| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US07952316B2 |
Variable frequency reduced speed variation electric drive
A multiple-winding induction machine may be used to obtain a reduced-speed-variation electric drive when using a variable-frequency power distribution system. Each winding may have a different number of poles. The winding with the smallest number of poles may operate the machine at the lowest bus frequency, while the winding with the largest number of poles may operate the machine at the highest bus frequency. In one embodiment, a third winding, with a middle number of poles, may operate the machine at the middle frequency ranges. The speed of the induction machine is a function of the electrical frequency and the number of the winding poles. Therefore, the operating speed range can be reduced by switching from one winding to another. According to the present invention, windings with different numbers of poles can be designed to achieve different reductions in speed variation. |
| US07952315B2 |
Cam drive system for an automated medication cart
The system includes a plurality of vertically spaced medication trays with a base assembly and a motor, responsive to computer commands, mounted on the base assembly. A drive shaft case member extends vertically from the base assembly. A cam assembly includes a plurality of spaced cam members, each cam member having concave portions and lobe portions on a peripheral surface thereof. A first drive clutch selectively engages the motor with both the drive shaft case member and the cam assembly for rotation of both in one direction, while a second drive clutch selectively engages the motor with just the cam assembly for rotation thereof in an opposing direction. The drive shaft case member has a cam follower assembly associated with each cam member, wherein one portion of the cam follower assembly engages the cam element and another portion engages an associated tray when the cam follower engages a selected concave portion on the cam element associated with the tray. |
| US07952311B2 |
Method and apparatus for variation of a rated current
The invention relates to a method for variation of a rated current which is specific of a motor by providing a rated current basic value signal (2) depending on a rated current basic value of the motor Irated, and by detecting an actual temperature Tact, providing a corresponding temperature signal (4), determining an actual rated current Iact depending on the rated current basic value signal (2) and the temperature signal (4), and providing a corresponding rated current signal (6). Additionally, the inventive method allows to determine the actual rated current depending on the speed of the motor. The invention also relates to a device for varying the rated current of a motor depending on a temperature and optionally depending on a speed of the motor. The inventive device can be used in a measuring system for determining the utilization rate and for monitoring the temperature of a motor. |
| US07952310B2 |
Controller of multi-phase electric motor
A controller of a multi-phase electric motor includes a drive section for driving the multi-phase electric motor, a single current detection section for detecting a current value of the multi-phase electric motor, a pulse width modulation signal (PWM) generation section for generating a PWM signal of each phase based on the current value detected by the current detection section and a saw-tooth signal having a predetermined frequency, a current detectability determination section for determining whether or not the current value is detectable in the current detection section based on the PWM signal of each phase generated by the PWM signal generation section, and a switching number determination section for determining whether or not conducting number of the upper arm switching element is an even number or an odd number based on the determination that the current is not detectable by the current detectability determination section. |
| US07952298B2 |
Split phase inverters for CCFL backlight system
An apparatus and method for driving a lamp are provided. In one embodiment, an inverter having four switching elements is split into two inverter arms that are deployed at separate terminals of a floating lamp structure to achieve even light output. A controller drives both inverter arms such that power switching lines do not cross the floating lamp structure. In one embodiment, the controller adjusts the brightness of the lamp structure by adjusting the phase difference between outputs of a first inverter arm relative to a second inverter arm. In one embodiment, the controller adjusts the brightness by symmetrically pulse width modulating the outputs of the first inverter arm and the second inverter arm. |
| US07952291B2 |
Discharge lamp having a visual-change timer
A discharge lamp having a visual-change timer is described. The visual-change timer is comprised of a ceramic material that provides an indication of the cumulative operating time of the lamp. The visual-change timer is expected be a help to consumers in avoiding unnecessary, premature, and costly lamp replacement and a help to lamp manufacturers in verifying the validity of warranty claims for replacement lamps. |
| US07952287B2 |
Traveling-wave tube 2D slow wave circuit
A two-dimensional circuit for a traveling-wave tube for millimeter and sub-millimeter electromagnetic waves synchronously interacts with an electron beam in a vacuum electronic microwave amplifier or oscillator. The circuit is a solid body having a length along the tube axis. The solid body has an electrically conductive top section and an electrically conductive bottom section. The top section is configured with a plurality of vertical vanes having a width and height and configured parallel to each other. The bottom section is similarly configured such that when the circuit is viewed in cross section along the length, the vanes on the bottom section are staggered with respect to the vanes on the top section. The top section and the bottom section are separated from each other to define a tunnel through the solid body along the length. |
| US07952286B2 |
Mercury source
The invention relates to a mercury source for a low-pressure discharge lamp comprising an amalgam body which is arranged on a front surface of a wire or enclosed in a perforated structure. The amalgam body or the perforated structure is provided with a protective coating with a getter effect. The invention enables a simple production process to be implemented with low costs in terms of materials. |
| US07952285B2 |
Metal halide lamp with cerium oxide seal
A metal halide lamp includes a ceramic discharge vessel and two electrodes. The discharge vessel encloses a discharge volume containing an ionizable gas filling including at least a metal halide, two current lead-through conductors connected to the respective electrode, and a seal having sealing material through which at least one of the respective current lead-through conductors issues to the exterior of the discharge vessel. The sealing material of the seal includes a ceramic sealing material with cerium oxide, aluminum oxide and silicon dioxide as a mixture of oxides and/or one or more mixed oxides. |
| US07952284B2 |
High-pressure discharge lamp
A metal halide lamp with a more stable lamp voltage, comprising a ceramic discharge vessel which encloses a discharge space, in which a first and a second electrode are arranged, which discharge vessel has a central zone extending between the electrodes and being closed at either side by a first and a second end zone, respectively, in which the first end zone surrounds, with little clearance, a current supply conductor connected to the first electrode and extending to the exterior through a seal to the wall of the first end zone, which current supply conductor has a halide-resistant section facing the discharge space and a section remote from the discharge space, wherein the halide-resistant section of the first current supply conductor comprises a wire made of tungsten or of tungsten alloyed with molybdenum. |
| US07952276B2 |
Organic light emitting display and method of manufacturing the same
In a method of manufacturing an organic light emitting display, an organic light emitting layer and a second electrode are sequentially formed on a first sub-electrode, and a laser beam is irradiated onto the organic light emitting layer to partially remove the organic light emitting layer, so that the first sub-electrode is electrically connected to the second electrode. Thus, even though the second electrode is formed to have a small thickness in order to maximize an amount of light that is generated by the organic light emitting layer and exits to an exterior through the second electrode, the second electrode is electrically connected to the first sub-electrode, thereby reducing an electrical resistance of the second electrode. |
| US07952275B2 |
Display device having a desiccant member contacting a common electrode
A display device includes a display panel divided into a display area and a non-display area. An encapsulation member covers the display panel, and a sealant is positioned between the display panel and the encapsulation member. A desiccant member is disposed between the display panel and the encapsulation member. The display panel includes an organic layer formed in the display area and a common electrode covering the organic layer, the common electrode extending in the non-display area. The desiccant member is disposed along a periphery of the common electrode in the non-display area. |
| US07952271B2 |
Organic light-emitting device
An organic light-emitting device includes a substrate; a first electrode; a second electrode facing the first electrode; an organic layer disposed on the first electrode; and an emitting layer interposed between the organic layer and the second electrode. The concentration of inorganic impurities within the organic layer is 1000 ppb or less. The organic light-emitting device has high light-emitting efficiency, low driving voltage, high brightness, and long life span. |
| US07952270B2 |
Electroluminescent device
An electroluminescent device comprising at least one electroluminescent light source (2) with an electroluminescent layer (21) for emitting a primary radiation with an emission characteristic around a mean emission direction (5), and at least one light-converting element (3) for converting at least part of the primary radiation into a secondary radiation, wherein the shape of the light-converting element (3) is adapted to the emission characteristic of the electroluminescent light source (2) so as to generate a defined correlated color temperature as a function of a viewing angle (10). |
| US07952263B1 |
Multi-spark inducing spark plug and associated method
A spark plug for use with an internal combustion vehicle engine preferably includes a housing having a single primary electrode and a single grounding electrode located subjacent to the single primary electrode. The single primary and grounding electrodes are spaced apart and thereby define a gap therebetween. A present invention further includes a mechanism for separately inducing a plurality of electric sparks between the single primary electrode and the single grounding electrode, respectively. Each of the electric sparks preferably has a separate and mutually exclusive firing point initiating from the single primary electrode and terminating at the single grounding electrode. |
| US07952262B2 |
Modular LED unit incorporating interconnected heat sinks configured to mount and hold adjacent LED modules
A modular LED unit having a number of LED modules separately mounted on individual interconnected preferably-extruded heat sinks, each heat sink having: a base configured to engage and hold an LED module in place and, in preferred forms, to facilitate the ganging of heat-sink/LED modules; and a plurality of fins, including inner-fins and side-fins, projecting from the opposite surface of the base and extending therealong, the side-fins having interlocking features to facilitate the ganging of heat-sink/module units together and, in preferred forms, to facilitate interconnection of the modular LED unit to other portions of a lighting fixture. |
| US07952260B2 |
Ultrasound imaging system
An ultrasound imaging system (100). An exemplary system (100) includes a plurality of transducer elements (136) formed in subarrays (140) and a plurality of subarray circuit units (160′), with each circuit unit (160′) connected to a subarray (140) of the transducer elements (136). The circuitry in each unit (160′) comprises a plurality of integrated circuits (330, 340, 350), with at least a first (340) of the integrated circuits formed over a second (330) of the integrated circuits in a stacked configuration. In an example illustration the first integrated circuit (340) includes a first plurality of first bond pads (345) along a surface (342) thereof and the second integrated circuit (330) includes a second plurality of second bond pads (335) along a surface (331) thereof, with bond wires (344) extending between pairs of first and second bond pads to provide input/output signal connections therebetween. |
| US07952259B2 |
Electronic apparatus with a micro-electromechanical switch made of a piezoeletric material
The device improved according to the invention comprises a micro-electromechanical switch (MEMS) with a piezoelectric element connected to a mechanical support on both sides at the edges. The electrode design of this piezoelectric element is characterized by two electrodes mounted on at least one of the surfaces. |
| US07952255B2 |
Rotor for an electrical machine and electrical machine for a drivetrain in a motor vehicle
A rotor and an electrical machine for a motor vehicle drivetrain. The rotor includes a rotor carrier with a radial supporting area, an axial supporting area, which extends axially with respect to the axis of rotation of the rotor and which is connected to the radial supporting area and has an inner or an outer first circumferential surface, and a rotor component which conducts magnetic flux and is arranged at the circumferential surface of the axial supporting area. To achieve a rotationally locking connection between the rotor carrier and the rotor component conducting magnetic flux, it is proposed to form the axial supporting area with a positive engagement profile which extends in axial direction of the rotor for receiving, in a positive engagement, the rotor component conducting magnetic flux. |
| US07952252B2 |
Inner rotor type permanent magnet excited transverse flux motor
Disclosed herein is an inner rotor type permanent magnet excited transverse flux motor, in which a laminated structure in an axial direction or in a radial shape is applied to a stator iron core so as to employ a small amount of permanent magnets compared with a conventional outer rotor type permanent magnet excited transverse flux motor, thus providing high output power, increasing the efficiency of power generation, and reducing noise and vibration. For this, the present invention provides an inner rotor type permanent magnetic excited transverse flux motor comprising: a stator including a stator powdered iron core press-molded using a mold, a stator laminated iron core laminated on upper and lower layer portions of the circumference of the stator powdered iron core at regular intervals, and a stator winding which winds the segmented stator powdered iron core in which a current flows is wound between the intervals; and a rotor in which a rotor permanent magnet and a rotor powdered iron core are arranged alternately to face each other. |
| US07952249B2 |
Permanent-magnet type electric rotating machine and permanent-magnet type electric rotating machine system for automobile or train
A rotor is deployed such that the rotor becomes coaxially rotatable with a stator. A shaft is fixed onto the axis of a rotor iron-core. 1-pole constituting magnet slots are deployed into V-character pattern along an outer circumference portion of the rotor iron-core. Permanent magnets are embedded into the magnet slots. For the 1 pole, the 2 pieces of same-polarity permanent magnets are embedded into the V-character pattern. The configuration of each embedded permanent magnet is designed as follows: From the thickness of the permanent-magnet edge portion on the inner-diameter side of the rotor iron-core, which becomes the center of the V-character pattern, the thickness of the permanent magnet gradually increases toward the outer-diameter side of the rotor iron-core, which become the right and left edge portions of the V-character pattern. Simultaneously, curved lines are provided on both edge portions of the permanent magnet. |
| US07952248B2 |
Piezoelectric generator
A generator that collects oscillation energy to convert to electric energy, the generator including a support portion made of non-piezoelectric material, a piezoelectric body disposed on the support portion and having a polarization direction perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the support portion, the piezoelectric body being configured to oscillate in an oscillating direction to generate the oscillation energy, the oscillating direction perpendicular to the polarization direction, a first electrode provided on a first surface of the piezoelectric body parallel to the polarization direction, a second electrode provided on a second surface of the piezoelectric body parallel to the polarization direction, and a weight disposed on a third surface of the piezoelectric body facing the support portion. |
| US07952246B2 |
Electric compressor
To provide an electric compressor in which the occurrence of shrink-fitting failures can be prevented when a stator is shrink-fitted in a motor case. Provided are a casing (67) in which the inner circumferential surface of the cylinder is provided with a first inner circumference (101) and a second inner circumference (103) whose radius is larger than the first inner circumference (101), the inner circumference (101) having an inclination that becomes more distant from a central axis (C) from a bottom face (79) toward an opening (85); a compressing unit that compresses fluid; and a rotor and a stator that rotationally drive the compressing unit, wherein the first inner circumference (101) and the second inner circumference (103) are provided with a substantially cylindrical insertion surface (105) whose radius is larger than the second inner circumference (103) and in which the stator is inserted; and at least the first inner circumference (101) is provided with an enlarged diameter portion (109) whose radius is larger than the insertion surface (105) and which makes the distance from the end at the opening (85) side of the insertion surface (105) to the opening (85) substantially equal. |
| US07952235B2 |
Electronic power-saving device
A single-phase electronic power-saving device includes at least one power-saving unit. The power-saving unit includes two ceramic piece capacitors, a safe capacitor, an inductor, a SCR, a first resistor, a second resistor, a live wire and a zero line; the two ceramic piece capacitors connected in series as a whole is connected in parallel with the safe capacitor to two terminals of which are connected the anode and the cathode of SCR, respectively; the anode of SCR is also connected to one terminal of the inductor, the branch composed of the first and the second resistors connected in series is connected in parallel so that one terminal of which is connected to one terminal of the inductor and the other is connected to the cathode of SCR; the gate of SCR is connected between the first and the second resistors. |
| US07952227B2 |
Feed intermediate apparatus, feeding system, and feed intermediate method
A feed hub includes a priority receiving unit that acquires priority indicating degree of need of electricity feed, for each of plural terminals, a feed relation determining unit that selects two communication devices having different priorities acquired by the priority receiving unit, determines the communication device having lower priority as a feed source and the communication device having higher priority as a feed destination from the selected communication devices, an electricity switching unit that connects the feed source and the feed destination determined by the feed relation determining unit, and a feed requesting unit that requests the feed source determined by the feed relation determining unit to feed electricity. |
| US07952226B2 |
Insulating control device and method for vehicle proximity remote
A system and method for controlling the radio frequency emissions of a proximity remote keyless system for permitting or denying remote access to premises of a vehicle. The source power is controlled to thereby control when the vehicle is authorized to start. The proximity remote can thus be left in the vehicle and controlled by another external source. The device of the invention is adapted to be inserted between a battery, which powers the proximity remote, and insulates the battery from an associated battery base contact. The device comprises a conductive contact on opposite sides of an insulating plate and at least one wire connected to each conductive contact. The wires can be connected to an external device, thus allowing external electrical or mechanical control of the proximity remote, with the proximity remote being only able to transmit to the vehicle if the battery is connected to the battery base contact. |
| US07952224B2 |
Power supply system, vehicle including the power supply system, control method for power supply system, and computer-readable recording medium having program recorded thereon for computer to execute the control method
A discharge share ratio calculation unit (52) calculates, for each power storage device, a remaining electric power quantity before an SOC is reached with respect to which an allowable discharge electric power is restricted, and calculates a discharge power share ratio between power storage devices according to the ratio of the remaining electric power quantity. A charge share ratio calculation unit (54) calculates, for each power storage device, a chargeable quantity before an SOC is reached with respect to which an allowable charge electric power is restricted, and calculates a charge power share ratio between power storage devices according to the ratio of the chargeable quantity. When electric power is supplied from a power supply system to a drive force generation unit, each converter is controlled according to the discharge power share ratio and, when electric power is supplied from the drive force generation unit to the power supply system, each converter is controlled according to the discharge power share ratio. |
| US07952218B2 |
Buoyancy pump power system
A system for generating electricity includes a pump operable to convert wave motion from a body of water into mechanical energy. The pump includes an input port through which an operating fluid can enter the pump and an output port through which the operating fluid can exit the pump. A first outlet line and a second outlet line are fluidly coupled to the output port of the pump. A first reservoir is fluidly connected to the first outlet line, and a second reservoir is fluidly connected to the second outlet line, both reservoirs being selectively capable of receiving operating fluid driven through the output port. |
| US07952216B2 |
Wind turbine generator system
A wind turbine generator system can regulate the rotational velocity of the wind turbine within an operation range even when the wind velocity suddenly changes and can perform continuous operation of the wind turbine. The wind turbine generator system includes a generator connected to the shaft of the wind turbine and a converter connected to the generator. When the rotational velocity of the wind turbine is within a predetermined range, power outputted from the generator is controlled so as to follow the instruction concerning the generator output given from the wind turbine to the converter. When the rotational velocity of the wind turbine is out of the predetermined range, the power outputted from the generator is controlled without following the instruction concerning generator output given from the wind turbine to the converter. |
| US07952214B2 |
Wind power generation system and method of controlling power converter
A wind power generation system temporarily stops a power converter when a system disturbance occurs, and reactivates the power converter after detecting a solution of the problem of an influence (overcurrent of a stator, direct current component of a stator, overcurrent of a rotor, etc.) of a fault occurring in a doubly-fed generator during a system fault. During a system fault, a reactive current can be safely output from a doubly-fed generator to an electric power system without destroying equipment of the wind power generation system. |
| US07952213B2 |
Overlay mark arrangement for reducing overlay shift
An overlay mark arrangement for reducing the asymmetric profile and an overlay shift during an integrated circuit manufacturing process is disclosed. In one embodiment, the overlay mark arrangement may comprise a first mark, a second mark and a stress releasing means. The first mark is used to indicate the position of a lower layer, the second mark is used to indicate the position of an upper layer; and the stress releasing means is used to release the film stress induced by the upper layer. Unlike the conventional overlay mark arrangements, which will have a severe overlay mark shift due to the film stress, the asymmetric overlay mark profile can be improved by using multiple trenches around the overlay marks according to certain embodiments of the invention disclosed herein. |
| US07952210B2 |
Semiconductor package and fabrication method thereof
There is provided a semiconductor package comprising: a multilayer thin film structure including a plurality of dielectric layers and at least one or more redistribution layers; a semiconductor chip positioned at one side of the multilayer thin film structure and electrically connected to the redistribution layer; and a solder bump formed at the other side of the multilayer thin film structure. The multilayer thin film structure functions as the substrate for the semiconductor package and realizes the light, thin, short and small BGA package without any additional substrate. A plurality of the packages can be simultaneously formed at wafer level or carrier level, to simplify the process and to be favorable for mass production. After the semiconductor chips are formed at wafer level, only the semiconductor chips having the excellent operation characteristic through the test are selectively bonded to the multilayer thin film structure, to provide the high quality package products in which the fault rate is maximally reduced. The light, thin, short and small BGA package according to the present invention enables small and slim communication devices, displayers and other diverse electronic devices, to be contributed to the increase of the competitiveness of the products to which the BGA package is applied. |
| US07952208B2 |
Substrate, manufacturing method thereof, method for manufacturing semiconductor device
A substrate on which an IC element is fixed includes: a plurality of metal posts arranged in a plurality of columns in a lengthwise direction and in a plurality of rows in a crosswise direction when viewed in a plan view, the plurality of metal posts having first faces and second faces that face an opposite side to a side that the first faces face; first marks each of the first marks being disposed on extending lines of the plurality of columns; and second marks, each of the second marks being disposed on extending lines of the plurality of rows. |
| US07952206B2 |
Solder bump structure for flip chip semiconductor devices and method of manufacture therefore
The invention provides, in one aspect, a semiconductor device that comprises an interconnect layer located over a semiconductor substrate. A passivation layer is located over the interconnect layer and having a solder bump support opening formed therein. Support pillars that comprise a conductive material are located within the solder bump support opening. |
| US07952205B2 |
Injection molded soldering process and arrangement for three-dimensional structures
A method of implementing an injection molded soldering process for three-dimensional structures, particularly, such as directed to three-dimensional semiconductor chip stacking. Also provide is an arrangement for implementing the injection molded soldering (IMS) process. Pursuant to an embodiment of the invention, the joining of the semiconductor chip layers with a substrate is implemented, rather than by means of currently known wire bond stacking, through the intermediary of columns of solder material formed by the IMS process, thereby providing electrical advantages imparted by the flip chip interconnect structures. In this connection, various diversely dimensioned solder column interconnects allow for simple and dependable connections to a substrate by a plurality of superimposed layers or stacked arrays of semiconductor components, such as semiconductor chips. In accordance with a further aspect, it is possible to derive a unique design for an IMS mold structure, which contains cavities for forming the columnar fill of solder, and which also incorporates further cavities acting as cutouts for dies or the positioning of other electronic packages or modules. |
| US07952201B2 |
Semiconductor device including stacked semiconductor chips
A semiconductor device comprising a plurality of semiconductor chips and a plurality of through-line groups is disclosed. Each of the through-line groups consists of a unique number of through-lines. The numbers associated with the through-line groups are mutually coprime to each other. When one of the through-lines is selected for the each through-line group, one of the semiconductor chip is designated by a combination of the selected through-lines of the plurality of the through-line groups. |
| US07952198B2 |
BGA package with leads on chip
A BGA package primarily includes a leadless leadframe with a plurality of leads, a chip disposed on the leads, a die-attaching layer adhering to an active surface of the chip and the top surfaces of the leads, a plurality of bonding wires electrically connecting the chip to the leads, an encapsulant, and a plurality of solder balls. Each lead has a bottom surface including a wire-bonding area and a ball-placement area, moreover, a plurality of lips project from the bottom surfaces of the leads around the ball-placement areas. The encapsulant encapsulates the chip, the bonding wires, the die-attaching layer, and the top surfaces, the bottom surfaces except the ball-placement areas. The solder balls are disposed on the ball-placement areas. |
| US07952190B2 |
Fabrication of microelectronic devices
A method and apparatus for fabrication of microelectronic devices are shown. In an embodiment of the invention, a microelectronic device comprises a die, the die comprising a first side, a second side, and an edge; a first plate, the first plate coupled with the die; and a package, the die being coupled with the package. |
| US07952189B2 |
Hermetic packaging and method of manufacture and use therefore
An embodiment of the present invention provides a method of manufacturing hermetic packaging for devices on a substrate wafer, comprising forming a plurality of adhesive rings on a cap wafer or the substrate wafer, bonding the cap wafer to the substrate wafer with an adhesive layer, forming trenches in the cap wafer and the adhesive rings along outer rim of the adhesive rings, and covering sidewall of the trenches by at least one deposited film to provide a diffusion barrier to moisture or gas. |
| US07952188B2 |
Semiconductor module with a dielectric layer including a fluorocarbon compound on a chip
A module is described having a semiconductor chip which has at least one contact pad. A first dielectric layer, which contains a fluorocarbon compound, as well as a first wiring layer are applied to the semiconductor chip. |
| US07952182B2 |
Semiconductor device with package to package connection
A semiconductor package comprises a first package; a second package that is provided on the first package; and a first interconnect that comprises a bump to couple to the first package and a base material layer to cover the bump, wherein the second package is supported on the base material layer that is coupled to the bump. |
| US07952177B2 |
Resin-sealed semiconductor device, leadframe with die pads, and manufacturing method for leadframe with die pads
A resin-sealed semiconductor device with built-in heat sink prevents internal bulging and cracking caused by exfoliation of a semiconductor element from the heat sink when the vapor pressure of moisture absorbed into a gap between the semiconductor element and the heat sink rises during mounting of the semiconductor device to a printed circuit board using lead-free solder. By providing a plurality of separated die pads (502) in a mounting area for a semiconductor element (301) and adhering the semiconductor element (301) to the heat sink (105) via the die pads (502), space is opened up between the semiconductor element (301) and the heat sink (105) for sealing resin (304) to run into. |
| US07952175B2 |
Lead frame, semiconductor package including the lead frame and method of forming the lead frame
Provided are a lead frame and a semiconductor package including the same. The lead frame includes a first lead frame portion including a plurality of first leads; an adhesive member disposed such that the first leads are adhered to one surface of the adhesive member; and a second lead frame portion including a plurality of second leads disposed such that the second leads are adhered to the other surface of the adhesive member, wherein the second leads are arranged so as not to overlap with the first leads. The lead frame may optionally include a die pad on which a semiconductor chip is installed. |
| US07952173B2 |
Nanometric device with a hosting structure of nanometric elements
A nanometric device comprising a substrate; a plurality of conductive spacers of a conductive material, each conductive spacer being arranged on top of and transverse to the substrate, the conductive spacers including respective pairs of conductive spacers defining respective hosting seats each of less than 30 nm wide; and a plurality of nanometric elements respectively accommodated in the hosting seats. |
| US07952172B2 |
Semiconductor optical element
A light receiving element 1 has a semiconductor substrate 101; a first mesa 11 provided over the semiconductor substrate 101, and having an active region and a first electrode (p-side electrode 111) provided over the active region; a second mesa 12 provided over the semiconductor substrate 101, and having a semiconductor layer and a second electrode (n-side electrode 121) provided over the semiconductor layer; and a third mesa 13 provided over the semiconductor substrate 101, and having a semiconductor layer, wherein the third mesa 13 is arranged so as to surround the first mesa 11. |
| US07952171B2 |
Die stacking with an annular via having a recessed socket
A die stack including a die having an annular via with a recessed conductive socket and methods of forming the die stack provide a structure for use in a variety of electronic systems. In an embodiment, a die stack includes a conductive pillar on the top of a die inserted into the recessed conductive socket of another die. |
| US07952167B2 |
Scribe line layout design
A scribe line layout design to reduce the damage caused by sawing the wafer is presented. An embodiment comprises metal plates located within the scribe lines and at least partially within the junctions of the scribe lines. Each of these metal plates has one or more slots to help relieve the pressure. Alternatively, instead of metal plates, grooves that may be filled with metal could be placed into the scribe lines. These metal plates could also be used concurrently with a seal ring for better protection during sawing. |
| US07952166B2 |
Semiconductor device with switch electrode and gate electrode and method for switching a semiconductor device
A semiconductor device with switch electrode and gate electrode and a method for switching a semiconductor device. One embodiment provides a semiconductor substrate with an emitter region, a drift region, a body region and a source region. The drift region is formed between the emitter and the body region while the body region is formed between the drift and the source region. A first trench structure extends from the source region at least partially into the drift region. The first trench structure includes a gate electrode arranged next to the body region and a switch electrode arranged in portions next to the drift region, wherein the switch and gate electrodes are electrically insulated from each other in the trench structure. A first gate driver is electrically connected to the gate electrode while a second gate driver is electrically connected to the switch gate. |
| US07952164B2 |
Semiconductor device
The semiconductor device includes a resistor cell that includes a diffused layer resistor, a P-well contact and an N-well contact. The diffused layer resistor is arranged on a semiconductor substrate and is formed by a diffused layer. The P-well contact surrounds an outer rim of the diffused layer resistor and is formed by another diffused layer. The N-well contact is arranged surrounding the outer rim of the P-well contact and is formed by a further diffused layer. Both the P-well and N-well contacts are partitioned into contact portions. Control electrode layer portions are arranged between neighboring contact sections of the P-well contact so the contact sections of the P-well contact and the control electrode layer portions alternate. Control electrode layer portions are arranged between neighboring contact sections of the N-well contact so that the contact sections of the N-well contact and the control electrode layer portions alternate with one another. |
| US07952159B2 |
Photo sensor and flat display panel
A photo sensor includes a patterned shielding conductive layer disposed on a transparent substrate, and a buffer dielectric layer, a patterned semiconductor layer, and a dielectric layer disposed on the patterned shielding layer in order. The patterned semiconductor layer includes an intrinsic region, a first doped region, and a second doped region, wherein the first and second doped regions are positioned at two sides of the intrinsic region separately. A patterned transparent conductive layer is disposed on the dielectric layer and covers the boundary of the intrinsic region and the first doped region and the boundary of the intrinsic region and the second doped region. The patterned transparent conductive layer is electrically connected to the patterned shielding conductive layer. |
| US07952151B2 |
Semiconductor devices including fin shaped semiconductor regions and stress inducing layers
A semiconductor device may include a substrate, an active semiconductor region of the substrate, and a gate electrode. The active semiconductor region may include a channel region between first and second junction regions. The channel region may include a first semiconductor material, the first and second junction regions may include a second semiconductor material, and the first and second semiconductor materials may be different. The gate electrode may be on the channel region with portions of the first and second junction regions being free of the gate electrode. |
| US07952149B2 |
Anti-halo compensation
An apparatus and method for controlling the net doping in the active region of a semiconductor device in accordance with a gate length is provided. A compensating dopant is chosen to be a type of dopant which will electrically neutralize dopant of the opposite type in the substrate. By implanting the compensating dopant at relatively high angle and high energy, the compensating dopant will pass into and through the gate region for short channels and have little or no impact on the total dopant concentration within the gate region. Where the channel is of a longer length, the high implant angle and the high implant energy cause the compensating dopant to lodge within the channel thereby neutralizing a portion of the dopant of the opposite type. |
| US07952148B2 |
Method of manufacturing semiconductor device and semiconductor device
A semiconductor device according to the embodiments comprises a gate insulator formed on a substrate, the gate insulator including a high-dielectric film in whole or part, a reaction film including a first metal on the gate insulator; a metal film including a second metal on the reaction film; and a film including Si formed on the metal film. |
| US07952146B2 |
Grain growth promotion layer for semiconductor interconnect structures
An interconnect structure of the single or dual damascene type and a method of forming the same, which substantially reduces the electromigration problem that is exhibited by prior art interconnect structures, are provided. In accordance with the present invention, a grain growth promotion layer, which promotes the formation of a conductive region within the interconnect structure that has a bamboo microstructure and an average grain size of larger than 0.05 microns is utilized. The inventive structure has improved performance and reliability. |
| US07952145B2 |
MOS transistor device in common source configuration
A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate, a first p-channel laterally diffused metal oxide semiconductor (LDMOS) transistor formed over the semiconductor substrate and additional p-channel LDMOS transistors formed over the semiconductor substrate. First drain and gate electrodes are formed over the substrate and are coupled to the first LDMOS transistor. Additional drain and gate electrodes are formed over the substrate and are coupled to the second LDMOS transistor. A common source electrode for the first and second LDMOS transistors is also formed over the substrate. |
| US07952135B2 |
Semiconductor integrated circuit device and a method of manufacturing the same
A semiconductor device having a nonvolatile memory cell which includes a semiconductor substrate, a first insulating film formed over the semiconductor substrate, a control electrode formed over the first insulating film, the first insulating film acting as a gate insulator for the control gate electrode, a second insulating film formed over the semiconductor substrate, and a memory gate electrode formed over the second insulating film and being adjacent to the control gate electrode, the second insulating film acting as a gate insulator for the memory gate electrode and featuring a non-conductive charge trap film, the control gate electrode having a different type conductivity than that of the memory gate electrode. The second insulating film may be a laminated multi-layered insulator featuring a non-conductive charge trap film as an intermediate layer therein which is made of a silicon nitride film. |
| US07952134B2 |
Semiconductor memory device and method of forming the same
Provided are a semiconductor device and a method of forming the semiconductor device. The semiconductor device includes an active region of which an edge is curved. The semiconductor device includes a gate insulating layer, a floating gate, a gate interlayer dielectric layer and a control gate line on the active region. The semiconductor device includes an oxide pattern having a concave top surface between adjacent floating gates. The control gate may be sufficiently spaced apart from the active region by the oxide pattern. The method can provide a semiconductor device that includes a reoxidation process, an active region having a curved edge and an oxide pattern having a top surface of a curved concave shape. |
| US07952122B2 |
Strained semiconductor device and method of making same
