Document Document Title
US07764052B2 Voltage adjusting circuit, and motorcycle including voltage adjusting circuit
A voltage adjusting circuit prevents damage to an electrical component having no over-voltage protecting circuit when a battery is removed. An LED tail light is connected to an over-voltage protecting circuit of a CDI unit. Electric power is supplied from a power supply control section to the CDI unit and is also supplied to the LED tail light through the over-voltage protecting circuit. Thereby, the over-voltage protecting circuit of the CDI unit protects the LED tail light from an over-voltage condition.
US07764051B2 Alternating voltage generation apparatus and power output apparatus
A power output apparatus includes first and second motor generators, first and second inverters and a relay circuit. The first and second motor generators include first and second 3-phase coils, respectively. The first inverter alters periodically the potential at a first neutral point of the 3-phase coil. The second inverter alters periodically the potential of the second neutral point of the second 3-phase coil at phase corresponding to a phase-inverted version of the potential change of the first neutral point. The relay circuit responds to a control signal from the control device to electrically connect first and second AC lines to a connector, and provides an alternating voltage generated across the first and second neutral points to the connector.
US07764047B2 Battery module with improved structure, battery contact and heat dissipation
A battery module includes a plurality of unit batteries and barriers which are interposed between the unit batteries. The barriers have front surfaces which contact the unit batteries and which are curved to bend elastically. The barriers have side surfaces which interconnect the front surfaces, and which have pathways through which a heat transfer medium flows. Connecting rods and nuts interconnect end plates of the battery module so as to press the unit batteries and the barriers together.
US07764045B2 Battery charger
A device (100) such as a battery charger includes a body (102), a movable member (104, 402), and a plurality of battery bays (108). Moving the member (104, 402) toward a first position increases a distance between respective first (132) and second (114) battery contacts so that a battery may be inserted with zero or substantially zero insertion force. Moving the member (104, 402) in the second direction decreases the distance between the first and second battery contacts. In one implementation, the device (100) is polarity agnostic.
US07764043B2 Battery charger with internal battery
A battery charger includes a first charging circuit controlling input power to charge an external battery detachably mounted to the charger; an internal secondary battery charged by the input power; a charge/discharge control circuit for charging the internal battery by the input power and controlling a charge of the internal battery; and a control circuit for controlling an operative state of the first charging circuit and the charge/discharge control circuit. The charger serves to charge the detachably mounted external battery both by the input power and by the power from the internal battery. The charger is so structured that when the input power is not in an inputted state, the control circuit supplies the electric power from the internal battery to the charge/discharge control circuit where an operative state of the internal battery is controlled, thus discharging the internal battery to charge the external battery.
US07764042B2 Inverter-driven rotating machine system, rotating machine and inverter used in the same and electric vehicle using the same
An inverter-driven rotating machine system is provided in which three-phase AC electric power of the inverter is supplied to a rear motor generator by using a cable. One end of an additional cable is connected to rotating machine terminals, namely motor input terminals of a motor case. The other end is connected to fixed voltage terminals, namely inverter additional terminals on an outer case of the inverter via resistors.
US07764036B2 Sliding member controller
A controller for controlling a sliding roof sets, as an operating area, a predetermined range in the sunroof slidable range and controls a motor driving the sliding roof such that the sliding roof slides in the operating area. When the sliding roof stops near a sliding lock end, the stop position is stored on an assumption that the positional deviation would occur. The sliding roof slides again from the stop position. Based on whether a traveling distance from the stop position to the sliding roof comes into contact with the tilt lock end is longer than the sunroof slidable range, the positional deviation is determined. It is possible to accurately determine whether the sliding member is locked and stopped by positional deviation or the intrusion of foreign object.
US07764034B2 Method and system for operating windshield wipers
Methods and systems for operating a wiper for removing material impacting a surface of a vehicle are provided. An event indicating that the material has stopped impacting the surface of the vehicle is detected. A first number of wipe cycles are performed with the wiper if movement of the wiper between the detecting of the event and the wiper being moved into a predetermined position is less than a predetermined portion of a wipe cycle of the wiper. A second number of wipe cycles are performed with the wiper if movement of the wiper between the detecting of the event and the wiper being moved into the predetermined position is not less than a predetermined portion of the wipe cycle of the wiper.
US07764032B2 Electronic commutation method and related apparatus
A method and apparatus for electronic commutation of a pulse width modulation (PWM) controlled motor involves temporarily increasing the frequency of one or more PWM drive signals applied to the motor upon the occurrence of an asynchronous commutation event.
US07764031B2 AC-input type brushless DC motor and electric appliance mounting the same
In an AC-input type brushless DC motor, a current control circuit controls an average current of an inverter circuit, a current indication circuit makes addition or subtraction, with respect to a reference current value, to the average current to be supplied to the inverter circuit such that the average current falls into a correlation indicated by a correlation indication circuit. The foregoing structure allows setting speed-torque characteristics of the brushless DC motor such that the torque increases at a higher rpm of the motor. The characteristics are good for driving a fan.
US07764029B2 Activation current for DC motor having brake and emergency operation supply unit
An activation circuit and a method for operating an activation circuit for a DC motor having an electrically actuated stopping brake, in particular for adjusting a rotor blade of a wind or water power facility. The activation circuit includes an emergency operation supply unit and a three-phase bridge inverter. The emergency operation supply unit is connected so it is disconnectable via an emergency operation network switching element to the intermediate circuit of the three-phase bridge inverter, the DC motor is connected via an emergency operation motor changeover element either to the three-phase bridge inverter or to the emergency operation supply unit, and the stopping brake is connected via an emergency operation brake changeover element either to the three-phase bridge inverter or to the emergency operation supply unit.
US07764027B2 Dimmable control circuit
A dimmable control circuit, having an ac power source; a transformer; a rectifier circuit; a dimmable control chip; a voltage dividing circuit; a dimmable switch; a first resistor; a second resistor; and a half bridge power driving circuit, capable of outputting signals to drive a fluorescent tube, characterized in that the said dimmable switch has a coactive variable resistor connected in parallel with the first resistor and the second resistor, and both the first resistor and the second resistor have the negative resistance temperature coefficient to achieve low temperature startup and high temperature operation.
US07764025B2 Power supply apparatus and high-frequency circuit system
A power supply apparatus has a series regulator for generating a predetermined power supply voltage from a DC voltage output from the rectifying circuit, and a capacitor bank of rectifying capacitors for stabilizing the power supply voltage. The power supply apparatus also has a charging bypass circuit connected between input and output terminals of the series regulator. The charging bypass circuit is turned on or off by an externally supplied drive signal, When a drop of the power supply voltage is detected, the charging bypass circuit is turned on.
US07764024B2 Piezoelectric transformer module for generating balance resonance driving current and related light module
A light module includes a plurality of light sources for generating light, a power controller, a bridge converter, a first piezoelectric transformer, a second piezoelectric transformer, a resonance balance circuit, and a protection circuit. The power controller is used for generating a power driving signal based on a control signal. The bridge converter is used for generating a supply voltage signal based on the power driving signal. The first piezoelectric transformer is used for transforming the supply voltage signal into a first driving voltage signal to a first end of each of the plurality of lamps. The second piezoelectric transformer is used for transforming the supply voltage signal into a second driving voltage signal to a second end of each of the plurality of lamps. The resonance balance circuit includes a primary winding coupled to the first and the second piezoelectric transformers, and a secondary winding for outputting a feedback signal in response to a current flowing through the primary winding. The protection circuit is coupled to the secondary winding of the resonance balance circuit, and is used for generating the control signal based on the feedback signal.
US07764023B2 Capacitive coupling to aid ignition in discharge lamps
A method and apparatus for aiding ignition in a discharge lamp is provided. In one embodiment, a method comprises: applying a voltage across a pair of electrodes of a discharge lamp and capacitively coupling the discharge lamp. The capacitive coupling of the discharge lamp induces a current in the lamp to lower an ignition voltage of the discharge lamp. In another embodiment, a circuit for aiding ignition in a discharge lamp comprising a first electrode and a second electrode is also provided. The circuit comprises a lamp drive circuit comprises a voltage source coupled to a first terminal and a current controller coupled to a second terminal. The first and second terminals are configured to couple to a corresponding one of the first electrode and the second electrode of the discharge lamp. The voltage source is configured to provide a voltage signal at the first terminal and the current controller is configured to control a current received via the second terminal. The circuit further comprises a conductive element configured to capacitively couple the discharge lamp. The conductive element is also configured to induce a current in the discharge lamp to lower an ignition voltage of the discharge lamp when the voltage is applied to the discharge lamp.
US07764020B2 Electro-permanent magnet for power microwave tubes
A magnet configuration for a power microwave tube with a resonant cavity comprises a permanent magnet (110) with an axis-aligned through-bore (135) of sufficient size to contain the resonant cavity. The permanent magnet has an inner chamber (140) that is centered on the axis (130) with opposite magnet poles aligned along the axis. The magnet configuration further comprises an electromagnet coil (120) fitting in the chamber and encircling the axis such that the coil produces a magnetic field that reinforces the magnetic field from the permanent magnet. An optional protrusion (125) spanning the through-bore narrows an air gap between the poles. The method provides a magnetic field in a power microwave generator by combining a permanent magnet with an electromagnet in accordance with the magnet configuration and energizes the electromagnetic coil, which may be by pulsing the coil current.
US07764016B2 Plasma display device
A plasma display apparatus may include a plasma display panel (PDP), and a filter disposed at a front of the PDP. The filter may include an external light shielding sheet having a base unit and a plurality of pattern units formed on the base unit. Each of the pattern units may include a bottom and first and second slanted surfaces which are connected to the bottom. A thickness of the external light shielding sheet may be in a range of 1.01 to 1.5 times greater than a height of each of the pattern units and a first interior angle between the first slanted surface and the bottom of each of the pattern units may differ from a second interior angle between the second slanted surface and the bottom of each of the pattern units.
US07764015B2 Display device
The present invention relates to a display device preventing external light reflected in a region connected with plane parts disposed on a cap from transmitting to the outside, and an embodiment of the present invention may be achieved in a whole or in part by a display device comprising: a substrate; an active area disposed on the substrate; a line electrically connected to the active area, and disposed on the substrate; a cap attached to the substrate to cover the active area; and a patterned layer disposed on a transmission area disposed between the active area and a cap-attaching area to which the cap is attached.
US07764011B2 Electron emission display device
An electron emission display device is constructed with first and second substrates facing each other, cathode electrodes formed on the first substrate, electron emission regions electrically connected to the cathode electrodes, and red, green and blue phosphor layers formed on a surface of the second substrate facing the first substrate. Each cathode electrode is constructed with a first electrode having opened portions arranged at the corresponding unit pixels defined on the first substrate with the same size, a second electrode spaced apart from the first electrode within the opened portion, and a resistance layer disposed between the first and the second electrodes to electrically interconnect the first and the second electrodes. The distance between the first and the second electrodes corresponding to the red, green and blue phosphor layers is established to be proportional to the light emission efficiency of the corresponding red, green and blue phosphor layers.
US07764008B2 Electron beam gun
An electron beam gun with an arched shaped beam former as an integral part of a massive cathode block which conducts heat away from the beam former and with a filament mounted to the cathode block for improved alignment.
US07764001B2 Rotating electric machine
In a rotating electric machine that is formed of a distribution winding motor with two slots per each pole and each phase, a stator core includes an air gap of a constant width dg1 between the leading end of a same-phase-intermediate tooth and the outer circumferential face of a rotor core, and an air gap of a width not uniform in the circumferential direction between the leading end of a different-phase-intermediate tooth and the outer circumferential face of the rotor core, with a width dg2 (>dg1) as the largest value. A magnetic circuit having a magnetic resistance higher than that of the same-phase-intermediate tooth is formed at the different-phase-intermediate tooth. By establishing a difference in the width of the air gap such that the number of flux linkages at the different-phase-intermediate tooth reduced by the increased magnetic resistance is substantially equal to the number of flux linkages at the same-phase-intermediate tooth, the electromagnetic excitation applied in directions opposite to each other acquire balance so as to cancel each other, allowing vibration at the stator core to be suppressed.
US07763995B2 Intelligent, universal, reconfigurable electromechanical interface for modular systems assembly
An electromechanical connection includes a first conductor disposed in a first non-conductive array and a second conductor disposed in a second non-conductive array capable of mating with the first non-conductive array. The second conductor is capable of mating with the first conductor when the first non-conductive array and the second non-conductive array are mated. A processor associated with the first non-conductive array determines if an electrical connection is formed between the first conductor and the second conductor. The processor can assign a function to the electrical connection.
US07763993B2 DC UPS with auto-ranging backup voltage capability
A direct current (DC) uninterruptible power supply (UPS) having auto-ranging battery backup voltage capability is provided. At least one input is configured. A rectifier is connected to the at least one input. A common node is connected to the rectifier. At least one output is connected to the common node. A battery backup circuit is connected to the common node. The battery backup circuit includes first and second strings of batteries, a switch connected between a positive terminal of the first string of batteries and a negative terminal of the second string of batteries, and a plurality of steering diodes connected to the first and second strings of batteries and the switch to maintain current flow in a first direction. The switch is operable to place the first and second strings of batteries in series when closed, and operable to place the first and second strings of batteries in parallel when open.
US07763988B1 Air turbine with recycled air or gear mechanism to increase internal velocity for engine power
An air turbine power propulsion engine for use in powering a vehicle, i.e. automobile or plane, or an electrical generator. The engine is housed in a generally circular housing that features a tapered air intake end and a downstream exhaust end. Within the housing is a generator, first and second drive shafts, and at least one compressor. The at least one compressor is driven by the first drive shaft, while a series of turbine blades drive the second drive shaft which in turn drives the generator. The invention incorporates into the engine a differential gear mechanism to accelerate and compress the air that enters the engine, where the gear mechanism drives the compressor at a higher speed than the turbine blades. A second such mechanism, alone or in combination with the gear mechanism, lies in the use of an air recirculation duct works.
US07763987B2 Integrated circuit and methods of manufacturing a contact arrangement and an interconnection arrangement
A contact arrangement is manufactured by providing a substrate that includes first regions that are arranged along a row direction and a second region. An interlayer is provided that covers the first regions and the second region. A buried mask including a first trim opening above the first regions is provided. A top mask including first template openings is provided, where each first template opening is arranged above one of the first regions. A second template opening is provided above the second region. The fill material and the interlayer are etched to form contact trenches above the first regions and the second region. Substrate area efficient chains of evenly spaced contacts are provided.
US07763981B2 Semiconductor device and method for manufacturing the same
A technique of manufacturing a semiconductor device in which etching in formation of a contact hole can be easily controlled is proposed. A semiconductor device includes at least a semiconductor layer formed over an insulating surface; a first insulating layer formed over the semiconductor layer; a gate electrode formed over the first insulating layer; a second insulating layer formed over the gate electrode; and a conductive layer formed over the second insulating layer connected to the semiconductor layer via an opening which is formed at least in the semiconductor layer and the second insulating layer and partially exposes the insulating surface. The conductive layer is electrically connected to the semiconductor layer at the side surface of the opening which is formed in the semiconductor layer.
US07763979B2 Organic insulating film, manufacturing method thereof, semiconductor device using such organic insulating film and manufacturing method thereof
The dielectric constants of SiC and SiCN that are currently the subjects of much investigation are both 4.5 to 5 or so and that of SiOC, 2.8 to 3.0 or so. With further miniaturization of the interconnection size and the spacing of interconnections brought about by the reduction in device size, there have arisen strong demands that dielectric constants should be further reduced.Furthermore, because the etching selection ratio of SiOC to SiCN as well as that of SiOC to SiC are small, if SiCN or SiC is used as the etching stopper film, the surface of the metal interconnection layer may be oxidized at the time of photoresist removal, which gives rise to a problem of high contact resistance.The present invention relates to an organic film made of one of SiOCH, SiCHN and SiCH that is formed using, as a source, a polyorganosilane whose C/Si ratio is at least 5 or greater and molecular weight is 100 or greater, and a semiconductor device wherein such an organic insulating film is used, and more particularly to a semiconductor device having a trench structure.
US07763977B2 Semiconductor device and manufacturing method therefor
It is a semiconductor device that has a semiconductor chip on which an electrode pad is formed, an electric connection member formed on the electrode pad, an insulating layer formed on the semiconductor chip, and an electrically conductive pattern connected to the electric connection member. An opening portion corresponding to the electric connection member is formed in the conductive pattern. The conductive pattern is electrically connected to the electric connection member by an electrically conducting paste embedded in the opening portion.
US07763976B2 Integrated circuit module with integrated passive device
A disclosed integrated circuit (IC) module includes an IC panel and multi level circuit structure, referred to as an IPD structure, overlying an upper surface of the IC panel. The IC panel includes an electrically conductive embedded ground plane (EGP), an integrated circuit (IC) die, and an encapsulating material. The EGP is a substantially planar structure that includes or defines a plurality of cavities. The EGP may include or define an IC cavity and an IPD cavity. The IC die may be positioned within the IC cavity such that a perimeter of the IC cavity surrounds the IC die. The IPD structure may define or include a passive device such as an inductor. The passive device may be positioned or located overlying the void in the EGP.
US07763968B2 Semiconductor device featuring large reinforcing elements in pad area
In a semiconductor device, a plurality of interconnections are formed in an interconnection formation insulating interlayer, and a plurality of reinforcing elements are substantially evenly formed in blank areas of the interconnection insulating interlayer in which no interconnection is formed. A wire-bonding electrode pad is provided above the interconnection formation insulating interlayer so that a pad area, on which the wire-bonding electrode pad is projected, is defined on the interconnection formation insulating interlayer. A part of the reinforcing elements included in the pad area features a larger size than that of the remaining reinforcing elements.
US07763965B2 Stress relief structures for silicon interposers
An electronic device and method of making the device. The device includes: a carrier; a silicon interposer connected to a top surface of the carrier, the interposer having wires extending from a top surface of the interposer, through the interposer, to a bottom surface of the interposer, the wires at the bottom surface of the interposer electrically connected to wires in a top surface of the carrier; an integrated circuit chip connected to the top surface of the interposer, wires at a surface of the integrated circuit chip electrically connected to the wires in the top surface of the interposer; and a stress relief structure attached to the interposer, the stress relief structure either (i) not electrically connected to the wires of the interposer or integrated circuit chip or (ii) electrically connected to ground by wires of the interposer or wires of the integrated circuit chip.
US07763963B2 Stacked package semiconductor module having packages stacked in a cavity in the module substrate
A stacked die chip scale package, in which a stacked die assembly is mounted within a cavity in a module substrate. In some embodiments certain of the die are stacked on a front side of a stacked die assembly substrate, and the stacked die assembly substrate is inverted in the cavity and the substrate is electrically interconnected to a front side of the module substrate; others of the die are stacked on the back side of the stacked die assembly substrate, and are interconnected by wire bonds to the front side of the module substrate. In some embodiments, the cavity is covered by a heat sink, and the stacked die assembly is mounted onto the heat sink. Also, methods for making the module are provided.
US07763960B2 Semiconductor device, method for manufacturing semiconductor device, and electric equipment system
A semiconductor device of the present invention includes: a plurality of semiconductor chips each having a chip size package structure; and a substrate bonded via an adhesive material to an opposite surface in each of the plurality of semiconductor chips that is opposite to a connection surface that is provided with solder balls (external connection terminals). Thereby, the plurality of semiconductor chips are connected to each other.
US07763958B1 Leadframe panel for power packages
An improved leadframe panel suitable for use in packaging IC dice for use in power applications is described. The described leadframe panel enables more efficient means of encapsulation and singulation as compared with a conventional power leadframe panel. Additionally, a thin IC power package is described that enables increased package heat dissipation, the use of a larger die attach pad as well as the use of a larger die as compared with conventional power devices.
US07763954B2 Post last wiring level inductor using patterned plate process
A semiconductor structure. The semiconductor structure includes: a substrate having at least one metal wiring level within the substrate; an insulative layer on a surface of the substrate; an inductor within the insulative layer; and a wire bond pad within the insulative layer. The inductor and the wire bond pad are substantially co-planar. The inductor has a height greater than a height of the wire bond pad.
US07763953B2 Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the same
A semiconductor device including a capacitor which includes a first electrode, a second electrode, and a dielectric layer disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode, the dielectric layer including: a first paraelectric film formed of a material containing a first metal element and at least one kind of second metal element; a second paraelectric film disposed between the first electrode and the first paraelectric film; and a third paraelectric film disposed between the second electrode and the first paraelectric film, wherein the second paraelectric film is formed of a material containing the first metal element but substantially not containing the second metal element, and the third paraelectric film is formed of a material containing the first metal element but substantially not containing the second metal element.
US07763951B2 Fuse structure for maintaining passivation integrity
A fuse structure (106) includes a patterned conductor disposed over a passivation layer (302), which is disposed over a substrate (110), such as, for example, an inter-layer dielectric layer of an integrated circuit. A second passivation layer (112) is formed over the integrated circuit including over the fuse structure (106), and then patterned to open a window (108) through the second passivation layer (112) at a location over the fuse structure (106), with the window (108) fully landed by the underlying passivation layer (302). In various aspects of the present invention, the fuse (106) may be programmed either before or after the photoresist layer used in the patterning of the second passivation layer (112) is removed.
US07763950B2 Semiconductor device with multi-trench separation region
A semiconductor device is configured that a high-withstand voltage semiconductor device and logic circuits are integrated on a single chip and that a high-withstand voltage high-potential island including the high-potential-side logic circuit is separated using multiple partition walls enclosing therearound. The semiconductor device is provided with a multi-trench separation region having a level shift wire region that is used to connect the high-potential-side logic circuit to the high-potential-side electrode of the high-withstand voltage semiconductor device.
US07763949B2 MEMS device with controlled gas space chemistry
A process for protecting a MEMS device used in a UV illuminated application from damage due to a photochemical activation between the UV flux and package gas constituents, formed from the out-gassing of various lubricants and passivants put in the device package to prevent sticking of the MEMS device's moving parts. This process coats the exposed surfaces of the MEMS device and package's optical window surfaces with a metal-halide film to eliminate this photochemical activation and therefore significantly extend the reliability and lifetime of the MEMS device.
US07763947B2 Piezo-diode cantilever MEMS
A piezo thin-film diode (piezo-diode) cantilever microelectromechanical system (MEMS) and associated fabrication processes are provided. The method deposits thin-films overlying a substrate. The substrate can be made of glass, polymer, quartz, metal foil, Si, sapphire, ceramic, or compound semiconductor materials. Amorphous silicon (a-Si), polycrystalline Si (poly-Si), oxides, a-SiGe, poly-SiGe, metals, metal-containing compounds, nitrides, polymers, ceramic films, magnetic films, and compound semiconductor materials are some examples of thin-film materials. A cantilever beam is formed from the thin-films, and a diode is embedded with the cantilever beam. The diode is made from a thin-film shared in common with the cantilever beam. The shared thin-film may a film overlying a cantilever beam top surface, a thin-film overlying a cantilever beam bottom surface, or a thin-film embedded within the cantilever beam.
US07763946B2 Semiconductor device and method for manufacturing the same
A semiconductor device includes: a substrate and a p-channel MIS transistor. The p-channel MIS transistor includes: an n-type semiconductor region formed in the substrate; p-type first source and drain regions formed at a distance from each other in the n-type semiconductor region; a first gate insulating film formed on the n-type semiconductor region between the first source region and the first drain region; and a first gate electrode formed on the first gate insulating film. The first gate electrode includes a first nickel silicide layer having a Ni/Si composition ratio of 1 or greater, and a silicide layer formed on the first nickel silicide layer. The silicide layer contains a metal having a larger absolute value of oxide formation energy than that of Si, and a composition ratio of the metal to Si is smaller than the Ni/Si composition ratio.
US07763945B2 Strained spacer design for protecting high-K gate dielectric
A semiconductor device pair is provided. The semiconductor device pair comprises a semiconductor substrate comprising a first gate structure with a first type polarity and a second gate structure with a second type polarity, the first and the second gate structures comprise a high-K gate dielectric. A plurality of oxygen-free offset spacer portions are adjacent either side of the respective first and second gate structures, each comprising a stressed dielectric layer, to induce a desired strain on a respective channel region while sealing respective high-K gate dielectric sidewall portions, wherein the oxygen-free offset spacer portions adjacent either side of the first gate structure and the oxygen-free offset spacer portions adjacent either side of the second gate structure are formed with different shapes.
US07763941B2 Integrated circuit device having input/output electrostatic discharge protection cell equipped with electrostatic discharge protection element and power clamp
There is provided an integrated circuit device having an input/output electrostatic discharge (I/O ESD) protection cell. The integrated circuit device includes an I/O ESD protection cell comprising a VDD ESD protection element connected between an I/O pad and a VDD line, a ground voltage (VSS) ESD protection element connected between the I/O pad and a VSS line, and a power clamp element connected between the VDD line and the VSS line, and wherein the VDD ESD protection element, the power clamp element, and the VSS ESD protection element in the I/O ESD protection cell are adjacent to each other so they can be connected in a straight line or are arranged to partially overlap.
US07763940B2 Device having a low-voltage trigger element
An electronic device having an LV-well element trigger structure that reduces the effective snapback trigger voltage in MOS drivers or ESD protection devices. A reduced triggering voltage facilitates multi-finger turn-on and thus uniform current flow and/or helps to avoid competitive triggering issues.
US07763936B2 Lateral MOS device with minimization of parasitic elements
A lateral MOS device is formed in a body having a surface and is formed by a semiconductor layer of a first conductivity type; a drain region of a second conductivity type, formed in the semiconductor layer and facing the surface; a source region of the second conductivity type, formed in the semiconductor layer and facing the surface; a channel of the first conductivity type, formed in the semiconductor layer between the drain region and the source region and facing the surface; and an insulated gate region, formed on top of the surface over the channel region. In order to improve the dynamic performance, a conductive region extends only on one side of the insulated gate region, on top of the drain region but not on top of the insulated gate region.
US07763935B2 ONO formation of semiconductor memory device and method of fabricating the same
A method of fabricating a non-volatile memory device at least comprises steps as follows. First, a substrate on which a bottom dielectric layer is formed is provided. Then, impurities are introduced through the bottom dielectric layer to the substrate, so as to form a plurality of spaced doped regions on the substrate. The structure is thermally annealed for pushing the spaced doped regions to diffuse outwardly. After annealing, a charge trapping layer is formed on the bottom dielectric layer, and a top dielectric layer is formed on the charge trapping layer. Finally, a gate structure (such as a polysilicon layer and a silicide) is formed on the top dielectric layer.
US07763932B2 Multi-bit high-density memory device and architecture and method of fabricating multi-bit high-density memory devices
A structure, memory devices using the structure, and methods of fabricating the structure. The structure includes: an array of nano-fins, each nano-fin comprising an elongated block of semiconductor material extending axially along a first direction, the nano-fins arranged in groups of at least two nano-fins each, wherein ends of nano-fins of each adjacent group of nano-fins are staggered with respect to each other on both a first and a second side of the array; wherein nano-fins of each group of nano-fins are electrically connected to a common contact that is specific to each group of nano-fins such that the common contacts comprise a first common contact on the first side of the array and a second common contact on the second side of the array; and wherein each group of nano-fins has at least two gates that electrically control the conductance of nano-fins of the each group of nano-fins.
US07763927B2 Non-volatile memory device having a nitride-oxide dielectric layer
A non-volatile memory cell may include a semiconductor substrate; a source region in a portion of the substrate; a drain region within a portion of the substrate; a well region within a portion of the substrate. The memory cell may further include a first carrier tunneling layer over the substrate; a charge storage layer over the first carrier tunneling layer; a second carrier tunneling layer over the charge storage layer; and a conductive control gate over the second carrier tunneling layer. Specifically, the drain region is spaced apart from the source region, and the well region may surround at least a portion of the source and drain regions. In one example, the second carrier tunneling layer provides hole tunneling during an erasing operation and may include at least one dielectric layer.
US07763926B2 Semiconductor device manufacturing method and semiconductor device
A technique is provided which makes it possible to achieve both of a reduction in contact resistance in a memory device and a reduction in contact resistance in a logic device even when oxidation is performed during formation of dielectric films of capacitors. Conductive barrier layers (82) are provided in the top ends of contact plugs (83b) electrically connected to ones of source/drain regions (59). Lower electrodes (70) of capacitors (73) are formed in contact with the conductive barrier layers (82) of the contact plugs (83b) and then dielectric films (71) and upper electrodes (72) of the capacitors (73) are sequentially formed. In the logic region, contact plugs (25) are formed in an upper layer so that they are in contact respectively with contact plugs (33) electrically connected to source/drain regions (9).
US07763924B2 Dynamic random access memory structure having merged trench and stack capacitors
A dynamic random access memory structure includes a recessed-gate transistor disposed in the substrate; a trench capacitor structure disposed in the substrate and electrically connected to a first source/drain of the recessed-gate transistor; a first conductive structure disposed on and contacting the trench capacitor structure; a stack capacitor structure disposed on and contacting the first conductive structure, wherein a bottom electrode of the trench capacitor structure and a top electrode of the stack capacitor structure are electrically connected to serve as a common electrode; and a bit line disposed above a second source/drain of the recessed-gate transistor and electrically connected to the second source/drain, wherein the top of the bit line is lower than the top of the gate conductive layer of the recessed-gate transistor.
US07763923B2 Metal-insulator-metal capacitor structure having low voltage dependence
A semiconductor capacitor device. A dielectric layer is on a substrate. A stack capacitor structure is disposed in the dielectric layer and comprises first and overlying second MIM capacitors electrically connected in parallel. The first and second MIM capacitors have individual upper and lower electrode plates and different compositions of capacitor dielectric layers.
US07763922B2 Semiconductor memory and method for manufacturing the same
A capacitor of a semiconductor memory of the present invention includes: a lower electrode which covers the surface of a storage node hole from the bottom to at least one of the sidewalls up to a level lower than the top surface of a second interlayer insulating film; a capacitive insulating film which covers the lower electrode; and an upper electrode which covers the capacitive insulating film.
US07763917B2 Photovoltaic devices with silicon dioxide encapsulation layer and method to make same
A photovoltaic device and method of manufacture provides a P-N junction formed between doped semiconductor materials and adapted to produce photovoltaic current in response to radiant energy reaching the P-N junction, and a silicon dioxide protective window layer located in proximity to doped semiconductor material and adapted to allow radiant energy to pass therethrough en route to the P-N junction, the protective layer including a high optical transparency layer of amorphous silica, having a silicon dioxide chemistry greater than 75 molar percent (75 mol %). A photovoltaic window provides a planar photovoltaic device being at least semi-transparent; and a pair of protective window layers sandwiched around the planar photovoltaic device and adapted to allow radiant energy to reach the photovoltaic device through both protective window layers, wherein at least one protective window layer is a high optical transparency layer of amorphous silica, having a silicon dioxide chemistry greater than 75 molar percent (75 mol %).
US07763913B2 Imaging method, apparatus, and system providing improved imager quantum efficiency
A method, apparatus, and system that provides one or more charge collecting protection regions in a pixel array, each formed below a storage region of a pixel cell, but not below at least one photosensor of one pixel of the array. The storage region includes a floating diffusion region and/or a storage gate in the pixel cell of the imaging device. The protection regions can keep stray charges from reaching the storage regions.
US07763912B2 Columnar electric device and production method thereof
A sensor whose size can be decreased without marring the performance and which can be installed in a narrow place, an electric device, and a method for easily manufacturing the electric device. By vacuum deposition of semiconductor on a columnar body or by applying a melt, solution, or gel of semiconductor to the columnar body, a coating of semiconductor is formed. Four insulating wires, a stripe band of the connected four insulating wires are wound around the columnar body. Then, one of the insulating wires is removed to form a copper wire in the vacant portion by copper vacuum deposition. Lastly, another insulating wire not adjacent to the copper wire is removed to form an aluminum wire in the vacant portion by aluminum vacuum deposition. By measuring the resistance between the copper and aluminum wires, the intensity of light striking the semiconductor can be determined.
US07763909B2 Image sensor and method for manufacturing the same
An image sensor and method for manufacturing the same are provided. The image sensor can include an isolation area and active area on a substrate; a photodiode area and a transistor area provided on the active area; a gate insulating layer on the transistor area; and a gate electrode provided on the gate insulating layer and a portion of the photodiode area by extending over a portion of the isolation area between the transistor area and the photodiode area. In one embodiment, the gate electrode can be a gate electrode of a drive transistor of a 3-T type image sensor.
US07763908B2 Design of silicon-controlled rectifier by considering electrostatic discharge robustness in human-body model and charged-device model devices
A silicon-controlled rectifier apparatus, comprising a substrate upon which a low-voltage triggered silicon-controlled rectifier is configured. A plurality of triggering components (e.g., NMOS fingers) are formed upon the substrate and integrated with the low-voltage triggered silicon-controlled rectifier, wherein the plurality of triggering components are inserted into the low-voltage triggered silicon-controlled rectifier in order to permit the low-voltage triggered silicon-controlled rectifier to protect against electrostatic discharge during human-body model and charged-device model stress events.
US07763903B2 Semiconductor light emitting element and method for fabricating the same
Projections/depressions forming a two-dimensional periodic structure are formed in a surface of a semiconductor multilayer film opposing the principal surface thereof, while a metal electrode with a high reflectivity is formed on the other surface. By using the diffracting effect of the two-dimensional periodic structure, the efficiency of light extraction from the surface formed with the projections/depressions can be improved. By reflecting light emitted toward the metal electrode to the surface formed with the projections/depressions by using the metal electrode with the high reflectivity, the foregoing effect achieved by the two-dimensional periodic structure can be multiplied.
US07763896B2 Light emitting diode with auxiliary electric component
An exemplary LED includes a substrate, an LED chip, a light pervious encapsulation, and an auxiliary electric component. The substrate includes a first surface, an opposite second surface, and an accommodating space defined therein between the first surface and the second surface. The LED chip is mounted on the first surface of the substrate. The light pervious encapsulation is formed on the substrate and covers the LED chip. The auxiliary electric component is received in the accommodating space between the first and second surfaces of the substrate.
US07763895B2 Flexible light source device and fabrication method thereof
A flexible light source device including a substrate, a light emitting device, a molding compound, a dielectric layer, and a metal line is provided. The substrate has a first surface, a second surface opposite to the first surface, and a first opening. The light emitting device is disposed on the first surface of the substrate and covers the first opening. The molding compound is located above the first surface and covers the light emitting device. The dielectric layer is disposed on the second surface and covers a sidewall of the first opening. The dielectric layer has a second opening which exposes part of the light emitting device. The metal line is disposed on the dielectric layer, wherein the metal line is electrically connected to the light emitting device via the second opening in the dielectric layer. Additionally, a fabrication method of the flexible light source device is also provided.
US07763893B2 Silicon carbide semiconductor device
A silicon carbide semiconductor device includes a semiconductor element disposed in a semiconductor substrate having a first conductive type silicon carbide layer and a silicon substrate. The device includes: a trench on the silicon carbide layer to reach the silicon substrate; and a conductive layer in the trench between the silicon carbide layer and the silicon substrate to connect to both of them. The semiconductor element is a vertical type semiconductor element so that current flows on both of a top surface portion and a backside surface portion of the semiconductor substrate. The current flows through the conductive layer.
