C1-C4 alkyl-aryl group or a C1-C4 alkyl-heteroaryl group. |
US07674808B2 |
Heterocyclic compounds
4-pyridone (4-pyridinone) derivatives of Formula I and pharmaceutically acceptable derivatives thereof, processes for their preparation, pharmaceutical formulations thereof and their use in chemotherapy of certain parasitic infections such as malaria, are provided. |
US07674801B2 |
Alkyl urea substituted pyridines
Compounds of formula (I) and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts are described. Processes for their preparation, pharmaceutical compositions containing them, their use as medicaments and their use in the treatment of bacterial infections are also described. |
US07674800B2 |
Oxycodone hydrochloride having less than 25 PPM 14-hydroxycodeinone
In certain embodiments the invention is directed to a process for preparing an oxycodone hydrochloride composition having less than 25 ppm of 14-hydroxycodeinone. |
US07674798B2 |
Oxycodone hydrochloride having less than 25 ppm 14-hydroxycodeinone
In certain embodiments the invention is directed to a process for preparing an oxycodone hydrochloride composition having less than 25 ppm of 14-hydroxycodeinone. |
US07674797B2 |
2-phenoxy- and 2-phenylsulfonamide derivatives with CCR3 antagonistic activity for the treatment of asthma and other inflammatory or immunological disorders
The present invention relates to a benzenesulfonamide derivative of formula (I), which is useful as an active ingredient of pharmaceutical preparations. The benzenesulfonamide derivatives of the present invention have CCR3 (CC type chemokine receptor) antagonistic activity, and can be used for the prophylaxis and treatment of diseases associated with CCR3 activity, in particular for the treatment of asthma, atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis and other inflammatory/immunological disorders. In said formula, X represents O or S; R4 represents formulae (a), (b), (c), (d), (e), (f), (g), (h), (i) or (j), the other substituents are as defined in claim 1. |
US07674796B2 |
Pyrimidine derivatives for the treatment of abnormal cell growth
The present invention relates to a compound of the formula 1 wherein R1-R4 are as defined herein. Such novel pyrimidine derivatives are useful in the treatment of abnormal cell growth, such as cancer, in mammals. This invention also relates to a method of using such compounds in the treatment of abnormal cell growth in mammals, especially humans, and to pharmaceutical compositions containing such compounds. |
US07674792B2 |
5(Z)-5-(6-quinoxalinylmethylidene)-2-[2,6-dichlorophenyl)amino]-1,3-thiazol-4(5H)-one
Invented is the compound (5Z)-5-(6-quinoxalinylmethylidene)-2-[(2,6 -dichlorophenyl)amino]-1,3-thiazol-4(5H)-one, and/or pharmaceutically acceptable salts, hydrates, solvates and pro-drugs thereof. Also invented are pharmaceutical compositions containing this compound, methods of preparing this compound and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, hydrates, solvates and pro-drugs thereof. Also invented are methods of using this compound as an inhibitor of hYAK3 proteins. |
US07674791B2 |
Triazolopyrazines and methods of making and using the same
The invention is based on the discovery that compounds of formula (I) possess unexpectedly high affinity for the A2a adenosine receptor, and can be useful as antagonists thereof for preventing and/or treating numerous diseases, including Parkinson's disease. In one embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I (See formula on paper copy) |
US07674790B2 |
Processes of making and using pharmaceutical formulations of antineoplastic agents
In its several embodiments, this invention discloses a pharmaceutical formulation comprising at least one antineoplastic agent or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and at least one dissolution enhancing agent sufficient to substantially dissolve said at least one antineoplastic agent in at least one aqueous diluent, wherein said dissolution enhancing agent is urea, L-histidine, L-threonine, L-asparagine, L-serine, L-glutamine or mixtures thereof; a lyophilized powder comprising said pharmaceutical formulation, and articles of manufacture thereof. |
US07674788B2 |
Substituted pteridines
The invention relates to new pteridines which are suitable for treating respiratory or gastrointestinal complaints or diseases, inflammatory diseases of the joints, skin or eyes, diseases of the peripheral or central nervous system and cancers. This invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions containing these compounds. |
US07674787B2 |
Conformationally constrained Smac mimetics and the uses thereof
The invention relates to conformationally constrained mimetics of Smac which function as inhibitors of Inhibitor of Apoptosis Proteins. The invention also relates to the use of these mimetics for inducing apoptotic cell death and for sensitizing cells to inducers of apoptosis. |
US07674786B2 |
Therapeutic β-lactams
Compounds comprising: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a prodrug thereof, are disclosed, wherein Y is a carboxylic acid functional group, sulfonic acid functional group, or phosphonic acid functional group; or an amide or ester thereof comprising from 0 to 12 carbon atoms; or Y is a hydroxymethyl, or tetrazolyl functional group; A is —(CH2)6—, cis —CH2CH═CH—(CH2)3—, or —CH2C≡C—(CH2)3—, wherein 1 or 2 carbon atoms may be substituted with S or O; or A is —(CH2)m—Ar—(CH2)o wherein Ar is substituted or unsubstituted phenyl or monocyclic heteroaryl, the sum of m and o is from 1 to 4, and wherein one CH2 may be replaced by with S or O; R, D, and n are as described. Methods, compositions, and medicaments related thereto are also disclosed. |
US07674783B2 |
Estrogen beta receptor agonists to prevent or reduce the severity of cardiovascular disease
A method for preventing or treating vascular hyperreactivity in which a chemical compound that is an estrogen beta receptor agonist is administered to a subject suffering from or at risk of vascular hyperreactivity. Preferably, the administration is topically to the skin. |
US07674780B2 |
Iron sucrose complexes and method of manufacture thereof
A process is provided for preparing an iron sucrose complex, substantially free of excipients, for providing an iron sucrose complex co-precipitated with sucrose, and for providing iron sucrose complexes in aqueous solution. |
US07674778B2 |
Oligonucleotides comprising a conjugate group linked through a C5-modified pyrimidine
One aspect of the present invention relates to a double-stranded oligonucleotide comprising at least one ligand. In certain embodiments, a ligand is bound to only one of the two oligonucleotide strands comprising the double-stranded oligonucleotide. In certain embodiments, both of the oligonucleotide strands of the double-stranded oligonucleotide independently comprise a bound ligand. In certain embodiments, the oligonucleotide strands comprise at least one modified sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, a phosphate linkage in one or both of the strands of the oligonucleotide has been replaced with a phosphorothioate or phosphorodithioate linkage. In a preferred embodiment, the ligand is cholesterol or 5β-cholanic acid. Another aspect of the present invention relates to a single-stranded oligonucleotide comprising at least one ligand. In certain embodiments, the oligonucleotide comprises at least one modified sugar moiety. In certain embodiments, a phosphate linkage of the oligonucleotide has been replaced with a phosphorothioate or phosphorodithioate linkage. In a preferred embodiment, the ligand is cholesterol or 5β-cholanic acid. The ligand improves the pharmacokinetic properties of the oligonucleotide. |
US07674775B2 |
Substantially cell membrane impermeable compound and use thereof
The present invention relates to a compound according to Formula (I): A-(L-Y)p, wherein A comprises at least one substantially cell-membrane impermeable pendant group; L comprises any suitable linker and/or spacer group; Y comprises at least one arsenoxide or arsenoxide equivalent; p is an integer from 1 to 10; and the sum total of carbon atoms in A and L together, is greater than 6. |
US07674774B2 |
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. |
US07674770B2 |
Anti-tumor drug, medicament, composition, and use thereof
An active polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 3, or having at least 50%, preferably 70%, more preferably 90% identity with the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 3, or fragments thereof having at least 21 contiguous amino acids, or peptides having at least 50%, preferably 70%, more preferably 90% identity with the amino acid sequence of the fragments, provided that the polypeptide is not SEQ ID NO: 2. A method for inhibiting cancer and/or tumour growth comprising administering to a subject in need thereof an effective amount of the active polypeptide. |
US07674769B2 |
Treatment of severe pneumonia by administration of tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI)
Methods for prophylactically or therapeutically treating severe pneumonia involve administration of tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) or a TFPI analog to patients suffering from or at risk of developing this condition. The methods involve the use of continuous intravenous infusion of TFPI or a TFPI analog, preferably at low doses to avoid adverse side effects. |
US07674768B2 |
Processes for preparing eptifibatide
The present invention provides, inter alia, convergent processes for preparing eptifibatide that involve coupling a 2-6 eptifibatide fragment to an activated cysteinamide residue to form a 2-7 eptifibatide fragment, attaching a mercaptopropionic acid residue to the 2-7 eptifibatide fragment through disulfide bond formation, coupling the peptide intramolecularly, and removing the protecting group, to form eptifibatide. The invention further provides products produced by the described processes, novel compounds that can be used as synthetic intermediates for the preparation of eptifibatide, and novel compounds that are structurally similar to eptifibatide. |
US07674763B2 |
Method for manufacturing a molded detergent composition
A method for manufacturing a molded detergent composition is provided. The method includes mixing a hydrated component and a hydratable component without heating to provide a mixture, molding the mixture to provide a molded detergent composition, and solidifying the molded detergent composition as a result of movement of the water of hydration from the hydrated component to the hydratable component to provide the molded detergent composition as a solid under conditions of room temperature and atmospheric pressure. The hydratable component includes water, if present at all, at a level of less than about 2 wt. % based on the weight of the hydratable component. The hydratable component is a component which successfully competes with the hydrated component for at least a portion of the water of hydration. Solidification of the mixture takes between about 1 minute and about 15 minutes. |
US07674761B2 |
Water soluble sachet with a dishwashing enhancing particle
This invention is directed to a water soluble sachet comprising a detergent composition having a discrete particle that enhances cleaning in a dishwashing machine. The water soluble sachet unexpectedly results in excellent cleaning properties and minimizes spot and film formation on items being cleaned in a dishwasher. |
US07674759B2 |
Stable liquid cleansing compositions containing high level of fatty acid isethionate surfactant products having more than 10 wt. % of fatty acid/fatty soap content
The invention provides liquid cleanser compositions which contains fatty acyl isethionate surfactant products having at least 10 wt % free fatty acid and/or fatty acid salt used as the primary surfactant at a level at least 60 wt % of total fatty acyl isethionate and synthetic cosurfactants in the liquid composition. The key is to insure a specific combination of surfactant crystal modifiers so that the fatty acyl isethionate-containing liquid composition will be stable at low and high temperatures. |
US07674753B2 |
Treatment fluids and methods of forming degradable filter cakes comprising aliphatic polyester and their use in subterranean formations
Presented herein are improved bridging agents comprising a degradable material, improved subterranean treatment fluids comprising such improved bridging agents, and methods of using such improved subterranean treatment fluids in subterranean formations. An example of a method presented is a method of drilling a well bore in a subterranean formation. Another example of a method presented is a method of forming a self-degrading filter cake in a subterranean formation. Another example of a method presented is a method of degrading a filter cake in a subterranean formation. An example of a composition of the present invention is a treatment fluid including a viscosifier, a fluid loss control additive, and a bridging agent comprising a degradable material. Another example of a composition presented is a bridging agent comprising a degradable material. |
US07674751B2 |
Fabrication of sealed high temperature superconductor wires
A method of making a laminated superconductor wire includes providing an assembly, where the assembly includes a substrate; a superconductor layer overlaying a surface of the substrate, the superconductor layer having a defined pattern; and a cap layer; and slitting the assembly in accordance with the defined pattern of the superconductor layer to form a sealed wire. Slitting the assembly in accordance with the defined pattern may form multiple sealed wires, and the substrate may be substantially wider than the sealed wires. |
US07674750B2 |
Synergistically acting herbicidal mixtures
A synergistic herbicidal mixture comprising A) picolinafen; or one of its environmentally compatible salts; and B) a synergistically effective amount of at least a triazolopyrimidine herbicide selected from the triazolopyrimidine sulfonanilides and penoxsulam; or one of its environmentally compatible salts or esters; and, if desired, C) at least a safener. Compositions comprising these mixtures, processes for the preparation of these compositions and their use for controlling undesired plants. |
US07674746B2 |
Catalyst for clarifying exhaust gas and method for preparation thereof, and exhaust gas clarification catalyst device for vehicle
A purification catalyst for exhaust gas enhances the activities of the precious metals, preventing drop of activities at high temperature, and exhibiting a sufficient performance even during low temperature (below 400° C.) operation when starting a vehicle or during idling. The Pd oxide is supported on the Al oxide, and the Al oxide is LnAlO3 (Ln: rare-earth element). |
US07674744B2 |
Catalyst powder, method of producing the catalyst powder, and exhaust gas purifying catalyst
A method of producing catalyst powder of the present invention has a step of precipitating a carrier in a reversed micelle, and a step of precipitating at least one of a noble metal particle and a transition metal particle in the reversed micelle in which the carrier is precipitated. By this method, it is possible to obtain catalyst powder excellent in heat resistance and high in the catalytic activity. |
US07674743B2 |
Catalyst system for the reduction of NOx and NH3 emissions
This catalyst system simultaneously removes ammonia and enhances net NOx conversion by placing an NH3—SCR catalyst formulation downstream of a lean NOx trap. By doing so, the NH3—SCR catalyst adsorbs the ammonia from the upstream lean NOx trap generated during the rich pulses. The stored ammonia then reacts with the NOx emitted from the upstream lean NOx trap-enhancing the net NOx conversion rate significantly, while depleting the stored ammonia. By combining the lean NOx trap with the NH3—SCR catalyst, the system allows for the reduction or elimination of NH3 and NOx slip, reduction in NOx spikes and thus an improved net NOx conversion during lean and rich operation. |
US07674739B2 |
Regeneration of ionic liquid catalyst using a metal in the absence of added hydrogen
A process for regenerating a used acidic ionic liquid catalyst comprising contacting the used ionic liquid catalyst with at least one metal in a regeneration zone in the absence of added hydrogen under regeneration conditions for a time sufficient to increase the activity of the ionic liquid catalyst is described. In one embodiment, regeneration is conducted in the presence of a hydrocarbon solvent. |
US07674738B2 |
Translucent ceramic and electro-optical component
A translucent ceramic contains a main component composed of a tungsten-bronze-type compound represented by a general formula {(Sr, Ba)NbvOw} (wherein v satisfies the relationship 1.8≦v≦2.2 and w represents a positive number for maintaining electrical neutrality), wherein some Nb atoms are replaced with atoms of at least one of Zn and Mg, and the replacement ratio is 0.004 or more in terms of the molar ratio. It is preferable that at least one of Sn and Bi is added in an amount of 0.15 parts by weight or more in terms of SnO2 and Bi2O3, respectively, to 100 parts by weight of the main component, and that the molar ratio of Ba in the (Sr, Ba) site is in the range of 0.25 to 0.50. It is also preferable that the translucent ceramic contains Na in an amount of less than 25 parts by mole relative to 100 parts by mole of the sum of Sr and Ba, or La in an amount of less than 11 moles relative to 100 parts by mole of the sum of Sr and Ba. Accordingly, a translucent ceramic which is inexpensive and which is useful as an electro-optical material and an electro-optical component, such as an optical switch or an optical shutter, including the translucent ceramic can be realized. |
US07674736B2 |
Glass for dental applications
The invention relates to a glass for dental applications which can be used as a glazing material of dental restorations and resists high temperatures, and thus does not tend to flow. |
US07674734B2 |
Polypropylene nonwoven fabric and use thereof
A polypropylene based nonwoven fabric is excellent in surface appearance and stretch properties and exhibits a small residual strain and excellent adhesiveness to polyolefins. The nonwoven fabric is obtained by forming a polypropylene resin composition comprising 1 to 40 weight parts of (i) an isotactic polypropylene, and 60 to 99 weight parts of (ii) a propylene/ethylene/α-olefin copolymer obtained by copolymerizing 45 to 89 mole % of propylene, 10 to 25 mole % of ethylene and the balance of α-olefin having 4 to 20 carbon atoms (with the proviso that the copolymerized amount of the α-olefin having 4 to 20 carbon atoms does not exceed 30 mole %), characterized by a small residual strain after stretching at a stretch ratio of 150%. The nonwoven fabric can be effectively used as sanitary materials or the like by virtue of its characteristics including stretch properties. |
US07674731B2 |
Fibres made from copolymers of propylene and hexene-1
A fiber for thermal bonding comprising semicrystalline random copolymers of propylene, 1-hexene and optionally another α-olefin, the amount of 1-hexene being from 0.75 to less 1.52 mol % (i.e. 1.5 to less than 3 wt %) with respect to the total weight of the copolymer. The said copolymers possess a value of melt flow rate (MFR) ranging from 4 to 35 g/10 min and a molecular weight distribution, in terms of the ratio between weight average molecular weight and numeric average molecular weight ( Mw/ Mn), ranging from 4 to 12. |
US07674728B2 |
Deposition from liquid sources
A liquid injector is used to vaporize and inject a silicon precursor into a process chamber to form silicon-containing layers during a semiconductor fabrication process. The injector is connected to a source of silicon precursor, which preferably comprises liquid trisilane in a mixture with one or more dopant precursors. The mixture is metered as a liquid and delivered to the injector, where it is then vaporized and injected into the process chamber. |
US07674723B2 |
Plasma immersion ion implantation using an electrode with edge-effect suppression by a downwardly curving edge
In a plasma reactor, RF bias power is applied from an RF bias power generator to a disk-shaped electrode underlying and insulated from a workpiece and having a circumferential edge underlying a circumferential edge of the workpiece. The RF bias power is sufficient to produce a high RF bias voltage on the workpiece on the order of 0.5-20 kV. Non-uniformity in distribution of plasma across the workpiece is reduced by providing a curvature in a peripheral edge annulus of said electrode whereby the peripheral annulus slopes away from the workpiece support surface. The peripheral edge annulus corresponds to a small fraction of an area of said electrode. The remainder of the electrode encircled by the peripheral annulus has a flat shape. |
US07674722B2 |
Method of forming gate insulating film, semiconductor device and computer recording medium
In the present invention, when a gate insulation film in a DRAM is formed, an oxide film constituting a base of the gate insulation film is plasma-nitrided. The plasma nitridation is performed with microwave plasma generated by using a plane antenna having a large number of through holes. Nitrogen concentration in the gate insulation film formed by the plasma nitridation is 5 to 20% in atomic percentage. Even without subsequent annealing, it is possible to effectively prevent a boron penetration phenomenon in the DRAM and to reduce traps in the film causing deterioration in driving capability of the device. |
US07674721B2 |
Semiconductor device, semiconductor wafer, and methods of producing same device and wafer
A method of forming a multi-layered insulation film includes forming a first insulation layer using a first feed gas, the first insulation layer including methyl silsesquioxane (MSQ), forming a second insulation layer using a second feed gas, the second insulation layer including a polysiloxane compound having an Si—H group such that the second insulation layer is in contact with a top of the first insulation layer, and forming a third insulation layer including an inorganic material such that the third insulation layer is in contact with a top of the second insulation layer. |
US07674716B2 |
Adjuvant for chemical mechanical polishing slurry
Disclosed is an adjuvant for use in simultaneous polishing of a cationically charged material and an anionically charged material, which forms a adsorption layer on the cationically charged material in order to increase the polishing selectivity of the anionically charged material to cationically charged material, wherein the adjuvant comprises a polyelectrolyte salt containing: (a) a graft type polyelectrolyte that has a weight average molecular weight of 1,000˜20,000 and comprises a backbone and a side chain; and (b) a basic material. CMP (chemical mechanical polishing) slurry comprising the above adjuvant and abrasive particles is also disclosed. |
US07674711B2 |
Method of fabricating flash memory device by forming a drain contact plug within a contact hole below and ILD interface
The present invention relates to a method of fabricating a flash memory device. The method may include forming a first and a second interlayer insulating film on a semiconductor substrate having a cell region, etching the second and first interlayer insulating films, thus forming a contact hole through which a junction region of the cell region is exposed, forming a contact plug within the contact hole, the contact plug having a height lower than that of an interface of the first and second interlayer insulating films, and forming a spacer on sidewalls of the contact hole over the contact plug. |
US07674710B2 |
Method of integrating metal-containing films into semiconductor devices
A method for integrating a metal-containing film in a semiconductor device, for example a gate stack. In one embodiment, the method includes providing a substrate in a process chamber, depositing the tungsten-containing film on the substrate at a first substrate temperature by exposing the substrate to a deposition gas containing a tungsten carbonyl precursor, heat treating the tungsten-containing film at a second substrate temperature greater than the first substrate temperature to remove carbon monoxide gas from the tungsten-containing film, and forming a barrier layer on the heat treated tungsten-containing film. Examples of tungsten-containing films include W, WN, WSi, and WC. Additional embodiments include depositing metal-containing films containing Ni, Mo, Co, Rh, Re, Cr, or Ru from the corresponding metal carbonyl precursors. |
US07674706B2 |
System for modifying small structures using localized charge transfer mechanism to remove or deposit material
A charge transfer mechanism is used to locally deposit or remove material for a small structure. A local electrochemical cell is created without having to immerse the entire work piece in a bath. The charge transfer mechanism can be used together with a charged particle beam or laser system to modify small structures, such as integrated circuits or micro-electromechanical system. The charge transfer process can be performed in air or, in some embodiments, in a vacuum chamber. |
US07674703B1 |
Gridded contacts in semiconductor devices
Mask sets, layout design, and methods for forming contacts in devices are described. In one embodiment, a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device includes a exposing a first photo resist layer using a first light beam thereby forming first features. The first exposure is performed by the first light beam passing through a first dipole illuminator and then a first mask. A dipole axis of the first dipole illuminator is oriented in a first direction. After exposing the first photo resist layer, forming second features using a second exposure with a second light beam. The second exposure is performed by the second light beam passing through a second dipole illuminator and then a second mask. A dipole axis of the second dipole illuminator is oriented in a second direction. The first direction and the second direction are not perpendicular. The first and the second features comprise a pattern for forming contact holes. |
US07674702B1 |
Solder bump formation in electronics packaging
A polymer stencil is applied to the active surface of a wafer. The stencil has openings that at least partially overlay associated metallization pads on the wafer and divider strips positioned between adjacent openings. The divider strips are arranged to overlay portions of associated metallization pads so that at least two adjacent openings overlay portions of each metallization pad. After the stencil has been positioned, a solder paste is applied to the stencil openings. The solder paste may then be reflowed with the polymer stencil remaining in place. The solder naturally creeps under the stencil so that unitary solder bumps are formed on each metallization pad. The described methods and arrangements can be used to create low profile solder bumps that are not attainable using conventional solder bump formation techniques. |
US07674698B2 |
Metal-substituted transistor gates
One aspect of this disclosure relates to a method for forming an integrated circuit. According to various embodiments of the method, a plurality of transistors is formed. For each transistor, a gate dielectric is formed on a substrate, a substitutable structure is formed on the gate dielectric, and source/drain regions for the transistor are formed. At least two substitution processes are performed. Each substitution process includes substituting a desired gate material for the substitutable structure. Other aspects and embodiments are provided herein. |
US07674697B2 |
MOSFET with multiple fully silicided gate and method for making the same
A process is described for forming a fully multiple silicided gate for complementary MOSFET (CMOS) devices. A silicidation process is performed on a gate structure, which includes a gate material overlying a gate dielectric disposed on a substrate. A layer of insulating material is formed which covers the gate structure; the thickness of this layer is less at sidewalls of the gate structure than on a top surface of the gate structure. A portion of the layer of insulating material is then removed, so that the sidewalls of the gate structure are exposed. A layer of metal is formed which covers the gate structure so that the metal is in contact with the sidewalls of the gate structure. The silicidation process is then performed, in which a metal silicide is formed from the gate material and the metal; the gate material is thereby fully silicided. |
US07674685B2 |
Semiconductor device isolation structures and methods of fabricating such structures
Disclosed are methods for fabricating semiconductor devices incorporating a composite trench isolation structure comprising a first oxide pattern, a SOG pattern and a second oxide pattern wherein the oxide patterns enclose the SOG pattern. The methods include the deposition of a first oxide layer and a SOG layer to fill recessed trench regions formed in the substrate. The first oxide layer and the SOG layer are then subjected to a planarization sequence including a CMP process followed by an etchback process to form a composite structure having a substantially flat upper surface that exposes both the oxide and the SOG material. The second oxide layer is then applied and subjected to a similar CMP/etchback sequence to obtain a composite structure having an upper surface that is recessed relative to a plane defined by the surfaces of adjacent active regions. |
