Document Document Title
US07872457B2 Syncronous switching regulator control circuit
A switching regulator includes a first switching regulator corresponding to a master channel, and a second switching regulator corresponding to a slave channel. The first switching regulator generates first output voltage Vout1 by a constant on-time system in which on-time is constant. On the other hand, the second switching regulator monitors a first switching signal and a second on-time control circuit determines on-time of a second switching signal in accordance with lapse time from the rising time of the first switching signal to the rising time of a second switching signal.
US07872453B2 Customer intelligent reactive power automatic compensation energy-saved device
A power supply compensation, particularly relating to a customer intelligent reactive power automatic compensation energy-saved device, which includes an intelligent reactive power compensation regulator, a plurality of branch capacitor control contactors, a plurality of capacitor banks and a current transformer. The intelligent reactive power compensation regulator is provided with a sampling current input, a sampling voltage input, an external AC contactor power bus and a plurality of output control lines, the sampling current input is connected to the current transformer, the sampling voltage input is connected to the power supply, the external AC contactor power bus is connected to a live wire of the power supply, the capacitor banks are connected to the power supply through the branch capacitor control contactors.
US07872450B1 Adaptive battery charging
A system includes an input configured to connect to a power source providing an input voltage, an output configured to connect to a load and to transfer power from the power source to the load, a battery selectively coupled to the input to receive current from the power source, a detector configured to indicate whether the input voltage drops more than a threshold amount, and a processor configured to regulate the selective coupling of the battery to the input to regulate a charging current supplied to the battery, the processor configured to regulate the selective coupling such that if a first charge current induces a drop in the input voltage beyond the threshold amount, then the processor will change the charging current to a second charge current that is lower than the first charge current.
US07872447B2 Electrical storage apparatus for use in auxiliary power supply supplying electric power from electric storage device upon voltage drop of main power supply
In an electrical storage apparatus including an electric storage device connected between a main power supply and a load, a first bypass FET and a bypass diode which are connected in series between the main power supply and the load are provided, and first and second main path FETs connected in series between the electric storage device and the load are provided. A controller judges that the first bypass FET suffers an open-circuit failure if the voltage (Va) of the load is equal to or smaller than the first threshold value Vth1 or if the voltage (Vc) at the connection point between the first bypass FET and the bypass diode is equal to or smaller than the second threshold value Vth2, when the first bypass FET is turned on and the first main path FET and the second main path FET are turned off.
US07872446B2 Submersible/sterilizable battery
A battery pack for a sterilizable instrument, such as a medical endoscope. The battery pack includes batteries removably positioned within an enclosure which mounts a first grouping of electrical contacts engaged with the battery contacts. The enclosure includes an outer end wall which sealingly encloses the first grouping of contacts. The outer end wall mounts a second grouping of electrical contacts which are normally resiliently maintained in a first position spaced from the contacts of the first grouping. The contacts of the second grouping sealingly penetrate through the outer end wall. When the battery pack is engaged on the instrument, the contacts of the second grouping engage third contacts on the instrument, causing the contacts of the second grouping to move into a second position where they directly engage contacts of the first grouping to provide electrical power to the instrument. When the battery pack is removed from the instrument, the contacts of the second grouping are resiliently returned to the first position, whereupon the batteries can be sterilized.
US07872443B2 Current limiting parallel battery charging system to enable plug-in or solar power to supplement regenerative braking in hybrid or electric vehicle
To provide additional charge storage for an electric vehicle, an additional battery (100) is connected in parallel with a regenerative braking direct charged battery (22) through a current limiting circuit (104 or 120). The additional battery (100) is charged by an external charger such as a plug-in charger or a solar panel that supply minimal current to prevent generation of battery heat. Current flows from the additional battery (100) to the regenerative braking charged batteries (22) so that both batteries can be charged. However, when excessive charge is drawn to drive the vehicle electric motor (20), the current limiter circuit (104 or 120) serves to prevent the discharge of additional battery (100) from creating excessive heat in the additional battery (100). Further, when regenerative braking is applied the current limiter circuit (120), or a diode buffer (102) in combination with current limiter (104), serves to prevent charging from creating excessive heat in the additional battery (100) and eliminates the need for a cooling structure in the additional battery (100).
US07872432B2 MEMS thermal device with slideably engaged tether and method of manufacture
A MEMS thermal switch is disclosed which couples a hot, expanding beam to a cool flexor beam using a slideably engaged tether, and bends the cool, flexor beam by the expansion of the hot beam. A rigidly engaged tether ties the distal ends of the hot, expanding beam and the cool, flexor beam together, whereas the slideably engaged tether allows the hot, expanding beam to elongate with respect to the cool, flexor beam, without loading the slideably engaged tether with a large shear force. As a result, the material of the tether can be made stiffer, and therefore transmit the bending force of the hot, expanding beam more efficiently to the cool, flexor beam.
US07872431B2 Digital controlled multi-light driving apparatus
A digital controlled multi-light driving apparatus of the invention is for driving and controlling at least one AC-driven light and at least one DC-driven light. The digital controlled multi-light driving apparatus includes at least one first oscillation step-up circuit for driving the AC-driven light, at least one second oscillation step-up circuit for driving the DC-driven light; and a digital control circuit. The digital control circuit has a digital switching signal generating circuit and a multiplex feedback-control calculating circuit. The digital switching signal generating circuit connects to each of the first oscillation step-up circuit and the second oscillation step-up circuit and generates a first set of digital switching signals and a second digital switching signal respectively to the first oscillation step-up circuit and the second oscillation step-up circuit. The multiplex feedback-control calculating circuit has a control-calculating unit and an A/D converting unit. The control-calculating unit controls the digital switching signal generating circuit, and controls a phase and a duty cycle of one of the first set of the digital switching signals and the second digital switching signal generated by the digital switching signal generating circuit according to digital feedback signals from the A/D converting unit. The A/D converting unit converts feedback signals from the AC-driven light and the DC-driven light into the digital feedback signals, respectively. The first oscillation step-up circuit and the second oscillation step-up circuit are controlled according to the first set of digital switching signals and the second digital switching signal, respectively.
US07872428B1 Line or low voltage AC dimmer circuits with compensation for temperature related changes
TRIAC or SCR based dimmer circuits with temperature compensation features to enable them to also function properly with outdoor line or low voltage AC light fixtures. The TRIAC's or the SCR's operate as static switches that are ideal for driving directly resistive loads, such as incandescent lamps, in line or low voltage AC dimmer circuits. The performance of this type of a circuit is very temperature dependent but it can be compensated for temperature related changes in the output or load RMS voltage by means of preventing variations in the trigger angle the circuit is running at. Temperature compensation is achieved by means of zener diodes being incorporated in the trigger circuit section of a TRIAC or an SCR based dimmer circuit.
US07872427B2 Dimming circuit for LED lighting device with means for holding TRIAC in conduction
The invention disclosed herein is a dynamic dummy load to allow a phase control dimmer to be used with LED lighting. The invention includes providing a dynamic dummy load to provide a load to the dimmer when the LED electronics do not provide sufficient load due to start up issues or ringing in the circuit, the dynamic dummy load providing a reduced flow of current when the LED and its converter electronics provide sufficient current draw from the dimmer. The system generally includes a power source electrically connected to a phase control dimmer, the phase control dimmer electrically connected to converter circuitry to convert the AC power output of the dimmer to DC power output for powering the LED lighting, a dynamic dummy load electrically connected in parallel with the converter circuitry, the dummy load varying its current draw in response to operation of the converter circuitry.
US07872423B2 Smart load control device having a rotary actuator
A load control device for controlling the amount of power delivered from an AC power source to an electrical load comprises a rotary actuator, such as a rotary knob or a rotary wheel. The load control device increases and decreases the amount of power delivered to the electrical load in response to rotations of the rotary knob in first and second directions, respectively. The load control device accelerates the rate of change of the amount of power delivered to the load in response to the angular velocity of the rotary actuator. The load control device generates a ratcheting sound when the rotary actuator is rotated in the first direction at a high-end intensity of the load control device. The load control device is operable to control the electrical load in response to both actuations of the rotary actuator and digital messages received via a communication link.
US07872422B2 Ion source with recess in electrode
An ion source capable of generating and/or emitting an ion beam which may be used to deposit a layer on a substrate or to perform other functions is provided. The ion source includes at least one anode and at least one cathode. In certain example embodiments, the anode may have a recess formed therein in which ions to be included in the ion beam may accelerate. Walls of the recess optionally may be insulated using, for example, ceramic. One or more holes may be provided to allow a supply of gas to flow into the recess, and those holes optionally may be tapered such that they narrow towards the recess. Thus, certain example embodiments produce an ion source having a higher energy efficiency (e.g., having increasing ion energy).
US07872421B2 Device for fluorescent tube armatures
The present invention relates to a device for fluorescent tube armatures, the device being intended to replace a previously occurring fluorescent tube. The device has a light emitting diode unit (4) comprising at least one electrical drive unit (4.1), which is connected to at least one phase wire, as well as is connected to at least one neutral wire via at least one wire (4.2) comprising at least one light-emitting diode (4.3).
US07872419B2 Plasma display panel capable of reducing the defect rate of a dielectric layer and method of manufacturing the same
A plasma display panel (PDP) capable of reducing the defect rate of a dielectric layer is provided. The PDP includes a first substrate, a second substrate spaced from the first substrate by a predetermined distance, a barrier rib structure disposed between the first and second substrates and defining discharge cells in cooperation with the first and second substrates, sustain electrodes arranged between the first and second substrates, a first dielectric layer covering the sustain electrodes, a phosphor layer arranged within the discharge cells, a frit disposed on edges of the first and second substrates between the first and second substrates, and a discharge gas arranged within the discharge cells, wherein at least portions of corners of the first dielectric layer are curved toward the center of the first dielectric layer so as not to contact the frit.
US07872416B2 Electroluminescent display
An electrode layer (2) formed by a transparent conductive varnish is applied to a mineral or plastic glass carrier. Afterwards, a luminescent layer (3) formed by a transparent matrix (5) provided with electroluminophors (4) incorporated therein is disposed within contours defining an image surface. Said luminescent layer (3) is dividable into several discrete partial areas. A rear silver-containing electrode layer (7) extends within the a luminescent layer (3) contours above a surface whose size is approximately equal to the size of the luminescent layer (3) but leaves a narrow edge area (8) thereof free. The structure also comprises an insulating transparent layer (9) provided with recesses (10) in the area of the rear electrode layer (7) in order to bring it into contact for voltage supply from a rear face. Said rear electrode layer (7) is brought into contact through the recesses (10) of the insulating layer (9) by means of a transparent conductive varnish contact layer (12). The inventive electroluminescent display is insulated on the rear face thereof by a rear transparent insulating layer (14).
US07872414B2 Light emitting element and display device with improved external coupling efficiency
A light-emitting device which is manufactured by a simple manufacturing method and which efficiently extracts light emitted from an emissive layer outward to improve the light extraction efficiency. The light-emitting device comprises a first electrode, a second electrode and an emissive layer disposed between them and extracts a part of light emitted from the emissive layer as radiated light. In this light-emitting device, the first electrode, the nano-structure layer for extracting the radiated light, and a gap having a refractive index lower than an average refractive index of the emissive layer and a nano-structure layer, are arranged in that order in a direction in which the radiated light is extracted.
US07872404B2 Piezoelectric vibrating reed device having improved electrode design
A piezoelectric vibrating reed includes a piezoelectric plate made of a piezoelectric material, a pair of exciter electrodes formed on outer surfaces of the piezoelectric plate and configured to vibrate the piezoelectric plate when a predetermined voltage is applied thereon, and a pair of mount electrodes electrically connected to the pair of exciter electrodes, respectively. One mount electrode in the pair of mount electrodes is formed on one surface (under surface) of the piezoelectric plate and the other mount electrode is formed on the other surface (top surface) of the piezoelectric plate in a state not to oppose the one mount electrode with the piezoelectric plate in between. Accordingly, not only can power be saved, but also higher performance can be achieved by lowering the R1 characteristic and thereby enhancing the vibration characteristic.
US07872398B2 Piezoelectric actuator module having a sheath, and a method for its production
A piezoelectric actuator module having a multilayer structure of piezoelectric elements is proposed as a piezoelectric actuator, wherein a different polarity of an electric voltage is alternately applied to inner electrodes which are arranged between piezoelectric layers of the piezoelectric elements in the direction of the layer structure of the piezoelectric elements, said module having an actuator foot and an actuator head composed of steel and having an elastic insulation medium which surrounds at least the piezoelectric elements in predefined limits. At least one annular groove or recess, into which a material which can be crosslinked with the insulation medium is vulcanized, is provided on the actuator foot and/or on the actuator head, and a flexible, weldable hose or sheath lies encompasses the piezoelectric element, and at least above the grooves or recesses containing the material as an insulation medium the weldable hose is welded to the material in the grooves or recesses.
US07872393B2 Axial gap type superconducting motor
Stators 12 and 13 are disposed with required air gaps in an axial direction of a rotor 11 so as to face each other, a plurality of field bodies 15 or permanent magnets 33 are disposed in the rotor 11, and a plurality of armature coils 17 and 19 are disposed in the stators 12 and 13 around the axis. At least one of the field bodies 15 or permanent magnets 33 and the armature coils 17 and 19 are formed from a superconductive material such that their magnetic flux directions are directed to the axial direction.
US07872392B2 Rotating electrical machine
A rotating electrical machine, especially a turbogenerator, includes a rotor and a stator, which concentrically surrounds the rotor and is terminated at each of the two axial ends by a laminated press plate (14), which is constructed from a stack of individual press plate laminates (30). The electrical properties are improved by providing the press plate laminates (30) at least partially with slits (26) for reducing the eddy current losses.
US07872389B2 Electric drive having a bell-shaped armature and external permanent magnet elements
The invention relates to an electric drive having a stationary outer and inner stator and a rotor, a plurality of permanent magnet elements being disposed on the rotor for producing an excitation flux and at least one electrical field coil being provided. The rotor comprises at least one bell-shaped part having a cylindrical wall and a base wall. Said base wall is mounted perpendicularly and the cylindrical wall coaxially in relation to the axis of the rotor shaft. The base wall is connected to the rotor shaft for transmitting a force or a torque. The permanent magnet elements rest on one side on the cylindrical wall and are secured side by side to the rotor of the drive in the peripheral direction. The permanent magnets, interact with the outer and inner stator, to give magnetic circuits which completely extend through the cylindrical part of the rotor in the radial direction, the permanent magnet elements being arranged only on the exterior of the cylindrical wall.
US07872378B2 Power management system
A power management system for coupling to a worksite power-supply network and a PoE (Power over Ethernet) network, includes a power receiving terminal for receiving an input operating voltage with 24 volt DC from the worksite power-supply network, a voltage converter for converting the input operating voltage into an output operating voltage, and a power output terminal for transmitting the output operating voltage to a powered device coupled to the PoE network.
US07872376B2 Multi-input power-switching circuit
The present invention discloses a multi-input power-switching circuit, which comprises: more than one power input terminal, more than one detection/evaluation circuit, and a switching/controlling unit. A switch is arranged in the path via which the input power is received by the power input terminal and then transferred to the power conversion unit. Each detection/evaluation circuit receives a partial voltage signal from one input power and generates a detection signal according to the partial voltage signal. The switching/controlling unit receives the detection signals from the detection/evaluation circuits, determines which power input terminal has a higher voltage level according to the detection signals, and generates a turn-on signal to turn on the switch connected with the power input terminal having a higher voltage level. Thereby, the power conversion unit can acquire a higher voltage input power and provide a stable driving power for a load.
US07872372B1 Power circuit
A device for delivering a desired power to a load comprises a voltage detection module, a comparator module, a power regulation module, and a current source. The voltage detection module generates a voltage signal based on a voltage across the load. The comparator module compares a first value based on the voltage signal to a power reference signal. The power reference signal is based on the desired power. The power regulation module generates a digital code based on the comparison. The current source provides a current to the load. The current is based on a predetermined constant current and a second value. The second value is based on the digital code.
US07872371B2 Power line E-field coupler and associated systems and methods
The power line electric field (E-field) coupler device is for collecting energy from a power line and includes a flexible stack of alternating electrically conductive layers and dielectric layers. A power collecting circuit is connected to the flexible stack to output power therefrom based upon E-field coupling from the power line to the flexible stack, and an adjustment mechanism adjusts at least a shape of the flexible stack.
US07872364B1 Fluid driven energy generator
The present invention may be used for converting fluid flow into an alternate energy form. A generally cylindrical enclosure may have a side wall with a plurality of slots longitudinally formed therein and with two opposed ends. Two drive members of a shaft may be spaced apart, positioned longitudinally on a centerline, and rotatably attached each to one of the two opposed ends. Each of the two drive members at an interior end may have an orthogonal member attached and a paddle shaft may be attached at a leverage end of the orthogonal members. Multiple paddles may be circumferentially spaced and radially attached at a first edge to rotate on the paddle shaft with an outer edge disposed to allow extension and retraction through one of the slots.
US07872363B2 Wave energy harvesting and hydrogen-oxygen generation systems and methods
A system for harvesting energy from wave oscillation includes an energy harvesting vessel and, possibly, a transport vessel. The energy harvesting vessel can have multiple hulls disposed in parallel with wave channels there between for receiving incoming waves. Multiple bobber devices can be disposed in series within each wave channel to absorb energy from incoming waves. Reciprocating movement of buoyant float heads of the bobber devices can be converted to electrical energy by a hydraulic engine and a generator. The electrical energy can power an electrolyzer to separate supplied water into hydrogen and oxygen. Once harvested, the hydrogen and oxygen can be transferred between storage tanks on the energy harvesting vessel and the transport vessel for transport and usage. A horizontal movement sea anchor can resist undesired horizontal movement, and a vertical movement sea anchor can resist undesired vertical movement.
US07872362B2 Vehicle-use power supply control apparatus
The vehicle-use power supply control apparatus includes a first battery supplying electric power to a load, an alternator driven by a vehicle engine, a second electric accumulator parallel-connected to the first battery, an electric power converter performing two-way power transmission between the first and second batteries, and a power supply control unit. The power supply control includes a function of setting a target power generation efficiency index, a function of setting a target power generation amount of the alternator on the basis of the target power generation efficiency index, while referring to a map defining relationship between a power generation efficiency index and a power generation amount of the alternator, and a function of controlling an amount and a transmission direction of transmission power of the electric power converter in order that an amount of electric power generated by the alternator becomes equal to the target power generation amount.
US07872359B2 Electronic component contained substrate
An electronic component contained substrate in which an electronic component is mounted between a pair of wiring substrates, wherein the wiring substrates are connected electrically via solder balls, an opening portion opened larger than a planar shape of the electronic component is formed in the other wiring substrate, which faces to one wiring substrate on which the electronic component is mounted, in a position that opposes the electronic component, and a space between a pair of wiring substrates is sealed with a sealing resin.
US07872358B2 Semiconductor chip and semiconductor device, and method for manufacturing semiconductor device
A semiconductor chip is provided comprising a semiconductor substrate on which an integrated circuit is formed. The semiconductor chip, which is provided on the semiconductor substrate in an area array, further comprises a plurality of electrodes electrically coupled with the inside of the semiconductor substrate, wherein the electrodes are arranged into a plurality of first groups respectively lined along a plurality of paralleling first straight lines and, further, into a plurality of second groups respectively lined along a plurality of second straight lines which extend so as to intersect with the first straight lines.
US07872345B2 Integrated circuit package system with rigid locking lead
An integrated circuit package system includes: providing a protective layer having an opening; forming a conductive layer over the protective layer and filling the opening; patterning a rigid locking lead, having both a lead locking portion and a lead exposed portion, from the conductive layer; connecting an integrated circuit and the rigid locking lead; and forming an encapsulation over the integrated circuit with the lead locking portion in the encapsulation and the lead exposed portion exposed from the encapsulation.
US07872344B2 Microelectronic assemblies having compliant layers
A compliant semiconductor chip package assembly includes a a semiconductor chip having a plurality of chip contacts, and a compliant layer having a top surface, a bottom surface and sloping peripheral edges, whereby the bottom surface of the compliant layer overlies a surface of the semiconductor chip. The assembly also includes a plurality of electrically conductive traces connected to the chip contacts of the semiconductor chip, the traces extending along the sloping edges to the top surface of the compliant layer. The assembly may include conductive terminals overlying the semiconductor chip, with the compliant layer supporting the conductive terminals over the semiconductor chip. The conductive traces have first ends electrically connected with the contacts of the semiconductor chip and second ends electrically connected with the conductive terminals. The conductive terminals are movable relative to the semiconductor chip.
US07872341B1 Semiconductor device
A semiconductor package comprises a plurality of stacked semiconductor chips having the same structure. Therefore, the semiconductor chips can be produced using masks of the same design, resulting in a reduction in production cost and an improvement in productivity. Each of the semiconductor chips includes a plurality of through-silicon vias penetrating therethrough. The through-silicon vias of each semiconductor chip include at least one signal pad through which a common signal is delivered to the semiconductor chip and at least one chip enable pad connected to at least one chip enable pin to select the semiconductor chip. The chip enable pin may be connected to or disconnected from the chip enable pad through a conductive line to select the semiconductor chip. The conductive line is sawn to disconnect the chip enable pin from the chip enable pad before stacking of the semiconductor chip. Therefore, the semiconductor chips can be configured to have the same design, thus eliminating the need for troublesome production management and control of the semiconductor chips.
US07872336B2 Low cost lead-free preplated leadframe having improved adhesion and solderability
A leadframe with a structure made of a base metal (105), wherein the structure has a plurality of surfaces. On each of these surfaces are metal layers in a stack adherent to the base metal. The stack comprises a nickel layer (201) in contact with the base metal, a palladium layer (202) in contact with the nickel layer, and an outermost tin layer (203) in contact with the palladium layer. In terms of preferred layer thicknesses, the nickel layer is between about 0.5 and 2.0 μm thick, the palladium layer between about 5 and 150 nm thick, and the tin layer less than about 5 nm thick, preferably about 3 nm. At this thinness, the tin has no capability of forming whiskers, but offers superb adhesion to polymeric encapsulation materials, improved characteristics for reliable stitch bonding as well as affinity to reflow metals (solders).
US07872335B2 Lead frame-BGA package with enhanced thermal performance and I/O counts
Methods and apparatus for integrated circuit (IC) packages with improved thermal performance and input/output capabilities are described. An integrated circuit (IC) package includes a leadframe, an IC die, a substrate having opposing first and second surfaces, a first wirebond, and a second wirebond. The leadframe includes a die attach pad having opposing first and second surfaces and a plurality of leads that emanate in an outward direction from the die attach pad. The IC die is coupled to the first surface of the die attach pad. The substrate is coupled to the die attach pad. Contact pads on the first surface of the substrate are electrically connected to bond fingers on the second surface of the substrate. The first wirebond couples a first bond pad on a first surface of the IC die to a bond finger on the second surface of the substrate. The second wirebond couples a second bond pad on the first surface of the IC die to a lead of the plurality of leads.
US07872334B2 Carbon nanotube diodes and electrostatic discharge circuits and methods
Diodes and method of fabricating diodes. A diode includes: an p-type single wall carbon nanotube; an n-type single wall carbon nanotube, the p-type single wall carbon nanotube in physical and electrical contact with the n-type single wall carbon nanotube; and a first metal pad in physical and electrical contact with the p-type single wall carbon nanotube and a second metal pad in physical and electrical contact with the n-type single wall carbon nanotube.
US07872329B2 Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the same
Effective area of a capacitor is to be increased while suppressing increase in number of manufacturing steps. In a semiconductor device, a silicon substrate includes a plurality of first recessed portions having a first depth from the main surface thereof, a second recessed portion provided in a region other than the first recessed portion and having a second depth from the main surface, and a third recessed portion provided in at least one of the plurality of first recessed portions and having a third depth from the bottom portion of the first recessed portion. The second recessed portion and the third recessed portion have the same depth, and a decoupling condenser is provided so as to fill the at least one of the first recessed portion and the third recessed portion provided therein, and an isolation insulating layer is provided so as to fill the remaining first recessed portions, and the second recessed portion is filled with a gate electrode.
US07872327B2 Semiconductor integrated circuit device and method of producing the same
A semiconductor integrated circuit device has: a layer insulating film formed on a semiconductor substrate; a fuse portion which is configured by an uppermost metal wiring layer that is formed on the layer insulating film; an inorganic insulating protective film which is formed on the metal wiring layer and the layer insulating film; and an organic insulating protective film which is formed on the inorganic insulating protective film. An opening is formed in the organic insulating protective film so that the inorganic insulating protective on the fuse portion is exposed. According to this configuration, it is not required to etch away the layer insulating film in order to form an opening above the fuse portion. Therefore, the time period required for forming the opening can be shortened and the whole production time period can be shortened. Since only the inorganic insulating protective film is formed above the fuse portion, the cutting off of the fuse portion can be performed without excessively increasing the irradiation energy of a laser beam. Therefore, high reliability and high productivity can be realized without causing the lowering of the reliability and the reduction of the production yield which are due to the cutting off of the fuse portion. Since the fuse portion is covered with the inorganic insulating protective film, the moisture resistance can be improved.
US07872324B2 Suspended nanowire sensor and method for fabricating the same
Provided is a suspended nanowire sensor having good sensing characteristics and suitable for mass production, a method for fabricating the suspended nanowire sensor. The suspended nanowire sensor includes: first and second sensor electrodes formed on upper portions of a substrate and physically separated from each other; and a nanowire sensor material piece extending from the first sensor electrode to the second sensor electrode and physically suspended between the first and second sensor electrodes.
US07872323B2 Magnetoresistive device having specular sidewall layers
A multilayered magnetoresistive device includes a specular layer positioned on at least one sidewall and a copper layer is positioned between the specular layer and the sidewall.
US07872322B2 Magnetic field sensor with a hall element
A symmetrical vertical Hall element comprises a well of a first conductivity type that is embedded in a substrate of a second conductivity type and which is contacted by four contacts serving as current and voltage contacts. From the electrical point of view, such a Hall element with four contacts can be regarded as a resistance bridge formed by four resistors R1 to R4 of the Hall element. From the electrical point of view, the Hall element is then regarded as ideal when the four resistors R1 to R4 have the same value. The invention suggests a series of measures in order to electrically balance the resistance bridge. A first measure exists in providing at least one additional resistor. A second measure exists in locally increasing or reducing the electrical conductivity of the well. A third measure exists in providing two Hall elements that are electrically connected in parallel in such a way that their Hall voltages are equidirectional and their offset voltages are largely compensated.
US07872314B2 Method of manufacturing semiconductor device carrying out ion implantation before silicide process
An N-type source region and an N-type drain region of N-channel type MISFETs are implanted with ions (containing at least one of F, Si, C, Ge, Ne, Ar and Kr) with P-channel type MISFETs being covered by a mask layer. Then, each gate electrode, source region and drain region of the N- and P-channel type MISFETs are subjected to silicidation (containing at least one of Ni, Ti, Co, Pd, Pt and Er). This can suppress a drain-to-body off-leakage current (substrate leakage current) in the N-channel type MISFETs without degrading the drain-to-body off-leakage current in the P-channel type MISFETs.
US07872305B2 Shielded gate trench FET with an inter-electrode dielectric having a nitride layer therein
A shielded gate field effect transistor (FET) comprises a plurality of trenches extending into a semiconductor region. A shield electrode is disposed in a bottom portion of each trench, and a gate electrode is disposed over the shield electrode in each trench. An inter-electrode dielectric (IED) extends between the shield electrode and the gate electrode. The IED comprises a first oxide layer and a nitride layer over the first oxide layer.
US07872303B2 FinFET with longitudinal stress in a channel
At least one gate dielectric, a gate electrode, and a gate cap dielectric are formed over at least one channel region of at least one semiconductor fin. A gate spacer is formed on the sidewalls of the gate electrode, exposing end portions of the fin on both sides of the gate electrode. The exposed portions of the semiconductor fin are vertically and laterally etched, thereby reducing the height and width of the at least one semiconductor fin in the end portions. Exposed portions of the insulator layer may also be recessed. A lattice-mismatched semiconductor material is grown on the remaining end portions of the at least one semiconductor fin by selective epitaxy with epitaxial registry with the at least one semiconductor fin. The lattice-mismatched material applies longitudinal stress along the channel of the finFET formed on the at least one semiconductor fin.
US07872302B2 Semiconductor device having vertical transistor formed on an active pattern protruding from a substrate
A semiconductor device includes a first active pattern protruding from a substrate, a second active pattern on the first active pattern, a gate electrode enclosing a sidewall of the second active pattern, a conductive layer pattern on the first active pattern, a first impurity region in the first active pattern, and a second impurity region at a surface portion of the second active pattern. The first active pattern extending along a predetermined direction may have a first region and a second region. The second active pattern may have a pillar structure and the conductive layer pattern may include a metal or a metal compound.
US07872300B2 Power semiconductor component with plate capacitor structure
A power semiconductor component (1) contains a weakly doped drift zone (9), a drain zone (10) and a MOS structure (12) situated at the front side (2) of the power semiconductor component (1). An edge plate (6) of the first conductivity type is provided at its edge (8) above the drift zone (9). The edge plate (6) is doped more highly than the drift zone (9). Situated above the edge plate (6) is an insulation layer (24) with an overlying field plate (7) made of polysilicon. The field plate (7) forms together with the edge plate (6) a plate capacitor structure which increases the drain-source output capacitance of the power semiconductor component (1), so that fewer radiofrequency interference disturbances are caused by the power semiconductor component (1) during switching.
US07872297B2 Flash memory device and fabricating method thereof comprising a body recess region
The present invention relates to a flash memory device and its fabrication method. The device comprises a structure for improving a scaling-down characteristic/performance and increasing memory capacity of the MOS-based flash memory device. A new device structure according to the present invention is based on a recessed channel capable of implementing highly-integrated/high-performance and 2-bit/cell. The proposed device suppresses the short channel effect, reduces the cell area, and enables 2-bit/cell by forming the charge storage node as a spacer inside the recessed channel. Moreover, if selectively removing the dielectric films around the recessed silicon surface, the sides as well as the surface of the recessed channel is exposed. A spacer can be used as a storage node, thereby improving the channel controllability of the control electrode and the on-off characteristic of a device. The proposed structure also resolves the threshold voltage problem and improves the write/erase speeds.
US07872296B2 Semiconductor memory device
A semiconductor memory device includes a semiconductor substrate having a projection, an upper end portion of the projection being curved, a first element isolation insulating film formed on the substrate surface at the root of the projection, having an upper surface lower than an upper surface of the projection, a second element isolation insulating film formed in the projection, a gate insulating film formed on the projection, and including a charge storage layer, and a gate electrode formed on the gate insulating film. A height of a first portion where the gate electrode is in contact with the gate insulating film above the upper surface of the first element isolation insulating film is smaller than that of a second portion where the gate electrode is in contact with the gate insulating film above an upper end of the second element isolation insulating film.
US07872295B2 Method of making flash memory cells and peripheral circuits having STI, and flash memory devices and computer systems having the same
An integrated circuit includes flash memory cells, and peripheral circuitry including low voltage transistors (LVT) and high voltage transistors (HVT). The integrated circuit includes a tunnel barrier layer comprising SiON, SiN or other high-k material. The tunnel barrier layer may comprise a part of the gate dielectric of the HVTs. The tunnel barrier layer may constitute the entire gate dielectric of the HVTs. The corresponding tunnel barrier layer may be formed between or upon shallow trench isolation (STIs). Therefore, the manufacturing efficiency of a driver chip IC may be increased.
US07872290B2 Recess transistor (TR) gate to obtain large self-aligned contact (SAC) open margin
A memory cell of a semiconductor device and a method for forming the same, wherein the memory cell includes a substrate having active regions and field regions, a gate layer formed over the substrate, the gate layer including a plurality of access gates formed over the active regions of the substrate and a plurality of pass gates formed over the field regions of the substrate, first self-aligned contact regions formed between adjacent pass gates and access gates, and second self-aligned contact regions formed between adjacent access gates, wherein a width of each of the first self-aligned contact regions is larger than a width of each of the second self-aligned contact regions.
US07872289B2 Semiconductor device including memory cell having charge accumulation layer
A semiconductor device includes MOS transistors, capacitor elements, a voltage generating circuit, a contact plug, and a memory cell. The MOS transistor and the capacitor element are formed on a first one of the element regions and a second one of the element regions, respectively. In the voltage generating circuit, current paths of the MOS transistors are series-connected and the capacitor elements are connected to the source or drain of the MOS transistors. The contact plug is formed on the source or the drain to connect the MOS transistors or one of the MOS transistors and one of the capacitor elements. A distance between the gate and the contact plug both for a first one of the MOS transistors located in the final stage in the series connection is larger than that for a second one of the MOS transistors located in the initial stage in the series connection.
US07872284B2 Pixel with strained silicon layer for improving carrier mobility and blue response in imagers
An imager having a pixel cell having an associated strained silicon layer. The strained silicon layer increases charge transfer efficiency, decreases image lag, and improves blue response in imaging devices.
US07872282B2 Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing same
A semiconductor device includes deep first field limiting rings, shallow second field limiting rings, insulation films covering each surface portion of each of the first and the second field limiting rings, and conductive field plates each in contact with a surface of each of the first and the second field limiting rings. Each of the field plates project over a surface of each of the insulation films between the first field limiting rings and the second field limiting rings.
US07872280B2 Semiconductor light emitting device, method of manufacturing the same, and lighting apparatus and display apparatus using the same
The present invention aims to provide a semiconductor light emitting device that may be firmly attached to a substrate with maintaining excellent light emitting efficiency, and a manufacturing method of the same, and a lighting apparatus and a display apparatus using the same.In order to achieve the above object, the semiconductor light emitting device according to the present invention includes a luminous layer, a light transmission layer disposed over a main surface of the luminous layer, and having depressions on a surface facing away from the luminous layer, and a transmission membrane disposed on the light transmission layer so as to follow contours of the depressions, and light from the luminous layer is irradiated so as to pass through the light transmission layer and the transmission membrane.
US07872270B2 Semiconductor light emitter
A semiconductor light emitter includes a quantum well active layer which includes nitrogen and at least one other Group-V element, and barrier layers which are provided alongside the quantum well active layer, wherein the quantum well active layer and the barrier layers together constitute an active layer, wherein the barrier layers are formed of a Group-III-V mixed-crystal semiconductor that includes nitrogen and at least one other Group-V element, a nitrogen composition thereof being smaller than that of the quantum well active layer.
US07872267B2 Light emitting diode and manufacturing method thereof
A light emitting diode comprises a substrate having a first surface and a second surface, a light emitting epitaxy structure placed on the first surface of the substrate, and a compound reflection layer placed on the second surface of the substrate. The second surface of the substrate further has a protection structure.