To form a semiconductor device, an electrode layer is formed over a semiconductor body. The electrode layer includes an amorphous portion. A liner, e.g., a stress-inducing liner, is deposited over the electrode layer. The electrode layer is annealed to recrystallize the amorphous portion of the electrode layer. The liner can then be removed and an electronic component (e.g., a transistor) that includes a feature (e.g., a gate) formed from the electrode layer can be formed. |
| US07952120B2 |
Semiconductor device
Provided are embodiments of a semiconductor device having bit lines and bit bar lines. The bit lines and the bit bar lines are arranged in alternate succession across a substrate. At least two of proximate bit lines, bit line bars, power lines, and ground lines of the semiconductor device are formed on different layers, in order to reduce defects due to particles between lines, and increase yield. |
| US07952113B2 |
Flat lighting device and a method for the production thereof
A flat lighting device (10, 10′) that has light-emitting lighting elements (1) arranged on a carrier, which are connected to current supply and current discharge lines (4′) to supply current. The carrier has the form of a metallic sheet (2), which is covered with an insulating layer (3), on which series connections of a lighting element (3) and a surface resistor (5) are arranged between the current supply and current discharge lines (4′). One lighting element (1) and one surface series resistor (5) of a series connection and the series connections and the current supply and current discharge lines (4′) are connected to one another by conductor paths. There is also a method for producing lighting devices of this type. |
| US07952110B2 |
LED device with re-emitting semiconductor construction and converging optical element
A light source is provided comprising an LED component having an emitting surface, which may comprise: i) an LED capable of emitting light at a first wavelength; and ii) a re-emitting semiconductor construction which comprises a second potential well not located within a pn junction having an emitting surface; or which may alternately comprise a first potential well located within a pn junction and a second potential well not located within a pn junction; and which additionally comprises a converging optical element. |
| US07952108B2 |
Reducing thermal expansion effects in semiconductor packages
Reducing effects of thermal expansion in electronic components. An electronic device can include a support, such as a leadframe. An electronic component can be supported by the support. A first flexible layer can cover the electronic component. A second more rigid layer can cover the first layer. The first layer can be made from a material that is more flexible than the second layer thereby creating a mechanical buffer layer between the second layer and the electronic component such that the electronic component is protected from thermal expansion of the second portion caused by changes in temperature. The electronic component can be a laser. The first and second materials can be selected to disperse an optical emission from the optical transmitter. |
| US07952107B2 |
Solid state light sheet and encapsulated bare die semiconductor circuits with electrical insulator
An electronically active sheet includes a bottom substrate having a bottom electrically conductive surface. A top substrate having a top electrically conductive surface is disposed facing the bottom electrically conductive surface. An electrical insulator separates the bottom electrically conductive surface from the top electrically conductive surface. At least one bare die electronic element is provided having a top conductive side and a bottom conductive side. Each bare die electronic element is disposed so that the top conductive side is in electrical communication with the top electrically conductive surface and so that the bottom conductive side is in electrical communication with the bottom electrically conductive surface. |
| US07952096B2 |
CMOS image sensor with improved backside surface treatment
An apparatus and method for fabricating an array of backside illuminated (“BSI”) image sensors is disclosed. Front side components of the BSI image sensors are formed into a front side of the array. A dopant layer is implanted into a backside of the array. The dopant layer establishes a dopant gradient to encourage photo-generated charge carriers to migrate towards the front side of the array. At least a portion of the dopant layer is annealed. A surface treatment is formed on the backside of the dopant layer to cure surface defects. |
| US07952093B2 |
Semiconductor device and method of fabricating the same
The purpose of the present invention is to provide a reliable semiconductor device comprising TFTs having a large area integrated circuit with low wiring resistance. One of the features of the present invention is that an LDD region including a region which overlaps with a gate electrode and a region which does not overlap with the gate electrode is provided in one TFT. Another feature of the present invention is that gate electrode comprises a first conductive layer and a second conductive layer and portion of the gate wiring has a clad structure comprising the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer with a low resistance layer interposed therebetween. |
| US07952086B2 |
Phase-change nonvolatile memory device using Sb-Zn alloy
Provided are a phase-change nonvolatile memory device and a manufacturing method thereof. The device includes: a substrate; and a stack structure disposed on the substrate and including a phase-change material layer. The phase-change material layer is formed of an alloy of antimony (Sb) and zinc (Zn), so that the phase-change memory device can stably operate at high speed and reduce power consumption. |
| US07952080B2 |
Radiation detecting cassette and medical system
An image capturing system includes a cassette having a radiation detector, an image memory, and a cassette controller, an image capturing apparatus, a display device, and a host computer. The cassette controller comprises a capacity value transmitter for transmitting a capacity value of the radiation image information to the host computer before transmission process, and an image transmitter for transmitting the radiation image information. The host computer comprises an indicator controller for controlling the display device to display an indicator representing the capacity value received from the cassette as the upper limit, and a bar controller for controlling the display device to display a bar moving toward the indicator and having a length corresponding to the received capacity value of the radiation image information while the radiation image information is being received. |
| US07952076B2 |
Radiation imaging system and nuclear medicine diagnosis instrument therefor
A radiation imaging system is configured by a collimator 30A including a detector 21 with a discrete detection pixel corresponding with a pixel and a plurality of radiation passages 31 and looks into a plurality of detectors 21 through one radiation passage 31 to set a step width of rotation around a rotation center axis X1 only for an angle θp made by lines provided by connecting a center detector 21 of the radiation passage 31 and the adjacent two detectors 21. In the case of generating a flat plane projection image for one direction, radio-graphing is carried out on a projection image in a plurality of predetermined angle positions (−θp, 0, +θp) in the circumferential direction of the rotation center axis X1 and thereby one plane projection image is obtained. |
| US07952073B2 |
Apparatus and method including a direct bombardment detector and a secondary detector for use in electron microscopy
An apparatus for use with an electron beam for imaging a sample. The apparatus has a down-conversion detector configured to detect an electron microscopy signal generated by the electron beam incident on the sample, a direct bombardment detector adjacent to the down-conversion detector and configured to detect the electron microscopy signal, and a mechanism selectively exposing the down-conversion detector and the direct bombardment detector to the electron microscopy signal. A method using the apparatus is also provided. |
| US07952068B2 |
Methods for detecting catecholamines by mass spectrometry
Provided are methods for determining the amount of one or more of one or more of epinephrine (E), norepinephrine (NE), and dopamine (D) in a sample using mass spectrometry. The methods generally involve ionizing one or more of E, NE, and D in a sample and detecting and quantifying the amount of the ion to determine the amount of one or more of E, NE, and D in the sample. |
| US07952064B2 |
Device and method for processing and/or analyzing image information representing radiation
A method for processing and/or analyzing image information representing radiation in a spatially resolved manner using an optical system coupled to at least one detector includes the step of collecting said image information with said optical system using at least one micromechanical mirror moved such that the image information is scanned and coupled sequentially into the at least one detector. |
| US07952052B2 |
Welding torch maintenance center
A welding torch maintenance center that uses a microcontroller to control the operation, to configure the maintenance center, to repeat the reaming process for excessive spatter deposit inside the nozzle, to spray the nozzle with anti-spatter fluid, to cut the welding wire, to provide a tool center point check signal, and to provide diagnostic information. |
| US07952048B2 |
Plasma source with discharge inducing bridge and plasma processing system using the same
A plasma source with discharge inducing bridges and a plasma processing system using the same. The plasma source may be constructed with a number of discharge inducing bridges, each discharge inducing bridge containing a magnetic core with a primary winding of a transformer. The discharge inducing bridges are positioned so as to face a susceptor. Each discharge inducing bridge is a hollow tube. When the electrical current of the primary winding of the transformer is driven, magnetic flux is induced to the magnetic core, so that inductive coupled plasma is formed around the discharge inducing bridges, and a plasma discharge is evenly induced horizontally/vertically along the discharge inducing bridges, so that uniform large-area high-density plasma is generated. |
| US07952046B2 |
Resistance welding gun with independent actuators
An actuator assembly for a welding gun is provided that has at least three positions in the example. The actuator assembly includes separate working and retract actuators. The working actuator includes a working rod movable between first and second positions. The retract actuator includes a retract rod independently movable relative to the working rod between third and fourth positions. The retract actuator is external to and non-concentrically arranged relative to the working actuator in the example shown. Actuation of the working and retract actuators is coordinated to provide at least three positions while enabling the actuators to be changed or modified independently from one another. A latching device is configured to selectively interlock the working and retract actuators to one another automatically in response to movement the working rod from the first position to the second position. |
| US07952039B2 |
System and method for actuating one or more sliders
A system and method according to which one or more sliders are actuated in order to, for example, operate one or more switches such as, for example, one or more circuit breaker switches. |
| US07952036B2 |
Combinational weigher with a recycle conveyor configured to allow products to be recirculated in a dispersed manner
A combination weigher of the present invention comprises a plurality of weighing hoppers which are capable of selectively discharging the products in a first direction or in a second direction, a collecting chute which is configured to gather the products which have been discharged from the weighing hoppers in the first direction and to discharge them, a recycle conveyor which is configured to convey the products which have been discharged from the weighing hoppers in the second direction and have been loaded onto the recycle conveyor, a feeding means configured to feed the products to the weighing hoppers, a transport means which is configured to transport the products which have been discharged from the recycle conveyor to feed the products to the feeding means, a combination calculation means which is configured to determine a discharge combination, a recycle hopper determination means configured to determine weighing hoppers whose products should be recycled, and a control means configured to cause the weighing hoppers selected to form the discharge combination to discharge the products in the first direction, and to cause the weighing hoppers determined by the recycle hopper determination means to discharge the products in the second direction. |
| US07952035B2 |
Conductor leadthrough, housing device, field apparatus and method for producing a conductor leadthrough
A conductor leadthrough for a field device is for connecting two electrical conductors. The conductor leadthrough comprises an external conductor and a sealing apparatus. The sealing apparatus is divided into a first separation device and a second separation device. The external conductor comprises a hollow internal region that extends along a longitudinal axis of the external conductor. The first separation device and the second separation device are arranged along the longitudinal axis of the external conductor so as to be spaced apart so that they can separate a section of the hollow internal region of the external conductor. A pourable-sealing device is filled into the separated section of the hollow internal region of the external conductor so that the sealing apparatus can provide a leakage rate whose value is below a predeterminable value of a leakage rate. A signal of a predeterminable frequency can be transmitted along the longitudinal axis. |
| US07952034B2 |
Strap type electrical connector with frustro-conical retaining ring and improved clamping strap for either nonmetallic cables or armor or metal clad cables
This disclosure is directed to electrical connectors that include a connector body having an inlet end opening and an outlet end portion wherein the outlet end portion is provided with an outer surface that slopes downwardly toward the outlet opening and having a complementary sloping or frustro-conical, snap fit, retaining ring with locking tangs and grounding tangs for snap locking the outlet end portion to an electric box or enclosure, and including an embodiment having a cable strap retainer hingedly connected to an associated cable support saddle to render the cable strap retainer readily detachable from the saddle in a manner that prohibits any unintentional detachment of the strap therefrom when rotated between a cable clamping and unclamping position suitable for securing thereto either a non-metallic cable or an armored or metal clad cable, wire conductor and the like. |
| US07952032B2 |
Grommet
The present invention provides a grommet configured of an elastic body, which is externally mounted on a group of electric wires spanned between a vehicle-body panel and a movable body coupled to the vehicle-body panel with a hinge. The grommet includes short large-diameter tubular sections having annular locking grooves inserted into and locked to through-holes respectively provided in the vehicle-body panel and the movable body at both ends in the lengthwise direction; long small-diameter tubular sections that are continuous with the large-diameter tubular sections; and a corrugated tubular section continuously provided between the small-diameter tubular sections at the both ends, the corrugated tubular section being bent into a U shape when the movable body is closed. The small diameter tubular section at the locking side for the vehicle-body panel and a portion of the corrugated tubular section that is continuous with the small diameter tubular section are projectively provided with a rib that is continuous in a lengthwise direction, on outer peripheries thereof. The rib projects out of the outer peripheries of ridge and valley portions alternately provided on the corrugated tubular section, and the rigidity of the rib restrains the corrugated tubular section from curving outward. |
| US07952031B2 |
Barrier system for the line bushing of an electrical installation
A barrier system for a line leadthrough in an electric installation has mutually adjacent wall elements forming barriers that extend in an axial longitudinal direction and are spaced apart from each other, forming channels. The wall elements lie partially on a support, at least at their lower ends. The wall elements are joined by a plug element to the leadthrough. Slots having a width which corresponds to the wall thickness of the wall elements are arranged in the plug element. The wall elements can be inserted into the slots, thus permitting a barrier system to be quickly and easily assembled and disassembled. |
| US07952026B2 |
Angled stabs for a busway plug in unit
A busway system includes a plurality of busbars arranged in a flat stacked configuration. The system further includes at least one uninsulated stab having a base in direct contact with one of the busbars at a first length portion of the busbars. The stab also has a tip extending away from the base and angled at the length of the busbars such that the tip is positioned at least in part at a second length portion of the busbars. The stab is insulated from other stabs via one or more of a MYLAR® sheet and a wall of a plug-in opening base. |
| US07952023B2 |
Wall mounted enclosure with rotating patch panel frame
An apparatus for mounting electrical equipment includes a frame for carrying electrical equipment, a hinge connected to the frame, and a cable ring connected to the hinge. The cable ring is positioned between the frame and an axis of rotation of the hinge. |
| US07952021B2 |
System and method for loop detector installation
A pre-fabricated ferromagnetic loop having a footprint characterized by a continuous wire shaped according to a predetermined planar pattern. In some embodiments, the predetermined planar pattern can be multiple contiguous polygons within a larger footprint used for establishing a sensor for the detection of moving vehicles. The footprint may include one of a triangle, a square, a rectangle, a rhombus, a parallelogram, an ellipse, or a circle, and/or other shapes or configurations. Similarly, each of the multiple contiguous polygons may include one of a triangle, a square, a rectangle, a rhombus, a parallelogram, and/or other shapes or configurations. A loop sensor housing is arranged to enclose a continuous loop sensor wire configured in the predetermined planar pattern. The prefabricated loop sensor is inserted in a groove web pre-cut in a receiving medium to match the predetermined planar pattern. |
| US07952020B2 |
Water stopping structure and water stopping method
A water stopping structure includes a water stopping member that has an outer peripheral face which is inclined with respect to an axis direction of a shielded wire, and that is adapted to contract a diameter thereof and attached on an outer face of the shielded wire in a state that the outer peripheral face of the water stopping member is positioned to an end portion of the sheath which is adjacent to an exposed portion of the outer sheath, and a fastening ring that has an inner peripheral face which is corresponded to the outer peripheral face of the water stopping member in inclination. The fastening ring is slid in the axis direction of the shielded wire so as to press the end portion of the sheath of the shielded wire for contracting the diameter of the water stopping member in a state that the inner peripheral face of the fastening ring is arranged on the outer peripheral face of the water stopping member. |
| US07952019B2 |
Electrochemical cell structure and method of fabrication
An electrochemical cell and a method of manufacturing the same are provided. The electrochemical cell comprises a first conductive layer; a metal oxide layer formed on the first conductive layer, the metal oxide layer comprising a plurality of adjacent metal oxide cells, spaced from one another; a functional dye layer formed on the metal oxide layer; a second conductive layer; and an electrolyte between the functional dye layer and the second conductive layer; wherein at least one of the first and second conductive layers is transparent. In one embodiment, the electrochemical cell further comprises separating means formed on the first conductive layer and surrounding each of the plurality of adjacent metal oxide cells. |
| US07952009B2 |
Non-conventional use of cups in cymbals
A technique for the creation of novel sounds in cymbals and resultant cymbals through the use of multiple and/or off center cups. |
| US07952008B2 |
Musical percussion instrument
The invention relates to a musical percussion instrument including a barrel and a membrane, being stretched over at least one of the openings and being in the form of a disc of appropriate material. The membrane has a device to collaborate with a complementary device of the barrel or a support to allow the membrane to be attached to the barrel with the application of tension. This musical instrument is characterized in that the membrane is equipped with devices defined by a series of holes, uniformly distributed at the periphery of the disc and through which a series of ties are intended to be anchored, at least part of the ties being capable of being secured to an element that forms an integral part of the barrel or of a support thereof. |
| US07952002B2 |
Plants and seeds of hybrid corn variety CH193307
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH193307. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH193307, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH193307 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH193307. |
| US07951999B1 |
Soybean cultivar S07-02JR409106
The present invention is in the field of soybean cultivar S07-02JR409106 breeding and development. The present invention particularly relates to the soybean cultivar S07-02JR409106 and its progeny, and methods of making S07-02JR409106. |
| US07951993B2 |
Increasing grain yield through targeted reduction in ethylene signaling
The present invention is directed to plant genetic engineering. In particular, it is directed to producing green leaves and increasing productivity through inhibition of ethylene. The compositions and methods of the invention involve dominant negative ethylene receptors that interfere with ethylene signaling. |
| US07951991B2 |
Polynucleotides encoding plant prenyl proteases
The invention provides polynucleotides encoding plant prenyl protease polypeptides, vectors, host cells, and transgenic plant comprising the polynucleotides. The invention also provides methods of producing transgenic plants that have altered levels of prenyl protease polynucleotides and polypeptides, and transgenic plants that have increased tolerance to an environmental stress as compared to a wild type plant. |
| US07951989B2 |
Methods of screening agents for activity using teleosts
The present invention provides methods of screening an agent for activity using teleosts. Methods of screening an agent for angiogenesis activity, toxic activity and an effect cell death activity in teleosts are provided. Methods of screening an agent for an activity in the brain or central nervous system in zebrafish are provided. The invention further provides high throughput methods of screening agents in multi-well plates. |
| US07951988B2 |
Aqueous phase oxidation process
An improved oxidization process may be used to oxidize a wide variety of feedstocks. Oxidation takes place in a reactor where the feedstock is mixed with an oxidizing acid, such as nitric acid. The reaction mixture may also include a secondary oxidizing acid such as sulfuric acid as well as water and/or dissolved and mechanically mixed oxygen gas. The reactor may be maintained at an elevated pressure such as at least approximately 2070 kPa or desirably at least approximately 2800 kPa. The temperature of the reaction mixture may be maintained at no more than 210° C. In the various embodiments described herein, the process may include: combining recycled effluent from the reactor with the feedstock, combining one or more oxidizing acids with the feedstock, comminuting the feedstock to reduce the size of the particles, feeding the feedstock into the high pressure reactor at an approximately constant feed rate, dispersing oxygen gas from the headspace of the reactor into the reaction mixture, and/or removing all or almost all of the gas from the reactor through the liquid effluent. |
| US07951984B2 |
Aromatics co-production in a methanol-to-propylene unit
The present invention provides a reactor system having: (1) a first reactor receiving an oxygenate component and a hydrocarbon component and capable of converting the oxygenate component into a light olefin and the hydrocarbon component into alkyl aromatic compounds; (2) a separator system for providing a first product stream containing a C3 olefin, a second stream containing a C7 aromatic, and a third stream containing C8 aromatic compounds; (3) a first line connecting the separator to the inlet of the first reactor for conveying the second stream to the first reactor; (4) a second line in fluid communication with the separator system for conveying the C3 olefin to a propylene recovery unit, and (4) a third line in fluid communication with the separator system for conveying the C8 aromatic compounds to a xylene recovery unit. |
| US07951982B2 |
Method for producing fluorinated organic compounds
Disclosed is a process for the preparation of fluorinated olefins. In preferred embodiments C3 olefins are produced by methods comprising contacting a compound of the Formula (I) C(R1aR2bR3c) (I) with a compound of Formula (II) C(R1aR2bR3c)Cn(R1aR2bR3c) II wherein R1a, R2b, and R3c are independently a hydrogen atom or a halogen selected from the group consisting of fluorine; chlorine, bromine and iodine, provided that the compound of formula I has at least three halogen substituents and that said at three halogen substituents comprise at least one fluorine; a, b and c are independently=0, 1, 2 or 3 and (a+b+c)=2 or 3; and n is 0 or 1, under conditions effective to produce at least one C3 fluoroolefin. |
| US07951979B2 |
2,4,6-trisubstituted phenols having anesthetic properties
Trisubstituted phenol compounds and methods of using the compounds, e.g., for anesthetizing a subject, are disclosed. |
| US07951978B2 |
Process for producing acrolein and glycerin-containing composition
The present invention provides a process for producing acrolein, which exhibits a prolonged catalyst life, low energy consumption, and excellent efficiency, and which is earth-conscious, and a glycerin-containing composition which can preferably be used even in this process. The process for producing acrolein is one which includes bringing a raw material gas containing glycerin gas into contact with a solid acid catalyst in a reactor, and the partial pressure of the glycerin gas in the raw material gas is set to be from 0.01 to 30 kPa. The glycerin-containing composition is for use in a process for producing acrolein using a solid catalyst and includes a fatty acid and/or a fatty acid ester, and a total mass of the fatty acid and the fatty acid ester is from 0.001% to 5% by mass, relative to the glycerin. |
| US07951976B1 |
Synthesizing and utilizing novel nano crystalline zinc chromate supported nano palladium catalyst
Several metal-supported catalyst compositions based on nano-crystalline zinc oxide were synthesized and characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), Carbon dioxide temperature programmed desorption (CO2 TPD), and nitrogen adsorption at −196° C. The Pd-supported nano-ZnO mixed with different oxides such as Cr2O3, CrO3, MgO, and γ-Al2O3 showed high catalytic activity in acetone condensation in gas-phase process under hydrogen flow. This reaction involves the base-acid coupling of acetone to form mesityl oxide, followed by its hydrogenation to methyl isobutyl ketone (MIBK). The novel catalyst 1% wt. n-Pd/n-ZnCr2O4 was utilized during gas-phase reaction during production of MIBK. MIBK selectivity was 70-72% at 66-77% acetone conversion at 300-350° C. Diisobutyl ketone (DIBK) was the main by-product, with a total MIBK+DIBK selectivity up to 88%. The prepared catalysts showed stable activity and may be used repeatedly and for a longer period of time. |
| US07951974B2 |
Continuous methods and reacator used for the production of alkylamines
In the continuous process for preparing alkylamines by reacting C1-4-alkanols with ammonia in the gas phase in the presence of a shape-selective fixed-bed catalyst in a cooled reactor, the shape-selective fixed-bed catalyst is present in a single contiguous fixed bed in the reactor and tubes through which coolants are passed run within the fixed bed to regulate the temperature of the fixed bed. |
| US07951972B2 |
Human adam-10 inhibitors
The present invention provides compounds useful for inhibiting the ADAM-10 protein. Such compounds are useful in the in vitro study of the role of ADAM-10 (and its inhibition) in biological processes. The present invention also comprises pharmaceutical compositions comprising one or more ADAM-10 inhibitors according to the invention in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Such compositions are useful for the treatment of cancer, arthritis, and diseases related to angiogenesis. Correspondingly, the invention also comprises methods of treating forms of cancer, arthritis, and diseases related to angiogenesis in which ADAM-10 plays a critical role. The invention also provides methods for making bis-aryl ether sulfonyl chlorides and ADAM-10 modulators therefrom. |
| US07951970B2 |
Process for recycling cyclopentadienyl derivatives and preparing metallocenes from recycled, substituted cyclopentadienyl derivatives
The present invention relates to a process for recycling cyclopentadienyl derivatives of the formulae (I) and (I′), a process for preparing metallocenes of the formula (III) from cyclopentadienyl derivatives of the formulae (I) and (I′) or from bridged biscyclopentadienyl derivatives of the formula (II), in which the cyclopentadienyl derivatives of the formulae (I), (I′) or (II) which are used have been at least partly recovered and purified by means of liquid-solid chromatography, and the use of liquid-solid chromatography for purifying substituted, recovered cyclopentadienyl derivatives of the formulae (I), (I′) or (II). |
| US07951963B2 |
Process for production of 1-(3-(2-(1-benzothiophen-5-yl)-ethoxy)propyl)azetidin-3-ol or salts thereof
A Process for production of 1-(3-(2-(1-benzothiophen-5-yl)ethoxy)propyl)azetidin-3-ol or salts thereof which comprises using as a starting compound as a (phenylthio)acetic acid derivative or salts thereof represented by the general formula: wherein X1 represents a halogen atom, is useful as a safe process for mass production of 1-(3-(2-(1-benzothiophen-5-yl)ethoxy)propyl)azetidin-3-ol or salts thereof which is useful as a remedy for disease of central and peripheral nerve. |
| US07951959B2 |
Hydrophilic labels for biomolecules
Compounds, compositions, and methods for optical, including fluorescence optical, determinations useful in labeling biomolecules such as protein and deoxyribonucleic acid for their detection and quantitation. The compounds are diastereomeric cyanines with high hydrophilicity and other desirable properties. |
| US07951957B2 |
Substituted benzimidazoles and their use for inducing apoptosis
The invention relates to compounds of formula (I) wherein R represents aryl or heteroaryl, X is a bond, a carbonyl group, a derivative of a carbonyl group, an ethylene group or an ethylenecarbonyl group, R1 is optionally substituted amino or hydroxy, and the substituents R2 to R6 have the meanings given in the specification, to methods of synthesis of such compounds, to pharmaceutical compositions containing compounds of formula (I), to intermediates, to the use of a compounds of formula (I) as a medicament and for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment of neoplastic and autoimmune diseases, and to methods of treatment of neoplastic and autoimmune diseases using such compounds of formula (I) or of pharmaceutical compositions containing same. |
| US07951950B2 |
PGD2 receptor antagonists for the treatment of inflammatory diseases
Disclosed are CRTH2 inhibitors represented by Structural Formula (I): The values for the variables of Structural Formula (I) are provided herein. |
| US07951948B2 |
Spirocyclic cyclohexane compounds
Spirocyclic cyclohexane compounds corresponding to formula I a method for producing them, pharmaceutical compositions containing them, and methods of using them. |
| US07951947B2 |
Light-emitting material comprising orthometalated iridium complex, light-emitting device, high efficiency red light-emitting device, and novel iridium complex
A compound represented by following formula (23): wherein R11 and R12 each represents a substituent; R13, R14 and R15 each represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent; m1 represents an integer of from 0 to 4; and m2 represents an integer of from 0 to 6. |
| US07951944B2 |
Emission material and organic electroluminescent device using the same
An organic electroluminescent device (OELD) is provided. The OELD includes a substrate, an anode, a cathode, a hole transport layer, an electron transport layer and an emission layer. The anode and the cathode are disposed on the substrate. The hole transport layer is disposed between the anode and the cathode. The electron transport layer is disposed between the hole transport layer and the cathode. The emission layer is disposed between the hole transport layer and the electron transport layer. The emission layer includes a host and a dopant. The chemical structure of the dopant is shown as the formula [I]: “M” is a metal atom whose atomic weight is greater than 40. “S” is selected from a group consisting of alkyl, alkoxy, haloalkyl, halogen, hydrogen and any other substituents. |
| US07951943B2 |
Method for preparing and purifying 3-hydroxyamidinophenylalanine compounds
The present invention relates to the preparation of 3-hydroxyamidino-phenylalanine derivatives in highly pure form which can be used for example as urokinase inhibitors. The present invention further relates to the use of high-purity 3-hydroxyamidinophenylalanine derivatives for preparing 3-amidinophenylalanine derivatives. |
| US07951935B2 |
siRNA targeting v-myc myelocytomatosis viral oncogene homolog (MYC)
Efficient sequence specific gene silencing is possible through the use of siRNA technology. By selecting particular siRNAs by rational design, one can maximize the generation of an effective gene silencing reagent, as well as methods for silencing genes. Methods, compositions, and kits generated through rational design of siRNAs are disclosed including those directed to MYC. |
| US07951929B2 |
Insecticidal compounds and methods for selection thereof
A series of potent and highly specific insecticidal toxins characterized by an amino acid sequences SEQ ID NO: 2-35. |
| US07951926B2 |
Method for the synthesis of oligonucleotide derivatives
Method for the synthesis of nucleotide derivatives wherein molecules of interest are grafted on the oligonucleotide with the help of a “click chemistry” reaction between an azide function on the molecule of interest and an alkyne function on the oligonucleotide, or between an alkyne function on the molecule of interest and an azide function on the oligonucleotide.Intermediate molecules, notably alkyne functionalized oligonucleotides, grafted oligonucleotides, azide functionalized oligonucleotides, oligonucleotide micro arrays containing them and the use of those grafted oligonucleotides for biological investigation and for cell targeting. |
| US07951923B2 |
Fluorescent proteins and chromoproteins from non-Aequorea hydrozoa species and methods for using same
The present invention provides nucleic acid molecules encoding a fluorescent and chromo-proteins and mutants, variants and derivatives thereof, as well as proteins and peptides encoded by these nucleic acids. The nucleic acid molecules and proteins of interest are isolated from non-Aequorea Hydrozoa species. The proteins of interest include yellow fluorescent protein, phiYFP, from Phialidium sp., green fluorescent protein hydr1GFP and purple chromoprotein, hm2CP from hydroid medusae of sub-order Anthomedusae. Also of interest are proteins that are substantially similar to, or derivatives, or homologues, or mutants of, the above-referenced specific proteins. Also provided are fragments of the nucleic acids and the peptides encoded thereby, as well as antibodies specific to the proteins and peptides of the invention. In addition, host-cells, stable cell lines and transgenic organisms comprising above-referenced nucleic acid molecules are provided. The subject protein and nucleic acid compositions find use in a variety of different applications and methods, particularly for labeling of biomolecules, cell or cell organelles. Finally, kits for use in such methods and applications are provided. |
| US07951916B2 |
Il-1 related polypeptides
The present invention is directed to novel polypeptides having homology to the IL-1-like family of proteins and to nucleic acid molecules encoding those polypeptides. Also provided herein are vectors and host cells comprising those nucleic acid sequences, chimeric polypeptide molecules comprising the polypeptides of the present invention fused to heterologous polypeptide sequences, antibodies which bind to the polypeptides of the present invention, and methods for producing the polypeptides of the present invention. |
| US07951911B2 |
Carbon nanotube binding peptides
Peptides have been generated that have binding affinity to carbon nanostructures and particularly carbon nanotubes. Peptides of or the invention are generally about twelve amino acids in length. Methods for generating carbon nanotube binding peptides are also disclosed. |
| US07951910B2 |
Peptides with the marburg I polymorphism of factor VII-activating protease (FSAP) and their preparation and uses
The invention relates to peptides with the Marburg I polymorphism of FSAP and to their preparation and uses, in particular in therapy and diagnosis. The peptides are suitable for use as immunizing antigens for preparing FSAP MR I specific antibodies. |
| US07951908B2 |
Recombinant spider silk proteins
The present invention is directed to recombinant spider silk proteins, nucleic acids, coding for these recombinant spider silk proteins, as well as hosts suitable for expressing those nucleic acids. Furthermore, the present invention is directed to a method of aggregation of spider silk proteins and the use of the proteins in the field of biotechnology and/or medicine and other industrial fields, in particular in the manufacture of automotive parts, in the aircraft construction, in the processing of textiles and leather, as well as in the manufacture and processing of paper and the like. |
| US07951905B2 |
Synthesis of carbohydrate-templated amino acids and methods of using same
The present invention generally relates to tetrahydropyranyl-derivatized amino acids, their syntheses and their incorporation into peptides and peptidomimetics. The tetrahydropyran moiety constrains the side chain of an amino acid, thereby providing a molecule that may act as a sugar- or amino acid-mimetic as well as a scaffold for combinatorial synthesis. |
| US07951904B2 |
Therapeutic uses of monoclonal antibodies to the angiotensin-II type-1 receptor
The use of monoclonal antibodies to the angiotensin-II type-I receptor is provided for the treatment of cancer and vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation. Specifically, use is provided of a monoclonal antibody or a fragment thereof to a peptide comprising the N-terminal portion of the angiotensin-II type-1 receptor defined by the sequence MILNSSTEDG IKRIQDDCPK AGRHNYIFVM IPTLYSIIFV VGIFG in the preparation of a medicament for the treatment of cancer or in the preparation of a medicament for the treatment of vascular smooth muscle (VSM) cell proliferation. |
| US07951903B2 |
Hydrazone compound, hydrazone compound for forming complex, ligand for forming metal complex, and monomer for manufacturing polymer compound
A hydrazone compound represented by a General Formula (1) below, a hydrazone compound for forming a metal complex, which is represented by the General Formula (1) below and forms a metal complex by coordination to at least one metal species, a ligand for forming a metal complex including the hydrazone compound, and a monomer for manufacturing a polymer compound including the hydrazone compound: wherein, Py represents a 2-pyridyl group, a 3-pyridyl group, or a 4-pyridyl group. |
| US07951897B2 |
Synthesis of cationic siloxane prepolymers
This application is directed toward an improved method of synthesizing cationic siloxane prepolymers as well as a specific cationic siloxane prepolymer having improved compatibility with monofunctional siloxanyl methacrylate monomers and medical devices containing the cationic siloxane prepolymer. |
| US07951896B2 |
Process for the production of NCO prepolymers that are stable to sedimentation, and their use
The present invention relates to NCO-terminated prepolymers that are stable to sedimentation, to a process for the production of these NCO-terminated prepolymers, and to the production of polyurethanes from these NCO-terminated polymers. |
| US07951895B2 |
Process for preparing a silicone resin
The invention relates to, and the general field of the invention is that of, the synthesis of silicone resins, more particularly the synthesis of silicone resins of type MQ. The process relates to the preparation of MQ silicone resins and permits better control of the operating conditions in the step of the polymerization of a sodium silicate (B) in aqueous medium in the presence of an acid (C) to form a silica hydrosol (polysilicic acid). In the course of the polycondensation step the reactants, a sodium silicate and an acid, are mixed, preferably in continuous fashion, dynamically to form a mixture (3), by means of at least one intensive mixing tool (M) producing a power ε per unit volume of more than 10 kW/m3. |
| US07951893B2 |
Star silicone polymers
The present invention is directed to a multifunctional organo-silicone compound and the use of that compound in personal care and other applications. These compounds by virtue of their unique structure provide outstanding micro emulsions and provide outstanding skin feel. |
| US07951890B2 |
Solid-phase extraction method of steroid hormones by entrapped β-cyclodextrin polymers
Provided is a method for selective extraction of steroid compounds using entrapped β-cyclodextrin polymers. Particularly, steroid hormones can be effectively selected from a biological sample by selectively extracting steroid compounds using entrapped β-cyclodextrin polymers, prepared by adding epichlorohydrin to β-cyclodextrin to prepare a polymer in a gel state, entrapping the polymer and pulverizing the products without using an additional device required in conventional solid-phase extraction. |
| US07951887B2 |
Process for producing a polymer
The object of the present invention is to provide a process for industrially advantageously producing a polymer having a high molecular weight and a narrow, monodispersed molecular weight distribution, and more particularly, a block copolymer of an anionic polymerizable monomer and an acrylic monomer. The object of the present invention was able to be achieved by reacting an acrylic monomer with a polymer anion, the terminal of which has been modified by a compound that forms a living carbanion capable of polymerizing an anionic polymerizable monomer by reacting with an anion, but which itself does not polymerize, in the presence of a compound represented by formula (1): (R1)nM (wherein, R1 represents a C1-C20 alkyl group or a C6-C20 aryl group, R1 may be the same or different in the case n is 2 or more, M represents an atom belonging to Group 2, 12 or 13 of the long form of the periodic table, and n represents the valency of M). |
