| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US07932768B2 |
Apparatus and method for generating a clock signal
An apparatus and method are disclosed for generating one or more clock signals. A clock signal is generated based on pattern signals and a reference clock signal. When the reference clock signal transitions high, the state of a first pattern signal is output, and when the reference clock signal transitions low, the state of a second pattern signal is output. Successive states of the first and second pattern signals, selected according to the reference clock signal, provide the generated clock signal. |
| US07932767B2 |
Increasing charge capacity of charge transfer circuits without altering their charge transfer characteristics
A technique for increasing the charge storage capacity of a charge storage device without changing its inherent charge transfer function. The technique may be used to implement a charge domain signal processing circuits such as Analog to Digital Converters (ADCs) used in digital radio frequency signal receivers. |
| US07932754B1 |
Optimal control of charge-modulated gate drivers
A system, apparatus and method is arranged to adaptively adjust drive signals for a gate controlled switch circuit such that the amount of gate swing automatically changes based on the load conditions. An adaptive gate charge modulation (GCM) technique can be utilized to dynamically adjust the drive signals so that a substantially constant voltage drop is perceived across to a gate controlled switch circuit. The voltage drop across the gate controlled switch circuit can be set to a reference level that is adjusted whenever a change in system conditions are detected. The gate charge can then be adaptively increased and decreased during operation, within maximum and minimum limits, to substantially match the voltage drop of the gate control switch circuit to the reference level. |
| US07932749B2 |
Hybrid driving apparatus and method thereof
A hybrid driving apparatus and a method thereof are provided. The hybrid driving apparatus includes a first driving unit, a second driving unit, and a resistor. The first driving unit has a first output end. The second driving unit has a second output end coupled to a first bonding pad. The resistor is coupled between the first output end and the first bonding pad to serve as a matching impedance. When the driving apparatus operates in a first transmission mode, the first driving unit and the second driving unit jointly drive the first bonding pad. When the driving apparatus operates in a second transmission mode, the first driving unit and the second driving unit drive the first bonding pad and a second bonding pad respectively. |
| US07932744B1 |
Staggered I/O groups for integrated circuits
An I/O scheme for an integrated circuit includes a group layout cell. The group layout cell includes a plurality of signal I/O pads. A driver circuit is coupled to each signal I/O pad. The group layout cell also includes two I/O driver-circuit power-supply pads. ESD protection circuitry is coupled to the plurality of driver circuits. The signal I/O pads and the I/O driver-circuit power-supply pads are arranged in rows. The rows may be regular or staggered. |
| US07932741B2 |
Pseudo-differential interfacing device having a termination circuit
The invention relates to an interfacing device for pseudo-differential transmission through interconnections used for sending a plurality of electrical signals. The interfacing device of the invention includes signal terminals and a common terminal distinct from the reference terminal (ground). A transmitting circuit receiving the input signals of the transmitting circuit coming from a source delivers, when the transmitting circuit is in the activated state, currents to the signal terminals. A receiving circuit delivers, when the receiving circuit is in the activated state, output signals of the receiving circuit determined each by the voltage between one of the signal terminals and the common terminal, to the destination. A termination circuit is such that, when it is in the activated state, it is approximately equivalent, for the signal terminals and the common terminal, to a network consisting of 4 branches, each branch being connected to the common terminal and to one of the signal terminals. |
| US07932739B2 |
BGA package holder device and method for testing of BGA packages
An apparatus for supporting BGA packages for one or more testing processes is disclosed. The apparatus includes a substrate member. The substrate member has a plurality of contact pads, with each of the contact pads being spatially disposed around a peripheral region of the substrate. The apparatus further includes a plurality of contact regions spatially configured on a portion of the substrate member. Each of the plurality of contact regions is numbered from 1 through N being electrically connected to respective contact pads numbered from 1 through N. The plurality of contact regions is configured to provide electrical contact to respective plurality of balls provided on a BGA package. The apparatus additionally includes a holder device coupled to the substrate member. The holder device is adapted to mechanically hold the BGA package in place to provide mechanical contact between the plurality of balls and respective plurality of contact regions. |
| US07932730B2 |
System for inspecting electromagnetic coupling modules and radio IC devices and method for manufacturing electromagnetic coupling modules and radio IC devices using the system
A system for inspecting an electromagnetic coupling module includes a radio IC chip and a feeder circuit board on which the radio IC chip is mounted, the feeder circuit board includes a feeder circuit including an inductance element. This inspecting system measures the electromagnetic coupling module by electromagnetically coupling a probe of a measuring device to the electromagnetic coupling module by at least one of electrostatic coupling and electromagnetic coupling. In addition, the electromagnetic coupling modules are manufactured using this inspecting system. |
| US07932729B2 |
Test apparatus and test method
Provided is a test apparatus that tests a device under test, comprising a pattern generating section that generates a test pattern determined according to a test signal to be supplied to the device under test; a timing signal generating section that generates a timing signal indicating a timing for supplying the test signal to the device under test; a digital filter that filters the test pattern to output a jitter control signal representing jitter corresponding to the test pattern; a jitter injecting section that injects the timing signal with jitter by delaying the timing signal according to the jitter control signal; and a waveform shaping section that generates the test signal formed according to the test pattern, with the timing signal into which the jitter is injected as a reference. |
| US07932728B2 |
Electrical conditioning of MEMS device and insulating layer thereof
A method of fabricating a MEMS device includes conditioning of an insulating layer by applying a voltage across the insulating layer via a conductive sacrificial layer for a period of time, prior to removal of the conductive sacrificial layer. This conditioning process may be used to saturate or stabilize charge accumulated within the insulating layer. The resistance across the insulating layer may also be measured to detect possible defects in the insulating layer. |
| US07932727B2 |
Test structure to monitor the release step in a micromachining process
Electrical and visual test structures monitor the degree of removal of conductive sacrificial layers used in micromachining processes that fabricate micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS). |
| US07932724B2 |
Circuit assemblage and method for functional checking of a power transistor
A circuit assemblage for functional checking of a power transistor includes a power transistor having an insulated gate, a first power electrode configured as a drain or as a collector, and a second power electrode configured as a source or an emitter, the first and second power electrode being connected to a power circuit having a DC voltage source and an electrical DC load. The circuit assemblage further includes a control application device having a signal output that is connected to the gate; a capacitance measuring device for measuring the gate terminal capacitance between the gate terminal contact and the second power electrode terminal contact; and an evaluation device for comparing the gate terminal capacitance with the gate capacitance, and outputting a fault signal as a function of the comparison. |
| US07932723B2 |
Borehole conductivity simulator verification and transverse coil balancing
Calibration of the arrays of a multicomponent induction logging tool is achieved by positioning the tool horizontally above ground. The upper and lower housings of the tool are connected by a borehole conductivity simulator which as a resistance comparable to that of a borehole. Axial and radial positioning of the transmitter coils is done by monitoring outputs at receiver coils to achieve a minimum. |
| US07932720B2 |
Magnetic field gradient structure characteristic assessment using one dimensional (1D) spatial-frequency distribution analysis
The disclosed innovation is a method for acquiring spatial frequency spectra from specific locations in a 3D sample using modifications of the current MRI techniques for localized NMR spectroscopy. The innovation in its simplest abstraction is to add the use of a read out gradient to the current NMR spectroscopy pulse sequences and record the resultant echo. These techniques generate spectra from a selected region or generate an image of the results over a region of the sample. These methods can be applied to analyzing the structure of trabecular bone as well as for analyzing or diagnosing disease in cases where there is a difference in the spatial frequency power spectrum due to physiologic or disease processes. Various embodiments are disclosed. |
| US07932719B2 |
Magnetic resonance contrast using fictitious field relaxation
A system includes a signal generator and a processor. The signal generator is configured to couple with a magnetic resonance transmitter coil. The processor is configured to execute instructions to control the signal generator. The instructions include forming a sequence of waveforms. The sequence is configured to generate spin relaxation in a fictitious field in a third rotating frame of reference based on at least one magnetic field component that arises based on an effective field in a second rotating frame of reference. The third rotating frame of reference is of a higher order than the second rotating frame of reference and the second rotating frame of reference is of a higher order than the first rotating frame of reference. |
| US07932716B2 |
Rotation angle sensor and rotation angle sensor system
Rotation angle sensor and rotation angle sensor system for determining the angle of rotation of a shaft which can rotate at its shaft end, having a housing, having a shaft mount which is mounted on the housing such that it can rotate, having at least one signal transducer arranged on the shaft mount and having at least one signal receiver which is arranged on the housing and interacts with the signal transducer, wherein the shaft mount is designed in a manner such that the housing is attached only by means of the shaft mount at the shaft end. |
| US07932712B2 |
Current-mirror circuit
In a cascode current-mirror circuit which reproduces a reference current generated by a current source and outputs the reproduced reference current: the control electrodes of first and second transistors are connected; a third transistor is cascode-connected to the first transistor through a current electrode; a fourth transistor is cascode-connected to the second transistor; the control electrodes of the third and fourth transistors are connected; the control electrode of a fifth transistor is connected to the control electrode of the first transistor and another current electrode of the third transistor, and is to be connected to the current source; and a bias-voltage generation circuit generates bias voltages for the third and fourth transistors on the basis of voltages of the control electrodes of the first and the fifth transistors. |
| US07932705B2 |
Variable input voltage regulator
A variable input voltage regulator includes a first circuit configured to convert a first voltage from a first voltage source to a first current, and a second circuit electrically coupled to the first circuit and configured to mirror the first current to a voltage output node. The variable input voltage regulator further includes a third circuit electrically coupled to the voltage output node of the second circuit and configured to supply additional current to the voltage output node from a second voltage of a second voltage source in response to a control input. |
| US07932701B2 |
Power tool
A power tool 1 is connected to a battery pack 5 including an overcurrent detector 533 which detects overcurrent of a battery module 51 and outputs a detection signal, and an overdischarge detector 532 which detects overdischarge of the battery module 51 and outputs a detection signal. The power tool 1 includes a motor 2 which is driven by electric power supplied from the battery pack 5, a trigger switch 31 for setting the power supply from the battery pack 5 to the motor 2 in ON/OFF state, and an FET 410 which sets the power supply to the motor 2 in ON/OFF state on the basis of the detection signal from the overcurrent detector 533 or the overdischarge detector 532. |
| US07932700B2 |
Battery with integrated voltage converter
A battery that includes an electrochemical cell having an internal bore therethrough is described herein. The battery also includes a voltage converter module electrically coupled to the electrochemical cell and disposed within a portion of the internal bore The voltage converter is configured to convert a first voltage produced by the electrochemical cell into a second, different voltage. |
| US07932698B2 |
Battery charging apparatus, control method thereof, and battery charging control apparatus for charging a battery without an external device
A battery charging apparatus which includes: an adapter which converts a voltage of an external electric power to a charging voltage of a voltage level corresponding to the battery, to charge the battery; and a controller which communicates with the battery to determine a charged state of the battery, and which controls the adapter to charge the battery based on the determination. |
| US07932697B2 |
Power tool
A power tool 1 is connected to a battery pack 5 including an overcurrent detector 533 which detects overcurrent of a battery module 51 and outputs a detection signal, and an overdischarge detector 532 which detects overdischarge of the battery module 51 and outputs a detection signal. The power tool 1 includes a motor 2 which is driven by electric power supplied from the battery pack 5, a trigger switch 31 for setting the power supply from the battery pack 5 to the motor 2 in ON/OFF state, and an FET 410 which sets the power supply to the motor 2 in ON/OFF state on the basis of the detection signal from the overcurrent detector 533 or the overdischarge detector 532. |
| US07932696B2 |
Charger alignment indicator with adjustable threshold
Electrical energy is transmitted to charge the implanted medical device, and an electrical parameter (e.g., a steady-state voltage) indicating a rate at which the implanted medical device is charged by the electrical energy is detected. A threshold (e.g., by modifying a stored threshold value) at which the charge strength indicator generates a user-discernible signal is adjusted based on the detected electrical parameter. |
| US07932692B2 |
Control system for rotary electric machine with salient structure
In a system for controlling rotation of a rotor of a multiphase rotary electric machine in relation to a stator thereof, a superimposing unit superimposes a first frequency signal on the input signal to the multiphase rotary electric machine. The first frequency signal has a first phase and a first period, and the first period is different from a period of rotation of the rotor. An amplitude detector detects an amplitude of a second frequency signal. The second frequency signal is actually propagated in the multiphase rotary electric machine with a second phase based on the superimposed first frequency signal. A rotation angle determiner determines a rotation angle of the rotor so as to eliminate a difference between the detected amplitude of the second frequency signal and a predetermined target amplitude thereof. |
| US07932691B2 |
Permanent magnet motor start-up
Methods and apparatus are provided for startup of a permanent magnet alternating current (AC) motor. The method comprises the steps of detecting startup of the permanent magnet AC motor; detecting a mechanical oscillation of the permanent magnet AC motor when startup of the permanent magnet AC motor is detected; and, in response to detection of the mechanical oscillation of the permanent magnet AC motor when startup is detected, suppressing the mechanical oscillation of the permanent magnet AC motor. |
| US07932689B2 |
Motor drive system for driving motor provided with a plurality of windings
A motor drive system is provided with a plurality of axis control parts for outputting PWM commands using a position command, a plurality of current supply parts which supply current to the respective windings based on the PWM commands of the respective axis control parts, and which are connected to the respective windings, a motor position detector for outputting a signal of a rotor position of the motor, a first signal supply part for supplying the output signal to one current supply part of the plurality of current supply parts, and a second signal supply part for supplying the signal supplied through the first signal supply part to an axis control part corresponding to one current supply part, and the corresponding axis control part outputs a PWM command based on the signal supplied from the one current supply part through the second signal supply part to the corresponding axis control part and the position command, and the remaining axis control part outputs the PWM command based on the signal supplied from the corresponding axis control part to the remaining axis control parts and the position command. Thereby, a motor drive system capable of driving a plurality of inverters can be made simple. |
| US07932688B2 |
Cleaner and method for driving the same
A cleaner that can be operated at motive force of sufficient strength by using a battery voltage as well as by using a AC voltage. The cleaner uses a low-resistance-mode motor to rotate a collecting fan. The low-resistance-mode motor is driven by a motor driver. The motor driver drops a DC voltage converted from the AC voltage, depending on whether the AC voltage is received. Depending on whether the AC voltage is received, the motor driver drives the low-resistance-mode motor using one of the battery voltage and the dropped voltage. |
| US07932684B2 |
Absolute position sensing
To determine the relative position of movable portions of an assembly, a first magnetic device is coupled to a first portion of the assembly. The first magnetic device has a sensing surface with a number of magnetic poles that provide a magnetization state transition location. An absolute position sensor with a two-state output is coupled to the assembly adjacent the first magnetic device. The output state changes when a magnetization state transition of the first magnetic device moves past the absolute position sensor. A second magnetic device is coupled to the assembly. The second magnetic device creates a cyclically-varying magnetic field proximate its sensing surface. An incremental position sensor is coupled to the assembly adjacent the second magnetic device, and has an output that varies continuously relative to magnetic field angle over at least a portion of one cycle of the cyclically-varying magnetic field of the second magnetic device. |
| US07932682B2 |
Internal power supply for a ballast
A ballast used with an input power source for energizing a lamp. The ballast includes a power stage, a controller, an internal power supply for the power stage and the controller, and an input switch. The power stage energizes the lamp with power supplied by the input power source. The internal power supply is connected to the power stage for receiving power from the power stage and is connected to the input power source via the input switch for receiving power from the input power supply when the input switch operates in a closed mode. When the input switch operates in an open mode it electrically disconnects the internal power supply from the input power source. The controller selectively operates the input switch in the open mode and the closed mode as a function of the voltage of the internal power supply while the lamp is energized. |
| US07932678B2 |
Magnetic mirror plasma source and method using same
A magnetic mirror plasma source includes a gap separating a substrate from a cathode. A mirror magnetic field extends between the substrate and the cathode through the gap. The magnetic field lines at a proximal surface of the substrate are at least two times as strong as those field lines entering the cathode. An anode is disposed such that a closed loop electron Hall current containment region is formed within the magnetic field. |
| US07932673B2 |
Gas discharge tube
A new gas discharge tube comprising at least two electrodes and at least one hollow insulator ring fastened to at least one of the electrodes, wherein the insulating ring has an extended length for a creeping current on at least one of the surfaces inside and/or outside compared to its height thereby providing a long distance to any possible creeping current. |
| US07932672B2 |
Light-emitting device with improved brightness control and narrow frame and electronic apparatus with the light-emitting device
The invention provides a light-emitting device and an electronic apparatus, which are capable of preventing reduction of the amount of current flowing through light-emitting elements and which have an excellent display characteristic. Cathode wiring lines connected to a cathode are provided to surround an effective area outside the effective area where a plurality of pixels having light-emitting elements are provided. First to third power source lines connected to pixel electrodes are provided between the cathode wiring lines and the effective area. |
| US07932669B2 |
System for displaying images and fabrication method thereof
The invention provides a system for displaying image and a fabrication method thereof. The system comprises an organic electroluminescent display device comprising a first substrate divided into a pixel region and a non-pixel region, a conductive layer formed in the non-pixel region, a second substrate corresponding to the first substrate, a first electrode formed on the second substrate, an organic electroluminescent layer formed on the first electrode, and a second electrode formed on the organic electroluminescent layer and electrically connected to the conductive layer. The system further includes an exterior circuit electrically connected to the conductive layer for transmitting signals. |
| US07932665B2 |
Dual filament lamp for rapid temperature processing
A lamp (10), which can be used in rapid thermal processing (RTP), has a lamp envelope (12) arrayed along a longitudinal axis (14) and has a top (16) and a bottom (18). A first coiled-coil filament (20) having a first lead-in (20a) and a second coiled-coil filament (22) having a second lead-in (22a), are parallelly arrayed to each other and to the longitudinal axis (14) within the envelope (12). A serial connector (24) joins the first and second filaments; and an electrically insulating support (26) is positioned near the bottom (18) of the lamp envelope (12). The first lead-in (20a), the second lead-in (22a) and at least a portion (24a) of the serial connector (24) are sealed within the insulating support 26 whereby the first and second lead-ins (20a, 22a) and the at least a portion (24a) of the serial connector (24) provide the only support for the first and second filaments (20, 22). In a preferred embodiment, the first and second filaments (20, 22) have a wire diameter twice the diameter of a nominal CC6 filament. |
| US07932662B2 |
Crystal devices and methods for manufacturing same
Crystal devices are disclosed that include a crystal frame having a crystal vibrating piece and an outer frame. The crystal vibrating piece includes excitation electrodes, and the outer frame supports the crystal vibrating piece. Each device has a base including connection electrodes on a first surface thereof and respective external electrodes on a second surface thereof, wherein the connection electrodes are electrically connected via respective through-holes to respective excitation electrodes and to respective external electrodes. The first surface of the base is bonded to the under-surface of the outer frame, and an upper surface of the outer frame is bonded to a crystal lid. The through-holes have non-circular transverse profiles and are filled with a sealing material such as a metal. |
| US07932661B2 |
Piezoelectric vibrator for ultrasonic motor
In the invention, each piezoelectric element for a vibrator for an ultrasonic motor has electrode regions for exciting stretching vibration and flexural vibration separately. Thus, the invention provides a vibrator for an ultrasonic motor, in which electrodes are provided for applying voltage to each of the polarized region, and further provides a stack-type piezoelectric vibrator for an ultrasonic motor, consisting of a stack of the said vibrators and having an extraction electrode pattern provided for short circuit with an external electrode. The vibrator of the invention has high controllability, especially in a fine movement region and is useful as a driving source in a positioning device, in which enhanced vibration efficiency can be obtained. |
| US07932659B2 |
Superconducting device and axial-type superconducting motor
A superconducting device includes a coil formed of a superconducting wire, an iron core to which the coil is attached, and a magnetic material arranged in a magnetic circuit and magnetized by magnetic flux. The magnetic circuit is generated by energization of the coil and passes through the iron core. A gap is formed between the coil and the iron core, or/and a nonmagnetic material is interposed between the coil and the iron core. |
| US07932652B2 |
Wheel assembly with integral electric motor
The subject invention provides a wheel assembly (20) having a spindle (26) for attachment to a vehicle along a rotational axis (R). An electric motor (22) is disposed radially about the spindle (26) and includes a stationary stator (34) and a rotor (36) rotatable about the rotational axis (R) relative to the stator (34). A rotor support (40) is disposed about the spindle (26) and includes a collar (42) rotatably supported by at least one rotor support bearing (46) on the spindle (26). The rotor support (40) includes a flange (44) disposed within a predetermined axial distance (D) and extending radially outward from the collar (42) to support the rotor (36). A planetary gear system (62) interconnects the rotor support (40) and a wheel drive (52) for reducing rotational speed of the rotor (36) and increasing the torque of the wheel assembly (20). |
| US07932651B2 |
Motor for controller integrated electric power steering apparatus and electric power steering apparatus
An apparatus is provided for obtaining a compact and inexpensive motor for controller integrated electric power steering apparatus capable of reducing a component for connection and the number of man-hours of assembly, and an electric power steering apparatus. A driving substrate having a power element is arranged in the side of a speed reduction mechanism of the inside of a case of a controller and a control substrate for controlling driving of the driving substrate is arranged in the side of a motor of the inside of the case and a resolver and a lead frame having connection wiring are arranged between a motor shaft direction of the control substrate and the driving substrate and an input-output terminal of the resolver is electrically connected to the control substrate. It is placed substantially coaxially in order of a motor, the controller and a speed reduction mechanism in the motor shaft direction. |
| US07932645B2 |
Voice coil motor with surface coil
A voice coil motor with a surface coil includes a set of magnetic sensing elements, a lens carrier physically connected to the set of magnetic sensing elements, a pedestal, and a set of printed circuit boards fixed onto the pedestal. A patterned metal layer is fabricated on the set of printed circuit boards to form the surface coil, a Hall sensor is installed on one of the printed circuit boards and transmits signals (e.g., operation voltages and feedback sensing signals) via traces fabricated on the set of printed circuit boards, so as to achieve simultaneous fabrication of the surface coil and traces, thereby saving space which is conventionally occupied by copper coils. The Hall sensor can sense a variation in a magnetic field resulting from the motion of the set of magnetic sensing elements to determine a motion status of the lens carrier. |
| US07932641B2 |
Low voltage head room detection for reliable start-up of self-biased analog circuits
A method and structure for preventing operation of a circuit in a high current operating region by disabling a start-up circuit until a power supply headroom is detected at a predetermined voltage level. |
| US07932639B2 |
Simultaneous multi-voltage rail voltage regulation messages
Methods and mechanisms to simultaneously regulate two or more supply voltages provided to an integrated circuit by a voltage regulator. In an embodiment of the invention, a voltage regulation message exchanged between the integrated circuit and the voltage regulator includes an identifier indicating two or more supply voltages selected from a plurality of supply voltages provided to the integrated circuit by the voltage regulator, where the voltage regulation message relates to the indicated two or more supply voltages. In another embodiment, the voltage regulation message indicates a desired supply voltage level to which the indicated two or more supply voltages are to transition. |
| US07932638B2 |
Reliable contact and safe system and method for providing power to an electronic device
An electronic system which includes a power delivery surface that delivers electrical power to an electrical or electronic device. The power delivery surface may be powered by any electrical power source, including, but not limited to: wall electrical outlet, solar power system, battery, vehicle cigarette lighter system, direct connection to electrical generator device, and any other electrical power source. The power delivery surface delivers power to the electronic device wirelessly. The power delivery surface may deliver power via a plurality of contacts on the electrical device conducting electricity from the power delivery surface. The electrical device may be mobile device. Each contact may be shaped to improve power delivery reliability. The power delivery surface may further include circuitry to protect against accidental electrocutions. |
| US07932635B2 |
Transfer switch system with neutral current management
An electrical power transfer system for selectively connecting a load to a first power source or a second power source includes a first switch having an input selectively connected to the first power source and an output connected to the load. A second switch includes an input and an output connected to the load. An isolation device has its input connected to the second power source and its output connected to the input of the second switch to provide a continuous neutral path for the second power source and to isolate a neutral current path of the load from the second power source. |
| US07932631B2 |
Power allocating apparatus
A power allocating apparatus has a plurality of power supply modules coupled to a plurality of loads via a plurality of power lines, respectively. The power allocating apparatus includes a first switch element and a control device. The first switch element has a first connecting terminal and a second connecting terminal coupled to an output terminal of a power supply module with a relatively high power conversion rate and an output terminal of a power supply module with a second power conversion rate, respectively, and selectively allocates a power generated by the power supply module with the relatively high power conversion rate to a predetermined number of loadings simultaneously according to on or off states of the first switch element. The control device is coupled to the first switch element to control the first switch element to enter an on state or an off state. |
| US07932626B2 |
Apparatus and method pertaining to light-based power distribution in a vehicle
A vehicle (400) such as an aircraft is provided (101) with a source of light (401). An optical conduit is then used to couple (104) this source of light to a light-to-electricity conversion apparatus (408). which then converts (105) such light into electricity. A rechargeable power supply (407), such as a battery, uses (106) at least part of the electrical power output of the light-to-electricity conversion apparatus to be charged. |
| US07932622B2 |
Power switch circuit for driving an airbag squib module
A power switch circuit for driving an airbag squib module has a power transistor, a pre-charge capacitance for storing a charge, a charging circuit and a controllable energy-coupling element. The power transistor has a first electrode, a second electrode and a control electrode. A path between the first electrode and the second electrode is connected in series with the airbag squib module between a supply potential and a reference potential. The charging circuit charges the pre-charge capacitance and the charging circuit is therefore coupled with the pre-charged capacitance. The controllable energy coupling element is connected between a first electrode of the pre-charge capacitance and the control electrode of the power transistor. The power switch exhibits a high degree of stability, allows a fast switching of the power transistor and further has an advantageous transient response. |
| US07932619B2 |
Free renewable energy designs
These Free Renewable Energy Designs capture the Earth's tidal energy forces. These systems of interconnected modules are capable of capturing and releasing massive amounts of sea water through water control gate(s) located on the barges. Type A design modules are permanently suspended between high tide and low tide levels and converts Earth's tidal energy into electricity by means of bidirectional water driven turbines contained within cylindrical housings located adjacent to the watertight control gate(s), and at the internal connections between the individual modules, and by bidirectional air driven turbines on the air pressure relief vents. Type B design modules are dynamically secured against massive columns with foundations, and are capable of moving freely up and down the columns, thus using gravitational kinetic energy and buoyant kinetic energy to mechanically drive electrical generators between tidal changes. They also incorporate bidirectional water and air driven electrical turbines, which are activated during the “fill” and “empty” cycles of the system just prior to high and low tides. |
| US07932618B2 |
Miniature hydro-power generation system power management
A miniature hydro-power generation system may include a hydro-power generator and energy storage devices. A flow of liquid may be used to rotate the hydro-generator to generate electric power at a generator output. The generator output may be electrically coupled to each of the energy storage devices so that the energy storage devices can be independently charged with the electric power produced by the hydro-power generator. The hydro-power generator and/or the energy storage devices can also supply electric power to a load. The energy storage devices may also be electrically coupled via a series/parallel switch so that at least two of the energy storage device may be switched between a series configuration and a parallel configuration. |
| US07932617B2 |
Semiconductor package and manufacturing method thereof and encapsulating method thereof
A semiconductor package, a manufacturing method thereof and an encapsulating method thereof are provided. The semiconductor package includes a substrate, a flip chip, a plurality of conductive parts and a sealant. The substrate has a substrate upper surface. The flip chip has an active surface and a chip surface opposite to the active surface. The conductive parts electrically connect the substrate upper surface and the active surface. The sealant envelops the flip chip, and the space between the substrate upper surface and the active surface is filled with a portion of the sealant. The sealant further has a top surface. wherein, the chip surface is spaced apart from the top surface by a first distance, the substrate upper surface is spaced apart from the active surface by a second distance, and the ratio of the first distance to the second distance ranges from 2 to 5. |
| US07932616B2 |
Semiconductor device sealed in a resin section and method for manufacturing the same
A semiconductor device includes a first semiconductor chip having a pad electrode formed on an upper surface thereof; a resin section sealing the first semiconductor chip with the upper surface and a side surface of the first semiconductor chip being covered and a lower surface of the first semiconductor chip being exposed; a columnar electrode communicating between the upper surface and the lower surface of the resin section with the upper surface and the lower surface of the columnar electrode being exposed on the resin section and at least a part of the side surface of the columnar electrode being covered; and a bonding wire connecting the pad electrode and the columnar electrode with a part of the bonding wire being embedded in the columnar electrode as one end of the bonding wire being exposed on the lower surface of the columnar electrode and the remaining part of the bonding wire being covered with the resin section, and a method for manufacturing the same. |
| US07932615B2 |
Electronic devices including solder bumps on compliant dielectric layers
An electronic device may include a substrate with an input/output pad thereon, and a compliant dielectric layer on a first portion of the substrate such that a second portion of the substrate is free of the compliant dielectric layer. A conductive redistribution line may extend from the input/output pad to the compliant dielectric layer so that the compliant dielectric layer is between a bump pad portion of the conductive redistribution line and the substrate. A first solder bump may be on the bump pad portion of the conductive redistribution line so that the compliant dielectric layer is between the first solder bump and the substrate. A second solder bump may be on the second portion of the substrate that is free of the compliant dielectric layer. Related methods are also discussed. |
| US07932607B2 |
Composite conductive film and semiconductor package using such film
A composite conductive film and a semiconductor package using such film are provided. The composite conductive film is formed of a polymer-matrix and a plurality of nano-sized conductive lines is provided. The composite conductive film has low resistance, to connect between a fine-pitch chip and a chip in a low temperature and low pressure condition. The conductive lines are parally arranged and spaced apart from each other, to provide anisotropic conductivity. The present conductive film can be served as an electrical connection between a fine-pitch chip and a chip or a fine-pitch chip and a substrate |
| US07932605B2 |
Semiconductor device and manufacturing method therefor
There is disclosed a semiconductor device comprising at least one semiconductor element, one chip mounting base being provided at least one first interconnection on one major surface thereof and at least one second interconnection on the other major surface thereof, and the semiconductor element being electrically connected to at least the one first interconnection and mounted on the one major surface, a sealing member being provided on the one major surface of the chip mounting base and covering the semiconductor element and the first interconnection, at least one third interconnection being provided on a surface of the sealing member, and at least one fourth interconnection being provided in the sealing member and the chip mounting base, and electrically connected to the first interconnection, the second interconnection, and the third interconnection. |
| US07932602B2 |
Metal sealed wafer level CSP
A semiconductor device comprising: (a) a semiconductor substrate having a dicing region circumscribing a chip region, the chip region including a central region and a peripheral region around the central region; (b) an active electrical structure formed to extend from a first main surface to a second surface vertically spaced apart from the last main surface in the central region of the semiconductor substrate; (c) a through dummy isolation structure formed within the peripheral region to extend from the first main surface of the semiconductor substrate to a third surface vertically spaced apart from the first main surface of the semiconductor substrate, the through dummy isolation structure surrounding the active electrical structure; (d) an insulating layer disbursed throughout the active electrical structure within the central region and around the through dummy isolation structure of the peripheral region, the insulating layer including top and opposed peripheral sides; and (e) a metal film located over the top and peripheral sides of the wiring insulating film and over the semiconductor substrate. |
| US07932598B2 |
Connection between a semiconductor housing and a base plate comprising a passage opening for fastening to a heat sink
A semiconductor module has a housing (2) and a metal base plate (3). A reliable yet easily producible force-transmitting connection between a semiconductor module and an external heat sink is provided by a mechanical pressure-proof counterpart (4) which is incorporated into the housing (2) and forms a firm connection (14) with a pressure-proof connecting element (10) on the base plate side. The connection is provided with a passage opening (12) for fastening the semiconductor module to the heat sink. |
| US07932594B2 |
Electronic component sealing substrate for hermetically sealing a micro electronic mechanical system of an electronic component
An electronic component sealing substrate capable of configuring an electronic apparatus in which the influence of electromagnetic coupling and radio frequency noises between an electrical connection path and a micro electronic mechanical system is suppressed is provided. An electronic component sealing substrate (4) for hermetically sealing a micro electronic mechanical system (4) of an electronic component (2) that includes a semiconductor substrate (5), the micro electronic mechanical system (3) formed on a main face of the semiconductor substrate (5), and an electrode (6) electrically connected to the micro electronic mechanical system (3), includes an insulating substrate (7) that has a first main face joined to the main face of the semiconductor substrate (5) so as to hermetically seal the micro electronic mechanical system (3), and a wiring conductor (8) that has an end extending to the first main face of the insulating substrate (7) and is electrically connected to the electrode (6) of the electronic component (2), and the end of the wiring conductor (8) is positioned outside a joined portion of the main face of the semiconductor substrate (5) and the first main face of the insulating substrate (7). |
| US07932593B2 |
Multipackage module having stacked packages with asymmetrically arranged die and molding
Semiconductor chip packages have die asymmetrically arranged on the respective substrates. Two such packages having complementary arrangements can be stacked, one inverted with respect to the other, such that the two die are situated side-by-side in the space between the two substrates. Also, multipackage modules include stacked packages, each having the die asymmetrically arranged on the substrate. Adjacent stacked packages have complementary asymmetrical arrangements of the die, and one package is inverted with respect to the other in the stack, such that the two die are situated side-by-side in the space between the two substrates. Also, methods are disclosed for making the packages and for making the stacked package modules. |