US07872262B2 Pixel structure and manufacturing method thereof
A method of manufacturing a pixel structure is provided. A first patterned conductive layer including a gate and a data line is formed on a substrate. A gate insulating layer is formed to cover the first patterned conductive layer and a semiconductor channel layer is formed on the gate insulating layer above the gate. A second patterned conductive layer including a scan line, a common line, a source and a drain is formed on the gate insulating layer and the semiconductor channel layer. The scan line is connected to the gate and the common line is located above the data line. The source and drain are located on the semiconductor channel layer, and the source is connected to the data line. A passivation layer is formed on the substrate to cover the second patterned conductive layer. A pixel electrode connected to the drain is formed on the passivation layer.
US07872261B2 Transparent thin film transistor and image display unit
An embodiment of the present invention is an transparent thin film transistor which has an substantially transparent substrate, a gate line made of a thin film of a substantially transparent conductive material, a substantially transparent gate insulating film, a substantially transparent semiconductor active layer, a source line made of a thin film of a metal material and a drain electrode made of a thin film of a substantially transparent conductive material. In addition, the source line and the drain electrode are formed apart from each other and sandwich the substantially transparent semiconductor active layer. Moreover, at least any one of the thin film of the gate line and the thin film of the source line is stacked with a thin film of a metal material.
US07872259B2 Light-emitting device
An object of the present invention is to provide a new light-emitting device with the use of an amorphous oxide. The light-emitting device has a light-emitting layer existing between first and second electrodes and a field effect transistor, of which the active layer is an amorphous.
US07872258B2 Organic thin-film transistors
A thin-film transistor uses a semiconducting layer comprising a semiconducting material of (A): where X, Ar, Ar′, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, a, b, m, and n are as defined herein. The transistor has improved performance.
US07872255B2 Organic light-emitting device
An organic light-emitting device includes an electron injection layer and an element isolation layer. The electron injection layer contains at least one of an alkali metal, an alkaline earth metal, an alkali metal compound, or an alkaline earth metal compound. A layer having the same composition of the electron injection layer is disposed over the electron injection layer in a region surrounding the light-emitting region.
US07872251B2 Formulations for voltage switchable dielectric material having a stepped voltage response and methods for making the same
Formulations for voltage switchable dielectric materials include two or more different types of semiconductive materials uniformly dispersed within a dielectric matrix material. The semiconductive materials are selected to have different bandgap energies in order to provide the voltage switchable dielectric material with a stepped voltage response. The semiconductive materials can comprise inorganic particles, organic particles, or an organic material that is soluble in, or miscible with, the dielectric matrix material. Formulations optionally can also include electrically conductive materials. At least one of the conductive or semiconductive materials in a formulation can comprise particles characterized by an aspect ratio of at least 3 or greater.
US07872250B2 Phase-change ram and method for fabricating the same
A PRAM and a fabricating method thereof are provided. The PRAM includes a transistor and a data storage capability. The data storage capability is connected to the transistor. The data storage includes a top electrode, a bottom electrode, and a porous PCM layer. The porous PCM layer is interposed between the top electrode and the bottom electrode.
US07872249B2 Nonvolatile memory device and methods of operating and fabricating the same
Provided is a nonvolatile memory device and method of operating and fabricating the same for higher integration and higher speed, while allowing for a lower operating current. The nonvolatile memory device may include a semiconductor substrate. Resistive layers each storing a variable resistive state may be formed on the surface of the semiconductor substrate. Buried electrodes may be formed on the semiconductor substrate under the resistive layers and may connect to the resistive layers. Channel regions may be formed on the surface of the semiconductor substrate and connect adjacent resistive layers to each other, but not to the buried electrodes. Gate insulating layers may be formed on the channel regions of the semiconductor substrate. Gate electrodes may be formed on the gate insulating layers and extend over the resistive layers.
US07872247B2 Ion beam guide tube
A guide tube for an ion beam in an ion implanter which is located adjacent a semiconductor wafer being implanted has an outwardly tapering central bore, thereby alleviating problems of beam strike as the ion beam passes through the guide tube.
US07872236B2 Charged particle detection devices
A charged particle detector consists of four independent light guide modules assembled together to form a segmented on-axis annular detector, with a center opening for allowing the primary charged particle beam to pass through. One side of the assembly facing the specimen is coated with or bonded to scintillator material as the charged particle detection surface. Each light guide module is coupled to a photomultiplier tube to allow light signals transmitted through each light guide module to be amplified and processed separately. A charged particle detector is made from a single block of light guide material processed to have a cone shaped circular cutout from one face, terminating on the opposite face to an opening to allow the primary charged particle beam to pass through. The opposite face is coated with or bonded to scintillator material as the charged particle detection surface. The outer region of the light guide block is shaped into four separate light guide output channels and each light guide output channel is coupled to a photomultiplier tube to allow light signal output from each channel to be amplified and processed separately.
US07872234B2 Color image sensing apparatus and method of processing infrared-ray signal
A color image sensing apparatus and a method of processing an infrared-ray signal are provided. The image sensing apparatus includes: a color filter array including a plurality of color filter units, each color filter unit including a red-pass filter, a preen-pass filter, and a blue-pass filter, and at least one of the red-, green- and blue-pass filters passing infrared-rays; an image sensor for providing an image signal corresponding to light passing through the color filter array, the image signal including a red light signal, a green light signal, a blue light signal, and an infrared-ray signal; and an image signal processor for correcting and processing at least one of the red light signal, the green light signal and the blue light signal in response to the infrared-ray signal.
US07872233B2 Thermo-optic infrared pixel and focal plane array
A surface plasmon polariton (SPP) pixel structure is provided. The SPP pixel structure includes a coupling structure that couples the probing light into the SPP mode by matching the in-plane wave vector by changing the refractive index of the coupling structure using thermo-optic effects to vary the coupling strength of the probing light into the SPP mode. An absorber layer is positioned on the coupling structure for absorbing incident infrared/thermal radiation being detected.
US07872228B1 Stacked well ion trap
In an apparatus for performing a mass spectrometric analysis of a sample, a plurality of electrodes are positioned and driven by RF potentials to form a plurality of adjacent pseudopotential wells. Ions may be manipulated, reacted, analyzed, and ejected from the apparatus in a manner similar to conventional ion traps. In addition, selected ions or groups of ions may be passed from one pseudopotential well to another pseudopotential well without ion losses due to physical obstructions. The apparatus may be used alone or in conjunction with other mass analyzers to produce mass spectra from analyte ions.
US07872225B2 Sample component trapping, release, and separation with membrane assemblies interfaced to electrospray mass spectrometry
The invention provides a method and apparatus for trapping, releasing and/or separating sample components in solution passing through a channel with or without packing material present by passing ion current through the channel driven by an electric field. A portion of the ion current comprises cation and/or anion species generated from second solution flows separated from the sample solution flow path by semipermeable membranes. Cation and/or Anion ion species generated in the second solution flow regions are transferred into the sample solution flow path through ion selective semipermeable membranes. Ion current moving along the sample solution flow path is controlled by varying the composition of the second solutions and/or changing the voltage between membrane sections for a given sample solution composition. The sample composition may also be varied separately or in parallel to enhance trapping, release and/or separation efficiency and range. The invention when interfaced to an Atmospheric Pressure Ion Source, that may include Electrospray Ionization, with mass spectrometric analysis enables independent control of the on-line sample separation process and the Atmospheric Pressure Ion Source or Electrospray ionization processes.
US07872220B1 Electronic fiber optic seal monitors
The new seal monitor uses of a time dependant pseudo random number or a number from a time pad, which are lists of random numbers often used in encryption. This number changes periodically, for example, once an hour or whatever time interval is deemed timely by the particular application. It is intended that a remote monitoring station would send a request to the monitor and the monitor would respond with the random number that dependant on the time the monitor was started and how much time has elapsed. If the random number returned is correct it infers that the monitor is operating correctly and the seal has not been tampered with. If the monitor does not respond or responds with an incorrect number then the monitor or the seal has been tampered with. Light through a cable is periodically compared with historic outputs from that cable.
US07872218B2 Radiation image pickup apparatus and its control method
Each pixel is provided with a photoelectric converting device S1(1-1) or the like, a source-follower-type first transistor T1(1-1) or the like, a second transistor Te(1-1) to be turned on when reading an electrical signal from a pixel selected by a shift register SR1 for each line and outputting the signal to a readout circuit unit and a third transistor T3(1-1) to be turned on when resetting a photoelectric converting device set to a pixel selected by a shift register SR1 for each line. Moreover, a bias power source for supplying a photoelectric conversion bias to a photoelectric converting device and a reset power source for supplying a reset bias to a photoelectric converting device are set in the readout circuit unit. By using the radiation image pickup apparatus and its control method, it is possible to improve the S/N ratio while restraining noises and preferably, it is possible to perform stable and high-speed dynamic-image photographing and restrain dark current.
US07872212B2 Use of mesa structures for supporting heaters on an integrated circuit
An integrated circuit is joined to a liquid container. The integrated circuit includes a passivation layer. A resistor is used as a heater to heat fluid in a liquid container. A mesa structure is formed over the passivation layer. The mesa structure is in contact with the resistor and is used to more effectively deliver heat from the resistor to the liquid container.
US07872207B2 Cascade source and a method for controlling the cascade source
A cascade source includes a cathode housing, a number of cascade plates insulated from each other and stacked on top of each other which together bound at least one plasma channel, and an anode plate provided with an outflow opening connecting to the plasma channel. One cathode is provided per plasma channel, which cathode includes an electrode which is adjustable relative to the cathode housing in the direction of the plasma channel. The clamp may be of the collet chuck type. At least a part of the housing of the source may be substantially transparent. A method for controlling the cascade source in use includes monitoring the electromagnetic radiation of the plasma through the substantially transparent housing part, and, dependent on the monitored radiation, controlling the plasma forming process in the source by variation of the gas supply, or variation of the potential difference between the cathode and the anode or a combination thereof.
US07872205B2 Electrical switches
An electrical switch may include a housing having a hollow inner cavity. Both mechanical and electrical components may be contained within the inner cavity. The components within inner cavity may be protected from contaminants entering the inner cavity by a seal adjacent to an opening of the housing leading from the inner cavity. The seal may allow movement of an actuator mechanism between various configurations relative to the seal, while continuing to prevent contaminants from entering the inner cavity.
US07872203B2 Dual voltage switch
A transformer switch, such as a dual voltage switch or a tap changer. The switch includes a cover, a housing, and a rotor sandwiched between the cover and the housing. The cover and housing are molded from a non-conductive plastic. An interior space of the cover includes at least one pocket within which stationary contacts are disposed. Each stationary contact is electrically coupled to one or more windings of a transformer. The rotor extends within a channel of the housing, from a top of the transformer switch to an interior surface of the cover. The interior surface includes a protrusion about which the rotor and at least one movable contact coupled thereto can rotate. The movable contact is configured to be selectively electrically coupled to at least one of the stationary contacts. For example, different stationary contact-movable contact pairs can correspond to different voltages of the transformer.
US07872201B1 System and method for programming a weighing scale using a key signal to enter a programming mode
A programmable weighing scale and a system and method for programming values of adjustable operating parameters used in generating the displayed output from the weighing scale. The weighing scale is placed into a restricted-access programming mode, which allows an authorized programmer to select values of operating parameters that allow the programmer to initially set or change the service characteristics of the scale. Operating parameters that can be varied include variables used in sampling the weighing scale's transducer electrical output, mathematically processing that output, and displaying the results. Once the operating parameter values have been selected, the weighing scale will utilize those values until the weighing scale undergoes a subsequent reprogramming.
US07872197B2 Joining method and related junction for electric cables, tubular covering sleeve for electric-cable junctions and process for manufacturing the same
A tubular covering sleeve for joints of electric cables may include a primary tubular body and a coating sheath. The primary tubular body may include at least one annular insert of semiconductive material integrated into at least one layer of insulating material. The coating sheath may include one or more layers of semiconductive material mechanically engaged in a condition of resilient radial expansion around the primary tubular body so as to exert a centripetal tightening action on the primary tubular body. A junction for electric cables may include devices for mutual connection between the conductors of the cables and a covering sleeve applied around the devices for mutual connection and around the cables. Each cable may include at least one conductor disposed in an insulating coating and a shielding coating externally applied to the insulating coating.
US07872192B1 Planar solar concentrator power module
A planar concentrator solar power module has a planar base, an aligned array of linear photovoltaic cell circuits on the base and an array of linear Fresnel lenses or linear mirrors for directing focused solar radiation on the aligned array of linear photovoltaic cell circuits. The cell circuits are mounted on a back panel which may be a metal back plate. The cell circuit area is less than a total area of the module. Each linear lens or linear mirror has a length greater than a length of the adjacent cell circuit. The cell circuit may have cells mounted in shingle fashion to form a shingled-cell circuit. In an alternative module, linear extrusions on the circuit element have faces for mounting the linear mirrors for deflecting sun rays impinging on each mirror onto the shingled-cells. The linear extrusions are side-wall and inner extrusions with triangular cross-sections. The circuit backplate is encapsulated by lamination for weather protection. The planar module is generally rectangular with alternating rows of linear cell circuits and linear lenses or linear mirrors.
US07872191B2 Electrolyte composition, photoelectric conversion element using the same, and dye-sensitized photovoltaic cell
An electrolyte composition containing an ionic liquid and conductive particles, an electrolyte composition containing an ionic liquid and oxide semiconductor particles and optionally containing conductive particles, and an electrolyte composition containing an ionic liquid and insulating particles are provided. Furthermore, a photoelectric conversion element comprising: a working electrode, the working electrode comprising an electrode substrate and an oxide semiconductor porous film formed on the electrode substrate and sensitized with a dye; a counter electrode disposed opposing the working electrode; and an electrolyte layer made of these electrolyte compositions is provided.
US07872187B1 Hybrid cases for the protection of up two stringed musical instruments
Disclosed musical instrument cases have a semi-rigid, continuous sidewall defining a front edge with opposing first and second elongated sides and a back edge with opposing first and second elongated sides. The cases also have a partition, with front and back surfaces, attached to the sidewall. The cases have a front cover hingedly connected to the second elongated side of the front edge and releasably fastened to the first elongated side of the front edge. Conversely, the cases have a back cover hingedly connected to the first elongated side of the back edge and releasably fastened to the second elongated side of the back edge. The front cover may selectively enclose a front region of space between the front cover and the front surface of partition and, independently, the back cover may selectively enclose a back region of space between the back cover and the partition back surface.
US07872185B1 Collapsible stringed musical instrument
A collapsible acoustic stringed instrument is disclosed having a hollow body with a soundboard, a back face and a spacer defining a sound chamber. A sound post is secured within the hollow body and engaging the soundboard and the back face. The sound post has a securement pin on each end with a sharpened portion to engage the soundboard and the back face and maintain proper positioning when the instrument strings are loosened. A neck is pivotally and laterally coupled to the body, which further has a door slidably received by specially formed channels in the back face. The neck is able to pivot and slide through the door and into the sound chamber from a playing position to a stored position, without disturbing the sound post or otherwise compromising the appearance or performance of the instrument with respect to a standard non-collapsible instrument.
US07872184B2 Plants and seeds of hybrid corn variety CH955795
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH955795. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH955795, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH955795 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH955795.
US07872177B2 Plants and seeds of hybrid corn variety CH151527
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH151527. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH151527, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH151527 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH151527.
US07872174B2 Soybean variety 4647672
The invention relates to the soybean variety designated 4647672. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety 4647672. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety 4647672 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety 4647672 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.
US07872171B2 Quantitative trait loci associated with soybean cyst nematode resistance and uses thereof
A method for selecting a soybean cyst nematode resistant plant by marker assisted selection of quantitative trait loci associated with soybean cyst nematode resistance. The method employs nucleic acid markers genetically linked to quantitative trait loci to select the soybean cyst nematode resistant plant. Methods for identifying quantitative trait loci associated with soybean cyst nematode resistance in a plant.
US07872170B2 Genetic markers for orobanche resistance in sunflower
Methods for identifying sunflower plants or germplasm that display resistance, improved resistance, or susceptibility to Orobanche cumana are provided. Sunflower plants or germplasm that are resistant or have improved resistance to Orobanche cumana are created. The plants or germplasm produced by the methods of the invention are also an aspect of the invention.
US07872169B2 Reduced noise level fastening system
A non-elastic thermoplastic film having a noise abatement region and a fastening component. The noise abatement region has a plurality of apertures, wherein each of the plurality of apertures has an area of between about 4 mm2 to about 75 mm2. The fastening component is disposed within the noise abatement region such that the fastening component is surrounded by the noise abatement elements.
US07872166B2 Process for isomerizing aromatic C8 compounds in the presence of a catalyst comprising a modified EUO zeolite
A process for isomerizing a feed comprising at least one aromatic compound containing eight carbon atoms per molecule is carried out in the presence of a catalyst comprising at least one modified zeolite with structure type EUO, at least one binder and at least one metal from group VIII of the periodic table, said catalyst having been prepared using a process which comprises the following in succession: a) a step for treatment of a zeolite with structure type EUO in the presence of at least one molecular compound containing at least one silicon atom, during which said compound, with a diameter greater than the maximum pore opening diameter in said zeolite, is deposited in the gas phase on the outer surface of said zeolite; b) at least one heat treatment step; c) forming said zeolite with a binder; d) at least one step for introducing at least one metal from group VIII of the periodic table onto a support based on said modified and formed zeolite.
US07872159B2 Chemical production processes, systems, and catalyst compositions
Chemical production processes are provided that can include exposing a reactant composition to a catalyst composition to form a product composition. Catalyst compositions are also provided that can include metal phosphate compositions, metal phosphorous compositions, and/or solid support compositions with the solid support compositions including one or more of F—Al2O3, ZrO2—CO2, SiO2—Al2O3—CO2, SiO2 Al2O3, Alundum, and Silica such as Ludox AS-30.
US07872157B2 Phosphonite containing catalysts for hydroformylation processes
Novel trivalent organophosphonite ligands having the structure of general formula (I): wherein R is an alkyl or aryl group containing 1 to 30 carbon atoms; Ar1 and Ar2 are aryl groups containing 4 to 30 carbon atoms; R1 to R6 are H or alkyl or aryl hydrocarbon radicals containing 1 to 40 carbon atoms; and X is a connecting group or a simple chemical bond, were developed and found to be very active for hydroformylation processes for ethylenically unsaturated substrates. Catalyst solutions prepared from these ligands with a Rh metal show an unusual “ligand acceleration effect” for simple alkenes, i.e., the hydroformylation activity increases as the concentration of ligand increases, and are capable of producing linear or branched aldehydes under typical hydroformylation conditions.
US07872149B2 Biodiesel processes in the presence of free fatty acids and biodiesel producer compositions
Glyceride-containing feed for a base catalyzed transesterification with lower alkanol to make biodiesel is pretreated with glycerin separated during the transesterification to partially convert glycerides with lower alkanol contained in the separated glycerin using base catalyst in the separated glycerin while reducing the free fatty acid and phosphorus compound concentrations in the glyceride-containing feed. Unique producer compositions are provided by the pretreatment processes.
US07872147B2 Intermediate compounds for the preparation of trans-5-chloro-2-methyl-2,3,3a,12b-tetrahydro-1H-dibenz[2,3:6,7]oxepino[4,5-c]pyrrole
Disclosed are novel amino acid derivatives of formula (I) and (II) processes for the preparation thereof, and their use in the preparation of trans-5-chloro-2-methyl-2,3,3a,12b-tetrahydro-1H-dibenz[2,3:6,7]oxepino-[4,5-c]pyrrole.
US07872146B2 Process for the preparation of a carboxamide derivative
Process for the preparation of a carboxamide derivative of formula (I) or a salt thereof Intermediates for preparing this compound are also provided.
US07872142B2 Coumarin derivatives useful as TNFα inhibitors
Novel compounds composition capable of inhibiting TNFα and having antiimmunoinflammatory and autoimmune properties useful in a pharmaceutical composition, such as for a drug containing this as an active ingredient; and a therapeutic method with the use of these novel compounds.
US07872141B2 Processes for the manufacture of a pyrrolidine-3,4-dicarboxamide derivative
The invention is concerned with processes for the manufacture of the pyrrolidine-3,4-dicarboxamide derivative of formula (I), and the intermediates useful for those processes of manufacture.
US07872140B2 Barium salt of benzimidazole derivative
The invention relates to crystalline barium salt of (S)-omeprazole, which is (S)-5-methoxy-2-[[(4-methoxy-3,5-dimethyl-2-pyridinyl)-methyl]sulfinyl]-1H-benzimidazole. The invention also relates to processes for preparing crystalline barium salt of (S)-omeprazole and pharmaceutical compositions that include the crystalline barium salt of (S)-omeprazole so prepared.
US07872137B2 Process for the preparation of mivacurium chloride
A process for preparing the [R—[R*,R*-(E)]]-2,2′-(1,8-dioxo-4-octene-1,8-diyl) bis(oxy-3,1-propanediyl)bis(1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-6,7-dimethoxy-2-methyl-1-[(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl) methyl]isoquinolinium) dichloride, commonly known as mivacurium chloride, useful as short-duration neuromuscular blocking agent.
US07872135B2 Method for introducing a 1,2-double bond into 3-oxo-4-azasteroid compounds
A process for preparing 17β-substituted 4-azaandrost-1-en-3-one compounds of the general formula (I): or a pharmaceutically approved salt thereof, where R is hydroxyl, optionally substituted, linear or branched (C1-C2)alkyl or (C1-C12)alkenyl; phenyl or benzyl; an —OR1 radical, or an —NHR1 radical, or an —NR1R2 radical; R1 is hydrogen, optionally substituted, linear or branched (C1-C12)alkyl or (C1-C12)alkenyl, or optionally substituted phenyl; R2 is hydrogen, methyl, ethyl or propyl; or —NR1R2 is a 5- or 6-membered heterocyclic ring, by (A) introducing protecting groups into the 3-keto-4-aza moiety of the corresponding 1,2-dihydro compound, so that a compound of the general formula (III) is formed: where R3 is trialkylsilyl or, together with R4, the —C(O)—C(O)— or —C(O)—Y—C(O)— radical; R4 is alkyloxycarbonyl or phenyloxycarbonyl, preferably Boc (=tert-butyloxycarbonyl); or trialkylsilyl, or, together with R3, the —C(O)—C(O)— or —C(O)—Y—C(O)— radical; Y is —[C(R5)(R6)]n— or —CH(R5)═CH(R6)—, or ortho-phenylene; R5 and R6 are each independently hydrogen, linear or branched (C1-8)alkyl or alkenyl, optionally substituted phenyl or benzyl; and n is an integer of 1 to 4; and where, in the case that R is hydroxyl, it has optionally reacted with a protecting group; (B) reacting the resulting compound in the presence (i) of a dehydrogenation catalyst, and in the presence of (ii) optionally substituted benzoquinone, allyl methyl carbonate, allyl ethyl carbonate and/or allyl propyl carbonate, and (C) removing the protecting groups R3 and R4 and optionally converting the resulting compound to a salt.
US07872134B2 2-{[2-(substituted amino)ethyl]sulfonyl}ethyl N,N-bis(2-chloroethyl)phosphorodiamidates
2-{[2-(Substituted amino)ethyl]sulfonyl}ethyl N,N-bis(2-chloroethyl)phosphorodiamidates and their salts, their preparation and intermediates in their preparation, pharmaceutical compositions containing them, and methods of treatment using them. The compounds are useful for treating cancer and autoimmune diseases, alone and in combination with other therapies.
US07872127B2 Substituted 2-aminoacetamides and the use thereof
The invention is directed to substituted 2-aminoacetamides represented by formula (II): and to pharmaceutically acceptable salts and prodrugs thereof, wherein the substituents are defined herein. The invention is also directed to the use of substituted 2-aminoacetamides in methods for the treatment of neuronal damage following global and focal ischemia, and for the treatment, prevention or amelioration of pain, as anticonvulsants, as antimanic depressants, as local anesthetics, as antiarrhythmics and for the treatment or prevention of diabetic neuropathy.
US07872126B2 Tetrahydroquinoline derivatives and a process for preparing the same
A novel compound of the formula (I): wherein R1 is alkoxycarbonyl or the like, R2 is alkyl or the like; R3 is hydrogen or the like; R4 is alkylene or the like; R5 is optionally substituted heterocyclic group; R6, R7, R8 and R9 are independently hydrogen; alkyl, alkoxy, or the like; R10 is optionally substituted aromatic ring, or the like; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, which has an inhibitory activity against cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP).
US07872124B2 Dipeptidyl peptidase inhibitors
Compounds, pharmaceuticals, kits and methods are provided for use with DPP-IV and other S9 proteases that comprise a member selected from the group consisting of: wherein E is CH or N, Q is selected from the group consisting of CO, CS, SO, SO2, or C═NR4, and L, X, Z, R2 and R3 are as defined herein.
US07872120B2 Methods for synthesizing a collection of partially identical polynucleotides
Methods for synthesizing a collection of partially identical polynucleotides are disclosed.
US07872116B2 Identification of cell culture contaminants among Mollicutes species by a PCR based assay
The present invention encompasses nucleic acids, methods, compositions, and kits for sensitive, rapid and specific detection of Mycoplasma, Acholeplasma, Ureaplasma, Phytoplasma and Spiroplasma species in a sample. The invention utilizes specific primers and amplification methods that permit differentiation between species due to specific amplification of target nucleic acids of contaminating Mollicute cells. In one embodiment, the invention utilizes the differing melting temperatures (Tm) of various potential PCR products to identify whether they are specific target amplification products, non-specific, non-target amplification products, specific positive control products, or primer-dimer products.
US07872115B2 Reporter assay screens for protein targets in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
The present invention comprises responsive promoters along with screening methods which make use of the promoters in order to identify anti-fungal substances.
US07872114B2 Immunogenic detoxified mutants of cholera toxin
An immunogenic detoxified protein comprising the amino acid sequence of subunit A of a cholera toxin (CT-A) or a fragment thereof or the amino acid sequence of subunit A of an Escherichia coli heat labile toxin (LT-A) or a fragment thereof wherein the amino acids at, or in positions corresponding to Ser-63 and Arg-192 are replaced with another amino acid. The immunogenic detoxified protein is useful as vaccine for Vibrio cholerae or an enterotoxigenic strain of Escherichia coli and is produced by recombinant DNA means by site-directed mutagenesis.
US07872112B2 Expression vector encoding apoptosis-specific eIF-5A
The present invention relates to isolated and/or purified rat apoptosis-specific eucaryotic initiation Factor-5A (eIF-5A) and deoxyhypusine synthase (DHS) nucleic acids and polypeptides. The present invention also relates to methods of modulating apoptosis using apoptosis-specific eIF-5A and DHS, and antisense oligonucleotides and expression vectors of apoptosis-specific eIF-5A and DHS useful in such methods.
US07872110B2 Deimmunized monoclonal antibodies for protection against HIV exposure and treatment of HIV infection
This invention is directed to deimmunized antibodies that are useful as immunotherapeutic drugs against Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and CD4-mediated autoimmune disorders. More specifically, antibodies expressed by clones, Clone 7 containing the recombinant genes B4DIVHv1/VK1CHO#7, Clone 16 containing the recombinant genes B4DIVHv1/VK1#16, and clone 21 containing the recombinant genes B4DIVHv1/VK1#21, are derived from mouse monoclonal B4 antibody (mAb B4). The antibodies were produced by removing particular murine determinants recognized as foreign by the human immune system. These recombinant antibodies were generated by the chimerization and deimmunization of the Fv region of mouse monoclonal antibody (mAb) B4. For improved safety, the coding sequence may further be mutated to express an aglycosylated IgG1 antibody that is unable to bind complement. The deimmunized antibodies retain the specificity of the murine mAb B4 for a receptor complex involving CD4 on the surface of the host T cells, and retain the characteristic ability of mAb B4 to neutralize primary isolates of HIV.
US07872109B2 Motilide polymorphs
The invention provides polymorphs of a motilide having a structure represented by formula Ia
US07872103B2 Modulating immune responses
The invention provides methods for modulating the immune system using anti-CD83 antibodies that can influence CD83 function.
US07872102B2 Anti-IL-23 antibodies
The present invention encompasses isolated antibodies, or antigen-binding portions thereof, that specifically bind to the p19 subunit of IL-23. These antibodies, or antigen-binding portions thereof, are high affinity, neutralizing antibodies useful for the treatment of autoimmune disease.
US07872096B2 Methods for cyclizing synthetic polymers
The invention provides methods and compositions for production of a cyclic polymer in a cell free system. In general, the methods of the invention involve ligating first and second recombinant intein domains to a linear synthetic polymer to form a compound containing the structure: D1-X(n)-D2, where D1 is a first catalytic domain of an intein; D2 is a second catalytic domain of an intein; where the second catalytic domain has at its N-terminus a first reactive site for the intein; and X(n) is a polymer of a number n of monomer X, where the polymer N-terminus has a second reactive site for the intein. D1-X(n)-D2 compounds autocatalytically cyclize the X(n) polymer to produce a cyclic polymer. The invention finds use in a variety of drug discovery, clinical and therapeutic applications.
US07872094B2 Anti-inflammatory compounds and uses thereof
The present invention provides anti-inflammatory compounds, pharmaceutical compositions thereof, and methods of use thereof for treating inflammatory disorders. The present invention also provides methods of identifying anti-inflammatory compounds and methods of inhibiting NF-κB-dependent target gene expression in a cell.
US07872092B2 Polyester resin sheet for photovoltaic batteries, laminate formed by using the same, photovoltaic battery backside protection sheet, and module
An objective of the present invention is to provide an inexpensive and excellent polyester resin sheet for photovoltaic batteries which enhances the electrical transduction efficiency of photovoltaic battery by improving the hydrolysis resistance and heat resistance, and further enhancing the screening potency, as well as a photovoltaic battery using the same. The polyester resin sheet for photovoltaic batteries comprises a polyester resin layer formed by using one or more layers having a number average molecular weight of 18500 to 40000 in which at least one or more layers having 5 to 40% by weight of titanium dioxide is formed on the polyester resin layer, wherein a light transmittance at wavelengths of 300 to 350 nm is 0.005 to 10%, a relative reflectance is 80% or more and 105% or less, an apparent density is 1.37 to 1.65 g/cm3, an optical density is 0.55 to 3.50, and the variation in optical density has a fluctuation of within 20% from the center value.
US07872090B2 Reactor system with optimized heating and phase separation
A reactor system operable to facilitate a chemical reaction in a reaction medium flowing therethrough. The reactor system includes a heat exchanger for heating the reaction medium and a disengagement vessel for disengaging vapor from the heated reaction medium.
US07872086B2 Polymeric material and its manufacture and use
Disclosed herein is a polymer composition, its manufacture and use, said composition may comprise greater than about 90 mole % propylene monomer, and having a unique combination of properties, including one or more of the following: a heat of fusion of more than about 108 J/g, a melting point of 165° C. or higher, a Melt Flow Rate so low that it is essentially not measurable and a molecular weight of greater than about 1.5×106. Further disclosed herein are blends or mixtures of the present novel polymer composition and products, such as, for example, microporous film structures and the like comprising same.
US07872083B2 Polymer and cosmetic preparation
The present invention provides a novel polymer that can impart a moisturized feeling to the hair and skin after use. A polymer comprising an amphoteric monomer represented by the following general formula (I) and a cationic monomer represented by the following general formula (II) as the essential constituent monomers: (wherein, R1 represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group; R2 and R3 each independently represent an alkyl or alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, a cycloalkyl group having 3 to 6 carbon atoms, a phenyl group, or a —(CH2CH2O)nR7 group (n is an integer of 1 to 50; and R7 represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl or alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, a cycloalkyl group having 3 to 6 carbon atoms, or a phenyl group); R4 represents an alkylene group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms; A represents an oxygen atom or NR8 (R8 represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl or alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, a phenyl group, or a —(CH2CH2O)nR9 group (n is an integer of 1 to 50; R9 represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl or alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, a cycloalkyl group having 3 to 6 carbon atoms, or a phenyl group)); and B represents an alkylene group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms), and (wherein, R5 and R6 each independently represent a hydrogen atom or an alkyl or alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms; and Y− represents a monovalent inorganic or organic anion).
US07872080B2 Processes for producing a catalyst component for addition polymerization, a catalyst and an addition polymer
A production process of a polymerization catalyst component includes contacting compound (a) such as diethyl zinc represented by the defined formula [1], a compound (b) such as pentafluorophenol, represented by the defined formula [2], a compound (c) such as water, represented by the defined formula [3], and particles (d), such as silica, with one another in a hydrocarbon solvent under an agitator power of 0.05 kW/m3 or greater.
US07872073B2 Dispersion spinning core-shell fluoropolymers
A process is disclosed for dispersion spinning non-melt-processible fluoropolymer fiber in which a mixture of an aqueous dispersion of non-melt-processible fluoropolymer particles and an aqueous solution of a matrix polymer is formed. The non-melt-processible fluoropolymer particles have an SSG of less than about 2.40 and comprise a core of high molecular weight polytetrafluoroethylene and a shell of lower molecular weight polytetrafluoroethylene or modified polytetrafluoroethylene. The mixture is extruded into a coagulation bath containing a concentration of ions which coagulate the matrix polymer to form an intermediate fiber structure. The intermediate fiber structure is sintered to decompose the matrix polymer and coalesce the non-melt-processible fluoropolymer particles to form the fiber. The present invention also provides a spinning composition useful for the dispersion spinning of non-melt-processible fluoropolymer fiber.
US07872072B2 Branched polymers and their conjugates
The present invention is directed to branched reactive water-soluble polymers comprising at least two polymer arms, such as poly(ethylene glycol), attached to a central aliphatic hydrocarbon core molecule through heteroatom linkages. The branched polymers bear at least one functional group for reacting with a biologically active agent to form a biologically active conjugate. The functional group of the branched polymer can be directly attached to the aliphatic hydrocarbon core or via an intervening linkage, such as a heteroatom, -alkylene-, —O-alkylene-O—, -alkylene-O-alkylene-, -aryl-O—, —O-aryl-, (—O-alkylene-)m, or (-alkylene-O—)m linkage, wherein m is 1-10.
US07872068B2 Materials formable in situ within a medical device
Certain embodiments of the invention include forming a material in situ by introducing into a space within a patient a water soluble polymer precursor of at least about 10,000 molecular weight solubilized in a flowable aqueous solution. Functional groups on the polymer precursor undergo covalent bonding in situ to form a solid and nonbiodegradable material having a swellability less than about 20% v/v and a Young's modulus of at least about 100 kPa within about 30 seconds to about 30 minutes of initiating a chemical reaction of the functional groups to form the solid material.
