| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08102464B2 |
Automatic focusing method in high-noise environment and digital imaging device using the same
An automatic focusing method in a high-noise environment and a digital imaging device using the same are used for determining an object distance. The method includes taking two digital images at a farthest object distance and taking two digital images at a nearest object distance, under a first exposure condition and a second exposure condition; capturing digital images under the first exposure condition at a plurality of different object distances other than the farthest and nearest object distances; selecting at least two images captured at adjacent object distances to create a composite image; calculating an object distance of the composite image; calculating high-frequency signals of the second farthest object distance image, the second nearest object distance image, and the composite image in the focusing frame; determining from the images an object distance corresponding to the maximum high-frequency signal; and moving an automatic focusing lens to the object distance. |
| US08102462B2 |
Imaging device, focusing method and program
An image processing circuit/CPU performs AF processing in response to a halfway shutter operation and upon confirmation of a shooting shutter instruction causes a light emitting unit in a flash circuit to emit light, and decides an amount of light to be emitted at a shooting time based on a brightness component of an output signal of an imaging element, whereby a subject distance is calculated from the amount of light emitted at shooting time, and wherein, when the in-focus decision in the AF processing is negative, an optical lens is moved by a lens drive circuit to a position corresponding to the subject distance which has been acquired based on the amount of light emitted at the shooting time, and a shooting operation is then performed. |
| US08102458B2 |
Tilt direction detector for orienting display information
An electronic apparatus having a display function is able to alter the orientation of an image displayed on a display means for displaying images between a first orientation and a second orientation different from the first orientation. A plurality of operating means are provided at positions symmetrical between disposal positions which take the first orientation as a standard orientation and disposal positions which take the second orientation as a standard orientation. |
| US08102457B1 |
Method and apparatus for correcting aspect ratio in a camera graphical user interface
A method and system for correcting the aspect ratio of an image captured by a digital camera is disclosed. In one aspect, the method and system include determining if the image requires cropping, decompressing the image, and cropping the image if the image required cropping. The image is then provided to a display. In another aspect, the method and system include cropping an image to a predetermined shape and providing the data to a display buffer. |
| US08102455B2 |
Multiple output charge-coupled devices
An image sensor includes a plurality of pixels overlaid with a color filter pattern of at least two colors having the same color on every other pixel in one direction; three or more charge-coupled devices oriented parallel to the every other pixel color filter repeat pattern; a charge sensing amplifier at the output of at least two of the charge couple devices; each charge-coupled device having a first and a second gate; a CCD-to-CCD transfer gate connecting adjacent charge-coupled devices with the first gate being on one side of the CCD-to-CCD transfer gate and the second gate being on the opposite side of the CCD-to-CCD transfer gate; all CCD-to-CCD transfer gates are electrically connected together; all first gates are electrically connected; and all second gates are electrically connected. |
| US08102451B2 |
VLN biasing scheme to achieve low vertical shading for high-speed and large-format CMOS image sensors with top/bottom readout scheme
A VLN biasing scheme implemented in an image sensor with top/bottom readout. A first and second current sink coupled to the top of a first column of pixels and a second column of pixels respectively. A third and fourth current sink coupled to the bottom of a first column of pixels and a second column of pixels respectively. During column readout, each current sink sinks an equal amount of current. |
| US08102445B2 |
Solid-state image-capturing apparatus, camera, and method of processing signal
A solid-state image-capturing apparatus that converts light, which is reflected from a subject, into an electrical signal, includes an image processing unit that performs edge enhancement on a digital video signal that is generated based on an analog video signal, which is obtained from the light captured by an image-capturing device and amplified with a predetermined analog gain, based on position information on the image-capturing device and the analog gain. |
| US08102441B2 |
Solid-state imaging apparatus
A solid-state imaging apparatus including: a pixel section with a plurality of pixels arranged into two dimensions, each having a photoelectric conversion section for effecting photoelectric conversion, an accumulation section for temporarily storing a signal generated at the photoelectric conversion section, a transfer means for transferring the signal of the photoelectric conversion section to the accumulation section, a reset means for resetting the accumulation section, an amplification means for amplifying and outputting an electric potential of the accumulation section, and a select means for selecting the amplification means; and a noise suppressing circuit for suppressing a variance of a signal at the time of reset of each pixel, having a switch section for switching a polarity of a difference between a first signal and a second signal that are different in a characteristic due to pixel. |
| US08102438B2 |
Imaging device
An imaging device of the present invention includes a solid-state image sensing device; a vertical transfer drive circuit for feeding a subpulse to the solid-state image sensing device; and a control circuit, and repeats a series of photographing operations in a cycle same as or longer than a period during which the series of photographing operations are performed, the series of photographing operations including an exposure operation for exposing an imaging area after the subpulse is fed to the solid-state image sensing device to sweep out electric charges accumulated in pixels. The control circuit stops the subpulse from being fed from the vertical transfer drive circuit to the solid-state image sensing device during a period during which the exposure operation included in the series of photographing operations is not performed. |
| US08102433B2 |
Displaying availability of auto-focus areas in an image-capturing apparatus
An image-capturing apparatus includes an image-capturing element configured to receive object light and generate image signals representing an object image; a display unit; a phase-difference detector configured to receive the object light using a range-finding sensor and generate a phase-difference detection signal; a first focus detection unit configured to perform focus detection on the basis of the phase-difference detection signal; a display control unit configured to display a preview image before actual image capturing on the display unit on the basis of the image signals that are sequentially generated by the image-capturing element; and a setting unit configured to set whether or not an area display mode in which an area in which focus detection is possible on an image-capturing plane is combined with the preview image and displayed on the display unit should be enabled. |
| US08102431B2 |
System and method for remote management of image processing device
A remote management system includes a plurality of image processing devices which each detect their own first state information according to a power state transition or an operation, provide the first state information via a network, and respond to polling; and a management server which manages the first state information provided by each image processing device and second state information obtained from a response to polling, and manages a history of each image processing device based on the first state information and the second state information. The remote management system can remotely collect and manage operation state, error information that can cause a malfunction, error information generated by abnormal operation as well as malfunction of individual image processing devices and can collect/manage state information such as image processing device internal operation state information, image processing device malfunction, network connection failure, and software error. |
| US08102430B2 |
Interchangeable lens and lens-data communication method
An interchangeable lens which can communicate with an associated camera body, the interchangeable lens including an interface logic IC; and a memory connected to the interface logic IC, and stores the data of the interchangeable lens. Fixed data of the interchangeable lens is allocated to a predetermined number of bytes of data sent from the interchangeable lens to the camera body so that terminals of the interface logic IC serve as at least one group of fixed data set-pins to which levels corresponding to the fixed data are set. In communication with the camera body for a predetermined number of bytes thereof, the interface logic IC reads the fixed data set by the group of fixed data set pins to send the read fixed data to the camera body, and sends data of the interchangeable lens which is read from the memory to the camera body. |
| US08102426B2 |
3D vision on a chip
A 3D camera for determining distances to regions in a scene comprising: a photosurface having a plurality of pixels each of which comprises a circuit having a light sensitive element that provides a current responsive to light incident thereon, wherein the circuit comprises, at least one amplifier inside the pixel, having an input and an output; at least one feedback capacitor separate from the light sensitive element and connected between the input and output of each of the at least one amplifier; at least one controllable connection through which current flows from the light sensitive element into the input of the at least one amplifier; a light source; and, a controller that, controls the light source to illuminate the scene with light, opens and closes the at least one controllable connection to gate or modulate current from the light sensitive element of a pixel in the photosurface responsive to the time dependence of the gating or modulation of the light, controls the at least one controllable connection to provide a current for correcting biases caused by at least one of background light or dark current, and determines a distance to a region imaged on the pixel responsive to an amount of charge integrated on the feedback capacitor responsive to the gated or modulated current and the corrected biases. |
| US08102424B2 |
Ergonomic configurations for thermal imaging cameras
A housing of a thermal imaging camera includes a camera portion, in which an thermal imaging assembly is mounted, and to which a focusing assembly is mounted, on a first side thereof, and to which a display is mounted, on a second side thereof; a handle portion of the housing extends from a bottom side of the camera portion of the housing at an angle, away from the first side of the camera portion. The housing is configured for ergonomic handling wherein an index finger of a hand may readily activate the focusing assembly, when the hand is wrapped about the handle portion of the housing. The hand may be a right hand or a left hand, and the camera may further include additional features to provide support for single-handed operation. |
| US08102422B1 |
System, method and computer program product for presenting an option to receive advertisement content
An advertising system, method and computer program product are provided. In use, behavior of a user is monitored. In addition, an option is presented to the user to receive advertisement content, where the advertisement content is selected based on the behavior. |
| US08102421B2 |
Image processing device for vehicle, image processing method of detecting three-dimensional object, and image processing program
An image processing device determines, cuts and extracts a processing area from an image data monitored by a camera mounted onto a driver's vehicle based on a distance between a front target object and a driver's vehicle, a horizontal position of the driver's vehicle, and a strength of a radar wave transmitted from a radar device and then reflected by objects in front of the driver's vehicle. The radar device is mounted to the driver's vehicle and transmits the radar wave to the front area of the driver's vehicle. The image processing device extracts vertical edges and horizontal edges from the image data in the processing area, and subtracts the horizontal edge values from the vertical edge values, and finally detects whether or not the front target object is a three-dimensional object based on the calculated result of the subtraction of the edges. |
| US08102417B2 |
Eye closure recognition system and method
A system and method are provided for determining eye closure state of the eye of a subject. The system includes a video imaging camera oriented to generate images of an eye of a subject and a video processor for processing the images generated with the video imaging camera. The video processor is configured to detect an eye in the video images and determine whether the images of the eye are noisy. The video processor processes geometrical and statistical shape of the eye in the images if the eye is not noisy, and processes changes in the size of the eye over time if the images are noisy. The processor further determines eye closure state based on a ratio of horizontal to vertical dimensions. |
| US08102416B2 |
Medical apparatus
A medical apparatus includes an endoscopic insertion portion provided with an image pickup unit and a channel; a treatment unit provided with a sensor and a bending portion and passed through a channel, with a distal end portion of the treatment unit being allowed to protrude from an insertion-portion distal end portion of the endoscopic insertion portion, where the sensor is disposed in the distal end portion and the bending portion is adapted to bend the distal end portion; a storage unit adapted to store three-dimensional image data; a target position setting unit adapted to set the target position based on the three-dimensional image data; a virtual endoscopic image generating unit adapted to generate a virtual endoscopic image using a line-of-sight parameter which includes a position, a direction, and a roll angle of the distal end portion detected by the sensor, based on the three-dimensional image data; and an image processing unit adapted to perform a superimposition process and thereby display operation information used to insert the distal end portion to the target position in superimposition on the virtual endoscopic image. |
| US08102413B2 |
Stereoscopic imaging apparatus incorporating a parallax barrier
An apparatus is disclosed for providing a stereoscopic image for viewing by a viewer, with improved resolution. The apparatus includes a generally planar display comprising a two-dimensional array of uniformly spaced pixels, and it further includes a generally planar parallax barrier having an area substantially coextensive with the display and spaced a prescribed uniform distance from the display. The pixel array includes a first set of sub-pixels controllable to project light in a first spectral color, a second set of sub-pixels controllable to project light in a second spectral color, and a third set of sub-pixels controllable to project light in a third spectral color, and the parallax barrier includes a repeating pattern of vertically oriented regions configured to transmit light to the viewer's first eye along light paths defined from only the first set of sub-pixels and to transmit light to the viewer's second eye along light paths defined from only the second and third sets of sub-pixels. |
| US08102407B2 |
Method and device for manipulating color in a display
Embodiments include methods and devices for controlling the spectral profile and color gamut of light produced by an interferometric display. Such devices include illuminating a display with selected wavelengths of light. Embodiments also include a display comprising separate sections that output different predetermined colors of light. Other embodiments include methods of making the aforementioned devices. |
| US08102405B2 |
TV screen text capture
A method of processing television images consistent with certain implementations involves receiving a television signal and capturing a television image; capturing and storing a frame of the television image to a frame memory device; editing the captured image to at least isolate a portion of the image; and storing the isolated portion of the image to a storage device for subsequent retrieval. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract. |
| US08102403B1 |
Techniques for interior coordinates
A method for determining interior coordinates is disclosed. The method includes receiving information specifying an object having a plurality of sites and a boundary. Interior coordinates associated with each of the plurality of sites are determined based on the boundary. The interior coordinate associated with each of the plurality of sites represent a system of coordinates that satisfy several properties, including non-negativity and interior locality. At least one value associated with the plurality of sites is then interpolated using the interior coordinates. |
| US08102402B2 |
Method of and apparatus for encoding data
An array of texture data elements (texels) is subdivided into a plurality of 8×4 texture element blocks, each of which 8×4 texture element blocks encodes two 4×4 texture element sub-blocks 3, 4. Each encoded texture data block includes data indicating a method to be used to generate a set of color values to be used for the texture elements that the encoded data block represents, and data indicating a method to be used for generating the colors of the individual texture elements using that generated set of colors. As well as the individual texture data blocks, a header data block encoding a base set of colors is generated. This base color set defines a set of colors that is used to generate the colors to be used when reproducing each individual encoded texture data block. |
| US08102399B2 |
Method and device for processing image data stored in a frame buffer
A device and method for data image processing. The method includes writing, image data to a certain buffer by an image data provider; characterized by repeating steps of reading, by an image processor image data from a first entry of a certain buffer, processing the image data by the image processor, and writing processed image data to a second entry of the certain buffer; wherein the repeating ends when at least two memory pages of the certain buffer are read; wherein a distance between the first and second entries is smaller than a size of a page of the certain buffer and conveniently much smaller than the size of the page; wherein the second entry includes image data that was previously read by the image processor during the certain period; and preventing an image data provider and an image data retriever form accessing the certain buffer during the repetition. |
| US08102398B2 |
Dynamically controlled power reduction method and circuit for a graphics processor
A graphics processor may be operated in a reduced power mode to render frames at rate equal to or less than the rate at which frames are presented on an interconnected display. Graphics processor clock speeds are controlled to reduce the time during which the graphics processor is idle between rendering frames. The graphics processor clock speed may thus be slowed without impacting the quality of rendered images. At the same time the voltage applied to power the graphics processor may be reduced. Optionally, a back bias voltage may further be applied to the processor substrate to reduce power consumption. Clock speed and voltage levels may be adjusted using closed-loop control. |
| US08102393B1 |
Cull streams for fine-grained rendering predication
One embodiment of the present invention sets forth a technique to perform fine-grained rendering predication using an IGPU and a DGPU. A graphics driver divides a 3D object into batches of triangles. The IGPU processes each batch of triangles through a modified rendering pipeline to determine if the batch is culled. The IGPU writes bits into a bitstream corresponding to the visibility of the batches. The DGPU reads bits from the bitstream and performs full-blown rendering, including shading, but only on the batches of triangles whose bit indicates that the batch is visible. Advantageously, this approach to rendering predication provides fine-grained culling without adding unnecessary overhead, thereby optimizing both hardware resources and performance. |
| US08102392B2 |
Image processing/displaying apparatus having free moving control unit and limited moving control unit and method of controlling the same
An image processing/displaying apparatus comprises a data storage unit configured to store 3-dimensional volume data, a cross section information generation unit configured to generate cross section information by reconstructing the 3-dimensional volume data stored in the data storage unit, an image display unit configured to display a cross section image of a subject in accordance with the cross section information generated by the cross section information generation unit, a locking unit configured to designate an affected part in the cross section image as a rotation center and a control unit configured to control image rotation on the image display unit so that the affected part is contained in the cross section image, when operation for rotating cross section is performed by an operator. |
| US08102391B2 |
Hybrid rendering of image data utilizing streaming geometry frontend interconnected to physical rendering backend through dynamic accelerated data structure generator
A circuit arrangement and method provide a hybrid rendering architecture capable of interfacing a streaming geometry frontend with a physical rendering backend using a dynamic accelerated data structure (ADS) generator. The dynamic ADS generator effectively parallelizes the generation of the ADS, such that an ADS may be built using a plurality of parallel threads of execution. By doing so, both the frontend and backend rendering processes are amendable to parallelization, and enabling if so desired real time rendering using physical rendering techniques such as ray tracing and photon mapping. Furthermore, streaming geometry frontends such as OpenGL and DirectX compatible frontends can readily be adapted for use with physical rendering backends, thereby enabling developers to continue to develop with raster-based API's, yet still obtain the benefits of physical rendering techniques. |
| US08102389B2 |
Box casting using an integrated acceleration data structure
Embodiments of the invention provide methods and apparatus to reduce the number of intersection tests required to determine if an object moving within a three-dimensional scene collides with any other objects. According to one embodiment of the invention, a physics engine may cast a velocity box into the scene and traverse the velocity box through an integrated acceleration data structure. By traversing the velocity box through an integrated acceleration data structure, a physics engine may determine which objects are in the same area of the scene and are likely intersect the velocity box. The physics engine may use the objects when performing intersection tests to reduce the number of intersection tests which are necessary to determine which objects intersect the velocity box. A reduction in the number of intersection tests may reduce the amount of time necessary to determine if a moving object collides with any other objects. |
| US08102386B2 |
Driving apparatus of display device and method for driving display device
An apparatus for driving a display device includes a signal controller which converts an input image signal of a first frame frequency into a plurality of output image signals of a second frame frequency and outputs the output image signals, and a data driver which selects the data voltages corresponding to the output image signals among one group of gray voltages and applies the data voltages to pixels, wherein the input image signal includes at least a first input image signal and a second input image signal, the output image signal includes a first output image signal corresponding to the first input image signal and a second output image signal corresponding to the second input image signal, and a pixel frequency of the first and second output image signals are the same. |
| US08102383B2 |
Performing an action with respect to a hand-formed expression
Embodiments include an apparatus, device, system, computer-program product, and method. In an embodiment, a method is provided. The method includes generating a content signal indicative of a hand-formed mark on a surface. The method also includes generating a label signal indicative of a machine-distinguishable tag associated with the hand-formed mark. The machine-distinguishable tag being selected from at least two machine-distinguishable tags. The method further includes distributing a representation of the hand-formed mark to a data recipient in response to the machine-distinguishable tag. |
| US08102382B2 |
Power supplying surface for cordlessly charging portable electronic device
A smart surface is disclosed that can stand alone or be contained within a portable computer or other system, for powering and communicating with single or multiple cord-free transducers. Operating or charging power is transmitted by the surface using a carrier signal that is on/off keyed or amplitude modulated with synchronization, clock, enable, address, modes, commands and other pulse width, encoded or digital data. The signal is transmitted to single or multiple cordless smart transducers located on or above the surface, such as pens with multiple pressure sensing and switch capability, pointers, stylus, cursors, pucks, mouse, pawns, implements and similar items. Overlapping resonant inductive circuits are used in the surface to transmit operating power and communicate data to the transducer(s). |
| US08102378B2 |
Display having infrared edge illumination and multi-touch sensing function
A touch-sensing display screen includes an upper transparent substrate, a lower substrate opposite the upper substrate and an infrared light source configured to illuminate a portion of the upper transparent substrate. A light converting layer is disposed between the upper and lower substrate and is configured to convert the infrared light received by the upper transparent substrate to visible light. A pixel thin-film transistor on the lower substrate is configured to activate a pixel electrode, and a light-sensing thin-film transistor is configured to sense the visible light provided by the light converting layer. A light-sense signal is output in response to activation of the light-sensing thin-film transistor. |
| US08102376B2 |
Method for object detection on a capacitive touchpad
In an object detection method for a capacitive touchpad, at least one reference time interval is used to distinguish whether a variation of the sensed value on the touchpad is resulted from an operation of an object on the touchpad, actions such as an object touch down to the touchpad, an object lift from the touchpad and an object movement on the touchpad are then determined, and operations corresponding to various gestures are correctly detected. |