| US07932580B2 |
Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the same
In the substrate and the epitaxial layer, isolation regions are formed to divide the substrate and the epitaxial layer into a plurality of element formation regions. Each of the isolation regions is formed by connecting first and second P type buried diffusion layers with a P type diffusion layer. By disposing the second P type buried diffusion layer between the first P type buried diffusion layer and the P type diffusion layer, a lateral diffusion width of the first P type buried diffusion layer is reduced. This structure allows a formation region of the isolation region to be reduced in size. |
| US07932579B2 |
Semiconductor device and method for manufacturing the same
A semiconductor device including a capacitor formed over a semiconductor substrate and including a lower electrode, a dielectric film formed over the lower electrode and an upper electrode formed over the dielectric film, an insulation film formed over the semiconductor substrate and the capacitor, and an electrode pad formed over the insulation film and including an alloy film of aluminum and magnesium. |
| US07932577B2 |
Circuit device and method of forming a circuit device having a reduced peak current density
In a particular embodiment, a method of forming a field effect transistor (FET) device having a reduced peak current density is disclosed. The method includes forming a field effect transistor (FET) device on a substrate. The FET device includes a drain terminal, a source terminal, a gate terminal, and a body terminal. The method further includes depositing a plurality of metal contacts along a width of a gate terminal of the FET device and forming a wire trace to contact each of the plurality of metal contacts to reduce a gate resistance along the width of the gate terminal. |
| US07932574B2 |
Solid-state imaging device
A solid-state imaging device having a light receiving section comprised of a stack of a photoconductive layer for absorbing light in a wavelength region for red, a photoconductive layer for absorbing light in a wavelength region for green, and a photoconductive layer for absorbing light in a wavelength region for blue. A transparent electrode layer is provided preferably above each of the photoconductive layers and a translucent reflective layer for reflecting light in a desired wavelength is provided. |
| US07932572B2 |
Semiconductor device having memory element with stress insulating film
Provided are a semiconductor device having an MTJ element capable of intentionally shifting the variation, at the time of manufacture, of a switching current of an MRAM memory element in one direction; and a manufacturing method of the device. The semiconductor device has a lower electrode having a horizontally-long rectangular planar shape; an MTJ element having a vertically-long oval planar shape formed on the right side of the lower electrode; and an MTJ's upper insulating film having a horizontally-long rectangular planar shape similar to that of the lower electrode and covering the MTJ element therewith. As the MTJ's upper insulating film, a compressive stress insulating film or a tensile stress insulating film for applying a compressive stress or a tensile stress to the MTJ element is employed. |
| US07932569B2 |
Micromechanical device with microfluidic lubricant channel
A micromechanical device assembly includes a micromechanical device enclosed within a processing region and a lubricant channel formed through an interior wall of the processing region and in fluid communication with the processing region. Lubricant is injected into the lubricant channel via capillary forces and held therein via surface tension of the lubricant against the internal surfaces of the lubrication channel. The lubricant channel containing the lubricant provides a ready supply of fresh lubricant to prevent stiction from occurring between interacting components of the micromechanical device disposed within the processing region. |
| US07932568B2 |
Microelectromechanical component
The invention relates to microelectromechanical components, like microelectromechanical gauges used in measuring e.g. acceleration, angular acceleration, angular velocity, or other physical quantities. The microelectromechanical component, according to the invention, comprises, suitably bonded to each other, a microelectromechanical chip part sealed by a cover part, and at least one electronic circuit part. The aim of the invention is to provide an improved method of manufacturing a microelectromechanical component, and to provide a microelectromechanical component, which is applicable for use particularly in small microelectromechanical sensor solutions. |
| US07932563B2 |
Techniques for improving transistor-to-transistor stress uniformity
An integrated circuit has a transistor with an active gate structure overlying an active diffusion area formed in a semiconductor substrate. A dummy gate structure is formed over a diffusion area and separated from the active gate structure by a selected distance (d2). A stress layer overlying the transistor array produces stress in a channel region of the transistor. |
| US07932557B2 |
Semiconductor contact device
The invention provides an advanced metallization technique for fabricating a memory cell array on a substrate. The array is fabricated by forming discrete and self-aligned vias in a first layer disposed over the array to form contacts to each of the source and drain junction in the array. Further, self-aligned local area slotted vias are formed in a second layer that is disposed over the first layer to form local area interconnects that electrically shunt all of the source contacts/junctions. Further, discrete self-aligned drain extensions are formed over each of the formed drain contacts to electrically connect the junctions, and source contacts to the extensions. The formed vias, extensions, and slotted local area vias are simultaneously plugged and filled with a conductive material to form the memory cell array. |
| US07932556B2 |
Structure and method for forming power devices with high aspect ratio contact openings
A field effect transistor (FET) includes body regions of a first conductivity type over a semiconductor region of a second conductivity type. Source regions of the second conductivity type extend over the body regions. Gate electrodes extend adjacent to but are insulated from the body regions by a gate dielectric layer. Contact openings extend into the body regions between adjacent gate electrodes. A seed layer extends along the bottom of each contact opening. The seed layer serves as a nucleation site for promoting growth of conductive fill material. A conductive fill material fills a lower portion of each contact opening. An interconnect layer fills an upper portion of each contact opening and is in direct contact with the conductive fill material. The interconnect layer is also in direct contact with corresponding source regions along upper sidewalls of the contact openings. |
| US07932554B2 |
Semiconductor device having a modified recess channel gate and a method for fabricating the same
A semiconductor device having a modified recess channel gate includes active regions defined by a device isolation layer and arranged at regular intervals on a semiconductor substrate, each active region extending in a major axis and a minor axis direction, a trench formed in each active region, the trench including a stepped bottom surface in the minor axis direction of the active region, and a recess gate formed in the trench. |
| US07932548B2 |
Systems and methods for fabricating self-aligned memory cell
Systems and methods are disclosed to form a resistive random access memory (RRAM) by forming a first metal electrode layer; depositing an insulator above the metal electrode layer and etching the insulator to expose one or more metal portions; depositing a Pr1-XCaXMnO3 (PCMO) layer above the insulator and the metal portions, wherein X is between approximately 0.3 and approximately 0.5, to form one or more self-aligned RRAM cells above the first metal electrode; and depositing a second metal electrode layer above the PCMO layer. |
| US07932547B2 |
Nonvolatile ferroelectric memory device using silicon substrate, method for manufacturing the same, and refresh method thereof
A nonvolatile ferroelectric memory device using a silicon substrate includes an insulating layer formed in an etching region of the silicon substrate, a bottom word line formed in the insulating layer so as to be enclosed by the insulating layer, a floating channel layer formed over the bottom word line, an impurity layer formed at both ends of the floating channel layer and including a source region formed over the insulating layer and a drain region formed over the silicon substrate, a ferroelectric layer formed over the floating channel layer, and a word line formed over the ferroelectric layer. |
| US07932546B2 |
Image sensor having microlenses and high photosensitivity
The method for manufacturing a CMOS image sensor is employed to prevent bridge phenomenon between adjacent microlenses by employing openings between the microlenses. The method includes the steps of: preparing a semiconductor substrate including isolation regions and photodiodes therein obtained by a predetermined process; forming an interlayer dielectric (ILD), metal interconnections and a passivation layer formed on the semiconductor substrate in sequence; forming a color filter array having a plurality of color filters on the passivation layer; forming an over-coating layer (OCL) on the color filter array by using a positive photoresist or a negative photoresist; forming openings in the OCL by patterning the OCL by using a predetermined mask; and forming dome-typed microlenses on a patterned OCL. |
| US07932545B2 |
Semiconductor device and associated layouts including gate electrode level region having arrangement of six linear conductive segments with side-to-side spacing less than 360 nanometers
A semiconductor device is disclosed as having a substrate portion that includes a plurality of diffusion regions that include at least one p-type diffusion region and at least one n-type diffusion region. A gate electrode level region is formed above the substrate portion to include a number of conductive features defined to extend in only a first parallel direction. Each of the conductive features within the gate electrode level region is fabricated from a respective originating rectangular-shaped layout feature. Within a five wavelength photolithographic interaction radius within the gate electrode level region, a width size of the conductive features is less than 193 nanometers, which is the wavelength of light used in a photolithography process to fabricate the conductive features. The conductive features within the gate electrode level region form an equal number of PMOS and NMOS transistor devices. |
| US07932542B2 |
Method of fabricating an integrated circuit with stress enhancement
A method of fabricating an integrated circuit including arranging a plurality of cells to form a desired floor plan of the integrated circuit, wherein each cell comprises at least one transistor, forming a plurality of circuit constituents from the plurality of cells of the floor plan, wherein each circuit constituent comprises at least one cell and belongs to one of a plurality circuit constituent types, and applying mechanical stress to channel regions of the at least one transistor of each cell based on the circuit constituent type of the circuit constituent to which the cell belongs. |
| US07932540B2 |
T-gate forming method for high electron mobility transistor and gate structure thereof
A T-gate forming method for a high electron mobility transistor includes the steps of: coating a first, a second and a third resist, each having an electron beam sensitivity different from each other, on a semiconductor substrate; performing a first exposure process by using an electron beam on the semiconductor substrate and then selectively developing the third resist; defining a gate head area by selectively developing the second resist to have a developed width wider than that of the third resist; performing a second exposure process by using an electron beam on the semiconductor substrate and then selectively developing the first resist in a bent shape at a temperature lower than in the development of the second and the third steps; and depositing metallic materials on the resists and then removing them to form a T-gate. |
| US07932538B2 |
Insulated gate bipolar transistor and method of fabricating the same
According to embodiments, an insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) may include a first conductive type collector ion implantation area, formed within a substrate, second conductive type first buffer layers, formed over the collector ion implantation area and each including a first segment buffer layer and a second segment buffer layer, a first conductive type poly layer formed from a surface of the substrate to the collector ion implantation area, the first conductive type poly layer having a contact structure, a second buffer layer of the second conductive type, formed in the substrate area next to the first conductive type poly layer. According to embodiments, a segment buffer layer may have different concentrations according areas. Accordingly, amounts of hole currents injected through the buffer layers may differ according to areas. |
| US07932536B2 |
Power rectifiers and method of making same
In one embodiment the present invention includes a semiconductor rectifier device comprising a first, second, and third semiconductor regions and a gate. The first semiconductor region is of a first conductivity type. The second semiconductor region is adjacent to the first semiconductor region which has a second conductivity type. The third semiconductor region is adjacent to the second semiconductor region which has the second conductivity type. The gate is proximate to but insulated from the second semiconductor region and electrically coupled to the third semiconductor region. When the first semiconductor region is biased in a first direction, an inversion region forms in the second semiconductor region. The inversion region forms a forward-biased tunnel diode junction with the third semiconductor region. When the first semiconductor region is biased a second direction, the semiconductor rectifier device functions as a reverse-biased PIN diode. |
| US07932531B2 |
Chip package
A chip package includes a thermal enhanced plate, contacts around the thermal enhanced plate and electrically insulated from the thermal enhanced plate, a film-like circuit layer disposed on the contacts and the thermal enhanced plate, a conductive adhesive layer, a first molding, and at least one chip disposed on the film-like circuit layer. The conductive adhesive layer is disposed between the contacts and the film-like circuit layer electrically connected to the contacts through the conductive adhesive layer. The chip has a back surface, an active surface and many bumps disposed thereon, and the chip is electrically connected to the film-like circuit layer via the bumps. The first molding at least encapsulates a portion of the thermal enhanced plate, the conductive adhesive layer, parts of the contacts and at least a portion of the film-like circuit layer. Therefore, heat dissipation efficiency of the light emitting chip package is improved. |
| US07932519B1 |
Pixel structure
A pixel structure includes a scan line, a data line, a gate electrode, a semiconductor layer, a source electrode, a drain electrode including a comb-shaped part surrounding the source electrode and a connecting part, and a pixel electrode electrically connected to the drain electrode. The scan line and the data line are arranged intersectedly and electrically insulated from each other. At least a portion of the source electrode and the drain electrode are disposed on the semiconductor layer. At least one branch of the comb-shaped part extends outside one side of the gate electrode to form a protrusion part. The connecting part extends from the comb-shaped part beyond the other side of the gate electrode. The protrusion part and the connecting part aligned with the margin of the gate electrode have a first width and a third width respectively, wherein the first width substantially equals to the third width. |
| US07932515B2 |
Quantum processor
Multiple substrates that carry quantum devices are coupled to provide quantum mechanical communicators therebetween, for example, using superconducting interconnects, vias, solder and/or magnetic flux. Such may advantageously reduce a footprint of a device such as a quantum processor. |
| US07932505B2 |
Perovskite transition metal oxide nonvolatile memory element
Provided is a material composition which allows a nonvolatile memory element made of a perovskite-type transition metal oxide having the CER effect to be formed of three elements, which comprises an electric conductor having a shallow work function or a small electronegativity, such as Ti, as an electrode and a rare earth-copper oxide comprising one type of rare earth element, copper and oxygen, such as La2CuO4, as a material constituting a heterojunction with the electric conductor. |
| US07932502B2 |
Fluorescence observation apparatus
A fluorescence observation apparatus according to the present invention includes a light source section that emits excitation light for exciting a first fluorescent substance and a second fluorescent substance, a fluorescence detection section that detects first fluorescent light emitted when the first fluorescent substance is excited and second fluorescent light emitted when the second fluorescent substance is excited, a correction value calculation section that calculates a correction value for canceling a color mixture between the first fluorescent light and the second fluorescent light based on feature values corresponding to characteristics of the first fluorescent substance and the second fluorescent substance, a detected image generation section that generates a first detected image corresponding to a detection result of the first fluorescent light and a second detected image corresponding to a detection result of the second fluorescent light, and an image correction section that corrects a luminance value of the first detected image to a luminance value corresponding to intensity of the first fluorescent light and corrects a luminance value of the second detected image to a luminance value corresponding to intensity of the second fluorescent light. |
| US07932500B2 |
Radiation image detection method and apparatus
A radiation image detection method including the steps of: detecting from a radiation image detector including multitudes of pixels disposed two-dimensionally, each having a TFT switch, an analog image signal of each pixel flowing out through each data line by sequentially switching ON the TFT switches connected to each scanning line on a scanning line-by-scanning line basis; detecting an analog leak level flowing out through each data line with the TFT switches connected to each of the scanning lines being switched OFF each time before switching ON the TFT switches on a scanning line-by-scanning line basis when converting the detected analog image signal to a digital image signal and outputting; and correcting the analog image signal before being converted to the digital image signal based on the leak level. |
| US07932490B2 |
Size segregated aerosol mass concentration measurement device
An apparatus and method for estimating size segregated aerosol mass concentration in real time and using a single detector. A beam of electromagnetic radiation is passed through a particle stream made of a test or field aerosol. The single detector outputs an electrical signal proportional to the electromagnetic radiation scattered thereupon. The electrical signal may be conditioned to produce an integrated signal for measuring radiation scattered from all the particles in the interrogation volume, a pulse height from an individual particle within the volume, and/or a time-of-flight measurement from the individual particle. The integrated signal can be correlated to particle mass concentration. The pulse height signal and the time-of-flight signal may be converted to infer the size of the individual particle. Attendant size distributions for the particle sizes may also be obtained. Using known or assumed particle properties, the mass concentration may be estimated from the size distribution. |
| US07932476B2 |
Transmission for an electrical circuit breaker
An electrical circuit breaker includes a first contact piece with a first consumable contact; a second contact piece with a second consumable contact; a drive for moving the first contact piece along a switching movement axis; and a transmission for transmitting the movement of the first contact piece to a movement of the second contact piece. The transmission has a first lever, a pivoting element which can pivot about a pivoting shaft, and a transmission mechanism for transmitting a pivoting movement of the pivoting element to a movement of the second contact piece. |
| US07932472B2 |
Measurement apparatus for measuring changes in body composition
When a human subject presses a start switch S and stands on a platform (10) of a measurement apparatus (100), the weight of the human subject is measured, and the measurement result is stored as measurement data xi (i is a natural number) in a rewritable memory (150c). When the start switch S and a difference key F are pressed, measurement data xi stored in rewritable memory (150c) is read so as to be displayed temporarily on a display unit (120). Display unit (120) changes to a zero display, “0.00 kg”, and when the human subject stands on platform (10), the current weight of the human subject is measured. A CPU (110) uses a calculation equation read from a ROM (150b) to execute a difference output process in which the difference between the measurement data showing the current weight and measurement data xi read from rewritable memory (150c) is output. |
| US07932465B2 |
Photoelectric electrodes capable of absorbing light energy, fabrication methods, and applications thereof
A photoelectric electrode capable of absorbing light energy is provided. The photoelectric electrode at least includes a conductive substrate, one or more semiconductor particle-containing film with a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) skeleton. |
| US07932464B2 |
Methods of scoring for fabricating interconnected photovoltaic cells
The invention, in one embodiment, is directed to a method of scoring the coating of a first coated base material at a temperature sufficiently elevated to part the coating and melt at least a portion of the first base material. In a further embodiment, the invention is directed to a method of forming a photovoltaic module by scoring a coating of a first coated base material at a temperature sufficiently elevated to part the coating and melt at least a portion of the first base material; scoring a coating of a second coated base material at a temperature sufficiently elevated to part the coating and at least a portion of the second base material; and joining the first and second base materials to form a photovoltaic module. |
| US07932463B2 |
Quinacridine derivatives and organic electronic devices using the same
The present invention relates to a novel quinacridine derivative and an organic electronic device using the same. |
| US07932459B2 |
Thermal energy transfer circuit system
A first conductive member and a second conductive member having different Seebeck coefficients are joined together by a joining member to form a plurality of thermoelectric conversion elements, and these thermoelectric conversion elements are disposed in at least two different temperature environments. The first conductive members of respective thermoelectric conversion elements or the second conductive members thereof are connected to each other by an electric wiring to form a direct energy conversion electric circuit system, and electric potential energy is picked up from an arbitrary portion on this electric wiring. Accordingly, the direct energy conversion electric circuit system from thermal energy to electric energy is formed. A water electrolyzer is disposed in the passage of the circuit system in which the first conductive members or second conductive members having connected respective thermoelectric conversion elements are connected to thereby able to convert thermal energy into chemical energy and sore it. |
| US07932458B2 |
Electronic signal processor
An electronic signal processor for processing signals includes a complex first filter, one or more gain stages and a second filter. The first filter is characterized by a frequency response curve that includes multiple corner frequencies, with some corner frequencies being user selectable. The first filter also has at least two user-preset gain levels which may be alternately selected by a switch. Lower frequency signals are processed by the first filter with at least 12 db/octave slope, and preferably with 18 db/octave slope to minimize intermodulation distortion products by subsequent amplification in the gain stages. A second filter provides further filtering and amplitude control. The signal processor is particularly suited for processing audio frequency signals. Related methods include filtering the input signal with an input filter of the second or third order high pass type, amplifying the filtered signal and further filtering the amplified signal with a low pass filter, which may be of the second order type. |
| US07932456B2 |
Music replay circuit
A music replay circuit is provided which includes a header analyzing unit which analyzes a header included in each of a plurality of frames in a data stream which are compressed music data and extracts bitrate information included in the header, a decoder which decodes the data stream analyzed by the header analyzing unit, a high-frequency correction unit which generates data in which high-frequency music data is interpolated, for music data decoded by the decoder, and a process setting unit which controls the process applied by the high-frequency correction unit based on the bitrate information extracted by the header analyzing unit, wherein the process setting unit control the process by the high-frequency correction unit according to the bitrate information extracted for each frame. |
| US07932452B2 |
Extended low frequency resonant structure for drumhead
A drum fitted with drum heads features easy adjustment and variation of low-pitched sound. The drum head is formed with one or more openings to which surrounds made of material the same as or different than the drum head itself is attached for an independent and localized vibration area. Alternatively, the drum head is formed with a successively corrugated local area that offers localized deformation of the drum head. Either one of the constructions of the drum head provides the drum head with an independent and resiliently deformable local surface whereby when the drum is struck, the air contained inside the drum is pressurized to cause the vibration of the independent local surface, effectively increasing the vibration amplitude of the local surface on the drum head and thus extending the sound of the drum to a lower level. |
| US07932449B1 |
Neck joint structure for stringed musical instrument
A neck joint structure which has an opening on the main face of a body in the thickness direction, which has openings on the side faces of the body extending in the thickness direction, and into which at least a part of the base-end portion of a neck is inserted is formed in the body of a stringed musical instrument. The neck joint structure includes a recessed end face which is brought into contact with the end face of the base-end portion constituting the base of the neck in the longitudinal direction and a recessed bottom face which is brought into contact with the main contact face of the base-end portion that forms a corner together with the end face in the thickness direction of the neck. The neck joint structure of the stringed musical instrument is equipped with a joint member fixing the body and the neck, i.e. a slanting joint member which is screwed into the body and the neck via the corner between the recessed bottom face and the recessed end face of the body and via the corner between the main contact face and the end face of the neck in the state in which the screwing direction thereof is slanted to the distal end of the neck in the longitudinal direction relative to the thickness direction of the body and the neck. |
| US07932446B1 |
Maize variety hybrid X7W906
A novel maize variety designated X7W906 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof, produced by crossing Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. proprietary inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprises crossing maize variety X7W906 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X7W906 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X7W906, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X7W906. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X7W906. |
| US07932443B2 |
Tomato line FIR10-8086
The invention provides seed and plants of tomato hybrid PS01059664 and the parent lines thereof. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of tomato hybrid PS01059664 and the parent lines thereof, and to methods for producing a tomato plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another tomato plant, such as a plant of another genotype. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of such plants, including the fruit and gametes of such plants. |
| US07932442B2 |
Tomato line PSQ24-2008
The invention provides seed and plants of tomato hybrid PS02431185 and the parent lines thereof. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of tomato hybrid PS02431185 and the parent lines thereof, and to methods for producing a tomato plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another tomato plant, such as a plant of another genotype. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of such plants, including the fruit and gametes of such plants. |
| US07932441B2 |
Tomato line PSQ24-2082
The invention provides seed and plants of tomato hybrid PS02420487 and the parent lines thereof. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of tomato hybrid PS02420487 and the parent lines thereof, and to methods for producing a tomato plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another tomato plant, such as a plant of another genotype. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of such plants, including the fruit and gametes of such plants. |
| US07932436B2 |
Plants with increased activity of multiple starch phosphorylating enzymes
The present invention relates to plant cells and plants, which are genetically modified, wherein the genetic modification leads to the increase of the activity of a starch phosphorylating OK1 protein and a starch phosphorylating R1 protein in comparison with corresponding wild type plant cells or wild type plants that have not been genetically modified. Furthermore, the present invention relates to means and methods for the manufacture of such plant cells and plants. Plant cells and plants of this type synthesize a modified starch. The present invention therefore also relates to the starch synthesized by the plant cells and plants according to the invention, methods for the manufacture of this starch, and the manufacture of starch derivatives of this modified starch, as well as flours containing starches according to the invention.Furthermore, the present invention relates to nucleic acid molecules and vectors containing sequences which code for an OK1 protein and an R1 protein, as well as host cells which contain these nucleic acid molecules. |
| US07932434B2 |
Late blight resistance gene from wild potato
A novel resistance gene and its encoded protein isolated from the wild potato, Solanum verrucosum, are disclosed. The gene and protein are useful for conferring disease resistance to plants, particularly resistance to potato late blight disease in solanaceous species such as potato, tomato, and tobacco. Compositions and methods that use the genes and proteins of this invention to enhance plant disease resistance are also disclosed, as are transgenic plants that comprise the novel resistance genes and proteins. |
| US07932432B2 |
Seedy 1 nucleic acids for making plants having changed growth characteristics
The present invention concerns a method for modifying the growth characteristics of a plant relative to corresponding wild type plants, comprising modifying expression in a plant of a seedy1 nucleic acid and/or modifying the level and/or activity in a plant of a seedy1 protein. The invention also concerns novel constructs and novel seedy1 nucleic acid and protein sequences. |
| US07932430B2 |
Development of a simple animal model for infection by viruses and other obligate intracellular parasites
The present invention provides methods for studying pathogenesis of mammalian viruses. In particular, the present invention provides a nonhuman animal model system for studying disease mechanisms wherein the nonhuman animal model is infected with an animal virus. In a preferred embodiment the animal model is C. elegans and the animal virus is vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV). |
| US07932429B2 |
Device designed for regenerating the human dermis and process for producing said device
Device designed for regenerating the human dermis presented in the form of a multilayer complex combining an absorbable polymeric internal matrix able to induce the regeneration of the dermis by contact with muscle or subcutaneous tissue, an open-work textile mesh and a transparent external support wherein the open-work textile mesh is contained in the body of the transparent support. |
| US07932426B2 |
Process for isomerizing a non-equilibrium alkylaromatic feed mixture and an aromatic production facility
One exemplary embodiment can be a process for the isomerization of a non-equilibrium alkylaromatic feed mixture. The process can include contacting the non-equilibrium alkylaromatic feed mixture in a C8 isomerization zone. The C8 isomerization zone may include a first isomerization stage and a second isomerization stage. At the first isomerization stage, at least a portion of the non-equilibrium alkylaromatic feed mixture can be contacted at a first isomerization condition in a liquid phase in the substantial absence of hydrogen to obtain an intermediate stream. At the second isomerization stage, at least part of the intermediate stream and at least a part of a stream rich in at least one naphthene can be contacted at a second isomerization condition to obtain a concentration of at least one alkylaromatic isomer that is higher than a concentration of that at least one alkylaromatic isomer in the non-equilibrium alkylaromatic feed mixture. |
| US07932420B2 |
Sulfonamides
The present invention provides wherein R1 is selected from the group consisting of C1-C10 alkoxy, OH and NR4R5; R2 is selected from the group consisting of C1-C10 alkyl and (CH2)nOH; R3 is selected from the group consisting of C1-C10 alkyl, heteroaryl, e.g. thienyl, furanyl and pyridyl, phenyl, mono, -di-, tri-substituted phenyl and heteroaryl; R4 and R5 are independently selected from the group consisting of H, C1-C10 alkyl, C1-C10 alkyl hydroxyl; m is 0 or an integer from 1 to 3 and n is an integer of from 1 to 4. These compounds are useful in lowering intraocular pressure and/or treating glaucoma or providing neuroprotection to the eye of a human patient. |
| US07932417B2 |
Glyceryl and glycol acid compounds
A composition comprising a glyceryl salicylate compound and/or a glycol salicylate compound. The compositions can be used to reduce the amount of moisture evaporated from skin, protect the skin from UV light, and treat aged or damaged skin. |
| US07932415B2 |
Process for manufacturing entacapone
New processes for manufacturing entacapone are provided. |
| US07932411B2 |
Method for producing ruthenium complex
The present invention provides a novel method for simply and efficiently producing a ruthenium aromatic complex which is suitable also as an industrial method. The production method includes reacting a ruthenium aromatic complex with an aromatic compound as a ligand of the ruthenium aromatic complex, In a sealed reaction container at a reaction temperature higher than the boiling point of the aromatic compound to produce a ruthenium aromatic complex having, as a ligand, an aromatic compound having a lower boiling point. |
| US07932410B2 |
Production of pheromones and fragrances from substituted and unsubstituted 1-alken-3yl alkylates
Compounds of the formula (I) wherein R2 is a branched or unbranched, saturated or ethylenically mono or di unsaturated aliphatic radical, Z is —CH2OH, —CH2OAc or —CHO, m is a whole positive integer of one or more, and Ac is an acetyl group are synthesized by a process wherein a 1-alken-3-yl alkylate, is reacted with a halo alkanol Grignard reagent. |
| US07932403B2 |
Process for preparing pyrrole derivatives and intermediates
The present invention relates to a process for preparing pyrrole derivatives of a class that is effective at inhibiting the biosynthesis of cholesterol in humans, and more particularly to improved synthetic methods for preparing 3,5-dihydroxy-7-pyrrol-1-yl heptanoic acids from 1,4-diketo starting materials. The invention further relates to intermediates in this process formula (I). |
| US07932401B2 |
1,5-diphenylpyrazoles
Novel 1,5 diphenylpyrazole derivatives of the formula (I), in which R1-R6 have the meanings indicated in Claim 1, are HSP90 inhibitors and can be used for the preparation of a medicament for the treatment of diseases in which the inhibition, regulation and/or modulation of HSP90 plays a role. |
| US07932392B2 |
Glucocorticoid mimetics, methods of making them, pharmaceutical compositions, and uses thereof
Compounds of Formula (IA) wherein R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5 are as defined herein for Formula (IA), or a tautomer, prodrug, solvate, or salt thereof; pharmaceutical compositions containing such compounds, and methods of modulating the glucocorticoid receptor function and methods of treating disease-states or conditions mediated by the glucocorticoid receptor function or characterized by inflammatory, allergic, or proliferative processes in a patient using these compounds. |
| US07932389B2 |
Octahydropyrrolo[2,3C]pyridine derivatives and pharmaceutical use thereof
The present invention is related to octahydropyrrolo[2,3,c]pyridine derivatives of Formula (I) and use thereof in particular for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of autoimmune disorders, inflammatory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, respiratory diseases and fibrosis, including multiple sclerosis, arthritis, emphysema, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, liver and pulmonary fibrosis. |
| US07932388B2 |
Isotopically enriched N-substituted piperazines and methods for the preparation thereof
In some embodiments, this invention pertains to isotopically enriched N-substituted piperazines. In some embodiments, this invention pertains to methods for the preparation of isotopically enriched N-substituted piperazines. |
| US07932387B2 |
Crystalline forms of rosuvastatin calcium salt
Bis[(E)-7-[4-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-isopropyl-2-[methyl(methylsulfonyl)amino]pyrimidin-5-yl]-(3R,5S)-3,5-dihydroxyhept-6-enoic acid] (also known as rosuvastatin) calcium salt and hydrates can exist in new crystal forms B and C. These crystal forms provide a higher diversity on crystalline materials to optimize manufacture, formulation and biological efficiency. |
| US07932385B2 |
Paliperidone ketone
A compound of formula (7.2) or an acid addition salt thereof. The compound can be used as a reference standard for monitoring the presence thereof in a paliperidone sample, including monitoring the completion of a paliperidone reaction. Reduction in the amount of the compound in paliperidone can be achieved by crystallization in the presence of a hydride reductant. |
| US07932383B2 |
Crystalline forms of [(1R), 2S]-2-aminopropionic acid 2-[4-(4-fluoro-2-methyl-1H-indol-5-yloxy)-5-methylpyrrolo[2,1-f][1,2,4]triazin-6-yloxy]-1-methylethyl ester
Crystalline form, Form N-1, of [(1R),2S]-2-aminopropionic acid 2-[4-(4-fluoro-2-methyl-1H-indol-5-yloxy)-5-methylpyrrolo[2,1-f][1,2,4]triazin-6-yloxy]-1-methylethyl ester (Compound I) is provided. Also provided are a pharmaceutical composition and an oral dosage form comprising the Form N-1 of Compound I as well as a method of using the Form N-1 of Compound I in the treatment of cancer and other proliferative diseases. |
| US07932380B2 |
Process for the preparation of sucralose
A process for the preparation of a sucralose which comprises the steps of: reacting a sucrose with a chlorinating reagent in a non-proton type polar solvent to form chlorinated sucrose (4,6,1′,6′-tertchloro-4,6,1′,6′-tertdeoxylgalactosucrose); reacting the chlorinated sucrose and a carboxylate salt to form sucralose-6-acetate in a dissolvent; and finally de-acylating the sucralose-6-acetate in sodium methoxide/methanol system and then the desired product sucralose is thereby produced. The present invention is generally related to the industrial production of sucralose with the advantages of mild reaction conditions, high yield rate, and brief operation. |
| US07932379B2 |
Methods of producing C-aryl glucoside SGLT2 inhibitors
Method for the production of C-aryl glucoside SGLT2 inhibitors useful for the treatment of diabetes and related diseases. and intermediates thereof. The C-aryl glucosides may be complexed with amino acid complex forming reagents. |
| US07932378B2 |
Starch-based composition and process for the production thereof
A process for manufacturing transglycosylation products. According to the process, a starch derivative is reacted at acidic conditions with an alkanol containing 1-6 hydroxyl groups and the reaction product is recovered as such or it is subjected to further processing. According to the method, the transglycosylation reaction between the starch derivatives and the alkanol is carried out in a reactive extrusion process, whereby the reaction can essentially be performed in the absence of liquid media at high yield. The invention also relates to new transglycosylation products of starch derivative, containing anions derived from a phosphorus-containing acid, which are chemically bonded to the product. |
| US07932368B2 |
Multiple SNP for diagnosing colorectal cancer, microarray and kit comprising the same, and method of diagnosing colorectal cancer using the same
Provided is a multiple single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) for colorectal cancer diagnosis, a microarray and a kit including a polynucleotide having the SNP, and a method of diagnosing colorectal cancer using the SNP. Early diagnosis of incidence or possibility of colorectal cancer can be effectively performed by using the method. |
| US07932363B2 |
Antibody that binds human eosinophil-derived basic protein
The present invention provides a human eosinophil-derived basic protein (EBPH) and polynucleotides which identify and encode EBPH. The invention also provides genetically engineered expression vectors and host cells comprising the nucleic acid sequences encoding EBPH and a method for producing EBPH. The invention also provides for use of EBPH and agonists, antibodies or antagonists specifically binding EBPH, in the prevention and treatment of diseases associated with expression of EBPH. Additionally, the invention provides for the use of antisense molecules to polynucleotides encoding EBPH for the treatment of diseases associated with the expression of EBPH. The invention also provides diagnostic assays which utilize the polynucleotide, or fragments or the complement thereof, and antibodies specifically binding EBPH. |
| US07932362B2 |
Antibodies to NRIF3 proteins
Nucleic acids encoding NRIF3 are described. Polypeptides having amino acid sequences of NRIF3 proteins are also provided. A method is also provided for isolating and cloning NRIF3 cDNA. NRIF3 is useful in development/implementation of high throughput screens to identify novel thyroid hormone receptor (TR) and retinoid X receptor (RXR) agonists and antagonists. Methods are also provided for identifying compounds that directly interfere with the interaction of NRIF3 and TR or RXR. Finally, therapies based on modulation of NRIF3 activity are disclosed. |