US07872065B2 Adhesive compositions comprising mixtures of block copolymers
Less expensive adhesive compositions having good adhesive properties can be achieved by combining an S-I-S or (SI)nX block copolymers with an S-(I/B) diblock copolymer and a single tackifying resin. Furthermore, less expensive adhesive compositions can be achieved by combining S-I diblock copolymers with S-(I/B)-S or [S(I/B)]nX block copolymers and a single tackifying resin. These combinations result in lower costs of starting materials and manufacturing due to simpler processing.
US07872061B2 Preparation of additive mixtures for mineral oils and mineral oil distillates
The present invention provides a continuous process for preparing additive mixtures for mineral oils and mineral oil distillates, comprising A) a cold flow improver for middle distillates, and at least one further component selected from B) and C): B) a further cold flow improver, C) an organic solvent, which comprises mixing cold flow improver and optionally solvent by means of a static mixer, the temperature of the additive mixture at the outlet of the static mixer being from 0° C. to 100° C.
US07872058B2 Photopolymerizable dental composition with less change in color tone before and after curing
An object of the present invention is to provide a photopolymerizable dental composition which causes less change in a color tone before and after curing and exhibits excellent photopolymerizability to irradiation in a wide wavelength range, and has also excellent thin-layer surface curability, and to provide a photopolymerization initiator used therefor.Disclosed is a visible light-polymerizable dental composition which does not substantially contain an amine compound as a photosensitizer, comprising 0.01 to 10 parts by weight of a (bis)acylphosphine oxide compound, 0.01 to 10 parts by weight of an α-diketone compound and 100 parts by weight of a polymerizable monomer.
US07872051B2 Antiviral composition comprising p-menthane-3,8-diol
The use of p-menthane-3,8-diol (PMD) in the manufacture of a medicament for use as an antiviral agent. The use of PMD in the manufacture of a medicament to destroy or inactivate viruses. The use of PMD, in vitro, as an antiviral or virucidal agent. The use of PMD in the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of diseases caused by viruses having a lipid envelope. A face mask comprising at least one protective layer impregnated or sprayed with PMD.
US07872050B2 Stabilized compositions of volatile alkylating agents and methods of using thereof
A composition and method for treatment of cancer. The composition for treating a skin disorder, comprising: a Nitrogen Mustard or an HX salt of the Nitrogen Mustard, wherein the Nitrogen Mustard or the HX salt of the Nitrogen Mustard is in a non-aqueous vehicle or carrier that does not include petrolatum or ethanol, wherein the non-aqueous vehicle or carrier that does not include petrolatum or ethanol does not include petrolatum or ethanol. The method comprises topically applying the composition of a Nitrogen Mustard or a HX salt of the Nitrogen Mustard to the affected skin, wherein the Nitrogen Mustard or the HX salt of the Nitrogen Mustard is in a non-aqueous vehicle or carrier that does not include petrolatum or ethanol, wherein the non-aqueous vehicle or carrier does not include petrolatum or ethanol.
US07872048B2 Methods for treating spinal cord injury with a compound that inhibits a NCCa-ATP channel
The present invention is directed to therapeutic compositions targeting the NCCa-ATP channel of an astrocyte, neuron or capillary endothelial cell and methods of using same. More specifically, antagonists of the NCCa-ATP channel are contemplated. The compositions are used to prevent cell death and to treat secondary damage associated with spinal cord injury.
US07872047B2 Esters of long-chain alcohols and preparation thereof
Disclosed is a composition and methods of treating a skin condition. The ester includes an ester and a dermatologically acceptable carrier. The ester is represented by the general formula 1:
US07872039B2 3-aminoindazoles
Novel 3-aminoindazoles of the formula (I) are SGK inhibitors and can be used for the treatment of SGK-induced diseases and conditions, such as diabetes, obesity, metabolic syndrome (dyslipidaemia), systemic and pulmonary hypertonia, cardiovascular diseases and renal diseases, generally in fibrosis and inflammatory processes of any type.
US07872028B2 Diaminopropanol renin inhibitors
Described are diaminopropanols of which are orally active and bind to renin to inhibit its activity. They are useful in the treatment or amelioration of diseases associated with elevated. levels of renin activity or in the treatment of aspartic protease mediated disorders. Also described is a method for the use of the diaminopropanols in ameliorating or treating renin related disorders in a subject in need thereof.
US07872025B2 Optically active isomers of ketotifen and therapeutically active metabolites thereof
Racemic norketotifen, racemic 10-hydroxy-ketotifen, racemic 10-hydroxy-nor-ketotifen and optically active isomers of ketotifen, norketotifen, 10-hydroxy-ketotifen and 10-hydroxy-norketotifen were found to have antiallergic and anti-inflammatory effects while being devoid of the severe dose-limiting sedative side effects of Ketotifen.
US07872023B2 Kappa opioid receptor ligands
Kappa opioid receptor antagonists are provided that yield significant improvements in functional binding assays to kappa opioid receptors, and the use of these antagonists in treatment of disease states that are ameliorated by binding of the kappa opioid receptor such as heroin or cocaine addictions.
US07872022B2 Serotonin transporter (SERT) inhibitors for the treatment of depression and anxiety
The present invention relates to trans-derivatives of formula wherein R1, R2, R3, and the dotted line are as defined herein and to pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts thereof. The compounds of formula I are good inhibitors of the serotonin transporter (SERT inhibitors) and simultaneously, they have good activity on the NK-1 receptor (dual effect). By virtue of their efficacy as SERT inhibitors, the compounds in the present invention are particularly useful for the treatment of CNS disorders and psychotic disorders, in particular in the treatment or prevention of depressive states and/or in the treatment of anxiety.
US07872021B2 LXR receptor modulators
Benzenesulfonamide derivative compounds corresponding to the general formula (I): and their pharmaceutically acceptable addition salts; a process for preparation of such compounds; pharmaceutical compositions containing such compounds, and the use of such compounds as a pharmacologically active substance, in particular in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, cardiovascular diseases, inflammatory diseases; hypercholesterolemia, and diabetes.
US07872019B2 Polymorphs and amorphous form of (S)-(+)-clopidogrel bisulfate
The present invention relates to new polymorphs of S-(+)-Clopidogrel bisulfate and a process for preparing the same.
US07872018B2 Compounds and methods for kinase modulation, and indications therefor
Compounds active on protein kinases are described, as well as methods of using such compounds to treat diseases and conditions associated with aberrant activity of protein kinases.
US07872015B2 Methods involving PDE4, compositions, and the screening thereof, for the treatment of degenerative ocular pathologies
The invention relates to the field of biology, genetics and medicine. In particular, the invention relates to novel methods for the detection, characterization and/or treatment (or management) of neurodegenerative pathologies. The invention also relates to methods for the identification or screening of compounds active in the aforementioned pathologies. The invention further relates to the compounds, genes, cells, plasmids or compositions which are used to carry out said methods. In particular, the invention is based on the identification of the role of phosphodiesterase 4B, the peripheral benzodiazepine receptor (PBR) and GABA receptors of the type GABA(A) in neurodegenerative pathologies and describes the use of same as therapeutic, diagnostic or experimental markers or targets for said disorders.
US07872012B2 Pyrimidinone compounds and preparation and use thereof
Disclosed are pyrimidinone compounds having formula (I), a preparation and use thereof. The compounds are inhibitors of HMG-CoA reductase, and therefore have antivirus activities and are useful for preventing and treating cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disorders, senile dementia, diabetes mellitus, osteoporosis and tumors, and enhancing immune functions in a subject, and especially useful for treating diseases associated with hyperlipaemia.
US07872009B2 Beta-Secretase modulators and methods of use
The present invention comprises a new class of compounds useful for the modulation of Beta-secretase enzyme activity and for the treatment of Beta-secretase mediated diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD) and related conditions. In one embodiment, the compounds have a general Formula I wherein A, B, R3, R4, R5, i and j are defined herein. The invention also comprises pharmaceutical compositions including one or more compounds of Formula I, methods of use for these compounds, including treatment of AD and related diseases, by administering the compound(s) of Formula I, or compositions including them, to a subject. The invention also comprises further embodiments of Formulas II and III, intermediates and processes useful for the preparation of compounds of the invention.
US07872006B2 Pyrazole compounds having cannabinoid receptor (CB1) antagonizing activity
The present invention relates to a pyrazole compound having potent CB1-antagonizing activity, having the following formula [I]: wherein R1 and R2 are the same or different and an optionally substituted aryl group etc., R3 is an alkyl group etc., E is one of the following groups of the formula (i) to (iv): Q1 is a single bond, an alkylene group or a group of the formula: —N(R7)—, R7 is a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group, Q2 is a single bond, an oxygen atom or an alkylene group, R4 is a cycloalkyl group, a group of the formula: —N(R5)(R6) etc., one of R5 and R6 is a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group and the other is an alkyl group, a group of the formula: —N(R8)(R9) etc., D is an oxygen atom etc., RA1 is an amino group etc., RA2 is an optionally substituted aliphatic heterocyclic group, R is an alkyl group optionally substituted by one to three halogen atom(s) etc., one of R8 and R9 is a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group and the other is an alkyl group etc., or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
US07872003B2 Pharmaceutical compounds
Fused pyrimidines of formula (I): wherein R1-R3, A and n have any of the values described in the specification; and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof; have activity as inhibitors of PI3K and may thus be used to treat diseases and disorders arising from abnormal cell growth, function or behavior associated with PI3 kinase such as cancer, immune disorders, cardiovascular disease, viral infection, inflammation, metabolism/endocrine disorders and neurological disorders. Processes for synthesizing the compounds are also described.
US07871998B2 Diphenylazetidinone derivatives possessing cholesterol absorption inhibitory activity
Compounds of formula (I): (wherein variable groups are as defined within) pharmaceutically acceptable salts, solvates, solvates of such salts and prodrugs thereof and their use as cholesterol absorption inhibitors for the treatment of hyperlipidaemia are described. Processes for their manufacture and pharmaceutical compositions containing them are also described.
US07871994B2 Hormone replacement therapy method and its administration form
Method for hormone replacement therapy, in which at least in the established postmenopause a daily unit with at least one hormonal component, namely with at least estrogen (E) and/or at least one gestagen (G) is administered permanently and continuously every day, characterized in that in at least one ingestion period preceding the permanent administration of hormone daily units is provided an ingestion pause (P), in which either no daily units or placebos or daily units with a much lower estrogen and/or gestagen content than during the permanent administration of hormone daily units in the established postmenopause and during the ingestion phase(s) of the preceding ingestion period are administered, as well as administration form for hormone therapy.
US07871992B2 Organophosphorous compounds for the activation of gamma/delta T cells
The present invention describes organophosphorus compounds of general formula (I) their preparation and their uses in the activation of gamma/delta T-cells, in the screening of GcpE and LytB enzyme inhibitors and in the prophylaxis and treatment of diseases in humans and animals.
US07871990B1 Nanoparticles for protein drug delivery
The invention discloses the nanoparticles composed of chitosan, poly-glutamic acid, and at least one protein drug or bioactive agent characterized with a positive surface charge and their enhanced permeability for paracellular protein drug and bioactive agent delivery.
US07871989B1 Nanoparticles for protein drug delivery
The invention discloses the nanoparticles composed of chitosan, poly-glutamic acid as drug carriers, and encapsulating at least one bioactive agent. The nanoparticles are characterized with a positive surface charge configured for promoting enhanced permeability for bioactive agent delivery.
US07871987B2 Ester derivatives of ascorbic and 2-keto acid saccharides
Novel ester derivatives of ascorbic acid and 2-keto-acid saccharides are provided wherein the ester is introduced by ester bond formation between at least one hydroxy-functionality on the ascorbic acid or 2-keto-acid saccharide and a carboxy-functional organosiloxane, or between a 2-keto-gulonic acid and a hydroxy-functional organosiloxane, as well as methods for their synthesis. Treatment, cosmetic, and personal care formulations comprising the novel esters are also provided, including controlled release forms thereof.
US07871986B2 Methods of stimulating an immune response against prostate specific antigen
The invention provides a prostate specific antigen oligo-epitope peptide (PSA-OP) that is useful as an immunogen in the prevention or treatment of prostatic cancer and in the inhibition of prostatic cancer cells and in the establishment and characterization of PSA-specific cytotoxic T-cell lines. In particular, the invention provides methods for eliciting an immune response against PSA comprising administering (i) a priming inoculation of a first recombinant virus encoding PSA-OP and (ii) one or more boosting inoculations of a second recombinant virus encoding PSA-OP, wherein the first and second recombinant viruses are from a different genus.
US07871984B2 Methylated CpG polynucleotide
It is an object of the present invention to provide a polynucleotide, which can effectively suppress the immunoreactivity caused by DNA having a CpG motif and which can be used for preventing and/or treating immune-mediated diseases such as arthritis. The present invention provides a polynucleotide comprising a CpG motif wherein guanine is methylated, and a pharmaceutical composition comprising the above-mentioned polynucleotide.
US07871983B2 Remedy and preventive for diseases caused by NF-κB
Administration of a decoy, i.e. a compound which specifically antagonizes the nucleic acid domain to which NF-κB is bound, is effective in the treatment and prevention of diseases caused by the transcriptional regulatory factor NF-κB, such as ischemic diseases, inflammatory diseases, autoimmune diseases, cancer metastasis and invasion, and cachexia.
US07871982B2 Lincomycin derivatives and antimicrobial agents comprising the same as active ingredient
This invention provides compounds of formula (I) or its pharmacologically acceptable salt or solvate, wherein A represents aryl or a monocyclic or bicyclic heterocyclic group, R1 represents a halide, nitro, substituted C1-6 alkyl, optionally substituted amino, C1-6 alkyloxycarbonyl, optionally substituted aryl, a heterocyclic group, or heterocyclic carbonyl, R2 represents a hydrogen atom or C1-6 alkyl, R3 represents C1-6 alkyl, all of R4, R5, and R6 represent a hydrogen atom, R7 represents C1-6 alkyl, m is 1 or 2, and n is 1. The compounds are novel lincomycin derivatives having a potent activity against resistant pneumococci. The compounds can be used as an antimicrobial agent and are useful for preventing or treating bacterial infectious diseases.
US07871979B2 CSF3R polypeptides and uses thereof
The present invention relates to CSF3R polypeptide variants and their uses, particularly for therapeutic or prophylactic treatment in human subjects. The invention also relates to nucleic acids encoding said polypeptides, vectors comprising such nucleic acids and recombinant cells containing the same. The invention further discloses methods of producing such polypeptides, as well as methods and tools for detecting or dosing these polypeptides in any sample.
US07871975B2 Solid fabric conditioning compositions and treatment in a dryer
A fabric treatment composition is provided. The fabric treatment composition includes a fabric treatment agent and a carrier component for containing the fabric treatment agent in a solid form during operation conditions in a dryer. The fabric treatment composition is constructed for transferring the composition to wet fabric as a result of solubilizing the fabric treatment composition by contacting the fabric treatment composition with the wet fabric during a drying operation in a dryer. A method for treating fabric is provided.
US07871965B2 Gear oil having low copper corrosion properties
A gear oil additive composition and gear oil composition comprising a organic polysulfide having at least 30 wt % of a dialkyl polysulfide compound or mixture of dialkyl polysulfide compounds, a thiadiazole; and at least one ashless phosphorus-containing wear inhibitor compound is disclosed as having low yellow corrosion in axles and transmissions.
US07871962B2 Flat rheology drilling fluid
A drilling fluid having an oleaginous fluid that forms the continuous phase; a non-oleaginous fluid, which is the discontinuous phase; a primary emulsifier in sufficient concentration to stabilize the invert emulsion; and a rheology modifier, which serves to moderate the rheology change across a temperature range of 40 to 150° C. The rheology modifier may be a dimer poly-carboxylic C12 to C22 fatty acid, trimer poly-carboxylic C12 to C22 fatty acid, tetramer poly-carboxylic C12 to C22 fatty acid, mixtures of these acids, or a polyamide wherein the polyamide is the condensation reaction product of a C12-C22 fatty acid and a polyamine selected from the group consisting of diethylenetriamine, triethylenetetramine; and pentaethylenetetramine. The drilling fluid preferably includes a weighting agent or bridging agent which may be selected from galena, hematite, magnetite, iron oxides, illmenite, barite, siderite, celestite, dolomite, calcite as well as combinations and mixtures of these and similar compounds. Optionally organophillic clay, fluid loss agents, alkali reserve materials, and other conventional invert emulsion drilling fluid components may be added to the drilling fluid.
US07871961B2 Catalyst for production of hydrogen and synthesis gas
A high efficiency catalyst for use in a catalytic partial oxidation process for the production of hydrogen or syngas gas from hydrocarbons is disclosed. The catalyst comprises rhenium in combination with a second metal selected from the group of rhenium to second metal of 25:1 to 1:1. the process comprises reacting a feed containing hydrocarbons with an oxygen source at a C/O ratio of about 0.9 to 1.1 in the presence of the catalyst, and wherein the gas hourly space velocity of the feed over the catalyst ranges from about 1,000 hr−1 to about 2,000,000 hr −1. In the process, the catalyst is maintained as a temperature of from about 500° C. to about 1,500° C. as the feed makes contact with the catalyst.
US07871960B2 1-(Imidazolin-2-yl)amino-1,2-diphenylethane compounds for combating animal pests
The present invention relates to 1-(imidazolin-2-yl)amino-1,2-diphenylethane compounds of the formula I and their agriculturally acceptable salts, wherein A is a radical of the formula A1 or A2. The invention relates also to agricultural compositions and to seed comprising at least one compound I and/or a salt thereof, as well as a method of combating animal pests, a method for protecting crops from attack or infestation by animal pests and a method for protecting non-living materials from attack or infestation by animal pests, a method for the protection of seeds from animal pests and of the seedlings' roots and shoots from animal pests by applying a pesticidally effective amount of at least one 1-(imidazolin-2-yl)amino-1,2-diphenylethane compound I and/or a salt thereof.
US07871955B2 Platinum catalysts from in situ formed platinum dioxide
A carbon-supported platinum catalyst obtained by chemical reduction of in situ-formed platinum dioxide on a carbon support and a method of production thereof.
US07871952B1 2-hydroxypyridine N-oxide-modified ziegler-natta catalyst system
A modified Ziegler-Natta catalyst system, a method for preparing the catalyst system, and a process for polymerizing an olefin in the presence of the catalyst system are disclosed. The catalyst system comprises a titanium or vanadium compound, an aluminum compound, and a 2-hydroxypyridine N-oxide. Improved properties such as increased molecular weight are obtained.
US07871945B2 Woven webbing
Disclosed is a woven strap, particularly for safety belts in motor vehicles, which is characterized in that said woven strap comprises a first group of warp threads and a second group of warp threads, the warp threads of the first group being provided with a greater elongation than the warp threads of the second group.
US07871940B2 Apparatus and process for producing thin films and devices
A silicon nitride thin film formation apparatus is provided for stationary and moving substrates and a process for forming such films. The process provides high uniformity of film thickness and film properties as well as a high deposition rate. The film properties are adequate for application as an antireflection layer or passivation layer in solar cell devices or as dielectric layer in thin film transistors. The apparatus includes a number of metal filaments. In the space within the formation apparatus opposite to the substrate with respect to the filaments, a gas dosage system is arranged at a predetermined distance of the filaments. The film formation apparatus for stationary substrates also contains a shutter to control the starting and ending conditions for film formation and to control the film thickness.
US07871938B2 Producing method of semiconductor device and substrate processing apparatus
Disclosed is a producing method of a semiconductor device produced by transferring a plurality of substrates into a processing chamber, supplying oxygen-containing gas and hydrogen-containing gas into the processing chamber which is in a heated state to process the plurality of substrates by oxidation, and transferring the plurality of the oxidation-processed substrates out from the processing chamber, wherein the hydrogen-containing gas is supplied from a plurality of locations of a region corresponding to a substrate arrangement region in which the plurality of substrates are arranged in the processing chamber.
US07871936B2 Method of manufacturing active matrix display device
A reduction in contaminating impurities in a TFT, and a TFT which is reliable, is obtained in a semiconductor device which uses the TFT. By removing contaminating impurities residing in a film interface of the TFT using a solution containing fluorine, a reliable TFT can be obtained.
US07871931B2 Method for chemical mechanical planarization of a metal layer located over a photoresist layer and a method for manufacturing a micro pixel array using the same
The present invention provides a method for planarizing a metal layer, and a method for manufacturing a micro pixel array. The method for planarizing the metal layer, without limitation, may include the steps of forming a metal layer over a photoresist layer, and then planarizing the metal layer using a chemical mechanical planarization process.
US07871930B2 Method of manufacturing a light emitting device and thin film forming apparatus
A method of manufacturing a light emitting device is provided in which satisfactory image display can be performed by the investigation and repair of short circuits in defect portions of light emitting elements. A backward direction electric current flows in the defect portions if a reverse bias voltage is applied to the light emitting elements having the defect portions. Emission of light which occurred from the backward direction electric current flow is measured by using an emission microscope, specifying the position of the defect portions, and short circuit locations can be repaired by irradiating a laser to the defect portions, turning them into insulators.
US07871928B2 Methods for discretized processing of regions of a substrate
The present invention provides methods and systems for discretized, combinatorial processing of regions of a substrate such as for the discovery, implementation, optimization, and qualification of new materials, processes, and process sequence integration schemes used in integrated circuit fabrication. A substrate having an array of differentially processed regions thereon is processed by delivering materials to or modifying regions of the substrate.
US07871927B2 Wafer via formation
A method of electrically conductive via formation in a fully processed wafer involves defining at least one trench area on a backside of the fully processed wafer, forming at least one trench within the trench area to an overall depth that will allow for a via formed within the trench to be seeded over its full length, forming the via within the trench into the fully processed wafer to a predetermined depth, depositing a seed layer over the full length of the via, and plating the seed layer to fill the via with an electrically conductive metal.
US07871926B2 Methods and systems for forming at least one dielectric layer
A method for forming a structure includes forming at least one feature across a surface of a substrate. A nitrogen-containing dielectric layer is formed over the at least one feature. A first portion of the nitrogen-containing layer on at least one sidewall of the at least one feature is removed at a first rate and a second portion of the nitrogen-containing layer over the substrate adjacent to a bottom region of the at least one feature is removed at a second rate. The first rate is greater than the second rate. A dielectric layer is formed over the nitrogen-containing dielectric layer.
US07871923B2 Self-aligned air-gap in interconnect structures
An integrated circuit structure comprising an air gap and methods for forming the same are provided. The integrated circuit structure includes a conductive line; a self-aligned dielectric layer on a sidewall of the conductive line; an air-gap horizontally adjoining the self-aligned dielectric layer; a low-k dielectric layer horizontally adjoining the air-gap; and a dielectric layer on the air-gap and the low-k dielectric layer.
US07871921B2 Methods of forming interconnection structures for semiconductor devices
An interconnection structure for a semiconductor device includes an inter-level insulation layer disposed on a semiconductor substrate. First contact constructions penetrate the inter-level insulation layer. Second contact constructions penetrate the inter-level insulation layer. Metal interconnections connect the first contact constructions to the second contact constructions on the inter-level insulation layer. The first contact constructions include first and second plugs stacked in sequence and the second contact constructions include the second plug.
US07871919B2 Structures and methods for improving solder bump connections in semiconductor devices
Structures with improved solder bump connections and methods of fabricating such structures are provided herein. The method includes forming a plurality of trenches in a dielectric layer extending to an underlying metal layer. The method further includes depositing metal in the plurality of trenches to form discrete metal line islands in contact with the underlying metal layer. The method also includes forming a solder bump in electrical connection to the plurality of metal line islands.
US07871914B2 Methods of fabricating semiconductor devices with enlarged recessed gate electrodes
A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate having a recess therein. A gate insulator is disposed on the substrate in the recess. The device further includes a gate electrode including a first portion on the gate insulator in the recess and a second reduced-width portion extending from the first portion. A source/drain region is disposed in the substrate adjacent the recess. The recess may have a curved shape, e.g., may have hemispherical or ellipsoid shape. The source/drain region may include a lighter-doped portion adjoining the recess. Relate fabrication methods are also discussed.
US07871909B1 Methods of using single spacer to triple line/space frequency
Methods for forming patterns having triple the line frequency of a first pattern using only a single spacer are disclosed. For example, the first pattern is formed in a first and a second material using a lithographic process. Sidewall spacers are formed from a third material adjacent to exposed sidewalls of features in the second material. The width of the features in the first pattern in the first material is reduced. For example, the width is reduced to about the target width of features in a final pattern. The width of features in the first pattern in the second material is reduced using remaining portions of the first material as a mask. A second pattern is formed based on remaining portions of the second material and the sidewall spacers. The features in the second pattern may be lines having about ⅓ the width of lines in the first pattern.
US07871908B2 Method of manufacturing semiconductor device
The method of manufacturing a semiconductor device comprising: forming a first hard mask layer and a second hard mask layer on the layer to be etched (S11); a first groove-forming mask pattern forming process for forming a groove-forming mask pattern which has a first pitch, is formed of the second hard mask layer, and is used as an etching mask when forming groove patterns(S12-S14); and a first concave portion-forming mask pattern forming process for etching the first hard mask layer using the second resist pattern as an etching mask, wherein the second resist pattern is formed of the second resist layer having an opening portion that has a fourth pitch and the first organic layer having an opening portion that is connected to an opening portion of the second resist layer and has a smaller size than the opening portion of the second resist layer (S15-S18).
US07871901B2 Manufacturing method for semiconductor chips
A method of manufacturing semiconductor chips including forming dividing-groove portions in accordance with dividing regions on the second surface of a semiconductor wafer where an insulating film is placed in the dividing regions of the first surface and performing etching of the entire second surface and the surfaces of the dividing-groove portions by performing plasma etching from the second surface. Thereby corner portions on the second surface side are removed, while the insulating film is exposed from the etching bottom portion by removing the dividing-groove portions in the dividing regions. Also, by continuously performing the plasma etching in a state in which the exposed insulating film is surface charged with electric charge due to ions in plasma, corner portions on in contact with the insulating film on the first surface side are removed, and semiconductor chips that have a high transverse rupture strength are provided.
US07871900B2 Quality of a thin layer through high-temperature thermal annealing
A method for forming a structure is provided and includes implanting an atomic species into a donor substrate having an upper surface at a given depth relative to the upper surface to form an embrittlement zone in the donor substrate, the embrittlement zone defining a removable layer within the donor substrate. The method further includes assembling the upper surface of the donor substrate to a receiver substrate. Additionally, the method includes detaching the removable layer from the donor substrate at the embrittlement zone, thereby forming a detachment surface on the removable layer, by high temperature annealing. The high temperature annealing includes a temperature upgrade phase to a predetermined maximum temperature, maintaining the maximum temperature for a predetermined exposure duration, and a temperature downgrade phase. The maximum temperature and the exposure duration are selected so as to prevent the appearance of significant defects at the detachment surface.
US07871898B2 Method for low temperature bonding and bonded structure
A method for bonding at low or room temperature includes steps of surface cleaning and activation by cleaning or etching. The method may also include removing by-products of interface polymerization to prevent a reverse polymerization reaction to allow room temperature chemical bonding of materials such as silicon, silicon nitride and SiO2. The surfaces to be bonded are polished to a high degree of smoothness and planarity. VSE may use reactive ion etching or wet etching to slightly etch the surfaces being bonded. The surface roughness and planarity are not degraded and may be enhanced by the VSE process. The etched surfaces may be rinsed in solutions such as ammonium hydroxide or ammonium fluoride to promote the formation of desired bonding species on the surfaces.
US07871896B2 Precision trench formation through oxide region formation for a semiconductor device
Structures and methods for precision trench formation are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device comprises forming a first oxygen-containing region in a semiconductor substrate by performing an oxygen ion implantation to a portion of the semiconductor substrate, and oxidizing the first oxygen-containing region using oxygen contained therein by performing a thermal processing to the semiconductor substrate, where the first oxygen-containing region is converted to a first oxide region. The method further comprises forming a groove in the semiconductor substrate by eliminating the first oxide region, where the performing thermal processing comprises subjecting the first oxygen-containing region to a gas low on oxygen.
US07871892B2 Method for fabricating buried capacitor structure
A method for fabricating a buried capacitor structure includes: laminating a first dielectric layer having a capacitor embedded therein with a second dielectric layer to bury the capacitor therebetween; forming a first circuit pattern on a first metal layer of the first dielectric layer and a second circuit pattern on a second metal layer of the second dielectric layer; depositing a first insulating layer and a second insulating layer on the first metal layer and the second metal layer, respectively; electrically connecting a positive electrode end and a negative electrode end of the capacitor to the second metal layer by a positive through-hole and a negative through-hole, thereby manufacturing the buried capacitor structure.
US07871891B2 Method of manufacturing semiconductor devices including capacitor support pads
A semiconductor device may include a semiconductor substrate and a plurality of first capacitor electrodes arranged in a plurality of parallel lines on the semiconductor substrate with each of the first capacitor electrodes extending away from the semiconductor substrate. A plurality of capacitor support pads may be provided with each capacitor support pad being connected to first capacitor electrodes of at least two adjacent parallel lines of the first capacitor electrodes and with adjacent capacitor support pads being spaced apart. A dielectric layer may be provided on each of the first capacitor electrodes, and a second capacitor electrode may be provided on the dielectric layer so that the dielectric layer is between the second capacitor electrode and each of the first capacitor electrodes. Related methods are also discussed.
US07871889B2 Capacitor and method for fabricating the same
A capacitor includes a lower electrode, a first dielectric layer formed over the lower electrode, a second dielectric layer formed over the first dielectric layer, wherein the second dielectric layer includes an amorphous high-k dielectric material, a third dielectric layer formed over the second dielectric layer, and an upper electrode formed over the third dielectric layer.
US07871887B2 Semiconductor device with reduced resistance of bit lines and method for manufacturing the same
A semiconductor device comprises buried bit lines which are formed to be brought into contact with drain areas of vertical pillar transistors. The buried bit lines are arranged along a first direction in a silicon substrate. The buried bit lines are formed of epi-silicon to reduce the resistance of the buried bit lines.
US07871886B2 Nanocrystal memory with differential energy bands and method of formation
A method of making a semiconductor device using a semiconductor substrate includes forming a first insulating layer having a first band energy over the semiconductor substrate. A first semiconductor layer having a second band energy is formed on the first insulating layer. The first semiconductor layer is annealed to form a plurality of first charge retainer globules from the first semiconductor layer. A first protective film is formed over each charge retainer globule of the plurality of first charge retainer globules. A second semiconductor layer is formed having a third band energy over the plurality of first charge retainer globules. The second semiconductor layer is annealed to form a plurality of storage globules from the second semiconductor layer over the plurality of first charge retainer globules. A magnitude of the second band energy is between a magnitude of the first band energy and a magnitude of the third band energy.
US07871880B2 Method for manufacturing electronic devices integrated in a semiconductor substrate and corresponding devices
A method manufactures a vertical power MOS transistor on a semiconductor substrate comprising a first superficial semiconductor layer of a first conductivity type, comprising: forming trench regions in the first semiconductor layer, filling in said trench regions with a second semiconductor layer of a second conductivity type, to form semiconductor portions of the second conductivity type contained in the first semiconductor layer, carrying out an ion implantation of a first dopant type in the semiconductor portions for forming respective implanted body regions of said second conductivity type, carrying out an ion implantation of a second dopant type in one of the implanted body regions for forming an implanted source region of the first conductivity type inside one of the body regions, carrying out an activation thermal process of the first and second dopant types with low thermal budget suitable to complete said formation of the body and source regions.
US07871879B2 Method of manufacturing semiconductor memory device
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor memory device includes forming a device separation film on a semiconductor substrate using a mask pattern for defining an entire source line region as an active region to separate a device separation region from an active region; forming a stack gate structure on the semiconductor substrate; forming a common source line by implanting impurity ions into the semiconductor substrate in the source line region; and performing an impurity ion implantation process on the semiconductor substrate to form a drain region.
US07871876B2 Method of forming a dual-plane complementary metal oxide semiconductor
Embodiments herein present a device, method, etc. for a dual-plane complementary metal oxide semiconductor. The device comprises a fin-type transistor on a bulk silicon substrate. The fin-type transistor comprises outer fin regions and a center semiconductor fin region, wherein the center fin region has a {110} crystalline oriented channel surface. The outer fin regions comprise a strain inducing material that stresses the center semiconductor fin region. The strain inducing material contacts the bulk silicon substrate, wherein the strain inducing material comprises germanium and/or carbon. Further, the fin-type transistor comprises a thick oxide member on a top face thereof. The fin-type transistor also comprises a first transistor on a first crystalline oriented surface, wherein the device further comprises a second transistor on a second crystalline oriented surface that differs from the first crystalline oriented surface.
US07871870B2 Method of fabricating gate configurations for an improved contacts in nanowire based electronic devices
Methods, systems, and apparatuses for electronic devices having improved gate structures are described. An electronic device includes at least one nanowire. A gate contact is positioned along at least a portion of a length of the at least one nanowire. A dielectric material layer is between the gate contact and the at least one nanowire. A source contact and a drain contact are in contact with the at least one nanowire. At least a portion of the source contact and/or the drain contact overlaps with the gate contact along the nanowire the length. In another aspect, an electronic device includes a nanowire having a semiconductor core surrounded by an insulating shell layer. A ring shaped first gate region surrounds the nanowire along a portion of the length of the nanowire. A second gate region is positioned along the length of the nanowire between the nanowire and the substrate. A source contact and a drain contact are coupled to the semiconductor core of the nanowire at respective exposed portions of the semiconductor core.
US07871865B2 Stress free package and laminate-based isolator package
Various methods are described where the semiconductor die and the lead frame (or the BGA or LGA substrate) are spaced apart to reduce stress. In one scenario, an air gap is formed between the semiconductor die and the lead frame by depositing a perimeter (made, for example, using polymer) either on the semiconductor die or the lead frame. In another scenario, an anisotropic conducting film (ACF) is formed with an air gap between the semiconductor die and the lead frame (or the BGA or LGA substrate). The air gap relieves stress on the semiconductor die. Further, a lead frame-based isolator package and a BGA (or LGA) isolator package are described. A window-frame ACF-based isolation method for magnetic coupling in a lead-frame package and BGA (or LGA) package is also described.
US07871856B2 Method and apparatus for manufacturing stacked-type semiconductor device
A method of manufacturing a stacked-type semiconductor device, comprises: arranging a plurality of stacked chips obtained by stacking semiconductor chips on a plurality of stages on a support substrate; connecting a semiconductor chip of each stage in each stacked chip and the support substrate by wire while performing heating in units of stacked chips; performing plastic molding of each stacked chip; and separating the stacked chips from each other; an apparatus for manufacturing a stacked-type semiconductor device, comprising divided heater blocks formed under a support substrate on which a plurality of stacked chips obtained by stacking a plurality of semiconductor chips are arranged, the divided heater blocks being formed with respect to the stacked chips, and a heating device to selectively transmit heat to a stacked chip subjected to a wire bonding.