US07763892B2 Group III nitride semiconductor device and epitaxial substrate
Affords a Group III nitride semiconductor device having a structure that can improve the breakdown voltage. A Schottky diode (11) consists of a Group III nitride support substrate (13), a gallium nitride region (15), and a Schottky electrode (17). The Group III nitride support substrate (13) has electrical conductivity. The Schottky electrode (17) forms a Schottky junction on the gallium nitride region (15). The gallium nitride region (15) is fabricated on a principal face (13a) of the Group III nitride support substrate (13). The gallium nitride region (15) has a (10 12)-plane XRD full-width-at-half-maximum of 100 sec or less.
US07763889B2 Thin film transistor, method of fabricating the same, and a display device including the thin film transistor
A thin film transistor (TFT), a method of fabricating the same, and a display device including the TFT, are provided. The method includes forming an edge region that is doped with impurities of a conductivity type opposite to a conductivity type of impurities doped into source and drain regions. The edge region is in contact with a channel region and an edge portion of the source region. The method also includes forming contact holes for source and drain electrodes to expose a portion of the drain region and expose respective portions of the source region and the edge region contacting the edge portion of the source region; and forming source and drain electrodes. Thus, a source-body contact is automatically formed so that an edge effect can be reduced and a kink effect can be reduced or removed.
US07763887B2 Semiconductor device and method of fabricating the same
A semiconductor device having increased reliability includes a fuse region and a monitoring region. Fuses are located on an insulation film in the fuse region and are exposed through fuse windows. A monitoring pattern is located on the insulation film in the monitoring region. The monitoring pattern includes sub-patterns that are exposed through a monitoring window.
US07763885B2 Organic thin film transistor having surface-modified carbon nanotubes
An organic thin film transistor may comprise an organic semiconductor layer having surface-modified carbon nanotubes and an electrically-conductive polymer. The surfaces of the carbon nanotubes may be modified with curable functional groups, comprising oxirane groups and anhydride groups. A room-temperature solution process may be used to provide a relatively uniform and relatively highly-adhesive organic semiconductor layer in a simple and economical manner. Additionally, the organic thin film transistor having the organic semiconductor layer may have relatively high charge carrier mobility and relatively low threshold voltage.
US07763884B2 Organic semiconductor material and semiconductor device
An organic semiconductor material represented by the following general formula (1): wherein X1 to X4 each independently represent a chalcogen atom; and at least one of R1 and R2 represents a substituent for obtaining solubility, and R1 and R2 may be connected to each other to form a ring.
US07763883B2 Image display device
An image display apparatus, including a substrate, a transparent electrode layer, a field-effect transistor that includes a gate insulator and a semiconductive layer containing an organic compound, a display layer having optical properties that change in response to an electric field, and a layer containing a fluorescent brightener that absorbs 90% or more of light having a wavelength of 200 nm to 410 nm.
US07763881B2 Photonic crystal light emitting device
There is provided a photonic crystal light emitting device including: a substrate; a plurality of nano rod light emitting structures formed on the substrate to be spaced apart from one another, each of the nano rod light emitting structures including a first conductivity type semiconductor layer, an active layer and a second conductivity type semiconductor layer; and first and second electrodes electrically connected to the first and second conductivity type semiconductor layers, respectively, wherein the nano rod light emitting structures are arranged with a predetermined size and period so as to form a photonic band gap for light emitted from the active layer, whereby the nano rod light emitting structures define a photonic crystal structure. In the photonic crystal light emitting device, the nano rod light emitting structures are arranged to define a photonic crystal to enhance light extraction efficiency.
US07763873B2 Ion radiation therapy system with variable beam resolution
An ion radiation therapy machine provides a steerable beam for treating a tumor within the patient where the exposure spot of the beam is controlled in width and/or length to effect a flexible trade-off between treatment speed, accuracy, and uniformity.
US07763863B2 Charged particle beam application apparatus
An apparatus capable of improving image quality by making it possible to suck specimens of different sizes electrostatically, and uniformalizing an electric field of a specimen edge portion, while suppressing increase in prime cost is provided. Specimen holding means is an electrostatic chuck, a master flat plane part surrounding a specimen of the largest size of specimen sizes, and an opening surrounding a specimen size except for the largest specimen size are included at an outer peripheral portion of the electrostatic chuck, a dummy specimen attachable to and detachable from the electrostatic chuck is included, and at a time of switching the specimen size, a dummy specimen is selected (or may be prevented from being used).
US07763859B2 Pileup rejection in an energy-dispersive radiation spectrometry system
A method of detecting pileups includes testing an instantaneous slope of a preamplifier signal against a noise trigger value and, after the instantaneous slope has been determined to exceed the noise trigger value, identifying a first subsequent portion of the preamplifier signal wherein the instantaneous slope of the preamplifier signal increases to a maximum. The method further includes, following the first subsequent portion, identifying a second subsequent portion of the preamplifier signal wherein the instantaneous slope still exceeds the noise trigger level but has decreased by more than the noise trigger level from the maximum, and, following the second subsequent portion and before the instantaneous slope declines below the noise trigger level, identifying a third subsequent portion of the preamplifier signal wherein the instantaneous slope of the preamplifier output signal increases by more than the noise trigger value, and, in response thereto, determining that a pileup has occurred.
US07763857B2 Infrared imaging optical system with varying focal length across the field of view
Provided is an infrared imaging optical system with an advantageously varying focal length across the field of view. More specifically, in a particular embodiment, provided is an inverse telephoto lens group having a field of view on the order of at least two radians. The focal length of the lens group is structured and arranged to vary in a pre-determined fashion across the field of view. An IR detector is optically coupled to the inverse telephoto lens group. A pupil is disposed between the IR detector and the inverse telephoto lens group.
US07763850B2 Method and device for the real-time measurement of the consumption of oil from an engine oil separation system, using radioactive tracers
The invention relates to a method of determining the consumption of oil from an oil separation system (2) in the blow by gas recycling circuit of an internal combustion engine. The invention is characterised in that it comprises the following steps consisting in: marking the lubrication oil of the engine by inserting at least one radioactive tracer, trapping the oil that has not been separated from the blow by gases exiting the oil separation system (2) in an oil trapping device (4) which is located downstream of the oil separation system (2); using a detector (3), which is positioned close to the oil-trapping device (4) and which is sensitive in the ionising radiation emitted by the radioactive tracer(s), in order to measure the radioactivity of the oil which has not been separated in the oil separation system (2) and which is held back by the oil-trapping device (4); and transmitting the results of said measurements to a computer (5) which can calculate therefrom the consumption of lubricating oil that has not been separated in the separation system (2). The invention also relates to a device for implementing one such method.
US07763848B2 Apparatus and method for controlling an electrostatically induced liquid spray
A method for controlling an electrostatically induced liquid spray includes the steps of: (1) generating a liquid spray from a liquid sample with an electrostatic spray nozzle device using an applied electric field, wherein at least a nozzle portion of the spray device is formed of an insulating material; (2) sensing a current of the liquid spray with a spray current sensing means placed in relation to the spray device; (3) comparing the sensed current of the liquid spray with a pre-selected current value, with a difference between the two representing a control signal; and (4) varying the applied electric field using a computer-controlled positioning mechanism that moves the spray device relative to an inlet of the object that receives the liquid spray and acts as a counter-electrode.
US07763844B2 CCD scanner capable of scanning at an arbitrary angle with elastic swinging locking bar attached to chassis
The invention includes at least one swingable elastic locking bar mounted on the chassis of the scanner, and the end of the elastic locking bar is provided with a contact member having a low friction coefficient, and let the contact member on the elastic locking bar contact the top cover of the frame body of the scanner. Thus, the chassis may be rigidly rested on the top cover or on the glass mounted on the top cover to move, thereby providing a good scanning effect of an arbitrary angle. The swingable action of the elastic locking bar may efficiently absorb the tolerance produced during fabrication and assembly of the top cover and the bottom housing of the frame body of the scanner, thereby assuring stability of the optical travel path.
US07763840B2 Radiant energy collector
A radiant energy collector comprising a reflective surface having a concave cross-sectional shape, wherein the reflective surface focuses radiant energy onto a receiving surface that is disposed along the focal axis of the reflective surface, wherein the focused radiant energy provides substantially uniform illumination along the entire axial length of the receiving surface.
US07763838B2 Photodetecting circuit having adder for photodetection
A photodetecting circuit includes an adder that selectively adds outputs of a plurality of circuits for photodetection. Each of the circuits for photodetection includes: a element for photodetecting; a transimpedance amplifier for photodetection, with a first input terminal connected to the photodetecting element; a transconductance amplifier, with a first input terminal connected to an output terminal of the transimpedance amplifier; and a feedback circuit, connected between the output terminal of the transimpedance amplifier for photodetection and the first input terminal of the transimpedance amplifier for photodetection and applying feedback to keep fixed an output voltage of the transimpedance amplifier for photodetection.
US07763835B2 Dual-axis solar tracker mounted on a two-slope grate column
The invention relates to a solar tracker characterized by having photovoltaic panels arranged in spaced rows at different levels and two slopes, favoring their ventilation and the expansion of the frame; the panels being fixed by means of yokes and clips to a support (3) anchored to the H-shaped frame (4) resting on swivelling supports of a tower having little height supporting the entire structure, its tilt being variable by means of a tension device, the side longitudinal beams (4a) being extendible to house more rows of panels (1) since the remaining structural components, tower, bearings, column and base have been oversized for that purpose.
US07763832B2 Cook top comprising a glass ceramic plate having an opaque coating and an improved window coating on a display window on an underside of the plate
The cook top includes a colorless transparent glass ceramic plate, which is provided with an opaque coating extending over its underside, except that in at least one window area a window coating is provided on the underside of the glass ceramic plate area instead of the opaque coating. In order to optimize colored displays arranged under the at least one window area and to facilitate the use of capacitive touch sensors, the window coating is a burned-in noble metal preparation with an electrical surface resistance of 1 MΩ/□ and in the at least one window area the glass ceramic plate coated with the window coating has a transmission in a range from 1.0 to 21.0% and a light scattering in a range of from 0.0 to 1.0% for visible light with wavelengths of from 400 nm to 750 nm.
US07763829B2 Ceramic heater-type glow plug
A ceramic glow plug which prevents the occurrence of damage on a small diameter portion formed on a rear end portion of a ceramic heater fixed in a metallic outer sleeve. The rear end portion of the ceramic heater is positioned inside the metallic outer sleeve, and the small diameter portion is formed on the rear end portion. The rear-end small diameter portion of the ceramic heater is connected to an electrode lead-out member for taking out a positive electrode of a heat generating material. Granulated powder (alumina, for example) made of inorganic insulating material is filled in around a connecting portion of the ceramic heater in the metallic outer tube and the electrode lead-out-wire, and in addition, an insulating material is sealed outside the granulated powder. Thereafter, swaging is performed to bring the insulating material into a highly dense state thus fixing the electrode lead-out wire and an electrode lead-out rod in the metallic outer sleeve.
US07763828B2 Laser thermal processing with laser diode radiation
A method and apparatus for performing laser thermal processing (LTP) using a two-dimensional array of laser diodes to form a line image, which is scanned across a substrate. The apparatus includes a two-dimensional array of laser diodes, the radiation from which is collimated in one plane using a cylindrical lens array, and imaged onto the substrate as a line image using an anomorphic, telecentric optical imaging system. The apparatus also includes a scanning substrate stage for supporting a substrate to be LTP processed. The laser diode radiation beam is incident on the substrate at angles at or near the Brewster's angle for the given substrate material and the wavelength of the radiation beam, which is linearly P-polarized. The use of a two-dimensional laser diode array allows for a polarized radiation beam of relatively high energy density to be delivered to the substrate, thereby allowing for LTP processing with good uniformity, reasonably short dwell times, and thus reasonably high throughput.
US07763820B1 Sorting pieces of material based on photonic emissions resulting from multiple sources of stimuli
A piece of material that includes low-Z elements is classified based on photonic emissions detected from the piece of material. Both XRF spectroscopy and OES techniques, for example, Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) and spark discharge spectroscopy, may be used to classify the piece of material. A stream of pieces of material are moved along a conveying system into a stimulation and detection area. Each piece of material, in turn, is stimulated with a first and second stimulus, of a same or different type, causing the piece of material to emit emissions, for example, photons, which may include at least one of x-ray photons (i.e., x-rays) and optical emissions. These emissions then are detected by one or more detectors of a same or different type. The piece of materials is then classified, for example, using a combination of hardware, software and/or firmware, based on the detected emissions, and then sorted.
US07763819B2 Switch device
As sensor means for sensing an operation input of a user, a switch device X comprises a first electrode 11 that is an elastic plate member, and a second electrode 12 that is opposed to the first electrode 11. The first electrode 11 is provided so as to be switchable between a first stable posture in which the first electrode is biased to a switch input cancellation position and a second stable posture in which the first electrode is biased to a switch input position. An operation member 17 is provided for applying an operation force to the first electrode 11, thereby returning the posture thereof from the second stable posture to the first stable posture after the posture has been changed from the first stable posture to the second stable posture.
US07763814B2 Electrical switching apparatus and tool therefor
A tool is provided to manipulate an electrical switching apparatus, such as a circuit breaker, with respect to a housing structure. The circuit breaker has a mechanical interface. The tool includes an actuating mechanism having a plurality of segments and joints, which movably connect the segments. One segment is engageable with the mechanical interface of the circuit breaker. Another segment comprises a handle portion structured to be gripped by a user. The actuating mechanism is movable between a first position in which the segments are substantially parallel with respect to one another, and a second position in which adjacent segments are substantially perpendicular to each other. When disposed in the first position, the tool is stowable in an opening of the circuit breaker. When disposed in the second position, the tool is operable to move the circuit breaker in a predetermined manner with respect to the housing structure.
US07763811B2 Housing for an electronic circuit and method for sealing the housing
A housing for an electronic circuit is provided with a single-part seal for sealing a clearance space between a floor plate and a cover, through which exposed electrical conductors are led, which connect the circuit on the inside of the housing to the surroundings. The floor plate, the cover and the conductors are made of the same kind of material, e.g., a metal. The floor plate and the cover are made of aluminum and the conductors of copper.
US07763809B2 Multilayered substrate for semiconductor device and method of manufacturing same
A substrate of multilayered structure having a plurality of sets of an insulation layer and a wiring line layer, and having one face for mounting a semiconductor element thereon and the other face on which external connection terminals are to be provided, the face for mounting a semiconductor element being provided with pads to be bonded to an electrode terminal of the semiconductor element, the other face being provided with pads to be bonded to an external connection terminal, such as a terminal formed of a solder ball, and the wiring line layers on both sides of an insulation layer being connected with each other by vias piercing the insulation layer, wherein the surfaces of the pads to be bonded to an electrode terminal of a semiconductor element are flat and are in the same plane. A method of manufacturing such a multilayered substrate is also disclosed.
US07763808B2 Hermetic electrical feedthrough assembly for a compressor and method for making the same
An electrical feedthrough assembly for providing connection to components of a compressor. The electrical feedthrough assembly includes a housing having an inner surface defining a channel. A sealed wire assembly is provided in the channel. The sealed wire assembly includes a body having an outer surface defining a groove and a plurality of wires sealingly passing through the body. An o-ring fits in the groove to provide a hermetic seal between the body and the inner surface of the housing.
US07763805B2 Twisted pairs cable with shielding arrangement
A multi-pair cable having a plurality of twisted conductor pairs and a shielding arrangement. The shielding arrangement including at least one shielding component. The shielding component including a length of tape encased by a dielectric material.
US07763796B2 Electric connection box and manufacturing method of electric connection box
One aspect of the present invention can include an electric connection box including a housing, a circuit component positioned in the housing, a filler material in the housing enclosing the circuit component, a filling inlet configured to receive the filler material, the filling inlet positioned at an upper part of a wall portion of the housing, a filling cylindrical portion formed in the housing and connected to the filling inlet and extending in a direction to a bottom portion of the housing.
US07763791B2 Thin film with oriented cracks on a flexible substrate
A thermoelectric film is disclosed. The thermoelectric film includes a substrate that is substantially electrically non-conductive and flexible and a thermoelectric material that is deposited on at least one surface of the substrate. The thermoelectric film also includes multiple cracks oriented in a predetermined direction.
US07763787B2 Wind instrument ligature
A musical instrument ligature using at least one stalk which act as the contact points between the ligature and the reed when it is clamped onto the mouthpiece of a wind instrument. The stalks are preferably positioned so as to be non-parallel to each other thereby effecting varying contact points between the ligature and the reed. The ligature is slid over the mouthpiece of an instrument and tightened as desired using a set of butterfly screws and nuts positioned at the ends of the metallic band forming the ligature.
US07763786B2 Unitary fingerboard and method of making same
A stringed musical instrument has a head assembly, a tail, and an elongate neck extending from the head assembly to the tail. The neck defines a fingerboard having a surface layer and a substrate. The surface layer includes an exposed surface formed of sheet metal deformed to unitarily define a plurality of frets thereon. A plurality of strings extends from the head assembly along the neck and adjacent to the fingerboard. In another variation, the surface layer has an exposed surface unitarily defining frets thereon. Each fret forms a peak, and the surface layer defines a plurality of troughs separated by the peaks. Each trough has a single arcuate shape extending between each peak. A method of forming the stringed musical instrument is also disclosed.
US07763778B2 Delayed flowering time gene (DLF1) in maize and uses thereof
An isolated polynucleotide encoding a delayed flowering gene (DLF1) is provided, as is the isolated DLF1 protein, peptide portions thereof, and functional fragments of the DLF1. Also provided is a transgenic plant, which contains in its genome a transgene containing the polynucleotide encoding the DLF1 protein, or a nucleotide sequence complementary to the encoding polynucleotide. In addition, methods of identifying a nucleotide sequence and/or a heterologous protein that is specifically bound by the DLF1 protein, methods of using the isolated polynucleotide (or encoded polypeptide), for example, to modulate plant cell growth and/or development, are provided.
US07763776B2 Transcription factor stress-related proteins and methods of use in plants
A transgenic plant transformed by a Transcription Factor Stress-Related Protein (TFSRP) coding nucleic acid, wherein expression of the nucleic acid sequence in the plant results in increased tolerance to environmental stress as compared to a wild type variety of the plant. Also provided are agricultural products, including seeds, produced by the transgenic plants. Also provided are isolated TFSRPs, and isolated nucleic acid coding TFSRPs, and vectors and host cells containing the latter.
US07763775B2 Compositions and methods for producing plants with improved stress tolerance
The invention provides compositions and methods useful for producing a plant cell or plant with altered tolerance to drought by transformation of the plant cell or plant with a genetic construct encoding a polypeptide with at least 90% identity to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:4.
US07763773B2 Engineering single-gene-controlled staygreen potential into plants
The enzymes of the ACC synthase family are used in producing ethylene. Nucleotide and polypeptide sequences of ACC synthases are provided along with knockout plant cells having inhibition in expression and/or activity in an ACC synthase and knockout plants displaying a staygreen phenotype, a male sterility phenotype, or an inhibition in ethylene production. Methods for modulating staygreen potential in plants, methods for modulating sterility in plants, and methods for inhibiting ethylene production in plants are also provided.
US07763766B2 Methanol-to-olefins process with reduced coking
A process for producing light olefins from oxygenates wherein internal reactor are protected from metal-catalyzed coking preferably by employing a protective layer.
US07763765B2 Method of high pressure and high capacity oxygenate conversion with catalyst exposure cycle
A gas-solids reaction system is provided for improving product recovery in a multiple reactor reaction system. An oxygenate feedstock, desirably of high concentration in oxygenate, is reacted with a catalyst having a low to modest acidity and a Si/Al2 ratio of from 0.10 to 0.32. The reaction occurs in a reaction zone of a fluidized bed reactor at an oxygenate partial pressure of at least 45 psia and a reactor gas superficial velocity of at least 10 ft/s, conveying catalyst through the reaction zone to a circulation zone. The catalyst undergoes displacement with an inert gas in the circulation zone at a displacement gas superficial velocity of at least 0.03 m/s, after which at least a portion, preferably a large portion is returned to the reaction zone. The catalyst has a residence time in the circulation zone of at least twice that of the residence time of catalyst in the reaction zone. Extraordinary catalyst activity at high olefin selectivity results despite insignificant changes in coke on catalyst and coke yield when compared to lower pressure operations.
US07763759B2 Continuous process for the manufacture of nitrobenzene
The invention relates to a continuous process for the manufacture of nitrobenzene. This process comprises the nitration of benzene with nitrating acid that contains at least 3.0 wt. % of nitric acid and at least 67.0 wt. % of sulfuric acid, in a reaction space in which the start temperature of the reaction is above 100.0° C. but below 102.0° C. In addition, this process requires that the benzene and the nitrating acid are dispersed in one another several times.
US07763755B2 Method for producing dialkylhydroperoxybenzenes
To provide a method for producing dialkylhydroperoxybenzene by liquid-phase oxidation of dialkylbenzene, wherein the method comprises the following steps, Oxidation step: a step of obtaining a oxidation reaction liquid having pH of 9 to 12, which contains dialkylhydroperoxybenzene, unreacted dialkylbenzene, and by-produced hydroperoxybenzenes by subjecting an oxidation raw material solution containing dialkylbenzene to oxidation reaction, Aqueous solution extracting step: a step of extracting the oxidation reaction liquid with an alkaline aqueous solution to obtain a water layer mainly containing dialkylhydroperoxybenzene and by-produced hydroperoxybenzenes, and an oil layer mainly containing dialkylbenzene, and Recycle step: a step of recycling and feeding at least a part of the oil layer obtained in the aqueous solution extracting step to the oxidation step, wherein the oxidation step comprises two or more reaction sections of a first section and subsequent sections arranged in series, and the temperature of the first reaction section is set to be higher than an average temperature of the whole reaction sections by 2.5° C. or more.
US07763751B2 Hydroxylamine derivatives
This invention is related to hydroxylamino derivatives of the general formula (I) wherein n is 0, 1 or 2; R1 and R2, independently of each other, are H, OH or OCH3; R3 is H or CH3; R4 is H, C1-C3 straight or branched alkyl or, together with R3, forms a five to seven-membered carbocyclic ring; and R5 and R6, independently of each other, are H or C1-C5 straight or branched alkyl and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts or prodrug thereof, for the preparation of medicaments useful for the prevention, treatment and diagnosis of CNS degenerative disorders related to protein misfolding and/or misaggregation. The invention also relates to novel compounds included in formula (I), to a method for preparing said compounds and to pharmaceutical compositions containing them.
US07763750B2 Process for producing 2-halogenobenzamide compound
A novel process for producing a 2-halogenobenzamide compound useful as a raw material or active ingredient for medicines and agricultural chemicals. The process, which is for producing a 2-halogenobenzamide compound represented by the general formula (I): (wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, and R6 may be the same or different and each represents hydrogen or C1-6 alkyl; R5 represents C1-6 alkyl; k is 1 or 2; Y1, Y2, Y3, and Y4 may be the same or different and each represents hydrogen, halogeno, etc.; and X represents chlorine, bromine, or iodine), is characterized by reacting an benzamide compound with a halogenating agent in the presence of a palladium catalyst to obtain a substituted benzamide compound and then reacting the resultant substituted benzamide compound with an oxidizing agent after or without isolating the substituted benzamide compound.
US07763748B2 Process for preparation of highly pure isotretinoin
The present invention relates to a process for preparation of isotretinoin and more specifically, to a purification process for obtaining highly pure isotretinoin that is useful as a keratolytic agent, particularly useful for the treatment of acne. The process involves treating isotretinoin containing metal contamination and/or other impurities with a base in a suitable solvent to form a solution of isotretinoin, followed by adsorption, precipiation, and filtration or centrifugation.
US07763747B2 Compounds, compositions and methods for the treatment of amyloid diseases and synucleinopathies such as alzheimer's disease, type 2 diabetes, and parkinson's disease
Bis- and tris-dihydroxyaryl compounds and their methylenedioxy analogs and pharmaceutically acceptable esters, their synthesis, pharmaceutical compositions containing them, and their use in the treatment of amyloid diseases, especially Aβ amyloidosis, such as observed in Alzheimer's disease, IAPP amyloidosis, such as observed in type 2 diabetes, and synucleinopathies, such as observed in Parkinson's disease, and the manufacture of medicaments for such treatment.
US07763742B2 Hexahydro-4H-indeno acetonide fragrance compound
A novel compound 4H-indeno[1,2-D]-1,3-dioxole, 3a,3b,5,6,7,8a-hexahydro-2,2,3a,3b,7,7-hexamethyl 1 is disclosed as well as the use of the compound as a fragrance chemical. The fragrance compound is suitable for use in creating fragrances, and scents in items such as perfumes, colognes and personal care products.
US07763741B2 Separation of ginkgolides and bilobalide from G. biloba
The subject invention provides a method for separating a terpene trilactone from Ginkgo biloba plant material or from an extract of Ginkgo biloba comprising a mixture of terpene trilactones, the process comprising the steps of: a) subjecting the Ginkgo biloba plant material or the extract to column chromatography with an appropriate solvent system to produce at least a first fraction containing the terpene trilactone bilobalide, a second fraction eluted after the first fraction containing the terpene trilactones GA and GB, and a third fraction eluted after the second fraction containing at least a preponderance of the terpene trilactones GC and GJ; and b) alkylating the terpene trilactone GB of the second fraction so as to produce a first mixture including terpene trilactone GA and alkylated terpene trilactone GB; or alkylating the terpene trilactone GC of the third fraction so as produce a second mixture including terpene trilactone GJ and alkylated terpene trilactone GC, so as to thereby isolate a terpene trilactone.
US07763736B2 Copper-catalysed ligation of azides and acetylenes
A copper catalyzed click chemistry ligation process is employed to bind azides and terminal acetylenes to provide 1,4-disubstituted 1,2,3-triazole triazoles. The process comprises contacting an organic azide and a terminal alkyne with a source of reactive Cu(I) ion for a time sufficient to form by cycloaddition a 1,4-disubstituted 1,2,3-triazole. The source of reactive Cu(I) ion can be, for example, a Cu(I) salt or copper metal. The process is preferably carried out in a solvent, such as an aqueous alcohol. Optionally, the process can be performed in a solvent that comprises a ligand for Cu(I) and an amine.
US07763735B2 Synthesis of enone intermediate
The tetracycline class of antibiotics has played a major role in the treatment of infectious diseases for the past 50 years. However, the increased use of the tetracyclines in human and veterinary medicine has led to resistance among many organisms previously susceptible to tetracycline antibiotics. The recent development of a modular synthesis of tetracycline analogs through a chiral enone intermediate has allowed for the efficient synthesis of novel tetracycline analogs never prepared before. The present invention provides a more efficient route for preparing the enone intermediate.
US07763733B2 Ritonavir analogous compound useful as retroviral protease inhibitor, preparation of the ritonavir analogous compound and pharmaceutical composition for the ritonavir analogous compound
The present invention describes a new one ritonavir analogous compound that presents significantly superior activity in inhibition of HIV protease. There are also described the usage of the ritonavir analogous compound of the present invention or salt, ester or prodrug thereof as well as the usage of the compound and its pharmaceutical compositions in medicine, particularly, in the treatment of HIV infection, by itself or in combination with others anti-HIV drugs.
US07763732B2 Indole derivatives
Disclosed herein are indole derivatives of the formula (I) wherein each of the substitutents is given the definition as set forth in the specification and claims. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions containing the indole derivatives and use of the derivatives for the treatment of pain.
US07763729B2 Bicyclic heteroaromatic derivatives
Bicyclic heteroaromatic derivatives of formula (1) are described: F(1) where: the dashed line joining A and C(Ra) is present and represents a bond and A is a —N═ atom or a —C(Rb)═ group, or the dashed line is absent and A is a —N(Rb)—, or —C(Rb)(Rc)— group; X is an —O—, —S— or substituted nitrogen atom or a —S(O)—, —S(O2)— or —NH-group; Y is a nitrogen or substituted carbon atom or a —CH═ group; n is zero or the integer 1; Alk1 is an optionally substituted aliphatic or heteroaliphatic chain L1 is a covalent bond or a linker atom or group; Cy1 is a hydrogen atom or an optionally substituted cycloaliphatic, polycycloaliphatic, heterocycloaliphatic, polyheterocycloaliphatic, aromatic or heteroaromatic group; Ar is an optionally substituted aromatic or heteroaromatic group; and the remaining substituents are defined in the specification. The compounds are potent and selective inhibitors of p38 kinase and are of use in the prophylaxis and treatment of immune or inflammatory disorders.
US07763718B2 Soluble T cell receptors
The present invention provides a soluble T cell receptor (sTCR), which comprises (i) all or part of a TCR α chain, except the transmembrane domain thereof, and (ii) all or part of a TCR β chain, except the transmembrane domain thereof. (i) and (ii) each comprise a functional variable domain and at least a part of the constant domain of the TCR chain, and are linked by a disulphide bond between constant domain residues which is not present in native TCR.
US07763717B1 Continuous protein and lipid recovery from food animal processing byproducts
A process and system for recovering protein and lipid from food animal byproducts, and the products thereof, involves homogenizing animal byproducts with water to form a homogenate, solubilizing the homogenate by adjusting the pH of the homogenate to form a first pH adjusted composition, separating the first pH adjusted composition forming a light fraction containing lipids (oil), a medium fraction containing protein in solution, and a heavy fraction containing fat-free impurities, separation by first centrifugation, adjusting the pH of the medium fraction to about the isoelectric point of the proteins thereby precipitating the medium fraction forming a second pH adjusted composition, and separating the second pH adjusted composition forming a light fraction containing water and a heavy fraction containing precipitated proteins. The water may then be recycled and used in the homogenization of further byproducts.
US07763716B2 Antibody against NPW
The antibody of the present invention, which specifically reacts with a partial peptide at the N-terminal region or the C-terminal region of NPW, which enables to quantify NPW with highly sensitivity and specifically. Moreover, this antibody is useful as an agent for preventing/treating infertility, renal edema, digestive ulcer, gastric hyperacidity, etc., and a diagnostic for these diseases.
US07763714B2 Human NEDD8 activating enzyme 1 beta proteins and uses thereof
The invention relates to covalent modification of proteins through their conjugation with other proteins. More particularly, the invention relates to the modulation of such conjugation involving the protein NEDD8. The invention provides compositions and methods for detecting and/or modulating the activation and/or conjugation of NEDD8, as well as compositions and methods for discovering molecules which are useful in detecting and/or modulating the activation and/or conjugation of NEDD8. The present invention arises from the purification and charactization of novel NEDD8 activating and conjugating enzymes.
US07763713B2 Zalpha11 cytokine receptors
Novel polypeptide combinations, polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides, and related compositions and methods are disclosed for soluble zalpha11 receptors that may be used as novel cytokine antagonists, and within methods for detecting ligands that stimulate the proliferation and/or development of hematopoietic, lymphoid and myeloid cells in vitro and in vivo. Ligand-binding receptor polypeptides can also be used to block zalpha11 Ligand activity in vitro and in vivo, and may be used in conjunction with zalpha11 Ligand and other cytokines to selectively stimulate the immune system. The present invention also includes methods for producing the protein, uses therefor and antibodies thereto.
US07763708B2 Methods and compositions for modulating C5-a-mediated inflammatory responses
PL37 (RAARISLGPRCIKAFTE [SEQ ID NO: 2]) is an Antisense Homology Box peptide composed of amino acids 37 to 53 of C5a-anaphylatoxin. Complementary peptides, ASGAPAPGPAGPLRPMF (Pep-A [SEQ ID NO: 1]) and ASTAPARAGLPRLPKFF (Pep-B [SEQ ID NO: 3]) were designed and characterized. Pep-A bound to PL37 and to C5a with very slow dissociation, whereas Pep-B failed to bind at all. C5a was inactivated by 7 nM or more of Pep-A and this concentration of Pep-A inhibited induction of intracellular Ca++ influx in neutrophils. Patch clamp studies also showed the effectiveness of Pep-A in C5a-receptor-expressing neuroblastoma cells. Pep-A administration prevented rats from C5a-mediated rapid lethal shock. A-Pep-A (Pep-A acetylated with alanine at the amino-terminus) was more stable in vivo and showed stronger inhibition of inflammatory reactions in mice and rats. Chemical modification of Pep-A (e.g., acetylation, or single or multiple amino acid replacement, insertion, or deletion within the native Pep-A sequence) will yield effective inhibitors, and will often improve inhibitory function on C5a anaphylatoxin. In such modified constructs it will often be desired to conserve some or all 5 prolines found in Pep-A to preserve inhibitory function on C5a.
US07763706B1 Arginine/lysine-enriched peptides
Described is a method for the preparation of a mixture of peptides, having an arginine and lysine content of at least 20 w/w %, based on the protein content, from at least one protein source, to a preparation comprising a mixture of arginine- and lysine-rich peptides, comprising at least 20 w/w % arginine and lysine, and to the use of the said preparation as active compound in a medicament, supplement, beverage or food product.
US07763704B2 Sushi peptide multimer
Endotoxin, also known as lipopolysaccharides (LPS), is the major mediator of septic shock due to Gram-negative bacterial infection. Chemically synthesized S3 peptide, derived from Sushi3 domain of Factor C, which is the endotoxin-sensitive serine protease of the limulus coagulation cascade, binds and neutralizes LPS activity. Fluorescent tagged-S3 is shown to detect LPS-containing bacteria. For large-scale production of S3 and to mimic other pathogen-recognizing molecules, tandem multimers of the S3 gene were constructed and expressed in E. coli. Tetramer of S3 for example is shown to display an enhanced inhibitory effect on LPS-induced activities. An affinity matrix based on tetramer of S3 is also shown to be particularly efficient at removing LPS.
US07763699B2 Process for production of organic polymer having trimethoxysilyl terminus
The object of the present invention is to provide a method for producing an organic polymer having a terminal trimethoxy silyl group. In the method, the exchange reaction into a methoxy group can proceed within a short time even with a small amount of a catalyst, and viscosity increase caused by a side reaction during the methoxy exchange reaction can be reduced. Obtained polymer has an excellent stability, and viscosity increase during the storage of the polymer after the exchange into a trimethoxysilyl group can be reduced. The present invention provides a method comprising the steps of allowing an organic polymer having a silicon atom at a molecular terminus to react with methanol in the presence of a catalyst removable from an organic polymer and/or a deactivatable catalyst, wherein three hydrolyzable groups are bonded to the silicon atom, with the proviso that at least one of the three groups is a functional group other than methoxy group; and then removing the catalyst from the reaction mixture and/or deactivating the catalyst in the reaction mixture, to give the organic polymer having a terminal trimethoxysilyl group.
US07763698B2 Composition for preventing or reducing aluminosilicate scale in industrial processes
Materials and a method are provided whereby polymers with least 0.5 mole % of the pendant group or end group containing —Si(OR″)3 (where R″ is H, an alkyl group, Na, K, or NH4) are used to control aluminosilicate scaling in an industrial process having an alkaline process stream such as a pulping mill process stream. When materials of the present invention are added to the alkaline process stream, they reduce and even completely prevent formation of aluminosilicate scale on equipment surfaces such as evaporator walls and heating surfaces. The present materials are effective at treatment concentrations that make them economically practical.