| US07932360B2 |
Recombinant production of mixtures of antibodies
The invention provides methods for producing mixtures of antibodies from a single host cell clone, wherein, a nucleic acid sequence encoding a light chain and nucleic acid sequences encoding different heavy chains are expressed in a recombinant host cell. The recombinantly produced antibodies in the mixtures according to the invention suitably comprise identical light chains paired to different heavy chains capable of pairing to the light chain, thereby forming functional antigen-binding domains. Mixtures of the recombinantly produced antibodies are also provided by the invention. Such mixtures can be used in a variety of fields. |
| US07932356B1 |
Method for the preparation of a heat stable oxygen carrier-containing pharmaceutical composition
A highly purified and heat stable cross-linked nonpolymeric tetrameric hemoglobin suitable for use in mammals without causing renal injury and vasoconstriction is provided. A high temperature and short time (HTST) heat processing step is performed to remove undesired dimeric form of hemoglobin, uncross-linked tetrameric hemoglobin, and plasma protein impurities effectively. Addition of N-acetyl cysteine after heat treatment and optionally before heat treatment maintains a low level of met-hemoglobin. The heat stable cross-linked tetrameric hemoglobin can improve and prolong oxygenation in normal and hypoxic tissue. In another aspect, the product is used in the treatment of various types of cancer such as leukemia, colorectal cancer, lung cancer, breast cancer, liver cancer, nasopharyngeal carcinoma and esophageal cancer. Another application is heart preservation in situations where there is a lack of oxygen supply in vivo, such as in heart transplant or oxygen-deprived heart. |
| US07932353B2 |
Non-glycosylated recombinant collagen-like polypeptides
The invention relates to recombinant collagen like polypeptides that are not glycosylated thereby reducing the immunogenicity of recombinant collagen-like polypeptides while at the same time preventing or reducing phosphorylation of these polypeptides. Such non-glycosylated polypeptides may be used in a wide variety of medical or cosmetic applications. |
| US07932352B2 |
Semaphorin genes (I)
The present invention provides a novel Semaphorin having neurite-outgrowth inhibition activity or proteins analogous thereto, peptide fragments of, or antibodies against, such proteins, genes encoding such proteins, expression vectors for said genes, transformed cells into which said expression vectors have been introduced, methods for producing a recombinant protein which employ said transformed cells, antisense nucleotides against the above genes, transgenic animals involving insertion or deletion of the above genes, and screening methods for antagonists of the above proteins, all of which are useful mainly in diagnoses, treatments, or studies relating to neurological diseases. The present invention further provides use of such proteins, peptides, antibodies, genes, or antisense nucleotides as pharmaceutical or diagnostic agents or laboratory reagents. |
| US07932350B2 |
Viral material and nucleotide fragments associated with multiple sclerosis, for diagnostic, prophylactic and therapeutic purposes
Viral material, in the isolated or purified state, in which the genome comprises a nucleotide sequence chosen from the group including sequences SEQ ID NO:46, SEQ ID NO:51, SEQ ID NO:52, SEQ ID NO:53 and SEQ ID NO:56, their complementary sequences and their equivalent sequences, in particular nucleotide sequences displaying, for any succession of 100 contiguous monomers, at least 50% and preferably at least 70% homology with the said sequences SEQ ID NO:46, SEQ ID NO:51, SEQ ID NO:52, SEQ ID NO:53 and SEQ ID NO:56, respectively, and their complementary sequences. |
| US07932347B2 |
Polymer comprising unit comprising fluorocyclopentane ring fused with aromatic ring and organic thin film and organic thin film element both comprising the same
A polymer comprising a repeating unit represented by the following general formula (I). (In the formula, Ar1 represents a divalent aromatic hydrocarbon or divalent heterocyclic group, X1, Y1, X2 and Y2 each independently represent a fluorine atom or alkylthio group, and X1 and Y1 and X2 and Y2 may together form a carbonyl or thiocarbonyl group with their bonding carbon atom.) |
| US07932344B2 |
Diketopyrrolopyrrole-based polymers
A polymer has a structure represented by: wherein each R is independently selected from hydrogen, an optionally substituted hydrocarbon, and a hetero-containing group, each M is conjugated moiety selected from: and substituted derivatives and combinations thereof, a represents a number that is at least 1; b represents a number from 1 to 20; n represents a number from 2 to 500 a represents a number that is at least 1, b represents a number from 0 to 20, n represents a number from 2 to 5000, each X is independently selected from S, Se, 0, and NR″, where each R″ is independently selected from hydrogen, an optionally substituted hydrocarbon, and a hetero-containing group, each Z is independently one of an optionally substituted hydrocarbon, a hetero-containing group, and a halogen, d represents a number which is at least 1, and e represents a number from zero to 2. |
| US07932342B2 |
Method to improve wettability by reducing liquid polymer macromolecule mobility through forming polymer blend system
A method to reduce liquid polymer macromolecule mobility through forming a polymer blend system is provided. More particularly, a small amount of polymer crosslinker is added to a liquid polymer matrix to prevent intermolecular movement. The crosslinker functions as cages to block linear or branched linear macromolecules and prevent them from sliding into each other. |
| US07932339B2 |
Method for producing water-soluble comb-shaped copolymers
Method for producing a comb-shaped copolymer whose skeleton is of an acrylamide, acrylic acid, acryloyl aminoethanol or dimethyl acrylamide type and on which poly(N-alkyl acrylamide) or poly(N,N-5 dialkyl acrylamide lateral segments are grafted, includes (a) producing a telomer poly(N-alkyl acrylamide) or poly(N,N-dialkyl acrylamide) of formula (I) H2N—R1-Z-{CH2—C(R2) [C(═O)N(R3) (R4)]—}n—H (I) 10 by reacting in water a compound of formula (II) CH2═C(R2)—C(═O)—N(R3) (R4) (II) with a chain limiting compound of formula (III) Z-R1—NH2; (b) isolating the telomer of formula (I) obtained at a stage (a); (c) reacting in water the telomer of formula (I) obtained at stage (b) with an acid chloride of formula (IV) CH2═C(R5)—C(═O)—C1 at a molar ratio (IV)/(III) equal to or less than 10 and equal to or greater than 1 so that a macro monomer of formula (V) 20 CH2═C(R5)—C(═O)NH—R1-Z-{CH2—C(R2) [C(═O)N(R3) (R4)]—}n—H (V) is obtained; (d) isolating the macro monomer of formula (V) obtained at stage (c); (e) copolymerizing in water the macro monomer of formula (V) isolated at stage (d) with a monomer selected from acrylamide, acrylic acid, acryloyl-aminoethanol or dimethyl-acrylamide and, if necessary, (f) purifying the thus obtained copolymer. |
| US07932337B2 |
Inverse emulsions as thickeners for cosmetics
Inverse emulsions useful for the preparation of cosmetic formulations can be prepared wherein the weight ratio between the aqueous phase and the organic phase is from 4:1 and 2:1 and containing from 20 to 70% by weight of an acrylic polymer obtained by inverse emulsion polymerisation of i. from 55 to 75% by weight of an anionic acrylic monomer containing a strongly acidic functional group; ii. from 0.1 to 5% by weight of a cationic acrylic monomer of the formula (I) wherein R1 is hydrogen or methyl; R2, R3, R4 are, one independently of the others, hydrogen or C1-C4 alkyl; Y is NH or O; A is a C1-C6 alkylene; iii. from 25 to 45% by weight of a C3-C5 anionic acrylic monomer containing a carboxylic group. |
| US07932336B2 |
Tulipalin copolymers
Copolymers are disclosed comprising structural units derived from α-methylene-γ-butyrolactone, styrene, methyl methacrylate and acrylonitrile. The copolymers may be used as protective layers in multilayer articles that include UV sensitive substrate materials. The multilayer articles may also include a silicone hardcoat. |
| US07932335B2 |
Fluorine-containing elastomer and composition thereof
A fluorine-containing elastomer having a copolymer composition, which comprises (a) 50-85 mol. % of vinylidene fluoride, (b) 0-25 mol. % of tetrafluoroethylene, (c) 7-20 mol. % of perfluoro(methyl vinyl ether), (d) 2.5-15 mol. % of CF2═CFO[CF2CF(CF3)O]nCF3 (n: 2-6), (e) 0.1-2 mol. % of CF2═CFO[CF2CF(CF3)O]mCF2CF3 (m: 2-6), and (f) 0.1-2 mol. % of RfX (Rf: an unsaturated fluorohydrocarbon group having 2-8 carbon atoms, which can contain at least one ether bond, X: bromine or iodine), can provide a fluorine-containing elastomer composition, which comprises 100 parts by weight of the fluorine-containing elastomer, 0.1-10 parts by weight of an organic peroxide, 0.1-10 parts by weight of a polyfunctional unsaturated compound, and at least 2 parts by weight of an acid acceptor. The composition can give vulcanizates having a distinguished elongation at break at high temperatures such as 100° C., and distinguished compression set characteristics at low temperatures such as 0° C. |
| US07932333B2 |
Aqueous polymerization of fluorinated monomer using polymerization agent comprising high molecular weight fluoropolyether acid or salt and fluoropolyether acid or salt surfactant
A process comprising polymerizing at least one fluorinated monomer in an aqueous medium containing initiator and polymerization agent to form an aqueous dispersion of particles of fluoropolymer, the polymerization agent comprising fluoropolyether acid or salt thereof having a number average molecular weight of at least about 800 g/mol; and fluoropolyether acid or salt surfactant. |
| US07932331B2 |
Polymerisation of ethylene and α-olefins with imino-quinolinol complexes
The present invention discloses active oligomerization or polymerization catalyst systems based on imino-quinolinol complexes. |
| US07932330B2 |
Process for producing modified particle; carrier; catalyst component for addition polymerization; process for producing catalyst for addition polymerization; and process for producing addition polymer
A process for producing a modified particle, which comprises the step of contacting a compound (a) defined by the formula, M1L13, a compound (b) defined by the formula, R1t-1TH, a compound (c) or (e) defined by the formula, R2m-uM2(OH)u or R24-nJ(OH)n, respectively, and a particle (d) with one another; a carrier comprising a modified particle produced by said process; a catalyst component (A) comprising a modified particle produced by said process; a process for producing a catalyst for addition polymerization, which comprises the step of contacting said catalyst component (A), a transition metal compound (B) and an optional organoaluminum compound (C) with one another; and a process for producing an addition polymer, which comprises the step of addition polymerizing an addition-polymerizable monomer in the presence of a catalyst for addition polymerization produced by said process. |
| US07932329B2 |
Use of alkali metal-silica gel (M-SG) materials in solvent and monomer drying and purification for their use in anionic polymerization
Stage I Group 1 metal/porous metal oxide compositions or Stage II Group 1 metal/porous metal oxide compositions are shown to be useful to remove impurities and act as drying agents for various types of solvents and for olefinic monomers used in anionic polymerizations. One important advantage of these compositions is their ability to dry simultaneously solvent and monomers, without inducing a significant polymerization of the latter. Another important characteristic is the capacity of the compositions to be totally inactive toward conventional anionic polymerization which allows them to be left in situ during the polymerization itself. |
| US07932328B2 |
Vinyl alcohol copolymers for use in aqueous dispersions and melt extruded articles
A product comprising a cold water soluble film wherein: a) the film comprises a copolymer of vinyl alcohol (VOH) with a minor amount of 2-acrylamido-2-methyl propane sulfonic acid in free acid form or as a salt of the free acid (AMPS); and b) the film has a harsh chemical dissolution time of less than about 80 seconds measured by the harsh chemical dissolution test method after 8 weeks. |
| US07932327B2 |
Polyurethane/thiourethane-based optical resin and process for producing the same
Provided is a process which can be carried out upon the production of a polyurethane/thiourethane-based resin with the use of a polyisocyanate compound, a polyol compound, and a polythiol compound, without causing abrupt heat generation or viscosity increase. At least one polyol compound having at least one ether bond and two or more hydroxy groups in a molecule is used as the polyol compound, whereby a large heat generation or an abrupt viscosity increase are prevented from occurring upon blending monomer. |
| US07932326B2 |
Chelating compounds and immobilized tethered chelators
Novel di- and tripodal compounds useful as chelators, intermediates for their production and a method for treating an aqueous solution to remove trivalent metal ions are presented. |
| US07932324B2 |
Block polymers and cosmetic compositions and processes comprising them
The present invention relates to novel block polymers comprising at least one first block and at least one second block that are incompatible with each other, have different glass transition temperatures (Tg), and are linked together via an intermediate segment comprising at least one constituent monomer of the at least one first block and at least one constituent monomer of the at least one second block. The block polymer has a polydispersity index I of greater than 2. The invention also relates to cosmetic compositions comprising the block polymers and processes for their use. |
| US07932323B1 |
Polyolefin-based adhesives having improved oxidative stability
Disclosed is an adhesive composition. The adhesive composition comprises a polyolefin, a maleated polyolefin, a Bronsted acid, and an antioxidant. The adhesive composition has improved oxidative stability compared with those which do not contain Bronsted acids. |
| US07932322B2 |
Amide or thioester pre-extended epoxy-terminated viscosifiers and method for producing the same
The invention relates to viscosifiers, especially terminated polymers that have functional terminal groups, said polymers being pre-extended by polyamines, polymercaptans, (poly)aminoalcohols, (poly)mercaptoalcohols or (poly)aminomercaptans and being reacted to give polymers that are terminated by other functional groups. The viscosifiers have a low content in educts or educt descendants that deteriorate the properties of compositions. They are also charaterized in that the formation of high-molecular addition products is considerably reduced or even excluded so that products obtained have low viscosity and good storage stability. The epoxy-terminated polymer of formula (I) is especially preferred. |
| US07932319B2 |
Thermosetting resin composition and semiconductor sealing medium
A thermosetting resin compositing having an essential component (A) organopolysiloxane containing a compound represented by following general formula (1) or (2) and optical semiconductor peripheral material using the composition. [Herein, in the formulas, R1 independently represents a substituted or non-substituted monovalent hydrocarbon radical with the carbon number of 1 to 10, R2 represents an epoxy group-containing organic group, R3 represents R1 or R2, a independently represents an integer of 2 or more, b independently represents an integer of 0 or more, X represents general formula (3), Y represents -o- or a bivalent hydrocarbon radical with the carbon number of 1 to 6, Z represents following formula (4), R1 in the formula independently represents a substituted or non-substituted monovalent hydrocarbon radical with the carbon number of 1 to 10, and c represents an integer of 0 or more.] |
| US07932313B2 |
Aqueous compositions with polyvalent metal ions and dispersed polymers
There is provided a composition comprising (a) at least one aqueous polymer dispersion, wherein said polymer is formed from a monomer mix comprising one or more carboxylic acid functional monomers; (b) at least one swelling agent; and (c) at least one polyvalent metal ion; wherein said composition is formed by a process comprising the step of forming a preliminary admixture of said dispersion (a) with some or all of said swelling agent (b), wherein the ratio of equivalents of polyvalent metal ions in said preliminary admixture to equivalents of carboxylic acid functional groups in said preliminary admixture is 0.25 or less. |
| US07932307B2 |
Rubber composition
A natural rubber wet masterbatch rubber composition comprising a mixture of a natural rubber latex with a slurry solution containing a carbon black dispersed therein, which satisfies the followings: (1) a CATB specific surface area (m2/g) in the range of 60 |
| US07932306B2 |
Amphoteric dispersants and their use in inkjet inks
The present disclosure provides a black ink-jet ink, having a pH greater than 7, comprising a first aqueous vehicle, a carbon black pigment, and an amphoteric polymeric dispersant, wherein the amphoteric polymeric dispersant is a block copolymer comprising an A block and a B block, wherein the A block is a segment consisting essentially of an amine monomer; and the B block is a segment comprising an acidic monomer and at least one hydrophobic monomer; wherein the dispersant is neutralized, and with the proviso that the acid number is greater that the amine number, and the B block does not contain an amine monomer. The disclosure further pertains to an ink set comprising this black ink and at least a second ink which contains a reactive species with appropriate cationic agent, salt, or pH capable of destabilizing the carbon black dispersion. Still further, the disclosure pertains to a method of printing wherein the black ink and second ink are printed in an adjacent relationship, thereby minimizing penetration, feathering and/or bleed of the black pigment and improving print quality. |
| US07932300B2 |
Energy beam curable type ink jet printing ink
An energy beam curable type ink jet printing ink comprising (A) a colorant, (B) a compound having at least one ethylenically unsaturated bond which can be polymerized by the application of an energy beam and (C) a photopolymerization initiator, wherein the component (B) is a compound having at least one methacryloyl group as a sole polymerizable unsaturated group and the component (C) is a 2-alkyl-2-amino-2-benzyl-1-(4-morpholinophenyl)ethan-1-one. This ink has low viscosity, high sensitivity and sufficiently high film strength after curing. |
| US07932299B2 |
Advanced solid acid electrolyte composites
Solid acid/surface-hydrogen-containing secondary component electrolyte composites, methods of synthesizing such materials, electrochemical device incorporating such materials, and uses of such materials in fuel cells, membrane reactors and hydrogen separations are provided. The stable electrolyte composite material comprises a solid acid component capable of undergoing rotational disorder of oxyanion groups and capable of extended operation at a wide temperature range and a secondary compound with surface hydrogen atoms, which when intimately mixed, results in a composite material with improved conductivity, mechanical and thermal properties, when compared to pure solid acid compound. |
| US07932298B2 |
Method and apparatus for reducing CO2 in a stream by conversion to a syngas for production of energy
A system and method for producing syngas from the CO2 in a gaseous stream, such as an exhaust stream, from a power plant or industrial plant, like a cement kiln, is disclosed. A preferred embodiment includes providing the gaseous stream to pyrolysis reactor along with a carbon source such as coke. The CO2 and carbon are heated to about 1330° C. and at about one atmosphere with reactants such as steam such that a reaction takes place that produces syngas, carbon dioxide (CO2) and hydrogen (H2). The Syngas is then cleaned and provided to a Fischer-Tropsch synthesis reactor to produce Ethanol or Bio-catalytic synthesis reactor. |
| US07932297B2 |
Method and system for producing alternative liquid fuels or chemicals
A method and system for the production of valuable chemicals or alternative liquid fuels via an integrated biomass conversion and upgrading process is disclosed. The process integrates three subcomponent processes, capturing the desirable attributes of each: zoned partial oxidation, alcohol production, and gas-to-liquids reformation. The method and system may include reacting gasification intermediates—e.g., syngas from zoned partial oxidation, with bioprocessing intermediates—e.g., aqueous ethanol from alcohol production in a reactive separation to produce a product(s) of higher alcohols, liquid hydrocarbons, or a combination of these. The product(s) can be split into two (or more) boiling point fractions by the same reactive separations unit operation. The resulting product(s) are valuable for a variety of applications, including potentially as alternative (non-fossil-based) liquid transportation fuels. |
| US07932295B2 |
Organic silica-based film, method of forming the same, composition for forming insulating film for semiconductor device, interconnect structure, and semiconductor device
A method of forming an organic silica-based film, including: applying a composition for forming an insulating film for a semiconductor device, which is cured by using heat and ultraviolet radiation, to a substrate to form a coating; heating the coating; and applying heat and ultraviolet radiation to the coating to effect a curing treatment, wherein the composition includes organic silica sol having a carbon content of 11.8 to 16.7 mol %, and an organic solvent, the organic silica sol being a hydrolysis-condensation product produced by hydrolysis and condensation of a silane compound selected from compounds shown by the general formulae (1): R1Si(OR2)3, (2): Si(OR3)4, (3): (R4)2Si(OR5)2, and (4): R6b(R7O)3-bSi—(R10)d—Si(OR8)3-cR9c. |
| US07932287B2 |
Therapeutic compositions and uses
The invention provides compositions for and methods of treating a number of disorders. In one embodiment, the invention provides a method of treating a wide range of conditions by administering to a human being in need of such treatment, a therapeutically effective amount of (a) N-6-trimethyl-L-lysine of at least 98% purity, (b) a prodrug thereof, (c) an aliphatic chain derivative thereof, (d) an ester derivative thereof, (e) an amide derivative thereof, or (f) a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of said N-6-trimethyl-L-lysine or said prodrug. |
| US07932278B2 |
2-aminoethoxyacetic acid derivatives and their use
The present application relates to novel 2-aminoethoxyacetic acid derivatives, to processes for their preparation, to their use for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of diseases and also to their use for preparing medicaments for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of diseases, in particular thromboembolic disorders. |
| US07932275B2 |
2-aminopyridine compounds useful as β-secretase inhibitors for the treatment of alzheimer's disease
The present invention is directed to 2-aminopyridine compounds which are inhibitors of the beta-secretase enzyme and that are useful in the treatment of diseases in which the beta-secretase enzyme is involved, such as Alzheimer's disease. The invention is also directed to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds and the use of these compounds and compositions in the treatment of such diseases in which the beta-secretase enzyme is involved. |
| US07932272B2 |
Antifungal agent containing heterocyclic compound
The present invention provides an antifungal agent represented by the formula: [wherein A1 represents a 3-pyridyl group which may have a substituent, a quinolyl group which may have a substituent, or the like; X1 represents a group represented by the formula —NH—C(═O)—, a group represented by the formula —C(═O)—NH—, or the like; E represents a furyl group, a thienyl group, a pyrrolyl group, a phenyl group, a pyridyl group, a tetrazolyl group, a thiazolyl group or a pyrazolyl group; with the proviso that A1 may have 1 to 3 substituents, and E has one or two substituents]. |
| US07932265B2 |
Solution formulations of sirolimus and its analogs for CAD treatment
Medical devices, and in particular implantable medical devices, may be coated to minimize or substantially eliminate a biological organism's reaction to the introduction of the medical device to the organism. The medical devices may be coated with any number of biocompatible materials. Therapeutic drugs, agents or compounds may be mixed with the biocompatible materials and affixed to at least a portion of the medical device. These therapeutic drugs, agents or compounds may also further reduce a biological organism's reaction to the introduction of the medical device to the organism. In addition, these therapeutic drugs, agents and/or compounds may be utilized to promote healing, including the formation of blood clots. Therapeutic agents may also be delivered to the region of a disease site. In regional delivery, liquid formulations may be desirable to increase the efficacy and deliverability of the particular drug. Also, the devices may be modified to promote endothelialization. Various materials and coating methodologies may be utilized to maintain the drugs, agents or compounds on the medical device until delivered and positioned. In addition, the devices utilized to deliver the implantable medical devices may be modified to reduce the potential for damaging the implantable medical device during deployment. Medical devices include stents, grafts, anastomotic devices, perivascular wraps, sutures and staples. In addition, various polymer combinations may be utilized to control the elution rates of the therapeutic drugs, agents and/or compounds from the implantable medical devices. |
| US07932262B2 |
Quinazolines for PDK1 inhibition
The invention provides quinazoline compounds that are inhibitors of PDK1. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions including the compounds, and methods of treating proliferative diseases, such as cancers, with the compounds or compositions. |
| US07932261B2 |
Macrocycle derivatives useful as inhibitors of β-secretase (BACE)
The present invention is directed to macrocycle derivatives, pharmaceutical compositions containing them and their use in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and related disorders. The compounds of the invention are inhibitors of β-secretase, also known as β-site cleaving enzyme and BACE, BACE1, Asp2 and memapsin2. |
| US07932260B2 |
Quinazolinones as inhibitors of human phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase delta
The invention provides a class of substituted quinazolinone compounds and methods of treating diseases mediated by PI3Kδ activity. The disclosed compounds are useful in treating diseases such as bone-resorption disorders; and cancer, especially hematopoietic cancers, lymphomas, multiple myelomas and leukemia. The compounds are also useful in disrupting or inhibiting cellular processes such as leukocyte function or accumulation, neutrophils function, lymphocyte proliferation, and endogenous immune responses. |
| US07932256B2 |
(S)-4-(1-cyclopropyl-2-methoxyethyl)-6-(6-(difluoromethoxy)-2,5-dimethylpyridin-3-ylamino)-5-oxo-4,5-dihydropyrazine-2-carbonitrile: a pyrazinone modulator of corticotropin-releasing factor receptor activity
The invention relates to the compound (S)-4-(1-cyclopropyl-2-methoxyethyl)-6-(6-(difluoromethoxy)-2,5-dimethylpyridin-3-ylamino)-5-oxo-4,5-dihydropyrazine-2-carbonitrile, pharmaceutical compositions of the compound, and methods of using the compound for the treatment of psychiatric disorders and neurological diseases including depression, anxiety related disorders, irritable bowel syndrome, addiction and negative aspects of drug and alcohol withdrawal, and other conditions associated with CRF. |
| US07932254B2 |
Pyrrolopyrazine kinase inhibitors
The present invention relates to the use of novel pyrrolopyrazine derivatives of Formula I, wherein the variables Q1 and R are defined as described herein, which inhibit JAK and SYK and are useful for the treatment of auto-immune and inflammatory diseases. |
| US07932251B2 |
6-phenyl-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine-4-carbonitrile derivatives
The present invention relates to 6-phenyl-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine-4-carbonitrile derivatives having the general Formula I to pharmaceutical compositions comprising the same as well as to the use of these derivatives for the preparation of a medicament for the treatment of cathepsin S related diseases such as atherosclerosis, obesity, inflammation and immune disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, cancer, and chronic pain, such as neuropathic pain. |
| US07932249B2 |
Olanzapine pamoate dihydrate
The present invention relates olanzapine pamoate dihydrate, pharmaceutical compositions thereof and use in treating certain mental disorders, such as schizophrenia. |
| US07932247B2 |
M3 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor antagonists
Muscarinic Acetylcholine receptor antagonists and methods of using them are provided. |
| US07932246B2 |
Histone deacetylase inhibitors
Compounds of formula: (I), and salts, N-oxides, hydrates and solvates thereof are histone deacetylase inhibitors and are useful in the treatment of cell proliferative diseases, including cancers: (I) wherein Q, V and W independently represent —N═ or —C═; B is a divalent radical selected from: (IIA), (IIB), (IIC), (IID), and (IIE). Wherein the bond marked * is linked to the ring containing Q, V and W through -[Linker1]- and the bond marked ** is linked to A through -[Linker2]-; A is an optionally substituted mono-, bi- or tri-cyclic carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring system; and -[Linker1]- and -[Linker2]- independently represent a bond, or a divalent linker radical. |
| US07932245B2 |
Spirocyclopropyl amides and acids and their therapeutic applications
The present invention relates to the use of compounds of formula (I) for the treatment of epilepsy, bipolar disorder, psychiatric disorders, migraine, pain, or movement disorders, and to provide neuroprotection. |
| US07932242B2 |
Substituted phenoxy-and phenylthio-derivatives for treating proliferative disorders
Substituted phenol derivatives of Formula (I) are useful as antiproliferative agents including, for example, anticancer agents, and as radioprotective and chemoprotective agents. |
| US07932241B2 |
Pharmaceutical products comprising bisphosphonates
A pharmaceutical product comprises a container containing a bisphosphonate solution, in which at least the internal surface of the container comprises a plastic material and in which the container is heat sterilisable, and which is in the form of a ready to use infusion solution, for administration of the bisphosphonate to a patient in need of bisphosphonate treatment. |
| US07932237B2 |
Pharmaceutical compositions for use in the treatment of wounds
A pharmaceutical composition that can be used in the treatment of wounds, comprising at least a sulfated polysaccharide and wherein the polysaccharide/s are in the form of solids as powder, flakes or sheets obtained through a lyophylization process. Particularly, this invention relates to the use of one or more sulfated polysaccharides, as solids in the form of sheets obtained by lyophylization, in the healing of wounds in humans and animals. |
| US07932235B2 |
Triazolyl tropane derivatives
This invention relates to novel triazolyl tropane derivatives, their acceptable acid addition salts, solvates, hydrates and polymorphs thereof. The invention also provides compositions comprising a compound of this invention and the use of such compositions in methods of treating diseases and conditions beneficially treated by blocking or reducing the binding ability of the CCR5 receptor. |
| US07932232B2 |
Cosmetic composition comprising beta-fructosyl-L-ascorbic acid for skin whitening
The present invention is related to novel cosmetic composition comprising beta-fructosyl-L-ascorbic acid derivatives produced by fructose conversion reaction using by ascorbic acidskin whitening cosmetic composition as an cream, skin, lotion, pack and the like. |
| US07932230B2 |
Antifungal paints and coatings
Antifungal and antibacterial peptides, polypeptides and proteins as antifungal additives for paint and other coatings are disclosed, along with antifungal compositions, and coated surfaces with antifungal properties. Methods of using the coatings for treating and/or inhibiting growth of mold, mildew and other fungi and bacteria on objects such as building materials that are susceptible to such infestation are also disclosed. |
| US07932228B2 |
Method of treating bone or prostate cancer with selective bradykinin B1 receptor antagonists
Provided is a method for the use of a bradykinin B1 receptor antagonist of formula I: X-CO-Aaa0-Aaa1-Aaa2-Aaa3-Gly-α(Me)Phe-Ser-D-βNal-Aaa8-OH (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or hydrate thereof wherein: X is CnH2n+1 or CiH2i—C6H5, where n is an integer from 1 to 3, and i is an integer from 0 to 3; Aaa0 is Lys, Orn or Cit; Aaa1 is Arg or Cit, and preferably Arg; Aaa2 is Oic, Hyp or Pro, and preferably Oic; Aaa3 is Pro or Oic, and preferably Pro; and Aaa8 is Ile, Leu or Nle, and preferably Ile, for the treatment of metastases, cancers and/or chemotherapy-induced neuropathies, comprising the administration of the compound to a patient in need of such treatment. Also provided are compositions containing such antagonists and their thereof. |
| US07932223B2 |
Fabric treatment composition
A heat activated fabric treatment composition comprising: a) at least 1% by weight of one or more quaternary ammonium fabric softening materials, b) at least 1% by weight of a non-ionic surfactant, such that components a) and b) comprise at least 30% by weight of the composition, c) at least 20% by weight of a fatty component selected from fatty acids having a melting point of at least 40° C., fatty alcohols having a melting point of at least 40° C. and mixtures thereof, d) from 5 to 30% by weight water. The composition is provided in a dispensing device which, in use, is attached to the internal panel of a tumble dryer. |
| US07932220B2 |
Water compatible hydraulic fluids
A composition for use in an oil chamber of a tool includes a hydraulic oil; and a surfactant, wherein the surfactant is present at an amount sufficient to form micelles in the hydraulic oil. The composition may further include an amphiphilic copolymer. A method includes providing a hydraulic fluid composition comprising a hydraulic oil and a surfactant capable of forming micelles in the hydraulic oil; and filling a hydraulic chamber in the tool with the hydraulic fluid composition. The hydraulic fluid composition may further include an amphiphilic copolymer. |
| US07932217B2 |
Gear oil compositions, methods of making and using thereof
A gear oil composition is provided. The composition comprises a synergistic amount of an isomerized base oil having consecutive numbers of carbon atoms and less than 10 wt % naphthenic carbon by n-d-M for the gear oil composition to have a traction coefficient at 15 mm2/s. of less than 0.030 and a pressure viscosity coefficient of at least 15.0 at 80° C., 20 Newton load, and 1.1 m/s rolling speed. In one embodiment, the sufficient amount of isomerized base oil ranges from 20 to 80 wt. % based on the total weight of the gear oil composition. |
| US07932215B2 |
Methods of treating a portion of a well with a polymer or polymer system capable of forming a gel that dissolves at a low and high pH
Methods for treating a portion of a well include the steps of: (a) forming a treatment gel comprising a polymer or a polymer system of a mixture of two or more polymers, wherein the polymer or the polymer system is capable of each of the following, when tested at at least one concentration in the range of 2-10 times C* in deionized water, at about 22° C., and at about 1 atmosphere pressure: (i) forming a polymer gel of the polymer and water at at least one pH in the range of 4-9, wherein a bulk form of the polymer gel has a G′ greater than G″ at all frequencies in the range of 1 rad/sec-100 rad/sec; (ii) dissolving at at least one pH in the range of 2-4; and (iii) dissolving at at least one pH in the range of 9-12; (b) dispersing the treatment gel in a fluid to form a treatment fluid; (c) introducing the treatment gel in a treatment fluid into a portion of a well; and (d) after the step of introducing the treatment gel, adjusting the pH of the treatment gel to at least one pH in the range of 2-4 or 9-12. |
| US07932214B2 |
Foamed gel systems for fracturing subterranean formations, and methods for making and using same
An aqueous, foamable composition useful for formation fracturing is disclosed, which includes an ionically coupled gel system. These compositions are well suited in fracturing formation where there are insufficient or non-existent hydration units. Methods for making the compositions and methods using the foamable compositions to fracture formation with insufficient hydration units. |
| US07932201B2 |
Ceramic materials for 4-way and NOx adsorber and method for making same
Disclosed are ceramic articles comprising a sintered phase ceramic composition containing, as expressed on a weight percent oxide basis: a(Al2TiO5)+b(ZrTiO4)+c(Y2O3)+d(YPO4) wherein “a, b, c, and d” represent weight fractions of each component such that (a+b+c+d)=1.00 and wherein 0.5 |
| US07932200B2 |
Reduced strain refractory ceramic composite and method of making
A composition is disclosed comprising a fine zircon component having a median particle size of less than 5 μm, a medium zircon component having a median particle size of from 5 μm to 15 μm, and a sintering aid, wherein the composition, after firing, has a strain rate of less than about 1×10−6/hr. A method for making a green body comprising contacting a fine zircon component having a median particle size of less than 5 μm, a medium zircon component having a median particle size of from 5 μm to 15 μm, and a sintering aid, and then forming the mixture into a desired shape is disclosed. |
| US07932193B2 |
Coated mat products, laminates and method
Coated fibrous mats having properties particularly suited for a facer on gypsum wallboard, foam and other substrates and in laminates of various types, and the method of making the coated mat is disclosed. The mat contains a major portion of non-cellulosic fibers and a minor portion of cured resinous binder. The exposed surface coating has a smoothness of no more than about 15 microns and is comprised of one or more of a clay, a filler and a polymeric binder. The method comprises at least partially drying the coated mat while the exposed surface of the coating is in contact with a smooth surface. |
| US07932192B2 |
Base for synthetic leather and synthetic leathers made by using the same
A substrate for artificial leathers, comprising a nonwoven fabric body made of microfine fiber bundles and an elastic polymer impregnated therein. The substrate for artificial leathers simultaneously satisfies the following requirements 1 to 4: (1) each of the microfine fiber bundles contains 6 to 150 bundled microfine long fibers in average; (2) a cross-sectional area of the microfine long fibers constituting the microfine fiber bundles is 27 μm2 or less, and 80% or more of the microfine long fibers has a cross-sectional area of from 0.9 to 25 μm2; (3) an average cross-sectional area of the microfine fiber bundles is from 15 to 150 μm2; and (4) on a cross section parallel to a thickness direction of the nonwoven fabric body, cross sections of the microfine fiber bundles exist in a density of from 1000 to 3000/mm2 in average. The raised artificial leathers and grain-finished artificial leathers made from the substrate for artificial leathers are excellent in the properties which are hitherto difficult to be combined. |
| US07932188B2 |
Mechanical enhancement of dense and porous organosilicate materials by UV exposure
Low dielectric materials and films comprising same have been identified for improved performance when used as interlevel dielectrics in integrated circuits as well as methods for making same. In one aspect of the present invention, an organosilicate glass film is exposed to an ultraviolet light source wherein the film after exposure has an at least 10% or greater improvement in its mechanical properties (i.e., material hardness and elastic modulus) compared to the as-deposited film. |
| US07932185B2 |
Process for fabricating semiconductor device
A laser annealing process capable of suppressing a variation in sheet resistance. A surface layer formed shallower than 100 nm in a substrate of semiconductor material is added with impurities. The substrate is irradiated with a laser beam or its harmonic beam emitted from a laser diode pumped to solid-state laser to activate the impurities. |
| US07932184B2 |
Method of manufacturing solar cell module and solar cell module thus manufactured
A method of manufacturing a solar cell module, including: forming a laminated body including a first protective member, a first sealing member having a first melting point, a plurality of solar cells, a second sealing member having a second melting point higher than the first melting point, and the second protective member; heating the first sealing member to a temperature equal to or higher than the first melting point but lower than the second melting point; and heating the second sealing member to a temperature equal to or higher than the second melting point. In forming the laminated body, the second sealing member is arranged to form a surface including a plurality of convex portions faces the first sealing member. |
| US07932183B2 |
Method of manufacturing multilayer thin film pattern and display device
A method of manufacturing a multilayer thin film pattern includes forming a metal film over a substrate, forming a second thin film over the metal film, forming a resist pattern over the second thin film, etching the second thin film using the resist pattern as a mask, transforming the resist pattern using an organic solvent or a RELACS agent to cover an edge face of the etched second thin film and etching the metal film while the edge face of the second thin film is covered with the resist pattern. |
| US07932179B2 |
Method for fabricating semiconductor device having backside redistribution layers
Present embodiments relate to a semiconductor device having a backside redistribution layer and a method for forming such a layer. Specifically, one embodiment includes providing a substrate comprising a via formed therein. The substrate has a front side and a backside. The embodiment may further include forming a trench on the backside of the substrate, disposing an insulating material in the trench, and forming a trace over the insulating material in the trench. |
| US07932178B2 |
Integrated circuit having a plurality of MOSFET devices
A method is provided for manufacturing an integrated circuit having a plurality of MOSFET devices, comprising the steps of: providing a plurality of MOSFET devices each having a first and a second structural parameter associated therewith, wherein a value of one of the first and a second structural parameter of each device is selected to provide a value of a performance parameter of the device substantially equal to a predetermined reference value, the predetermined reference value being the same for each device. |
| US07932175B2 |
Method to form a via
A method for forming a via, comprising (a) providing a structure comprising a mask (210) disposed on a semiconductor substrate (203), wherein the structure has an opening (215) defined therein which extends through the mask and into the substrate, and wherein the mask comprises a first electrically conductive layer; (b) depositing a second electrically conductive layer (219) such that the second conductive layer is in electrical contact with the first conductive layer, the second conductive layer having a first portion which extends over the surfaces of the opening and a second portion which extends over a portion of the mask adjacent to the opening; (c) removing the second portion of the second conductive layer; and (d) depositing a first metal (221) over the first portion of the second conductive layer. |
| US07932166B2 |