US07674684B2 |
Deposition methods for releasing stress buildup
A deposition method for releasing a stress buildup of a feature over a semiconductor substrate with dielectric material is provided. The feature includes lines separated by a gap. The method includes forming a liner layer over the feature on the semiconductor substrate in a chamber. A stress of the liner layer over the feature is released to substantially reduce bending of the lines of the feature. A dielectric film is deposited over the stress-released liner layer to substantially fill the gap of the feature. |
US07674682B2 |
Capacitor integration at top-metal level with a protective cladding for copper surface protection
An on-chip decoupling capacitor (106) and method of fabrication. The decoupling capacitor (106) is integrated at the top metal interconnect level (104) and includes surface protection cladding (109) for the copper metal (104b) of the top metal interconnect. |
US07674681B2 |
Semiconductor device and method for manufacturing the same
Disclosed are a semiconductor device and a method for manufacturing the same. The semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate including first and second well areas doped with second conductive ions, a third well area in the first well and doped with the second conductive ions, a base area in the third well and doped with first conductive ions, an emitter area in the third well and doped with the second conductive ions, an emitter electrode on the emitter area, a first contact plug in contact with the emitter electrode, a second contact plug in contact with the base area, a collector area in the second well and doped with the second conductive ions, and a third contact plug in contact with the collector area. |
US07674680B2 |
Transistor having high dielectric constant gate insulating layer and source and drain forming Schottky contact with substrate
The invention is directed to a device for regulating the flow of electric current with high dielectric constant gate insulating layer and a source and/or drain forming a Schottky contact or Schottky-like region with a substrate and its fabrication method. In one aspect, the gate insulating layer has a dielectric constant greater than the dielectric constant of silicon. In another aspect, the current regulating device may be a MOSFET device, optionally a planar P-type or N-type MOSFET, having any orientation. In another aspect, the source and/or drain may consist partially or fully of a silicide. |
US07674676B2 |
Semiconductor device manufacturing method for forming diffused layers by impurity implantation using gate wiring layer mask
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device with diffused layers by impurity implantation includes forming a first mask including an opening, implanting a channel impurity for threshold voltage control using the first mask, forming a first diffused layer using the first mask by implanting a first impurity, forming a first gate wiring layer and a second gate wiring layer after removing the first mask, and forming a second diffused layer and a third diffused layer using the first gate wiring layer and the second gate wiring layer as a second mask by implanting a second impurity. |
US07674671B2 |
Aerodynamic jetting of aerosolized fluids for fabrication of passive structures
Method and apparatus for direct writing of passive structures having a tolerance of 5% or less in one or more physical, electrical, chemical, or optical properties. The present apparatus is capable of extended deposition times. The apparatus may be configured for unassisted operation and uses sensors and feedback loops to detect physical characteristics of the system to identify and maintain optimum process parameters. |
US07674665B2 |
Method of fabricating Schottky barrier transistor
Provided is a method of fabricating a Schottky barrier transistor. The method includes (a) forming a pair of cavities for forming a source forming portion and a drain forming portion having a predetermined depth and parallel to each other and a channel forming portion having a fin shape between the cavities in a substrate; (b) filling the pair of cavities with a metal; (c) forming a channel, a source, and a drain by patterning the channel forming portion, the source forming portion, and the drain forming portion in a direction perpendicular to a lengthwise direction of the channel forming portion; (d) sequentially forming a gate oxide layer and a gate metal layer that cover the channel, the source, and the drain on the substrate; and (e) forming a gate electrode corresponding to the channel by patterning the gate metal layer, wherein one of the operations (b) through (e) further comprises forming a Schottky barrier by annealing the substrate. |
US07674658B2 |
Semiconductor device and manufacturing method thereof
A semiconductor device and a manufacturing method thereof are provided. The manufacturing method can form a structure of a thin film transistor (TFT) having a symmetric lightly doped region, and thus provide superior operation reliability and electrical performance. In addition, the manufacturing method forms gate patterns of different TFTs by the same mask process and thereby avoids the misalignment of masks so as to improve the processing yield and reduce the manufacturing cost. |
US07674653B2 |
Die offset die to bonding
A semiconductor die is provided on a spacer, the die having first and second opposite edges which extend beyond respective first and second opposite edges of the spacer, the first edge of the die extending beyond the first edge of the spacer to a lesser extent than the second edge of the die extends beyond the second edge of the spacer. Furthermore, a first semiconductor die has a plurality of bond pads thereon, a second semiconductor die has a plurality of bond pads thereon, and a substrate has a plurality of bond pads thereon. Each of a first plurality of wires connects a bond pad on the first semiconductor die with a bond pad on the second semiconductor die, and each of a second plurality of wires connects a bond pad on the second semiconductor die with a bond pad on the substrate. |
US07674652B2 |
Methods of forming an integrated circuit package
A technique for making an integrated circuit package. Specifically, a stacked memory device is provided with minimal interconnects. Memory die are stacked on top of each other and electrically coupled to a substrate. Thru vias are provided in the substrate and/or memory die to facilitate the electrical connects without necessitating a complex interconnect technology between each of the interfaces. Wire bonds are used to complete the circuit package. |
US07674647B2 |
Method for manufacturing photoelectric conversion device
A method for manufacturing a photoelectric conversion device typified by a solar cell, having an excellent photoelectric conversion characteristic with a silicon semiconductor material effectively utilized. The point is that the surface of a single crystal semiconductor layer bonded to a supporting substrate is irradiated with a pulsed laser beam to become rough. The single crystal semiconductor layer is irradiated with the pulsed laser beam in an atmosphere containing an inert gas and oxygen so that the surface thereof is made rough. With the roughness of surface of the single crystal semiconductor layer, light reflection is suppressed so that incident light can be trapped. Accordingly, even when the thickness of the single crystal semiconductor layer is equal to or greater than 0.1 μm and equal to or less than 10 μm, path length of incident light is substantially increased so that the amount of light absorption can be increased. |
US07674638B2 |
Sensor device and production method therefor
A compact sensor device having stable sensor characteristics and the production method are provided. The sensor device is formed with a sensor substrate and a pair of package substrates bonded to both surface of the sensor substrate. The sensor substrate has a frame with an opening, a movable portion held in the opening to be movable relative to the frame, and a detecting portion for outputting an electric signal according to a positional displacement of the movable portion. Surface-activated regions are formed on the frame of the sensor substrate and the package substrates by use of an atomic beam, an ion beam or a plasma of an inert gas. By forming a direct bonding between the surface-activated regions of the sensor substrate and each of the package substrates at room temperature, it is possible to avoid inconvenience resulting from residual stress at the bonding portion. |
US07674637B2 |
Monitoring cool-down stress in a flip chip process using monitor solder bump structures
A semiconductor chip and methods for forming the same. The semiconductor chip includes M regular solder bump structures and N monitor solder bump structures, M and N being positive integers. If a flip chip process is performed for the semiconductor chip, then the N monitor solder bump structures are more sensitive to a cool-down stress than the M regular solder bump structures. The cool-down stress results from a cool-down step of the flip chip process. Each of the M regular solder bump structures is electrically connected to either a power supply or a device of the semiconductor chip. Each of the N monitor solder bump structures is not electrically connected to a power supply or a device of the semiconductor chip. |
US07674636B2 |
Dynamic temperature backside gas control for improved within-substrate process uniformity
A method and apparatus are provided to control the radial or non-radial temperature distribution across a substrate during processing to compensate for non-uniform effects, including radial and angular non-uniformities arising from system variations, or process variations, or both. The temperature is controlled, preferably dynamically, by flowing backside gas differently across different areas on a wafer supporting chuck to vary heat conduction across the wafer. Backside gas flow, of helium, for example, is dynamically varied across the chuck to control the uniformity of processing of the wafer. Ports in the support are grouped, and gas to or from the groups is separately controlled by different valves responsive to a controller that controls gas pressure in each of the areas to spatially and preferably dynamically control wafer temperature to compensate for system and process non-uniformities. |
US07674634B2 |
Method of producing semiconductor device
A semiconductor device incorporating a capacitor structure that includes a ferroelectric thin film is obtained by forming, on a single crystalline substrate 10 having a surface suited for growing thereon a thin film layer of ferroelectric single crystal having a plane (111), a ferroelectric single crystalline thin film 12′ containing Pb and having a plane (111) 11 in parallel with the surface of the substrate (or a ferroelectric polycrystalline thin film containing Pb and oriented parallel with the plane (111) in parallel with the surface of the substrate) and part 16 of a circuit of a semiconductor device, to thereby fabricate the single crystalline substrate 10 having said ferroelectric thin film containing Pb and said part of the circuit of the semiconductor device; and bonding said single crystalline substrate 10 to another substrate on which the other circuit of the semiconductor device has been formed in advance, to couple the two circuits together.The capacitor in the semiconductor device thus obtained includes a ferroelectric thin film having a large amount of polarizing charge. The semiconductor device can be used as a highly reliable nonvolatile memory. |
US07674631B2 |
Method and device for solid phase microextraction and desorption
A device for carrying out solid phase microextraction on-site is a tubular member having one closed end and one open end with an extracting surface within said tubular member. The extracting surface can be an extracting phase coating extending over a zone within the tubular member. The tubular member is mounted in a housing with an airtight cavity. A method of operation of the device is also provided. The solid phase microextraction device facilitates the ultimate goal of chemist to perform analysis on-site at place where a sample is located rather than moving the sample to laboratory, as it is a common practice in many cases at present. This approach eliminates errors and reduces the time associated with sample transport and storage and, therefore, it results in more accurate, precise and faster analytical data. |
US07674630B2 |
Method and device for separating particles
The invention relates to a method and a device for separating particles using ultrasonic standing waves which are switched between two different frequencies. A second order harmonic standing wave is used together with the fundamental standing wave. If the particles are exposed to the fundamental standing wave, the forces act to collect particles at the center. If the particles are exposed to the second order harmonic standing wave, the forces act to collect particles at the two pressure nodes at the sides. By switching the frequency between the second order harmonic standing wave and the fundamental standing wave, particles with different properties will be exposed to different accelerations and are separated into two streams. |
US07674628B2 |
Remote identification of explosives and other harmful materials
Embodiments of the present invention are generally directed to the remote detection of explosives and other harmful materials. In some such embodiments, such remote detection involves the use of semiconducting nanoparticles. In some or other such embodiments, such remote detection involves the use of photoacoustic detection and/or spectroscopy. In some such latter embodiments, the photoacoustic system comprises a light source 201 that passes through a chopper 202 and into a photoacoustic cell 203 comprising the analyte gas. Pressure waves within the cell are detected as sound waves by microphones 204. The signal produced by the microphones can then be amplified and transmitted to a remote location, typically via a wireless means. |
US07674624B2 |
Method for real-time determination of volume fractions of a production fluid in a hydrocarbon reservoir
A preferred method for determining the flow fraction of a mixture of water, gas and oil in a hydrocarbon reservoir includes measuring pressure and density of the mixture over time, determining a function which approximates a relationship between the density and pressure measurements, calculating a derivative of the function over time, and determining flow fraction based, in part, on the derivative. Preferably, transient data points are eliminated and the remaining set of data points are weight averaged to improve signal to noise ratio. Bubble point pressure, bubble point density and molecular weight and density of the liquid portion of the mixture are also used in the determination. |
US07674623B2 |
Method of stabilizing human natriuretic peptides
The present invention relates to methods for making stable test samples that can be used in ligand-binding assays for measuring natriuretic peptides. |
US07674614B2 |
Method of optically resolving racemic alcohols with a bicyclooxaoctane or a bicycooxaoctene resolving reagents
An optical resolving reagent comprising at least one of compounds represented by the following formulae (1) and (2) (1) (2) (wherein R1 to R8 each represents hydrogen or C1-20 alkyl; R9 represents optionally substituted C1-20 alkyl, optionally substituted C1-20 alkenyl, formyl, or acyl; and R10 represents C1-6 alkyl; provided that the molecule represented by the formula (1) is of the cis configuration with respect to R9 and OR10); and a method of optically resolving with the optical resolving reagent an alcohol having an asymmetric carbon atom in the molecule and represented by the formula (3): (R11)(R12)(R13)COH (wherein R11, R12, and R13 each represents hydrogen or optionally substituted C1-20 alkyl, provided that at least one of R11, R12, and R13 is not hydrogen). The method of optical resolution is highly suitable for general purposes. By the method, a mixture of optical isomers of any of various alcohols can be optically resolved easily and industrially advantageously. |
US07674613B2 |
Live bacterium preparation containing lactic acid bacterium as active ingredient and food containing lactic acid bacterium
Disclosed is a live bacterium preparation or food containing a lactic acid bacterium comprising a lactic acid bacterium, Lactobacillus salivarius, as an active ingredient. There is provided a live bacterium preparation and food containing a lactic acid bacterium that can prevent onset, recurrence and exacerbation of periodontal disease and/or dental caries caused by periodontopathic bacteria and cariogenic bacteria and can prevent generation of halitosis and maintain pH of saliva at a physiologically normal level by normalizing intraoral microflora. |
US07674610B2 |
Method and device for probing changes in a membrane by applying an in-plane electric field
The present invention is directed to disposing a membrane, for example, a biological cell membrane including amphiphilic lipids and proteins, or a liquid crystal membrane, between two electrical conductive walls having a height that is at least as great as the thickness of the membrane and, in particular, approximates the membrane thickness or height. The conductive walls are disposed on an electrically insulative base and can be approximately parallel to each other and perpendicular to the base. Two electrically conductive pads extending from each of the conductive walls are fabricated on the base. An electric field is propagated between the conductive walls along the plane of the membrane. An optional third electrode can be fabricated in between the planes of the conductive walls. This third electrode does not extend above the plane of the base and is electrically isolated from the two conducting walls. This invention relates to probing structural changes of the membrane by applying an in-plane electric field, using electric current measurements, impedance gain phase analysis, raster scanning by atomic force microscopy, and observation with confocal, fluorescence or other microscopy, but not limited to these tools. |
US07674609B2 |
Culture of Crypthecodinium cohnii and microorganisms derived therefrom
Crypthecodinium cohnii, or microorganisms derived from Crypthecodinium cohnii, are grown in a culture medium including propionic acid. The propionic acid increases the production of one or more of dry cell weight, total lipid and docosahexaenoic acid. |
US07674605B2 |
Antibodies recognizing a carbohydrate containing epitope on CD-43 and CEA expressed on cancer cells and methods using same
The present invention provides novel antibodies specifically bind to an epitope on CD43 and CEA expressed on nonhematopoietic cancer cells, but do not specifically bind to a CD43 expressed by a leukocyte or by a Jurkat cell, and is capable of inducing apoptosis of the nonhematopoietic cancer cell after binding to the epitope on cell surface of the nonhematopoietic cancer cell in the absence of cytotoxin conjugation and immune effector function, wherein the epitope comprises a carbohydrate structure and the binding of the antibody to the epitope is inhibited by a carbohydrate comprising a Lea structure, a Lea-lactose structure, a LNDFH II structure, or a LNT structure. In addition, the present invention also provides use of the antibodies described herein for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. |
US07674601B2 |
Fluorescence polarization assays for determining clostridial toxin activity
The present invention provides a method of determining the presence or activity of a clostridial toxin by (a) treating with a sample, under conditions suitable for clostridial toxin protease activity, a clostridial toxin substrate which includes a fluorophore; a bulking group; and a clostridial toxin recognition sequence containing a cleavage site that intervenes between the fluorophore and the bulking group; (b) exciting the fluorophore with plane polarized light; and (c) determining fluorescence polarization of the treated substrate relative to a control substrate, where a change in fluorescence polarization of the treated substrate as compared to fluorescence polarization of the control substrate is indicative of the presence or activity of the clostridial toxin. |
US07674595B1 |
Solid state NMR method for screening cell membrane protein binding drug candidates
Disclosed is a method for detection of ligand-cell membrane protein binding by solid state NMR spectroscopy. The method starts by forming a lipid bilayer inside nanopores of an anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) substrate, the lipid bilayer containing a membrane protein sample. The AAO substrate is treated with multiple candidate ligands having potential binding affinity for the membrane protein. Solid-state NMR analysis is performed on the treated AAO/lipid preparation so as to generate an NMR spectrum for the treated membrane protein. The solid-state NMR spectrum of the treated membrane protein is compared with the spectrum of the same preparation of membrane protein in the absence of the ligands. It is then determined whether the solid-state NMR spectrum of the treated membrane protein has shifted from the NMR spectrum of the untreated membrane protein, a shift being indicative of protein binding by the candidate ligand. |
US07674592B2 |
Methods for testing for the development of Huntington's disease
This invention relates to Huntington's disease and more specifically to methods for testing and inhibiting the development of Huntington's disease. |
US07674591B2 |
Methods of using antibodies to human IL-13bc for inhibiting IL-13 binding
Polynucleotides encoding the IL-13 receptor and fragments thereof are disclosed. IL-13 receptor proteins, methods for their production, inhibitors of binding of IL-13 and its receptor and methods for their identification are also disclosed. |
US07674586B2 |
Methods of identifying modulators of L-glutamate-gated chloride channel proteins from Rhipicephalus sanguineus
The present invention relates in part to isolated nucleic acid molecules (polynucleotides) which encode Rhipicephalus sanguineus glutamate gated chloride channels. The present invention also relates to recombinant vectors and recombinant hosts which contain a DNA fragment encoding R. sanguineus glutamate gated chloride channels, substantially purified forms of associated R. sanguineus glutamate gated chloride channels and recombinant membrane fractions comprising these proteins, associated mutant proteins, and methods associated with identifying compounds which modulate associated Rhipicephalus sanguineus glutamate gated chloride channels, which will be useful as insecticides. |
US07674581B1 |
Autonomous genosensor apparatus
An autonomous genosensor apparatus and methods for use are provided for the field detection and analysis of ambient chemical, biochemical, biologic, biogenetic, and radiologic materials under field conditions in fluid or gaseous environments, such as marine or aquatic environments or industrial processes. Autonomous genosensors provide integral, self contained units which automatically extract environmental samples, prepare those samples for analytical studies, analyze those samples using studies such as DNA or biomarker analysis, and store or transmit the data produced to a remote computer or computer network. Autonomous genosensors may be used as freestanding units, or may be networked and controlled through a remote computer network. |
US07674580B2 |
Compositions and methods for the modulation of sphingolipid metabolism and/or signaling
Compositions, methods and kits for diagnosing and treating cancer and muscular disorders are provided. Therapeutic compositions may comprise agents that modulate sphingolipid metabolism and/or signaling pathways. Such compositions may be administered to a mammal afflicted with cancer. Diagnostic methods and kits may employ an agent suitable for detecting alterations in endogenous genes involved in sphingolipid metabolism. Such methods and kits may be used to detect the presence of a cancer or to evaluate the prognosis of a known disease. SPL polypeptides, polynucleotides and antibodies are also provided. |
US07674576B2 |
Semen extender composition and methods for manufacturing and using
A semen extender composition is provided. The semen extender composition includes a sperm cell protecting amount of phospholipid, an effective amount of surfactant to reduce ice crystal formation during freezing of the composition; a carbohydrate, and a biological buffer to provide a semen extender use solution having a pH of between about 6.9 and about 7.5, and wherein the use solution exhibits an osmolality of about 250 mOsM to about 350 mOsM. Methods for manufacturing and using a semen extender composition are provided. |
US07674570B2 |
Mask pattern inspection method, exposure condition verification method, and manufacturing method of semiconductor device
A mask pattern inspection method includes: transferring a mask pattern onto a conductor substrate or a semiconductor substrate; preparing a sample including a substrate surface pattern in an electrically conductive state to the substrate, the substrate surface pattern being constituted of a convex pattern or a concave pattern each having a shape in accordance with the transferred mask pattern, or a surface layer obtained by filling the concave pattern with a material; irradiating the sample with an electron beam to detect at least one of a secondary electron, a reflected electron and a backscattered electron generated from the surface of the sample, thereby acquiring an image of the sample surface; and inspecting the mask pattern on the basis of the image. |
US07674559B2 |
Lithium secondary battery including a separator
A lithium secondary battery includes an electrode assembly having two electrodes and a separator interposed between the two electrodes, and a case for storing the electrode assembly, wherein the separator is formed by using a binder and a filler including a solid electrolyte having lithium ion conductivity. The lithium secondary battery has a separator and an electrolyte capable of increasing internal ion-conductivity. Also, a lithium secondary battery has a separator capable of safely preventing a short circuit between the electrodes in a possibly high temperature. |
US07674553B2 |
Positive active material for lithium secondary battery and method of preparing same
Disclosed in a positive active material for a lithium secondary battery including a compound represented by formula 1 and having a 10% to 70% ratio of diffracted intensity of diffraction lines in 2θ=53° (104 plane) with respect to diffracted intensity of diffraction lines in the vicinity of 2θ=22° (003 plane) in X-ray diffraction patterns using a CoKα-ray, LixCoO2-yAy (1) wherein, x is from 0.90 to 1.04, y is from 0 to 0.5, and A is selected from the group consisting of F, S and P. |
US07674551B2 |
State of charge indicator for a battery
A state of charge indicator for a battery having a liquid electrolyte includes a viewing rod having an observation surface at a first end, a conical reflection surface at a second end, and a generally cylindrical outer surface intermediate the first end and the second end. The viewing rod includes a central longitudinal axis. The state of charge indicator also includes a ball cage coupled to the second end of the viewing rod through which the electrolyte can flow and at least one ball guide channel provided in the ball cage and arranged obliquely with respect to the central longitudinal axis. The ball guide channel includes an upper boundary surface adjacent the conical reflection surface. The upper boundary surface is smoothly connected to the conical reflection surface. |
US07674547B2 |
Fuel cell housing structure
In a fuel cell housing structure, an electrically insulated housing contains a fuel cell, and is arranged to provide a space within the housing surrounding the fuel cell. A vent gas intake port and a vent gas exhaust port are provided in the housing. At least one of the vent gas intake port or vent gas exhaust port connects to the space at a position either above or on the same level as the fuel cell. A blocking member, which is also electrically insulated from the fuel cell, blocks water, entering the housing from at least one of the ports, from contact with the fuel cell. |
US07674543B2 |
Solid oxide fuel cell of multiple tubular electrodes
The present invention relates to a solid oxide fuel cell, which comprises: a plurality of tubular electrodes, reacting gases supplying means, and a preheat piping. The tubular electrodes are concentrically arranged while enabling the polarity of a surface of any one of the plural electrodes is the same as that of the corresponding surface of a neighbor electrode faced thereto; wherein each tubular electrode further comprises an anode layer, a cathode layer, and a solid electrolyte layer sandwiched between the anode layer and the cathode layer. The supplying reacting gases means is capable of supplying fuel and gas respectively to the anode and cathode of the tubular electrodes. The preheat piping, connected to the supplying reacting gases means, collects the heat generated from the combustion reaction of residual fuel and gas, which can be utilized to preheat the gases supplying reacting means. |