US07871853B2 Plasma doping method and apparatus employed in the same
A plasma doping method and a plasma doping apparatus, having a superior in-plane uniformity of an amorphous layer formed on a sample surface, are provided.In the plasma doping method by which plasma is generated within a vacuum chamber, and impurity ions contained in the plasma are caused to collide with the surface of the sample so as to quality-change the surface of the sample into an amorphous state thereof, a plasma irradiation time is adjusted in order to improve an in-plane uniformity. If the plasma irradiation time becomes excessively short, then a fluctuation of the plasma is transferred to depths of an amorphous layer formed on a silicon substrate, so that the in-plane uniformity is deteriorated. On the other hand, if the irradiation time becomes excessively long, then an effect for sputtering the surface of the silicon substrate by using the plasma becomes dominant, then the in-plane uniformity is deteriorated. While a proper plasma irradiation time present in an intermediate time between the long plasma irradiation time and the short plasma irradiation time is found out, during which the in-plane uniformity becomes better, a plasma doping process is carried out within the intermediate time.
US07871848B2 Semiconductor power module package without temperature sensor mounted thereon and method of fabricating the same
Provided are a semiconductor power module package and a method of fabricating the same. The semiconductor power module package includes a substrate, semiconductor chips arranged on a top surface of the substrate, and a temperature sensor mounted on a top surface of at least one of the semiconductor chips. The semiconductor chips and the temperature sensor are electrically connected to each other through leads. A sealing material covers the top surface of the substrate, the semiconductor chips, and the temperature sensor except for portions of the leads and a bottom surface of the substrate. The temperature sensor may include a thermistor, and the thermistor may include first and second electrode terminals connected to corresponding leads of the leads. A first wiring pattern may be in contact with the first electrode terminal, and a second wiring pattern may be in contact with the second electrode terminal.
US07871845B2 Nitride-based semiconductor light emitting device and method of manufacturing the same
Provided is a nitride-based semiconductor light emitting device having increased efficiency and power characteristics and method of manufacturing the same. The method may include forming a sacrificial layer on a substrate, forming a passivation layer on the sacrificial layer, forming a plurality of masking dots of a metal nitride on the passivation layer, laterally epitaxially growing a nitride-based semiconductor layer on the passivation layer using the masking dots as masks, forming a semiconductor device on the nitride-based semiconductor layer, and wet etching the sacrificial layer to separate and/or remove the substrate from the semiconductor device.
US07871841B2 Method for manufacturing semiconductor light-emitting device
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor light-emitting device includes steps of forming a vertical cavity structure including a layer to be oxidized on a semiconductor substrate, and then forming a circular groove having a depth which penetrates at least the layer to be oxidized from an upper surface of the vertical cavity structure, thereby forming a columnar mesa whose side face is surrounded by the groove, oxidizing the layer to be oxidized from the side face of the mesa, thereby forming a current confinement layer, and forming a mask layer covering at least a central region of the upper surface of the mesa and exposing at least an edge of the upper surface and the side face of the mesa to an external, and then etching at least the edge of the upper surface and the side face of the mesa by using the mask layer as a mask.
US07871839B2 Light emitting element with a plurality of cells bonded, method of manufacturing the same, and light emitting device using the same
The present invention relates to a light emitting element with arrayed cells, a method of manufacturing the same, and a light emitting device using the same. The present invention provides a light emitting element including a light emitting cell block with a plurality of light emitting cells connected in series or parallel on a single substrate, and a method of manufacturing the same, wherein each of the plurality of light emitting cells includes an N-type semiconductor layer and a P-type semiconductor layer, and the N-type semiconductor layer of one light emitting cell is electrically connected to the P-type semiconductor layer of another adjacent light emitting cell. Further, the present invention provides a light emitting device including a light emitting element with a plurality of light emitting cells connected in series. Accordingly, it is possible to simplify a manufacturing process of a light emitting device for illumination capable of being used with a household AC power source, to decrease a fraction defective occurring in manufacturing a light emitting device for illumination, and to mass-produce the light emitting device for illumination. Further, there is an advantage in that DC driving efficiency can be enhanced in an AC operation by installing a predetermined rectifying circuit outside the light emitting element.
US07871837B2 Display panel manufacturing method
A display panel manufacturing method according to one aspect of the present invention comprises: patterning a plurality of pixel electrodes on a panel to be arrayed in a matrix; forming an interconnection made of a metal between the pixel electrodes; coating a surface of the interconnection with a liquid repellent conductive layer; and forming an organic compound layer by applying an organic compound-containing solution to the electrodes.
US07871836B2 Method of manufacturing bendable solid state lighting
The invention provides a method of manufacturing a bendable solid state lighting (SSL). A first metal layer and a second metal layer with a predetermined circuit layout pattern and structure region pattern are first deposited on both sides of a flexible substrate respectively, where a plurality of bonding pads is formed on the structure regions in the structure region pattern and is used for being electrically connected to the first metal layer. A plurality of LED dies is arranged on the structure regions in an array, and the LED dies are bonded with the corresponding bonding pads, such that the LED dies are conducted with current via the circuit layout of the first metal layer on the flexible substrate, so as to form a planar light source.
US07871831B1 Method for connecting flip chip components
An automated system and method for determining flip chip connections involves generating a first projection that includes representations of bumps arranged over a core of the flip chip and generating a second projection that includes representations of I/O pads arranged around the core. The first projection is generated by drawing a line through each bump between a location of the flip chip and an outer portion of the flip chip and marking a location where the line terminates at the outer portion with a representation of the bump. The outer portion of the flip chip is traversed, and the first projection is generated based on the order in which bump representations are encountered. The second projection is generated by drawing a line through each I/O pad between a location of the flip chip and an outer portion of the flip chip and marking a location where the line terminates at the outer portion with a representation of the I/O pad. The outer portion of the flip chip is traversed, and the second projection is generated based on the order in which I/O pad representations are encountered. Connections between bump and I/O representations are made and connecting between bumps and I/O pads determined based on the connections between bump and I/O pad representations of respective first and second projections. The determined connections can be adjusted according to a hierarchy of bump representations to reduce or eliminate congestion, e.g., by changing a sequence of or deleting bump representations.
US07871821B2 Artificial testing soil and method of testing
An artificial test soil comprises particulate, hair, and fiber components, wherein said particulate component consists of mineral, food, and plant materials, so chosen and proportioned as to correlate to a typical soil found in the home. The test soil may be used to test cleaning products by application of a known amount thereof to a surface, cleaning of said surface, and determination of the amount of said soil removed from said surface.
US07871818B2 Membrane active polymers
We describe a class of polymaleic anhydride polymers capable of disrupting cell membranes. Co-delivery of these polymers with biologically active compounds increases cellular cytoplasmic delivery of the compounds.
US07871817B2 Method for rational mutagenesis of α/β t-cell receptors and correspondingly mutated mdm2-protein specific α/β t-cell receptors
The invention relates to the rational mutagenesis of polypeptides of α/β T-cell receptors that mediate an oncogen-specific T-cell response, nucleic acids encoding these and their use in the therapy, diagnosis and/or prevention of cancerous diseases. The invention further relates to a T-cell response-mediating MDM2-protein-specific α/β T-cell receptor, which has been rationally mutated by means of the method according to the present invention, and the uses thereof.
US07871816B2 Vector for anti-HPV vaccine and transformed microorganism by the vector
Expression vectors that can efficiently produce virion capsid protein, tumor-associated protein of human papillomavirus on a microbial surface. Bacterial strains harboring such surface display vectors, and the use of the bacterial strains or their extracts or purified products as complex vaccines, are also described. The surface display vectors contain one or more than two genes selected from among pgsB, pgsC and pgsA, encoding a poly-χ-glutamic acid synthetase complex (pgsBCA) of a Bacillus sp. strain, and genes that encode virion capsid proteins, tumor-associated proteins of human papillomavirus. Methods for preparing the foregoing vectors, vaccines and transformed microorganisms are also described.
US07871807B2 Method for producing the flu virus
The invention relates to a method for producing flu virus according to which: a) immunizing a hen by administering a flu vaccine to the hen, b) triggering embryogenesis in one or more eggs of the immunized hen, c) infecting the one or more embryonated eggs by inoculating a flu virus into the allantoic cavity of the eggs, d) incubating the one or more infected embryonated eggs under temperature and humidity conditions that allow replication of the virus, and e) harvesting the allantoic fluid of the one or more incubated eggs containing the virus.
US07871803B2 Gene encoding novel luciferase
The present invention provides genes encoding novel luciferases having at least the properties of: being capable of using coelenterazine as their luminescent substrates; and being capable of being recombinantly expressed in a mammal cell as a host and produced to be secreted to the outside of the host cell. Specifically, the gene encoding novel luciferases according to the present invention is a DNA molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding any of the full-length amino acid sequences of two types of luciferase proteins, luciferase 1 and luciferase 2, from M. pacifica, and is, for example, a gene encoding the following full-length amino acid sequence of the luciferase 1. MMEIQVLFAL ICFALVQANP TENKDDIDIV GVEGKFGTTD60 LETDLFTIVE DMNVISRDTN LANSDADRGK MPGKKLPLEV LIEMEANARK AGCTRGCLIC120 LSKIKCTAKM KVYIPGRCHD YGGDKKTGQA GIVGAIVDIP EISGFKELGP MEQFIAQVDL180 CADCTTGCLK GLANVKCSAL LKKWLPDRCA SFADKIQSEV DNIKGLAGDR210
US07871801B2 L-amino acid-producing bacterium and a method for producing L-amino acids
A method for producing an L-amino acid is provided which includes culturing in a medium a microorganism of the Enterobacteriaceae family which has an ability to produce an L-amino acid and which has been modified so as to enhance the mannose PTS activity, accumulating the L-amino acid in the medium or in cells, and collecting the L-amino acid from the medium or cells.
US07871799B2 Sequential addition of short DNA oligos in DNA-polymerase-based synthesis reactions
A method of fabricating a DNA molecule of user-defined sequence. The method comprises the steps of preselecting a multiplicity of DNA sequence segments that will comprise the DNA molecule of user-defined sequence, separating the DNA sequence segments temporally, and combining the multiplicity of DNA sequence segments with at least one polymerase enzyme wherein the multiplicity of DNA sequence segments join to produce the DNA molecule of user-defined sequence. Sequence segments may be of length n, where n is an even or odd integer. In one embodiment the length of desired hybridizing overlap is specified by the user and the sequences and the protocol for combining them are guided by computational (bioinformatics) predictions. In one embodiment sequence segments are combined from multiple reading frames to span the same region of a sequence, so that multiple desired hybridizations may occur with different overlap lengths. In one embodiment starting sequence fragments are of different lengths, n, n+1, n+2, etc.
US07871798B2 Mammalian cells that express VEGF-D polypeptides
Disclosed herein are mammalian cells transformed or transfected with a VEGF-D nucleic acid consisting of a nucleotide sequence encoding continuous portions of VEGF-D polypeptides.
US07871791B2 Biofilm preparation using potassium permanganate
A method for preparing a biofilm includes the steps of rinsing the biofilm. There is the step of staining the biofilm with potassium permanganate and water.
US07871790B2 Anthrax bioassays and methods of treating and diagnosing anthrax infection
Based on the observation that exposure of cells or animals to anthrax lethal toxin results in activation of the intracellular enzyme caspase-1/IL-1 converting enzyme (ICE), which, in turn, leads to production and extracellular release of the cytokine substrates of ICE: interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β) and interleukin 18 (IL-18), disclosed herein are bioassays that can be used to determine the efficacy of a potential anthrax therapeutic agent and for screening test agents to identify anthrax therapeutic agents. Also disclosed herein are methods of diagnosing and treating anthrax infection.
US07871784B2 Methods and compositions relating to the regulation of apoptosis by MUC1 and BH3-containing proapoptotic proteins
This invention relates to regulation of cell signaling, cell growth, and more particularly to the regulation of cancer or immune cell growth. The invention provides methods of inhibiting interactions between MUC1 and BH3-containing proapoptotic proteins, methods of inhibiting MUC1 expression, and methods of promoting apoptosis. Also provided are screening methods for compounds that inhibit interactions between MUC1 and BH3-containing proapoptotic proteins and pharmaceutical compositions of the same.
US07871781B2 Two step lateral flow assay methods and devices
Lateral flow assay devices and methods for detecting an analyte in a sample which comprises a plurality of nonspecific binding pair members are adapted for two step determinations. In one embodiment, a method for identifying IgE antibodies in a sample comprises applying a sample to a sample port of a device, wherein the device is adapted to deliver the sample to a lateral flow matrix having a plurality of IgE antigen species immobilized at respective positions at a first location, allowing the sample to travel along the lateral flow matrix through the immobilized plurality of IgE antigen species to a second location downstream of the first location and allowing sample to dissolve a water-soluble mark, applying liquid buffer to the lateral flow matrix to mobilize labeled reagent which is adapted to bind anti-IgE antibody and which is dried on the lateral flow matrix at a location upstream of the sample delivery location, and allowing labeled reagent to bind any IgE antibody bound to the immobilized IgE antigen species therein.
US07871774B2 Markers for the diagnosis of lung cancer
Disclosed is a diagnostic marker specific for lung cancer. Also, the present invention relates to a composition and a kit, comprising an agent measuring the presence of the marker, and a method of diagnosing lung cancer using the composition or kit.
US07871772B2 Methods for detecting misfolded proteins in biological samples
Compositions and methods for the isolation and manipulation of misfolded, or partially misfolded, proteins present in blood and other biological materials are provided. In one aspect of the invention, the compositions, hereinafter termed “proteons” are comprised of misfolded proteins. Also provided are compositions and methods for the isolation and manipulation of proteon nucleation centers (PNCs) upon which the proteons of the present in blood and other biological materials form. In another aspect of the invention, the PNCs are comprised of metallic nanoclusters.
US07871771B2 Method for nucleic acid analysis
This invention provides methods for nucleic acid analysis. A closed complex of nucleic acid template, nucleotide and polymerase can be formed during polymerase reaction, absent divalent metal ion. This is used to trap the labeled nucleotide complementary to the next template nucleotide in the closed complex. Detection of the label allows determination of the identity of this next correct nucleotide. Identification can be either in place, as part of the complex, or as the dye is eluted from the complex when the reaction cycle is completed by the addition of divalent metal ion. In this way, sequential nucleotides of a DNA can be identified, effectively determining the DNA sequence. This method can be applied to nucleic acid single molecules or to collections of identical or nearly identical sequence such as PCR products or clones. Multiple templates can be sequenced in parallel, particularly if they are immobilized on a solid support.
US07871769B2 Gene expression markers for predicting response to chemotherapy
The present invention provides sets of genes the expression of which is important in the prognosis of cancer. In particular, the invention provides gene expression information useful for predicting whether cancer patients are likely to have a beneficial treatment response to chemotherapy FHIT; MTA1; ErbB4; FUS; BBC3; IGF1R; CD9; TP53BP1; MUC1; IGFBP5; rhoC; RALBP1; STAT3; ERK1; SGCB; DHPS; MGMT; CRIP2; ErbB3; RAP1GDS1; CCND1; PRKCD; Hepsin; AK055699; ZNF38; SEMA3F; COL1A1; BAG1; AKT1; COL1A2; Wnt.5a; PTPD1; RAB6C; GSTM1, BCL2, ESR1; or the corresponding expression product, is determined, said report includes a prediction that said subject has a decreased likelihood of response to chemotherapy.
US07871766B2 Cosmetic and/or dermopharmaceutical preparations containing native proteins from the plant Argania spinosa
A cosmetic and/or dermopharmaceutical composition containing an extract of native proteins derived from the plant Argania spinosa.
US07871762B2 Hyperglycosylated hCG (invasive trophoblast antigen) in differential diagnosis of malignant or invasive trophoblastic disease
The invention provides methods for detecting the presence or absence of invasive trophoblast cells. In addition, the invention provides methods for distinguishing quiescent trophoblast diseases from invasive trophoblast diseases and methods for monitoring progression of quiescent trophoblast diseases. The invention provides methods for detecting the presence or absence of germ cell tumors.
US07871761B2 Resist lower layer material, resist lower layer substrate comprising the material and method for forming pattern
Provided is a method for forming a resist lower layer material for use in a multilayer resist process, especially two-layer resist process or three-layer resist process, having a function of neutralizing an amine contaminant from a substrate, thereby reducing a harmful effect such as trailing skirts of a resist pattern of an upper layer resist. Specifically, there is provided a material for forming a lower layer of a chemically amplified photoresist layer comprising a crosslinkable polymer and a thermal acid generator that can generate an acid by heating at 100° C. or greater and is represented by the general formula (1a): R1CF2SO3−(R2)4N+  (1a), as well as a resist lower layer substrate comprising a resist lower layer formed using said material.
US07871760B2 Method to fabricate a redirecting mirror in optical waveguide devices
A method of fabricating a turning mirror for an optical device includes the steps of depositing on a substrate, which defines a plane in which an optical signal propagates in a propagating direction, a photoresist layer sensitive to electrons and to UV radiation. The material in which the photoresist layer is formed, has a contrast not larger than 3. A first portion of the photoresist layer is exposed to an electron beam, wherein the electron dose of the electron beam exposure is varied within the first portion according to a selected pattern, and wherein the electron does to which a given region in the photoresist is exposed, depends on the resulting photoresist height in the given region after development. A second portion of the photoresist layer is exposed to UV radiation; the first and the second portions are overlapped at least in a third portion. The photoresist layer is developed so as to form in the third portion of the photoresist layer exposed to both electron beam and to UV radiation a first surface having an angle relative to the propagating direction. The substrate and the photoresist are etched so that a second angled surface is formed in the substrate in correspondence to the third portion. The second surface forms an angle with the propagating direction.
US07871759B2 Barrier film material and pattern formation method using the same
A resist film is formed on a substrate, and a barrier film including a compound whose alkali-insoluble property is changed to an alkali-soluble property through molecular structure change caused by an alkaline solution is formed on the resist film. Thereafter, with an immersion liquid provided on the barrier film, pattern exposure is performed by selectively irradiating the resist film through the barrier film with exposing light. After the pattern exposure, the barrier film is removed and the resist film is developed. Thus, a resist pattern made of the resist film is formed.
US07871756B2 Chemically amplified positive photosensitive thermosetting resin composition, method of forming cured article, and method of producing functional device
There is provided a photosensitive thermosetting resin composition used for producing a permanent film, capable of forming a resin layer which is excellent in fluidity upon heat bonding after pattern, formation and also has excellent adhesion as well as bonding properties and/or sealing properties. This composition contains a reaction product of (A) an alkali soluble resin and (C) a 10 crosslinking polyvinyl ether compound, (B) a compound generating an acid under irradiation with radiation, and (D) an epoxy resin.
US07871752B2 Lactone-containing compound, polymer, resist composition, and patterning process
Lactone-containing compounds having formula (1) are novel wherein R1 is H, F, methyl or trifluoromethyl, R2 and R3 are monovalent hydrocarbon groups, or R2 and R3 may together form an aliphatic hydrocarbon ring, R4 is H or CO2R5, R5 is a monovalent hydrocarbon group, W is CH2, O or S, and k1 is 0 or 1. They are useful as monomers to produce polymers which are transparent to radiation≦500 nm. Radiation-sensitive resist compositions comprising the polymers as base resin exhibit excellent properties including resolution, pattern edge roughness, pattern density dependency and exposure margin.
US07871751B2 Resist composition
A radiation-sensitive composition containing a resist compound A, an acid generator B, and an acid crosslinking agent C. The resist compound A is (a) a polyphenol compound which is produced by the condensation of a C5-45 aromatic ketone or aromatic aldehyde with a C6-15 compound having from 1 to 3 phenolic hydroxyl groups, and, (b) its molecular weight is form 300 to 5000. The radiation-sensitive composition is solvent-soluble and exhibits a high sensitivity, high resolution, and high heat resistance.
US07871750B2 Process for preparing mixed color toner
A process for preparing a mixed color toner obtained by mixing two or more kinds of color toners of which each color is different, including the following steps (1) and (2): (1) determining zeta potential distributions of each of the color toners, and (2) mixing the color toners in combination so that an overlapping ratio of the zeta potential distributions is 70.0% or more; a mixed color toner obtainable by the process; a two-component developer containing the toner; and a method of forming fixed images using the toner. The mixed color toner obtainable by the present invention is used for, for example, developing a latent image formed in electrophotography, electrostatic recording method, electrostatic printing method, or the like.
US07871745B2 Exposure method
The invention provides an exposure method for manufacturing a device. The method includes providing a wafer having several exposure regions with a photoresist layer covering thereon. A feedback parameter map with several exposure-region feedback parameter sets respectively corresponds to the exposure regions of the wafer. At least one of the exposure-region feedback parameter sets is different from the rest of the exposure-region feedback parameter sets. According to the feedback parameter map, an exposure process is sequentially performed on each of the exposure regions of the wafer through an exposure tool to pattern the photoresist layer on the wafer. While the exposure tool performs the exposure process on each of the exposure regions, an exposure process parameter set of the exposure tool is adjusted based on the exposure-region feedback parameter sets corresponding to the exposure region in the feedback parameter map.
US07871744B2 Near-field exposure apparatus and near-field exposure method
A near-field exposure apparatus includes a near-field exposure mask and a mechanism places a substrate, to be exposed, opposed to the near-field exposure mask. A mechanism performs relative alignment of the near-field exposure mask and the substrate to be exposed. A mechanism closely contacts the near-field exposure mask and the substrate to be exposed, with each other. A mechanism projects exposure light to the near-field exposure mask, and a soft X-ray irradiating device removes static electricity charged in at least one of the near-field exposure mask and the substrate to be exposed. The soft X-ray irradiating device is disposed such that the near-field exposure mask is located between the soft X-ray irradiating device and the substrate to be exposed.
US07871743B2 Gray scale mask
A gray scale mask for fabricating a thin film transistor, comprising: a source mask region; a drain mask region; and a channel mask region between the source mask region and the drain mask region, wherein a plurality of light-blocking bars are arranged regularly in the channel mask region, and the light-blocking bars are perpendicular to a center line of the channel mask region.
US07871742B2 Method for controlling phase angle of a mask by post-treatment
A method for controlling phase angle of a mask is provided. A mask comprising a substrate and an absorber is formed. A nitrogen-containing plasma treatment is performed on the mask to reduce the phase angle. Alternatively, a nitrogen-containing plasma treatment is performed on the mask, followed by a vacuum ultraviolet treatment to form a passivated layer on the mask.
US07871741B2 Method of producing diffractive structures in security documents
A method of producing a security document or article including a substrate (100), which is transparent at least to visible light, and a diffractive optical microstructure (112). The method includes applying an opacifying layer (102) to at least one surface of the transparent substrate (100). An area of the opacifying layer (102) is exposed to laser radiation (108) to ablate apertures (110) in selected portions of the opacifying layer (102), thereby forming a diffractive optical microstructure (112) on the surface of the substrate (100). The laser radiation may be patterned prior to exposing the opacifying layer (102), for example by passing the radiation through a mask (104). Alternatively, a focussed or collimated laser beam (206) may be directed onto the selected portions of the opacifying layer (102). Laser radiation may be directed onto the opacifying layer (102) either directly, or through the transparent substrate (100). Security documents or articles made in accordance with the method are also provided.
US07871739B2 Fuel cell and electronic device
A fuel cell and an electronic device equipped therewith are disclosed. The fuel cell is of the type having a cathode and an anode facing each other with a proton conductor interposed therebetween, with at least either of the cathode or anode having an enzyme as a catalyst immobilized thereon, wherein at least a first cathode, a first proton conductor, an anode, a second proton conductor, and a second cathode are sequentially placed thereon, and in fuel is held in contact with at least part of the anode.
US07871728B2 Nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery
A nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery of the present invention includes a positive electrode plate 21 having an uncoated part along at least one long side of a continuous positive electrode substrate 211 coated with a positive electrode mixture layer 212 containing a positive electrode active material. In the nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery, the positive electrode mixture layer 212 includes a lithium transition-metal compound capable of insertion and separation of lithium ion and 5 to 15% by mass of a conductive material with respect to the positive electrode mixture, the conductive material contains 70% by mass or more of flaked graphite particles with an average particle diameter (D50) of 5 to 30 μm and an average thickness of 0.1 to 1.0 μm with respect to the whole amount of the conductive materials, and a packing density of the positive electrode mixture layer is 2.00 to 2.80 g/cc.
US07871727B2 Alloy composition for lithium ion batteries
Alloy compositions, lithium ion batteries, and methods of making lithium ion batteries are described. The lithium ion batteries have anodes that contain an alloy composition that includes a) silicon, b) aluminum, c) transition metal, d) tin, e) indium, and f) a sixth element that contains yttrium, a lanthanide element, an actinide element, or a combination thereof. The alloy composition is a mixture of an amorphous phase that includes silicon and a crystalline phase that includes an intermetallic compound of 1) tin, 2) indium, and 3) the sixth element.
US07871725B2 Secondary battery with enhanced ability to prevent leakage
A secondary battery includes a can having an interior space, an electrode assembly provided in the interior space of the can, and a cap assembly seated on an opening formed in the can to seal the can and electrically connected to the electrode assembly. The cap assembly includes a cap plate connected to the opening to seal the can; a tab plate mounted to one side of the cap plate and connected to the electrode assembly; an insulating plate interposed between the cap plate and the tab plate; an electrode pin passing through the cap plate, the tab plate, and the insulating plate to interconnect these elements; and an insulating gasket interposed between the cap plate and the electrode pin. Also, the electrode pin includes a head portion mounted to one side of the cap plate and formed in multiple stages in an area contacting the insulating gasket; and a column extending from the head portion and passing through the insulating gasket, the cap plate, the insulating plate, and the cap plate.
US07871723B2 Power source device
A power source device includes a battery assembly which includes a plurality of batteries each having a positive electrode at one end and a negative electrode at the other end, a plurality of connecting members, each of which connects the positive electrode of one battery and the negative electrode of the other battery of the battery assembly, the one and the other batteries adjoining each other, and a plate to which the connecting members are attached, and the plate adapted to the battery assembly. The battery assembly and the plate include a positioning section that relatively positions the battery assembly and the plate. The battery assembly and the plate include a plate displacement section that displaces the plate so that the connecting members relatively abut against the corresponding positive electrodes and negative electrodes of the battery assembly when the plate is mounted on the battery assembly.
US07871722B2 Electrode assembly prepared in longitudinal folding manner and electrochemical cell employing the same
Disclosed herein are an electrode assembly including a plurality of unit cells folded by a continuous separation film wherein the unit cells are arranged on the separation film such that electrode taps of the unit cells face each other, the separation film has openings corresponding to the electrode taps of the unit cells, and the electrode assembly is manufactured by folding the unit cells in the longitudinal (lengthwise) direction of the separation film while the unit cells are disposed such that the electrode taps of the unit cells are inserted into the corresponding openings, and an electrochemical cell, such as a secondary battery, including the same. The electrode assembly according to the present invention is a hybrid type electrode assembly solving the problems of the jelly-roll type electrode assembly and the stacking type electrode assembly. Consequently, when external impacts are applied to the electrode assembly, for example, the electrode assembly falls, it is possible to minimize the occurrence of internal short circuits and thus to improve the safety of the electrode assembly. Furthermore, it is possible to perform the process for impregnating (wetting) the electrolyte into the electrodes in a short time during the assembly of the electrochemical cell.
US07871720B2 Battery assembly for use in an electronic device
A battery assembly for use in an electronic device is provided. The battery assembly may include a battery cell (e.g., a rechargeable battery cell), a battery connector for providing power from the battery cell to the electronic device, and a flex circuit electrically coupling the battery cell to the electronic device. The battery connector may be located adjacent the battery cell, and may include one or more alignment mechanisms for ensuring that conductive pads of the battery connector align properly with corresponding conductive elements of the electronic device. The battery cell may be fixed to the electronic device using an adhesive layer (e.g., double sided tape) placed between the cell and the electronic device. A tab may extend beyond the periphery of the battery cell to allow a user to pull or peal the battery cell from the electronic device for replacement or repair. In some embodiments, a tool may be used to grasp the tab.
US07871716B2 Damage tolerant gas turbine component
A damage tolerant component (90) for use in a high temperature combustion gas environment. The component includes a plurality of ceramic tiles (94) bonded to a substrate (92) for isolating any impact damage to the damaged tile(s). A grout (98) may fill gaps between adjacent tiles to blunt any crack tip extending from a damaged tile. Ceramic tile insulation may be applied in two layers (56, 58) with the material properties of the two layers being different, such as with a bottom layer selected for its thermal insulating properties and a top layer selected for its impact resistance properties. A layer of sealing material (100) may be applied over at least a portion of the ceramic tiles.
US07871715B2 Surface-coated cutting insert and method for manufacturing the same
A surface-coated cutting insert includes an insert body having a substrate of tungsten carbide-based cemented carbide, titanium carbonitride-based cermet or ceramics, a base layer, an intermediate layer and an outermost layer, the base layer and the outermost layer are made of a single layer or two or more layers formed of carbides, nitrides, oxides, or borides of one selected from the group consisting of Group IVa metals, Group Va metals, Group VIa metals, aluminum and silicon, or complex compounds thereof, and the intermediate layer is formed of primarily Al2O3, the outermost layer is removed on part of the insert body surface including the flank face and a flank face-side cutting edge portion of the intersecting edge line region, with the outermost layer being left on part of the rake face inside a boundary with the intersecting edge line region. The method for manufacturing this surface-coated cutting insert includes: forming a cutting edge at the intersecting edge line region; coating the surface of the insert body with a base layer, an intermediate layer and an outermost layer; and then removing the outermost layer on part of the surface of the insert body including the flank face and a flank face-side cutting edge portion of the intersecting edge line region, but excluding part of the rake face inside a boundary with the intersecting edge line region.
US07871710B2 Conductive material for a connecting part
Disclosed is a conductive material for a connecting part, including: a base material made up of a Cu strip; a Cu—Sn alloy covering layer having an average thickness of 0.2 to 3.0 μm; and an Sn covering layer, the Cu—Sn alloy covering layer being provided between the base material and the Sn covering layer, wherein in a cross section perpendicular to the surface of the conductive material, the diameter [D1] of the minimum inscribed circle of the Sn covering layer is 0.2 μm or less, the diameter [D2] of the maximum inscribed circle of the Sn covering layer is 1.2 to 20 μm, the difference in elevation [y] between the outermost point of the material and the outermost point of the Cu—Sn alloy covering layer is 0.2 μm or less, and a bright or semi-bright tin electroplating layer having an average thickness of 0.01 μm or more in an approximately uniform thickness is formed on the outermost layer as part of the Sn covering layer.
US07871708B2 Metal and polymer substrates having a powder basecoat and liquid topcoat
Composite coated metal and/or polymer substrates are provided having a powder basecoat thereon formed from at least one film-forming material comprising a thermosettable polyester and a curing agent; at least one reaction product of at least one cyclic carboxylic acid anhydride, at least one alkene and at least one reactant selected from the group consisting of primary amines, aliphatic polyamines, primary amino alcohols, alcohols, isocyanates and mixtures thereof, the copolymer having a number average molecular weight ranging from about 1,000 to about 20,000; and at least one flow control agent; and a topcoat deposited from a liquid or powder slurry topcoating composition applied over the basecoat to form a composite coating providing good adhesion and chip and cratering resistance.
US07871704B2 Multi-cure compositions comprising polythiol
A composition comprising an unsaturated polyester polyol oligomer and an isocyanate are disclosed; the composition can further comprise a radiation-curable compound, such as a (meth)acrylic copolymer, and/or a polythiol. Methods for using the composition and substrates treated therewith are also disclosed.
US07871702B2 Particulates comprising silica and alumina, and methods of utilizing these particulates in subterranean applications
The present invention involves reduced specific gravity particulates and their use in subterranean applications such as production enhancement and completion. One embodiment of the present invention provides particulates comprising silica and an aluminum oxide and at least one void and having a specific gravity of less than about 2.2, a particle size of 8 U.S. Mesh or smaller, and a substantially spherical shape. Other embodiments of the present invention provide for using such particulates in subterranean operations such as fracturing and gravel packing.
US07871700B2 Composite fibers and asymmetrical fibers based on carbon nanotubes and colloidal particles
A method of manufacturing composite fibers comprising two distinct layers having different compositions and physico-chemical properties and controlled, homogenous thicknesses, wherein one of two layers comprises carbon nanotubes and the composite fibers are obtained from carbon nanotube fibers and a first solution of a selected concentration of colloidal particles intended to constitute the second layer, comprising the following steps: placing the fibers in contact, by lateral surfaces thereof, with a surface of a second solution which is adapted to chemically cause aggregation of the colloidal particles and is completely or partially immersed in the second solution, the immersed thickness of the fibers defining the immersion area, placing the thus pre-coated fibers in contract, on the same lateral surface, with a surface of the first colloidal particle solution and immersed in it at most up to the immersion area to locally form a colloidal gel with a fixed thickness determined by the concentration of the first solution, separating the fibers covered in the first solution, and drying and/or evaporating the solvent of the first solution.
US07871693B2 Detectable cable tie
A plastic cable tie and a method of making a plastic cable tie that can be detected by X-ray and metal detection devices as well as sonar, optical or visual detection devices. The cable ties are formed from a composition that includes metal particles; a compound; and a plastic material. The metal particles are preferably metal flakes and can be ferrous or non-ferrous materials. The compound can include iodine or barium, and is preferably barium sulfate. The plastic material can include a polypropylene, a polycarbonate, a polyethylene, a polyterephthalate (PET) or a polyamide.
US07871687B2 Method of making microstructure device, and microstructure device made by the same
A microstructure device is made by processing a material substrate consisting of e.g. a first process layer, a second process layer and a middle layer arranged between the first and the second process layers. The microstructure device includes a first structural part and a second structural part that has a portion facing the first structural part via a gap. The first and the second structural parts are connected to each other by a connecting part extending across the gap. This connecting part is formed in the first process layer to be in contact with the middle layer. The microstructure device also includes a protective part extending from the first structural part toward the second structural part or vice versa. The protective part is formed in the first or second process layer to be in contact with the middle layer.
US07871683B2 Blow molded container
A blow molded container (10) having a trimmed nonround opening (12) is blow molded from a preform (36) and then positioned by a positioner (50) of a nonround trimmer (16) that includes a rotary driven arm assembly (56) having a knife holder (60). A guide (66) guides the knife holder (60) in a nonround path to perform the trimming.