US07763690B2 Method for producing peroxydicarbonates and their use in the radical polymerization of monomers
A process for producing peroxydicarbonates comprising first reacting at least one inorganic peroxide with at least one alkali metal hydroxide to form at least one alkali metal peroxide. The at least one alkali metal peroxide is added to a mixture of at least one haloformate, at least one dispersant and water. The mixture is homogenized during the entire reaction to form a peroxydicarbonate. The peroxydicarbonate is dispersed as small droplets of from 1 to 10 microns in size in the aqueous mixture. The entire mixture is added to a polymerization reactor containing an ethylenically unsaturated monomer. The peroxydicarbonate functions as the free radical initiator to polymerize the monomer. The peroxydicarbonate is substantially free of organic solvents and plasticizers. The resulting polymers are of high quality.
US07763684B2 Phosphorus dendrimers, preparation method thereof and use of same for the extraction of actinides and lanthanides
The invention relates to novel phosphorus-containing dendrimers having a core, at least one generation and an external layer consisting, completely or partly, of identical or different units, the said units satisfying the following formula (I): in which R1 and R2, which may be identical or different, are alkyl, alkoxy or aryl groups. These dendrimers are used for extracting actinides and lanthanides from aqueous solutions containing them.
US07763683B2 Polyester polyols, a process for the production thereof and the use thereof
The present invention relates to polyester polyols with low functionality and a process for their production, to prepolymers prepared from these polyester polyols and a process for their production, and to polyurethanes prepared from these polyester polyols and/or from these prepolymers, and to processes for their production. These polyester polyols are produced in a two-step process. In the second step of this two-step process, one or more cyclic ester monomers is reacted with one or more polyester polyols at low temperatures.
US07763681B2 Process for the preparation of polyalkenyl acylating agents
Process for the preparation of polyalkenyl acylating agents which comprises: a. reacting at a temperature higher than 180° C. a reactive polyalkene, having a number average molecular weight Mn ranging from 500 to 5000 and having a content of terminal vinylidene groups greater than or equal to 30%, with an enophile; b. thermally carrying out the reaction for a time sufficient for having a conversion of the terminal vinylidene groups higher than 15%; c. completing the reaction always under heat in the presence of a reaction accelerator consisting of a Lewis acid selected from a tin, zinc, aluminum or titanium halide.
US07763679B2 Adherent coating compositions for resinous substrates
The present invention is directed to a coating composition that when applied over untreated thermoplastic and thermosetting resinous substrates, produces an adherent coating thereon. The composition includes a crosslinkable component and a crosslinking component. The crosslinkable component includes a polymeric mix containing at least one crosslinkable copolymer polymerized from a monomer mixture comprising one or more ethylenically unsaturated monomers having on average 1 to 10, preferably 1 to 4 and more preferably 1 to 2 hydroxyl groups and a saturated hydrocarbon polymer. The crosslinkable component includes one or more cycloaliphatic polyisocyanate of the formula: R1—(R2—NCO)n wherein R1 is a substituted or unsubstituted cycloaliphatic group, R2 is independently selected from a direct bond, a straight aliphatic group or branched aliphatic group, and wherein n ranges from 2 to 10. The coating composition is well suited to produce adherent coatings on olefinic substrates such as those used in automotive and general commercial application without any pretreatment of the resinous substrates.
US07763678B2 Anti-smudge agent, smudge proof coating composition, smudge proof film, and article coated with smudge proof film
An anti-smudge agent which is added to a coating composition for imparting smudge proof property with the coating composition, comprising a silicone resin containing a fluorine atom-containing organic group, which has a number average molecular weight of at least 1,000 and a molar ratio of the fluorine atom to the silicon atom (F/Si) of 3 to 50, said silicone resin being produced by hydrolyzing or condensing an organosilicon compound having a fluorine atom-containing organic group represented by the following general formula (I): R1R2mSiX3−m  (I) wherein R1 is a fluorine atom-containing organic substituent, R2 is a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group or phenyl group containing 1 to 10 carbon atoms, X is a hydrolyzable group or OH group, and m is 0 or 1; or a hydrolysate or a partial condensate thereof.
US07763671B2 Modified latex drag reducer and processes therefor and therewith
A modified latex drag reducer and methods of making and using the drag reducer in order to reduce friction losses resulting from turbulent fluid flow through a conduit. Particularly, the modified latex drag reducer is formed from an initial latex which is a product of an emulsion polymerization reaction. The initial latex is then modified, preferably by admixing with at least one low HLB surfactant or at least one solvent, or both, to form a modified latex with an enhanced dissolution rate in a hydrocarbon stream over the initial latex.
US07763669B2 Low-viscosity, radiation-curable formulation for producing adaptive earpieces
The invention relates to a biocompatible, low-viscosity, radiation-curable formulation for producing medical products, in particular adaptive ear pieces, otoplastic parts, shells or ear parts, by means of PNP methods or stereolithographic methods. Said formulation comprises: a) 15-60 wt. % of a monomeric or oligomeric dimethacrylate based on bisphenol A or bisphenol F; b) 0-50 wt. % one or more monomeric or oligomeric urethane (meth)acrylates with a functionality n<4, a viscosity <30 Pa s and a molecular weight <3500; c) 2-25 wt. % of a monomeric, aliphatic or cycloaliphatic dimethacrylate with a viscosity <3 Pa s; d) 2-35 wt. % of an iminooxadiazone dion derivative, characterised by 3 methacrylate and/or acrylate functions; 0-15 wt. % one or more monofunctional methacrylates; f) 0.5-6 wt. % of a photo initiator or a combination of photo initiators, whose absorption lies in the wavelength range of the laser beam that is used or the irradiation source; g) 0-0.5 wt. % one or more anaerobic inhibitors; h) 0-40 wt. % fillers with a particle size <25 μm; i) 0-5 wt. % colorants; j) 0-5 wt. % conventional additives such as UV stabilisers or process additives, whereby the sum of the fraction of the components a) to j) totals 100 wt. %.
US07763667B2 Polymer with dispersed fine metal particles, method for producing same, metal ion-containing polymer for use in same production, and method for producing same
A lamellar crystalline organic polymer containing acidic groups and/or ammonium salt thereof, such as ammonium salt of polymuconic acid, is mixed with a substance containing a metal ion such as alkali metal ion, to prepare a metal ion-containing polymer having a structure in which the metal ion is intercalated between the layers of the lamellar crystalline organic polymer having acidic groups. Subsequently, metal ion exchange reaction is conducted if necessary. Thereafter, the metal ion is reduced to produce fine metal particles. Thus, a crystalline organic polymer in which fine metal particles are dispersed in a crystalline organic polymers obtained.
US07763666B2 Plug-flow regeneration process
A process for the regeneration of loaded ion-exchange resin comprising (a) providing loaded resin for regeneration; (b) providing first stage and third stage regenerant suitable for regenerating loaded resin; (c) providing a plurality of regeneration vessels; (d) filling a regeneration vessel with a desired amount of the loaded resin before filling another regeneration vessel; (e) once a regeneration vessel has been filled, contacting the loaded resin within the vessel with first stage regenerant in a plug flow to provide a first stage regenerated resin; (f) contacting the first stage regenerated resin with third stage regenerant in a plug flow to provide regenerated resin and (g) removing and collecting third stage regenerant from a vessel containing regenerated resin and adding the collected regenerant to the first stage regenerant.
US07763665B2 Block polymer processing for mesostructured inorganic oxide materials
Mesoscopically ordered, hydrothermally stable metal oxide-block copolymer composite or mesoporous materials are described herein that are formed by using amphiphilic block polymers which act as structure directing agents for the metal oxide in a self-assembling system.
US07763664B2 Defoaming agent and/or deaerator for aqueous media tending to foam
A defoaming agent and/or deaerator for aqueous foamable media based on oil-in-water dispersions. The oil phase contains at least one compound from fatty alcohols, fatty acid monoglycerides, diglycerides, and triglycerides, fatty acid ester of fatty acids and monovalent to trivalent alcohols, 3-thiaalkane-1-ole, 3-thiaoxide alkane-1-ole, 3-thiadioxide-alkane-ole, and thiaalkane esters in combination with (i) at least one polyglycerine that is obtained by esterification of at least 20 percent of polyglycerine with 12 to 36 C carboxylic acid, and (ii) at least one bisamide consisting of ethylene diamine and 10 to 36 C atom carboxylic acids, while the aqueous phase thereof contains at least one stabilizer, water, and an optional thickener, for aqueous media that tend to foam. Also disclosed are methods of controlling foam by adding the dispersions to a process, particularly during cellulose boiling, cellulose washing, grinding of paper pulp, paper production, and dispersion of pigments used for paper production.
US07763661B2 Ortho-substituted pentafluorosulfanyl benzenes, method for the production thereof and their use as synthesis intermediates
This invention relates to novel substituted pentafluorosulfanylbenzenes of the formula I: and/or salts thereof as claimed, for use as a synthetic intermediates for preparing medicaments, diagnostic aids, liquid crystals, pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, nematicides, parasiticides, insecticides, acaricides, arthropodicides and polymers.
US07763656B2 Use of Acetylamino benzoic acid compounds for nonsense suppression and the treatment of disease
Novel acetylamino benzoic acid compounds, methods of using and pharmaceutical compositions comprising an acetylamino benzoic acid derivative are disclosed. The methods include methods of treating or preventing a disease ameliorated by modulation of premature translation termination or nonsense-mediated mRNA decay, or ameliorating one or more symptoms associated therewith.
US07763651B2 Treating pain using selective antagonists of persistent sodium current
The present invention provides methods of treating chronic pain in a mammal by administering to the mammal an effective amount of a selective persistent sodium channel antagonist that has at least 20-fold selectivity for persistent sodium current relative to transient sodium current.
US07763647B2 Topical solution containing a chromane or chromene derivative
The invention relates to compositions intended for external topical use comprising a true solution containing a chromane or chromene derivative having formula (I), preferably a flavonoid, dissolved in a suitable solvent. The invention also relates to a method for preparing such compositions and the use of said compositions as sun protection agents for the skin, advantageously as agents having an anti-erythemal, anti-oxidant, anti-radical, anti-inflammatory or vasculotropic activity.
US07763643B2 Substituted thiophenes: compositions, processes of making, and uses in disease treatment and diagnosis
The present invention comprises compounds and compositions comprising substituted thiophene derivatives with the following backbone structure: The compounds of this type are of useful in the treatment of various disorders, such as, respiratory disorders and snoring, acute and chronic disorders, disorders induced by ischemic and/or reperfusion events and by proliferative or fibrotic events, disorders of the central nervous system and lipid metabolism, diabetes, blood coagulation and infection by parasites.
US07763641B2 Broadspectrum heterocyclic substituted phenyl containing sulfonamide HIV protease inhibitors
The present invention concerns the compounds having the formula (I), N-oxides, salt, stereoisomeric forms, racemic mixtures, prodrugs, esters and metabolites thereof, wherein Haryl is an aromatic monocyclic, bicyclic or tricyclic heterocycle having 3 to 14 ring members which contains one or more heteroatom ring members selected from nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur and which may optionally be substituted on (i) one or more carbon atoms by C1-6alkyl, halogen, hydroxy, optionally mono- or disubstituted amino, nitro, cyano, haloC1-6alkyl, carboxyl, C3-7cycloalkyl, optionally mono- or disubstituted aminocarbonyl, methylthio, methylsulfonyl, aryl, —(R7a)n—M—R7b, Het1 and Het2; whereby the optional substituents on any amino function are independently selected from R5 and —A—R6; and on (ii) a nitrogen atom if present by hydroxy or —A—R6. It further relates to their use as broadspectrum HIV protease inhibitors, processes for their preparation as well as pharmaceutical compositions and diagnostic kits comprising them. It also concerns combinations thereof with another anti-retroviral agent, and to their use in assays as reference compounds or as reagents.
US07763640B2 Substituted oxyguanidines
The present application relates to new substituted oxyguanidines of structure (I) a method for their preparation and their use for the control of animal pests, mainly arthropods, in particular insects.
US07763634B2 Inhibitors of janus kinases
The instant invention provides for tetracyclic compounds that inhibit the four known mammalian JAK kinases (JAK1, JAK2, JAK3 and TYK2) and PDK1. The invention also provides for compositions comprising such inhibitory compounds and methods of inhibiting the activity of JAK1, JAK2, JAK3 TYK2 and PDK1 by administering the compound to a patient in need of treatment for myeloproliferative disorders or cancer.
US07763632B2 Pyrimidinyl amide compounds which inhibit leukocyte adhesion mediated by VLA-4
Disclosed are compounds which bind VLA-4. Certain of these compounds also inhibit leukocyte adhesion and, in particular, leukocyte adhesion mediated by VLA-4. Such compounds are useful in the treatment of inflammatory diseases in a human or animal subject such as asthma, Alzheimer's disease, atherosclerosis, AIDS dementia, diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, tissue transplantation, tumor metastasis and myocardial ischemia. The compounds can also be administered for the treatment of inflammatory brain diseases such as multiple sclerosis.
US07763625B2 Agents for treating migraine
A method for treating migraine comprising administering, as an active ingredient, a xanthine derivative represented by the following formula or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
US07763624B2 Substituted pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidines as ACK-1 and LCK inhibitors
The present invention relates to compounds of Formula I or a stereomer, a tautomer, a solvate, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or a prodrug thereof, pharmaceutical formulations containing the compounds, methods of treatments using the compounds, for example, protein tyrosine kinase-associated disorders such as immunologic and oncologic disorders and methods of preparing medicaments comprising the compounds.
US07763622B2 Substituted 6-(2-halogennphenyl)-triazolopyrimidines
Substituted 6-(2-halogenphenyl)-triazolopyrimidines of formula I in which R1 denote alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkadienyl, haloalkyl, haloalkenyl, cycloalkyl, phenyl, naphthyl, or a 5- or 6-membered saturated, unsaturated, or aromatic heterocycle, containing one to four nitrogen atoms or one to three nitrogen atoms and one sulfur or oxygen atom, wherein R1 and R2 radicals may be substituted as defined in the description, R2 denote hydrogen, or a group mentioned for R1; or R1 and R2 together with the interjacent nitrogen atom represent a 5- or 6-membered heterocycle, containing one to four nitrogen atoms or one to three nitrogen atoms and one sulfur or oxygen atom, which ring may be substituted as defined in the description; Hal is halogen; L1, L3 independently denote hydrogen, halogen, or alkyl; L2 is hydrogen, halogen, haloalkyl, or NH2, NHRb, or N(Rb)2, wherein Rb is as defined in the description, wherein at least one from L1, L2, and L3 is not hydrogen; X is halogen, cyano, alkyl, alkoxy, haloalkoxy or alkenyloxy. processes for their preparation, compositions containing them and to their use for combating phytopathogenic fungi.
US07763619B2 Compounds with 5-HT1A activity useful for treating disorders of the outer retina
Compositions and methods for treating disorders of the outer retina with compounds with 5-HT1A agonist activity are disclosed.
US07763613B2 Substituted N-arylsulfonylheterocyclic amines as gamma-secretase inhibitors
Disclosed are novel gamma secretase inhibitors of the formula: Also disclosed are methods for inhibiting gamma secretase, for treating one or more neurodegenerative diseases, for inhibiting the deposition of beta amyloid protein, and for treating Alzheimer's disease using the compounds of formula (I).
US07763606B2 Heterocyclic aspartyl protease inhibitors
Disclosed are compounds of the formula I or a stereoisomer, tautomer, or pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, wherein Ar, R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5 are as defined in the specification; and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds of formula I. Also disclosed is the method of inhibiting aspartyl protease, and in particular, the methods of treating cardiovascular diseases, cognitive and neurodegenerative diseases. Also disclosed are methods of treating cognitive or neurodegenerative diseases using the compounds of formula I in combination with a cholinesterase inhibitor or a muscarinic m1 agonist or m2 antagonist.
US07763605B2 [1,4]benzodiazepines as vasopressin V2 receptor antagonists
The invention is directed to novel [1,4]benzodiazepine compounds useful as vasopressin receptor antagonists for treating conditions involving increased vascular resistance and cardiac insufficiency. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising [1,4]benzodiazepine compounds of the present invention and methods of treating conditions such as hypertension, congestive heart failure, cardiac insufficiency, coronary vasospasm, cardiac ischemia, liver cirrhosis, renal vasospasm, renal failure, cerebral edema and ischemia, stroke, thrombosis, or water retention are also disclosed.
US07763604B2 Methods for administration of a farnesyl dibenzodiazepinone
This invention relates to methods of inhibiting growth and/or proliferation of a neoplastic cell, and methods of treating neoplasms by administration of the farnesylated dibenzodiazepinone compound of Formula I via continuous intravenous infusion. The invention includes pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compound of Formula I:
US07763599B2 Modified retinoid compounds and their uses
A method of minimizing or reducing the toxicity of a retinoid having a free carboxyl group and the resulting modified retinoids are described. The method comprises the step of esterifying the carboxyl group of the retinoid with a highly sterically hindered compound, which is preferably a secondary or tertiary alcohol. The resulting retinoid esters are rendered much less toxic than the starting or parent retinoid. This process provides a retinoid ester analog of reduced toxicity so that it may be administered orally with minimal side effects and with a much greater therapeutic window. The modified retinoid compounds are useful in the treatment and prophylaxis of all diseases and disorders where retinoid compounds have been shown effective.
US07763595B2 Method of treatment of skin with external preparation composition
An external preparation composition used for preventing or treating symptoms or diseases related to dermatopathy caused by dryness, UV rays and aging such as wrinkles and sags of the skin, pigmentation of the skin, skin roughness and coarse texture and skin diseases such as psoriasis, lichen, ichthyosis, keratosis, Darier's disease, pustulosis, acne, eczema and atopic dermatitis. The external preparation composition comprises at least one of acyl glucosamine derivatives represented by the following Formula (I): wherein R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5 are defined; and X is any one of groups represented by the following Formulas (A) to (C): wherein Y, n and R6 are also defined.
US07763589B2 Compositions and methods for treating intracellular diseases
The present invention provides methods of treating intracellular infections comprising the step of administering a vector construct which directs the expression of at least one immunogenic portion of an antigen derived from an intracellular pathogen, and also administering to the warm-blooded animal a protein which comprises the immunogenic portion of the antigen, such that an immune response is generated.
US07763580B2 Methods for treating conditions associated with the accumulation of excess extracellular matrix
The present invention is methods and compositions for reducing and preventing the excess accumulation of extracellular matrix in a tissue and/or organ or at a wound site using a combination of agents that inhibit TGFβ, or using agents that inhibit TGFβ in combination with agents that degrade excess accumulated extracellular matrix, or at least one agent that degrades excess accumulated extracellular matrix. The compositions and methods of the invention are used to treat conditions such as fibrotic diseases and scarring that result from excess accumulation of extracellular matrix, impairing tissue or organ function or skin appearance in a subject.
US07763578B2 Preparation of polymeric foams using hydrofluoroether nucleating agents
Use of high boiling hydrofluoroethers as nucleating agents in the production of a polymeric foam, in particular in the production of polyurethane foams and phenolic foams. Also, blowing agent compositions and foamable compositions comprising one or more high boiling hydrofluoroether nucleating agents and foams made using such blowing agent compositions and foamable compositions.
US07763575B2 Essential oils based cleaning and disinfecting compositions
Cleaning and disinfecting compositions for cleaning, disinfecting and sanitizing inanimate and animate surfaces are provided. The cleaning and disinfecting compositions contain thyme oil or thyme oil and origanum oil, a salt of a transition metal, sodium dioctyl sulfosuccinate and water. The cleaning and disinfecting compositions are surprisingly stable and as such, they may be provided to consumers in the undiluted state. The cleaning and disinfecting compositions are botanical, environmentally sustainable, non-toxic and mildly scented.
US07763570B1 Drilling fluid additive containing syrups
A drilling fluid additive is provided and the additive consist of: syrup solids in the amount from about 30 to about 90% by weight of total volume of the additive and a liquid medium in the amount from about 10 to about 70% by weight of total volume of the additive, said syrup solids are derived from a group consisting essentially of agave syrup, barley syrup, sugar syrup, beets syrup, birch syrup, rice syrup, cane syrup, chocolate syrup, coconut syrup, corn syrup, date syrup, fruit syrup, golden syrup, high fructose corn syrup, karo syrup, citrus fruit syrup, maple syrup, molasses, Muscavado syrup, palm syrup, rice syrup, sorghum syrup, Turbinado syrup, vanilla syrup and mixtures and blends thereof.
US07763569B2 Process for the production of highly-textured, band-shaped, high-temperature superconductors
A wet-chemical method for producing strip-shaped high-temperature superconductors with a substrate, optionally with a buffer layer and with a high-temperature superconductive layer is improved by increasing the texturing and the layer thickness of the high-temperature superconductive layer. To this end, precursor solutions are applied in layers to the substrate, of which the first is low in fluorine or does not contain fluorine, and the following have a fluorine concentration that increases with each layer.
US07763568B2 Method for producing MgB2 superconductor and MgB2 superconductor
The present invention provides a method for producing a MgB2 superconductor, comprising compacting and heating a mixture comprising Mg or MgH2 powder and B powder, wherein said mixture comprises SiC powder and an aromatic hydrocarbon, and a MgB2 superconductor having a higher critical current density (Jc) than that of the known MgB2 superconductors added SiC only or added an aromatic hydrocarbon only such as benzene.
US07763567B2 Agrochemical compositions
The present invention relates to agrochemical compositions and in particular to aqueous agrochemical compositions containing a water soluble agrochemical active ingredient and an amine adjuvant; preferably triethylenediamine (TEDA) or a salt thereof; or tetramethylethylenedianmine (TMEDA) or a salt thereof.
US07763564B2 Titanium catalyst, its preparation and its use in epoxidation reactions
The invention relates to a process for the preparation of a titanium catalyst which process comprises: (a) drying a silica carrier at a temperature of from 300 to 800° C. to obtain a dried carrier; (b) contacting the dried carrier obtained in step (a) with a gas stream containing titanium halide at a temperature in the range from 125° C. lower to 125° C. higher than the drying temperature of step (a) and at a pressure higher than 0.8 bar to obtain an impregnated carrier; (c) calcining the impregnated carrier obtained in step (b) to obtain the titanium catalyst.
US07763560B2 Catalyst for purifying diesel engine exhaust gas and method for production thereof
A catalyst which purges a diesel engine exhaust gas of HC, CO, and SOF and reduces the emission of particulates as well and a method for the production thereof are provided. The catalyst for purifying a diesel engine exhaust gas has deposited on a refractory three-dimensional structure a catalyst component comprising silica-alumina supporting at least one noble metal selected from the group consisting of platinum, palladium, and rhodium and zeolite. This catalyst is produced by adding a noble metal component into a slurry of silica-alumina thereby inducing chemical adsorption, then adding zeolite to the resultant mixture thereby obtaining a mixed slurry of a noble metal-supporting silica-alumina and zeolite, dipping a refractory three-dimensional structure in the slurry thereby inducing deposition of the catalyst component, and subsequently calcining the resultant composite.
US07763556B2 Hurricane resistant composites
A composite flexible fabric is employed as a covering for an opening of a building, such as a window or door. The composite fabric protects the opening from hurricane force winds and associated flying objects. The composite fabric is formed from at least one layer of a fabric comprised of high tenacity polyolefin fibers and at least one layer of a plastic film. The film is attached to at least one surface of the high tenacity polyolefin fiber fabric. Each of the fabric layer and the film layer are sufficient translucent so as to permit light to enter the opening of the building. The fabric layer provides protection against high wind and impact from projectiles, and the film layer provides an impervious barrier to water, such as wind driven rain. An adhesive layer may be used to enhance bonding between the fabric layer and the film layer.
US07763548B2 Microfeature workpiece processing system for, e.g., semiconductor wafer analysis
The present disclosure suggests apparatus and methods that can be used to chemically process microfeature workpieces, e.g., semiconductor wafers. One implementation of the invention provides a method in which a surface of a microfeature workpiece is contacted with an etchant liquid. The wall of the processing chamber may be highly transmissive of an operative wavelength range of radiation, but the etchant liquid is absorptive of the operative wavelength range. The etchant liquid is heated by delivering radiation through the wall of a processing chamber. This permits processing chambers to be formed of materials (e.g., fluoropolymers) that cannot be used in conventional systems that must conduct heat through the wall of the processing chamber.
US07763547B2 Technique for enhancing process flexibility during the formation of vias and trenches in low-k interlayer dielectrics
In an etch process for forming via openings and trench openings in a low-k dielectric layer, the material removal of an underlying etch stop layer is decoupled from the etching through the low-k dielectric in that the reduction in thickness is substantially achieved during the resist removal. For this purpose, the resist plasma etch may correspondingly be controlled to obtain the desired target thickness of the etch stop layer, wherein fluorine may be provided from an external source and/or fluorine may be generated in a controlled manner from polymer layers deposited within the etch chamber.
US07763545B2 Semiconductor device manufacturing method
In a semiconductor device manufacturing method having the etching step of an electrode material film constituting a capacitor using ferroelectric substance or high- dielectric substance, etching of a conductive film that acts as an electrode of the capacitor formed over a semiconductor substrate is carried out in an atmosphere containing bromine, and a heating temperature of the semiconductor substrate is set in a range of 300° C. to 600° C., otherwise etching of at least the conductive film is carried out in an atmosphere to which only hydrogen bromide and oxygen are supplied from an outside.
US07763544B2 Method of forming fine pattern of semiconductor device using sige layer as sacrificial layer, and method of forming self-aligned contacts using the same
There are provided a method of forming a fine pattern of a semiconductor device using a silicon germanium sacrificial layer, and a method of forming a self-aligned contact using the same. The method of forming a self-aligned contact of a semiconductor device includes forming a conductive line structure having a conductive material layer, a hard mask layer, and a sidewall spacer on a substrate, and forming a silicon germanium (Si1-xGex) sacrificial layer, which has a height equal to or higher than a height of at least the conductive line structure, on an entire surface of the substrate. Then, a photoresist pattern for defining a contact hole is formed on the sacrificial layer, and the sacrificial layer is dry-etched, thereby forming a contact hole for exposing the substrate. A plurality of contacts for filling the contact hole are formed using polysilicon, and the remained sacrificial layer is wet-etched. Then, the region where the sacrificial layer is removed is filled with silicon oxide, thereby forming a first interlayer insulating layer.
US07763541B2 Process for regenerating layer transferred wafer
There is provided a layer transferred wafer subjected to a process for regenerating to be reused many times for an SOI layer wafer which is used to manufacture an SOI wafer with an excellent process yield in which oxygen precipitate nuclei or oxygen precipitates are eliminated and generation of HF defects are inhibited by performing the process for regenerating the layer transferred wafer generated as a by-product by an ion implantation separation method.The process for regenerating a layer transferred wafer in which the layer transferred wafer 11b obtained as a by-product in manufacturing a bonded SOI wafer 10 by an ion implantation separation method so as to be reused for an SOI layer wafer 11 of the bonded SOI wafer 10, comprises: rapidly heating the layer transferred wafer 11b in an oxidizing atmosphere, then holding it for a fixed time and subsequently rapidly cooling it; and mirror-polishing a surface of the layer transferred wafer 11b.
US07763536B2 Method of manufacturing a semiconductor device
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device includes preparing a semiconductor substrate having an electrode pad, a passivation film having an opening overlapping the electrode pad and an oxidized film formed in the opening, forming a resin projection on the passivation film, forming a metal layer on the passivation film and the resin projection, and forming an electrically connecting portion for connecting the electrode pad to the metal layer by substituting an electrical conductor for at least a part of the oxidized film.
US07763535B2 Method for producing a metal backside contact of a semiconductor component, in particular, a solar cell
The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a backside contact of a semiconductor component, in particular, of a solar cell, comprising a metallic layer on the backside of a substrate in a vacuum treatment chamber, and the use of a vacuum treatment system for performing said method. Through this method and its use, in particular silicon based solar cells, can be provided with a back contact in a simple manner in a continuous process sequence, wherein the process sequence can be provided particularly efficient and economical, since no handling systems for rotating the substrate are required, and in particular silk screening steps can be dispensed with.
US07763532B2 Technique for forming a dielectric etch stop layer above a structure including closely spaced lines
When forming line structures of semiconductor devices in accordance with the 90 nm technology, sidewall spacers of the lines are reduced in size immediately prior to the deposition of an etch stop layer that is formed on the device layer. Due to the reduced spacer elements or due to a complete removal of the spacer elements, the subsequent deposition of the etch stop layer and of the interlayer dielectric is significantly enhanced with respect to void formation and defect rate.
US07763528B2 Method for manufacturing semiconductor device
A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device includes forming protruded electrodes on a plurality of chip areas of a semiconductor wafer having the chip areas and boundary regions both being provided in a surface of the semiconductor wafer; forming a surface-side protective member so as to cover the surface of the semiconductor wafer and the protruded electrodes removing the semiconductor wafer corresponding to the boundary regions and forming trenches which expose the surface-side protective member; forming a back-side protective member with which the trenches are filled and which covers the back of the semiconductor wafer; and dividing the semiconductor wafer in the boundary regions with widths thinner than those of the trenches in such a manner that the surface-side protective member and the back-side protective member charged into the trenches are left in cut sections.
US07763526B2 Wafer and wafer cutting and dividing method
A laser beam is applied to an interior of a wafer through a top surface to form modified areas in a plurality of layers of modified area groups. Intervals of the modified areas in one of the layers of modified area groups differ from intervals of the modified areas in another one of the layers of the modified area groups, which is closer to the top surface of the wafer in comparison to the one of the layers of the modified area groups.
US07763517B2 Method of forming non-volatile memory cell
A method of forming a non-volatile memory cell is provided. The method comprises: (a) providing a substrate; (b) forming a stacking structure on the substrate, the stacking structure at least comprising an oxide-nitride-oxide layer (ONO layer) and a polysilicon layer thereon; (c) patterning the stacking structure to form a plurality of separated stacking units, each two stacking units having an aperture therebetween; (d) forming a source region and a drain region buried in the substrate at two sides of the each stacking unit; (e) forming an oxide layer in the aperture and over the stacking units; and (f) performing a chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) process to remove the oxide layer over the stacking units and outside the aperture.
US07763515B2 Transistor with embedded silicon/germanium material on a strained semiconductor on insulator substrate
By combining a respectively adapted lattice mismatch between a first semiconductor material in a channel region and an embedded second semiconductor material in an source/drain region of a transistor, the strain transfer into the channel region is increased. According to one embodiment of the invention, the lattice mismatch may be adapted by a biaxial strain in the first semiconductor material. According to one embodiment, the lattice mismatch may be adjusted by a biaxial strain in the first semiconductor material. In particular, the strain transfer of strain sources including the embedded second semiconductor material as well as a strained overlayer is increased. According to one illustrative embodiment, regions of different biaxial strain may be provided for different transistor types.
US07763501B2 Forming interconnects
A method for forming an electronic device, comprising: forming a first conductive or semiconductive layer; forming a sequence of at least on insulating layer and at least one semiconducting layer over the first conductive or semiconductive layer; locally depositing solvents at a localized region of the insulating layer so as to dissolve the sequence of insulating and semiconducting layers in the region to leave a void extending through the sequence of layer; and depositing conductive or semiconductive material in the void.
US07763499B2 CMOS front end process compatible low stress light shield
An improved imaging device having a pixel arrangement featuring a multilayer light shield. The multilayer light shield includes stacked layers of light-shielding and light-transparent material. The light-transparent material, such as a dielectric, is selected to have a stress, such as a tensile stress, that offsets the stress, such as a compressive stress, of the light shielding material. Without the stress offset, the high compressive stress of the refractory metal could damage the integrity of the nearby silicon. The refractory metal is capable of withstanding the high temperatures associated with front end CMOS processing. The laminate structure allows the light shield to be placed close to the pixel surface. The light-transparent material has a thickness equal to about one-quarter wavelength of the light to be blocked, to act as an anti-reflective coating. An aperture in the light shield exposes the active region of the pixel's photoconversion device.
US07763492B2 Method of making phase change memory device employing thermally insulating voids and sloped trench
A phase change memory device, and method of making the same, that includes a trench formed in insulation material having opposing sidewalls that are inwardly sloping with trench depth. A first electrode is formed in the trench. Phase change memory material is formed in electrical contact with the first electrode. A second electrode is formed in electrical contact with the phase change memory material. Voids are formed in the insulation material to impede heat from the phase change memory material from conducting away therefrom. The voids are formed in pairs, with either a portion of the phase change memory material or the second electrode disposed between the voids.
US07763484B2 Method to form an optical grating and to form a distributed feedback laser diode with the optical grating
A method for forming a grating with an adjustable pitch and a method for forming a DFB-LD with an optical grating whose pitch is adjustable during the process are disclosed. The method of the invention; first prepares a mold with a pattern to form the grating; second, pushes the mold against the resin as deforming the mold; and third, hardens the mold. The resin with a periodic pattern whose pitch is adjustable during the process is available.
US07763481B2 Liquid crystal display and fabrication method thereof
A liquid crystal display and a fabricating method thereof are provided. The liquid crystal display includes a first substrate having a pixel portion and a pad portion; a gate line and a data line crossing each other to define the pixel portion at the pixel portion; a transistor adjacent to a crossing of the gate line and the data line, the transistor including a gate electrode, a source electrode and a drain electrode; an insulating layer above the source electrode and the drain electrode, the insulating layer exposing a lateral side of the drain electrode; a pixel electrode in contact with the lateral side of the drain electrode; a second substrate attached to the first substrate; and a liquid crystal layer between the first substrate and a second substrate.
US07763480B2 Method for manufacturing thin film transistor array substrate
A method for manufacturing a thin film transistor (TFT) array substrate needs only or even less than six mask processes for manufacturing the TFT array substrate integrated with a color filter pattern. Therefore, the manufacturing method is simpler and the manufacturing cost is reduced. In addition, the manufacturing method needs not to form a contact window in a relative thick film layer such as a planarization layer or a color filter layer, so as to connect the pixel electrode to the source/drain. Thus, the difficulty of the manufacturing process is effectively reduced.
US07763473B2 Sample applicators for analytical assays
A liquid applicator for applying a liquid sample to a liquid receiving surface is disclosed. The liquid applicator comprises a bibulous line to hold a first predetermined volume of liquid for application to a liquid receiving surface. A second predetermined volume less than or equal to the first predetermined volume is applied to the liquid receiving surface in a substantially uniform and consistent pattern. Systems and methods for using embodiments of the liquid applicators are also disclosed.
US07763471B2 Method of electrowetting droplet operations for protein crystallization
Methods of using protein crystallization droplet actuators are provided. Protein sample droplets and reagent droplets are dispensed, transported, and merged to yield an array of crystallization conditions by electrowetting droplet operations in a gap comprising oil filler fluid. The oil filler fluid is doped with a surfactant that enhances droplet operations using the protein sample.
US07763470B2 Test element and method of use for analyzing body fluids
An analytical test element for determining an analyte in a body fluid comprises a detection area in which the analyte is detected and an application site at which the body fluid can be applied to the test element. The application site is spaced apart from the detection area, wherein at least some of the body fluid applied to the application site moves from the application site to the detection area. The test element also comprises a contamination area which at least partially adjoins the application site, wherein an adhesive substance is applied to at least part of the contamination area of the test element. The adhesive substance adheres to the contamination area of the test element and is able to interact with an excess amount of applied body fluid such that at least some of the body fluid adheres to the test element and thereby an excess amount of body fluid remains in the contamination area. An additional embodiment provides for test elements which, after use, can be stored in a storage container. Another embodiment provides for the production of the test elements.