Field effect transistor having a stressed contact etch stop layer with reduced conformality
By forming a highly non-conformal stressed overlayer, such as a contact etch stop layer, the efficiency of the stress transfer into the respective channel region of a field effect transistor may be significantly increased. For instance, non-conformal PECVD techniques may be used for forming highly stressed silicon nitride in a non-conformal manner, thereby achieving higher transistor performance for otherwise identical stress conditions. |
| US07932163B2 |
Methods of forming stacked semiconductor devices with single-crystal semiconductor regions
Spaced apart bonding surfaces are formed on a first substrate. A second substrate is bonded to the bonding surfaces of the first substrate and cleaved to leave respective semiconductor regions from the second substrate on respective ones of the spaced apart bonding surfaces of the first substrate. The bonding surfaces may include surfaces of at least one insulating region on the first substrate, and at least one active device may be formed in and/or on at least one of the semiconductor regions. A device isolation region may be formed adjacent the at least one of the semiconductor regions. |
| US07932162B2 |
Method for manufacturing a stacked semiconductor package, and stacked semiconductor package
A method for manufacturing a stacked semiconductor package where a plurality of semiconductor chips are stacked on a substrate, including: forming insulating layers at portions of a wafer corresponding to sides of the plurality of semiconductor chips when the plurality of semiconductor chips are in the wafer; processing the wafer so as to obtain the plurality of semiconductor chips; subsequently stacking the plurality of semiconductor chips on the substrate such that the insulating layers formed at the sides of the plurality of semiconductor chips are respectively positioned at the same side as one another; and forming a wiring over the insulating layers formed at the sides of the plurality of semiconductor chips so that the plurality of semiconductor chips are electrically connected with one another and one or more of the plurality of semiconductor chips are electrically connected with the substrate. |
| US07932159B2 |
Flash memory device and method of fabricating the same
The present invention relates to flash memory devices and a method of fabricating the same. In an aspect of the present invention, the flash memory device includes trenches formed in a semiconductor substrate and having a step at their lower portion, a tunnel insulating layer formed in an active region of the semiconductor substrate, first conductive layers formed on the tunnel insulating layer, an isolation layer gap-filling between the trenches and the first conductive layers, and a second conductive layer formed on the first conductive layer and having one side partially overlapping with the isolation layers. |
| US07932155B2 |
Structure and method for performance improvement in vertical bipolar transistors
A method of forming a semiconductor device having two different strains therein is provided. The method includes forming a strain in a first region with a first straining film, and forming a second strain in a second region with a second straining film. Either of the first or second strains may be either tensile or compressive. Additionally the strains may be formed at right angles to one another and may be additionally formed in the same region. In particular a vertical tensile strain may be formed in a base and collector region of an NPN bipolar transistor and a horizontal compressive strain may be formed in the extrinsic base region of the NPN bipolar transistor. A PNP bipolar transistor may be formed with a compression strain in the base and collector region in the vertical direction and a tensile strain in the extrinsic base region in the horizontal direction. |
| US07932154B2 |
Method of fabricating non-volatile flash memory device having at least two different channel concentrations
In a non-volatile flash memory device, and a method of fabricating the same, the device includes a semiconductor substrate, a source region and a drain region disposed in the semiconductor substrate to be spaced apart from each other, a tunneling layer pattern, a charge trap layer pattern and a shielding layer pattern, which are sequentially stacked on the semiconductor substrate between the source region and the drain region, adjacent to the source region, a first channel region disposed in the semiconductor substrate below the tunneling layer pattern, a gate insulating layer disposed on the semiconductor substrate between the drain region and the first channel region, a second channel region disposed in the semiconductor substrate below the gate insulating layer, a concentration of the second channel region being different from that of the first channel region, and a gate electrode covering the shielding layer pattern and the gate insulating layer. |
| US07932153B2 |
Semiconductor device and method for fabricating the same
A threshold control layer of a second MIS transistor is formed under the same conditions for forming a threshold control layer of a first MIS transistor. LLD regions of the second MIS transistor are formed under the same conditions for forming LDD regions of a third transistor. |
| US07932151B2 |
Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the same
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device includes the following processes. A first gate trench is formed if a semiconductor substrate region. Then a first insulating film is formed to cover bottom and side surfaces of the first gate trench. Then, the first insulating film is removed to cover the bottom surface. Then, the semiconductor substrate region exposed to the first gate trench is etched by the first insulating film covering the side surfaces as a mask, to form, in the semiconductor substrate region, a second gate trench directly below the first gate trench. The second gate trench is defined by an unetched film portion of the semiconductor substrate region. The unetched film portion extends toward one of the side surfaces of the first gate trench. |
| US07932149B2 |
Method of manufacturing a semiconductor device
In a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device, a tunnel insulation layer is formed on a substrate. A charge trapping layer is formed on the tunnel insulation layer. A protection layer pattern or a mold is formed on the charge trapping layer. Charge trapping layer patterns are formed on the tunnel insulation layer by etching the charge trapping layer using the protection layer pattern or the mold. The charge trapping layer patterns may be spaced apart from each other. Blocking layers are formed on the charge trapping layer patterns, respectively. A gate electrode is formed on the blocking layers and the tunnel insulation layer using the protection layer pattern or the mold. |
| US07932144B2 |
Semiconductor structure and method of forming the structure
Disclosed are embodiments of an n-FET structure with silicon carbon S/D regions completely contained inside amorphization regions and with a carbon-free gate electrode. Containing carbon within the amorphization regions, ensures that all of the carbon is substitutional following re-crystallization to maximize the tensile stress imparted on channel region. The gate stack is capped during carbon implantation so the risk of carbon entering the gate stack and degrading the conductivity of the gate polysilicon and/or damaging the gate oxide is essentially eliminated. Thus, the carbon implant regions can be formed deeper. Deeper S/D carbon implants which are completely amorphized and then re-crystallized provide greater tensile stress on the n-FET channel region to further optimize electron mobility. Additionally, the gate electrode is uncapped during the n-type dopant process, so the n-type dopant dose in the gate electrode can be at least great as the dose in the S/D regions. |
| US07932143B1 |
Methods for protecting gate stacks during fabrication of semiconductor devices and semiconductor devices fabricated from such methods
Methods for protecting gate stacks during fabrication of semiconductor devices and semiconductor devices fabricated from such methods are provided. Methods for fabricating a semiconductor device include providing a semiconductor substrate having an active region and a shallow trench isolation (STI) region. Epitaxial layer is formed on the active region to define a lateral overhang portion in a divot at the active region/STI region interface. A gate stack is formed having a first gate stack-forming layer overlying the semiconductor substrate. First gate stack-forming layer includes a non-conformal layer of metal gate-forming material which is directionally deposited to form a thinned break portion just below the lateral overhang portion. After the step of forming the gate stack, a first portion of the non-conformal layer is in the gate stack and a second portion is exposed. The thinned break portion at least partially isolates the first and second portions during subsequent etch chemistries. |
| US07932141B2 |
Semiconductor device and method for fabricating the same
A semiconductor device includes an n-type MIS transistor and a p-type MIS transistor. The n-type MIS transistor includes a first gate electrode formed on a first active region and a first sidewall formed on the side face of the first gate electrode. The p-type MIS transistor includes a second gate electrode formed on a second active region, a second sidewall formed on the side face of the second gate electrode and strain layers formed in the second active region. The second sidewall has a smaller thickness than the first sidewall. |
| US07932140B2 |
Semiconductor device and manufacturing method thereof
A semiconductor device includes: a semiconductor substrate; a pair of first diffusion layer regions provided near a top face of the semiconductor substrate; a channel region provided between the first diffusion layer regions of the semiconductor substrate; a gate insulation film provided on the channel region and on the semiconductor substrate such as to overlap with at least part of the first diffusion layer regions; a gate electrode provided on the insulation film; a pair of silicon selective growth layers provided on the semiconductor substrate at both sides of the gate electrode, each of the pair of silicon selective growth layers overlapping with at least part of the first diffusion layer regions, and being provided at a distance from the gate electrode; second diffusion layer regions provided in each of the silicon selective growth layers, peak positions of impurity concentration of the second diffusion layer regions being shallower than bottoms of the silicon selective growth layers; and third diffusion layer regions provided near side faces of the silicon selective growth layers, and electrically connecting the first diffusion layer regions to the second diffusion layer regions. |
| US07932133B2 |
Circuit protection method using diode with improved energy impulse rating
A method for protecting a circuit from a high energy pulse includes placing a PPTC resistive element in series with the circuit and placing an energy pulse clamping semiconductor diode in shunt across the circuit and further includes forming the diode to have: a substrate with carriers of a first type of conductivity in a first, high concentration level (e.g. n++), a first major face and a second major face opposite to the first major face; a layer of semiconductor material having carriers of the first type of conductivity in a second concentration level lower than the first level (e.g. n+), and an outer surface; a region formed at an outer surface having carriers of a second type of conductivity in a third concentration level (e.g. p+); at least one cell having carriers of the second type of conductivity in a fourth concentration level greater than the third concentration level (e.g. p++); and, a cathode electrode and an anode electrode. In the method, the diode region becomes a second-level bi-directional intrinsic conduction region as an intrinsic temperature of the region is approached in response to thermal energy initially generated at the diode cell in response to the high energy electrical pulse. The method includes thermally coupling the diode to the PPTC resistive element to accelerate trip thereof in response to the high energy electrical pulse. |
| US07932131B2 |
Reduction of package height in a stacked die configuration
A method and structure for reducing the size of semiconductor package is disclosed. In one example embodiment, a method for stacking dies of a semiconductor package includes forming a set of insulated bonding wires between respective bonding pads of a first semiconductor integrated circuit die and a conductive layer electrically detached from the respective bonding pads, applying an adhesive material on a top surface of the first semiconductor integrated circuit die, and securing a second semiconductor integrated circuit die one the top surface of the first semiconductor integrated circuit die with the adhesive material. |
| US07932130B2 |
Method for forming an etched recess package on package system
An integrated circuit package system includes: providing a die attach paddle with interconnection pads connected to a bottom surface of the die attach paddle; connecting a first device to the interconnection pads with a bond wire; connecting a lead to the interconnection pad or to the first device; encapsulating the first device and the die attach paddle with an encapsulation having a top surface; and etching the die attach paddle leaving a recess in the top surface of the encapsulation. |
| US07932125B2 |
Self-aligned charge storage region formation for semiconductor device
Devices and methods for forming self-aligned charge storage regions are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device comprises forming a layer of a nitride film stacked between two oxide films on a semiconductor substrate, and forming a gate electrode on the layer of the nitride film stacked between the two oxide films. In addition, the method comprises removing side portions of the nitride film such that a central portion of the nitride film below a center portion of the gate electrode remains, oxidizing the central portion of the nitride film, and forming charge storage layers in the side portions of the nitride film, where the charge storage layers are separated by the central portion of the nitride film. |
| US07932123B2 |
Release strategies for making transferable semiconductor structures, devices and device components
Provided are methods for making a device or device component by providing a multilayer structure having a plurality of functional layers and a plurality of release layers and releasing the functional layers from the multilayer structure by separating one or more of the release layers to generate a plurality of transferable structures. The transferable structures are printed onto a device substrate or device component supported by a device substrate. The methods and systems provide means for making high-quality and low-cost photovoltaic devices, transferable semiconductor structures, (opto-)electronic devices and device components. |
| US07932122B2 |
Manufacturing method for solid state image pickup device
A method of manufacturing a solid state image pickup device including photoelectric conversion elements which are two-dimensionally arranged in a semiconductor substrate, and a color filter having a plurality of color filter patterns differing in color from each other and disposed on a surface of the semiconductor substrate according to the photoelectric conversion elements. The method includes successively subjecting a plurality of filter layers differing in color from each other to a patterning process to form the plurality of color filter patterns. At least one color filter pattern to be formed at first among the plurality of color filter patterns is formed by dry etching, and the rest of the plurality of the color filter pattern is formed by photolithography. |
| US07932120B2 |
Methods of manufacturing CMOS image sensors
Complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) image sensors (CIS) and methods of manufacturing the same are provided, the sensors include an epitaxial layer on a substrate in which a first, second, third and fourth region are defined. A photodiode may be formed at an upper portion of the epitaxial layer in the first region. A plurality of gate structures may be formed on the epitaxial layer in the second, third and fourth regions. A first blocking layer may be formed on the gate structures and the epitaxial layer in the first and second regions. A first impurity layer may be formed at an upper portion of the epitaxial layer adjacent to the gate structures in the second region, and a second impurity layer at upper portions of the epitaxial layer adjacent to the gate structures in the third and fourth regions. A color filter layer may be formed over the photodiode. A microlens may be formed on the color filter layer. |
| US07932117B2 |
Pressure sensor and manufacturing method therefor
A pressure sensor (e.g., a condenser microphone) includes a plate having a fixed electrode, a diaphragm having a moving electrode positioned opposite to the fixed electrode, and a support, wherein the diaphragm is subjected to displacement due to pressure variations applied thereto, and the support has a first interior wall forming a first cavity, in which the end portions of the plate are fixed, and a second interior wall, in which a step portion is formed in the thickness direction of the diaphragm in relation to the first interior wall and which forms a second cavity whose cross-sectional area is larger than the cross-sectional area of the first cavity in the plane direction of the diaphragm. The first and second cavities can be redesigned to communicate with each other via a passage, whereby it is possible to improve both of low-frequency characteristics and high-frequency characteristics in the pressure sensor. |
| US07932112B2 |
Method for manufacturing light-emitting device
The deposition substrate of the present invention includes a light-transmitting substrate having a first region and a second region. In the first region, a first heat-insulating layer transmitting light is provided over the light-transmitting substrate, a light absorption layer is provided over the first heat-insulating layer, and a first organic compound-containing layer is provided over the light absorption layer. In the second region, a reflective layer is provided over the light-transmitting substrate, a second heat-insulating layer is provided over the reflective layer, and a second organic compound-containing layer is provided over the second heat-insulating layer. The edge of the second heat-insulating layer is placed inside the edge of the reflective layer, and there is a space between the first heat-insulating layer and the second heat-insulating layer. |
| US07932104B2 |
Method for inspecting photoresist pattern
A method for inspecting a photoresist pattern is disclosed. First, a substrate with a first doping region is provided. Then, a photoresist is formed to cover the substrate. Later, the photoresist is patterned to form a photoresist pattern. Afterwards, the substrate is doped by using the photoresist pattern, and a PN junction exists in the first doping region. Thereafter, a current passing through the PN junction is tested to inspect the photoresist pattern. |
| US07932102B2 |
Phase change memory and method of fabricating the same
A method of fabricating a phase change memory includes forming a lower electrode on a semiconductor substrate, forming a phase change pattern, an upper electrode, and a hard mask pattern sequentially on the lower electrode, a width of a bottom surface of the hard mask pattern being greater than a width of a top surface of the hard mask pattern, the bottom surface of the hard mask pattern facing the upper electrode and being opposite the top surface of the hard mask pattern, and forming a capping layer to cover the top surface of the hard mask pattern and sidewalls of the hard mask pattern, phase change pattern, and upper electrode. |
| US07932101B2 |
Thermally contained/insulated phase change memory device and method
A memory device with improved heat transfer characteristics. The device first includes a dielectric material layer; first and second electrodes, vertically separated and having mutually opposed contact surfaces. A phase change memory element is encased within the dielectric material layer, including a phase-change layer positioned between and in electrical contact with the electrodes, wherein the lateral extent of the phase change layer is less than the lateral extent of the electrodes. An isolation material is positioned between the phase change layer and the dielectric layer, wherein the thermal conductivity of the isolation material is lower than the thermal conductivity of the dielectric material. |
| US07932099B2 |
Methods and compositions for analyte detection
The present invention is directed to methods and apparatus for detection of one or more analytes. Analytes include agents or components of infectious agents such as pathogenic virus, as well as enzymes, proteins and biomarkers. |
| US07932097B2 |
Method of manufacturing an analytical sample and method of analyzing an analytical sample
A method of manufacturing an analytical sample by a secondary ion mass spectrometry method is provided, which comprises a step of forming a separation layer over a substrate, a step of forming one of a thin film and a thin-film stack body to be analyzed over the separation layer, a step of forming an opening portion in one of the thin film and the thin-film stack body, a step of attaching a supporting body to one of a surface of the thin film and a surface of a top layer of the thin-film stack body, and a step of separating one of the thin film and the thin-film stack body from the substrate. |
| US07932095B2 |
Sample holding substrate for use with an infrared spectrophotometer or filtometer and methods of manufacture and use thereof
A sample card for use in a spectroscopic analytical instrument. The card is preferably disposable and includes an aperture through the card in which there is positioned a sample supporting window on which a sample is adapted to be placed. The sample supporting window is made from a light energy transmitting material by one of the steps such as cleaving, fly cutting, chipping milling, sawing or scaling. A method of manufacturing the card and for using the card are also included where the method includes the step of providing light supporting window by forming that window by the aforedescribed processes. |
| US07932090B2 |
Sample processing device positioning apparatus and methods
Apparatus and methods for positioning the process chambers of microfluidic sample processing devices in the proper focal plane of a microplate reader are disclosed. The apparatus and methods may be adaptable to position the sample processing devices at different heights as may be necessary for processing in different microplate readers. A positioning device is used in connection with the sample processing device to locate the process chambers within the focal plane of the microplate reader. |
| US07932089B2 |
Simultant material and method for manufacture thereof
A simulant material for simulating hazardous materials is provided. The simulant material includes a quantity of at least one explosive material and at least one inert material. The simulant material is a non-explosive material and is in the form of a homogenous, flexible and non-particulated material. Also provided is a method for manufacturing such a simulant material. |
| US07932081B2 |
Signal measuring system for conducting real-time amplification assays
An automated analyzer for performing multiple diagnostic assays simultaneously includes multiple stations in which discrete aspects of the assay are performed on fluid samples contained in sample vessels. The analyzer includes stations for automatically preparing a sample, incubating the sample, preforming an analyte isolation procedure, ascertaining the presence of a target analyte, and analyzing the amount of a target analyte. An automated receptacle transporting system moves the sample vessels from one station to the next. A method for performing an automated diagnostic assay includes an automated process for isolating and amplifying a target analyte, and, in one embodiment, a method for real-time monitoring of the amplification process. |
| US07932069B2 |
Process for producing lactoperoxidase
A process for producing lactoperoxidase, including: a step (1) for bringing one or more milk materials into contact with a cation exchanger having weakly acidic groups as ion exchange groups to thereby effect adsorption treatment; a step (2) for washing the cation exchanger after the adsorption treatment; a step (3) for bringing the cation exchanger after the washing into contact with a leaching solvent to thereby obtain a leaching solution having lactoperoxidase eluted into the leaching solvent; a step (4) for concentrating the leaching solution through an ultrafiltration membrane to thereby effect precipitation in the concentrated leaching solution; and a step (5) for obtaining a lactoperoxidase solution by removing the precipitation from the concentrated leaching solution. |
| US07932065B2 |
Processing biomass
Biomass (e.g., plant biomass, animal biomass, and municipal waste biomass) is processed to produce useful products, such as fuels. For example, systems are described that can use feedstock materials, such as cellulosic and/or lignocellulosic materials, to produce ethanol and/or butanol, e.g., by fermentation. |
| US07932064B2 |
Processes for making (R)-ethyl 4-cyano-3-hydroxybutyric acid
The invention provides novel processes for making ethyl-4-cyano-3-hydroxybutyrate, e.g., (R)-ethyl 4-cyano-3-hydroxybutyric acid, and 4-cyano-3-hydroxybutyric acid. The invention provides protocols for making and 4-cyano-3-hydroxybutyric acid and ethyl-4-cyano-3-hydroxybutyrate by whole cell processes, cell lysate processes, “one pot processes” and “multi-pot” processes using a variety of parameters. |
| US07932059B2 |
dUTP-based compositions for reducing primer-aggregate formations during nucleic acid amplification
Methods and compositions are provided for enhanced specificity and sensitivity of amplification reaction mixtures. Compositions in accordance with the present invention provide for reduced formation of primer-aggregates during amplification reactions. Reaction mixes include dNTPs, where a portion of the dNTPs has been replaced with an unconventional nucleotide, e.g., dUTP. Unconventional nucleotide concentrations are typically between 10% to 50% of the concentration of one of the standard dNTP. In some compositions the unconventional nucleotide is dUTP which replaces from about 10% to about 50% of the dTTP in the dNTP mix. |
| US07932057B2 |
Method for preparing 20-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-20(S)-protopanaxadiol (ginsenoside M1) by using sanqi leaves and stems
The present invention provides a method for preparing 20-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-20(S)-protopanaxadiol (Ginsenoside M1) by using Sanqis leaves and stems. The method of the invention includes the steps of: (a) provides powder of Sanqi leaves and stems; (b) provides a fungus for fermenting the Sanqi leaves and stems, wherein the fermentation temperature is ranged from 20-50° C., the fermentation humidity is ranged from 70-100%, the pH value is ranged from 4.0-6.0, and the fermentation period is ranged from 5-15 days; (c) extracts and collects the fermentation products; and (d) isolates 20-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-20(S)-protopanaxadiol from the fermentation products. |
| US07932056B2 |
Crustaceans as production systems for therapeutic proteins
A crustacean or rotifer is infected with a recombinant infectious virus that expresses a protein exogenous to the virus. The genome of the crustacean or rotifer itself remains unaltered. Crustacean, rotifer, insect, or viral promoters drive the transcription of a gene inserted into the recombinant virus genome, and the virus replicates in the crustacean or rotifer cell cytoplasm. The infected crustacean or rotifer can be provided directly to humans or non-human animals, or, following production and harvest of the crustaceans or rotifers, purified recombinant protein or polypeptide can be provided. Large quantities of biopharmaceuticals can be produced rapidly and inexpensively using this production system. |
| US07932049B2 |
Methods of identifying longevity modulators and therapeutic methods of use thereof
The present invention is based at least in part on the discovery of a role for the JNK signaling pathway in longevity. In particular, the present inventors have shown that overexpression of c-jun N-terminal kinase 1 (jnk-1) extends lifespan and that said extended lifespan is associated with DAF-16 phosphorylation by JNK-1 and the consequent DAF-16 localization to the nucleus. Accordingly, the present invention features methods of identifying modulators of longevity in assays featuring organisms and/or cells having a JNK signaling pathway and, optionally, an IR signaling pathway. Also featured is an in vitro method of identifying an agent capable of enhancing longevity featuring an assay composition having a JNK signaling pathway molecule and insulin signaling pathway molecule. Further featured are therapeutic methods for the use of JNK signaling pathway modulators to enhance longevity, to prevent or reduce obesity and to prevent or treat type II diabetes. |
| US07932048B2 |
Method for the in vitro diagnosis of alzheimer's disease using a monoclonal antibody
The invention relates to a method for the in vitro diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease using a monoclonal antibody. Said antibody can bind at least to amino acids 12-16 of the β-amyloid peptide, specifically detecting the neuritic plaques which are characteristic of Alzheimer's disease, without detecting diffuse plaques which are not defining characteristics of the disease. Within the neuritic plaques, the monoclonal antibody can detect a different sub-group in the composition of the different deposited isoforms of the β-amyloid peptide, which is associated with the disease progression stage. In addition, the antibody can bind to isoforms of the β-amyloid peptide in biological fluids such as urine. As a result, the inventive monoclonal antibody, the cell lines that produce said antibody and compositions containing same can be used in the in vitro diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease and in determining the disease progression stage. |
| US07932037B2 |
DNA assays using amplicon probes on encoded particles
Encoded bead multiplex assays for chromosomal gains and losses are provided that provide the benefits of complex, large template DNA sources, such as BAC DNA, as the probe material without bead networking or other assay performance problems. Reagents for assaying DNA are described herein which include a plurality of encoded particles having attached amplicons amplified from a template DNA sequence. Each individual attached amplicon includes a nucleic acid sequence identical to a random portion of the template DNA sequence, wherein the amplicons together represent substantially the entire template DNA and wherein the nucleic acid sequence identical to a random portion of the template DNA sequence of each individual amplicon is shorter than the entire template DNA. |
| US07932035B2 |
Uniform surfaces for hybrid material substrates and methods for making and using same
Devices, systems and methods of using same where hybrid substrate materials are provided with a substantially uniform surface to provide uniformity of properties, including interaction with their environments. Uniform surfaces are applied as coatings over, e.g., hybrid metal/silica, metal/polymer, metal/metal surfaces to mask different chemical properties of differing regions of the surface and to afford a protective surface for the hybrid structure. |
| US07932034B2 |
Heat and pH measurement for sequencing of DNA
The present method involves sequencing by synthesis in which a template strand having an attached primer is immobilized in a small volume reaction mixture. In one embodiment, the reaction mixture is in contact with a sensitive heat sensor, which detects the heat of reaction from incorporation of a complementary base (dNTP) in the presence of appropriate reagents (DNA polymerase, and polymerase reaction buffer). Alternatively, or in addition, a change in pH resulting from the incorporation of nucleotides in the DNA polymerase reaction is measured. A device is provided having delivery channels for appropriate reagents, including dNTPs, which may be delivered sequentially or in a mixture. Preferably, the dNTPs are added in a predetermined sequence, and the dNTP is incorporated or not depending on the template sequence. |
| US07932033B2 |
Corn event DAS-59122-7 and methods for detection thereof
The invention provides DNA compositions that relate to transgenic insect resistant maize plants. Also provided are assays for detecting the presence of the maize DAS-59122-7 event based on the DNA sequence of the recombinant construct inserted into the maize genome and the DNA sequences flanking the insertion site. Kits and conditions useful in conducting the assays are provided. |
| US07932032B2 |
Method for diagnosing esophageal cancer
This invention relates to a composition, kit, or DNA chip comprising polynucleotides and antibodies as probes for detecting, determining, or predicting the presence or metastasis of esophageal cancer, and to a method for detecting, determining, or predicting the presence or metastasis of esophageal cancer using the same. |
| US07932031B2 |
Methods for determining sensitivity to microtubule-stabilizing agents comprising ixabepilone by measuring the level of estrogen receptor 1
Biomarkers that are useful for identifying a mammal that will respond therapeutically or is responding therapeutically to a method of treating cancer that comprises administering a microtubule-stabilizing agent. In one aspect, the cancer is breast cancer, and the microtubule-stabilizing agent is an epothilone or analog or derivative thereof, or ixabepilone. |
| US07932030B2 |
System for pulling out regulatory elements using yeast
Disclosed are methods for identifying molecular interactions between DNA sequences and proteins in vivo. The methods of the invention employ known or suspected DNA-binding proteins and genomic DNA in a plasmid library. Interacting molecules direct the expression of a reporter gene, the expression of which is then assayed. Also disclosed are genetic constructs useful in practicing the methods of the invention. |
| US07932025B2 |
Methods for high fidelity production of long nucleic acid molecules with error control
This invention generally relates to nucleic acid synthesis, in particular DNA synthesis. More particularly, the invention relates to the production of long nucleic acid molecules with precise user control over sequence content. This invention also relates to the prevention and/or removal of errors within nucleic acid molecules. |
| US07932013B2 |
Pattern coating material and pattern forming method
There are provided a coating material which improves an etching resistance of a pattern in an etching process using a pattern formed on a substrate as a mask.The material is a pattern coating material for an etching process using a pattern formed on a substrate as a mask, including a metal compound (W) which can produce a hydroxyl group on hydrolysis. |
| US07932012B2 |
Heat-resistant photosensitive resin composition, method for forming pattern using the composition, and electronic part
A heat resistant photosensitive resin composition having excellent film properties is provided by constituting a photosensitive resin composition containing (A) a polymer having an acid functional group and/or a substituent derived therefrom, (B) a compound having at least one substituent derived from an amine functional group, (C) a photoreactive compound, and (D) a solvent. Using this composition, a pattern with high resolution can be produced, and thus an electronic part having a high quality can be produced. |
| US07932006B2 |
Photoconductors
A coating composition that contains a mixture of an alkyl alcohol, a glycol monoether, a charge transport component, a crosslinking component, and at least one hydroxyl containing polymer, and a photoconductor thereof with a supporting substrate, a photogenerating layer, and at least one charge transport layer, and an overcoating layer in contact with and contiguous to the charge transport layer, and which overcoating is comprised of a mixture of an alkyl alcohol, a glycol monoether, an acrylated polyol, a polyalkylene glycol, a crosslinking component, and a charge transport component. |
| US07932003B2 |
Methods of forming and using reticles
Some embodiments include methods of treating reticles to provide backside masking across regions of the reticle to compensate for problems occurring during photolithographic processing. The problems may be, for example, defects in the reticle, problems associated with deposition or development of photoresist, or problems associated with substrate topography. The masking may alter one or both of transmission of electromagnetic radiation through the masked regions, and polarization of electromagnetic radiation passed through the masked regions. Some embodiments include reticles having patterns along front sides for patterning electric magnetic radiation, and masks across portions of the backsides to at least partially block transmission of electromagnetic radiation through portions of the patterns. |
| US07931997B2 |
Multi-material high temperature fuel cell seals
A fuel cell stack includes a plurality of fuel cells, a plurality of interconnects and a multi-material seal comprising a first seal material and a second seal material, where the second seal material first forms an effective seal at a higher temperature than the first seal material. |
| US07931996B2 |
Fuel cell with randomly-dispersed carbon fibers in a backing layer
A fuel cell (40) includes first and second catalysts (12′), (14′) secured to opposed surfaces of an electrolyte (16′); a first flow field (26′) secured in fluid communication with the first catalyst (12′) defining a plurality of flow channels (30A′, 30B′, 30C′, 30D′) between a plurality of ribs (32A′, 32B′, 32C′, 32D′, 32E′) of the first flow field (26′); and a backing layer (42) secured between the first flow field (26′) and the first catalyst (12′). The backing layer (42) includes a carbon black, a hydrophobic polymer, and randomly-dispersed carbon fibers (44). The carbon fibers (44) are at least twice as long as a width (46) of the flow channels (30A′, 30B′, 30C′, 30D′) defined in the adjacent first flow field (26′). The backing layer (42) replaces a known substrate (22) and diffusion layer (18). |
| US07931990B2 |
Solid oxide fuel cell having a buffer layer
The present disclosure is directed to a fuel cell component having a cathode that includes a lanthanum manganate material as well as channels for receiving a flow of oxygen, and a buffer layer extending along the channels through which oxygen flows. The fuel cell component also includes an anode having channels for receiving a flow of fuel and an electrolyte layer disposed between the cathode and the anode. |
| US07931975B2 |
Electroluminescent device containing a flouranthene compound
An OLED device includes a cathode, an anode, and having there between a light-emitting layer, further including, between the cathode and the light emitting layer, a first layer having a thickness of 20 nm or less and containing a fluoranthene compound including one and only one fluoranthene nucleus and having no aromatic rings annulated to the fluoranthene nucleus, the fluoranthene nucleus having independently selected aromatic groups in the 7,10-positions and a phenanthroline group in the 8-or 9-position. The OLED device desirably includes a second layer containing an alkali metal or an alkali metal compound, located between the cathode and the first layer. The OLED device can also include a polycyclic aromatic compound in the first layer or in a third layer located between the first layer and the light-emitting layer. Devices of the invention provide improvement in features such as efficiency, drive voltage, and operational stability. |
| US07931974B2 |
Quinoxaline derivative, and light-emitting device, electronic device using the quinoxaline derivative
The present invention provides a novel organic compound having excellent heat resistance. By using the novel organic compound, a light-emitting device and an electronic device having excellent heat resistance can be provided. A quinoxaline derivative represented by the general formula (1) is provided. Since the quinoxaline derivative represented by the general formula (1) has excellent heat resistance, when it is used for a light-emitting element, a light-emitting device using the light-emitting element also have excellent heat resistance. Further, electronic devices having excellent heat resistance can be provided. |
| US07931968B2 |
Compartmentalized pellet for improved contaminant removal
This invention is to an improved method for cleaning contaminated polymer when that polymer is to be blended with clean material. The method involves combining the contaminated material and the clean material in a compartmentalized pellet wherein the contaminated material is placed in the outermost compartment, the clean material is placed in an inner compartment and then subjecting the pellet to an extraction process. |
| US07931961B1 |
Composite exhaust flue
A composite exhaust flue which may be used to shield an area or object from convective, conductive, or radiated heat transfer from hot exhaust combustion gases is described. In certain embodiments, the composite exhaust flue may be used to protect structures from hot exhaust gases and particles such as those produced by cars, trucks, ships, boats, jets, rockets, as well as other vehicles with internal combustion engines, turbines, or rocket motors. In some embodiments, a composite exhaust flue may comprise a ceramic fiber reinforced ceramic composite high temperature face sheet positioned over an insulating layer and a structural support layer comprising a rigid, porous foam material. |
| US07931959B2 |
Fiber-filled polyamide compositions and molded articles shaped therefrom
Polyamide compositions filled with fibers have good mechanical and rheological properties, the polyamide having a high fluidity in molten phase and the fibers, in particular glass fibers, being well aligned at both the surface and the core of shaped articles injection molded from such compositions. |
| US07931957B2 |
Fiber material having improved malodor scavenger properties
Described are fiber materials having improved malodor scavenger properties and a process for the manufacture of said materials. In particular, described are fiber materials usable in the manufacture of disposable or washable diapers, incontinent products, sanitary napkins and other such hygiene and personal care articles with improved malodor scavenger properties, and to methods of manufacturing such materials. It has been found that the incorporation of, especially nanosized, metal particles and/or a cyclodextrin material into fibers creates a “reactive” material having excellent malodor scavenging properties. More specifically, it has been found that the presence of nanosized metal or metal alloy particles and/or a cyclodextrin material in a fiber material, preferably a synthetic polymer material and more preferably a synthetic thermoplastic polymer fiber material leads to fiber materials or nonwovens having odor-controlling properties. The fiber material especially is useful in the manufacture of hygienic products like disposable diapers. |
| US07931956B2 |
Anisotropic conductive film, method for producing the same, and bonded structure
Provided is an anisotropic conductive film, containing: an insulating layer formed of an insulating resin composition; and a conductive particle-contained layer containing a photo and thermal curing resin composition and conductive particles, the conductive particles being aligned into a monolayer in a portion adjacent to an interface with the insulating layer, in which the conductive particle-contained layer has a degree of cure which is gradually lowered in a thickness direction of the conductive particle-contained layer, from the side where the conductive particles are present to the side where the conductive particles are not present. |
| US07931955B2 |
Composite material made from a substrate material and a barrier layer material