US07871682B2 Support assembly for composite laminate materials during roll press processing
A composite laminate material is supported during the roll press processing thereof by an assembly having: first and second perforated films disposed adjacent to first and second opposing surfaces of a mixture of uncured resin and fibers defining the composite laminate material, a gas permeable encasement surrounding the mixture and the first and second films, a gas impervious envelope sealed about the gas permeable encasement, and first and second rigid plates clamped about the gas impervious envelope.
US07871674B2 Process for coating fluoroelastomer fuser member using fluorinated surfactant
A process for producing a fuser member coating including a) adding and reacting a fluoroelastomer, a crosslinking agent, a polar solvent, and a fluorinated copolymer surfactant to form a coating solution, and b) providing said coating solution on said fuser member to form a fuser member coating, wherein said fluorinated copolymer surfactant comprises a fluorinated polyether copolymer comprising pendant trifluoroethoxy groups.
US07871673B2 Process for forming filled bearings from fluoropolymer dispersions stabilized with anionic polyelectrolyte dispersing agents
The present invention provides a process for making a filled fluoropolymer bearing comprising providing an aqueous fluoropolymer dispersion comprising fluoropolymer particles and anionic polyelectrolyte dispersing agent in an amount sufficient for stabilization. The dispersion contains less than about 300 ppm fluorosurfactant based on the weight of the dispersion. The dispersion is coagulated to make a mush and a bearing filler is added to the dispersion prior to or after making the mush. The mush containing bearing filler is applied onto a bearing substrate to produce a coated substrate which is sintered and formed into a bearing.
US07871672B2 Composite press felt
There is provided an industrial fabric comprising a layer of batt of fibres optionally needled to a base cloth, whereby during manufacture of the fabric a dispersion of particulate, polymeric material has been applied to the layer of batt of fibres and thermally activated to provide a discontinuous layer containing a mixture of batt fibres and a polymer-baft fibre matrix.
US07871669B2 Method for achieving a durable two-tone finish on a vehicle
A method for producing a multilayer two-tone finish on a substrate such as an automobile or truck body or parts thereof. The method includes the steps of applying two different primers to a substrate, applying an accent color to a portion of the substrate and baking the applied coatings. The accent area is then masked and a main color is applied to the unmasked portion of the substrate. The mask is then removed from the accent color area, a clearcoat is applied to the applied main and accent colors and the substrate is baked to dry and cure the applied coating compositions. The clearcoat composition carbamate material, a curing agent and a hydroxy functional silane component. The method and the clearcoat composition provides a substantially durable and wrinkle free appearance and excellent adhesion to waterborne and solventborne basecoats, baked or unbaked.
US07871668B2 Convective flow chemical vapor deposition growth of nanostructures
The invention is directed to CVD methods and systems that can be utilized to form nanostructures. Exceptionally high product yields can be attained. In addition, the products can be formed with predetermined particle sizes and morphologies and within a very narrow particle size distribution. The systems of the invention include a CVD reactor designed to support the establishment of a convective flow field within the reactor at the expected carrier gas flow rates. In particular, the convective flow field within the reactor can include one or more flow vortices. The disclosed invention can be particularly beneficial for forming improved thermoelectric materials with high values for the figure of merit (ZT).
US07871667B2 Method of operating vacuum deposition apparatus and vacuum deposition apparatus
In a previous experiment of a deposition work of depositing a film with a uniform thickness on a long strip base material in the longitudinal direction thereof, an elapsed time from the start of the deposition work and an output of a power supply at the elapsed time are measured. The resulting relation between the elapsed time and the output is stored in a storage device. Subsequent deposition on a long strip base material is performed by a method in which first, the output of the power supply is controlled to be stabilized at a desired value using a crystal oscillator thickness gauge in a pre-heating step before the start of the deposition work, and then, a base material transport device is driven to start the deposition work on the long strip base material after a desired deposition rate is obtained. After the start of the deposition work, the output of the power supply is controlled to coincide with the output at the elapsed time stored in the storage device.
US07871665B2 Process for producing polarizing film, polarizing film, polarizing plate, optical film, and image display
The present invention pertains to a method of fabricating a polarizing film by uniaxially stretching a resin film such as a polyvinyl alcohol-based film in a fabrication process including a swelling step and a dyeing step following the swelling step, comprising the steps of immersing a resin film in bath liquids in at least two or more swelling baths in sequence in the above-mentioned swelling step, wherein at least a bath temperature of a swelling bath located at a Nth position from the front-stage side is set at a temperature which is higher than a bath temperature of a swelling bath located at a (N+M)th position by 3° C. or more (both N and M are specified positive integers).
US07871659B2 Method of visualizing medical devices during implantation
A method of rapid visualization of an implantable medical device using technology for viewing inside of a mammalian body. These technologies include ultrasound echocardiography and video imaging such as that used during laparoscopic procedures.
US07871656B2 Low and no trans fat confections
A fat composition for use in food products is provided, which contains low levels of trans fats, and includes a non-hydrogenated fractionated palm kernel oil and a non-hydrogenated fractionated palm oil. A confectionery composition containing the fat composition also is provided. The confectionery composition can be used to coat a food product, and can be flavored and/or colored. Methods for making a confectionery composition using the fat composition also are provided.
US07871651B2 Thermoformed plastic container for chocolate
An article of manufacture includes (a) a three-dimensionally shaped edible candy including chocolate; and (b) a hollow container including a wall defining an exterior surface and an interior surface, the interior surface defining a hollow portion having a shape which substantially conforms to the three-dimensional shape of the candy for releasably securing the candy within the hollow shape of the container, wherein the container includes at least two portions removably secured to one and the other for releasably securing the candy, and further wherein the container includes a plastic material, such as a thermoformed plastic material.
US07871642B2 Use of nanodispersions in pharmaceutical end formulations
A nanodispersion comprises (a) a membrane-forming molecule, (b) a coemulsifier and (c) a lipophilic component, in pharmaceutical end formulations, the nanodispersion being obtainable by (α) mixing the components (a), (b) and (c) until a homogeneous clear liquid is obtained, and (β) adding the liquid obtained in step (α) to the water phase of the pharmaceutical end formulations, where steps (α) and (β) may be carried out without high energy mixing or homogenization. The nanodispersions prepared according to this invention are suitable as transport vehicles for pharmaceutical active agents.
US07871641B2 Hepatocyte-targeting vehicle for delivery of glargine insulin to a mammal
The instant invention is drawn to a hepatocyte targeted composition comprising a mixture of free glargine insulin and glargine insulin associated with a water insoluble target molecule complex, wherein the complex comprises multiple linked individual units and a supra-molecular lipid construct matrix. Glargine insulin is present within the complex in at least one form wherein the glargine insulin has a positive charge which interacts with a negative charge on the complex. The invention also includes methods for the manufacture of the composition and methods of managing blood glucose levels in individuals with Type I and Type II diabetes.
US07871637B2 Dry hemostatic compositions and methods for their preparation
Dry cross-linked gelatin compositions are prepared that rapidly re-hydrate to produce gelatin hydrogels suitable as hemostatic sealants. Gelatin is cross-linked in the presence of certain re-hydration aids, such as polyethylene glycol, polyvinylprovidone, and dextran, in order to produce a dry cross-linked gelatin powder. The use of the re-hydration aids has been found to substantially increase the re-hydration rate in the presence of an aqueous re-hydration medium, typically thrombin-containing saline.
US07871631B2 Methods of inhibiting the lowering of antihuman TNF-α antibody
The present invention provides an antihuman TNF-α antibody activity lowering inhibitor comprising a protein source(s) and/or carbohydrate source(s), in the treatment of inflammatory bowel syndrome with repeated administration of anti-TNF-α antibody; and a kit preparation wherein a freeze-dried antihuman TNF-α antibody and the activity lowering inhibitor in the above repeated administration of the anti-TNF-α antibody are separately contained in a plastic container so that they can communicate with each other. According to the present invention, in the drug therapy to the patients with inflammatory bowel syndrome, therapeutic agents which inhibit the inflammation for long periods without accompanying serious side effects can be provided.
US07871627B2 Gram positive bacteria preparations for the treatment of disease comprising an immune dysregulation
Compositions comprising components prepared from Gram positive bacteria such as Gram positive facultative intra-cellular bacteria, for example mycobacteria, including extended freeze-dried killed Gram positive bacteria, their method of preparation and their use in humans and animals, for the prevention and/or the treatment of disorders comprising an immune dysregulation such as cancer, autoimmune diseases, allergy and tuberculosis.
US07871624B2 Chimeral polypeptide composition for cross-placenta delivery
The invention is directed to chimeral fusion proteins having an IgG1 antibody Fc portion and a lysosomal storage enzyme, particularly a Fc-GUS fusion protein useful in treating Sly's disease in an embryo or fetus. The invention is also directed to methods of treating in born errors of metabolism, particularly Sly's disease, in a fetus by delivering to a pregnant mother a Fc-MPS emzyme fusion protein.
US07871623B2 Compositions and methods for imaging pain and stress in vivo
Briefly described, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to methods and compositions for imaging pain and/or stress in a subject and methods and compositions for treating associated conditions. In particular, the present disclosure relates to the use of labeled compounds to provide objective diagnosis of pain and/or stress, for imaging regions associated with pain and/or stress, and for treating pain in a subject.
US07871621B2 Anti-HBs monoclonal antibody
An anti-HBs monoclonal antibody is described herein. This antibody can bind to the following: (i) a wild type HBsAg; (ii) at least one mutant HBsAg selected from the group consisting of a first mutant HBsAg and a second mutant HBsAg; and (iii) at least one mutant HBsAg selected from the group consisting of a third mutant HBsAg and a fourth mutant HBsAg. The first mutant HBsAg has a mutation at position 120. The second mutant HBsAg has a mutation at position 141. The third mutant HBsAg has a substitution to a lysine at position 118. The fourth mutant HBsAg has only one mutation at position 144 and an amino acid at the position 144 is substituted by a glutamic acid.
US07871620B2 Immunoliposomes that optimize internationalization into target cells
The present invention provides for immunoliposomes that optimizes internalization of a drug into target cells bearing a characteristic cell surface marker. The immunoliposomes comprise an Fab′ domain of an antibody that specifically binds the characteristic marker, an amphipathic vesicle-forming lipid, and a polyethylene glycol derivatized lipid. The invention also provides for growth-inhibiting immunoliposomes that lack growth-inhibiting therapeutic agents and yet are capable of inhibiting the growth and proliferation of target cells.
US07871619B2 Compositions and methods for detecting and treating diseases and conditions related to chemokine receptors
Ligands of CCX-CKR2 and the biological role of CCX-CKR2 in cancer is described.
US07871616B2 Anti-IL-22RA antibodies and binding partners and methods of using in inflammation
The present invention relates to blocking, inhibiting, reducing, antagonizing or neutralizing the activity of IL-22, IL-20, or both IL-20 and IL-22 polypeptide molecules. IL-20 and IL-22 are cytokines that are involved in inflammatory processes and human disease. IL-22RA (zcytor11) is a common receptor for IL-20 and IL-22. The present invention includes anti-IL-22RA antibodies and binding partners, as well as methods for antagonizing IL-22 or both IL-20 and IL-22 using such antibodies and binding partners.
US07871615B2 Humanized antibodies that recognize beta amyloid peptide
The invention provides improved agents and methods for treatment of diseases associated with amyloid deposits of Aβ in the brain of a patient. Preferred agents include antibodies, e.g., humanized antibodies.
US07871614B2 Gold-binding protein and use thereof
A protein utilizing an anti-gold antibody and a gold-binding side which is a part of the anti-gold antibody is constructed. This protein is capable of specifically binding to gold. This protein or a complex protein containing such a protein can be used for the detection of a target substance.
US07871613B2 Adjuvant therapy with the use of anti-glypican 3 antibody
The present invention provides an anti-cancer agent comprising anti-glypican 3 antibody wherein the anti-cancer agent is administered after a cancer treatment, Preferably, after a cancer treatment is after a treatment for liver cancer, and the treatment for liver cancer is in particular a resection of liver cancer cells. The anti-cancer agent according to the present invention is preferably administered if glypican 3 is expressed in the resected liver cancer cells. The anti-glypican 3 antibody is preferably a monoclonal antibody. The anti-cancer agent according to the present invention is useful for preventing cancer and for preventing the recurrence of cancer.
US07871608B2 Reversibly inactivated acidified plasmin
A method of treating a subject, the method including administring a composition that includes a reversibly inactivated acidfied plasmin substantially free of a plasminogen activator, in a low buffering capacity buffer, wherein the composition is a solution suitable for pharmacenutical use that can be raised to physiological pH by adding no more than about 5 volumes of serum to the solution relative to a volume of the solution.
US07871604B1 Recombinant bacterial vaccine system with environmentally limited viability
Disclosed is an Environmentally Limited Viability System (ELVS) for microorganisms based on temperature differences between permissive and non-permissive environments. Viability of the microorganisms are limited to the permissive environment by specifically expressing one or more essential genes only in the permissive environment, or expressing one or more lethal genes only in the non-permissive environment. Environmentally Limited Viability Systems are also disclosed involving coordinate expression of a combination of required genes and lethal genes. Microorganisms containing an Environmentally Limited Viability System are useful for release into a permissive environment. Temperature regulated Environmentally Limited Viability Systems are particularly suited for use with recombinant avirulent Salmonella vaccines by limiting their growth to the warmer environment inside the host. Such vaccines can be administered to protect humans or warm-blooded animals against bacterial, viral, mycotic and parasitic pathogens, especially those that colonize on or invade through mucosal surfaces. This antigen delivery system can also be used for expression of gamete-specific antigens to induce immune responses to block fertilization, or to induce immune responses to tumor antigens. In the event that an individual sheds live vaccine into the environment, the presence of the ELVS prevents survival of the vaccine. When environmentally regulated lethal genes are present on an extrachromosomal element and are regulated by chromosomal genes, transfer of the extrachromosomal element to other microorganisms will be limited by unregulated expression of the lethal genes in the recipient microorganism.
US07871602B2 Use of bis-amines to enhance the antimicrobial activity of aqueous compositions
The use of bis-amines to enhance the antimicrobial activity of pharmaceutical compositions is described. The bis-amines are particularly useful for enhancing the antimicrobial activity of aqueous ophthalmic compositions, such as artificial tears or ocular lubricants, and solutions for disinfecting contact lenses.
US07871601B2 Hair cosmetic compositions
A rinse-off type hair cosmetic composition containing the following ingredients: (A) from 1 to 10 wt % of a higher alcohol having from 12 to 28 carbon atoms, (B) a quaternary ammonium salt represented by the following formula (1) or a tertiary amine type compound represented by the following formula (2) or salt thereof, (C) from 15 to 70 wt % of a polyhydric alcohol, and (D) from 0.01 to 10 wt % of a dimethylpolysiloxane. The content ratio of the ingredient (A) to the ingredient (B) is from 1:1 to 10:1 in terms of molar ratio. As a method for preventing colored hair from fading, the hair cosmetic composition is used before or after shampooing the colored hair. The hair cosmetic composition can inhibit the bleeding of a colorant from colored hair upon shampooing, and is also excellent in the smoothness of the hair upon applying the composition and also upon rinsing it off.
US07871597B2 Polyol and polyether iron oxide complexes as pharmacological and/or MRI contrast agents
Pharmacological compositions, and methods for administration, of the type employing an iron oxide complex with a polyol or polyether. The methods of administration may comprise parenteral administration of an effective dose of the complex formulated in a biocompatible liquid delivered at a rate of from about 1 mL/sec to less than 1 mL/min and wherein upon administration the complex provides minimal detectable free iron in a subject, and minimal incidence of anaphylaxis. The pharmacological compositions are of the type employing a polyol or polyether iron oxide complex, which, upon parenteral administration to a subject, are substantially immunosilent, provide minimal anaphylaxis and minimal free iron, and undergo minimal dissolution in vivo.
US07871590B2 Mass of silicon solidified from molten state and process for producing the same
A solidified mass for a high-purity multicrystal silicon material that is preferably applicable to producing crystal type silicon ingots for photo voltaics, and a process for producing the solidified mass are provided. The mass of silicon solidified from molten state is a solidified mass produced by dropping molten silicon into a receiving vessel and allowing the vessel to receive the molten silicon, said solidified mass containing bubbles and having (i) an apparent density of not less than 1.5 g/cm3 and not more than 2.2 g/cm3 and (ii) a compressive strength of not less than 5 MPa and not more than 50 MPa. The process for producing a mass of silicon solidified from molten state includes the steps of dropping molten silicon into a receiving vessel and allowing the vessel to receive the molten silicon, wherein the surface temperature of the vessel for receiving the molten silicon is not lower than 0° C. and not higher than 1000° C., and the receiving vessel is allowed to receive the molten silicon at a rate of 1×10−3 to 5×10−1 g/sec·cm2.
US07871581B1 Medical instrument holding assembly and method for improved pre-sterilization cleaning using same
A medical instrument holding assembly for improved pre-sterilization cleaning with or without lubrication of the instruments is provided. The medical instrument holding assembly includes a coil or a series of plates defining instrument receiving gaps, opposing support ends, a perforated retracting member that maintains the instruments in an open position so that cleaning can reach the hard to reach areas of the instrument, and restraint bands for holding the instruments in the medical instrument holding assembly during handling. The method is also included for improved pre-sterilization cleaning using the medical instrument holding assembly.
US07871574B2 Flask for preparing a cytological suspension
A flask for preparing a fixer-based cytological suspension is equipped with a filtering element (4) at least partly immersed in the suspension. The filtering element is in the form of a basket-forming filtering material web, whereof the periphery (5) is fixed on the flask and whereof the center (6) is connected to a tube (7), extending towards the opening (2) of the flask, associated with a position-maintaining element (8) in the flask and adapted to allow through a pipette for drawing the suspension.
US07871566B2 Device for enriching and/or depleting materials in a liquid
A device and method for enriching and/or depleting substances in a liquid is disclosed. An exemplary device comprises a membrane module that consists essentially of concentric elements and that has a separation element in which the substance to be enriched and/or depleted is carried, and whereby the liquid is carried outside of the separation element. The exemplary device also comprises a drive module that encompasses a drive unit for driving a conveying element that conveys the liquid, the drive unit having a radial magnetic coupling for a central impeller located on the inside. The exemplary device further comprises a conveying module for conveying the liquid through the device, housing the conveying element, whereby the drive module is adapted to be inserted into and removed from the membrane module with a liquid-tight closure. The exemplary device further an oxygenator having an outside fiber bundle and an inside fiber bundle. Finally, the exemplary device comprises an electromagnetic drive unit disposed between the outside fiber bundle and the inside fiber bundle.
US07871565B2 Method for generating a microbial deactivation fluid in an apparatus for deactivating instruments and devices
A method of generating a microbial deactivation fluid to circulate through an apparatus that has a decontamination chamber for holding medical instruments and devices, comprising the steps of: (a) providing a first compartment and a second compartment in the circulation system; (b) providing a chemical reagent in the first compartment and a builder composition in the second compartment; (c) causing a fluid to flow through the second compartment to mix with the builder composition to create an alkaline fluid; (d) when the alkaline fluid has reached a predetermined pH level, causing the alkaline fluid to flow through the first compartment to mix with the chemical reagent to dissolve the chemical reagent to generate a microbial deactivation fluid; and (e) continuing steps (c) and (d) to continue the generation of the microbial deactivation fluid.
US07871563B2 Process for the refurbishing of a sputtering target
Disclosed in this specification is a process for refurbishing a spent sputtering target. The process includes the step of applying sufficient heat and axial force to the filled sputtering target to hot press the filled sputtering target such that the powdered metal fuses with the un-sputtered metal, producing a refurbished target. The process may be used to refurbish precious metal targets, such as ruthenium targets.
US07871557B2 Method for producing an extruded molded article of ethylene polymer and the film
The object is to provide a method for producing a film excellent in a quality of odorless or free from deteriorating taste of food contained in a package of the extruded molded article by using an ethylene-α-olefin copolymer excellent in extrusion molding processability. This object is achieved by a method for producing an extruded molded article comprising a step of extruding a copolymer of ethylene and α-olefin of from 3 to 20 carbon atoms having an activation energy for melt flow of not less than 50 kJ/mol under one of the following conditions: (a) a temperature of melted resin at die gap of T-die is not more than 200° C., (b) a temperature of melted resin at die gap of tubular tie is not more than 170° C.
US07871553B2 Process for forming curved thermoplastic composite material
A process for forming curved thermoplastic composite material. According to an illustrative embodiment, the process includes providing a length of straight thermoplastic material; pre-forming the length of straight thermoplastic material into a selected cross-sectional configuration; pressing the length of the straight thermoplastic material; and imparting a curved shape to the length of straight thermoplastic material by providing a curved section and passing the length of straight thermoplastic material through the curved section of a process assembly.
US07871551B2 Systems, apparatus, and methods to feed and distribute powder used to produce three-dimensional objects
Systems, apparatus, and methods feed and distribute a powder over a working area used for producing three-dimensional objects. A powder storage unit contains a supply of powder, and a distribution member is arranged to be moveable across the working area to distribute a portion of powder onto the working area. In an embodiment, the distribution member is, in a first step, moveable a predetermined distance into a supply of powder placed in the powder storage unit, said distance being sufficiently long to bring about a transfer of a portion of powder from the powder supply at one side of the distribution member to another side of the distribution member facing the working area, and the distribution member is, in a second step, moveable towards and across the working area to distribute the portion of powder onto the working area. Other embodiments are disclosed.
US07871534B2 Method for dust-preventive treatment of material having dusting property
A method for dusting-preventive treatment of a dusting material using a dust-preventive treatment agent including a PTFE aqueous dispersion having lower potential for environmental concerns, which method is as effective as a known method and further has a lower possibility of environmental concerns, and the dust-preventive treated material obtained by treating the dusting material by the method. The method involves mixing a dust preventing treatment composition composed of an aqueous dispersion of polytetrafluoroethylene containing 50 ppm or less of a fluorine-containing emulsifier with the dusting material and then forming fibrils of polytetrafluoroethylene by applying a compression/shear force to the mixture above at a temperature of about 20° C. to 200° C.
US07871522B2 Hybrid RO/PRO system
A system which includes a separation element (11) employing semipermeable membrane material (17), which system is designed so that it can operate either in an RO mode to produce high quality water or in a PRO mode to generate power from two aqueous solutions of different salt concentrations. In a preferred embodiment, a rotary pressure transfer device (29) is included to transfer pressure from an outlet stream exiting the separation element to an inlet stream being supplied to the separation element.
US07871520B2 High-temperature membrane distillation
A membrane module comprising an outer casing having an interior region, a plurality of hollow fiber membranes extending through at least a portion of the interior region, and having exterior surfaces and inner hollow regions, where the inner hollow regions are configured to provide flow paths for a distillate fluid. The membrane module further comprises an opening extending through the outer casing for providing a feed solution to the interior region adjacent the exterior surfaces of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes, where the feed solution provided to the opening has an elevated temperature that is greater than an atmospheric-pressure boiling temperature of the feed solution, and an elevated pressure at which an effective boiling temperature of the feed solution is greater than the elevated temperature.
US07871519B2 Methods for detection, identification and quantification of impurities
Provided is a method comprising introducing a sample comprising a plurality of oligonucleotides into an ion pair high performance liquid chromatography column having a buffered mobile phase and allowing at least a portion of the oligonucleotides to separate; allowing the oligonucleotides to elute from the column; and introducing the oligonucleotides into a mass spectrometer and quantifying at least a portion of the oligonucleotides by mass spectrometry. In the method, at least a portion of the oligonucleotides are co-eluting oligonucleotides that differ in mass by no more than 20%; and the buffered mobile phase causes at least 50 mole percent of co-eluting oligonucleotides to have the same charge when they enter the mass spectrometer.
US07871517B2 Filter device
The filter device (10) is provided with a drain device (50) provided with a main body (51) and a plug (60). The main body (51) has a first opening (51a) which communicates to the outer side of a housing (20), a second opening (51b) which communicates with an inner side (42a) of a filter element (40), and a third opening (56) which communicates with a first channel (51c) communicating to the first opening (51a) and the second opening (51b) and a space (B) between the filter element (40) and the housing (20). The plug (60) is held within the first channel (51c), and is movable between a first position (P1) at which fluid is not discharged from the housing (20), and a second position (P2) at which fluid is discharged from the housing (20). The plug (60) is provided with a second channel (65) that communicates with the first channel (51c) and communicates with the outer side of the housing (20) when in the second position (P2).
US07871516B2 Decanter with swivel discharge pipe
The invention relates to a decanter for separating a supernatant protruding from a sewage sludge in a sludge tank (1) having a withdrawal device (4) attached to a first end (E1) of a pivot-mounted discharge pipe (3), wherein for discharging the supernatant flowing through the discharge pipe (3) near a second end (E2) opposite of the withdrawal device (4) a flexible hose (14) is provided, which is connected to a connecting piece (13) that is firmly mounted to the base relative to the pivoting bearing. In order to improve the robustness of the decanter, the invention provides that the discharge pipe (3) is received at its second end (E2) pivoting around a pivoting axis (A) in a pivoting bearing (2) having two bearing blocks (17) supported on a base.
US07871512B2 Treatment of crude oil fractions, fossil fuels, and products thereof
In crude oil fractions, fossil fuels, and organic liquids in general in which it is desirable to reduce the levels of sulfur-containing and nitrogen-containing components, the process reduces the level of these compounds via the application of heat, an oxidizing agent and, preferably, sonic energy. The invention is performed either as a continuous process or a batch process, and may further include optional steps of centrifugation or hydrodesulfurization.
US07871508B2 Mediated electrochemical oxidation process used as a hydrogen fuel generator
A mediated electrochemical oxidation process and apparatus are used to process biological and organic materials to provide hydrogen and oxygen for use as fuel in numerous types of equipment. Waste materials are introduced into an apparatus for contacting the waste with an electrolyte containing the oxidized form of one or more reversible redox couples, at least one of which is produced electrochemically by anodic oxidation at the anode of an electrochemical cell. The oxidized species of the redox couples oxidize the organic waste molecules and are themselves converted to their reduced form, whereupon they are reoxidized and the redox cycle continues until all oxidizable waste species have undergone the desired degree of oxidation. The entire process takes place at temperatures to avoid any possible formation of either dioxins or furans. The oxidation process may be enhanced by the addition of ultrasonic energy and/or ultraviolet radiation.
US07871500B2 Coke drum skirt
A coke drum skirt to minimize the stresses experienced by the coke drum and the supporting structure of the coke drum is described. The skirt includes one circumferential horizontal plate attached to the coke drum, and the circumferential horizontal plate is slidingly sandwiched between a lower supporting plate that supports the weight of the drum through the circumferential horizontal plate and an upper retaining plate that prevents the coke drum from tipping or falling over. The upper retaining plate may be embodied as a series of retaining clips that also keep the coke drum centered and prevent rotation of the coke drum. The upper and lower plates are anchored to a concrete support base. The sliding connection of the plates allows the coke drum to thermally expand and contract while reducing stresses and metal fatigue from the typical fixed securing of the coke drum to the support base.
US07871496B2 Paper machine
The invention relates to a paper machine for producing paper that can be gravure printed from a fibrous stock suspension, and a related method. The paper machine includes a wire section, a pressing section, a drying section, and a winding section for winding the produced paper on a paper roll. Additionally, the paper machine includes a film press having a film roll for applying a coating color and a calender arranged downstream of the film press.
US07871495B2 Device for removing liquid from a moving fabric or web
A device for removing a liquid, dusty or solid substance from a moving fabric or web. A roll is placed transversely in relation to the moving fabric or web and arranged to rotate around a rotation axis. The roll includes an outer mantle through which a liquid or air flow can enter the inside of the roll. The rotating roll is placed inside a chamber. The chamber includes an opening in a direction of the rotating axis. The opening is arranged to expose at least a part of the outer mantle such that the moving fabric or web tangential to the chamber can be supported against the outer mantle. At least a spiral, screw or threaded structure is arranged inside the rotating roll at a distance from the outer mantle, and is arranged to rotate around a rotating axis and to transfer liquid or air that has entered the roll in the direction of the rotation axis.
US07871491B2 Method and arrangement for continuous cooking
The continuous digester system has an inlet defined therein for the feed of a chips suspension and an outlet for the output of a cooked suspension of pulp. The suspension of chips is fed in to the inlet through a line at the beginning of the cook, where the chips suspension has a volume of starting cooking fluid that establishes a fluid/wood ratio that is greater than 3.5. A final cooking fluid is present during the cook for the major part of the cock and is withdrawn through a withdrawal strainer only during the final 15 minutes of the cook. The final cooking fluid ensures a fluid/wood ratio that is greater than 3.5 in association with the withdrawal. The withdrawn final cooking fluid during the final 15 minutes of the cook consists of spent black liquor that maintains a residual alkali level that lies under 15 g/l.
US07871487B1 Method for fabricating grid-stiffened composite structures
A method for fabricating a grid-stiffened structure from fiber-reinforced composite materials. Ribs are formed on a smooth hard base tool. Expansion blocks are placed in the shallow cavities formed by the ribs and the base tool, and held in place by one of several means while a skin is placed over the ribs, expansion blocks, and base tool. The assembly is then placed in a vacuum bag and autoclave cured. After cooling, the formed structure is separated from the base tool and the expansion blocks are removed from the cavities. This abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract, and is intended to allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.
US07871486B2 Methods for making structures having mounting flanges
Methods for making a structure having an integral mounting flange involving providing a primary composite structure having a circumference, applying at least one circumferentially oriented core fiber about the circumference of the primary composite structure, applying at least one layer of attachment fibers to operably connect the core fiber to the primary composite structure about the circumference to obtain an integral mounting flange preform, and curing the mounting flange preform to obtain an integral mounting flange.
US07871482B2 Method of manufacturing multilayer ceramic substrate
Disclosed is a method of manufacturing a multilayer ceramic substrate. The method includes providing a plurality of ceramic blocks, each including a ceramic laminate having a first surface and a second surface and having a laminated structure of a plurality of ceramic green sheets containing a glass ceramic component, and a first bonding ceramic green sheet including a glass component and disposed on a surface of the first and second surfaces of the ceramic laminate, which is to contact another ceramic laminate, firing the plurality of ceramic blocks, laminating the plurality of fired ceramic blocks such that the first bonding ceramic green sheets of the adjacent ceramic blocks face each other, and bonding the plurality of ceramic blocks using the glass component of the first bonding ceramic green sheets.
US07871481B2 Method for producing a hermetic plastic zipper and a hermetic plastic zipper
A method of continuously manufacturing a hermetic plastic zipper wherein the plastic zipper has a readily peelable plastic layer prolonging in a lengthwise direction of the plastic zipper, the readily peelable plastic layer is welded using ultrasonic wave so that the peeling intensity of the welded portion is within a certain range, the method is characterized in that while the engaging portions are brought into a engaged state, the portion of the plastic zipper where the readily peelable plastic layer exists is inserted between an ultrasonic horn and an anvil, and the readily peelable layer is welded by using ultrasonic wave under a condition wherein the distance L between the ultrasonic horn and the anvil is uniformly held at an distance of H≧L≧0.85H wherein H stands for a maximum thickness of the plastic zipper under the engaged state.
US07871477B2 High strength L12 aluminum alloys
High temperature heat treatable aluminum alloys that can be used at temperatures from about −420° F. (−251° C.) up to about 650° F. (343° C.) are described. The alloys are strengthened by dispersion of particles based on the L12 intermetallic compound Al3X. These alloys comprise aluminum, magnesium, lithium, at least one of scandium, erbium, thulium, ytterbium, and lutetium, and at least one of gadolinium, yttrium, zirconium, titanium, hafnium, and niobium.
US07871472B2 Household washing appliance with biocide element in a wash chamber
A household washing appliance having a wash chamber with a sump region at the bottom is disclosed. The sump region is in communication with a filter housed in a filter chamber is disclosed. The appliance further includes a biocide element in communication with the wash chamber. The wash chamber operatively receives wash liquid from a wash pump downstream of the filter.
US07871469B2 Method for fabricating waveguides
A method of forming a planar waveguide structure, comprising forming a first graded layer on a substrate, wherein the first graded layer comprises a first and a second optical material, wherein the concentration of the first optical material increases with the height of the first graded layer; forming a second graded layer on the first graded layer, the second graded layer comprising the first and second optical materials wherein the concentration of the first optical material decreases with the height of the second graded layer. The method further including forming a uniform layer on the first graded layer, the uniform layer containing first and second optical materials wherein the first optical material concentration is constant.
US07871468B2 Microcrystalline cellulose compositions
Ultra-fine microcrystalline cellulose compositions are disclosed which comprise co-attrited microcrystalline cellulose and a hydrocolloid. The compositions have a mean particle size of less than 10 microns. The compositions are prepared by subjecting a high solids mixture of microcrystalline cellulose and a hydrocolloid to high shear forces in the presence of an anti slip agent preferably an aqueous solution of an inorganic salt. The compositions are especially useful in food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic and industrial applications.
US07871465B2 Ink composition, and ink jet recording method and recorded matter using the same
Problem: To improve clogging and ink droplet deflection.Solving Means: An ink composition comprising at least water, a colorant and an aromatic compound having a carboxyl group, which contains at least one member selected from the group consisting of a sodium ion, a potassium ion and an ammonium ion and also contains a lithium ion. Alternatively, an ink composition comprising at least water, a specific cyan dye and an aromatic compound having a carboxyl group, which contains a lithium ion and also contains a sodium ion and/or a potassium ion.
US07871462B2 Dialysis systems having air separation chambers with internal structures to enhance air removal
A dialysis fluid cassette includes a rigid portion defining at least one valve chamber, the rigid portion further defining an air separation chamber, the air separation chamber when in an operating position including an inner surface, a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet and configured to cause a dialysis fluid to spiral around the inner surface toward the fluid outlet, such that air is removed from the dialysis fluid.
US07871461B2 Bubble separator
A bubble separator capable of performing efficient bubble separation with a compact and simple structure is provided. The bubble separator includes a centrifugal bubble separating mechanism and an auxiliary bubble separating mechanism. The centrifugal bubble separating mechanism has a first bubble separator body in which a first fluid introducing part, a first fluid discharging part, and a first gas discharging part are provided. The auxiliary bubble separating mechanism has a guiding portion, a second bubble separator body, a second fluid introducing part, a second fluid discharging part, and a second gas discharging part. According to the bubble separator of the present invention, in addition to minuscule bubbles it is also possible to separate large bubbles that could not be completely separated using the centrifugal bubble separating mechanism.