US07763469B2 Method for automatic encrypted marking and identifying the liquids
The invention provides a method for automatic encrypted marking of liquids and for identifying liquids marked by using this method. For marking certain number of markers is selected and for every marker a random number is generated, which define the amount of a marker used. Based on the number of markers, their measured concentrations and the relation of markers concentrations in the marked liquid, a specific marking code is compiled, characteristic only for this liquid. The marking code is encrypted and delivered to an authorized user. The encrypted marking code is decrypted and for identifying the liquid the original parameters contained in the marking code are compared with parameters actually measured on-site. This identification is carried out automatically in real time without any need for laboratory analyses, thus practically excluding human factor in both the marking and identification processes.
US07763467B2 Drip shield
A drip shield includes cover members that define a protective canopy over sample receptacles to prevent unwanted material from being deposited into the receptacles. The cover members cooperate to define at least one access hole through the drip shield to permit access to a sample receptacle by a pipette tip through the access hole. One of the cover members is moveable with respect to another cover member between a closed stated defining the access hole and an open state permitting a pipette tip extending through the access hole to be laterally conveyed relative to the drip shield and out of the access hole. In a preferred embodiment, a system control feature automatically determines if a pipette tip might have been left in a sample receptacle and extending through the access hole of the drip shield and thereby cause the sample receptacle and pipette tip to be conveyed laterally relative to the drip shield while the one cover member moves from the closed to the open state to permit the pipette tip to be conveyed out of the access hole.
US07763464B2 Differentiation protocol for making human cardiomyocytes
This invention provides populations human cells of the cardiomyocyte lineage. The cells are obtained by causing cultures of pluripotent stem cells to differentiate in vitro, and then harvesting cells with certain phenotypic features. Differentiated cells bear cell surface and morphologic markers characteristic of cardiomyocytes, and a proportion of them undergo spontaneous periodic contraction. Highly enriched populations of cardiomyocytes and their replicating precursors can be obtained, suitable for use in a variety of applications, such as drug screening and therapy for cardiac disease.
US07763463B2 Use of cyclic AMP and ascorbic acid to produce dopaminergic neurons from embryonic stem cells
This disclosure provides improved methods for obtaining populations of dopaminergic neurons from pluripotent stem cells. The process involves taking a population of neural precursor cells derived from a line of human embryonic stem cells, and culturing the cells in a medium that contains a neurotrophin, either cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) or a compound that elevates intracellular cAMP levels, and optionally an antioxidant such as ascorbic acid. Cell populations have been obtained that contain a high proportion of cells staining for tyrosine hydroxylase, which is a feature of dopaminergic neurons. The neural progenitors and terminally differentiated neurons of this invention can be generated in large quantities for use in drug screening and the treatment of clinically important neurological disorders, such as Parkinson's disease.
US07763462B2 BDNF facilitation of oocyte, zygote and pre-implantation embryo maturation
Compositions and methods are provided for enhancing the survival and promoting the maturation of mammalian oocytes, zygotes and preimplantation embryos. BDNF or BDNF agonists may be administered to an individual, or to cells in vitro, to enhance cellular maturation, embryo growth and fertilization. Accordingly, compositions comprising BDNF are herein presented for use in promoting in vivo oocyte maturation as well as for use as a component in culture media for promoting preimplantation maturation of zygotes and embryos, for instance, for use with in vitro fertilization procedures and for the production of stem cells. Additionally, compounds that interfere with the binding of BDNF to its receptor may be administered to an individual to prevent oocyte maturation, thereby acting as a contraceptive. The BNDF receptor, TrkB, and BDNF also find use in the screening and design of agonists and antagonists for use in the methods of the invention.
US07763460B2 Methods and compositions for detecting herpes simplex virus type 2
The invention provides methods for sensitive and specific detection of anti-HSV-2 antibodies by depletion of cross-reactive (non-specific) antibodies in a biological sample that can lead to a false positive result. The invention also features compositions, including nucleic acids, polypeptides, and kits, for use in the methods of the invention.
US07763458B2 Vector system for plants
The invention describes virus-based amplification vectors for plants containing additional plant-specific internal ribosome entry site (IRES) element(s) allowing for a polycistronic translation and a cap-independent translation of: a) heterologous gene(s); b) whole viral genome or c) viral subgenomic RNAs. Said IRES elements are of plant viral origin, or they are isolated from other organisms or engineered using different synthesis procedures. Said IRES element(s) and said heterologous gene(s) are inserted into amplification vectors and allow for the expression of said heterologous gene(s) in the absence of additional viral promoters, in particular, said expression is achieved through cap-independent translation.
US07763456B2 3D micro-scale engineered tissue model systems
A polymeric chip having at least one three-dimensional porous scaffold, a microfluidic channel inlet to the porous scaffold, and a microfluidic channel outlet from the porous scaffold. In one embodiment, the polymeric chip has two three-dimensional porous scaffolds: one scaffold comprises liver cells and the other scaffold comprises cancer cells. The chip can be used as a multi-organ tissue model system.
US07763455B2 Raised surface assay plate
The assay plate includes a substrate having an substrate surface and at least one raised pad extending from the substrate surface. The raised pad includes a substantially planar sample receiving surface configured for holding a sample thereon for in situ experimentation. The sample receiving surface preferably has at least one sharp edge at the junction between a sidewall coupling the sample receiving surface to the substrate surface. The sample receiving surface is preferably a circle, oval, square, rectangle, triangle, pentagon, hexagon, or octagon shape that is sized to hold a predetermined volume of the sample. A method of using the above described assay plate is also provided. Once a raised pad extending from a substrate is formed, a sample is deposited on the raised pad. Experiments are subsequently performed using the sample on the raised pad.
US07763454B2 Electronic analyte assaying device
The invention is an electronically processed single-step test device for detecting the presence of a preselected analyte in a fluid. The device includes a hollow rectangular outer casing, disposed within co-joined upper and lower sections of the casing are assay material, an electronic processing system, and a LCD display. The LCD display is observable through a viewing window. The assay material is a sorptive material including a fluid sample application region in the form of a sample wick in fluid communication with a test strip. The test strip includes an analyte capture region adjacent to a light shield. The electronic processing system includes red and green LEDs which are alternately pulsed or energized over predetermined periods of time to determine if fluid test results show a marker or markers in the capture region indicative of the presence of a preselected analyte in the fluid. If so, Yes+ is displayed on the LCD. If not, No− is displayed on the LCD.
US07763447B2 Method of producing succinic acid with bacterium comprising a modified fumarate reductase gene or a modified succinate dehydrogenase gene
Succinic acid is produced by allowing a bacterium modified to enhance fumarate reductase activity or cell preparation thereof to react with an organic raw material in a reaction solution containing one of a carbonate ion, a bicarbonate ion, and carbon dioxide gas to generate succinic acid. More preferably, succinic acid is produced by allowing a bacterium modified to enhance activities of fumarate reductase and pyruvate carboxylase and decrease lactate dehydrogenase activity or cell preparation thereof to react with an organic raw material in a reaction solution containing one of a carbonate ion, a bicarbonate ion, and carbon dioxide gas to generate succinic acid. Succinic acid is obtained by collecting the produced succinic acid.
US07763445B2 Dimeric fusion proteins and materials and methods for producing them
Polypeptide fusions, dimeric fusion proteins, and materials and methods for making them are disclosed. One of the polypeptide fusions consists of a non-immunoglobulin polypeptide, a polypeptide linker, a dimerizing domain, and, optionally, a linking polypeptide. Another of the polypeptide fusions consists of a non-immunoglobulin polypeptide, a polypeptide linker, and a second dimerizing domain.
US07763443B2 Polynucleotides encoding chimeric GFP-aequorin as bioluminescent Ca++ reporters
A modified bioluminescent system comprising a fluorescent molecule covalently linked with a photoprotein, wherein said link between the two proteins has the function to stabilize the modified bioluminescent system and allowing the transfer of the energy by Chemiluminescence Resonance Energy Transfer(CRET).
US07763442B2 Method for detecting candida on skin
A method and system for rapidly detecting Candida on the skin of a host, such as an infant with diaper rash, is provided. The method includes contacting a dermal sample with a colorant that exhibits a certain spectral response (e.g., color change) in the presence of Candida. For example, the colorant may change from a first color to a second color, from colorless to a color, or from a color to colorless. The colorant is typically capable of differentiating between Candida (e.g., Candida albicans) and other microorganisms commonly associated with diaper rash, such as S. aureus and E. coli. Thus, when a dermal sample is placed into contact with the colorant, the color change may simply be observed to determine whether the infection is caused by Candida. If the color change occurs to a certain extent (e.g., from yellow to bright red), it may be determined that the test sample contains Candida. Likewise, if a color change occurs to a lesser extent (e.g., from yellow to faint orange) or not at all, it may be determined that the dermal sample contains other microorganisms (e.g., S. aureus or E. coli), no infection is present, or that the infection is simply due to other causes. Regardless, it will become readily apparent whether or not treatment for Candida is needed.
US07763439B2 Two-photon absorbing dipyrrometheneboron difluoride dyes and their applications
A separation free bioanalytical assay method for measuring an analyte from a biological fluid or suspension containing microparticles as a bioaffinity binding solid phase, a biospecific secondary reagent labelled with a two-photon fluorescent dipyrrometheneboron difluoride dye of specified structure, focusing the laser into the reaction suspension, and measuring two-photon excited fluorescence from single microparticles when they randomly float or are guided by the radiation pressure of the excitation laser through the focal volume of the laser beam.
US07763437B1 Methods for identifying compounds that regulate β-Arrestin signaling complexes
A method of screening a candidate compound for βArrestin mediated anti-G protein coupled receptor signaling activity is comprises: (a) contacting said candidate compound to a βArrestin signaling complex or a constituent thereof, under conditions in which a signaling complex is formed; and then (b) detecting the presence or absence of disruption of said signaling complex, disruption of said complex indicating said compound has βArrestin mediated anti-G protein coupled receptor signaling activity. Compositions and kits for carrying out the method are also described.
US07763432B2 Compositions and methods for early pregnancy diagnosis
Pregnancy-associated glycoproteins (PAGs) are structurally related to the pepsins, thought to be restricted to the hoofed (ungulate) mammals and characterized by being expressed specifically in the outer epithelial cell layer (chorion/trophectoderm) of the placenta. By cloning expressed genes from ovine and bovine placental cDNA libraries, the inventors estimate that cattle, sheep, and most probably all ruminant Artiodactyla, possess possibly 100 or more PAG genes, many of which are placentally expressed. The PAGs are highly diverse in sequence, with regions of hypervariability confined largely to surface-exposed loops. Selected PAG that are products of the invasive binucleate cells, expressed highly in early pregnancy at the time of trophoblast invasion and expressed weakly, if at all, in late gestation are useful in the early diagnosis of pregnancy. In a preferred embodiment, the invention relates to immunoassays for detecting these PAGs.
US07763428B2 Identification of protective antigenic determinants of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus and uses thereof
The invention relates to a polypeptide of a protective antigenic determinant (PAD polypeptide) of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) and nucleic acids encoding a PAD polypeptide. The PAD polypeptide and nucleic acids encoding a PAD polypeptide are useful in the development of antibodies directed to PAD, vaccines effective in providing protection against PRRSV infection, and diagnostic assays detecting the presence of PAD antibodies generated by a PAD-specific vaccine. The invention also discloses methods of generating antibodies to PAD, for vaccinating a pig to provide protection from PRRSV infections, a method of preparing the vaccine, a method of treating PRRSV infections in a pig, and a method of detecting antibodies to PAD of PRRSV.
US07763426B2 Probes and methods for detection of Escheridia coli and antibiotic resistance
Described are probes and methods for detecting pathogens and antibiotic resistance of a specimen. The method comprises contacting the specimen with a growth medium; and lysing the specimen to release nucleic acid molecules from the specimen. The lysate of the specimen is contacted with a capture probe immobilized on a substrate, wherein the capture probe comprises an oligonucleotide that specifically hybridizes with a first target nucleic acid sequence region of ribosomal RNA. The lysate is in contact with a detector probe that comprises a detectably labeled oligonucleotide that specifically hybridizes with a second target nucleic acid sequence region of ribosomal RNA. The presence or absence of labeled oligonucleotide complexed with the substrate is determined. Detection of labeled oligonucleotide complexed with the substrate is indicative of the presence of pathogen. Performing the method in the presence and absence of an antibiotic permits detection of antibiotic resistance.
US07763425B2 Assessment and reduction of risk of graft-versus-host disease
Methods of assessing and reducing risk of graft versus host disease (GVHD) based on gene expression profiling are described, as well as methods of selecting a suitable transplant donor. Corresponding reagents and kits are also described.
US07763421B2 Methods for producing nucleic acid hybridization probes that amplify hybridization signal by promoting network formation
This invention describes methods for generating nucleic acid probes that improve the sensitivity of hybridization assays. The sensitivity increase results from structural modifications of nucleic acids that promote network formation during hybridization with the result that a single target molecule becomes attached to a complex of many probe molecules. The structural modification involves fragmentation of the probe nucleic acid followed by joining the fragments together such that their order and orientation and number is altered from the original probe molecule. The result is the generation of permuted probe libraries. Individual members of permuted probe libraries can be isolated, amplified and perpetuated. Libraries can be prepared with additional sequences not present in the target and the fraction of the library made up by such sequences controlled. Probes for different targets can incorporate different non-target sequences in hyper-molar quantities permitting sensitive detection of multiple hybridization targets in the same sample.
US07763420B2 Methods and compositions for detection of microorganisms and cells and treatment of diseases and disorders
Described herein are methods for detecting a microorganism or cell in a subject and methods for detecting, imaging or diagnosing a site, disease, disorder or condition in a subject using microorganisms or cells. Also described are methods which use microorganisms or cells for treating a disease, disorder or condition. Such sites, diseases and disorders include sites of cell proliferation, proliferative conditions, neoplasms, tumors, neoplastic disease, wounds and inflammation. Further described are microorganisms and cells for use in the methods and compositions, combinations and kits, including diagnostic and pharmaceutical compositions, containing a microorganism or cell. Microorganisms and cells described herein include those that bind, sequester or accumulate metal, such as those that provide for metal acquisition, transport, storage and/or metabolism. Additional imaging and therapy agents are also described.
US07763419B2 Methods for determining the relative benefits and/or evaluating quantitative changes of products on epithelial tissue
A method for determining the relative benefits of products which affect animal epithelial tissue is provided. Also provided is a method for evaluating quantitative changes on one or more affected surfaces of epithelial tissue of a subject caused by a test product.
US07763409B2 Binder resin for toner, method for production thereof, and toner
The present invention relates to a binder resin for a toner which is used in electrophotography and the like. An objective of the present invention is to obtain a binder resin for a toner containing a crystalline resin which satisfies both excellent low temperature fixing property and excellent offset resistance, a method for producing the binder resin, and a toner using the binder resin. The objective can be achieved by using a binder resin for a toner that is produced by subjecting an amorphous resin and a crystalline resin to melting, kneading and reaction, and is characterized in that it includes a network structure which includes a crystalline resin.
US07763393B2 Fuel cell having electrode channel member with comb-teeth shape
A fuel cell having: a fuel electrode and an oxidant electrode disposed to sandwich a solid polymer electrolyte membrane; current collecting plates disposed outside of the fuel electrode and the oxidant electrode; a fuel electrode channel member disposed outside of the current collecting plate disposed outside of the fuel electrode; and an oxidant electrode channel member disposed outside of the current collecting plate disposed outside of the oxidant electrode. The oxidant electrode channel member has a thickness of not less than 1.2 mm. The fuel cell is a direct methanol type fuel cell.
US07763392B2 Integrated fuel-air delivery system
An integrated fuel and air delivery system for a fuel cell that includes a pump and an air inlet member connected to the pump. Additionally, an air outlet member is connected to the pump. Desired quantities of fuel and air are mixed in the air outlet member and resonance of the fuel and air are removed prior to introduction into the fuel cell.
US07763391B2 Alkali fuel cell unaffected by carbonation
An alkali fuel cell comprises a solid stack consisting of a first electrode, a solid membrane conducting hydroxide ions and a second electrode, each electrode comprising an active layer that is in contact with the solid membrane. The material forming the active layer of each electrode comprises at least a catalytic element, an electronic conductive element and an element conducting hydroxide ions. The element conducting hydroxide ions is a polymer having vinylaromatic units comprising a quaternary ammonium function and a hydroxide ion OH− is associated with each quaternary ammonium function. One such alkali fuel cell is unaffected by carbonation and maintains good electrochemical performances.
US07763389B2 Fuel cell manufacturing device and fuel cell
There are disclosed a fuel cell manufacturing device in which a time of an assembling operation of a fuel cell can be reduced, and the fuel cell. A fuel cell manufacturing device is for use in manufacturing a fuel cell having a cell component including a plurality of stacked cells, and a pressurizing component which pressurizes the cell component in a stacking direction, and the device includes a first displacement measurement section which measures a displacement in a case where a defined load is applied to the cell component, and a second displacement measurement section which measures a displacement in a case where a defined load is applied to the pressurizing component. During the assembling operation, a shim for length adjustment having a thickness corresponding to the displacements is selected, and this shim is arranged between the cell component and the pressurizing component.
US07763388B2 Fuel cell system
A fuel cell system includes a hydrogen generator that generates hydrogen by a reforming reaction using a material and water. A fuel cell generates power by electrochemical reaction using the hydrogen and an oxidizing agent. A cooling water circulation portion circulates water for cooling the fuel cell. A water condenser condenses water discharged from the hydrogen generator or the fuel cell and the condensed water is stored in a water storage portion. A water supply portion moves the water from the water storage portion to the hydrogen generator, the fuel cell, or the cooling water circulation portion. A water replenishment portion replenishes water in the water storage portion from the cooling water circulation portion. A controller discards the water from the water storage portion through a discharge port and the water replenishment portion causes the cooling water circulation portion to replenish the water storage portion.
US07763387B2 Negative electrode for secondary cell and secondary cell using the same
Since a first layer (a carbon layer 2a) whose chief ingredient is carbon and a second layer (Li absorbing layer 3a) containing particles having a theoretical capacity greater than that of graphite are formed on anode collector 1a, high capacity and high operation voltage can be realized. Since a element having a theoretical capacity equal to or less than that of graphite is added to the particles constituting this second layer, expansion and contraction of volume according to the charge and discharge are suppressed. This enables capacity deterioration to be suppressed even though cycles go on.
US07763384B2 Alkaline cells having high capacity
The present invention relates to a high capacity electrochemical cell including an anode, a cathode, and a separator disposed between the anode and cathode. The anode is configured to operate in combination with a quantity of an oxide of copper in the cathode. The cell is capable of operating at a discharge voltage greater than 1.05 volts for at least an initial 5% of a cell discharge period at a current density of at least 5 mA/g, and can include a cathode active material that includes an oxide of copper.
US07763382B2 Bipolar articles and related methods
The invention provides bipolar articles (e.g., batteries and capacitors) with new architectures and methods of making and using the same. Articles are provided with interpenetrating anode and cathode structures that allow for improved power density, and arbitrary form factors that allow for formation in substantially any desired shape. The articles are useful for embedding or integral formation in various electronic devices to provide more efficient use of space in the devices. The articles optionally include self-organizing bipolar structures.
US07763380B2 Packaging container for transporting batteries
A package container for shipping and transporting small batteries, such as lithium ion rechargeable batteries, from manufacturers which meets the conditions of Container Grade II applicable to lithium batteries including a large amount of metal lithium and satisfies the requirements of ICAO/IATA Code A45. By employing a material having a bursting strength of 13.0 kgf/cm2 or more, according to a bursting strength test method regulated in JIS, in order to form an exterior container having a gross weight is 25 kg or lower and arranging the small batteries in package packs in the exterior container, the small batteries are transported safely.
US07763375B2 Current interrupt device for batteries
The invention is a battery containing at least one electrochemical cell having a sealing plate with a pressure relief vent, the sealing plate being part of an electrical circuit between one of the electrodes and the corresponding terminal under normal conditions but capable of changing shape to break the circuit without the cell venting when the temperature of the sealing plate rises to a predetermined level and then returning to its original shape to reestablish the broken circuit when the sealing plate temperature returns to a normal level.
US07763373B2 Method for producing an electrode arrangement for use in a fuel cell
A method for producing an electrode arrangement for use in a fuel cell. The method includes providing a filament comprising a supporting core and a plurality of webs extending radially from the core, the filament forming a radially internal, electrically conductive first electrode; and pulling a woven stocking over the filament.
US07763368B2 Efficient micro fuel cell systems and methods
Described herein are fuel cell systems and methods of using fuel cell systems. The systems include a fuel cell that generates electrical energy using hydrogen and a fuel processor that produces hydrogen from a fuel source. The fuel processor includes a reformer and a burner that heats the reformer. One heat efficient fuel cell system described herein heats internal portions of a fuel cell using a heating medium from a fuel processor. The heating medium may comprise gases exhausted at high temperatures from the fuel processor, which are then transported to the fuel cell. The heating medium may also include a gas that reacts catalytically in the fuel cell to produce heat. Systems and methods for expediting fuel cell system start up are provided. Methods for shutting down a fuel cell system are also described that reduce the amount of moisture and gases in the reformer and in one or more fuel cell components. One hydrogen efficient fuel cell system described herein transports hydrogen to an inlet of a burner. The hydrogen may comprise unused hydrogen from a fuel cell and/or hydrogen produced in a reformer. The burner comprises a catalyst that facilitates production of heat in the presence of the hydrogen.
US07763366B2 Hard coating film and method for forming the same
A hard coating film to be applied to the surface of a tool, which has a composition of (Cr1-a-bAlaSib) (BxCyN1-x-y) with atomic ratios specified below. 0
US07763365B2 Light emitting material and organic light-emitting device
A polymer light emitting material, wherein the material has a light emitting mechanism based on transition from an excited triplet state to a ground state or transition through an excited triplet state to a ground state of an electron energy level, and the material comprises a nonionic light emitting part which constitutes a part of the polymer or is bound to the polymer. The polymer light emitting material exhibits high light emission efficiency above 5%, which is the limit of external quantum efficiency of fluorescence and can be designed so as to have a large area and hence are suitable for mass production of organic light emitting devices.
US07763364B2 Organic electroluminescence device
An organic electroluminescence device including at least a light-emitting layer between a pair of electrodes and a hole transport layer between the light-emitting layer and an anode of the pair of electrodes, wherein the device further includes a mixture layer of an electron transporting material and a hole transporting material, the mixture layer being disposed between the light-emitting layer and the hole transport layer and in direct contact with the light-emitting layer. An organic electroluminescence device having high light emitting efficiency and high driving durability is provided.
US07763363B2 Bearing for motorized fuel pump
A bearing for a motorized fuel pump is made of a Cu—Ni based sintered alloy, composed of: 21 to 35% by mass of Ni, 5 to 12% by mass of Sn, 3 to 7% by mass of C, 0.1 to 0.8% by mass of P, and the balance of Cu and inevitable impurities. A matrix of the bearing is formed with pores with a porosity of 8 to 18%, and the P component is predominantly included at the grain boundary, and free graphite is distributed along the insides of open pores that are open to the surface and extending into the bearing. In this bearing, a Sn rich alloy layer containing equal to or more than 50% by mass of Sn is formed on the insides of the open pores and near openings of the open pores.
US07763360B2 Thermoplastic resin compositions suitable for use in transparent laminates
The present invention is an improved polymeric resin composition comprising or consisting essentially of from about 70 wt % to about 79 wt % units derived from ethylene and from about 21 wt % to about 30 wt % units derived from an α, β-unsaturated carboxylic acid having from 3 to 8 carbons. Resins of the present invention are particularly suitable for preparing transparent laminates useful as glazing elements that provide a greater measure of safety than non-laminated glazing elements. Laminates of the present invention have 3% haze or less without the addition of amines.
US07763359B2 Aluminum phosphate, polyphosphate and metaphosphate particles and their use as pigments in paints and method of making same
An aluminum phosphate composition comprising aluminum phosphate, aluminum polyphosphate, aluminum metaphosphate, or a mixture thereof. The composition may be characterized by, when in powder form, having particles wherein some of the particles have at least one or more voids per particle. In addition, the composition is characterized by exhibiting two endothermic peaks in Differential Scanning Calorimetry between about 90 degrees to about 250 degrees Celsius. The composition is also characterized by, when in powder form, having a dispersibility of at least 0.025 grams per 1.0 gram of water. The composition is made by a process comprising contacting phosphoric acid with aluminum sulfate and an alkaline solution to produce an aluminum phosphate based product; and optionally calcining the aluminum phosphate, polyphosphate or metaphosphate based product at an elevated temperature. The composition is useful in paints and as a substitute for titanium dioxide.
US07763358B2 Silicone emulsion composition and wood treatment
A silicone emulsion composition for wood treatment is prepared by emulsifying and dispersing (A) an organopolysiloxane having at least two SiH groups, (B) a surfactant, and (C) a curing catalyst in water to form a silicone emulsion, and adding (D) a boron compound to the silicone emulsion.
US07763357B2 Polymer composite synthesis in supercritical fluids
A one step synthetic route of polymeric compositions of a polyolefin and inorganic network consisting of components selected from Si, Zr, Ti, is disclosed. The synthetic route combines parallel reactions of free radical polymerization to form polymer, and hydrolysis of either Si, or Zr, or Ti or both of them precursors. The network consisting of Si, Zr, Ti, is chemically bonded to or within the polymer matrix. The inorganic or organic molecules can then be polymerized under conditions effective to cause the polymerized inorganic or organic molecules into macromolecular networks. The compositions of the polymeric composites can be easily controlled by adjusting the reactant ratio and reaction rate or conditions such as temperature and pressure, wherein the inorganic compositions disperse in nanoscale within polymeric composites when their concentrations fall below moderate levels. A novel synthesis route for making polymer composites and/or polymer nanocomposites of a polyolefin and an inorganic network consisting of components selected from Si, Zr, Ti, is disclosed. The synthesis route comprises hydrolysis of either Si, or Zr, or Ti alkoxides or mixtures of these precursors within a polymer matrix in supercritical fluids.
US07763354B2 Waterborne 2k coating composition having good pot life
A waterborne coating composition comprising at least one base neutralized active hydrogen containing film-forming resin and a water dispersible carbodiimide crosslinker capable of reacting with the film-forming resin to form a crosslinked film.
US07763353B2 Fabrication of high thermal conductivity arrays of carbon nanotubes and their composites
Methods and apparatus are described for fabrication of high thermal conductivity arrays of carbon nanotubes and their composites. A composition includes a vertically aligned nanotube array including a plurality of nanotubes characterized by a property across substantially all of the vertically aligned nanotube array. A method includes depositing a vertically aligned nanotube array that includes a plurality of nanotubes; and controlling a deposition rate of the vertically aligned nanotubes array as a function of an in situ monitored property of the plurality of nanotubes.
US07763350B2 Coated articles demonstrating heat reduction and noise reduction properties
A coated article comprising (a) a substrate having two opposing surfaces; (b) a first curable film-forming composition applied to one surface of the substrate; and (c) a second curable film-forming composition applied to the opposing surface of the substrate, wherein the opposing surface is not coated with the first curable film-forming composition. Component (b) comprises a resinous binder; optionally, a curing agent and a metallic reflective pigment while component (c) comprises a polyepoxide; a thermoplastic polyester polymer; a curing agent a mineral filler; and microspheres.
US07763349B2 Protective coating and metal structure
A protective coating for protecting a component of a gas turbine engine or such from wear is provided with a base coating consisting essentially of metal and including a pore, and a spherical particle filling the pore, at least a surface of which consists essentially of a ceramic.
US07763345B2 Thermoplastic planks and methods for making the same
A thermoplastic laminate plank is described wherein the thermoplastic laminate plank comprises a core, a print layer, and optionally an overlay. The core comprises at least one thermoplastic material and has a top surface and bottom surface wherein a print layer is affixed to the top surface of the core and an overlay layer is affixed to the top surface of the print layer. Optionally, an underlay layer can be located and affixed between the bottom surface of the print layer and the top surface of the core. In addition, a method of making the thermoplastic laminate plank is further described which involves extruding at least one thermoplastic material into the shape of the core and affixing a laminate on the core, wherein the laminate comprises an overlay affixed to the top surface of the print layer and optionally an underlay layer affixed to the bottom surface of the print layer.
US07763344B2 Business form comprising a wristband with multiple imaging areas
A self laminating wristband separable from a multi-ply page form has a plurality of separated imaging areas, with one larger imaging area for receiving printed data corresponding to the wearer such as his name, i.d. number, etc., with one or more second imaging areas adapted to receive either printed information or markers which may be adhered thereto. The separated imaging areas are aligned along the length of the wristband so that the gap between them acts as a natural hinge point which allows the imaging areas to lie flatter against the wearer's wrist.
US07763343B2 Mesh-type stabilizer for filamentary coated superconductors
A superconductor for mitigating the effects of local current disruptions in a superconducting filament. The superconductor comprises superconducting filaments covered by a medium in electrical communication with the filaments. The covering medium has anisotropic conductivity, the conductivity in a direction substantially aligned with the filaments being selected to stabilize the superconductor near the critical temperature, and the conductivity of the covering in a direction substantially perpendicular to the filaments being selected to permit controlled current sharing between the filaments, especially when a filament is compromised, while simultaneously limiting alternating current (ac) losses. In various embodiments, the covering comprises a wire mesh having longitudinal wires made of a first material having a first conductivity, and transverse wires made of a second material having a second conductivity, different from the first conductivity.
US07763340B2 Dust-proof, light-transmitting member and its use, and imaging apparatus comprising same
A dust-proof, light-transmitting member disposed on a light-receiving surface of an imaging device, comprising a light-transmitting substrate, at least a light-entering surface of which is provided with a dust-proof coating having fine roughness on the surface.
US07763329B2 Liquid-crystalline medium
Disclosed are a liquid-crystalline medium, which contains a compound of formula I and the use thereof for electro-optical purposes, in particular for TN, TFT, IPS or OCB displays.
US07763327B2 Methods using ozone for CVD deposited films
A CVD ozone (O3) deposition process, with the preferred embodiment comprising the steps of disposing a substrate in a chemical vapor deposition chamber and exposing the substrate surface to a SiO2 precursor gas, a carrier gas, and optionally a dopant gas in the presence of ozone and exposing the reaction volume of the 5 gases above the substrate surface to a high intensity light source, to increase the functional atomic oxygen concentration and reduce the fixed charge in the deposited films.
US07763317B2 High K dielectric growth on metal triflate or trifluoroacetate terminated III-V semiconductor surfaces
Surface preparation of a compound semiconductor surface, such as indium antimonide (InSb), with a triflating agent, such as triflic anhydride or a trifluoroacetylating agent, such as trifluoroacetic anhydride is described. In one embodiment, the triflating or trifluoroacetylating passivates the compound semiconductor surface by terminating the surface with triflate trifluoroacetate groups. In a further embodiment, a triflating agent or trifluoroacetylating agent is employed to first convert a thin native oxide present on a compound semiconductor surface to a soluble species. In another embodiment, the passivated compound semiconductor surface is activated in an ALD chamber by reacting the triflate or trifluoroacetate protecting groups with a protic source, such as water (H2O). Metalorganic precursors are then introduced in the ALD chamber to form a good quality interfacial layer, such as aluminum oxide (Al2O3), on the compound semiconductor surface.
US07763315B2 Process for preparing a metal coating material comprising condensation polymerized resin nanoparticles
Disclosed are a coating material for metal wherein a thin coating film without pinholes having excellent corrosion resistance, retort resistance, impact resistance, processing resistance, abrasion resistance, adhesiveness to a metal, flavor preservability for contents etc can be formed when applying on a metal plate or a metallic container, and a metallic container on which the coating material is applied. The coating material for metal includes thermoplastic resin particles having an average primary particle size of 10 to 800 nm obtained by cooling a solution of the thermoplastic resin. A process for preparing the coating material for metal comprises steps of (a) obtaining a solution wherein a thermoplastic resin is dissolved into an organic solvent, (b) obtaining a dispersion of particles of the thermoplastic resin having an average primary particle size of 10 to 800 nm by cooling the solution, (c) separating particles from the dispersion and (d) dispersing the separated particles in a solvent.
US07763312B2 Dispersion of nano-alumina in a resin or solvent system
Dispersion of sol-derived nano-alumina in an organic solvent mixture containing a 1,2-diol with simple agitation. A thixotropic solution is obtained at 20% alumina in ethylene glycol, while a low viscosity (<100 cps) solution is possible for a 20% alumina in (1:1, N-methylpyrrolidone-ethylene glycol) solution. Alumina particles are de-agglomerated with minimal agitation. The resulting solution or resin solution is stable to settling and re-agglomeration. The nano-alumina dispersion solution can then be mixed with an imide coating to provide for a wire coating to give the wire improved abrasion, COF, and corona resistance.
US07763311B2 Method for heating a substrate prior to a vapor deposition process
A method for depositing a thin film on a substrate in a vapor deposition system is described. Prior to the deposition process, the substrate is provided within the vapor deposition system and coupled to an upper surface of a substrate holder within the vapor deposition system, whereby the substrate is heated to a deposition temperature in a first gaseous atmosphere. Thereafter, the first gaseous atmosphere is displaced by a second gaseous atmosphere, and the pressure is adjusted to a deposition pressure. The second gaseous atmosphere comprises a gaseous composition that is substantially the same as the carrier gas utilized to transport film precursor vapor to the substrate and the optional dilution gas utilized to dilute the carrier gas and film precursor vapor.
US07763308B2 Method of regulating temperature of a composition for coating implantable medical devices
An applicator for applying a coating substance to an implantable medical device, such as a stent, is provided. The applicator comprises a nozzle and a temperature controller in communication with the nozzle for adjusting the temperature of the coating substance. A method of using the applicator is also provided.
US07763307B2 Fish paste mixture with rice bran extract
The components which have suwari-inhibiting action of rice bran extracts is reduced or removed, enabling broader utilization of them for fish paste products. A rice bran extract in which components having specific physiologically active functions are singled out, and these components are reduced or removed. The components are suwari-inhibiting components. The rice bran extract is preferably a water extract. The components are reduced or removed by precipitation or dialysis. The precipitation is calcium precipitation. The suwari-inhibiting components are phytin and/or phytic acid. The rice bran extract can be used as a fish paste additive.
US07763304B2 Methods for reducing acrylamide formation in thermally processed foods
A process and apparatus for a method for reducing the amount of acrylamide in thermally processed foods. This invention permits the production of foods having significantly reduced levels of acrylamide. The method relies on the manipulation of various unit operations used in the production of food products, particularly the washing and cooking unit operations. For example, the washing unit operation can be modified to provide a contacting step at an increased time and temperature, and adding components such as calcium chloride and L-cysteine to an aqueous solution used for the contacting. The cooking unit operation can be modified by dividing it into at least a higher-temperature first heating step and a lower-temperature second heating step in order to avoid the high-temperature/low-moisture conditions most favorable for acrylamide formation.
US07763303B2 High linolenic acid flax
Production of and uses for flax seed having a linolenic acid content of greater than 65% based on total fatty acid content are described.