| US07951885B2 |
Hydrophilic crosslinked polymer
The present invention relates to a hydrophilic crosslinked polymer, preferably in the form of porous particles, and to the preparation and use thereof. The polymer according to the invention is produced by polymerisation from chain-forming hydrophilic vinyl ethers and crosslinking, preferably heterocyclic divinyl ethers. |
| US07951883B1 |
Preparation of multimodal, high density, ethylene homopolymer barrier resins and films
Disclosed is a multimodal, high density, homopolyethylene barrier resin. The resin is preferably made by a multistage process. The process comprises a first stage in which ethylene is homopolymerized in the presence of a Ziegler-Natta catalyst, organoaluminum cocatalyst, alkoxysilane modifier, and hydrogen. The reaction mixture from the first stage is devolatilized to remove all or substantially all of the hydrogen. The polymerization continues in a second stage wherein ethylene is added to the devolatilized reaction mixture to produce the barrier resin. The barrier resin provides films with improved barrier properties. |
| US07951882B2 |
Catalyst composition comprising shuttling agent for higher olefin multi-block copolymer formation
Copolymers, especially multi-block copolymer containing therein two or more segments or blocks differing in chemical or physical properties, are prepared by polymerizing propylene, 4-methyl-1-pentene, or other C4-8α-olefin and one or more copolymerizable comonomers, especially ethylene in the presence of a composition comprising the admixture or reaction product resulting from combining: (A) a first metal complex olefin polymerization catalyst, (B) a second metal complex olefin polymerization catalyst capable of preparing polymers differing in chemical or physical properties from the polymer prepared by catalyst (A) under equivalent polymerization conditions, and (C) a chain shuttling agent. |
| US07951881B2 |
Polyethylene film having improved barrier properties and methods of making same
A method comprising (a) providing a catalyst comprising chromium and a support having a pore volume of from about 1.7 ml/g to about 3.5 ml/g and a surface area of from about 450 m2/g to about 700 m2/g, (b) oxidizing the catalyst to form an oxidized catalyst, (c) reducing the oxidized catalyst to form an oxidized reduced catalyst, (d) oxidizing the oxidized reduced catalyst to form an activated catalyst, (e) contacting the activated catalyst with an olefin under conditions suitable to form a polyolefin, and (f) recovering the polyolefin, wherein the polyolefin has a density of greater than about 0.960 g/cc and a melt index of from about 1.3 g/10 min. to about 2.8 g/10 min. |
| US07951880B2 |
Compositions for breast implant filling and methods of use
The methods and compositions disclosed herein describes a solution containing at least one block co-polymer that is a liquid at lower temperatures and transitions to a gel at higher temperatures. The compositions are useful, for example, as an alternative to saline or silicone-gel as fillers for prostheses. |
| US07951871B2 |
Curing rubber by hydrosilation
A method for preparing a thermoplastic vulcanizate, the method comprising dynamically vulcanizing a rubber within a blend that includes the rubber and a thermoplastic polymer, where said dynamically vulcanizing is effected with a cure system that includes a hydrosilating agent and a catalyst, where the hydrosilating agent includes a compound including at least 3 silicon hydride groups defined by the formula where each R is independently a monovalent organic group or hydrogen, and where the silicon atoms of the respective silicon hydride groups are spatially separated by at least 6 atoms. |
| US07951870B2 |
Golf ball compositions having in-situ or reactive impact modified silicone-urea or silicone urethane
Modified silicone urea and modified silicone urethane polymers for use in golf equipment components to provide improved impact resistance upon contact with a golf club including reactive polymer alloys formed in situ from silicone-ureas and/or silicone-urethanes and impact resistant polymers and oligomers. |
| US07951866B2 |
Transparent resin molding, optical lens, and optical film
It is an object of the present invention to provide a transparent resin molding having both high reflow heat resistance and excellent optical characteristics and to provide an optical lens and an optical film each including the transparent resin molding and having high heat resistance and excellent optical characteristics. A transparent resin molding according to the present invention is obtained by molding a molding material containing a thermoplastic resin and crosslinking the thermoplastic resin, in which the thermoplastic resin is selected from resins having an average transmissivity of 60% or more in the wavelength range of 600 to 1,000 nm when molded into a molding with a thickness of 2 mm, and the resin molding with a thickness of 2 mm has an average transmissivity of 60% or more in the wavelength range of 600 to 1,000 nm when the resin molding is heated at 200° C. for 10 minutes. |
| US07951861B2 |
Coupling agent for elastomeric composition comprising a reinforcing filler
A method of decreasing the roiling resistance of a tire formed from a sulfur-vulcanized elastomeric by combining at least one diene elastomer and at least one reinforcing filler, with an effective amount of a coupling agent consisting of a combination of: 10 to 90%, of a product (I) consisting of a blend of poly(alkylphenol) polysulfides of formula: in which: R is an alkyl radical containing 1 to 20 carbon atoms; n and n′ are two integers, which may be identical or different, from 1 to 8; p is an integer from 0 to 50; and 10 to 90% of a product (II) consisting of bis(triethoxysilylpropyl)tetrasulfide, to form a mixture; thereafter working said mixture; and thereafter heating said mixture to vulcanize said mixture. 90% of bis(triethoxysilylpropyl)tetrasulfide. |
| US07951858B2 |
Bituminous products and aqueous emulsions based on bituminous products and uses thereof
The invention concerns novel bituminous products, as well as novel aqueous emulsions of bituminous products, mixtures thereof with coated granules, useful for sealing application, building and maintaining road surfaces, sidewalks and runways, road surfaces, sidewalks, bicycle paths, parking lots and runways. |
| US07951855B2 |
Color integrated and mobile paint systems for producing paint from a plurality of prepaint components
What is disclosed is a plurality of prepaints which are used in any combination to produce base paints and/or colored paints of varying end-use application characteristics. Additionally, a mobile paint factory for producing a plurality of lines of architectural coatings from a plurality of prepaints en route to and/or at various locations is disclosed. The mobile paint factory may include a vehicle having a paint production system and a paint mixer located thereon. Furthermore, a method of producing a plurality of lines of user-selected architectural coatings from a plurality of prepaints en route to and/or at various locations is disclosed. The method may include: providing a mobile paint factory; prompting a user to select through the paint production system an interior or exterior application environment, a paint sheen, and a paint quality; automatically dispensing predetermined amounts of appropriate prepaints; and agitating the dispensed prepaints. |
| US07951852B2 |
Free-flowing composition of a biocide and a processing additive therewith for incorporation into a polymer or plastic matrix product
A matrix which is a polymer, plastic or polymer-wood composite includes a composition of a biocide and a processing additive therewith in the form of a free-flowing powder. |
| US07951845B2 |
Composition and method of treating hearing loss
A composition for treating hearing loss includes components that function through different biological mechanisms to provide an additive effect that is equal to or greater than a sum of the effect of the individual components. The composition includes a biologically effective amount of at least one scavenger of singlet oxygen, a donor antioxidant, a third antioxidant, and a vasodilator. A method of treating hearing loss includes the step of internally administering the composition including a biologically effective amount of the at least one scavenger of singlet oxygen, the donor antioxidant, the third antioxidant, and the vasodilator to a mammal within three days of trauma to a middle or inner ear of the mammal. |
| US07951844B2 |
Tranquilizer and functional food
This invention provides a pharmaceutical and functional food which are made of a safe food ingredient or nutrient which has been used for a long period of time, and which have tranquilizing effect such as anti-anxiety effect, anti-depression effect, and anti-stress effect. The tranquilizer of the invention contains vitamin K as an active ingredient. Vitamin K is preferably menaquinone-4 and/or menaquinone-7. This invention also provides a supplement, health food or functional food for tranquilizing purpose that contains vitamin K as an active ingredient. |
| US07951842B2 |
Use of Cupuassu butter based amphoteric amidoamines as amphoteric surfactants
This invention relates to the use of compounds of the general formula (I): R′—CONH—X—NR2R3—R4—Y in which R1 represents an alkyl moiety containing 11 to 21 carbon atoms, X stands for a (CH2)n- group and n is an integer from 1 to 6, R2 and R3 independently represent an alkyl moiety with 1 to 4 carbon atoms or an hydrogen atom, Y stands for a COO— group, in cosmetic compositions, characterized in that the compound of formula (I): is prepared by reacting the oil from Theo-broma grandiflorum with an amine of the formula (II): H2N—X—NR2R3 and subsequently reaction with sodium monochloroacetic acid. |
| US07951840B2 |
Zinc salt compositions for the prevention of dermal and mucosal irritation
The addition of low concentrations of combinations of water-soluble organic salts of zinc to gels, creams, lotions or ointments can increase the ability of these products to reduce or prevent exogenous irritants from causing irritation of the underlying substrate. The addition of low concentrations of combinations of water-soluble organic zinc salts to these gels, creams, lotions or ointments also can reduce the irritation of skin or mucous membranes caused by the addition of potentially-irritating substances such as spermicides, microbicides, fungicides or other therapeutic agents to the gel, cream, lotion or ointment. The advantages of this anti-irritant approach over others, which generally employ high concentrations of single zinc salts, are the reduced potential for zinc toxicity, the reduced potential for toxicity related to zinc itself, and the preservation of the desirable biological properties of potentially-irritating therapeutic substances added to the gel, cream, lotion or ointment. |
| US07951838B2 |
Substituted spirocyclic chromanamine compounds as Beta-Secretase modulators and methods of use
The present invention comprises a new class of compounds useful for the modulation of Beta-secretase enzyme activity and for the treatment of Beta-secretase mediated diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD) and related conditions. In one embodiment, the compounds have a general Formula I wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, A1, A2, A3, A4, X and Z are defined herein. The invention also includes use of these compounds in pharmaceutical compositions for treatment, prophylactic or therapeutic, of disorders and conditions related to the activity of beta-secretase protein. Such disorders include, for example, Alzheimer's Disease (AD), cognitive deficits and impairment, schizophrenia and other similar central nervous system conditions. The invention also comprises further embodiments of Formula II, intermediates and processes useful for the preparation of compounds of Formulas I and II. |
| US07951834B2 |
Angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors
This invention relates to a process for the synthesis of ketomethylene derivatives of the tripeptide Phe-Gly-Pro (“keto-ACE”, compound 5a) and analogues thereof. The synthesis process proceeds via an α,β-unsaturated keto intermediate. A key feature of the process involves a Horner-Emmons olefination of the, -unsaturated keto-phosphonate with ethyl glyoxylate. Keto-ACE analogues produced by the process of the invention display C-domain selectivity. |
| US07951830B2 |
Compounds effecting glucokinase
The invention relates to the use of a compound of Formula (I) or a salt, solvate or prodrug thereof, wherein R1, R2, R3, n and m are as described in the specification, in the preparation of a medicament for the treatment or prevention of a disease condition mediated through glucokinase (GLK), such as type 2 diabetes. The invention also relates to a novel group of compounds of Formula (I) and to methods for preparing compounds of Formula (I). |
| US07951824B2 |
4-aryl-pyridine-2-carboxyamide derivatives
The present invention relates to novel pyridine-2-carboxyamide derivatives of formula (I) useful as metabotropic glutamate receptor antagonists: wherein Y, Z, R1, R2 and R3 are as defined in the specification herein. |
| US07951823B2 |
Compounds and compositions as channel activating protease inhibitors
The invention provides compounds and pharmaceutical compositions thereof, which are useful for modulating channel activating proteases, and methods for, using such compounds to treat, ameliorate or prevent a condition associated with a channel activating protease, including but not limited to prostasin, PRSS22, TMPRSS11 (e.g., TMPRSS11B, TMPRSS11E), TMPRSS2, TMPRSS3, TMPRSS4 (MTSP-2), matriptase (MTSP-1), CAP2, CAP3, trypsin, cathepsin A, or neutrophil elastase. |
| US07951818B2 |
Imidazolopyridine compounds useful for the treatment of degenerative and inflammatory diseases
Novel imidazolopyridine compounds are disclosed that have a formula represented by the following: The compounds may be prepared as pharmaceutical compositions, and may be used for the prevention and treatment of a variety of conditions in mammals including humans, including by way of non-limiting example, ECM degradation, joint degradation and/or inflammation, and others. |
| US07951814B2 |
Quinazolinedione derivatives as TRPA1 modulators
The present invention provides Quinazolinedione derivatives as TRPA (Transient Receptor Potential subfamily A) modulators. In particular, compounds described herein are useful for treating or preventing diseases, conditions and/or disorders modulated by TRPA1 (Transient Receptor Potential subfamily A, member 1). Also provided herein are processes for preparing compounds described herein, intermediates used in their synthesis, pharmaceutical compositions thereof, and methods for treating or preventing diseases, conditions and/or disorders modulated by TRPA1. |
| US07951813B2 |
Quinazolinone derivatives as ALDH-2 inhibitors
Disclosed are novel quinazolinone derivatives of formula: wherein: R1 is optionally substituted phenyl or optionally substituted heteroaryl; R2 is 3-hydroxy, 4-hydroxy, 3-NHR4 or 4-NHR4, in which R4 is hydrogen, —C(O)R5, —C(O)NHR6, or —SO2R6; in which R5 is optionally substituted lower alkyl or optionally substituted lower alkoxy; and R6 is optionally substituted lower alkyl; R3 is hydrogen, lower alkyl, lower alkoxy, or halo; V is oxygen, sulfur, or —NH—; and W is lower alkylene of 1-3 carbon atoms, which are useful as ALDH-2 inhibitors for treating mammals for various disease states, such as treatment for cocaine dependency and alcohol dependency. |
| US07951810B2 |
Substituted pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidines as inhibitors of E1 activating enzymes
This invention relates to compounds of formula (I-A) wherein Ring A and the variables X, Y, R3a, R3b, R3c, R3d, R4, R5, R5′, and m are defined herein. The compounds of formula (I-A) inhibit E1 activating enzymes, pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds, and methods of using the compounds. The compounds of the invention are useful for treating disorders, particularly cell proliferation disorders, including cancers, inflammatory and neurodegenerative disorders; and inflammation associated with infection and cachexia. |
| US07951807B2 |
Substituted oxindol derivatives and medicaments containing the same
The present invention relates to novel oxindole derivatives of the general formula (I), wherein the substituents A, B, R1, R2 and R3 are as defined in Claim 1, and medicaments containing the same for the prophylaxis and/or treatment of vasopressin-dependent or oxytocin-dependent diseases. |
| US07951805B2 |
Heterocyclic derivatives and their use as mediators of stearoyl-CoA desaturase
Methods of treating an SCD-mediated disease or condition in a mammal, preferably a human, are disclosed, wherein the methods comprise administering to a mammal in need thereof a compound of formula (I): Formula (I) where x, y, G, J, L, M, V, W, R2, R3, R4, R5, R5a, R6, R6a, R7, R7a, R8, and R8a are defined herein. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds of formula (I) are also disclosed. |
| US07951803B2 |
8-heteroarylpurine MNK2 inhibitors for treating metabolic disorders
Compounds of the formula wherein R1 represents optionally substituted C1-C10 alkyl, aryl or heteroaryl, and R3 represents alkoxy-substituted aryl or optionally substituted heteroaryl, are disclosed as Mnk2 inhibitors which are useful for the treatment and prevention of metabolic disorders such as obesity and diabetes. |
| US07951802B2 |
Use of 7-azaindoles in the inhibition of c-Jun N-terminal kinase
The present invention provides a compound of formula (I); or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof in the inhibition of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) activity and particularly in the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders, inflammatory diseases and/or and autoimmune diseases. The invention also provides processes for the manufacture of compounds of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and compositions containing them. |
| US07951801B2 |
Beta-carbolines useful for treating inflammatory disease
This invention provides beta-carboline compounds of formula III-A-aa: wherein Q, G, R1, R2, R3, and R6b are as described in the specification. The compounds are useful for treating diseases such as inflammatory diseases and cancer. |
| US07951798B2 |
Polymorphs of olanzapine hydrochloride
The present invention relates to new crystalline forms I, II and III of 2-methyl-4-(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)-10H-thieno[2,3-b][1,5]-benzodiazepine hydrochloride, a process for the preparation thereof and pharmaceutical compositions containing the same. Said new polymorphic forms are useful as active ingredients for the treatment of psychotic conditions. |
| US07951793B2 |
Substituted heterocyclic derivatives useful as antidiabetic and antiobesity agents and method
Compounds are provided which have the structure wherein Z1 is (CH2)q or C═O; Z2 is (CH2)p or C═O; D is —CH═ or C═O or (CH2)m where m is 0, 1, 2 or 3; n=0, 1 or 2; p=1 or 2; q=0, 1 or 2; Q is C or N; X is CH or N; X2 is C, N, O or S; X3 is C, N, O or S; X4 is C, N, O or S; X5 is C, N, O or S; X6 is C, N, O or S; provided that at least one of X2, X3, X4 X5 and X6 is N; and at least one of X2, X3, X4 X5 and X6 is C; and A, B, R1, R2, R2a, R4, R3, E, Z and Y are as defined herein, which compounds are useful in treating diabetes and related diseases. |
| US07951788B2 |
Method of treating cancer and other conditions or disease states using L-cytosine nucleoside analogs
The present invention relates to the use of the compound according to formula (I) Where S is (A) or (B); X is H or F; R1 is H, an acyl group, a C1-C20 alkyl or ether group, a phosphate, diphosphate, triphosphate or a phosphodiester group, a (C) or (D) group; Where Nu is a radical of a biologically active compound such as an anticancer, antihyperproliferative or antiviral compound such that an amino group or hydroxyl group from said biologically active agent forms a phosphate, phosphoramidate, carbonate or urethane group with the adjacent moiety; Each R8 is independently H, or a C1-C20 alkyl or ether group, preferably H or a C1-C2 alkyl group; k is 0-12, preferably, 0-2; R2 is H, an acyl group or a C1-C20 alkyl or ether group; and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, solvates or polymorphs thereof for the treatment of tumors, cancer and hyperproliferative diseases, among other conditions or disease states. |
| US07951787B2 |
Phosphoramidate compounds and methods of use
Phosphoramidate derivatives of nucleotides and their use in the treatment of cancer are described. The base moieties of, for example, each of deoxyuridine, cytarabine, gemcitabine and citidine may be substituted at the 5-position. The phosphoramidate moiety has attached to the P atom an aryl-O moiety and an α-amino acid moiety. The α-amino acid moiety may correspond to or be derived from either a naturally occurring or a non-naturally occurring amino acid. |
| US07951786B2 |
Method of treating inflammatory arthropathies with suppressors of CpG oligonucleotides
The present disclosure relates to oligodeoxynucleotides that suppress an immune response. Methods are disclosed for preventing or treating inflammatory arthropathies by administering a therapeutically effective amount of a suppressive oligodeoxynucleotide. |
| US07951782B2 |
Composition effective to prevent or treat adult disease
Disclosed is a composition comprising, as an active ingredient, an enzyme digest that is produced by digesting a basic fraction of an animal-derived cartilage extract with an enzyme. Also disclosed is a polypeptide composition comprising, as an active ingredient, at least one polypeptide selected from specific polypeptides including a polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence depicted in any one of SEQ ID NOs: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10. |
| US07951781B2 |
Methods and compositions related to PLUNC surfactant polypeptides
Embodiments include compositions and methods for lower the surface tension of a liquid-air interface by contacting such interface with all or part of a PLUNC polypeptide. |
| US07951780B2 |
Antitumor agent
An antitumor agent containing, in combination, at least one kind of antitumor agent selected from the group consisting of an antitumor agent that forms a cross-link with DNA and shows an antitumor effect, an antimetabolite antitumor agent and a taxane antitumor agent, and a histone deacetylase inhibitor. According to the present invention, an antitumor agent causing reduced side effects and having a superior antitumor activity can be provided. |
| US07951779B2 |
Method of protecting cells against damage and pharmaceutical composition comprising leumorphin
The present invention relates to a method of protecting cells against damage caused at least in part by apoptosis, comprising administering to subjects a therapeutic dose of leumorphin having cytoprotective activity, and a pharmaceutical composition comprising an effective amount of leumorphin having a cytoprotective activity. |
| US07951778B2 |
Use of compounds having the biological activity of vasoactive intestinal peptide for the treatment of sarcoidosis
The present invention relates to peptides which are highly biologically and pharmacologically active as therapeutic drug for the treatment of diseases related to sarcoidosis. The peptides which can be used according to the invention for the treatment of said disease comprise at least one specific highly conservative amino acid residue sequence which seem to play an important role in connection with pulmonary and arteriolar hypertension events. It could be shown that the known naturally occurring peptides “vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP)” and “pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP)”, having these specific sequences are potent drugs which can be successfully used for treatment of sarcoidosis. Furthermore, the present invention discloses a method for the treatment patients suffering from sarcoidosis. |
| US07951776B2 |
Methods for treatment of type 1 diabetes
The present invention relates generally to the identification of biological markers associated with an increased risk of developing Diabetes, as well as methods of using such biological markers in diagnosis and prognosis of Diabetes. The biological markers of the invention may indicate new targets for therapy or constitute new therapeutics for the treatment or prevention of Diabetes. |
| US07951775B2 |
Methods and pharmaceutical compositions for GnRH-I and GnRH-II modulation of T-cell activity, adhesion, migration and extravasation
Methods and compositions comprising GnRH-I and GnRH-II, GnRH-I and GnRH-II antibodies, anti-receptor antibodies, polynucleotide constructs and GnRH-I and GnRH-II analogs for immune enhancement and suppression, prevention and treatment of diseases and conditions characterized by abnormal T-cell activity, treatment of viral and prion-related diseases, and treatment of T-cell related neoplastic diseases are disclosed. |
| US07951774B2 |
Stereochemically defined dipeptide esters of antiviral agents for enhanced ocular treatment
Stereochemically defined dipeptide esters of nucleoside-analogous antiviral agents including acyclovir and ganciclovir are provided. Certain of these stereochemically defined dipeptide esters are found to have unexpectedly enhanced delivery to and uptake by ocular tissues, crossing the blood-ocular barrier more effectively than other stereochemically defined dipeptide esters. For example, (L-Val)-(D-Val)-acyclovir was found to be taken up more effectively into corneal tissue than were underivatized acyclovir, monoesters (L-Val)-acyclovir or (D-Val)-acyclovir, or diester (L-Val)-(L-Val)-acyclovir. |
| US07951773B2 |
Ring-closing metathesis process for the preparation of macrocyclic peptides
Disclosed is a process for preparing a compound of formula (I) by protecting the secondary amide nitrogen atom in the compound of formula (III) to obtain (IV) wherein PGN is a suitable nitrogen protecting group, ring-closing the compound of formula (IV) by cyclizing it in the presence of a suitable catalyst in a suitable organic solvent to obtain (V), and then deprotecting the resulting compound of formula (V) to obtain (I), as outlined in the following scheme. The compounds of formula (I) are active agents for the treatment of hepatitis C viral (HCV) infections or are intermediates useful for the preparation of anti-HCV agents. |
| US07951769B2 |
Non-rinse fabric softener
The invention relates to compositions which are suitable as fabric softeners, particularly for softening fabrics that have been washed with highly concentrated detergents. Said compositions are obtainable by esterification of a C6-C22 fatty acid with triethanolamine and subsequent quaternization, said compositions containing non-quaternized di-esteramine, non-quaternized tri-esteramine, quaternized mono-esteramine, quaternized di-esteramine and quaternized tri-esteramine, wherein the weight ratio of non-quaternized tri-esteramine to quaternized tri-esteramine is higher than 1.5. |
| US07951768B2 |
Laundry detergent compositions comprising amphiphilic graft polymers based on polyalkylene oxides and vinyl esters
A laundry detergent composition comprising an amphiphilic graft polymer based on water-soluble polyalkylene oxides as a graft base and side chains formed by polymerization of a vinyl ester component, said polymer having an average of less than or equal to one graft site per 50 alkylene oxide units and a mean molar mass of from about 3,000 to about 100,000; from about 0.2% to about 8% of organic solvent; and from about 2% to about 20% of a surfactant system; wherein said detergent composition is in a form selected from: liquid; gel; and combinations thereof. |
| US07951765B2 |
Photoresist stripper composition for semiconductor manufacturing
The present invention relates to a photoresist stripper composition for removing the photoresist in the manufacturing process of the semiconductor device. More particularly, the photoresist stripper composition comprises 3-20 wt % of hydrazine hydrate or amine compound; 20˜40 wt % of polar solvent; 0.01-3 wt % of corrosion inhibitor selected from the group consisting of imidazoline derivative, sulfide derivative, sulfoxide derivative, aromatic compound or aromatic compound with hydroxyl group; 0.01-5 wt % of monoalcohol compound of C2-C10; and 40-70 wt % of deionized water. The photoresist stripper composition for manufacturing the semiconductor can remove the photoresist film thermoset by hard bake, dry etching, ashing or ion implantation and denatured by the metallic by-product etched from the bottom metallic film in said process at low temperature easily and quickly, and minimize the corrosion of the bottom metallic wiring in the removing process of the photoresist. |
| US07951762B2 |
Skin or hair washing composition
A skin or hair washing composition having excellent foamability and a good feeling upon use in the process from washing to after drying, which comprises: the following components (A), (B) and (C): (A) a compound represented by formula (1): R1O-(AO)n—R2 (1) (B) a surfactant other than the component (A); and (C) a cationic polymer, wherein the weight ratio of the component (A) and the component (C), (A)/(C), is from 0.5 to 60. |
| US07951760B2 |
Overbased alkali metal alkylhydroxybenzoates having low crude sediment
A process for preparing an overbased alkali metal alkylhydroxybenzoate, said process comprising overbasing an alkali metal alkylhydroxybenzoate or a mixture of alkali metal alkylhydroxybenzoate and up to 50 mole % of alkylphenol, based on the total mixture of alkylhydroxybenzoate and alkylphenol, with a molar excess of alkaline earth metal base and at least one acidic overbasing material in the presence of at least one carboxylic acid having from one to four carbon atoms and a solvent selected from the group consisting of aromatic hydrocarbons, aliphatic hydrocarbons, monoalcohols and mixtures thereof. |
| US07951758B2 |
Method of increasing hydrolytic stability of magnesium overbased products
The hydrolytic stability of magnesium overbased products is significantly improved by the addition or inclusion of a mixture or reaction product of an alkylphenol resin with a mixture of an alkenyl succinic anhydride and the acid thereof, and an alkyl amine. These magnesium overbased products are useful additives to fuel oils to improve their corrosion-causing tendencies. In one non-limiting embodiment, the alkylphenol resin is nonylphenol resin and the succinic anhydride is a partially hydrolyzed succinic anhydride having from 14 to 26 carbon atoms, along with the acid thereof. The mixtures and reaction products also serve as asphaltene inhibitors in the fuel oils. |
| US07951757B2 |
Low viscosity functional fluids
The fluid compositions of the present invention include an alkoxy glycol component, where the composition includes no more than about 10 wt % of a borate ester based on the weight of the composition. The physical properties of the compositions of include a high dry equilibrium reflux boiling point (ERBP), a high wet equilibrium reflux boiling point (WERBP), and a low temperature viscosity. These compositions are particularly useful because their physical properties (e.g., WERBP, ERBP, and low temperature viscosity) meet or exceed the provisions for DOT 3 brake fluids under the Federal Motor Vehicle Standard No. 116. |
| US07951755B2 |
Emulsified polymer drilling fluid and methods of preparation
A water-based polymer drilling fluid, containing effective quantities of surfactants having HLB numbers equal to or greater than approximately 7, emulsifies oil and bitumen contained in oil sand cuttings, resulting in the oil and bitumen being dispersed into the mud as an emulsion. This eliminates or significantly reduces the ability of the oil, bitumen, and cuttings to clog the well or stick to drill string components when drilling a well through oil-bearing sands, particularly sands containing highly viscous oil or bitumen. The emulsification process separates the sand particles from the oil and bitumen, such that the sand particles can be removed when the mud is run through a conventional shale shaker or other suitable apparatus. |
| US07951751B2 |
Synergistic, crop plant-compatible herbicidal compositions comprising herbicides from the group of the benzoylpyrazoles
Synergistic, crop plant-compatible herbicidal compositions comprising herbicides from the group of the benzoylpyrazolesWhat is described are herbicidal compositions comprising A) a compound from the group of the benzoylpyrazoles, B) at least one further herbicide and C) at least one safener as herbicides which are active against monocotyledonous and/or dicotyledonous harmful plants. Compared to the herbicides applied individually, these compositions have superior activity and are at the same time highly compatible with crop plants. |
| US07951748B2 |
Method of preparing a shaped catalyst, the catalyst, and use of the catalyst
A method of preparing a shaped catalyst, which method comprises molding a dough into shaped particles and drying the shaped particles, wherein the dough comprises a support material, or a precursor thereof, and a silver component; the shaped catalyst, and a use of the shaped catalyst. |
| US07951744B2 |
Nano-reagents with cooperative catalysis and their uses in multiple phase reactions
Nano-reagents with catalytic activity are provided herein. The nanocatalyst comprises at least one amino acid attached to a nanoparticle, wherein the reactive side chain of the amino acid catalyzes a chemical or biological reaction. Methods of using these nano-reagents to catalyze reactions in solution or in multiple phases are also provided, as are methods of making these nanocatalysts. |
| US07951742B2 |
Selective catalytic reduction of N2O
A gas stream containing nitrous oxide and ammonia is contacted with a catalyst composition containing a zeolite. N2O is reduced to N2 and H2O at low temperatures in a highly efficient manner. Ammonia-mediated reduction of nitrous oxide can be effectuated from gas streams having N2O concentrations as low as 1%. The gas stream may also contact a catalytic composition selective for the reduction of NOx. In this way, N2O and NOx treatment may be effectuated in a single process stream. |
| US07951734B2 |
Glass plate for substrate
A glass plate for a substrate, which contains no B2O3, and which can be as a glass plate for an LCD panel, which comprises, as a glass matrix composition as represented by mass % based on oxide of SiO2: 68 to 80, Al2O3: 0.1 to 5, MgO: 9.5 to 12, CaO+SrO+BaO: 0 to 2, and Na2O+K2O 6 to 14, and which has a density of at most 2.45 g/cm3, an average coefficient of thermal expansion from 50 to 350° C. of at most 75×10−7/° C., a glass transition point of at least 600° C. and a brittleness of at most 6.5 μm−1/2. |
| US07951733B2 |
Blue-violet light blocking glass
The present invention provides a blue-violet light blocking glass containing copper (I) halide fine particles that satisfactorily transmits light having a wavelength of 450 nm to 600 nm and sharply blocks light having a wavelength shorter than 450 nm. Specifically, the present invention provides a blue-violet light blocking glass containing a copper (I) halide and silver; for example, 20 to 85% by weight of SiO2; 2 to 75% by weight of B2O3; not more than 10% by weight of Al2O3; 2 to 30% by weight of at least one member selected from the group consisting of Li2O, Na2O, K2O, Rb2O and Cs2O; 1 to 15% by weight of at least one member selected from the group consisting of MgO, CaO, SrO, BaO and ZnO; not more than 10% by weight of at least one member selected from the group consisting of PbO, Nb2O5, ZrO2, La2O3, Y2O3, Ta2O3 and Gd2O3; not more than 5% by weight of at least one member selected from the group consisting of Sb2O3 and As2O3; not more than 5% by weight of SnO2; 0.01 to 10% by weight of a copper (I) halide; and 0.001 to 1% by weight of silver calculated on a metal basis. |
| US07951729B2 |
Semiconductor device including a coupled dielectric layer and metal layer, method of fabrication thereor, and material for coupling a dielectric layer and a metal layer in a semiconductor device
A passivating coupling material for, on the one hand, passivating a dielectric layer in a semiconductor device, and on the other hand, for permitting or at least promoting liquid phase metal deposition thereon in a subsequent process step. In a particular example, the dielectric layer may be a porous material having a desirably decreased dielectric constant k, and the passivating coupling material provides steric shielding groups that substantially block the adsorption and uptake of ambient moisture into the porous dielectric layer. The passivating coupling materials also provides metal nucleation sides for promoting the deposition of a metal thereon in liquid phase, in comparison with metal deposition without the presence of the passivating coupling material. The use of a liquid phase metal deposition process facilitates the subsequent manufacture of the semiconductor device. In one example, the passivating coupling material has multiple Si atoms in its chemical composition, which desirably increases the thermal stability of the material. |
| US07951726B2 |
Organic/inorganic hybrid thin film passivation layer for blocking moisture/oxygen transmission and improving gas barrier property
The present invention relates to an organic/inorganic hybrid thin film passivation layer comprising an organic polymer passivation layer prepared by a UV/ozone curing process and an inorganic thin film passivation layer for blocking moisture and oxygen transmission of an organic electronic device fabricated on a substrate and improving gas barrier property of a plastic substrate; and a fabrication method thereof. Since the organic/inorganic hybrid thin film passivation layer of the present invention converts the surface polarity of an organic polymer passivation layer into hydrophilic by using the UV/ozone curing process, it can improve the adhesion strength between the passivation layer interfaces, increase the light transmission rate due to surface planarization of the organic polymer passivation layer, and enhance gas barrier property by effectively blocking moisture and oxygen transmission. |
| US07951723B2 |
Integrated etch and supercritical CO2 process and chamber design
A method and apparatus involve providing a substrate having a dielectric layer formed thereon, forming a photoresist mask over the dielectric layer, the photoresist mask defining an opening, etching the dielectric layer through the at least one opening in the photoresist mask, treating a portion of the photoresist mask with an etching species, and removing the treated photoresist mask with a supercritical fluid. The etching, treating, and removing can be performed in one chamber. |
| US07951722B2 |
Double exposure semiconductor process for improved process margin
A double exposure semiconductor process is provided for improved process margin at reduced feature sizes. During a first processing sequence, features defining non-critical dimensions of a polysilicon interconnect structure are formed, while other portions of the polysilicon layer are left un-processed. During a second processing sequence, features that define the critical dimensions of the polysilicon interconnect structure are formed without the need to execute a photoresist trimming procedure. Accordingly, only an etch process is executed, which provides higher resolution processing to create the critical dimensions needed during the second processing sequence. |
| US07951721B2 |
Etching technique for creation of thermally-isolated microstructures
There is described a method for creating a thermally-isolated microstructure on a slab of mono-crystalline silicon which uses a hybrid dry-then-wet etch technique that when controlled, can produce microstructures without any silicon adhering underneath, microstructures having small masses of silicon adhering underneath, and microstructures that are still attached to the slab of mono-crystalline silicon via a waisted silicon body. When creating the microstructures with a waisted silicon body, the thermal isolation of the microstructure can be designed by controlling the depth of the etching and the size of the waist. |
| US07951720B2 |
Method of forming a contact hole for a semiconductor device
Forming contact holes of a semiconductor device includes forming a reaction layer that is provided with a reaction pattern on a semiconductor substrate. Subsequently, a self-assembled monolayer is formed by injecting a polymer from a functional group that is capable of being chemically bonded to the reaction pattern. A coating layer is then formed on substantially all of the structure that includes the self-assembled monolayer. Afterwards, the contact holes are formed on the semiconductor substrate by performing an etching process. |
| US07951717B2 |
Post-CMP treating liquid and manufacturing method of semiconductor device using the same
Post-CMP treating liquids are provided, one of which includes water, an amphoteric surfactant, an anionic surfactant, a complexing agent, resin particles having carboxylic group and sulfonyl group on their surfaces, a primary particle diameter thereof ranging from 10 to 60 nm, and tetramethyl ammonium hydroxide. Another includes water, polyphenol, an anionic surfactant, ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid, resin particles having carboxylic group and sulfonyl group on their surfaces, a primary particle diameter thereof ranging from 10 to 60 nm, and tetramethyl ammonium hydroxide. Both of the treating liquids have a pH ranging from 4 to 9, and exhibit a polishing rate both of an insulating film and a conductive film at a rate of 10 nm/min or less. |
| US07951713B2 |
Method of forming metal wiring in semiconductor device
A method for forming a metal wiring of a semiconductor device capable of efficiently preventing a hillock phenomenon occurred in a subsequent annealing process of a metal wiring process. The method for forming a metal wiring of a semiconductor device includes forming an Al growth stop film on the upper interface of an Al wiring film by reacting implanted reactive ions with a Ti film or the Al in the Al wiring film. |
| US07951707B2 |
Etching method for semiconductor element
An etching method for semiconductor element is provided. The etching method includes the following procedure. First, a to-be-etched substrate is provided. Then, a silicon-rich silicon oxide (SRO) layer is formed on the to-be-etched substrate. Afterwards, an anti-reflective layer is formed on the SRO layer. Then, a patterned photo resist layer is formed on the anti-reflective layer. Afterwards, the anti-reflective layer, the SRO layer and the to-be-etched substrate is etched so as to form an opening. |
| US07951705B2 |
Multilayered cap barrier in microelectronic interconnect structures
Structures having low-k multilayered dielectric diffusion barrier layer having at least one low-k sublayer and at least one air barrier sublayer are described herein. The multilayered dielectric diffusion barrier layer are diffusion barriers to metal and barriers to air permeation. Methods and compositions relating to the generation of the structures are also described. The advantages of utilizing these low-k multilayered dielectric diffusion barrier layer is a gain in chip performance through a reduction in capacitance between conducting metal features and an increase in reliability as the multilayered dielectric diffusion barrier layer are impermeable to air and prevent metal diffusion. |
| US07951704B2 |
Memory device peripheral interconnects and method of manufacturing
An integrated circuit memory device, in one embodiment, includes a substrate and first and second inter-level dielectric layers successively disposed on the substrate. One or more contacts in the peripheral extend through the first inter-level dielectric layer to respective components. One or more vias and a plurality of dummy vias extend through the second inter-level dielectric layer in the peripheral area. Each of the one or more peripheral vias extend to a respective peripheral contact. The peripheral dummy vias are located proximate the peripheral vias. |