| US08102374B2 |
Method and device for input of symbol and key-function information into a digital data processor
A method for hand inputting symbol and key-function information into a digital data processor comprises: providing a device including three keys for the left hand's middle, ring, and pinky fingers, three keys for the right hand's middle, ring, and pinky fingers, first and second joysticks including ‘enter’, ‘left’, ‘right’, ‘up’, and ‘down’ positions, operable in a main mode pressed by the thumb of one hand, and in a supplemental mode switched by the point finger of the other hand, assigning unique combinations of the keys and joysticks positions to fingers of each hand, thereby producing left-hand and right-hand tables, and converting the combinations of the tables into predetermined electrical signals, inputted into the data processor. In embodiments, the left-hand and right-hand tables are identical, can be preset by the user and/or by the manufacturer. The preferable time for pressing the joysticks in the supplemental mode is also provided. |
| US08102373B2 |
Hybrid device to mediate priority of a task-handler and user interface method thereof
A hybrid device having a plurality of task-handlers corresponding to a function key uses a user interface method. The user interface method includes receiving information necessary to change priorities of the task-handlers corresponding to the function key; changing the priorities of the task-handlers based on the received information; and storing information regarding the changed priorities according to a predetermined application type. |
| US08102370B2 |
Mode-changeable slim mouse
A mode-changeable slim mouse includes a mouse body, a battery box casing and a connecting mechanism. Via the connecting mechanism, the battery box casing is connected to the mouse body and rotatable with respect to the mouse body. By rotating the battery box casing to different positions with respect to the mouse body, the mode-changeable slim mouse is operated in various operating modes. |
| US08102368B2 |
Handheld electronic device and method for performing spell checking during text entry and for integrating the output from such spell checking into the output from disambiguation
A handheld electronic device includes a reduced QWERTY keyboard and is enabled with a disambiguation routine that is operable to disambiguate text input. In addition to identifying and outputting representations of language objects that are stored in the memory and that correspond with a text input, the device is able to perform a spell check routine during input of a text entry, with the output from the spell check routine being visually integrated into the output from the disambiguation routine. |
| US08102366B2 |
Universal touch screen keyboard
The invention relates to a touch screen keyboard, characterized in that it comprises a screen with a tactile faceplate (1), luminous, with color display, and capable of displaying a basic standard keyboard and keys for rapid access to functionalities that can be displayed on the said tactile faceplate screen via respective interfaces. |
| US08102364B2 |
Envelope modulator for haptic feedback devices
An amplitude modulator circuit includes a reference oscillator and an envelope modulator coupled to the reference oscillator for receiving a reference signal. A microcontroller is coupled to the envelope modulator for providing an envelope signal to the envelope modulator and a low pass filter is coupled to the envelope modulator for receiving a modulated command from the envelope modulator. An inverter is coupled to the low pass filter for receiving a low passed envelope modulated signal from the low pass filter and a transducer or amplifier is coupled to the inverter and the low pass filter for receiving an inverted low passed signal and the low passed envelope modulated signal. |
| US08102362B2 |
Indexing writehead for bistable media
A system and method for writing bistable media with a writehead is described. The media has two or more discrete write areas, each area defined by at least one electrical contact, and the media further has at least one alignment feature positioned with regard to one or more discrete write area. The writehead has corresponding alignment features and electrical conductors to the alignment features and electrical contacts of the media. |
| US08102358B2 |
System and method for information handling system LCD white balance alignment
LCD panel white balance adjustment provides a desired brightness with minimal impact on optical performance by maximizing Red, Green and Blue gains of the LCD panel for a predetermined color temperature and then adjusting brightness with backlight current. For example, Red, Green and Blue gain settings are set at substantially their maximum value to achieve a color temperature of 6500 degrees and then brightness for the LCD panel is adjusted to substantially 200 nits with the gains remaining at maximized values. |
| US08102357B2 |
Display device
An inverter includes an input inverter having a high-resistance load and a first transistor and an output buffer including second and third transistors coupled in series. A power supply voltage is provided to satisfy an inequality VDD1>VDD2+Vth where VDD1 is the power supply voltage of the input inverter, VDD2 is the power supply voltage of the output buffer, and Vth is the threshold voltage of the transistors. Use of the high-resistance load allows an output waveform to rise and fall quickly, as well as reduces current consumption. |
| US08102348B2 |
In-plane switching mode liquid crystal display device
An in-plane switching mode liquid crystal display device includes first and second substrates, a gate line on the first substrate, a data line crossing the gate line defining a unit pixel region, a thin film transistor at the crossing of the gate line and the data line, a pixel electrode line in parallel with the data line, a plurality of pixel electrodes formed to be protruded in an extended direction of the gate line from the pixel electrode line, a common electrode line adjacent to a data line of a neighboring pixel in the extended direction of the gate line and in parallel therewith, a plurality of common electrodes protruded from the common electrode line and alternately arranged in parallel with the plurality of pixel electrodes to generate an in-plane electric field, and a liquid crystal layer between the first and second substrates. |
| US08102347B2 |
Display device
The invention provides an active matrix EL display device which can perform a clear multi-gray scale color display. In particular, the invention provides a large active matrix EL display device at low cost by a manufacturing method which can selectively form a pattern. Power supply lines in a pixel portion are arranged in matrix by the manufacturing method which can selectively form a pattern. Further, capacitance between wirings is reduced by providing a longer distance between adjacent wirings by the manufacturing method which can selectively form a pattern. |
| US08102342B2 |
Display apparatus including a driver using a lookup table
A threshold table (3) has stored therein thresholds for classifying gradation values, and the gradation values are classified into a plurality of gradation sections in accordance with the thresholds. A look-up table (2) has stored therein differential gradation values corresponding to combinations of gradation section values for data concerning the current frame data and gradation section values for data concerning an immediately preceding frame. A frame memory (21) has stored therein gradation section values for pixels. A control circuit (22) refers to the look-up table (2) and the threshold table (3) to calculate a differential gradation value based on a gradation value indicated by image data (DAT) for the current frame and a gradation section value of previous frame data stored in the frame memory (21). A display data calculation circuit (23) calculates an applied gradation value for the current frame data based on the differential gradation value. |
| US08102340B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
A driver circuit drives display device and LCD device has a driver circuit that includes driving stages and dummy stage. The driving stage includes output and control terminals. The output terminal of the present stage is connected to the control terminal of the previous state to be cascade-connected each other. The driving stage outputs driving signal for controlling the switching device arranged on the display device through the output terminal. The dummy stage includes dummy output terminal and dummy control terminal. The dummy output terminal is connected to the control terminal of the last driving stage to output dummy output signal for turning on or off the last driving stage. The dummy control terminal is connected to the dummy output terminal to be turned on or off by the dummy output signal. The delay of signals is reduced, thereby enhancing display quality. |
| US08102336B2 |
Display apparatus and method for making the same
A pixel has an outer region extending linearly along a boundary with an adjacent pixel and an inner region extending along the inner side of the outer region. Wiring lines are arranged across the outer region and the inner region. An outer uneven zone is formed along the outer region and on a substrate due to level differences resulting from the presence of the wiring lines. Similarly, an inner uneven zone is formed along the inner region and on the substrate due to level differences resulting from the presence of the wiring lines. A pattern of a conductor film of which the wiring lines are made is formed properly such that recessed portions of the outer uneven zone are located directly behind their corresponding raised portions of the inner uneven zone, as viewed from inside the pixel. |
| US08102335B2 |
Image display screen and method for controlling said screen
The invention relates to an image display screen including: light emitters arranged as rows of light emitters and columns of light emitters, control means to control the emissions of the light emitters, including: a plurality of modulation transistors, each associated with one light emitter of the array, the said modulation transistors being positioned next to each other, along a guiding line, a plurality of compensating transistors intended to compensate for the threshold trigger voltage of the modulation transistors. A single compensating transistor is connected to all the modulation transistors of a column and is intended to compensate for the threshold trigger voltages of all the said modulation transistors of this column. This compensating transistor is formed in the extension of the said modulation transistors of a column along the same guiding line. The invention also relates to a method for driving this screen. |
| US08102334B2 |
Augmenting reality for a user
Augmenting reality for a user including creating a model of a region of the user's environment in a direction of the user's field of vision; determining, in dependence upon the model of the region of the user's environment, that an object located within the user's environment is invisible to the user; determining, in dependence upon the direction of the user's field of vision, the object's location, and the model of the region of the user's environment, a location to display a representation of the object on a transparent display in front of the user's field of vision; and displaying the representation of the object at the determined location on the transparent display in front of the user's field of vision. |
| US08102333B2 |
Display device securing mechanism and display system that rotates display devices around a rotational axis
A display device securing mechanism to which a plurality of display devices that are linearly disposed are mountable includes a plurality of housings to which the plurality of display devices are mounted, first rotating members which rotate the corresponding housings around a rotational axis extending vertically with respect to the display devices, and a second rotating member which rotates all of the housings together. |
| US08102331B1 |
Horizontal three screen LCD display system
Described herein is a support system for electronic displays having a support column and a bowed support arm having at least two docking stations. Each docking station is capable of supporting one display. The display supported therefrom can angle independently. |
| US08102329B2 |
Electronically scanned array having a transmission line distributed oscillator and switch-mode amplifier
In one embodiment, an integrated circuit antenna array is provided that includes: a low-voltage substrate supporting an RF transmission network, and a high-voltage substrate bonded to the low-voltage substrate, the high-voltage substrate supporting a plurality of antennas coupled to the RF transmission network through switch-mode power amplifiers integrated into a surface of the high voltage substrate. |
| US08102326B2 |
Broadcast antenna ellipticity control apparatus and method
The present invention provides a phaser pack for an elliptically polarized antenna that includes a first structural component, a second structural component and a cylindrical inner conductor. The first structural component includes a recess, coupled to an input port, that forms a first portion of a cylindrical conductive path, while the second structural component includes a recess, coupled to a plurality of output ports, that forms a second portion of the cylindrical conductive path. The recesses of the first and second structural components form a continuous cylindrical conductive path when the first and second structural components are mated. The cylindrical inner conductor includes a plurality of tee junctions and a plurality of transition segments, coupled to the input port and the plurality of output ports, disposed within the continuous cylindrical conductive path to form a coaxial conductor that provides different phase delays to at least two of the plurality of output ports. |
| US08102323B2 |
Hybrid dual dipole single slot antenna for MIMO communication systems
An antenna arrangement implemented within a printed circuit board (PCB) having three metal coplanar layers, for use in multiple input multiple output (MIMO) communication systems. The antenna arrangement comprises a first dipole antenna and second dipole antenna, substantially symmetrical to the first dipole antenna a slot antenna positioned substantially between the first and the second dipole antennas. The antenna arrangement is implemented in three coplanar metal layers. The antennas are used for MIMO communication systems, specifically complying with IEEE 802.11n and are shaped such that their combined radiation pattern exhibits a substantially omni-directional radiation pattern. |
| US08102321B2 |
Cavity antenna for an electronic device
A cavity antenna for an electronic device such as a portable computer is provided. The antenna may be formed from a conductive cavity and an antenna probe that serves as an antenna feed. The conductive cavity may have the shape of a folded rectangular cavity. A dielectric support structure may be used in forming the antenna cavity. A fin may protrude from one end of the dielectric support structure. The antenna probe may be formed from conductive structures mounted on the fin. An inverted-F antenna configuration or other antenna configuration may be used in forming the antenna probe. The electronic device may have a housing with conductive walls. When the cavity antenna mounted within an electronic device, a planar rectangular end face of the fin may protrude through a thin rectangular opening in the conductive walls to allow the antenna to operate without being blocked by the housing. |
| US08102315B2 |
Algorithm of collecting and constructing training location data in a positioning system and the positioning method therefor
An algorithm of collecting and constructing training location data is provided as it is applied to a test space of a plurality of beacons and training locations. The signal patterns of beacons adjacent to each training location are detected. The signal pattern is converted into a signal vector and each signal vector is integrated for calculating a feature vector of each training location. The coordinate and the feature vector of each training location, after being recorded, are introduced into a numerical data fitting model for constructing the signal pattern function of each beacon. For positioning, the current signal patterns of the beacons adjacent to the user location are detected and converted to a discriminant function. Thereafter, the minimum of the discriminant function is computed so as to find the position of the user location. |
| US08102314B2 |
Method and apparatus for determining the location of a mobile object
The invention relates to a position-finding method for determing the location of a mobile object. The features, for example received field strengths, of a plurality of base stations are measured, and the object position is located from these features, using a reference map. During an initialization process, a reference map is created which comprises a multiplicity of positions and the associated feature-dependent values. During use of the method, a plurality of position-finding processes are carried out, by means of each of which a measured feature-dependent value and from this, a located position of the object, are determined using the predetermined reference map. The predetermined reference map is in each case updated for at least some of the positions found, during which updates, the feature-dependent values are each corrected by a correction term at the support points of the reference map in a predetermined area surrounding an object position. |
| US08102313B2 |
Retroreflecting transponder
The Method for transmitting a signal from a transmitter in an area around the transmitter via a satellite comprising the steps of transmitting a first signal having a first frequency from the transmitter to a satellite having a retrodirective antenna array comprising receiving antennas and transmitting antennas, receiving the signal transmitted from the transmitter by the receiving antennas of the retrodirective antenna array as first signals wherein the first signals received by the receiving antennas have a phase relation among each other defined by the geometric arrangement of the receiving antennas, and retrodirectively re-transmitting second signals from the transmitting antennas of the antenna array of the satellite in the direction towards the transmitter in the form of a beam with the transmitter located substantially in the center of the beam wherein the second signal has a second frequency different from the first frequency and wherein the phase relations among the second signal transmitted from the transmitting antennas of the antenna array of the satellite are substantially the same as the phase relations among the first signals received by the receiving antennas of the antenna array of the satellite. |
| US08102309B2 |
Radar device
Provided is a radar device capable of accurately calculating directions and the number of targets. A direction calculation unit includes a correlation matrix addition prohibition unit that prohibits, when a peak frequency in a plurality of modulation periods of a target is in the vicinity of 0, addition of a correlation matrix generated from a peak frequency spectrum having the peak frequency in the vicinity of 0, and calculates the direction of the target on the basis of a summed correlation matrix in which correlation matrices generated from peak frequency spectra having peak frequencies out of the vicinity of 0. |
| US08102304B2 |
Distance measuring equipment and distance measuring equipment monitor system
A transponder (12) transmits a reply in response to an interrogation input thereto, the interrogation including twin pulses, and a monitoring processor (13) transmits to the transponder a pseudo interrogation identical in format to the interrogation, receives from the transponder a reply responding to the pseudo interrogation, and monitors a performance of the transponder, the monitoring processor (13) including a pulse spacing adjuster (131c) operable to adjust a pulse spacing of twin pulses along with generation of the pseudo interrogation, and a monitor (134b) operable to output an alarm in response to a failed reception or a delayed reception of a reply from the transponder after transmission of a pseudo interrogation with a compliant pulse spacing, and further to output an alarm in response to a reception of a reply from the transponder after transmission of a pseudo interrogation with an uncompliant pulse spacing. |
| US08102302B2 |
Mode 5 detection process using phase and amplitude correlation
A receiver in a mode 5 air traffic control system provides amplitude and phase signal outputs a digital data stream containing preamble and flight information from data transmitted from an aircraft. A signal splitter divides the amplitude and phase signal outputs between an odd channel and an even channel that carry odd-numbered pulses and even-numbered pulses, respectively. An odd channel data decoder connected to the signal splitter extracts signals encoded in the odd channel and forms an odd data stream and an even channel data decoder connected to the signal splitter extracts signals encoded in the even channel and forming an even data stream. A preamble correlator correlates the odd and even data streams with a predefined preamble mask to detect potential valid preambles, and preamble decision logic processes signals output from the preamble correlator to identify which of the preambles actually are actually valid. |
| US08102299B2 |
Method of strip-map synthetic aperture radar auto-focus processing
A strip-map Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) auto-focus image generation process is provided. Batches of raw radar return data are processed in order to form batch images which each have a valid region between invalid regions. The process determines an estimate of the first derivative of a phase error at an end of the valid region, determines a time-shift corresponding to that estimate and uses that information in determining a starting point for the next batch of raw radar return data. |
| US08102295B2 |
Integrators for delta-sigma modulators
Methods, systems and devices are disclosed. Among the disclosed devices is an electronic device that, in certain embodiments, includes a plurality of memory elements or imaging elements connected to a bit-line and a delta-sigma modulator connected to the bit-line. The delta-sigma modulator may include an integrator having a differential amplifier. |
| US08102292B1 |
Analog-to-digital converter (ADC) having a successive-approximation register digital to-analog converter (SARDAC)
An analog-to-digital converter (ADC) having a successive-approximation register digital-to-analog converter (SARDAC) is described. |
| US08102284B2 |
Handheld electronic device with disambiguation of compound word text input
A handheld electronic device includes a reduced QWERTY keyboard and is enabled with disambiguation software that is operable to disambiguate compound word text input. The device provides output in the form of a default output and a number of variants. The output is based largely upon the frequency, i.e., the likelihood that a user intended a particular output, but various features of the device provide additional variants that are not based solely on frequency and rather are provided by various logic structures resident on the device. |
| US08102282B2 |
Encoding and decoding method for microdot matrix
An encoding and decoding method for a microdot matrix includes the steps of: forming a plurality of microdots by encoding based on Reflected Gray Codes in a data region included in each of a plurality of microdot blocks included in a microdot matrix, wherein the microdots corresponding to lower order bits of the Reflected Gray Codes are formed as the outmost microdots in the data region; scanning the microdot matrix to fetch an image and recognizing a microdot group in the date region of each microdot block in the image; and decoding a corresponded coordinate of the image on the microdot matrix according to the microdot block to which the microdot group containing lower order bits of the Reflected Gray Codes belongs. |
| US08102279B2 |
Exterior mirror with indicator
A mirror reflective element sub-assembly suitable for use for an exterior rearview mirror assembly of a vehicle includes a mirror reflective element and a mirror back plate having a generally planar portion and an indicator receiving portion established via a plastic injection molding operation. The indicator receiving portion includes a wall structure extending at an angle from the generally planar portion adjacent to an aperture established through the mirror back plate. A signal indication module has a light source and a housing that is at least partially received at the wall structure of the indicator receiving portion of the mirror back plate. When the light source is activated, light emitted by the light source emanates through the aperture of the mirror back plate and through the mirror reflective element at an angle relative to the generally planar portion of the mirror back plate. |
| US08102274B2 |
Communication apparatus, communication system, communication method, integrated circuit and circuit module
A communication apparatus which transmits data to another communication apparatus through a transmission channel, includes: a display which displays a plurality of communication rates; and a controller which permits the display to display the communication rates. The controller acquires a first communication rate received from the another communication apparatus and based on a predetermined signal transmitted to the another communication apparatus through the transmission channel at a first time. The controller acquires a second communication rate received from the another communication apparatus and based on a predetermined signal transmitted to the another communication apparatus through the transmission channel at a second time. The controller calculates a plurality of communication rates on the basis of the first and second communication rate. The controller permits the display to display the plurality of the communication rate when a difference between the plurality of communication rates is larger than a predetermined value. |
| US08102269B2 |
Approach warning system for detecting when a person approaches an object, particularly a machine
An apparatus relates to an approach warning system for detecting when a person approaches an object which has a metal outer structure at least in regions. The system is formed with at least a first near-field device which is associated with the object and a second near-field device which is associated with the person, wherein the first and the second near-field device form a transmission link for an electric near field, and with a warning device which outputs an approach warning signal when a person with the second near-field device enters a detection region in which a transmission of the near field via the transmission link takes place, wherein the first near-field device is connected, for the purpose of coupling to the near field, firstly to a stray field electrode and secondly to the metal outer structure of the object, so that the outer structure forms a counter-electrode for the stray field electrode, and wherein the near-field devices and the electrodes thereof are configured such that the detection region at least approximately encloses the entire outer structure of the object. |
| US08102266B2 |
Radio intra-subject information acquiring system