US07871460B2 System and method for a moving bed adsorber for contaminant removal
A moving bed system for removing contaminates from a fluid stream is provided. The system can include a housing and a first bed system disposed in the housing. The first bed system can be coupled to the housing, and can include at least one flow channel adapted to enable an adsorbent material to flow through the first bed system. The system can include a second bed system disposed in the housing, which can include at least one flow channel in fluid communication with the first bed system to receive the adsorbent material from the first bed system. The channel of the second bed system can be symmetrical to the flow channel of the first bed system about a horizontal axis. The first bed system and the second bed system can direct a contaminated fluid stream into contact with the adsorbent material to remove the contaminates from the fluid stream.
US07871458B2 Apparatus and method for energy recovery
There is provided a heating system for a building comprising; i) a heater; ii) a media flow passage through which a medium heated by the heater passes in order to distribute heat through the building; and iii) a heat recovery apparatus for recovering latent heat of adsorption from a humid gas. The heat recovery apparatus comprises a) a gas flow passage connected at one end to a source of humid gas; b) a desiccant material provided within the gas flow passage such that the humid gas contacts the desiccant material and water vapor is adsorbed releasing latent heat of adsorption; wherein the media flow passage and gas flow passage are in heat exchanging relationship, such that when the desiccant material adsorbs water vapor from the exhaust gas the latent of the adsorption is at least partially transmitted to the medium.
US07871457B2 Carbon dioxide production method
A method of producing a carbon dioxide product stream from a synthesis gas stream formed within a hydrogen plant having a synthesis gas reactor, a water-gas shift reactor, located downstream of the synthesis gas reactor to form the synthesis gas stream and a hydrogen pressure swing adsorption unit to produce a hydrogen product recovered from the synthesis gas stream. In accordance with the method the carbon dioxide from the synthesis gas stream by separating the carbon dioxide from the synthesis gas stream in a vacuum pressure swing adsorption system, thereby to produce a hydrogen-rich synthesis gas stream and a crude carbon dioxide stream and then purifying the crude carbon dioxide stream by a sub-ambient temperature distillation process thereby to produce the carbon dioxide product. A hydrogen synthesis gas feed stream to the hydrogen pressure swing adsorption unit is formed at least in part from the hydrogen rich stream.
US07871455B1 Jet engine protection system
A modern jet engine inlet protection system that protects against large birds and operates autonomously, that is dormant in routine aircraft operations, that automatically actuates its protective device(s) only at the immediate point of need, then returning it (them) to a non-interfering position, including a RADAR system and a LIDAR system which detect birds entering the intended flight path of the aircraft, and fast computer-implemented computational algorithms that track and identify those from the detected set that are (1) projected to enter a zone which would lead to ingestion by the engine, and (2) of a size large enough that they would seriously damage the engine if ingested; that includes defensive mechanisms housed in the engine nacelle cowling or center hub, or in the fuselage structure that are instantaneously actuated shortly before arriving at the point of impact to shield, deflect, reduce the size of the approaching bird to an acceptable mass, or destroy it, and, that after the ingestion threat has passed, the devices are stowed/retracted or safely jettisoned.
US07871446B2 Disperse azo dyestuffs
A dyestuff of the formula (I) wherein D is a diazo component; R1 is hydrogen, (C1-C4)-alkyl, hydroxy, —NHCOR6 or —NHSO2R6; R2 is hydrogen, halogen or (C1-C4)-alkoxy; R3 is hydrogen or methyl; R4 is hydrogen, (C1-C6)-alkyl, substituted (C1-C6)-alkyl, (C2-C6)-alkyl, which is interrupted by 1, 2 or 3 heteroatoms wherein said heteroatoms are —0—, —S— or —NR7, substituted (C2-C6)-alkyl, which is interrupted by 1, 2 or 3 heteroatoms wherein said heteroatoms are —0—, —S— or —NR7, (C2-C6)-alkenyl, substituted (C2-C6)-alkenyl, benzyl or phenethyl; R5 is hydrogen or methyl; R6 is (C1-C4)-alkyl, phenyl or substituted phenyl; R7 is (C1-C4)-alkyl, phenyl or substituted phenyl; m is 0, 1 or 2; and n is 0 or 1. The invention further relates to use of the dyestuff and the process of making the dyestuff.
US07871439B2 Auditory ossicle prosthesis with tuning option
An auditory ossicle prosthesis (40) which replaces or bridges at least one element in the human auditory ossicle chain, whereby the auditory ossicle prosthesis (40) is made of an elastic material or a material having at least one articulated connection, is characterised in that means for frequency adjustment (=tuning) are arranged for sound transmission in the middle ear, in particular to change the lever conditions in the auditory ossicle chain. In this way sound transmission between the middle ear area and the inner ear of the human auditory canal is considerably improved, whereby, in particular, optimum adaptation to the individually differing conditions and a tailor-made solution to the problems and deficiencies in the patient in question are made possible.
US07871430B2 Medical device delivery system
A delivery system (10) for implanting a medical device (30) such as a venous valve into the vasculature of a patient. The delivery system includes a delivery catheter (11) having a device-containing portion (15) adjacent to the distal end (14) thereof, and an inner member (16) extending through the catheter and beyond the distal end thereof, to an atraumatic distal tip portion (17) forward of the catheter distal end. The inner member extends through the medical device in the device-containing region, includes a proximal portion (18) with a sufficiently large diameter to prevent longitudinal movement of the device as the catheter is retracted during deployment, and centers the device upon release from the distal catheter end during deployment.
US07871429B2 Multifunction warming device with provision for being secured
A multifunction warming device includes a clinical garment having an inside surface supporting at least one convective apparatus. An attachment mechanism is provided adjacent the convective apparatus for adhesively attaching to a person.
US07871428B2 Surgical barrier device incorporating an inflatable thermal blanket with an attached surgical drape
A surgical barrier device includes an inflatable thermal blanket with an attached surgical drape. The inflatable thermal blanket is inflatable through an inlet by a thermally-controlled inflating medium. An aperture array on the undersurface of the inflatable thermal blanket exhausts the thermally controlled inflating medium from the inflatable thermal blanket. The surgical drape extends from the inflatable thermal blanket and is sized to substantially cover the entirety of the patient's body. Where patient access is required, that drape has an opening to provide access to a surgical site.
US07871426B2 Spinous process fixation device
An implantable spinous process stabilization assembly includes a body, a bent arm and a straight arm. The body includes first and second crosspieces arranged parallel to each other, a first plate extending in a direction at right angle to first ends of the first and second crosspieces, first and second rings extending from second ends of the first and second crosspieces, respectively and a second plate extending from a base of the first and second rings, at right angle to the first and second crosspieces and in an opposite direction to the first plate's direction. The bent arm and the straight arm are configured to pivot around an axis perpendicular to the first and second rings and to set first and second pivot angles with the first and second plates, respectively, thereby defining first and second spaces configured to receive and lock onto first and second spinous processes, respectively.
US07871422B2 Forceps unit for endoscope
A forceps unit for an endoscope is provided. The forceps unit includes a flexible sheath, an operating wire placed inside the flexible sheath to be reciprocable in a direction of an axis of the flexible sheath, a pair of forceps end pieces, and two support shafts rotatably supporting the pair of forceps end pieces, respectively. The two support shafts are swaged and fixed to an end support frame provided to a distal end of the flexible sheath so that the pair of forceps end pieces rotatable around the two support shaft will open and close like a beak when the operating wire is operated back and forth. The forceps unit is further provided with a liquid feed channel that is placed inside the flexible sheath in parallel with the operating wire. In this structure, a distal part of the liquid feed channel is placed to pass between the two support shafts so that an outlet of the liquid feed channel will be placed in front of the two support shafts. An outer end part of each of the two support shafts has a cylindrical shape. Further, the outer end part is swaged to the end support frame.
US07871420B2 Resonant converter tuning for maintaining substantial constant phaco handpiece power under increased load
A phacoemulsification system includes a phacoemulsification handpiece including a cutting tip ultrasonically vibrated by an ultrasonic transducer. A power supply is provided for driving the ultrasonic transducer at a resonant frequency of the transducer and cutting tip and varying power to the transducer, in response to loading of the cutting tip, by phase shifting voltage and current supplied to the transducer.
US07871415B2 Devices and methods for treatment of gastrointestinal disorders
An implantation device for releasably holding implantable microstimulators can be used to guide one or more microstimulators to any site within the gastrointestinal tract for implantation. The device can further releasably hold one or more ligation clips for securing the one or more microstimulators in place within the implantation site(s) and/or for closing an incision in which a microstimulator is implanted. The device can be employed using open, laparoscopic, and endoscopic techniques.
US07871409B2 Endocardial dispersive electrode for use with a monopolar RF ablation pen
Methods and devices for forming a lesion in a target tissue having a cavity within. A first RF electrode and a second RF electrode can be coupled to opposite poles of an RF current source. The second electrode can be inserted into the tissue cavity and expanded to contact the target tissue from within. The first electrode can be externally disposed against the target tissue while applying RF current between the first and second electrodes to ablate the target tissue. Some methods are directed to ablating tribiculated atrial wall tissue to treat atrial fibrillation. The second electrode can contact the tribiculated tissue directly from within to provide a direct path between the two electrodes. In some methods, the second electrode is inserted through an incision made to remove an atrial appendage. The methods can provide deeper, narrower lesions relative to those made using remote, indifferent electrodes. Atrial fibrillation ablation procedures can be performed using the invention, requiring fewer incisions than conventional methods.
US07871407B2 Power supply for identification and control of electrical surgical tools
An electronic circuit for identifying an electrical surgical tool and for providing a selectable constant current appropriate to the identified electrical surgical tool.
US07871405B2 Detachable grid
Medical devices can be positioned within a patient by use of apparatus and methods according to the invention. The apparatus and methods permit insertion of the medical devices into various locations of the patient's body without requiring removal and reinsertion of already-inserted medical devices. The apparatus and methods are typically used to place medical devices into a male patient's urinary system to treat a disease or condition. The medical devices can be cryoablation probes that are inserted into the prostate gland to treat prostate cancer, for example.
US07871403B2 Medical support control system
A medical support control system comprising a recording device for recording an image signal from a medical device, a medical support control device for synthesizing an image based on the image signal and a prescribed GUI, and a display manipulation device for display the GUI, wherein: on the basis of an input of setting information about the recording device on an administrator setting window of a GUI displayed by the display manipulation device, the medical support control device creates a GUI including device selection means for causing one of the medical devices to be selected, image selection means for causing one of image signals output from the medical devices to be selected, and display means for causing the image corresponding to the selected image signal to be displayed, and causes the created GUI to be displayed on the display manipulation device as a manipulator window.
US07871397B2 Pen needle tip
A needle tip assembly includes a needle tip, a needle tip cover structured and arranged to facilitate installation of the needle tip onto at least one of a pen needle, a pre-loaded syringe, and an injection device, and at least one of an arrangement for preventing re-installation or re-use of the needle tip, a safety mechanism coupled to the needle tip via a living hinge, and a safety cover non-removably coupled to the needle tip. This Abstract is not intended to define the invention disclosed in the specification, nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.
US07871393B2 Injection device with reporting ability
An injector, when dispensing its dosage, determines its location, and sends a message to a central facility, such as a rescue center or product management system, giving its unique identification number and its location. The injector is a syringe or an auto-injector. The central facility uses the unique identification number to determine the contents of the injector and thus what sort of threat may have occurred so that suitable rescue personnel may be dispatched. The unique identification number may also be associated with a likely user of the device, and the user's organization may be notified that a problem has occurred and help is on its way.
US07871391B2 Extracorporeal fluid circuit
A chamber is described for use in an extracorporeal fluid system. The chamber has a bottom entry port and a bottom exit port. A microporous filter at the top of the chamber allows air in the fluid to vent from the chamber. In use, the chamber is filled with saline. Blood is then introduced into the chamber. A layer of saline is above a layer of blood in the chamber. The saline stagnates as the blood flows through the chamber. The saline keeps the blood from contacting the filter and depositing protein on the filter.
US07871388B2 Posture improvement device and method of use
Provided is a device for improving the posture of a patient comprising a garment and a pair of tension straps. The garment is configured to tightly envelope the patient's torso and the patient's upper arms. The garment has an inner surface, a front side and a back side. The front side includes a chest portion. The back side includes a back portion. The garment defines opposing shoulder portions and a waist portion. The tension straps are releaseably securable to the back portion in diagonal relation to one another. Each one of the tension straps has opposed free ends that extend upwardly from the back portion to the chest portion and downwardly to the waist portion. The device includes viscoelastic pads releaseably mounted on the inner surface of the garment generally opposite the free ends and are configured to restrict movement of the free ends relative to the patient's skin.
US07871387B2 Compression sleeve convertible in length
A compression apparatus is provided that includes a sleeve configured for disposal about a limb. The sleeve includes a first portion defining a first expandable chamber and a second portion defining a second expandable chamber and a third expandable chamber. The second portion includes a connector in fluid communication with a pressurized fluid source and the chambers thereby facilitating fluid communication between the pressurized fluid source and the chambers. The first portion is removable from the second portion. The first portion may be connected to the second portion via a perforated attachment. The sleeve may define at least one ventilation opening. The connector can communicate with the chambers via a tubular pathway. The sleeve may be convertible from a length extending from below a knee to above the knee, to a length extending solely below the knee.
US07871378B1 Device and method to measure corneal biomechanical properties and its application to intraocular pressure measurement
This invention is a system, an apparatus and a method for measuring biomechanical properties of cornea and the intraocular pressure in vivo. More than one dimensional topographic information of the cornea is recorded and analyzed before and during the fluid discharge and converted to the stress-strain relationship and other cornea parameters, for example the cornea thickness and radius of curvature, etc. The deformation of cornea is initiated by a non-contact fluid discharge whose profile is predetermined and monitored in real time. Utilizing this non-contact topographer, the true intraocular pressure can be derived from the response of the cornea due to the impact of fluid discharge and the corneal topographic parameters. One embodiment of this invention includes the use of a multiple color strobe light/multiple detector system to record the corneal topographic deformation due to the impact of fluid discharge.
US07871373B2 Endoscope device
This endoscope device is provided with: a laser light source that emits light having a specific wavelength; a diffusion optical component that diffuses light emitted from the laser light source and irradiates it onto an endoscopic examination subject at a distal end portion of an insertion portion; an adaptor that has a fluorescent substance that uses light from the laser light source as excitation light to emit light having a different wavelength, and is mounted on the distal end portion of the insertion portion such that it is able to be freely attached or removed; and a diffusion prevention component that is placed between the fluorescent substance of the adaptor and the diffusion optical component, and that prevents diffusion of light irradiated from the diffusion optical component.
US07871372B2 Endoscope, endoscope system, and filter unit
An endoscope includes an insertion portion; a channel member that has one opening at a distal portion of the insertion portion and other opening at a portion other than the distal portion; an exterior member opening that communicatively connects an interior of the endoscope to outside; and a filter that is provided at the exterior member opening to prevent at least one of intrusion of dust into the interior and leakage of a lubricant agent stored in the endoscope out of the endoscope.
US07871371B2 Endoscope system equipped with manipulating unit for commanding medical therapy to endoscope and medical instrument attached thereto
An endoscope system comprises an endoscope, manipulating unit, and controlling unit. The endoscope is equipped with an elongated and flexible insertion tube being inserted into an object being examined and formed to be used in combination with a therapeutic instrument. The insertion tube has a distal section accommodating therein at least an optical system for imaging and presenting a longitudinal direction. The manipulating unit is manually manipulated for commanding operations of at least the therapeutic instrument and formed to be loaded to the insertion tube and slidable along the insertion tube in the longitudinal direction thereof. The controlling unit controls at least the therapeutic instrument based on a command from the manipulating unit.
US07871368B2 Apparatus, system, and method for applying and adjusting a tensioning element to a hollow body organ
An adjustable support pad for adjustably holding a tensioning line used to apply tension to a body organ. The adjustable support pad can include a locking mechanism for preventing slidable movement of the tensioning element in one or both directions. The locking mechanism may include spring-loaded locks, rotatable cam-like structures, and/or rotatable spool structures. The adjustable support pad may be formed from rigid, semi-rigid, and/or flexible materials, and may be formed to conform to the outer surface of a body organ. The adjustable support pad can be configured to adjustably hold one or more separate tensioning lines, and to provide for independent adjustment of one or more tensioning lines or groups thereof.
US07871367B2 Surgical articles for placing an implant about a tubular tissue structure and methods
A minimally invasive surgical instrument for placing an implantable article about a tubular tissue structure is disclosed. The surgical instrument is particularly useful for treating urological disorders such as incontinence. Surgical methods using the novel instrument are also described.
US07871363B1 Arced bumper pad
A bumper pad for use in cushioning and protecting packaged articles is provided. The bumper pad is made primarily from paper and comprises an arced top member glued or otherwise affixed to a flat base along longitudinal edges. The bumper pad can be placed around the packaged article between the article and the outer packaging, which can be a cardboard sleeve, stretch wrap film or other packaging material. The arced top member preferably is formed using a linear draw process.
US07871362B2 Cover made of woven pile
The invention relates to an exchangeable cylinder jacket-shaped cover made of pile whose threads radially project outward. The aim of the invention is to provide a cover of this type, which has a high cohesive strength both in the axial as well as radial direction and which also has an outer and inner cylindrical contour that is as continuous as possible. To this end, the invention provides that the cover consists of an endless helically wound pile strip whose edges are interconnected by an endless helically running seam without forming a step that disrupts the cylindrical outer contour.
US07871360B1 Adjustable weight-loaded dip-chin machine
An adjustable weight-loaded dip-chin machine. Dip bars and chin bars with means for vertical adjustment are mounted on columns, which in turn are mounted on a base. An arm is pivotally attached to the base, and weights can be added to an arm spindle attached to the arm. A belt is attached to the arm, and weights added to the arm spindle resist upward motion of an exerciser performing dips or chins. Elastic bands may be added connecting the arm to the base, and/or the belt to the base, which serve to render the exercise more strenuous. Dip bars incorporate a plurality of dip bar legs, each a differing distance from the other dip bar. Chin bars incorporate a downwardly-sloping dogleg. An alternate embodiment adjustable dip-chin machine incorporates a weight stack which can be attached to the belt. Stack weights selected from the weight stack render exercise more strenuous.
US07871359B2 Resistance apparatus for exercise devices
A resistance apparatus for use with exercise devices includes an axle an outer housing for rotatably mounting the axle therein. At least one inner housing includes an opening for receiving the axle therethrough so that the inner housing is fixably mounted on the axle. The inner housing is rotatably mounted inside the outer housing to permit rotation of the inner housing along with the axle within the outer housing. At least a first tensioned member is disposed within the inner housing. The first tensioned member includes a first end and a second end. The first end of the tensioned member engages an engagement area of the inner housing. The second end of the tensioned member engages an engagement area of the outer housing. The tensioned member creates a rotational restoring force between the inner housing and the outer housing.
US07871355B2 Vibration training device
A training device includes a motor including a sensor member connected therewith which is electrically connected to a vibration control unit which controls the motor via commands from a user. A torque output unit is connected with an output shaft of the motor and transfers a resistant force to users and to transfers the force from the user to the motor. The torque output unit includes a speed reduction unit and a tension unit so as to transfer proper force between the motor and the users. The vibration control unit sensing status of the motor according to input commands so as to control the motor simultaneously to generate vibration and resistant force on user's muscles by rotating to-and-fro repetitively.
US07871352B2 Eight speed automatic transmission
An automatic transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices may be either clutches or brakes.
US07871349B2 Multi-speed transmission with external drive gearsets
A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, three planetary gear sets, four external gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. Each of the external gear sets includes first and second members. The torque transmitting devices may include clutches and brakes.
US07871346B2 Bicycle derailleur
A bicycle derailleur includes a mounting member, at least one linkage member, a movable chain guide and a chain guide tensioning mechanism. The mounting member is configured to be attached to a bicycle frame. The linkage member is supported to the mounting member. The movable member is movably coupled to the mounting member via the linkage member. The chain guide is pivotally connected to the movable member to pivot about a pivot axis that extends through the movable member. The chain guide also supports a guide pulley and a tension pulley. The chain guide tensioning mechanism is supported to the movable member at a point spaced apart from the pivot axis configured to bias the chain guide in a direction about the pivot axis.
US07871345B2 Arrowhead
A broadhead includes a one-piece elongated ferrule, with a plurality of slots through a central longitudinal axis of the ferrule, at least one of which has an open end, and one-piece blades mounted in the slots. At least one of the blades includes a blade slot in it and the blades having openings through them. A securing member is inserted transversely through the central longitudinal axis of the ferrule and passes through the openings of the blades securing them within the ferrule.
US07871344B1 Dart
A dart with a dart tip and a cylindrical body. The tail end of the dart is smoothly contoured to promote end-over-end tumbling of the dart as it is thrown towards the dart board.
US07871341B2 Golf ball material, golf ball and method for preparing golf ball material
The invention provides a golf ball material composed of (i) a non-ionomeric thermoplastic resin, (ii) an ionomeric resin and/or an acid-containing polymer which is the base resin of an ionomeric resin, and (iii) at least one compound selected from among N,N-dialkylaminoalkyl(meth)acrylamide, N,N-dialkylaminoalkyl(meth)acrylate and derivatives thereof. Methods for preparing such a material, and a golf ball which includes as a component therein a molded part made of the golf ball material are also provided. The golf ball material has a good thermal stability, flow and processability, and can thus be used to obtain high-performance golf balls having an excellent rebound resilience, an outstanding durability and a good flexibility.
US07871338B2 Golf club head
A golf club head comprises a head main body made of a metal material and having a club face for striking a ball, and a vibration absorber made of a viscoelastic material and attached to the head main body. The vibration absorber is provided with a cut having a width of not more than 1.0 mm. Preferably, the cut is substantially parallel with the club face, and the surface at which the cut is opened, comes into contact with the head main body.
US07871337B2 Adjustable mechanism for attaching two shafts
An adjustable mechanism including at least two shafts, one of which is hollow, including: a spring attached to a first shaft; the spring having an outer diameter of similar dimensions to the internal diameter of the second shaft, the spring configured such that once force is applied to the spring, its outer diameter is less than the inner diameter of the second shaft; and when force is no longer applied to the spring it is biased to return to its original outer diameter to bear against the inner diameter of the second shaft.
US07871334B2 Golf club head and golf club with tension element and tensioning member
A golf club head includes a club head having a plurality of components and a plurality of retaining members, with each retaining member positioned on one of the components. A tensioning assembly for releasably securing the components of the club head together includes a tension element coupled to the club head components by way of the retaining members, and a tensioning member for introducing tension into the tension element.
US07871331B2 Elastic joint member
An elastic joint member (10) with at least one set of loops (12) and at least two bushes (14), which extend transversely through the set of loops (12), collars (16), which are fastened to a respective bush end (22) in order to axially support the set of loops (12) on the relevant bush (14), and an elastomeric envelope (18), in which the set of loops (12) and the bushes (14) are embedded at least in part. Also according to the invention, the areas of the bushes (14) which are left free by the collars (16) and embedded in the envelope (18) are smooth, and the collars (16) are locked onto the associated bush (14) with a clearance which is such that the bush is rotatable within the collars, while these are connected in a fixed manner to the envelope (18).
US07871327B2 Methods and apparatus for providing entertainment content at a gaming device
Gaming systems and methods of operation thereof are disclosed. Such gaming systems and methods allow a player of a gaming device, such as a slot machine or an arcade video game, to access entertainment services, such as broadcast television programming, web sites, pay-per-view services and shared-revenue telephone services, such as 900 or 976 services, for enhanced player retention. In accordance with one or more embodiments, when play is initiated, a predefined establishment-specific criteria is evaluated to determine whether the player should be provided with access to entertainment services. A player entitled to access such services may be presented with a list of available entertainment services. Upon receipt of the player's selection, in accordance with one or more embodiments, a connection may be established between the gaming device and the provider of the selected entertainment service. In accordance with one embodiment, the content that is the entertainment service is store in the memory of the gaming device or a peripheral device and output to the player. The player's level of play may be monitored to ensure that the establishment-specific criteria for maintaining access to such entertainment services is being met.
US07871321B2 Dancing guide floor using LED matrix displays
The present inventions concerns a display system (2) for displaying multiplex information, whereby an individual selection of information is individually addressed to a different user or user groups, whereby the display system for displaying multiplex information comprises at least one display panel of a plurality of light emitting dot-like means and a plurality of sensors (6a, 6b), whereby a user or user groups are located by sensor so that individual information can be individually addressed depending on the position of each sensor-located user or user groups.
US07871315B2 Device for gathering sausage casings filled with filling material
Devices for gathering sausage casings (1) filled with filling material, include at least one gathering element (2a, 2b) which can be fed from an initial position to an end position in the direction of the casing axis, and a mechanical drive (4a, 4b) for this gathering element (2a, 2b), which is assigned a control unit (6) for the movement sequence of the gathering element (2a, 2b). The devices are characterized in that the control unit (6) is designed in such a way that, automatically, the gathering element (2a, 2b) can be stopped during the feed movement in a forward reversal position between initial and end position, moved back in the direction of the initial position, stopped again in a rear reversal position and set moving in the direction of the end position again.
US07871314B2 Method for shucking lobster, crab or shrimp
A method for facilitating the removal of the shell of a lobster, crab or shrimp by exposing the lobster, crab or shrimp to pressure for a period of time sufficient to effect detachment of the meat from the shell. Following pressurization, the shell can be easily removed using any available means to provide deshelled raw lobster, crab or shrimp meat.
US07871313B2 Hand-guided machine tool
A hand-held machine tool has an electric drive motor (3), arranged in a housing (2), for driving a tool (5), wherein a dust collecting container (7) is connected to the housing and has in its wall a container connector (8), which can be pushed axially onto a blow-out connector (6) in the housing. When the connection is disconnected, the wall (11) of the dust collecting container and an assigned wall (15) on the housing are in contact by way of at least one common supporting point, wherein the supporting point is displaced in the axial direction when the dust collecting container rotates about a longitudinal axis (9) of the container connector.
US07871311B2 Belt sander
A belt sander is disclosed that may include a sanding assembly having a first roller and a second roller, the sanding assembly being configured to receive a sanding belt around the first roller and the second roller to define a sanding surface therebetweeen. The belt sander may include a motor operationally coupled to the sanding assembly and opposite the sanding surface, the motor being configured to rotate at least the first roller and thereby rotate the sanding belt around the first roller and the second roller, as well as a handgrip formed around at least a portion of the motor and substantially encasing the motor.
US07871308B2 Abrasive, method of polishing target member and process for producing semiconductor device
To polish polishing target surfaces of SiO2 insulating films or the like at a high rate without scratching the surface, the present invention provides an abrasive comprising a slurry comprising a medium and dispersed therein at least one of i) cerium oxide particles constituted of at least two crystallites and having crystal grain boundaries or having a bulk density of not higher than 6.5 g/cm3 and ii) abrasive grains having pores. Also provided are a method of polishing a target member and a process for producing a semiconductor device which make use of this abrasive.
US07871303B2 System for filling and venting of run-in gas into vacuum tubes
Heavier noble gases such as xenon and argon can reduce the run-in period for vacuum tubes and in particular flame detector tubes. The tubes can be filled with a run-in gas and then run-in. The run-in gas can then be exchanged for an end gas, such as neon, and the tube sealed. A final conditioning step of running in the tube with the end gas can further smooth the tube's anode and cathode to thereby improve performance and operating life.
US07871302B2 Outboard motor with reverse shift
An outboard motor for small watercraft, such as a pleasure boat, has a capability of changing between a forward shift position and a reverse shift position by causing a lower part of the unit to rotate in small increments and move along an arc formed by a ratchet plate secured above the propeller assembly.
US07871300B2 Host with multiple sequential adapters for multiple consumer electronic devices
A modular system having multiple adapters for providing service to consumer electronic devices, at least one adapter being capable of being coupled to host to receive an electrical service and at least another adapter being, capable of being coupled to the at least one adapter to receive an electrical service.
US07871298B2 Stacked card connector
A stacked card connector (100) has a terminal module with a set of first terminals (2). The first terminals (2) have cantilever beams (22) and the cantilever beams (22) substantially spread in a plane, the first terminals vertically extend a leg (21) from the plane to a bottom face of stacked card connector; the first set of terminals (2) have a front row of terminals and a rear row of terminals, the first terminals (2) have contact portions (231) and transverse beams (222) connecting the contact portions (231) and the cantilever beams (22), the cantilever beams (22) of the front row of terminals branching vertically to the cantilever beam form a cross bar (221), the transverse beams (222) of the rear row of terminals extend lengthwise poles intersecting the cross bar (221) at nodes (223). The nodes (223) keep the first terminals (2) in a plane before injecting molding, and are cut off through the cutouts (113) to form a hole (224), the nodes (223) can make the first terminals have good flatness.
US07871296B2 High-speed backplane electrical connector system
High-speed backplane connectors systems for mounting a substrate that are capable of operating at speeds of up to at least 25 Gbps, while in some implementations also providing pin densities of at least 50 pairs of electrical connectors per inch are disclosed. Implementations of the high-speed connector systems may provide ground shields and/or other ground structures that substantially encapsulate electrical connector pairs, which may be differential electrical connector pairs, in a three-dimensional manner throughout a backplane footprint, a backplane connector, and a daughtercard footprint. These encapsulating ground shields and/or ground structures prevent undesirable propagation of non-traverse, longitudinal, and higher-order modes when the high-speed backplane connector systems operates at frequencies up to at least 30 GHz.
US07871292B1 Power adapter provided line winding
A power adapter equipped with line winding function comprises an adapter body and a line winding means. The adapter body includes a housing and a conversion circuit held in the housing. The housing has a coupling side substantially in parallel with the conversion circuit. The coupling side includes at least one first coupling portion. The line winding means includes a first conducting line end and a second conducting line end that are extensible or retractable and electrically connected. The first conducting line end is extended into the housing to form electric connection with the conversion circuit. Hence the first conducting line end can transfer electric power from the conversion circuit to the second conducting line end. The line winding means further has at least one second coupling portion which is separable or latchable with the first coupling portion through forces. By coupling of the first and second coupling portions the line winding means can be coupled on the coupling side so that the adapter body and the line winding means are coupled to become a portable power adapter.
US07871289B2 Printed circuit cable assembly for top down installation
A printed circuit cable assembly for top down installation in a disc drive or the like in which a printed circuit cable supporting electrical conductor paths has a body portion, a flex portion and an insertion tab connecting the body portion and flex portion. A PCC support member having a support ramp extending into a slotted gap supports the printed circuit cable with the insertion tab extending into the slotted gap so that the flex portion is extended for attachment to a moveable article, such as the head stack assembly of a disc drive. Preferably, the PCC support member has an indexing bore, and the PCC support member with the supported printed circuit cable is mounted to a support member having an indexing post, the PCC support member positioned so that indexing bore is positioned over the indexing post.
US07871280B2 Electrical system for office furniture
An article of furniture having a construction adapted to efficiently accommodate electrical components. The article of furniture includes a frame or chassis having support leg assemblies, and a beam connected to the support leg assemblies to which a channel is mounted. The support leg assemblies include work surface supports which support work surfaces at adjustable heights above the channel, and a gap between the work surfaces allows access to the electrical system within the channel. The electrical system is modular in design, and includes a series of components that are connected to one another in a manner that the location of electrical outlet modules is easily adjusted. The channel has a plurality of knock-out openings which are selectively used for locating electrical outlets at any desired position along the channel.
US07871278B1 Connector blocking with automatic power management and balancing
A method and apparatus are disclosed for managing power to a group of connectors. The individual power limits of the connectors may be selectively increased while still complying with a group power limit. In one embodiment, a group of electronic connectors disposed on a host device each include a power portion and a data portion. A mechanical barrier is moveable into a blocked position for physically blocking at least the power portion of one or more of the electronic connectors while the other electronic connectors in the group remain unblocked. A power controller automatically increases an individual power limit of one or more of the unblocked electronic connectors in response to the mechanical barrier being in the blocked position.
US07871276B2 Electrical connection bar and adapted connection device
An electrical coupling bar is described. The coupling bar includes an electrically insulating support with two parallel grooves and metallic strips engaged in the grooves. The metallic strips project out of the grooves with opposite interior faces delimiting a free engagement space. The coupling bar further includes metallic strip protection means covering the other faces of the metallic strips.
US07871275B1 Interposer frame assembly for mating a circuit board with an interposer assembly
An interposer frame assembly includes a static frame and a biasing frame. The static and biasing frames include legs joined with and oriented at an angle with respect to one another. The legs include mounting surfaces and opposite upper surfaces that are interconnected by an inner side. The mounting surfaces have outwardly protruding posts and the inner sides have protrusions extending away from the legs. The posts are received in openings of an interposer assembly such that the static frame and the biasing frame are aligned on opposite sides of a contact field of the interposer assembly. The protrusions of the static frame and the biasing members of the biasing frame guide and retain a circuit board with contacts into a mated relationship with corresponding contacts in the contact field of the interposer assembly.
US07871274B2 IC adapter for removably mounting integrated circuit
An integrated circuit (IC) adapter is disclosed to be adaptive sandwiched in between a ball grid array (BGA) integrated circuit (IC) and a printed circuit board to electrically couple the ball grid array IC and the printed circuit board. The IC adapter has a plurality of through holes therein, a resilient element in each of the through hole; in combination with a binding element for binding the integrated circuit (IC) onto the IC adapter such that the ball grid array IC can be removed, manually and without using any maintenance tool, from the IC adapter.
US07871272B2 Sliding window magnetic electrical connector
An electrical connector for supplying electrical power from a fixed member to a movable member that moves with respect to the fixed member, the movable member bearing an electrical load. The electrical connector has a first connector part fixed to the fixed member and connected to a source of electrical power. A second connector part is fixed to the movable member and is connected to the electrical load. The first connector part and second connector part are movable into electrical engagement when the movable member is moved adjacent the fixed member. The first connector part has a first housing, a movable enclosure in the housing, having first external electrical contacts, and a movable carriage bearing second electrical contacts. The movable carriage has first magnets or magnet attractive components, the second contacts being movable with the carriage by a first magnetic force into electrical engagement with the first contacts.
US07871264B2 Hub and spoke burner port configuration
A burner assembly for a gas powered cooking appliance is provided. The burner assembly may include a burner body including a central region and a plurality of radiating extensions extending radially outward from the central region. The burner assembly may include a burner cap with a central region and a plurality of radiating extensions extending radially outward from the central region. The burner cap is positioned on top of the burner body when the burner is assembled. The burner cap may include at least one overhang positioned on the outer perimeter of the central region and between an adjacent pair of radiating extensions. The at least one overhang forms a gap between the exterior wall of the burner body and the interior wall of the overhang. This gap, or flame stabilization chamber, provides for collection of gases and flame that aid in maintaining the flame during low temperature operation.