US07674540B2 |
Fuel cartridges for fuel cells and methods for making same
Fuel supplies for fuel cells are disclosed. The fuel supplies can be a pressurized or non-pressurized cartridge that can be used with any fuel cells, including but not limited to, direct methanol fuel cell or reformer fuel cell. In one aspect, a fuel supply may contain a reaction chamber to convert fuel to hydrogen. The fuel supplies may also contain a pump. The fuel supply may have a valve connecting the fuel to the fuel cell, and a vent to vent gas from the fuel supply. Methods for forming various fuel supplies are also disclosed. |
US07674538B2 |
Apparatus and method for high efficiency operation of a high temperature fuel cell system
Apparatus and method for operating a fuel cell system including a hydrocarbon catalytic reformer and close-coupled fuel cell stack by recycling anode syngas into the reformer in a range between 60% and 95% of the total syngas. At equilibrium conditions, oxygen required for reforming of hydrocarbon fuel is derived from endothermically reformed water and carbon dioxide in the syngas. Reforming temperature is between about 650° C. to 750° C. The stack exit temperature is about 800° C. to 880° C. such that the required endotherm can be provided by the sensible heat of the recycled syngas. The stack has approximately equal anode and cathode gas flows in opposite directions, resulting in cooling from both the anodes and cathodes. |
US07674537B2 |
Direct methanol type fuel cell and method of preventing elution of its fuel pole, quality control method and operation method
Elution of a fuel electrode material into a fuel in a direct methanol fuel cell is monitored. The elution arises resulting from elution of a perfluorosulfonic acid polymer in the fuel electrode into the fuel in a high-concentration fuel equal to or more than 2 M or at an operating temperature equal to or more than 80° C. The electrode catalyst elutes into the fuel and the characteristic degrades. Operating conditions of the fuel cell, i.e., the fuel concentration and the operating temperature are limited to be less than 2 M and 80° C. or less, respectively. In addition, the elution characteristic is evaluated at the time of manufacture of the fuel cell and quality control is conducted. Further, existence of the elution is detected by a color of the fuel etc., and when the elution is detected, the upper limits of the operating temperature and the fuel concentration are decreased, so that further elution is prevented. |
US07674534B2 |
Electromagnetic wave shielding filter, method of manufacturing the same, PDP apparatus including the same filter
An electromagnetic wave shielding filter that has low electric conductivity, high visible light transmittance and good durability, a method of manufacturing the electromagnetic wave shielding filter, and a PDP apparatus including the electromagnetic wave shielding filter. The electromagnetic wave shielding filter includes a laminate structure including multiple stacks each consisting of a niobium oxide layer, a first protective layer having a ZnO as a main component, and a metal layer sequentially laminated in that order, the multiple stacks formed by repeatedly laminating the respective layers at least three times, and a niobium oxide layer formed on the laminate structure. |
US07674533B2 |
Dibenzoanthracene derivatives, organic electroluminescent devices, and display apparatus
Dibenzoanthracene derivatives are each substituted by an amino compound group at least one of 9-position and 14-position of a dibenzo[a,c]anthracene skeleton and represented by the following formula (1) or (2): wherein X1, X2 and X each independently represents a substituted or unsubstituted arylene or divalent heterocyclic group; A, B, C and D each independently represents a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, aryl heterocyclic group, and between the adjacent groups, may be fused together to form rings; and Y1 to Y12 and R1 each independently represents a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, an alkoxy group, or a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, aryl or heterocyclic group, and, when Y1 to Y12 and R1 are other than a hydrogen atom or a halogen atom, Y1 to Y12 and R1 may be fused together between the adjacent groups to form rings. |
US07674529B2 |
Functional group-introduced polyamide solid phase
A functional group-introduced polyamide solid phase comprising: a polyamide solid phase having an amido group; and an isocyanate compound having an isocyanate group and a functional group, wherein the functional group of the isocyanate compound is introduced onto a surface of the polyamide solid phase by reacting the amido group of the polyamide solid phase with the isocyanate group of the isocyanate compound. |
US07674528B1 |
Paint for silver film protection
A paint and method are divulged for protecting the silver film of mirrors. The paint in its preferred embodiment includes a metal carboxylate which will contribute metal ions, namely stannous octoate for the contribution of stannous(II) ions in an amount of 0.5% or greater by weight. Alternate methods of the invention utilize an additional coating over the paint, such as an acrylic, epoxy or blend thereof which is UV curable. In another form of the paint, copper octoate is utilized in a minimum amount of 0.5% by weight for contribution of copper(II) ions. |
US07674524B2 |
Thermoadhesive conjugate fiber and manufacturing method of the same
A major object of the invention is to provide a thermoadhesive conjugate fiber with low heat shrinkability and high adhesion having low orientation and high elongation and having extremely satisfactory card-passing properties. The object of the invention can be achieved by a thermoadhesive conjugate fiber made of a fiber forming resin component and a crystalline thermoplastic resin having a melting point of at least 20° C. lower than that of the fiber forming resin component and having a breaking elongation of from 60 to 600%, a dry heat shrinkage percentage at 120° C. of from −10.0 to 5.0%, and more preferably a percentage of crimp/number of crimps of 0.8 or more; and a manufacturing method of a thermoadhesive conjugate fiber, which includes drawing an undrawn yarn of a conjugate fiber taken up at a spinning rate of from 150 to 1,800 m/min in a low draw ratio of from 0.5 to 1.3 times at a temperature higher than both a glass transition temperature of a major crystalline thermoplastic resin of the thermo-adhesive resin component and a glass transition temperature of the fiber forming resin component and simultaneously subjecting to a fixed-length heat treatment and subsequently subjecting to a heat treatment under no tension at a temperature of at least 5° C. higher than the temperature of the fixed-length heat treatment. |
US07674522B2 |
Wood fiber insulating material board or mat
The invention relates to wood fiber insulating material boards and mats, in which the wood fibers and the binder fibers are aligned three-dimensionally. The fleece of wood fibers and binder fibers can alternatively have synthetic resin granules scattered on it. Likewise, a woven fabric or a film can be applied to one or both sides. The product obtained in this way is heated in a heating/cooling oven, calibrated and/or compacted to the desired final thickness. |
US07674516B2 |
Geotechnical articles
A multiphase polymeric material comprises a first rigid continuous phase and a second elastic phase dispersed in the first phase. The multiphase polymeric material may be formed into polymeric strips and used to make a cellular confinement system which is suitable for use in cold areas. |
US07674514B2 |
Multiple layered membrane with thin fluorine containing polymer layer
A multi-layer membrane includes a fluorine containing layer and a substrate which are joined through spray coating and heat treatment in a multi-step technique. |
US07674511B2 |
Closed reinforcement fiber package, as well as chain packing consisting of such closed packages
Closed reinforcement fiber package includes a material disintegratable in concrete, such as fiber concrete. Reinforcing fibers are present in a loose form in the package. The reinforcing fibers may be provided in a substantially mutually parallel position in the package. The reinforcement fiber package may be provided in a chain packing or package including a number of such closed reinforcement fiber packages. The reinforcing fibers may be made of steel. |
US07674509B2 |
Tape-type magnet
A tape-type magnet including a soft magnetic substrate which is a thin strip or tape with magnetic attraction. A first adhesive layer is uniformly laid on one face of the magnetic substrate. A releasable facial layer is bonded with the other face of the magnetic substrate via a second adhesive layer. The adhesion provided by the second adhesive layer is greater than an adhesion provided by the first adhesive layer, whereby the releasable facial layer is releasable from the first adhesive layer. The magnetic substrate is wound into a roll with the second adhesive layer serving as an outer face and the first adhesive serving as an outer face and the first adhesive layer serving as an inner face. An outermost end of the magnetic substrate can be easily unwound and tore off into a segment. |
US07674507B2 |
Pyran-dioxane derivatives, and the use thereof in liquid-crystalline media
The invention relates to pyran-dioxane derivatives and to the use thereof as component(s) in liquid-crystalline media. In addition, the present invention relates to liquid-crystal and electro-optical display elements which contain the liquid-crystalline media according to the invention. |
US07674504B2 |
Article with lubricated surface and method
A method for preparing one or more lubricated surfaces of an article to reduce the break-out force and sliding frictional force. A lubricant is applied to one or more surfaces, and the lubricant-coated surface is treated by exposing the surface to an energy source, wherein the energy source is an ionizing gas plasma at about atmospheric pressure, gamma radiation, or electron beam radiation. One or more of the surfaces may be exposed to the ionizing gas plasma at about atmospheric pressure prior to application of the lubricant. Another aspect of the invention is articles produced using one or more methods of the invention. |
US07674503B2 |
Oxime derivative, photopolymerizable composition, color filter, and process for producing the same
There are provided a compound represented by the following formula (I), a photopolymerizable composition containing (A) a photopolymerization initiator represented by the formula (I) and (B) a radical polymerizable monomer, a color filter produced by using the photopolymerizable composition, and a process for producing the color filter: |
US07674502B2 |
UV-radiation-curable precious-metal preparation, transfer pictures containing said preparation, and process for decoration
The invention relates to a radiation-curable precious-metal preparation, in particular a bright-gold preparation, that contains—in addition to a gold compound, which in particular is soluble in the printing medium, and further customary organometallic compounds—a radiation-curable, in particular UV-curable, printing medium, the polymerisation being initiated by the UV radiation and proceeding in accordance with a cationic mechanism which may optionally be assisted by y process that takes place simultaneously in accordance with a radical mechanism. The invention also relates to a transfer picture containing the precious-metal preparation, and to a process for decorating substrates that are suitable for decoration firing by direct application/printing and indirect printing (decalcomania). |
US07674499B2 |
Durable coating compositions containing novel aspartic amine compounds
A coating composition comprising a binder of a. polyisocyanate crosslinking agent; b. an isocyanate-reactive component having at least one compound having the following formula: wherein X, R1, R2, p, m and n are described in the specification, or isomer or mixture of isomers thereof, two component compositions, articles coated with the novel composition and novel hydroxy amines are also part of the invention. |
US07674496B2 |
Method for making granules
The invention concerns a method for making granules which comprises coating, in a rotary drum, a core with at least a coating layer comprising at least of a solution and then drying the coated core, after each new coating. Drying is carried out in the rotary drum and comprises the following phases: mild drying by spraying a lukewarm gas stream corresponding to a temperature between 25° C. and 35° C.; strong drying by spraying a hot gas stream corresponding to a temperature between 40° C. and 50° C.; final drying by spraying a lukewarm gas stream corresponding to a temperature between 25° C. and 35° C. The invention is applicable in particular to granules for aromatic, cosmetic, food or dietetic use. |
US07674494B2 |
Printing device and method of manufacturing a light emitting device
A first pressure generating chamber, which is sealed by a first elastic plate mounted with a first piezoelectric element at one surface, and a second pressure generating chamber, which is sealed by a second elastic plate mounted with a second piezoelectric element at one surface are formed in a casing. The second pressure generating chamber is formed with an opening which is a discharge port. A mixture is discharged from the discharge port. A nozzle formed with an opening jets gas toward a substrate surface, and is provided in the vicinity of the discharge port of the ink head. |
US07674493B2 |
Method of making a variable surface area stent
A stent of variable surface area as determined by stent struts. The stent can have a variable surface area per unit length which accommodates a therapeutic agent. A patterned distribution of therapeutic agent can be provided throughout the stent. The stent can have an increased level of therapeutic agent near an end of the stent. A decreased level of therapeutic agent can be provided near an end of one embodiment of a stent. Indentations can be provided at the surface of the stent with therapeutic agent disposed therein. The stent can be cut with struts of variable thickness to provide the variable stent surface area. |
US07674492B2 |
Preconditioner having independently driven high-speed mixer shafts
An improved, dual-shaft preconditioner (10, 70, 102) is provided having independent drive mechanism (18, 20, 78, 80) operatively coupled with a corresponding preconditioner shaft (14, 16, 74, 76, 106, 108) and permitting selective rotation of the shafts (14, 16, 74, 76, 106, 108) at rotational speeds and directions independent of each other. Preferably, the speed differential between the shafts (14, 16, 74, 76, 106, 108) is at least about 5:1. The mechanisms (18, 20, 78, 80) are operatively coupled with a digital control device (60) to allow rotational speed and direction control. Preferably, the preconditioner (10, 70, 102) is supported on load cells (62, 100) also coupled with control device (60) to permit on-the-go changes in material retention time within the preconditioner (10, 70, 102). The preconditioner (10, 70, 102) is particularly useful for the preconditioning and partial gelatinization of starch-bearing feed or food materials, to an extent to achieve at least about 50% cook in the preconditioned feed or food materials. |
US07674485B2 |
Synergistic composition for the treatment of diabetes mellitus
A composition for the treatment of diabetes in a subject in need thereof, said composition—comprising Trigonelline of concentration ranging between 20 to 30%, amino acids of concentration ranging between 20 to 60%, and soluble fiber of concentration ranging between 10 to 60%, optionally along with pharmaceutically acceptable additives, a process thereof and also, a method of treating diabetes. |
US07674481B2 |
Micronized wood preservative formulations
The present invention provides wood preservative compositions comprising micronized particles. In one embodiment, the composition comprises dispersions of micronized metal or metal compounds. In another embodiment, the wood preservative composition comprises an inorganic component comprising a metal or metal compound and organic biocide. When the composition comprises an inorganic component and an organic biocide, the inorganic component or the organic biocide or both are present as micronized particles. When compositions of the present invention are used for preservation of wood, there is minimal leaching of the metal and biocide from the wood. |
US07674477B1 |
Bone and tissue scaffolding for delivery of therapeutic agents
The present invention provides a bone in-growth surface for implants which has a structure for delivering therapeutic agents to surrounding bone and tissue. The bone in-growth surface may comprise scaffolding and a controlled-permeability layer which contains the therapeutic agents in a variety of reservoirs. The porosity of the scaffolding may be controllable from zero porosity to essentially a fully porous material. |
US07674473B2 |
Anti-microbial composition
An anti-microbial composition comprising (i) a first compound having a high surface tension of from 20 to 35 mN/m, (ii) a second compound having a low surface tension of from 8 to 14 mN/m, (iii) a first anti-microbial agent and (iv) a polar solvent, wherein the composition acts substantially to prevent the formation of microbial colonies on or at a surface of the composition. |
US07674470B2 |
Recombinant toxin fragments
Antigenic compositions are provided comprising a single chain polypeptide comprising first and second domains, wherein said first domain is a clostridial neurotoxin light chain or a fragment or a variant thereof and is capable of cleaving one or more vesicle or plasma membrane associated proteins essential to exocytosis; and said second domain is a clostridial neurotoxin heavy chain HN portion or a fragment or a variant thereof, wherein said second domain is capable of (i) translocating the polypeptide into a cell or (ii) increasing the solubility of the polypeptide compared to the solubility of the first domain on its own or (iii) both translocating the polypeptide into a cell and increasing the solubility of the polypeptide compared to the solubility of the first domain on its own; and wherein the second domain lacks a functional C-terminal part of a clostridial neurotoxin heavy chain designated HC thereby rendering the polypeptide incapable of binding to cell surface receptors that are the natural cell surface receptors to which native clostridial neurotoxin binds. Antibodies that bind to the polypeptides, and compositions comprising these antibodies, are also provided, as are DNA vaccines comprising polynucleotides that encode these polypeptides.The antigenic and antibody compositions, and the DNA vaccine compositions, can be used in methods of immunising against, or treating, clostridial neurotoxin poisoning in a subject by administering to that subject a therapeutically effective amount of the composition. |
US07674468B2 |
Treatment of cancer using HSV mutant
Use as an anti-cancer agent of a mutant herpes simplex virus wherein the mutant virus comprises a modification in the γ34.5 gene in the long repeat region (RL) such that the γ34.5 gene is a non-functional, manufacture of medicaments and methods of testing cancer in mammals employing HSV mutant. |
US07674465B1 |
Regulation of gene expression by the Bacillus anthracis ARP
The invention provides a novel gene and protein regulating the expression of Bacillus anthracis Anthrolysin O toxin, pharmaceutical compositions and antibodies which may be utilized for human or veterinary applications or for agricultural applications, and methods of treatment using same. |
US07674464B2 |
Intracellular interleukin-1 receptor antagonists
Matrix metalloproteinases are major mediators of tissue destruction in various chronic inflammatory disorders. The present invention demonstrates that over-expression of intracellular isoform of IL-1 receptor antagonist confers to recipient cells resistance to signaling pathways of proinflammatory cytokines (such as tumor necrosis factor alpha and IL-1 beta) that induce matrix metalloproteinase and subsequent tissue degradation. Hence, over-expression of intracellular IL-1 receptor antagonist may inhibit tissue destruction in various inflammatory disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, other arthritides, degenerative intervertebral disc disease and chronic skin ulcers that occurs in diabetes mellitus and bed-ridden patients. |
US07674463B1 |
Method of inhibiting angiogenesis by administration of a corticotropin releasing factor receptor 2 agonist
The present invention provides transgenic mice deficient in corticotropin releasing factor receptor 2 (CRFR2). Mice deficient for CRFR1 exhibit decreased anxiety-like behavior and a decreased stress response. In contrast, CRFR2 null mutant mice are hypersensitive to stress and display increased anxiety-like behavior. These mice are useful for the study of anxiety, depression, and the physiology of the HPA axis. CRFR2 null mutant mice also exhibit increased angiogenesis in all tissues examined. Thus, CRFR2 antagonists may be used to stimulate angiogenesis for the treatment of various conditions. In contrast, CRFR2 agonists may be used to inhibit angiogenesis. A combination of urocortin and bFGF was observed to stimulate rapid hair growth. |
US07674461B2 |
Anti-IL-TIF antibodies
The present invention relates to blocking the activity of IL-TIF polypeptide molecules. IL-TIF is a cytokine involved in inflammatory processes and human disease. The present invention includes anti-IL-TIF antibodies and binding partners, as well as methods for antagonizing IL-TIF using such antibodies and binding partners in IL-TIF-related human inflammatory diseases, amongst other uses disclosed. |
US07674460B2 |
Compositions and methods for restoring sensitivity to treatment with HER2 antagonists
Methods and compositions for restoring growth inhibition sensitivity to a tumor cell resistant to growth inhibition by HER2 antagonists. The methods involve administering a PCDGF antagonist to the cell in an amount effective to stimulate or restore growth inhibition sensitivity to HER2 antagonists. The invention also provides treatment regimens, and therapeutic compositions comprising an HER2 antagonist and a PCDGF antagonist. |
US07674453B2 |
Tumor necrosis factor combined with interferon in demyelinating diseases
The invention relates to the use of an agent having, stimulating or maintaining tumor necrosis factor (TNF) activity, together with an interferon (IFN) for treating and/or preventing demyelinating diseases, in particular multiple sclerosis (MS). The use of a combination of a TNF or a tumor necrosis factor binding protein in combination with an interferon for treating and/or preventing demyelinating diseases is preferred. |
US07674451B2 |
Cosmetic or pharmaceutical composition comprising peptides, uses and treatment processes
The present invention relates to the use of at least one peptide, with the sequence (AA)n -Arg-Gly-Ser-(AA)n, where (AA) is any amino acid or one of its derivatives, and N is an integer between 0 and 3, as an active ingredient, in or for the preparation of a cosmetic and/or dermatological and/or pharmaceutical composition. The invention also relates to its use in order to treat, inter alia, the cutaneous manifestations of aging and/or its use in order to act against cellulite. The invention is, in the same way, related to a composition containing it as well as a process of cosmetic treatment of the skin using the said peptide or the said composition. |
US07674445B2 |
Method for purifying hydrogen in a reformed gas
A hydrogen purifying apparatus and method are provided for oxidizing and removing carbon monoxide (CO) in a modified gas containing CO in addition to a main component hydrogen gas. The apparatus and method use comprises a catalyst reaction segment having a catalyst layer for oxidizing CO, a material gas supplying segment for supplying the modified gas to the reaction segment via a material gas supply pathway, and an oxidant gas supplying segment for supplying an oxidant gas on the path of the material gas supply pathway. Preferably, the apparatus further comprises means for cooling the catalyst layer at the upstream side and means for heating the catalyst layer at the downstream side. |
US07674443B1 |
Zero emission gasification, power generation, carbon oxides management and metallurgical reduction processes, apparatus, systems, and integration thereof
A system involving a two-step gasification of a carbonaceous source to produce bulk hydrogen that avoids the early formation of CO2 and obviates the traditional water gas shift (WGSR) step, carbochlorination of a metallic ore the production of metals found in the ore that utilizes carbon monoxide as an oxygen sink, rather than the traditional coke, and carbon oxides management that eliminates major impediments to emission-neutral power generation and the reduction of major metals. The gasification uses a rotary kiln reactor and gas-gas cyclonic separation process to separate synthesis gas into purified hydrogen and purified carbon monoxide. Purified bulk carbon monoxide issued in metallurgical reduction, and purified bulk hydrogen as fuel for an emission-neutral hydrogen combined cycle (HCC) turbine power generation station. The carbochlorination is integrated with: a) the concurrent separation and purification of all metal-chlorides (metchlors) and capture of CO2 for passage to the carbon oxides management system; b) the direct reduction of metchlors to nanoscale metallurgical powders and/or to dendritically-shaped particles, including metchlor reduction for the ultrahigh-performance semiconductor metals of the III-V group; and, c) the reforming of metal-oxides with improved crystalline structure from metchlors. The carbon oxides management collects, stores and directs to points of usage, carbon oxides that arise in various processes of the integrated system, and captures carbon monoxide for process enhancement and economic uses and captures carbon dioxide as a process intermediate and for economic uses. |
US07674439B2 |
Reactor distribution apparatus and quench zone mixing apparatus
A quench zone mixing apparatus that occupies a low vertical height and has an improved mixing efficiency and fluid distribution across the catalyst surface includes a swirl chamber, a rough distribution network, and a distribution apparatus. In the swirl chamber, reactant fluid from a catalyst bed above is thoroughly mixed with a quench fluid by a swirling action. The mixed fluids exit the swirl chamber through an aperture to the rough distribution system where the fluids are radially distributed outward across the vessel to the distribution apparatus. The distribution apparatus includes a plate with a number of bubble caps and associated drip trays that multiply the liquid drip stream from the bubble caps to further symmetrically distribute the fluids across the catalyst surface. Alternatively, deflector baffles may be associated with the bubble caps to provide a wider and more uniform liquid distribution below the plate. The distribution apparatus can be used in the reaction vessel without the swirl chamber and rough distribution system, e.g., at the top of a vessel. |
US07674435B2 |
Reference microplates and methods for making and using the reference microplates
A reference microplate is described herein which can be used to help calibrate and troubleshoot an optical interrogation system. In one embodiment, the reference microplate has a frame with an array of wells each of which contains an optical biosensor and each optical biosensor is at least partially coated with a substance (e.g., elastomer, optical epoxy). In another embodiment, the reference microplate in addition to having its optical biosensors at least partially covered with a substance (e.g., elastomer, optical epoxy) also has a controllable heating device attached thereto which is used to heat the optical biosensors. |
US07674434B2 |
Vials and apparatus for obtaining an aliquot of a sample
Vials used for obtaining an aliquot of a biological sample are provided. Also provided are method of using the vials and instruments to obtain an aliquot of a biological sample. |
US07674429B2 |
Electrostatic disinfectant delivery
Glycolic disinfectant compositions and related methods and apparatus for electrostatic dispensation. |
US07674427B2 |
Rare earth metal member and making method
By using a rare earth metal having a minimal content of impurity metal element, machining it into a member and cleaning with an organic acid-base capping agent, there is obtained a rare earth metal member composed entirely of a rare earth metal and containing not more than 100 ppm of impurity metal element in a sub-surface zone, which member is characterized by a high surface purity, a large grain size, minimized grain boundaries, and improved halogen resistance or corrosion resistance. |
US07674426B2 |
Porous metal articles having a predetermined pore character