A transmitting and receiving apparatus (2) that transmits a radio signal to a capsule endoscope includes: a transmitting level determining unit (25) disposed near a transmitting resonance circuit (22); a frequency controller (26) that controls an oscillation frequency based on a result of determination executed by the transmitting level determining unit (25); and a frequency variable oscillator (16) that changes the oscillation frequency, based on the control of the frequency controller (26). By changing the oscillation frequency so that a transmission level becomes large, the oscillation frequency can be changed so as to decrease a frequency difference between the oscillation frequency and the resonance frequency of the resonance circuit (22) that changes along a variation in a self inductance value of a coil (24). |
| US08102265B1 |
Systems and methods for personal radio frequency identification tag creation and item inventorying
A system for inventorying an item may comprise at least one subsystem that creates a mark on the item with a substance that comprises RFID tags, at least one subsystem that reads a plurality of the RFID tags on the mark, at least one subsystem that determines how many RFID tags were read on the mark, at least one subsystem that assigns an identifier for the item, and at least one subsystem that associates the identifier with how many RFID tags were read on the mark. |
| US08102262B2 |
Charging merchandise items
Methods, systems and other embodiments associated with charging merchandise items are presented. A method of charging merchandise items includes displaying merchandise items at a consumer display so that the merchandise items can be handled by a consumer. The merchandise items are charged at the display on a multiplexed basis. |
| US08102259B2 |
Fluorescent light immunity through synchronous sampling
A system and method for reducing interference caused by fluorescent light on alarm system components using synchronous sampling is provided. The system incorporates a detector for detecting the line frequency of a power line and synchronizes the security system to the detected line frequency. The detector employed may be a light emitting diode configured as a photodetector, an antenna tuned for frequencies near 55 Hz, or a filter connected to an output of a Microwave channel. |
| US08102256B2 |
Apparatus and method for determining location and tracking coordinates of a tracking device
An apparatus to monitor location coordinates of an electronic tracking device. The apparatus includes a transceiver, a signal processor, an accelerometer, and an antenna. The antenna communicates signal strength to the signal processor associated with the electronic tracking device. In response to signal strength, a battery power monitor controls battery usage by electronic circuitry associated with the electronic tracking device. An accelerometer provides a supplemental location tracking system to improve tracking accuracy of a primary location tracking system of the electronic tracking device. |
| US08102254B2 |
Location detection system for a patient handling device
A location detection system for a facility including a patient handling device for supporting a patient and being mobile for positioning at a location in the facility, a locator fixed relative to the patient handling device for transmitting a unique location identifier corresponding to the location of the patient handling device, and a processing station remote from the patient handling device and the locator for receiving the unique location identifier such that the location of the patient handling device can be determined and monitored remotely from the patient handling device. The system further includes a receiver mounted to the patient handling device for receiving the unique location identifier from the locator and a communication module with a unique ID for the patient handling device mounted to the patient handling device and in communication with the receiver and transmitting the unique ID and the unique location identifier received by the receiver from the patient handling device to the processing station such that the patient handling device acts as a communication link between the locator and the processing station, and the processing station receiving the unique location identifier and the unique ID and correlating the unique location identifier with the unique ID and further correlating the unique ID of the patient handling device with a patient supported by the patient handling device wherein the processing station can track the patient handling device and the patient supported thereby. |
| US08102248B2 |
Battery charging system for electric vehicle
A battery charging system includes: an electric vehicle; a network termination unit connectable to the electric vehicle through a power line cable for supplying electric power to the electric vehicle; and a first server that transmits a control signal indicative of permission or forbiddance of power supply from the network termination unit to the electric vehicle to the electric vehicle through the network termination unit. The electric vehicle transmits identification information for identifying the electric vehicle and the user thereof to the first server through the network termination unit. The network termination unit transmits position information concerning the position of the network termination unit to the first server. The first server determines permission or forbiddance of the power supply based on the identification information and the position information. |
| US08102243B2 |
RFID protection device, and related methods
Devices and methods of preventing data transfer between an RFID reader and an RFID device to be protected, are provided. An example of an embodiment of an RFID signal capture device includes a container, a signal capture circuit configured to substantially disrupt the signal provided by the RFID reader when the RFID signal capture device is positioned to protect the RFID device, and an interrogation indictor configured to indicate to a user of the RFID device that an unauthorized RFID reader is attempting to interrogate the RFID device when the RFID signal capture device is positioned in close proximity to the RFID device to provide protection thereto and when the RFID reader is producing the interrogation signal. |
| US08102237B2 |
Low profile coil-wound bobbin
A low profile coil-wound bobbin is disclosed. A low profile coil-wound bobbin includes a spool and a terminal. The spool is configured to have a coil-wire arrangement wound around the spool. The terminals are to be coupled to the coil-wire arrangement and a first side of a circuit board. The terminal is configured to mechanically and/or electrically couple the low profile coil-wound bobbin to the first side of the circuit board such that the low profile bobbin extends through the circuit board to another side of the circuit board. |
| US08102235B2 |
Coreless printed-circuit-board (PCB) transformers and operating techniques therefor
Optimal operating techniques are disclosed for using coreless printed-circuit-board (PCB) transformers under (1) minimum input power conditions and (2) maximum energy efficiency conditions. The coreless PCB transformers should be operated at or near the ‘maximum impedance frequency’ (MIF) in order to reduce input power requirement. For maximum energy efficiency, the transformers should be at or near the “maximum efficiency frequency” (MEF) which is below the MIF. The operating principle has been confirmed by measurement and simulation. The proposed operating techniques can be applied to coreless PCB transformers in many circuits that have to meet stringent height requirements, for example to isolate the gates of power MOSFET and IGBT devices from the input power supply. |
| US08102234B2 |
Layered inductor
A layered inductor is manufactured by layering “silver-based conductive layers” and “ferrite-based magnetic layers” and simultaneously firing these layers. The conductive layers are via-connected to form a helical coil. A shape of a cross sectional surface of the conductive layer, cut by a plane perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of each of the conductive layers is a substantial trapezoid shape, having an upper base and a lower base. A base angle θ of the trapezoid shape at both ends of the lower base is equal to or greater than 50° and is smaller than or equal to 80°. |
| US08102230B2 |
Inductive coupler connector
An inductive coupler connector arrangement for transferring electrical energy between a first connector part to a second connector part. The first and second connector parts have respective ones of first and second magnetic core limbs of which at least one limb carrying a respective electrical winding and respective mating means adapted to provide at mating of said first and second connector parts a juxtaposition of abutting faces of respective ends of said respective ones of first and second magnetic core limbs. A gap between the coupler halves is filled with ferrofluid in the form of a deformable pad or tablet or a fat, grease or paste containing magnetic particles, in order to improve the magnetic coupling between said ends of said first and second magnetic core limbs. |
| US08102228B2 |
Core securing member and its structure
[PROBLEM] By simplifying a core securing structure of a reactor, miniaturization, lightweight, and low costs of the reactor are achieved.[SOLVING MEANS] The core securing member to secure a core 109 in a case 101 in the reactor wherein the core 109 and the coil 105 are housed in the case 101 is made up of a first spring portion S1 which gives momentum to a side face of the core 109 in a horizontal direction and a second spring portion S2 which gives momentum to an upper face of the core 109 in a vertical direction. Moreover, a stopper portion to restrict popping of the core from the case and the second spring portion are integrally formed with a notch being interposed between the stopper and the second spring portion so that the stopper portion covers part of an upper face of the core. |
| US08102226B2 |
Protection device with a sandwiched cantilever breaker mechanism
The present invention is directed to a protective electrical wiring device that includes a housing assembly having a plurality of receptacle terminals comprising hot user-accessible terminal structure and a neutral user-accessible terminal structure accessible via at least one user-accessible receptacle. A circuit interrupting assembly is coupled to a fault detection circuit. The circuit interrupting assembly is configured to establish electrical continuity between the plurality of line terminals, the plurality of load terminals and the plurality of receptacle terminals in a reset state and interrupt the electrical continuity in a tripped state. The circuit interrupting assembly includes at least one first circuit interrupter member and at least one second circuit interrupter member, the at least one first circuit interrupter member being configured to drive the at least one second circuit interrupter member into the reset state in response to a make force. The at least one first circuit interrupter member and the at least one second circuit interrupter member are counter-driven into the tripped state by a break force. At least one stop member is disposed in a substantially fixed position relative to the housing assembly. The at least one stop member is configured to limit the movement of the at least one second circuit interrupter member such that a gap between the at least one first circuit interrupter member and the at least one second circuit interrupter member is substantially equal to a predetermined distance in the tripped state. |
| US08102222B2 |
Passive part
A first passive part forms a second parallel resonance circuit having a resonance frequency near the passing band among a first to a third parallel resonance circuit as follows. That is, the second parallel resonance circuit is formed at a position farthest from a first shield electrode and farthest from a second shield electrode in a region sandwiched by the first shield electrode and the second shield electrode in a dielectric substrate (in this example, on the main surface of a seventh dielectric layer and the main surface of an eighth dielectric layer located at a center portion in the layering direction of the region). |
| US08102221B2 |
RF switch
The present invention provides an RF switch, including a diode adapted to operate as a switch when a control current is applied thereto, a first CRLH transmission line of a Φ degree phase, which provides one signal transfer path from a terminal 1 to a terminal 2 when the diode is shorted due to application of a control current, and a second CRLH transmission line of a Φ-180 degree phase, which has a 180 degree phase difference from that of the first CRLH transmission line and provides the other signal transfer path from the terminal 1 to the terminal 2. The present invention provides an RF switch having a broad-band characteristic by employing a CRLH transmission line. More specifically, the present invention provides a ring-shaped RF switch, which has a broad-band characteristic and can also be miniaturized at a low frequency band, by employing a CRLH transmission line having a 180 degree phase difference in a broad band. |
| US08102214B2 |
Controlled-gain wideband feedback low noise amplifier
Provided is controlled-gain wideband feedback low-noise amplifier. The controlled-gain wideband feedback low-noise amplifier includes: a feedback amplifier configured to isolate an input signal and an output signal obtained by amplifying the input signal, feed back the output signal to the input signal to amplify wideband input signals, resonate a low-frequency band signal among the wideband input signals to amplify the low-frequency band signal among the wideband input signals, and be switched in accordance with a control signal to control an amplification gain of the low-frequency band signal among the wideband input signals; and a cascode amplifier configured to amplify a high-frequency band signal among the wideband signals inputted from the feedback amplifier, and be switched in accordance with a control signal to control an amplification gain of the high-frequency band signal among the wideband signals. |
| US08102212B2 |
Signaling system with low-power automatic gain control
An integrated circuit receiver includes a first channel comprising an amplifier responsive to a first gain control value in a first mode to receive an input signal and generate a first amplified signal having a transition rate. Detection circuitry in the first channel detects transitions in the first amplified signal in accordance with a detected transition rate. The detected transition rate is based on the first gain control value. Gain control logic adjusts the first gain control value based on a desired detected transition rate. The gain control logic generates a second gain control value for use during a second mode. The second gain control value being based on the first gain control value. |
| US08102206B2 |
Multi-path, multi-stage feed-forward operational amplifier circuit
An embodiment of an amplifier circuit includes a plurality of amplifiers connected between input and output terminals to form at least partially parallel amplification paths between the terminals. A first plurality of the amplification paths include series-connected pluralities of the amplifiers and share a common first series-connected amplifier, and a second plurality of the amplification paths have different first amplifiers. Optionally, a third plurality of the amplification paths include series-connected pluralities of the amplifiers and share a common last series-connected amplifier, and a fourth plurality of the amplification paths have different last amplifiers. Alternatively, a first plurality of the amplification paths include series-connected pluralities of the amplifiers and share a common last series-connected amplifier, and a second plurality of the amplification paths have different last amplifiers. In the alternative embodiment, optionally a third plurality of the amplification paths include series-connected pluralities of the amplifiers and share a common first series-connected amplifier, and a fourth plurality of the amplification paths have different first amplifiers. |
| US08102205B2 |
Amplifier module with multiple operating modes
An amplifier module with multiple operating modes is described. In an exemplary design, the amplifier module includes an amplifier (e.g., a power amplifier), a switch, and an output circuit. The amplifier receives and amplifies an input signal and provides an amplified signal in a first mode. The switch is coupled to the output of the amplifier and bypasses the amplifier and provides a bypass signal in a second mode. The output circuit is coupled to the amplifier and the switch. The output circuit performs output impedance matching for the amplifier in the first mode. The output circuit also (i) receives the amplified signal and provides an output signal in the first mode and (ii) receives the bypass signal and provides the output signal in the second mode. The amplifier is enabled in the first mode and disabled in the second mode. |
| US08102204B2 |
Amplifiers with input offset trim and methods
Amplifiers with power-on trim and methods using an amplifier system having an amplifier system input and an amplifier system output, an amplifier, a comparator, a successive approximation register having an input coupled to an output of the comparator, a first switch for switching an input of the amplifier from the amplifier system input to shorting the amplifier input, a second switch for switching an output of the amplifier from the amplifier system output to an input of the comparator, an output of the successive approximation register being coupled to an N bit digital to analog (D/A) converter, the D/A converter being a non-binary converter using a radix of less than 2 for at least the most significant bits, and an output of the D/A converter being coupled to the amplifier to control the input offset of the amplifier. Novel embodiments for the amplifier, comparator and D/A converter are disclosed. |
| US08102203B2 |
Offset cancellation in a capacitively coupled amplifier
A method for calibrating an offset voltage of an amplifier used to amplify capacitively coupled communication signals is described. During this process, a common voltage is applied to one or more inputs to the amplifier. Next, an output of the amplifier is iteratively, measured, and charge is applied to the one or more inputs until the offset voltage is less than a pre-determined value. Note that applying the charge may involve applying a sequence of one or more charge pulses. |
| US08102200B2 |
Current control circuit
A current control circuit in accordance an exemplary aspect of the present invention includes a first transistor that controls a current flowing to a load, a first resistor through which a current flows according to a current flowing through the first transistor, a control signal generation circuit that generates a control signal used to control the first transistor based on a comparison voltage and a predetermined reference voltage, the comparison voltage being determined based on a resistance value of the first resistor and a current flowing through the first resistor, and a reference voltage generation circuit that generates the reference voltage, the reference voltage generation circuit including a constant current source and a second resistor connected in series with the constant current source. |
| US08102190B2 |
Power efficient multiplexer
A power efficient multiplexer. In accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention, a power efficient multiplexer comprises a transmission gate structure for selectively passing one of a plurality of input signals and a stacked inverter circuit for inverting the one of a plurality of input signals. Both the stacked inverter and the transmission gate provide beneficial reductions in static power consumption in comparison to conventional multiplexer designs. |
| US08102187B2 |
Localized calibration of programmable digital logic cells
An integrated circuit (IC) includes self-calibrating programmable digital logic circuitry. The IC includes at least one programmable digital logic cell, wherein the first programmable digital logic cell provides (i) a plurality of different accessible circuit configurations or (ii) a voltage level controller. A self-calibration system is provided that includes at least one reference device, a measurement device for measuring at least one electrical performance parameter that can affect a processing speed of the first programmable digital logic cell or at least one parameter that can affect the electrical performance parameter using the reference device to obtain calibration data. A processing device maps the calibration data or a parameter derived therefrom to generate a control signal that is operable to select from the plurality of different accessible circuit configurations or a voltage level output to change the processing speed of the programmable digital logic cell. |
| US08102183B2 |
Measuring electrical impedance at various frequencies
A logarithmic level detector (9) produces analog signals that represent logarithms of the voltage across, and current through, a target device (7). These signals are then passed to a processor (1) that performs a digital conversion. Because the digital conversion takes place after logarithmic conversion, it becomes possible to obtain an appropriate resolution for all signal levels, and a calculation of impedance of a target device, with reduced error, is enabled. |
| US08102182B2 |
Systems and methods for measuring the electrical properties of a microparticle
A method of measuring the electrical properties of a microparticle is provided, which can include multiple steps. Steps can include situating the microparticle within an array of electrodes submerged in a conductive medium so that the microparticle and electrodes are in electrical communication when the electrodes are energized, and delivering an electrical signal into the medium from one electrode to an immediately adjacent electrode. High frequency signals can be used to penetrate the microparticle boundary and characterize the same, and low frequency signals can be used to characterize the shape and orientation of the microparticle. Characterization can be carried out by measuring the impedance affecting the current using at least one of a remaining electrode in the array. |
| US08102181B2 |
Method and device for rapid non-destructive quality control of powdered materials
Method and related device intended for rapid non-destructive testing of powdered materials with low electric conductivity such as cement and cement-based compositions through determination of their electrical properties. The invention involves an electromagnetic method, including an electronic circuit for generating an electric field in a capacitance probe that is inserted into the powder to be tested. Electrical properties of powdered materials are determined on the basis of a set of the values for a set of parameters including quality factor (Q-factor), capacitance, dissipation factor, and dielectric permeability of the material. These parameter values can be related to such characteristics as moisture content, particle size, and material composition. The method and device can indicate the differences between the samples with various quantities of unwanted components or reaction products, and the extent of sample aging. |
| US08102179B2 |
Method for determining the state of charge of a battery in charging or discharging phase at constant current
The method for determining the state of charge of a battery can be used during charging or discharging of the battery at constant current. It comprises placing the battery in open circuit during a recovery period until the voltage at the terminals of said battery stabilizes at a voltage plateau. Then a constant test voltage is applied to the battery terminals during a preset test period. The state of charge of the battery corresponds to the current measured at the end of the test period by means of a previously obtained calibration curve. |
| US08102178B2 |
Detector arrangement
A detector arrangement with a plurality of detector units is disclosed, to each of which a data processing unit is assigned. An embodiment of the detector arrangement includes a cooling system with cooling units which are thermoconductively connected to the detector units and data processing units for cooling. The cooling units are connected to a distribution unit by which a coolant may be supplied to the cooling units in parallel. |
| US08102176B2 |
NMR device for detection of analytes
This invention relates generally to detection devices having one or more small wells each surrounded by, or in close proximity to, an NMR micro coil, each well containing a liquid sample with magnetic nanoparticles that self-assemble or disperse in the presence of a target analyte, thereby altering the measured NMR properties of the liquid sample. The device may be used, for example, as a portable unit for point of care diagnosis and/or field use, or the device may be implanted for continuous or intermittent monitoring of one or more biological species of interest in a patient. |
| US08102172B2 |
Position detector including magnetoresistive elements
A circular top surface of a magnet is magnetized to the N-pole, and a back surface thereof is magnetized to the S-pole. A detector moves within the X-Y plane at positions located away from the top surface of the magnet. A pair of X-direction detecting elements and a pair of the Y-direction detecting elements are provided in the detector. In the X-direction detecting elements, the directions of a bias magnetic field provided to free magnetic layers are opposite to each other. When the detector moves in the Y direction, a decrease in the sensitivity of one of the X-direction detecting elements is compensated for by an improvement in the sensitivity of the other element. This also applies to the Y-direction detecting elements. Accordingly, position detection outputs of the X direction and the Y direction can be accurately obtained from the detector. |
| US08102169B2 |
Cable tracing system and method for cable management
Embodiments of the present invention provide a system, method and testing apparatus for providing, managing and tracing connective cables in electrical and information management systems. In an embodiment of the invention, a selectable tracer cable system can be provided. The selectable tracer cable system can include a cable having a first terminal end and a second terminal, a display member capable of changing states of appearance in response to an applied voltage, where the display member is disposed between the first and second terminal ends, an interface device configured to provide an electrical connection between the display member and a power supply and a core member disposed within the cable and extending from the first terminal end to the second terminal end. The display member can include a first conductive plane, a second conductive plane opposite the first conductive plane, and a plurality of color microcapsules disposed between the first conductive plane and the second conductive plane. |
| US08102167B2 |
Phase-cut dimming circuit
Methods, systems, and devices are described for sensing a phase-cut dimming signal and outputting a control signal compatible with a switching power circuit. Embodiments of the invention generate at least one of a low-frequency pulse-wave-modulated control signal, an analog output control signal, or a digital (e.g., higher-frequency pulse-wave-modulated) output control signal. Some embodiments further provide preloading and/or startup control functionality to allow proper functioning of the circuitry under small-conduction-angle (i.e., highly dimmed) conditions. |