US07763297B2 Disinfectant and method of use
A non-toxic environmentally friendly aqueous disinfectant is disclosed for specific use as prevention against contamination by potentially pathogenic bacteria, fungi and virus. The aqueous disinfectant is formulated by electrolytically generating silver ions in water in combination with a citric acid. The aqueous disinfectant has many potential uses including bacteria, fungus and viral treatment, water treatment, medical treatment as well as for preserving consumable and non-consumable products.
US07763295B2 Brewing bag and use thereof
An infusion bag made of a nonwoven textile fabric is described, which includes fibers and/or filaments made of at least one filter material, the textile fabric having a hot-sealable surface which is formed by hot-sealable fibers and/or filaments made of at least one hot-sealable material. It is provided according to the present invention that the fibers and/or filaments made of the filter material and the fibers and/or filaments made of the hot-sealable material are present in the textile fabric in the form of a mixture, the proportion of the fibers and/or filaments made of the hot-sealable material increasing over the cross section toward the hot-sealable surface of the textile fiber as a gradient. The infusion bag according to the present invention is characterized by excellent filtering properties, high visual transparency, and an excellent pop-up function and is manufacturable simply and economically as a single-layer product. It is particularly well-suited for use as a tea bag or a coffee pod.
US07763294B2 Yogurt-cheese compositions
Technique for making a Low-Fat Yogurt-Cheese Composition, including: providing a composition including a milkfat fluid; combining yogurt with the composition including a milkfat fluid to form a composition including yogurt and a milkfat fluid; combining milk protein with the composition including yogurt and a milkfat fluid; and forming a blend including the milk protein and the composition including yogurt and a milkfat fluid. Low-Fat Yogurt-Cheese Composition, including: cream cheese at a concentration within a range of between about 75% by weight and about 15% by weight; yogurt at a concentration within a range of between about 40% by weight and about 10% by weight; and milk protein at a concentration within a range of between about 45% by weight and about 15% by weight.
US07763285B2 Polyacetylenic compounds
A method of treating type II diabetes with a polyacetylenic compound of the following formula: in which R1 is H, C1-C10 alkyl, C2-C10 alkenyl, C2-C10 alkynyl, C3-C20 cycloalkyl, C3-C20 cycloalkenyl, C1-C20 heterocycloalkyl, C1-C20 heterocycloalkenyl, aryl, or heteroaryl; R2 is H or a monosaccharide residue; R3 is H or C1-C10alkyl; m is 2, 3, or 4; n is 0, 1, 2, or 3; o is 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4; and p is 1, 2, 3, or 4.
US07763284B2 Method for treating or preventing symptoms associated with menopause
The present invention relates to a composition for accelerating secretion of estrogen and regenerating tissue cells of female sexual organs, and a method for treating or preventing a disease, disorder or symptom associated with menopause. The present invention uses a composition comprising as an active ingredient an extract from Cynanchum wilfordii, an extract from Phlomis umbrosa or its combination. The composition may further comprise as an active ingredient an extract from an extract from Platycodon grandiflorum and/or an extract from Angelica gigas.
US07763281B2 Antihypertensive peptide and use thereof
The present invention provides a novel antihypertensive peptide. Also provided are pharmaceutical and food compositions containing the antihypertensive peptide for treating hypertension or cardiovascular disease.
US07763278B2 Nanoparticulate polycosanol formulations and novel polycosanol combinations
The present invention is directed to nanoparticulate compositions comprising one or more polycosanols. The polycosanol particles of the composition have an effective average particle size of less than about 2000 nm. In another aspect of this invention, novel combinations of polycosanols and other cholesterol lowering agents are described and methods of using same are taught.
US07763276B1 Chewable soft capsules having improved administration properties and process for producing the same
A soft capsule in which a shell is filled with fill material, and the fill material is in a solid or semi-solid form at room temperature. The soft capsule may be a chewable capsule, and the fill material may comprise a low melting point additive. The content of the low melting point additive may be 10% or more with respect to the total weight of the fill material, and may have a melting point of about 20 to 50° C. The low melting point additive may be selected from the group consisting of chocolate base, lard, coconut oil and macrogol (polyethylene glycol) as well as a combination thereof.
US07763274B2 Administration form with active substance-containing particles, for application on the skin or mucosa
Administration forms for application to the skin or mucosa, comprising a carrier matrix and at least one active substance, are characterized in that the carrier matrix has a plurality of particles having open pores or containing capillary spaces, said particles serving as active substance reservoir and containing at least one active substance.
US07763271B1 Polymeric micelle-based local delivery methods and devices
Methods using PEG-PE micelles for the local delivery of substantially water insoluble drugs and bioactive agents are disclosed.
US07763265B2 UV barrier formulation for polyesters
The invention provides UV-barrier formulations which result in products which effectively resist the transmission of ultraviolet light therethrough. The invention also provides UV-barrier formulations which result in products with improved resistance to ultraviolet light. In particular, the invention provides UV barrier formulations for polyester resins that have improved resistance to ultraviolet radiation, and significantly reduce ultraviolet light transmission in the resulting resin products. The invention also provides products and manufacturing processes based on the above formulations.
US07763264B2 Composition and method for reducing the appearance of cellulite
A topical composition for controlling the metabolism and/or distribution of subcutaneous fat and/or moderating the appearance of cellulite, comprising, as an active ingredient, phosphatidylcholine together with a solvent operative to maintain the phosphatidylcholine in solution, and a buffer which maintains the composition in the range of pH 7.5-9.0. Typically, the composition includes less than 10% by weight water. The composition may include further active ingredients such as xanthines. Also disclosed are methods for using the composition.
US07763261B2 Anti-human cytomegalovirus antibodies
The present invention features a human antibody that specifically binds to human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), its encoding nucleic acid(s), and use of the antibody/nucleic acid(s) in treating HCMV infection.
US07763257B2 Compositions comprising transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 and TGF-β2 in admixture of proteins obtained from dairy products
The present invention relates to a composition and methods or uses thereof in the prophylaxis and treatment of psoriasis and other auto-immune inflammatory disorders. The composition may be comprised of TGF-β1, TGF-β2, and dairy derived proteins comprising a large proportion of β-lactoglobulin.
US07763255B2 Therapeutic uses of Dunaliella powder
A method for treating a disease selected from diabetes mellitus and atherosclerosis, and a method for reducing triglycerides and/or increasing HDL cholesterol levels in the plasma of a subject. The method comprises administrating to a subject an effective amount of crude Dunaliella powder, optionally together with an activator of nuclear receptors.
US07763253B2 Treatment of hyperproliferative disease with superantigens in combination with another anticancer agent
The present invention relates to methods of treating mammals affected by, for example, a hyperproliferative disease such as cancer, by administering a tumor-targeted superantigen and a chemotherapeutic agent, whereby the administration of the tumor-targeted superantigen and chemotherapeutic agent reduce the antibody response and enhance the T cell response. The superantigen, wild-type or modified, is fused to a target-seeking moiety, such as an antibody or an antibody active fragment. The combined administration of a superantigen and a chemotherapeutic agent provides enhanced therapeutic effects in a treated animal.
US07763252B2 Methods for the treatment of cellular proliferative disorders
The present invention relates to methods of identifying the susceptibility of cells to reovirus infection by measuring constitutive ras-MAP signaling. The invention also pertains to methods using reovirus for the treatment of cellular proliferative disorders, and particularly cellular proliferative disorders wherein the proliferating cells exhibit constitutive MAPK phosphorylation, in mammals. In particular, the methods provide for reovirus treatment of mammals to treat proliferative disorders which include breast tumors, a subset of tumors in which mutation of the ras gene is not believed to play a significant role.
US07763249B2 Human anti-amyloid β peptide antibody and fragment of said antibody
A human anti-amyloid β peptide (hereinafter referred to as “Aβ”) antibody that binds to Aβ to thereby inhibit aggregation of Aβ molecules, and a fragment of said antibody are provided. The antibody and a fragment thereof according to the present invention, comprising a variable region of a human-derived anti-Aβ antibody, strongly reacts with Aβ to thereby inhibit its aggregation and hence may be used as a medicament for the prophylaxis and treatment of Alzheimer dementia.
US07763248B2 Humanized collagen antibodies and related methods
The invention provides a grafted antibody, or functional fragment thereof, comprising one or more complementarity determining regions (CDRs) having at least one amino acid substitution in one or more CDRs of a heavy chain CDR, where the grafted antibody or functional fragment thereof has specific binding activity for a cryptic collagen epitope. The invention also provides methods of using an antibody having specific binding activity for a cryptic collagen epitope, including methods of inhibiting angiogenesis, tumor growth, and metastasis.
US07763245B2 Methods and compositions for targeting polyubiquitin
Anti-polyubiquitin monoclonal antibodies, and methods for using the antibodies, are provided.
US07763244B2 Antibodies that specifically bind to Reg IV
The present invention relates to antibodies and related molecules that specifically bind to Reg IV. Such antibodies have uses, for example, in the prevention and treatment of gastrointestinal tract cancers, inflammatory bowel disorders, and diabetes. The invention also relates to nucleic acid molecules encoding anti-Reg IV antibodies, vectors and host cells containing these nucleic acids, and methods for producing the same. The present invention relates to methods and compositions for preventing, detecting, diagnosing, treating or ameliorating a disease or disorder, especially gastrointestinal tract cancers, inflammatory bowel disorders, and diabetes, comprising administering to an animal, preferably a human, an effective amount of one or more antibodies or fragments or variants thereof, or related molecules, that specifically bind to Reg IV.
US07763242B2 Methods for treating myelodysplastic syndrome with a human interleukin-3-diphtheria toxin conjugate
The present invention provides methods for inhibiting interleukin-3 receptor-expressing cells, and, in particular, inhibiting the growth of such cells by using a diphtheria toxin-human interleukin-3 conjugate (DT-IL3) that is toxic to cells expressing the interleukin-3 receptor. In preferred embodiments, the DT-IL3 conjugate is a fusion protein comprising amino acids 1-388 of diphtheria toxin fused via a peptide linker to full-length, human interleukin-3. In certain embodiments, the methods of the present invention relate to the administration of a DT-IL3 conjugate to inhibit the growth of cancer cells and/or cancer stem cells in humans, which cells express one or more subunits of the interleukin-3 receptor. Exemplary cells include myeloid leukemia cancer stem cells. In other embodiments, the methods of the present invention relate to ex vivo purging of bone marrow or peripheral blood to remove cells that express one or more subunits of the interleukin-3 receptor such that the purged bone marrow or peripheral blood is suitable, e.g., for autologous stem cell transplantation to restore hematopoietic function.
US07763235B2 Dentifrice containing functional film flakes
A dentifrice composition comprising an orally acceptable vehicle having distributed therein water hydratable film flakes having a matrix comprised of a water soluble hydroxy alkyl cellulose polymer and a starch, and having entrained therein a constituent selected from therapeutic cosmetic and decorative materials.
US07763233B2 Hydrogen generator and fuel cell using same
A device for generating hydrogen by hydrolysis of a hydride comprising a reactor containing the hydride in solid form, in the divided state or not, and comprising at least one orifice for removing the hydrogen produced; means for releasing the water required for the hydrolysis reaction; and at least one envelope suitable for isolating the hydride from the water required for the hydrolysis reaction, the envelope being made from a consumable material. According to the present invention, the envelope is suitable for contacting the water with the hydride in a site capable of serving as the seat of the hydrolysis reaction and of moving in the reactor as the material constituting the envelope is consumed by the hydrolysis reaction products.
US07763225B2 Process of catalytic ammoxidation for hydrogen cyanide production
A process for the ammoxidation of an alcohol feed, such as methanol, or a nitrile feed, such as propionitrile, or a mixture thereof, to form hydrogen cyanide uses a modified Mn—P catalyst having the following empirical formula: MnaP1AbOx where A=one or more of K, Ca, Mo, Zn, Fe or mixtures thereof; a=1 to 1.5; b=0.01 to 1.0 and x is a total number of oxygen atoms determined by the oxidation states of the other elements present.
US07763224B2 Method for siliconizing carbon-containing materials
A method for treating workpieces that consist of porous carbon material with liquid silicon with the formation of silicon carbide, comprising the steps: Preheating porous carbon workpieces under inert gas to the selected operating temperature TB1, feeding liquid silicon to the porous carbon workpieces at an operating pressure pB2 and an operating temperature TB2, and impregnating the porous carbon workpieces with liquid silicon, reaction of the liquid silicon in the workpiece at a temperature TB3 with the formation of silicon carbide that consists of carbon and silicon, gassing the workpiece with inert gas and cooling from the operating temperature TB3 to the conditioning temperature Tk, cooling the workpieces to room temperature, the temperature TB3 being greater than or equal to the temperature TB2, and the workpiece in step d of the method no longer being in contact with liquid silicon outside of the workpiece.
US07763219B2 In-drum pyrolysis system
An apparatus and method for processing hazardous wastes directly from 55-gallon drums through the use of pyrolysis and steam reforming. The method is based on a pyrolyzer using heat to vaporize organics that are present in the hazardous wastes. The waste is heated in the original drums to avoid the bulk handling of alpha radionuclides and to ensure criticality control. At pyrolysis temperatures, all liquids and organics in the drums will evaporate and volatize. The resulting waste in the drums is a dry, inert, inorganic matrix with carbon char containing radioactive metals. The off-gas produced by pyrolysis mainly consists of water vapor, volatized organics, and acid gases from the decomposition of various plastics and other organics present in the waste drums. The off-gas produced by the pyrolysis is then collected and fed into an off-gas treatment system that is in fluid communication with pyrolyzer operated under oxidizing conditions.
US07763212B2 Ceiling lighting fixture with UV-C air sterilization
An UV-C air sterilizer with an optional visible light provides effective air sterilization through the use of a relatively low intensity UV-C radiation field external of the fixture and the continuous circulation of a mixture of treated and untreated air. Methods are also disclosed.
US07763210B2 Compliant microfluidic sample processing disks
Microfluidic sample processing disks with a plurality of fluid structures formed therein are disclosed. Each of the fluid structures preferably includes an input well and one or more process chambers connected to the input well by one or more delivery channels. The process chambers may be arranged in a compliant annular processing ring that is adapted to conform to the shape of an underlying thermal transfer surface under pressure. That compliance may be delivered in the disks of the present invention by locating the process chambers in an annular processing ring in which a majority of the volume is occupied by the process chambers. Compliance within the annular processing ring may alternatively be provided by a composite structure within the annular processing ring that includes covers attached to a body using pressure sensitive adhesive.
US07763205B2 Continuous process for fabricating reaction bonded silicon nitride articles
Method of fabricating RBSN parts in which the processing of compacts of silicon to produce reaction bonded silicon nitride products is accomplished in a continuous style furnace. The furnace of the preferred embodiment is arranged as a contiguous series of furnace sections or zones configured to have a part conveyor traveling slowly from one end to another to sequentially expose the parts to each zone. Each zone may for example be one foot long. The conveyor then travels at a rate of one foot per hour. Parts to be nitrided are settered onto kiln furniture plates while providing a minimum one-quarter inch clearance to all other parts. The parts on the plates are conveyed through the sequential temperature zones in a continuous fashion while under ambient pressure flowing nitrogen gas. The parts travel through the contiguous temperature zones at a constant rate of conveyance allowing the nitriding reaction to progress to completion.
US07763204B2 Manufacturing process and apparatus
A manufacturing process that comprises placing an article within a particulate medium (4), the article being provided with a molded body (8) of small ceramic particles. On application of heat and pressure the small ceramic particles are pushed between the particulate medium (4) to permit localized deformation of the article (2).
US07763202B2 Method of surface treating particulate material using electromagnetic radiation
The present disclosure relates to a method of surface treating particulate materials with electromagnetic radiation, in particular a method of cross-linking superabsorbent polymer particles using UV irradiation. The method is carried out with a so-called roll reactor, which comprises a rotating roll and an irradiation source. Radical former molecules can be applied on the surface of superabsorbent polymer particles. The particulate material is fed onto the surface of the roll and is irradiated while moved with the rotating roll. The irradiation source is provided such that the radiation emitted by the irradiation source is able to reach at least part of the particulate material that has been fed onto the surface of the roll. The irradiation source for use in the method of the present disclosure is able to emit UV radiation of a wavelength between 201 nm and 400 nm. The present disclosure also relates to absorbent articles comprising surface treated superabsorbent particles made by said method.
US07763199B2 Method of making a seal having slit formed therein
A valve for selectively permitting a fluid flow between first and second medical implements is disclosed. The valve has a housing with an interface suitable for receiving a connector portion of a first medical device such as a catheter, and a seal made of a flexible material. The seal has a first end in fluid communication with the interface, a second end suitable for receiving the second medical device, and at least one slit in fluid communication with the first end and the second end. The slit defines a restricted fluid flow path and a relatively small interior volume when in an undisturbed state, defines an expanded fluid flow path and a larger interior volume upon the introduction of the second medical instrument into the slit, and retracts to define a restricted flow path and a small interior volume upon the withdrawal of the second medical device from the seal.
US07763196B2 Catheter
The catheter provided in accordance with aspects of the present invention includes an elongate tube having a proximal tube portion and a distal tube portion formed by stretching the distal portion of the elongate tube. The catheter is made throughout from an identical material. The distal tube portion has a reduced outer diameter and thus is of a higher flexibility and softness. Therefore, the danger of injuries to vessels or the dura is decreased. The catheter can be produced in an inexpensive and simple manner.
US07763194B2 Method for capacitive measurement of one characteristic of a thermoplastic container in a mold, and mold equipped with same
The invention concerns the manufacture of containers, in particular bottles, from thermoplastic material blanks, in particular PET, whereby a mold is used including at least one capacitive sensor inserted in its wall defining the molding cavity, the front side of the capacitive sensor being flush with the molding surface of the molding cavity and being configured in the continuity of the surface.
US07763192B2 Resin transfer molding to toughen composite beam keys
Method of manufacturing composite wheel beam key by: forming entirely from carbon fiber precursors or from carbon fiber precursors and ceramic materials a fibrous preform blank in a shape of a desired wheel beam key, wherein the fiber volume fraction of the preform blank is at least 50%; carbonizing the carbon fiber precursors; rigidifying the carbonized preform blank by subjecting it to at least one cycle of CVD; grinding the surface of the preform blank to open pores on its surface; and subjecting the open-pored preform blank to RTM processing with pitch. Also, carbon-carbon composite or carbon-ceramic composite wheel beam key produced by this process, having a density of from 1.5 g/cc to 2.1 g/cc and a maximum internal porosity of 10% or less.
US07763183B2 Electron beam-excited blue phosphor
Provided is an electron beam-excited blue phosphor, which is a rare earth-activated alkaline earth thiosilicate represented by a general formula M1xM22-xSi2OyS6-yRaz where M1 and M2 each represent an alkaline earth metal, Ra represents a rare earth ion Ce3+ or Eu2+, and x, y, and z satisfy relationships of 0≦x≦2, 0
US07763181B2 Optical compensation film, method of producing the same, and polarizing plate and liquid crystal display device using the same
A liquid crystal display showing a high contrast and reduced in color shift depending on the viewing angle is provided.The liquid crystal display device comprises a liquid crystal cell having a retardation value Re1(400) at 400 nm and a retardation value Re1(550) at 500 nm in the black state; and at least one layer of optically anisotropic layer formed of a composition comprising at least one species of liquid crystalline compound, having a retardations value Re2(400) at 400 nm and a retardation value Re2(550) at 550 nm,wherein Re2(400) and Re2(550) of said optically anisotropic layer, and retardations values Re1(400) and Re1(550) satisfy the relational expression (1) below: 0.9≦α2/α1≦1.1  Relational Expression (1) where, α1=Re1(400)/Re1(550) and α2=Re2(400)/Re2(550).
US07763180B2 Wrinkle-removing composition
The present invention provides a wrinkle-removing composition capable of removing wrinkles in fiber products without deteriorating the texture, even if heat treatment such as ironing and steam pressing is not carried out. The present relates to a wrinkle-removing composition containing an alkylene oxide adduct (a) represented by a specific general formula (1) or a general formula (2) or (3), as well as a method of removing wrinkles in fiber products, which includes applying the wrinkle-removing composition onto fiber products.
US07763177B2 System and method for ultrasonic cleaning of ultraviolet disinfection system
Some demonstrative embodiments of the invention may include a liquid disinfection system having built-in cleaning and deposit prevention capabilities. The system may include a conduit to carry a flowing liquid to be disinfected, an illumination source and an ultrasonic cleaning unit mounted on an external surface of the conduit.
US07763175B2 Electromagnetic probe device
The invention is an electromagnetic probe used in conjunction with a ferrofluid containng M particles. The electromagnetic probe is used to steer M-particles to a desired location, or use the M particles for mixing the ferrofluid. The probe can be used in conjunction with a microscope, a micromanipulator, a catheter or endoscope.
US07763174B2 Process for removing contaminants using reverse flow reactor with integrated separation
The present invention pertains to a reverse-flow reactor comprising at least one catalyst bed which is preceded and followed by at least one bed containing selectively adsorbing material, and its application for in a process for the removal of contaminants from a process stream.
US07763173B1 Method for remediating solids in waste lifting stations
A process removes or eliminates altogether accumulations of solid and semi-solid, water immiscible materials adhering to walls, and equipment, particularly near the high liquid mark, in tanks of waste liquid lift stations. Compressed gas is used to generate large bubble masses of six inches to several feet in diameter within the waste liquid. As these large bubble masses rise through the liquid in the tank, convection currents generated by the rising bubbles agitate and loosen pieces of accumulations adhering to the tank and lift station equipment, resulting to in a slurry of waste liquid and immiscible materials which can then be pumped from the tank by lift station equipment for further processing. In some embodiments, continuous or frequent periodic generation of the large bubble masses prevents the accumulation of such materials altogether. In some embodiments, wastewater aeration is also provided, which, in combination with biological augmentation, further enhances the effectiveness of accumulated material removal.
US07763171B2 Reverse osmosis filtration system storage tanks
A reverse osmosis product water storage tank having first and second molded shells coupled together to form an enclosure, a bladder within the enclosure and coupled to separate product water from squeeze water within the enclosure, a first port through a wall of the enclosure to provide water access to the product water side of the bladder, a second port through a wall of the enclosure to provide squeeze water access to the squeeze water side of the bladder and wherein the inner surfaces of the enclosure having a topography configured to define a plurality of channels between the inner surfaces of the enclosure and the bladder when the bladder is full of product water for accommodating squeeze water flow into the enclosure between the enclosure and the bladder when the bladder is full of product water.
US07763170B2 Keyed filter assembly
Disclosed is a unique filter assembly for ensuring replacement cartridge compatibility in filtration systems having replaceable filter cartridges with lugged mounting systems. One representative filter assembly includes a representative cartridge member having a body portion for enclosing filter media and a neck portion depending therefrom. The representative neck portion of the representative cartridge includes at least one axial inlet port for directing unfiltered fluid into the body portion and at least one axial outlet port for directing filtered fluid out of the body portion. The representative neck portion also has at least two representative lugs depending radially outwardly therefrom, wherein at least one lug defines a keyed surface formation.
US07763168B2 Control of centrifuges
A method of controlling a centrifuge of the type having a rotating perforated basket on whose inner peripheral wall a liquids/solids slurry is caused to collect in use, with separated liquid being collected via the basket perforations. The method comprising taking depth measurement of the material in the rotating basket continuous or at repeated intervals, over a basket cycle from commencement of slurry feed to discharge of solids, using at least one laser unit adapted to direct a beam of coherent light energy towards said inner peripheral wall of the basket of solids. The depth measurements can be made using at least one laser unit (30) adapted to direct a beam of coherent light energy towards said inner peripheral wall of the basket.
US07763166B2 Relocatable countercurrent decantation system
A process line for separating oil sand slurry comprising coarse solids, fines, bitumen and water, into a first product comprising bitumen, fines and water and a second product comprising coarse solids, fines and water is provided comprising a plurality of countercurrently operating solid/liquid separators arranged in series along a pipeline, wherein the underflow of one separator is fed to the next separator in series and the overflow of each separator is fed to the preceding separator, the underflow of the last separator being the second product and the overflow from the first separator being the first product.
US07763165B1 Fractionation recovery processing of FCC-produced light olefins
Processing schemes and arrangements are provided for the processing a heavy hydrocarbon feedstock via hydrocarbon cracking processing with selected hydrocarbon fractions being obtained via fractionation-based product recovery.
US07763161B2 Process for making lubricating base oils with high ratio of monocycloparaffins to multicycloparaffins
A process for manufacturing a lubricating base oil, comprising dewaxing a substantially paraffinic wax feed by hydroisomerization dewaxing using a shape selective intermediate pore size molecular sieve under hydroisomerization conditions including a hydrogen to feed ratio from about 712.4 to about 3562 liter H2/liter oil, whereby a lubricating base oil is produced having a) a total weight percent of molecules with cycloparaffinic functionality greater than 10, and b) a ratio of weight percent molecules with monocycloparaffinic functionality to weight percent molecules with multicycloparaffinic functionality greater than 30. Also a method for producing a base oil having a high ratio of weight percent molecules with monocycloparaffinic functionality to weight percent molecules with multicycloparaffinic functionality by hydroisomerization dewaxing a selected Fischer-Tropsch wax under hydroisomerization conditions including a hydrogen to feed ratio from about 712.4 to about 3562 liter H2/liter oil. Also a lubricating base oil manufacturing plant.
US07763159B2 Nanocomposite solution with complex-function and method for preparation thereof
A method for preparation of nanocomposite solution, comprises preparing basic silica colloid aqueous solution; providing an electrolysis apparatus by installing a negative electrode containing aluminum and a positive electrode containing silver into the basic silica colloid aqueous solution; and forming nanocomposite by applying voltage to the respective electrodes of the electrolysis apparatus. With this configuration, the present invention provides a method of manufacturing solution dispersed with nanocomposite, further particularly to, a method of manufacturing nanocomposite solution having excellent storability and thermal stability and containing silver having antibacterial function, far infrared radiation function, deodorization function.
US07763158B2 Method for making a tunable cantilever device
Mass distribution within programmable surface control devices is controlled by the presence or absence of an electrodeposition of metal and/or metal ions from a solid solution upon application of a suitable electric field. One such programmable surface control device includes a tunable cantilever assembly whose resonant frequency is changed by depositing and dissolving an electrodeposit on a surface of the assembly using an electric field.
US07763156B2 Apparatus for electrophoresis
The present invention provides a gel-casting module, a main electrophoresis assembly, a casting stand for the main electrophoresis assembly and an electrophoresis tank.
US07763150B2 Method and device for magnetron sputtering
A method and device for magnetron sputtering are provided. A magnetron coating system includes a first coating source and an auxiliary substrate arranged between the first coating source and an area into which a substrate to be coated is to be received. The system also includes a magnetron having a cathode composed of the auxiliary substrate. Additionally, the system includes a device structured and arranged to determine an area density of the auxiliary substrate.
US07763149B2 Solar photocatalysis using transition-metal oxides combining d0 and d6 electron configurations
A method of carrying out a catalytic reaction with a catalytic reaction system comprising octahedral-based structures, such as a solid-solution or an ordered layered material, with specific early and late transition metals are described. A late transition metal is included in the solids so that a greater amount of solar energy can be absorbed by the catalytic reaction system and the solar efficiency of the method is increased. Catalytic compounds and compositions for carrying out the method are also described.
US07763145B2 System for removal of an integrated circuit from a mount material
A system for removal of an integrated circuit from a mount material including holding and stretching the mount material using linear and rotary motion, and removing the integrated circuit from the mount material when the mount material is stretched by linear and rotary motion.
US07763143B2 Method of manufacturing a floor panel
Described is a simple and inexpensive method of manufacturing a floor panel (2) with which a floor panel (2) can be produced with a beveled or recessed edge (10a, 10b, 25, 26), a top surface layer (4) extending continuously and in one piece from a top side (3a) of a core (3) over the beveled edge (10a, 10b, 25, 26). A panel body (12) is first of all provided with a core (3, 13), a top side (3a, 13a) of the core (3, 13) being provided with a top surface layer (4). A recess (15) is then formed from a side surface (13b) into the panel body (12), the recess extending under the top surface layer (4) and leaving a freestanding ledge (16) which includes the top surface layer (4). The recess (15) is then closed by fixing the first and second recess surfaces (15a, 15b) to one another.
US07763129B2 Method of controlling final grain size in supersolvus heat treated nickel-base superalloys and articles formed thereby
A method of forming a component from a gamma-prime precipitation-strengthened nickel-base superalloy so that, following a supersolvus heat treatment the component characterized by a uniformly-sized grain microstructure. The method includes forming a billet having a sufficiently fine grain size to achieve superplasticity of the superalloy during a subsequent working step. The billet is then worked at a temperature below the gamma-prime solvus temperature of the superalloy so as to form a worked article, wherein the billet is worked so as to maintain strain rates above a lower strain rate limit to control average grain size and below an upper strain rate limit to avoid critical grain growth. Thereafter, the worked article is heat treated at a temperature above the gamma-prime solvus temperature of the superalloy for a duration sufficient to uniformly coarsen the grains of the worked article, after which the worked article is cooled at a rate sufficient to reprecipitate gamma-prime within the worked article.
US07763126B2 Ag base sputtering target and process for producing the same
An Ag sputtering target 6 has three-dimensional fluctuation of grain sizes of not more than 18%. The fluctuation is determined by exposing plural sputtering surfaces by slicing the sputtering target 6 in planes to initial sputtering surface, selecting plural locations on each of the exposed sputtering surfaces, calculating values A1 and B1 using the formula below, and selecting larger one of the values A1 and B1 as the three-dimensional fluctuation of the grain sizes. A1=(Dmax−Dave)/Dave×100(%) B1=(Dave−Dmin)/Dave×100(%) Dmax: maximum value among the grain sizes D at all the selected locations Dmin: minimum value among the grain sizes D at all the selected locations Dave: average value of the grain sizes D at all the selected locations.
US07763122B2 Non-oriented electrical steel sheets with improved magnetic property and method for manufacturing the same
The invention relates to a non-oriented electrical steel sheet, widely used as an iron core in electric devices, and to a method of manufacturing the same. The non-oriented electrical sheet includes 0.004 wt. % or less C; 1.0-3.5 wt. % Si; 0.02 wt. % or less P; 0.001 wt. % or less S; 0.2˜2.5 wt. % Al; 0.003 wt. % or less N; 0.004 wt. % or less Ti; Mn, in which the amount thereof is represented by the following formula (1): 0.10+100×S(wt. %)≦Mn(wt. %)≦0.21+200×S(wt. %)—(1); a balance of iron; and inevitable impurities. Final magnetic properties are greatly improved because fine precipitates are formed by S, the amount of Mn can be suitably determined in order to inhibit the formation of the fine precipitates, the formation of fine precipitate CuS is inhibited because precipitates CuS, MnS are formed by adding Sn, Ni and Cu, and a texture, which determines a temperature of annealing a hot rolled steel plate and magnetic properties, is controlled, thereby manufacturing an inexpensive and optimum non-oriented electrical steel sheet.
US07763121B2 Rubber part having an aluminum-based metal component and method of producing the same
A rubber part having an aluminum-based metal component including the metal component, a chemical film A formed on an outer peripheral surface of the metal component which is transformable following a squeezing of the metal component, an adhesive layer B formed on an outer peripheral surface of the chemical film A, and the rubber part formed on an outer peripheral surface of the adhesive layer B. The chemical film A includes zinc fluoride, molybdenum and aluminum fluoride, in which zinc of the zinc fluoride, the molybdenum and aluminum of the aluminum fluoride are present in a content ratio of zinc/molybdenum/aluminum=4.0 to 5.5/3.0 to 5.0/0.5 to 1.5 on a mass basis.
US07763118B2 Dishwasher
A dishwasher includes a tub, a steam generator for generating steam, a water supply passage for supplying washing water to the steam generator, a release valve having a steam passage along which the steam generated by the steam generator is supplied to the tub, and a condensed water passage connected to the water supply passage to allow water condensed by the steam to fall to the water supply passage.
US07763111B2 Compositions and methods comprising pigments and polyprotic dispersing agents
In various embodiments, a pigment composition is provided comprising a base particle and a dispersing agent, the dispersing agent comprising a salt and/or ester of: (i) an amine, alcohol, and/or alkanol amine and (ii) a polyprotic acid, wherein the mole ratio of the amine, alcohol, and/or alkanol amine to the polyprotic acid is greater than 3:1. In various embodiments, the pigments have improved stability, hiding power, tint strength, and/or gloss.
US07763107B2 Ink for ink-jet recording and ink set for ink-jet recording
A black ink for ink-jet includes a pigment wherein an average particle diameter Da of the pigment is in the range of about 90 nm to about 130 nm. In addition, (D95−D5)/Da is about 1.4 or less, where D5 is the 5% cumulative particle diameter of the pigment and D95 is the 95% cumulative particle diameter of the pigment. A color ink for ink-jet recording also includes a pigment with the value Da of about 100 nm or less and (D95−D5)/Da of about 1.3 or less.
US07763106B2 Ink set for inkjet recording and image recording method
The present invention provides an ink set for inkjet recording which has excellent resistance to light and can prevent image blurring and image deformation due to cracks or the like, wherein the ink set includes: a first liquid including a water soluble organic solvent, water and a pigment dispersed therein, in which an average particle diameter of the pigment is from 5 nm to 50 nm and a monodispersity of the pigment is 1.5 or less; and a second liquid which includes a component that can reduce a pH of the first liquid to less than 7 when contacted with the first liquid and can transform the first liquid from a region in which the dispersion of the pigment particles is stable to a region in which the dispersion of the pigment particles is unstable. The invention also provides a method of image recording using the ink set for inkjet recording.
US07763104B2 Hydrocarbon trap assembly
A hydrocarbon adsorption assembly is shown, wherein the hydrocarbon adsorption assembly is disposed in an encapsulating layer adapted to be received by an air filter of an automobile.
US07763099B2 Downhole separation of carbon dioxide from natural gas produced from natural gas reservoirs
Methods and systems are provided where a production gas stream including natural gas and carbon dioxide is separated downhole using dual reflux pressure swing adsorption with the natural gas being produced and the carbon dioxide being directed for downhole storage (sequestration).
US07763096B2 Recovery of rhenium
The present invention relates to a method for recovering rhenium from an ethylene oxide catalyst containing rhenium and at least silver on a solid support, wherein at least a substantial portion of the rhenium present in the catalyst is extracted by intimate contact of the catalyst with one or more polar non-acidic organic solvents substantially free of water such that a rhenium-containing solution is formed containing the polar non-acidic organic solvent and extracted rhenium, the polar non-acidic organic solvent containing one or more oxygen, nitrogen, and/or halogen atoms in its molecular structure.
US07763095B2 Internal gettering by metal alloy clusters
The present invention relates to the internal gettering of impurities in semiconductors by metal alloy clusters. In particular, intermetallic clusters are formed within silicon, such clusters containing two or more transition metal species. Such clusters have melting temperatures below that of the host material and are shown to be particularly effective in gettering impurities within the silicon and collecting them into isolated, less harmful locations. Novel compositions for some of the metal alloy clusters are also described.