| US07951693B2 |
III-nitride light emitting devices grown on templates to reduce strain
In a III-nitride light emitting device, the device layers including the light emitting layer are grown over a template designed to reduce strain in the device, in particular in the light emitting layer. Reducing the strain in the light emitting device may improve the performance of the device. The template may expand the lattice constant in the light emitting layer over the range of lattice constants available from conventional growth templates. Strain is defined as follows: a given layer has a bulk lattice constant abulk corresponding to a lattice constant of a free standing material of a same composition as that layer and an in-plane lattice constant ain-plane corresponding to a lattice constant of that layer as grown in the structure. The amount of strain in a layer is |(ain-plane−abulk)|/abulk. In some embodiments, the strain in the light emitting layer is less than 1%. |
| US07951690B2 |
Image sensor and method for manufacturing the same
An image sensor includes circuitry, a metal interconnection, a first substrate, a metal ion-implanted insulating layer, and a photodiode. The circuitry is formed on and/or over the first substrate, and the metal ion-implanted insulating layer is formed on and/or over the metal interconnection. The photodiode is formed in a crystalline semiconductor layer over the metal ion-implanted insulating layer. |
| US07951681B2 |
Substrate-triggered bipolar junction transistor and ESD protection circuit
An ESD protection circuit using a novel substrate-triggered lateral bipolar junction transistor (STLBJT) for providing a discharging path between power rails. The ESD protection circuit comprises an ESD detection circuit and a STLBJT device. The STLBJT device formed in a P-type substrate includes N-type collector and emitter regions coupled to the power rails, respectively. The substrate region between the collector and emitter regions, on which there is no field oxide device, serves as a base of the STLBJT device. The STLBJT device further includes a first P-type region coupled to the ESD detection circuit and a second P-type region coupled to one of the power rails, which are spatially separated from the collector/emitter regions, respectively. The STLBJT device is turned on by substrate-triggering responsive to the signal coming from the ESD detection circuit and establishes the discharging path between the power rails. |
| US07951680B2 |
Integrated circuit system employing an elevated drain
A method for manufacturing an integrated circuit system that includes: providing a substrate including an active device; forming a drift region in the substrate, the drift region bounded in part by a top surface of the substrate and spaced apart from a source; and forming a drain above the drift region. |
| US07951679B2 |
Method for fabricating semiconductor device
First, on a semiconductor region of a first conductivity type, a trapping film is formed which stores information by accumulating charges. Then, the trapping film is formed with a plurality of openings, and impurity ions of a second conductivity type are implanted into the semiconductor region from the formed openings, thereby forming a plurality of diffused layers of the second conductivity type in portions of the semiconductor region located below the openings, respectively. An insulating film is formed to cover edges of the trapping film located toward the openings, and then the semiconductor region is subjected to a thermal process in an atmosphere containing oxygen to oxidize upper portions of the diffused layers. Thereby, insulating oxide films are formed in the upper portions of the diffused layers, respectively. Subsequently, a conductive film is formed over the trapping film including the edges thereof to form an electrode. |
| US07951677B2 |
Corner rounding in a replacement gate approach based on a sacrificial fill material applied prior to work function metal deposition
In a replacement gate approach, a top area of a gate opening has a superior cross-sectional shape which is accomplished on the basis of a plasma assisted etch process or an ion sputter process. During the process, a sacrificial fill material protects sensitive materials, such as a high-k dielectric material and a corresponding cap material. Consequently, the subsequent deposition of a work function adjusting material layer may not result in a surface topography which may result in a non-reliable filling-in of the electrode metal. In some illustrative embodiments, the sacrificial fill material may also be used as a deposition mask for avoiding the deposition of the work function adjusting metal in certain gate openings in which a different type of work function adjusting species is required. |
| US07951676B2 |
Semiconductor device and method for the production of a semiconductor device
The semiconductor device has a semiconductor body with a semiconductor device structure. The semiconductor device structure has a first electrode, a second electrode and a gate electrode. The gate electrode is designed to form a conductive channel region. An insulating layer at least partially surrounds the gate electrode. A semi-insulating layer is provided between the gate electrode and at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode. The semi-insulating layer is located outside the conductive channel region and has an interface state density which is greater than the quotient of the breakdown charge and the band gap of the material of the semiconductor body. |
| US07951672B2 |
Measurement and control of strained devices
A method that includes measuring stress on at least one of a monitor substrate, a production substrate, and a proxy device on a production substrate to produce stress data, measuring shape on at least one of a proxy device on a production substrate and a production device on a production substrate to produce shape data, and inputting the stress data and the shape data into an elastic deformation calculation to determine a stress value for a production device. |
| US07951671B2 |
Method of fabricating non-volatile memory device having separate charge trap patterns
A method of fabricating a non-volatile memory device includes forming an isolation trench in a semiconductor substrate, and the isolation trench defines first and second fins. The method further includes forming an isolation layer partially filling the isolation trench, forming first and second charge trap patterns respectively covering parts of the first and second fins projecting from the isolation layer, and forming a control gate electrode covering the first and second charge trap patterns and crossing the first and second fins. |
| US07951670B2 |
Flash memory cell with split gate structure and method for forming the same
A split gate memory cell. A floating gate is disposed on and insulated from a substrate comprising an active area separated by a pair of isolation structures formed therein. The floating gate is disposed between the pair of isolation structures and does not overlap the upper surface thereof. A cap layer is disposed on the floating gate. A control gate is disposed over the sidewall of the floating gate and insulated therefrom, partially extending to the upper surface of the cap layer. A source region is formed in the substrate near one side of the floating gate. |
| US07951668B2 |
Process for fabricating crown capacitors of dram and capacitor structure
A process for fabricating crown capacitors is described. A substrate having a template layer thereon is provided. A patterned support layer is formed over the template layer. A sacrifice layer is formed over the substrate covering the patterned support layer. Holes are formed through the sacrifice layer, the patterned support layer and the template layer, wherein the patterned support layer is located at a depth at which bowing of the sidewalls of the holes occurs and is bowed less than the sacrifice layer at the sidewalls. A substantially conformal conductive layer is formed over the substrate. The conductive layer is then divided into lower electrodes of the crown capacitors. |
| US07951667B2 |
Method for fabricating semiconductor device
A method of fabricating a vertical transistor in a semiconductor device improves integration of the semiconductor device according to a design rule. After a semiconductor substrate is etched to form a buried bit line, a gate electrode pattern that surrounds a cylindrical channel region pattern of the vertical transistor is formed, thereby preventing damage to the gate electrode pattern due to an etching process. The gate electrode pattern surrounds the channel region pattern where a width is narrower than second source and drain regions. The second source and drain regions are then deposited over the channel region pattern and the gate electrode pattern. As a result, a neck-shaped channel region does not collapse due to the weight of the second source and drain regions. |
| US07951666B2 |
Deep trench capacitor and method
Disclosed herein are embodiments of a deep trench capacitor structure and a method of forming the structure that incorporates a buried capacitor plate contact that is simultaneously formed using an adjacent deep trench. This configuration eliminates the need for additional photolithographic processing, thereby, optimizing process windows. This configuration further eliminates the need to form the deep trench capacitor through an N-doped diffusion region connector and, thereby, allows for greater design flexibility when connecting the deep trench capacitor to another integrated circuit structure (e.g., a memory cell or decoupling capacitor array). Also, disclosed herein are embodiments of another integrated circuit structure and method, and more specifically, a memory cell (e.g., a static random access memory (SRAM) cell)) and method of forming the memory cell that incorporates one or more of these deep trench capacitors in order to minimize or eliminate soft errors. |
| US07951665B2 |
Semiconductor device having capacitor formed on plug, and method of forming the same
A semiconductor device includes a silicon substrate, a capacitor element having a lower electrode, a capacitor dielectric film, a TiN film, and a W film, and an interlayer insulation film covering the end and a portion of the upper surface of the lower electrode and disposed with a concave portion at a position corresponding to the lower electrode. The lower electrode is disposed selectively at the bottom of the concave portion, the upper surface of the lower electrode is exposed from the interlayer insulation film in the region for forming the concave portion, the side wall for the concave portion of the interlayer insulation film situates to the inner side of the lower electrode from the end of the lower electrode, and the capacitor dielectric film is disposed so as to cover the upper surface of the lower electrode and cover the interlayer insulation from the side wall for the concave portion to the upper surface of the interlayer insulation film. |
| US07951661B2 |
Semiconductor device and method of fabricating the same
A semiconductor device includes a device isolation structure having a grounded conductive layer to define an active region, and a gate formed over the active region and the device isolation structure. |
| US07951656B2 |
Method for manufacturing semiconductor device
A stack including at least an insulating layer, a first electrode, and a first impurity semiconductor layer is provided over a supporting substrate; a first semiconductor layer to which an impurity element imparting one conductivity type is added is formed over the first impurity semiconductor layer; a second semiconductor layer to which an impurity element imparting the one conductivity type is added is formed over the first semiconductor layer under a condition different from that of the first semiconductor layer; crystallinity of the first semiconductor layer and crystallinity of the second semiconductor layer are improved by a solid-phase growth method to form a second impurity semiconductor layer; an impurity element imparting the one conductivity type and an impurity element imparting a conductivity type different from the one conductivity type are added to the second impurity semiconductor layer; and a gate electrode layer is formed via a gate insulating layer. |
| US07951652B2 |
Mask layout method, and semiconductor device and method for fabricating the same
Provided are a mask layout method and a semiconductor device and a method for fabricating the same. The semiconductor device can include a main pattern, a first dummy pattern, and a second dummy pattern. The main pattern can be disposed on a substrate. The first dummy pattern and the second dummy pattern can be disposed around a side of the main pattern. The first dummy pattern can have an inner open region. The second dummy pattern can be disposed on the inner open region of the first dummy pattern, such that the first dummy pattern surrounds the second dummy pattern. |
| US07951647B2 |
Performing die-to-wafer stacking by filling gaps between dies
An integrated circuit structure includes a bottom semiconductor chip; a top die bonded onto the bottom semiconductor chip; a protecting material encircling the bottom die and on the bottom semiconductor chip; and a planar dielectric layer over the top die and the protecting material. The protecting material has a top surface leveled with a top surface of the top die. |
| US07951646B2 |
Solder ball landpad design to improve laminate performance
A method and apparatus for improving the laminate performance of the solder balls in a BGA package. Specifically, the ball pads on the substrate are configured to increase the shear force necessary to cause delamination of the solder balls. Conductive traces extending planarly from the pads and arranged in specified configurations will increase the shear strength of the pad. |
| US07951642B2 |
Diamond-like carbon electronic devices and methods of manufacture
Materials, devices, and methods for enhancing performance of electronic devices such as solar cells, fuels cells, LEDs, thermoelectric conversion devices, and other electronic devices are disclosed and described. A diamond-like carbon electronic device can include a conductive diamond-like carbon cathode having specified carbon, hydrogen and sp2 bonded carbon contents. In some cases, the sp2 bonded carbon content may be sufficient to provide the conductive diamond-like carbon material with a visible light transmissivity of greater than about 0.70. A charge carrier separation layer can be coupled adjacent and between the diamond-like carbon cathode and an anode. The conductive diamond-like carbon material of the present invention can be useful for any other application which can benefit from the use of conductive and transparent electrodes which are also chemically inert, radiation damage resistance, and are simple to manufacture. |
| US07951640B2 |
Low-cost multi-junction solar cells and methods for their production
Solar cells fabricated without gasification of metallurgical-grade silicon. The substrates are prepared by: melting metallurgical grade silicon in a furnace; solidifying the melted metallurgical grade silicon into an ingot; slicing the ingot to obtain a plurality of wafers; polishing and cleaning each wafer; depositing aluminum layer on backside of each wafer; depositing a layer of hydrogenated silicon nitride on front surface of each wafer; annealing the wafers at elevated temperature; removing the hydrogenated silicon nitride; and, removing the aluminum layer. The front surface may be textured prior to forming the solar cell. The solar cell structure comprises a metallurgical grade doped silicon substrate and a thin-film structure formed over the substrate to form a p-i-n junction with the substrate. The substrate may be doped p-type, and the thin film structure may be an intrinsic amorphous layer formed over the substrate and an n-type amorphous layer formed over the intrinsic layer. |
| US07951639B2 |
Method of zinc oxide film grown on the epitaxial lateral overgrowth gallium nitride template
A growth method is proposed for high quality zinc oxide comprising the following steps: (1) growing a gallium nitride layer on a sapphire substrate around a temperature of 1000° C.; (2) patterning a SiO2 mask into stripes oriented in the gallium nitride <1 100> or <11 20> direction; (3) growing epitaxial lateral overgrowth of (ELO) gallium nitride layers by controlling the facet planes via choosing the growth temperature and the reactor; (4) depositing zinc oxide films on facets ELO gallium nitride templates by chemical vapor deposition (CVD). Zinc oxide crystal of high quality with a reduced number of crystal defects can be grown on a gallium nitride template. This method can be used to fabricate zinc oxide films with low dislocation density lower than 104/cm−2, which will find important applications in future electronic and optoelectronic devices. |
| US07951636B2 |
Method for fabricating micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) device
A micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) device includes a substrate, having a first side and second side, the second side has a cavity and a plurality of venting holes in the substrate at the second side with connection to the cavity. However, the cavity is included in option without absolute need. A structural dielectric layer has a dielectric structure and a conductive structure in the dielectric structure. The structural dielectric layer has a chamber in connection to the cavity by the venting holes. A suspension structure layer is formed above the chamber. An end portion is formed in the structural dielectric layer in fix position. A diaphragm has a first portion of the diaphragm fixed on the suspension structure layer while a second portion of the diaphragm is free without being fixed. |
| US07951633B2 |
Light emitting diode and method of making the same
A light emitting diode (LED) and a method of making the same are disclosed. The present invention uses a metal layer of high conductivity and high reflectivity to prevent the substrate from absorbing the light emitted. This invention also uses the bonding technology of dielectric material thin film to replace the substrate of epitaxial growth with high thermal conductivity substrate to enhance the heat dissipation of the chip, thereby increasing the performance stability of the LED, and making the LED applicable under higher current. |
| US07951628B2 |
Pixel structure, display panel, photoelectric device and manufacturing method thereof
A pixel structure includes a substrate, a first and a second patterned conductive layers, and a pixel electrode. The first patterned conductive layer, disposed on the substrate, includes at least one scan line, at least one gate, and at least one common electrode line. The second patterned conductive layer, disposed on the first patterned conductive layer, includes at least one data line, at least one source/drain, and at least one first patterned layer partly disposed on the common electrode line. The pixel electrode, disposed on the second patterned conductive layer, includes at least one first part and one second part. The first part partly covers the first patterned layer and the common electrode line. The second part, connected to the source/drain, covers the other part of the first patterned layer. The first and second patterned layers compose at least one first capacitance. |
| US07951626B2 |
Light emitting device and method of manufacturing the same
The present invention relates to a light emitting device and a method of manufacturing the light emitting device. According to the present invention, the light emitting device comprises a substrate, an N-type semiconductor layer formed on the substrate, and a P-type semiconductor layer formed on the N-type semiconductor layer, wherein a side surface including the N-type or P-type semiconductor layer has a slope of 20 to 80° from a horizontal plane. Further, the present invention provides a light emitting device comprising a substrate formed with a plurality of light emitting cells each including an N-type semiconductor layer and a P-type semiconductor layer formed on the N-type semiconductor layer, and a submount substrate flip-chip bonded onto the substrate, wherein the N-type semiconductor layer of one light emitting cell and the P-type semiconductor layer of another adjacent light emitting cell are connected to each other, and a side surface including at least the P-type semiconductor layer of the light emitting cell has a slope of 20 to 80° from a horizontal plane. Further, the present invention provides a method of manufacturing the light emitting device. Accordingly, there is an advantage in that the characteristics of a light emitting device such as luminous efficiency, external quantum efficiency and extraction efficiency are enhanced and the reliability is secured such that light with high luminous intensity and brightness can be emitted. |
| US07951625B2 |
Semiconductor light emitting element and method for manufacturing semiconductor light emitting device
In a semiconductor light emitting device, light is lost from a side surface of a substrate; therefore, if a substrate side surface occupies a large area, it decreases light extraction efficiency. The area of the substrate side surface may be reduced by reducing a thickness of the substrate. However, a thin substrate has low mechanical strength and is cracked by a stress during work process, and that decreases the yield.A light emitting layer is formed on a substrate. After fixed to a grinding board with wax, the substrate is ground to thin. A support substrate is then bonded to the substrate for reinforcement. The substrate is fixed to an electrode and others, with the support substrate bonded to the substrate. The support substrate is lastly removed. |
| US07951618B2 |
Luminescent semi-conductive polymer material, method of preparing the same and organic light emitting element having the same
The present invention is related to a luminescent material generated by polymerization of a pyrromethene complex by glow discharge. The polymer material of the present invention exhibits semi-conductive properties and has a luminescence maximum in a spectrum region in the range of about 540 nm to about 585 nm with a half-width of the luminescence band in the range of about 55 nm to about 75 nm, a quantum yield of photoluminescence in the range of about 0.6 to about 0.8, and an electric conductivity at a temperature of about 20° C. in the range of about 1×10−10 S/cm to about 5×10−10 S/cm. The resultant polymer layer has a thickness in the range of about 0.01 μm to about 10 μm on a substrate placed between or on any of the electrodes. The starting pyrromethene complex may be a 1,3,5,7,8-pentamethyl-2, 6-diethylpyrromethene difluoroborate complex (pyrromethene 567). Additionally, the luminescent polymer material may be formed as a layer on a substrate having conductive coating, such as a metal, a dielectric material or semi-conductive material, for example. |
| US07951610B2 |
Reaction method and reaction apparatus
A reaction method of performing an adsorption reaction in which a subject substance of analysis is specifically adsorbed in a first channel, the method includes: flowing a specimen liquid to a second channel connected to the first channel so that the specimen liquid is fed to the first channel, the specimen liquid containing the subject substance and a labeled substance that can be bonded to the subject substance; stopping feeding of the specimen liquid by detecting an event that a rear end of the specimen liquid flows into the first channel; joining a washing liquid to the rear end of the specimen liquid which stops in the first channel by flowing the washing liquid to a third channel that is converged to a connection portion of the second channel; and feeding the washing liquid to the first channel after the washing liquid is joined to the rear end. |
| US07951607B2 |
Compositions and methods for detecting nerve agents
The present invention provides methods and compositions for detecting, identifying and measuring the abundance of chemical nerve agents. Methods and compositions of the present invention are capable of providing selective detection of phosphorous based nerve agents, such as nerve agents that are esters of methyl phosphonic acid derivatives incorporating a moderately good leaving group at the phosphorus. Selectivity in the present invention is provided by a sensor composition having an alpha (α) effect nucleophile group that undergoes specific nucleophilic substitution and rearrangement reactions with phosphorus based nerve agents having a tetrahederal phosphorous bound to oxygen. The present invention includes embodiments employing a sensor composition further comprising a reporter group covalently linked to the alpha effect nucleophile group allowing rapid optical readout of nerve agent detection events, including direct visual readout and optical readout via spectroscopic analysis. |
| US07951604B2 |
Mixtures for assaying nucleic acid, novel method of assaying nucleic acid with the use of the same and nucleic acid probe to be used therefor
To provide a novel mixture for assaying a target nucleic acid, characterized by enabling a nucleic acid assay while: 1) requiring no step of diluting the target nucleic acid; 2) requiring no procedure of changing a probe concentration depending on a concentration of the target nucleic acid.1) A mixture which comprises one internal standard nucleic acid and two nucleic acid probes labeled with a fluorescent dye; 2) a mixture for measuring Km value which comprises one internal standard nucleic acid having a partial mutation and one nucleic acid probe labeled with a fluorescent dye; 3) a mixture which comprises one internal standard nucleic acid and one double nucleic acid probe labeled with two fluorescent dyes; and a method for assaying a nucleic acid by making use thereof. |
| US07951601B2 |
Oxide layers on silicon substrates for effective confocal laser microscopy
Methods of performing confocal laser microscopy on a polymer array disposed on a silicon wafer substrate, the method comprising the steps of providing a silicon wafer substrate having a top side and a bottom side, coating the top side of the silicon wafer with an oxide coating to provide an oxide coated wafer, covalently coupling a plurality of probes to the top side of the coated wafer to provide a fixed polymer array, hybridizing the fixed polymer array with a plurality of labeled ligands, and assaying for one or more hybridized ligands using confocal laser fluorescence microscopy to detect hybridization are provided. |
| US07951592B2 |
Compositions and methods for inducing cell dedifferentiation
The present invention provides compounds, compositions and methods for dedifferentiating lineage committed mammalian cells into stem cells. The present invention also provides methods of inducing dedifferentiation of lineage committed mammalian cells into stem cells, which can be further differentiated into various lineage committed cells. Methods of identifying additional compounds useful for inducing dedifferentiation of lineage committed cells into stem cells are also provided. |
| US07951590B2 |
Storage agent for preservation of an animal cell, tissue or organ, and preserved process of the same
The present invention relates to a storage agent for preservation of an animal cell, animal tissue or organ and a method of preserving an animal cell, animal tissue, animal blood or an organ. The storage agent has polyphenol as an effective ingredient. The storage agent stabilizes protein or is added to blood, corpuscles or platelets. Also, the storage agent prevents or treats an organ injury caused by a transplant operation. |
| US07951584B2 |
Method for production of biological organic material and culture vessel
Disclosed is a method for producing a biological organic material in a liquid droplet comprising a culture medium composed of specified ingredient. The method comprises the steps of: providing a substantially spherical liquid droplet on a substrate in an unadhered state, the substrate preferably having such a water-repellent surface that the water contact angle becomes 150° or greater; and culturing a biological organic material in the liquid droplet. |
| US07951582B2 |
Systems and methods for analyzing and manipulating biological samples
A system for qualifying cells of a cell sample labeled with a magnetic or magnetizable moiety is provided. The system includes a cell sample holder for holding a cell of the cells and a first cell analyzer which includes a magnetic field source for applying a magnetic field to the cell and a sensor for qualifying and/or quantifying an effect of the magnetic field on the cell. |
| US07951581B2 |
Method and reagent system with non-regenerable enzyme-coenzyme complex
The present invention is generally directed towards a reagent system for detecting an analyte in a sample. The reagent system has a detection reagent comprising an enzyme-coenzyme complex in a form such that no regeneration of the coenzyme takes place, whereby the enzyme-coenzyme complex is employed in an at least stoichiometric amount relative to the analyte present in the sample, and a support to receive the detection reagent. |
| US07951579B2 |
Method for bacteriophage delivery and amplification
Disclosed are methods of selecting wide host range bacteriophage capable of growing in a plurality of bacteria including pathogenic and non-pathogenic bacteria and bacteriophage selected by the methods. Also disclosed are methods of treating a subject infected with a pathogenic bacterium using bacteriophage and methods of decontaminating objects using bacteriophage. Also disclosed are methods of producing vaccines. In another aspect, methods of determining bacterial viability and methods of improving the sensitivity of a biosensor using wide host range bacteriophages are disclosed. |
| US07951578B2 |
Bacterial strain for a metal biosorption process
This invention is referred to a new bacterial strain of Bacillus sp., to be applied in a metal biosorption process, which was deposited in the Agricultural Research Culture Collection (NRRL) International Depositary Authority, 1815 N. University Street, Peoria Ill. 61604, USA, having an accession number NRRL-B-30881. It is described, also, a sporulated and non-sporulated industrial inoculant of said bacterium, a method to produce said inoculant, and a process to remove metals by said bacterium. |
| US07951577B2 |
Liquid crystals with reduced toxicity and applications thereof
Liquid crystal compositions that exhibit little or no toxicity with respect to cells include liquid crystals with chemical functional groups such as fluorine atoms, fluorophenyl groups, or difluorophenyl groups. Liquid crystals with little or no toxicity to cell lines may be added to cell culture media or added to components used in cell culture media. Cells may be grown in cell culture media that includes liquid crystals that exhibit little or no toxicity to cells. |
| US07951575B2 |
Isolated phages and their use in food or pet food products
The present invention relates to phage isolates having a strong lytic activity against pathogenic Enterobacteriaceae such as Escherichia coli and/or Salmonella strains and their use in various human or pet food products for the treatment or prevention of bacterial diseases caused by pathogenic Enterobacteriaceae such as Escherichia coli , in particular for phage therapy of pediatric gastroenteritis, or Salmonella infection. It also relates to human or pet food products prepared thereof. |
| US07951574B2 |
Subtilases
The present invention relates to novel JP170 like subtilases from wild-type bacteria, hybrids thereof and to methods of construction and production of these proteases. Further, the present invention relates to use of the claimed subtilases in detergents, such as a laundry or an automatic dishwashing detergent. |
| US07951570B2 |
CBH1 homologs and variant CBH1 cellulases
Disclosed are a number of homologs and variants of Hypocrea jecorina Cel7A (formerly Trichoderma reesei cellobiohydrolase I or CBH1), nucleic acids encoding the same and methods for producing the same. The homologs and variant cellulases have the amino acid sequence of a glycosyl hydrolase of family 7A wherein one or more amino acid residues are substituted and/or deleted. |
| US07951569B2 |
Thermostable duplex-specific nuclease
The present invention provides a thermostable duplex-specific nuclease (DSN) and a method for digesting a nucleic acid using said DSN, namely, a protein having a Brachyura-derived duplex-specific nuclease activity, a gene encoding for said protein, a recombinant vector comprising said gene and a transformed cell or transduced cell comprising said vector and a method for producing a protein having a duplex-specific nuclease activity, which comprises culturing said transformed cell or transduced cell using a medium and collecting the protein having a duplex-specific nuclease activity from the cultured mixture, a method for digesting a nucleic acid using said protein having duplex-specific nuclease activity, a method for detecting RNA using said DSN and a reagent kit to be used in the aforementioned methods. |
| US07951568B2 |
Bi-directional selection markers with improved activity
The present invention discloses a polypeptide selected from the group consisting of: a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence according to SEQ ID NO 3, a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence according to SEQ ID NO 6, a polypeptide having an amino acid that is substantially homologous to the sequence of SEQ ID NO 3 and a polypeptide having an amino acid that is substantially homologous to the sequence of SEQ ID NO 6, the polypeptide displaying acetamidase activity and providing a reverse selection on fluoroacetamide with an efficiency of at least 95%, preferably at least 96%, more preferably at least 97%, more preferably at least 98%, more preferably at least 99%, most preferably 100%. The gene encoding the polypeptide of the invention is used as an efficient bi-directional selection marker in the construction of selection marker free strains, in particular for processes for the production of a compound of interest. |
| US07951565B2 |
Process for the production of fine chemicals
The present invention relates to a process for the production of methionine in an organism such as a microorganism, a non-human animal or plant. The invention furthermore relates to nucleic acid molecules, polypeptides, nucleic acid constructs, vectors, antisense molecules, antibodies, host cells, plant tissue, propagation material, harvested material, plants, microorganisms as well as agricultural compositions and to their use. |
| US07951562B2 |
Method for glycosylating hydroxylysine residues in polypeptides or peptides
This invention relates to a multifunctional enzyme having lysyl hydroxylase and glycosyltransferase activity and to the use of the enzyme in glycosylating hydroxylysine residues. In particular this invention relates to a method for producing glycosyltransferase activity, which comprises that a nucleotide sequence encoding lysyl hydroxylase and glycosyltransferase activity is introduced and expressed in a chosen host and the protein product is recovered from the host cell or from the culture medium. |
| US07951558B2 |
Method for extracellular production of target proteins by co-expression of OmpF and Target proteins
The present invention relates to a method for secreting and producing a target protein into cell culture broth. More particularly, the invention relates to a microorganism co-transformed with a recombinant expression vector containing E. coli outer membrane protein F (OmpF) and a recombinant expression vector containing a target protein to be secreted into cell culture broth, as well as a method of secreting and producing the target protein into cell culture broth by culturing the microorganism. According to the invention, the target protein can be secreted into cell culture broth in a pure form without fusion with other proteins so that the efficient isolation and purification of the target protein is possible. |
| US07951557B2 |
Human lysosomal proteins from plant cell culture
A device, system and method for producing glycosylated proteins in plant culture, particularly proteins having a high mannose glycosylation, while targeting such proteins with an ER signal and/or by-passing the Golgi. The invention further relates to vectors and methods for expression and production of enzymatically active high mannose lysosomal enzymes using transgenic plant root, particularly carrot cells. More particularly, the invention relates to host cells, particularly transgenic suspended carrot cells, vectors and methods for high yield expression and production of biologically active high mannose Glucocerebrosidase (GCD). The invention further provides for compositions and methods for the treatment of lysosomal storage diseases. |
| US07951556B2 |
Mutated prokaryotic cells with high secretion-levels
A mutated prokaryotic cell, which secretes higher amounts of at least one heterologous polypeptide of interest and which has a reduced expression-level of YusZ or YusX, or homologues thereof, when compared with an otherwise isogenic but non-mutated cell, and methods for constructing and using such a cell in the production of polypeptides. |
| US07951554B2 |
Kit for enzymatic deposition of a metal
The present invention provides compositions, kits, assemblies of articles and methodology for carrying out processes that permit biological enzymes to act directly on metals and metal particles. In particular, the invention concerns using enzymes to selectively deposit metal to the vicinity of a target molecule. The invention also relates to linking of metals to enzyme substrates, control of enzymatic metal deposition and applications of enzymatic metal deposition to sensitively and selectively detect target molecules such as biomarkers in various biological samples, such as chromogenic immunohistochemical (IHC) detection in situ by using microscopy. |
| US07951553B2 |
Method of assaying glycated protein
The present invention provides a convenient, efficient method for assaying glycated protein, fructosyl peptide, or fructosyl amino acid which can be performed with reduced effect of fructosyl lysine compounds. The invention also provides a reagent for the assay.The invention is directed to a method for reducing the effect of a fructosyl lysine compound in an assay of fructosyl peptide or fructosyl amino acid contained in a sample, characterized by including causing an enzyme for assaying fructosyl peptide or fructosyl amino acid to act specifically on fructosyl peptide or fructosyl amino acid at a pH of 4.0 to 7.0 and measuring the product at a pH of 4.0 to 7.0; and a method for assaying glycated protein through the above method. |
| US07951549B2 |
Methods for the identification of agents that inhibit mesenchymal-like tumor cells or their formation
The present invention provides tumor cell preparations for use as models of the EMT process for use in the identification of anti-cancer agents, wherein said tumor cell preparations comprise cells of the epithelial tumor cell line H358, which are stimulated by receptor ligands to induce EMT, or which have been engineered to inducibly express a protein that stimulates EMT. The present invention also provides methods of identifying potential anti-cancer agents by using such tumor cell preparations to identify agents that inhibit EMT, stimulate MET, or inhibit the growth of mesenchymal-like cells. Such agents should be particularly useful when used in conjunction with other anti-cancer drugs such as EGFR and IGF-1R kinase inhibitors, which appear to be less effective at inhibiting tumor cells that have undergone an EMT. |
| US07951545B2 |
Method for detecting lysosomal storage diseases
A method for detecting lysosomal storage diseases including the steps of performing an assay for a single species of glycosaminoglycan contained in a specimen and correlating results of the assay with lysosomal storage diseases. A body fluid such as urine or blood can be employed as a specimen. The assay can be performed by use of a polypeptide that is capable of specifically binding to a glycosaminoglycan-containing molecule. The polypeptide may be an antibody, or a polypeptide having an antigen-binding site of an antibody. |
| US07951541B2 |
Assay kit for use in method of detecting a target nucleic acid
Kits for use in a method of detecting an amplification product by hybridizing it with a probe, the amplification product is amplified from a target nucleic acid with the primers, including placing F3, F2 and F1 regions in this order from a 5′ terminal side and B3c, B2c and B1c regions in this order from a 3′ terminal side, and additionally an FP region in the region from the F2 to F1 regions and/or a BPc region in the region from the B2c to B1c regions in the target nucleic acid, determining the respective regions in such a manner that the FP and F2 regions and/or the BPc and B2c regions have an unoverlapping region of at least 10 bases or more and overlapping regions of 10 bases or less, and designing the primers according to the regions. |
| US07951528B2 |
Use of transthyretin as a biomarker for colorectal adenoma and/or carcinoma; method for detection and test system
The invention is directed to a method for detecting colorectal adenoma and/or colorectal carcinoma comprising the steps: a) providing an isolated sample material which has been taken from an individual, b) determining the level of transthyretin in said isolated sample material, and c) comparing the determined level of transthyretin with a reference value. The invention is further directed to a method for discriminating between colorectal adenoma and colorectal carcinoma as well as to a method for monitoring the course of colorectal adenoma and/or colorectal carcinoma and/or the treatment of colorectal adenoma and/or colorectal carcinoma. Moreover, the invention is directed to a test system and an array for use in these methods. Furthermore, the invention is directed to the use of transthyretin as a biomarker for a detection of colorectal adenoma and/or colorectal carcinoma in an individual. |
| US07951527B2 |
Method of forming an integrated optical polarization grid on an LCD substrate and liquid crystal display manufactured to include the grid
A method of forming a wire grid polarizing pattern across the relatively large surface area of a display substrate includes using a nano imprint lithograph process wherein wire grid polarizing patterns are formed by bonding a stamp having a stamping area substantially smaller than that of the substrate with successive reticle areas of the substrate, where the substrate has a photosensitive film deposited thereon and where the stamping is such that recesses having a predetermined depth are formed in the photosensitive film, and then filling the recesses with an insulating film and etching it using the insulating film as a mask. Since mechanical misalignment margin is acceptable from one reticle area to the next, a wire grid polarizing pattern with a uniform line width and spacings in each reticle area can be formed on a substrate having a large area. |
| US07951518B2 |
Polyester resin for toner, toner composition and resin particle
Disclosed is a heat-fusible electrostatic image developing toner which has an excellent balance between fixability at low temperatures and grindability and is excellent in glossiness after fixing. Also disclosed is a resin for toners.A polyester resin for toners which is obtained by polycondensing a polyol component and a polycarboxylic acid component is characterized by containing 20-100 weight % of one or more polyester resins (A1) having a storage elastic modulus from 2.5×103 Pa to 5×106 Pa at 150° C. wherein the molar average cohesive energy of the polyol component is between 7.0×104 and 1.4×105 J. |
| US07951511B2 |