| US08102160B2 |
Saturation preventing power factor improving method and apparatus
Provided are a method and apparatus for improving the power factor of an input power. The apparatus includes an input unit receiving the input power, a power factor correction unit correcting the power factor of the input power applied to the input unit, and a saturation prevention unit controlling the power factor correction unit such that the corrected power does not exceed a set power limit. |
| US08102157B2 |
Multi-output power supply device having charge pump circuit
A multi-output power supply device of low noise is disclosed that converts a first input voltage to plural different voltages. The multi-output power supply device includes a first power supply circuit for generating a constant voltage from the first input voltage, and outputs the constant voltage through a first output terminal; and one or more second power supply circuits each including a charge pump circuit for generating a constant voltage from the output voltage from the first power supply circuit. Each of the second power supply circuits changes a period of a charging and discharging cycle for charging and discharging a flying capacitor according to an electric current output from the second output terminal. |
| US08102156B2 |
Differential amplifier circuit and electric charge control apparatus using differential amplifier circuit
A differential amplifier circuit comprises a first input transistor including a control electrode serving as a non-inversion input terminal and a second input transistor including a control electrode serving as an inversion input terminal. These first and second input transistors constitute a difference pair. A bias current generation circuit section is provided to generate a bias current flowing to the first and second input transistors. An offset adjustment circuit section is provided to adjust an input offset voltage appearing at these input terminals. The offset adjustment circuit section has an adjustment resistance formed from a first variable resistance inserted into a first current route connecting to the first input transistor and a second variable resistance inserted into a second current route connecting to the second input transistor. The bias current generation circuit section changes the bias current in accordance with a change in a value of the adjustment resistance. |
| US08102151B2 |
Terminal having real time clock (RTC) operator and method of RTC operation using the same
A method of operating a Real Time Clock (RTC) in a terminal is provided. The method includes detecting a clock signal transmitted to an RTC block when the main power supply is switched off, and supplying a power to the RTC block for its operation by charging and discharging the power periodically supplied from the backup battery according to the detected clock signal. A DC/DC converter connected to a backup battery is periodically switched on and off, and a capacitor is charged and discharged using the power of the backup battery, thereby avoiding supplying power from a backup battery continuously to an RTC block. Therefore, power consumption is reduced and a duration of time for maintaining RTC data is extended. |
| US08102148B2 |
Augmented distribution transformer and method of making same
A method, system, and apparatus including a distribution transformer having a communication module. The distribution transformer is configured to convert a first high voltage electricity from a high voltage distribution line to a first low voltage electricity and convert a second low voltage electricity from a low voltage power line to a second high voltage electricity. The communication module is programmed to provide time data representing time of day information along the low voltage power line to an electrical device and provide location data representing location information along the low voltage power line to the electrical device. The location information includes a geographic location of the distribution transformer. |
| US08102147B2 |
Wireless multi-charger system and controlling method thereof
Disclosed are a wireless multi-charger system capable of saving the total charging time of a large number of wireless power transmission devices since one wireless multi-power transmission device includes a plurality of the wireless power transmission devices so that a large number of the wireless power transmission devices can be charged with electricity, and preventing the damage of the wireless power transmission devices and the wireless multi-power transmission device although foreign substances are put on charger blocks that are not charged. The wireless multi-charger system (A) according to the present invention includes an external body formed as a wireless charger case 11, wherein the wireless charger case 11 has a wireless charger table 12 formed in an upper surface thereof, wherein the wireless charger table 12 has a plurality of charger blocks 14, each of which includes a primary charging core 13, wherein the full-bridge resonant converter 22 is present in a plural form and coupled respectively to a plurality of the charger blocks 14, wherein a multi-gate driver module 23 is provided to transmit a converted power signal to each of a plurality of the full-bridge resonant converters 22 under the control of the central controller 21, and wherein a reception signal processor module 24 coupled to a plurality of the charger blocks 14 to process a signal transmitted from the wireless power transmission device 30 and supply the processed signal to the central controller 21 is provided. |
| US08102140B2 |
Method and apparatus for estimating induction motor electrical parameters
A method and apparatus to provide estimates of electrical parameters for line-connected induction motors during either steady-state or dynamic motor operations. The electrical parameters are calculated from the motor nameplate data and voltage and current measurements. No speed sensors or electronic injection circuits are needed. The method can be divided into 4 major steps. First, complex space vectors are synthesized from voltage and current measurements. Second, the instantaneous rotor speed is detected by calculating the rotational speed of a single rotor slot harmonic component with respect to the rotational speed of the fundamental frequency component. Third, the positive sequence fundamental frequency components are extracted from complex space vectors. Finally, least-squares estimates of the electrical parameters are determined from a dynamic induction motor equivalent circuit model. |
| US08102133B2 |
Control circuit for BLDC motors
A BLDC (brushless direct current) motor system of the present invention includes a control circuit, a sequencer, a driving circuit, and a BLDC motor. The control circuit determines the maximum torque and the maximum speed of the BLDC motor. The control circuit includes an over-current detection circuit to generate a reset signal in response to a switching current of the BLDC motor. The reset signal is generated when the switching current of the BLDC motor exceeds a threshold. A pulse width of the PWM signal is correlated to the level of a speed-control signal and the level of the torque-control signal. The pulse width of the PWM signal is also controlled by the reset signal generated by the over-current detection circuit. |
| US08102116B2 |
Organic light-emitting device
An organic light-emitting device includes a first electrode, a second electrode, and a light-emitting layer disposed between the first and second electrodes. The light-emitting layer contains an organic compound emitting photoluminescent light with a peak wavelength of 430 to 480 nm. The organic compound has a profile factor of 0.02 or less at a wave number of 1,300 to 1,680 cm−1 as calculated from Huang-Rhys factors. |
| US08102113B2 |
Quinoxaline-containing compounds and polymers thereof
There is provided a quinoxaline-containing compound represented by the following formula (I); wherein Ar1 represents a substituted or unsubstituted monovalent aromatic group; and R1 represents a hydrogen atom, a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group, or a substituted or unsubstituted aralkyl group. |
| US08102103B2 |
Tuning-fork resonator with grooves on principal surfaces
A resonator having a base part; and a resonating arm that performs flexing vibration, the resonating arm part has two principal surfaces, a first groove provided on the one principal surface, a second groove provided in juxtaposition with the first groove on the other principal surface, a third groove provided in juxtaposition with the first groove and provided nearer the base part side than the first groove on the other principal surface, and a fourth groove provided in juxtaposition with the second groove and provided nearer the base part side than the second groove on the principal surface. The sum of a depth of the first and second groove part and a sum of a depth of the third and fourth groove part are larger than a distance between the one principal surface and the other principal surface. |
| US08102102B2 |
Thin film tuning-fork type inflection resonator and electric signal processing element
A compact resonator has a wide bandwidth and a small variation of the specific vibration frequency. The resonator is a thin film tuning-fork type inflection resonator in which a thin film made of a piezoelectric material is formed on a substrate on which a lower electrode is formed, and an upper electrode is formed on the piezoelectric thin film. |
| US08102101B2 |
Piezoelectric sensors
A piezoelectric sensor having a plurality of electrodes deposited on a single surface of the dielectric medium is generally provided. The plurality of electrodes can define a plurality of square-shaped electrodes forming a grid on the first surface of the dielectric medium while the second electrode defines a continuous electrode. An electrode border surrounding the plurality of electrodes can be deposited on the first surface of the dielectric medium. Alternatively, the plurality of electrodes can define column-shaped electrodes, while the second electrode defines a plurality of row-shaped electrodes separated by etchings. The direction of orientation of each column-shaped electrode and the direction of orientation of each row-shaped electrode can be substantially perpendicular. A method of making a piezoelectric sensor is also provided. |
| US08102098B2 |
Piezoelectric-driven MEMS element
A piezoelectric-driven MEMS element includes a substrate, a beam, a fixed portion, a fixed electrode portion and a power source. The beam is provided with a lower electrode film, a lower piezoelectric film, a middle electrode film, an upper piezoelectric film and an upper electrode film. The fixed portion fixes one end of the beam onto the substrate so as to hold the beam with a gap above the substrate. The fixed electrode portion has a capacitive gap between the fixed electrode portion and the other end of the beam. In addition, at least one or two of the lower electrode film, the middle electrode film and the upper electrode film is thicker than the rest thereof. |
| US08102088B2 |
Generating electromagnetic forces with flux feedback control
An electromagnetic actuator with flux feedback control includes two poles located on opposite sides of a soft-magnetic target. A bias flux is introduced that flows into both poles. Magnetic circuitry may be designed so that the total bias flux is independent or substantially independent of a position of the target with respect to the poles or the control flux. The electromagnetic actuator also includes flux sensors introduced into each gap between the poles and the target. The electromagnetic actuator further includes an actuator control circuit to command the current in the control coil to bring a difference between the readings of the two flux sensors to a targeted level. In some aspects, the force exerted on the actuator target in this arrangement may be proportional to the command signal regardless of the position of the actuator target, MMF drop in the soft-magnetic parts of the magnetic circuit, or the frequency. |
| US08102087B2 |
Drive device that is reduced in size while maintaining high axial center accuracy of a rotor shaft
A drive device includes a rotating electrical machine; a planetary gear unit positioned radially inside the rotating electrical machine so as to axially overlap the rotating electrical machine; a through shaft extending radially inside and through a sun gear of the planetary gear unit; and a case that accommodates the rotating electrical machine and the planetary gear unit. The through shaft is supported by the case on both axial sides of the planetary gear unit, and a rotor of the rotating electrical machine is connected integrally with the sun gear and is rotatably supported at two axial positions, the rotor is supported at a first axial position of the two axial positions by the case, and the rotor is supported at a second axial position of the two axial positions at a position radially inside the sun gear by the through shaft. |
| US08102084B2 |
Bus bar power distribution for an antenna embedded radio system
A power distribution for an array of active electronic circuits in an antenna of a mobile communications base-station is disclosed. The power distribution comprises a first conductor connectable to a first terminal of a power supply unit, and a second conductor connectable to a second terminal of the power supply unit. The first conductor and the second conductor are at least partly bare and rigid, and are routed to the antenna-embedded radios in a manner separate from each other. |
| US08102081B2 |
Electronic apparatus
According to one embodiment, an electronic apparatus includes a cabinet having an outer surface and an inner surface, a plurality of operation button display portions formed on the outer surface of the cabinet, a touchpad which is provided on the inner surface of the cabinet in confrontation with the operation button display portions and configured to detect an input operation of the operation button display portions, a plurality of light sources which are disposed on the inner surface side of the cabinet in confrontation with the operation button display portions and illuminate the respective operation button display portions, a light source controller which is configured to change an illumination state of the light sources for a predetermined time in response to the input operation and thereafter returns the illumination state to an original illumination state. |
| US08102076B2 |
Daycab auxiliary power conversion apparatus
Auxiliary power is provided to an auxiliary heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) subsystem located compactly beneath the passenger seat of a daycab. Nickel metal hydride (NiMH) or suitably alternative battery power is inverted to drive the HVAC subsystem, and the batteries are charged from the daycab's alternator when the daycab's engine is running or from a roadside power grid when the daycab is idle. |
| US08102075B2 |
Track short-circuit and current return device for a rail vehicle
A rail vehicle of the type comprising including at least one equipped axle which is provided with a transmission shaft which is movable in terms of rotation and which is fixedly joined in terms of rotation to two wheels, each of which is provided with a tire, the device including an electric current supply source, the source supplying a friction assembly with electric current. The friction assembly is alone and is electrically connected to a cable assembly which electrically connects the tires of the two wheels, the cable assembly including a cable portion which extends inside the transmission shaft between the two wheels. |
| US08102074B2 |
Systems and method for limiting maximum voltage in solar photovoltaic power generation systems
Apparatuses and methods are disclosed for regulating or limiting the voltage output from solar modules connected in series such that the voltage on a string bus connecting those solar modules does not exceed regulatory or safety limitations. This can be accomplished via a controller, local management units (for downconverting solar module voltage output), or a combination of the two. |
| US08102067B2 |
Method for the operation of a wind energy plant having a wind velocity measurement device
A method for the operation of a wind energy plant, which features a wind velocity measurement device and a device for the detection of a mechanical load, with the following steps: measuring a wind velocity with the wind velocity measurement device, detecting a mechanical load with the device for the detection of a mechanical load, determining an estimated value for the wind velocity, based on the determined mechanical load, comparing the wind velocity measured by means of the wind velocity measurement device with the estimated value. |
| US08102064B2 |
Electrical alignment mark set and method for aligning wafer stack
An electrical alignment mark set and the method for using the same is disclosed. The electrical alignment mark set includes at least a top mark and a bottom mark. The top mark includes multiple pads disposed on a top wafer and having first pads and second pads, and a monitoring via electrically connected to the first pads. The bottom mark includes a first bottom pad corresponding to the monitoring via and a second bottom pad corresponding to the second pads. Further the first bottom pad and the second bottom pad are electrically connected to each other so that the monitoring via may be electrically connected to the second pads by means of the first bottom pad when the top mark and the bottom mark are aligned with each other. |
| US08102058B2 |
Chip package structure and method for fabricating the same
The disclosure provides a chip package structure and method for fabricating the same. The chip package structure includes at least one chip having at least one through via. At least one stress buffering structure is disposed in the through via. The stress buffering structure includes a first gasket and a second gasket. A supporting pillar has two terminals respectively connected to the first gasket and the second gasket. The cross-sectional area of the supporting pillar is smaller than areas of the first gasket and the second gasket. A buffering layer is sandwiched between the first gasket and the second gasket, surrounding a sidewall of the supporting pillar. An insulating layer is disposed on the through via, surrounding a sidewall of the stress buffering structure. |
| US08102055B2 |
Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device including a semiconductor chip, a base substrate, a wiring positioned on the base substrate, and a eutectic alloy. A part of the eutectic alloy is positioned between the wiring and the base substrate. |
| US08102047B2 |
Load driving device
A load driving device includes: an output power device for driving a load; a driving IC for controlling the output power device, wherein the driving IC is electrically coupled with the output power device through a wire or a connection member; and a first electrode substrate. The output power device and the driving IC are mounted on the first electrode substrate. In this case, the output power device is controlled with high speed, and a mounting area of the output power device and the driving IC is reduced. |
| US08102044B2 |
Bonded wafer structure and method of fabrication
A method of packaging electronics comprises providing a first wafer and providing a second wafer. The method also comprises depositing a polymer material over a surface of the first wafer; and selectively removing a portion of the polymer from the first wafer to create a void in the polymer. The method also comprises placing the first wafer over the second wafer and in contact with the polymer; and curing the polymer to bond the first wafer to the second wafer. A bonded wafer structure is also described. |
| US08102040B2 |
Integrated circuit package system with die and package combination
An integrated package system with die and package combination includes forming a leadframe having internal leads and external leads, encapsulating a first integrated circuit on the leadframe, and encapsulating a second integrated circuit over the first integrated circuit. |
| US08102036B2 |
Semiconductor device in which a semiconductor chip is sealed
A semiconductor device having a GaAsFET and input and output matching circuits connected to the FET is provided. In the semiconductor device, a line, including a wire connection portion connected to the input or output matching circuit and a lead connection portion connected to an input or output lead which is connected to an external circuit, is formed in such a manner that a line width at the wire connection portion is wider than that at the lead connection portion. With the semiconductor device, the number of wires connecting the input or output matching circuits with the wire connection portion can be increased. |
| US08102030B2 |
Semiconductor device with strain
A semiconductor device includes: a semiconductor substrate having a p-MOS region; an element isolation region formed in a surface portion of the semiconductor substrate and defining p-MOS active regions in the p-MOS region; a p-MOS gate electrode structure formed above the semiconductor substrate, traversing the p-MOS active region and defining a p-MOS channel region under the p-MOS gate electrode structure; a compressive stress film selectively formed above the p-MOS active region and covering the p-MOS gate electrode structure; and a stress released region selectively formed above the element isolation region in the p-MOS region and releasing stress in the compressive stress film, wherein a compressive stress along the gate length direction and a tensile stress along the gate width direction are exerted on the p-MOS channel region. The performance of the semiconductor device can be improved by controlling the stress separately for the active region and element isolation region. |
| US08102025B2 |
Semiconductor device having IGBT and diode
A semiconductor device includes: a semiconductor substrate; a IGBT region including a first region on a first surface of the substrate and providing a channel-forming region and a second region on a second surface of the substrate and providing a collector; a diode region including a third region on the first surface and providing an anode or a cathode and a fourth region on the second surface and providing the anode or the cathode; a periphery region including a fifth region on the first surface and a sixth region on the second surface. The first, third and fifth regions are commonly and electrically coupled, and the second, fourth and sixth regions are commonly and electrically coupled with one another. |
| US08102020B2 |
Equalization in proximity communication
A device includes a semiconductor die having a surface, a plurality of proximity connectors proximate to the surface, and a circuit coupled to at least one of the plurality of proximity connectors. The semiconductor die is configured to communicate voltage-mode signals through capacitive coupling using one or more of the plurality of proximity connectors. The circuit also includes a filter with a capacitive-summing junction to equalize the signals. |
| US08102016B2 |
Semiconductor integrated circuit device and method for manufacturing same
In a light detector that is a semiconductor integrated circuit, a wiring structure is disposed on a semiconductor substrate along a periphery of a rectangular region that corresponds to a light receiver, and an interlayer insulating film composed of an SOG film is layered over the wiring structure. In this structure, the interlayer insulating film is thicker at a corner than at a center part of the light receiver. In order to increase efficiency of the incidence of light on the light receiver, the planar shape of the open part is formed so that the corners of the rectangle that surrounds the wiring structure are removed when the interlayer insulating film is etched and the open part is formed (i.e., yielding an octagonal shape). Accordingly, the effects of differences in the thickness of the interlayer film at the center part and corners of the light receiver are avoided, a bottom surface of the open part is formed in a flat manner, and uniformity in the incidence of light from the open part to the light receiver is improved. |
| US08102015B2 |
Microphone package with minimum footprint size and thickness
A microphone package includes a carrier, a cap, an integrated circuit chip, and a microphone unit. The cap covers the carrier to form a storage space. The integrated circuit chip is disposed in the storage space. The microphone unit is disposed in the storage space and stacked on the integrated circuit chip. |
| US08102014B2 |
Proximity head heating method and apparatus
Provided is an apparatus and a method for heating fluid in a proximity head. A method for semiconductor wafer processing, includes providing liquid to a proximity head including a heating portion, heating the liquid within the heating portion of the proximity head and delivering the heated liquid to a surface of a semiconductor wafer for use in a wafer processing operation including forming a meniscus between the proximity head and the surface of the semiconductor wafer. |
| US08102006B2 |
Different gate oxides thicknesses for different transistors in an integrated circuit
An integrated circuit and gate oxide forming process are disclosed which provide a gate structure that is simple to integrate with conventional fabrication processes while providing different gate oxide thicknesses for different transistors within the integrated circuit. For a flash memory, which may utilize the invention, the different gate oxide thicknesses may be used for lower voltage transistors, memory array transistors, and higher voltage transistors. |
| US08102005B2 |
Wiring substrate, semiconductor device and manufacturing method thereof
The present invention provides a method for forming a wiring having a minute shape on a large substrate with a small number of steps, and further a wiring substrate formed by the method. Moreover, the present invention provides a semiconductor device in which cost reduction and throughput improvement are possible due to the small number of steps and reduction of materials and which has a semiconductor element with a minute structure, and further a manufacturing method thereof. According to the present invention, a composition including metal particles and organic resin is irradiated with laser light and a part of the metal particles is baked to form a conductive layer typified by a wiring, an electrode or the like over a substrate. Further, a semiconductor device having the baked conductive layer as a wiring or an electrode is formed. |
| US08102001B2 |
Initial-on SCR device for on-chip ESD protection
A semiconductor device for electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection includes a silicon controlled rectifier (SCR) including a semiconductor substrate, a first well formed in the substrate, a second well formed in the substrate, a first p-type region formed in the first well to serve as an anode, and a first n-type region partially formed in the second well to serve as a cathode, a p-type metal-oxide-semiconductor (PMOS) transistor formed in the first well including a gate, a first diffused region and a second diffused region separated apart from the first diffused region, a second n-type region formed in the first well electrically connected to the first diffused region of the PMOS transistor, and a second p-type region formed in the substrate electrically connected to the second diffused region of the PMOS transistor. |
| US08101993B2 |
MSD integrated circuits with shallow trench