US07763094B2 Method of manufacturing high frequency magnetic material
A precursor particle having a particle size of 10 nm or more and 1 μm or less, and comprising a first compound selected from an alkoxide, a hydroxide, a sulfate, a nitrate, a carbonate, or a carboxylate of magnetic metal containing at least one metal of Fe and Co, and a second compound selected from an alkoxide or a hydroxide, a sulfate, a nitrate, a carbonate, or a carboxylate of a metal element for forming an oxide, is prepared. Then the precursor particle is heated in a reducing atmosphere to form an insulating particle made of an oxide of the metal element by decomposing the second compound, and to precipitate a particle of the magnetic metal in the insulating particle at a particle size of 1 nm or more and 100 nm or less, thereby manufacturing a high frequency magnetic material.
US07763089B2 Debris receiver
In one embodiment, a debris receiving drawer is mounted in a receptacle bay slideable between a single closed position and an open position, wherein the drawer includes a basin, a channel from the basin, and an outlet from the channel. The basin is configured to guide debris entering the basin toward the channel and the channel is configured to channel debris to the outlet.
US07763088B2 Biomass gasification system
A cost-effective biomass gasification method and system for converting biomass materials into gaseous fuel. The system and method are capable of converting at least about 50-70% of the carbon in a biomass material into gaseous carbon at a temperature lower than about 1300° F. Also provided is a highly-efficient, cost-effective biomass gasification system comprising a combustor and a gasifier with an inside diameter of at least about 36 inches and a height of at least about 40 feet.
US07763087B2 Safety system architecture for a hydrogen fueling station
An apparatus and a method for use in controlling the apparatus are disclosed. The apparatus includes a purified hydrogen generator; at least one of a compression unit, a storage unit, and a dispensing unit; and a system controller. The system controller is capable of monitoring the operation of the hydrogen generator and the compression unit, storage unit, or dispensing unit at a system level and shutting down at least one of hydrogen generator and the compression unit, storage unit, or dispensing unit upon the detection of a dangerous condition. The method includes monitoring the generation of a purified hydrogen stream from a system level; monitoring the at least one of a compression, a storage, and a dispensing of the purified hydrogen gas stream from the system level in concert with monitoring the purified hydrogen gas stream generation; and shutting down at least one of the purified hydrogen gas stream generation and the compression, the storage, or the dispensing upon the detection of a dangerous condition at the system level.
US07763086B2 Hydrogen purification process and system
A hydrogen generation system is disclosed that includes a fuel reforming reactor generating a hydrogen-rich reformate gas at a temperature greater than 150 C, a pressure swing adsorption (PSA) hydrogen purification unit that separates the reformate gas into a relatively pure hydrogen stream and an off-gas stream, and a catalytic reactor down stream of the PSA unit that converts carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrogen (H2) contained in the relatively pure hydrogen stream into methane (CH4) and water vapor (H2O). The method of purification involves generating a hydrogen-rich reformate gas at a temperature greater than 150 C in a fuel reforming reactor, separating the reformate gas into a relatively pure hydrogen stream and an off-gas stream in a pressure swing adsorption (PSA) hydrogen purification unit, and converting carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrogen (H2) contained in the relatively pure hydrogen stream into methane (CH4) and water vapor (H2O) in a catalytic reactor down stream of the PSA unit. The hydrogen can be further purified by including a secondary purification stage downstream of the PSA unit and the catalytic reactor wherein the secondary purification stage has a water adsorbent material bed that adsorbs the water vapor H2O and a hydrogen absorbent material downstream of the water absorbent material that absorbs hydrogen gas preferentially, thus concentrating the non-hydrogen components, such as CH4, into an exhaust stream that exits the bed, wherein the absorbed hydrogen gas is then desorbed to create an exiting very pure hydrogen stream.
US07763085B2 Apparatus for producing hydrogen
An apparatus and method for producing a hydrogen-enriched reformate. The apparatus includes a fuel processor for converting a fuel to a reformate having fluctuations in pressure and or flow rate, means for reducing the fluctuations, a compression unit for compressing the reformate and one or more of a purification unit and a storage unit downstream of a compression unit. Means for reducing the fluctuations in the reformate can include one or more of a buffer and a conduit for providing a controlled flow of a supplemental fluid to an inlet of the compression unit. The supplemental fluid can include the compressed reformate, a hydrogen-enriched reformate, and mixtures thereof. The apparatus can include means for regulating power to the compression unit that can incrementally increase power to the compression unit particularly during start up. The purification unit can include one or more of a hydrogen selective membrane and a pressure swing adsorption unit. Methods for producing hydrogen are also disclosed.
US07763084B2 Method for making battery plates
A method of making a plurality of battery plates includes forming a strip including a plurality of battery grids. Each battery grid includes a grid network bordered by a frame element and includes a plurality of spaced apart grid wire elements. Each grid wire element has opposed ends joined to one of a plurality of nodes to define a plurality of open spaces in the grid network. The method also includes deforming at least a portion of a plurality of the grid wire elements such that the deformed grid wire elements have a first transverse cross-section at a point intermediate their opposed ends that differs from a second transverse cross-section taken at least one of their opposed ends. The method also includes applying a lead alloy coating to the strip, applying battery paste to the strip, and cutting the strip to form a plurality of battery plates.
US07763083B2 Composition for application to a surface
Compositions, methods, apparatuses, kits, and combinations are described for permanently or temporarily re-designing, decorating, and/or re-coloring a surface. The compositions useful in the present disclosure include a décor product that is formulated to be applied and affixed to a surface. If desired, the décor product may be substantially removed from the surface before being affixed thereto. If a user desires to remove the décor product, the décor product is formulated to be removed by a number of methods including, for example, vacuuming, wet extraction, chemical application, and the like. If the user desires to affix the décor product to the surface in a permanent or semi-permanent manner, the décor product may be affixed to the surface by applying energy thereto in the form of, for example, heat, pressure, emitted waves, an emitted electrical field, a magnetic field, and/or a chemical. The décor product may also be utilized in the form of a kit or in conjunction with a design device, such as a stencil, to control the application of the décor product to create, for example, a pattern on the surface.
US07763081B2 Tissue graft
The present invention relates to a method of preparing a tissue graft material. The invention also relates to a multipurpose tissue graft material and to methods of using same as a replacement for vascular and non-vascular tissue.
US07763080B2 Implant system with migration measurement capacity
Position reference members are provided as part of an orthopaedic implant system. Both position reference members can be implanted on or in the same bone as the other parts of the implant. One of the position reference members is fixed to the bone and the other position reference member is movable with another part of the implant, such as a stem received in the intramedullary canal. The movable position reference member can move with respect to the fixed position reference member. At least one of the position reference members includes indicia such as a main scale or a vernier scale. Parts of the indicia and position reference members are radio-opaque and parts are radiolucent. Post-operative changes in the relative positions of the position reference members can be measured by radiography or fluoroscopy so that changes in the implant position can be monitored over time.
US07763079B2 Osteogenic fusion device
An interbody osteogenic fusion device is provided that includes opposite end pieces with an integral central element. The end pieces are sized to maintain the height of an intervertebral disc space. The central element has a much smaller diameter so that the osteogenic fusion device forms an annular pocket around the central element. An osteogenic material is disposed within the annular pocket between the opposite end pieces. In one embodiment, the osteogenic material constitutes a collagen sheet soaked in a solution containing a bone morphogenetic protein. The osteogenic fusion device is configured so that the osteogenic material is in direct contact with the adjacent vertebral bone. In addition to the enhanced area of contact between the vertebral bone and the fusion material, the inventive osteogenic fusion device reduces stress-shielding and minimizes the radiopacity of the implant so that growth of the fusion mass can be continuously assessed. In yet another embodiment, the osteogenic fusion device includes at least one end piece with a truncated surface. The osteogenic fusion devices of the present invention may be combined with other fusion devices to form an implant system. The implant system includes at least one load bearing member having a truncated surface configured to nest within another load bearing member, preferably the load bearing, osteogenic fusion device of the present invention. The invention also provides implant systems comprising adjacent load bearing members connected to one another to resist lateral separation. Methods of promoting fusion bone growth in the space between adjacent vertebrae utilizing devices and systems of the invention are also described.
US07763076B2 Artificial disc prosthesis
A visco-elastic motion-limiting artificial intervertebral disc prosthesis is provided that mimics the physiologic function of a normal spinal disc. The disc comprises upper and lower endplates having therewithin channels or openings for optionally receiving one or more motion-limiting members fitted on each end with an enlarged portion. One or more compression stops is provided between the upper and lower endplates. Additionally, an elastomeric cushion is disposed between the endplates and surrounds the motion-limiting members. Also, force transducers and microelectronics can be utilized to provide data to the surgeon or the patient regarding the load state of the disc.
US07763075B2 Artificial disc prosthesis
A visco-elastic motion-limiting artificial intervertebral disc prosthesis is provided that mimics the physiologic function of a normal spinal disc. The disc comprises upper and lower endplates having therewithin channels or openings for optionally receiving one or more motion-limiting members fitted on each end with an enlarged portion. One or more compression stops is provided between the upper and lower endplates. Additionally, an elastomeric cushion is disposed between the endplates and surrounds the motion-limiting members. Also, force transducers and microelectronics can be utilized to provide data to the surgeon or the patient regarding the load state of the disc.
US07763074B2 Systems and methods for posterior dynamic stabilization of the spine
Devices, systems and methods for dynamically stabilizing the spine are provided. The devices include an expandable spacer having an undeployed configuration and a deployed configuration, wherein the spacer has axial and radial dimensions for positioning between the spinous processes of adjacent vertebrae. The systems include one or more spacers and a mechanical actuation means for delivering and deploying the spacer. The methods involve the implantation of one or more spacers within the interspinous space.
US07763070B2 “W” accommodating intraocular lens
An accommodating intraocular lens comprising a flexible body, a flexible optic which is moveable anteriorly and posteriorly relative to the lens body, and hinged portions longitudinally connecting the optic to the body. The body may have extending centration and fixation loops on its distal ends.
US07763067B2 Stent and method for manufacturing the stent
A stent includes a stent body having a circumference, a diameter of between approximately 4 mm and approximately 12 mm, in particular, 8 mm, and a length of between approximately 10 mm and approximately 250 mm, in particular, 150 mm, and struts disposed helically about the circumference in turns. Substantially circumferentially oriented connecting bridges connect respectively adjacent ones of the turns. A method for manufacturing a helical stent includes the steps of providing a stent body with struts disposed about the circumference thereof in turns and with bridges connecting the struts in adjacent turns. The stent body is expanded and, thereafter, some of the bridges, in particular, sacrificial bridges, are removed.
US07763066B2 Stent with an end member having a lateral extension
A marker and pushing member are provided with lateral extensions connected to a connecting portion. The connecting portion connects the marker/pushing member to a proximal or distal end of the stent. The lateral extensions distribute forces applied to the marker/pushing member so that part of the force is applied to the connecting member and part of the force is applied to a portion of the stent structure that is not directly connected to the connecting member.
US07763051B2 Posterior dynamic stabilization systems and methods
Various methods and devices are provided for stabilizing the posterior elements of the spine, and more preferably methods and devices are provided for sharing the load with the intervertebral disc, the facet joints, the ligaments, and the muscles of the spinal column. In certain exemplary embodiments, methods and devices are provided for substantially controlling or providing resistance to movement, including flexion, extension, lateral bending, and axial rotation, of the adjacent vertebrae.
US07763050B2 Inter-cervical facet implant with locking screw and method
Systems and method in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention can include an implant for positioning within a cervical facet joint for distracting the cervical spine, thereby increasing the area of the canals and openings through which the spinal cord and nerves must pass, and decreasing pressure on the spinal cord and/or nerve roots. The implant can be inserted laterally or posteriorly.
US07763049B2 Orthopedic fixation connector
An orthopedic fixation connector and system is provided. The orthopedic fixation system includes bone anchors and linking elements that are coupled together to form a stabilization construct. The linking elements are fixed relative to the bone anchors by clamping arrangements. The clamping arrangements include first linear interlock components coupled to the anchors and second linear interlock components that linearly interlock with the first interlock components to clamp the linking elements at desired positions relative to the anchors.
US07763046B2 Band with selectively adjustable pressure orb
The present invention provides a device for applying pressure to a wearer of the device, that includes a band adapted for positioning on the wearer, an orb positioned on the band, and a mechanism for selectively varying the length that the orb extends outward from said band. The mechanism includes a dial that is mounted to the orb for user initiated selective rotation about its central axis. By rotating the dial, the orb moves towards or away from the band, thereby decreasing or increasing, respectively, the amount of pressure it will apply to the wearer.
US07763044B2 Alienated thrombus capture device
An alienated thrombus capture device 1 has a ring portion 12 made of a wire member having foldable elasticity, an flexibly transformable linear stiffener portion 11 that penetrates the ring portion 12, a porous bursiform portion 13 whose opening edge portion 13a is mounted on the ring portion 12 and whose closed edge portion 13b is mounted on a part of a distal end side of the stiffener portion 11, and flexibly transformable support linear member portion 14 that is supported between the stiffener portion 11 and the ring portion 12 in a strained state. The support linear member portion 14 supports the ring portion 12 in a spread state with a distance between a support portion 14a on the stiffener portion 11 and a circumference of the ring portion 12 kept generally constant at least in a state that the ring portion 12 is spread.
US07763041B2 Surgical clips and methods for tissue approximation
Surgical clips, and methods of use thereof, are provided for tissue approximation and attachment, and more particularly, for sealingly joining a graft vessel to a target vessel. The graft vessel has a free end and a graft vessel wall defining a graft lumen. The target vessel has a target vessel wall defining a target lumen and has an opening in the target vessel wall. The anastomosis clip includes a clip body having a distal extremity with a distal end and a proximal extremity with a proximal end. The distal end is configured to penetrate through the graft vessel wall near the free end and through the target vessel wall near the opening such that both the distal and proximal ends of the clip body are outside the graft and target vessels. At least a portion of the clip body is shapable so as to compress the graft vessel wall against the target vessel wall with the target vessel lumen in communication with the graft vessel lumen.
US07763034B2 Transobturator lead implantation for pelvic floor stimulation
The disclosure is directed to a method and tool for implanting a stimulation lead or other medical device adjacent a pudendal nerve. The tool includes a shaped needle that enters a patient and passes through an obturator foramen passage in a pelvis. A physician places a tip of the tool at the pudendal nerve and performs test stimulation to confirm an effective stimulation location. A shape memory cannula initially covering the needle remains at the pudendal nerve when the physician removes the tool. The cannula deforms to follow the curve of the pudendal nerve once the needle is removed, and a lead is inserted into the cannula and secured at the pudendal nerve placement site. This method may provide an easier and more consistent procedure for implanting the stimulation lead near the pudendal nerve.
US07763033B2 System and methods for preventing intravasation during intrauterine procedures
Systems, methods, apparatus and devices for performing improved gynecologic and urologic procedures are disclosed. Patient benefit is achieved through improved outcomes, reduced pain, especially peri-procedural pain, and reduced recovery times. The various embodiments enable procedures to be performed outside the hospital setting, such as in a doctor's office or clinic. Distension is achieved mechanically, rather than with liquid distension media, thereby eliminating the risk of intravasation.
US07763032B2 Method and apparatus for forming an aperture in a lens capsule of an eye
An improved cutter assembly is used to form an aperture in a lens capsule of an eye. The cutter assembly is resiliently deflectable between a contracted condition and an expanded condition. When the cutter assembly is in the contracted condition, it is moved through an opening in the eye into alignment with an anterior portion of lens capsule of the eye. The cutter assembly is then operated to the expanded condition and moved against the anterior portion of the lens capsule under the influence of fluid pressure. To move the cutter assembly against the anterior portion of the lens capsule, a seal engages an anterior portion of the lens capsule and a conduit connected with the cutter assembly is connected in fluid communication with a source of low pressure (vacuum).
US07763031B2 Acetabular shell removal instrument
An acetabular shell or cup removal instrument is disclosed. The instrument includes a first end capable of being received within an acetabular cup and a cutting element pivotally attached. Cutting motion is provided to the instrument by a powered handpiece, so that the cutting element is capable of cutting a bone surface adjacent to an outer surface of the acetabular cup when the first end is within the acetabular cup.
US07763030B2 Device and method for calibrating an element and device and system for positioning an element
A system for positioning an implant includes a holding element for holding an implant. The holding element can include a first end having a grip and a second end having a connecting element for establishing a connection to the implant. The system includes a guiding sleeve for guiding the holding element. The guiding sleeve defines a guiding area for guiding the holding element, where the holding element can be introduced into the guiding sleeve and a method for calibrating an element includes connecting the element to at least one navigation element and placing the element in contact with a calibrating device. The element is moved while the element remains in contact with the calibrating device. A device for calibrating an element includes a planar member connected to at least one navigation element.
US07763024B2 Adjustable cutting of cutout in vertebral bone
An instrument, instrument system and method for cutting a cutout in a vertebral bone adjacent an intervertebral space are provided which make use of a cutting blade. The cutting blade is mounted on a support structure for movement toward and cutting into the vertebral bone. A stop arrangement is also mounted on the support structure and is movable relative to the cutting blade to a position to limit movement of the cutting blade into the vertebral bone. Typically, the limited movement cutting is made after two cutouts are provided in adjacent vertebral bones using a trial implant.
US07763023B2 Intramedullary nail system and method for fixation of a fractured bone
Apparatus for treating a fracture of a bone of a subject including an intramedullary (IM) elongate member insertable into a medullary canal of a first part of the bone of the subject, and having a proximal head defining at least one hole therethrough. A sleeve includes an engagement mechanism and is arranged to engage one of the at least one hole when the sleeve is within that hole. This engagement restricts rotational and longitudinal movement between the sleeve and the elongate member after the sleeve is engaged with that hole. A screw or pin is movably arranged inside the sleeve for securing a second part of the bone to the first part of the bone, i.e., the part into which the elongate member is inserted.
US07763014B2 Ingestible device
An ingestible device for delivering a substance to a chosen location in the GI tract of a mammal includes a receiver of electromagnetic radiation for powering an openable part of the device to an opened position for dispensing of the substance. The receiver includes a coiled wire that couples the energy field, the wire having an air or ferrite core.In a further embodiment the invention includes an apparatus for generating the electromagnetic radiation, the apparatus including one or more pairs of field coils supported in a housing.The device optionally includes a latch defined by a heating resistor and a fusible restraint. The device may also include a flexible member that may serve one or both the functions of activating a transmitter circuit to indicate dispensing of the substance; and restraining of a piston used for expelling the substance.
US07763013B2 Swabable fluid connectors and fluid connector pairs
A first fluid connector is provided for selective interconnection to and fluid transfer with a second fluid connector. The first connector comprises a fluid passageway, an internal member and an outer collar supportably disposed about the internal member for selective advancement and retraction relative thereto. At least a portion of the fluid passageway may extend through the internal member. The outer collar may be selectively retracted to facilitate cleaning of the internal member. In some embodiments, the outer collar and internal member may be disposed so that a distal portion of the internal member is substantially flush with or a distal portion of internal member projects beyond a distal end of the outer collar when the outer collar is in a retracted position relative thereto. To facilitate cleaning, a distal end or distal portion of the internal member may be substantially closed when the first and second connectors are disconnected. The second connector may be adapted to facilitate fluid interconnection with the first connector, and may also present a cleanable distal end when disconnected.
US07763011B2 Variable density braid stent
A stent comprises at least one stent member woven to form a substantially tubular body that defines a flow path. The tubular body comprises a first region and a second region. In the first region the at least one stent member defines a plurality of first region openings and in the second region at least one first portion of the at least one member and at least one second portion of the at least one member are engaged together to form at least one primary strand. The at least one primary strand defines a plurality of second region openings. The at least one of the plurality of second region openings is in fluid communication with the flow path. The plurality of second region openings provide the second region with a greater porosity than the first region.
US07763010B2 Apparatus and methods for clot dissolution
Clot disruption and dissolution are achieved using a catheter having the ability to infuse a thrombolytic agent, aspirate clot and fluid, and allow passage of a guidewire. Optionally, the catheter may also include a mechanical agitator for further disrupt clot in the presence of the thrombolytic agent. A flow resistor in the catheter provides for infusion and/or aspiration to be concentrated primarily at a clot treatment area in a blood vessel while also providing optional infusion and/or aspiration distal to the treatment area. In some embodiments, infusion, aspiration and guidewire passage occur through a common lumen. The thrombolytic agent, such as tPA, streptokinase, or urokinase, is directly released into the clot at the point where the agitator is engaging the clot. In this way, the thrombolytic activity of the agent is enhanced and the dissolution of the clot is improved.
US07763002B2 Disposable pull-on type diaper
A disposable pull-on type diaper has a separator interposed between an inner surface of an absorbent chassis and the wearer's skin so as to protect the diaper wearer's skin from being soiled with feces. The separator is formed by a piece of sheet extending from a bottom of a crotch region of the diaper toward a front waist region and a rear waist region and fixed to lateral edges of the crotch region. The piece of sheet has a front end and a rear end both extending in a transverse direction of the crotch region. These front end and rear end are free along middle segments thereof as viewed in the transverse direction of the crotch region from an inner surface of an absorbent chassis and inseparably integrated with each other.
US07763000B2 Wound treatment apparatus having a display
A wound treatment apparatus is disclosed to provide vacuum therapy to a wound associated with a patient. The wound treatment apparatus comprises a control unit comprising an alarm and a display displaying an alarm log providing information associated with each activation of the alarm. The display also displays information to instruct a user how to operate the wound treatment apparatus. A method of calibrating the control unit is disclosed.
US07762997B2 Hygienic and therapeutic vaginal cleansing and hydromassaging device
A unique construction of this douche ensures that the incoming and outgoing streams of cleansing liquid do not mix inside the device. Thus it provides a superior cleansing of the vagina. The device has two parts: an inner core and an outer casing, which so snap fit together that create two isolated spaces inside the device securing no leakage between them. The parts are easily separable for cleaning purposes. The base of the device is round so, when placed against the entrance of the vagina, it acts as a plug. The base has two pipe connectors for a cleansing liquid, an inlet and an outlet, and these are interchangeable. A stream of liquid passing through the device smoothes out folds of the vagina, covering its entire surface, and thus ensures Improved hygiene and therapy. This douching device simultaneously provides vaginal hydromassage, which can be enhanced by manually compressing the outlet.
US07762991B2 Universal catheter anchoring system
A method of securing a medical article to the body of a patient is disclosed in which an anchoring device comprising an anchor and a retainer is used. The retainer is attached to an upper surface of the anchor and comprises a base, a cover and a post. The base is disposed on the upper surface of the anchor and the cover is connected to the base so as to move between an open and a closed position. When the cover is in the closed position, it lies above at least part of the base. The post is attached movably to either the base or the cover and is arranged so as to lie at least partially between the cover and the base when the cover is in the closed position. When securing a medical article, the cover is placed in the open position and the medical article placed onto the retainer. The cover may then be closed over the medical article and the anchoring device attached to the patient.
US07762990B2 Surgical access apparatus with centering mechanism
A surgical access apparatus includes a housing member and a portal member extending from the housing member and defining a longitudinal axis. The housing member and the portal member define a longitudinal passage therethrough dimensioned to permit passage of an elongated object. A centering mechanism is mounted relative to the housing member. The centering mechanism includes an annular element mounted for rotational movement within the housing member and about the longitudinal axis and first and second arm elements mounted to the annular element and extending radially inwardly relative to the longitudinal axis. The first and second arm elements are each positioned to intersect the longitudinal passage and are adapted to pivot relative to the housing member. The first and second arm elements are operatively connected whereby pivotal movement of the first arm element upon engagement with the elongated object causes the annular element to rotate in response thereto and effect corresponding pivotal movement of the second arm element.
US07762989B2 Method and apparatus for preventing the use of unauthorized disposable sets in infusion pumps
A system and method for automatically delivering an infusate to a patient is disclosed. The system includes an infusion set and an infusion device. A signaling component disposed on an infusion set component identifies the infusion set and is encrypted for security. The encryption may include both an encryption algorithm and a valid number algorithm. A detection device operatively connected to the infusion device decrypts and detects the signaling component and identifies the infusion set. The infusion device is then configured to operate according to an administration protocol suitable for the infusion set and an infusion device, such as an infusion pump.
US07762988B1 Tamper evident end cap assembly for a loaded syringe and process
An improved tamper evident end cap assembly for a drug loaded syringe which assembly includes a syringe cap to close the discharge port in the nozzle of the syringe and an indicator ring about the nozzle connected by chads or tabs to a tubular shield which chads or tabs are adapted to break freeing the ring from the shield to loosely wobble on the nozzle indicating tampering if an axial force of separation is applied to the syringe cap to remove it from the syringe and a one way drive mechanism engaging both the shield and syringe cap so the shield may be rotated to advance the assembly onto a syringe nozzle but which is not responsive to counter rotation to withdraw the syringe cap to open the discharge port and gain access to the drug.
US07762987B2 Safety syringe device with separable needle stem by turning back
A safety syringe device with separable needle stem by turning back includes a syringe tube, a push rod, a needle seat, a needle stem and a needle cap. The needle stem is attached to a bushing which is fitted to a core bit thereby fixing the needle seat at its position. The syringe tube and the needle seat that is screw combined are further tightly settled by dexterous positioning means. After finishing syringe, the needle sheet along with the needle stem is withdrawn and hidden in the syringe tube, the push rod can be broken at its brittle neck portion by tapping it against a breaking fringe formed around the syringe tube thereby leaving the needle seat and needle stem inside the syringe tube. By doing so, the used needle stem will never emerge out accidentally to puncture people's skin. The used syringe tube, push rod, needle seat and stem can be thrown away altogether to avoid restoring for reuse.
US07762986B2 Safety container for a scalp vein needle
A safety container for a scalp vein needle has a base, a cap and a covering sheet. The base has an inlet, an outlet and a recess communicating with the inlet and the outlet. The cap connects to and selectively covers the base and has a corresponding inlet, a corresponding outlet, a corresponding recess and a through hole aligning with the outlet. The covering sheet connects to and selectively covers the cap and has two stops selectively extending into the through hole in the cap. The scalp vein needle assembly has a feeding tube, a flange and a scalp vein needle. The feeding tube is mounted in the recesses and is selectively held by the stops on the cap or is slidable in the recesses.
US07762982B1 Breast implant fill device
A system for pumping a fluid into an object for insertion into the human body comprising a housing having a pump chamber with means for pumping said fluid therein. A source of fluid is connected to the pumping means and a value is connected to the pumping mechanism and the object. The housing includes means connected to the pumping means for entering an amount of the fluid to be pumped thereby. Upon entering a desired amount of fluid in the entering means, the pumping means causes an amount of the fluid equal to the entered amount to be pumped through the pump chamber and further through the valve to fill the object with the desired amount of fluid.
US07762981B2 Temperature release mechanism for injection device
An ophthalmic injection device has a dispensing chamber housing, a plunger, an actuator for driving the plunger, a temperature control device, and a temperature release mechanism. The dispensing chamber housing has an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface partially defines a dispensing chamber for holding a quantity of a substance. The plunger is engaged with the inner surface of the dispensing chamber housing, is capable of sliding in the dispensing chamber housing, and is fluidly sealed to the inner surface of the dispensing chamber housing. The temperature control device at least partially surrounds the dispensing chamber housing and is capable of altering the temperature of the substance in the dispensing chamber. The temperature release mechanism is in a locked position when the substance is outside the proper temperature range and an unlocked position when the substance is in the proper temperature range.
US07762979B2 Longitudinal-torsional ultrasonic tissue dissection
An ultrasonic tissue dissection system providing combined longitudinal and torsional motion of tips, together with irrigation and aspiration, for improved cutting of resistant biological tissue. The system permits the use of common and inexpensive electro-mechanical transducers for the production of such motion through the use of longitudinal-torsional resonators.
US07762977B2 Device and method for vascular access
Vascular access systems for performing hemodialysis are disclosed. The vascular access system contemplates a catheter section adapted for insertion into a vein and a graft section adapted for attachment to an artery. The catheter section may have metal or polymer wall reinforcements that allow the use of thin-walled, small outer diameter conduits for the vascular access system. One or more of the adhered, embedded or bonded conduit reinforcement structures may be removable without significant damage to the conduit sections to facilitate attachment of the sections, or to a connector between the sections. Various self-sealing materials are provided for use in the vascular access system, as well as temporary access sites and flow control/sensor systems.
US07762976B2 Automatic air removal system
An apparatus for extracorporeal oxygenation of a patient's blood during cardiopulmonary bypass surgery. The apparatus comprises a bubble sensor, arranged at or connected to a venous line, for detecting bubbles in the venous blood received from the patient. When air bubbles are detected, a second pump is activated to draw air from an air chamber provided in an air filter connected to the venous line and arranged downstream of the bubble sensor. A first pump draws the blood from the air filter and supplies the blood to an oxygenator and to the patient via an arterial line.
US07762972B2 Orthopedic knee joint brace
Disclosed herein is an orthopedic knee joint brace, which permits smooth knee exercise, increases the durability of a spring, and ensures structural rigidity in a shock absorbing operation. To this end, the orthopedic knee joint brace includes an upper cuff assembly (100) having an anatomical shape of a thigh to support the thigh, and a lower cuff assembly (200) provided under the upper cuff assembly and spaced apart from the upper cuff assembly. The orthopedic knee joint brace includes a pair of damping pivot assemblies (300) coupling facing ends of both sides of the upper and lower cuff assemblies to each other. Each of the damping pivot assemblies has a multiple pivot link structure and a guide damping structure to correspond to the movement of the knee joint.
US07762971B2 Tilt-stable rotating joint and technical orthopedic component constructed therewith
The invention relates to a tilt-stable rotating joint suitable for technical orthopedic components, including a forked external joint part with two limbs whose parallel inner walls pointing towards each other form a slit of a given width and are provided with flush continuous holes. A flat inner joint part protrudes into the slit and a continuous hole, and a shaft arrangement protruding through the continuous holes forms a rotating bearing surface with a cover surface. The tilt-stability is increased because the shaft arrangement is formed by sections protruding from the inner joint part, having an external diameter corresponding to the internal diameter of the continuous holes of the limbs. Stability is also increased by the fact that the shaft arrangement is rotationally fixed to the inner joint part and sliding bearings are formed between the walls of the continuous holes of the limbs and the sections of the shaft arrangement.
US07762969B2 Medical slings
A medical sling made from material that is suitably shaped for use in a medical application has sides, portions of which are smoothed to prevent abrasion of surrounding tissue.
US07762963B2 Therapeutic device for post-operative knee
A method of increasing a range of motion of a joint includes urging the joint toward an extended position using a predetermined amount of force transmitted through an apparatus. The method further includes maintaining the joint toward the extended position with the predetermined amount of force for a predetermined amount of time. The method further includes urging the joint away from the extended position and urging the joint toward the extended position using the predetermined amount of force. The method further includes maintaining the joint toward the extended position with the predetermined amount of force for the predetermined amount of time.
US07762960B2 Biopsy forceps assemblies
Embodiments of the invention include devices for obtaining tissue including a proximal actuator and a distal assembly having first and second end effectors. The first and second end effectors include the features of at least one element within the inner surface either of the first and second end effectors for aiding in the capture and retention of a targeted tissue sample.
US07762948B2 Endoscope system
In this invention, a drum around which an insertion portion is wound is integrally housed in a carrying case, and a cylinder for supplying a fluid to a hydropneumatic actuator and a solenoid valve unit for controlling the application of a hydropneumatic pressure are housed in the carrying case or drum. In addition, a joystick for operating the controlled variables of the solenoid valve unit can be housed in the carrying case.
US07762946B2 Electronic endoscope system capable of displaying a plurality of images
An electronic endoscope system, which is adapted to observe a fluorescence image of autofluorescence emitted from a body cavity wall irradiated with excitation light as well as a normal image of the body cavity wall illuminated with white light on a display device, includes a display controller whereby the aspect ratio of at least one of a plurality of images to display is converted so that the plurality of images are displayed in conformity with the shape of a display area of the display device when the plurality of images including the normal image and the fluorescence image are displayed on the display device. In the electronic endoscope system, the display controller converts the aspect ratio of at least one of the plurality of images by cutting both horizontal ends of the image to convert.
US07762945B2 Computer-implemented method and system for providing feedback during sex play
A computer-implemented method and system for providing feedback during sex play using a sensor worn on a user's body part to input motion-dependent signals to a computer during free motion of the body part. A computer accesses a plurality of computer-accessible erotic movie sequences and displays on a display device connected to the computer successive ones of the erotic movie-sequences in accordance with the motion-dependent signals.
US07762941B2 Blood pump bearings with separated contact surfaces
Rotary hydrodynamic blood pumps have been used to treat over a thousand patients. The Jarvik 2000 has supported a patient for seven years and uses blood immersed bearings washed by high flow to avoid excessive thrombus formation. This permits the pump to be very simple and small. Nonetheless, the present Jarvik 2000 bearings and all other mechanical blood immersed bearings of the prior art have a supporting structure that predisposes to thrombus adjacent to the bearings. The present invention provides a bearing structure that eliminates this predilection site for thrombus formation, and may provide indefinite thrombus free operation. The rotor of the preferred embodiment includes a tapered hub fabricated of wear resistant material supported by three posts at each end of the rotor, upon which the rotor rotates. Blood washes the unobstructed spaces between the posts to prevent the accumulation of a torus of thrombus that could enlarge excessively.
US07762937B2 Exercise apparatus
A variable resistance device and an abdominal exercise apparatus. The device includes at least first and second resilient stages to provide a combined resistance effect. The first resilient stage has a lower coefficient of elasticity than the second resilient stage. In this way, when a user lies on the base of the apparatus and pulls on the yoke a first resistance is experienced by virtue of thin cords until a strap reaches its full length and a second resistance is experienced by virtue of thick cords.
US07762935B2 Exercise apparatus resistance unit
An exercise apparatus resistance unit includes flex members to bend to provide a resistance, a first end piece, a second end piece provided another end of the flex members to secure the flex members to rotate and translate within the body according to a bending motion of the flex members, a main pulley, and auxiliary pulleys rotatably provided on the first end piece. The resistance unit may provide a variable resistance.
US07762934B1 Exercise apparatus based on a variable mode hydraulic cylinder and method for same
The invention is a hydraulic cylinder for use in exercise machines to deliver a controllable fast acting force. The invention uses a hydraulic cylinder with features that allow high acceleration rates, rapid changes of force level and direction, and positive force limitation. In the preferred embodiment, the hydraulic cylinder is composed of a rodless, hydraulic cylinder coupled to a cable and pulley system. A water source delivers water to generate a force against an inner bi-directionally moving piston to generate a regulated movement and force.The ends of the rodless hydraulic cylinder are sealed by both a water control spool valve and a controllable poppet style pressure relief valve. The water control spool valves adjustably permits water to enter and exit the hydraulic cylinder to regulate the direction and speed of movement of the piston. The pressure relief valve controls the desired maximum pressure and corresponding forces exerted on cylinder. Thus, both the internal speed and force of movement of the piston can be controlled. The invention can deliver high acceleration/speed, high force resistance; high acceleration/speed, low force resistance; low acceleration/speed, high force resistance; or low acceleration/speed, low force resistance exercise forces and movements depending on the water flow, internal pressure, and resulting generated forces.