US07871262B2 Method and device for burning hydrogen in a premix burner
A method and a device for combusting gaseous fuel which contains hydrogen or consists of hydrogen, includes a burner which provides a swirl generator (1) into which liquid fuel is feedable centrally along a burner axis (A), forming a liquid fuel column which is conically formed and which is enveloped by, and mixed through with, a rotating combustion air flow which flows tangentially into the swirl generator (1). The gaseous fuel is fed inside the swirl generator (1) largely axially and/or coaxially to the burner axis (A), forming a fuel flow with a largely spatially defined flow pattern (9) which is maintained inside the burner and bursts open in the region of the burner outlet.
US07871260B2 Device for manufacturing injection moulding pieces with turret having holders
Device (1) for manufacturing injection molding pieces (2) which mainly consists of a stack mold (3) with a central cubical part (4) and two mold impressions (9,10), whereby the device (1) is provided with a cooling station (15) and an ejection station (16) as well as four holders (17-20) for holding an injection molding piece (2), which are formed as a piece (17-20) which can be taken out of the cube and which partly co-determines a mold impression (9,10), and with means (24) to detach the holders (17-20) from the cube faces (5, 13, 6, 14) with mold impressions (9, 10) and to put them in the latter again, as well as means (25) to each time move the holders (17-20) a quarter of a turn to a following cube face (13, 6, 14, 5) after the injection molding.
US07871255B2 Injection molding machine
The injection molding machine has a fixed platen and a movable platen for fixing a pair of molds; a pair of clamp plates mounted to the fixed platen and the movable platen, respectively, and having a fixation surface for mold fixation, respectively; and magnetic force generation mechanisms for generating a magnetic force for fixing the molds to the fixation surfaces. An air-gap formation mechanism is provided at least in one of the clamp plates for automatically forming air-gaps between the fixation surfaces and the molds in association with the movement start of the movable platen while the magnetic force generation mechanisms are inactivated for detaching the molds from the fixation surfaces.
US07871249B2 Systems and methods for managing fluids using a liquid ring pump
Methods and systems for chemical management. In one embodiment, a blender is coupled to a processing system and configured to supply an appropriate solution or solutions to the system. Solutions provided by the blender are then reclaimed from the system and subsequently reintroduced for reuse. The blender may be operated to control the concentrations of various constituents in the solution prior to the solution being reintroduced to the system for reuse. Some chemicals introduced to the system may be temperature controlled. A back end vacuum pump subsystem separates gases from liquids as part of a waste management system.
US07871246B2 Airfoil for a gas turbine
An airfoil is provided for a gas turbine comprising an outer structure comprising a first wall, an inner structure comprising a second wall spaced relative to the first wall such that a cooling gap is defined between at least portions of the first and second walls, and seal structure provided within the cooling gap between the first and second walls for separating the cooling gap into first and second cooling fluid impingement gaps. An inner surface of the second wall may define an inner cavity. The inner structure may further comprise a separating member for separating the inner cavity of the inner structure into a cooling fluid supply cavity and a cooling fluid collector cavity. The second wall may comprise at least one first impingement passage, at least one second impingement passage, and at least one bleed passage.
US07871243B2 Augmented vaneless diffuser containment
A containment system comprises at least one passage obstructer extending from a housing inlet cover through a diffuser passage and into a housing back cover. The passage obstructer includes a fastener portion, such as a bolt, and an obstructing portion extending from and integral to a shaft of the fastener portion. The diameter of the obstructing portion is less than the diameter of the shaft, allowing the obstructing portion to bend upon impact with a burst impeller fragment.
US07871241B2 Self-monitoring system for evaluating and controlling adjustment requirements of leakage restricting devices in rotodynamic pumps
A self-monitoring adjustment system is provided for evaluating and effecting adjustment of the leakage restricting mechanism between the rotating and non-rotating elements of a rotodynamic pump to restrict leakage and to establish desired gap dimensions between the rotating and non-rotating elements of the pump. The adjustment system is structured to be self-monitoring for determination of when an adjustment of the leakage restricting mechanism is warranted by the conditions of the pump, and is structured with adjusting mechanisms that are self-adjusting responsive to the monitored conditions of the pump, though manual adjustment is also enabled.
US07871238B2 Fuel pump
A vapor lock in a fuel pump can be prevented by reducing the formation of vapor within the fuel. A first group of concavities may be formed in an inner circumferential region of an intake side face of an impeller, and a second group of concavities may be formed concentrically in a region outside of the first group of concavities. A third group of concavities that communicates with the second group of concavities may be formed in a discharge side face of the impeller. The impeller is housed within a casing. A first groove that faces the first group of concavities and a second groove that faces the second group of concavities may be formed in the face of the casing that faces the intake side face of the impeller. A third groove that faces the third group of concavities may be formed in the face of the casing that faces the discharge side face of the impeller.
US07871237B2 Method and apparatus for monitoring particles in a gas turbine working fluid
A method and system for monitoring a gas turbine engine (20) to predict maintenance requirements. Particles suspended in a gas flow (24, 32) of the engine (20) are monitored and quantified to predict a particle accumulation rate. Monitoring may be done using particle flow sensors (61-63) in a diverted portion (33) of the working gas flow (24), such as in the cooling gas flow (32). Particle sampling (S1-S3) may be done to determine particle size and composition distributions. Particle mass flow rates may then be continuously monitored per engine operating condition, and compared to predetermined values such as a normal upper limit per engine operating condition. An integrated particle mass flow may be used in conjunction with an instantaneous mass flow rate to predict a maintenance requirement. Multiple locations (L1-L3) may be monitored to recognize a maintenance requirement by flow section or component.
US07871236B1 Automated paper turner for work and turn printing operation
A powered paper turner is an automated load turning device specifically designed to turn a paper stack sandwiched between a pair of pallets in a work and turn printing process. The paper turner is mounted on wheels, with a rotating module rotating about an axle mounted on a moving support beam to give the module its rotational capability. A slide that secures the paper stack moves horizontally within the rotating module to shift the center of gravity. As the support beam moves up and down a pair of guide rods on linear bearings, the rotating module rotates about the axle. During a downstroke of the moving support beam, the paper stack rotates from a vertical position to a horizontal position. The stack is then shifted, so that during an upstroke of the moving support beam, the paper stack completes a 180° rotation.
US07871235B2 Refuse body with ejection wall
An improved front loading or side loading refuse collection body includes an ejector panel which is moveable from a position immediately adjacent the front end of the storage compartment of the refuse collection body to a second position at the open rear end of the storage compartment. A compaction blade in a compaction chamber adjacent the front end of the storage compartment is independently driven by a second hydraulic ram. The ejector panel has an opening which is in registry with the compaction blade such that refuse propelled by the compaction blade moves into the storage compartment when the ejector panel is positioned adjacent the front end of the storage compartment.
US07871234B2 Cart transport apparatus
A cart transport apparatus for automatically transporting carts in which trays with medicine contained therein can be stored. The carts have a plurality of support panels (38) juxtaposed to each other, a lower connection member (41) connecting lower end portions of the plurality of support panels (38), and casters (44) positioned below the lower connection member (41). The cart transport apparatus includes a frame (51) having wheels (50) that can be rotatably driven. The frame (51) is movable beneath the lower connection member (41) of the cart (8). Also, the cart transfer apparatus is provided with grip members (55) for gripping the lower connection member 41 of the cart 8.
US07871232B2 Line feed system with indexing cart
A line feed system of the invention comprises a framework having a first end and a second end. At least one conveyor is carried on the framework. The conveyor comprises a drive system and a cart configured to engage the drive system. In one embodiment, the cart has a base that engages the drive system and a carriage that is movable, e.g., extensible and retractable, with respect to the base. In another embodiment, the drive system is extensible and retractable. The cart can also include one or more lift devices that can be raised and lowered with respect to the carriage.
US07871222B2 Truss semi-submersible offshore floating structure
A semi-submersible structure. The hull includes four columns that are supported by two pontoons. The columns support the topsides and the topsides structural framing serves as horizontal framing between the columns. A truss frame is attached to the columns. The truss frame preferably includes heave plates. The truss frame extends downward below the pontoons a sufficient distance in the water such that it minimizes motions caused by environmental forces. The hull section and the truss space frame are constructed separately and assembled together at the offshore site where the structure is used for drilling and/or production.
US07871221B2 Delineating pole having an anchoring base and spring cartridge for snow based applications
An anchoring base for a delineating pole using the reconfiguration of protruding resilient mechanical members to facilitate insertion and resist the subsequent extraction force on the pole. The mechanical members extend outwards relative to the insertion rod longitudinal axis, and bend or configure upon insertion of the anchoring base, into a first position that facilitates insertion while impeding and resisting axial extraction forces, and upon subsequent rotation of the anchoring base, the mechanical members bend or reconfigure into a second position such that the extraction resistance force is significantly reduced. The anchoring base design may be used in conjunction with a spring cartridge having a plurality of interlocking members forming a rigid mechanical structure during rotation.
US07871220B2 Energy attenuating safety system
An energy absorbing system with one or more energy absorbing assemblies is provided to reduce or eliminate severity of a collision between a moving vehicle and a roadside hazard. The energy absorbing system may be installed adjacent various roadside hazards or may be installed on highway service equipment. One end of the system may face oncoming traffic. A collision by a motor vehicle with a sled assembly may result in shredding or rupturing of portions of an energy absorbing element to dissipate energy from the vehicle collision.
US07871214B2 Keyboard unit and electronic apparatus having a keyboard unit
According to one embodiment, a keyboard unit that includes a keyboard body having a key top and a detecting unit detecting water. The detecting unit is positioned on the keyboard body so as to facing to an under side of the key top.
US07871207B2 Lens drive device
A lens drive device may include a thrust direction stopper mechanism which includes a thrust movement preventing abutting part of the movable body and a thrust movement preventing abutted part of the fixed body for restricting a moving range toward an object side of the movable body, and a radial direction stopper mechanism which includes a radial movement preventing abutting part of the movable body and a radial movement preventing abutted part of the fixed body for restricting a moving range in a radial direction of the movable body. The moving range in the radial direction under an inclined posture of the movable body with respect to an optic axis is restricted over all directions by the radial direction stopper mechanism and the thrust direction stopper mechanism.
US07871206B2 Imaging apparatus
An imaging apparatus includes: an apparatus body having a substantially box-like shape and having an imaging lens provided on the front side; and a cover member including a sliding portion slidably supported on the front surface of the apparatus body, a pivotal portion pivotally supported at a side portion of the apparatus body and including a standing piece that faces the front surface of the apparatus body, and a connecting portion that connects the standing piece to the sliding portion, wherein causing the standing piece to face the front surface of the apparatus body produces a lens blocking state in which the imaging lens is blocked, whereas causing the standing piece to stand on the front surface of the apparatus body not only forms a grip formed of the pivotal portion and the connecting portion but also produces a lens unblocking state in which the imaging lens is unblocked.
US07871203B2 Optical connector unit
An optical connector unit includes optical fiber plugs to be attached to and detached from the optical connector unit; a member for location, with each of the optical fiber plugs being inserted into respective opening holes of the member for location; an adaptor, a front part of each of the optical fiber plugs being individually inserted into and connected to the adaptor; a connection jig for pushing the member for location toward a side of the adaptor and then for inserting the front part of each of the optical fiber plugs into the adaptor; and a detachment jig for detaching each of the optical fiber plugs from the adaptor by being engaged with the member for location and then by pulling the member for location.
US07871202B2 Four-row tapered roller bearing
The invention relates to a four-row tapered roller bearing for machine mountings, with an inner ring of two-part design axially and on outer ring of single- or multi-part design axially, with an inner and/or an outer tapered-roller row, being supported in each case by an inner ring part. In order, firstly, to confer a large supporting width on the bearing and, secondly, to ensure as optimum as possible and as uniform as possible a loading of the rolling bodies in the form of the tapered rollers, the tapered-roller rows are arranged in an O-arrangement, and the roller axles or the respectively adjacent outer and inner tapered rollers of the two respectively adjacent outer and inner tapered-roller rows are arranged at an inclination in such a manner that those lines of influence of the tapered rollers which characterize the pressure angles intersect in the region of the axis of rotation of the tapered roller bearing. In addition to other advantages, this bearing can be produced more cost-effectively and, with regard to production quality, more reliably than known four-row tapered roller bearings.
US07871196B2 Juicer safety device
A juicer safety device includes a sidearm formed with the container and having a groove in a sidewall, a contact member on an upper surface of a chamber, a spring on the contact member, a position guide member in a sidewall of the chamber, and two projecting ridges with a slide groove between them; a push rod kept in position by the contact member, the position guide member and the two projecting ridges and having a push block with a side shoved by the spring and a guide block in the slide groove; a cap having a rotary member. The cap is closed on the container with the rotary member rotated to let a clamp block insert in the sidearm and push the push rod downwards to move a contact rod of the push rod downwards, touching and turning on a micro switch, which turns on the juicer to operate.
US07871194B2 Dilution apparatus and method
A dilution apparatus suitable for use with particles suspended in a fluid is described. The apparatus comprises a first batch diluter and a second continuous diluter. The first diluter comprises a vessel having at least one inlet, and an outlet, the at least one inlet being arranged to receive diluent so as to mix said sample with said diluent. The second diluter comprises a sample input, a diluent inlet and an output, the diluent input being arranged such that diluent entering the second diluter experiences a pressure drop. The pressure drop is sufficient to entrain at least a portion of diluted sample from the first diluter through the sample input. The outlet of the first diluter is arranged to be in communication with the input of the second diluter such that a sample that has been pre-diluted in the first diluter is arranged to be further diluted in the second diluter.
US07871189B2 Warning lamp and handlebar assembly for bicycle
A warning lamp and handlebar assembly for a bicycle includes a handlebar, a warning lamp mounted on a distal end of the handlebar, and a clamping body mounted between the handlebar and the warning lamp to attach the warning lamp to the handlebar. Thus, the warning lamp is attached to the handlebar by clamping connection of the clamping body to provide a lighting and warning effect. In addition, the warning lamp and the handlebar are clamped by the clamping body so that the warning lamp is attached to the handlebar solidly and stably. Further, the warning lamp is locked onto and unlocked from the handlebar by tightening and loosening the clamping body, so that the warning lamp is mounted on and detached from the handlebar easily and quickly.
US07871188B1 Motorcycle rider illuminating system
A motorcycle rider illuminating system includes a motorcycle that includes a rear wheel, a seat and a fender mounted over the rear wheel. A housing is mounted on the fender. An upper light emitter is mounted on an upper side of the housing and is electrically coupled to the motorcycle. The upper light emitter is turned on and emits light when the motorcycle is turned on. The upper light emitter emits light toward the seat to illuminate a motorcyclist's back when the motorcyclist is positioned on the seat.
US07871187B2 LED control device for a vehicle light
The invention relates to a device for controlling diode lamps comprising a lighting module having at least one diode lamp, the diode lamp pertaining to a predefined range, at least one device for transmitting a unique signature representing the range, and an associated control module comprising reception means (for receiving a unique signature transmitted by the lighting module, and current adjustment means for adjusting and supplying, as a function of the transmitted signature, a current to said lighting module to cause the diode lamp to operate.
US07871185B2 Lamp fixture
A lamp fixture has a hollow shape, such as a pyramid or a cone. The fixture includes a light source mount at a vertex of the shape, configured for light from a light source to enter the shape therethrough; reflecting inner surfaces on sides of the shape; and a design element on or in at least one of the sides. The design element may be a slit, a hole, a transparent element, a color pattern, a three-dimensional object, a prominence, an uneven surface, or a combination thereof.
US07871179B1 Adjustable mount for flashlight
An adjustable mount for a flashlight. The adjustable mount having a flashlight receiving body adapted to receive a flashlight. The adjustable mount having a connecting body rotatably connected to the flashlight receiving body at a right angle such that the flashlight receiving body rotates about the connecting body at the connection between the flashlight receiving body and the connecting body. The adjustable mount having a support body rotatably connected to the connecting body at a right angle such that the support body rotates about the connecting body at the connection between the support body and the connecting body.
US07871177B1 Light mounting apparatus
A light mounting apparatus is being proposed herein. The light mounting apparatus is formed to as to allow for versatile usage, in connection with a wide variety of tools, structures, and surfaces. Furthermore, the light mounting apparatus includes suitable connection structures to a light source in order to provide multiple degrees of freedom, thereby allowing a user to easily direct light beams to a desired location.
US07871172B2 Diffusion plate and backlight module using same
A light diffusion plate includes a first surface and an opposite second surface. The first surface defines a plurality of first elongated arc-shaped grooves and a plurality of second elongated arc-shaped grooves therein. A width of the first elongated arc-shaped grooves decreases and a width of the second elongated arc-shaped grooves increase along the direction from one side to another side. The second surface forms a plurality of first elongated arc-shaped protrusions and a plurality of second elongated arc-shaped protrusions thereon. A width of the first elongated arc-shaped grooves decreases gradually and a width of the second elongated arc-shaped grooves increases gradually along the direction from one side to another side. A width of the first elongated arc-shaped protrusions decreases gradually and a width of the second elongated arc-shaped protrusions increases gradually along the direction from one side to another side.
US07871164B2 Ophthalmological instrument
A homogeneously illuminating ophthalmic instrument includes an illumination device having a source of illumination, a homogenizing unit and a projection device, at least one organic or inorganic source of radiation with spectrally selective emission being used as a source of illumination. The illumination generated in this way enables correspondingly adapted visual and/or digital observation, recording or display of the examined regions of the eye by a visualizing unit.
US07871156B2 Ink cartridge for ink-jet printing apparatus
An ink cartridge for an ink jet printer having a housing having at least one wall. The ink cartridge further has at least two ink chambers for containing different ink accommodated in the housing. Ink supply ports are formed in one wall of the housing within each of the ink chambers. Each of the ink supply ports has an inner opening and an outer opening. The distance from the inner opening of a first ink supply port to that of a second ink supply port adjacent to the first ink supply port is different from a second distance from the outer opening of the first ink supply opening to that of the second ink supply port.
US07871152B2 Discharge head and method for producing discharge head
A discharge head includes a discharge driving element; an individual electrode formed on the discharge driving element and having a connecting section; and a wired board having a terminal which is joined to the individual electrode by a conductive brazing material. The connecting section is provided to face the terminal, and a metal, which is hardly sulfurized, is exposed in a facing area, of a surface of the connecting section, facing the terminal. A silver sulfide coating is formed on a surface of the connecting section except for a portion facing the terminal. The silver sulfide coating has a low affinity for the conductive brazing material, which is hardly wetted thereby. Therefore, even when the conductive brazing material leaks, then the conductive brazing material is not retained on the silver sulfide coating, and no influence is exerted on the driving operation of the discharge head.
US07871151B2 Liquid discharge head
A liquid discharge head includes a discharge element including a discharge port, a liquid supply port, an electric connection terminal, and a heat transfer terminal. The discharge head also includes a supporting member including an electric connection terminal portion formed on a first surface thereof and electrically connected to the electric connection terminal, a heat transfer terminal junction portion formed on the first surface and connected to the heat transfer terminal, a plurality of through-holes extending between the first surface and a second surface of the supporting member, a partition wall portion separating the through-holes from each other, and a heat transfer path connected to the heat transfer terminal junction portion. An interval between the through-holes increases according to a direction from the first surface to the second surface. A volume of the heat transfer path increases according to the increase of the interval.
US07871150B2 Flexible circuits having ink-resistant covercoats
A circuit article for use with an inkjet printer pen. The circuit article comprises a flexible circuit having a plurality of conductive traces disposed on a dielectric film, an adhesive film disposed adjacent the dielectric film of the flexible circuit, and a carrier film disposed adjacent the first adhesive film, opposite of the flexible circuit. The adhesive film is derived from a cross-linkable precursor comprising an epoxidized aromatic-diene block copolymer and a thermal-curing agent.
US07871149B2 Head unit and ink-jet recording apparatus having the same
A head unit comprises: first and second heads, each having an ink ejecting face including a nozzle group, the nozzle group including plural nozzle rows extending in a first direction and arranged in a second direction orthogonal, each nozzle row including a plurality of nozzles for ejecting ink arranged along the first direction at a predetermined interval; and a holder for holding the first and second heads. Each of the nozzle groups of the first and second heads includes a rectangular region in which the plurality of nozzles are arranged apart at a predetermined distance in the first direction to form a rectangular shape. The first and second heads are held by the holder in parallel with each other so that the plurality of nozzles included in the rectangular regions of the first and second heads, respectively, are arranged apart at the predetermined distance in the first direction.
US07871148B2 Universal inkjet cartridge printhead sealing band
An inkjet cartridge printhead seal that is an elastomeric band with an outer perimeter, an inner perimeter and a width. The inner and outer perimeters define at least a first and a second thickness, with the second thickness greater than the first thickness. The band also has a seal located along the portion of the band that has the second thickness.
US07871147B2 Image forming apparatus and method for humidifying in head cap
An image forming apparatus, for ejecting liquid from openings to form an image on a printing medium, includes a head cap for covering the opening surface through which the openings open when a liquid ejection head in which the openings are formed is not in use and for protecting the openings from external air, a rechargeable battery for activating the image forming apparatus, a fuel cell for charging the rechargeable battery, and a liquid path along which water generated as the fuel cell is activated is introduced into the head cap. With this arrangement, when the liquid ejection head is not activated, the moisture retention in the head cap can be achieved.
US07871146B2 Printing apparatus, recording head cleaning method, control process and computerized cleaning program for the recording head in a printer
The cleaning process best suited to the condition of an inkjet printer is selected and run, thereby removing nozzle clogging without wastefully consuming ink. The first time a cleaning switch 7 is operated a CL1 cleaning process is run. If the cleaning switch 7 is pressed a second time and the print pass count is less than e.g., 400, a CL2 cleaning process that uses more ink than the CL1 process is used to clean the recording head, but if the print pass count is 400 or more, the CL1 cleaning process is used. If the print pass count is less than 400 the third time the switch is operated, the CL2 cleaning process is used, but the CL1 cleaning process is used if the print pass count is 400 or more. If the cleaning switch 7 is operated four or more times and the print pass count is less than 400, a YCL cleaning process that consumes substantially no ink is used to clean the recording head, but if the print pass count is 400 or more, the CL1 cleaning process is used.
US07871141B2 Liquid ejecting apparatus and method of controlling liquid ejecting apparatus
A liquid ejecting apparatus includes a liquid ejecting head and a driving signal generating device. The liquid ejecting head includes a pressure generating device and a pressure chamber in communication with a nozzle opening. The pressure generating device generates pressure fluctuation in liquid in the pressure chamber. The liquid ejecting head discharges the liquid from the nozzle opening in the form of a liquid droplet. The driving signal generating device generates a driving signal that includes a discharge pulse for discharging the liquid droplet during every discharge period. The driving signal generating device sets, into the discharge pulse, an expansion element for expanding the pressure chamber, a discharge element for discharging the liquid droplet by contracting the pressure chamber, and a vibration damping element for suppressing residual vibration, which occurs in the pressure chamber after the liquid droplet is discharged, by further contracting the pressure chamber.
US07871139B2 Slide rail assembly
A slide rail assembly is capable of being attached to a chassis associated with a post extending therefrom. The slide rail assembly includes a slide rail defining a mounting slot for receiving the post, a retaining member having a mounting portion fixed to the slide rail, an intermediate member slidably attached to the slide rail, and a releasing member pivoted connecting to the retaining member. The intermediate member includes a cutout configured to receive the post and be aligned with the mounting slot of the slide rail. The retaining member is capable of keeping the intermediate member from sliding with respect to the slide rail. The releasing member is capable of being pivoted to enable the intermediate member to slide with respect to the slide rail.
US07871136B2 Trouble diagnosis device of vehicle body acceleration sensor and antilock-brake system
A trouble diagnosis device of a vehicle body acceleration sensor by determining that the output fixing trouble of the vehicle body acceleration sensor or the like is not generated at a point of time that the fluctuation width of the output value of a vehicle body acceleration sensor becomes a predetermined value or above during the traveling of the vehicle with the vehicle speed equal to or more than the predetermined speed, and by stopping the trouble diagnosis of the output fixing trouble of the vehicle body acceleration sensor or the like until the vehicle speed is lowered to a value less than the predetermined speed thereafter, it is possible to avoid the trouble diagnosis of the output fixing trouble of the vehicle body acceleration sensor or the like when that the trouble diagnosis of the output fixing trouble of the vehicle body acceleration sensor or the like is unnecessary.
US07871131B2 Panel
A panel having particular utility in a chair or other apparatus for receiving an occupant in a seated position includes an envelope of resilient material having at least one small opening for receiving a substantially rigid and U-shaped envelope support frame. The envelope support frame is inserted into the envelope through the opening and positioned inside the envelope to tension the resilient material of the envelope in one or more tension zones. A rear support frame bar is then inserted into the opening and connected to the envelope support frame. The small opening may then be sewn closed, knitted, or heat sealed. The width of each tension zone when the envelope is in its relaxed state is different than the width of each immediately adjacent tension zone.
US07871130B2 Biarticulated headrest for chair
A biarticulating headrest having a chair mount adapted for attachment at one end thereof to a back support section of a chair. The headrest includes a base plate on the backside thereof. One or more headrest mounts can be attached to the base plate at a first end thereof. A first axis can be attached to a second end of one or more of the headrest mounts and a second axis can be attached to a second end of the one or more chair mounts. The headrest includes a biarticulating headrest locking mechanism, wherein the positioning assembly is movably engaged to the first axis at a first end and to the second axis at the second end thereof.
US07871126B2 Vehicle seat with adjustable seat depth
The seat depth adjustable vehicle seat has a seat frame that has an adjustable front edge and a padding carried by a seat frame. The padding extends about the front edge and adopts different positions with respect to the front edge. The padding has at least two layers. There is provided one inner and one outer layer. The inner layer is located between the front edge and the outer layer.
US07871125B2 Infant support with independently repositionable legs
An infant support includes a base member, a tray, a first leg, a second leg and an adjustment member. The base member includes a seat portion and an upright portion. The tray is configured to be removably coupled to the upright portion. The first leg is configured to support the base member and is slidably coupled to the base member such that the first leg can be selectively placed in a first position in which the first leg is retracted and a second position in which the first leg is fully extended. The second leg is configured to support the base member and is slidably coupled to the base member. The adjustment member is slidably coupled to the base member between the first leg and the second leg and is configured to retain the first leg in at least one of the first position or the second position.
US07871124B1 Built-in baby seat
The invention is an improved child safety seat that is integrated into a vehicle seat back. The seat back rotates vertically to allow the child safety seat to be revealed and integrated into the back of the vehicle seat. The child safety seat is capable of facing either forward or rear.
US07871120B2 Four-door motor vehicle having a door sealing system for frameless doors
A four-door motor vehicle having a door sealing system for frameless doors, the body of which motor vehicle has a front (9) and a rear (11) door cutout, with an associated front door (7) and rear door, and a B pillar (4) between the door cutouts (9, 11), which B pillar (4) ends at the level of the sill (6), wherein the door cutouts (9, 11) are bordered by a primary seal (15, 17, 18). In order to meet high demands on impermeability, the primary seal (15, 17, 18) forms, at its part which surrounds the sill region of the B pillar (4), a sealing cushion (16) which projects outward from the B pillar, and the doors (7, 8) have, in the region of the cushion (16), molded parts (25, 35) which, when the doors are closed, bar against one another and against the sealing cushion (16), wherein the molded parts (25, 35) on the one hand seal off the windowpanes (23, 33) with respect to the door plates (20, 21, 30, 31) and on the other hand form a secondary seal (12) with one another, wherein the secondary seal seals off the region between the end faces, which face toward one another, of the two doors (7, 8).
US07871116B2 Vehicle seat assembly
A vehicle seat assembly that elevates and rotates to enhance passenger seat access is disclosed. The vehicle seat assembly includes a seat and a plurality of links pivotally coupled to a lower surface of the seat at one end of each of the links and pivotally mounted with respect to a vehicle floor at the opposite end of each of the links. A motor may be used to drive at least one link to actuate the seat.
US07871114B2 Arcing slide-out for vehicle
A slide-out arcs between extended and retracted positions. An outer end of the slide-out is lifted so as to tip the slide-out inwardly when approaching the retracted position. The outer end of the slide-out is lowered so as to tip the slide-out outwardly when approaching the extended position.
US07871113B2 Door unit for cold storage
The invention has an object to provide a door unit for a cold storage, enabling easy opening and closing operations of a door by engaging a latch with a latch receiver. The door unit includes a handle pivotally mounted on the side face of an outer door on its non-pivotal side at a predetermined height, and a latch receiver provided on the forward portion of a side surface of a main body at a height corresponding to the handle. The handle includes a grip to be grasped by fingers of a hand, and a latch detachably engageable with the latch receiver so that the latch engages a roller of the latch receiver in a state of the substantially vertical grip, and when the grip is pivotally moved in a direction away from the main body to a position where the grip intersects a horizontal plane at a predetermined angle, the pivotal movement of the handle is stopped and the latch disengages from the roller of the latch receiver.
US07871109B1 Drain basin with pipe couplings
A drain basin has a basin with walls and a cavity therein. The basin can have one or more sleeves coupled thereto. The sleeves are in communication with the cavity. The sleeves form pipe couplings to the basin. Each sleeve has a free end and a fixed end. The fixed end is coupled to the basin. The sleeve has an inside diameter that decreases toward the fixed end, which inside diameter is structured and arranged to receive the outside diameter of a small pipe. The sleeve also has an outside diameter that increases toward the fixed end, which outside diameter is structured and arranged to receive the inside diameter of a larger pipe. In addition, catches are provided to couple a corrugated pipe to the sleeve. The catches comprise fingers that flex or projections on ribs. Thus, the drain basin allows several diameters of several different pipes to be coupled to the drain basin.
US07871108B2 Machine mount
A mount for a machine includes a mounting member having an insertion portion and a shoulder portion. During assembly, the insertion portion is swaged into an opening in the frame. A mating member attached to a machine structure is seated on the shoulder portion, and a cap may be attached to the shoulder portion such that the mating member is disposed between the cap and the shoulder portion.
US07871107B2 Rollover protection device
A rollover protection device is disposed behind the vehicle seats of a motor vehicle, in particular a convertible with a convertible top, and has at least one rollover protection cassette containing a rollbar. It is important here that the at least one rollover protection cassette or a housing of the same is a supporting component of a stiffening support which is of multi-part construction and extends in the transverse direction of the vehicle.
US07871105B2 Air belt device
In an air belt device which has the gas-supply portion, such as an inflator, fixed therein, a connection between an air belt and a gas supply portion is simplified. A lap anchor 13 coupled to an end of a lap bag 15 is pivotally supported by a support shaft 13p such that the lap anchor 13 can turn back and forth with respect to a seat frame 2. The inflator 12 is fixed to be disposed on a side face of the seat frame 2. A substantially tubular gas-introducing path 16 extends from the lap bag 15. The gas-introducing path 16 is connected to a pipe 17 extending from the inflator 12 in a slack state.
US07871102B2 Air bag fastener assembly
A fastener assembly includes a metal first component having two flange portions defining a receiving slot therebetween, and a polymeric component received in the receiving slot in an assembled position. When rotated 90 degrees the second component outwardly displaces first and second deflectable wings of the first component to extended positions.
US07871100B2 Collapsible stroller
A collapsible stroller is provided. The collapsible stroller comprises a frame body and a seat unit, wherein the frame body comprises: an upper frame unit consisting of two upper frame tubes; two connecting members connecting the two upper frame tubes to two front legs respectively and each connecting member having a first locking device; two base frame tubes pivotally coupled to the front legs respectively; two rear legs pivotally coupled between the connecting members and the base frame tubes respectively; and the seat unit comprises a seat portion, a backrest portion pivotally coupled to the seat portion, and two linking members disposed at two sides of the seat unit respectively, one end of each linking member thereof being pivotally coupled to the frame body and the other end being pivotally coupled to the seat portion so as to pivotally mount the seat unit to the frame body, wherein when the upper frame tubes pivotally collapsed with respective to the front legs, the upper frame unit, the front legs, the rear legs, the base frame tubes and the seat unit will move toward one another into a collapsed state in which they are substantially parallely stacked. The collapsible stroller of the present invention may further comprise baising device disposed at a joint between a supporting tube of the seat unit and the front leg to prevent the stroller being put into use before it reaches its completely expanded and locked state.
US07871095B2 Two wheel steering bicycle with each wheel having its own steering control operated by rider's left and right hand respectively and rider positioned facing an angle greater than zero and less than ninty degrees with respect to the direction of motion
A two wheel steering bicycle with two steering controls and rider positioned facing an angle greater than zero and less than ninety degrees with respect to the direction of motion. A frame member connects the rear head tube to the front head tube. The rear fork can rotate within the rear head tube. A rear steering handle is connected to the rear fork. The front fork can rotate within the front head tube. A front steering handle is connected to the front fork. A seat tube member attaches to the frame member. A bicycle saddle is attached to the seat tube member in such a way as to position the rider facing an angle greater than zero and less than ninety degrees with respect to the longitudinal axis of the frame member.
US07871094B2 Reconfigurable tilt wheelchair
A modular wheelchair assembly is adapted to be reconfigured between a fixed angle of tilt, a dynamically adjustable tilt-in-space configuration with the tilt axis being near the user's knees and a dynamically adjustable tilt-in-space configuration with the tilt axis being near the user's center of gravity. The reconfiguration is achieved by modifying a limited number of selectively removable components of the support assembly or the pivot assembly of the wheelchair.
US07871092B2 Structural motor vehicle axle system assembled by structural bonding
A motor vehicle axle system including two longitudinal arms made of molded material and a torsionally flexible cross bracing made of high strength material different from the material of the arms, each arm including a lug for assembling by structural bonding the cross bracing to the arms. Each lug has an assembling edge configured to be assembled to one end of the cross bracing by generating self-binding with a surface of the cross bracing, an adhesive layer being applied between the assembling edge and the surface of the cross bracing, and the assembling edge of each lug has a variable thickness along its periphery and in the direction of the lug axis, the thickness being selected so as to minimize stresses exerted on the adhesive in the assembling zone. A method assembles the motor vehicle axle system.
US07871089B1 Trash container hand truck system
A trash container hand truck system includes a container that has a bottom wall and a peripheral wall. Wheels are attached to the peripheral wall and a cover is hingedly coupled to the container. A post has a bottom end, a top end and a front side. A plate is attached to the front side of the post adjacent to the bottom end. The plate is positionable under the bottom wall. A support is attached to the post and extends laterally away in opposite directions from the front side of the post. A pair of hooks is attached to the support and engage the handle. An arm has a first end and a second end. The first end is hingedly coupled to the post and extends rearward of the front side. A wheel is rotatably coupled to the second end of the arm.