A porous metal article having a predetermined pore structure. The porosity is provided by the use of an extractable particulate in a powder forming route to create a desired porosity. Extraction of the pore forming particulate prior to sintering of the powder minimizes contamination of the sintered article and allows for the processing of material sensitive to contamination such as titanium. Added functionality can be gained by co-forming the porous material with non-porous material to create an article with layers of differing characteristics. The article is suitable for use as an implant body is porous enough to facilitate tissue in-growth and bony fusion. |
US07674421B2 |
Method of making a guide catheter
A guide catheter shaft is formed from an inner tube structure and a multilayer sheath around the inner tube structure. The multilayer sheath includes an intermediate sheath and a shrink tube layer. The intermediate sheath is disposed around the inner tube and realized from a melt-processible first polyether-block amide material. The shrink tube layer is disposed around the intermediate sheath and realized from a different second polyether-block amide (e.g. a cross-linked polyether-block amide material) having a shrink temperature range greater than a melt temperature range of the first polyether-block amide material. The resulting structure is heated at a temperature within the shrink temperature range such that the outer shrink tube layer shrinks and the intermediate layer melts to thereby bond the multilayer sheath to the inner tube. |
US07674418B2 |
Method and apparatus for forming a hollow FRP article by internal pressure molding
A method for forming a hollow FRP article by internal pressure molding includes positioning a FRP prepreg on a periphery of an airtight internal-pressure holding tube, inserting a composite body including the internal-pressure holding tube and the prepreg into a vacuum chamber containing a forming die, evacuating the vacuum chamber in an isolation state where the composite body and the forming die do not contact each other, and clamping the forming die to bring the forming die and the composite body into contact with each other and heating the forming die with an application of pressure to an inside of the internal-pressure holding tube after completion of the evacuating step. |
US07674413B2 |
Process for producing cycloolefin resin composition
A process for producing a cycloolefin resin composition comprising a cycloolefin resin and an additive by using a twin-screw extruder is provided, in which loss of the additive caused by volatilization through a vent during kneading is reduced and kneading of resin material with the additive can be sufficiently carried out. When the cycloolefin resin and the additive are kneaded by using a vented twin-screw extruder (10) to produce the cycloolefin resin composition containing the additive, an additive introduction opening (3) is disposed downstream of a vent (2) located nearest to a discharge opening (13) of the twin-screw extruder, and the additive is charged through the additive introduction opening located at a distance from the discharge opening of the twin-screw extruder in the range between longer than 10D and not longer than 30D. |
US07674408B2 |
Channeled biomedical foams an method for producing same
The present invention provides a biomedical, biocompatible, polymeric foam scaffold suitable for use in the repair and regeneration of tissue and which contains located therein a network of, branched channels that are effective to encourage and facilitate vascularization and tissue growth within the scaffold and to methods for making such biomedical scaffolds. |
US07674405B2 |
Zeolites with incorporated dipolar nonlinear optical molecules in uniform orientation and preparation thereof
The present invention relates to a method for incorporating into zeolite pores dipolar nonlinear optical (DNLO) molecules in a uniform orientation and a DNLO-zeolite composite in which DNLO molecules are included in a uniform orientation into zeolite pores. |
US07674401B2 |
Method of producing a thin conductive metal film
The present invention relates to a metal oxide dispersion, which can form a metal thin film onto a substrate by heat treatment at a low temperature, wherein a metal oxide having a particle diameter of less than 200 nm is dispersed in the dispersion medium. By heat treating the dispersion after applying it onto a substrate, a metal thin film is formed. |
US07674400B2 |
Light-emitting body dispersed with phosphor particles, method for producing same and material or article containing such light-emitting body
The present invention provides a light-emitting body in which fine phosphor particles are dispersed in an oxide matrix, with the fine phosphor particles containing at least one selected from oxides and oxysulfides as a parent material. When this light-emitting body is dispersed in a resin, a resin composition having excellent transparency can be obtained. This light-emitting body can be produced by: preparing a gel through a sol-gel process in which a raw material solution containing a compound that supplies metal atoms composing the fine phosphor particles is used; and heating the gel at 400° C. or higher, for example. Preferably, the light-emitting body has a shape of a flake or fiber. |
US07674392B2 |
Method of fabricating a hinge
The present invention provides a method of fabricating a hinge. First, a wafer is provided, and a hinge region and at least two through regions are defined on the wafer. The wafer in the hinge region is partially removed from a bottom surface of the wafer. Subsequently, the wafer in the through regions is completely removed from a top surface of the wafer, and the hinge is formed. Thereafter, a wafer level test is performed on the hinge of the wafer. Next, an etching process is performed to adjust the shape of the hinge. According to the method of the present invention, the thickness of the hinge is no longer limited by the thickness of the wafer, and the hinge can accept the wafer level test. |
US07674391B2 |
Manufacturing method of optical semiconductor device
It is an objective to control the occurrence of the disorder of a far-field pattern and of an optical axial shift. A manufacturing method of a semiconductor laser device has the step for preparing a semiconductor substrate which has growth of a multi-layer including an active layer, the step for forming a mask over the growth of a multi-layer, and a step for forming a stripe-shaped ridge by dry etching and wet etching. A structure stacking a p-type AlGaInP layer, an etch-stop layer, a p-type Alx=0.7GaInP layer, a p-type Alx=0.6GaInP layer, a p-type GaAs layer, in order, over the active layer is taken in order to make the tailing part created in the dry etching process smaller by wet etching. The tailing part is composed of a p-type Alx=0.7GaInP layer including a high mixed crystal ratio of aluminum. Therefore, the p-type Alx=0.7GaInP layer is etched faster than the p-type Alx=0.6GaInP layer during wet etching, so that the tailing part becomes smaller, the far-field pattern of the semiconductor laser device is not disordered, and the optical axis shift does not occur. |
US07674389B2 |
Precision shape modification of nanodevices with a low-energy electron beam
Methods of shape modifying a nanodevice by contacting it with a low-energy focused electron beam are disclosed here. In one embodiment, a nanodevice may be permanently reformed to a different geometry through an application of a deforming force and a low-energy focused electron beam. With the addition of an assist gas, material may be removed from the nanodevice through application of the low-energy focused electron beam. The independent methods of shape modification and material removal may be used either individually or simultaneously. Precision cuts with accuracies as high as 10 nm may be achieved through the use of precision low-energy Scanning Electron Microscope scan beams. These methods may be used in an automated system to produce nanodevices of very precise dimensions. These methods may be used to produce nanodevices of carbon-based, silicon-based, or other compositions by varying the assist gas. |
US07674383B2 |
Method and apparatus for packing chromatography columns
A slurry chamber is fastened to and held in coaxial alignment with a chromatography column by a V-band. One end of the column has an end cap and frit. A slurry of fluid and chromatographic media is placed in the column and chamber. A piston is forced through the chamber and into the column by a hydraulic ram to expel the fluid and form a media bed in the column. The slurry chamber is removed, and a split end cap is fastened to the column. A threaded recess in the split end cap receives a split, threaded collet. The collet is tightened until it pushes against the piston with the same force as the ram, at which point the ram is released and the column removed for use. |
US07674373B2 |
Environmentally-neutral processing with condensed phase cryogenic fluids
Systems, methods and apparatus are provided for utilizing a substantially condensed phase cryogenic fluid for the purpose of remediation and retrieval of, e.g., spilled crude oil and other “oil spill”-related products from marine/aquatic and terrestrial environments. In some implementations, systems and apparatus are provided for applying a substantially condensed phase cryogenic fluid to a volume of spilled oil, and further having structure for collecting the spilled oil. Some implementations are environmentally-neutral. Substances other than oil may be remediated as well. |
US07674370B2 |
Systems, methods, and catalysts for producing a crude product
Contact of a crude feed with one or more catalysts produces a total product that includes a crude product. The crude feed has a total content of alkali metal, and alkaline-earth metal, in metal salts of organic acids of at least 0.00001 grams per gram of crude feed. The one or more catalysts may include a first and a second catalyst. The crude product is a liquid mixture at 25° C. and 0.101 MPa and has a total content of alkali metal, and alkaline-earth metal, in metal salts of organic acids of at most 90% of the total content of alkali metal, and alkaline-earth metal, in metal salts of organic acids of the crude feed. One or more other properties of the crude product may be changed by at least 10% relative to the respective properties of the crude feed. |
US07674366B2 |
Method for processing hydrocarbon pyrolysis effluent
A method is disclosed for treating the effluent from a hydrocarbon pyrolysis unit without employing a primary fractionator. The method comprises cooling the gaseous effluent, e.g., by direct quench and/or at least one primary heat exchanger, thereby generating high pressure steam, and then cooling the gaseous effluent to a temperature at which tar, formed by reactions among constituents of the effluent, condenses. The resulting mixed gaseous and liquid effluent is passed through a quench oil knock-out drum, to separate quench oil from the gaseous effluent which is then cooled to condense a liquid effluent comprising pyrolysis gasoline and water condensed from steam, which fractions are separated in a distillate drum. The cooled gaseous effluent is directed to a recovery train, to recover light olefins. The pyrolysis gasoline-containing fraction passes to a tailing tower which provides an overhead stream rich in pyrolysis gasoline and a bottoms stream rich in gas oil. |
US07674365B2 |
Formulations useful as asphaltene dispersants in petroleum products
A composition comprising: (i) a chelating aminocarboxylic acid-C8-C22 amine complex; (ii) a C15-C21 bis(2-hydroxyethyl)amide; and (iii) a C15-C44 imidazoline compound. |
US07674364B2 |
Hydraulic fluid compositions and preparation thereof
A hydraulic fluid composition having excellent seal compatibility is prepared from an isomerized base oil is provided. The composition comprising (i) 80 to 99.999 wt. % of a lubricating base oil having consecutive numbers of carbon atoms, less than 10 wt % naphthenic carbon by n-d-M, less than 0.10 wt. % olefins and less than 0.05 wt. % aromatics, a molecular weight of greater than 600 by ASTM D 2503-92 (Reapproved 2002), a wt % total molecules with cycloparaffinic functionality greater than 25 and a ratio of molecules with monocycloparaffinic functionality to molecules with multicycloparaffinic functionality greater than 10; and (ii) optionally from 0.001 to 6 wt % of a viscosity modifier; and (iii) 0-10 wt % of at least an additive package. When used in operations, the composition results in an average volume change in a rubber seal of less than 3% and an average hardness change in the rubber seal of less than 1 pts. when tested under ASTM D 471-06 (SRE NBR1 at 100° C., 168 hours). |
US07674363B2 |
Process to prepare a haze free base oil
Process to prepare a haze free base oil having a cloud point of below 0° C. and a kinematic viscosity at 100° C. of greater than 10 cSt by performing the following steps: (a) hydroisomerisation of a Fischer-Tropsch synthesis product, (b) isolating one or more fuel products and a distillation residue, (c) reducing the wax content of the residue by contacting the feed with a hydroisomerization catalyst under hydroisomerization conditions, and (d) solvent dewaxing the product of step (c) to obtain the haze free base oil. |
US07674359B2 |
Cylindrical electrode
The invention relates to a cylindrical electrode for gas evolution comprising a non-activated conductive core whereto an easily detachable and replaceable component provided with catalytic activation is secured, for instance an undulated sheet or a mesh. |
US07674358B2 |
Method and apparatus for hydrogen generation
A method for configuring a solar hydrogen generation system and the system optimization are disclosed. The system utilizes photovoltaic modules and an electrolyte solution to efficiently split water into hydrogen and oxygen. The efficiency of solar powered electrolysis of water is optimized by matching the most efficient voltage generated by photovoltaic cells to the most efficient input voltage required by the electrolysis cell(s). Optimizing PV-electrolysis systems makes solar powered hydrogen generation cheaper and more practical for use as an environmentally clean alternative fuel. |
US07674354B2 |
Starch derivatives for use in paper sizing and/or coating compositions
The present invention relates to a method of preparing a starch-based composition, characterized in that it comprises: (a) mixing a starch substrate with sodium perborate; (b) adding water to the mix of step (a) to form a slurry; and (c) pasting the slurry of step (b), provided that the method does not include, between steps (b) and (c), the step of adding an effective amount of hydrolytic enzyme to the slurry. The invention further relates to starch-based compositions prepared in accordance with said method, paper sizing and/or coating compositions comprising said starch-based compositions and paper products treated with said sizing and/or coating compositions. |
US07674346B2 |
Multi-well plate and method of manufacture
A method of manufacture and assembly of multiwell plates employing targeted radiation at an interface in order to achieve bonding is disclosed. The method accommodates glass and polymer attachment as well as polymer to polymer attachment. Resultant plates have unique flatness and optical properties. |
US07674344B2 |
Pneumatic tire with depolymerized butyl rubber-based built-in sealant prepared with activated organoperoxide
The present invention relates to a pneumatic tire with a built-in sealant layer comprised of a depolymerized butyl rubber based sealant precursor. The butyl rubber of the built-in sealant precursor composition is depolymerized in situ within the tire with an activated free radical generating organoperoxide. The organoperoxide is activated with a 2,2,6,6-tetra alkyl piperidine hindered amine. Representative of such hindered amines are, for example, a poly[[6-[1,1,3,3,-tetramethylbutyl)amino]-s-triazine-2,4-diyl][2,2,6,6,-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl)imino]hexamethylene[(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl)imino]] compound. The sealant layer, if desired, may be of a color which contrasts with black. For such purpose the sealant layer may contain a colorant of a non-black color to a substantial exclusion of carbon black. The butyl rubber-based sealant precursor is built into the tire as a layer to form a tire assembly wherein the butyl rubber-based composite portion of the sealant precursor layer is at least partially depolymerized by a said activated organoperoxide during a subsequent curing of the tire at an elevated temperature in a suitable mold to form the tire having the resultant built-in sealant layer. The sealant composition may additionally contain conventional clay, exfoliated intercalated clay platelets and/or calcium carbonate. |
US07674342B2 |
Method of producing soft magnetic material, soft magnetic powder, and dust core
A method of producing a soft magnetic material includes the steps of preparing soft magnetic powder containing a plurality of soft magnetic particles etching the soft magnetic powder to remove surfaces of the soft magnetic particles and, after the etching step, heat-treating the soft magnetic powder in a finely divided state at a temperature of not less than 400° C. and not more than 900° C. By this method configured as above, desired magnetic characteristics can be obtained. |
US07674336B2 |
Processing apparatus
A thermal processing apparatus according to the present invention comprises a processing container having an opening part at a lower end thereof. The processing container can contain an object to be processed therein. The opening part can be opened and closed by a lid. A flange is provided at a periphery of the opening part. A gas-introducing part for introducing a gas into the processing container is provided in the flange. The object to be processed contained in the processing container is heated by a heating mechanism. |
US07674334B2 |
Artificial corundum crystal
An artificial corundum crystal which can be put into practical use at low costs, and a process for producing the same. The artificial corundum crystal contains a seed crystal and has at least one crystal face selected from a {113} face, a {012} face, a {104} face, a {110} face, a {101} face, a {116} face, a {211} face, a {122} face, a {214} face, a {100} face, a {125} face, a {223} face, a {131} face, and a {312} face. The process for producing the artificial corundum crystal an artificial corundum crystal having a hexagonally dipyramidal includes forming with a seed crystal by a flux evaporation method of heating a sample containing a raw material and a flux to precipitate a crystal and grow the crystal by use of flux evaporation as a driving force. |
US07674331B2 |
Dual function cement additive
The use of silicate as a retarder enhancer at appropriate levels to enhance the retarding effect of retarders at high temperatures encountered downhole while accelerating the set of cement at lower temperatures encountered near to the surface. |
US07674330B2 |
Ink and ink-jet recording apparatus
An ink used in an ink-jet recording process in which ink droplets are ejected from a recording head by the action of thermal energy to record images on a recording medium; the ink containing at least (a) a pigment, (b) a dispersing agent, (c) a liquid medium and (d) an alkali metal salt of a malonic acid derivative, represented by the following Formula (1): wherein R represents an alkyl group, and M represents an alkali metal. |
US07674326B2 |
Fluorescent phase change inks
Disclosed is a phase change ink containing a fluorescent colorant that upon exposure to activating energy fluoresces such that an image that was not visible prior to exposure to the activating energy becomes visible. Also disclosed are an ink jet system and a process for authenticating a color document using the disclosed phase change ink. |
US07674324B2 |
Exposures system including chemical and particulate filters containing chemically modified carbon nanotube structures
An exposure system for exposing a photoresist layer on a top surface of a wafer to light. The exposure system including: an environment chamber containing a light source, one or more focusing lenses, a mask holder, a slit and a wafer stage, the light source, all aligned to an optical axis, the wafer stage moveable in two different orthogonal directions orthogonal to the optical axis, the mask holder and the slit moveable in one of the two orthogonal directions; a filter in a sidewall of the environment chamber, the filter including: a filter housing containing chemically active carbon nanotubes, the chemically active carbon nanotubes comprising a chemically active layer formed on carbon nanotubes or comprising chemically reactive groups on sidewalls of the carbon nanotubes; and means for forcing air or inert gas first through the filter then into the environment chamber and then out of the environment chamber. |
US07674321B2 |
Method for removing acid gases from pressurized natural gas that is contaminated with acid gas compounds and recovering the removed acid gases at an increased pressure level
A process for the removal of sour gas from pressurized natural gas which is polluted by sulphur compounds and other sour gas compounds includes initially feeding natural gas into a sour gas absorption unit, in which the sulphur components and any other components are absorbed by a physically acting solution yielding a sour gas rich absorbent. The absorbant is heated and fed into a high-pressure flash unit, in which the desorbed sour-gas is separated yielding a sour gas poor absorbent. The desorbed sour gas is cooled and the vaporized absorbent is condensed out of the sour gas stream. The sour-gas poor absorbent from the high-pressure flash unit is freed from residual sour gas in a gas stripping unit by stripping gas. The absorbent obtained in the sour gas unit is cooled and recycled permitting the desorbed sour gas to be condensed by cooling water or cooling air. |
US07674319B2 |
PSA pressure measurement and control system
A pressure swing adsorption system including a plurality of vessels having one or more layers of adsorbent material therein, a feed gas channel, a waste channel, and a product channel. The system also includes at least one parallel channel connected to each of the vessels via a respective conduit with a valve. At least one pressure measuring device i configured to measure a pressure within the parallel channel. And, a controller is provided that is configured to monitor the at least one pressure measured by the at least one pressure measuring device during a PSA cycle performed within the PSA system, in order to determine the performance of the cycle and monitor proper operation of the system. |
US07674318B2 |
Method of melting a mixture of scrap metal using scrap rubber
A process for melting scrap metal for producing steel which includes the steps of combining a quantity of scrap metal containing steel and at least about 0.25 percent by weight of scrap rubber in an electric arc furnace. Energy is then applied to the quantity of steel and scrap rubber in the furnace to start the combustion of the scrap rubber to add additional heat for melting the scrap metal containing steel. |
US07674316B2 |
Method for producing metallic iron
A hearth material is laid in the form of a layer on the hearth prior to supply of a mixture containing a carbonaceous reducing agent and iron oxides onto a hearth of a reduction melting furnace, thereby forming a renewable hearth capable of being renewed, and the metallic iron is produced while renewing a part or the whole of the renewable hearth, which has deteriorated during operation, with the hearth material. |
US07674315B2 |
Method and apparatus for carrying out a metallurgical process
A metallurgical process involves providing an ingredient enclosure and placing a plurality of granules of a first material in the ingredient enclosure. The first material contains a first ingredient in a metallurgical process. A metallurgical process furnace having a chamber in which ingredients for the metallurgical process are added is provided and the ingredient enclosure and the first material are added to the chamber. The chamber is heated after the addition of the ingredient enclosure and the first material to the chamber, although it may also be heated prior to such addition. In one form, the granules comprise mill scale and the metallurgical process furnace is a blast furnace. |
US07674314B2 |
Process for producing reduced metal and agglomerate with carbonaceous material incorporated therein
Agglomerates with a carbonaceous material incorporated therein and a process for producing reduced metal using the agglomerates are provided. The agglomerates are prepared with high-VM coal, which is widely and abundantly produced and is less expensive, and they provide high strength after reduction without the need for finer metal oxide particles. The agglomerates are made of a carbonaceous material and a raw material to be reduced that contains a metal oxide, such as iron ore. The carbonaceous material used is a high-VM coal containing 35% or more by mass of volatile matter. The agglomerates are formed at a pressure of at least 2 t/cm2 so that the porosity thereof is reduced to 35% or less. The reduction in porosity is effective in promoting heat transfer inside the agglomerates in a rotary hearth furnace in a high-temperature reduction step so that the sintering of reduced metal proceeds efficiently in the overall regions of the agglomerates to produce a reduced metal having high crushing strength. |
US07674309B2 |
Honeycomb filter defect detecting method and apparatus
A apparatus and method for detecting defects in a honeycomb body. In operation, the particulates emerge at an outlet end face of the honeycomb body through defects, if any, in the honeycomb walls and/or plugs and passes though a permeable member, such as a screen, where they are illuminated. The permeable member is disposed adjacent to and preferably in contact with the outlet end. Use of the permeable member improves the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) such that defects may be more readily detected. The permeable member preferably includes an anti-reflective surface. |
US07674308B2 |
Filter elements; air cleaner; assembly; and methods
A filter cartridge, a safety element and fluid cleaner assembly are described. The fluid cleaner assembly generally includes a housing having a cover and a primary fluid cleaner section. The filter cartridge generally comprises z-filter media, arranged in a straight through configuration. Preferred cartridges include a seal gasket positioned to extend continuously around at outer perimeter of the straight through flow construction. The fluid cleaner assembly can have a precleaner positioned therein. Preferred features are described. Methods of assembly and use are also provided. |
US07674306B2 |
Multilayered long life filter using convoluted foam
A filtration device is disclosed, wherein filtering layers are formed from foam and include convolutions formed in at least one surface thereof. |
US07674305B2 |
Air cleaning fan/fan blade
A fan blade having a hollow housing allowing air to enter into the front or rear opening of the fan blade and directed to exit out the side opening of the fan blade after having passed through a filter. Use of this fan blade is a method for removing particulates from the air. |
US07674304B2 |
Drift eliminator with formed beveled tip
A drift eliminator is formed from alternating curved spacers and corrugated spacer members to define tube-like passageways for the flow of air through an evaporative cooling apparatus. The formation of the corrugated blade member with beveled side walls places the back walls of the channels in a different plane than the front walls, with the lower edge of the front walls of the channels being positioned in a common plane along with the lower edge of the blade members. The angled side walls impede the formation of a film of water across the inlet opening into the channel, which requires an increase in horsepower for the fan to push air through the drift eliminator. Mechanical fastening devices molded into the respective members connects the corrugated spacer members and the blade members. A method of forming the corrugated spacer members to provide the angled side walls is also provided. |
US07674302B1 |
Method of creating old art dyeing effect with acid and cationic dyed carpet
A method of manufacturing carpet provides for an old art dyeing effect. Specifically, acid and cationic dyes are provided in a solution to a carpet tufted with cationic and acid dye fibers. The carpet is preferably tufted in such a way that there is a relative scarcity of one of the cationic and acid dye fibers at a first width. An abundance of the other dye accumulates in higher concentration than in surrounding areas at the first width. This higher concentration tends to diffuse and/or be moved by other mechanisms to the surrounding areas or widths where the dye attaches to appropriate contacts. This creates at least one of the dark band, a fade and/or a old art dye effect at that location. By precisely controlling the carpet fiber location at the upper surface, the dye solution and the dyeing process, fades and other process can be precisely controlled for repeatable performance as has not been experienced in the prior art. |
US07674294B2 |
End device for a vertebral implant