US07762932B2 Inelastic exercise device having a limited range
An exercise device having many advantageous features is described, including the ability to provide a combination of grips to the user, and the ability to easily mount the device to a wall. The exercise device includes a mechanism that permits a limited range of longitudinally motion for an elongated member having grips. The mechanism permits a user to balance while exercising, and provides support resulting from excessive motion of the exercise device.
US07762925B2 Engine power reduction during automatic transmission shifting
An engine's power may be gradually reduced during a torque phase of a clutch-to-clutch up-shift within an automatic transmission and then reduced fully during a subsequent inertia phase.
US07762921B2 Powertrain and method of controlling powertrain
An ECU executes a program including the steps of: providing control over an engine coupled to a carrier for driving a first MG coupled to a sun gear in a power split device, and providing control over a second MG for allowing a ring gear to stop; expecting that a shift operation will be performed when a brake operation is performed; and stopping providing the control over the engine for driving the first MG and stopping providing the control over the second MG for allowing the ring gear to stop.
US07762917B2 Torque-filling power transfer assembly for a manual transmission
The present invention broadly comprises a power transmitting assembly for a vehicle, including a transmission power output for a manual transmission in the vehicle and a torque-filling element. The torque-filling element is arranged for connection to an engine in the vehicle, is connected to the transmission power output and is arranged to modify engine torque from the engine and to provide the modified engine torque to the transmission power output during a shift to a gear in the manual transmission. The torque-filling element includes a hydrodynamic torque-transmitting device, a rotation adjustment element to modify rotational speed associated with the engine, and a coupling element to interface the engine torque with torque on the transmission power output. In some aspects, the rotation adjustment element is arranged for connection to the engine. In some aspects, the coupling element is arranged for connection to the engine.
US07762914B2 Ping pong ball retriever
Various devices for controlling errant ping pong balls during play are disclosed. A first embodiment may be construed as a device, positioned underneath a ping pong table, the device comprising a plurality of faces extending vertically from the ground and meeting at an apex to form a pyramid. Errant ping pong balls become deflected upon striking the plurality of faces.
US07762913B1 Bat training device
A truncated bat training device provides for training of the muscles and muscular strengthening of certain parts of the trainee's body. The bat has a 45 degree angle portion with a rotatable D-ring for attaching the bat to a fixed point. The angle portion projects to the backside of the upper body of the trainee and is turned toward the fixed point when the trainee swings the bat in a backward motion of a swing cycle in a resistance training mode. The angle portion provides a transition zone in which the D-ring rotates as the bat crosses perpendicular to the upper body allowing the trainee's wrist to accelerate with a ball at a simulated impact point where the trainee normally makes contact with the ball upon completion of the swing cycle. A ridge line teaches proper hand alignment, and several training techniques can be used with the training device.
US07762911B2 Method for predicting ball launch conditions
The present invention relates to a method and a numerical analysis for predicting golf ball launch conditions, e.g., velocity, launch angle and spin rate. By acquiring pre-impact swing conditions, e.g., club speed, rotational rate and ball hit location, along with pertinent club features, e.g., moment of inertia, and ball impact features, e.g., normal and transverse forces as well as time of contact, the method can predict the resulting trajectory and launch conditions of the golf ball. The predicted ball launch conditions and trajectories can also be used to modify one or more properties of the golf ball or golf club. The time of contact measurements can be corrected to account for drag force.
US07762905B2 Set of golf clubs
At least three clubs of a set of golf clubs may have an average volume between about 75 cm3 and about 90 cm3. The transverse dimensions of the at least three clubs may progressively decrease from a highest volume club to a lowest volume club. At least one club of a set may include a constraining member in a cavity. A linear distance between a sweet spot and a center of gravity may progressively decrease from a lower lofted club to a higher lofted club within a set. At least one golf club of a set may include a face plate portion, and at least two golf clubs of the set may include a cup face portion. At least two clubs of a set may include a progressively increasing hosel length from a lowest lofted club to a highest lofted club. The strike face of at least one club of a set may include a bulge and a roll. A first club of a set may have a face thickness that is less than a face thickness of a second club of the set.
US07762901B1 Water play structures and methods utilizing interchangeable play features and security measures
A water play structure for children includes an elevated platform having an upper horizontal rail and vertical pickets between the rail and the platform free of any horizontal members so as to reduce the risk that children will climb across the railing and fall from the platform, the structure further including water features such as a canopy supported upon the elevated platform and dimensioned to provide a flow of water that falls downwardly across a portion of the platform.
US07762900B2 Method and system of positionable covers for water amusement parks
A water transportation system and method are described, generally related to water amusement attractions and rides. Further, the disclosure generally relates to water-powered rides and to a system and method in which participants may be actively involved in a water attraction. This transportation system may include a plurality of covers forming a covering system over at least a portion of the water transportation and/or amusement system. In some embodiments, at least one of the covers may be positionable. In addition, the water transportation system may include conveyor belt systems and water locks configured to convey participants from a first source of water to a second source of water which may or may not be at a different elevation.
US07762899B2 Water amusement park conveyor support elements
An amusement ride system and method are described. In some embodiments, an amusement ride system may be generally related to water amusement attractions and rides. An amusement ride system may include a system for conveying a participant from a first source of water to a second source of water. A system for conveying a participant from a first source of water to a second source of water may include a belt and a belt movement system. A system for conveying a participant from a first source of water to a second source of water may include a support structure which functions to provide support for the belt and belt movement system and/or one or more support elements which functions to support and align the belt as the belt moves between the support structure and the support elements.
US07762897B2 Apparatus for producing a fire special effect
The present invention provides a device for producing a fire special facilitates a more compact device. In one embodiment, the device comprises a steam curtain generator for directing received steam to an outlet slot that directs the steam into the ambient atmosphere such that the steam is flowing in a substantially a first direction to produce a curtain of steam, fan that is oriented so as to produce a flow of air in a direction that is substantially parallel to the flow of a steam curtain, a deflector for redirecting the flow of air produced by the fan towards the steam curtain, an adjustable agitator for causing turbulent flow in the stream of air directed towards a steam curtain, and an LED light for producing light that is projected onto a steam curtain.
US07762894B2 Constant velocity joint
Each boot of a tripot type constant velocity joint comprises a polyester-based thermoplastic elastomer (TPC). A grease encapsulated in the boot comprises a base oil, a thickening agent comprising a diurea-based compound, molybdenum dialkyldithiocarbamate sulfide, a sulfur-phorsphorous based extreme-pressure agent being a sulfur-phosphorus based compound containing sulfur and phosphorous as constituting elements, and potassium borate hydrate.
US07762892B2 Mode-altering key for a character input device
A character input device is disclosed that includes a plurality of character input keys and one or more mode-altering keys. Each character input key is associated with multiple characters. By activating only the character input keys, primary characters may be input. By activating the character input keys in conjunction with the mode-altering keys, however, various secondary, tertiary, and quaternary characters may be input. The mode-altering keys may be utilized in a temporary mode, wherein only one secondary, tertiary, or quaternary character is input. Alternately, the mode-altering keys may be utilized in a base mode, wherein a series of secondary, tertiary, or quaternary character is input.
US07762888B2 Game oriented promotional card
A promotional device and methods for using such a device are described. The promotional device can be used to effect operation of a specific gaming application on a gaming machine. The promotional device has associated with it both indicia of credit and a specific player. Operation of the specific gaming application is limited to the credit and the specific player associated with the promotional device.
US07762884B2 Slot machine and playing method thereof
In a case where a plurality of symbols are rearranged on a display, a control for controlling a plurality of rearranged symbols to be capable of being selected, holding selected symbols according to a selection, and arranging selected symbols by carrying them over to a next game is carried out, and a control for making particular symbols among a plurality of rearranged symbols to be capable of being selected only in a case where a payout for the rearranged symbol exceeds a prescribed payout amount and a condition for having a special symbol displayed on the display is satisfied is carried out. In addition, a control for determining a number of symbols that can be selected among a plurality of rearranged symbols and a number of times of the unit game by which these selected symbols can be held is carried out.
US07762878B2 Method and system for operating and participating in fantasy leagues
A fantasy server system operates a fantasy league including at least one fantasy player whereby one or more fantasy client devices participate in the fantasy league. In operation, the fantasy server system manages fantasy player information of a fantasy player and sponsorship information of the fantasy player on at least one of an individual basis and a team basis. The fantasy server system additionally associates a portion or an entirety of the sponsorship information of the fantasy player to a portion or an entirety of fantasy player information of the fantasy player when presenting both types of information to fantasy client device(s). The association can be feed formatted content and/or a subfeed formatted content.
US07762876B2 Cabin exhaust apparatus and method for providing vehicle ventilation using same
The cabin exhaust device ventilates vehicles provided with retractable windows and mounts on a portion of the vehicle, preferably on a door frame or in an opening between a window panel and a window frame. The cabin exhaust device comprises a squeegee and a ventilation panel having an air dam, a first portion, and a second portion, wherein the first and second portions are provided with angularly oriented apertures, thereby creating a vacuum on the vehicle's interior side. The first and second portions are outwardly convexed, thereby facilitating the creation of a pressure differential between the vehicle's interior and its exterior, thus forcing the air and other contaminants out from the vehicle's interior.
US07762874B2 Shaping device and shaping method for forming rounded tips on the ends of sausages
A shaping device and a method of forming rounded tips on the ends of sausages and of tying off and/or parting into individual portions a continuously produced sausage skein filled with paste material, with two oppositely located displacement assemblies, which move towards one another and between which the filled sausage skein can be moved in the transport direction, wherein the displacement assemblies are formed such that two opening sections are formed, which widen out in the transport direction, respectively opposite the transport direction, in a tying off and/or parting position between the two displacement assemblies.
US07762871B2 Pad conditioner design and method of use
A polishing pad conditioning apparatus includes a laser beam generating unit along with a system to transmit or focus the beam. The unit is mounted on a conditioning arm, such that the laser beam may be directed perpendicular to the plane of the polishing pad, which is next to the polishing platen. The conditioning arm is capable of moving across the polishing table to scan the pad radius, allowing the laser to traverse the pad radius.
US07762870B2 Polishing pad and cushion layer for polishing pad
A polishing pad includes a polishing layer having abrasive grains dispersed in a resin and is characterized in that the resin is a resin containing ionic groups in the range of 20 to 1500 eq/ton.
US07762869B2 Nozzle for spraying sublimable solid particles entrained in gas for cleaning surface
A nozzle for spraying sublimable solid particles and preventing frost from forming at surfaces of the nozzle. The nozzle includes: a cleaning agent block for phase-changing a cleaning agent into a snow containing sublimable solid particles; a nozzle block for growing the cleaning agent snow through adiabatic expansion and spraying the grown cleaning agent snow onto a surface of an object; a carrier gas block for supplying a carrier gas to the nozzle block to mix with the cleaning agent snow; and a heater for heating at least a portion of the carrier gas supplied from the carrier gas supply source. Fine dry ice particles and liquid CO2, passing through a solenoid valve from a CO2 reservoir tank and a pressure drop of a flow rate regulation valve, are introduced into the spray nozzle and then mixed with the carrier gas, such as N2 or purified air, and discharged.
US07762866B2 Interactive rocking cradle and doll
An interactive rocking cradle and doll is disclosed where, when the cradle is rocked with the baby inside of it, the cradle emits music and baby sounds. If the cradle is rocked without the baby, however, then the cradle only emits music but no baby sounds. None of the electronics required to emit the sounds are located in the doll, thereby allowing the doll to be created in a real and life-like manner.
US07762864B2 Noise generator
An apparatus and method of making noise comprising a noise maker comprising a proximal cylinder portion 20 and a distal cylinder portion 60, a large internal member terminating in at least one finger 38; at least two reeds 40 secured in a manner so that it is positioned adjacent the respective finger 38, but not in contact with the respective finger 38, to create a respective air gap 70 between the finger 38 and the reed 40; whereby at least two air gaps 70 exist for the creation of noise.
US07762862B2 House toy and display
A house toy and display including a base having a base fitting, and a plurality of room modules, each of the plurality of room modules having a floor and at least one wall. The floor has a room module fitting complementary in shape to the base fitting to retain the plurality of room modules on the base. In one embodiment, the base fitting is a recess formed in the base; and the room module fitting is the floor of the room module.
US07762848B2 Interconnect device for battery cell assemblies
An interconnect device for battery cell assemblies is provided. The interconnect device couples a first set of electrodes at a first polarity in series with a second set of electrodes at a second polarity in a battery module.
US07762845B1 Structure of a thin connector
A thin connector structure includes an upper iron shell, a lower iron shell, a circuit board, a protective layer and a glue layer. The circuit board is interposed between the upper and lower iron shells. Both sides on the inner surface of the lower iron shell are provided with a pin, respectively. Both sides of the circuit board have a fixing hole, respectively. The pins go through the corresponding fixing holes. The protective layer is interposed between the upper iron shell and the circuit board to prevent dissipation of electromagnetic waves. The glue layer is interposed between the lower iron shell and the circuit board for positioning the connector structure.
US07762842B2 Grommet for electrical connector, and electrical connector comprising such a grommet
This grommet joint includes a peripheral portion provided to sealingly engage a peripheral inner surface of a connector housing, and a central portion having at least one through passage for a wire. Recesses are provided between the central portion and the peripheral portion, the central portion being attached to the peripheral portion by flexible walls, whereby the central portion is rotatory attached to the peripheral portion.
US07762836B2 System and method for distribution of electrical power
An electrical power distribution system comprising: a first housing having an outside surface, configured to receive electrical power from a source; a current limiting and splitting mechanism disposed within the first housing, configured to receive the electrical power and output a plurality of separate current limited electrical circuits; a first housing connector having a first shape, mounted on or to the outside surface of the first housing, having a first plurality of contacts mounted in a first contact arrangement, each contact being connected to one circuit of the plurality of separate current limited electrical circuits and each contact selected to conduct at least one of an elevated current and an elevated voltage.
US07762834B2 Pluggable conductor terminal
A pluggable conductor terminal includes a plug connector (6) with a pin guide (8) emptying into a contact space (5) and a conductor guide channel (24) with a conductor connection aperture (25) that is transformed into a central clamping space (19) in the clamp housing. The conductor guide channel (24) is inclined toward the pin guide (8). A contact piece (3) with a contact part (4) for the contact pin (7) is mounted in the contact space (5) with a clamp spring (15) for the conductor (33) in the clamping space (19). For the sake of simpler manufacture, the contact piece (3) and the clamp spring (15) are of one piece, and consist of an elongated, flat band (2) bent exclusively crosswise to its longitudinal dimension.
US07762833B2 Contact element for a plug-type connector for printed circuit boards
The invention relates to a contact element (10) for a plug-type connector for printed circuit boards, the contact element (10) having two connection sides, the one connection side being in the form of a contact for connecting wires and the other connection side being in the form of a contact for a printed circuit board, the contact element (10) further having an interface, via which electrical components can be connected, the interface being in the form of a plane contact face (13).
US07762832B2 Systems for providing electrical interconnection between solar modules
An electrical interconnection system for connecting solar modules includes a plurality of solar module frames each having at least one plug port, the plug port including one or more plug holes, the plug port for receiving a plug connector including one or more electrical conductors corresponding to the one or more plug holes, the plug connector connecting solar modules.
US07762829B2 Connector assembly for termination of miniature electronics
Connector and connector assemblies for use with miniature high power electrical components, and specifically with miniature LEDs. Although the connectors and connector assemblies are designed for use with miniature LEDs, these devices are not so limited and can also be used with other miniature electronic devices. These connectors and connector assemblies provide a mechanical connection between the miniature electronic component and electrical contacts instead of a soldered connection, providing a reliable electrical contact between the component, whether used in a PCB-type drop-in connection or some other connection. The connector also includes a heat sink to remove heat from the connector assembly generated by the LED and provides for a reliable mechanical connection between the LED and heat sink.
US07762827B2 Card assembly with a hinged cover including a torsion spring
A card socket assembly includes a main body, a hinge assembly; a cover rotatably assembled on the main body by the hinge assembly; and a release button releasably latching the cover to the main body. When the release button is detached from the cover, the cover is rotated relative to the main body by the hinge assembly.
US07762825B2 Electro-mechanical interfaces to mount robotic surgical arms
In one embodiment of the invention, a method of mounting a surgical robotic arm to a set-up arm of a robotic surgical system is provided that includes sliding a pair of guide slots of the surgical robotic arm over a pair of guide tabs in the set-up arm; aligning electrical connectors in the set-up arm to electrical connectors of the surgical robotic arm; and coincidentally mating male electrical connectors to female electrical connectors while finally mating the guide tabs in the set-up arm to flanges of a housing of the surgical robotic arm.
US07762822B2 Apparatus for testing electronic devices
An apparatus is described for burn-in and/or functional testing of microelectronic circuits of unsingulated wafers. A large number of power, ground, and signal connections can be made to a large number of contacts on a wafer. The apparatus has a cartridge that allows for fanning-in of electric paths. A distribution board has a plurality of interfaces that are strategically positioned to provide a dense configuration. The interfaces are connected through flexible attachments to an array of first connector modules. Each one of the first connector modules can be independently connected to a respective one of a plurality of second connector modules, thereby reducing stresses on a frame of the apparatus. Further features include for example a piston that allows for tight control of forces exerted by terminals onto contacts of a wafer.
US07762821B2 Electrified ceiling framework
An electrified ceiling framework system having a plurality of grid elements forming a grid network arranged in a substantially planar arrangement. A conductive material is disposed on a surface of at least one of the plurality of grid elements. The conductive material is electrically connected to a low voltage power source and has a contact surface connectable to a low voltage device.
US07762818B2 Multi-function module
An embodiment is a method and apparatus to provide a multi-function module. A circuit board has a form factor and a connector edge corresponding to a first interface standard. The connector edge includes first and second groups of pin-outs that are mapped to pin-out assignments compatible with the first interface standard and a second interface standard, respectively. A first interface is provided on the circuit board for a first set of devices connected to the first group of pin-outs to operate according to the first interface standard. A second interface is provided on the circuit board for a second set of devices connected to the second group of pin-outs to operate according to the second interface standard.
US07762817B2 System for coupling interfacing parts
An electronic device is disclosed. The electronic device includes a first subassembly having a first housing component. The first housing component has an opening. The electronic device also includes a second subassembly having a second housing component. The second housing component cooperates with the first housing component to enclose components of an electronic device. The at least one internal component is also movable relative to the second subassembly so as to properly align with the opening. The at least one internal component is additionally magnetically attracted towards the first housing component near the opening.
US07762816B2 Method and system for automated item development for language learners
A method of developing a translation exercise is disclosed. A grammatical structure may be received. Each of one or more text segments in a first language may be translated into a corresponding text segment in a second language. Each text segment in the first language may include one or more sentences. A text segment may be selected as a prompt for a translation exercise. The selected text segment may include a text segment in the second language having the grammatical structure and/or a text segment in the first language corresponding to a text segment in the second language having the grammatical structure.
US07762815B2 Method of making an indirect bonding tray for orthodontic treatment
An indirect bonding tray for use in applying and bonding orthodontic appliances to a patient's teeth is made by providing a replica of the patient's dentition including replicas of the patient's teeth. A guide is provided on each replica tooth in a location corresponding to the ultimate intended location of the orthodontic appliance on the patient's teeth. Each guide has a receptacle for receiving an orthodontic appliance, and serves to ensure that the respective orthodontic appliance is placed in its proper, intended position on the replica tooth. A tray is then formed over the replica teeth and the appliances for subsequent use in bonding the appliances to the patient's teeth.
US07762814B2 Method of manufacturing and installing a ceramic dental implant with an aesthetic implant abutment
The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a tooth prosthesis, for insertion in a jawbone, including an implant and an abutment on top of the implant. The method includes: defining a shape of the prosthesis and its location in the jawbone by using first data from a first CT scan image of the jawbone and second data from a second image of a gypsum cast, correlating first and second data by extracting from the first data first position reference data of a first reference in the first image, and from the second data second position reference data of a second reference in the second image, the second reference being identical to the first reference; performing a geometric transformation on the second data and/or the first data to have a coincidence of the second image with the first image and to combine the first and second data into composite scan data.
US07762810B2 Apparatus and method for positioning dental arch to dental articulator
A positioning apparatus and method for using the positioning apparatus to position a dental arch model in a dental articulator, simulating the position of dental arch in a skull. The positioning apparatus includes a first member, a second member that slides with respect to the first member, and a third member that slides with respect to the second member. A locating member on the second member and one or more adjustment members on the third member impart an orientation to a mounting surface representative of a plane in which a dental arch lies. A maxillary tray having radio-opaque members may be mounted to the mounting surface. X-ray data obtained while the maxillary tray is engaged with a patient's teeth is used to determine the position and orientation of a dental arch model while said model is engaged with the maxillary tray on the mounting surface.
US07762807B2 Gas-fired radiant tube with internal recuperator
A single-ended, internally recuperated, radiant tube annulus system in which at least part of the heat recovery takes place within the furnace to which the system is attached and in which the oxidant and/or fuel are preheated not only by heat transfer from the exhaust gases, but also directly from the combustion process. The system includes a plurality of concentric radiant tubular members arranged in a manner providing an outer annular region in which the combustion process is carried out, an inner tubular member through which exhaust gases are exhausted from the system, and intermediate annular regions between the inner tubular member and the outer annular region through which preheated oxidant is provided to the outer annular region for the combustion process. In accordance with one embodiment of this invention, the internal recuperator is used as a fuel reformer.
US07762806B2 Afterburner device and method for operating an afterburner device
An afterburner device and a method for operating an afterburner device, especially for chemical reformers for obtaining hydrogen, for making heat available from fuels and/or residual gases from a reforming process and/or a fuel cell process. In this context, heat is supplied in a controlled manner from recirculated combustion gases to a first housing and/or a combustion chamber situated in it and at least in part filled with heat resistant, open-pored foamed ceramics. The regulation takes place, for instance, based on a temperature recorded in the combustion chamber using an infrared light measurement.
US07762801B2 Electrospray/electrospinning apparatus and method
Apparatus and method for producing fibrous materials in which the apparatus includes an enclosure having an inlet configured to receive a substance from which the fibrous materials are to be composed, a common electrode disposed in the enclosure, and plural extrusion elements provided in a wall of the enclosure opposite the common electrode so as to define between the plural extrusion elements and the common electrode a space in communication with the inlet to receive the substance in the space. In the method, a substance from which the fibrous materials are to be composed is fed to the enclosure having the plural extrusion elements, a common electric field is applied to the extrusion elements in a direction in which the substance is to be extruded, the substance is extruded through the extrusion elements to tips of the extrusion elements, and the substance is electrosprayed from the tips to form the fibrous materials.
US07762798B2 Compressor having different hardness surface between upper surface and receiving surface of top dead center of compression member and vane
A compressor having a compression element including a cylinder having a compression space; a suction port and a discharge port; a compression member whose one surface crossing an axial direction of a rotary shaft is inclined continuously between a top dead center and a bottom dead center and which compresses a fluid sucked from the suction port to discharge the fluid from the discharge port; and a vane which is disposed between the suction port and the discharge port to abut on one surface of the compression member and which partitions the compression space in the cylinder into a low pressure chamber and a high pressure chamber. The hardness of the upper surface of the compression member may be higher than that of a discharge member as a receiving surface of the top dead center and lower than that of the vane.
US07762797B2 Pump
A pump includes a cylinder, a nozzle connected to an end of the cylinder, a piston movable in the cylinder, a rod connected to the piston, a ring installed at another end of the cylinder, a positioning device connected to the rod and a handle. The handle includes a connective portion for engagement with the positioning device when the rod is exposed from the handle.
US07762788B2 Fluid conveyance system and fluid conveyance device
A fluid conveyance system includes: a fluid conveyance device including a micro pump module which compresses a flexible tube communicating with a fluid containing receptacle and discharges a fluid, a memory device furnished on the micro pump module which stores individual identification data of the micro pump module, and a power source; a discharge data processing device which stores basic data for driving the fluid conveyance device; and a communication device having a communication unit which interconnects the fluid conveyance device and the discharge data processing device, wherein the discharge data processing device inputs discharge data, for discharging a desired discharge amount of a fluid, calculated from the identification data and the basic data read via the communication device, into the memory device via the communication device, and the fluid conveyance device is driven based on the discharge data.
US07762777B2 Savonius wind turbine construction
A Savonius vertical axis wind turbine rotor has at least three spokes, at least two vanes, and fasteners. Each spoke includes a hub with central opening and arcuate ribs integral with the hub and extending radially outwardly. Channels are defined in at least one surface of each rib. Vanes of sheet material generally conform to an inner or outer surface of the ribs and have openings aligned with the channels. First fasteners pass through the openings into the channels and cooperate with second fasteners provided within the channels. Each hub may define a clamp which cooperates with a shaft, the clamp including a radial slot in the hub communicating with the central opening and fastener receiving elements on opposite sides of the slot. The vanes may overlap the central opening so that there is spillover from one vane to the next when the rotor is rotated by the wind.
US07762773B2 Turbine airfoil cooling system with platform edge cooling channels
A turbine airfoil of a turbine engine having cooling channels positioned on side surface edges of a platform of the airfoil. The platform may include at least one angled side surface that may be aligned with a side surface of a platform of an adjacent turbine blade. The airfoil may include a suction side edge formed from a first surface at an obtuse angle relative to an upper surface of the platform and a second surface at an obtuse angle relative to a bottom surface of the platform. One or more film cooling slots may be positioned in the first surface and may include a diffusion portion. A damper may also be positioned in a groove between the second surface and an adjacent platform. The damper may include cooling slots on a side surface proximate to the second surface of the suction side edge.
US07762771B2 Device for driving a first part of a wind energy turbine with respect to a second part of the wind energy turbine
A device for driving a first part of a wind turbine with respect to a second part of the wind turbine includes a driving element for engagement with the first part. The device also includes a driving unit including a housing to be fixedly connected to the second part, a motive generation means for generating motion of the motive element, and a motion transferring means for transferring the motion of the motive element to the driving element; and at least one slip coupling arranged between at least one of the motive element of the driving unit and the motion transferring means, the motion transferring means and the driving element, and within the motion transferring means, wherein the slip coupling is adjusted to slip if a torque acting on the slip coupling due to a movement force acting on the driving element exceeds a predetermined maximum torque.
US07762770B2 Hybrid actuator for helicopter rotor blade control flaps
A helicopter rotor blade that has a blade body and a control flap secured to the blade body. The rotor blade has a first primary mover capable of generating a first linear motion that is sufficient to generate a high amplitude, low frequency motion of the control flap; and a second primary mover capable of generating a second linear motion that is sufficient to generate a small amplitude, high frequency motion of the control flap. Further, the rotor blade has a coupling transmission for combining the first linear motion with the second linear motion that generates a cumulative linear motion; and a second transmission device that causes the cumulative linear motion to rotate the control flap.
US07762766B2 Cantilevered framework support for turbine vane
A support for the first row turbine vanes (12) in a gas turbine engine, the support including a support framework (18). The support framework (18) includes an outer vane carrier (34), and an inner vane carrier (36) connected to the outer vane carrier (34) by a plurality of struts (44, 46). The outer vane carrier (34) is mounted to an inner casing (16) of the engine and the struts (44, 46) support the inner vane carrier (36) in cantilevered relation to the outer vane carrier (34). An aft outer flange (94) of each first row vane (12) is supported on the outer vane carrier (34) and a forward inner flange (114) of the vane (12) is support on the inner vane carrier (36).
US07762764B2 Turbomachine
A turbomachine, especially a steam turbine (10), has an inner casing (15a) and an outer casing (17a), which concentrically encompass a rotor which is rotatable around a machine axis, wherein the outer casing (17a) encloses the inner casing (15a) with a radial space (d), and at least the inner casing (15a) is divided in a parting plane (22) into two casing halves (15a) which can be releasably interconnected by flanges (18) which are attached to the casing halves (15a), and wherein the casing halves (15a) of the inner casing (15a) have a thickening (20) in the region between the flanges (18). A change of the interspace between the casings is largely avoided by the outer casing (17a), in the region of the thickening (20) of the inner casing (15a), being adapted to the thickening (20) so that the radial space (d) between inner casing (15a) and outer casing (17a) outside the flanges (18, 19) is largely constant over the casing circumference.
US07762760B2 Method of operating a cargo container scanning crane
A mobile cargo container handling buffer crane having a bridge crane mounted thereon for transferring cargo containers between a ship and land transportation with nonintrusive inspection apparatus located at an intermediate transfer position past which a container can be longitudinally translated on a shuttle and thereby non-intrusively inspected.
US07762756B1 Lift and moveable underride
The invention provides a moveable underride system that may be used with lifts such as stow lifts. The underride system includes an underride member and a linkage mechanism for coupling the underride member to a support frame, wherein the linkage mechanism moves the underride member between an extended position and a retracted position. In the extended position the underride member is at a first distance from the frame, and in the retracted position the underride is at a second distance from the frame, such that the first distance (for the extended position) is larger than the second distance (for the retracted position).
US07762753B2 Self-piercing rotationally symmetrical rivet
Rotationally symmetric self-pierce rivet (10) having a rivet head (14) and a rivet shank (12) provided with a centrical recess (16) closed by the rivet head (14), wherein the rivet shank (12) is having an outer contour which generally is following the course of an ellipse (18) externally lined up against the rivet shank the major axis (A) thereof basically extending parallel to the axis of the rivet (10).
US07762752B2 Bolt and thread rolling die and the manufacture of the bolt
The object of the present invention is to provide a bolt that effectively prevents gouging, seizure and racing between the bolt and nut without the aid of a guide boss and is effective when combined with the case nut. The object can be attained by providing a bolt having a threaded shank portion wherein a plural number of notched faces slanting toward the end of the threaded shank portion at an angle ranging from ±15° to ±80° toward the axis of the threaded shank portion, are formed at the beginning of the thread part of the threaded shank portion.
US07762751B2 Anchor
A self-drilling anchor for use in a friable material comprises a body having an axis, a flanged rear end, a drilling front end and a generally cylindrical portion therebetween having an outer surface with a thread disposed thereon, wherein the body forks, beginning at a predetermined distance from the flanged rear end, into a first leg and a second leg, the first leg extending forwardly into a drilling tip, wherein the first leg may have a generally rearward facing shoulder angled obtusely outwardly with respect to the axis, wherein the body has an axial bore for receiving an elongate fastener, the axial bore extending substantially through the flanged end and leading to the generally rearward facing shoulder, wherein the anchor is adapted so that the first leg pivots apart from the second leg when the elongate fastener deflects the generally rearward facing shoulder and the predetermined distance is selected to increase pullout strength when the first leg is pivoted apart from the second leg and the anchor is installed in the friable material.
US07762750B2 Removable rack mount frame
A removable rack mount frame for securing goods within a container while permitting unfettered access to the goods includes forming an inner frame assembly and an outer frame assembly. Nesting the inner frame assembly within the outer frame assembly in a manner that permits the inner frame assembly to slide relative to the outer frame assembly. A biasing mechanism is provided to one of the inner frame assembly or the outer frame assembly so as to arrest the inner frame assembly in a predetermined orientation relative to the outer frame assembly. Selectively operating the biasing mechanism to permit the inner frame assembly to be moved from the predetermined orientation.
US07762739B2 Fastener and assembly utilizing the same
A fastener is disclosed. The fastener includes a housing, a cage, one or more retaining members, and a plunger. The housing defines a housing cavity. The housing cavity includes a recess. The cage is disposed at least partially in the housing cavity. The cage includes a cage cavity and one or more passages in the cage aligned with the recess. The one or more retaining members are retained within the one or more passages. The plunger is movable in the ball cage cavity between a first position to cause the one or more balls to be displaced outwardly relative the one or more passages to seat the one or more retaining members in the recess thereby mechanically locking the housing to the ball cage, and a second position thereby allowing the one or more retaining members to be displaced radially inwardly relative the one or more passages to cause the one or more retaining members to be unseated from the recess.
US07762735B2 Self-locking, quick-releasing, and self-releasing ball-and-socket latch system
An apparatus according to embodiments of the present invention includes a socket having at least three ball support points to constrain a ball, and a yoke rotatably coupled to the socket, the yoke having an axis of rotation that intersects the ball when the ball is positioned in the socket, the yoke rotatable to a closed position in which the yoke captures the ball in the socket, and the yoke rotatable to an open position in which the yoke does not capture the ball in the socket. According to some embodiments, the yoke is biased in the closed position such as, for example, by a spring. The yoke may be rotationally coupled to the socket at one or more locations, and the axis of rotation may intersect the ball when the ball is in the socket either through the center of the ball or at an off-center location.
US07762725B2 Adjustable antifriction bearing arrangement
A shaft is supported in a housing on the front and rear antifriction bearings that are mounted in opposition. The front bearing has an outer race provided with an external thread that engages an internal thread within the housing. That outer race is fitted with a locking ring provided with an inner flange that is engaged to turn the race and thereby bring the front and rear bearings into the correct adjustment. The locking ring also has an axially directed outer flange that is segmented, so that one of the segments can be bent outwardly into a recess in the housing, thus providing a tab that prevents rotation of the locking ring and outer race.
US07762724B2 Compressor bearing
In a compressor bearing for supporting a rotor shaft of a compressor, a first oil groove is formed in a bearing surface on the side opposite to a bearing load acting direction, a second oil groove is formed in a position adjacent to the first oil groove in an anti-rotational direction, a first oil channel and a second oil channel communicating with the first oil groove and the second oil groove, respectively, to supply oil to the first and second oil grooves from an exterior, common oil supply source are provided, a circumferential length of the second oil groove is set larger than that of the first oil groove, and a minimum value of a sectional area perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the second oil channel is set smaller than that of a sectional area perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the first oil channel. The compressor bearing of such a configuration is small in load induced by oil pressure and exhibits an outstanding rotor shaft cooling effect.
US07762720B1 Fabrication of miniature fiber-optic temperature sensors
A method of coupling a silica fiber and a sapphire fiber includes providing a silica fiber having a doped core and a cladding layer, with the doped core having a prescribed diameter, providing a sapphire fiber having a diameter less than the doped core, placing an end of the sapphire fiber in close proximity to an end of the silica fiber, applying a heat source to the end of silica fiber and introducing the end of sapphire fiber into the heated doped core of the silica fiber to produce a coupling between the silica and sapphire fibers.
US07762715B2 Cavitation generator
A method and device are provided for mixing and manipulating fluids in a multi-stage flow-through hydrodynamic cavitation system. The system comprises a cylindrical device having a flowpath with a multi-jet nozzle, spiral guides, a vortex generator and an atomizing cone disposed sequentially therein to induce cavitational features in a fluidic mixture. The sequential elements are designed to induce and dissipate the cavitational features in a multi-stage treatment process.
US07762710B2 Structure in the outer enveloping shells of christmas lamps
The present invention is to provide a structure improvement in the outer enveloping shells of Christmas lamps, which is characterized in that the outer enveloping shell is co-assembled by sleeved objects with different colors or different shell veins and formed an integrated outer shell. After being inserted, assembled and clip-fit in the lamp stand set with a LED lamp, it is then assembled and connected with an integrating stand set with the power line to form a complete Christmas lamp efficiently and practically.