Fuel cell with proton conducting membrane and with improved water and fuel management
The present invention provides a cathode and a fuel cell, which are built to prevent escape of liquids, e.g. water and fuel solution, from the cell. Thus, according to a first aspect thereof, the present invention provides a cathode suitable for use in a fuel cell having a proton conducting membrane, the cathode comprising a plurality of layers including a catalyst layer and a hydrophobic porous support layer, wherein at least one of said plurality of layers is a liquid water leak-proof layer, which allows gas to pass through it and prevents passage of liquid water and/or aqueous fuel solution. |
| US07951508B2 |
Fuel cell
A fuel cell is formed by stacking a membrane electrode assembly and separators alternately. Each of the separators includes first and second metal plates. A coolant flow field is formed between the first and second metal plates. The coolant flow field is connected to inlet buffers and outlet buffers. Protrusions for limiting the flow of a coolant are provided at the inlet buffers and the outlet buffers on upper and lower opposite end positions of the coolant flow field. |
| US07951506B2 |
Bipolar plate and direct liquid feed fuel cell stack
A bipolar plate for fuel cells includes a plurality of flow paths in which fuel flows. The flow paths include a first flow path formed by a plurality of flow channels and a second flow path formed by a plurality of islands. A direct liquid fuel cell stack comprises the bipolar plate. |
| US07951504B2 |
Fuel cartridge
Provided is a fuel cartridge in which a follower is prevented from being deformed and from separating even when heavy vibration is exerted onto the fuel cartridge. The fuel cartridge is detachably connected with a fuel cell main body and assumes a construction in which the fuel cartridge is equipped with a fuel-storing vessel for storing a liquid fuel, a fuel discharge part, and a follower which seals the liquid fuel and moves as the liquid fuel is consumed at a rear end part of the liquid fuel. The follower is provided with a follower auxiliary member and a cap member both of which have no fluidity and are insoluble in the liquid fuel. |
| US07951501B2 |
Fuel cell system and method for controlling current
A fuel cell is provided, which includes a first plenum around an anode for receiving fuel, and a second plenum around a cathode for receiving oxygen. A fluid controller controls the supply of fuel to the first plenum or oxygen to the second plenum. A sensor detects the load on the fuel cell, and a controller controls the fluid controller in response to the load detected by the sensor.A method for controlling the output of a fuel cell is also provided, which includes the step of providing a fuel cell having a reaction area with an effective area where reactions may occur. The demand on the fuel cell is detected and the effective area of the reaction area is varied in response to the demand. Alternatively, the fuel cell may have an internal resistance, and the method may include varying the internal resistance in response to the demand. |
| US07951499B2 |
Fuel cell system which cools condenser and mixes air without requiring separate power units
A fuel cell system comprises: a fuel container for storing fuel liquefied with pressure; a reformer for generating hydrogen from the fuel through a catalyst reaction based on heat energy; an electric generator for generating electricity by transforming energy of an electrochemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen into electric energy; a condenser for condensing water produced in the electric generator; and a heat exchanger passing through the condenser for cooling the condenser by latent heat of the fuel. With this configuration, cooling water cooled by latent heat of a fuel container is employed to cool the condenser without using a separate cooler. Furthermore, air is mixed with butane fuel without using a separate power unit, so that it is possible to achieve a more compact and highly efficient fuel cell. |
| US07951497B2 |
Fuel cell system
A fuel cell system of the present invention comprises a fuel cell (13), a load value detecting means (16) configured to detect a load value of a load of electric power or heat which is generated by equipment (14) supplied with the electric power or the heat from the fuel cell system, a load value storage means (17) configured to store a history of the load value which is detected by the load value detecting means (16), a load value predicting means (18) configured to predict a load value which is going to be generated, based on the history of the load value, and to store the predicted load value as load value data, and scheduled start-up time of a fuel cell (13) is decided based on the load value data. |
| US07951496B2 |
Model based real-time optimization of fuel cell clusters
A power generation system is provided. The power generation system includes a fuel cell controller, at least one fuel cell cluster operably connected to the fuel cell controller and a data server operably connected to the fuel cell cluster. The data server is configured to obtain operational data from the fuel cell cluster. In addition, a model server operably connected to the data server. The model server is configured to model the operational characteristics of the fuel cell cluster during the actual operation of the fuel cell cluster and modify the operation of the fuel cell cluster in real-time, based on the operational data obtained by the data server. |
| US07951490B2 |
Positive electrode active matter and secondary battery using this
A secondary battery both having a cathode and an anode with a separator in between. The cathode comprises a stable complex oxide LixNi1-y-zMnyMIzO2 and a highly conductive complex oxide LisMIIl-t-uMntMIIIuO2. Each of MI and MIII includes at least one kind selected from the group consisting of elements in Group 2 through Group 14, and MII includes at least one kind selected from the group consisting of Ni and Co, and the values of x, y, z, s, t and u are within a range of 0.9≦x≦1.1, 0.25≦y≦0.45, 0.01≦z≦0.30, 0.9≦s≦1.1, 0.05≦t≦0.20, and 0.01≦u≦0.10, respectively. |
| US07951488B2 |
Cathode and battery including same
A cathode and a battery including the cathode are provided. The cathode includes a cathode mixture layer with a cathode active material and a binder. The binder can include, for example, a synthetic rubber latex and a thickener, polyvinylidene fluoride denaturalized by maleic acid and/or the like. |
| US07951487B2 |
Electrode group for nonaqueous battery and method for producing the same, and cylindrical nonaqueous secondary battery and method for producing the same
A positive electrode 2 includes a positive electrode current collector lead 70 connected to a core exposed part 78 formed at a longitudinal center of a current collector core 72. A negative electrode 3 includes a double-coated part 14 including an active material layer 13 and a porous protective film 28 formed on each surface of a current collector core 12, a core exposed part 18, and a single-coated part 17 which is located between the double-coated part 14 and the core exposed part 18, and includes the active material layer 13 and the porous protective film 28 formed only on one of the surfaces of the current collector core 12. A plurality of grooves 10 are formed in each surface of the double-coated part 14, while the grooves 10 are not formed in the single-coated part 17. A negative electrode current collector lead 20 is connected to the core exposed part 18. The negative electrode 3 is wound in such a manner that the core exposed part 18 constitutes a last wound end. |
| US07951485B2 |
Lithium rechargeable battery having an insulating case
A lithium rechargeable battery includes an electrode assembly arranged in a can and an insulating case positioned at an upper portion of the electrode assembly. The insulating case includes at least one protrusion protruding toward an inner wall of the can. |
| US07951481B2 |
Separator and cell using the same for use in solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell
A separator for use in a solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell, including a membrane/electrode assembly including a fuel electrode and an oxidant electrode disposed on either side of a solid polymer electrolyte membrane; a first separator superposed against a surface of the oxidant electrode forming an oxidant gas flow passage; and a second separator superposed against a surface of the fuel electrode forming a fuel gas flow passage. The first separator and the second separator are composed of rectangular thin metal plates, with outer peripheral edges of the first separator and the second separator each bending inclined towards a secondary face thereof on an opposite side of a primary face thereof that is superposed against the membrane/electrode assembly, thereby integrally forming a reinforcing rib. |
| US07951478B2 |
Battery pack
A battery pack includes battery modules; battery module stacked members including the stacked battery modules; a battery module group including the battery module stacked members arranged in a plane; and a lower plate arranged to hold the battery module group. The lower plate includes a main body made from a resin, the main body supporting the battery module stacked members arranged in parallel, and including mounting surfaces each of which one of the battery module stacked members is mounted on; and metal frames each inserted and molded in one of the mounting surfaces, the metal frames being arranged in an arrangement direction of the battery module stacked members, and electrically insulated with each other. |
| US07951476B2 |
Rechargeable battery using an electrode assembly having at least one insulating plate
An electrode assembly for a rechargeable battery resists external impacts applied to the rechargeable battery, and includes a sealing tape attached to an outer circumference of the rechargeable battery, which extends toward an upper part and a lower part to prevent the electrode assembly from unfastening, and a top insulating plate and a bottom insulating plate may be attached to the extended portion of the sealing tape. A shock resistant electrode assembly for a rechargeable battery has an insulating plate attached thereto by an extended portion of a sealing tape, thereby preventing the electrode assembly from moving in a battery housing when an external impact is applied. |
| US07951475B2 |
Vent valve for acid batteries
The present invention concerns a vent valve for acid batteries comprising a substantially cylindrical plug portion (28) which is designed for being brought into engagement with a cell opening of the acid battery (1) and which has at least one passage opening communicating the cell interior of the acid battery with the ambient atmosphere, wherein provided in the passage opening is a valve arrangement (29) having an inlet communicating with the cell interior and an outlet connected to the ambient atmosphere. In order to provide a vent valve for an acid battery, in particular an acid battery with fixed electrolyte, which is simple and inexpensive to produce and which affords improved protection against the escape of battery acid, it is proposed in accordance with the invention that at least one turbulence chamber (30) follows the passage opening of the plug portion (28) in the direction of the cell interior and a gas-permeable filter unit (31, 31′) follows the turbulence chamber (30). |
| US07951474B2 |
Gas release valve
A gas release valve to be mounted in an access port of a battery cell includes a housing, the upper side of which is closed by a lid. The lower side of the lid has an opening leading into the battery cell and is in communication, via degassing passageways closed by an elastic sealing element, with at least one vent provided in the lid. The elastic sealing element is a preloaded non-return element, the inner surface of which is urged into sealing contact with a seat provided in the housing by it s own elasticity and, in addition, by a pressure differential with the outer pressure that acts through the vent against the outer surface of the sealing element. |
| US07951470B2 |
Light emitting element, light emitting device, and lighting system
According to the present invention, a light-emitting element, a light-emitting device, and a lighting system, each of which has a broad spectrum like sunlight and has high color rendering properties, can be obtained. One embodiment of the present invention has a light-emitting device which includes at least two kinds of luminescence center materials, and at least one kind of the luminescence center materials is a quinoxaline derivative represented by the following general formula (1): wherein R1 to R4 are individually hydrogen or an alkyl group having 4 carbon atoms (a straight-chain structure or a branch structure). |
| US07951465B2 |
Joined body of dissimilar materials comprising steel material and aluminum material, and joining method therefor
To provide a steel-aluminum welded material and a spot welding method therefor having high weld strength.The steel-aluminum welded material 3 includes a steel material 1 and an aluminum material 2 having predetermined widths. The area of a nugget 5 of a spot-welded part is determined as a function of the thickness of the aluminum material 2, and the area of a part of the nugget 5 corresponding to a part having a thickness in a range between 0.5 and 10 μm of an interface reaction layer 6 is defined as a function of the thickness of the aluminum material 2. |
| US07951464B2 |
Composite material with fiber alignment
A composite material may be provided with unique alignment characteristics. The composite material may include a matrix material and a plurality of fibers disposed in the matrix material, wherein the plurality of fibers is magnetically aligned in a uniform spacing within the matrix material. |
| US07951456B2 |
Two-component epoxy adhesive composition
A two-component epoxy adhesive composition comprises a) a first component comprising a first epoxy resin and a second epoxy resin being flexibilized by an elastomer, and b) a second component comprising at least one amine compound with one or more primary and/or secondary amino groups having a molecular weight of less than 450 g/mole. The ratio of the total number of amino groups of the amine compound to the total number of epoxy groups of the epoxy resins is from 0.01:1 to 0.5:1. The mixing of components a) and b) results in a wash-off resistant composition upon heat-curing in a crash-stable structural adhesive. |
| US07951450B2 |
Red color filter element
A red color filter having a red filter layer comprising a pigment having a maximum absorption at a wavelength within the range of from 450 to 575 nm, wherein the red filter layer has chromaticity coordinates (x, y) in the 1931 CIE XYZ calorimetric system, calculated using CIE Standard illuminant D65, that satisfy the expressions 0.665≦x≦0.68 and 0.30≦y≦0.34. |
| US07951446B2 |
Constraining green sheet and manufacturing method of multi-layer ceramic substrate
There is provided a hard-to-sinter constraining green sheet and a method of manufacturing a multilayer ceramic substrate using the same. The hard-to-sinter constraining green sheet disposed at least one of top and bottom surfaces of a non-sintered multi-layer ceramic substrate, the hard-to-sinter constraining green sheet including: a first constraining layer having a surface to be positioned on the multi-layer ceramic substrate, the first constraining layer including a first organic binder and a first inorganic powder having a spherical shape or a quasi-spherical shape; and a second constraining layer bonded to a top surface of the first constraining layer and including a second organic binder and a second inorganic powder having a flake shape, the second constraining layer having a powder packing density lower than that of the first constraining layer. |
| US07951444B2 |
Multi-stage enamelled dial
The dial with an enamel coating (2) includes a base plate (1) made of ceramic material with portions in relief (4, 8) obtained by partial or through shaping or machining, formed by an insert (10) also having an enamel coating (12) and whose thickness defines a recess (4) or an embossment (8). |
| US07951441B2 |
Compound flooring and manufacturing method thereof
The present invention relates to a compound flooring material. The compound flooring such as thermoplastic/wood compound flooring is produced by adhering two layers through adhesive cementing. According to an embodiment, a first sheet is a high quality wood veneer and the second sheet is a low foaming, environment friendly, UPVC board. The sheets are bonded by incorporating a high quality polyvinyl acetate polymer adhesive that contains no formaldehyde, thus providing a strong, safe, odorless product. The UPVC/wood compound flooring has a very low shrinking and swelling rate and is convenient and accurate to install. |
| US07951439B2 |
Chlorinated rubber composition and hose
A chlorinated rubber composition including a chlorinated rubber, a metal deactivator, an acid acceptor, and an antioxidant respectively at a particular amount is provided. The chlorinated rubber composition is capable of providing a chlorinated rubber composition which can be used in producing a hose exhibiting excellent resistance to degradation by zinc together with the sufficient physical properties such as resistance to thermal aging, oil resistance, and adhesion, as well as a hose produced by using such chlorinated rubber composition for the rubber layer. |
| US07951437B2 |
Multilayer film dry lamination of airbag fabrics
An inflatable automotive protective cushion and method of formation. The protective cushion includes a multilayer film coating with an adhesive layer and an overlying barrier layer. The adhesive layer is adapted to bond to a textile substrate and the barrier layer is adapted to block air permeability. |
| US07951435B2 |
Inkjet recording material
Disclosed is an inkjet recording material comprising at least a base layer and an ink receiving layer. The ink receiving layer is composed of a mixture of a hydrophilic component containing a hydrophilic resin and a hydrophobic resin having hot-melt property. And the mass ratio between said hydrophilic component and said hydrophobic resin having hot-melt adhesive property in the mixture is from 60:40 to 20:80 (the hydrophilic component:hydrophobic resin). The inkjet recording material is excellent in moisture resistance, while exhibiting high ink absorption capacity. |
| US07951434B2 |
Polarizing plate and liquid crystal display device
A polarizing plate is provided and is excellent in characteristics of optical compensation, small in a change of polarization performance over time and excellent in moisture and heat resistance. The polarizing plate contains a polarizing film and two transparent protective films provided one on each side of the polarizing film, in which at least one of the two protective films is an optical compensatory sheet containing a cellulose acylate film. The polarizing plate has specified single-plate transmittance and polarization degree P and has specified ranges of variations of the transmittance and the polarization degree P after a passage of a specified period of time under a high-temperature high-humidity atmosphere and a high-temperature low-humidity atmosphere. The liquid crystal display device of VA mode using the polarizing plate is provided. |
| US07951430B2 |
Cellulose acylate film, polarizing plate and liquid crystal display device
A cellulose acylate film comprising a retardation developing agent consisting of a rod-shaped compound, wherein Re is 50 to 100 nm, Rth is 130 to 250 nm, and the thickness is 40 to 90 μm. A liquid crystal display device comprising the film shows reduced the corner irregularity. |
| US07951429B2 |
High energy curable coatings comprising thermoplastic polymers
A radiation curable coating composition comprising: (i) a thermoplastic polymer; (ii) at least one ethylenically unsaturated adhesion-promoting monomer or oligomer; (iii) at least one other ethylenically unsaturated radiation polymerizable reactant; and (iv) at least one initiator for initiating cure. |
| US07951424B2 |
Selective placement of carbon nanotubes on oxide surfaces
The present invention provides a method for the selective placement of carbon nanotubes on a particular surface. In particular, the present invention provides a method in which self-assembled monolayers formed on an unpatterned or patterned metal oxide surface are used to attract or repel carbon nanotubes from a dispersion containing the same. In accordance with the present invention, the carbon nanotubes can be attracted to the self-assembled monolayers so as to be attached to the metal oxide surface, or they can be repelled by the self-assembled monolayers bonding to a predetermined surface other than the metal oxide surface containing the self-assembled monolayers. |
| US07951423B2 |
Surface-structured substrate and production thereof
The invention relates to a method for production of a surface-structured substrate, comprising the steps: (i) production of a first substrate, nanostructured with inorganic nanoclusters on at least one surface, (ii) application of a substrate material for a second substrate, different from the first material to the nanostructured surface of the first substrate as obtained in step (i) and (iii) separation of the first substrate from the second substrate of step (ii), including the inorganic nanoclusters to give a second substrate nanostructured with the nanoclusters. The invention further relates to a surface-structured substrate obtained by said method and the use of the surface-structured substrate for application to a stent or implant material for the adhesion of cells, viruses and/or bacteria and the serum-free culture of cells, for example, for skin replacement and, furthermore, all applications of said substrate in which biological systems can be imitated, modified, examined or quantified by the structured application of biologically-active molecules and the application thereof in optical or electronic components and chemical and biological sensor systems. |
| US07951416B2 |
Polyamide fluidized-bed-coating powder for thin-layer fluidized-bed coating
One embodiment of the present invention provides a polyamide powder, which includes polyamide particles having a median grain size d 50 of from 20 to 90 μm, a content of fines <5 μm of below 1% by weight, and at least 75% by weight of spherical particles in which all three spatial axes x, y and z of the individual particles have the same dimensions to within ±10%. Other embodiments of the invention provide a process for making and using the powder, and articles coated articles obtained thereby. |
| US07951413B2 |
Catheter balloon having a lubricious coating
A balloon for a catheter and a method of making the balloon, having a layer of a porous polymeric material with a modified outer surface and a lubricious coating bonded to the modified outer surface. In one embodiment, the modified outer surface is formed by a polymer impregnated in the porous polymeric material, and the subsequently applied lubricious coating bonds to the impregnating polymer. In another embodiment, the modified outer surface is formed by a functionality deposited on the porous polymeric material which bonds to the subsequently applied lubricious coating. The modified outer surface provides an improved strong bond between the lubricious coating and the balloon, for improved catheter performance. |
| US07951412B2 |
Laser based metal deposition (LBMD) of antimicrobials to implant surfaces
A method is provided for depositing a hard wear resistant surface onto a porous or non-porous base material of a medical implant. The wear resistant surface of the medical implant device may be formed by a Laser Based Metal Deposition (LBMD) method such as Laser Engineered Net Shaping (LENS). The wear resistant surface may include a blend of multiple different biocompatible materials. Further, functionally graded layers of biocompatible materials may be used to form the wear resistant surface. Usage of a porous material for the base may promote bone ingrowth to allow the implant to fuse strongly with the bone of a host patient. The hard wear resistant surface provides device longevity, particularly when applied to bearing surfaces such as artificial joint bearing surfaces or a dental implant bearing surfaces. An antimicrobial material such as silver may be deposited in combination with a metal to form an antimicrobial surface deposit. |
| US07951407B2 |
Ruminant feed containing N-carbamoyl glutamate
A method of stimulating or enhancing an ornithine-urea cycle in ruminant gut tissues, which entails either feeding to a ruminant an effective amount of a ruminant feed or feed supplement containing an effective amount of a compound which stimulates activity of one or more enzymes required in the ornithine-urea cycle. |
| US07951406B2 |
Therapeutic compounds isolated from Calomeria amaranthoides
The present invention relates to extracts and compounds which are isolated from Calomeria amaranthoides, and to derivatives and analogues of such compounds, which demonstrate cytotoxic activity against a variety of cell types exhibiting hyperproliferative cell division. |
| US07951405B2 |
Combined treatment with cisplatin and an epidermal growth factor receptor kinase inhibitor
The present invention provides a method for treating tumors or tumor metastases in a patient, comprising administering to the patient simultaneously or sequentially a therapeutically effective amount of an EGFR kinase inhibitor and cisplatin combination, with or without additional agents or treatments, such as other anti-cancer drugs or radiation therapy. The invention also encompasses a pharmaceutical composition that is comprised of an EGFR kinase inhibitor and cisplatin combination in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. A preferred example of an EGFR kinase inhibitor that can be used in practicing this invention is the compound erlotinib HCl (also known as Tarceva™). |
| US07951403B2 |
Method of making pharmaceutical multiparticulates
A process for forming drug multiparticulates having improved drug crystallinity is disclosed, comprising modifying a conventional melt-congeal process by adding a volatile cospecies either to the molten mixture or to the process atmosphere, or to both. |
| US07951400B2 |
Coated tablet formulation and method
A coated tablet formulation is provided which includes a medicament such as the DPP4-inhibitor, saxaglipitin or its HCl salt, which is subject to intra-molecular cyclization, which formulation includes a tablet core containing one or more fillers, and other conventional excipients, which tablet core includes a coating thereon which may include two or more layers, at least one layer of which is an inner seal coat layer which is formed of one or more coating polymers, a second layer of which is formed of medicament which is the DPP4-inhibitor and one or more coating polymers, and an optional, but preferable third outer protective layer which is formed of one or more coating polymers. A method for forming the coated tablet is also provided. |
| US07951397B2 |
Oral dosage form containing a PDE 4 inhibitor as an active ingredient and polyvinylpyrrolidon as excipient
Dosage forms for oral administration of a PDE 4 inhibitor whose solubility is slight are described. They contain PVP as binder. |
| US07951396B2 |
Preparation of nanoliposome-encapsulating proteins and protein-encapsulated nanoliposome
Preparing a nanoliposome for encapsulating a protein includes preparing a dispersion by dispersing a phospholipid in an aqueous solution containing the protein, applying a shearing force to the dispersion; adding an additional amount of the phospholipid to the result of the step of applying the shearing force to the dispersion and then applying a shearing force higher than that of the step of applying the shearing force to the dispersion, and repeating the step of adding the additional amount of the phospholipid and applying the higher shearing force with an additional amount of the phospholipid and a shearing force higher than the prior step to obtain a nanoliposome having a desired diameter and encapsulation efficiency. |
| US07951395B2 |
Dermal application system for aminolaevulinic acid
The invention relates to a dermal for aminolaevulinic acid, wherein a self-adhesive matrix system is used containing crystalline aminolaevulinic acids. |
| US07951389B2 |
Mycoattractants and mycopesticides
The present invention utilizes extracts of the pre-sporulation (preconidial) mycelial stage of entomopathogenic fungi as insect attractants and/or pathogens. The fungus can be cultivated on grain, wood, agricultural wastes or other cellulosic material. More than one fungus and substrate can be used in combination. |
| US07951382B2 |
Methods for treatment of type 2 diabetes
The present invention relates generally to the identification of biological markers associated with an increased risk of developing Diabetes, as well as methods of using such biological markers in diagnosis and prognosis of Diabetes. The biological markers of the invention may indicate new targets for therapy or constitute new therapeutics for the treatment or prevention of Diabetes. |
| US07951381B2 |
Method of stimulating epithelial cell proliferation by administration of gastrointestinal proliferative factor
The invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising gastrointestinal proliferative factor (GIPF) polynucleotides and polypeptides. The invention further relates to the therapeutic use of GIPF to prevent or treat conditions or disorders associated with the degeneration of the epithelial mucosa. |
| US07951380B2 |
Methods of stimulating bone growth using ZVEGF4 polypeptides
Polypeptide growth factors, methods of making them, polynucleotides encoding them, antibodies to them, and methods of using them are disclosed. The polypeptides comprise an amino acid segment that is at least 70% identical to residues 52-179 of SEQ ID NO:2 or residues 258-370 of SEQ ID NO:2. Multimers of the polypeptides are also disclosed. The polypeptides, multimeric proteins, and polynucleotides can be used in the study and regulation of cell and tissue development, as components of cell culture media, and as diagnostic agents. |
| US07951372B1 |
Method of treating psoriasis by administering IL-22 antibodies, or binding fragments thereof
Inhibitors of IL-22 are disclosed as well as pharmaceutical compositions and methods of using same. The inhibitors include IL-22 antibodies and are useful for treating inflammatory disorders. |
| US07951365B2 |
Method for expansion of tumour-reactive T-lymphocytes for immunotherapy of patients with specific cancer types
Methods for treating a patient suffering from a neoplastic disease are disclosed and described. A number of diseases can be treated under the present methods, including without limitation gall bladder cancer, hepato cellular cancer, ovarian cancer, small intestine cancer, lung cancer, mesothelioma, breast cancer, kidney cancer, pancreas cancer, prostate cancer, carcinoid cancer, leiomyosarcoma, or metastasis thereof. A general method for providing such treatment may include: 1) identifying in a patient one or more sentinel and/or metinel lymph nodes draining the neoplasm; 2) resecting the one or more nodes and, optionally all or part of the tumour or metastasis; 3) isolating tumour-reactive T-lymphocytes from said lymph nodes; 4) in vitro expanding said tumour-reactive T-lymphocytes; and 5) administering the thus obtained tumour-reactive T-lymphocytes to the patient. |
| US07951361B2 |
Bacterial vaccine
A bacterial cell which expresses three or more coli surface (CS) antigens and methods of making such a cell. The cell is useful in making vaccines against diarrhea. |
| US07951359B2 |
Compositions and methods for therapy or prevention of chemotherapy-induced neuropathy
The present invention relates to the use of IL-6 in compositions and methods for therapy or prevention of chemotherapy-induced neuropathy (CIPN). More specifically, the invention relates to the use of a low dose of IL-6 for the treatment and/or prevention CIPN. |
| US07951358B2 |
Antiperspirant aerosol composition comprising inert silicones
According to a first aspect, antiperspirant concentrate compositions are disclosed comprising particulates of antiperspirant active agent and a silicone component, wherein: (a) the particulates of antiperspirant active agent are the only particulates in the antiperspirant concentrate composition; (b) the silicone component comprises one or more silicones, the or each silicone in the silicone component is inert in relation to the antiperspirant active agent. According to a second aspect, an antiperspirant aerosol composition is provided comprising the antiperspirant concentrate composition according to the first aspect and a propellant. According to a third aspect of the invention, packaged antiperspirant aerosol compositions according to the first aspect are disclosed. |
| US07951356B1 |
Tissue factor compositions and kits for coagulation and tumor treatment
The invention embodies the surprising discovery that Tissue Factor (TF) compositions and variants thereof specifically localize to the blood vessels within a vascularized tumor following systemic administration. The invention therefore provides methods and compositions comprising coagulant-deficient Tissue Factor for use in effecting specific coagulation and for use in tumor treatment. The TF compositions and methods of present invention may be used alone, as TF conjugates with improved half-life, or in combination with other agents, such as conventional chemotherapeutic drugs, targeted immunotoxins, targeted coaguligands, and/or in combination with Factor VIIa (FVIIa) or FVIIa activators. |
| US07951352B2 |
Method for the production of alpha-calcium sulfate hemihydrate from calcium sulfate dihydrate
Disclosed is a method for producing alpha-calcium sulfate hemihydrate from calcium dihydrate. Said method has the following features: a) calcium dihydrate is fed to an agitated autoclave (1); b) the agitated autoclave (1) is indirectly heated; c) water is added and incorporated in a controlled manner; d) the feedstock is prevented from adhering to surfaces of the reaction chamber by means of moved chains (3) that are mounted on the paddles and/or the drive shaft (16) of the agitated autoclave (1); e) the pressure in the reaction chamber is regulated at intervals or in a continuous manner by discharging vapor when a certain pressure has been reached in the interior, the vapor being conducted via a centrifugal separator (17) and a control valve (18); f) cold air is delivered for residual drying purposes; g) the process material is removed. Also disclosed is a corresponding apparatus for carrying out said method. |
| US07951350B1 |
Fuel-gas reforming systems and methods
A process and system for producing an effluent gas containing carbon monoxide and hydrogen is presented. The process includes introducing a fuel gas including a hydrocarbon and a reformer gas into a reactor system. The reformer gas may include steam, CO2, or a mixture thereof. Under steam reforming temperatures and pressures, the gases are reacted in the presence of reactant solids. The reaction process produces a carbon monoxide and hydrogen containing effluent, which may be withdrawn from the reactor system. |
| US07951349B2 |
Method and system for storing and generating hydrogen
A method and system for storing and generating hydrogen. The method comprises generating hydrogen and heat from the reaction of a metal or metal compound with water. The heat generated from this reaction may then be converted to other forms of energy such as by passing the heat through a thermal electric device to recover electrical energy for storage in a battery. In an alternative and preferred embodiment, the heat is used to drive additional reactions for generating more hydrogen and is preferably used to drive an endothermic dehydrogenation reaction resulting in increased hydrogen generation and consumption of the heat. |
| US07951343B1 |
Toothbrush holder and sanitizer
A toothbrush holder includes an outer body with a bottom section coupled thereto. A seal is intercalated therebetween and extends along the circumference of the outer body. An inner body is seated within the outer body and includes a plurality of chambers equidistantly aligned with a center thereof. The inner body has a diameter less than a diameter of the outer body and has a vertically oriented central shaft formed with the chambers. A top plate is attached to the chambers and is provided with a plurality of apertures counter-sunk therein and vertically aligned above the chambers. A dome-shaped lid is connected to an outer perimeter of the outer body, and disposed adjacent to the top plate. The apparatus includes a mechanism for automatically locking the lid to the outer body after the lid is adapted to a closed position. |
| US07951342B2 |
Sterilizing apparatus
A sterilizer (20) is provided having a steam filled sterilizer chamber (24) for sterilizer articles placed within the chamber (24). An electronic air valve (186) is provided to control the venting rate of the steam is vented back to a water reservoir (140) after the articles have been sterilized. The electronic air valve (186) also vents the chamber (24) in a controlled manner during the heat up portion of the sterilization cycle to obtain an optimum saturated steam environment with the chamber (24) for the sterilizing process. The sterilizer (20) has pre-programmed and programmable sterilization cycles. And the drying times of each of these cycles is programmable by a user. The programmable sterilization cycles also provide a programmable vent rate which may be selected by the user to minimize damage to the sterilized articles. A steam condensing coil (200) is associated with the water reservoir (140) to minimize pressure build up within the water reservoir (140). The sterilizer (20) uses sensed pressure within the sterilizer chamber (24) to control heating of the chamber (24) to a predetermined sterilization temperature set point during a sterilization cycle. A motor (114) controls a door lock mechanism to open the door (32) of the sterilizer (20) following the sterilizing portion of the sterilization cycle. |
| US07951341B2 |
Reactor design for smaller batch transfers of catalyst
A moving bed of catalyst loses activity as it moves through the reactor. Creating multiple passes for the process fluid moving across a catalyst bed, increases the utilization of the catalyst and creates a pseudo-counter current flow of catalyst and process fluid. The flow improves the temperature profile of the bed and allows higher temperature fluid contacting the less active catalyst. |
| US07951340B2 |
Mitigation of refinery process unit fouling using high-solvency-dispersive-power (HSDP) resid fractions
Atmospheric and/or vacuum resid fractions of a high solvency dispersive power (HSDP) crude oil are added to a blend of crude oil to prevent fouling of crude oil refinery equipment and to perform on-line cleaning of fouled refinery equipment. The HSDP resid fractions dissolve asphaltene precipitates and maintain suspension of inorganic particulates before coking affects heat exchange surfaces. |
| US07951332B2 |
Centrifugal force based microfluidic device for dilution and microfluidic system including the same
Provided are a centrifugal force based microfluidic device which can automatically perform a dilution operation and a microfluidic system including the same. The centrifugal force based microfluidic device for dilution includes a rotatable disk type platform, a mixing chamber disposed on the platform; a buffer solution storage disposed on a portion of the platform which is closer to a center of the platform than the mixing chamber, connected to the mixing chamber through a channel to supply a predetermined amount of buffer solution to the mixing chamber at least one time, and a plurality of diluted solution chambers which are disposed on a portion of the platform which is farther from the center of the platform than the mixing chamber, are each connected to the mixing chamber through flow paths extended from a middle exit corresponding to a predetermined water level, and sequentially receiving a solution which is serially diluted in the mixing chamber at least one time. |
| US07951329B2 |
Rotary luminometer
A rotary luminometer subsystem presents test vessels to a detection mechanism to be read as part of the automated immunoassay analyzer system. The rotary luminometer provides a read station separate from that of the transportation element of the luminometer. Within the read station, a housing and shield eliminates light leakage from the sample under test. In addition, the read station regulates the intensity of the light by providing an attenuation capability. |
| US07951328B2 |
Device and method for automatically analyzing blood samples
A device for automatically analyzing blood samples includes an extraction station (I), where blood can be extracted from a storage vessel (40) by an extraction device (15); a measuring station (II), where the extracted blood can be passed via a head part (46) through an aperture (26) of an aperture holder (30) arranged in a measuring part (9), the measuring part (9) being connected to the head part (46); a receiving station (III), for receiving measuring parts (9) configured as disposable parts; and a device (3) for moving the extraction device (15) and the head part (46) between the extraction station (I), the measuring station (II) and the receiving station (III). |
| US07951325B2 |
Methods of implementing a water-cooling system into a burner panel and related apparatuses
The present invention generally relates to apparatuses and methods for use in metal melting, refining and/or other processing, such as, for example, steel making in an electric arc furnace (EAF), and more particularly, to improved burner panels and related methods for the introduction of various energy sources, such as, for example, chemical energy and particulates. |
| US07951324B2 |
Method for manufacturing honeycomb structure
The method for manufacturing a honeycomb structure includes preparing a material composition containing at least a silicon carbide powder, a binder and an additive; molding the material composition to form a pillar-shaped honeycomb molded body in which a number of cells are placed in parallel with one another in a longitudinal direction with a cell wall therebetween; carrying out a degreasing treatment on the honeycomb molded body; and carrying out a firing treatment on the honeycomb degreased body to manufacture a honeycomb fired body. The additive contains at least one kind selected from the group consisting of alumina, silica, titania, zirconia, magnesia, and a chemical composite containing any of alumina, silica, titania, zirconia and magnesia. |
| US07951323B2 |
Thermosetting material; process and apparatus for forming thermosetting material
The invention relate to a process for forming a cured, partially cured or uncured thermosetting material, comprising: an irradiation step wherein the thermosetting material is exposed to electromagnetic radiation which to a significant extent is within the neat-infrared range in such a way that the temperature of the irradiated thermosetting material is brought to between 40° C. and 400° C., and a forming step wherein the irradiated thermosetting material is brought into a desired shape, whereby the forming step is executed during and/or subsequent to the irradiation step. The invention also relates to an apparatus for carrying out the said process and to a thermosetting material. |
| US07951321B2 |
Method for actuation of injection molding shooting pots
Apparatus and method whereby coinjection molding shooting pot actuation structure is configured to be installed in a coinjection hot runner with a coinjection nozzle, the coinjection nozzle having at least two melt channels ending at the same gate. The shooting pot is preferably disposed in one of a mold cavity half and a mold core half. A shooting pot piston is configured to discharge a melt from the shooting pot. A transmission structure is configured to (i) extend through one of the mold cavity half and the mold core half, and (ii) to transmit a force to the shooting pot piston. Actuation structure is disposed on the opposite side of the mold cavity half from the coinjection hot runner, and is configured to provide the force to the transmission structure. This configuration conserves space in the mold. |