A composite material having a substrate material and at least one barrier coating on one side of the substrate material. The barrier coating is plasma impulse chemical vapor deposited (PICVD) to the substrate material. The barrier coating includes at least one of material selected from the group consisting of SiOx, TiOx, SnOx, Si3Ny, Nb2Oy, and Al2Oy. |
| US07931954B2 |
Decorating material
There is provided a decorative material comprising at least a substrate, a low-luster pattern ink layer partially formed on the substrate, and a surface protective layer which is present on and contacted with the low-luster pattern ink layer so as to cover a whole surface including both a region where the low-luster pattern ink layer is formed and a region where no low-luster pattern ink layer is formed, wherein the surface protective layer is formed by crosslinking and curing an ionizing radiation-curable resin composition, and provided therein with a low-gloss region which is located in a portion just above the low-luster pattern ink layer and in the vicinity of the portion and visually recognized as a concave portion. The decorative material is provided on a surface thereof with a pattern, and exhibits a difference in gloss according to the pattern which is visually recognized as a concave portion, thereby imparting a good convexo-concave feeling to a surface thereof. |
| US07931953B2 |
Optical multilayer body
The present invention provides an anti-dazzling laminate which has anti-dazzling properties and can realize excellent glare preventive properties and black color reproducibility, such as gradation rendering of black color at low brightness. The optical laminate comprises a light transparent base material and an anti-dazzling layer provided on the light transparent base material. The outermost surface of the anti-dazzling layer has a concavoconvex surface, and the average spacing S determined by calculation based on data obtained by measuring a roughness curve of a concavoconvex shape of the anti-dazzling layer is not less than 0.04 mm and not more than 0.30 mm. |
| US07931952B2 |
Water-retainable molding and method for manufacturing the same
A water-retainable molding is formed by mixing and hardening cement, fiber bundles and fiber masses, and includes first pores inside the fiber bundles, second pores between fiber bundles and a cement gel, third pores inside the fiber masses, fourth pores between the adjacent fiber masses, and fifth pores due to discharge of water content and air inside a platelike block. The first, second and fifth pores are employed as a capillary portion, the third pores are employed as a water-retaining portion, and the fourth pores are employed as a water communicating opening portion. When water is supplied to the surface, the water is absorbed from the fourth pores as well as the first, second and fifth pores, and is retained in the third pores. Furthermore, when the temperature rises, the water content is supplied from the third pores to the surface through the first, second and fifth pores so as to be evaporated and to control the temperature of the molding. |
| US07931951B2 |
Carpet for vehicle and method for manufacturing same
Disclosed are a carpet for a vehicle and a method of manufacturing the same. A first material is scored to define a gap. A portion of the first material interior to the gap is compressed, and then folded out of the gap. A second material is adhered to the first material. The second material may be adhered to the compressed portion of the first material. The volume of the compressed portion may be decreased by about half. The first material may be a sound-absorbing material. |
| US07931950B2 |
Composition for biodegradable starch bowl and biodegradable starch bowl using the same
Disclosed is a composition for biodegradable starch bowl consisting of unmodified starch of 20-60 wt. %, pulp fiber powder of 5-30 wt. %, solvent of 30-60 wt. %, photo catalyst of 0.1-2.0 wt. %, preservative of 0.01-1 wt. % and releasing agent of 0.5-5 wt. %. In the present invention, further disclosed is a biodegradable starch bowl being prepared by heating and pressurizing said composition for biodegradable starch bowl so as to have a desired shape. The composition for a biodegradable starch bowl and the biodegradable starch bowl using the same according to the present invention have improved sterilizing, deodorizing, preservative and releasing properties. |
| US07931944B2 |
Method of treating substrates with ionic fluoropolymers
The present invention provides a method of treating a substrate to improve the alcohol repellency of the substrate while minimizing the effect on the hydrostatic head value of the substrate that includes contacting a substrate with a treatment solution that includes an ionic fluoropolymer, a monovalent salt, and essentially no antistatic agent or less than 0.05 weight percent by weight of an antistatic agent. |
| US07931943B2 |
Enhanced bonding layers on native oxide surfaces
Process for forming a coated article by (a) depositing a layer of an omega functionalized organophosphorous compound on an oxide substrate; (b) heating the substrate of step (a) to a temperature sufficient to bond the omega functionalized organophosphorous compound to the oxide substrate; (c) depositing a separate layer onto the layer produced by step (b); and (d) bonding the layers produced by steps (b) and (c) through the omega functional group. |
| US07931940B2 |
Production method of silica aerogel film, anti-reflection coating and optical element
A method for producing a silica aerogel film by hydrolyzing and polymerizing alkoxysilane in the presence of a base catalyst to prepare an alkaline sol, adding an acid catalyst to the alkaline sol to carry out further hydrolysis and polymerization to prepare a first acidic sol, hydrolyzing and polymerizing alkoxysilane in the presence of an acid catalyst to prepare a second acidic sol, applying a mixture of the first and second acidic sols to a substrate, and drying it. |
| US07931939B2 |
Dyeing method of aluminum-based member, and aluminum-based member
In a dyeing method of an aluminum-based member, a first color forming material is held in a hole of a first region of an anodized film, a second color forming material is held in holds of a second region that is smaller than the first region by diagonally spraying, When the second colored layer is formed, a gradation region is formed in a boundary with the first region and the second region, and the hole are closed. |
| US07931936B2 |
Optical transparent member and optical system using the same
It is an object to provide an optical transparent member capable of maintaining a high-performance antireflection effect for a base over a long period of time, and an optical system using the same, specifically an optical transparent member including on a base a layer containing SiO2 as a main component, a layer containing Al2O3 as a main component, and a plate crystal layer formed from plate crystals containing Al2O3 as a main component, wherein the surface of the plate crystal layer has a shape of irregularities, and an optical system using the same. |
| US07931935B2 |
Process for producing membrane electrode assembly, and fuel cell using the membrane electrode assembly produced by the process
This invention provides a process for producing a membrane electrode assembly which has high and stable catalytic activity, and suppressed deterioration in catalytic activity during operation, and can prevent a deterioration in performance attributable to a structural factor of the membrane electrode assembly. The process comprises the step of, after the washing/removing step, drying the catalyst electrode in an atmosphere having a lower oxygen partial pressure than the air. The anode/cathode is a covered catalyst electrode having a structure formed by supporting/depositing a catalytically active material composed mainly of platinum/ruthenium subjected to the potential holding step, the washing/removing step, and the drying step, on a porous electroconductive carrier to cover at least a part of the porous electroconductive carrier with the ion conductive material. |
| US07931933B2 |
Method and apparatus for providing a substrate with viscous medium
Solder paste application, inspection and correction. Following or during application of solder paste on a substrate, the result thereof is inspected and any detected errors are registered. Following an evaluation as to whether correction of these errors is required and if it would be worthwhile, the errors are corrected. The correction involves removing solder paste from locations where so required, and jetting of additional solder paste to locations where so required. |
| US07931929B2 |
Method and apparatus for production of elongated meat products without casings
A system (50) is provided for the production of elongated comestible products such as hot dogs, without the use of traditional casings. The system (50) includes a circular pattern of arrays (92) of elongated, open-ended, extruded synthetic resin cooking tubes (94, 96) within a rotatable cylindrical heating drum or housing (70). The tube housing (70) and arrays (92) are incrementally rotated and at each stop position certain of the tubes (94, 96) are filled with portions of meat emulsion (590) and alternating plugs (208), while previously filled tubes (94, 96) containing cooked product are unloaded, and other unfilled tubes are internally coated with a lubricant (e.g., a mixture of lecithin and vegetable oil). Energy exchange media such as hot water and/or steam are used within the housing to continuously cook the emulsion portions within the tubes (94, 96) to the desired extent. |
| US07931926B2 |
Compositions and methods for preserving cut apples
This invention is a novel composition for preserving fresh cut apples comprising a mixture of ascorbic acid, and one or more of calcium chloride, calcium carbonate, magnesium chloride, calcium hydroxide, and optionally, citric acid or sodium citrate. This invention also relates to a method of preserving fresh cut apples by treating the cut apples with the novel composition dissolved in water and packaging the treated fresh cut apples in a modified atmosphere package. |
| US07931925B2 |
Process for producing cheese
The present invention relates to a process for producing cheese from enzyme-treated cheese milk, and the use of the resulting produced cheese as ingredient in food products. More particularly, the present invention relates to a process for producing cheese from cheese milk treated with a enzyme selected from the group of phospholipases, in particular phospholipase A1, A2 and B. Also, the present invention relates to a process for stabilizing the fat emulsion of a milk composition, e.g. cream, and the use of such stabilized milk composition, e.g. for the manufacturing of UHT-cream or cream liquor. |
| US07931923B2 |
Apparatus and method for manufacturing a loaf of bread
A method for manufacturing a loaf of bread of this invention is comprised of a forming step to form a sheet from a block of bread dough that is kneaded from the raw materials for bread, a further forming step to form a bar-like dough by rolling or folding the sheet, a cutting step to cut the bar-like dough, and a placing step to place the bar-like pieces of dough that were cut at the cutting step into a baking mold so that at least one cutting plane faces upward. If there are air bubbles between layers of the bar-like pieces of dough, the air bubbles can escape from a cutting surface of the bar-like pieces of dough when they rise and expand at the fermenting and baking steps. |
| US07931922B2 |
Methods for treating glioblastoma with herbal compositions
The inventive subject matter relates to methods for treating glioblastoma, comprising administration of a composition comprising therapeutically effective amounts of supercritical extracts of rosemary, turmeric, oregano and ginger; and therapeutically effective amounts of hydroalcoholic extracts of holy basil, ginger, turmeric, Scutellaria baicalensis, rosemary, green tea, huzhang, Chinese goldthread, and barberry. The inventive subject matter further relates to methods for modulating gene expression of genes selected from the group consisting of interleukin-1α, interleukin-1β, heme oxygenase 1, aldo-keto reductase family 1, member C2, colony stimulating factor 3, leukemia inhibitory factor, heat shock 70 kDa protein, and combinations thereof, by administration of an effective amount of said compositions. |
| US07931919B2 |
Method of producing glycine-stabilized, lyophilized plasma
The invention is directed to stabilized whole-cell plasma, which retains the integrity and overall stability of the proteins and other macromolecules of the plasma. Stabilization is accomplished by the addition of glycine to plasma which allows for stabilization prior to freeze drying. Glycine, in the presence of the salt concentration in the plasma, does not recrystallize and acts as a superior stabilizer for the lyophilized plasma. The stability of the freeze dried plasma may be further improved by addition of protectants including calcium chloride, trisodium citrate, hydroxyethyl starch, ammonium sulfate and citric acid to maintain physiologic pH. Superior stability for a wide variety of plasma proteins and functions is shown. A system for the large scale preparation of sterile lyophilized plasma is also provided. |
| US07931918B2 |
Collagen-based microspheres and methods of preparation and uses thereof
A method of manufacture of ECM microparticles incorporating bioactive molecules for drug delivery has been developed, using a modified emulsification method or a water-in-oil-phase-separation method. The microspheres are photochemically crosslinked to control the release of the bioactive molecules for better drug delivery usage without compromising the biocompatibility of the crosslinked structures. The method uses mild fabrication conditions and simple processes, no toxic chemical crosslinking reagent, which may cause cytotoxicity and calcification after implantation, no organic solvents, which may reduce drug availability and bioactivity, and no vigorous stirring action, which may fragmentize material with poor shape and mechanical stability and thus destabilize the emulsion. The resulting microparticles or microspheres are of controlled size, controlled release, highly biocompatible, and useful for drug delivery as well as cell culture. |
| US07931914B2 |
System and method for uniaxial compression of an article, such as a three-dimensionally printed dosage form
A uniaxially compressed dosage form manufactured by three-dimensional printing that preserves the predetermined internal architecture of the dosage form while producing an improved surface finish. The compression compacts the dosage form, eliminating at least some of the void space that remains at the end of conventional three-dimensional printing. Surface finish obtained as a result of the uniaxial compression process can be essentially equal to that obtained from conventional tablet pressing. Additionally, the internal structure or spatial variation of composition of the dosage form is preserved during the pressing operation, with geometric shrinkage occurring mostly in the direction of the axis of pressing. Further, as a result of compression, a greater quantity of API can be packed into a given final volume of dosage form. |
| US07931909B2 |
Ocular therapy using alpha-2 adrenergic receptor compounds having enhanced anterior clearance rates
Ophthalmically therapeutic materials, such as liquid-containing compositions and polymeric drug delivery systems, include a therapeutic component which includes an alpha 2 adrenergic receptor agonist that is cleared from the anterior segment of an individual's eye to which the material is administered. The alpha 2 adrenergic receptor agonist may have a vitreal half-life greater than about three hours. The present materials are effective in treating an ocular condition(s) that affect the anterior segment of an eye, or the anterior and posterior segment of the eye. The materials are suitable for intravitreal or periocular administration and can provide prolonged drug delivery and therapeutic benefits to patients to which the materials have been administered. The alpha 2 adrenergic receptor agonists can be provided in liquid-containing formulations and/or bioerodible and/or non-bioerodible polymeric implants and microparticles. Methods of making and using the present materials are also described. |
| US07931907B2 |
Hepatitis B virus DNA polymerase and surface antigen variants and methods of using same
The present invention relates generally to viral variants exhibiting reduced sensitivity to agents and in particular nucleoside analogues. More particularly, the present invention is directed to hepatitis B virus variants exhibiting complete or partial resistance to nucleoside analogues. The variants may also comprise corresponding mutations affecting immunological interactivity to viral surface components. The present invention further contemplates assays for detecting such viral variants which assays are useful in monitoring anti-viral therapeutic regimes and in developing new or modified vaccines directed against viral agents and in particular hepatitis B virus variants. The present invention also contemplates the use of the viral variants to screen for agents capable of inhibiting infection, replication and/or release of the virus. |
| US07931900B2 |
Method for the treatment of multiple sclerosis by inhibiting IL-17 activity
The present invention provides a method for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of multiple sclerosis (MS) comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of an inhibitor of IL-17 activity. |
| US07931899B2 |
Humanized anti-amyloid beta antibodies
Humanized anti-Aβ antibodies derived from a murine antibody directed to a N-terminal epitope of Aβ are described. The humanized antibodies have reduced or no human T cell epitopes and bind Aβ with an affinity similar to that of the murine antibody. |
| US07931896B2 |
Compositions and methods for treating inflammation and auto-immune diseases
Compositions containing soluble B7-H4 (sH4) antagonists in an amount effective to reduce, inhibit, or mitigate an inflammatory response in an individual and methods for the treatment or prophylaxis of inflammatory disorders and autoimmune diseases or disorders are provided. Soluble H4 has been discovered to interfere with B7-H4 activity including B7-H4's activity as an inhibitor of T cell immunity. Thus, interference of sH4 biological activity is an effective method to restore B7-H4 activity and thereby provide an effective method for treating inflammatory diseases or disorders including autoimmune diseases or disorders. B7-H4Ig could also work as an agonist to suppress both humoral and cellular autoimmunity. |
| US07931895B2 |
Monoclonal antibodies with enhanced ADCC function
The invention concerns a method for obtaining and selecting monoclonal antibodies by an ADDC-type test, said antibodies capable of activating type III Fcy receptors and having a particular glycan structure. The inventive anti-D antibodies can be used for preventing Rhesus isoimmunisation in Rh negative persons, in particular for haemolytic disease in a new-born baby of for uses such as idiopathic thrombocytopenic pupura 9ITP). |
| US07931891B2 |
Isolated myeloid-like bone marrow cell populations and methods of treatment therewith
The present invention provides an isolated myeloid-like cell population comprising a majority of cells that are lineage negative, and which express both CD44 antigen, CD11b antigen, and hypoxia inducible factor 1 α (HIF-1 α). These cells have beneficial vasculotrophic and neurotrophic activity when intraocularly administered to the eye of a mammal, particularly a mammal suffering from an ocular degenerative disease. The myeloid-like cells are isolated by treating bone marrow cells, peripheral blood cells or umbilical cord cells with an antibody against CD44 (hyaluronic acid receptor), against CD11b, CD14, CD33, or against a combination thereof and using flow cytometry to positively select CD44 and/or CD11b expressing cells therefrom. The isolated myeloid-like bone marrow cells of the invention can be transfected with a gene encoding a therapeutically useful protein, for delivering the gene to the retina. |
| US07931890B2 |
Targeted combination immunotherapy of cancer and infectious diseases
The present invention is directed to methods for treating cancer wherein more than one therapeutic agent is used, with each of the therapeutic agents having different tumor-killing capabilities, and wherein the therapeutic agents are delivered to the tumor sites using combined targeting and pre-targeting methods. The methods of the present invention achieve good tumor to non-tumor ratios of the therapeutic agents, and are effective for cancer therapy. |
| US07931887B2 |
Hydrogenation of aluminum using a supercritical fluid medium
An apparatus and a method for controllably converting aluminum into alane. In the system of the invention, a reaction between aluminum and hydrogen to form alane is performed at temperatures below 100° C. using a supercritical fluid such as CO2 as a reaction medium, with the optional inclusion of a co-solvent, such as an ether, in the reaction vessel. Inert gas is used to exclude unwanted gases such as oxygen. The reaction of aluminum and hydrogen has been observed to proceed at approximately 60° C. using Me2O as an added solvent in CO2 at supercritical pressures. |
| US07931882B1 |
Sulfide scavenging media and associated methods
Compositions and associated methods directed to the removal of sulfurous compounds from air are presented herein. The compositions and methods may be able to treat air with H2S concentrations of at least 1000 ppm. The compositions and associated methods are used to remove sulfurous compounds from air associated with wastewater systems in various aspects. |
| US07931880B2 |
Production of silver sulfate grains using inorganic additives
An aqueous precipitation process for the preparation of particles comprising primarily silver sulfate, comprising reacting an aqueous soluble silver salt and an aqueous soluble source of inorganic sulfate ion in an agitated precipitation reactor vessel and precipitating particles comprising primarily silver sulfate, wherein the reaction and precipitation are performed in the presence of an aqueous soluble inorganic additive compound containing a cation capable of forming a sulfate salt that is less soluble than silver sulfate or a halide anion or an oxyanion capable of forming a silver salt that is less soluble than silver sulfate, the amount of additive being a minor molar percentage, relative to the molar amount of silver sulfate precipitated, and effective to result in precipitation of particles comprising primarily silver sulfate having a mean grain-size of less than 70 micrometers. |
| US07931879B2 |
Containers and methods for the automated handling of a liquid
The invention relates to a method for the automated handling of a fluid biological sample in an analytical instrument. Furthermore, the invention provides containers as well as instruments and systems suitable for the automated handling and processing of the fluid biological sample and discloses production methods for the manufacture of the containers. |
| US07931875B2 |
Integrated combustion reactors and methods of conducting simultaneous endothermic and exothermic reactions
Integrated Combustion Reactors (ICRs) and methods of making ICRs are described in which combustion chambers (or channels) are in direct thermal contact to reaction chambers for an endothermic reaction. Particular reactor designs are also described. Processes of conducting reactions in integrated combustion reactors are described and results presented. Some of these processes are characterized by unexpected and superior results, and/or results that can not be achieved with any prior art devices. |
| US07931874B2 |
Three-layered catalyst system for purifying exhaust gases of internal engines
Herein is a three-layered catalyst system in which layers including predetermined precious metal components are sequentially layered on a substrate, and thus the conversion ratio of HC and CO is increased, thereby improving purification efficiency. The three-layered catalyst system includes a substrate, a lower layer containing a precious metal component of only platinum, an intermediate layer containing a precious metal component of only palladium, and an upper layer containing a precious metal component of only platinum, all of which are sequentially layered. |
| US07931873B2 |
Isoolefin-diolefin production process and apparatus therefore
In an isoolefin-diolefin rubber production process (e.g. a butyl rubber production process), the cold rubber slurry produced in the reaction vessel is transported from the reaction vessel to the flash tank during which time the cold slurry may be expressed to separate at least part of the cold liquid reaction medium from the isoolefin-diolefin rubber. The separated cold liquid reaction medium is transported off stream, for example by a mechanical filter, where it can be recycled back into the reaction vessel and/or where it can be used to cool a feed stream or streams of the reaction components. The isoolefin-diolefin rubber and the residual liquid reaction medium are transported to a flash tank for further processing. The ability to separate and recycle cold liquid reaction medium makes the process more economical. In one aspect, the slurry may be transported from the reaction vessel to the flash tank by a self-cleaning fully intermeshing co-rotating twin screw extruder, which helps overcome the problem of plugging due to rubber sticking to the surfaces of the slurry transfer apparatus. |
| US07931872B2 |
Polymerization processor
A polymerization processor synthesizes a high quality polymer from a raw material in a molten state. Lactide sent from an apparatus for supplying lactide 1 is heated and molten in an apparatus for melting lactide 2, and a catalyst is added to the lactide in an apparatus for supplying a catalyst 3. The molten lactide is supplied through an apparatus for supplying lactide 4 to a horizontal reaction tank 5, and flows by a head difference with a polymerization reaction proceeding. A discharged reaction solution is supplied to the upper part of a vertical reaction tank 6, and flows through the vertical reaction tank 6 by gravity with the polymerization reaction proceeding. Thereafter, the reaction solution is transported to an apparatus for removing remaining lactide 7, where unreacted lactide is removed, and then the reaction solution is discharged. |
| US07931870B2 |
Reformer that determines a combustion state of an included combustion section and a fuel cell system incorporating the same
A controller for a reformer that: changes the supply quantity of at least either one of combustible gas and combustion oxidizing gas supplied to a combustion section; detects a change which is caused in the combustion state of the combustion section as a result of a change of the supply quantity; and checks the combustion state which arose at the combustion section before the change based on the previously detected detection result. Thus, a gone-out state of the combustion section can be reliably judged with a low cost device, and the combustion state of the combustion section in the reformer of a fuel cell system can be adjusted to an optimum combustion state. |
| US07931869B2 |
Device for dosage of substances
A device for dosage of substances having a substance intake portion, which included at least one substance compartment for the intake of substance to be dosed, an emptying portion for the emptying the substance compartment and a weighing balance for the determination of the quantity of dosed substance, wherein the substance intake portion includes a plurality of substance compartments, which are able to be individually emptied. The device further includes a control means, which control the emptying of the substance compartments in a manner dependent on the quantity of dosed substance, which is determined by means of the weighing balance. |
| US07931867B2 |
Uniform surfaces for hybrid material substrates and methods for making and using same
Devices, systems and methods of using same where hybrid substrate materials are provided with a substantially uniform surface to provide uniformity of properties, including interaction with their environments. Uniform surfaces are applied as coatings over, e.g., hybrid metal/silica, metal/polymer, metal/metal surfaces to mask different chemical properties of differing regions of the surface and to afford a protective surface for the hybrid structure. |
| US07931858B1 |
System and method for surface decontamination using electromagnetic surface waves
A method of decontaminating a surface is provided. A surface to propagate electromagnetic surface waves is provided having a frequency in the microwave spectrum between 1 GHz and 1000 GHz. The surface includes a surface-wave medium or the surface-wave medium is laminated on the surface for confining the electromagnetic surface waves to the surface. The surface-wave medium includes a conductive ground plane. A dielectric is provided on the ground plane. A metallic pattern is provided on the dielectric for increasing an inductive reactance of the surface-wave medium. Electromagnetic surface waves are transmitted onto the surface from a surface-wave coupler coupled to the surface for destroying, removing, or neutralizing chemical or biological surface contaminants. The surface contaminants are destroyed, removed, or neutralized with a plasma created by the electromagnetic surface waves or through absorption of the electromagnetic surface waves. |
| US07931855B2 |
Method of controlling the oxygen content of a powder
A method of reducing the oxygen content of a powder is provided. A canister is prepared with a getter, filled with the powder to be densified, sealed and evacuated. The canister is subjected to a hydrogen atmosphere at an elevated temperature whereby hydrogen diffuses into the canister through the walls thereof. The hydrogen forms moisture when reacted with the oxygen of the powder and the moisture in the reacted with the getter in order to remove oxygen from the powder to the getter. The atmosphere outside the canister is then altered to an inert atmosphere or vacuum, whereby hydrogen diffuses out of the canister. A dense body having a controlled amount of oxygen can thereafter be produced by conventional powder metallurgy techniques. |
| US07931854B2 |
Unit for catalytic gas nitrogenation of steels and alloys
Equipment for thermochemical treatment of steels and alloys in gaseous mediums with automatic control includes a heating furnace with/without a muffle, a process gas catalyst impact block located in the furnace, a mechanism for supply, mixing, proportioning and extraction of process gases and a device of indirect monitoring and control of the nitrogen potential in the furnace atmosphere. The device of indirect monitoring and control of the nitrogen potential in the furnace atmosphere is an oxygen sensor, a secondary transducer with indication of the nitrogen potential in weight units of nitrogen content in iron and an actuator, while the process gas catalyst impact block is located in the furnace on the process gas supply line. The technical result achieved is that reliability and stability of processes are significantly increased, as well as the period of nitriding is reduced due to integrated process automation that is available. |
| US07931851B2 |
Stereolithographic method and apparatus
A method and an apparatus includes using a planar plotting mask which can continuously change a mask image; continuously moving the planar plotting mask with reference to the surface of the photocurable resin composition and exposing the surface of a photocurable resin composition to light by way of the planar plotting mask while continuously changing a mask image of the planar plotting mask in accordance with a cross-sectional profile pattern of an optically-cured resin layer to be formed and in synchronism with movement of the planar plotting mask, to thus form an optically-cured resin layer having a predetermined cross-sectional profile pattern; and performing building operation such that boundary areas among adjacent plotted areas in the optically-cured resin layer become unnoticeable in a finally-obtained stereolithographic three-dimensional object. |
| US07931850B2 |
Nanometer-scale ablation using focused, coherent extreme ultraviolet/soft x-ray light
Ablation of holes having diameters as small as 82 nm and having clean walls was obtained in a poly(methyl methacrylate) on a silicon substrate by focusing pulses from a Ne-like Ar, 46.9 nm wavelength, capillary-discharge laser using a freestanding Fresnel zone plate diffracting into third order is described. Spectroscopic analysis of light from the ablation has also been performed. These results demonstrate the use of focused coherent EUV/SXR light for the direct nanoscale patterning of materials. |
| US07931848B2 |
Method of producing solid body having depressed portion on surface
A method of very inexpensively and stably producing a solid body having a depressed portion on a surface, which is expected to be applied in a variety of industrial fields. This method forms a solid body having a depressed portion on a surface by using a solution at least containing a solvent A, a solvent B and a polymer compound soluble in solvent B, solvent A being a hydrophilic solvent and solvent B being a hydrophobic solvent, the boiling point of solvent A being equal to or higher than the boiling point of solvent B, and the total mass of solvent B being 50% or more of the total mass of the solvents contained in the solution, then solidifying the solution while forming a depressed portion from condensation on the surface of the solution during a process wherein either one or both of the solvent A and solvent B contained in the solution are evaporating. |
| US07931844B2 |
Imprint lithography
An imprint lithography apparatus is disclosed which has a needle, and a substrate table arranged to hold a substrate to be imprinted, wherein the needle is moveable between a first position and a second position, the first position being such that in use the needle penetrates a layer of imprintable material on the substrate, and the second position being such that in use the needle is disengaged from the imprintable material on the substrate, the substrate table and the needle arranged such that one may be scanned relative to the other. |
| US07931832B2 |
Ophthalmic lens media insert
This invention discloses methods and apparatus for providing an ophthalmic lens with media including an energy receptor. In some embodiments, the media includes an insert placed in a cavity formed to cast mold an ophthalmic lens from a reactive mixture. |
| US07931826B2 |
White light illumination device
The invention provides a white light illumination device including an ultraviolet excitation light source and an ultraviolet excitable aluminosilicate phosphor. The ultraviolet excitable aluminosilicate phosphor has a formula as (M1-x,Rex)aAlbSicOd:D, wherein M is Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba or combination thereof. In addition, Re is Y, La, Pr, Nd, Eu, Gd, Tb, Ce, Dy, Yb, Er, Sc, Mn, Zn, Cu, Ni, Lu or combination thereof, while 0 |
| US07931825B2 |
Polymerizable composition
A polymerizable composition comprising a bifunctional (meth)acrylate compound represented by general formula (1) and a monofunctional (meth)acrylate compound having a nitrile group at the terminal thereof represented by general formula (2). The mass ratio of them (the former/the latter) is from 90/10 to 40/60. |
| US07931824B2 |
Surfactants and polymerizable surfactants based on room-temperature ionic liquids that form lyotropic liquid crystal phases with water and room-temperature ionic liquids
A modular surfactant architecture based on room temperature ionic liquids (RTILs) has been developed that affords non-polymerizable and polymerizable amphiphiles that form lamellar (L), hexagonal (H) or bicontinuous cubic (Q) LLC phases when mixed with water or RTILs serving as the polar solvent. The amphiphiles are imidazolium salts having two or more imidazolium head groups joined by one or more spacers. Polymerization of the LLC assembly can produce polymeric materials having ordered nanopores, with the ordering of the pores determined by the LLC phase. |
| US07931823B2 |
Additives to prevent degradation of cyclic alkene derivatives
A stabilized cyclic alkene composition comprising one or more cyclic alkenes, and at least one antioxidant compound having the formula (I), wherein R1 through R5 can each independently be H, OH, C1-C8 linear, branched, or cyclic alkyl, C1-C8 linear, branched, or cyclic alkoxy or substituted or unsubstituted aryl, and wherein the antioxidant compound is present in an amount between 1 ppm and 200 ppm and has a boiling point lower than 265° C. A method for forming a layer of carbon-doped silicon oxide on a substrate, which uses the stabilized alkene composition and a silicon containing compound. |
| US07931821B2 |
Oxynitride piezoelectric material and method of producing the same
An oxynitride piezoelectric material, which exhibits ferroelectricity and has good piezoelectric properties, and a method of producing the oxynitride piezoelectric material. The oxynitride piezoelectric material includes a tetragonal perovskite-type oxynitride represented by the following general formula (1): A1−xBix+δ1B1−yB′y+δ2O3−zNz (1), where A represents a divalent element, B and B′ each represent a tetravalent element, x represents a numerical value of 0.35 or more to 0.6 or less, y represents a numerical value of 0.35 or more to 0.6 or less, z represents a numerical value of 0.35 or more to 0.6 or less, and δ1 and δ2 each represent a numerical value of −0.2 or more to 0.2 or less, in which the A includes at least one kind selected from Ba, Sr, and Ca and the B and the B′ each include at least one kind selected from Ti, Zr, Hf, Si, Ge, and Sn. |
| US07931818B2 |
Process of embedded circuit structure
A process of an embedded circuit structure is provided. A complex metal layer, a prepreg, a supporting board, another prepreg and another complex metal layer are laminated together, wherein each of the complex metal layers has an inner metal layer and an outer metal layer stacked on the inner metal layer, the roughness of the outer surfaces of the inner metal layers is less than the roughness of the second outer surfaces of the outer metal layers, and the outer surfaces of the outer metal layers after laminating are exposed outwards. Each of two patterned photoresist layers is respectively formed on the outer surfaces of the outer metal layers. A metal material is created on portions of the outer surfaces of the outer metal layers not covered by the patterned photoresist layers to form two patterned circuit layers. The patterned photoresist layers are then removed to form a laminating structure. |
| US07931813B2 |
Process for the reduction of biofouling using electric fields
A process to reduce or prevent biofouling, by destroying or deactivating microbiological content of feedwater, or other liquid, prior to its entrance into membranes or process equipment, such as heat transfer equipment. The process comprises the use of electrical discharge and/or electric fields to destroy microbes that result in the biofouling of surfaces. By destroying the microbiological content of the water the microbiology no longer is able to create a restricting biofilm upon or within said process equipment. |
| US07931809B2 |
Desalination methods and systems that include carbonate compound precipitation
Desalination methods that include carbonate compound precipitation are provided. In certain embodiments, feed water is subjected to carbonate compound precipitation conditions prior to desalination. In certain embodiments, desalination waste brine is subjected to carbonate compound precipitation conditions. In yet other embodiments, both feed water and waste brine are subjected to carbonate compound precipitation conditions. Aspects of embodiments of the invention include carbone dioxide sequestration. Embodiments of the invention further employ a precipitate product of the carbonate compound precipitation conditions as a building material, e.g., a cement. Also provided are systems configured for use in methods of the invention. |
| US07931808B2 |
Sequencing batch reactor with continuous membrane filtration and solids reduction
A method and system of treating wastewater that can provide operating flexibility is disclosed. The system is operated with a sequencing batch reactor, which is typically cycling to any of fill, react, settle, decant, and idle stages, to treat the wastewater. The system can further utilize a membrane filtration system to further treat water from the sequencing batch reactor and produce suitable water. A solids-reducing system can be connected to the sequencing batch reactor and reduce an amount of biodegraded solids by converting the character or distribution of microorganisms population in the biomass. |
| US07931806B2 |
Wastewater treatment method and apparatus, biosolids-based food additive, and business application
The present invention is directed to processes and business methods and wastewater treatment units for converting the waterborne residuals from wastewater generated by food processing plants into an ingredient suitable for use in animal feeds. The ingredient produced by the processes of the present invention has a high protein content and can be used as a replacement for conventional sources of animal feed protein such as fish meal. |
| US07931804B2 |
Filter assembly for frying oil or other liquids and an associated valve assembly
A filter assembly is provided. Embodiments of the filter assembly allow for the continuous filtering of the frying oil, while the fryer is on-line. The filter assembly may include a dirty chamber, a clean chamber, a pump configured to suck the frying oil through the chambers, and a toggle clamp configured to move the filter assembly between a closed configuration and an opened configuration. In the opened configuration, the filter assembly is configured to seal a filter media portion between the two chambers. The pump is configured to suck oil into the dirty chamber and through the filter media and into the clean chamber in order to filter dirt from the oil. In the opened configuration, the filter assembly is configured to allow the removal of now dirty filter media portion from between the chambers and the insertion of a new clean filter media portion. |
| US07931801B2 |
Aquarium filter system
An aquarium filter system mainly has a base and an uprightly mounted filtering cylinder; the filtering cylinder is provided therein with a pump unit, it can be optionally used to spray forceful water jet on the surface board of the base or to pump air into the filtering cylinder to form air bubbles in water in the filtering cylinder; after filtering, seawater in an aquarium can be kept clean. |
| US07931799B2 |
Hydroconversion multi-metallic catalyst and method for making thereof
A process for preparing a bulk multi-metallic catalyst for hydrotreating heavy oil feeds is provided. The catalyst is particularly suitable for hydrotreating heavy oil feeds having a boiling point in the range of 343° C. (650° F.)- to 454° C. (850° F.), an average molecular weight Mn ranging from 300 to 400, and an average molecular diameter ranging from 0.9 nm to 1.7 nm. The bulk multi-metallic catalyst is prepared by sulfiding a catalyst precursor that has an essentially monomodal pore volume distribution with at least 95% of the pores being macropores, and having a total pore volume of at least 0.08 g/cc. |
| US07931793B2 |
Tin or tin alloy electroplating solution
An additive obtained from the reaction product obtained by reacting glutaraldehyde and at least one type of compound selected from hydrocarbon compounds containing a hydroxyl group, and at least one type of compound selected from amine compounds, as well as a tin or tin alloy plating solution containing this additive. |
| US07931792B2 |
System for concentrating and analyzing particles suspended in a fluid
Disclosed is a device for separating and concentrating particles suspended in a fluid stream by using dielectrophoresis (DEP) to trap and/or deflect those particles as they migrate through a fluid channel. The method uses fluid channels designed to constrain a liquid flowing through it to uniform electrokinetic flow velocities. This behavior is achieved by connecting deep and shallow sections of channels, with the channel depth varying abruptly along an interface. By careful design of abrupt changes in specific permeability at the interface, an abrupt and spatially uniform change in electrokinetic force can be selected. Because these abrupt interfaces also cause a sharp gradient in applied electric fields, a DEP force also can be established along the interface. Depending on the complex conductivity of the suspended particles and the immersion liquid, the DEP force can controllably complement or oppose the local electrokinetic force transporting the fluid through the channel allowing for manipulation of particles suspended in the transporting liquid. |