An end device attached to an implant and methods of use. The end device comprises a base having a receiving area, an opening, and at least one gate that is selectively positionable between open and closed orientations. The implant is sized to fit through the opening and into the receiving area when the gate is in the open orientation. Once inserted, the gate is sized to extend across at least a section of the opening and prevent the implant from escaping. |
US07674291B2 |
Human skin equivalents expressing exogenous polypeptides
The present invention relates generally to compositions for wound closure. More specifically, the present invention provides human skin equivalents engineered to express exogenous polypeptides (e.g., antimicrobial polypeptides and keratinocyte growth factor 2) and compositions and methods for making human skin equivalents engineered to express exogenous polypeptides. In addition, the present invention provides methods for treatment of wounds with human skin equivalents engineered to express exogenous polypeptides. |
US07674290B2 |
Method and apparatus for fixing a graft in a bone tunnel
A method and apparatus for fixing a ligament in a bone tunnel by cross-pinning the ligament in the bone tunnel. |
US07674287B2 |
Device and method for modifying the shape of a body organ
An intravascular support device includes a support or reshaper wire, a proximal anchor and a distal anchor. The support wire engages a vessel wall to change the shape of tissue adjacent the vessel in which the intravascular support is placed. The anchors and support wire are designed such that the vessel in which the support is placed remains open and can be accessed by other devices if necessary. The device provides a minimal metal surface area to blood flowing within the vessel to limit the creation of thrombosis. The anchors can be locked in place to secure the support within the vessel. |
US07674286B2 |
Annular prosthesis for a mitral valve
An annular prosthesis for a mitral valve that may include a posterior half-ring and an anterior half-ring coupled to each other on a first transverse plane which defines a maximum width section of the prosthesis. The ratio between the distance between the anterior half-ring and the posterior half-ring, as measured along a second plane, perpendicular to the first plane and equidistant to the couplings, and the maximum width of the prosthesis is lower than 3/4. |
US07674279B2 |
Bone plate
A bone plate includes one or more locking devices which rotate to inhibit or prevent bone screws from backing out of the plate when installed on a patient. The locking devices can be in the shape of a bow tie or a capital letter I. |
US07674275B2 |
Suture anchor
A suture anchor comprises an elongate body having a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal axis extending between the first and second ends. The first end may have a flared geometry. A lateral suture relief is in the elongate body extending from the first end to an longitudinal position intermediate the first and second ends. A hollow tubular portion in the elongate body is longitudinally spaced from the lateral suture relief. A suture is positioned in the hollow tubular portion. The suture has a delivery position parallel the longitudinal axis and a deployed position transverse to the longitudinal axis. |
US07674273B2 |
Method for performing a surgical procedure and a cannula for use in performing the surgical procedure
A method of performing a surgical procedure on a body includes providing a cannula having a tubular structure with first and second tubular portions defining first and second passages for receiving surgical instruments. The second tubular portion is inserted inside the body and the first tubular portion is inserted so that the first tubular portion extends from an exterior of the body to inside the body. The second tubular portion expands to increase the cross-sectional area of the second passage in the second tubular portion while the second tubular portion is inside the body. The cross-sectional area of the first passage in the first tubular portion is maintained. The first tubular portion has a first thickness and the second tubular portion has a second thickness different than the first thickness. |
US07674268B2 |
Bone cutting apparatus
A guide for cutting a bone comprising an anterior portion and a distal portion orientated at about a right angle to the anterior portion. The distal portion includes a guiding side, a distal surface at the guiding side, a box-cut shaped opening defined by the guiding side, a plurality of first cutting surfaces disposed at the guiding side at an acute angle relative to the distal surface of the guiding side operable to guide a cutting device to the bone to form chamfer cuts in the bone, and a second cutting surface disposed at the guiding side at at least about a right angle to the distal surface operable to guide a cutting device to the bone to form a posterior cut in the bone. |
US07674266B2 |
Apparatus for cutting bone
An apparatus (10) for cutting bone includes a shaft member (12) having a central axis (14) and extending between a proximal end portion (16) and a distal end portion (18). The proximal end portion (16) has a first surface (32) adapted to receive repetitive impacts. The distal end portion (18) includes a cutting blade (40) extending in a first plane between a shield section (46) and a guide portion (60). The shield section (46) and the guide section (60) project axially beyond the cutting blade (40) to recess the cutting blade (40) in the distal end portion (18). The shield section (46) includes an inwardly facing shield surface (48) which extends in a second plane that is transverse to the first plane of the cutting blade (40). The apparatus (10) is a form of an osteotome that is particularly useful for certain spine-related surgical procedures. |
US07674265B2 |
Minimally invasive instruments and methods for preparing vertebral endplates
Instruments and methods for treating vertebral endplates are disclosed. The instrument includes one or more treatment members movable from a reduced profile position for insertion to the operative site to a deployed position for providing treatment to the vertebral endplates. |
US07674264B2 |
Percutaneous scaphoid fixation method and device
A surgical appliance for assisting in the repair of a fractured bone, such as a scaphoid bone, is disclosed. The device includes first and second adjustably interconnected and spaced apart limb clamping jaws that are transparent to x-ray radiation and are relatively movable toward and away from one another and a rotatable disk carried by the first jaw, said disk having a plurality of bores angularly disposed in the disk for selectively aligning a guide wire to be drilled percutaneously into the fractured bone. Each of the bores are in communication with the space between the first and second jaws and the longitudinal axes of said bores are directed to a common point intermediate the first and second jaws. |
US07674261B2 |
Electrosurgical instrument with enhanced capability
An electrosurgical instrument for use by a surgeon that provides additional features and benefits compared with known designs. The operating mode as well as other operating parameters, especially power level, can be preset by the surgeon before commencing the procedure. Five operating modes are available using a three-button fingerswitch handpiece and a 3-way footswitch, including three unipolar modes and two bipolar modes over a full range of power levels including a new turbo mode for treating heavy bleeders. |
US07674258B2 |
Electrophysiology electrode having multiple power connections and electrophysiology devices including the same
An electrophysiology electrode having multiple power connections and electrophysiology devices including the same. |
US07674249B2 |
Gels with predetermined conductivity used in electroporation of tissue
Gel compositions with adjusted conductivity are disclosed which compositions are used for directing reversible electroporation and irreversible electroporation of cells and tissue. The gel compositions are also used in a similar manner in order to carry out thermotherapy on cells and tissues. |
US07674246B2 |
Automatic injection and retraction syringe
An automatic injection and retraction syringe having a medicine cartridge, an injection assembly, and a retraction assembly is provided. The retraction assembly is selectively securable to the injection assembly to house the medicine cartridge. The retraction assembly includes an end cap, a hypodermic needle, a retraction spring, and an upper seal. The retraction spring is maintained in a partially compressed condition between the needle hub and the end cap. The upper seal is urged against a sealing surface by the retraction spring in the partially compressed condition to form a hermetic seal. In some embodiments, the injection assembly includes an injection spring, a plunger engaged to the injection spring, and a safety element to prevent the plunger from escaping the injection assembly if the injection spring is released from the normally stressed condition before the assemblies are secured to one another. |
US07674245B2 |
Method and apparatus for an adjustable shape guide catheter
A catheter assembly includes an outer catheter member having a distal flexible end. An inner catheter member is movably disposed within the outer catheter member. Optionally, a handle assembly is coupled with the outer catheter member and the inner catheter member, where the handle assembly is adapted to slide the inner catheter member relative to the outer catheter member. |
US07674244B2 |
Devices, systems and methods for detecting increase fluid levels in tissue
A system for injection of a fluid into a body includes: a source of a first fluid, a source of a second fluid; the first fluid being less toxic than the second fluid; at least one pressurizing system in operative connection with the source of the first fluid and with the source of the second fluid; at least one controller in operative connection with the pressurizing system; and at least a first sensor in communicative connection with the controller. The first sensor is adapted to transmit a signal of a detected change in fluid level in tissue indicative of extravasation to the controller. The controller is adapted to cause injection of the first fluid into the body to determine if extravasation of the first fluid occurs using the sensor in an administration phase before injection of the second fluid. |
US07674243B2 |
Ophthalmic injection device using piezoelectric array
An ophthalmic injection device has a dispensing chamber, a storage chamber, a piezoelectric array, a needle fluidly coupled to the dispensing chamber, a power source for providing power to the piezoelectric array, and a controller for controlling the power source. A dispensing chamber housing has an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface defines a dispensing chamber for receiving a quantity of a substance. The storage chamber is located near the dispensing chamber housing. The piezoelectric array is located between the storage chamber and the dispensing chamber housing. A housing at least partially encloses the dispensing chamber housing, the storage chamber, the piezoelectric array, the power source, and the controller. The piezoelectric array is activated to pump the substance from the storage chamber to the dispensing chamber. |
US07674236B2 |
Device and method for detecting complications during an extracorporeal blood treatment
A device and method for detecting complications during an extracorporeal blood treatment are provided. During the dialysis treatment, the dialysance or clearance may be continuously determined at successive points in time based on a measured change in a physical or chemical characteristic quantity of the dialysis liquid, for example, the ion concentration of the dialysis liquid. In the event a significant change in the dialysance or clearance is established, the determination of the recirculation may be effected based on a measured change in a physical or chemical characteristic quantity of the blood. When both a significant change in the determined dialysance as well as in the recirculation occurs, a complication may be assumed with regard to a bad vessel access. Alternatively, a complication may be assumed with regard to the dialyzer. The present invention may allow the continuous monitoring during the dialysis treatment to ensue solely on the basis of the change in the measured dialysate-side characteristic quantities. |
US07674230B2 |
Sleep monitoring using a photoplethysmograph
A method for diagnosis includes receiving from a sensor coupled to a body of a sleeping patient a photoplethysmograph signal. The photoplethysmograph signal is processed independently of any other physiological measurements in order to identify sleep stages of the patient. |
US07674227B1 |
Illuminated display system
An illuminated display system and method for prioritizing medical care administered to an injured user, such a soldier in battlefield settings. The illuminated display system may be applied to triage scenarios whereby illuminated signals visually provide the triage status of an injured user at a distance and in low-visibility settings. In particular, the illuminated display system includes a plurality of light emitters. Each light emitter from the plurality of light emitters provides a different predetermined wavelength of light than the other light emitters from the plurality of light emitters. In operation, each respective predetermined wavelength of light provides information relating to the degree of injury or other information associated with the user such that a desired light emitter is selected to display the desired wavelength and, ultimately, the desired information. |
US07674224B2 |
Method for incorporating brain wave entrainment into sound production
A method for incorporating brain wave entrainment into an audio composition by selectively modulating musical elements within the composition. The invention provides a way to specify and modulate individual frequency components in an audio composition, according to the desired brain wave state, allowing brain wave entrainment to be easily and subtly incorporated into an audio composition by disguising the modulations as natural instrumental qualities such as vibrato or reverberation. |
US07674222B2 |
Cardiac device and methods of use thereof
Devices and methods are described herein which are directed to the treatment of a patient's heart having, or one which is susceptible to heart failure, to improve diastolic function. |
US07674221B2 |
Apparatus for separating discrete volumes of a composite liquid with balancing elements
An apparatus for separating at least two discrete volumes of a composite liquid into at least a first component and a second component comprises a centrifuge, with a rotor having a rotation axis comprising at least two separation cells, each for containing a separation bag containing a volume of composite liquid; and first balancing elements for balancing the rotor when the respective weights of the at least two separation bags in the at least two separation cells are different. |
US07674217B2 |
Machine tool with spindle chuck replacing mechanism
The present invention provides a machine tool with a spindle chuck replacing mechanism which is simply configured to enable a reduction in time for work replacement without the need to sense the rotation speed of a spindle chuck or the like. The machine tool includes a pre-rotation-transmission mechanism 7 transmits rotation of a spindle motor 4, via a path different from a chuck coupling portion 3a of a spindle 3, to a spindle chuck 5 placed in a processing position P1 and not coupled the chuck coupling portion 3a. The pre-rotation-transmission mechanism 7 makes a difference in rotation speed between the spindle chuck 5 and the spindle 3. The pre-rotation-transmission mechanism 7 has a speed difference absorbing mechanism 23 that absorbs the difference in rotation speed with the spindle chuck 5 coupled to the chuck coupling portion 3a. |
US07674214B2 |
Barbell handles
The invention relates to methods and an apparatus used to lift a barbell. In some embodiments, the invention relates to an apparatus having a centralized handle and opposing hooks extending away from and attached to opposing ends of said handle. In other embodiments, the invention relates to methods for attaching said hooks to a barbell to assist in the performance of weight-bearing exercise and lifting. |
US07674212B2 |
Drop foot device
The invention relates to assembly of an accessory and a shoe for providing support to a foot-drop affected foot relative to a lower leg belonging to the foot such that the foot is prevented from dropping downwards relative to the lower leg when the foot is raised by the lower from a supporting surface, the accessory being provided with a first attachment member for attachment of the accessory to the lower leg, a second attachment member for attachment of the accessory to an upper side of the shoe and a connecting body joining together the first attachment member and the second attachment member, wherein the second attachment member is provided with an attachment plate which, in use, is positioned under an upper part of the shoe. The invention also relates to the accessory of the assembly. |
US07674211B2 |
Exercise apparatus with a pull cord central pulley attached to a carriage and a pulley locking mechanism
An exercise apparatus including a frame, a carriage, a central pulley, first and second frame pulleys, a pull cord, and a locking mechanism. The frame defines a longitudinal axis. The carriage is mounted on the frame and movable along the longitudinal axis. The central pulley is attached to the carriage. The first and second frame pulleys are attached to the frame. The pull cord has first and second handle portions. The pull cord is looped about the pulleys. The central pulley is between the first and second frame pulleys along the pull cord. The first frame pulley is between the first handle portion and the central pulley along the pull cord. The second frame pulley is between the second handle portion and the central pulley along the pull cord. The locking mechanism is configured to engage the central pulley. |
US07674209B2 |
Exercise apparatus and method of operating the same
An exercise apparatus and method of using exercise apparatuses. In some aspects and in some constructions, the invention may provide an exercise apparatus including a body housing a biasing member and having a first elongated member and a second elongated member movable relative to the first elongated member between a retracted position and an extended position, the biasing member biasing the second elongated member toward one of the retracted position and the extended position, a first pedal connected to the first elongated member, and a second pedal connected to the second elongated member, the first pedal being engageable by a first appendage of an operator and the second pedal being engageable by a second appendage of the operator for moving the second elongated member between the retracted position and the extended position. |
US07674208B2 |
Apparatus and method for changing barbell weights
An apparatus and method for changing barbell weights. The apparatus includes at least one stand having a ramp sloping upwards to a first cradle and a second cradle. The first cradle is sized to hold a circular barbell weight. The height of the first cradle exceeds the height of the second cradle by at least the difference between a weight bore diameter and a bar diameter. When a barbell is supported in the stand, only an innermost weight at each barbell end rests against the cradle floor; the other weights all depend from the bar and are easily slid off of, and onto, the bar. Method steps include rolling the barbell onto one or more stands, changing weights as desired, and rolling the barbell off of the stand(s). |
US07674206B2 |
Compact physical rehabilitation device and method
A physical rehabilitation device is disclosed including an endless belt for standing or walking thereon, which is pivotally attached to a maneuverable base. A motive force is supported by the maneuverable base and adapted to drive the endless belt at a slow constant speed, and being adjustable in small increments. |
US07674205B2 |
Elliptical exercise machine with adjustable foot motion
An elliptical exercise machine with adjustable foot motion is provided. The elliptical exercise machine, which is adjustable to yield different elliptical paths selectable by a user, comprises a frame, a drive assembly situated on the frame, first and second link arms, the first end of each link arm being rotatably connected to the drive assembly, first and second reciprocating foot supports, the first end of each foot support being pivotally interconnected to the frame, and first and second brackets, wherein the first bracket adjustably connects the first link arm to the first foot support, and wherein the second bracket adjustably connects the second link arm to the second foot support. |
US07674202B2 |
Eight speed transmission
An eight speed automatic transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, three planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices include three clutches and three brakes. |
US07674199B2 |
Rigidizable chain
Projectile ramming apparatus includes a rammer pawl for engaging the base of a projectile with a rigidizable chain attached to the rammer pawl for providing reciprocating movement thereto. The rigidizable chaining includes a plurality of rows of links having adjacent links pivotally attached to one another. A perimeter of each link enables fixed engagement of adjacent links on each row upon coordinated pivoting of adjacent links in each row and, further, for enabling release of the fixed engagement upon reverse coordinated pivoting of adjacent links. A drive is provided for reciprocally moving the chain and for pivoting adjacent links in order to rigidize the chain as the chain is moved in a forward direction; and unlocking, or unrigidizing, adjacent links as the chain is moved in a reverse direction. The chain is moved at a generally constant velocity enabled by the link perimeter. |
US07674197B2 |
Continuously variable transmission driven-pulley cam having three cam surfaces and roller therefor
A continuously variable transmission driven-pulley cam having a third cam surface which decreases the travel distance of the roller preventing the drive belt from dropping to a lower radius, thus preventing the transmission from going into a higher gear ratio upon inversion of torque transmitted to the driven pulley. The cam further includes a locking surface which prevents the roller from travelling axially to the cam, thus prevents the inner sheave from moving away from the outer sheave when the driven pulley is operating in the reverse direction. A continuously variable transmission driven-pulley cam roller assembly includes an inner roller and an outer roller wherein the diameters of the inner and outer rollers are different. |
US07674189B2 |
Golf club head
A high forgiveness wood-type golf club head comprises a body and a face. The body defines an interior cavity and comprises a sole that forms a bottom portion of the golf club head, a crown that forms a top portion of the golf club head and a skirt that forms a periphery of the golf club head between the sole and the crown. The face place is positioned at a front portion of the golf club head opposite a rear portion of the golf club head. The body defines an outer periphery having a generally triangular shape in plan. |
US07674188B2 |
Golf club head
A golf club head of this invention includes a face, a plurality of score line grooves formed on the face, and traces formed in the face by milling. Edges of the score line grooves are rounded with a radius of not more than 0.2 mm. A width W (mm) of the score line groove measured with the rounded edge being included, a width Ws (mm) between the score line grooves adjacent to one another, a width Wr (mm) of the score line groove measured based on the 30 degrees measurement rule and a cross section area S (mm2) of the score line grooves satisfy the flowing expressions; W/Ws×100≧35(%) and S/(Wr×0.5)×100≧70(%). The face in which the traces are formed has the arithmetic mean deviation of the profile (Ra) of not less than 4.00 μm. |
US07674187B2 |
Golf club with high moment of inertia
A golf club (40) has a golf club head with a large mass, relatively short club length and a moment of inertia about the Izz axis through the center of gravity of the golf club head greater than 5000 grams-centimeters squared. The golf club head (42) preferably has a volume ranging from 400 cubic centimeters to 470 cubic centimeters. The golf club head (42) preferably has a moment of inertia about the Ixx axis through the center of gravity of the golf club head greater than 3000 grams-centimeters squared. The golf club (40) preferably has an inertia ratio greater than 0.0019. |
US07674179B2 |
Gaming system and method for enabling a player to select progressive awards to try for and chances of winning progressive awards
The present disclosure provides a gaming device, a gaming system and a method for operating a gaming device or gaming system with a plurality of progressive awards. The gaming device enables a player to select one of the progressive awards. The player's selection of which progressive award to play for is based, at least in part, on a relative probability of the player winning the selected progressive award compared to the relative probabilities of the player winning the non-selected progressive awards. After selecting which award to play for, the gaming device either provides the selected progressive award to the player or modifies the relative probability that the player will win the selected progressive award with one or more of any award selections remaining. Such a configuration enables the player to strategically select which award to play for and the order that the player will play for the awards. |
US07674177B2 |
Gaming machine metering and accounting system
The present invention is an intelligent metering system for currency-activated devices having an electromechanical meter. The intelligent metering system includes an inductive pickup winding associated with the electromechanical meter. An amplifier is coupled to the inductive pickup winding to boost a signal detected from the inductive pickup winding when electromechanical meter is actuated. A pulse detector, coupled to the amplifier, detects pulses, false triggerings and filters out EMF spikes. A microprocessor is coupled to the pulse detector for counting the pulses detected by the pulse detector and for storing meter data related to the counted pulses in a memory device. An interface is coupled to the microprocessor for transmitting the meter data from the memory device. |
US07674175B2 |
Video slot machine
A video slot machine is disclosed in which a plurality of reel images comprising at least two types of arranged symbols are displayed on a monitor. The video slot machine includes a game controller configured to control a game including a unit game in response to a BET operation; a display controller configured to control the monitor such that the symbols of the reel images are successively changed and then stopped for display during the unit game; a change time determination unit configured to determine whether or not it is time to change the reel images; and a reel image changing unit configured to change at least one of the reel images to a different reel image having a different symbol arrangement when the change timing determination unit determines that it is time to change the reel images. |
US07674172B2 |
Gaming device having a wheel-based game
A gaming device including at least one wagering station and a rotor. The rotor supports a series of symbols arranged about a center. The rotor also supports a series of landings arranged adjacent to the series of symbols. In operation, at least one ball travels along the rotor and eventually reaches a landing. One or more of the elements of the gaming device has a designated shape, construction or function to enable designated operations of a primary game, a secondary outcome determiner or a combination thereof. |
US07674171B2 |
Products and processes for applying conditions to a lottery entry
Products and processes are disclosed for receiving a lottery record associated with a sale of a lottery ticket. The lottery record includes a plurality of lottery numbers, and a condition for creating at least one entry that includes the lottery numbers in a lottery drawing. It is determined if the condition is satisfied. The at least one entry in the lottery drawing is created only if the condition satisfied. |
US07674170B2 |
Method of lottery wagering on a real world phased competition
A method for lottery wagering on actual events. The method according to the present invention includes selecting a subset of wagering data DW from a set of pre-qualifying data DPQ prior to conclusion of a pre-qualifying event of a phased competition consisting of a pre-qualifying event and a final event. The method further includes assembling pre-qualifying data DPQ for preliminary participants after conclusion of a pre-qualifying event and assembling concluding data DC for final participants after conclusion of the final event. Winners are selected from the final participants after the final event based on the concluding data. Winning lottery data DL is determined from a correlation between the winners' and their respective pre-qualifying data. |