US07871086B2 Skate with in-line rollers or ice blades
The present invention refers to a skate with in-line rollers or ice-skating blades, comprising: a boot provided with a sole comprising a heel portion, a central portion and a toe portion; a chassis acting as a support for said sole to rest thereupon, and including a first carriage and a second carriage that are capable of moving relative to each other and adapted to support at least a front roller or blade and at least a rear roller or blade respectively; the first carriage comprises a first plate for said heel portion to rest thereupon, from which there extends towards the front portion of the skate a first arm that is adapted to support at least said front roller or blade, and the second carriage comprises a second plate for the toe portion to rest thereupon, from which there extends towards the rear portion of the skate a second arm that is adapted to support at least said rear roller or blade; the first and second carriages overlap each other approximately at the central portion of the sole.
US07871085B2 Rear wheel toe angle control device
A rear wheel toe angle control device that ensures a stable steering performance even when the cornering powers of laterally opposing rear wheels are different from each other. When a reduction in the cornering power of one of the rear wheels owing to a drop in the tire pressure or a temporary tire is determined, a control unit changes the toe angle of the other rear wheel in a direction to increase the slip angle of thereof, and additionally changes the toe angle of the one rear wheel in a direction to decrease the slip angle of thereof. The combined cornering power of the two rear wheels is maintained at a normal level, and the steering performance of the turning vehicle remains the same. This also contributes to a stable running performance of the vehicle, and a maximization of the total available cornering power of the rear wheels.
US07871083B2 Stabilizer system of vehicle
A stabilizer system, for use in a vehicle, exhibiting an appropriate rolling-restraining effect to restrain rolling of a body of the vehicle. An electronic control unit includes a control-start-timing reference-relative-rotation-position determining portion that determines a reference relative-rotation position of two stabilizer bars from which a relative-rotation amount of the two stabilizer bars is counted when a rolling-restraining control is performed. In the stabilizer system, when a lateral acceleration exceeds a reference value, the rolling-restraining control is started; and a relative-rotation position of the two stabilizer bars when the lateral acceleration exceeds the reference value is determined as the reference relative-rotation position of the two stabilizer bars. Thus, an appropriate reference relative-rotation position of the two stabilizer bars can be easily determined and accordingly an appropriate rolling-restraining effect of the two stabilizer bars can be exhibited.
US07871075B2 Image forming apparatus and sheet conveyance apparatus for improving jam-handling capability using a lever attached to a roller pair
An image forming apparatus includes a sheet conveyance path, a pair of rollers configured to rotate in a conveyance direction to convey a sheet in the path by holding the sheet, and to reversely rotate in a direction opposite thereto. The reverse rotation is regulated so that the pair of rollers may reversely rotate within a predetermined amount. A sub-unit is releasable from a body of the image forming apparatus.
US07871074B2 Paper carrying apparatus and image forming apparatus having the same
The paper carrying apparatus includes a first paper carrying mechanism (first carrying mechanism), a second paper carrying mechanism (second carrying mechanism) provided on the downstream of the first carrying mechanism in a carrying direction, an electric motor that drives the first carrying mechanism, a stepping motor that drives the second carrying mechanism, and an acceleration sensor that is a vibration detecting mechanism detecting vibration generated in the rotation shaft of the stepping motor. When the first carrying mechanism and the second carrying mechanism concurrently carry the same paper sheet, the electric motor is controlled in driving velocity based on information of vibration detected by the acceleration sensor at the timing of the rear end of the carried paper sheet passing the first paper carrying mechanism.
US07871072B2 Media tray media biasing devices
The present application is directed to methods and devices for aligning media sheets in an input tray of an image forming device. The input tray includes a support surface and at least two spaced apart side walls. A first side wall includes a reference surface to align the media sheets. A second side wall includes a plurality of biasing members. The biasing members bias the media sheets toward the reference surface.
US07871071B2 Grouping device
The invention relates to a grouping device (1) for processing a fast running series of individual sheets, said grouping device having several conveying means for transporting said sheets which pass at least one delivery area and at least one conveying area. Said conveying means have at least one transport means (10; 15; 16) and at least one removal means (14), wherein said device comprises at least one grouping table (18; 19), said delivery area as well as the stacking area having an adjustable length and said transport means (10) acting exclusively in said conveying area of said sheets in order to avoid smearing of said sheets.
US07871068B2 Medium conveying apparatus with multiple conveying sections for continuously controlled feeding of a record medium
A medium conveying apparatus for conveying a recording medium includes an apparatus body and a conveying control unit. A paper feeding unit is detachable mounted to the apparatus body and includes a record medium enclosing section and a paper feeding section. First and second conveying sections are downstream from the paper feeding section. A third conveying section is between the paper feeding section and the first conveying section. The conveying control unit controls the third conveying section to convey the record medium before the front edge of the record medium arrives at the first conveying section, controls the first and the third conveying sections to convey the record medium before the front edge of the record medium arrives at the second conveying section and stops the third conveying section from operating after the front edge of the record medium arrives at the second conveying section.
US07871067B2 Paper cassette feeder for easily removing paper jam and image forming apparatus having the same
A paper cassette feeder and an image forming apparatus having the same are provided. The paper cassette feeder includes: a main frame; a loading unit on which paper is loaded; a first paper guide which is tilted up with respect to the loading unit; and a second paper guide which is disposed at the first paper guide in a turnable manner, and is tilted up with respect to the first paper guide according to a position of the second paper guide. Accordingly, a paper cassette feeder can be easily separated from an image forming apparatus when paper is jammed in a paper feeding path, so as to remove a paper jam easily.
US07871062B1 Microwave humidifier
Air humidification system using microwave energy to heat water to produce steam. The system may include an automatic controller.
US07871059B2 Valve for adjusting the flow-rate of fluids, particularly refrigeration fluids
A valve for adjusting the flow-rate of fluids, servo-controlled by an electric motor having within a hermetic enclosure capsule and supported rotatably with a support for reducing rotary friction, the rotor component of the electric motor with a screw-and-nut coupling with a flow control element restrained to perform only axial translational motions in a valve body provided with intake and discharge ports and fixed coaxially to the capsule. The support is provided by a radial bearing and associated with the rotor component in a position corresponding to the portion of the rotor component inside which the screw-and-nut coupling is provided.
US07871058B2 Dual inline solenoid-actuated hot melt adhesive dispensing valve assembly
A hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic material dispensing valve assembly comprises a pair of oppositely disposed electromagnetic solenoid assemblies which alternatively act upon a pair of armatures which are fixedly mounted upon a valve stem, upon which is fixedly mounted a valve member, so as to rapidly and assuredly control the reciprocal movements of the valve stem, and the valve member attached thereto, between its unseated or OPENED position and its seated or CLOSED position. A coil spring also biases the valve stem and the valve member toward the seated or CLOSED position such that when both of the electromagnetic solenoid assemblies are de-energized, the coil spring maintains the valve member at its seated or CLOSED position upon the valve seat.
US07871056B2 Magnetic valve
The invention relates to a magnetic valve which is caulked on a caulking area by means of a fluid block. The valve includes a capsule, a magnetic assembly, an anchor and a valve insert which guides a magnetic flux which starts from the magnetic assembly in an axial manner via an airgap in the direction of the anchor. The capsule includes a lower area which is displaced in an overlapping manner on the valve insert. The overlapping area of the capsule extends in the direction of the caulking area, the magnetic assembly guides the magnetic flux via the capsule into the valve insert, the capsule is caulked with a valve bushing on the caulking area by means of a fluid block and a bushing is inserted into the capsule.
US07871053B1 Fixing device
A fixing device used for mounting a storage device includes a support bracket and a buffer structure attached to the support bracket. The buffer structure includes a buffer member and a metal cushion. The buffer member is positioned on a first surface of the support bracket, and the metal cushion is positioned on a second surface of the support bracket. The second surface is opposite to the first surface. The metal cushion has two elastic portions. A bottom surface of each elastic portion faces the second surface. A distance is formed between the bottom surface and the second surface.
US07871051B2 Document holder for carts
A document holder is provided for a vehicle such as a cart, and especially a shopping cart having a back panel. The document holder includes a writing portion and a bracket portion. A securing member is provided at the writing portion to secure a piece of paper such as a grocery list or coupons. Preferably, the bracket portion has a forward bracket member spaced from a rearward bracket member to define a channel for receiving an upper portion of the back panel to support the holder. The securing member may be configured to hold a writing instrument. An advertisement holder may be positioned on the holder to hold and protect advertisements, store announcements, pictures, or the like while also providing a writing surface thereon. In a preferred embodiment, a document holder includes a flexible, resilient frame or bumper, and/or a two-piece bracket portion for attachment to a shopping cart.
US07871048B2 Flat panel display mounting system
A television mounting system includes a wall plate, at least one monitor arm mountable on the wall plate, and a locking element permanently connected with the wall plate and being movable between an unlocked position for enabling dismounting of the at least one monitor arm from the wall plate and a locked position for preventing dismounting of the at least one monitor arm from the wall plate. The locking element may be pivotally attached to the wall plate for pivoting between the unlocked and locked positions. The at least one monitor arm cannot be removed from the wall plate when the locking element is in the locked position.
US07871047B2 Fixture for spatial positioning of a device
In a fixture for spatial positioning of a device, in particular a device for a medical application, that is supported in a pivoting arrangement on a holding device or the like by means of an arm, quick and easy alignment of the device in relation to a person's treatment area is provided. This alignment is achieved in that a ring-shaped holding body is attached to the free end of the arm, that a spherical outer jacket surface is provided on the device with the surface enclosed wholly or in part by the holding body, and that the outer jacket surface of the device is held in the holding body and can be pivoted relative to the holding body.
US07871046B2 Pallet support
A pallet support comprising a support platform secured to a base frame via an intermediate frame, the intermediate frame being longitudinally slidable relative to the base frame and support platform, the support platform having ground engaging wheels whereby the support platform can be rolled off the base frame to pull the intermediate frame to one end of the base frame.
US07871043B2 Method for parachute reefing control
A method for controlling the drag area growth of a parachute canopy during airborne descent with sensors attached to the payload for facilitating modification of the schedule of release of a parachute canopy reefing mechanism. A control processor is included that can receive and/or calculate a schedule for disengaging the reefing on the parachute. One or more wireless transmitters at the payload transmit the releasing signal from the payload to the reefing mechanism normally located adjacent the parachute canopy. The control processor can also be configured to receive input information from multiple sensors attached to the payload that monitor parameters such as altitude, position, load force, dynamic pressure, time and others to facilitate instantaneous recalculation of the disreefing schedule responsive to such conditions.
US07871038B2 Systems and methods for providing airflow in an aerospace vehicle
Systems and methods for providing airflow in an aerospace vehicle are disclosed. A system in accordance with one embodiment includes an aerospace vehicle having an interior volume with a first portion and a second portion. The system can further include an external air supply device positioned to provide supply air to the interior volume at a variable supply flow rate and a recirculation fan configured to move air positioned within the interior volume between the first portion of the interior volume and the second portion of the interior volume. The system can still further include a controller operably coupled to the recirculation fan and configured to vary a rotation speed of the recirculation fan. Variations in the rotation speed of the recirculation fan can be associated with variations in a recirculation flow rate. In selected embodiments, the system can include sensors and/or data link devices operably coupled to the controller.
US07871035B2 Propulsion system for an airship or hybrid aircraft
A propulsion system for an airship or hybrid aircraft includes a propeller and a pivot mechanism connected to the propeller. The pivot mechanism enables the propeller to pivot around a first pivot axis between a maneuver thruster position and an emergency ballonet fill position. Under normal conditions, when the propulsion system is disposed in the maneuver thruster position, the pivot mechanism also enables the propeller to pivot around a second pivot axis to control the attitude and thrust of the vehicle. However, in an emergency descent situation, the propeller may be rotated to the emergency ballonet fill position.
US07871030B2 Spinning reel with spool steering arrangement
A spinning reel includes a holder base having two racks, an accommodation space defined between the racks and two axle holes in communication with the accommodation space at two sides, two transmission shafts respectively mounted in the axle holes, slide blocks at two sides of the holder base, a steering mechanism, which comprises two swivel brackets pivotally mounted in the accommodation space and biasable relative to each other, a skirted spool mounted in between the swivel brackets, a driving mechanism coupled to one transmission gear and adapted for rotating the skirted spool by means of a driving gear set and a rotating device coupled to the other transmission shaft and adapted for moving the slide blocks through a drive gear set and a follower gear set to force one transmission shaft into engagement with one end of the skirted spool and to bias one swivel bracket and the skirted spool between a horizontal position and a vertical position.
US07871020B2 Faucet spray head with volume control
A faucet spray head having a volume control mechanism allowing the user to adjust the flow of water through the spray head from a full-spray to full-stream and to a paused flow and flow levels therebetween. The volume control mechanism illustratively includes a spring-activated safety mechanism that prevents the user from inadvertently leaving the faucet head in an off position, thereby preventing the mixing or backing up of hot water into the cold water supply.
US07871019B1 Pressure-adjustable jet spray nozzle for cleaning machine
An adjustable jet gun for cleaning machine includes a barrel, a pressure adjustment sleeve fastened to the front end of the barrel and operable to adjust the pressure of water delivered through the adjustable jet gun, a support ring sleeved onto the front end of the pressure adjustment sleeve and holding a steel ball in each of a number of ball racks around the periphery thereof, a sliding sleeve sleeved onto the support ring and movable to force the steel balls out of the inside wall of the support ring, a nozzle head detachably connected to the front end of the support ring and having a positioning groove extending around the periphery of a rear positioning ring thereof for receiving the steel balls to lock the nozzle head to the support ring.
US07871018B2 Pressurized tank sprayer with measuring cup
A tank sprayer includes a tank having an opening and a cup configured to move between a first position and a second position. The cup is configured to retain a quantity of liquid when the cup is in the first position and is configured to pour the quantity of liquid into the tank when the cup is in the second position. A removable barrier covers the opening in the tank, wherein the cup is blocked from moving from the first position to the second position when the barrier covers the opening in the tank. The cup is allowed to move from the first position to the second position when the barrier does not cover the opening in the tank.
US07871016B2 Method and apparatus for an improved aerosol generator and associated uses and equipment
The invention is an apparatus and methods for optimizing the performance and protecting one or more aerosol generating transducers from deterioration while operating in a chemically reactive aqueous solution by utilizing one or more protective barrier techniques to eliminate chemical interaction between the aqueous solution and the transducers, among other features of the generator including these transducers. The method of the present invention produces an aerosol producing transducer with the transducer housing and assembly to be constructed in such a way as to assure its efficient and effective long-term and problem free operation in an aqueous solution that is chemically reactive.
US07871015B2 Rail joint assembly using embedded load transfer keys and method therefor
A rail joint assembly joining the ends of two rails together includes a pair of joint bars. Each joint bar having one side configured to the rail web side. Mechanical fasteners mount the joint bars to the web sides. Pairs of load bearing keys are embedded in web counter bores at predetermined depths into the webs and embedded in adjacent joint bar counter bores at predetermined depths into the joint bars. The pairs of keys in the webs and the joint bars transfer railway loads through the joint and substantially strengthen the rail joint assembly.
US07871004B2 Method and apparatus for self-referenced wafer stage positional error mapping
A wafer stage overlay error map is created using standard overlay targets and a special numerical algorithm. A reticle including a 2-dimensional array of standard overlay targets is exposed several times onto a photoresist coated silicon wafer using a photolithographic exposure tool. After exposure, the overlay targets are measured for placement error using a conventional overlay metrology tool. The resulting overlay error data is then supplied to a software program that generates a 2-dimensional wafer stage distortion and yaw overlay error map.
US07871000B2 Configuration system and method
An authentication method includes determining that a unique overt identifier is associated with a product; detecting that a random covert identifier is associated with the product, wherein the covert identifier includes at least one taggant particle, the unique overt identifier is combined with the random covert identifier, and the unique overt identifier is not a function of the random covert identifier; and comparing the unique overt identifier and the random covert identifier respectively to a unique overt number and a random covert number stored in a database.
US07870998B2 Private information exchange in smart card commerce
A method, system and computer program product for private information exchange in smart card commerce is disclosed. The method includes, in response to determining that an item of biometric data received on a biometric reader corresponds to an authorized user, unlocking a communication channel on a communication port, exchanging public keys between the user and authorized point of sale, receiving an information request from an external point of sale machine across the communication channel, decrypting an information request and parsing a data token. In response to determining that private data has been requested in the information request, a user is prompted for authorization to release the private information, and private information exchange in smart card commerce is performed by, in response to the user pressing a yes button on the smart card, placing an encrypted copy of the private data in the public area of the smart card for transmission across the communication channel to the external point of sale machine.
US07870996B1 Automated transaction machine
An automated teller machine (ATM) includes a movable bulk sheet acceptor disposed outside a secure chest, a sheet storage container disposed within a secure chest, and a movable sheet transport to enable sheets to pass from the sheet acceptor to the sheet storage container through an opening in the secure chest. The sheet acceptor and the sheet storage container may be pre-positioned relative to the movable sheet transport in an undocked position, and thereafter moved into operative positions as the sheet transport is docked. A driving gear carried on the sheet acceptor is placed in operative engagement with a gear member located adjacent the sheet transport. Operation of the driving gear is operative to move the components into the operative positions.
US07870990B2 Cleaning a hot soldering iron tip using dry melamine sponge
In one aspect the invention provides a method of cleaning molten solder from the hot tip of a soldering iron that does not require a water-laden sponge. The hot tip of the iron is wiped against a block of dry open-celled melamine foam. The block is formed with an inclined through-hole that leads to the bottom of a receptacle holding the block. The hot tip is wiped against the foam surrounding an upper end of the through-hole, and the molten solder removed from the tip accumulates in the receptacle below.
US07870988B2 Hand-held spring-driven drive-in tool
A hand-held drive-in power tool for driving in fastening elements includes a guide (12) in which a drive-in ram (13) for driving a fastening element is displaceable, and at least one preloaded drive spring (31) for driving the drive-in ram (13), with the drive being preloaded by a tensioning device (70) and further includes a transmission element (33) for transmitting a tensioning force from the tensioning device (70) to the drive spring (31), the transmission element being guided by at least one roller (34) supported on a support element (35) by at least one rolling bearing (40).
US07870982B2 Utility shoulder belt
A utility shoulder belt (10) configured to be slung over a user's shoulder and across a user's chest includes an elongate strap (12) with a first end and a second end (18) configured to be coupled to each other. The strap (12) has an interior surface (59) to be placed against the user and an exterior surface (57) opposite the interior surface. A support frame assembly (14) is attached to the strap (12) and outwardly extends from the exterior surface (57) of the strap, and a pocket assembly (16) is disposed between the strap and the support frame assembly.
US07870978B2 Pump for dispensing fluid products
The pump for dispensing fluid products includes a pump body (10), a pump chamber (20) at least one piston (72) sliding inside the pump chamber (20) for dispensing a fluid product, a dispensing orifice (45) and a shutter (38) which interacts with the dispensing orifice (45) and is embodied in such a way that it is movable and/or deformable between the closed position of the dispensing orifice (45) and the open position thereof, the shutter being elastically driven to a closed position. The pump includes only one elastic element (50) in the form of a spring for bringing at least one piston (72) to a rest position after actuation and for driving the shutter (38) to a closed position and the pump body (10) is embodied in one piece with the shutter (38).
US07870975B2 Water-dispensing appliance and drinks-dispensing arrangement with a water-dispensing appliance
A water-dispensing appliance is provided, in particular for dispensing drinking water, comprising a water inlet which can be connected to a water-supply device, also comprising a dispensing device with a water outlet, via which water can be dispensed from the appliance, the dispensing device being connected to the water inlet via a main line which has a downstream portion and an upstream portion, and also comprising a water heater. The water-dispensing appliance has a return line, of which the start is line-connected to the downstream portion of the main line and the end is connected to the upstream portion of the main line, and the appliance also has a delivery unit in order for water heated up by means of the water heater to be delivered through the main line from the upstream portion to the downstream portion.
US07870968B2 Bottle with disposable bottle cap holder
The present invention relates to a beverage bottle with a container cap. In particular the beverage bottle has a reversible means for holding the container cap on the outside of the container during use of the bottle which prevents loss of the cap.
US07870967B2 Child-resistant vial closure
A vial includes a container having a receptacle formed to include an interior region and a mouth opening into the interior region and a child-resistant closure for the container. The closure includes a cap to be mounted on the receptacle in a closed position to close the mouth and separated from the receptacle to open the mouth. A latch coupled to the closure mates with a lug coupled to the container to retain the closure in a closed position on the container.
US07870966B2 Modular rack
Disclosed herein is a modular rack for attachment of a sliding mount bracket thereto. The modular rack includes one or more modular shelves, wherein each one of the modular shelves is of an inclined type or a level type. The modular rack preferably includes at least one end panel having louvers formed therein for receiving the sliding mount bracket. Each one of the louvers includes a slat, an aperture corresponding therewith, and a receiving area positioned therebetween.
US07870964B2 Implementation of microfluidic components in a microfluidic system
A system and method for integrating microfluidic components in a microfluidic system enables the microfluidic system to perform a selected microfluidic function. A capping module includes a microfluidic element for performing a microfluidic function. The capping module is stacked on a microfluidic substrate having microfluidic plumbing to incorporate the microfluidic function into the system. An infusion pump for delivering a fluid from a fluid source may be integrated in a microfluidic chip using a capping module having pumping components formed therein.
US07870960B2 Disaster pack
A disaster pack comprising a pillow, a blanket, and a mattress pad compressed to a volume of about five and one-half percent of their free state volume. A method for making the packaged product comprises the steps of placing the compressible dry good within a bag; placing the compressible dry good disposed within the bag on a platen; compressing the compressible dry good within the bag; sealing the open end of the bag to form a sealed bag; and removing the dry good within the sealed bag from the platen.
US07870955B2 Horizontal trough for use with concrete brooms
A horizontal trough for use with a concrete broom is disclosed. The trough can be customized to fit various shapes and widths of concrete brooms.
US07870952B2 Packaging the extemporaneous products, particularly medicinal, pharmaceutical, cosmetic products or the like
The packaging for extemporaneous products, particularly medicinal, pharmaceutical, cosmetic products or the like, comprises a container of a first substance featuring a mouth, a receptacle of a second substance housed in said mouth, the inner volume of the receptacle being temporarily separated from the inner volume of the container and adapted to be placed in communication with this for mixing the first and second substance to form the product, and an isolating interspace defined along at least one portion of the surface delimiting the receptacle.
US07870951B1 Single use ink cup holder and hand tray
A disposable single use ink cup holder and hand tray for stabilizing and organizing ink cups. A hand tray adjacent the ink cup holder allows a Tattoo Artist access to all the openings for the ink cups while resting his or her hand on the hand tray so any inks or body fluids on the hand stay on the single use ink cup holder and hand tray.
US07870949B2 Method for bonding a coating on a roller
A roller for a conveyor comprising a cylindrical core defining a support surface; a helical groove disposed in said support surface and lagging bonded to said support surface.
US07870948B2 Rolling conveying device
A rolling conveying device including guide rails 6, 6′, 5′ in which, respectively, at least one rolling body 1, 1′, 8 with a plurality of freely rotatable rollers 2 is arranged in operational interaction with a plurality of conveying bodies 10 which are freely displaceable between the rollers of the rolling body. The rolling body or bodies form tracks closed in themselves, they are not, however, chains because they are neither pulled nor pushed. Solely the conveying bodies are displaced, respectively, driven between the rolling bodies.
US07870944B2 Device and method for a cartoning machine
Embodiments include a method or a device for a cartoning machine for transferring a leaflet from a first transportation device to a leaflet holder in a second transportation device. Embodiments include a transferring device which is arranged to straighten up and position the leaflets in such a way that the leaflet holders can take hold of the leaflets. The transferring device has a base surface with one or more carriers placed in a line at right angels to the direction of transportation, so that the leaflet, as a result of being able to slide against the base surface, is pressed back against the carriers as a result of air resistance friction against an adjacent cover plate and/or centripetal forces. The base surface of the transferring device is preferably provided with several lines of carriers which are adjusted to match the distance between the leaflet holders on the second transportation device.
US07870941B2 Friction engaging device
An outer plate 31, which is used under a lubricated environment of a differential gear oil including a friction adjuster, is made of a SC tempered material which is subjected to nitriding treatment to suppress chemical adsorption of the friction adjuster. An inner plate 33 has paper on a surface thereof. The outer plate 31 and the inner plate 33 are provided to apply or release the torque between an outer differential case 3 and an inner differential case 5 of a rear differential device 1 having the outer differential case 3 and the inner differential case 5 capable of relatively rotating to the inside and the outside.
US07870936B2 Bicycle suspension system
A bicycle suspension system including a travel adjustment apparatus. The bicycle suspension system includes a piston tube and a piston assembly slidably disposed in the piston tube forming a shock-absorbing mechanism. The piston assembly is in contact with the piston tube. The travel adjustment apparatus includes first and second fluid chambers, a fluid valve mechanism for controlling fluid flow between the first and second fluid chambers, and an actuating assembly operatively connected to the fluid valve mechanism operable between at least two rider-selectable travel settings to operate the fluid valve mechanism between at least two valve settings corresponding to the rider-selectable travel settings. The first and second fluid chamber are configured such that operation of the fluid valve mechanism between two of the at least two valve settings permits the piston assembly to be moved from a first initial position relative to the piston tube to a second initial position relative to the piston tube such that the suspension system changes from a first of the at least two amounts of travel to a second of the at least two amounts of travel.
US07870931B2 Sound-absorbing insulation element with strengthening embossments
The sound-absorbing insulation element is used everywhere sound and/or heat sources have to be shielded, preferably in automotive engineering as a heat shield. The insulation element comprises at least one studded sheet-shaped element which is provided with strengthening embossments. The strengthening embossments have an embossment base and embossment flanks. According to the invention, the sheet-shaped element exhibits material compression, that is to say material hardening, in the region of the embossment flanks. Fissures which have a bizarrely shaped contour lie in the embossment base. These fissures are produced by the stretching and tearing of the embossment base.
US07870930B2 Exhaust system with external helmholtz resonator and associated method
An exhaust system comprises a muffler and a Helmholtz resonator. The muffler comprises an exhaust inlet aperture for receiving exhaust gas into the muffler, an exhaust outlet aperture for discharging exhaust gas from the muffler, and a resonator aperture. The Helmholtz resonator is at least partially external to the muffler and in acoustic communication with the resonator aperture. An associated method is disclosed.
US07870927B2 Passenger'S weight measurement device for vehicle seat
To realizes an easy maintenance of the load sensor.A passenger's weight measurement device 1 comprises a left and right pair of fixed lower rails 3 which are fixed on the vehicle floor, a left and right pair of movable upper rails 4 which are disposed to move in a front-and-rear direction on the fixed lower rail 3, load sensors 50 and 60 which are fixed to an upper surface of the right movable upper rail 4, load sensors 70 and 80 which are disposed on the movable upper rail 4 to be movable in a left-and-right direction with respect to the right movable upper rail 4, a sub frame 110 which is mounted on the load sensors 50, 60, 70, and 80, side frames 141 and 142 which are welded to the sub frame 110, and a pan frame 143 which is detachably disposed to the side frames 141 and 142 to cover the front of the side frames 141 and 142. A gouged section 151 is formed on the side frame 141.
US07870923B2 Motorcycle including brake sensor and engine inhibition control
Idle running of a drive wheel of a motorcycle is prevented without complicating the motorcycle structure. The motorcycle includes an engine, a drive wheel, a centrifugal clutch, a brake lever, a control unit for detecting actuation and de-actuation of the brake lever, a main stand that can be switched between a stored state where the rear wheel contacts a road surface and an upright state where the rear wheel is lifted off the road surface, and a main stand switch for detecting the upright and stored states. Engine operation inhibition control executed in the upright state permits operation of the engine when the brake lever is actuated and inhibits operation of the engine when the brake lever is not actuated.
US07870922B2 Forklift trucks
A forklift truck (10) comprising a truck body, a fork mechanism at one end of the body, and at least one wheel (18) at an opposite end of the body, said at least one wheel (18) being mounted on the body for translational movement relative to the body between a working position and a storage position.
US07870921B2 Electric bicycle having a front cover unit
An electric bicycle having a front cover unit for housing a controller having an indicator is provided. The front cover unit is attached to the body of the electric bicycle substantially near a steering shaft. The controller can be attached to an interior portion of the front cover unit. The indicator can be attached to the controller and can be exposed through a window in the front cover unit. The front cover unit can comprise a front surface cover member and a rear surface cover member. The front surface cover member can be attached to and detached from the rear surface cover member. The rear surface cover member can have a first recessed portion having a first window for exposing the indicator and a second recessed portion having a second window for exposing a power switch.
US07870919B2 Materials handling vehicle
A materials handling vehicle is provided comprising a frame including a longitudinal centerline and an operator compartment; first and second front wheels coupled to the frame; a rear steer wheel assembly coupled to the frame; mast apparatus coupled to the frame and including a pair of forks; and a battery associated with the frame and having a center of gravity. The battery is preferably positioned such that the battery center of gravity is laterally offset from the longitudinal center line. A stability triangle for the vehicle is defined by a first point at the first front wheel, a second point at the second front wheel and a third point at the rear steer wheel assembly. Preferably, the stability triangle defines a scalene triangle.
US07870915B2 Auxiliary service pack for a work vehicle
A service pack for a work vehicle provides service systems, which may include an electrical generator, a hydraulic pump and an air compressor. The service pack is driven by an engine separate from that of the vehicle. Integration of the support systems for the vehicle engine and service engine may be provided. The service pack allows the vehicle engine to be shut down when at a service location, with the service pack engine alone providing the necessary electrical, hydraulic and compressed air services for maintenance and other service work.
US07870909B2 Deployable zonal isolation system
A method of providing zonal isolation in a wellbore completion includes the steps of identifying an anticipated zone for isolation in a wellbore before completing the wellbore; selecting, before completing the wellbore, a completion assembly and a cooperative deployable isolation assembly to isolate the anticipated zone; completing the wellbore with the selected completion assembly; and connecting the selected deployable isolation assembly in the selected completion assembly to isolate the anticipated zone.
US07870908B2 Downhole valve having incrementally adjustable open positions and a quick close feature
A valve that is usable with a well includes an indexer and a closing mechanism. The indexer includes a profile to establish a sequence of open settings for the valve, and the indexer is adapted to respond to first control stimuli to transition the valve through the settings according to the sequence. The closing mechanism is adapted to operate independently of the sequence in response to a second control stimulus to close the valve.
US07870907B2 Debris protection for sliding sleeve
Sliding sleeve mechanisms including protective sheaths for debris protection are disclosed. Protective sheaths can be formed from materials such as composites, metal, foil, rubber, plastic, glass, ceramic, wire mesh, tape, etc. The protective sheaths can be substantially cylindrical shells (having one or more pieces), plugs in the flow ports, and/or tape or wire wrappings. The protective sheaths can be retained by recesses in the sliding sleeve or mechanical fasteners such as screws, pins, rivets, snap rings, bands, and buckles. The protective sheath can be outside or inside the sliding sleeve. The protective sheath can protect the sliding sleeve from debris by retaining grease that has been packed into the sliding sleeve for that purpose or positively preventing entry of debris into the sliding sleeve. The protective sheath can be cleared by permitting fluid flow through the sliding sleeve, which can act to destroy and/or wash away the protective sheath.
US07870904B2 Enhanced hydrocarbon recovery by steam injection of oil sand formations
A method and apparatus for enhanced recovery of petroleum fluids from the subsurface by injection of a steam and hydrocarbon vaporized solvent in contact with the oil sand formation and the heavy oil and bitumen in situ. Multiple propped hydraulic fractures are constructed from the well bore into the oil sand formation and filled with a highly permeable proppant. Steam, a hydrocarbon solvent, and a non-condensing diluent gas are injected into the propped fractures, and flows upwards and outwards to contact and heat the in situ bitumen, which softens and flows by gravity to the well bore, and is pumped to the surface where the solvent can be recycled for further injection.
US07870903B2 Inverse emulsion polymers as lost circulation material
A sealant composition comprising an inverse emulsion polymer and methods of servicing a wellbore using the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of servicing a wellbore that penetrates a subterranean formation is disclosed. The method comprises placing a sealant composition comprising an inverse emulsion polymer into the wellbore to reduce a loss of fluid to the subterranean formation during placement of the fluid in the wellbore.
US07870902B2 Methods for allowing multiple fractures to be formed in a subterranean formation from an open hole well
In some embodiments, a method of allowing a subterranean formation to be fractured from an open hole well bore section includes providing a removable coating across substantially the entire surface of the wall of the well bore section, selectively removing the coating at a desired first fracture initiation location and allowing the first fracture to be formed in the vicinity of the desired first fracture initiation location.
US07870901B2 Inhibiting formation face failure in oil and gas wells
A technique includes running a string into a well bore and inhibiting formation face failure. The well bore extends at least partially through a non-producing layer and a hydrocarbon formation layer. The inhibiting of the formation face failure includes communicating a proppant into the well bore via the string until a well bore pressure exceeds a first formation stress of the non-producing layer, which causes a fracture to form in the non-producing layer, and communicating the proppant into the fracture to create a barrier layer.
US07870899B2 Method for utilizing pressure variations as an energy source
The present disclosure relates to a pump mechanism driven by differential pressure conditions and method for delivery of materials. In one embodiment, the pump mechanism may be used to deliver treatment chemical to a plunger apparatus or directly to a wellbore by exploiting pressure conditions found at a well. In certain embodiments, the pump mechanism is able to balance high pressure conditions available within a petroleum formation against low pressure conditions present in a common flow line serving the well. In so balancing these pressures, the pump mechanism is able to automatically tune itself to the needs of the well, ensuring continued operation over a wider range of operating conditions. The pump mechanism has the further advantages of lower operation costs and less environmental impact as compared with existing pumps. The pump mechanism can be used in connection with a chemical applicator which can be used to apply chemical into, onto, or below, a plunger or plunger/dispenser apparatus used in plunger lift operations, or to apply chemical directly down the well. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.
US07870894B2 Downhole cutting tool, using a single piece tubular with a radially displaceable portion
Disclosed herein relates to a single piece tubular member. The tubular member having a non-radially displaceable portion and a radially displaceable portion, the radially displaceable portion being movable to a position of similar radial displacement as that of the non-radially displaceable portion and a position of relatively large radial displacement in comparison to the non-radially displaceable portion. The tubular member also having at least one cutting arrangement disposed at the radially displaceable portion.
US07870891B2 Systems, devices and methods for regulating temperatures of tanks, containers and contents therein
The invention encompasses a temperature regulating system that includes a shell configured to be received over an outer circumferential portion of a container. The shell has dimensions to form a cavity between the outer circumferential portion of the container and the shell. A material is provided in sealing engagement between the shell and the outer circumferential portion of the container to seal the cavity from the environment. A heat exchanger is provide in fluid communication with the cavity.