| US07931785B2 |
Method for cracking, unification and refining of hydrocarbons and device for its implementation
A method for cracking a heavy hydrocarbon is described including exposing a heterogeneous medium of the heavy hydrocarbon with a hydrogen-containing gas in a chamber to both an electronic beam and an electric discharge field at the same time so as to create a thermal non-equilibrium as well as a spatially non-uniform state for this medium. Such dual exposure allows the cracking method to proceed without high temperature and high pressure typically required therefore and thus reduces the energy consumption and impurities generated along with desirable output product. Refining of hydrocarbons is achieved by removing sulfur therefrom during cracking in the form of hydrogen sulphide. A reverse use of this method is also described, namely a unification method for light fractions to be transformed into a heavy hydrocarbon. |
| US07931783B2 |
Pyrolysis methods and apparatus
A fast pyrolysis apparatus (200) for producing pyrolysis liquid, such as oil or tar, char and pyrolysis gas from biomass, such as straw, comprises a centrifuge chamber (204) and a rotor (210) arranged to impart rotation on the biomass in the centrifuge chamber to force the biomass outwardly under the action of centrifugal forces. A furnace (206) arranged coaxially around the centrifuge chamber (204) maintains the temperature at an outer reactive wall of the centrifuge chamber at an elevated temperature to effect the pyrolysis process at or near the reactive wall. The apparatus comprises a condenser (218) arranged coaxially with and surrounded by the centrifuge chamber (204). The apparatus may be accommodated by a mobile unit for simultaneously collecting biomass from a field and processing the biomass in the apparatus. |
| US07931780B2 |
Wet paper web transfer belt
A wet paper web transfer belt comprises a base body 30, a paper side layer 20, and a machine side layer 23. The paper side layer 20 is composed of a paper contacting side batt layer 21 made of hydrophilic fibers 41 and a base bode side batt layer 22 without the hydrophilic fibers 41, at least the paper contacting side batt layer 21 being impregnated with a high molecular weight elastic body 50 and at least a part of the hydrophilic fibers 41 being exposed on the surface of the paper contacting side batt layer 21. The water contained in the wet paper web remains within the paper contacting side batt layer 21 made of the hydrophilic fibers 41 with only a small amount of water moving into the base body side batt layer 22, thereby reducing dimensional changes of the belt. Further, since the water contained in the wet paper web remains within the hydrophilic fibers 41 exposed on the surface of the paper side layer 20, the belt is capable of transferring the wet paper web attached thereon while allowing smooth detachment when transferring it to the next process. |
| US07931773B2 |
Primer composition for glass bonding
A one component bonding agent, method of using and articles produced therefrom, comprising from about 3 to 60% by weight of the total primer weight, of a first polymer, the first polymer comprising the reaction product of from about 15 to 85% by weight, based on the total weight of the first polymer, of a first oligomer, wherein the first oligomer comprises the reaction product of an epoxy functional silane and an amine functional monomer and a second oligomer including the reaction product of a monomeric isocyanate and a functionalized tri-alkoxysilane. |
| US07931772B2 |
Method for manufacturing light emitting displays and light emitting display device
A method for manufacturing light emitting devices is provided. The method may reduce the inner pressure of a laminated image emitting device panel, thereby preventing failure of the panel. The method includes holding a first substrate with a lower chuck located in a vacuum chamber; holding a second substrate with an upper chuck located opposite the first chuck in the vacuum chamber; creating a high vacuum in the vacuum chamber; correcting positions of the first substrate and the second substrate; supplying gas having a temperature of about 50 to about 200° C. into the vacuum chamber; temporarily laminating the first substrate and the second substrate; venting the vacuum chamber; and bonding the first substrate and the second substrate. The panel is laminated after being filled with a heated gas and thus, when it is exposed to room temperature, the mobility of the gas decreases while reducing its initial inner pressure, thereby preventing panel failure. |
| US07931770B2 |
Process and equipment for continuous decoration of structural shapes by sublimation
Continuous decoration process with a film of inked plastic material enclosing a structural shape and consisting of the following steps: perform continuous wrapping of the structural shape with inked film (4, 5), place under pressure the film wrapping the structural shape (7), keep the film under pressure, heat the structural shape wrapped in the film to the sublimation temperature and perform the sublimation (9, 10), automatically detach the exhausted film from the structural shape (11), cool the structural shape (12), and unload and accumulate the decorated structural shape devoid of film (13, 14). |
| US07931768B2 |
Method and device for constructing a radial tire
Device and method for building a radial tire. The device includes a first drum device for building a belt package and a transfer device for transferring the belt package from the first drum device to a second drum device having arranged thereon a carcass tube from at least one airtight inner layer, a carcass play and two bead cores with core profiles. The second drum device is arranged between core clamping devices and is structured and arranged to join the carcass tube and the belt package during expansion of the second drum device. The belt package is contoured or shaped by deformation via the second drum device. 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. |
| US07931765B2 |
Method and device for applying a synthetic binder to an airborne flow of fibers
A method and a device to be used in the process of manufacturing plates, such as fiberboards or the like boards, where the raw material in form of biomass particles, such as wood fibers or the like, applied with a thermosetting binder is spread onto a forming belt to form a mat, and where said mat by means of a hot press is compressed into the desired thickness of the finished plate and the thermosetting binder is hardened. According to the invention the thermosetting binder is applied to the dried biomass particles in an airborne process, where the intense and homogeneous contact of the biomass particles and the droplets of fluent binder are facilitated by the use of ultrasound generated by the use of compressed air, water steam or another gas. Further measures to intensify the contact between the biomass particles and the binder droplets utilizing the dipole moment of the biomass particles, at the same time preventing the binder to stick to the walls of the device, as well as measures and to control moisture content and temperature of the binder-loaded particles are disclosed. |
| US07931754B2 |
Dishwasher with mist cleaning
A dishwasher having a liquid spraying system operable in a first mode to spray a focused stream of liquid within the wash chamber, and operable in a second mode to spray a diffused stream of liquid within the wash chamber. |
| US07931751B2 |
Method for purification of high purity sucrose material
A method for purifying a sucrose material already in a high purity liquid, crystalline or other form of sucrose, such as raw sugar, utilizing chromatography, or utilizing chromatography in connection with other methods of purification. |
| US07931750B2 |
Sealing lock for a deposition line in vacuum on a flat product
The invention relates to a sealing lock, for an in vacuo chamber for deposition on a, preferably metallic, endless strip, characterized in that: the metal rollers are mounted on brackets, fixed to the covers and are immovable like the latter, the rollers of the same pair have the axes thereof arranged in the same vertical plane and are of different diameter, the position of the roller with the smaller diameter being alternated up and down on passing from a given pair to the next pair, the support cradles for the two rollers of the same pair have a lateral projection towards the center, the spacing of which with regard to the base for said rollers defines a second gap. |
| US07931749B2 |
Shower head and film-forming device using the same
The present invention relates to a showerhead that supplies a source gas and a supporting gas for depositing a film into a processing vessel of a film deposition apparatus. The showerhead includes a body which is provided with a gas jetting surface (8). In the showerhead body, there are defined a first diffusion chamber (60) that receives the source gas and diffuses the same, and a second diffusion chamber (62) that receives the supporting gas and diffuses the same. The gas jetting surface has source-gas jetting orifices (10A) that are in communication with the first diffusion chamber, and first supporting-gas jetting orifices (10B) that are in communication with the second diffusion chamber. Each of the first supporting-gas jetting orifices (10B) are formed into a ring shape that adjacently surrounds a corresponding one of the source-gas jetting orifices (10A). |
| US07931745B2 |
Black pigment/auxiliary combination having improved colour strength
The present invention relates to a black pigment/auxiliary combination having an improved relative color strength of greater than or equal to 110%, the preparation thereof and the use thereof. |
| US07931741B2 |
Gas-insulated switchgear apparatus and gas filter device
A gas tank is hermetically filled with an insulating gas. A gas filling opening is provided on the gas tank, which includes a flange at its end. A gas filter device is fixed to the gas flange of the gas filling opening. The gas filter device includes a gas filter formed with a porous insulating material having pores with a diameter in a range from tens of micrometers to hundreds of micrometers. The gas filter has stability against the insulating gas and a decomposition product of the insulating gas. |
| US07931740B2 |
Cyclone separator
Systems and methods for separating contaminants in a contaminated airstream are described. In one embodiment, a contaminated airstream is received and a vortex is created that separates the contaminated airstream into a clean airstream used in the system and contaminants (e.g., debris and particles). |
| US07931739B2 |
Agglomerate removal system
An agglomerate removal device for removing agglomerated particles from a solids-containing stream. The agglomerate removal device can include an agglomerate capture device and an agglomerate withdrawal device. In one embodiment, the agglomerate removal device can be utilized in a process for desulfurizing gasoline or diesel streams in order to remove at least a portion of the agglomerated sorbent particles exiting the fluidized bed regenerator. |
| US07931737B2 |
Systems and methods for restricting scale in gas scrubbers and related components
Systems, methods and apparatus for restricting scale build-up in gas scrubbers and piping are disclosed. The scrubbers and/or pipes may have a coating disposed on internal surfaces thereof. The coating restricts formation of scale within the pipe, especially scale that would normally accumulate due to fluoride-enriched absorbents, such as fluoride-enriched alumina. |
| US07931735B2 |
Oxycombustion method allowing capture of all of the carbon dioxide produced
The invention relates to an oxycombustion method with capture of the CO2 produced. Mixer M supplies chamber CC with a mixture of oxygen from unit O and of recycled fumes from storage drum SG. Chamber CC is supplied with oxidizer from mixer M and with fuel flowing in through line 8. All of the combustion fumes are sent to water condensation unit CT, then fed into storage drum SG. Part of the fumes containing all the CO2 produced by combustion is compressed to about 60 bars, then cooled and partly liquefied to about 15° C. in liquefaction unit L1, and stored in drum SM. According to the invention, the partly liquefied CO2 is compressed by means of a multiphase pump in order to be discharged through line 16 and stored in an underground reservoir. |
| US07931729B2 |
Controlled release fertilizers and methods of manufacture
A method of manufacturing a controlled release fertilizer wherein the fertilizer is deposited onto a first polymer film and then covered by a second polymer film to encapsulate the fertilizer between the first polymer film and the second polymer film. |
| US07931728B2 |
Fertilizer granules and manufacturing process
A fertilizer granule contains, as a binder, at least one organic polymer. The organic polymer is a hydrosoluble polymer that is at least partially cationic. |
| US07931722B2 |
Cyclonic vacuum cleaner
A cyclonic vacuum cleaner includes a body portion, a nozzle portion and a dirt cup which is removable from the body portion. The dirt cup collects dirt and other debris separated by a cyclone and a cyclone slinger portion in the body portion. A main filter may be housed in a transparent filter door downstream of the cyclone. The dirt cup may be inserted into and sealingly held within the body portion by using a rotational caroming structure. |
| US07931715B2 |
DPF heater attachment mechanisms
An exhaust filter system includes a particulate filter (PF) that is disposed downstream from an engine. The PF filters particulates within an exhaust from the engine. A heating element heats particulate matter in the PF. A fastener limits expansion movement of the heating element relative to the PF. |
| US07931714B2 |
Composition useful to chemical mechanical planarization of metal
A chemical mechanical polishing composition, the polishing composition includes polishing abrasive, an oxidizing agent, an accelerating compound, an inhibitor, a co-inhibitor, and a solvent as the remaining. The composition can maintain a high removal rate through polishing, meantime it has a feature to inhibit static etch rate and lower the defect of polishing including metal dishing and erosion. Hence it needs no change of the composition for simultaneously removing a most part of a metal layer, particularly for a first stage of polishing bulk copper layer and for a second micro-polishing stage of removing the remaining less copper; the present invention has the advantage of simplifying processing and reducing waste. |
| US07931707B2 |
Regenerable method and system for desulfurizing reformate
A system for removing sulfur from a continuous reformate stream feeding a fuel cell stack. First and second sulfur traps are disposed in parallel between a hydrocarbon reformer and the fuel cell stack. The ends of the sulfur traps are connected to conventional four-way valves such that either trap may be selected for trapping sulfur from the reformate stream, while the other trap is undergoing regeneration by backflushing the accumulated adsorbed sulfur deposits. Thus, the sulfur traps may be used and stripped alternately, permitting continuous supply of desulfurized reformate to the fuel cell assembly. In a currently preferred embodiment, the hot cathode air exhaust is used to assist in stripping the out-of-service trap. In an alternative embodiment, two reformers are provided and the reformers are alternately regenerated along with their respective traps. |
| US07931706B2 |
Method and apparatus for fermentation
A cement kiln from which its brick lining has been removed, or a rotary dryer for cement production is used as a fermentation treatment apparatus 202 for converting waste matter into compost. The waste matter to be subjected to the fermentation treatment includes city waste contained in garbage bags, and its fermentation treatment is carried out by introducing the waste matter directly into the aforesaid cement kiln or the aforesaid rotary dryer for cement production without tearing the aforesaid garbage bags. |
| US07931702B2 |
Azo compound and salt thereof, and dye-containing polarizing film comprising the compound or salt
Disclosed is an azo compound represented by the general formula (1) or a salt thereof: wherein R1 and R2 independently represent a hydrogen atom, a lower alkyl group or a lower alkoxy group; and n represents 1 or 2. Also disclosed are a dye-containing polarizing film and a dye-containing polarizing plate, each of which comprises a polarizing film base material and the azo compound contained in the base material. |
| US07931699B2 |
Compositions for spray dyeing cellulosic fabrics
Compositions are provided for spray dyeing of a cellulosic, such as cotton, fabric or garment. The compositions include a reactive dye, a wetter, an alkali, and water. The present compositions are made by first mixing the reactive dye, the wetter, and the water to form a solution, and thereafter adding the alkali to the solution. |
| US07931698B2 |
Ready-to-use composition for oxidation dyeing of keratin fibers comprising at least one fatty substance, at least one thickener, at least one dye precursor, at least one oxidizing agent, and at least one alkaline agent, and process and kits therewith
Provided is a ready-to-use composition for the oxidation dyeing of keratin fibers, and for example of human keratin fibers such as the hair, comprising, A) at least one fatty substance other than fatty acids present in the ready-to-use composition in an amount of greater than or equal to 25% by weight relative to the total weight of the ready-to-use composition, B) at least one polymeric thickener, C) at least one dye precursor, D) at least one oxidizing agent and E) at least one alkaline agent wherein at least one of the at least one alkaline agent is an organic amine. Also provided is a method of dyeing keratin fibers, comprising applying the ready-to-use composition to the keratin fibers for a sufficient time to develop the desired coloration. |
| US07931697B2 |
Composition comprising 2,3-diamino-6,7-dihydro-1H,5H-pyrazolo[1,2-A]pyrazol-1-one and 4,5-diamino-1-(β-hydroxyethyl)pyrazole, kits containing said composition, and process for dyeing therewith
The present disclosure relates to a composition for dyeing keratin fibers, comprising, in a suitable medium, at least one first oxidation base chosen from 2,3-diamino-6,7-dihydro-1H,5H-pyrazolo[1,2-a]pyrazol-1-one and the addition salts thereof; and at least one second oxidation base chosen from 4,5-diamino-1-(β-hydroxyethyl)pyrazole and the addition salts thereof. The present disclosure also relates to a process for dyeing keratin fibers using the composition of the present disclosure, the use of this composition for dyeing keratin fibers, and also a method for making the composition of the present disclosure. |
| US07931692B2 |
Implant derived from bone
An implant which is particularly suitable for the repair and/or replacement of a skeletal joint, e.g., a vertebral joint, includes a unit of monolithic bone possessing at least one demineralized region exhibiting properties of flexibility and resilience, the demineralized region having diminished or insignificant capacity for promoting new bone growth. |
| US07931690B1 |
Method of resurfacing an articular surface of a bone
A method is provided for performing a total knee arthroplasty. The method includes making a primary incision near a knee joint of a patient and resecting medial and lateral condyles of the femur of the leg to create at least one femoral cut surface. The resecting step is performed without dislocating the knee joint. The method also includes balancing various ligament tensions to obtain desired tension and moving a femoral component of a total knee implant through the primary incision. The method further includes positioning the femoral component with respect to the at least one femoral cut surface. |
| US07931689B2 |
Method and apparatus for treating a vertebral body
An implantable container is used to stabilize or restore height in a vertebral body. After insertion the container is filled with a bone filler material such as bone cement. |
| US07931685B2 |
Method and system for treatment of regurgitating heart valves
A system and process for correction of regurgitation of heart valves. With mitral valves in particular, the anterior leaflet is advanced through use of a D-plasty patch and a narrow annuloplasty ring which compresses the lateral dimension of the valve. Other specifically configured annuloplasty rings can also be utilized. The sizes of the patch and ring are selected to provide a sufficient advancement of the leaflet to restore the surface of coaptation. |
| US07931679B2 |
Bone compression device
The invention relates to bone compression devices and bone compression systems, and in particular, to bone compression devices and systems for use in connection with vertebrae. The bone compression devices and bone compression systems are disposed, or installed, along at least one bone to maintain the at least one bone in a desired spatial relationship. Broadly, the invention is directed to a bone compression device for placing in communication with at least one bone having a bone radius of curvature, the bone compression device comprising a plate having a pre-formed shape, a deformed shape, and at least one elastic shape therebetween, the pre-formed shape having a preformed radius of curvature less than the bone radius of curvature, the deformed shape having a deformed radius of curvature greater than the bone radius of curvature, and at least one of the at least one elastic shapes having an elastic radius of curvature that substantially corresponds to the bone radius of curvature. The invention is also directed to a bone compression system wherein the plate includes a string attached to each end of the plate and a tensioner for facilitating the movement of the plate from the pre-formed shape to the at least one elastic shape. Methods of maintaining a bone in a spatial relationship and methods of contouring the bone compression devices are also disclosed. |
| US07931678B2 |
Hybrid spinal plates
Various spinal plating systems for use in treating spinal pathologies are provided. In certain exemplary embodiments, the spinal plating systems can be configured to allow a surgeon to select a bone screw construct having a particular range of motion for attaching a spinal plate to bone as needed based on the intended use. In one exemplary embodiment, the spinal plating system includes a first bone screw that is polyaxially movable relative to the spinal plate, and a second bone screw that has a range of motion that is substantially limited to a single plane. |
| US07931677B2 |
Rod reducer method
A method of operating a rod reducer includes connecting a cam coupling rod reducer to a screw head of a pedicle screw assembly, wherein spaces in between prongs at a second end of an inner tube of the rod reducer are positioned parallel to a rod of the pedicle screw assembly, and wherein the connection of the cam coupling rod reducer to the screw head indicates a first position of operation; rotating a lever cam of the cam coupling rod reducer until an indication line marked on an outer body of the cam coupling rod reducer moves to a second position of operation; and rotating the lever cam to a third position of operation, wherein the third position of operation indicates that the rod is optimally seated in the pedicle screw assembly, and that the pedicle screw assembly is ready to accept a blocker screw. |
| US07931675B2 |
Dynamic stabilization device including overhanging stabilizing member
Spine stabilization devices, systems and methods are provided in which a single resilient member or spring is disposed on an elongate element that spans two attachment members attached to different spinal vertebrae. The elongate element passes through at least one of the two attachment members, permitting relative motion therebetween, and terminates in a stop or abutment. A second resilient member is disposed on the elongate element on an opposite side of the sliding attachment member, e.g., in an overhanging orientation. The two resilient members are capable of applying mutually opposing urging forces, and a compressive preload can be applied to one or both of the resilient members. |
| US07931672B2 |
Orthodontic pacifier/nipple appliance
Intraoral orthodontic pacifier/nipple appliances having integrated orthodontic functionality. The appliance has an integrated orthodontic mechanism. The bulb expands or moves upward and expands outward as a child sucks on it, to counteract inward pressure of the cheeks and the lateral portion of the lips caused by suction or sucking action. The invention also provides products including the orthodontic appliance, as well as methods of using the appliance and products including the appliance in the inhibition and treatment of certain malocclusions in the primary dentition of young children. |
| US07931668B2 |
Medical tool with retractible heads
A tool, such as a medical instrument that can provide a variety of different functions. Specifically, the present invention includes a variety of heads that each can allow the medical instrument to perform a different function. Each of the heads are operatively coupled to a holding apparatus of the medical instrument such as by the use of a sliding mechanism. In a preferred embodiment, the medical instrument is a forceps with heads operatively coupled to each arm. This coupling is done in such a way that a head can fully retract into a position such that no portion of the second medical head extends beyond the holding apparatus when not in use. This means that at most one of the heads extends from the holding apparatus of the medical instrument as any one time. As such, a doctor can use a single tool to perform multiple functions, and thus reduce time spent looking for and/or retrieving the appropriate tool. |
| US07931666B2 |
Sheathless embolic protection system
A system for enabling the insertion and removal of an embolic protection device, for capturing and retaining embolic debris which may be created during the performance of a therapeutic interventional procedure in a stenosed or occluded region of a blood vessel. The system, in an embodiment thereof, enables the device to be compressed for insertion thereof through a patient's vasculature so as to cross the stenosis in a low profile, and to enable release of compression thereof for expansion and deployment of the device at a location distal to the interventional procedure site. |
| US07931661B2 |
Apparatus and methods for performing transluminal gastrointestinal procedures
Methods and apparatus are provided for diagnosing and treating digestive or other organs (as well as other parts of the body) endoluminally and transluminally, via instruments passed into the GI tract per-orally and/or per-anally. The instruments may, for example, pass transluminally out of the stomach and/or the colon through a breach formed therein in order to conduct diagnostic or therapeutic procedures, such as gastroenterostomy. |
| US07931658B2 |
Temporary retention device
A retention device for anchoring indwelling catheters, sheath introducers, feeding tubes, ostomy bags or other medical devices beneath the skin of a patient includes an deployable section coupled to a medical device; following introduction into a patient, the deployable section is subcutaneously deployed, securely anchoring the device and coupled medical device for the duration of treatment. |
| US07931651B2 |
External fixation assembly and method of use
An external fixation assembly includes a plurality of hollow pins that are inserted into a patient's bone. Each pin has an interior bore and a plurality of apertures extending through the pin wall from the bore. The pin may be coupled to a source of vacuum pressure operable to create reduced pressure in the tissue surrounding the pin. A cover is placed around the pin and sealed to provide a fluid-tight enclosure that maintains reduced pressure around the pin. A method for applying external fixation using the fixator pins described above includes the steps of inserting each pin through a skin opening, positioning the pin apertures near selected tissue, covering the skin opening with a sealed enclosure, connecting the pins to a source of vacuum pressure, and activating the source of vacuum pressure to create reduced pressure in the patient's tissue at or near the bone. |
| US07931649B2 |
Vessel sealing instrument with electrical cutting mechanism
An end effector assembly for use with an instrument for sealing vessels and cutting vessels includes a pair of opposing first and second jaw members which are movable relative to one another from a first spaced apart position to a second position for grasping tissue therebetween. Each jaw member includes an electrically conductive tissue contacting surface connected to an electrosurgical energy source. At least one of the jaw members includes an electrically conductive cutting element disposed within an insulator defined in the jaw member. At least one channel is included in the insulator which is configured to deliver fluid between the jaw members. |
| US07931647B2 |
Method of delivering energy to a lung airway using markers
An energy delivery device for treating tissue regions in a body conduit, such as a lung airway, may utilize one or more markers, rings, bands, or other visual indicators along an outer surface of the device body. The one or more visual indicators facilitate guidance of the device to effectively and efficiently treat the tissue according to a predetermined axial treatment as well as measure extension of a distal portion of the device, tissue length, and/or treatment length. The predetermined axial treatment may be contiguous, overlapping, or intermittently spaced apart as determined by the marker spacing distance. |
| US07931645B2 |
Dental laser treatment device
Described are a handpiece, a coupling, and a device with a laser source and handpiece for emitting a laser beam for dental treatment. In order to avoid damage to the healthy tooth tissue, an improved determination of the tooth temperature by measurement of at least part of the heat radiation emitted from the treatment area using a temperature sensor, preferably an infra-red sensor, is carried out. Upon reaching or exceeding a temperature threshold, the emission of the laser beam to the treatment area is interrupted or the power output of the laser source reduced or the user made aware of the violation of the threshold value using an acoustic or visual signal. The temperature sensor can be located, e.g., on the handpiece or on the coupling, such as on the coupling tube. |
| US07931632B2 |
Merchandise display systems for baby care articles
A merchandise system for disposable absorbent articles is provided. The merchandise display system includes a first line-up and second line-up of disposable absorbent articles designed to match a wearer's stage of development. The system also includes various color schemes associated with the first and second line-ups in order to facilitate consumers' identification and selection of the appropriate absorbent article configuration for a particular wearer. A pre-packaged arrangement is also provided and includes one or more disposable absorbent articles having a configuration corresponding to a wearer's stage of development; one or more disposable wipes products having a configuration tailored to the stage of development corresponding to the disposable absorbent articles; and a package, the disposable absorbent articles, the disposable wipes products and the package being arranged relative to each other for distribution together as a single unit. |
| US07931630B2 |
Multi-functional and modular urine collection system
Multi-functional urine collection devices, embodiments of which can include a self-expanding container having a receptacle for receiving urine from the tubing, a pump for moving urine through the tubing and into a receptacle, extendable tubing that may be shortened and/or lengthened, and/or one or more meters for monitoring, measuring, transmitting or storing a characteristic from the urine. |
| US07931629B2 |
Sterile liquid materials distribution, consumption and material waste disposal method and apparatus
The present invention is directed towards a method and apparatus for packaging or containing, handling and managing of a variety of materials or other contents from a variety of sources which encounter use under various dynamic applications, conditions and for a plurality of purposes. The invention more specifically is directed towards one or more containers or packages, suitably fitted or used for the handling or managing of materials or other contents along one or more cycles or chains of use. The one or more packages or other containers described herein is intended for and/or used in one or more interconnections or associations with not only the “initial purpose” filling, transport, storage, dispensing, pouring, using, releasing of sterile or other fluids or material contents, but also used in association with, and for carrying out, the additional delivering and receiving of said fluids or materials, and the receiving and delivering of said fluids or materials via an ingress and egress, by a variety of ways, for a variety of functions and for a plurality of purposes. |
| US07931626B2 |
Device for administering an injectable product
The invention provides a injection device for administering an injectable product, including a base section adapted to receive a container from which a product dose is dispensed through a needle by displacement of a piston in the container, and a drive unit including a driven member, a drive element and a damping arrangement, the drive unit for applying a force to advance the piston in the container to dispense a dose, wherein the damping arrangement generally counteracts the drive force and counter forces. The invention also encompasses a needle safety sleeve and a blocking structure for use with injection devices. |
| US07931623B2 |
Trocar system
A trocar system includes a cannula having a cannula head and a cannula tube, and an obturator having a cap and either a rounded tip or a cutting blade. The head and cap form an ergonomically shaped bulbous handle. At least a portion of an outer surface of the cannula head may include a resilient non-slip material. The cannula head may also include a monolithic housing having a port with a Luer Lock fitting and an integrally formed passageway for receiving a stopcock valve. |
| US07931617B2 |
Safety syringe
A safety syringe includes a barrel, a push rod, a driving module, and a needle mount. The barrel includes a hollow passage and a barrel cover, and the push rod includes a pad disposed around a distal portion and pushed tightly along the hollow passage of the barrel, and the barrel cover includes a plunger, a driving module of a piston pump, and a needle mount having a cut surface at the piston pump, such that the distal portion of the push rod pushes the plunger to move forward, while the cut surface of the distal portion and the cut surface of the needle mount are pressed to separate with each other, and the plunger continues moving forward to offset the air pressure therein, so as to retract the needle mount into a push rod accommodating cavity to accommodate the needle safely after an injection is taken place. |
| US07931616B2 |
Insert molded catheter puller member connectors and method of making
The present invention provides a deflectable catheter whose puller member connections are accomplished with minimal, if any, surface deformation which could otherwise accelerate breakage under tension. The catheter includes a molded member that encases an end of a puller member to enable connection of the end to a fixed or movable structure in the control handle without significant surface deformation in the puller member. The molded member is of a thermoplastic material that encases a preformed end of the puller member, which may be a puller wire or a high modulus fiber material.The molded member may be configured as desired, for example, as a screw that is fastened to a structure in the control handle. Alternatively, the preformed end of the puller member, for example, a puller wire, can be directly connected to and jointly encased in the molded member with another preformed end of a second puller member, for example, a high modulus fiber material. Such a connected puller member whose distal portion is the puller wire and whose proximal portion is the high modulus fiber material can be well suited for control handle that employs pulleys for increased throw capacity. |
| US07931615B2 |
Infusion set
An infusion set comprises a base member (60), an introducer cap (64), and an infusion cap (54). The base member (60) preferably comprises a soft cannula (52) extending from a lower side (118) of the base member (60), and a port (62) on an upper side (92) thereof. The port (62) is configured to be in fluid communication with the cannula (52). The port (62) also comprises a septum (130) adapted to seal the port (62) against unwanted fluid flow. The introducer cap (64) is adapted to be mounted to the base member (60) and has a needle (66) adapted to extend through the septum (130) and said soft cannula (52) in an assembled position. The infusion cap (54) comprises a lumen (160) adapted to receive an elongate flexible tube (162). The infusion cap (54) also comprises a hard cannula (170) adapted to be inserted through the septum (130) and to place said soft cannula (52) in fluid communication with said lumen (160). |
| US07931613B2 |
Module for a computer interface
The present invention provides a module for a computer interface including a transducer wherein the transducer receives a measurement value and makes this measurement value available for monitoring an individual's health by means of the computer interface, for example, for monitoring an individual's blood glucose level, wherein the measurement value is obtained by means of a sensor. |
| US07931612B2 |
Bypass valve
An intravenous fluid administration apparatus may include a proximal conduit having a spiked first end for attaching to a reservoir of fluid and a second end, a distal conduit, an intermediate conduit network providing fluid communication from the proximal conduit's second end to the distal conduit and including first and second constituent conduits that provide parallel paths from the proximal conduit to the distal conduit, a flow regulator so engaged with the first constituent conduit as to enable control of fluid flow therethrough, and a pressure-responsive valve so interposed in the second constituent conduit as to permit flow from the proximal conduit to the distal conduit through the second constituent conduit when a fluid pressure difference across the valve exceeds a threshold and to prevent such flow when the difference does not exceed the threshold. |
| US07931611B2 |
Ultrasonic wound debrider probe and method of use
An ultrasonic medical probe comprises an elongate shaft formed integrally with a head portion having a distal end face oriented at least partially transversely to a longitudinal axis of the shaft. The shaft is provided with an internal longitudinal channel or bore extending to the end face. The end face is formed with an indentation communicating with the channel or bore at a distal end thereof, whereby liquid is guided over an extended surface of the end face relative to the channel or bore. The head portion also has a lateral surface extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the probe. The lateral surface is provided with at least one outwardly or radially extending projection. The projection enables the application of ultrasonic cavitation energy to a tissue surface that is in contact with the lateral or side surface of the probe head. |
| US07931609B2 |
Extremity support apparatus and method
An extremity support apparatus having a second cuff, a first cuff, a bridge rod attached to the second cuff, and a tension rod attached to the first cuff and to the bridge rod is provided. The extremity support apparatus can place the support a first cuff in a cantilevered manner when a distal portion and a proximal portion of an extremity are supported in respective first and second cuffs. A method of supporting an extremity in a non-weight-bearing manner is also provided. |
| US07931602B2 |
Gaze guidance degree calculation system, gaze guidance degree calculation program, storage medium, and gaze guidance degree calculation method
Exemplary embodiments of the invention provide a gaze guidance degree calculation system capable of implementing a compact and low-cost apparatus and surely obtaining a proper eye-flow. According to exemplary embodiments, a layout apparatus where a layout image is segmented into a plurality of regions, and positions of representative regions of the specific regions and gaze attraction strength indicating strength of gaze-attraction to the specific regions are calculated. Next, a plurality of the specific regions in the layout image are set by using a starting point as a reference, and gaze guidance strength indicating a degree of gaze-guidance from the starting point to the specific regions is generated based on the gaze-attraction strength of the representative points in the specific regions. |
| US07931599B2 |
Method and apparatus for estimating a physiological parameter
A method and apparatus for reducing the effects of noise on a system for measuring physiological parameters, such as, for example, a pulse oximeter. The method and apparatus of the invention take into account the physical limitations on various physiological parameters being monitored when weighting and averaging a series of measurements. Varying weights are assigned different measurements, measurements are rejected, and the averaging period is adjusted according to the reliability of the measurements. Similarly, calculated values derived from analyzing the measurements are also assigned varying weights and averaged over adjustable periods. More specifically, a general class of filters such as, for example, Kalman filters, is employed in processing the measurements and calculated values. The filters use mathematical models which describe how the physiological parameters change in time, and how these parameters relate to measurement in a noisy environment. The filters adaptively modify a set of averaging weights to optimally estimate the physiological parameters. |
| US07931595B2 |
Ultrasound triggering method to reduce cardiac arrhythmia
The invention relates to a triggered ultrasound imaging method for imaging of the myocardium, minimizing the risk of eliciting cardiac arrhythmia. Particularly, the invention is directed to a method of assessing cardiac perfusion. Destruction pulses are triggered such that they fall within the refractory period of the heart, while imaging pulses are triggered at any given time of the ECG cycle, preferably during end-systole. |
| US07931591B2 |
Surgical retractor
A surgical retractor includes a pair of parallel arms that are mounted to a toothed crossbar. One of the arms is fixed to one end of the crossbar, while the other arm is movable along the crossbar by means of a pinion. One or both of the arms includes on its upper surface a bar having a longitudinally extending flat surface. A rod is connected to the bar by means of a bracket. The bracket can be locked in position relative to the bar by a first set screw that engages the flat surface. A rod extends through an opening in the bracket and is retained in place there by a second set screw. The rod includes a circumferentially extending shoulder that engages the bracket so as to locate the rod in a desired position. One or more flat surfaces are formed on the rod adjacent the shoulder for engagement by the second set screw. One of the flat surfaces causes the rod to be positioned precisely as necessary to perform a surgical procedure, while the other of the flat surfaces enables the rod to be moved to an out-of-the way position and locked in place there. One or more retractor blades of the wire basket type are connected to the rod by means of universal clamps. The basket portions of the retractor blades are made of a malleable wire that enables the configuration of the blades to be changed by the surgeon as desired. |