US07762704B2 Optimized distribution of light extraction from an edge lit light source
An edge-lit panel features extractor patterns that produce uniform illumination. The effective density of extractor pattern pixels is adjusted to achieve uniform illumination. A method of adjusting the effective pixel density of extractor pattern pixels to achieve uniform illumination entails adjusting areas of darkness of a grayscale image, then producing a binary image by dithering the grayscale image, and applying an extractor pattern corresponding to the binary image to a surface of the panel. The extractor pixels correspond to pixels of the binary image derived from a dithered grayscale image, with the darkness of the grayscale image increasing with distance from the light source. Effective pixel density is increased to compensate for attenuated output in dim areas. By adjusting gray shading darkness of a grayscale image, pixel density can be adjusted to achieve uniform light emission. The extractor pixels may be applied using a radiation curable ink, which can be used in high speed inkjet printers that can achieve production speeds. The resulting print is waterproof, embossed and vibrant.
US07762694B2 Lighting device for vehicle and method of manufacturing the same
In a lighting device for a vehicle including a reflector in which an aluminum deposited layer is formed on a surface of a resin member, the resin member is molded through a resin obtained by adding, to a crystalline resin, a filler having a size smaller than a wavelength of a visible light, and a smooth surface and a fine concavo-convex surface are mixed into a surface of the reflector (the resin member) which is molded. The aluminum deposited layer is directly deposited on the surface of the resin, and the smooth surface is formed as a mirror finished surface and the fine concavo-convex surface is formed as a semiglossy surface. As compared with a case in which the reflector is constituted by only the simple mirror finished surface, the semiglossy surface designed to have a proper area is present so that a sense of gloss can be suppressed as a whole and a sense of high quality can be given.
US07762693B2 Lamp assembly
A lamp assembly (10) is provided. The lamp assembly includes a lamp cover (12) having a first end (120) and an opposite second end (122). The lamp cover tapers from the second end to the first end. A hydrophobic coating (128) is formed on and covers an outer surface of the lamp cover. A light source (16) is received in the lamp cover.
US07762690B2 LED lamp having an improved waterproofing structure
An LED lamp includes a heat sink, and a plurality of LED modules attached to the heat sink. The heat sink includes a base and a plurality of fins extending from the base. The LED modules each include a substrate plate thermally attached to the base of the heat sink and a plurality of LEDs mounted on the substrate plate. A housing includes a frame surrounding the base of the heat sink, and cooperates with the heat sink to define a first cavity between the frame and the base of the heat sink. A first waterproof gasket is received in the first cavity and surrounds the base of the heat sink. A hood covers over the LEDs of the LED modules and contacts the frame of the housing. A second cavity is defined among the hood, the frame of the housing and the body. A second waterproof gasket is received in the second cavity.
US07762687B2 Light source device
A light source device includes a lampshade, a lamp, a cover, a first electrical wire, a second electrical wire, and a metallic clamping element. The lampshade includes an outer sidewall surface, an inner sidewall surface, and a light exit. An electrical connector is located on the outer sidewall surface of the lampshade. The lamp is contained in the lampshade. The cover covers the light exit. One end of the first electrical wire is electrically connected to the electrical connector and another end is connected to the metallic clamping element. One end of the second electrical wire is electrically connected to the lamp and another end is connected to the metallic clamping element, thereby electrically connecting the first electrical wire to the second electrical wire.
US07762686B2 Lamp adjuster
A lamp adjuster for adjusting the aim of a headlamp. The adjuster includes a housing having a first adjustment point, a gear having a second adjustment point, and an output shaft disposed at least partially within and functionally engaging the gear. Movement of the output shaft can be effected using either the first adjustment point or the second adjustment point. The adjuster can also include a clutching feature.
US07762675B2 System and method for compensating for spoke light
The disclosed embodiments relate to a system and method for compensating for spoke light in a video unit. More specifically, there is provided a method comprising measuring a first light level during a non-spoke time of a color wheel to generate a non-spoke light level; and setting a spoke light compensation value based on the measured non-spoke light level. There is also provided a video unit comprising a light source configured to generate a first light level during a non-spoke time of a color wheel, a photodiode assembly configured to measure the first light level to generate a non-spoke light level, and a processor configured to set a spoke light compensation value based on the non-spoke light level.
US07762672B2 Data presentation apparatus and operation method of terminal
A data presentation apparatus having a function to generate a pointer image pointing a position in a presentation image is provided and includes: an image transmission section that transmits an image data of the presentation image to a terminal; a receiver that receives a control signal to determine a display position of the pointer image in the presentation image, the control signal being transmitted from the terminal; and an image generation section that generates an image data of a composite image based on the control signal, the composite image including the presentation image and the pointer image displayed in the presentation image.
US07762671B2 Projector apparatus, display output method and display output program
To provide a projector apparatus capable of giving attention stably and clearly to a specific area within an image projected and displayed on a screen, and to provide a display output method and display output program of the apparatus. For that purpose, the projector apparatus for projecting and displaying an image on a screen comprises an input section which accepts an indication of a specific area within the projected and displayed image; and an image processor that subjects a specific area and/or an other area within the image to image processing for emphasizing the specific area, the other area being an area other than the specific area in the image.
US07762667B2 Automatic lens design and manufacturing system
The present invention provides a method for designing and making a customized ophthalmic lens, such as a contact lens or an intraocular lens, capable of correcting high-order aberrations of an eye. The posterior surface of the customized contact lens is designed to accommodate the corneal topography of an eye. The design of the customized ophthalmic lens is evaluated and optimized in an optimizing routine using a computational model eye that reproduces the aberrations and corneal topography of an eye. The present invention also provides a system and method for characterizing the optical metrology of a customized ophthalmic lens that is designed to correct aberrations of an eye. Furthermore, the present invention provides a business model and method for placing an order for a pair of customized ophthalmic lenses.
US07762660B2 Clip for releasably attaching clip-on accessory to eyeglasses
A customizable clip-on accessory for spectacles includes a pair of auxiliary lenses, and clasps for engaging the lenses to join them to a bridge member and to releasably engage the spectacles. The clasps include a pair of parallel posts engagable by a fastener member having a pair of cylindrical lugs with bores extending therethrough to receive the posts in permanent fashion. The lens is drilled with hole to accept the lugs, and the posts are inserted through the bores and trimmed. A tongue extends from each clasp, and may be bent and trimmed to engage the periphery of the spectacles. Alternatively, the tongue may have a tab end that engages a bracket member provided with spaced apart flanges to engage the periphery of the spectacles. The bracket member may also be used with a clamping fastener that has a toothed edge to engage an edge portion of the auxiliary lens.
US07762657B2 Inkjet ink, processing liquid for inkjet ink, ink set for inkjet ink, ink tank for inkjet ink, inkjet recording method and inkjet recording apparatus
An ink set for an inkjet of the present invention comprises an ink and a processing liquid, wherein at least one of the ink and the processing liquid contains a water-soluble non-linear polymer. The non-linear polymer has at least one selected from the group consisting of a branched structure, a cross linking structure and a mesh structure in a molecule.
US07762656B2 Method for preventing nozzle contamination during warm-up
A method of operating a print head comprises heating the print head from a first temperature below a melting temperature of the phase change ink to a second temperature above the melting temperature. The print head has a nozzle plate with plurality of nozzles for ejecting the phase change ink onto an ink receiver. A first pressure is applied to an interior of the print head as the temperature of the print head increases from the first temperature to the second temperature. The first pressure is configured to prevent phase change ink from entering into the print head through the nozzles of the print head. The first pressure is removed from the print head in response to the print head being at approximately the second temperature.
US07762652B2 Print engine with ink storage modules incorporating collapsible bags
A print engine is provided for an inkjet printer unit. The print engine includes a cradle unit and a replaceable cartridge unit to be releasably received within the cradle unit. The cartridge unit includes an elongate body defining a row of cavities. An ink storage module assembly includes a plurality of ink storage modules received within the cavities. Each ink storage module includes a collapsible ink storage bag extending between a pair of plates. A printhead assembly is mounted to the body and includes an ink ejection integrated circuit (IC) connected to receive ink from the ink storage modules.
US07762643B2 Image forming apparatus, image forming program, image forming method, data generating apparatus, data generating program, data generating method, and recording medium with the program recorded therein
In an image forming method employing an inkjet technique, when a dot is formed by the use of a normal nozzle and an abnormal nozzle neighboring to the abnormal nozzle, binary data are corrected so as not to form the dot by the use of the abnormal nozzle and the binary data are also corrected so as to form a compensation dot, which has a color different from a color used by the abnormal nozzle, in the vicinity of a dot forming position by the abnormal nozzle. Thereby, the white stripe and the deep-colored stripe generated due to the flight bending phenomenon are almost invisible.
US07762638B2 Methods and apparatus for ink delivery to nanolithographic probe systems
Inkwells adapted for use in direct-write nanolithography and other applications including use of wells, channels, and posts. The wells can possess a geometry which matches the geometry of tips which are dipped into the inkwells. The channels can be open or closed. Hydrophilicity and hydrophobicity can be used to control ink flow. SEM can be used to characterize the inkwells. Ink flow can be monitored with video. Hydrophobic material layers can be used to prevent cross contamination. Microsyringes can be used to fill reservoirs. Satellite reservoirs can be used to prevent bubble formation.
US07762637B2 Sliding guide rail system for a drawer
A sliding guide rail system for slidably opening and closing a drawer within an article of furniture or other equipment, the system comprises a mounting bracket (10) for fixing the system to the article of furniture, a fixed guide (20) mounted on the mounting bracket, an intermediate rail (30) and a pull-out guide (40). The fixed (20) and pull-out guides (40) each have a slidably movable housing, a first slidable housing (50) enabling the intermediate rail (30) to be slidable on the fixed guide (20) and a second slidable housing (50′) enabling the pull-out guide (40) to be in turn slidable on the intermediate rail (30). Each of the fixed guide (20), intermediate rail (30) and pull-out guide (40) have stops (60) disposed thereon for limiting the sliding movement of the first (50) and second slidable housings (50′), wherein a resiliently deformable damping member (52, 52′) is located in a respective chamber (51) provided at each longitudinal end of the first and second slidable housings. The damping member (52, 52′) has a buffer portion that projects out of and beyond its chamber (51) for engaging with a stop (60) at the travel limit of the slidable housing (50, 50′), the chamber being oversized relative to the portion of the damping member disposed within the chamber whereby the chamber accommodates expansion of the damping member when it is deformed by impact with the stop.
US07762635B2 Cabinet for first-aid products
A cabinet (1) for first-aid products with an illustrated array of products distributed over and visible from a front side of the cabinet where the products can be easily grasped. The cabinet (1) includes a cabinet body (7) and two doors (2,3). A first door (2) to an inner space (4) of the cabinet (1) can be locked, the first door (2) includes openings (5) disposed to enable first-aid products to be taken out through the door (2). A second door (3) which is not lockable, is arranged on the outside of the first door (2) and the space (4) is intended to accommodate a store of first-aid products.
US07762631B2 Distributed power train operation responsive to an unexpected brake pipe fluid flow condition
A method of propagating a brake pipe braking command along a fluid carrying brake pipe (14) interconnecting members of a transportation system, the transportation system comprising a communication system (24) for exchanging information between a controlling member of the system and controlled members of the system includes identifying an unexpected brake pipe fluid flow condition at a first controlled member (e.g. 12) of the transportation system inconsistent with a communication system braking command issued by a controlling member of the transportation system. The method also includes disabling an ability of the first controlled member to control a brake pipe flow so that a brake pipe braking command issued by the controlling member is propagated along a brake pipe to a second controlled member of the transportation system downstream of the first controlled member with reduced brake pipe fluid flow interference from the first controlled member.
US07762630B2 Motor vehicle seat
The invention relates to a motor vehicle seat comprising a base frame for attachment to a motor vehicle and also comprising a seat frame and a backrest frame which are adjustably attached to the base frame and are compulsorily coupled by a synchronisation device in such a way that, during a movement of the backrest frame relative to the base frame, a compulsory pivoting movement of the seat frame takes place. The synchronisation device is designed for a non-proportional pivoting movement of the seat frame during a movement of the backrest frame.
US07762624B2 Openable vehicle roof
The invention relates to an openable vehicle roof which comprises at least one cover element (18) which is guided in lateral guiding rails (20B), by means of which said roof opening can be selectively closed or at least partially opened, and an anti-blocking device which guides along the guiding rails (20B). In order to offer active anti-blocking protection for vehicle passengers, the anti-blocking devices are formed, respectively, by a strip-shaped switching device (28) which interacts with respective guiding rail (20B) and which is connected to the control element of a cover element drive.
US07762623B2 Vehicle roof with at least two cover elements
The invention relates to a vehicle roof with two cover elements (14, 16), a front one of which can be deployed and a rear one of which serves as the sliding cover, can be lowered under the stationary vehicle roof and displaced. An embodiment of the invention relates to an actuating mechanism of a drive slide which interacts with a deployment lever in order to swivel the front cover element (14), said lever being hinged to a support of the front cover element (14). The deployment movement of the deployment lever is supported by a spring. According to another aspect of the invention, the actuating mechanism comprises a slide unit which comprises one control track each for the front cover element (14) and for the rear cover element (16). The control tracks are configured in such a manner that the displacement of the slide unit in the direction of the vehicle roof, starting from a closed position of both cover elements (14, 16), first results in both cover elements (14, 16) being deployed, a continuous displacement of the slide unit in the same direction results in the rear cover element (16) being swung back and lowered and in the rear cover element (16) being retracted.
US07762621B2 Third row seat for truck cabin
A vehicle includes a cabin and a bed. A first row seat and a second row seat are provided in the cabin, and a dividing wall separates the cabin and the bed. A third-row seat is mounted to the dividing wall, and the dividing wall is pivotable to deploy the third-row seat from a stowed position in the cabin to a deployed position in the bed.
US07762620B2 Vehicle body side structure
A vehicle body side structure is provided in which a load transmission member has a lateral inboard portion and a load-receiving member has a lateral outward portion facing the lateral inboard portion of the load transmission member. The lateral inboard portion and the lateral outward portion are configured to transmit loads, applied on a vehicle door in multiple directions from an inner door auxiliary member to a crossmember. Accordingly, the load applied to a location offset from the load transmission member and the load applied on the vehicle door in the direction oblique to the lateral direction of the vehicle are effectively transmitted to the crossmember (vehicle body) without substantial reduction of the road transmission rate. Thus, transferring the force of an offset impact as efficiently as that of an impact that occurs on the location of the load transmission member.
US07762614B2 Glass run
A glass run includes a main body portion and a pair of seal lips. Further, the glass run is constituted by a vehicle exterior side molded member and a vehicle interior side molded member divided at a bottom portion of the main body portion. Further, the vehicle exterior side molded member and the vehicle interior side molded member include engaging portions for engaging to be integrated with each other. By integrating the vehicle exterior side molded member and the vehicle interior side molded member by the engaging portions, the vehicle exterior side molded member is restricted from being shifted to move relative to the vehicle interior side molded member in a vehicle width direction and in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle interior side molded member.
US07762613B2 Latch mechanism for convertible tops
A latch mechanism for releasably locking at least a portion of a convertible top of a motor vehicle in the closed position. The latch mechanism has a locked position in which the latch mechanism is lockingly engaged with the receiver to lock at least a portion of the top in the closed position and an unlocked position in which the latch mechanism is disengaged with the receiver and allows movement of the at least portion of the top between the closed and open positions. The latch mechanism has a memory metal element operative for actuating the latch mechanism between the locked and unlocked positions.
US07762605B2 Locking device
A spring force of a thrust spring can be determined independently of a spring force of a locking spring, reducing an operating load of an unlocking operation. A locking device includes a locking mechanism provided on one of two members to be engaged with each other, and a striker provided on the other of the two members. The locking mechanism includes a base plate, a hook, a pawl, a cam, a locking spring, a thrust spring and a canceling plate. The base plate has a recess that is capable of receiving the striker. The hook, when rotated relative to the base plate, is capable of forming a locked condition in which the striker is held between the hook and the recess of the base plate or an unlocked condition in which the hook is spaced away from the striker. The pawl is capable of rotating relative to the base plate and maintaining the hook in the locked condition. The cam is capable of further pressing the hook in the locked condition toward a locking direction. The locking spring is capable of biasing the hook and the pawl such that the hook and the pawl are stabilized in the locked condition or the unlocked condition. The thrust spring is capable of biasing the cam in a direction to press the hook. The canceling plate is rotatably supported via a shaft of the hook and is coaxially rotatable with the hook. The canceling plate has a movable range in which the canceling plate can rotate relative to the hook and has a contacting portion that is capable of contacting the striker within the movable range when the hook is in the locked condition.
US07762601B2 Vehicle container interface
A storage assembly for a vehicle includes a vehicle structure, a removable storage container and a container attachment member. The removable storage container is moveable between a retained position and a release position. The container attachment member is coupled to the vehicle structure, and the container attachment member is moveable between a first position and a second position. The container attachment member is configured to engage the storage container and retain the storage container in the retained position when the container attachment member is in the first position. The container attachment member is configured to be disengaged from the storage container for movement of the storage container between the retained and released positions when the container attachment member is in the second position.
US07762596B1 Urine sample retrieval device
Device and method for collecting animal urine including a tray mounted to an elongated handle which is at least partially hollow. The handle, at one end, is interconnected to a tray to be deployed beneath the animal in advance of urination. At its other end, the handle is configured as a hand grip. Located at a point along the handle and spaced away from the tray, is a collection bottle mount to which is connected a specimen collection bottle within direct flow connection with the tray via the partially hollow handle. The bottle and mount serve as a second handle for steadying control of the device. By tipping the handle such that the tray is raised above the handle, urine collected in the tray is drained directly to the bottle. The bottle includes a slit wafer ensuring against spillage when the bottle is removed for recapping and transport for analysis.
US07762592B2 Tube fitting for stainless steel tubing
A tube fitting that uses only two components, namely a fitting body and a fitting nut. The nut and body are adapted to be threadably coupled together by relative rotation therebetween. The nut includes an integral tube gripping ring that cooperates with a camming surface on the body when the fitting is made-up. The camming surface preferably has a steep camming angle. The ring is radially compressed against the tube outer wall to form a seal and a tight tube grip. The ring also forms a line contact-type seal against the camming surface. The ring is designed to have a hinging action and to plastically deform during pull-up to embed into the tubing for excellent tube grip, and an axially adjacent swage or collet zone that isolates any stress riser resulting from the embedding action from vibration effects. The fitting components, and particularly the ring, may be case hardened, the fitting may include a self-gauging feature to indicate sufficient pull-up to prevent excessive pull-up. Also provided is a single ferrule tube fitting that uses a steep camming surface and is at least about 3.3 times harder than the stainless steel tube end.
US07762591B2 Security document
The invention concerns a security document (7) having a first transparent region (72) in which a first transparent optical element (74) is arranged and a second region (71) in which a second opaque optical element (73) is arranged. The second opaque optical element (73) exhibits a first optical effect. The first region (72) and the second region (71) are arranged in mutually spaced relationship on a carrier (75) of the security document, in such a way that the first and second regions can be brought into mutually overlapping relationship. Upon overlap of the second optical element with the first optical element with a first spacing (26) between the first and second optical elements a second optical effect appears and upon overlap of the second optical element with the first optical element with a second spacing (25) between the first and second optical elements, which is greater than the first spacing (26), a third optical effect (51) which is different from the second optical effect appears.
US07762587B2 Body frame structure of straddle-type four wheeled vehicle
An object of the invention is to provide a body frame structure for a straddle-type four wheeled vehicle having a light weight and a high rigidity. The body frame structure included, a pair of right and left upper frame members, a pair of right and left lower frame members; a front frame member; and a pair of right and left bracket members connecting rear ends of the upper frame members and rear ends of the lower frame members. The upper frame members, the lower frame members, the front frame member and the bracket members are made of aluminum or alloy including aluminum.
US07762585B2 Gas generator
A baffle system (30) for use in a gas generating system (10). The baffle system (30) includes a plurality of adjacent plates (82a, 82b, 86), each plate of the plurality of adjacent plates having at least one through orifice formed therein. Each orifice in any given plate of the plurality of adjacent plates (82a, 82b, 86) is in fluid communication with at least one orifice in each plate adjacent the given plate so as to provide at least one gas flow path extending through the plurality of adjacent plates. A gas generating system (10) incorporating the baffle system (30), and a vehicle occupant protection system (180) incorporating the gas generating system (10), are also described.
US07762569B2 Cycle having unique balancing capabilities
A cycle is disclosed that has at least one wheel with an axle rotatably mounted to a pair of opposing support plates. A seat is mounted to an upper end of an inverted Y-shaped seat support frame that includes two lower ends each pivotally mounted at a seat pivot to one of the support plates. A handlebar is mechanically coupled to each support plate with the handlebar being forward of the axle. In use, a user may balance on the cycle by manipulating the distance between the handlebar and the seat, facilitating the fine adjustment of the center of gravity of the cycle over the wheel.
US07762568B2 Stiffening device
The stiffening device of the present invention is provided between left and right shock absorber support portions formed in a vehicle body, and includes a left side shaft and a right side shaft fixed to the left and right shock absorber support portions, respectively, and a rotation allowing portion that connects the left side shaft and right side shaft in a vehicle width direction central portion of the vehicle body, and allows the left side shaft and right side shaft to rotate. Fixing locations in which the left side shaft and right side shaft are fixed to the shock absorber support portions are disposed further toward a vehicle front side than the position of a rod axis of the shock absorber in the vicinity of the shock absorber support portion.
US07762564B2 Ski sledge
A description is given of a ski sledge having a swiveling front ski (1) with steering means (6), two essentially mutually parallel rear skis (2, 3) and a seat (4) connected via one or more rods (7) to the steering means, where the rear skis (2, 3) are connected to the sledge by means of a parallelogram arrangement.
US07762562B2 Vehicle attitude control apparatus
A vehicle attitude control apparatus has suspensions Sfl, Srl, Sfr, and Srr that suspend each of front-left, rear-left, front-right and rear-right wheels Wfl, Wrl, Wfr, and Wrr; electric motors 21, 22, 23 and 24 that independently drive each of four wheels; lateral acceleration sensor 31; and controller 32. The controller 32 calculates the roll angle and roll direction of a vehicle body BD by using the detected lateral acceleration. Further, the controller 32 increases or decreases the driving torques generated by the electric motors 21 to 24 by a driving torque changing amount in accordance with the calculated roll angle and roll direction. With the increase or decrease in the driving torques generated by the electric motors 21 to 24 by the driving torque changing amount, downward force is generated on the vehicle body moving up upon the vehicle roll (at respective instant centers determined by the suspensions at the side where the vehicle body moves up), and upward force is generated on the vehicle body moving down upon the vehicle roll (at respective instant centers determined by the suspensions at the side where the vehicle body moves down).
US07762560B2 Clamping chuck
A clamping chuck has a chuck body and clamping jaws that are shiftable in radial jaw guides. Conveying elements are radially guided in the chuck body. Lubricant is pumped into lubricating orifices, and through them to lubrication points by radial motion of the conveying elements. Each pocket has at least one pump piston in a cylinder bore of the conveying element, and is held in the pocket in so that the conveying element moves relative to the pump piston. The pump piston protrudes through the conveying element and into the radially outer region of the pocket. The tubular end portion is connected to the piston space. A first nonreturn valve is provided in the pump piston. The piston space is connected to a lubricating orifice of the chuck body, and a second nonreturn valve allows lubricant flow from the piston chamber to the lubricant conduit.
US07762557B2 Trivia game and method of play
A method of playing a trivia game includes the step of registering a plurality of players to participate in the trivia game. Then, providing a clue to the plurality of players and receiving an answer from each player participating in the trivia game. Next, eliminating players associated with an incorrect answer and allowing players associated with a correct answer to continue participating in the trivia game. The steps of providing the clue, receiving the answer and eliminating players are repeated until one of only one player who provided correct answers remains before the trivia game ended, at least one player who provided correct answers remains when the trivia game ended and all registered players have been eliminated before the trivia game ended.
US07762556B1 Apparatus for playing sports-related, table and floor games
Apparatus for playing sports-related, table and floor games includes a single sheet of material having a front surface layer defining a smooth exposed playing surface and a rear surface layer, and defines left and right center panels, a spine panel section arranged therebetween, left and right side panel sections connected to the left and right center panels respectively, and left and right longitudinal edge panels connected to the left and right side panel sections, respectively. Cuts extend through the front and rear surface layers in lateral edge portions between the longitudinal edge panels and adjacent side panel sections, and separation lines are present between the panels and panel sections to enable the panels and panel sections to pivot relative to one another to allow folding. A stabilizing structure forms walls perpendicular to the smooth playing surface to provide a playing structure. Game accessories associated with the sheet enable game-play.
US07762555B1 Device for holding and viewing playing cards
A device for holding and viewing playing cards is herein provided and discloses an apparatus that allows the viewing of playing cards that are placed down on the device for players who have limited use of their hands or would benefit from such a device. The device takes the form of an angled stand, preferably comprising approximate dimensions of four (4) inches by six (6) inches where a portion of this area is used to hold the cards face down, as placed there by a dealer or a player's assistant. The device is shielded so that adjacent players are denied the ability to view the cards. A dual mirror assembly is visible through a viewing window that is used by the player. In such a manner, players with limited or no use of their hands or arms can see their cards in an easy manner without the aid of another person. Alternate embodiments for the present device comprise different sizes to facilitate any number of playing cards required by desired card games.
US07762553B2 Form-fitting electronic game controller cover
A cover for a video game controller for precision gaming therewith, the cover being formed as a holster defined by opposing lobes for seating the respective lobes of the controller, with a central strap joined integrally on one side of the holster and fastenable around it by opposing hook and loop fastening pads. The cover is defined by one or more stretch fabric insets to impart a degree of resiliency, thereby ensuring a taught form-fitting configuration. The cover fabric is a two-layer or three-layer sandwich with faux leather exterior and optional padding. The combination of the elastic inset(s) and adjustable fold-over strap afford a snug tailored fit for precision gaming with Xbox360™, Nintendo Wii™ and PlayStation 3™ controllers, among others, either cable or wireless versions.
US07762552B2 Movable gate with fluid damper for directing media sheets within an image forming apparatus
The present application is directed to devices and methods for directing media sheets moving along a media path within an image forming apparatus. In one embodiment, a gate is positioned in proximity to the media path. The gate may include an elongated shape that extends across at least a section of the media path. A fluid damper may be operatively connected to the gate and may include a shaft and a chamber that holds fluid. The shaft is rotationally positioned with a first section within the chamber and a second section extending outward from the chamber. Rotation of the shaft in a first direction may force the fluid within the chamber to move relative to the body and cause the gate to move to a first position in the media path to direct the media sheets towards a first part of the media path. Rotation of the shaft in a second direction may force the fluid within the chamber to move relative to the body and cause the gate to move to a second position to direct the media sheets towards a second part of the media path.
US07762551B1 Paper feeding module and multi-function peripheral having the same
A multi-function peripheral includes a main body and a paper feeding module which includes a paper outlet structure, a tray and a gate. The paper outlet structure is disposed at the main body and has a first paper outlet and a second paper outlet below the first paper outlet. The tray is disposed movably up and down at the paper outlet structure, so as to support papers fed out from the paper outlet structure. The gate is pivoted at the paper outlet structure and near the second paper outlet. When the papers are fed out from the first paper outlet, the tray is below the first paper outlet and the gate covers the second paper outlet. When the papers are fed out from the second paper outlet, the tray is below the second paper outlet and the gate does not cover the second paper outlet.
US07762545B2 Image formation apparatus
An image formation apparatus includes a paper supply section, a feeding section, a cam, a baseplate and an arm portion. The paper supply section is withdrawably mounted at a main body of the image formation apparatus. The feeding section is provided at the image formation apparatus main body and feeds a sheet. The cam is provided at the image formation apparatus main body and rotates in conjunction with the feeding section. The baseplate is provided at the paper supply section and is urgeable the sheet toward the feeding section. The arm portion is swingably provided at the paper supply section. When the paper supply section is installed at the image formation apparatus main body, the arm portion swings with rotation of the cam together with the feeding section and, via the resilient member, the arm portion urges the baseplate toward the feeding section.
US07762544B2 Paper sheet feeding device
A paper sheet feeding device for sequentially feeding, to a conveyance path, mail items simultaneously received includes a suction mechanism provided adjacent to a pickup position. The suction mechanism includes a chamber having an opening opposed to the pickup position, a guide plate provided at the opening of the chamber, and two projections vertically arranged on the surface of the guide plate. When air is drawn from the pickup position through a plurality of suction holes formed in the guide plate, the leading one of the mail items closest to the pickup position is drawn to the pickup position, and is curved between the two projections. A handling nozzle blows air into the space that is formed between the leading mail item and a subsequent mail item when the leading mail item is curved.
US07762543B2 Automatic document feeder and image reading device
An automatic document feeder includes a document tray, an output tray on which the document for which image reading is finished is placed, a roller applying carrying force to the document by rotating and contacting the document, and a movable ejection flap. The ejection flap is movable between a first position where the document for which image reading is finished is sunk into a position between the output tray and a bottom of a document already stacked on the output tray and a second position where the document is ejected on the output tray without being sunk into the position between the output tray and the bottom of the stacked document. The automatic document feeder also includes a switching unit to switch between a first motion of transmitting driving force of a driving source to the movable ejection flap and a second motion of transmitting driving force to the roller.
US07762538B2 Gatherer stitcher with variable chain pitch and method for adapting an endless gatherer chain to a format of a product
A gatherer stitcher includes an endless gatherer chain for gathering and transporting folded sheets astride the chain. The gatherer chain has chain roof segments and driving elements being adjustable in position. In an inactive position, a driving element that can be folded forms part of the roof of the gatherer chain and, in another, active position, projects out of the roof of the gatherer chain transversely relative to the conveying direction. The driving element can be driven by a control device. A method for adapting the endless gatherer chain to a format of a product is also provided.
US07762532B2 Load equalizing rope termination and method
A load equalizing rope termination serves to prevent a load imbalance between a pair of rope leads of a rope termination. The rope termination includes an end section such as an end loop and the pair of rope leads attached to a pair of rope ends. A rope termination fitting includes a base support member over which the end section is supported, and a pair of load equalizing support members disposed upstream of the base support member and over which the rope ends are supported. The engagement between the rope ends and the equalizing support members prevents a load imbalance of the rope leads.
US07762531B2 Calibrated mechanical winch and method of manufacture
A ratchet-driven mechanical winch that is adapted to measure the force applied to a cable, wire, or other tether through the operation of Hooke's Law. The device operates by compressing a pair of linear springs as increasing force is applied to the cable, wire, or other tether.
US07762528B2 Drain valve for pallet-type container
A drain valve used on an at least partially dielectric container has a valve housing made of electrically nonconductive plastic, fixed to the container, and forming a passage opening into the container so that fluent contents of the container can flow out of the container through the passage. A valve body formed at least partially of an electrically conductive material is movable in the passage between a closed position blocking flow through the passage and an open position permitting flow through the passage. An actuating element outside the housing is connected to the body for shifting same between its positions.
US07762527B2 Vacuum valve
A vacuum valve comprises a valve body with a valve opening, a valve plate which is adjustable from an open position, in which it releases the valve opening, to an intermediate position, in which it covers the valve opening but is lifted from the valve seat, into a closed position in which it contacts the valve seat, and from the closed position to the intermediate position into the open position, a valve rod carrying the valve plate, a transverse drive unit by which the valve plate can be displaced in a transverse adjusting direction extending transverse to the longitudinal axis of the valve opening, a longitudinal drive unit by which the valve plate can be displaced in a longitudinal adjusting direction extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the valve opening and opposite the longitudinal adjusting direction, and a guide device by which the transverse drive unit is guided so as to be displaceable relative to the valve body parallel to the longitudinal adjusting direction. The transverse drive unit is displaced relative to the valve body parallel to the longitudinal adjusting direction when the valve plate is adjusted from its intermediate position to its closed position and from its closed position to its intermediate position.
US07762520B2 Servo valve for a vacuum system
The invention provides a servo valve which is operable in vacuum systems and can be switched between an open and a closed state even by use of low forces. For that purpose, the valve has a closure member (4) moving between the open and a closed position under influence of a difference between a control pressure of a control chamber (13) and the pressures of the intake (2) and outlet (3), respectively. The control chamber is in constant fluid communication with the intake, and in adjustable fluid communication with the outlet to influence the control pressure mainly by the intake pressure and the outlet pressure depending on the adjustable fluid communication. The invention further provides a vacuum system with such a servo valve.
US07762519B2 Supporting device with good usability for electronic apparatus and electronic apparatus
For installing an apparatus body of an electronic apparatus at a standing state on a supporting surface, the supporting device includes a leg and support. The leg is rotatably provided on a back surface of the apparatus body at the standing state and is used for holding the apparatus body supported by the supporting surface. The support is rotatably provided on the back surface and engaged with the leg for defining an angle of the leg with respect to the back surface. The leg and the support are foldable in substantially parallel to the back surface without overlapping with each other.
US07762513B2 Display screen turning apparatus
A display screen turning apparatus includes a base portion for placing a display screen portion thereon, a transmission gear portion for transmitting driving force of a driving source arranged inside the base portion, a display screen support member supporting the display screen portion rotatably in a horizontal plane and a vertical plane, a rack plate arranged on the base portion and including a rack gear meshed with the transmission gear portion in a horizontal direction, and a coupling portion rotatably coupling the rack plate in the horizontal plane with respect to the display screen support member. The display screen support member is rotated in the anteroposterior direction with respect to the vertical plane by a prescribed angle through the coupling portion coupled to the rack plate following reciprocation of the rack plate in the horizontal plane with normal and reverse rotation of the driving source.
US07762511B1 Display hanger for non-prescription reading glasses and case
A hanger system for holding glasses and a case includes a hanger made from a thin web. A flexible strip is connected to the main body of the web at a hinge point where the strip flexes away from the body. The strip is connected to an arm of the glasses with a fastener, such as a tie wrap. A portion of the body slidably engages the case, wherein the body is located substantially inside the case and the flexible strip is flexed away from the body at the hinge point and located outside the case. An upper edge of the case is located at the hinge point such that the body is inside and the strip is outside the case. The pair of arms opens to accommodate a user trying on the glasses with the case attached.
US07762509B2 Gas turbine engine systems involving rotatable annular supports
Gas turbine engine systems involving rotatable annular supports are provided. In this regard, a representative support assembly for a gas turbine engine includes: a rotatable member having a first end located about a first annulus; and a stationary member located about a second annulus; the first end of the rotatable member being rotatably coupled with the stationary member, with at least a portion of the first annulus being coextensive with at least a portion of the second annulus, the first end being operative to rotate locally with respect to a corresponding portion of the stationary member.
US07762508B2 Fixing structure of a rod member for use in shower curtains
A fixing structure of a rod member for use in shower curtains comprises a holder, a connecting member and two cover pieces screwed at the end portions of the holder, wherein the holder includes a fixing groove formed therein and a gap, the width of which is less than the diameter of the fixing grove, arranged at one side thereof, and includes a connecting member axially disposed in the fixing groove thereof and having pivotal shafts mounted at two end portions thereof, and having an insertion notch for inserting a rod member therein secured on the outer peripheral surface thereof, and includes the cover pieces screwed at two end portions thereof and having axial opening in response to the pivotal shafts of the connecting member attached thereon, thereby utilizing the connecting member to fixing various types of rod members.