| US07951319B2 |
Methods for changing the shape of a surface of a shape memory polymer article
Methods for changing the shape of a surface of an article are disclosed. The methods may include providing a liquid polymer precursor, casting the precursor against a first tool assembly, curing the precursor to form a shape memory polymer substrate, deforming one or more surfaces of the substrate, and mobilizing the shape memory polymer to shift the deformed surface of the substrate from a deformed shape to a pre-set shape. |
| US07951317B2 |
Method of producing a composite part from high-density glass granules
A method of producing a composite part formed of a thermoplastic matrix reinforced with long glass fibers is provided. The method includes supplying a thermoplastic resin and high density glass granules to an injection or injection-compression device containing a single screw. The high density glass granules include long chopped strands formed of glass filaments sized with a sizing composition. The chopped glass strands may have a length from 6 to 30 mm. In addition, the glass granules may have a glass density between 90 and 99.5% and may have a length to diameter ratio (L/D) ratio of less than L, which is expressed in mm. A composite part obtained using the disclosed method is also provided. |
| US07951313B2 |
Spinning apparatus, and apparatus and process for manufacturing nonwoven fabric
A spinning apparatus comprising one or more exits for extruding liquid, and an exit for ejecting gas, located upstream of the exits for extruding liquid, wherein the apparatus comprises a columnar hollow for liquid, in which the exit for extruding liquid forms one end of the columnar hollow; the apparatus comprises a columnar hollow for gas having the exit for ejecting gas; a virtual column for liquid, extended from the columnar hollow for liquid, is adjacent to a virtual column for gas, extended from the columnar hollow for gas; the central axis of the columnar hollow for liquid is parallel to the central axis of the columnar hollow for gas; and there exists only one straight line having the shortest distance between an outer boundary of the cross-section of the columnar hollow for gas and an outer boundary of the cross-section of the columnar hollow for liquid, is disclosed. |
| US07951312B2 |
Borosilicate glass with UV-blocking properties for pharmaceutical packaging
The borosilicate glass for pharmaceutical packaging has a transmission τ in the visible range of more than 80% at a wavelength of 400 nm, a transmission τ in the UV range of at most 0.1% at wavelengths under 260 nm (each at a sample thickness of 1 mm), a transformation temperature Tg of 550° C. to 590° C. and a processing temperature VA of 1100° C. to 1200° C. The glass has a composition, in wt. % on an oxide basis, of SiO2, 60-80; B2O3, 5-15; Al2O3, 2-10; TiO2, 0.5-7; Σ Li2O+K2O+Na2O, 3-10; Σ alkaline earth oxides, 0.5-10; ZrO2, 0-3; and Fe2O3, 0-0.2. The glass is suitable for packaging UV-sensitive substances but nevertheless permits optical quality control. |
| US07951308B2 |
Oxynitride phosphor and production process thereof, and light-emitting device using oxynitride phosphor
An oxynitride phosphor consisting of a crystal containing at least one or more of Group II elements selected from the group consisting of Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba and Zn, at least one or more of Group IV elements selected from the group consisting of C, Si, Ge, Sn, Ti, Zr and Hf, and a rare earth element being an activator R, thereby providing a phosphor which is excited by an excitation light source at an ultraviolet to visible light region and which has a blue green to yellow luminescence color that is wavelength converted. |
| US07951305B2 |
Compound having hydrocoumarin skeleton, liquid crystal composition, and liquid crystal display device
A liquid crystal compound is to be obtained that has stability to heat, light and so forth, a high clearing point, a suitable optical anisotropy, a large negative dielectric anisotropy, and excellent compatibility with other liquid crystal compounds. A liquid crystal composition containing the compound is also to be obtained that has a low viscosity, a suitable optical anisotropy, a suitable negative dielectric anisotropy, a low threshold voltage, a high maximum temperature of a nematic phase (phase transition temperature from a nematic phase to an isotropic phase), and a low minimum temperature of a nematic phase. A compound having a hydrocoumarin skeleton is synthesized, and a liquid crystal composition containing the compound is produced. |
| US07951304B2 |
Method for producing mechanically stable water-absorbent polymer particles
A process for producing water-absorbing polymer particles by polymerizing droplets of a monomer solution in a gas phase surrounding the droplets and postcrosslinking the polymer particles, wherein the postcrosslinked polymer particles are at least partly coated. |
| US07951298B2 |
Method and device for preventing corrosion in hot water systems undergoing intermittent operations
Disclosed is a method of controlling a real-time oxidation-reduction potential in a hot water system undergoing a wet layup sequence to inhibit corrosion in the hot water system. The method includes separating the wet layup sequence into a plurality of phases. Each phase is either short-term or long-term and a subset of the short-term phases is optionally transitional. The method further includes defining one or more zones in the hot water system. At least one of the defined zones is selected for each phase and one or more of the selected zones include at least one ORP probe operable to measure the real-time ORP and communicate with a controller. The ORP probe(s) either intermittently or continuously measure the real-time ORP at operating temperature and pressure at one or more of the selected zones in one or more of the phases and transmit the measured real-time ORP to the controller. The real-time ORP is assessed to determine whether it conforms to an ORP setting for that phase. The invention further includes a multi-component control device for a hot water system undergoing a wet layup sequence. |
| US07951297B2 |
Material for chromatography
Granulated products are provided and include carbonaceous particles and a carbonized agent or binder. The agent or binder is preferably a synthetic resin, pitch component, or mixture thereof. Packing materials for packing columns used in chromatographic separations are also provided as are methods of chromatographic separation using the materials. In addition, methods are provided to provide a variety of different types of carbonaceous products. A variety of chemical groups can be, prior to heat-treatment and/or thereafter, attached to the granules to form modified granules. |
| US07951293B2 |
Methods and apparatus for a pool treatment and water system
A pool/spa water treatment system may include a pump and a pool filter. The pump may include a pump inlet and a pump outlet. The pump inlet and outlet may be aligned on a first axis or within a first vertical plane. The pool filter may be offset a select transverse distance from the pump. The pool filter may include a pool filter inlet in fluid communication with the pump outlet. The pool filter inlet and the pump outlet may be aligned on a second axis or within a second vertical plane that is transverse to the first axis or plane. The pool/spa water treatment system may further include a heater. The heater may include a heater inlet in fluid communication with the pool filter outlet. The heater inlet may be aligned with the pool filter outlet within the second plane. |
| US07951290B2 |
Hydrocarbon conversion process
A process is provided to produce high cetane quality and low or preferably ultra low sulfur diesel and a fluid catalytic cracker (FCC) quality feedstock from a processing unit including at least a hydrotreating zone and a hydrocracking zone. In one aspect, the processing unit includes reactor severity requirements in both the hydrotreating zone and the hydrocracking zone effective to produce the FCC feed quality and the diesel sulfur quality to permit a high quality hydrocracked product to be formed at lower pressures and conversion rates without overtreating the FCC quality feedstock stream. In another aspect, a portion of the hydrotreated effluent is selected for conversion in the hydrocracking and the remaining portion of the hydrotreated effluent is directed to subsequent processing, such as fluid catalytic cracking. |
| US07951289B2 |
Continuous steam pyrolysis method
A continuous steam pyrolysis method is provided. The method comprises feeding a material to be pyrolyzed into a tubular reactor and carrying out a pyrolysis reaction in the tubular reactor in the presence of a superheated steam flow. The material to be pyrolyzed passes through one or more proceeding zones and one or more blending zones during the pyrolysis reaction in the tubular reactor. The total length of the one or more blending zones ranges about 5% to about 35% of the total length of the proceeding zones and the blending zones. |
| US07951287B2 |
Production of low sulfur, moderately aromatic distillate fuels by hydrocracking of combined Fischer-Tropsch and petroleum streams
The present invention relates to distillate fuels or distillate fuel blend stocks comprising a blend of a Fischer-Tropsch derived product and a petroleum derived product that is hydrocracked under conditions to preserve aromatics. The resulting distillate fuel product is a low sulfur, moderately aromatic distillate fuel. The resulting distillate fuel or distillate fuel blend stock exhibits excellent properties, including good seal swell, density, and thermal stability. The present invention also relates to processes for making these distillate fuels or distillate fuel blend stocks. |
| US07951283B2 |
High temperature electrolysis for syngas production
Syngas components hydrogen and carbon monoxide may be formed by the decomposition of carbon dioxide and water or steam by a solid-oxide electrolysis cell to form carbon monoxide and hydrogen, a portion of which may be reacted with carbon dioxide to form carbon monoxide. One or more of the components for the process, such as steam, energy, or electricity, may be provided using a nuclear power source. |
| US07951282B2 |
Hydrometallurgical processing of manganese containing materials
A process for the hydrometallurgical processing of manganese containing materials, the process characterized by the combination of a manganese dioxide containing feedstock and an acidic solution to form an acidic solution to be leached, and passing a volume of sulphur dioxide gas through that leach solution as the leaching agent, whereby no sintering or roasting pre-treatment step of the feedstock is undertaken and the levels of dithionate ion generated in the leach solution are less than about 5 g/l. Also described is a process for the production of electrolytic manganese dioxide. |
| US07951276B2 |
Cluster generator
Described herein is an apparatus and a method for producing atom clusters based on a gas discharge within a hollow cathode. The hollow cathode includes one or more walls. The one or more walls define a sputtering chamber within the hollow cathode and include a material to be sputtered. A hollow anode is positioned at an end of the sputtering chamber, and atom clusters are formed when a gas discharge is generated between the hollow anode and the hollow cathode. |
| US07951269B2 |
Advanced dewatering system
System for drying a tissue or hygiene web. The system includes a permeable structured fabric carrying the web over a drying apparatus. A permeable dewatering fabric contacts the web and is guided over the drying apparatus. A mechanism is used to apply pressure to the permeable structured fabric, the web, and the permeable dewatering fabric at the drying apparatus. 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. |
| US07951265B2 |
Aqueous slurries of finely divided fillers, their preparation and their use for the production of filler-containing papers
Aqueous slurries of finely divided fillers which are at least partly coated with polymers and which are obtainable by treating aqueous slurries of finely divided fillers with at least one water-soluble amphoteric copolymer whose structures are identified in the specification are used as an additive to the paper stock in the production of filler-containing paper, filler-containing cardboard or filler-containing board by draining of the paper stock. |
| US07951263B2 |
Method and apparatus for treating pulp
A method of dividing a suspension, especially a fiber suspension into an accept fraction and a fraction containing impurity particles in a centrifugal cleaning plant having at least two stages. The suspension is fed to a preceding stage, wherefrom a heavier fraction of the suspension is taken as accept fraction and a lighter fraction is taken as fraction containing impurity particles. The lighter fraction containing impurity particles is fed into a latter stage of the centrifugal cleaning plant. Before being fed to the latter stage, the feed consistency of the lighter fraction is increased. |
| US07951261B2 |
Plasma etching apparatus
The present invention relates to a plasma etching apparatus. In the apparatus, potential difference is applied between a substrate support with a substrate seated thereon and a electrode surrounding an edge region of the substrate, and a distance between the substrate and the electrode is set to 3 mm or less so as to locally generate plasma in an area between the substrate and the electrode, thereby removing particles and a thin film in the edge region of the substrate. |
| US07951259B2 |
Balloon catheter having a flexible distal end
A catheter having an elongated shaft with a proximal end, a distal end, and at least one lumen, and a distal portion of the shaft being at least in part within an outer sheath having a wedge-shaped distal end. In one embodiment, the outer sheath around the distal end of the shaft is the distal skirt section of the balloon. In an alternative embodiment, the outer sheath is a sleeve member having at least a portion located distal to the distal end of the balloon. |
| US07951256B2 |
Method of making a vacuum vessel
In a method of making a vacuum vessel having a pair of plates including a face plate and a rear plate bonded to each other using a bonding member, a bonding member is applied to a periphery of at least one of a pair of plates, the plates are placed in contact with each other through the bonding member disposed therebetween, parts of sides of the plates are fastened to each other using a positioning jig made of bimetal, the plates are separated from each other by placing the plates in an atmosphere and by thermally deforming the positioning jig, and the plates are fixed to each other around the entire peripheries thereof using the bonding member by performing cooling so as to reduce thermal deformation of the positioning jig and making the plates contact each other through the bonding member disposed therebetween. |
| US07951255B2 |
Water pressure transfer method and water pressure transfer article
In order to impart, concurrently with the transfer of a decorative layer, a surface protection function able to mechanically and chemically protect the decorative layer to be hydraulic-transferred of an article, a solventless type ultraviolet-curing resin composition is applied onto the dried printed pattern of a transfer film, an article is pushed into water along with the transfer film, with the printed pattern activated by a non-solvent activating component in the ultraviolet (uv)-curing resin composition and its adhesion force reproduced, and a ultraviolet ray is applied to the article to which the printed pattern, now impregnated and completely integrated with the uv-curing resin composition, has been transferred to thereby cure the uv-curing resin composition. |
| US07951252B2 |
Method and apparatus for closing an open end of a product, and product formed thereby
A method/apparatus closes and finishes an open end of a product that can be fused together with heat. The apparatus includes a bending stage, a fusing stage, and a pressing/cooling stage, which all can be integrally formed, with the bending stage positioned upstream of the fusing stage, and the pressing/cooling stage positioned downstream of the fusing stage. The apparatus can further include a trimming stage positioned upstream of the bending stage for preparing the ends of a panel. The product has a pair of spaced layers with edges that form an open end. Either one or both of the layers can be heated and rolled toward the other layer while being heated so that they contact and fuse together. The layers can overlap and fuse at their contact surfaces, or the edges can abut to form a butt joint, or the edges can overlap slightly. |
| US07951251B2 |
Adhesive film, flexible metal-clad laminate including the same with improved dimensional stability, and production method therefor
It is an object of the present invention to provide an adhesive film which is used for producing, by a laminating method, a flexible metal-clad laminate in which the change in dimensions is suppressed, a flexible metal-clad laminate including the adhesive film, and a production method therefor. The present invention relates to an adhesive film including a polyimide film and an adhesive layer containing a thermoplastic polyimide, the adhesive layer being disposed on at least one surface of the polyimide film, a flexible metal-clad laminate produced by laminating a metal foil to the adhesive film with a thermal roll laminator, and a production method therefor, wherein the polyimide film is formed by a process including step (A) of mixing a polyamic acid solution, a dehydrating agent, and an imidization catalyst, and casting and applying the mixture onto a support to form a gel film; step (B) of stripping off the gel film and fixing both ends of the gel film; and step (C) of heating and transporting the film with both ends being fixed in a state loosened in the TD direction. |
| US07951242B2 |
Apparatus for forming structured material for energy storage device and method
A method and an apparatus of the present invention is used for the high-rate deposition of materials, such as carbon, silicon, metals, metal oxides, and the like, onto a metal substrate defined by a metal tape. The particles of the material are mixed with fluid and are injected against the metal tape at a high pressure and high velocity. The particles of the material form a current collection surface of the metal tape. The metal tape is used as cathode or anode combined with a separator to form a fuel cell of a secondary battery, metal-ceramic membranes, film composite metal-ceramic materials for electronic devices. |
| US07951241B2 |
Carbon black aqueous dispersion and method of producing the same
A carbon black aqueous dispersion exhibits excellent dispersibility in an aqueous medium and exhibits excellent rubbing resistance (quick-drying properties), discharge stability, and the like as an aqueous black ink for an inkjet printer or the like. The carbon black aqueous dispersion includes an aqueous medium and carbon black dispersed in the aqueous medium, acidic groups produced on the surface of the carbon black by liquid-phase oxidation being neutralized with a basic amino acid and a basic compound other than the basic amino acid, and hydrogen atoms of the acidic groups being replaced by the basic amino acid and the basic compound. The method of producing the carbon black aqueous dispersion includes subjecting carbon black to liquid-phase oxidation, removing reduced salts from the resulting slurry, neutralizing the carbon black with a basic amino acid and a basic compound other than the basic amino acid to replace hydrogen atoms of acidic groups by the basic amino acid and the basic compound, and purifying the resulting product. |
| US07951240B2 |
Process of producing roofing shingle coating asphalt allowing more material options
In a process of producing a roofing shingle coating asphalt from a low flashpoint asphalt feedstock, an asphalt feedstock which has a low flashpoint of from 490° F. (254° C.) to 540° F. (282° C.) is partially blown, and wax is added to the asphalt feedstock. The process produces a coating asphalt having a low melt viscosity of from 50 cps to 150 cps at 400° F. (204° C.), a softening point of from 190° F. (88° C.) to 235° F. (113° C.) and a penetration of at least 15 dmm at 77° F. (25° C.). In another embodiment, the process produces a roofing shingle coating asphalt having good weatherability from a poor weathering asphalt feedstock. In a further embodiment, the process produces roofing shingles including a filled coating containing a poor tear filler without sacrificing the tear strength of the shingles. |
| US07951234B2 |
Water-soluble azo compound or salt thereof, ink composition and colored product
The present invention relates to a water-soluble azo compound represented by the following formula (1) or a salt thereof: wherein, R represents an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, n represents an integer number of 1 or 2, x represents an integer number of 2 to 4 and y represents an integer number of 2 to 11, respectively and an ink composition containing this; and provides a yellow coloring matter which has a highly vivid hue suitable for inkjet recording, gives various high fastnesses to recorded matter and is excellent in storage stability when prepared as an ink composition, and an ink composition containing this. |
| US07951233B2 |
Reactive color inks
An ink for use in inkjet printing has a colorant which has a precipitation rate in the presence of a predetermined fixer that is selected to have a value sufficiently low as to enable an increase in dot size of the colorant and produce a better color. |
| US07951231B2 |
Liquid release agent
A liquid release agent for application in particular to a panel edge region provided, or to be provided, with a coating by means of an adhesive or by means of glue, the panel preferably being a furniture panel, and the agent comprising a white oil as its carrier fluid, is configured such that the release agent comprises an alcoholic solution. |
| US07951222B2 |
Method for the recovery by melting of at least one non-ferrous metal, and product for the implementation of the method
The invention relates in particular to a method for the recovery of at least one non-ferrous metal (11) contained in scrap (9), by melting the scrap (9) in a furnace (1), the method comprising: a step of charging the furnace (1) with scrap (9), a step of melting the scrap (9) in order to separate the at least one non-ferrous metal (11) from other components (13) which the scrap (9) comprises. The method is noteworthy in that it comprises a step of adding a silica-comprising product (15) in an amount which is sufficient to form an airtight layer on the surface of the scrap (9). |
| US07951221B2 |
Process for the treatment of contaminated metal residues and apparatus for implementing it
Disclosed is a process and apparatus for the treatment of divided metal residues contaminated by one or more organic compounds, including mixing, inside a chamber, of metal residues with at least one calcium/magnesium compound capable of reacting exothermically with water; exothermic reaction of the at least one calcium/magnesium compound with the water that the metal residues contain; rise in temperature of the metal residues subject to an exothermic reaction; dehydration of the metal residues during this exothermic reaction; oxidation of the organic compounds during the mixing, by bringing the metal residues contaminated by one or more organic compounds mixed with the at least one calcium/magnesium compound into contact with a gas stream containing at least partly oxygen; and removal from the chamber of a handleable dehydrated treated product having a residual content of organic compounds of less than 1% by weight of the treated product. |
| US07951217B2 |
Low pressure impact separator for separation, classification and collection of ultra-fine particles
Impact type gas-particle separation is applied to ultra-fine particles by judiciously altering the aerodynamic drag on the particles with respect to their inertia by operation at sub-atmospheric pressures. An impact separator has a housing having a channel in which particles flow in a fluid such as air, a purified gas or mixtures thereof. A plurality of blades are placed in the channel for affecting the motion of the particles and the fluid with respect to each other. A second channel branches from the first channel to receive particles diverted and separated from the flow of the fluid in the first channel. A flow mechanism creates a sub-atmospheric pressure in the channel. |
| US07951214B2 |
Filter cleaning system for a vacuum cleaner
This invention relates to a vacuum cleaner comprising a body with a vacuum source. The vacuum cleaner is provided with at least two filter chambers, a first filter chamber for a first filter means in a surface cleaning mode and a second chamber for the same or a second filter means in a filter cleaning mode. |
| US07951211B2 |
Quaternary ammonium salt detergents for use in fuels
A quaternary ammonium salt detergent made from the reaction product of the reaction of: (a) a hydrocarbyl substituted acylating agent and a compound having an oxygen or nitrogen atom capable of condensing with said acylating agent and further having a tertiary amino group; and (b) a quaternizing agent suitable for converting the tertiary amino group to a quaternary nitrogen and the use of such quaternary ammonium salt detergents in a fuel composition to reduce intake valve deposits. |
| US07951207B2 |
Composition for dyeing keratin fibers, comprising at least one polyalkene-based supramolecular polymer, at least one pigment and at least one volatile solvent
The present disclosure relates to a composition for dyeing keratin fibers, comprising at least one polyalkene-based supramolecular polymer, at least one pigment and at least one volatile solvent, wherein the weight ratio of the at least one supramolecular polymer to the at least one pigment has a value greater than 0.25, and also a process for dyeing keratin fibers using this composition. The present disclosure may make it possible to obtain, on the keratin fibers, colored coatings for keeping the hairs individualized while at the same time preserving the physical qualities of the fiber. |
| US07951203B2 |
Interbody fusion device
An interbody spacer includes concave lateral surfaces extending at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis. In one aspect, the interbody spacer includes upper and lower convex surfaces defined by an arc extending from a center point offset from the spacer midpoint. In another aspect, lateral edges of the upper and lower surfaces are also defined by convex arcs extending from a center point offset from the spacer midpoint. |
| US07951200B2 |
Vertebral implant including preformed osteoconductive insert and methods of forming
A vertebral implant for insertion into a patient includes an insert formed from an osteoconductive material and further including a biocompatible polymer body that is formed into the insert. The insert may extend over part or substantially the entire bone contact surface of the implant. The insert includes a bone contact surface and a substrate interface. The implant may include fibers that extend across the substrate interface from the insert to the body. The insert may be thin relative to the overall thickness of the implant. The insert may be preformed. The insert may be formed using a molding process. The body may be molded onto the insert. |
| US07951198B2 |
Bone connector with pivotable joint
System, including methods, apparatus, and kits, for connecting bones and/or bone portions using a bone connector with a pivotable ball and socket joint. |
| US07951197B2 |
Two-piece prosthetic valves with snap-in connection and methods for use
A prosthetic heart valve assembly includes a gasket member and a valve member including a plurality of fasteners and a plurality of engagement members corresponding to the fasteners. The fasteners and/or engagement members may be configured to guide the engagement members into engagement with the fasteners. For example, the fasteners may include U-shaped spring-biased clips, e.g., attached to a core or other portion of a sewing cuff of the gasket member, and the engagement members may include latches or barbed protrusions that engage one or more holes in the fasteners. During use, the gasket member is introduced into a tissue annulus, and secured to the annulus, e.g., using a plurality of clips directed through the sewing cuff. The valve member is then introduced into the annulus and the engagement members are snapped or otherwise guided into engagement with the fasteners to secure the valve member relative to the gasket member. |
| US07951195B2 |
Annuloplasty instrument
A device for repairing a heart valve comprises an implantation instrument. The implantation instrument comprises a first support ring, and a second support ring connected to said first support ring to form a coiled configuration. The first support ring is configured to abut one side of the valve and the second support ring is configured to abut an opposite side of the valve to thereby trap a portion of the valve tissue therebetween. The device further comprises an annuloplasty implant adapted to be attached to the heart valve annulus in order to reshape the annulus and allow the leaflets to open and close properly. The annuloplasty implant is connected to the implantation instrument for insertion to the annulus. |
| US07951192B2 |
Stent with protruding branch portion for bifurcated vessels
The present invention is directed to a stent for use in a bifurcated body lumen having a main branch and a side branch. The stent comprises a radially expandable generally tubular stent body having proximal and distal opposing ends with a body wall having a surface extending therebetween. The surface has a geometrical configuration defining a first pattern, and the first pattern has first pattern struts and connectors arranged in a predetermined configuration. The stent also comprises a branch portion comprised of a second pattern, wherein the branch portion is at least partially detachable from the stent body. |
| US07951181B2 |
System and methods for optical stimulation of neural tissues
The present invention, in one aspect, relates to a system for stimulating neural tissue of a living subject. The system comprises an energy source capable of generating optical energy, a connector having a first end and a second end capable of transmitting optical energy, and a probe operably coupled to the second end of the connector and having an end portion for delivering optical energy to a target neural tissue. In one embodiment, the energy source comprises a tunable laser. |
| US07951180B2 |
Bi-directional fixating transvertebral body screws, zero-profile horizontal intervertebral miniplates, expansile intervertebral body fusion devices, and posterior motion-calibrating interarticulating joint stapling device for spinal fusion
An apparatus and method for joining members together using a self-drilling screw apparatus or stapling apparatus are disclosed. The screw apparatus includes a shell and first and second first screw members having tapered ends and threaded bodies that are disposed within the shell. A drive mechanism rotatably drives the first and second screw members from the shell in opposite directions and causes the screw members to embed themselves in the members to be joined. The screw apparatus can be used to join members such as bones, portions of the spinal column, vertebral bodies, wood, building materials, metals, masonry, or plastics. The stapling apparatus includes first and second lever arms rotatably joined together at a fulcrum, and the lever arms rotate in opposite directions. First and second cartridges are disposed at the ends of the lever arms. Each cartridge is capable of holding a staple including a bracket, a nail member and an alignment slot. When the ends of the lever arms are rotated towards each other the staples from the cartridges are interlocked. The staples can be also be used to join members such as bones, portions of the spinal column, or vertebral bodies. |
| US07951177B2 |
Non-metallic implant devices and intra-operative methods for assembly and fixation
This invention relates to orthopedic implants and to methods of treating bone defects. More specifically, but not exclusively, the present invention is directed to non-metallic implants and to methods for intra-operative assembly and fixation of orthopedic implants to facilitate medical treatment. The non-metallic implant assembly can be secured to underlying tissue by a fastener, such as a bone screw, that is capable of swelling on contact with fluid in the underlying tissue. Alternatively, the non-metallic implant assembly can be assembled intra-operatively using a fastener that is adhesively bonded to a bone plate or the bone plate can be deformed using heat, force, or solvents to inhibit withdrawal of the fastener. In preferred embodiments, both the fastener and the bone plate are formed of biodegradable material. |
| US07951176B2 |
Bone plate
The present invention is directed to a bone plate and its method of use for reducing a bone fracture, the bone plate having a longitudinal axis, the bone plate comprising an upper surface, a lower surface, a first hole for engaging a head of a first bone anchor. The first hole is configured and adapted to fix a shaft of the first bone anchor along a first axis. A second hole is spaced apart from the first hole along the longitudinal axis. The second hole is for engaging a head of a second bone anchor, and is configured and adapted to fix a shaft of the second bone anchor along a second axis. The first hole and the second hole are configured such that the first axis and the second axis define a single plane and intersect at a point below the lower surface. The shafts of the first and second bone anchors may touch or nearly touch at the point of intersection, such that the first and second bone anchors form a truss. |
| US07951174B2 |
Adjustable bone screw assembly
A bone screw assembly includes a screw body, including anchor portion and rod-receiving portion, and a rod seat movably mounted in the screw body to allow for controlled angulation between a spinal connection element disposed in the rod seat and the screw body. The rod seat is pivotable in one or more selected directions about one or more axes relative to the screw body. The rod seat may include a first lower rod seat element disposed in a recess of the screw body having a cylindrical bottom surface to facilitate pivoting in a first direction. A second lower rod seat element is stacked on the first lower rod seat element and has a conical bottom surface abutting a top surface of the first lower rod seat element to facilitate pivoting in a second direction. |
| US07951172B2 |
Constrained motion bone screw assembly
A bone screw assembly includes an anchor portion and a head portion, such as a rod-receiving portion, movably mounted to the anchor portion to allow for controlled angulation between the anchor portion and the head portion. The anchor portion is pivotable in one or more selected directions about an axis relative to the head portion. A restriction member, which may be a rod seat, prevents the anchor portion from pivoting in one or more different directions about another axis relative to the head portion and/or a spinal fixation element received in the head portion. The restriction member may be inserted in the head portion to control direction that the anchor portion pivots relative to the head portion. The restriction member may also serve as a compression member and/or rod seat for seating a spinal rod coupled to the bone screw assembly. |
| US07951171B2 |
Polyaxial surgical rod fixation assembly
Provided is a surgical rod fixation assembly having a pedicle screw for insertion into spinal bone of a subject, the pedicle screw having a polyaxial mounted coupling member for driving the pedicle screw into bone on or off axis and coupling the pedicle screw to an orthopaedic device such as a spinal rod by means of a slidable coupling action. |
| US07951169B2 |
Posterior dynamic stabilization cross connectors
Various methods and devices are provided for stabilizing the posterior elements of the spine, and more preferably methods and devices are provided for sharing the load with the intervertebral disc, the facet joints, the ligaments, and the muscles of the spinal column. In certain exemplary embodiments, methods and devices are provided for substantially controlling or providing resistance to movement, e.g., flexion, extension, lateral bending, and/or axial rotation, of the adjacent vertebrae. |
| US07951168B2 |
Instruments and methods for manipulating vertebra
A method for manipulating a vertebra includes connecting a first bone anchor to a first vertebra, connecting a second bone anchor to a second bone anchor, positioning a spinal rod in a receiving member of the first bone anchor and in a receiving member of the second bone anchor, connecting a first instrument to the receiving member of the first bone anchor, and manipulating the first instrument to rotate first bone anchor and the first vertebra relative to the second vertebra. |
| US07951163B2 |
Retrograde excision system and apparatus
A method for excising a portion of an articular surface using a retrograde procedure. An access tunnel is provided extending through a bone and to the articular surface. A central shaft is inserted through the access tunnel to the articular surface and a cutter is coupled to the central shaft. The cutter is coupled to the central shaft to allow the cutter to rotate with the central and to allow the cutter to be tiltable relative to the central shaft. The cutter is rotated and a retrograde force is applied to the cutter to urge the cutter into the articular surface. |
| US07951162B2 |
Detectable hand switch and surgical handpiece
A handpiece and system having a surgical handpiece adapted to perform an operation on a patient, the surgical handpiece having a primary circuit being driven by an applied signal. A controller is operatively coupled to supply operating power to the surgical handpiece. A hand switch is operatively coupled in conjunction with the surgical handpiece to at least partially control an operation of the surgical handpiece. The switch has a secondary resonant circuit receiving the applied signal from the primary circuit and couples a response signal back to the primary circuit. Detection circuitry, operatively coupled to primary circuit, is responsive to a characteristic parameter of the response signal indicative of the presence of the hand switch in proximity of the surgical handpiece. |
| US07951161B2 |
Atherectomy system having a variably exposed cutter
An atherectomy system having a variably exposed cutter wherein a distally located positionable tip closely associated with the cutter and a high pressure fluid jet emanator can be variably and angularly deployed about a hinge mechanism subsequent to entry into the vasculature. The fixed cutter slices or parts atheromatous material and/or thrombotic material from a blood vessel for interaction with high pressure jets to macerate, break up or otherwise reduce the materials for evacuation from the site. |
| US07951151B2 |
Structure for joining and retaining multi-part orthopedic implants
An orthopedic implant structure is provided for joining and retaining components of a multi-part orthopedic device. The orthopedic implant joining and retaining structure may be embodied in two or more components of the multi-part orthopedic device. In one form, the multi-part orthopedic implant structure is a resilient snap structure such as a resilient flange in one part and a channel structure formed in another part of an orthopedic implant. A channel of the channel structure may have a cavity formed at a rear of the channel that accepts a configured lip formed on an end of the resilient flange. According to another embodiment, the retaining structure includes resilient snap flanges formed on an interconnection component of the multi-part orthopedic implant. A corresponding bore in another part of the multi-part orthopedic implant receives the interconnection component. |
| US07951149B2 |
Ablative material for use with tissue treatment device
An electrosurgical instrument for treating tissue includes a housing having at least one tissue treating member attached thereto. The tissue treating member includes an electrically conductive tissue contacting surface connected to a source of electrosurgical energy such that the tissue contacting surface is capable of conducting electrosurgical energy to tissue. An energy conductive, ablative material is disposed on the electrically conductive tissue contacting surface and is configured to at least partially deplete during electrosurgical activation to reduce tissue adhesion. |
| US07951145B2 |
Surgical glove system
A surgical system including a surgical glove having support systems such as, but not limited to, lights, electrical cautery, suction, and irrigation. The surgical glove may include one or more lights, electrical cautery, suction, and irrigation positioned on distal ends of fingers of the surgical glove. The support systems may be controlled with switches positioned on the fingers upon which each support system is positioned. The switches may be operable with the thumb on the human hand upon which the surgical glove is attached. The surgical system may also include a surgical gown having a connection system for attaching support conduit to the surgical gown. The surgical system enables a surgeon to have a plurality of support systems immediately available and reduces entanglement problems endemic with conventional systems. |
| US07951141B2 |
Systems and methods for electrosurgical intervertebral disc replacement
The present invention provides systems and methods for selectively applying electrical energy to a target location within a patient's body, particularly including tissue in the spine. The present invention applies high frequency (RF) electrical energy to one or more electrode terminals in the presence of electrically conductive fluid or saline-rich tissue to contract collagen fibers within the tissue structures. In one aspect of the invention, a system and method is provided for contracting a portion of the nucleus pulposus of a vertebral disc by applying a high frequency voltage between an active electrode and a return electrode within the portion of the nucleus pulposus, where contraction of the portion of nucleus pulposus inhibits migration of the portion nucleus pulposus through the fissure. |
| US07951140B2 |
Catheter with cryogenic and electrical heating ablation
A catheter includes a cryoablation tip with an electrically-driven ablation assembly for heating tissue. The cryoablation tip may be implemented with a cooling chamber through which a controllably injected coolant circulates to lower the tip temperature, and having an RF electrode at its distal end. The RF electrode may be operated to warm cryogenically-cooled tissue, or the coolant may be controlled to conductively cool the tissue in coordination with an RF treatment regimen, allowing greater versatility of operation and enhancing the lesion size, speed or placement of multi-lesion treatment or single lesion re-treatment cycles. |
| US07951138B2 |
Pivoting roller tip for dermatological treatment apparatus