| US07931588B2 |
System for assessment of colonoscope manipulation
A comprehensive system for objective assessment of colonoscope manipulation includes a handgrip for collecting and transmitting colonoscope handling data including force and motion data; a patient pain monitor for collecting and transmitting data on the level of patient's pain and discomfort; and digital processing means for extracting useful features such as colonoscope tip advancement speed from colonoscope-provided video images. All data is wirelessly transmitted to an electronic unit for processing and displaying on a monitor. A colonoscopy procedure is properly conducted when certain shaft advancement causes appropriate tip advancement, all without an increased level of patient's pain. The system of the invention is aimed at providing objective assessment data allowing for safer and less painful colonoscopies. |
| US07931586B2 |
Flexible instrument
A medical instrument assembly and robotic medical system are provided. The instrument assembly comprises coaxially disposed shafts, and a mechanically drivable interface to which the proximal ends of the shafts are mounted. The drivable interface has first and second actuating elements configured for independently axially rotating the shafts relative to each other, and a third actuating element configured for deflecting the distal end of one of the shafts. The robotic medical system comprises the instrument assembly, a user interface configured for generating at least one command, and a drive unit coupled to the drivable interface. The robotic medical system further comprises an electrical controller configured, in response to the at least one command, for directing the drive unit to drive the first and second actuating elements to independently axially rotate the shafts relative to each other, and to drive the third actuating element to deflect one of the shafts. |
| US07931583B2 |
Surgical method and auxiliary device to correct penis curvature
The invention refers to a device for correcting penis curvature. The device includes at least two first rules linked together by a junction and adjustable therebetween along a hypothetical plan containing the first rules, which has rotation and translation between the first rules. A flexible measurement element is connected to the junction of the first rules. At least two second rules each of which being respectively fixed to one of the first rules, and perpendicularly to the first rules. The second rules are able to move in translation along the second rules lengths. The first rules permit a determination of a central penis axis and tangential lines on a penis. The second rules are used in a determination of perpendicular lines on the penis. |
| US07931580B2 |
Methods and devices for percutaneously modifying organs to treat patients
Disclosed are methods and apparatus for implantation into the walls of an organ such as the stomach. Deformable or inflatable anchors with a connector between are used to pull the walls of the organ together, or to implant devices in the wall of the organ. Also disclosed are surgical instruments useful in practicing the disclosed methods. |
| US07931578B2 |
Methods and system for tissue cavity closure
Surgical systems for less invasive access to and isolation of an atrial appendage are provided. A suturing grasper compresses soft tissue structures and deploys one or more sutures through complimentary pledget(s) carried by the grasper. The pledgets are reinforced, containing support members that define the profile of the stitch and distribute stresses applied by the stitch, once tightened, over a length of tissue. This hardware may be applicable to other surgical and catheter based applications as well including: compressing soft tissue structures lung resections and volume reductions; gastric procedures associated with reduction in volume, aneurysm repair, vessel ligation, or other procedure involving isolation of, resection of, and reduction of anatomic structures. |
| US07931573B2 |
Exercise assisting apparatus
An exercise assisting apparatus includes a seat supporting buttocks and a foot base supporting the bottom of the feet, and is arranged to swing the seat for contracting leg muscles. An elevator mechanism regulates a position of the seat. A display and manipulator unit has a physique designating section providing a plurality of classes classified according to the user's height, and a moving direction instructing section with pushbuttons instructing the moving direction of the elevator mechanism. The elevator mechanism is controlled by an elevator controller, and includes a position adjusting section configured to read out a position of the elevator mechanism corresponding to the physique designated at the physique designating section for rough adjustment of the position of the elevator mechanism and a position modifying section configured to make a precise adjustment of the position of the elevator mechanism while the moving direction instructing section is manipulated. |
| US07931571B2 |
Hip flexion assist orthosis or hip knee extension assist orthosis
An apparatus suitable for imitating one or more muscle members of a human user during physical therapy, wherein the apparatus is configured to be used in conjunction with the human user having a waist and a leg having a knee. The apparatus includes an adjustable waist belt configured to be secured around the human user's waist and a lower leg support configured to encircle the human user's leg in a vicinity of the knee. The apparatus further includes an elastic member configured to provide an adjustable tensile resistance between the waist belt and the lower leg support. |
| US07931566B1 |
Exercise apparatus brake
Exercise apparatus, which may be an elliptical cross trainer, has a rotating inertial flywheel driven by user-engaged linkage exercising a user. A user-actuated brake engages and stops rotation of the flywheel upon actuation by the user. |
| US07931564B1 |
Assembled rock climbing device
An assembly rock climbing device having a rock climbing body comprised of several three-dimensional assembly blocks. Each of the assembly blocks has at least one surface and at least one assembly surface to be connected with adjacent assembly blocks. The assembly blocks are connected via their assembly surfaces to form the rock climbing body. The surfaces of the assembly blocks combine to form at least one climbing surface for users to climb. Rocks are disposed on the climbing surface for users to hold. |
| US07931563B2 |
Virtual trainer system and method
A system, apparatus and method for managing health of different individuals by means of a virtual trainer over a network. Reference training data is made available to at least one individual. The exercise motion of the individual or end-user is recorded by using a plurality of sensing elements. The exercise motion of the end-user is processed into a user data. The user data is forwarded to a remote server via a user communication device. A virtual coach application is provided in the remote server that compares the reference training data with the user data and provides a corrective feedback to the end-user. The corrective feedback to the end-user may be provided on the user communication device such as a personal computer, digital assistant, or mobile phone. |
| US07931562B2 |
Mobile data logging systems and methods
We have disclosed a modular personal network (MPN) that includes multiple devices that may be worn, carried, or used in close proximity to a user. The devices communicate wirelessly. Functions of the MPN may be modified by adding or removing components. The MPN may communicate with a personal computer. General purpose devices may include a control unit, a display, a user input, and an audio output. The MPN may provide a variety of functions, including time, communication, entertainment, organization, guidance, athletic, medical, travel, outdoors, identity, security, and military. |
| US07931558B2 |
Automatic transmission
An automatic transmission which can establish properly separated gear ratios of forward ten gears or eleven gears and reverse two gears, which is simple and compact and can comfortably change gears. A fourth sun gear of a speed-changing dual planetary gear is connected to a speed-reducing common ring gear of a speed-reducing dual planetary gear through a first clutch, a speed-changing common carrier is connected to an input shaft through a second clutch and is selectively fixed by a second brake. A third sun gear of the speed-changing dual planetary gear is connected to the speed-reducing common ring gear of the speed-reducing dual planetary gear through a third clutch, connected to the speed-changing common carrier through a fourth clutch, and selectively to a first sun gear through a fifth clutch, and is selectively fixed through a first brake. A speed-changing common ring gear is directly connected to an output shaft. |
| US07931556B2 |
Automatic gearbox
The present invention relates to an automatic transmission (1) comprising at least one planetary stage (2) and at least one gear shifting element (3), wherein this gear shifting element (3) is disposed axially directly adjacent to the planetary stage (2), wherein a piston-cylinder arrangement (4) is provided for actuating the gear shifting element (3), wherein the planetary stage (2) comprises an internal gear (5), a sun gear (6) and a planet carrier (7), on which planet gears (8) are rotatably mounted, wherein the planet carrier (7) is connected non-rotatably to a transmission shaft (9), and wherein the pressure medium can be fed to the pressure chamber (10) of the cylinder (11) of the piston-cylinder arrangement (4) through a bore (12, 13) in the transmission shaft (9) and in the planet carrier (7). |
| US07931544B2 |
Implement grip assembly with hard cap
An implement grip assembly with an open ended tubular flexible grip assembled over a tubular implement handle. An end cap with deflectable portions is inserted in the open end of the handle and the deflectable portions frictionally engage the tubular handle for retention. The cap may also have surfaces detentably engaging corresponding surfaces on the flexible grip. A decorative medallion may be received on the cap and frictionally or magnetically retained thereon. |
| US07931532B2 |
Randomly awarded progressive jackpots
The invention is a method and a device for adding a bonus prize component to wagering games such as those played in gambling casinos. A player obtaining a predetermined combination in the underlying game wins the bonus prize. This might be a predetermined combination of playing cards in a card game or a predetermined combination on the reels of a slot machine. The bonus prize may require a separate side wager to qualify. The bonus prize is randomly chosen from a group of bonus prizes that includes an incrementing jackpot. The device for practicing the method includes a prize wheel that is spun to randomly choose the bonus prize, and an incrementing device with attached jackpot display for generating and showing the current amount of the incrementing jackpot. Upon winning the incrementing jackpot, the incrementing stops and the player wins the current amount shown on the display. The incrementing jackpot is subsequently reset and the incrementing resumed. |
| US07931530B2 |
Wagering game with time-based bonus
A gaming system for playing a wagering game includes a display and a controller. The display displays a base game of the wagering game in response to receiving a wager input from a player. The controller is coupled to the display and, in response to receiving the wager input, is programmed to increment eligibility time to a counter of bonus-time eligibility. The counter is decremented as real time progresses. If the counter is greater than zero when a bonus game of the wagering game is triggered, the player is allowed to play the bonus game. |
| US07931529B2 |
System and method for operating on-line governmental lottery games
The present invention relates to a system and a method for facilitating governmental lottery games with a screening, a verification, and a subscription play function. A lottery agent system of the present invention includes a plurality of player terminals on which lottery players can play lottery games, including purchasing and receiving lottery tickets, an agent server for facilitating the purchase and screening of players and winning tickets, and a governmental lottery administrator for providing security or serial numbers for verification. The present invention further discloses a method for claiming awards for the winning tickets upon a drawing of winning numbers. Upon receiving information of the winning tickets, the state provides the agent server with claim validation numbers associated with the winning tickets for claims on lottery awards by winning players. |
| US07931524B2 |
Hunter arm
A hunter arm includes a bottom bar having a first end adapted for insertion into a trailer hitch of a pickup truck. A mast has a lower end pivotally attached by a first knuckle to a second end of the bottom bar. A first brace member has a lower end pivotally attached near the first end of the bottom bar and an upper end pivotally attached near the lower end of the mast to keep the mast in a vertical position. A boom has a first end pivotally attached by a second knuckle to an upper end of the mast. A second brace member has an upper end pivotally attached to center of the boom. An angle adjustment plate has a plurality of longitudinal notches there along affixed to the mast. A lower end of the second brace member can engage with any one of the notches in the angle adjustment plate to vary the angle of the boom extending outwardly from the mast. A pulley assembly has an upper end connected in a removable manner to a second end of the boom. A spreader bar includes two hooks which allows animal to hang down from the spreader bar to be skinned. |
| US07931523B2 |
Glass substrate for information recording medium and method for manufacturing same
A method for manufacturing a glass substrate for an information recording medium having a high level of cleanness and superior smoothness. The manufacturing method includes washing a disk-shaped glass plate with an acid washing liquid, removing at least part of a surface layer, which is formed on the surface of the glass plate, by performing grinding with diamond abrasion grains, and washing the surface with a neutral or alkaline washing liquid. |
| US07931520B2 |
Toy disk wheels and accessories therefore
In one embodiment of the present invention there is provided a toy disk wheel. The disk wheel is defined to include a housing having first and second housing members, each housing member is substantially shaped as a half disk such that assembly of the first and second housing members forms a disk with a rounded outer surface to permit the housing to roll on a surface and a pair of outer sections. A transparent side portion is positioned along each outer surface of the pair of outer sections. Each transparent side portion includes a protuberance positioned about the center of the transparent side portion with a notch positioned thereon. The notch is used to accommodate an axle having ends which transverse the housing to rotatably position in the notches of both side portions. |
| US07931518B2 |
Process for preparing light transmissive electromagnetic wave shielding material, light transmissive electromagnetic wave shielding material and display filter
The present invention provides a process for preparing a light transmissive electromagnetic wave shielding material having an excellent light transmissive property, an excellent electromagnetic wave shielding property, an excellent appearance property and an excellent legibility by a simple method.A process for the preparation of a light transmissive electromagnetic wave shielding material comprising; (A1) printing a pretreatment agent for electroless plating comprising a noble metal compound and a mixture of silane coupling agent and azole compound or a reaction product thereof in a mesh pattern on a transparent substrate 11 to form a mesh-patterned pretreatment layer 12, and (A2) subjecting the pretreatment layer 12 to electroless plating to form a mesh-patterned metal conductive layer 13 on the pretreatment layer 12. |
| US07931511B2 |
Boat propulsion system
A boat propulsion system includes a gear shift mechanism arranged to transmit a driving force generated by an engine to first and second propellers at one of at least a low speed reduction ratio and a high speed reduction ratio, and a control section arranged to perform control so as to shift a speed reduction ratio of the gear shift mechanism based on first and second gear shift control maps when an acceleration command from a user is detected. The first and second gear shift control maps define a region to shift the speed reduction ratio of the gear shift mechanism using two parameters, preferably a rotational speed of the engine and a lever opening degree of a lever of a control lever portion. The boat propulsion system achieves both the acceleration performance and the maximum speed desired by a user. |
| US07931505B2 |
Portable device interfacing
A portable device interfacing system for use in a vehicle or other environments permits a portable device to be removably connected with another system, such as an audio system. The portable device interfacing system may include features that help to prevent liquid from damaging electronics of the system, align physical connections between the interfacing system and the portable device, safely secure the portable device in position, and/or permit the system to be expanded to support different portable devices. |
| US07931504B2 |
Electrical connector
An electrical connector includes a plug (20) and a socket (40). The plug (20) and the socket (40) have identical numbers of at least two plug contacts (201 to 208) and at least two socket contacts (401 to 408). At least two of the plug contacts (201 to 208) and at least two of the socket contacts (401 to 408) are conductively connected. |
| US07931502B2 |
Card edge connector and method for assembling the same
A card edge connector for electrically coupling between contact electrodes on an electric circuit board and harnesses includes: a housing with a board insertion opening; harness terminals coupling with the harnesses; and junction terminals coupling between contact electrodes and harness terminals. The contact electrodes include first and second contact electrodes on both of first and second surfaces of the board. Each first contact electrode is nearer one end of the board than each second contact electrode. The first and second contact electrodes on the first or second surface are aligned alternately along with a width direction of the board. A first or second end of the junction terminal contacting the contact electrode on the first or second surface extends from a first or second inner wall of the board insertion opening to reach a centerline of the board. |
| US07931501B1 |
Electrical connector
An electrical connector includes an insulating housing, a plurality of terminals and a shielding shell. The insulating housing has a base body and a tongue. Two sides of the front surface of the base body define two inserting slots. A propping portion is perpendicularly connected between two face-to-face insides of the inserting slot. The terminals are disposed in the insulating housing respectively. The shielding shell is mounted to the insulating housing, and has a tongue sheath with two side plates. A rear edge of each side plate extends rearward to form a fastening piece with a clipping opening. Two opposite edges of the clipping opening are further concaved oppositely to form a locating opening. The tongue sheath is sleeved around the tongue. The fastening piece is inserted rearward into the corresponding inserting slot, and the propping portion slides along the clipping opening until being buckled into the locating opening. |
| US07931499B2 |
Connector including flexible fingers and associated methods
A coaxial cable connector is to be attached to a coaxial cable including an inner conductor, an outer conductor, and a dielectric therebetween. The coaxial cable connector includes a connector housing defining a ramp to receive an outer conductor thereagainst. A back nut has a ring base and a plurality of flexible fingers carried thereby to clamp against the outer conductor opposite the ramp. The connector housing and the back nut include respective portions defining a positive stop when fully engaged. A center contact is to be coupled to the inner conductor. There is at least one insulator member in the connector housing for carrying the center contact and comprising a radially outer support portion to radially support the outer conductor opposite the compressible ring. |
| US07931497B2 |
Electrical connector with an improved metal shell
An electrical connector (100) for being mounted onto a PCB includes an insulative housing (1); a set of electrical contacts (2) retained in the insulative housing (1); and a metal shell (3) coupled to the insulative housing. the metal shell (3) has a pair of nuts (310) integrally protruding therefrom and defining threaded holes (3101) for screws of a complementary plug screwed into, and a pair of board locks (5) integrally extending therefrom for being mounted onto the PCB. |
| US07931495B2 |
Stacked connectors having lower connector floatably assembled thereto
A card edge connector assembly for connecting a pair of electrical cards to a printed circuit board includes an upper connector and a lower connector. The upper connector includes a first housing defining a first elongated mating groove along a longitudinal direction with a plurality of first contacts by two sides thereof, and a recess is defined under the first elongated mating groove. The lower connector is moveably received within said recess and includes a second housing defining a second elongated mating groove with a plurality of second contacts by two sides thereof. A metallic member is attached to the upper connector for preventing the lower connector releasing from said recess. |
| US07931486B1 |
Electrical connector for missile launch rail
An electrical connector for testing of a missile launch rail is provided. A stationary housing is combined with a coupling ring to form an outer housing. An internal plunger is housed in the outer housing and spans the length of the outer housing. The stationary housing anchors to the missile launch rail, while the coupling ring is free to rotate about the internal plunger. The coupling ring is rotated via a hand grasp. The coupling ring rotation translates into forward and aft movement of the pin assembly. The connector provides forward and backward stops for limiting pin insertion and extraction moves to desired distances. Rotation via triple-start threads readily overcomes insertion and extraction resistance of a bulky multi-pin assembly and provides a smooth and controlled electrical connection. The size of the connector approaches that of a small conventional military standard 38999 series III connector. |
| US07931483B2 |
Lever-type connector
A lever-type connector having a housing that includes a contact receiving area, a slider receiving slot, a slider, a wire cover, an outlet, a lever provided with a connector and being rotatably and detachably disposed on the housing and the cover to slide the slider; a pair of arms that extend from both ends of the connector, and a pair of wall portions arranged at the pivotal end of the arms of the lever. The wall portions extend from a pivotal end of the arms, respectively, and oppose each other at end edges of the wall portions, respectively. The outlet arranged at the wire cover has a width set greater than a width of a contact receiving area in the housing. |
| US07931480B2 |
Electrical connector with new type of contacts
An electrical connector includes an insulative housing; an upper row of contacts and a lower row of contacts parallel to each other. Each contact includes a retention portion, a mating portion and a pressing arm extending from two opposite ends of the retention portion. Each pressing arm includes a bending portion and a contact tail extending from an end of the contact tail. An imaginary central plane defined in the insulative housing about which the mating portions and the retention portions of contacts of the upper row and the lower row are symmetrical. Wherein each pressing arm includes a bending portion extending to the central plane and a pressing portion extending from the bending portion, the pressing portions are overlapped seen from a direction along which the contacts are arranged. |
| US07931477B2 |
Low profile board-to-board connector mating pair with solder barrier
An electrical connector comprises a generally rectangular dielectric housing with a mating face and a mounting face. A plurality of terminal support posts extend in a direction from the mounting face towards the mating face and each support post has oppositely facing first and second sidewalls and a connecting surface. A plurality of terminal receiving cavities are spaced along a longitudinal axis of the housing for receiving terminals therein. A plurality of terminals are provided with each including a solder tail portion and a generally U-shaped contact portion. The solder tail portion is positioned along the mounting face and the contact portion includes a first, distal contact leg, a second, proximal contact leg spaced from and generally parallel to the first contact leg and a connecting portion extending between the first and second contact legs. The first contact leg extends along the first sidewall, the second contact leg extending along the second sidewall, and the connecting portion extending along the connecting surface. |
| US07931473B2 |
Multi-voltage pump with discreet voltage cords
A device for interfacing power from an electrical supply having power terminals, that permits implementation of a wide range of power cord lengths and voltage connection combinations. The device includes a body having a cord side and an appliance side. The body has four or more terminals located on the cord side of the body, with one terminal being a ground terminal. At least one electrical connecting device is adapted to connect terminals. In a first configuration, the device is used at a lower voltage. In a second configuration, the device is used at a higher voltage. |
| US07931469B1 |
Orthodontic anchor
An orthodontic anchor having a stem with a connecting portion and an emerging portion secured respectively to the ends thereof. The connecting portion is connected to bone by screws disposed in angled apertures and a cap envelops the emerging portion. A first transverse rib secured to the lower edge of the cap and a second transverse rib secured to the anchor between the connecting and emerging portions and an elastic band enveloping both transverse ribs. |
| US07931465B2 |
Object transferring device with a transfer arm having a substantially vertically movable gripper head
A device for transferring objects, in particular containers such as preforms or bottles, comprising a support (2) which is rotated about an substantially vertical rotational axis and which supports at least one transfer arm (3) with an inner radial part fixed to the support (2) and an outer radial part (6) adapted for sliding with respect to said inner radial part along an elongation axis held within a plane substantially perpendicular to the rotational axis of said support (2), the outer radial part (6) having a gripper head (13) adapted for supporting at least one object, wherein said head (13) is adapted for sliding, with respect to the inner radial part, along an elongation axis substantially parallel to the rotational axis of the support (2). |
| US07931462B2 |
Device and method for the manufacturing of a three-dimensional object
A device for manufacturing a three-dimensional object by a layerwise solidification of a building material in powder form at the positions in the respective layer that correspond to the object to be manufactured is provided. A work plane (4) is provided, in which successively layers of the building material in powder form, which are to be solidified, are applied and are partially solidified. An application device (5) for applying a layer of the building material in the work plane or onto a previously solidified layer of the building material has an application surface (53) facing the work plane (4). An adjustment device (59, 60, 54) is provided that is constructed such that an angle (α) between the application surface (53) and the work plane (4) is adjustable. |
| US07931457B2 |
Apparatus for producing sub-micron fibers, and nonwovens and articles containing same
An apparatus for producing sub-micron fibers, and more specifically an apparatus for effecting formation of sub-micron fibers by fibrillation of polymer films, and nonwoven materials and articles incorporating them. |
| US07931450B2 |
Variable displacement pump
In a variable displacement pump, an outer peripheral surface approximately in an opposite side to a portion supported to an oscillation supporting point in a cam ring with respect to a pump shaft is formed as a convex surface portion holding a seal member brought into slidable contact with an inner peripheral surface of an outer case, and an inner peripheral surface of the outer case with which the seal member held to the convex surface portion of the cam ring is brought into slidable contact is formed as a circular arc surface around the oscillation supporting point. |
| US07931446B2 |
Treatment of turbine blades to increase hardness
Turbine blades, including airfoils, of aviation or industrial gas turbine engines are treated with boron to improve surface hardness and/or durability. Both stainless steel components and titanium components may be treated with boron. Elemental boron is diffused into the surface of the blade or other component, forming FeB and Fe2B in stainless steel components and titanium boride in titanium components. This treatment produces components with increased resistance to erosion caused by airborne particles and pollutants, extending the life of the components. |
| US07931444B2 |
Wind turbine with rotor blades equipped with winglets and blades for such rotor
A wind turbine includes a rotor with wind turbine blades each having a root end connected to a hub of the wind turbine and a tip end, the tip end of each of which being equipped with a winglet extending a distance in a direction perpendicularly to a longitudinal direction of the blade. A new and much more slim design of the outer part of the wind turbine blade is disclosed, i.e. with a shorter chord length designed within a narrow band of values defined with respect to the length of the winglet, i.e. the extension in the direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the blade. |
| US07931442B1 |
Rotor blade assembly with de-coupled composite platform
A rotor disk assembly with a platform spacer secured to the rotor disk and un-coupled from the rotor blades. Adjacent rotor blades are secured to the rotor disk slots by conventional means. The rotor disk includes a dovetail extending from the rim and positioned substantially midway between adjacent rotor blades. A platform spacer having a size and shape to occupy substantially the entire space formed between the adjacent rotor blades and the rotor disk rim is secured through a slot to the dovetail projecting from the rim. The platform spacer is a solid piece and forms the outer hot gas flow path between the blades. The platform spacer provides damping to the rotor blade assembly as well as eliminates hot gas flow migration below the platform. The platform space also un-couples the platform from the blades so that the load due to the platform is transmitted directly to the rotor disk and not through the blades, allowing for the blades to have improved LCF. Uncoupling the platform from the blade also eliminates the thermal mismatch between the platform and the blade which produces excessive levels of stress at this junction. With the un-coupled platform spacer of the present invention, the rotor blades can be formed from a single crystal material to allow for higher temperature limits and longer LCF of the assembly. |
| US07931440B2 |
Vertical axis wind turbine
A vertical axis wind turbine comprising: a rotatable vertical shaft; a first horizontal shaft attached to the vertical shaft, and extending on either side of the vertical shaft; a first wind turbine blade fixedly attached to the first horizontal shaft, the first wind turbine extending in a generally perpendicular direction from the first horizontal shaft; a second wind turbine blade fixedly attached to the first horizontal shaft, the second wind turbine blade extending in a generally perpendicular direction from the first horizontal shaft, the second wind turbine blade fixed at an operational angle with respect to the first wind turbine blade; a first and second motion limiting means attached to the vertical shaft, where each motion limiting means extends into the rotational travel of a turbine blade. |
| US07931437B1 |
Turbine case with inlet and outlet volutes
A one piece axial flow turbine case with an inlet volute and an outlet volute with an axial flow turbine positioned between the inlet and outlet volutes, in which the turbine vanes and blades can be installed or removed from one side of the case without disassembling the two volutes. The one piece turbine case eliminates the mating flange, the flange seal, and the flange bolts required in the two piece turbine volute case. The one piece axial flow turbine case reduces the part count, reduces the weight of the turbine, improves the reliability of the turbine, and improved the performance of the turbine. The annular guide vane assembly with an annular outer shroud having guide vanes extending from the shroud is inserted through an opening of the turbine case. The vane outer shroud extends aft to form an outer shroud for the turbine blades. |
| US07931436B2 |
Roller bearings, and struts and gas turbine engines having such bearings
Roller bearings, and struts and gas turbine engines using such bearings are provided. In this regard, a representative roller bearing for a gas turbine engine includes: a roller having a rolling surface and an end; a race having a flange and defining a raceway, the raceway terminating at the flange, the raceway being operative to receive the roller such that the rolling surface of the roller engages in rolling contact with the raceway; and a hard coating applied to the flange such that the end of the roller engages in sliding contact with the coating. |
| US07931431B2 |
Automated material handling system with load transfer vehicles
A material handling system for use in storing and moving goods within multi-level storage warehouses, ocean going vessels and the like wherein storage areas are provided on at least one of the levels and wherein goods are automatically transferred to and from the storage areas and between the various levels by self-propelled load transfer vehicles. The load transfer vehicles move across the surface of the various levels and are also movable under their own power within open vertical trunks between the levels to thereby move goods to any desired area within the system, warehouse or vessel. |
| US07931429B2 |
Header trailer
A header trailer for transporting a header for a combine harvester has a chassis (1-4) and a support saddle (12) which is shaped so as to support stably a header (16) placed on the support saddle (12). The support saddle is mounted pivotably on the chassis (1-4). |
| US07931424B2 |
Apparatus and method for producing soil columns
A method and apparatus for constructing soil columns in-situ in the ground are disclosed for the purpose of improving the structure supporting capability of surface soils to support loads from buildings and other structures. Some embodiments use a surcharge ring or load to apply a stress to soil surrounding a construction site for a soil column. Methods according to the present disclosure may reduce impact on the environment because they may be performed with only one piece of normal construction equipment. In addition, gravel, crushed stone, cement or chemicals may not be required. |
| US07931421B2 |
Grating
A cover grating for a drainage channel or a similarly hollow body which can be installed in the ground is presented, wherein the cover grating is produced in a single piece and more particularly from a sheet metal strip, comprising at least two longitudinal webs extending on the underside of the cover grating and inlet slots formed in the cover grating between these longitudinal webs and comprising transverse webs resulting from the slot forming operation and extending on the lower side of the cover grating wherein the transverse webs are provided at each of their end regions with at least one receiving projection which at least partially engages in to a respective complementarily formed receiving slot in the longitudinal web. |
| US07931419B2 |
Connection of a first component to a second cylindrical component and method for mounting of the first and second components
A connection (4) of a first (2) to a second (3) cylindrical component for the transfer of circumferential and axial forces. The first component (2) has locking elements (9a) arranged on its circumference and at the end, the second component (3) has windows (12) associated with the locking elements (9a), and the first and second components (2, 3) can be plugged one into the other at the ends to form a positive interlock between the locking elements (9a) and the windows (12). |
| US07931418B1 |
Dehydrated dentifrice and toothbrush
A toothbrush has one or two part-spherical pockets formed in the brush surface. Balls or pellets of matching shape of dehydrated toothpaste are placed in the depressions, the brush is wetted and the pellets turn to a gel, ready for brushing. The pellets may be of various colors and flavors to entice children to brush their teeth and may be dispensed from a storage chamber carried in the tooth brush handle. |
| US07931416B2 |
Slide type writing tool having device for preventing dryness
A slide type writing tool having a dryness prevention unit. The writing tool includes a hollow shaft having at a first end thereof a nib hole. A knock part is inserted into an insert hole formed in a second end of the shaft. A cartridge is inserted into the shaft and is integrated with the knock part. A control module is made of an elastic material, such as rubber, and includes an O-ring part coming into close contact with the nib hole, a spherical door having a spherical surface, a tubular holder secured to the cartridge, a first hinge coupling the O-ring part with the spherical door, and a second hinge integrally coupling the spherical door with the holder. First and second springs are provided in the shaft to act elastic restoring force between the control module and the cartridge. |
| US07931411B2 |
Optical transmission apparatus to which optical cable is connected
An optical transmission apparatus includes a wiring board, an electronic device mounted on the wiring board, a connection part that mechanically connects the electronic device and the wiring board to each other in such a manner that the electronic device and the wiring board face each other at a certain distance and electrically connects the electronic device and the wiring board to each other, an optical cable connector that is in contact with the electronic device, and an optical cable connected to the optical cable connector. The optical cable connector has a part that is inserted between the electronic device and the wiring board. A signal is transmitted between the part and the electronic device. |
| US07931410B2 |
Machined cage for cylindrical roller bearing and method of manufacturing the same
A strength of a machined cage for a cylindrical roller bearing is increased without reducing a bearing life. An integral machined cage for a cylindrical roller bearing includes: a pair of side plates (42, 44); a plurality of columns (46), which are arranged in a circumferential direction, for connecting the pair of side plates (42, 44); pockets (48) formed between the adjacent columns (46); and relief portions (50) provided at four corners of each of the pockets (48), in which as viewed from a section perpendicular to an axis of the cage, the columns (46) have side surfaces each constituting a circular arc shape, and the relief portions (50) are in parallel to the side surfaces of the columns (46). |
| US07931409B2 |
Wheel bearing apparatus
A wheel bearing apparatus for a driven wheel of a vehicle has an outer member, an inner member and rolling elements between the two. The outer member has a body mounting flange for mounting it to a knuckle of a suspension apparatus. The knuckle has a disc shaped bottom portion. The outer member is secured to the knuckle by fastening bolts. The body mounting flange abuts against the bottom portion of the knuckle. The inner side end of the inner member is closed by the knuckle. A plurality of pins is secured to the knuckle. Pin bores to receive the pins are formed on the body mounting flange. The pin bores radially positioning the outer member relative to the knuckle. |
| US07931408B2 |
Unit comprising a wheel bearing and at least one vehicle-sided fixed support
A unit, which has a wheel bearing and at least one vehicle-sided fixed support. The wheel bearing has at least one outer part which is rigidly fixed to at least one bearing seat which is embodied as an axial passage of a sheet metal molded part of the support, and at least one end section of the outer part is surrounded in a radial and supple manner, at least in the proximity of the passage such that the end section engages in an axial mariner behind the support. |
| US07931405B2 |
Sliding part
A sliding part comprises a first sliding member made of a steel, a second sliding member made of a steel, a first carbide film comprising a carbide and formed on the surface of the first sliding member, and a second carbide film comprising a carbide and formed on the surface of the second sliding member. The first sliding member and the second sliding member slide relative to each other while applying loads on each other. The carbide of the first carbide film and the carbide of the second carbide film differ from each other, and the hardness ratio of the first carbide film and the second carbide film is not more than 1.4. |
| US07931403B2 |
Position sensing composite cylinder
A fluid power composite cylinder that includes conductive and resistive material as part of the composite cylinder. The conductive and resistive material to provide a sensor feature that is used to assist position sensing electronic devices in sensing the position of a piston within the cylinder. |
| US07931400B2 |
Temperature sensor and related remote temperature sensing method
A temperature sensor includes a plurality of rectangular shaped amorphous magnetic alloy strips connected magnetically, wherein at least one of the strips has a predetermined ferromagnetic Curie temperature, and another strip has a magnetic permeability well exceeding 2,000. The temperature sensor may be used in a related remote temperature sensing method wherein the sensor is interrogated by a magnetic field and the temperature sensor's response signal is detected electromagnetically. |
| US07931398B2 |
Fluid blending methods utilizing either or both passive and active mixing
Fluid blending apparatus and methods are provided, the blending apparatus including components accommodating both passive and/or active mixing. The apparatus for performing the methods include a main body and closure connectable to define a chamber having a fluid outlet. A valved fluid inlet channel opens into the chamber and is tangentially oriented relative to a peripheral wall thereof so that fluid entering the chamber has a primary vortical flow circulation direction. A fluid injection channel opens to the inlet channel at an acute angle relative to direction of fluid flow through the inlet channel. A plurality of barriers is arrayed in the chamber to define interconnected inner and outer chamber portions. An impeller is rotatably mounted at the inner chamber portion and includes a plurality of blades oriented to urge flow from the inner chamber portion to the outer chamber portion. |
| US07931389B2 |
Cord reel including one or more electrical devices