US07674158B2 |
Combined grinder and water blaster for stripe removal system
A self-propelled mobile marking removal system which comprises a mobile vehicle assembly including a chassis, a high pressure liquid pump in fluid connection with a liquid reservoir contained within said chassis, said high pressure liquid pump is further in fluid connection with a blast head, said blast head having at least one high pressure nozzle for delivering liquid at high pressure to a marked surface, a waste removal hose fluidly coupled with said blast head and a sump for collection of liquid and debris, said blast head positionable along a left or a right side of said chassis, a mechanical abrasion means, said mechanical abrasion means positionable along a left or a right side of said chassis in front of said blast head, said mechanical abrasion means is constructed and arranged to substantially remove marking material protruding above said marked surface and said blast head constructed and arranged to substantially remove any marking material extending below said marked surface. As a result of this arrangement the self-propelled vehicle can travel at speeds up to approximately 25 MPH. |
US07674156B2 |
Cleaning device for chemical mechanical polishing equipment
A cleaning device for chemical-mechanical equipment, which includes: an irrotatable center shaft irrotatably coupled with a spindle which is rotated, the irrotatable center shaft including a first channel and a second channel formed in an interior of the irrotatable center shaft, cleaning liquid flowing into the first channel and compressed gas flowing into the second channel; and a nozzle block coupled with the spindle so as to revolve about the irrotatable center shaft above a polishing pad, the nozzle block mixing cleaning liquid supplied through the first channel with compressed gas supplied through the second channel so as to generate twin-fluid, and pressure-injecting the mixed twin-fluid on the polishing pad. Accordingly, cleaning liquid is pressurized so as to be rapidly injected on a polishing pad so that slurry particles and alien substances on the polishing pad are completely removed. Furthermore, wafer scratch can be prevented and the life of the polishing pad can also be increased. |
US07674155B2 |
Process and apparatus for artificially ageing blocks
A process for artificially ageing blocks, in particular concrete blocks, vitrified bricks and natural stones, provides that the blocks are applied to an underlying surface. Essentially freely movable distressing bodies are applied to the surface to be worked of the blocks. The blocks and the distressing bodies are brought into movement in relation to one another by a vibrating motion of the underlying surface in such a way that the distressing bodies act on the surface and the adjoining, exposed edges of the blocks. |
US07674153B2 |
Animal training device
An animal training device (10) having a housing (11), a sound-producing member, an actuator (15), and a whistle (21, 23). The sound-producing member is mounted within a central cavity (12) formed in the housing (11), and the actuator (15) is provided in an opening (14) in one face (13) of the housing (11). The actuator (15) is arranged to transfer to the sound-producing member a manual force applied to the actuator (15), thereby to produce a first audible signal. The whistle (21, 23) includes a resonance chamber (23) formed integrally in the other face (22) of the housing (11), and a mouthpiece (21) in communication with the resonance chamber (23). The whistle (21, 23) is adapted to produce a second audible signal upon a user blowing into the mouthpiece (21). |
US07674152B2 |
Enhanced balloon weight system
The present invention provides a balloon weight system for an inflatable balloon having, singularly or in any combination, an electronic music producing device, a line distance adjusting device, to produce a descending and/or ascending of the balloon, and a fragrance distribution device. |
US07674147B2 |
Generator set exhaust processing system and method
A generator set (genset) for use in a marine environment is disclosed. The genset includes an alternator, an engine dedicated to driving the alternator, and an exhaust port connected to the engine to receive exhaust generated during operation of the engine to drive the alternator. An inner tubular structure is provided that is configured to receive exhaust gases from the exhaust port and communicate the exhaust gases therethrough. The exhaust processing device also includes an exhaust processing element mounted within the inner tubular structure to process the exhaust gases and an outer tubular structure mounted around the inner tubular structure to form an intermediate space therebetween. The exhaust processing device further includes at least one orifice through which to deliver a flow of water to the intermediate space to maintain the outer tubular structure at a temperature below a temperature of the exhaust processing element. |
US07674142B2 |
Latching structure and a method of making an electrical interconnect
An electrical interconnect device attaches electrical devices with a cantilever spring with out the use of solder or adhesive. The cantilever spring latches to a contact structure such that there are a plurality of contact points between the spring and the contact structure. The cantilever spring has two tines at a tip end that define an opening in the spring. The contact structure is received by the opening between the two tines so that the spring and the contact structure mate. The spring may engage the contact structure by latching to the contact structure or by a post that urges the tip end of the spring against the contact structure. |
US07674132B1 |
Electrical connector ensuring effective grounding contact
An electric connector ensuring effective grounding contact includes coaxially arranged inner sleeve and outer sleeve and a conductive grounding element. The inner sleeve is adapted to receive a central conductor and an insulating spacer of a cable therein, and can be axially rearward moved from a first position to a second position, and the outer sleeve is adapted to receive a braided conductive grounding sheath and an insulating sheath of the cable therein. The conductive grounding element is externally immovably fitted around the inner sleeve. When a stripped free end of the cable is inserted into the connector and the cable is rearward pulled, the inner sleeve is simultaneously rearward moved from the first position to the second position, forcing the inner sleeve, the conductive grounding element, and a connecting ring coaxially mounted around the inner sleeve to electrically contact with one another. |
US07674130B2 |
Electric connector for routing a line through a housing wall
An electric connector for passing a line through a housing wall has a rectangular housing made of an insulating material, at least one connection element and a securing element used to secure the connector to the rectangular wall opening of the housing wall. The securing element includes at least one fixing element and an elastic clamping element which is arranged in an essentially perpendicular manner in relation to the fixing element, such that the clamping element interacts against an inner edge of the narrow side of the wall opening when the connector is in the mounted state. |
US07674129B1 |
Clamping device for DIN rail
A clamping device for a DIN rail is provided, in which a positioning blade spring is fixed on a base, a first positioning component and a second positioning component are disposed on a sliding element, and the sliding element moves relative to the base, so that the positioning blade spring is enabled to move from the second positioning component to the first positioning component for being fixed and positioned, so as to solve the problems of the prior art that the clamping device cannot be easily detached from the DIN rail and is easily damaged, thereby achieving the technique efficacies of simplifying the process of detaching the clamping device from the DIN rail and facilitating detaching the clamping device. |
US07674128B2 |
In-vehicle electronic device
The present invention improves reliability of an in-vehicle electronic device against corrosive gases. A trapping agent that has trap performances (adsorptive performance, suction performance, absorption performance, chemical reactivity, etc.) that are higher than that of water vapor with respect to corrosive gases other than water vapor is held within a connector having a terminal that is insert-molded in a case housing an electronic circuit. Here, the trapping agent may be held in a counterpart connector of the connector integrally formed in the case. |
US07674124B2 |
Contact pin assembly for a high voltage electrical connection
There is disclosed a contact pin assembly for a high voltage electrical connection, the contact pin assembly comprising: an electrically-conductive outer member which is supportable from a support member, the outer member having a bore extending therethrough, the bore defining a smooth inner face of the outer member and being divergent towards opposite ends of the outer member; a contact pin, ends of which are arranged to be connected directly or indirectly to cables, the contact pin extending through the bore and having a profiled portion which defines a smooth outer face of the contact pin and which is divergent towards opposite ends of the contact pin, the contact pin being concentric with the bore; an electrically-conductive layer provided adjacent the inner face, the electrically-conductive layer being in electrical communication with the outer member and conforming with the profile of the inner face; an annular space between the profiled portion and the electrically-conductive layer; electrical insulation surrounding the pin to provide a seal around the pin and filling the annular space; and sealing between the insulation and the ends of the outer member. There is also disclosed a method of manufacturing such a contact pin assembly. |
US07674122B2 |
Adjustable feed through bushing base with lifting means
This invention relates to providing a means to removeably mount a feed through/grounding bushing commonly used to bond together, ground and/or park power distribution cables. Many pieces of power distribution equipment have U brackets for removable attachment of accessories and temporary placed maintenance equipment. The present invention addresses holding the bushing at an angle relative to the U bracket and surrounding surface and adjustability of the bushing height relative to the U bracket for strain relief and adjusting for improved work room. Also addressed is the advantage of cable identification by numbering the wells so that a lineman may readily select the cables even after the bushing may have been set aside for equipment replacement. This is especially useful on but not limited to this invention since the U bracket mounting means is moveable and would not always provide positive identification of one end of a multi well bushing. Also provided is a means to receive a lifting means to assist in lifting and positioning the assembly especially for higher kilovolt applications. Further provided is the method of grounding the lines of a multi phase system on a common bushing in order that a lineman can rely that the entire phase system is grounded and is gives rapid visual confirmation. |
US07674120B2 |
Electronic device with dual slide actuator that extends and retracts a connector
A hand held electronic device, such as a flash memory drive, includes a mechanism for extending and withdrawing a connector, such as a USB plug, that is adapted for engaging a mating connector of a host device. A positive latch holds the connector with respect to an outer shell when in the extended and withdrawn positions. Movement of a separate housing portion unlatches the connector and outer shell, and also provides movement of the connector. A protective door closes over a connector opening when the connector is withdrawn into the device, and the door is withdrawn into the device when the connector is extended, thereby not interfering with the extended connector. |
US07674118B2 |
Electrical connector
An electrical connector includes an insulating body and a plurality of signal terminals and ground terminals contained therein. Each terminal includes a contact portion, a foot portion and a connection portion therebetween. The contact portions are arranged in two lines on the insulating body, and the foot portions are arranged in two lines. The locations of the free ends of the foot portions included in one line correspond with the location arrangement of their contact portions. Compared with the free ends of the foot portions of each signal terminal pair in the line, the distance between the free ends of the foot portions of two corresponding adjacent terminals in the other line is increased. |
US07674108B2 |
Device for blowing thermoplastic containers
A device for blowing, with the aid of a pressurized fluid, containers from thermoplastic blanks closed in a blow mold including a nozzle whose end is functionally and sealingly connected to the neck of the blank and includes several solenoid valves for selectively connecting the nozzle to the source of a moderately pressurized pre-blowing fluid, to the source of a highly-pressurized blowing fluid and to an exhaust for discharging the pre-blowing/blowing fluid, respectively. The inventive device also includes a body which is mechanically associated with the nozzle, incorporates at least one reception area for receiving a solenoid valve and is selectively connectable to the nozzle. |
US07674102B2 |
Extruder system and cutting assembly
An extruder system and a cutting assembly for cutting a material extruded from an extruder plate. |
US07674095B2 |
Variable displacement vane pump with variable target regulator
A variable displacement vane-type fluid pump is provided which permits improved regulation of the pump discharge such that the pump can meet the various requirements of lubrication for internal combustion engines at all speeds with minimized use of power. Of course, the vane pump may also be utilized in a wide range of power transmission and other fluid distribution applications. The vane pump of the invention may also use both hydrostatic and mechanical actuators to control the position of its containment ring or eccentric ring and hence, regulate the output of the pump. According to yet another aspect of the present invention, to prevent inlet flow restriction or cavitation, a valve may be provided to permit some of the pump outlet or discharge flow to bleed into the pump inlet to provide needed velocity energy to the fluid flow into the pump inlet. A system for lubrication of an engine using a fixed displacement pump for providing an engine speed input for controlling a second main variable displacement type oil pump and maintaining a target oil pressure in the oil pressure circuit. A solenoid valve is used for venting output of the fixed displacement pump to create a second target oil pressure characteristic or curve when desired. |
US07674094B2 |
Electric fan with sealing lid
An electric fan includes a fan base (10), a bearing (40) and a rotor assembly (20). The fan base forms a central tube (11) receiving the bearing therein. The rotor assembly includes a fan hub (22), and a pivot axle (23) joined to the fan hub. The pivot axle pivotably extends into the bearing. A sealing lid (60) is screwedly mounted on a bottom opening of the central tube to prevent lubricant oil contained in the central tube from leaking. The sealing lid abuts against a bottom of the bearing to prevent the bearing from deflection. |
US07674090B2 |
Steam turbine rotors
A steam turbine rotor has at least a first stage and a last stage. The rotor is optimised for operation in a wet steam environment at steam temperatures of less than 300° C. by being made more resistant to stress corrosion cracking (SCC). The yield strength of the rotor varies along its axial length such that the yield strength of the rotor in the region of the last turbine stage is more than the yield strength of the rotor in the region of at least one earlier turbine stage. |
US07674086B2 |
Method and apparatus for handling rolls from paper or tissue making machine without touching the roll surface
In an apparatus for handling rolls of web material, a shaft bearing one or more fully wound rolls of web material thereon are supported from one end in a cantilever support. An external mandrel is aligned with a free end of the shaft. A roll-moving device is positioned to shift the rolls axially along the shaft away from the supported end of the shaft. The roll-moving device shifts the rolls of web material off the shaft and onto the aligned external mandrel, shaft or other support device. The weight of the roll of web material is borne by the shaft and external mandrel throughout the transfer. Once the shaft is removed, the rolls of web material can be handled during further processing from the core. |
US07674084B2 |
Hydraulically cushioned backhoe boom bumper and travel limiter
A system is used with a boom pivoted on a frame about a horizontal pivot axis between raised and lowered positions by a first fluid ram joining the frame and the boom. A releasable locking mechanism locks the boom relative to the frame to prevent pivotal movement of the boom about its horizontal pivot axis. A second fluid ram is disposed between the frame and the boom, the second fluid ram compressed between the frame and the boom when the boom is adjacent the raised position, but prior to the boom achieving a latched position substantially coinciding with the raised position. A fluid circuit of the second fluid ram has two selectable pressure levels. The first level substantially prevents the boom from achieving the latched position, the second level permits the boom to achieve the latched position while providing fluid cushioning to dissipate impact forces between the boom and frame. |
US07674083B2 |
Clean device with clean box-opening/closing device
In a load port portion of a conventional clean device, it can happen that cleanliness is reduced by dust caused by wear of bellows and a lid is not separated by its weight from a main body. In order to solve such problems, a clean device is structured as follows: a lid of a clean box has a non-circular reception hole, a load port portion of the clean device has an opening/closing mechanism with a projection fittable in the receiving hole and has a buffer chamber, one end of bellows of the buffer chamber is connected to the bottom surface of the buffer chamber, and the other end of the bellows is fixed, on the outside of the buffer chamber, to raising/lowering means of a port door. |
US07674081B2 |
Hopper fed tee-nut having counterbore with nylon lock
A tee-nut fastener which includes a nylon locking ring located distally from the entrance to a passageway ensures proper fastening upon coupling with a threaded stud. The tee-nut is used use in combination with a track for efficient delivery. The track comprises an upper guide spaced apart relatively farther than a lower guide. The process for making the tee nut uses a cold heading process. The tee-nut includes a flange having an upper portion and a lower portion. A shank extends perpendicularly from the upper portion and a head extends oppositely from the shank and perpendicularly from the lower portion. The flange includes at least two teeth extending in the direction of the shank and a passageway through the shank, flange and head. The passageway includes a bore countersunk at both ends thereof, a cavity, and threads therein. A locking ring resides in the cavity and is relatively thin compared to the length of the teeth to ensure that the tee-nut is not extricated from a substrate in which the prongs or teeth are embedded upon coupling with a threaded stud. |
US07674078B1 |
Hole saw having efficient slug removal
A hole saw having efficient slug removal includes a saw cup, a shank portion, a spade bit, a compression spring and a contact disc. A plurality of cutting teeth are formed on an open end of the saw cup and the shank portion is attached to the other end of the saw cup with any suitable fastening process. The spade bit includes a cutting bit and a shank. A shank opening is formed through the shank portion to receive the shank of the spade bit. Preferably, a set screw or the like is used to retain the spade bit in the shank opening. The shank of the spade bit is inserted through the contact disc and then the compression spring, before insertion into the shank opening. A hole slug is ejected from the saw cup, when the hole saw is removed from a hole. |
US07674077B2 |
Method of transporting tuberous vegetables
A method of transporting tuberous vegetables from a storage facility that is remote from a processing facility to a processing facility includes providing a pipeline from the storage facility to the processing facility. A sufficient amount of water is continuously fed into a pump inlet along with a continuous selected amount of tuberous vegetables such that a pump, located proximate the storage facility, forces the water along with the tuberous vegetables through the pipeline and discharges the water and tuberous vegetables to the processing facility where the processing facility separates the water from the tuberous vegetables. |
US07674076B2 |
Feeder apparatus for controlled supply of feedstock
A feeder apparatus supplies a powder feedstock to a high or low pressure processing operation. The apparatus includes a metering plate defining an annular channel having a channel width. A measuring mechanism dispenses a measured volume of the feedstock into the annular channel. The measuring mechanism includes a pay-out device defining an outlet significantly smaller than the channel width. The measuring mechanism further includes a maximum fill level defining a maximum pressure head in the feedstock less than a retaining pressure defined by the internal friction of the feedstock. The restraining pressure prevents the feedstock from spreading outwardly in the annular channel and contacting sidewalls of the annular channel under the pressure head of the feedstock. The apparatus further includes a pick-up device for removing the feedstock from the annular channel. The pick-up device includes an inlet having a rectangular shape extending across the annular channel. |
US07674074B2 |
ROV friendly vortex induced vibration inhibitor and method of use
The present invention discloses a vortex induced vibration inhibitor (“VIVI”) comprising a hollow cylindrical housing having an elongated opening defined by locking edges. The housing is operable between an open and a closed position. Connecting assemblies include barbed connector pins received in grooved housings. Connector slots are provided in the connector and receptor housings. Retainer pins provide for release of connecting assemblies. Spacers are provided to limit movement of the housing in relation to the surrounded structure. An alignment stub is provided. |
US07674072B2 |
Connection between a lateral and main pipe and method for making same
Apparatus and method for connecting a lateral pipe to a main pipe are provided by a tool having a first end within the main pipe and a second end outside the lateral pipe so as to apply pressure to the below-ground connection of the main and lateral pipes from an above-ground location. The entire operation may be done without a person having to enter into an access opening in the ground to connect the lateral pipe to the main pipe. A laser is used to determine the depth of the access hole relative to the surface of the ground and the main sewer pipe. |
US07674070B2 |
Vibratory system for compactor vehicles
The present invention is directed to a control system for sensing the vibration amplitude on a vibration compacting machine. In addition, the control system modifies the rotational speed of the eccentric assembly based on the vibration amplitude of the eccentric assembly. In one embodiment, the control system modifies the rotational speed of the eccentric assembly to match the optimum speed for the adjusted vibration amplitude when the eccentric assembly is adjusted to increase or decrease the vibration amplitude. Reducing the rotational speed of the eccentric assembly at high vibration amplitudes minimizes wear to each of the load bearing components in the vibration compacting machine resulting in an extended service life for the vibration compacting machine. Similarly, increasing the rotational speed of the eccentric assembly at low vibration amplitudes increases the effectiveness of the vibration compacting machine. |
US07674069B2 |
Concrete finishing trowel
A concrete finishing trowel comprising at least one rotor which is mounted on a frame and is provided with a rotatably driven shaft and several blades that are mounted on the driven shaft. A blade deflection mechanism moves the blades on a path that deviates from a circular path relative to the drive shaft. |
US07674068B2 |
Cement heating and finishing machine
The cement finishing machine (10) has adjustable heat generating assemblies (22, 24), affixed to each side of the finishing machine (10). Each of the heat generating assemblies (22, 24) includes a propane burner that extends into an elongate heating tube. The heat generating assemblies (22, 24) also include a vertical adjustment assembly and detachable heat guards. The heat generated by the propane burner is directed through an opening in the bottom of each of the heating tubes and onto the surface of an unfinished cement slab during the cement finishing process. The heat facilitates the evaporation of excess water generated during the cement finishing process. |
US07674064B2 |
Coupling apparatus for structural members
The coupling apparatus for structural members includes a paired couplers for coupling structural members with each other, and each coupler includes a cylindrical main body, engaging projections spaced apart from each other at predetermined intervals in a circumferential direction at an end of the body and projecting along the center line of the body, and engaging hooks projecting in one circumferential direction at the projecting end portions of the projections. At least one coupler further includes a coupling direction changing mechanism which couples the at least one coupler with a predetermined position of a structural member corresponding thereto so that the center line of the body of the at least one coupler can be orientated in a desired direction. |
US07674052B2 |
Object detection apparatus
An improved object detection apparatus using an interface with which user can set an object detection area intuitively with simple operation. Apparatus includes imaging module imaging and outputting an imaged picture, three-dimensional position detection module detecting a three-dimensional position and outputting detected position information, input module allowing user to input data for setting a detection area and processing module conversion-processing and outputting the picture. Using detection area setting data inputted by user, detection area in the three-dimensional space is decided and whether the three-dimensional position detected by the position detection module exists inside or outside the detection area is judged. Picture outputted by the imaging module is subjected to conversion processing based on judgment result and detection area is clearly indicated in the picture. |
US07674046B2 |
Fibre optic connector keying system
A keying system for providing selective interconnection between a receptacle socket and a connector plug terminating an optic fibre, the connector plug adapted for insertion into the receptacle socket. The keying system comprises a raised boss configured to one of a plurality of predefined boss keying geometries and a cavity configured to one of a plurality of predefined cavity keying geometries. The boss is either in one of the receptacle socket or on a forward end of the connector plug and the cavity is formed in the other of the receptacle socket or the forward end of the connector plug. At least one of the predefined boss keying geometries matches at least one of the predefined cavity keying geometries. When the boss keying geometry matches the cavity keying geometry, the boss can be inserted into the cavity thereby interconnecting the connector plug with the receptacle socket. In this manner correct interconnections between connectors and other connectors or sockets can be insured thereby providing an enhanced level of security. |
US07674043B2 |
Hydrodynamic bearing rotary device
An object of the present invention is to provide a hydrodynamic bearing type rotary device which can improve rotation performance, suppress a friction torque, and reduce power consumption of motor, and a recording and reproducing apparatus including the same. A shaft having a flange on one end and a hub on the other end is provided with a bearing of a sleeve so as to be rotatable. The sleeve includes a communication hole. A third gap between the hub and the sleeve end surface is a flow path, and is connected to the communication hole. Provided that a first gap between a thrust plate 4 and the flange 3 is S1, a second gap between the flange 3 and a lower end surface of the sleeve 1 is S2, and a third gap between the upper end surface of the sleeve 1 and the hub 7 is S3, widths of the gaps satisfy the relational expression, S3>(S1+S2). |