A trench MOSFET device with embedded Schottky rectifier, gate-drain and gate-source diodes on single chip is formed with shallow trench structure to achieve device shrinkage and performance improvement. The present semiconductor devices achieve low Vf and reverse leakage current for embedded Schottky rectifier, have overvoltage protection for GS clamp diodes and avalanche protection for GD clamp diodes. More particularly, gate charge of the present semiconductor device is reduced due to the shallow trench surrounded by an additional N doped area around the bottom while keeping Rds low enough and at the same time, maintaining BV at a certain level. |
| US08101992B2 |
Memory array with surrounding gate access transistors and capacitors with global and staggered local bit lines
A memory array with staggered local data/bit lines extending generally in a first direction formed in an upper surface of a substrate and memory cell access transistors extending generally upward and aligned generally atop a corresponding local data/bit line. Selected columns of the memory cell access transistors are sacrificed to define local data/bit access transistors which are interconnected with overlying low resistance global data/bit lines. The global data/bit lines provide selectable low resistance paths between memory cells and sense amplifiers. The sacrificed memory cell access transistors and staggered local data/bit lines provide increased footprints for sense amplifiers to facilitate increased circuit integration. |
| US08101985B2 |
Capacitors and methods of manufacture thereof
Capacitors are formed in metallization layers of semiconductor device in regions where functional conductive features are not formed, more efficiently using real estate of integrated circuits. The capacitors may be stacked and connected in parallel to provide increased capacitance, or arranged in arrays. The plates of the capacitors are substantially the same dimensions as conductive features, such as conductive lines or vias, or are substantially the same dimensions as fill structures of the semiconductor device. |
| US08101984B2 |
Spin injector
A spin injector for use in a microelectronic device such as a field effect transistor (FET) is disclosed. The spin injector includes an array of ferromagnetic elements disposed within a semiconductor. The ferromagnetic elements within the array are arranged and spaced with respect to one another in a close arrangement such that electrons or holes are spin-polarized when passing through. The spin injector may be located above or at least partially within a source region of the FET. A spin injector structure may also be located above or at least partially within the drain region of the FET. The spin injector includes a semiconductor material containing an array of ferromagnetic elements disposed in the semiconductor material, wherein adjacent ferromagnetic elements within the array are separated by a distance within the range between about 1 nm and 100 nm. |
| US08101983B2 |
Nonvolatile memory device comprising one switching device and one resistant material and method of manufacturing the same
A nonvolatile memory device including one transistor and one resistant material and a method of manufacturing the nonvolatile memory device are provided. The nonvolatile memory device includes a substrate, a transistor formed on the substrate, and a data storage unit connected to a drain of the transistor. The data storage unit includes a data storage material layer having different resistance characteristics in different voltage ranges. |
| US08101981B2 |
Back-illuminated, thin photodiode arrays with isolating etched trenches between elements
Back-illuminated, thin photodiode arrays with trench isolation. The trenches are formed on one or both sides of a substrate, and after doping the sides of the trenches, are filled to provide electrical isolation between adjacent photodiodes. Various embodiments of the photodiode arrays and methods of forming such arrays are disclosed. |
| US08101975B2 |
Integrated circuit device with gate level region including non-gate linear conductive segment positioned within 965 nanometers of four transistors of first type and four transistors of second type
A semiconductor device includes a substrate portion having a plurality of diffusion regions defined therein. The semiconductor device includes a gate electrode level region including a number of conductive features defined to extend in only a first parallel direction. Adjacent ones of the number of conductive features that share a common line of extent in the first parallel direction are fabricated from respective originating layout features that are separated from each other by an end-to-end spacing having a size that is substantially equal across the gate electrode level region and is minimized to an extent allowed by a semiconductor device manufacturing capability. Some of the conductive features within the gate electrode level region extend over the plurality of diffusion regions to form PMOS or NMOS transistor devices. A total number of the PMOS and NMOS transistor devices in the gate electrode level region is greater than or equal to eight. |
| US08101974B2 |
Semiconductor device and manufacturing method thereof
A semiconductor device subjected to an optical annealing process by radiation light whose principal wavelength is 1.5 μm or less includes a circuit pattern region formed on a semiconductor substrate, and a dummy pattern region formed separately from the circuit pattern region on the semiconductor substrate. The circuit pattern region has an integrated circuit pattern containing a gate pattern related to a circuit operation. The dummy pattern region has dummy gate patterns that have the same structure as that of a gate pattern used in the integrated circuit pattern and the dummy gate patterns are repeatedly arranged with a pitch 0.4 times or less the principal wavelength. |
| US08101973B2 |
Transistor
A heterojunction bipolar transistor comprising a substrate; a collector on the substrate; a base layer on the collector; an emitter layer on the base layer; the emitter layer comprising an upper emitter layer and a lower emitter layer between the upper emitter layer and base; the collector, base and emitter layers being npn or pnp doped respectively; characterized in that the lower emitter layer has a larger bandgap than the base layer and is AlxIn1-xP or GaxAl1-xP, x being in the range 0+ to 1. |
| US08101970B2 |
Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device of the present invention comprises: a P type semiconductor substrate, an N-well, a first P+ diffusion region, a second P+ diffusion region, a Schottky diode, a first N+ diffusion region, a second N+ diffusion region, a third P+ diffusion region, a fourth P+ diffusion region, a first insulation layer, a second insulation layer, a first parasitic bipolar junction transistor (BJT), and a second parasitic BJT. The Schottky diode is coupled to an input signal. The first N+ diffusion region and the second N+ diffusion region are coupled to a voltage source, respectively. When a voltage level of the input signal is higher than a voltage level of the voltage source, the Schottky diode conducts charges to make the first parasitic BJT and the second parasitic BJT not conducted. |
| US08101968B2 |
Group III nitride substrate, epitaxial layer-provided substrate, methods of manufacturing the same, and method of manufacturing semiconductor device
A group III nitride substrate on which an epitaxially grown layer of good quality can be formed, and a method of manufacturing the same are obtained. A GaN substrate is one of the following: a group III nitride substrate, wherein the number of atoms of an acid material per square centimeter of a surface is not more than 2×1014, and the number of silicon atoms per square centimeter of the surface is not more than 3×1013; a group III nitride substrate, wherein the number of silicon atoms per square centimeter of a surface is not more than 3×1013, and a haze level of the surface is not more than 5 ppm; and a group III nitride substrate, wherein the number of atoms of an acid material per square centimeter of a surface is not more than 2×1014, and a haze level of the surface is not more than 5 ppm. |
| US08101967B2 |
Optical semiconductor package and optical semiconductor device
Leads 3 and a metal block 2 are resin molded only in a region surrounded by a base bottom 1d, and the surface of the metal block 2 at the bottom of a cavity 10 is not composed of a resin but a metallic component or a material having high resistance to discoloration and degradation. |
| US08101966B2 |
Light-emitting diode lamp with low thermal resistance
A light-emitting diode (LED) structure with an improved heat transfer path with a lower thermal resistance than conventional LED lamps is provided. For some embodiments, a surface-mountable light-emitting diode structure is provided having an active layer deposited on a metal substrate directly bonded to a metal plate that is substantially exposed for low thermal resistance by positioning it on the bottom of the light-emitting diode structure. This metal plate can then be soldered to a printed circuit board (PCB) that includes a heat sink. For some embodiments of the invention, the metal plate is thermally and electrically conductively connected through several heat conduction layers to a large heat sink that may be included in the structure. |
| US08101965B2 |
III-nitride semiconductor light emitting device having a multilayered pad
The present disclosure relates to a III-nitride semiconductor light-emitting device including: a plurality of III-nitride semiconductor layers having a first III-nitride semiconductor layer having a first conductivity type, a second III-nitride semiconductor layer having a second conductivity type different from the first conductivity type, and an active layer disposed between the first III-nitride semiconductor layer and the second III-nitride semiconductor layer and generating light by recombination of electrons and holes; a bonding pad electrically connected to the plurality of III-nitride semiconductor layers; a protection film disposed over the bonding pad; and a buffer pad disposed between the bonding pad and the protection film and formed to expose the bonding pad. |
| US08101963B2 |
Semiconductor light emitting element and method for manufacturing same
A semiconductor light emitter (A) includes an n-type semiconductor layer (2), a p-type semiconductor layer (4), and an active layer (3) between these two layers (2, 4). The light emitter (A) further includes an n-side electrode (5) on the n-type layer (2) and a p-side electrode (6) on the p-type layer (4). An insulating layer (7) covers the n-type and p-type layers (2),(4), while also partially covering the n-side and p-side electrodes (5),(6), leaving part of the electrodes (5, 6) exposed. The n-side electrode (5) has a first Al layer (51) formed on the n-type layer (2) and a second Ni, W, Zr or Pt layer (52) formed on the first layer (51). The p-side electrode (6) has a first Au layer (61) formed on the p-type layer (4), and a second Ni, W, Zr or Pt layer (62) formed on the first layer (61). |
| US08101961B2 |
Transparent ohmic contacts on light emitting diodes with growth substrates
A light emitting diode is disclosed that includes a growth substrate, a substantially transparent ohmic contact on a first surface of the growth substrate, a Group III nitride, light-emitting active region on a second surface of the growth substrate, a p-type Group III nitride contact layer on the active region that transmits light generated in the active region, and a substantially transparent ohmic contact on the p-type contact layer. |
| US08101959B2 |
Light emitting device
An embodiment of present invention discloses a light-emitting device comprising a first multi-layer structure comprising a first lower layer; a first upper layer; and a first active layer able to emit light under a bias voltage and positioned between the first lower layer and the first upper layer; a second thick layer neighboring the first multi-layer structure; a second connection layer associated with the second thick layer; a connective line electrically connected to the second connection layer and the first multi-layer structure; a substrate; and two or more ohmic contact electrodes between the first multi-layer structure and the substrate. |
| US08101953B2 |
Thin film transistor having a plurality of carbon nanotubes
A thin film transistor includes a source electrode, a drain electrode, a semiconducting layer, and a gate electrode. The drain electrode is spaced from the source electrode. The semiconducting layer is connected to the source electrode and the drain electrode. The gate electrode is insulated from the source electrode, the drain electrode, and the semiconducting layer by an insulating layer. The semiconducting layer includes at least two stacked carbon nanotube films. Each carbon nanotube film includes an amount of carbon nanotubes. At least a part of the carbon nanotubes of each carbon nanotube film are aligned along a direction from the source electrode to the drain electrode. |
| US08101950B2 |
Information device
Problems exist in areas such as image visibility, endurance of the device, precision, miniaturization, and electric power consumption in an information device having a conventional resistive film method or optical method pen input function. Both EL elements and photoelectric conversion elements are arranged in each pixel of a display device in an information device of the present invention having a pen input function. Information input is performed by the input of light to the photoelectric conversion elements in accordance with a pen that reflects light by a pen tip. An information device with a pen input function, capable of displaying a clear image without loss of brightness in the displayed image, having superior endurance, capable of being miniaturized, and having good precision can thus be obtained. |
| US08101944B2 |
Organic semiconductor material and organic transistor using the same
The invention relates to an organic semiconductor material with a high carrier mobility, which is capable of obtaining favorable semiconductor characteristics when used in an organic semiconductor device, and an organic transistor using the same. More specifically, the present invention has a following structure including an oligothiophene part and a connecting part G; where, R1 and R2 are a hydrogen, a alkyl group, an alkoxy group, an aryl group, or an alkenyl group, R1 and R2 may be identical or different from each other, and where n is an integer. In the organic semiconductor material, the structure of the connecting part G may be any of the following: where, R3 and R4 are a hydrogen, an alkyl group, an alkoxy group, an aryl group, or a alkenyl group, R3 and R4 may be identical or different from each other, and where n is an integer of 1 to 3. |
| US08101942B2 |
Self-assembled monolayer based silver switches
The present invention is a two-state switching device based on two electrodes separated by a self-assembled monolayer. At least one of the electrodes may be composed of silver and the other electrode of any electrically conductive material, such as metals, especially gold or platinum. In the high-resistance OFF state, the two electrodes are separated by an organic monolayer having sufficiently low electrical conducting as to be considered non-conductive. Application of a negative threshold bias causes a silver ion filament to grown within the monolayer and bridge the gap between the two electrodes, changing the device into a low-resistance ON state. The device may be turned OFF by application of a positive threshold bias, which causes the ionic filament to retract back into the silver electrode. The device is easy to fabricate, smaller than currently available devices, and because the only required components are silver, another electrode and a self-assembled monolayer between them, it should be possible to incorporate this switch into a variety of device geometries. |
| US08101941B2 |
Interface conditioning to improve efficiency and lifetime of organic electroluminescence devices
In at least one embodiment of the invention, an OLED device is disclosed in which the surface of one or more layers of the OLED are conditioned with metal nano-particles such that they are disposed along the interface between adjacent layers. |
| US08101935B2 |
Inspection apparatus and inspection method
Reflected light caused by the state of the surface of a wafer, a foreign material or a defect is superimposed on a haze frequency component caused by the type and thickness of a film or a surface irregularity. It has therefore been difficult to accurately measure the haze frequency component by use of a fixed threshold value. In order to detect a haze frequency component caused by a haze present on the surface of an object to be inspected, light propagating from the object to be inspected is detected and converted into an electric signal. The electric signal is sampled at a predetermined sampling time interval and converted into digital data. A frequency component caused by a foreign material, a defect or the like is separated from the digital data to ensure that a haze frequency component is selected. The haze frequency component is caused by a stain attached to the surface of the wafer, hazy tarnish, a surface irregularity or the like. |
| US08101933B2 |
Medical device
A medical device which can rotate a radiation emitter or the like with high positional precision over an extended period of time is provided. Provided are a support frame installed such that a central axis thereof is positioned substantially horizontally; circular tracks respectively disposed on both side faces of the support frame; a moving gantry configured to revolve relative to the support frame via sliding portions configured to slide on the circular tracks; and revolving driving means for revolving the moving gantry, wherein the moving gantry is constructed of a rigid-framed structure formed of a first side portion and a second side portion disposed so as to flank the support frame from both side faces thereof, and coupling portions for coupling the first side portion and the second side portion. |
| US08101928B2 |
Deflection signal compensation for charged particle beam
Charged particles that are in transit through a deflection system when the beam is repositioned do not received the correct deflection force and are misdirected. By independently applying signals to the multiple stages of a deflection system, the number of misdirected particles during a pixel change is reduced. |
| US08101925B2 |
Installation and method of nanofabrication
Nanofabrication installation comprising: a specimen holder, for holding a specimen; a mask, having a through-opening between the upper and lower faces of the mask, for letting charged particles through onto the specimen holder; a near-field detection device for detecting a relative position between the mask (8) and the specimen holder (3); and a displacement device for generating a relative movement between the mask (8) and the specimen holder (3) independently of the relative position between the source (1) and the mask (8), the mask including at least a first electrode in the through-opening (10). |
| US08101922B2 |
Modular gas ion source
A gas field ion source is described. The gas field ion source includes an emitter module. The emitter module includes an emitter holder, an emitter structure, a detachably connectable electrical connection assembly of the emitter module, and a detachably connectable gas supply connection assembly of the emitter module. The gas field ion source further includes a supply module, wherein the supply module includes an electrical conductor for providing voltage and/or current, a gas supply conduit, a thermal conductor, a detachably connectable electrical connection assembly of the supply module, and a detachably connectable gas supply connection assembly of the supply module. The emitter module and the supply module are detachably connectable by the detachably connectable connection assemblies of the emitter module and the detachably connectable connection assemblies of the supply module. |
| US08101921B2 |
Apparatus and method for inducing controllable jets in liquids
A method for inducing a controllable jet in a transparent liquid is disclosed. The method comprises providing a gas-liquid interface, providing a laser source and generating a beam comprising a sequence of laser pulses, and focusing the beam to a target location within the liquid at a predetermined distance from the gas-liquid interface and creating a plurality of cavitation bubbles, yielding a jet directed away from the gas-liquid interface. Other methods and apparatus are also described and claimed. |
| US08101920B2 |
Spin isolation apparatus, spin asymmetric material producing method, current source, and signal processing method
A spin isolation apparatus comprising a particle source for emitting particles having spins, a receiving section for receiving the particles emitted by the particle source, a magnet for separating the particles into first particles having positive spins and second particles having negative spins, and a trajectory restricting section for isolating the first and the second particles received by the receiving section through restricting trajectories of the first particles and/or the second particles is provided. By applying this apparatus, particles having spins whose every sign is either one of the two signs can be mass-produced. |
| US08101919B2 |
Isotopic response with small scintillator based gamma-ray spectrometers
The intrinsic background of a gamma ray spectrometer is significantly reduced by surrounding the scintillator with a second scintillator. This second (external) scintillator surrounds the first scintillator and has an opening of approximately the same diameter as the smaller central scintillator in the forward direction. The second scintillator is selected to have a higher atomic number, and thus has a larger probability for a Compton scattering interaction than within the inner region. Scattering events that are essentially simultaneous in coincidence to the first and second scintillators, from an electronics perspective, are precluded electronically from the data stream. Thus, only gamma-rays that are wholly contained in the smaller central scintillator are used for analytic purposes. |
| US08101918B1 |
Re-imaging infrared lenses
A re-imaging optical system includes a front objective lens group, a relay lens and a Dewar assembly. The front objective lens group includes at least three lenses for focusing light entering an entrance pupil and forming a first image located adjacent or near a field stop. The relay lens group includes at least three lenses for focusing light from the first image toward the Dewar assembly. The Dewar assembly includes a cold stop and a cooled detector array for forming a second image. Advantageously, the second image is a magnified version of the first image. Also advantageously, the distance between the entrance pupil and the detector array is less than or equal to 201 millimeters. Furthermore, the lenses of the front objective lens group and the lenses of the relay lens group are made from readily available material, such as silicon and/or germanium. |
| US08101917B2 |
Method and apparatus for detecting unsafe conditions
A device can be made operable to distinguish between materials impinging on a predefined area based at least in part on differentials within sets of data indicative of measurable characteristics of the materials impinging on the defined area. Such a device can trigger a protection mechanism based at least in part on identification of such differentials. |
| US08101916B2 |
Method for measuring biodiesel concentration in a biodiesel diesel oil mixture
This patent presents a method for measuring the concentration of biodiesel in a homogeneous biodiesel-diesel oil mixture using mid infrared radiation for use as fabrication monitor, quality control, law enforcement and multi-fueled vehicles. The method is characterized by the use of mid infrared absorption measurement in the range from 1870 to 1600 cm−1 (5347.6 to 6250.0 nm) which corresponds to the carbonyl group absorption peak (C═O) that is only present in biodiesel. Both intensity and area of the carbonyl absorption peak present power law dependence with the biodiesel percentile in the biodiesel-diesel oil mixture. |
| US08101915B2 |
Detection of chemicals with infrared light
The present invention is directed to a method for non-contact or stand off chemical detection by selectively exciting one or more analytes of interest using an IR source tuned to at least one specific absorption band without significantly decomposing the analyte and determining if the analyte is present by comparing emitted photons with an IR detector signal made before and during or shortly after exciting the analyte. Another embodiment provides a method for non-contact or stand off chemical detection by selectively exciting one or more analytes of interest using an IR source tuned to at least one specific absorption band without significantly decomposing the analyte, wherein the analyte is excited sufficiently to generate a vapor plume, and wherein the plume is examined to detect the presence of the analyte. Additionally, the present invention provides for a system for non-contact or stand off chemical detection. |
| US08101914B2 |
Thermal-type infrared solid-state imaging device and manufacturing method of the same
A thermal-type infrared solid-state imaging device comprises a infrared detector having at least a substrate provided with an integrated circuit for reading out a signal, a diaphragm for detecting a temperature change by absorbing infrared rays, and a support section for supporting the diaphragm above a surface of one side of the substrate with space in between, and includes an eaves section connected to a connection area provided in the vicinity of outer circumference of the diaphragm and covering at least components other than the diaphragm across a space and transmitting the heat generated by absorbing incident infrared rays to the diaphragm, wherein the eaves section has the thickness of a first region covering the components other than the diaphragm across a space thicker than the thicknesses of a second region contacting the connection area of the diaphragm and a third region rising upward in mid air from the diaphragm. |
| US08101912B2 |
Image-taking apparatus and method thereof
An image-taking apparatus includes an image-taking device configured to take an image of an object, at least one illumination light source configured to be able to illuminate the object, an illumination region controller configured to be able to partially emit an illumination light ray originating from the illumination light source towards a plurality of different regions of the object, and to sequentially change the location of an illuminated area of the illumination light ray, and a controller configured to cause the image-taking device to take an image of the object under a plurality of illumination conditions produced in accordance with control of the illumination region controller. |
| US08101910B2 |
Method, system and apparatus for multiplexing ions in MSn mass spectrometry analysis
A method and apparatus for multiplexing ions in an MSn mass spectrometer is provided. Ion are filtered to produce a group of ions of interest, the group of ions below a space charge limit of the MSn mass spectrometer. At least a portion of the group of ions are fragmented to form a fragmented group of ions. At least a portion of the fragmented group are stored such that a plurality of portions of the fragmented group can be sequentially selected for mass spectrometry analysis. Each of the plurality of portions of the fragmented group are sequentially selected and re-fragmented prior to mass spectrometry analysis. Each of the plurality of portions of the fragmented group are analyzed, via mass spectrometry, once each of the plurality of portions of the fragmented group has been fragmented. |