A mechanical element allows the tip of the handpiece of a dermatological treatment system to rotate to adjust for deviations in handpiece angle with respect to the surface of the treatment area. The tip may glide over the surface of the skin, the tip may include wheels or rotating cylinders on which the tip rolls across the skin, or the tip may be removed from the skin and placed in a new location in a stamping motion. The tip of the handpiece rotates around a single axis, or around two perpendicular axes, so that pressure on the tip moves the flat surface of the tip into proper orientation for planar contact with the skin. An element can be included in the handpiece to apply a restoring force on the tip so that the tip rests in its optimal position in the absence of external forces. |
| US07951137B2 |
Method and system for terminating an atrial arrhythmia
A method and system is provided for responding, from internally within a patient, to an atrial arrhythmia in a heart including measuring from within the patient at least one electrocardiogram characteristic indicative of the atrial arrhythmia, and controlling from within the patient drug therapy delivery to the patient responsive to measuring the at least one electrocardiogram characteristic. Drug therapy is initiated to the patient responsive to measuring the at least one electrocardiogram characteristic. According to one aspect of the present invention, the drug therapy is staged within the patient prior to measuring the at least one electrocardiogram characteristic. According to another example embodiment, the heart is paced from within the patient at a predefined rate responsive to measuring the at least one electrocardiogram characteristic, pacing occurring alone, or in combination with drug therapy. |
| US07951136B2 |
Coupler wrench
A tip wrench/coupler having a generally hollow body for the storage and/or attachment of a tip, and a plurality of fluidic couplers that allow the wrench/coupler to connect two or more handpiece together in series, fluidically, thereby allowing the handpieces to be primed at the same time. |
| US07951135B2 |
Sinus delivery of sustained release therapeutics
The invention provides biodegradable implants for treating sinusitis. The biodegradable implants have a size, shape, density, viscosity, and/or mucoadhesiveness that prevents them from being substantially cleared by the mucociliary lining of the sinuses during the intended treatment period. The biodegradable implants include a sustained release therapeutic, e.g., an antibiotic, a steroidal anti-inflammatory agent, or both. The biodegradable implants may take various forms, such as rods, pellets, beads, strips, or microparticles, and may be delivered into a sinus in various pharmaceutically acceptable carriers. |
| US07951134B2 |
Sinus delivery of sustained release therapeutics
The invention provides biodegradable implants for treating sinusitis. The biodegradable implants have a size, shape, density, viscosity, and/or mucoadhesiveness that prevents them from being substantially cleared by the mucociliary lining of the sinuses during the intended treatment period. The biodegradable implants include a sustained release therapeutic, e.g., an antibiotic, a steroidal anti-inflammatory agent, or both. The biodegradable implants may take various forms, such as rods, pellets, beads, strips, or microparticles, and may be delivered into a sinus in various pharmaceutically acceptable carriers. |
| US07951133B2 |
Sinus delivery of sustained release therapeutics
The invention provides biodegradable implants for treating sinusitis. The biodegradable implants have a size, shape, density, viscosity, and/or mucoadhesiveness that prevents them from being substantially cleared by the mucociliary lining of the sinuses during the intended treatment period. The biodegradable implants include a sustained release therapeutic, e.g., an antibiotic, a steroidal anti-inflammatory agent, or both. The biodegradable implants may take various forms, such as rods, pellets, beads, strips, or microparticles, and may be delivered into a sinus in various pharmaceutically acceptable carriers. |
| US07951132B2 |
Sinus delivery of sustained release therapeutics
The invention provides biodegradable implants for treating sinusitis. The biodegradable implants have a size, shape, density, viscosity, and/or mucoadhesiveness that prevents them from being substantially cleared by the mucociliary lining of the sinuses during the intended treatment period. The biodegradable implants include a sustained release therapeutic, e.g., an antibiotic, a steroidal anti-inflammatory agent, or both. The biodegradable implants may take various forms, such as rods, pellets, beads, strips, or microparticles, and may be delivered into a sinus in various pharmaceutically acceptable carriers. |
| US07951131B2 |
Sinus delivery of sustained release therapeutics
The invention provides biodegradable implants for treating sinusitis. The biodegradable implants have a size, shape, density, viscosity, and/or mucoadhesiveness that prevents them from being substantially cleared by the mucociliary lining of the sinuses during the intended treatment period. The biodegradable implants include a sustained release therapeutic, e.g., an antibiotic, a steroidal anti-inflammatory agent, or both. The biodegradable implants may take various forms, such as rods, pellets, beads, strips, or microparticles, and may be delivered into a sinus in various pharmaceutically acceptable carriers. |
| US07951124B2 |
Growth stimulating wound dressing with improved contact surfaces
A wound contact device comprising a permeable material and a wound contact layer having voids extending through the contact layer to a depth in the permeable material. The wound contact layer can comprise a thin sheet or film forming a generally flat and smooth wound contact surface having essentially no discontinuities or gaps. The wound contact layer can comprise a thin sheet of highly calendered fabric forming a wound contact surface having a mean surface roughness in the range of about 0 microns to about 200 microns. In progressive wound healing, an embodiment of the wound contact device having the fabric contact surface is used in earlier healing stages and an embodiment of the wound contact device with film contact surface is used in later healing stages. The wound contact device is particularly useful in wound dressings for use in suction-assisted wound therapy. |
| US07951122B2 |
Infusion set self-occlusion mechanism
A device, system and method for occluding fluid flow through an infusion set detached from a patient's body. The device includes a means for detecting loss of contact to a patient's body and activating an occlusion mechanism accordingly. |
| US07951120B2 |
Method for manufacturing a syringe
A syringe has a syringe barrel into which a plunger stopper is inserted during a manufacturing process. A plunger rod is connected to the plunger stopper, and a backstop for preventing inadvertent removal of the plunger stopper from the syringe barrel is arranged at the proximal end of the syringe barrel. The backstop and the plunger rod are configured to form a combined assembly component which is adapted to be mounted to the syringe barrel in a combined manufacturing step. After mounting the combined assembly component to the syringe barrel, the backstop and the plunger rod are separated to allow conventional use of the syringe. |
| US07951117B2 |
Multi-lumen access port
An access device includes a body, a first tube, a second tube, and a mechanism. The first and second tubes extend through the body. The mechanism operably couples the first and second tubes such that at least one tube is pivotable about an axis with respect to the other tube. The body may form a substantially fluid-tight seal at the incision. In another embodiment, the access device further includes a third tube extending through the body and the mechanism operably couples the tubes together such that at least two tubes are pivotable about the axis with respect to the remaining tube. |
| US07951101B2 |
Adjustable orthopedic aid for an extremity
An orthopaedic aid for an extremity includes at least one adjustable element for positioning the orthopaedic aid relative to the extremity. The detector arrangement includes a plurality of indicators for indicating torques generated by the detector arrangement. The detector arrangement is positionable such that a section of the detector arrangement is torque-free. The detector arrangement generates torques arising in two opposite directions in a measuring plane in response to deviations from a stable load position. |
| US07951097B2 |
Automated therapy table for treating lower extremities and method therefor
An automated therapy table is disclosed. The automated therapy table may have various support portions capable of independent automatic actuation of a person's lower extremities through passive exercise. The automated therapy table allows a patient to perform leg elevation, approximation/decompression of the leg, internal/external rotation of the leg, ankle plantar flexion/dorsiflexion, and foot inversion/eversion movements. During each movement, the patient may be instructed to think in the direction of the movement. It has been found that doing so helps increase the healing effects. The disclosed table and method may be beneficial for patients after certain operations as well as for those suffering from various forms of debilitating illnesses, such as Multiple Sclerosis, Charcot-Marie-Tooth, and Muscular Dystrophy. |
| US07951096B2 |
Limb rehabilitation apparatus with torque detector
A rehabilitation apparatus is disclosed. The rehabilitation apparatus includes a supporting housing, a rotary housing, an actuator, a control unit, and a torque detector. The rotary housing is slidably mounted to the supporting housing to hold a body segment. The actuator has a driving shaft to rotate the rotary housing. The control unit is electrically connected to the actuator to control the actuation of the actuator. The torque detector is electrically connected to the control unit, thereby detecting a torque exerted on the driving shaft, and transmitting a torque signal to the control unit. |
| US07951095B2 |
Ultrasound medical system
An ultrasound medical system includes an ultrasound end effector and at least one non-ultrasound tissue-property-measuring sensor. The ultrasound end effector includes a medical ultrasound transducer assembly having at least one medical-treatment ultrasound transducer. The at-least-one non-ultrasound tissue-property-measuring sensor is supported by the ultrasound end effector and is positionable in contact with patient tissue. |
| US07951090B2 |
Cannula equipped with a protective housing
The invention relates to a cannula, preferably equipped with a cannula holder for, in particular a blood sampling device, which comprises a pivotable protective housing (102) for a free end of the cannula. Said protective housing (102) is closed on the periphery except for a cannula insertion opening (8) provided between opposing side walls. Said insertion opening is produced by at least one pair of lamella (8a, 8b), formed on the side walls, the lamella tapering towards one another in the manner of a funnel and forming an expandable funnel slot. The protective housing (102) comprises two housing parts which can be inserted into each other. The inner housing (2a) comprises the pair of lamella (8a, 8b) and an outer housing (11), which surrounds the inner housing (2a), is embodied as a sleeve that is less elastic than the inner housing (2a). |
| US07951083B2 |
Motion analysis improvements for medical diagnostic ultrasound
The phase or associated amplitude analysis of a sequence of images is improved by, first, providing quantifications in response to the phase or amplitude information. For example, a value or values representing asynchrony between different locations through a sequence of images may provide useful diagnostic information. Second, since heart motion or other motion within a body may become complex, multiple harmonics may be used in addition to the first harmonic or fundamental information for parametrically imaging a motion. Third, where different portions of a cycle have different characteristics, such as the systolic phase and diastolic phase of a heart cycle, images associated with each of the portions may be separated from other portions. A phase or amplitude analysis of the sequence of images for each portion is handled separately. |
| US07951079B1 |
Apparatus and method for correlating consumable intake with physiological parameters
A computer-assisted method and apparatus for providing information pertaining to consumptions of a consumer. |
| US07951078B2 |
Method and apparatus for determining familial risk of disease
Personal and family health history information can be used to assess familial risk of disease. For example, information can be collected about the disease history of a person and the person's first- and second-degree relatives and then analyzed to determine the familial risk of common diseases such as coronary heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and colorectal, breast, and ovarian cancer. Assessed familial risk of disease can then be used by researchers to better estimate the contribution of personal history and family history to the etiology and natural history of a disease of interest, and by consumers and health professionals to determine recommendations for disease management, prevention and screening that are personalized and targeted to the familial risk. Other embodiments are also described and claimed. |
| US07951075B2 |
Inspection method with endoscope
An endoscopic inspection method includes staining step and super magnified observation step. In the staining step, a distal end surface of a distal end portion of an endoscope which includes a distal end opening of a channel and a first lens that forms a super high-power observation optical system is held in contact with the tissue surface of the observation subject region such that the staining fluid supplied via the channel penetrates to the gap between the distal end surface and the tissue surface to eliminate the mucus on the tissue surface. The tissue surface having the mucus eliminated is stained with the staining fluid. In the super magnified observation step, the first lens which forms the super high-power observation optical system provided at the distal end portion is brought into contact with the tissue surface that has been stained with the staining fluid such that the observation at the cellular level is performed. |
| US07951071B2 |
Moisture-detecting shaft for use with an electro-mechanical surgical device
A flexible shaft includes a flexible, elongated outer sheath, at least one drive shaft disposed within the outer sheath and a moisture sensor disposed within the outer sheath configured to detect moisture within the outer sheath. Another flexible shaft includes a flexible, elongated outer sheath, at least one flexible drive shaft disposed within the outer sheath and a coupling connected to a distal end of the outer sheath configured to couple to a surgical attachment.A sleeve includes an elongated shaft configured to receive a flexible shaft therein and a securing arrangement configured to selectively and variably retain the elongated shaft in any one of a number of longitudinal positions along the flexible shaft.A surgical system includes an electro-mechanical driver, an elongated, flexible sheath, at least one drive shaft disposed within the flexible sheath, a surgical attachment coupled to the at least one drive shaft, the electro-mechanical driver configured to drive the surgical attachment, a shape-retaining sleeve, at least a portion of the flexible sleeve being disposed in the shape-retaining sleeve, the shape-retaining sleeve configured to maintain the at least portion of the flexible sheath in a predetermined shape, and an arrangement variably securing the shape-retaining member to the flexible sheath in any one of a number of longitudinal positions along the flexible sheath. |
| US07951068B2 |
Rotating self-traveling endoscope system, rotating self-traveling endoscope insertion assisting tool, and method for technique of inserting endoscope insertion portion into small intestine using rotating self-traveling endoscope system
A rotating self-traveling endoscope system of the invention comprising an insertion portion having an image pickup unit at its distal end portion and a helical structure formed on the outer surface, a rotating driving device for rotating the insertion portion around a long axis, and a rotating self-traveling insertion assisting tool through which the insertion portion can be freely inserted and which is provided with a flexible tube having a bending portion disposed therein is capable of passage of the insertion portion through a space in a body cavity and passage through a valve in the body cavity, which improves insertion performance into a small intestine. |
| US07951061B2 |
Devices for targeted delivery of thermotherapy, and methods related thereto
Disclosed are devices for targeted delivery of thermotherapy. These devices are useful in the treatment of diseased tissue in conjunction with magnetic compositions. Further disclosed are methods for treating diseased tissue, which involve the administration of a thermotherapeutic magnetic composition to a patient or a portion of a patient, and the application of an alternating magnetic field to inductively heat the thermotherapeutic magnetic composition. The devices and the methods disclosed herein are useful for the treatment of a variety of indications, such as cancer, diseases of the immune system, pathogen-borne diseases, hormone-related diseases, non-cancerous diseased cells or tissue, and undesirable matter, such as toxins and reaction-by-products associated with organ transplants. |
| US07951059B2 |
Blood processing apparatus with optical reference control
A density centrifuge blood processing system with automatic two-dimensional optical control of fluid separation by observing fluid characteristics in observation regions. The location of the regions is determined by monitoring an optical reference. Points representing edges of an optical reference are measured and lines are computed through the points. An error measurement is calculated for each line. If the error is too large, the image is abandoned. One of the lines is selected as a referent line. A new line is calculated orthogonal to the referent line. The error function is again computed for the dependant line. If the error exceeds a selected maximum, the frame is discarded. A transformation function translates data points from an (r, s) domain derived from measurements of the edges into an (x, y) domain used to identify pixels in the observation areas. |
| US07951052B1 |
Exercise wheel
An exercise wheel includes a base having a receiving space therein and at least one fan-shaped recession formed at a front bottom side thereof and facing downward; at least one hold bar connected with the base and exposed outside the base; a main wheel rotatably mounted to the base and located in the receiving space; an elastic member mounted between the main wheel and the base for keeping the main wheel restoring after the main wheel is rotated; an auxiliary wheel set rotatably mounted to the base, exposed beneath the base, and engaged with the main wheel to drive the main wheel for rotation; and a steering caster set having a caster frame and a caster, the caster frame being rotatably connected with the base for rotation confined within the fan-shaped recession, the caster being rotatably mounted to the caster frame and partially exposed outside the fan-shaped recession. |
| US07951049B2 |
Training aid for bicycles and bicycle toy
A training toy and exercise device. A large frame supports a rear wheel and a front wheel. The front wheel is mounted in sized openings in the frame and is controlled by a handle bar. There are no pedals, chains, cranks controlling the operation of the device. A user will sit on the seat and use the user's legs to propel oneself unless the user is coasting. Under those circumstances the user's legs will rest on pegs. The device will find its primary use as a toy for small children who have not yet learned to ride a bicycle. Using this device a child can learn to ride a bicycle and balance himself on a two wheeled vehicle without concern for falling since at anytime the child's legs readily reach the ground given the vehicle's small size and low center of gravity. |
| US07951047B2 |
Rope game device
The invention relates to a rope game device with an outer frame and with ropes rigged within the outer frame forming a spatial net and which are attached in a tensionable manner to specific node points of the outer frame.The invention has the object, to provide a new rope game device, which displays a distinct “fullness” of the spatial net and which manufacture has distinct technological and cost advantages compared to known devices.The object is solved by a rope game device, having an outer frame (1) and ropes, within the outer frame (1) and forming a spatial net (12) and which are attached in a tensionable manner to specific node points (2) of the outer frame (1), characterized in that the outer frame (1) has an icosahedron shape and the edges and the corners of the icosahedron shape are formed as frame elements (4) having the form of an equilaterial triangle comprising rods (3) and the node points (2), and that one or more hollow ball modules (11, 12), arranged within one another and having the spatial form of a truncated icosahedron, are arranged within the outer frame (1) and retained on the same in a tensionable manner. |
| US07951044B1 |
Exercise routine display system and method
The present invention is an exercise routine (ER) display system and method that can substitute as a trainer/therapist for the purpose of leading one or more users through a single exercise task or through an entire ER. The device displays a predetermined series of exercise tasks seriatim in a predetermined sequence, displaying each repetition of each task in the proper cadence according to a set of variable parameters that specify how each maneuver is to be displayed. Audible elements of the display count the repetitions or give cues for proper technique. Various other types of information are shown visually. The exercise maneuvers are displayed on a local display module that includes, in one embodiment, data processing components, data input/output components, display components, and sufficient long-term memory capacity to accommodate a large library of exercise maneuvers. In a second preferred embodiment, the memory capacity of the local display module is minimal, and ER data are provided to the module in an ad hoc fashion through a data input means such as CD-ROM, DVD, flash memory, or through a USB, wireless, or Internet connection to a master computer. |
| US07951037B2 |
Four pinion differential with cross pin retention unit and related method
A differential having four pinions supported for rotation on cross pins within a differential case. The differential employs a retainer system for securing the cross pins relative to the differential case. The retainer system can include a retainer, such as a clip or a pair of roll pins, that can secure at least one of the cross pins in place. |
| US07951035B2 |
Continuously variable torque vectoring axle assembly
A vehicle driveline having an axle assembly with an input pinion, which is configured to receive a rotary input, a input ring gear, which is meshingly engaged with the input pinion, a first output member, a second output member and a power distribution system. The first output member is configured to drive a first vehicle wheel on a first side of a vehicle. The second output member is configured to drive a second vehicle wheel on a second side of the vehicle opposite the first side. The power distribution system is driven by the input ring gear and distributes drive torque between the first and second output members. The power distribution system includes a first continuously variable transmission. A method for operating a vehicle driveline is also provided. |
| US07951034B2 |
Hydraulic control apparatus for automatic transmission
In a condition of a vehicle which remains stationary or is about to stop and of a forward second speed having a clutch and a brake engaged, an N range is changed from a D range based on a shift lever operation and a forward range pressure is discharged from a manual shift valve. At this time, an orifice and a check ball are used to delay discharge of oil paths which communicate with a linear solenoid valve relative to discharge of an oil path a1 which communicates with a linear solenoid valve. Specifically, release of the brake is delayed relative to release of the clutch, so that a shift by way of a forward first speed through engagement of a one-way clutch can be prevented. |
| US07951033B2 |
Power unit
A power unit enabling reduction of the size and manufacturing costs thereof and making unnecessary complicated control of power from a prime mover, for changing the speed of power from the prime mover. A first sun gear, a first carrier and a first ring gear of a first planetary gear unit are mechanically connected to drive wheels, the engine, and a pump impeller of a torque converter, respectively. A second sun gear, a second carrier and a second ring gear of a second planetary gear unit are mechanically connected to the engine, the drive wheels, and a turbine runner of the torque converter, respectively. A rotating machine is mechanically connected to one of the first and second ring gears, and the operation of the rotating machine is controlled by a PDU and an ECU. A battery is electrically connected to the rotating machine. |
| US07951032B2 |
Belt type non-stage transmission and operating method thereof
A belt type non-stage transmission is constituted so that a V belt obtained by connecting a plurality of elements using a belt is wound around a pair of pulleys which have a groove with V-shaped cross section and which groove width can be changed. A diffusion layer where at least one of Zn and Sn diffuses on a surface layer of a metallic material of the pulleys and the elements is provided to at least one of contacting surfaces between the pulleys and the elements. The diffusion layer contains S and P. As a result, high frictional coefficient and wear resistance can be maintained for a long time, so that the device can cope with heightening of output. |
| US07951029B2 |
Guide for transmission device
In an engine timing chain guide composed of a synthetic resin shoe supported on a frame by L-shaped and strip-shaped engagement members integrally molded as unitary parts of the shoe, the L-shaped members are formed with oblique tongues that resiliently engage side edges of the frame member, and the strip-shaped engagement members include surfaces that extend obliquely toward, and resiliently engage, a side edge of the frame member. Laterally extending legs of the L-shaped members are also formed with bulged portions, and the frame member is sandwiched between the bulged portions and a back side of the shoe. |
| US07951028B2 |
Front derailleur and chain guide
A front derailleur including a chain guide for engagement and disengagement of a bicycle chain with multiple chain rings of a crankset is disclosed. The chain guide may be positioned by linear guide rods. The chain guide may have an inner lifting surface and an outer pulling surface for engaging diametrically opposed corners of a chain when viewed in cross-section. |
| US07951022B2 |
Racket and projectile game
A game includes a pair of rackets for propelling and catching a projectile. Each racket includes a rim for supporting a net between its inner periphery and one of a hook and a loop on an outer periphery. The projectile includes a generally circular member and an elastic band. The band carries the other of the hook and loop which cooperates with the racket for propelling the projectile. The racket may be positioned to catch the propelled projectile in the net. |
| US07951020B2 |
Device for shoulder and arm warm up exercising and methods for using same
A device for throwing and swinging sports comprises a semi-transparent bottle into which varying amounts of a media may be added. One embodiment of that bottle is generally concave in cross-section for better gripping and includes markings on at least one side for showing different filling levels. A gripping element extends from a middle of the bottle sidewall. One such element is a baseball, real or simulated. Other embodiments include a softball, a football-sized element and/or a racket handle. In order to assist the user with timed workouts, an optional cap may include a built-in clock for signaling when to switch from one exercise to another. Methods for exercising with this device are also disclosed. |
| US07951016B2 |
Multi-piece solid golf ball
A multi-piece solid golf ball comprises a core having a 5 structure consisting of at least two layers and a cover on the core consisting of outer and inner cover layers. The outer cover layer has a Shore D hardness of 40-60 degrees. The inner cover layer has a Shore D hardness of up to 53 degrees and lower than that of the outer cover layer. The ball's carry is comparable to conventional solid golf balls and spin receptivity is approximate to wound golf balls while the ball is durable and offers pleasant feel. |
| US07951012B1 |
Pivoting swing
A pivoting swing maintains a support member that is rotatably attached to pivot assembly allows the support member to be rotated in any desired position. The pivot assembly includes a lock assembly that allows the position of the support member to be retained once a desired position has been found. Flexible suspension members attach the support member to the pivot assembly, thereby allowing the support member to swing back and forth once the support member has been rotated to a desired position. |
| US07951011B2 |
Method and apparatus for storing and transporting portable stationary sheet flow water rides
The invention relates to a portable water ride having a trailer with a water catch basin built therein, wherein at least two pivoting supports are provided which can be deployed to an expanded position and stowed to a vertical position. When the supports are deployed, a flexible ride surface can be stretched between said supports to form an inclined ride surface upon which a sheet flow of water from a nozzle housing can be provided upon which water skimming maneuvers can be performed. A walkway on either side of the ride surface, as well as an entrance platform at the top of the ride surface, and other grated platforms, railings, etc., can also be provided. |
| US07951008B2 |
Non-volatile memory management technique implemented in a gaming machine
Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to different techniques for managing the storage of accumulated information in selected non-volatile memory sources at a gaming machine. In one implementation of the present invention relates to a technique for automatically and dynamically swapping critical data and/or other game related information between the non-volatile RAM and the alternate storage (e.g., disk drive) of a gaming machine as new games are activated and/or existing games are deactivated at the gaming machine. |
| US07951006B2 |
Method for downloading data to gaming devices
Memories coupled to a gaming terminal, are reprogrammed by a method and apparatus which includes identification, negotiation, downloading and verification information from an external information source to a gaming terminal. Hardware devices are used to identify gaming terminals or components. |
| US07951001B2 |
Gaming device having a three dimensional display device
A wagering gaming device having a three-dimensional display device which includes a plurality display screens. The display screens display three dimensional images having an height, actual width and depth. |
| US07950997B2 |
Method and apparatus for generating directives for personnel
A system and method include determining a recipient of an offer; and determining an offer which includes an activity and a benefit. The system and method further include transmitting, to a representative, instructions to provide the offer to the recipient. The system and method further include determining whether the recipient has performed the activity, and if so providing the benefit to the recipient. |
| US07950994B2 |
Replacement reel gaming device and method
Apparatuses and methods for facilitating participation in a gaming activity. A reel configuration of a plurality of reels is presented, where each of the reels includes one or more associated gaming symbols. The presentation of the gaming symbols is modified on the plurality of reels, such as by spinning the reels or otherwise changing which symbols are presented on the reels. A replacement reel is presented, to supersede or otherwise supplant at least one of the gaming symbols of the reel configuration. Results of the gaming activity are established using the gaming symbols of the plurality of reels and the replacement reel. The result is thereby based on a resulting presentation of symbols that includes both the symbols of the primary reel configuration and the symbol(s) of the replacement reel(s). |
| US07950992B2 |
Blackjack side wager
A method to implement a variation of casino blackjack wherein if the dealer's up-card is a not an ace, then the player can place an optional side wager. If the player places the optional side wager, and the dealer's hole-card is either a 10-valued card or an ace, then the player wins a payout on the side wager otherwise the player loses the side wager. |
| US07950991B2 |
Game performing method, storage medium, game apparatus, data signal and program
A game performing method for executing a given sports game which is proceeded by performing match-ups by a plurality of teams arranged for every game owning a plurality of player characters a plurality of times during a virtual competition period, involves varying a value of a team parameter provided for each of the teams according to how a game is proceeding; determining a change-intended team, of which configuration of owned player characters is to be changed by addition and/or release of player characters, among the plurality of teams; judging approval or disapproval of a change of a configuration of owned player characters of the change-intended team based on the current value of the team parameter of the change-intended team; and changing the configuration of the owned player characters of the change-intended team, when it is judged that the change is approved. |
| US07950990B2 |
Systems and methods for interactive wagering
The present invention is systems and methods for interactive wagering. Preferred embodiments of these systems and methods incorporate a wagering data hub which controls the flow of data relating to wagers, wagering events, and wagering account and facilitates the use of a variety of user interfaces such as graphical user interfaces and interactive voice response interfaces. For example, a user of the present invention may use a television set-top box, a computer, a telephone, and/or any other suitable device. To communicate with the wagering data hub, television set-top boxes preferably use a two-way cable system, computers preferably use a computer network, and telephones preferably use a telephone network, although each may use any suitable mechanism or combination of mechanisms to communicate with wagering data hub. |
| US07950989B2 |
Combine with an endless conveyor that can be moved between a swath depositing position and a chopper position
A combine is provided, with a harvested crop processing arrangement with an outlet for straw that is associated with an ejection drum and an endless conveyor arranged between the ejection drum and a straw chopper. In its rear region, the endless conveyor can be pivoted about a horizontal axis extending transverse to the direction of operation between a chopper position and a swath depositing position. |
| US07950985B2 |
Flexible membrane for carrier head
A carrier head that has a base assembly, a retaining ring assembly, a carrier ring, and a flexible membrane is described. The flexible membrane has a main portion and an outer annular portion, wherein a junction between the main portion and the outer annular portion comprises a peripheral edge hinge and an annular recess above the hinge along the outer wall of the outer annular portion. |
| US07950984B2 |
Particle blast apparatus
A particle blast apparatus includes a hopper assembly, which is mechanically isolated from the rest of the particle blast system. Energy is imparted to the hopper by an impulse assembly, which preferably is mounted directly to the hopper. The hopper is mounted to the apparatus on a slide assembly, which allows the hopper to be moved to a second position at which particles may be discharged from the hopper exit away from the particle feeder. |
| US07950982B2 |
Method for achieving stripe height control at bow compensated lapping
A lapping device comprises a mounting surface for coupling at least one non-parted slider row. At least one lever arm is coupled to at least one distal end of the mounting surface. The lever arm comprises a coupling feature at an end of the lever arm for receiving a force-vectoring device. The lever arm also comprises a pivot point opposite the coupling feature of the lever arm wherein the pivot point is beyond a distal end of the non-parted slider row. |
| US07950981B2 |
Precision machining apparatus and precision machining method
A precision machining apparatus is structured such that a feed-screw mechanism and an actuator are mounted on a second mount which supports a rotating device that rotates a wheel, and grinding is performed while appropriately adjusting the amount of movement of the second mount in a rough grinding stage through an ultra-precision grinding stage. A posture control device is interposed between a first mount and a rotating device that rotates a grinding target body. The thickness and evenness of the grinding target body are measured by an optical probe and the measurement results are sent to a computer. A feedback command is then sent to the posture control device to reduce the difference between target values and the measurement values and posture control is performed accordingly. |
| US07950979B2 |
Transforming vehicle
A toy vehicle is transformed from a first configuration to a second configuration through relative movement of two portions of the vehicle. The vehicle includes a roof panel which closes a roof area during the transition from the first configuration to the second configuration. The closing of the roof area hides the displacement of a first seat in the vehicle by a second seat. When the first seat is mounted with a first toy figure and the second seat is mounted with a different toy figure, an illusion is created that the initial toy figure has changed appearance. The roof panel may close and reopen at a rate rapid enough to render the change of toy figures to be an instantaneous transformation. Additional deployable components such as projectile launchers, tail fins, and front bumpers may be incorporated into the toy vehicle. |
| US07950975B1 |
Simulation play kit
A simulation play kit is provided for bracing and covering a person's hands and forearms to allow a person to walk on all fours to simulate an animal. The kit includes at least one crutch having a 4 to 6 inch width and having a telescopic extension member adjustable to a maximum a one-foot height. Each crutch has a U-shaped frame member with a brace member across a gap between first and second upper ends and also a hand support bar across the gap below the brace member. The kit also provides at least one faux hand member resembling a human hand with a sleeve attached thereto and may also provide at least one faux foot member which may be either an imaginative human foot or animal foot. The faux foot member also includes a sock portion. The crutch slides through either the faux hand or foot member. |
| US07950973B2 |
Amphibious vehicle
The amphibious vehicle is a motorized vehicle capable of travel on land as well as in the water. The amphibious vehicle has a boat-like hull and a caterpillar track assembly mounted along each side by a respective pair of rotating supports. The tracks are arranged so that the tracks can be rotated between a lowered position supporting the amphibious vehicle and providing traction and propulsion during land operation, and a raised position, where the tracks rest vertically above the hull's deck during marine operation. With the caterpillar track assemblies in the raised position, the caterpillar track assemblies are fully removed from the water to improve performance and maneuverability therein. The track assemblies are hydraulically driven to rotate the wheels and tracks between the lowered and raised positions. |
| US07950964B1 |
N-IN-1 card connector utilizing FPC for improved co-planarity
A card connector includes a first housing extending along a front-to-rear direction and defining a first surface and a second surface opposite to each other in a vertical direction thereof. Multiple groups of terminals are mounted on the first housing with tails projecting out of the first surface. A second housing extends along a transverse direction perpendicular to the front-to-rear direction and is fixed on the first housing. A group of converting terminals are mounted on the second housing with solder tails projecting out of the second surface and connecting portions projecting out of the first surface. A flexible printed circuit defines an input end and an output end thereof. The flexible printed circuit is attached to the first surface of the first housing with the tails of the multiple groups of terminals connecting with the input end and connecting portions of the converting terminals connecting with the output end. |
| US07950961B2 |
Hard-line coaxial cable connector with slotted shaft
A coaxial cable connector which includes a back nut housing having a rearward cable receiving end and a forward end opposite the rearward end, a front nut assembly coupled to the forward end of the back nut housing, a tubular insert shaft supported within the back nut housing, a tubular gripping ferrule radially surrounding the insert shaft and a tubular holder sleeve radially surrounding at least a portion of the gripping ferrule. The axial movement of the holder sleeve causes the gripping ferrule to radially compress around the insert shaft. The insert shaft has a rearward end and an axial slot extending from the rearward end in a forward direction, wherein the slot permits the rearward end of the insert shaft to radially compress upon the radial compression of the gripping ferrule to make removal of a cable from the connector easier. |
| US07950960B2 |
Pressed in cable transition and method
A transition for connecting a coaxial cable to a conductive metal part such as an antenna has a base and a sleeve. The base is pressed into the groundplane of the antenna to provide a permanent conductive and mechanical connection. A low profile transition has a base and a channel portion parallel to the face of the base. |
| US07950958B2 |
Connector having conductive member and method of use thereof
A connector having a conductive member is provided, wherein the connector comprises a connector body capable of sealing and securing a coaxial cable, and further wherein the conductive member, such as an O-ring, physically seals the connector, electrically couples the connector and the coaxial cable, facilitates grounding through the connector, and renders an electromagnetic shield preventing ingress of unwanted environmental noise. |
| US07950957B1 |
Coaxial connector with a compression ring between a sleeve and a sheath of the coaxial cable
A connector for a coaxial cable is provided. The connector comprises a sleeve and a sealing device. The sleeve is adapted to be inserted over the coaxial cable. The sealing device is adapted to be interposed between the sleeve and a sheath of the coaxial cable to seal the coaxial cable for preventing rain, moisture and dust from entering into the coaxial cable, thereby further ensuring the transfer efficiency and reducing the loss rate of the signal. |
| US07950955B2 |
Multiple orientation battery connector