US07674041B2 |
Packaging device and method of using the same
A packaging device generally includes a flexible inner container, a flexible outer container, and a one-way valve in fluid communication with the inner container. Articles to be packaged are contained within the inner container, and the inner container is positioned within the outer container. When the containers are closed and pressure is applied to the outer container, ambient fluid trapped within the outer container transfers the pressure to the inner container, thereby urging fluid flow from the inner container, through the one-way valve, and out of the packaging device. |
US07674039B2 |
Reclosable vacuum storage bag having flat resealable means
A reclosable vacuum storage bag that can be hermetically sealed by flat resealable means that extend across the full width of the bag. The flat resealable means are designed to provide a barrier to prevent ambient air from leaking into the evacuated interior volume of the bag. The storage bag is also provided with a plastic zipper. The flat resealable means can be arranged on the product side of the zipper, on the user side of the zipper, or in between two zippers installed in the storage bag. |
US07674026B2 |
Lamp system for a vehicle
A vehicle lamp can include LEDs configured to be a light source of the lamp, where the LEDs can be controlled to be turned on in part or in whole for a predetermined period and in a configuration that is different from the originally intended display purpose configuration of the lamp. The configuration can be controlled to be different when the vehicle is stopped and when a driver (or other person) initiates a predetermined operation on the vehicle. Contents such as color and pattern that are displayed by the LEDs on this occasion can be different from the contents associated with the original display purpose configuration of the vehicle lamp, resulting in an additional new display function, and new design. |
US07674025B2 |
Exterior rearview mirror for vehicles, preferably for motor vehicles
The exterior rearview mirror has a mirror head, which is provided with a mirror glass and with at least one illuminant, which radiates light through at least one light permeable section to the exterior. Furthermore, the exterior rearview mirror has a mirror base. In order to provide the exterior rearview mirror, so that the light function is performed in an optimum manner through the simple provision of the mirror, at least part of the housing of the mirror head and/or of the mirror base is comprised of at least two plastic layers, having different light permeability. In the light permeable section, the plastic layer with the lower light permeability is missing, or it only has such thickness, that the light emitted by the illuminant radiates to the exterior with sufficient light intensity. The plastic layer with higher light permeability can be used as a light pane for the illuminant disposed behind it. The plastic layer with lower light permeability can be provided to provide the transparent section with a proper color. |
US07674022B2 |
Motorcycle headlight device
To provide a headlight device, in which a change of the region of illumination afforded by the headlamp can be initiated substantially punctual to the start of cornering of the motorcycle, the headlight device includes a headlamp for illuminating forwardly of the motorcycle, a light-distribution adjusting mechanism for changing a region of illumination, a bank angle detecting unit for detecting a bank angle δ of the motorcycle in reference to an angular velocity ωy about a vertical axis of the motorcycle, an angular velocity ωr about a longitudinal axis of the motorcycle and a motorcycle velocity v, and a light-distribution controller for controlling the light-distribution adjusting mechanism based on the detected bank angle δ to change the region of illumination into an area further away from and at least inwardly of a direction of turn of the motorcycle during a cornering. |
US07674021B2 |
Apparatus for reducing flashback produced by an anti-collision light
A lighting assembly apparatus for wingtip position lights and an anti-collision light (ACL). The lighting assembly apparatus reduces light flashback caused by the ACL by including one or more internal baffles located inside of a lens. A lens retainer receives the lens. The lens retainer includes a base section and internal baffles. The one or more internal baffles include a crossbeam baffle that is attached between upper and lower surfaces of the lens retainer. The crossbeam baffle reduces light flashback caused by the ACL and complies with ACL/regulatory requirements. The internal baffle includes a stepped edge that also reduces light flashback caused by the ACL and complies with ACL requirements. |
US07674019B2 |
Free-form lenses for rectangular illumination zones
A light source emits light into a solid angle exceeding pi steradians with a known intensity distribution. An illumination lens has a first surface that receives at least 90% of the light of the known intensity distribution and has a shape that transforms the known intensity distribution into an intermediate intensity distribution within the transparent material of the lens. A second surface receives the intermediate intensity distribution and is shaped to transform the intermediate intensity distribution into a final intensity distribution that produces a prescribed illumination distribution upon a rectangular target zone. At least one of the shapes of the first and second surfaces is non-rotationally symmetric and is approximated by a super-ellipsoid. |
US07674018B2 |
LED device for wide beam generation
An apparatus and method is characterized by providing an optical transfer function between a predetermined illuminated surface pattern, such as a street light pattern, and a predetermined energy distribution pattern of a light source, such as that from an LED. A lens is formed having a shape defined by the optical transfer function. The optical transfer function is derived by generating an energy distribution pattern using the predetermined energy distribution pattern of the light source. Then the projection of the energy distribution pattern onto the illuminated surface is generated. The projection is then compared to the predetermined illuminated surface pattern to determine if it acceptably matches. The process continues reiteratively until an acceptable match is achieved. Alternatively, the lens shape is numerically or analytically determined by a functional relationship between the shape and the predetermined illuminated surface pattern and predetermined energy distribution pattern of a light source as inputs. |
US07674016B2 |
LED lamp with a heat dissipation device
An LED lamp includes a heat sink (10) and a plurality of LED modules (20) mounted on a periphery of the heat sink. The heat sink defines a through hole (122) from a lateral side to an opposite lateral side thereof to define a cylindrical inner face. A plurality of fins (16) are attached to the heat sink in a manner such that the fins have spaced external portions (160) extending outwardly from the periphery of the heat sink, and opposite internal portions (162) extending inwardly from the inner face of the heat sink. The internal portions connect with each other to form a joint (164) in the through hole, thus increasing a heat dissipating area of the heat sink and reinforcing the heat sink. |
US07674015B2 |
LED projector light module
A LED projector light module comprising a main body, a LED unit, a heat-radiating unit, a voltage conversion unit and a base is disclosed. The main body is made of metallic material with good thermal conductivity (e.g. copper) and contains a space for accommodating the LED unit. The LED unit and the voltage conversion unit are electrically connected. The voltage conversion unit is configured inside the base. The base is connectable to the main body. The bottom surface of base is disposed with an electrically conductive pin that matches the projector socket. The electrically conductive pin is electrically connected to the voltage conversion unit at one end. The invention is characterized in which the heat-radiating unit is arranged at the outer rim of main body and the heat generated by the LED unit can be effectively transferred to the heat-radiating unit through the main body and then rapidly dissipate, which enhances the efficiency of heat dissipation, thereby allowing the use of higher wattage LED to enhance luminance. |
US07674014B2 |
Lighting installation
A lighting installation has two light fixtures which each have an illuminant in a horizontal burning position and a box reflector surrounding the illuminant. The box reflectors of the two light fixtures are each designed to produce half bat wing light distributions. The two light fixtures are positioned parallel to one another such that they together produce bat wing distribution and the two light fixtures can be adjusted in relation to one another. |
US07674013B2 |
Utility light
A light assembly, comprising: a translucent housing; an inner wall disposed in the translucent housing, the inner wall and the translucent housing defining an inner cavity; a plurality of light emitting diodes electrically coupled to a power source; a switch for electrically connecting and disconnecting the plurality of light emitting diodes to the power source and activating an operating mode including sequential flashing of the plurality of light emitting diodes, the plurality of light emitting diodes and the power source being disposed in the inner cavity; and a removable base configured to be secured to the inner wall, the removable base defining a bottom portion of the housing, the switch being located in the removable base. |
US07674012B1 |
LED lighting device capable of uniformly dissipating heat
An LED lighting device with a heat dissipating structure is disclosed. The lighting device includes a lamp base coupled with a top cover to form an accommodating space for accommodating a first heat dissipating module and a second heat dissipating module. The first heat dissipating module includes a first heat-conducting plate, a first heat pipe and a first heat dissipater. An LED lighting module is connected with the first heat-conducting plate, in which an evaporator section of the first heat pipe is disposed thereon. The first heat dissipater is arranged on a condenser section of the first heat pipe, and the second heat dissipating module includes a second heat-conducting plate and a second heat pipe. The second heat-conducting plate paralleling to the first heat-conducting plate is connected with the LED lighting module. An evaporator section of the second heat pipe is disposed on the second heat-conducting plate, and whose condenser section is connected with an inner surface of the top cover. Whereby, the heat generated from the LED lighting module can be dissipated uniformly and rapidly. |
US07674011B2 |
LED lamp having a vapor chamber for dissipating heat generated by LEDS of the LED lamp
An LED lamp includes a heat dissipation device and a plurality of LED modules. The heat dissipation device includes a heat conductive member and a fin unit. The LED modules are attached to a top surface of a first plate of the heat conductive member. The heat conductive member comprises a plurality of posts embedded in the top surface of the first plate. Peripheries of the first and second plates are in a hermetical conjunction with each other to form a chamber containing phase-changeable working fluid therein. The first plate has a plurality of receiving recessions which are depressed downwardly from the top surface thereof and respectively receive the posts. Screws are used to extend through the LED modules to threadedly engage in the posts thereby to intimately mount the LED modules on the top surface of the first plate of the heat conductive member. |
US07674010B2 |
Light fixture having light emitting diode (LED) and resilient member
A housing for a light fixture, and the light itself, is disclosed. The housing comprises an elongate body and a resilient member mountable in the body to retain at least one light emitting diode (LED) between the resilient member and the housing such that the or each LED is repositionable within the housing. The light includes at least one LED mounted in the housing. |
US07674007B2 |
Backlight assembly, liquid crystal display apparatus having the same and method of manufacturing lamp-fixing member
A backlight assembly includes a receiving container, lamps, a diffusion plate and a lamp-fixing member. The receiving container includes a bottom plate and sidewalls together providing a receiving space. The lamps are arranged substantially parallel to each other on the bottom plate. The diffusion plate is disposed over the lamps. The lamp-fixing member includes a body portion extending substantially perpendicular to the lamps, a buffer protruding upwardly from the body portion, a diffusion plate supporting portion protruding from the buffer to support the diffusion plate and a lamp-fixing portion formed at the body portion to fix the lamps. Therefore, the buffer having elasticity is formed at an area at which the diffusion plate supporting portion is formed, so that rubbing between the diffusion plate and the diffusion plate supporting portion may be reduced. |
US07674006B2 |
Backlight unit and liquid crystal display device having same
A backlight unit includes a receiving member, a lamp socket disposed in the receiving, member, a lamp coupled to the lamp socket and an inverter unit coupled to the lamp socket to supply electric power to the lamp. The receiving member further includes a guide portion for guiding the inverter unit The lamp socket includes a body, a first connector formed in a first end of the body, and a second connector formed in a second end of the body, wherein the first connector connects to the lamp and the second connector connects to the inverter unit. |
US07674005B2 |
Recessed sealed lighting fixture
In an embodiment, a recessed light fixture includes a structural reflector and two end caps that form a light fixture housing. A first, second and third optics areas are provided. At least one first light source type is mounted near the first optics area. A second light source type is mounted near the second optics area and the second light source type is mounted near the third optics areas, the second light source type having a light output level substantially lower than the light output level of the first light source type. A diffuser is configured to sealably mount to the light fixture housing so as to substantially seal an interior portion of the light fixture. In operation, the light fixture can be switch between an ambient mode and an examination mode while providing a cost effective and attractive design. |
US07674003B2 |
Flashlight having plural switches and a controller
An electrical switch comprises first and second switch elements including respective first and second electrically conductive flexible domes for selectively making electrical connections. The second switch element is disposed adjacent the first switch element with an electrical conductor therebetween. An actuator is movable for exerting force on the second switch element via a spring, and for exerting force on the first switch element via the spring and the second switch element. The second flexible dome may have an actuating force that is less than the actuating force of said first flexible dome. |
US07674001B1 |
Special effects drinking lid
The present invention is for an apparatus and method for using a special effects drinking lid which can be used to create movement in a moveable object, produce light, and/or produce a distinctive aroma or odor from a drinking container lid. The special effects drinking lid comprises: a container lid; a straw hole; an attaching means for connecting said container lid to a drinking container; an electrical circuit assembly; at least one activating mechanism for triggering at least one special effect; said activating mechanism is connected to said special effects; and said special effects are connected to said container lid. |
US07673996B2 |
Image projection apparatus and image projection system
An image projection apparatus includes: an imaging portion that takes an image of an object; an optical element that is disposed halfway on an optical path between the object and the imaging portion, and that branches the optical path; a projection portion that projects image light onto the object through the optical element; a dust prevention cover that includes an opening on an optical axis between the object and the optical element, and that covers at least the optical element to protect the optical element from dust; and a transparent dust prevention member that is provided in the dust prevention cover to close the opening, and that has a reflection surface preventing reflection light, which is obtained by receiving the image light from the projection portion and reflecting the image light, from being incident on an entrance pupil of the imaging portion. |
US07673994B2 |
Image display apparatus and control method for the same
An image display apparatus that displays an image through scanning by a plurality of beam lights, includes: a light source section that supplies the beam lights; and a scanning section that subjects to scanning the beam lights coming from the light source section. In the image display apparatus, the light source section is driven for a tone representation using the beam lights each having a light amount that is assigned a weight depending on how many bits are allocated in a range from minimum to maximum, and allocates at least two of the beam lights to at least one higher-order bit in the range. |
US07673992B2 |
Device and method for determining the amertopia of an optical system
A device and method for determining the defective vision of an optical system include a controllable optical element. The objective and subjective determination of the correction values are more greatly combined in that a measuring and controlling device forms a control loop with the controllable optical element, and the optical characteristics of the controllable element can be changed manually. |
US07673990B2 |
Individual eyeglass lens
An individual eyeglass lens in which the vertical distance from the near reference point to the far distance point amounts to max. 18 millimeters, the progressive length is max. 14 millimeters, the main progressive length is max. 10 millimeters and the increase in refractive index, starting from the effect of the eyeglass lens at the far reference point up to a point 2 millimeters below the centering point amounts to less than 10% of the addition. The progressive length corresponds essentially to the vertical distance between the far reference point and a point essentially on the main line at which, starting from the far reference point, the value of the effect of the eyeglass lens corresponding the first time essentially to the near value. |
US07673985B2 |
Ink-jet recording apparatus provided with platen and movable support section for supporting recording paper
An ink-jet recording apparatus is provided, which makes it possible to perform borderless recording at a high speed. A platen 42 has a groove 116 which covers an entire ink discharge area of a recording head. A plurality of movable ribs 104 are provided in the groove 116. The movable ribs 104 are allowed to slide from first positions to second positions in synchronization with the transport of a recording paper 146. The first positions are positioned between mutually adjoining first fixed ribs 102, and the second positions are positioned between mutually adjoining second fixed ribs 103. The movable ribs 104 protrude upwardly from an upper surface 109 of the platen 42. The movable ribs 104 reliably support the recording paper fed to the position over the groove 116. |
US07673984B2 |
Image forming apparatus having a removable output unit
An image forming apparatus includes an image forming section that discharges droplets of recording liquid to form an image on a recording medium, a body including the image forming section, and a conveyor section that conveys the recording medium having thereon the image formed in the image forming section. An output unit is removably attached to the body and includes at least the conveyor section. The output unit may further include a face-down output path, a straight output path, a straight output tray, and the like. |
US07673981B2 |
Image formation apparatus
An image formation apparatus with a plurality of laser diodes that form color-component images, which correspond to a plurality of color components, onto a plurality of corresponding photosensitive drums respectively, and a transfer belt onto which the color-component images that are formed on the respective photosensitive drums are transferred. The image formation apparatus adjusts the image formation timing based on the positions of the color-component images that are transferred to the transfer belt; and when adjusting the image formation timing, the respective laser diodes form color-component images at formation intervals that correspond to an integral multiple of the period of a periodic noise. |
US07673980B2 |
Ink-jet recording apparatus, ink-jet copier and recording medium
A containing member contains a recording medium which has a base member and granular material coated on both sides of the base member, and roughness of the surfaces of the coated granular material is smaller than the roughness of the base member. A printing unit includes an ink-jet recording head which jets recording liquid onto the recording medium. A conveyance unit and a conveyance path convey the recording medium, one side of which has been already printed, into the printing unit again in order to print image onto the other side thereof. A unit is provided for enabling the printing unit to print image on the recording medium such that the vertical orientations of the images printed both sides of the recording medium are coincide with each other. |
US07673979B2 |
Ink-jet printing device including a microwave heating device
A device and a method for improving the quality of prints using a printer with at least one ink-jet printing device for colored printing of a printing material, such as a continuous roll feed material, said printing device including a heating device that applies microwaves to the printing material in order to dry a print applied to the printing material. |
US07673977B2 |
Ink cartridge and ink filling apparatus
There is disclosed an ink cartridge including a cylindrical member having an ink port at one axial end thereof, a piston, a piston rod, and a thrusting portion. The piston rod is fitted in the cylindrical member air-tightly and slidably, and partially defines an ink chamber within the cylindrical member. The ink chamber is in communication with the ink port. The piston rod is connected to the piston on the side opposite to the ink chamber, and extends in the cylindrical member along an axial direction of the cylindrical member. The thrusting portion is at least partially positioned in the cylindrical member and configured to apply a thrust force to the piston rod and thereby move the piston along the axial direction. The thrusting portion comprises a driven portion drivable from the exterior of the cylindrical member. |
US07673976B2 |
Continuous ink jet apparatus and method using a plurality of break-off times
A continuous liquid drop emission apparatus is disclosed comprising a liquid drop emitter containing a positively pressurized liquid in flow communication with a plurality of nozzles formed in a common nozzle member for emitting a plurality of continuous streams of liquid. A jet stimulation apparatus is provided comprising a plurality of transducers corresponding to the plurality of nozzles and adapted to transfer energy to the liquid in corresponding flow communication with the plurality of nozzles sufficient to cause the break-off of the plurality of continuous streams of liquid at a plurality of predetermined break-off times into a plurality of streams of drops of predetermined volumes. Sensing apparatus is provided adapted to measure a characteristic value for each of the plurality of streams of drops of predetermined volumes; and control apparatus is adapted to provide a plurality of break-off time setting signals to the jet stimulation apparatus to cause the plurality of predetermined break-off times determined, at least, by the characteristic value of each of the plurality of streams of drops of predetermined volumes. Alternately, a sensing apparatus is used in an off-line calibration set-up and characteristic values are measured for the plurality of streams and stored in a stream memory that is included in the continuous liquid drop apparatus. The present inventions are also configured to provide a plurality of the break-off times for a plurality of liquid streams in a continuous liquid drop emission apparatus that is further adapted to inductively charge at least one drop in a each of a plurality of streams and having electric field deflection apparatus adapted to generate a Coulomb force on an inductively charged drop. Methods of operating a continuous liquid drop emission apparatus utilizing a plurality of predetermined break-off times are disclosed. |
US07673975B2 |
Ink jet recording head having piezoelectric element and electrode patterned with same shape and without pattern shift therebetween
An ink jet recording head comprising: a nozzle orifice for jetting ink; an ink chamber communicating with the nozzle; a diaphragm for pressurizing ink in the ink chamber; a piezoelectric thin film on the diaphragm; and an electrode for the piezoelectric thin film wherein the piezoelectric thin film and the electrode are patterned to the same shape. |
US07673974B2 |
Droplet discharging head and droplet discharging apparatus
A droplet discharging head includes a first drive unit and a base coupled to the first drive unit. The base includes a portion defining a first cavity, a portion defining a first discharging port, and a portion defining a first through hole through which the portion defining a first cavity and the portion defining a first discharging port communicate with each other. The droplet discharging head also includes a plurality of first electrode branches and a plurality of second electrode branches. The plurality of first electrode branches and the plurality of second electrode branches are disposed alternately apart from each other on a periphery of the portion defining a first discharging port, and extend on a surface of the portion defining a first through hole. |
US07673967B2 |
Modular printer assembly with a loading mechanism
Provided is a modular printer assembly which includes a housing having upper and lower covers, a first side wall and a second, opposed side wall, as well as a loading mechanism which includes a drive assembly with a traversing mechanism engaged with the drive assembly, and a pair of endless belts and roller assemblies operatively engaged with the traversing mechanism, so that actuation of the drive assembly displaces the traversing mechanism to push, or pull, the belt and roller mechanisms farther apart, or closer together, respectively. The printer assembly also includes a print engine having two opposed arcuate printheads each with a radius of curvature which approximates a radius of inlet rollers with each roller at least partially received in said curvature of each respective printhead, the print engine configured to print ink followed by a fixative onto the media operatively fed between the printhead. |
US07673961B2 |
Inspection method for a recording head, inspection apparatus for a recording head, and recording apparatus
A method is provided for inspecting a recording head including a plurality of electrothermal conversion elements and a temperature detection element placed above or below each of the plurality of electrothermal conversion elements. The method includes driving the electrothermal conversion element, determining whether there is a change in slope of a temperature fall process in temperature detected by the temperature detection element during a predetermined time, if it is determined that there is a change in slope of the temperature fall process, obtaining a timing of the change in slope, and determining whether ink is discharged normally based on the obtained timing of the change in slope and a predetermined timing of a change in slope of the temperature fall process. |
US07673959B2 |
Inkjet printing apparatus, method for setting recovery operation in inkjet printing apparatus, and ink tank
There is provided an inkjet printing apparatus which executes a proper recovery operation in accordance with the demounting time period of an ink tank and information of the ink tank. In the inkjet printing apparatus of this invention, the demounting time period and information of the ink tank are used as parameters for determining the condition of a recovery operation after the ink tank is once demounted and thereafter mounted again. Since recovery is done in consideration of the degrees of ink evaporation and an increase in viscosity, wasteful ink consumption can be suppressed while a necessary recovery operation is performed. |
US07673955B2 |
Inkjet printer correction device and method