| US08101909B2 |
Time-of-flight mass spectrometry of surfaces
The present invent provides a particle detector for counting and measuring the flight time of secondary electrons and scattered ions and neutrals and to correlate coincidences between these and backscattered ions/and neutrals while maintaining a continuous unpulsed microfocused primary ion beam for impinging a surface. Intensities of the primary particle scattering and secondary particle emissions are correlated with the position of impact of the focused beam onto a materials surface so that a spatially resolved surface elemental and electronic structural mapping is obtained by scanning the focused beam across the surface. |
| US08101904B2 |
Compliant tactile sensor for generating a signal related to an applied force
Tactile sensor. The sensor includes a compliant convex surface disposed above a sensor array, the sensor array adapted to respond to deformation of the convex surface to generate a signal related to an applied force vector. |
| US08101902B2 |
Light grid having photoreceivers and programmable logic unit
A light grid includes pairs of transmitters and receiver units, and a programmable logic unit for signal evaluation. The analog part of the light grid includes only the reception elements and the storage capacitors for performing analog-to-digital conversion. |
| US08101900B2 |
Circuit and method for operating a circuit
A circuit and method for operating a circuit with a terminal for connecting a photodiode to output an output current dependent on the photocurrent of the photodiode, with a resistance device for generating a voltage drop dependent on a photocurrent of the photodiode, with a control loop connected to the resistance device for generating the output current dependent on the photocurrent, with a switching means connected to the terminal with first switch positions for a first operating mode for operating the photodiode in the reversed bias and with second switch positions for a second operating mode for operating the photodiode in the photovoltaic mode, wherein in the first operating mode in the first switch positions of the switching means, the resistance device and the control loop are bridged and/or are not connected, and in the second operating mode in the second switch positions of the switching means, the terminal is connected to the resistance device. |
| US08101896B2 |
Solar tracking unit for a steam generator or the like having first and second plurality of photovoltaic cells for generating electrical signals to rotate a concave reflector about first and second axes, respectively
A solar tracking unit for concentrating the sun's rays on an absorption receptor includes one or more concave reflectors and an energy absorption receptor disposed between the sun and the reflector. An energy absorbing fluid flows through the receptor and is heated by the concentrated rays of the sun. A first plurality of photovoltaic cells are disposed about a hemispherical form for generating an electrical signal to incrementally rotate the reflector about a first axis and a second plurality of photovoltaic cells disposed about a hemispherical form to generate an electrical signal to rotate the mirror about a second axis to thereby focus the reflected rays on the receptor. |
| US08101891B2 |
Cooking aparatus
A cooking apparatus including a cooking chamber that has an opening, a door configured to open and close the opening of the cooking chamber, in which the door has an air-gap to receive pollutants generated in the cooking chamber, and a pollutant discharging unit configured to discharge at least a portion of the pollutants in the air-gap out of the door. |
| US08101890B2 |
Fan apparency arrangement for an appliance
A fan apparency arrangement for an appliance having a fan for moving air in an interior of the appliance, including a pipe disposed in the airflow path of the fan and having first and second ends; a heater disposed in the pipe, the heater being energized when the fan is turned on; and a thermal switch disposed in the pipe, the thermal switch being closer to the first end than the heater. The fan is operative in normal operation to move air in the pipe in a direction from the first end to the second end. The pipe is disposed so that when the fan fails to move air in the pipe after turned on, air heated up by the heater passes the thermal switch in a direction from the second end to the first end so that the thermal switch is activated to signal malfunction of the fan. |
| US08101889B2 |
Drawer type cooking device
In a built-in drawer type cooking device, an open/close door 2a and a heating container 2b that constitute a drawer body 2 are separably connected to each other. The open/close door 2a and the heating container 2b are connected via an insulator 10 to prevent a discharge phenomenon due to emission of microwaves. The open/close door 2a and the heating container 2b can be separated from each other with the drawer body 2 being drawn out, and thus the heating container 2b can be taken out of the cooking device and cleaned or wholly washed. An inner wall surface of a heating chamber 3 that is easily contaminated can be cleaned while being visually checked. The heating container 2b and the open/close door 2a are separately produced, and can be individually stored, conveyed and stacked, thereby reducing a rejection rate due to deformation and increasing productivity in an assembling process. |
| US08101883B2 |
Laser-based material processing systems and methods for using such systems
Laser-based material processing systems and methods for using such systems are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, for example, a laser-based material processing system includes a workpiece support, a positioning assembly over at least a portion of the workpiece support, and a laser. The system includes a laser beam director carried by the positioning assembly to direct a beam generated by the laser toward the workpiece support. The system also includes a dispensing unit carried by the positioning assembly to discharge a material toward the workpiece support. The system further includes a controller operably coupled to the positioning assembly, the laser beam director, and the dispensing unit. The controller can be configured to move the laser beam director and the dispensing unit relative to the workpiece support such that (a) the beam is directed toward a first portion of the workpiece support, and (b) the dispensing unit discharges material toward the first portion of the workpiece support. |
| US08101881B2 |
Arc resistant switchgear vertical exhaust system
An exhaust system for exhausting gases and molten debris caused by an electric arc within a switchgear. The exhaust system includes a switchgear having lower and upper compartments and an exhaust unit externally mounted to the switchgear. A wall panel of the switchgear includes blow out panels coinciding with openings in the lower compartment and corresponding ventilation flaps in a top surface of the exhaust unit to exhaust gas from the lower compartment out the blow out panels in a vertical direction, exiting through the flaps. The upper compartment includes ventilation flaps for exhausting gas in a vertical direction directly through the flaps and optionally through side-mounted blow out panels that communicate with the vertical vent path to the flaps in the top of the exhaust unit. A bus compartment in the exhaust unit includes a vent path to flaps in the top of the exhaust unit for exhausting gas produced by bus arcing. |
| US08101879B2 |
Key switch and keyboard having the same
A gear-link type key switch including a pair of link members on a base panel, wherein the key switch has a constitution in that the pair of link members are not disengaged when a key top is attached to the link members. Furthermore, the key switch alleviates the need for an undesired attaching method because of its structure, when a key top is attached to the link members. In order to prevent the pair of link members from disengaging in an anteroposterior direction, wall members are provided on the base panel of the key switch. The wall members arranged on opposite sides of a contact section of the link members, abutting the outside of pivoting shafts, are made by cutting the plate member of the base panel and pulling up the cut plate member, and are an integral part of the plate member. |
| US08101874B2 |
Watertight junction box
A watertight junction box includes a box body, a lower floating plate, an upper floating plate, a lock cap, a modular cable inserted into the box body and kept in contact with sharp copper contacts, a holding down plate for holding down an external power wire on the upper floating plate to cause electric contact between the external power wire and the sharp copper contacts, and a predetermined amount of silicon rubber filled in between the lower and upper floating plate that is deformed to wrap about the connection area between the sharp copper contacts and the external power wire when the lock cap is tightly fastened to the box body to force down the holding down plate. |
| US08101869B2 |
Mounting structure, electro-optical device, and electronic apparatus
A mounting structure includes a member to be bonded, a flexible base, a reinforcing portion, and a bonding member. The flexible base includes a plurality of first leads. The reinforcing portion is arranged between an edge of the flexible base and an outer lead of the plurality of first leads and has a width larger than that of the outer lead. The bonding member bonds the member to be bonded and the flexible base together. |
| US08101865B2 |
Printed wiring board and a method of production thereof
A printed wiring board has an insulating resin substrate having a first surface and a second surface, the insulating resin substrate having one or more penetrating-holes passing through the insulating resin substrate from the first surface to the second surface, a first conductor formed on the first surface of the insulating resin substrate, a second conductor formed on the second surface of the insulating resin substrate, and a through-hole conductor structure formed in the penetrating-hole of the insulating resin substrate and electrically connecting the first conductor and the second conductor. The penetrating-hole has a first portion having an opening on the first surface and a second portion having an opening on the second surface. The first portion and the second portion are connected such that the first portion and the second portion are set off from each other. |
| US08101851B2 |
Process for manufacturing a solar cell foil using a temporary substrate
The invention pertains to a process for manufacturing a solar cell foil comprising the steps of: providing an etchable temporary substrate applying a front electrode of a transparent conductive oxide (TCO) onto the temporary substrate applying a photovoltaic layer onto the TCO layer applying a back electrode layer applying a permanent carrier ensuring that the front electrode and the back electrode are electrically connected in an interconnect to establish a series connection, the front and the back electrode each being interrupted by front and back groove, respectively, at different sides of the interconnect in any one of the preceding steps providing an etch resist on the non-TCO side of the temporary substrate at least at the location of the interconnect, and at least not at the entire location of the front groove selectively removing the temporary substrate where it is not covered with etch resist. The process of the invention provides a cap of a protective material on the interconnect, leading to a solar cell foil with improved properties. |
| US08101847B2 |
Thermoelectric module
A thermoelectric module includes a first substrate, a second substrate having a second surface which is apart from and faces a first surface of the first substrate, a plurality of thermoelectric elements arranged on the first and the second surfaces, a plurality of electrodes on the first and second surfaces each electrically connected to at least one of the plurality of thermoelectric elements, and a ground electrode on at least the first surface. The plurality of electrodes on at least the first surface comprises a plurality of columns each of which comprises two or more electrodes aligned in a longitudinal direction, and the ground electrode is between two adjacent columns among the plurality of columns. |
| US08101846B1 |
Solid state thermoelectric power converter
High efficiency conversion of heat energy to electrical energy is achieved using a ring of metallic components and anodically sliced, reduced barriers, high purity n-type and p-type semiconductor wafers. Energy produced by heating one set of fins and cooling another set is extracted from a ring of bismuth telluride based n-type wafers and antimony telluride based p-type wafers using make-before-break control of MOSfet switch banks. Standard AC frequencies and DC output result from rectification of make-before-break high frequency switched very high currents in the ring and a DC to AC converter. Solar energy stored in porcelain fragments extends the time that solar energy can be used as the heat source for the thermoelectric generator device. |
| US08101845B2 |
Information processing apparatus, method, and program
The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, method, and program that are capable of analysing a waveform of a tune involving a modulation with a reduced operation amount. A beat feature extraction section 41 extracts a feature related to a beat from sections of a waveform of a tune involving a modulation, each of the sections corresponding to each beat. A beat feature removal section 42 removes a phase component from a frequency component of each feature extracted. An autocorrelation map generation section 43 generates, based on the features whose phase components have been removed, autocorrelation information representing correlation between one section and another section. This enables the waveform of the tune involving a modulation to be analyzed with a reduced operation amount. The present invention is applicable to an information processing apparatus. |
| US08101840B1 |
Ergonomic guitar strap
An ergonomic guitar strap which reduces the load on the shoulder, balances the weight of the guitar front-to-back, absorbs shock during play and isolates motion by the use of a cushioning pad that is constructed with a soft, flexible foam layer which conforms to a user's shoulder under the load of the guitar. Attached to the cushioning pad is an internal layer of elastic webbing which stretches over the cushioning pad. In use, under the load of a guitar, this elastic layer absorbs shock, transfers the load of the guitar over the area of the pad and further isolates the motion of the guitar and contributes to the stability of the support pad on the shoulder and the stability of the guitar as it is played. |
| US08101837B1 |
Maize variety inbred PHV9Z
A novel maize variety designated PHV9Z and seed, plants and plant parts thereof. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprise crossing maize variety PHV9Z with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PHV9Z through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. Hybrid maize seed, plant or plant part produced by crossing the variety PHV9Z or a locus conversion of PHV9Z with another maize variety. |
| US08101836B2 |
Tomato line PSQ23-2233
The invention provides seed and plants of tomato hybrid PS02326502 and the parent lines thereof. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of tomato hybrid PS02326502 and the parent lines thereof, and to methods for producing a tomato plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another tomato plant, such as a plant of another genotype. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of such plants, including the fruit and gametes of such plants. |
| US08101832B2 |
Soybean cultivar S080121
A soybean cultivar designated S080121 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar S080121, to the plants of soybean S080121, to plant parts of soybean cultivar S080121, and to methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing soybean cultivar S080121 with itself or with another soybean variety. The invention also relates to methods for producing a soybean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic soybean plants and plant parts produced by those methods. This invention also relates to soybean cultivars, or breeding cultivars, and plant parts derived from soybean variety S080121, to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar S080121, and to the soybean plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid soybean seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing the cultivar S080121 with another soybean cultivar. |
| US08101831B1 |
Soybean variety XB49H09
According to the invention, there is provided a novel soybean variety designated XB49H09. This invention thus relates to the seeds of soybean variety XB49H09, to the plants of soybean XB49H09 to plant parts of soybean variety XB49H09 and to methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing plants of the soybean variety XB49H09 with another soybean plant, using XB49H09 as either the male or the female parent. |
| US08101829B1 |
Soybean variety RJS35006
According to the invention, there is provided a novel soybean variety designated RJS35006. This invention thus relates to the seeds of soybean variety RJS35006, to the plants of soybean RJS35006 to plant parts of soybean variety RJS35006 and to methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing plants of the soybean variety RJS35006 with another soybean plant, using RJS35006 as either the male or the female parent. |
| US08101828B1 |
Soybean variety RJS09002
According to the invention, there is provided a novel soybean variety designated RJS09002. This invention thus relates to the seeds of soybean variety RJS09002, to the plants of soybean RJS09002 to plant parts of soybean variety RJS09002 and to methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing plants of the soybean variety RJS09002 with another soybean plant, using RJS09002 as either the male or the female parent. |
| US08101827B2 |
Inbred broccoli line BRM50-3906
Inbred broccoli lines, designated BRM50-3906 are disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of inbred broccoli lines BRM50-3906, to the plants of inbred broccoli lines BRM50-3906, and to methods for producing a broccoli plant produced by crossing the inbred line BRM50-3906 with itself or another broccoli line. The invention further relates to hybrid broccoli seeds and plants produced by crossing the inbred line BRM50-3906 with another broccoli line. |
| US08101824B2 |
Method of constructing transgenic ice plant
The present invention provides a method of transforming common ice plant by gene transfer using a microorganism belonging to the genus Agrobacterium and a method of producing a transformed common ice plant. The present invention also provides a stable transformed common ice plant. |
| US08101823B2 |
Method of controlling a cellular process in a multi-cellular organism
A method of controlling a genetically-modified multi-cellular organism or a part thereof, comprising the following steps: (a) providing a multi-cellular organism or a part thereof, whereby cells of said multi-cellular organism or said part contain a heterologous nucleic acid, (b) causing expression of a I protein from said heterologous nucleic acid in at least some of said cells, wherein said protein is capable of (i) leaving a cell and entering other cells of said multi-cellular organism or a part thereof, (ii) causing expression of said protein in cells containing said heterologous nucleic acid, and optionally (iii) controlling a cellular process of interest. |
| US08101821B2 |
Promotion of somatic embryogenesis in plants by Wuschel gene expression
The present invention relates to methods for promoting somatic embryogenesis from a tissue or organ of a plant, by overexpressing a Wuschel gene in said tissue or organ. In one embodiment, such overexpression can be used as a silent selectable marker for transgenic plants. In another embodiment, such expression can be used to confer apomixis to a plant. In another embodiment, such overexpression can be used to create haploid plants, which can be used to produce dihaploid plants. |
| US08101817B2 |
Type of lettuce and methods of production
The present invention relates to an iceberg lettuce having one or more romaine lettuce characteristics. The invention further relates to methods for producing iceberg lettuce varieties containing one or more romaine lettuce characteristics. |
| US08101809B2 |
Base oil composition comprising oligomerized olefins
Provided is a base oil, comprising one or more oligomerized olefins, wherein the base oil has: (d) a kinematic viscosity at 100° C. grater than 2.9 mm2/s; (e) a viscosity index from 25 to 90; and (f) a cloud point less than −55° C. Provided is a base oil made by oligomerizing propylene in an ionic liquid catalyst, where the base oil has a viscosity index from 25 to 90 and the base oil is colorless. Provided is a base oil made by oligomerizing an olefin feed comprising propylene in an acidic alkyl-pyridinium chloroaluminate ionic liquid, wherein the base oil has a viscosity index from 25 to 90, and a cloud point less than −55° C. |
| US08101804B2 |
Process for the synthesis of (E)-stilbene derivatives which makes it possible to obtain resveratrol and piceatannol
A subject-matter of the present invention is a novel process for the synthesis of (E)-stilbene derivatives targeted at obtaining in particular resveratrol and piceatannol. |
| US08101802B2 |
Allylic polysulfanes
Diallylic polysulfides (polysulfanes) are provided with sulfur chain lengths of 9 to 22. Also provided are bis(2-methyl-2-propenyl) polysulfides with sulfur chain lengths of 3 to 22. Also provided are 2-substituted bis(2-propenyl) polysulfides with sulfur chain lengths of 3 to 20. Also provided are the 2-cycloalken-1-yl polysulfides, 2-cyclohexen-1-yl polysulfides and 2-cyclopenten-1-yl polysulfides, with sulfur chain lengths of 3 to 20. Also provided are processes for extending the sulfur chain length of diallylic polysulfides and 2-substituted analogues thereof and allyl methyl polysulfides by bringing such compounds into contact with elemental sulfur and heating, or by mixing with molten sulfur. |
| US08101799B2 |
Derivatives of N-(arylamino) sulfonamides as inhibitors of MEK
This invention concerns N—(2-arylamino) aryl sulfonamides, which are inhibitors of MEK and are useful in treatment of cancer and other hyperproliferative diseases. |
| US08101797B2 |
Process for producing methionine
A process for producing methionine advantageously in view of cost, while efficiently recovering useful components, is provided including the following steps: (1) hydrolyzing 5-[2-(methylthio)ethyl]imidazolidine-2,4-dione in the presence of a basic potassium compound; (2) introducing carbon dioxide into the reaction solution obtained in the step (1) to thereby precipitate methionine, and separating the resulting slurry into a precipitate and a mother liquor; (3) concentrating the mother liquor obtained in the step (2), mixing the resulting concentrate with a lower alcohol, introducing carbon dioxide into the resulting mixture to thereby precipitate methionine and potassium hydrogencarbonate, and separating the resulting slurry into a precipitate and a mother liquor; and (4) concentrating the mother liquor obtained in the step (3), treating the resulting concentrate by heating at a temperature of from 150 to 200° C., and recycling the treated solution for use in step (2). |
| US08101796B2 |
Process for the production of acetic acid
Process for producing acetic acid by carbonylating methanol and/or a reactive derivative thereof with carbon monoxide in at least one carbonylation reaction zone containing a liquid reaction composition containing an iridium carbonylation catalyst, methyl iodide co-catalyst, a finite concentration of water, acetic acid, methyl acetate. Indium and rhenium are present as promoters. |
| US08101793B2 |
Retinoid derivatives with antiangiogenic, antitumoral and proapoptotic activities
Are described compounds of Formula (I) in which R, R′, R″, A, and D have the meanings described in the text, as useful agents in the cure of pathologies characterized by altered angiogenesis and as antitumorals. |
| US08101791B2 |
Aminotetralin compounds as mu opioid receptor antagonists
The invention provides aminotetralin compounds of formula (I): wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, n, and m are defined in the specification, or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof, that are antagonists at the mu opioid receptor. The invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds, methods of using such compounds to treat conditions associated with mu opioid receptor activity, and processes and intermediates useful for preparing such compounds. |
| US08101790B2 |
Process for improving adiponitrile quality
A process and apparatus for reacting deleterious impurities contained in adiponitrile (ADN) comprises feeding ADN and an ozone containing gas into a co-current plug flow reactor containing static mixer elements, to oxidize at least a portion of the impurities, thereby producing a reactor discharge, which is processed to produce an ozone-treated ADN product. |
| US08101783B1 |
Titanium-maltol compound and method of synthesizing the same
A novel compound showing anti-tumor properties was synthesized by reacting Cp2TiCl2 with maltol (3-hydroxy-2-methyl-4-pyrone) and a pH of 5.4, leading to a complete replacement of Cp and chloride ligands affording, Ti(maltolato)2(OH)2. The further crystallization of Ti(maltolato)2(OH)2 at pH of 8.4 leads to the formation of the novel anti-tumor compound [Ti4(maltolato)8(μ-O4)]. |
| US08101782B2 |
Compounds that inhibit cholinesterase
Compounds that inhibit cholinesterase activity and, upon hydrolysis release a pharmacologically active agent. The compounds of the invention are employed in methods to treat an individual. The pharmacologically active agent obtained by hydrolysis of the compound can treat, for example, a nervous system condition, a cholinergic deficiency and conditions or diseases associated with a deficiency in a pharmacologically active agent, such as acetylcholine. |
| US08101778B2 |
Five-membered heterocycles useful as serine protease inhibitors
The present invention provides a method for treating a thrombotic or an inflammatory disorder administering to a patient in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of at least one compound of Formula (I) or Formula (V): or a stereoisomer or pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate form thereof, wherein the variables A, L, Z, R3, R4, R6, R11, X1, X2, and X3 are as defined herein. The compounds of Formula (I) are useful as selective inhibitors of serine protease enzymes of the coagulation cascade and/or contact activation system; for example thrombin, factor Xa, factor XIa, factor IXa, factor VIIa and/or plasma kallikrein. In particular, it relates to compounds that are selective factor XIa inhibitors. This invention also provides compounds within the scope of Formula I and relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds. |
| US08101776B2 |
Organic semiconductors and their manufacture
The invention relates to a semiconductor device comprising a compound of the formula I and of the formula XXI, wherein the symbols have the meanings defined in the specification, to the novel compounds of the formula I and XXI and to the use of such a compound as an organic semiconductor for the preparation of an electronic device, and further compounds and devices, as well as other embodiments given in the specification. |
| US08101774B2 |
Ester derivatives and medicinal use thereof