A connector is provided for electrically coupling a battery with a battery-powered device. The connector includes a first dual-contact assembly and a second dual-contact assembly. Each of the dual-contact assemblies includes a positive contact for contacting a positive PP3 terminal of a PP3 battery, and a negative contact for contacting a negative PP3 terminal of the PP3 battery. Each dual-contact assembly is configured so that, when the dual-contact assembly is physically engaged with either of the PP3 battery terminals, one of the contacts of the dual-contact assembly electrically engages the PP3 battery terminal, while the other of the contacts of the dual-contact assembly is electrically insulated from the PP3 battery terminal. Accordingly, the PP3 battery may be installed in either of two valid connection states relative to the connector, in which appropriate electrical connectivity is provided via the connector to a device to be powered by the PP3 battery. |
| US07950949B2 |
Connector and electronic device system
A connector includes a contact; a housing holding the contact; a cable inserted into the housing; a lock mechanism held in the housing and lockable with an opponent connector; and an operating portion having a tube shape covering the cable, operably connected to the housing, and releasing the lock in response to an operation. |
| US07950948B2 |
Releasably engaging high definition multimedia interface plug
A releasably engaging high definition multimedia plug comprises a plug body and an actuator operable with the plug body to move a locking tab of the plug and facilitate releasable engagement of the plug with a standard high definition multimedia receptacle. A corresponding method of releasably securing a high definition multimedia interface plug into standard high definition multimedia interface receptacle is also provided. |
| US07950941B1 |
Extension socket assembly
An extension socket assembly has a housing, a first conductive strip, a second conductive strip, two plug tabs and a switch device. The first conductive strip is mounted in the housing. The second conductive strip is mounted in the housing and is composed of a front segment and a rear segment electrically disconnectable from the front segment. The plug tabs are connected to the housing and are respectively connected electrically to the first conductive strip and the front segment of the second conductive strip. The switch device has a switch connected electrically to the front segment and the rear segment of the second conductive strip with two switch wires. Accordingly, the extension socket assembly can be easily and convenient switched on or off by the extension switch device. |
| US07950940B2 |
Separable connector with reduced surface contact
Separating connector assemblies of a separable connector system. The separable connector assemblies include one or more pairs of connectors configured to engage and disengage one another in electrical connection and disconnection operations, respectively. An operator can disengage the connectors by pushing the connectors together and then pulling the connectors apart. Pushing the connectors together shears interface adhesion between the connectors, making it easier for the operator to pull the connectors apart. One of the connectors can include a nose end having an undercut segment configured to not engage an interior surface of the other connector when the connectors are engaged. Limiting the surface area of the nose end that interfaces with the interior surface of the other connector reduces surface adhesion and a pressure drop when separating the connectors, making separation easier to perform. |
| US07950936B2 |
Electrical connector configured with pivotal cover member
An electrical connector adapted for being mounted on a printed circuit board includes a base member loaded with a plurality of contacts therein and defining a mounting face confronting with the printed circuit board on which the base member is mounted, a cover member pivotally supported at a rear end of the base member and rotating between a closed position and an opened position. The cover member covers on the base member in a closed position and rotates to the opened position to define a mating cavity adapted for receiving a counter connector. The mating cavity includes a first mating face defined on the base member and parallel to the mounting face and a second mating face defined on the cover member defined on the cover member and parallel to the mounting face. |
| US07950930B2 |
Electric junction box
It is object of the present invention to provide an electric junction box that can effectively drain liquid away therefrom.The electric junction box in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention comprises a wiring board; a connector block having a body, and a terminal passing through a bottom wall of the body and being electrically connected to the wiring board at an end portion thereof, the body having a groove formed on an inner face of the bottom wall, and an outlet communicating with an end of the groove; and a case being disposed above the bottom wall, having a hole disposed thereon, and being configured to receive both the wiring board and the connector block therein, the hole being configured to pass an opposite end portion of the terminal therethrough. In such a construction, when liquid leaks into the case via the hole and arrives at the bottom wall, the groove is configured to take the liquid up and to guide the liquid to the outlet due to capillary phenomenon. |
| US07950925B2 |
Interacting with consumers to inform, educate, consult, and assist with the purchase and use of personal care products
Educating a consumer about a personal care product. A request for information regarding a personal care product is received from a consumer. A description of one or more physical characteristics associated with the consumer and related to the personal care product is also received from the consumer. In response to the received request and description, a visual representation of a three-dimensional model is provided to the consumer. The three-dimensional model is a function of the received physical characteristics and the personal care product. |
| US07950924B2 |
Arrangement and device for using a template to form holes for implants in bone, preferably jaw bone
An apparatus includes a template which locates hole positions in a jawbone while the template is separated from the jawbone by gum tissue. The template follows a contour of the gum tissue surrounding the jawbone and has guide holes which receive a cutting tool. Anchoring elements attach the template to the jawbone. A system includes means for scanning an implantation site on a patient's jawbone, simulating the implantation site, and determining nerve-rich areas or nerve paths in the jawbone. A holed template is produced which is separated from the jawbone by at least gum tissue of the patient. Attachment hole positions in the jawbone are located so as to avoid nerve paths. A method of forming holes to attach a dental implant to a patient's jaw bone without surgical intervention in gum tissue of the patient to expose the jawbone is disclosed which avoids impingement on a nerve path. |
| US07950922B2 |
Portal frame design kiln
A portico furnace includes a number of porticos (1), which are arranged parallel to one another and which define the spans of the furnace, and supports (2, 6) that are attached to the porticos (1), between which are positioned interjoists (3) that constitute the walls of the furnace. At least some of the interjoists (3) consist of a chimney block (4) with an axis that is parallel to the supports (2, 6). |
| US07950919B2 |
Method and apparatus for monitoring and controlling the stability of a burner of a fired heater
The invention includes method and apparatus for controlling the stability of a burner, preferably a low NOx burner, of a natural draft heater. The method includes measuring the draft over a time period and generating a measured output from which a draft function is determined that defines the relationship between the draft and time during the time period. A value for the burner stability is defined that is representative of a stable burner operation. The draft function is compared to the stable burner value to determine a differential value, and the operation of the fired heater is adjusted in response to the differential value. The apparatus includes means for measuring the draft over a time period and means for generating a measured output from which a draft function is determined that is proportional to the cyclic variation of the draft during the time period. Further included is means for comparing the draft function to a defined burner stability value representative of a stable burner operation to determine a differential value and means for adjusting the operation of the fired heater in response to the differential value. |
| US07950909B2 |
Pump structure connectable with an air cushion or a bladder
A pump structure connectable with an aircushion or a bladder. The pump structure includes: a flexible main body defining a valve room in which a relief valve is arranged and a compressible chamber; a one-way valve permitting the fluid to one-way flow into the chamber; and a thin membrane-type check valve. The check valve has a first end and a second end, which are operable between opened position and closed position. The first and second ends respectively communicate with the chamber and an output tube, which is connectable with the aircushion or bladder. The first and second ends of the check valve are respectively positioned in spaces provided by the chamber and the valve room. A substrate board is disposed under the flexible main body. The substrate board has a through hole and a notch formed on positions where the first and second ends of the check valve are formed. |
| US07950907B2 |
Fluid pump having housing
A fluid fuel pump and its electrically driven brushless motor are located at opposite ends of a common housing. |
| US07950906B2 |
Insulated bearings for downhole motors
A submersible pumping system for use downhole, wherein the system includes a pump, a pump motor, a seal section, a shaft coupling the pump motor to the pump, a bearing assembly for axially retaining the shaft in place, and an electrical insulator for electrically isolating the pump bearing assembly from electrical current leaking from the motor and through the shaft. The electrical insulator can be made from polyetheretherketone, polyimide, polyketone, and mixtures thereof. |
| US07950904B2 |
Compressor
The present invention relates to a compressor which secures a sufficient refrigerant inhaling passage so as to minimize a refrigerant inhaling resistance and also to increase lubricating action with respect to a thrust bearing supporting a swash plate, in a structure that refrigerant is inhaled to a cylinder bore through a hollow drive shaft, thereby improving the performance of the compressor. |
| US07950903B1 |
Turbine blade with dual serpentine cooling
A turbine blade with a dual serpentine flow cooling circuit to provide cooling to the airfoil section and to the blade tip section. An aft flowing multiple pass serpentine circuit includes a first leg located adjacent to the leading edge region of the blade and is connected to a leading edge impingement cavity through a row of impingement holes. A showerhead arrangement is connected to the impingement cavity to provide film cooling to the leading edge of the blade. A second aft flowing serpentine circuit is located in the tip region and is connected to the impingement cavity to supply the cooling air to the second serpentine. A row of impingement holes and exit cooling slots is arranged along the trailing edge region and connected to the first serpentine. A trailing edge discharge hole is located in the tip region to discharge cooling air from the second serpentine. The second serpentine includes film cooling holes on the pressure side to discharge film cooling air. The first serpentine includes film cooling holes on the pressure side and the suction side to provide film cooling to selected areas of the pressure and the suction side walls. |
| US07950897B2 |
Gas turbine and gas turbine cooling method
A gas turbine includes a nozzle vane and a sealing unit engaged with the nozzle vane inside a turbine supplied with combustion gases produced by mixing and burning air for combustion and fuel. The nozzle vane and the sealing unit are disposed in a channel of the downward flowing combustion gases on the outlet side of a gas path. A plurality of engagement portions between the sealing unit and the nozzle vane are provided successively from the upstream side toward the downstream side in a direction of flow of the combustion gases, and a downstream one of the plurality of engagement portions has a contact interface formed in a direction across a turbine rotary shaft. A reduction in the thermal efficiency of the gas turbine can be suppressed. |
| US07950896B2 |
Material handling apparatus
A handling apparatus can be used to transfer objects from a first location to a second location along a defined path, without the need for a conveyor along the path. Instead, the handling apparatus can be moved along the path by a controllable transport device, such as a robot arm. The handling apparatus can comprise a plurality of unpowered rollers which are selectively rotated by way of a transfer assist mechanism during loading and/or unloading of the objects to be transferred. The transfer assist mechanism can comprise a separate component that can power the rollers directly or indirectly. The transfer assist mechanism can comprise a belt which imparts rotational force to the support rollers via contact in some embodiments, with the amount of force controlled by varying the relative inclination of the support rollers and the transfer assist mechanism. |
| US07950893B2 |
Device for handling manufacturing rings, a forklift including the same, and a method of handling a manufacturing ring
A lifting apparatus for lifting manufacturing rings is provided. The lifting apparatus includes an attachment part having an opening extending therethrough, and a plurality of elongated legs extending from the attachment part. Each of the elongated legs has a slit disposed therein. A plurality of support rods are movably disposed in the slits. The support rods are pivotable between a lowered position in which each support rod extends from the associated slit and a raised position in which each support rod is disposed within the associated slit. The lifting apparatus further includes an actuating part operably associated with the support rods and for moving the support rods between the raised position and the lowered position. |
| US07950891B2 |
Method for the loading and unloading railway wagons and device, wagon chassis and wagon attachment for carrying out said method
A method for loading and unloading rail cars includes at least one car, having a frame and a superstructure, moved into loading and unloading positions. During unloading the car superstructure is lifted off from the frame with lifting devices to an unloading level, and after the lifting operation the superstructure is moved at the unloading level in a transverse direction with respect to a longitudinal plane of the car until the superstructure is seated completely on a loading and unloading face. During loading the superstructure is moved from the loading and unloading face in a transverse direction with respect to the longitudinal plane of the car to above the frame and the superstructure is lowered, by lifting devices, onto the frame located in the loading and unloading positions. The lifting and lowering of the superstructures is carried out by lifting devices that are anchored to the track bed or secured to a platform. Also described are a method for transferring cargo from a first train to a second train, a loading and/or unloading device, a car frame and a car superstructure. |
| US07950890B2 |
Vacuum robot, vacuum motor for vacuum robot, and production method of said vacuum motor
A vacuum robot includes an arm portion on which a work is to be disposed under a reduced pressure environment and a motor portion for rotatably driving the arm portion, the vacuum robot being configured to transfer the work by causing a rotational movement of the arm portion by the motor portion. The motor portion comprises a rotor portion connected to the arm portion, a stator portion disposed at an external periphery of the rotor portion, a housing disposed under an atmospheric pressure environment, and a thin cylindrical can disposed in an electromagnetic gap formed between the rotor portion and the stator portion and secured to the housing so that the stator portion is air-tightly encapsulated in a space formed by the housing and the can. The space is maintained in a depressurized state by a seal. |
| US07950887B2 |
Threaded fastener with retainer and method of making such fastener
A fastener element (16) has a head section (18), a threaded shank section (17) with threads (20) at a pitch and a distal end section (22). A retention device (24) is secured to the distal end section and is engageable with a fastener receiving member (14). |
| US07950886B2 |
Push-on bolt stabilizer
The invention provides for a retainer for stabilizing a threaded member. The retainer may include a base portion having an opening and an outer perimeter lying in a first plane, the opening having a plurality of elongated sections each extending toward the outer perimeter so as to define in the base portion one or more arms. Each of the aims may have a head section having at least one groove, the head sections being located in a second plane which is parallel to and spaced apart from the first plane. The elongated sections may be symmetrically arranged about an axis. The grooves may be arranged to define at least a portion of a helix. The outer perimeter of the retainer may be circular. |
| US07950882B2 |
Router
A router has a housing, from the underside of which a tool fitting for a milling tool connected with a drive motor extends and the housing is displaceably accommodated on guide columns for adjusting the milling depth, a device for adjusting the milling depth, which includes a depth adjusting element that is displaceable in the direction of a vertical axis of the router using an adjusting element and that interacts with a stop element, and a device for locking the depth adjusting element. The device for locking the depth adjusting element is integrated in the device for adjusting the milling depth. |
| US07950877B2 |
Clamp systems and methods for pile drivers and extractors
A clamp assembly for securing a vibratory device to a pile comprising a frame, first and second clamp members, and an actuator. The frame is adapted to be secured to the vibratory device. The first clamp member is supported by the frame and comprises a first engaging surface defining peaks and valleys and comprising a first surface layer formed on the peaks and valleys defined by the first engaging surface. The second clamp member is supported by the frame and comprises a second engaging surface defining peaks and valleys and comprising a second surface layer formed on the peaks and valleys defined by the second engaging surface. The actuator member is arranged to displace at least one of the first and second clamp members such that first and second engaging surfaces engage the pile such that the pile is gripped by between first and second clamp members. At least one of the first and second surface layers defines a thickness dimension of at least approximately 0.0025 inches, and at least one of the first and second surface layers defines a grit of at least approximately 180 Emery. |
| US07950869B2 |
Tube connection joint and method of forming same
A connection joint (20) is described that is formed by inserting a plastic connector (10) into the end of a silicone tube (14). The connector includes a plurality of barbs (12). A reinforcing agent (16) is placed between each of the barbs (12) of the connector (10). An adhesive (18) is injected between the tube (14), the reinforcing agents (16) and the connector (10). The adhesive (18) is then cured at a predetermined temperature for a predetermined time in order to solidify the connection joint (20). |
| US07950868B2 |
Modular crankshaft
A modular crankshaft features a connection system between modules that features opposed female receptacles. A pin having opposed beveled ends and hydraulic passages with it is inserted into the opposed receptacles. A pair of seals is disposed on the beveled ends and straddles a hydraulic fluid outlet. The crankshaft wall that defines each receptacle is designed to flex in response to applied hydraulic pressure between the seals on the tapered pin portion. A notch at the base of the receptacle in the crankshaft reduces stress concentration and enables the wall defining the crankshaft receptacle to come back when hydraulic pressure through the pin is removed. The opposed crankshaft receptacles are flanged to allow them to be pulled together over the pin. An interference fit results around the pin after the flanges are mated and the hydraulic pressure is removed. |
| US07950866B2 |
Ring binder mechanism with polymeric housing
A ring binder mechanism has a resilient polymeric housing. The housing has a central portion and lateral sides extending downwardly along either side of the central portion. A metal ring support is supported between the lateral sides for movement relative to the housing. Each of a plurality of rings includes a first ring member mounted on the ring support for movement therewith to open and close the rings. The housing applies a spring force biasing the ring support toward the open position when the first ring member is proximate its open position and biasing the ring support to the closed position when the first ring member is proximate its closed position. The housing spring force is the only spring force applied to the ring support that moves the ring support. |
| US07950862B2 |
Multicolor writing tools and methods
Various multicolor writing tools and methods for applying multiple volatile marking substances one at a time. The tool includes a case member, a cartridge member, a cap member, and an optional actuator member. The case member forms an interior in which is disposed the cartridge member with multiple cartridges each containing one of the marking substances and a tip through which the marking substance is applied. The cap member changes and restores its configuration, while the actuator member changes the configuration and exposes one of the tips selected by an user out of the interior when the tool is in use, and then restores the configuration and encloses all of the tips inside the interior when not in use. Thus, the tool opens the cap member in response to input force without requiring the user to engage in a separate maneuver to remove the cap member. |
| US07950858B2 |
Bearing apparatus for a wheel of vehicle
A vehicle wheel bearing apparatus has an outer member formed with a body mounting flange on its outer circumferential surface. The body mounting flange is to be mounted on a knuckle of the vehicle. The outer member inner circumference includes double row outer raceway surfaces. An inner member includes a wheel hub with a wheel mounting flange formed on one end. A cylindrical portion extends from the wheel mounting flange. At least one inner ring is press-fit onto the cylindrical portion of the wheel hub. The inner ring outer circumference is formed with an inner raceway surface arranged opposite to the double row outer raceway surfaces. Double row rolling elements are freely rollably contained between the outer raceway surfaces and inner raceway surfaces of the outer member and the inner members. Seals are mounted within annular openings formed between the outer member and the inner member. The inner ring is axially secured relative to the wheel hub by a caulked portion. The caulked portion is formed by radially outwardly plastically deforming the end of the cylindrical portion of the wheel hub. Outer side rolling elements of the double row rolling elements are balls. The inner side rolling elements of the double row rolling elements are tapered rollers. The fundamental rated load of the inner side row of tapered rollers is set larger than that of the outer side row of balls. |
| US07950857B2 |
Rolling bearing with heating element
A rolling bearing which has at least one heated rolling bearing ring. An electrical heating element is applied with good thermally-conductive contact to a surface section of the heated rolling bearing ring. The heat quantity which can be generated by the heating element is dimensioned such that the heated rolling bearing ring undergoes thermal expansion when heated, which permits the rolling bearing to be mounted on a frame element with the formation of a shrink fit during subsequent cooling. |
| US07950856B2 |
Tapered roller bearing
A tapered roller bearing includes: an oil guide member that opens and closes an annular opening between an outer peripheral surface of a large rib of an inner ring and an outer ring and is mounted on the large rib; and a discharge port that discharges, along the outer peripheral surface of the large rib, lubricating oil and is formed through an inner peripheral portion of the oil guide member. The oil guide member includes a closing portion for closing the annular opening. When a fluid pressure of the lubricating oil which flows through pockets of a cage toward an inner peripheral surface of the outer ring is below a predetermined values, the closing portion closes the annular opening and guides the lubricating oil toward the discharge port. When the fluid pressure exceeds the predetermined value, the closing portion opens the annular opening. |
| US07950855B2 |
Bearing assembly
A bearing assembly for radial and axial support of a shaft part relative to a housing includes two radial antifriction bearings located at an axial distance to one another on the shaft part and two axial antifriction bearings located at an axial distance to one another on the shaft part. To create better support, the bearing assembly has an outer bearing ring which is inserted into a hole of the housing and which, made as a one-piece component, has tracks for the two radial antifriction bearings and for the two axial antifriction bearings. |
| US07950853B2 |
Linear roller bearing element
A linear roller bearing element with an endless rolling element channel is composed of a carrier raceway for the load-bearing rolling elements on a carrier body, a return channel for rolling elements that are returning, and turnaround channels that connect the carrier raceway and the return channel at both ends with each other in an endless manner, the turnaround channels being bounded by end covers. The roller bearing element has two rolling element channels with two longitudinally extending carrier raceways located next to each other within a common plane and with clearance between them, on the carrier body for load-bearing rolling elements, and two assigned return channels for rolling elements that are returning, and respective turnaround channels. With a linear roller bearing guide, these roller bearing elements are located between a guide rail and a guide carriage—which is supported such that it is displaceable relative to the guide rail—in order to provide support. |
| US07950851B2 |
Plastic bag with imperforated tear area
A plastic specimen bag (10) includes a front wall (20) and a rear wall (22) that are joined together to define a containment portion (32) having a bottom (24), side edges (26, 28), and a top opening (30). The plastic specimen bag (10) further includes a first closure (C1) located between the bottom (24) and the top opening (30) for selectively closing the containment portion (32). To facilitate opening the specimen bag (10), the specimen bag (10) includes a first grip enhancing profile (50) and a second grip enhancing profile (52) that are formed in the front wall (20) and spaced apart from one another to define a tear area (54) therebetween. The tear area (54) is located between the closure (C1) and the bottom (24). |
| US07950847B2 |
Breguet overcoil balance spring made of micro-machinable material
The invention relates to a Breguet overcoil balance spring (1) that includes a hairspring (3) mounted in a single part, made of micro-machinable material, and coaxially with a collet (5). According to the invention, the balance spring has a terminal curve (7) made of micro-machinable material and an elevation device (9) made of micro-machinable material between the outer coil (15) of the hairspring and the terminal curve to improve the concentric development of the balance spring. The invention also relates to the method of manufacturing the balance spring. The invention concerns the field of timepiece making. |
| US07950844B2 |
Cook pot stirrer
The cook pot stirrer is a stirring mechanism incorporated into a lid that covers a cooking vessel. The cook pot stirrer is adapted for stirring liquid content of the cook pot. The mechanism includes a battery power source connected to a motor having reduction gearing connected to a removably attachable stirring tool. A speed control adjusts motor speed, thereby regulating the speed of the stirring device. A protective dome covers the stirring mechanism to isolate the motor and electronics from the contents of the pot. The protective dome is removable for maintenance and battery replacement. Stirring tools of various lengths, heights and surface areas may be provided for use in a variety of cooking situations. |
| US07950843B2 |
Mixing machine and associated bowl support arrangement
A mixing machine includes a head including a rotatable output member for receiving a mixer tool. A mixer body includes a bowl receiving assembly below the head. The bowl receiving assembly includes a pair of bowl support arms extending outwardly from the mixer body to respective ends located at opposite sides of a bowl receiving location. Each bowl support arm includes a mount protrusion extending upwardly therefrom. The mount protrusions include a notch located at bases of the mount protrusions. The bowl receiving assembly is mounted for movement between a lowered position away from the head and a raised position toward the head. The bowl includes a keyway extending through a mount support, the keyway having an enlarged portion that receives the mount protrusion of one of the support arms and a necked-down portion that slides within the notch of the respective mount protrusion when the bowl is rotated. |
| US07950842B2 |
Durability monitoring and improvement of a blender
A blender for blending foodstuff includes a base enclosing a motor and having an upper mounting surface. A jar sensor is secured to the base proximate the upper mounting surface and a jar is removably mountable to the base on the mounting surface. The jar includes a closed end and an actuator is mounted proximate the closed end. The jar sensor detects the presence of the actuator when the jar is mounted to the base in an operating position. The motor is powered when the jar sensor detects the presence of the actuator in the operating position. A motor temperature indicator is positioned on a control panel on the base and a temperature sensor is in communication with the motor temperature indicator. First and second cordsets are adaptable for removable mounting to the base for powering the motor. |
| US07950840B2 |
Structure for Christmas light
A structure for LED Christmas light is provided, including a light holder, being a hollow body having a separating part connected to the inner wall of the light holder to divide the hollow interior of the light holder into two cavities. Each of the two opposite sides of the inner wall of the light holder connected to the separating part forms a slot and face the surface of the separating part of the two cavities, with each having a guiding channel. Two wire sets are fixed inside the two cavities. An LED light bulb has a positive pin and a negative pin inserted inside the guiding channel, respectively, and being electrically connected to the wire sets. A light cap has a holding part passing the LED light bulb to tightly engage to the top of the light holder so as to fix the LED light bulb to the light holder. |
| US07950837B2 |
Vehicle lamp
A vehicle lamp can include a plurality of light source modules each having an LED as a light source, and optical systems for distributing light from each of the light source modules frontward toward predetermined areas or predetermined patterns that are different from each other and which make up a light distribution pattern. Each of the optical systems can be optimized to emit light to a predetermined area, and each of the light source modules' LEDs can be optimally arranged for each of the corresponding optical systems. |
| US07950836B2 |
EMI controlled integral HID reflector lamp
An integral HID reflector lamp may be formed with an HID held in a reflector. An inner element is mechanically coupled to the reflector. The inner element is formed with a first mechanical coupling to mate with the reflector, a second mechanical coupling to mate with a circuit board, and an electrical coupling to at least electrically couple one of the leads to the circuit board. A circuit board has an edge mechanically coupled to the inner element and electrically connected to the leads by an electrical coupling on the inner element. A heat sink spans at least one side of the circuit board and forming an EMI shielding. An outer cover encloses the heat sink, circuit board, and inner element and coupled to the assembly of the reflector, HID lamp, inner element, and heat sink with each elements of the assembly clipped together. |
| US07950835B2 |
Bicycle safety lighting
A bicycle or moped lighting system projects light onto a rider's moving legs to make the rider more visible to motor vehicle operators and thereby improve the rider's safety. A single safety light fixture is mounted below the bicycle seat and directs diverging light beams towards the backs of both of the rider's legs. While peddling, the motion of the lighted legs attracts the attention of the motor vehicle operators thereby improving rider visibility. A second light fixture may reside ahead of the rider to direct diverging light beams onto the fronts of the rider's moving legs. |
| US07950834B2 |
Collar assembly and brake for recessed luminaire
A brake assembly for an adjustable downlight fixture comprises a fixture having a rotational collar assembly, the rotational collar assembly having a first race rotating relative to a second race, a brake assembly connected to one of the first race and the second race, the brake assembly frictionally engaging the other of the first race and the second race. |
| US07950831B2 |
Recessed LED lamp unit
A light emitting diode (LED) lamp unit for obtaining a thin profile display device, to improve uniformity of light, and to simplify a power connection line for operation. The LED lamp unit includes an optical lens having a central recess part and an edge, wherein the central recess part is hollowed out inwardly, and the edge is formed in shape of a flat surface or in shape of a convex lens; at least one or more LED chips arranged at fixed intervals in a lower portion of the optical lens; and a lower reflecting sheet positioned on a bottom surface of the LED chip. |
| US07950828B2 |
LED lamp
An LED lamp includes a first heat sink, a second heat sink and a plurality of LED modules. The second heat sink is located at a lateral side of the first heat sink and pivotally connects with the first heat sink. The LED modules are evenly attached on bottoms of the first and second heat sinks. The second heat sink can be rotated relative to the first heat sink to be fixed at a required position, whereby an illumination angle of the LED lamp can be adjusted. Heat generated by the LED modules is dissipated by the first and second heat sinks. |
| US07950825B2 |
Optical lens and illuminating device incorporating the same
An optical lens includes an array of lens units. Each lens unit includes a main body, a light diverging portion and a light converging portion. The main body includes a light incident surface and a light emitting surface opposite to the light incident surface. The light diverging portion is configured for expanding a light field along a first direction, and the light converging portion is configured for compressing a light field along a second direction. The light diverging portion and the light converging portion are both formed on one of the light incident surface and the light emitting surface. |
| US07950823B2 |
Lamp fixing unit, backlight assembly having the same and display device having the same
A lamp fixing unit capable of simplifying the manufacture of a backlight assembly by eliminating the need for manual procedures is presented. The lamp fixing unit includes a fixing member and a lamp holder. The fixing member includes a fixing body and at least one receiving portion. The lamp holder includes a holder body and a conductive socket. The holder body includes a board insertion portion, a power supply member, and a lamp fixing member. Thus, the power supply member may be easily coupled to and uncoupled from the lamp holder, and the lamp may be easily grounded. |
| US07950816B2 |
Backlight device and display device
It is an object to manufacture a highly reliable backlight device with less color unevenness and less luminance unevenness, and a high-performance and highly reliable display device including the backlight device, which can display a high quality image. A light emitting diode (LED) is used as a light source of a backlight device and thermoelectric elements are provided in a chassis for holding the light emitting diode so as to surround the light emitting diode (the thermoelectric elements are provided under the light emitting diode and on the four sides thereof). A temperature in the backlight device is adjusted by cooling and heating by the thermoelectric elements. |
| US07950814B2 |
Backlight module and method of manufacture using complementary light sources having the same color
A backlight module includes an optical film set and a plurality of light source sets having a first light source and a second light source. The first light source generates a first chromaticity light while the second light source generates a second chromaticity light. The first chromaticity light mixes with the second chromaticity light in the space between the light source sets and the optical film set and then enters the optical film set. The first chromaticity light and the second chromaticity light have their own spectrum and both spectra fall into a first color region of the CIE 1931 color space. Within the first color region, the spectrum of the first chromaticity light is close to a second color region while the spectrum of the second chromaticity light is close to a third color region. |
| US07950809B2 |
Hologram element, illumination device, projector, and method of manufacturing hologram element
A hologram element that forms a predetermined illumination pattern on an irradiated surface by diffracting incident light is disclosed. The illumination pattern is formed by making light in a first wavelength region diffracted in a first region, and the illumination pattern is formed by making light in a second wavelength region different from the first wavelength region diffracted in a second region on the same plane as the first region. |
| US07950804B2 |
System and method employed in projector for protecting eyes
A system employed in a projector for protecting eyes when the projector is in use, includes an initialization module, a light emitting-receiving device, a time-measuring module, a comparison module, and an image-outputting device. The initialization module is configured for initializing a standard time value. The light emitting-receiving device is configured for emitting a light and receiving a reflection of the light. The time-measuring module is configured for measuring time elapsed between emitting the light and receiving the reflection to generate a time-cost value. The comparison module is configured for comparing the standard time value with the time-cost value to generate a signal. The image-outputting device is configured for outputting an eye-protective image or a general image corresponding to the signal. |
| US07950803B2 |
Perspective vision tunnel
Devices and methods for testing a subject's visual ability are provided. More specifically, the device may include a perspective vision tunnel comprised of plurality of low reflectance walls with one or more mirrors arranged within the perspective vision tunnel. Visual indicia for administering the test of a subject's visual ability are displayed into a first portion of the perspective vision tunnel. The one or more mirrors are arranged to reflect the visual indicia out of the first portion such that visual indicia may be visually perceived by the subject. In accordance with the invention, a subject may be tested utilizing the perspective vision tunnel and input may be received from the individual. The received input may then, for example, be used to compute data related to the user's visual ability. |
| US07950802B2 |
Method and circuit arrangement for recognising and tracking eyes of several observers in real time
The invention relates to a method and to a circuit arrangement for recognising and for tracking, in a contact-free manner, eye positions of several users in real time. The input data comprises a sequence of digital video frames. Said method comprises the following steps: combining a face-finder-instance which is used to examine faces, an eye-finder-instance which is used to examine eye areas, and an eye-tracker-instance which is used to recognise and track eye reference points. The aim of the invention is to convert the eye positions within a hierarchical outlet of the instance to the target, which successively restricts the dataset, which is to be processed, emerging from the dataset of the entire video frame (VF) in order to form a face target area (GZ) and subsequently an eye target area (AZ). Also, an instance or a group of instances, which run in a parallel manner, are carried out, respectively, on a calculating unit thereof. |
| US07950801B2 |
Device and method for measuring the contrast of the fringes in a michelson interferometer and system for examination of the eye comprising such a device
The invention relates to a device, for measuring the contrast of fringes in a Michelson interferometer at full field, comprising a Wollaston prism for diverting two perpendicular incident polarizations into two different emergent directions, said diverting means being arranged within the interferometer as substitute for a single polarizer. The device is of application to a Michelson interferometer used in an OCT tomographical system and comprising means for obtaining interferometric contrast without use of a modulation technique or synchronous detection methods. |
| US07950798B2 |
Curved lenses configured to decode three-dimensional content
Curved lenses configured to decode three dimensional content and method of fabricating the same. The lenses comprise a polyvinylalcohol polarizer film laminated with triacetate on both sides, wherein the polarizer film has a polarizing efficiency equal to or exceeding 99% and a transmittance percentage equal to or exceeding 35% and a retarder film (e.g., norbornene copolymer resin) laminated on a front surface of the polyvinylalcohol polarizer film laminated with triacetate and aligned to produce a desired circular polarization responsive to specified retardation wavelengths. |
| US07950795B2 |
Image forming method and ink-jet recording device utilizing photo-curable ink, and inkset, ink-jet recording method and ink-jet recording device utilizing photo-curable ink
An ink-jet recording device which is equipped with a recording head to eject one type or plural types of inks containing a photo-curable component onto a recording medium and a light irradiation device to cure the ink by irradiating light onto the ink having deposited on the recording medium, wherein ink quantity cured by one time light irradiation is not less than 5 g/m2, and an amount of a photo-polymerization initiator in the ink is not more than 5 weight % based on the total weight of the ink. |