An inkjet printer correction device and method. A correction device having a first circuit generating a first processing signal composed of a first and second pulse signal according to a first and second phase signal produced by an encoder, a second circuit generating a second processing signal based on the position change variation of either the first or second phase signal, a third circuit generating a third processing signal based on the position change variation of either the first or second phase signal, a selector selecting one of the first, second, or third circuits according to the first processing signal. The present invention provides one of the first, second, or third processing signals to control the speed and position of motor of the inkjet printer. |
US07673954B2 |
Image forming apparatus
The image forming apparatus in which image is formed on a recording medium by ejecting droplets onto the recording medium comprises: a plurality of ejection ports through which the droplets are ejected; a line head in which the ejection ports are aligned along a length corresponding to an entire width of the recording medium; a head recovery device which performs a head recovery processing to recover from a defect of the ejection ports in the line head; a head retracting device which moves the line head to a retracted position for performing the head recovery processing; and an auxiliary head which is movable in a direction substantially perpendicular to a conveyance direction of the recording medium, wherein the auxiliary head records the image onto the recording medium while the head recovery processing is performed to the line head in the retracted position. |
US07673952B2 |
Medical treatment cart
A medical treatment cart includes two compartments, each housing five individually slidable drawers which can be closed and locked by vertically pivoted doors in turn carrying individual and distinct locking mechanisms, such as different keys for associated locks or different combinations for combination locks. At least some of the drawers include patient baskets containing appropriate treatment supplies and medications with each patient basket being identified by name and room number with all odd numbered patient rooms being located on one side of the medical treatment cart and all even numbered patient rooms being located on another side of the medical treatment cart. Preferably, two nurses or like care-givers utilize opposite sides of the medical treatment cart to treat patients on opposite sides of the corridor in a typical medical facility. |
US07673944B2 |
Backrest frame for a rear seat of a vehicle and a method for producing the frame
Rear backrest frame for a rear backrest component of a vehicle seat, with at least one main plate, one left and one right lateral hat-shaped section extending vertically, one upper and one lower hat-shaped section extending in a transverse direction, and the hat-shaped sections are welded to the front surface of the main plate. The rear backrest frame has cushion channels on its lateral edges and its upper and lower edges, for attachment of a cushion and/or cover. In order to enable a secure mounting of the backrest cushion and/or cover and a cost-effective, flexible production with a wide range of possible variants, it is provided that the hat-shaped sections are rectilinear in configuration, the lateral hat-shaped sections are welded to the hat-shaped sections that extend in a transverse direction, and the lateral cushion channels are formed on the lateral hat-shaped sections. Further, a corresponding production process is provided. |
US07673942B2 |
High chair with swivel feature and height adjustment
A high chair incorporates a swivel feature and a height adjustment feature that permits the seat member to be positioned to the convenience of the caregiver. The high chair includes an H-shaped base member having a vertical pedestal member that houses a gas cylinder that provides height adjustment for the seat member and that supports the seat member for rotational movement relative to the pedestal. The H-shaped base allows the high chair to be positioned close to the caregiver. A swivel lock includes an actuation lever that has handles positioned on opposing sides of the seat member for actuation from either side of the high chair. The pivoted actuation lever also includes a spring-loaded stop member that is engagable with a toothed gear plate affixed to the pedestal to secure the rotated position of the seat member by positioning the stop member between teeth on the gear plate. |
US07673941B2 |
Delayed gas spring chair
A gas spring adapted for automatically re-adjusting to a predetermined position, the gas spring incorporating a delay mechanism so that the automatic re-adjustment is delayed by a predetermined amount of time, and articles incorporating such a delay gas spring, such as a height adjustable chair. In one embodiment, the delay mechanism comprises a delay valve. |
US07673937B2 |
Side airbag for reclining seats
The present invention relates to a side airbag module intended for holding back, in the event of an impact, the occupant (13) of the seat (15) of an automotive vehicle with a reclining backrest (19) by means of suitable means including an adjustment knob (31), comprising a cushion (11) configured for being vertically deployed between the protection area required for the occupant (13) and the body of the vehicle when inflated with the gas provided by a gas generator and a distance piece (21) joined at one of its ends (23) to the cushion (11) and at the other end (25) to the reclining means of the backrest (19) such that its length is reduced when the inclination of the backrest (19) is increased so that the deployed cushion (11) can be properly positioned no matter what the required inclination of the backrest (19) of the seat (15) may be. |
US07673931B2 |
Working vehicle
The invention relates to a working vehicle which can improve a workability of a maintenance, inspection and the like with respect to a portion around an engine, and can tilt up a rear hood together with a tilt-up floor. An upper side of an engine (not shown) can be covered in a rear end portion side of a floor (35). A hinge mechanism (38) is arranged between a front end portion of the floor (35) and a rev-frame (25), and the floor (35) can be tilted up via the hinge mechanism (38). A rear hood (32) is coupled by hinge to a first support column (15) of a mounting bracket (4) supporting the floor (35), and is structured so as to be freely opened and closed. It is possible to tilt up the floor (35) in a state of attaching the rear hood (32), by canceling a fixed state of the mounting bracket (4) to a supporting and fixing member such as a counter weight (2) or the like. |
US07673929B2 |
Hinge with a viscous rotary damper
An assembly to pivotally connect an external vehicle closure panel to a vehicle body includes a first hinge member that is constructed to be mounted to one of the external vehicle closure panel and the vehicle body, a second hinge member that is constructed to be mounted to the other of the external vehicle closure panel and the vehicle body, a shaft that is constructed to pivotally connect the first hinge member to the second hinge member, and a viscous rotary damper. The damper includes a cover, a rotor, and a viscous material. The shaft connects to the rotor such that rotation of the external vehicle closure panel between a closing position and an opening position causes relative motion between the rotor and the cover of the viscous damper to provide a resistance for controlling the velocity of the external vehicle closure member. |
US07673928B2 |
Tailgate spoiler with integrated rotating hinge cover
An integrated rear spoiler and hinge cover that covers a flip-glass window hinge that is not attached to the flip glass window hinge and rotates from a fully closed position to a fully open position substantially simultaneously with the flip-glass window hinge. |
US07673926B2 |
Tarping system for open top containers
A relatively lightweight tarping system for use with trailers or other open top containers includes first and second spaced frame members and an elongated flexible member such as a cable or chain connected to and extending therebetween. A tarpaulin may be mounted thereon so that the frame members, flexible member and tarpaulin are pivotable between a covered position atop the open top container and an uncovered position. A four-bar linkage is preferably used in combination with a rotational drive mechanism to provide various advantages in rotating the tarpaulin assembly between the covered and uncovered positions. A width adjustment mechanism is provided to provide usage with trailers or other open top containers of different widths. An improved seal is provided between the tarpaulin and container. |
US07673920B2 |
Operator's station structure for work vehicle
An operator's station structure for a work vehicle having a motor section, comprising: a seat that is disposed on the operator's station for a work vehicle and has a moveable seat part; and a removable storage box that is disposed below the seat, that has an upwardly opening shape, and that has an interior accessible by moving the seat part. |
US07673911B2 |
Safety type quick connector
A safety type quick connector has a body, a socket base, a moving base, a pushing assembly, an outer sleeve, multiple springs, multiple first balls and second balls. The socket base is connected to the tubular body and has an inserting end, a connecting end, multiple ball slots and ball bores. The moving base is movably mounted in the socket chamber and has a closed end, an open end, a sealing flange, multiple ball holes and at least one vent. The sealing flange is formed around the closed end and abuts against and closes the connecting end of the socket base. The pushing assembly is movably mounted in the moving base. Accordingly, the moving base can be kept stationary when a plug is inserted into the connector and pushes the pushing assembly to move, and this can keep air from leaking. |
US07673902B2 |
Deployable running board to provide rollover resistance
A deployable running board mounted on an automotive vehicle to be laterally extendable so as to engage the ground during a rollover event to increase the rollover resistance of the vehicle. The running boards are connected to a pair of deployment members spaced longitudinally on the vehicle to provide a rapid extension of the running board. Each deployment member includes a telescopic piston that is slidably mounted within a cylinder and that compresses a spring between the piston and the cylinder. A latching mechanism secures the piston in a retracted stated until a rollover event is detected. Releasing the latching mechanism allows the piston to telescope laterally to move the attached running board outwardly of the vehicle to provide a pivot point that increases the static stability factor of the vehicle. The engagement of the extended running board also provides a resistance to the continued motion of the vehicle. |
US07673900B2 |
Airbag device
An airbag device includes an airbag, first and second inflators, a gas-supply mechanism and a release member for connecting between a holding structure and the airbag. Gas generated by the second inflator is supplied into the airbag when the release member is pulled by the airbag while gas generated by the first inflator inflates the airbag. According to the airbag device, a gas amount supplied into an airbag can be switched according to an occupant's seating position without equipping a sensor for measuring a distance between an occupant and the airbag or a control device for computing the gas amount supplied. |
US07673889B2 |
Direct loading apparatus for pallet related systems
An apparatus for transporting and handling a cargo platform is provided. The apparatus includes a frame having a cradle beam that receives the cargo platform. The cradle beam supports a lower surface of the cargo platform. The apparatus further includes a locking mechanism operably associated with the cradle beam and actuates to securely fasten the cargo platform to the frame when the cargo platform is rested upon the cradle beam. The apparatus also includes a plurality of wheel assemblies for wheeling the frame along a ground surface. |
US07673886B2 |
Shopping cart
A shopping cart has a wheeled base, a rear frame projecting upwardly from the rear end of the base with a handle at its upper end, a basket having a rear end secured to the frame and projecting forwardly from the frame at spacing above the base, and a fixed child seat secured to the rear frame. The basket is closed by a pivoted rear gate at its rear end. Two or more carts can be nested together by pushing the front wall of the basket of a first cart through the rear frame beneath the fixed child seat of a second cart, simultaneously pivoting the rear gate upwardly to allow the basket of the first cart to enter the basket of the second cart. The side walls are inclined upwardly from the child seat to the front end of the basket. |
US07673883B2 |
Method and device for wheel camber adjustment
The invention concerns a method and a device for the adjustment of wheel camber in commercial vehicles, particularly wheeled construction vehicles used for earthworks, particularly on uneven ground. The camber angle is set inventively and automatically by means of a camber cylinder and a wheel pivot unit, as a function of at least one of the driving parameters. For this purpose, the driving parameters, e.g. the axle swing angle, the steering lock angle, the lateral force on the vehicle wheels on the front axle and the absolute inclination of the construction vehicle are detected by sensors, the output signals of which are fed to an electronic control unit as input parameters. The camber angle sets itself as a function of the setting signal from the electronic control unit by means of a camber cylinder and a wheel pivot unit, in accordance with specified control strategies. As well as the self-setting wheel camber adjustment system, the camber cylinder is embodied so that it can still be operated manually. |
US07673882B2 |
Collet holder for a multi-jaw chuck
A collet holder for insertion into a multi-jaw chuck. The collet holder includes a multi-faceted body having a smooth bore extending therethrough for housing a standard collet and a cap nut threadably secured to the body. |
US07673880B2 |
Die retrieval game
The present invention relates to a game wherein the objective is to retrieve a special die from a specific location and return with it to the starting point on the playing surface. The game is designed to maximize feelings of competition and suspense among those playing by providing both the incentive and the means for players to interfere with the progress of other players. The player having the special die has the advantage of being able to roll the special die in addition to the regular die. The special die returns to its original location when the player in possession of it is caught by another player. Some playing surface locations hinder movement by requiring specific die rolls before movement off of the location is permitted. Other locations promote movement by allowing additional rolls of the dice. All players have a chance to win the game until the very end. |
US07673879B2 |
Arm support for a gaming machine
An arm support mountable onto a video machine housing has a first portion configured for resting on a console of the video game machine without blocking the machine's interactive controls. An optional second portion is unitary connected to the first portion and extends downwardly therefrom, partially extending along the front of the machine. The contact surfaces of the support are soft and pliant, allowing reduction of stress on the user's hands, wrists and arms. An optional food support tray is secured to the first portion and provides support for auxiliary items within easy reach of the user. |
US07673878B2 |
Method and apparatus for playing a wagering game based upon the arrival of an elevator car
A gaming method allows players to predict and place a wager about the future arrival of an elevator car at the floor of a building. If the player's prediction is correct, the player receives a payoff. The method can be played in buildings having one or more elevators. In an embodiment of the invention, a self-service automated gaming machine accommodates making the prediction, placing the wager, and receiving the payoff. |
US07673873B2 |
Offset print stacking tray with anti-stubbing feature
A tray for receiving printed media from a printer, the tray including a print well, a ramp and at least two side walls. There is at least one support member extending from the tray adapted to engage the printer and position the tray such that the print well is laterally offset from the exit slot of the printer and prints exiting from the printer overhang one of the side walls of the tray. A ledge feature projects from the side wall that exiting prints overhang, the ledge feature configured to bias movement of the printed media exiting the printer and in contact the ledge feature to fall into the print well. |
US07673872B2 |
Sheet feeding unit and image forming apparatus having the same
A sheet feeding unit and an image forming apparatus having the same. The image forming apparatus includes a body and the sheet feeding unit to supply sheets into the body. The sheet feeding unit includes a sheet feeding cassette coupled to the body, a sheet lifting plate positioned in the sheet feeding cassette to stack sheets thereon, a pick-up device to feed the sheets piece by piece from the sheet feeding plate, and an adjustment unit to vary a sheet feeding force by which the sheets are fed from the sheet lifting plate. Accordingly, the sheets can be smoothly fed into the body without skewing through adjustment of a sheet feeding force of the pick-up device. |
US07673866B2 |
Sheet conveying apparatus and image forming system
A sheet conveying apparatus is connected between an image forming apparatus and a post-processing apparatus to receive the sheet ejected from the image forming apparatus, and to eject the sheet to the post-processing apparatus. The sheet conveying apparatus receives, from the post-processing apparatus, a sheet reception line speed information showing a line speed for the post-processing apparatus to receive the sheet, and receives, from the image forming apparatus, a sheet ejection line speed information showing a line speed for the image forming apparatus to eject the sheet. A conveyance line speed control section controls the conveyance line speed at the time of receiving the sheet from the image forming apparatus based on a sheet ejection line speed information, and controls the conveyance line speed at the time of ejecting the sheet to the post-processing apparatus based on a sheet reception line speed information. |
US07673865B2 |
Presentation instrument distribution systems and methods
Systems and methods for preparing presentation instruments for distribution. Some of the methods include reading a code from a distribution stock, accessing a database and determining a presentation instrument to be associated with the distribution stock, selecting the presentation instrument, and associating the presentation instrument with the distribution stock. The various systems include hardware and/or software components for implementing the methods. |
US07673864B2 |
Folding device and printing system
A folding device for folding continuous paper, which is previously provided with fold lines at given intervals, along the fold lines in a zigzag pattern. The folding device comprises a feeding member of the continuous paper, a swinger fin that swings using its one end as a fulcrum like a pendulum in synchronization with the fold lines while feeding the continuous paper into its inside, and a table to be surmounted by the continuous paper that has been folded. The swinger fin includes a feed roller pair for feeding the continuous paper while sandwiching the paper therebetween, and at least a pair of guide plates facing each other with a given gap therebetween, in which the continuous paper is fed through the gap. One of the feed rollers constructing the feed roller pair and one of the guide plates, which are located on one side of the continuous paper, can be integrally opened or detached from the swinger fin. |
US07673861B2 |
Vise with quick release feature
A method and apparatus for clamping a workpiece in a vise. The apparatus generally includes a stationary jaw with a first gripping surface and a moveable jaw with a second gripping surface connected and operated by a spindle. The spindle moves the stationary jaw and the moveable jaw toward and away for each other when rotated. The vise includes an actuation rod configured to engage and disengage a semi-nut from the spindle thereby engaging and disengaging the moveable jaw from the fixed jaw in order to allow an operator to quickly move the moveable jaw by hand. |
US07673860B2 |
Combination vise and clamp
A clamp including a plurality of clamping assemblies, a first of the clamping assemblies including two opposing clamping jaws that have first-shaped clamping surfaces, the clamping jaws being movably mounted on support structure for movement towards and away from each other; and a second of the clamping assemblies including two opposing clamping jaws that have second-shaped clamping surfaces which are shaped differently than the first-shaped clamping surfaces and which are movably mounted on support structure for movement towards and away from each other. |
US07673859B2 |
Twist locking connection for steam humidifier
A twist locking connector for a steam humidifier. The steam humidifier includes a tank for heating water to generate steam and a steam tube receiver structure in fluid communication with the tank. The steam tube receiver structure has an opening configured to receive a steam tube, where the opening has a plurality of ramp structures about the opening on a side facing the tank. The steam humidifier also includes a steam tube for transmitting steam from the tank to a duct, the steam tube having a plurality of locking tabs adjacent to an end and a flange adjacent to, but separated by a distance from, the locking tabs. The steam tube is assembled to the steam tube receiver by inserting the steam tube through the opening in the steam tube receiver structure and rotating the steam tube to cause the locking tabs to engage with the ramp structures. |
US07673856B2 |
Vaporizer and various devices using the same and an associated vaporizing method
A vaporizer has gas passage formed inside of main body of a dispersion part, a gas inlet opening to introduce pressurized carrier gas into gas passage, a part to supply raw materials solution to carrier gas passing gas passage, a gas outlet to send carrier gas including dispersed raw material solution to vaporization part, a dispersion part to flow through gas passage having a part to cool, a vaporization pipe connected with a reaction part and gas outlet of dispersion part of the device, and a heater to heat vaporization pipe is provided, a vaporization part to heat and vaporizes the carrier gas where raw materials solution is dispersed is provided, and a radiation prevention portion having small hole for the outside of gas outlet is provided. |
US07673853B2 |
Fencing section with adjustable fencing members
A railing section is capable of being adapted for varying conditions of use. The railing section includes first and second support rails. The first support rail has a longitudinal void. A plurality of movable fence members are perpendicularly disposed between the first and second support rails. A drive mechanism is disposed in the longitudinal void of the first support rail and coupled to the plurality of movable fence members. Operation of the drive mechanism causes simultaneous rotation of the movable fence members along longitudinal axes of the respective movable fence members through an angle 360 degrees or more. Two or more railing sections may be coupled together by a member that couples the respective drive mechanisms of the sections. |
US07673850B2 |
Safety guard for elevator machine
A safety guard apparatus for an elevator machine having a brake and a sheave for engaging one or more hoist ropes rotatably driven by the elevator machine, the safety guard apparatus consisting of a sheave guard including a front sheave wall, a back sheave wall and a pair of oppositely disposed side sheave walls defining a generally rectangular structure adapted for substantially enclosing the sheave of the elevator machine, and a cover guard releasably secured to the sheave guard and including a front cover wall, a back cover wall and a top cover wall through which the one or more hoist ropes and the sheave can be viewed. The safety guard apparatus further including a hoist rope guard releaseably secured to at least one of the pair of oppositely disposed side sheave walls of the sheave guard, wherein the hoist rope guard including a lower portion pivotally coupled to a upper portion for substantially enclosing the one or more hoist ropes extending from the sheave. |
US07673849B2 |
Unibody hydraulic nut
A unibody hydraulic nut for tensioning multiple threaded fasteners includes an unibody containing two or more pistons to generate a clamping load, castellated locking collars with angled vertical castellations to engage a socket with matching castellations to enable easy turning by remotely operated means to capture the clamping load, internal hydraulic ports contained within the unibody linking each piston, seals to maintain the hydraulic pressure within the multiple annular pressure areas and an external hydraulic pressure port extending through the hydraulic nut unibody to the first pressure area and adapted to be connected to an external pressure source. |
US07673837B2 |
Wall mounted display apparatus
A display apparatus includes a display main body that displays an image. The display apparatus includes a base plate mounted to an installation surface, a main body bracket that supports the display main body, and a hinge bracket that couples the main body bracket to the base plate so that a side of the main body bracket rotates between a flat position near the installation surface and a rotated position distant from the installation surface. The display apparatus enhances accessibility to a rear side of the display apparatus while it is mounted on the installation surface. |
US07673835B2 |
Telescoping cover for cable trough system
Systems and methods for covering a trough member. A cover system can include a static portion coupled to a side wall of the trough member and defining a pocket. A sliding portion is selectively received in the pocket and is movable between an extended position and a retracted position. Opposite side walls of the trough member each include a static portion, and a sliding portion which telescopes to provide access to an interior of the trough member. |
US07673834B2 |
Vortex ring generator
A vortex ring generator adapted to be associated with a body subjected to fluid flow, the vortex ring generator being adapted to produce a fluid flow in the form of a vortex ring with the fluid flow moving over the body from the vortex ring generator. |
US07673831B2 |
Small unmanned air vehicle system for deploying and towing a sensor in a tow medium and methods related thereto
Embodiments of the invention are directed to an unmanned air vehicle (UAV) system and a small unmanned air vehicle (SUAV) system for deploying and towing a sensor in a tow medium, and to methods related thereto. A UAV-sensor towing package comprises a fixed-wing UAV including a control and signal processing platform, a long range data RF link operably connected to the control and signal processing platform, a UAV wireless data link operably connected to the control and signal processing platform, and a tow body deployment system operably connected to the control and signal processing platform; a tow line attached at an end thereof to the UAV; a tow body attached to another end of the tow line; and a communications link including a transmitter/receiver component coupled to the tow line, and a T/R wireless data transmission link (194) operably connected with the transmitter/receiver component and the UAV wireless data link. |
US07673819B2 |
Handheld sprayer with removable cartridge and method of using same
A cartridge for a handheld electrohydrodynamic (EHD) spraying device and a spraying device incorporating the cartridge. The cartridge is disposable, and can contain therapeutic products. The device includes a wetted lead screw with a compliant seal, where the placement of the seal relative to the screw inhibits leakage during both cartridge use and storage. A frame disposed within the cartridge acts as a load-transferring mechanism for the weight of the cartridge to a handle of the spraying device. |
US07673817B2 |
Fuel injector comprising a filter unit
A fuel injector (1), in particular a pump-nozzle injector for a diesel engine has an injector body (50), which is held in place with a nozzle body (40) and/or a lower body (60) by a clamping nut (10, 30). The fuel supply conduit of the injector body (50) is provided with a fuel filter (20), which is offset in the longitudinal direction of the fuel injector (1) in relation to the clamping nut (10, 30) and is configured independently of said clamping nut (10, 30) on the fuel injector (1). |