The present invention relates to an ester represented by the formula [1]: or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or use of the same. The compound represented by the formula [1] or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt is useful as an agent for the treatment or prophylaxis of hyperlipidemia or the like, since it disappears very rapidly in the living body and has an excellent MTP inhibitory activity. |
| US08101773B2 |
Hydroxy methyl phenyl pyrazolyl urea compounds useful in the treatment of cancer
The compound 4-{4-[({3-tert-Butyl-1-[3-(hydroxymethyl)phenyl]-1H-pyrazol-5-yl}carbamoyl)amino]-3-fluorophenoxy}-N-methylpyridine-2-carboxamide and alternative forms thereof (e.g., salts, solvates, hydrates, prodrugs, polymorphs and metabolites); pharmaceutical compositions which contain them; and methods for treating cancer using them. |
| US08101769B2 |
Process for preparing ethyl (S)-2-ethoxy-4-[N-[1-(2-piperidinophenyl)-3-methyl-1-butyl]aminocarbonyl methyl]benzoate and use thereof for the preparation of Repaglinide
Described herein is an improved, commercially viable and industrially advantageous process for the preparation of Repaglinide intermediate, ethyl (S)-2-ethoxy-4-[N-(1-(2-piperidino-phenyl)-3-methyl-1-butyl)-aminocarbonylmethyl]-benzoate. The process provides the Repaglinide intermediate in higher yield and purity compared to the previously disclosed processes, thereby providing for production of Repaglinide and its pharmaceutically acceptable salts in high purity and in high yield. |
| US08101768B2 |
Cyclic amine compound and pest control agent
A chemical compound represented by the formula [I]: (wherein R1 represents a hydroxyl group or the like, m represents 0 or an integer of 1 to 5, R2 represents a halogen atom or the like, k represents 0 or an integer of 1 to 4, R3, R31, R4, R41, R5, R51, R6, R61, and R7 each independently represents a hydrogen atom or the like, X represents an oxygen atom or the like, and n represents 1), a salt, an N-oxide of the chemical compound represented by formula [I], and a pest control agent containing the formula [I] as its active constituent. |
| US08101767B2 |
Modulators of ATP-binding cassette transporters
The present invention relates to modulators of ATP-Binding Cassette (“ABC”) transporters or fragments thereof, including Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator, compositions thereof, and methods therewith. The present invention also relates to methods of treating ABC transporter mediated diseases using such modulators. |
| US08101764B2 |
MCH receptor antagonists
The present invention relates to a melanin concentrating hormone antagonist compound of formula (I): wherein R1, Ra, Rb, R2, L1, R3, R4 and R5 are as defined, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, enantiomer, diastereomer or mixture of diasteromers thereof useful in the treatment, obesity and related diseases. |
| US08101760B2 |
Glucocorticoid receptor modulator and methods of use
The present invention provides Compound (I): Compound (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; pharmaceutical compositions comprising Compound (I) in combination with one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers, excipients, or diluents; and methods for the treatment of inflammatory and immune disorders comprising administering to a patient in need thereof an effective amount of Compound (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. |
| US08101758B2 |
Stereoselective process and crystalline forms of a camptothecin
A stereoselective process for preparing 7-[(E)-t-butyloxyiminomethyl]-camptothecin (also known as gimatecan) is herein disclosed. With the addition of further dissolution and precipitation steps carried out in appropriate different solvent mixtures, four new crystalline forms of gimatecan are also obtainable by using the same stereoselective process. |
| US08101752B2 |
Process for preparing 4-[(1,6-dihydro-6-oxo-2-pyrimidinyl)amino]benzonitrile
This invention relates to a process for preparing 4-[(1,6-dihydro-6-oxo-2-pyrimidinyl)-amino]benzonitrile (I) starting from a 4-oxo-1,6-dihydro-pyrimidinylcarboxylic acid ester (II) or starting from a guanidine derivative which is reacted with an alkoxy-methylene malonic acid ester to an ester (II) which is converted to (I), which reaction sequence may be a one-pot procedure. |
| US08101750B2 |
Process for the manufacturing of the compound 2-hydroxy-3-[5-(morpholin-4-ylmethyl)pyridin-2-yl]1H-indole-5-carbonitrile 701
The present invention relates to a new process for the manufacture of the compound 2-hydroxy-3-[5-(morpholin-4-ylmethyl)pyridin-2-yl]1H-indole-5-carbonitrile as a free base and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, particularly the 2-hydroxy-3-[5-(morpholin-4-ylmethyl)pyridin-2-yl]1H-indole-5-carbonitrile citrate, and to new intermediates prepared in said process suitable for large scale manufacturing of said compound. |
| US08101749B2 |
Process for the preparation of onium salts with a tetrafluoroborate anion having a reduced halide content
The invention relates to a method for producing onium salts with tetrafluoroborate anion by reacting an onium halide with an oxonium tetrafluoroborate, sulfonium tetrafluoroborate, or triphenylcarbonium tetrafluoroborate. |
| US08101746B2 |
Granular sucralose, and method of making it
Granular sucralose-containing particles are produced by the methods of the invention, which involve coating sucralose from solution to form granules with this coated sucralose on an outer region thereof. The granules may incorporate agglomerated sucralose particles, with the solution-coated sucralose adding mass and generally resulting in a granule having a relatively smoothed and rounded. The granules have good flow properties, are low dusting, and resist caking. Methods of making the granules involve spraying an aqueous sucralose solution onto a fluidized bed of sucralose particles, followed by drying to form the granules. |
| US08101745B2 |
Lung-targeted drugs
Methods and compositions are provided for treating lung diseases, including but not limited to infections and small cell and non-small cell lung cancer, by conjugating a drug of interest to glycerol ethers or glycerol phosphate ethers. |
| US08101743B2 |
Modulation of transthyretin expression
Compounds, compositions and methods are provided for modulating the expression of transthyretin. The compositions comprise oligonucleotides, targeted to nucleic acid encoding transthyretin. Methods of using these compounds for modulation of transthyretin expression and for diagnosis and treatment of diseases and conditions associated with expression of transthyretin are provided. |
| US08101739B2 |
Recombinant expression vectors comprising a human codon-optimized marburg virus (MARV) angola glycoprotein gene insert and method of immunization employing said vector
The invention is related to a nucleic acid molecule comprising a polynucleotide encoding a modified filovirus glycoprotein (GP) having at least one amino acid change located in a relatively conserved region of said GP that decreases in vitro cytotoxicity and retains immunogenicity when compared to in vitro cytotoxicity and immunogenicity of a wild type filovirus GP, and related modified filovirus GPs, plasmid DNAs, recombinant viruses, adenoviruses, pharmaceutical compositions, vaccine compositions, antibodies that are specifically reactive with the modified filovirus GPs, and related methods of making and using the same. |
| US08101738B2 |
ABFB-2 gene from Penicillium funiculosum
The invention relates to the abfB-2 gene of Penicillium funiculosum that codes for a type B α-L-arabinofuranosidase and has a cellulose binding domain. The enzyme α-L-arabinofuranosidase can be incorporated in nutritional additives or in foods for animals for which it improves the digestibility and thus the nutritional value. |
| US08101731B2 |
Yellow anionic disazo dyes
The present invention relates to novel yellow anionic dyes, a process for their preparation, certain novel intermediates necessary for their preparation and the use of these dyes for dyeing natural or synthetic materials, in particular, paper. The dyes are of formula (14), (15) or (16) in which R1 represents hydrogen, C1-C4alkyl, C1-C4alkoxy or SO3H, R2 represents SO3H or CO2H, R3 represents hydrogen, C1-C4alkyl, halogen, hydroxy, C1-C4alkoxy, carboxy, NH2 or NHC1-C4alkyl, R3a represents hydrogen or NH2 and A1 and A2, independently of the other, is selected from the group consisting of an acetoacetylated amine, a derivative of barbituric acid, a 2,4,6-triaminopyrimidine derivative, a pyridone derivative, an aminopyrazole or a pyrazolone derivative and a benzoic acid derivative, or A1 and A2, each one independently of the other, represent a certain phenol residue. |
| US08101725B2 |
Monoclonal antibodies to basic fibroblast growth factor
The present invention is directed toward a neutralizing monoclonal antibody to basic fibroblast growth factor, a pharmaceutical composition comprising same, and methods of treatment comprising administering such a pharmaceutical composition to a patient. |
| US08101724B2 |
High-affinity human antibodies to human protease-activated receptor-2
The present invention provides antibodies that bind to protease-activated receptor-2 (PAR-2) and methods of using same. According to certain embodiments of the invention, the antibodies are fully human antibodies that bind to human PAR-2. The antibodies of the invention are useful for the treatment of diseases and disorders associated with one or more PAR-2 biological activities, including the treatment of pain conditions, inflammatory conditions and gastrointestinal conditions. |
| US08101722B2 |
Less immunogenic binding molecules
The present invention provides a bispecific binding molecule, wherein said molecule comprises or consists of at least two domains whereby one of said at least two domains specifically binds to/interacts with the human CD3 complex and said domain comprises an amino acid sequence of an antibody derived light chain, wherein said amino acid sequence is a particularly identified amino acid sequence comprising specific amino acid substitutions, and a second domain is or contains at least one further antigen-interaction-site and/or at least one further effector domain. The invention further provides nucleic acid molecules encoding the bispecific binding molecules of the invention, vectors comprising said nucleic acid molecules and host cells transformed or transfected with said vectors. Moreover, the invention concerns a method for the production of bispecific binding molecules of the invention and compositions comprising the bispecific binding molecules of the invention, the nucleic acid molecules of the invention or the host cells of the invention. |
| US08101720B2 |
Immunoglobulin insertions, deletions and substitutions
An Fc variant of a parent Fc polypeptide, wherein said Fc variant exhibits altered binding to one or more FcγRs, wherein said Fc variant comprises at least one amino acid insertion in the Fc region of said parent Fc polypeptide. |
| US08101719B2 |
Humanized anti-CD47 antibody
The present invention relates to humanized antibodies binding to CD47; diabodies binding to human CD47, characterized in that a disulfide bond exists between diabody-forming fragments; genes encoding any one of said antibodies; vectors containing said genes; host cells containing said vectors; processes for preparing antibodies comprising the step of culturing said host cells; and therapeutic agents for hematological disorders comprising said antibodies. |
| US08101718B2 |
Methods of administering porcine B-domainless fVIII
The present invention provides a method of administering porcine B-domainless factor VIII (OBI-1) to a patient having factor VIII deficiency to provide more rapid and effective protection against bleeding episodes, compared to formerly available methods, or to provide more effective protection to such patients during non-bleeding periods. This invention is based on the discovery that the recombinant B-domainless porcine fVIII, termed OBI-1, has greater bioavailability compared to the natural porcine fVIII partially purified from porcine plasma, termed HYATE:C. Therefore, the inventive method employs lower unit doses of OBI-1, including, alternatively, omission of antibody-neutralizing dosage, or has longer intervals between the administration, compared to HYATE:C, to provide equivalent protection in patients having fVIII deficiency. The invention further provides pharmaceutical compositions and kits containing OBI-1 in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, that are useful for treating patients in need of fVIII more effectively. |
| US08101717B2 |
Use of tropoelastin for repair or restoration of tissue
The present invention relates to tropoelastin and to tissue repair and restoration using elastic materials. Disclosed is a process for producing an elastic material from tropoelastin including heating a solution of tropoelastin having an alkaline pH to form an elastic material from the tropoelastin in the solution. Also disclosed are elastic materials prepared according to this process and their applications. |
| US08101714B2 |
Teleost derived antimicrobial polypeptides
The invention is directed to an isolated polypeptide which (a) is obtainable from a teleost; (b) has antimicrobial activity; (c) binds to oligoguanosine and/or CpG (SEQ ID NO:7); (d) comprises 58 strongly basic amino acids selected from the group consisting of K and R; (e) comprises 50 hydrophobic amino acids selected from the group consisting of A, I, L, F, W and V; (f) comprises 50 polar amino acids selected from the group consisting of N, C, Q, S, T and Y and (g) contains 11 lysine-rich motifs and antimicrobial fragments thereof as well as methods for preparing said polypeptides, compositions and libraries comprising said polypeptide(s) and uses of said polypeptide(s), particularly in treating microbial infections. The invention is further directed to a nucleic acid(s) encoding said polypeptide, microarrays comprising said nucleic acid(s) and uses for said nucleic acid(s). Furthermore, the invention is directed to an antibody which birds to the polypeptide of the present invention and uses for said antibodies. |
| US08101713B2 |
Prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment
The present invention relates to novel antibodies and their use for detecting, imaging, staging, treating and monitoring of prostate cancer, and/or metastasis thereof. The present invention also relates to novel pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment of prostate cancer. Furthermore the present invention relates to assay systems and kits for detecting, imaging, staging, treating and monitoring of prostate cancer, and/or metastasis thereof. |
| US08101712B2 |
Purification processes for echinocandin-type compounds
The present invention provides a method of preparing and purifying echinocandin-type compounds, such as pneumocandin Bo, WF 11899A, and echinocandin B. These compounds are fermentation products that are used to prepare semi-synthetic products such as the antifungal products Caspofungin, Mycafungin, and Anidulafungin. |
| US08101708B2 |
Solvent resistant polymers
What is disclosed relates to polymers that resist dissolution in organic solvents, are vasodilators, and are tunable explosives. These polymers also form solvent resistant coatings and solvent resistant fibers as well as bonding materials. |
| US08101706B2 |
Multifunctional forms of polyoxazoline copolymers and drug compositions comprising the same
The present disclosure provides copolymers of 2-substituted-2-oxazolines possessing two or three reactive functional groups which are also chemically orthogonal. The copolymers described may be random copolymers, block copolymers or a mixture of random and block copolymer configurations. Furthermore, the present disclosure provides novel methods for synthesizing the above polymers and for conjugating to molecules such as targeting, diagnostic and therapeutic agents. |
| US08101705B2 |
Polyester compositions containing cyclobutanediol having a certain combination of inherent viscosity and moderate glass transition temperature and articles made therefrom
Described are articles, comprising polyester based composition, comprising dicarboxylic acid component as terephthalic acid residues and optionally, aromatic dicarboxylic acid residues or aliphatic dicarboxylic acid residues and glycol component, comprising 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol residues and cyclohexanedimethanol residues. The polyester composition has the inherent viscosity from 0.60 to 0.75 dL/g as determined in 60/40 (wt/wt) phenol/tetrachloroethane at a concentration of 0.5 g/100 ml at 25° C., glass transition temperature Tg of 100° C. to 130° C., notched Izod impact strength of at least 7.5 ft-lb/inch at 23° C. according to ASTM D256 with a 10-mil notch in a ⅛-inch thick bar, melt viscosity is less than 10,000 poise as measured at 1 radian/second on a rotary melt rheometer at 290° C. and does not contain polycarbonate. Composition can be manufactured into articles as fibers, films, bottles or sheets. |
| US08101704B2 |
Continuous polymer-analogous reaction of reactive silane monomers with functionalized polymers
Functional polymers having silyl end groups are prepared in a continuous process by polymer analogous reaction of a reactive polymer and inter-reactive silane. The polymer products are surprisingly uniform in properties and exhibit higher physicochemical properties as well. |
| US08101703B2 |
Precursor solution for polyimide/silica composite material, its manufacture method, and polyimide/silica composite material having low volume shrinkage
A process for preparing a precursor solution for polyimide/silica composite material and a process for forming a polyimide/silica composite material film on a substrate, including adding a monomer of a silane compound to allow a poly(amic acid) to carry a silica moiety; adding a monomer of formula (R6)xSi(R7)4-x to allow the silica moiety to carry a photo-polymerizable unsaturated group; adding a monomer of formula R8N(R9)2 to allow the poly(amic acid) to carry a photo-polymerizable unsaturated group, where R6, R7, R8, R9 and x are as defined in the specification. Also, a precursor solution for polyimide/silica composite material and a polyimide/silica composite material. The composite material is useful in microelectronic devices, semiconductor elements, and photoelectric elements. |
| US08101699B2 |
Electron-transporting polymers
The invention relates to polymers useful in optoelectronic devices and comprising structural unit of formula I: wherein R1 and R2 are independently at each occurrence, hydrogen, a C1-C20 aliphatic radical, a C3-C20 aromatic radical, or a C3-C20 cycloaliphatic radical; R3 is H or alkyl; a and b are, independently at each occurrence 0, or an integer ranging from 1 to 3; and Ar is a direct bond or aryl. |
| US08101697B2 |
Multi-functionalized high-trans elastomeric polymers
A method for preparing multi-functional high-trans elastomeric polymers that have various applications such as in vulcanizable rubber compositions, moisture curable resin compositions, as well as other areas. |
| US08101691B2 |
Systems and methods for fabricating polymers
Disclosed herein are various methods and systems for gas and liquid phase polymer production. In certain embodiments, the methods comprise manipulating properties of polymers produced by adjusting the hydrogen feed rate. |
| US08101688B2 |
Polylactic acid fiber yarn package, and textile products
Polylactic acid fibers excellent in wearing resistance and in the ability to smoothly pass through processing steps. The polylactic acid fibers contain a fatty acid bisamide and/or an alkyl-substituted fatty acid monoamide in an amount of 0.1 to 5 wt. % based on the whole fibers. |
| US08101685B2 |
Thermoplastic elastomer polyolefin in-reactor blends and molded articles therefrom
This invention relates to an in-reactor polymer blend comprising: (a) a first ethylene-containing polymer having a density of greater than 0.90 g/cm3 and a Mw of more than 20,000 g/mol and (b) a second ethylene-containing polymer having a density of less than 0.90 g/cm3, wherein the polymer blend has a Tm of at least 90° C. (DSC second melt), a density of less than 0.92 g/cm3, and the densities of the first and second polymers differ by at least 1%. Specifically this invention relates to an in-reactor polymer blend comprising: (a) a first ethylene polymer comprising 90 to 100 wt % ethylene and from 0 to less than 10 wt % comonomer, said first ethylene polymer component having density of greater than 0.920 g/cm3, an Mw of 20,000 g/mol or more; and (b) a second ethylene polymer comprising from 70 to 90 wt % ethylene and 30 to 10 wt % comonomer, said second ethylene polymer having a density of 0.910 g/cm3 or less, wherein the polymer blend has: (a) a Tm of at least 100° C. over a density ranging from 0.84 to 0.92 g/cm3; (b) a elongation at break of 300% or more; (c) a strain hardening index M300/M100 of at least 1.2; (d) a ratio of complex viscosity at 0.01 rad/s to the viscosity at 100 rad/s is of at least 30; and (e) a shear thinning slope of the plot of log(dynamic viscosity) versus log(frequency) less than −0.2. |
| US08101684B2 |
Thermoplastic resin composition for sealing solar cell, sheet for sealing solar cell and solar cell
A material which is excellent in mechanical strength, solar cell sealing properties, transparency, etc., even in an uncrosslinked state and is used in producing a sheet for solar cell sealing. The thermoplastic resin composition for solar cell sealing comprises (A) 0-70 wt. % propylene polymer having a melting point of 100° C. or higher and (B) 30-100 wt. % propylene copolymer satisfying the following requirements (b). (b) The copolymer has an MFR (230° C., 2.16-kg load) in the range of 0.01-100 g/10 min and satisfies at least one of the following requirements (b-1) and (b-2): (b-1) the rr content is 60% or higher; and (b-2) the copolymer comprises 55-90 mol % structural units derived from propylene and 10-45 mol % structural units derived from a C2-20 α-olefin (excluding propylene) and has an intrinsic viscosity [η] (dL/g) (measured in 135° C. decalin) satisfying a specific relationship with the MFR. |
| US08101680B1 |
Methods of preparing polymer nanocomposites
Methods of forming nanocomposites comprising a polymer and metal nanoparticles are disclosed. The nanoparticles are disposed within a matrix of the polymer. In particular, the nanoparticles are formed in situ in an extruder. The methods comprise providing a reaction mixture comprising a polymer, a metal precursor, and a solvent and extruding the reaction mixture to form a polymer nanocomposite. The methods overcome nanoparticle dispersion issues arising from melt blending processes. |
| US08101675B2 |
Comminutable polyesters
A process is disclosed for producing a polyester in powder form, which process comprises: (a) rendering a polyester comminutable by (i) chemical pre-treatment of the polyester, or (ii) irradiating the polyester; and (b) comminuting the polyester produced in step (a) to form a powder. |
| US08101667B2 |
Pesticidal treatment of stored goods, enclosures, structures and works of art, with sulphur compounds
The present invention is directed to the pesticidal treatment of stored foodstuffs, chambers, structures and works of art, using a volatile sulphur compound of general formula: in which R represents an alkyl or alkenyl radical containing from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, n is equal to 0, 1 or 2, x is a number ranging from 0 to 4, and R′ represents an alkyl or alkenyl radical containing from 1 to 4 carbon atoms or, only if n=x=0, a hydrogen atom. These sulphur compounds (in particular dimethyl disulphide) are applied by nebulization directly to the material to be treated. |
| US08101666B2 |
Methods and compounds for detection of medical disorders
The invention provides methods for detection of medical disorders, associated with cellular oxidative stress, cell degeneration and/or cell death. The invention further relates to compounds comprising a thiol (—SH) group, for detecting cells undergoing oxidative stress, degeneration and/or a death process. The invention further provides methods for utilizing the compounds in medical practice, for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. |
| US08101665B2 |
Process for synthesis of tritiated and deuterated thiorphan and acetorphan
Methods for preparing tritium or deuterium labeled thiorphan comprising reacting a compound of formula j wherein m is from 1 to 5 and X is halo, with Z2 wherein Z is tritium or deuterium, in the presence of a catalyst, to form a compound of formula k wherein n is from 1 to 5, provided that n is less than or equal to m. |
| US08101663B2 |
Polymorphs of suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid
The present invention provides methods of selectively inducing terminal differentiation, cell growth arrest and/or apoptosis of neoplastic cells, and/or inhibiting histone deacetylase (HDAC) by administration of pharmaceutical compositions comprising potent HDAC inhibitors. The oral bioavailability of the active compounds in the pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention is surprisingly high. Moreover, the pharmaceutical compositions unexpectedly give rise to high, therapeutically effective blood levels of the active compounds over an extended period of time. The present invention further provides a safe, daily dosing regimen of these pharmaceutical compositions, which is easy to follow, and which results in a therapeutically effective amount of the HDAC inhibitors in vivo. The present invention also provides a novel Form I polymorph of SAHA, characterized by a unique X-ray diffraction pattern and Differential Scanning Calorimetry profile, as well a unique crystalline structure. |
| US08101659B2 |
Methods of treatment and pharmaceutical composition
The invention relates a pharmaceutical composition comprising a combination of: (i) the AT 1-antagonist valsartan or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; and (ii) a NEP inhibitor or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and optionally a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and to a method for the treatment or prevention of a condition or disease selected from the group consisting of hypertension, heart failure, such as (acute and chronic) congestive heart failure, left ventricular dysfunction and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, diabetic cardiac myopathy, supraventricular and ventricular arrhythmias, atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, detrimental vascular remodeling, myocardial infarction and its sequelae, atherosclerosis, angina (whether unstable or stable), renal insufficiency (diabetic and non-diabetic), heart failure, angina pectoris, diabetes, secondary aldosteronism, primary and secondary pulmonary hypertension, renal failure conditions, such as diabetic nephropathy, glomerulonephritis, scleroderma, glomerular sclerosis, proteinuria of primary renal disease, and also renal vascular hypertension, diabetic retinopathy, the management of other vascular disorders, such as migraine, peripheral vascular disease, Raynaud's disease, luminal hyperplasia, cognitive dysfunction, such as Alzheimer's, glaucoma and stroke, comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of the pharmaceutical composition to a mammal in need thereof. |
| US08101657B2 |
Plant disease and insect damage control composition and plant disease and insect damage prevention method