In a number of embodiments, a cord reel can include: (a) an electrical cable; (b) a casing with a first exterior surface; (c) one or more electrical receptacles at the first exterior surface and electrically coupled to the electrical cable; and (d) a frame. The frame can include: (a) at least one wheel; and (b) a body coupled to the at least one wheel and the casing. In these embodiments, the casing is configured such that at least a portion of the electrical cable can be wound around a first portion of the casing. The electrical cable is configured to provide electrical power to the one or more electrical receptacles. The body can include: (a) a shaft portion with an end; and (b) a handle coupled to the end of the shaft portion. A length of the shaft portion can be adjusted between two or more lengths. Other embodiments are disclosed in this application. |
| US07931387B2 |
Light-emitting diode light source
An LED light source comprises a lower substrate having an upper surface which is formed with a groove and covered with an insulating layer in an area outside the groove, wherein the insulating layer is partially covered with a metal layer; an upper substrate disposed on a top of the insulating layer and formed with an opening in an area corresponding to the groove; a plurality of sub-substrates disposed on an inner bottom portion of the groove, wherein each said sub-substrate has a surface covered with a circuit layer, adjacent said sub-substrates are electrically connected to each other at respective adjacent ends thereof by a first metal lead, and each said sub-substrate is provided thereon with a plurality of LED chips, in which each said LED chip is connected by a second metal lead to a corresponding electrical connection point; and a light-transmitting colloid filled in the groove and the opening. The plurality of LED chips are thus integrally packaged in the groove to form the LED light source, which can be easily manufactured while having a small volume and providing high brightness. |
| US07931384B2 |
Method and apparatus for object viewing, observation, inspection, identification, and verification
In an object verifier having a housing and an object holder, an object may be placed in the object holder for observation by an operator. The object is illuminated using a collimated beam of white light that is generated by a light generator. The collimated beam of white light is passed through a beam splitter with the two portions of the collimated beam of white light presented to the object at a 90 degree angle one from the other. The interior of the housing includes a reflective surface for maximal illumination of the object. The observer may view the illuminated object through a viewing window and/or through a magnification window. The magnification window provides for the viewing of the object in greater detail. |
| US07931381B2 |
Lighting system for cooking appliance
A lighting unit for use in illuminating an oven cavity is internally, asymmetrically constructed and externally, substantially symmetrically constructed. Due to the symmetrical external construction, the lighting unit can be readily mounted in an oven cavity in multiple configurations to establish varying levels of illumination depending on the selected mounting arrangement. In particular, the lighting unit can be rotated prior to insertion in a side wall opening of the oven cavity, with the illumination intensity varying depending on the selected mounting position. In one preferred embodiment of the invention, the outer shell is rectangular in shape to establish two distinct, potential mounting positions upon rotation of the lighting unit 180°, with the level of illumination varying in the order of at least 45% between the two mounting positions. |
| US07931379B2 |
Projection system, projection lens module, optical actuator and its driving method
A driving method of an optical actuator is applied to a projection system. The optical actuator includes a carrier, an optical element and an actuator component. The optical element is disposed at the carrier. The actuator component drives the carrier to rotate an angle. The driving method includes the steps of providing a driving signal having an initial section and a target section, and shifting the optical element between a position driven by the initial section and a position driven by the target section via the actuator component according to a first acceleration-deceleration section and a second acceleration-deceleration section. In addition, an optical actuator, a projection lens module and a projection system are also disclosed. |
| US07931376B2 |
Beam combining device and projector having such beam combining device
A beam combining device and a projector having such a beam combining device are provided. The projector includes a first color light source, a second color light source, a third color light source, a beam combining device, a light valve and a projection unit. The first color light source, the second color light source and the third color light source respectively emit first, second and third color beams. The beam combining device includes a polarization state converting module, a color separation unit and a polarization beam splitter. The optical path lengths of the first color beam emitted from the first color light source to the polarization beam splitter, the second color beam emitted from the second color light source to the polarization beam splitter, and the third color beam emitted from the third color light source to the polarization beam splitter are equal. |
| US07931374B2 |
Wavefront propagation from one plane to another
The present invention provides methods, systems and software for scaling optical aberration measurements of optical systems. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method of reconstructing optical tissues of an eye. The method comprises transmitting an image through the optical tissues of the eye. Aberration data from the transmitted image is measured across the optical tissues of the eye at a first plane. A conversion algorithm is applied to the data, converting it to corrective optical power data that can be used as a basis for constructing a treatment for the eye at a second plane. |
| US07931372B2 |
Presbyopia correction using patient data
Methods, devices, and systems establish an optical surface shape that mitigates or treats presbyopia in a particular patient. The combination of distance vision and near vision in a patient can be improved, often based on input patient parameters such as pupil size, residual accommodation, and power need. Iterative optimization may generate a customized corrective optical shape for the patient. Threshold residual accommodation is established for presbyopia treatment. |
| US07931365B2 |
Replaceable-lens eyewear and kit
Eyewear having replaceable lenses, with an illustrative embodiment including a frame, two temples, temple-connecting members extending outwardly from opposing ends of the frame and affixing the temples to the frame; a nose bridge; bridge-connecting members extending outwardly from two points centrally located on the frame and affixing the nose bridge to the frame; nose pads; and a plurality of interchangeable lenses. The lenses, which may be sunglass lenses, are composed of somewhat pliable material and have a perimeter defining at least two collinear recesses, with the recesses capable of selectively and releasably coupling with the temple-connecting members and the nose bridge-connecting members, thus securing the lenses to the frame. A case with a padded interior and fitted storage recesses is used to protect eyewear and lenses not in use. |
| US07931364B1 |
Optical prescription insert carrier
An optical insert carrier that may retain a left and right lens having at least two opening holes. The optical insert carrier maybe attached to the back side of a pair of sunglasses having a right and left lens, wherein the back side is the side of the sunglasses that faces the wearer. The optical insert carrier is made from thin sheet or molded material in the range of 0.010 to 0.060 thickness. |
| US07931362B2 |
System for controlling engagement of a transfix roller with an image receiving member in a printer
A hydraulic system controls engagement of a transfix roller with an image receiving member in a printer. The system includes a motor having an output shaft, a translational member having a first end and a second end, one of the first and the second ends being mechanically coupled to the output shaft of the motor so the motor output shaft moves the translational member in a linear path, a hydraulic translator coupled to the other end of the translational member so movement of the translational member in the linear path displaces hydraulic fluid within the hydraulic translator to move a pair of links in a linear direction, a transfix roller having a first end and a second end, the first and the second ends of the transfix roller being mechanically coupled to the pair of links so the displacement of the hydraulic fluid within the hydraulic translator moves the transfix roller in the linear direction for movement towards and away from an image receiving member, and a controller electrically coupled to the motor to send a motor control signal to the motor for controlling direction and speed of the motor output shaft. |
| US07931354B2 |
Circuit board for inkjet head
Second individual electrodes are formed and arranged in zigzag in two rows on one surface of a flexible sheet, and wirings connected to the second individual electrodes are arranged to pass between adjacent second individual electrodes of the other row. Formed on the other surface of the flexible sheet are electrode connection sections to be connected to the second individual electrodes through through-holes going through the flexible sheet. The electrode connection section has an area larger than the second individual electrode and is connected to an external electrode through solder. |
| US07931349B2 |
Liquid ejecting apparatus
A liquid ejecting apparatus includes a record head having nozzles that discharge liquid; a transporting path along which a medium is transported; a transporting mechanism that transports the medium along the transporting path; a sensor including a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element and disposed at a first position on the transporting path, the first position being located upstream relative to the record head in a transporting direction of the medium, the sensor outputting a signal in accordance with presence or absence of the medium at the first position; and a control unit that controls supply of power to the sensor and detects the presence or absence of the medium through the sensor. The control unit stops the supply of power to the sensor when the control unit detects a downstream end of the medium in the transporting direction, and resumes the supply of power to the sensor when the control unit detects an upstream end of the medium in the transporting direction. |
| US07931346B2 |
Electronic apparatus for suppressing heat generation from plurality of motors
An electronic apparatus suppresses heat generation from a plurality of motors and a control circuit for controlling the motors without stopping operation of the motors entirely. When copy operation starts, an internal temperature of a facsimile apparatus 1 is detected. If the detected temperature is lower than a threshold value 1, an MPU section 10 instructs a motor control section 33 to operate a scanner motor 23, a CR motor 34, and a PF motor 35 at the same time. If the detected temperature is not lower than the threshold value 1 and is lower than a threshold value 2, the MPU section 10 instructs the control section 22 to operate the motors in a time-sharing mode, such that the scanner motor 23 and the CR motor 34, or alternatively, the scanner motor 23 and the PF motor 35, simultaneously operate in combination. |
| US07931345B2 |
Motor vehicle brake system having a low pressure accumulator
A motor vehicle brake system having a hydraulic cable, via which a wheel brake module can be pressurized by a brake medium using brake pressure from a brake cylinder and to which a low pressure accumulator is connected for temporarily receiving excess brake medium, wherein the low pressure accumulator is connected to the hydraulic cable via a backflow line and a return pump interposed in the return line in order to return temporarily stored brake medium, the return pump being cyclically actuated for adjusting the pump capacity such that an activation occurs within each braking cycle during a portion of pump cycles that corresponds to the pump capacity, is intended to provide particularly high operational safety while also providing a comfortable pedal sensation. |
| US07931340B1 |
Tetraframe component of furniture
A method of fabrication of furniture by affixing a plurality of rods of similar length forming a frame comprising a plurality of tetrahedra and pentahedra with the frame having at least one planar surface for attachment thereto of a covering. |
| US07931338B2 |
Vehicle seat locking assembly
A vehicle seat locking assembly includes a vehicle seat locking pin for locking an associated vehicle seat back in a desired position when the locking pin is in a locked position, and a vehicle seat lever for moving the locking pin. One of the locking pin and the lever has a cam surface, and the other of the locking pin and the lever have a cam follower cooperatively engaged with the cam surface to move the locking pin to an unlocked position when the lever is moved to a release position. |
| US07931335B1 |
Car seat protector with chassis lock system
A car seat protector for covering and protecting a car seat from becoming soiled, where the car seat has a sitting area and a back rest, where the back rest has sides and a top, and where the car seat is mounted to a chassis such that the back rest is attached to the chassis and a gap is formed between the chassis and the back rest along the sides and the top of the back rest; and where the car seat protector comprises: a seat portion, comprising fabric of sufficient size and shape to cover the sitting area of the car seat; a back portion, comprising fabric of sufficient size and shape to cover the back rest of the car seat, where the back portion has sides and a top; a back side portion, comprising fabric extending from the sides and top of the back portion, where the back side portion is of sufficient size and shape to cover the sides and top of the back rest and extend beyond the gap formed between the chassis and the back rest; and a plurality of retention parts encased within the back side portion, such that the retention parts may be inserted into the gap formed between the chassis and the back rest. |
| US07931333B2 |
Automotive seat cushion with drain device
An automotive seat cushion with a drain device may include a seat cushion including a cushion pad which is disposed inside the seat cushion and a covering which is disposed outside the cushion pad and is connected to the cushion pad by a hog ring, a passenger classification sensor which is disposed between the cushion pad and the covering and detects whether a seat is occupied by an occupant or not, a drain hole which is formed by vertically penetrating the seat cushion, and a drain hole guide member which is inserted into the drain hole and engaged thereto to maintain a shape of the drain hole. |
| US07931329B2 |
Buffering structure for cargo box gate of truck
A buffering structure for the side gates of a cargo box of a truck is disclosed. The buffering structure includes front and rear side gates pivotally mounted on each side of the cargo box, and a middle column interposed between the front side gate and the rear side gate. Buffer members are interposed between the middle column and the front and rear side gates to resiliently support the front and rear side gates. Since the buffer member for resiliently supporting the front and rear side gates is installed on the middle column of the cargo box, deformation of the side gates is prevented and thus the lifespan of the cargo box is extended. Also, the generation of vibration and noise by friction comfort is reduced to improve driving comfort, as well as the smooth opening and closing of the side gates. |
| US07931328B2 |
Sidewall of a trailer including a logistics panel
A logistics panel includes a composite panel that is formed of inner and outer skins and a core member secured therebetween. The composite panel has top and bottom end portions and first and second side end portions. The composite panel further has an aperture set provided therethrough which defines at least one aperture which extends through the inner and outer skins and the core member and between the end portions. Multiple logistics panels can be used to form a sidewall of a trailer by joining the first side end portion of one panel to the second side end portion of an adjacent panel. Top and bottom rails are secured to the top and bottom end portions, respectively, of the panels. |
| US07931326B2 |
Tarp connector system and method of using same
The invention consists of a system for connecting tarps to a vehicle, comprising: a) bows for supporting tarps, the bows comprised of: i) one or more tarp connectors, each of the tarp connectors having a pair of channels for accepting a support pole and ii) one or more corner connectors adapted to receive an end of one of the tarp connectors; b) a plurality of tarps, each tarp secured to the tarp connectors by wrapping the tarp around the support pole and inserting the support pole into the channel of the tarp connector, wherein the bows are combined with the tarps to create an enclosed cargo area for the vehicle. |
| US07931324B2 |
Vehicle side article transporter device
The present invention is a container for a light-duty automobile such as a light-duty pickup truck or sport-utility vehicle having at least one opening, operably associated with the quarter panel of an automobile, an inner wall operably associated with the container, and a cover having a closed position and an open position operably associated with the opening. The cover includes a door inner, and a door outer. The invention also includes a first rail positioned between the container and the quarter panel. The container is integrally formed with the first rail, and is located between the first rail and the inner wall. The first rail supports the container, and the cover can be moved from the open position to the closed position, allowing access to the container. |
| US07931323B1 |
Fail-safe travel bar lock for RV slide-out room
An electromechanical travel bar lock assembly disables the flow of power to the power drive that moves a RV slide-out room between the traveling position and the deployed position. The assembly includes a bar for removably securing between the wall of the vehicle and the facer board of the slide-out room to prevent the room from moving. The travel bar is provided with an actuator that actuates, directly or indirectly, a switch means incorporated into the circuitry of the power drive so that power is not permitted to flow from its source to the drive, and the slide-out room cannot be moved when the travel bar is positioned between the vehicle wall and the facer board. The actuator, switch, and circuitry may embody any one of several different configurations and/or combinations. |
| US07931321B2 |
Bus stretcher conversion kit
A framework for supporting stretchers and method of assembling includes a sub-frame having an adjustable length header bar assembly and adjustable height outer frame legs connected to opposing ends of the header bar assembly. A secondary stretcher support is positioned laterally interior of and parallel with each outer frame leg, each of the secondary stretcher support and outer frame leg including stretcher holders. Interframe connectors are transversely positioned between pairs of sub-frames and pairs of secondary stretcher supports. Stretcher handles seat in the stretcher holder and the secondary stretcher support. The framework is configured to fit within varying dimensions of a mass transit vehicle and can be a component of a vehicle conversion kit. The kit can further include tools for assembling the framework, assembly instructions, and a crate for storing and transporting at least the framework, supports, tools, and assembly instructions. |
| US07931320B2 |
Self-adjusting load bar
A method is provided for assembling a load bar assembly. The method includes providing a first linear stage having a first alignment mechanism that is configured to move the load bar assembly in a first direction. A second linear stage is provided that includes a second alignment mechanism that is configured to move the load bar in a second direction that is different from the first direction. The first alignment mechanism is positioned with respect to the second alignment mechanism such that the first alignment mechanism and the second alignment mechanism are prevented from being back-driven. The first alignment mechanism and the second alignment mechanism are configured to lock if one of the first alignment mechanism and the second alignment mechanism fails. |
| US07931318B2 |
Bumper attachment portion structure
The present invention provides a bumper attachment portion structure that can ensure the deformation stroke of a side member when a vehicle impacts such that the vehicle is offset to one side in a vehicle width direction of a bumper. When a load that is equal to or greater than a predetermined value is inputted to a bumper attachment portion during an offset impact, an attachment releasing structure portion in a bumper bracket releases the state of attachment at a vehicle width direction inside part of that bumper attachment portion to thereby cause a point of origin of bending in the bumper attachment portion to be positioned in a vehicle width direction outside part. |
| US07931315B2 |
Bumper beam for automobile
A bumper beam includes two tubular bodies formed by tube hydroforming that extend left and right. The tubular bodies are joined to each other in a parallel state. The tubular bodies each have a rectangular vertical cross-section shape including top and bottom and front and rear sides. The tubular bodies are disposed in a line from top to bottom, and opposing surfaces thereof are joined together across the entire length in the longitudinal direction. |
| US07931314B2 |
Vehicle door outer handle system
A vehicle door outer handle system is provided in which a pair of electrodes and a circuit board on which is provided a detection circuit for detecting a change in capacitance between the electrodes are housed within an operating handle formed from a handle main body and a cover covering the outer side of the handle main body, the operating handle being disposed on an outer side of a vehicle door, and the electrodes (43) being patterned on the circuit board (44), the operating handle thereby being made thin. |
| US07931313B2 |
Magnetic latch mechanism
A latch with dual rotary magnets is particularly suited for releasably securing dual doors of a compartment in the closed position. Each rotary magnet holds in a closed position a magnetic insert attached to a respective door by magnetic attraction to secure both doors in the closed position relative to the compartment. |
| US07931312B2 |
Apparatus for opening and closing door
A door-operating lever is disposed on a base plate of a control unit. A door-operating knob includes an operation output portion that engages with a door-operating lever. When the door-operating knob is operated to open or close a door of a vehicle, the operation output portion engages with the door-operating lever in such a manner that the door-operating lever is rotated in a desired direction to cause a closed-door holding unit or an opened-door holding unit to release the door. |
| US07931305B2 |
Security document with transparent windows
The invention concerns a security document (1) comprising a transparent window (12) in which a first optical element (15) is arranged and a second transparent window (13) in which a second optical element (16) is arranged. The first transparent window (12) and the second transparent window (13) are arranged on a carrier (11) of the security document (1) in mutually spaced relationship in such a way that the first and the second optical elements (15, 16) can be brought into overlapping relationship with each other. The first optical element (15) has a first transmissive microlens field and the second optical element (16) has a second transmissive microlens field, wherein a first optical effect is produced upon overlap of the second microlens field with the first microlens field. |
| US07931302B2 |
Laterally extendible mud flap mounting assembly for vehicles
A mud flap mounting assembly for vehicles providing an elongate laterally extending central support beam defining a medial channel slidably carrying similar elongate mud flap extensions extendible from each opposing end to positions laterally outward of the vehicles' rear tires. The central support beam is secured to a ball mount receiving box beam extending rearwardly from the vehicle by two medial spacedly adjacent depending fastening arms carrying two vertically spaced fasteners extending therethrough above and below the receiving box beam. A mud flap mounting arm carrying a depending mud flap is fastened to the laterally outer end portion of each mud flap extension. A collar carried at the inner end portion of each mud flap mounting arm and having a releasable fastener positionally secures and maintains the mud flap extension and mud flap mounting arm to the central support beam. |
| US07931300B2 |
Anti-tip system for a power wheelchair
An anti-tip system is provided for improving the stability of a powered vehicle, such as a powered wheelchair. The vehicle includes a drive-train assembly pivotally mounted to a main structural frame. A suspension system biases the drive-train assembly and its connected anti-tip wheel to a predetermined resting position. The drive-train assembly bi-directionally rotates about a pivot in response to torque applied to or acceleration forces on the vehicle. A linkage arrangement is provided and is characterized by a suspension arm pivotally mounting to the main structural frame about a pivot at one end thereof and an anti-tip wheel at the other end. The linkage may further include at least one link operable to transfer the bi-directional displacement of the drive-train assembly to the suspension arm. The link may include a bell crank member and/or may be resiliently compressible. |
| US07931299B2 |
Low risk deployment airbag cushion
The application relates to an airbag with a venting assembly. An air bag cushion can include at least one panel and a tether that forms the venting assembly. The tether can include an attachment portion to attach the tether to a panel of the air bag cushion, an opening, at least one passive vent, and a discrete vent. The passive venting system can be formed by folding the tether over upon itself so that the opening and vents substantially lie above and below one another. |
| US07931295B2 |
Garnish
A garnish includes a garnish body which covers a folded air bag and a locking portion which is inserted to be locked in a mounting hole in a mounting base on a vehicle body. The locking portion holds the garnish body which is pressed by the air bag when the air bag is inflated to move so as to form a projecting space for the air bag. The locking portion includes a locking main body portion which is inserted to be locked in the mounting hole and a connecting piece portion. The connecting piece portion includes a locking base portion on which the locking main body portion is provided, connecting portions which are connected to a rear surface of the garnish body, and deformable portions lying between the locking base portion and the connecting portions and is molded integrally with the garnish body. The deformable portions deform to extend a distance between the locking base portion and the connecting portion when the garnish body moves towards a vehicle interior side. |
| US07931289B2 |
Airfoil shape for bicycle
The bicycle may have a frame and a seat post. A cross section of the seat post may have an airfoil shape wherein a leading surface is sharper (i.e. less round) compared to prior art airfoil shaped bicycle frames. Additionally, a maximum thickness of the airfoil shape may be located more rearward compared to prior art airfoil shaped bicycle frames and bicycle front forks. This configuration may provide for a reduction in drag. A battery pack may be mounted to a rear side of the seat post. |
| US07931285B2 |
Tag axle attachment for an off road agricultural applicator vehicle
The present invention provides a tag axle attachment for an off-road agricultural vehicle. The tag axle attachment allows agricultural vehicles to meet roadway weight restrictions imposed by the federal and state governments while also allowing the vehicle to perform optimally in the field. The tag axle is assembled such that it can be hydraulically lowered into a deployed position when the agricultural vehicle is on the roadway and hydraulically raised into a stowed position when the agricultural vehicle is in the field. The tag axle assembly is mounted to the chassis rails of an agricultural vehicle and positioned to fit between the chassis rails when stowed and minimizes the load per axle of the vehicle when deployed. |
| US07931283B2 |
Frame assembly for in-line skate
An in-line skate frame assembly has a rigid frame and an elongate grinding insert releasably engaged with the frame. The frame and insert are secured together to the sole of a shoe or boot by frame bolts extending through upper portions of the frame and insert. The frame has spaced side walls with downwardly facing recessed regions in which the insert is mounted. The insert extends along a major portion of the length of the frame and has a downwardly facing, centrally located grinding surface which terminates short of the opposite ends of the insert. Different inserts with grinding surfaces of different shapes and lengths are releasably secured to the frame for performing alternative grinding maneuvers. |
| US07931280B2 |
Electric discharge lamp control unit with sealing structure
The present invention provides an electric discharge lamp control unit which is capable of enhancing air-tightness in the electric discharge lamp while suppressing increase in the size thereof. The electric discharge lamp control unit for controlling lighting ON/OFF of an electric discharge lamp includes an electronic component in which a circuit element is implemented and which has a connector section for connection to an outside thereof; and a casing for housing the electronic component which includes a base on which the electronic component is mounted and a cover which covers the base. The thorough hole is sealed with the electronic components on the inner side of the base. |
| US07931276B2 |
Brush seal
A brush seal, comprising: a bristle arrangement with a plurality of bristles; and a joint securing the bristles together; plates flanking the bristle arrangement; and a feature on the plates to receive the joint. A brush seal, comprising: a plurality of bristles, each having a first end and an opposed second end; and plates receiving the bristles therebetween, each having a first end and a second end. The first ends of the bristles extend past the first end of the plates and the second ends of the bristles reside between the first and second ends of the plates. A method of repairing a brush seal, comprising the steps of: providing a brush seal having a bristle arrangement secured between plates; removing the bristle arrangement from the plates; providing a replacement bristle arrangement; and placing said replacement bristle arrangement between the plates. |
| US07931267B2 |
Sheet feed device with sheet tray guide unit
A sheet feed device includes a sheet tray and a guide unit. The sheet tray is configured to store a recording medium including a recording sheet. The guide unit is configured to support detachably the sheet tray. The guide unit includes a rotary member that is configured to contact an outer bottom surface of the sheet tray while contacting an outer side surface of the sheet tray, and rotate with mounting and detachment of the sheet tray. An image forming apparatus includes an image bearing member for bearing a latent image on a surface thereof, an exposure unit for exposing the image bearing member to form the latent image, a developing unit for developing the latent image with toner to form a visible image, a transfer unit for transferring the visible image onto the recording medium, and the sheet feed device. |
| US07931261B2 |
Signature hopper with lap straightening device
A signature hopper is provided comprising a first drum having a first gripper for a lead edge of a folded signature, a second drum having a second gripper for an open edge of the folded signature, the second gripper having a gripper finger with an end curled in a direction of rotation of the second drum, a dipper blade for pushing the open edge from the first drum toward the second drum so as to contact the gripper finger and a stationary signature guide spaced with respect to the first drum, the signature contacting the signature guide as the first drum rotates the signature past the signature guide. |
| US07931259B2 |
Sheet presser unit for folding unit
A sheet folding apparatus includes a sheet supporting member which has an inclined surface to support a stack of sheets, a sheet position adjuster which adjusts a position of the stack of sheets along the inclined surface, a sheet pressing unit which presses the stack of sheets from a lower side of the stack of sheets to an upper side of the stack of sheet, and a folding unit which folds the stack of sheets pressed by the sheet pressing unit. |
| US07931256B2 |
Hybrid humidifier for a fuel cell
Disclosed in a hybrid humidifier for a fuel cell that has a plurality of humidifying tubes, each of the tubes defining thereon a plurality of through holes. Also disclosed is a method for humidifying dry air in a hybrid humidifier. |
| US07931253B1 |
Quick coupling and uncoupling tube assembly
A coupling assembly for joining two fluid conduits together, consisting of a female component and a male component. Female component integrally construction of resilient material has a portion for snugly mating with a male component on one end, another portion for attaching a conduit on the opposing end, and internal valve means. Male component, that snugly press fits into the female component, has a mating portion with internal valve means and a conduit attachment portion. Valve means of assembly permits fluid flow when both components are fully engaged and terminates fluid flow when they are disengaged. Both components can be effortlessly couple together with a relatively low compressive force and automatically separate with a relatively low tensile force. |
| US07931252B2 |
Steam valve
A steam valve is provided with a valve body, a valve seat, and a valve rod provided for the valve body. The valve body has a bottom portion to which a recessed portion is formed, and the recessed portion has an edge, which is positioned on an upstream side of a place at which a shock wave is generated in steam flowing through a steam path defined by the valve body and the valve seat. |
| US07931247B2 |
Apparatus for mounting a jack device
An apparatus for mounting a jacking device is provided, which is fixed to a flat surface of a trunk compartment in a vehicle, and can conveniently mount the jacking device through pushing of the jacking device from the front to the rear. The mounted state of the jacking device is maintained by restraining the jacking device from being moved in all directions. The jacking device mounting apparatus includes a lower plate fixed to a flat surface in a vehicle, on which a jacking device is mounted; an upper plate placed over the lower plate and spaced apart from the lower plate to from a first space therebetween, a center portion of the upper plate being cut to form a second space; a locking pin for locking a forward of the upper plate; and locking-pin fixing brackets for fixing the locking pin. |
| US07931244B1 |
Device for equidistant bracketing of fixtures
A device for equidistant mounting of fixtures with bracket rails, axles, mounting brackets, and fixture clamp assembly. |
| US07931243B2 |
Speaker with monitor mountable stand
A speaker system with a mount pivotally secured to a speaker frame for detachably securing the speaker system to a display monitor is disclosed. The mount pivots relative to the frame so as to allow the display monitor to be operably received between the mount and frame thereby holding the speaker system in place. A securing structure is preferably provided to hold the mount at a desired position, and resilient padding is preferably provided between the frame, mount and display monitor. The mount can also have a substantially planar bottom surface which allows the speaker system to rest on a desktop simply by positioning the substantially planar bottom surface of the mount on the desktop. |
| US07931242B2 |
Support assemblies for pipes, conduits and tubes
Wall-mounted type support strut assemblies attach pipes, conduit, and tubes to surfaces in a sanitary manner. The strut assemblies repel contaminants, are easy to inspect, and are easy to clean. |
| US07931235B2 |
System for deicing the leading edge of a nose inlet cowl turbine engine
The invention concerns a system for deicing the leading edge of a nose inlet cowl for a turbine engine. The invention is characterized in that one of the two elements formed by the pressurized hot air supply duct (6) and by the protective casing (15) is longitudinally rigid, while the other of said elements comprises at least two mutually nested parts adapted to slide sealingly relative to each other; and said two elements (6, 15) are, on one side, rigidly fixed to one of said partitions (5) of the structure box (10), while, on the other side, said two elements are rigidly linked to each other (in 18) and are adapted to slide jointly relative to a sliding bearing (17) provided in the other partition (16). |
| US07931231B2 |
Engine anticipation for rotary-wing aircraft
A flight control system and method which determines an expected power required data in response to a flight control command of the at least one model following control law and utilizes the expected power required data to perform at least one action to control an engine speed. |
| US07931226B2 |
Method and machine for forming logs of web material, with a mechanical device for forming the initial turn of the logs
The rewinding machine includes a winding unit; a feed path of a web material; a separator device to sever the web material upon completion of winding each log; an insertion path of the winding cores towards the winding unit; a movable mechanical member to facilitate forming a first turn of web material around each winding core inserted in the insertion path. |
| US07931225B2 |
Water hose winding device
The present invention provides a water hose winding device. The winding device main body includes a water hose winding rack, a water inlet adapter, a water hose exit guide hole, a driving motor, and a gearing component. The water outlet end of the water hose is configured with a wireless winding control mechanism, which includes a radio signal transmitter and a control switch. The winding device main body is configured with a radio signal receiver to receive the wireless control signal transmitted by the radio signal transmitter, and the driving end radio signal receiver is electrically connected to the driving motor. When the driving end radio signal receiver receives the wireless control signal, it can start or shut off the driving motor. |
| US07931221B2 |
Mobile crusher unit
A mobile crusher unit is provided having a supporting framework (12) which is includes at least a crusher unit (13), a feed conveyor (11), and a dumping conveyor unit (14), and which can be relocated by means of a crawler undercarriage. To minimize construction height and weight the supporting framework and the traveling gear are configured as one unit, with parts of the supporting framework (12) serving as parts of the traveling gear, and with the crawlers (16) of the crawler vehicle protruding into recesses of the supporting framework. |
| US07931220B2 |
White pozzolan manufactured from post-consumer waste glass, products incorporating the same and methods of manufacturing the same
A clean dry white glass powder useful as a substitute for Portland cement in concrete, in paints, and for other known uses for glass powder produced conventionally can be produced from unsorted post-consumer waste glass, including a substantial fraction of non-glass items, by employing glass pulverizing equipment to reduce waste glass to small fragments, allowing removal of trash, employing a multistep washing process to clean the glass fragments, in the preferred embodiment using aggregate cleaning equipment, drying the fragments, preferably using fluidized bed techniques, and grinding the glass to a desired particle size, preferably using a ball mill, in combination with an air classification step to produce a bright white glass powder of uniform particle size. |
| US07931216B2 |
Double valve set
A double valve set includes a housing, a first nozzle and a second nozzle. The housing includes an outlet tube formed thereon. The first nozzle is disposed in the outlet tube. When used alone, the first nozzle is adapted to transfer the natural gas. The second nozzle is detachably connected to the outlet tube. The second nozzle can be used to transfer the tanked gas without having to remove the first nozzle from the outlet tube. |
| US07931208B2 |
System for user interaction with a computer system
Provided is a system for user interaction with a computer system. The system includes a printed surface having visible graphical information indicating a user selectable operation, and coded data. The coded data has a plurality of marks positioned relative to a predetermined pattern, the predetermined pattern having a rotationally invariant structure and an orientation target structure. The system further includes an optical sensing device for capturing images of the coded data, and a processor for determining relative rotation of the coded data from the images. |
| US07931206B2 |
Wireless IC device
A wireless IC device includes a radiation plate, a feeding circuit substrate on which a feeding circuit including a resonant circuit including an inductance element is provided, the feeding circuit being electromagnetically coupled to the radiation plate, and a wireless IC chip including a connection electrode, the wireless IC chip being disposed on the feeding circuit substrate. A mounting electrode is provided on the feeding circuit substrate. The frequency of signals sent and received using the radiation plate substantially corresponds to the resonant frequency of the resonant circuit. The wireless IC chip is electromagnetically coupled to the mounting electrode. |
| US07931204B2 |
Electronic microchip token and its fabrication process
A generally disc-shaped token of the type having a body produced by multiple injection of plastic material and method of fabricating the same, which includes a core produced by a first injection of plastic material and having a central portion defining the central portion of the body of the token and a peripheral portion with radial projections defining at least part of the edge of the body of the token. The core incorporates an insert including a contactless electronic microchip identification device buried in the central portion during the first injection and retained at its periphery by projections or fingers attached to the injection mold and defining openings in the core. The body of the token includes a covering layer produced by a second injection of plastic material around the peripheral portion of the core to produce in conjunction with the core the whole of the edge and the annular peripheral portion of the body of the token. A decorated label is fixed to each face of the token. The token may be used as a gaming chip or a casino chip. |
| US07931200B2 |
Image transformation device
This patent describes an alternative form of user interface for operating a device such as a camera comprising a card which is inserted in a machine. On the face of the card is contained a visual representation of the effect the card will have on the output of the machine. Preferably the camera device is capable of transforming a sensed image substantially in accordance with the transformation of a standard image comprising the visual representation and the transformation of the sensed image is printed out on the printer. Alternatively the machine comprises a book reader and the card includes a book's content for display by the book reader as indicated by the visual representation on the front of the card. On one surface of the card, the visual representation of the effect is displayed, and on a second surface, an optically encoded representation of the effect able to be read by a sensing device of the machine and decoded so as to produce the effect. |