The invention provides a plant disease and insect damage control composition including, as active ingredients, dinotefuran and at least one fungicidal compound; and a plant disease and insect damage prevention method that includes applying such a composition to a plant body, soil, plant seed, stored cereal, stored legume, stored fruit, stored vegetable, silage, stored flowering plant, or export/import timber. The invention provides a new plant disease and insect damage control composition and a plant disease and insect damage prevention method with very low toxicity to mammals and fishes, the composition and method showing an effect against plural pathogens and pest insects, including emerging resistant pathogens and resistant pest insect, by application to a plant body, soil, plant seed, stored cereal, stored legume, stored fruit, stored vegetable, silage, stored flowering plant, or export/import timber. |
| US08101655B2 |
Fluorescent dyes and complexes
A fluorescent dye comprising a xanthene-derived fluorophore having the formula (I) wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5 and R6 are independently selected from H, alkyl, alkoxy, alcohol, ether, alkenyl, alkenoxy, aryl, aralkyl and amido, except that R1, R4 and/or R5 is not H when bonded to Y, Y1 or Y2, respectively; X is either O− or S−; and at least one of Y, Y1, Y2, Y3, Y4 and Y5 is a group for covalently bonding the dye, optionally through, the use of a coupling agent, to a target molecule, and is otherwise H. The dye may be covalently attached to a target molecule to form a complex, and the dye and/or complex finds use in cell analysis techniques, particularly pH measurement and analysis of kinetics of migration. |
| US08101654B2 |
Percutaneously absorptive ophthalmic preparation comprising olopatadine
The present invention provides a percutaneously absorptive preparation for preventing or treating allergic eye disease, which comprises olopatadine or a salt thereof as an active ingredient. In addition, the present invention provides a method for preventing or treating allergic eye disease, which comprises applying a percutaneously absorptive preparation comprising olopatadine or a salt thereof to the skin surface including the skin surface of an eyelid, thereby casing transfer of a therapeutically effective amount of olopatadine or a salt thereof from the preparation to an anterior ocular segment through the skin of the eyelid rather than a systemic blood flow. The present preparation can exert a pharmacological effect over a prolonged period by a single application, as compared to conventional preparations such as eye drops. |
| US08101653B2 |
Therapeutic compositions
Compositions comprising ketone bodies and/or their metabolic precursors are provided that are suitable for administration to humans and animals and which have the properties of, inter alia, (i) increasing cardiac efficiency, particularly efficiency in use of glucose, (ii) for providing energy source, particularly in diabetes and insulin resistant states and (iii) treating disorders caused by damage to brain cells, particularly by retarding or preventing brain damage in memory associated brain areas such as found in Alzheimer's and similar conditions.These compositions may be taken as nutritional aids, for example for athletes, or for the treatment of medical conditions, particularly those associated with poor cardiac efficiency, insulin resistance and neuronal damage. The invention further provides methods of treatment and novel esters and polymers for inclusion in the compositions of the invention. |
| US08101651B2 |
Compounds with activity at estrogen receptors
Disclosed herein are compounds of Formula I as disclosed herein, methods of modulating the activity of an estrogen receptor and methods of treating a disorder associated with estrogen receptors. |
| US08101649B2 |
N-acylhydrazone derivatives useful as modulators of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors
This invention relates to N-acylhydrazone derivatives, which are found to be useful as modulators of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. Due to their pharmacological profile the compounds of the invention may be useful for the treatment of diseases or disorders as diverse as those related to the cholinergic system of the central nervous system (CNS), the peripheral nervous system (PNS), diseases or disorders related to smooth muscle contraction, endocrine diseases or disorders, diseases or disorders related to neuro-degeneration, diseases or disorders related to inflammation, pain, and withdrawal symptoms caused by the termination of abuse of chemical substances. |
| US08101648B2 |
Hydroxybenzamide derivatives and their use as inhibitors of HSP90
The invention provides compounds of the formula (I): or salts, tautomers, solvates and N-oxides thereof; wherein R1 is hydrogen; R2 is hydroxy or methoxy; R3 is selected from hydrogen; halogen; cyano; optionally substituted C1-5 hydrocarbyl and optionally substituted C1-5 hydrocarbyloxy; R4 is selected from hydrogen; a group —(O)n—R7 where n is 0 or 1 and R7 is an optionally substituted acyclic C1-5 hydrocarbyl group or a monocyclic carbocyclic or heterocyclic group having 3 to 7 ring members; halogen; cyano; hydroxy; amino; and optionally substituted mono- or di-C1-5 hydrocarbyl-amino; or R3 and R4 together form a monocyclic carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring of 5 to 7 ring members; and NR5R6 forms an optionally substituted bicyclic heterocyclic group having 8 to 12 ring members of which up to 5 ring members are heteroatoms selected from oxygen, nitrogen and sulphur. The compounds have activity as Hsp90 inhibitors. |
| US08101646B2 |
Amorphous form of an L-arginine salt of perindopril and processes for preparation thereof
In illustrative embodiments, there is provided an amorphous form of L-arginine salt of perindopril which may be particularly suitable for pharmaceutical applications, and processes for preparing said form. |
| US08101641B2 |
Hydroxylated 1,2,4-oxadiazole benzoic acid compounds and compositions thereof
Novel hydroxylated 1,2,4-oxadiazole benzoic acid compounds, methods of using and pharmaceutical compositions comprising a hydroxylated 1,2,4-oxadiazole benzoic acid derivative are disclosed. The methods include methods of treating or preventing a disease ameliorated by modulation of premature translation termination or nonsense-mediated mRNA decay, or ameliorating one or more symptoms associated therewith. |
| US08101637B2 |
Alkynyl derivatives as modulators of metatropic glutamate receptors
The present invention relates to novel compounds of formula (I) wherein W, n, X and W′ are defined in the description; invention compounds are modulators of metabotropic glutamate receptors-subtype 5 (“mGluR5”) which are useful for the treatment of central nervous system disorders as well as other disorders modulated by mGluR5 receptors. |
| US08101628B2 |
Imidazolidinonyl aminopyrimidine compounds for the treatment of cancer
The present invention provides novel imidazolidinonyl aminopyrimidine compounds believed to have clinical use for treatment of cancer through inhibiting Plk1. wherein: R1 hydrogen, hydroxy, halo, methyl, C1-C2 alkoxy, amino, or methylamino; R2 is hydrogen, halo, or cyano; R3 is hydrogen or halo; R4 is hydrogen, halo, or methyl; provided that at least two of R1, R2, R3, and R4 are hydrogen; R5 is hydrogen, halo, or methyl; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. |
| US08101617B2 |
Disubstituted ureas and uses thereof in treating heart failure
Certain substituted urea derivatives selectively modulate the cardiac sarcomere, for example by potentiating cardiac myosin, and are useful in the treatment of systolic heart failure including congestive heart failure. |
| US08101615B2 |
1,4-diaryl-dihydropyrimidin-2-ones and their use as human neutrophil elastase inhibitors
The invention relates to novel heterocyclic derivatives of the general formula (I), processes for their preparation, and their use in medicaments, especially for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, acute coronary syndrome, acute myocardial infarction and heart failure development. |
| US08101605B2 |
SHIP1 modulators and methods related thereto
Compounds of structure (I): including stereoisomers and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein X, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6 and R7 are as defined herein. Such compounds have activity as SHIP1 modulators, and thus may be used to treat any of a variety of diseases, disorders or conditions that would benefit from SHIP1 modulation. Compositions comprising a compound of structure (I) in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent are also disclosed, as are methods of SHIP1 modulation by administration of such compounds to an animal in need thereof. |
| US08101600B2 |
Method of treating depression
Methods for treatment of depression-related mood disorders in mammals, particularly humans are disclosed. The methods of the invention include administration of compounds capable of enhancing glutamate transporter activity in the brain of mammals suffering from depression. ATP-sensitive K+ channel openers and β-lactam antibiotics are used to enhance glutamate transport and to treat depression-related mood disorders and depressive symptoms. |
| US08101591B2 |
9-aminoacyl tetracycline compounds and methods of use thereof
A compound of formula (I): |
| US08101588B2 |
Haloaryl substituted aminopurines, compositions thereof, and methods of treatment therewith
Provided herein are Aminopurine Compounds having the following structure: wherein R1, R2 and R3 are as defined herein, compositions comprising an effective amount of an Aminopurine Compound and methods for treating or preventing cancer, a cardiovascular disease, a renal disease, an autoimmune condition, an inflammatory condition, macular degeneration, ischemia-reperfusion injury, pain and related syndromes, disease-related wasting, an asbestos-related condition, pulmonary hypertension or a condition treatable or preventable by inhibition of the JNK pathway comprising administering an effective amount of an Aminopurine Compound to a patient in need thereof. |
| US08101586B2 |
Methods and compositions for the treatment of sterile inflammation
Described are methods and compositions that inhibit IL-1 signalling for the treatment of acute inflammatory response to cell necrosis, and the attendant collateral tissue damage. |
| US08101585B2 |
Compositions and methods for the modulation of JNK proteins
The invention provides compositions and methods for the treatment and diagnosis of diseases or disorders amenable to treatment through modulation of expression of a gene encoding a Jun N-terminal kinase 1 (JNK1 protein. |
| US08101582B2 |
Topical ophthalmic compositions containing tobramycin and dexamethasone
Ophthalmic pharmaceutical compositions containing tobramycin, dexamethasone and deacetylated xanthan gum are described. The compositions provide longer ocular retention for enhanced ocular bioavailability of tobramycin and dexamethasone. In a preferred embodiment, the compositions also provide for improved suspension of dexamethasone. The concentration of ionizable species in the compositions is controlled so as to prevent precipitation of the xanthan gum as a result of ionic interactions between tobramycin and xanthan gum, while allowing for a restoration of viscosity upon topical application of the compositions to the eye. The use of deacetylated xanthan gum is disclosed, so as to avoid formulation instability caused by pH drift during storage. |
| US08101581B2 |
Use of D-ribose to treat cardiac arrhythmias
D-ribose, given in doses of five to 15 grams daily, reduces or prevents the occurrence of atrial fibrillation in persons experiencing atrial fibrillation. |
| US08101580B2 |
Therapeutic agent for irritable bowel syndrome
It was shown that bombesin 2 (BB2) receptor antagonists typified by RC-3095 are therapeutic agents for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and show excellent efficacy in treating both an abdominal symptom and bowel movement disorder. Thus, the present invention provides a therapeutic agent for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) which comprises, as an active ingredient, a bombesin 2 (BB2) receptor antagonist as well as a method for treating IBS. |
| US08101578B2 |
Amyloid [β] Beta fibrillogenesis-inhibiting peptide
The present invention provides a peptide which functions as a mimic peptide of an amyloid β peptide and is capable of inhibiting the fibrillogenesis of an amyloid β peptide. The present invention relates to: an 8- to 30-amino acid residue peptide comprising an amino acid sequence represented by the following formula (I): X1-Asp-X2-X3-X4-Pro-X5-X6 (SEQ ID NO: 28) (I) wherein X1 represents a branched chain amino acid, and X2, X3, X4, X5, and X6 are the same or different and each represents an α-amino acid; a 9- to 30-amino acid residue peptide comprising an amino acid sequence represented by the following formula (III): Z1-X13-Gly-X14-X15-Pro-Trp-Met-Z2 (SEQ ID NO: 31) (III) wherein X13, X14, and X15 are the same or different and each represents an α-amino acid, Z1 and Z2 are the same or different and each represents cysteine or serine, and when Z1 and Z2 represent cysteine, they may be crosslinked; and a pharmaceutical composition and an amyloid β fibrillogenesis inhibitor comprising the peptide. |
| US08101574B2 |
Oligopeptides and compositions containing the oligopeptides
Oligopeptides according to formula (I) and/or (II), R1-Tyr-Pro-Trp-Phe-NH2 (I); R1-Tyr-Pro-Phe-Phe-NH2 (II), wherein R1 is linked to the NH2-group of the amino-terminal part of Tyr and is selected from the group consisting of —H; a linear saturated or unsaturated or branched saturated or unsaturated acyl group having 1 to 24 carbon atoms, which may be functionalized by a —OH, —SH, —COOH or —CONH2 group; a sterol or a sphingolipid group which is linked to the amino terminal part of Tyr via a bifunctional linker are disclosed. Cosmetic compositions containing the oligopeptides are also disclosed. |
| US08101568B2 |
Peptides for inhibiting insects
The subject invention pertains to the use of peptide fragments of cadherins (including cadherin-like proteins). The subject invention includes a cell (and use thereof) comprising a polynucleotide that expresses the peptide fragment. The subject invention includes methods of feeding the peptides to insects. In preferred embodiments, the peptides are fed to target insects together with one or more insecticidal proteins, preferably (but not limited to) B.t. Cry proteins. When used in this manner, the peptide fragment can not only enhance the apparent toxin activity of the Cry protein against the insect species that was the source of the receptor but also against other insect species. Preferably, the cadherin is a Bacillus thuringiensis (B.t.) insecticidal crystal protein (Cry) toxin receptor. Preferably, the peptide fragment is a binding domain of the receptor. In some preferred embodiments, the peptide is the binding domain nearest to the membrane proximal ectodomain. Corresponding domains are identifiable in a variety of B.t. toxin receptors. |
| US08101565B2 |
Sustained release of Apo A-I mimetic peptides and methods of treatment
A method including advancing a delivery device through a lumen of a blood vessel to a particular region in the blood vessel; and introducing a composition including a sustained-release carrier and an apolipoprotein A-I (apo A-I) synthetic mimetic peptide into a wall of the blood vessel at the particular region or a perivascular site, wherein the peptide has a property that renders the peptide effective in reverse cholesterol transport. A composition including an apolipoprotein A-I (apo A-I) synthetic peptide, or combination of an apo A-I synthetic mimetic peptide and an Acyl CoA cholesterol: acyltransferase (ACAT) inhibitor in a form suitable for delivery into a blood vessel, the peptide including an amino acid sequence in an order reverse to an order of various apo A-I mimetic peptides, or endogenous apo A-I analogs, or a chimera of helix 1 and helix 9 of endogenous apo A-I. |
| US08101562B2 |
Method for mechanical cleaning of textiles or solid objects utilizing an encapsulated enzyme
Water-soluble detergents and enzymes are used for mechanically cleaning textiles or crockery. According to the invention, enzymes with a catalytic effect on typical stains are added to the washing or cleaning process, only for as long as their catalytic effect is desired. This avoids superfluous removal of the enzymes that have been used in a washing or cleaning process. |
| US08101560B2 |
Lubricant base oil of palm origin
A cost effective and less energy demanding method of producing ester oils or lubricant base oils, particularly fatty monoesters and fatty polyol esters, by esterifying palm fatty acid, which is abundant from the fat splitting process, with a monohydric alcohol or polyhydric alcohol in the presence of an acid catalyst at elevated temperature wherein an azeotroping agent, particularly toluene, is used to facilitate continuous removal by distillation, of water formed as a by-product during the esterification reaction. The esterification reaction is completed within 5 hours and palm fatty esters as produced with the current method exhibit comparable lubricity and biodegradability. |
| US08101556B2 |
Treatment fluids for reduction of water blocks, oil blocks, and/or gas condensates and associated methods
The present invention provides treatment fluids useful for subterranean operations, and more particularly, in at least one aspect, a treatment fluid that comprises a carrier fluid and a cationic surfactant comprising a cationic head group, a polar group attached to the head group, and a hydrophobic group that is either a saturated or unsaturated, branched or straight chain alkyl, and comprises about 6 carbons to about 22 carbons. The treatment fluids of the present invention are at least suitable for use as a remedial treatment for the reduction of existing water blocks, oil blocks, and/or gas condensates. |
| US08101554B2 |
Well treatment comprising a polymer formed from a diallyl ammonium salt and a scale inhibitor
The present invention provides a method for increasing the retention of a scale inhibitor within a hydrocarbon producing system (e.g. a subterranean formation), said method comprising contacting said system with a polymer formed from a diallyl ammonium salt and with said scale inhibitor, wherein said polymer formed from a diallyl ammonium salt has a molecular weight of greater than 50,000 (e.g. a molecular weight of 55,000 to 2,000,000). |
| US08101553B1 |
Antibody library
An antibody library is prepared by selecting a light chain variable region capable of binding to the variable region of heavy chain to reproduce an active conformation and using the same. Because of being capable of maintaining the diversity of the heavy chain variable region at a high ratio in vitro, the antibody library of the present invention is expected as enabling the acquisition of antibodies with various binding activities. |
| US08101552B2 |
Cyclic phosphates as plant growth regulators
The invention pertains to the use of six-membered cyclic phosphates as plant growth regulators and methods for regulating the growth of plants using such compounds. |
| US08101548B2 |
Urea phosphite
Urea Phosphite is a new composition of matter useful as a fertilizer and as a fungicide. It is made by reacting phosphorous acid with urea. Urea Phosphite is characterized by being a liquid produced in an unprocessed reaction, and by having phosphite as a phosphorus source and urea as a nitrogen source. The reaction products may be separated, blended with an admix and spray dried, or, dissolved in water. |
| US08101547B2 |
Transparent thermal recording medium
A transparent heat-sensitive recording material of the invention comprises (a) a transparent support; (b) a heat-sensitive recording layer containing a leuco dye and a developer and formed on the transparent support; and (c) a protective layer comprising as main components a pigment and a binder and formed on the heat-sensitive recording layer; wherein the pigment contained in the protective layer is (i) calcined kaolin and at least one main pigment selected from the group consisting of kaolin and aluminum hydroxide, or (ii) calcined kaolin, a third pigment, and at least one main pigment selected from the group consisting of kaolin and aluminum hydroxide; and the calcined kaolin is present in a proportion of 0.3 to 5 mass % relative to the protective layer. |
| US08101543B2 |
Biodegradable superabsorbent particles
Particles comprising a combination of a carboxyalkyl cellulose and a starch, wherein the particles comprise a plurality of non-permanent metal crosslinks. The non-permanent intra-fiber metal crosslinks include multi-valent metal ion crosslinks formed with one or more metal ions selected from aluminum, boron, bismuth, titanium, and zirconium ions. |
| US08101542B2 |
Catalyst for oxidizing monoxide and method of preparing the same
Provided are a catalyst for oxidizing carbon monoxide and a method of preparing the same. The catalyst for oxidizing carbon monoxide includes platinum and a transition metal which exists in a bimetallic phase, and the bimetallic phase of the platinum and the transition metal is supported by a support including a vacancy of oxygen. The catalyst for oxidizing carbon monoxide shows much higher activity than a conventional catalyst for oxidizing carbon monoxide even at a relatively low temperature. |
| US08101537B2 |
Prepolymerized catalyst for olefin polymerization, method of producing this prepolymerized catalyst and method of producing olefin polymer
A method of producing a prepolymerized catalyst for olefin polymerization comprising a fine powder removal step of removing fine particles from olefin-prepolymerized catalyst particles for olefin polymerization. The prepolymerized catalyst having a low fine particle content is applicable suitably to the field of continuous polymerization of olefins. |
| US08101534B2 |
Fibers and non-wovens prepared with propylene-based elastomers
A non-woven fabric made from a composition prepared by combining a first propylene-based polymer blend, where the first polymer blend is prepared by combining a propylene-based elastomer with a propylene-based thermoplastic resin and where the first blend has an MFR (ASTM D-1238 2.16 kg @ 230° C.) equal to or less than 50 dg/min, with a second propylene-based polymer blend, where the second polymer blend is prepared by combining a propylene-based elastomer with a propylene-based thermoplastic resin and where said second blend has an MFR (ASTM D-1238 2.16 kg @ 230° C.) greater than 50 dg/min, where the propylene-based elastomers comprise from about 5% to 35% by weight units derived from ethylene or non-propylene alpha-olefin and have a heat of fusion, as determined by DSC, of less than 80 J/g, and where the propylene-based thermoplastic resins have a heat of fusion, as determined by DSC, equal to or greater than 80 J/g. |
| US08101528B2 |
Low temperature ion implantation
A method of processing to a substrate while minimizing cost and manufacturing time is disclosed. The implantation of the source and drain regions of a semiconductor device are performed at low temperatures, such as below 273° K. This low temperature implant reduces the structural damage caused by the impacting ions. Subsequently, the implanted substrate is activated using faster forms of annealing. By performing the implant at low temperatures, the damage to the substrate is reduced, thereby allowing a fast anneal to be used to activate the dopants, while eliminating the majority of the defects and damage. Fast annealing is less expensive than conventional furnace annealing, and can achieve higher throughput at lower costs. |
| US08101522B2 |
Silicon substrate having nanostructures and method for producing the same and application thereof
A method for forming a silicon substrate having a multiple silicon nanostructures includes the steps of: providing a silicon substrate; forming an oxidization layer on the silicon substrate; immersing the silicon substrate in a fluoride solution including metal ions, thereby depositing a plurality of metal nanostructures on the silicon substrate; and immersing the silicon substrate in an etching solution to etch the silicon under the metal nanostructures, the unetched silicon forming the silicon nanostructures. |
| US08101520B2 |
Method of forming patterns of semiconductor device
A method of forming patterns of a semiconductor device comprises forming a number of first insulating patterns that define sidewalls by patterning a first insulating layer formed over a semiconductor substrate, forming second insulating patterns, each second insulating pattern comprising a horizontal portion having two ends and being parallel to the semiconductor substrate and spaced protruding portions protruding from both ends of the horizontal portion parallel to the sidewalls of the first insulating patterns, forming third insulating patterns each filling a space between the protruding portions, removing the protruding portions to form trenches, and forming conductive patterns within the respective trenches. |
| US08101514B2 |
Semiconductor device having elastic solder bump to prevent disconnection
Regarding a semiconductor device, especially the present invention suppresses disconnection of the connection structure concerned in the semiconductor device which has the electric and mechanical connection structure using solder, and aims at improving connection reliability. And to achieve the above objects, the semiconductor device has the solder bump which electrically connects a semiconductor chip and a package substrate, the under-filling resin with which it filled up between the semiconductor chip and the package substrate, and a solder ball which electrically connects a package substrate with the outside, and the solder bump's elastic modulus is made lower than the elastic modulus of a solder ball. |
| US08101509B2 |
Semiconductor integrated circuit device
A method of fabricating a semiconductor integrated circuit includes forming a first dielectric layer on a semiconductor substrate, patterning the first dielectric layer to form a first patterned dielectric layer, forming a non-single crystal seed layer on the first patterned dielectric layer, removing a portion of the seed layer to form a patterned seed layer, forming a second dielectric layer on the first patterned dielectric layer and the patterned seed layer, removing portions of the second dielectric layer to form a second patterned dielectric layer, irradiating the patterned seed layer to single-crystallize the patterned seed layer, removing portions of the first patterned dielectric layer and the second patterned dielectric layer such that the single-crystallized seed layer protrudes in the vertical direction with respect to the first and/or the second patterned dielectric layer, and forming a gate electrode in contact with the single-crystal active pattern. |
| US08101508B2 |
Silicon substrate and manufacturing method thereof
A silicon substrate is manufactured from a single crystal silicon that is doped with phosphorus (P) and is grown by a CZ method to have a predetermined carbon concentration and a predetermined initial oxygen concentration. An n+ epitaxial layer or an n+ implantation layer that is doped with phosphorus (P) at a predetermined concentration or more is formed on the silicon substrate. An n epitaxial layer that is doped with phosphorus (P) at a predetermined concentration is formed on the n+ layer. |
| US08101505B2 |
Programmable electrical fuse
The present invention relates to e-fuse devices, and more particularly to a device and method of forming an e-fuse device, the method comprising providing a first conductive layer connected to a second conductive layer, the first and second conductive layers separated by a barrier layer having a first diffusivity different than a second diffusivity of the first conductive layer. A void is created in the first conductive layer by driving an electrical current through the e-fuse device. |
| US08101500B2 |
Semiconductor device with (110)-oriented silicon
A method of forming a semiconductor device on a heavily doped P-type (110) semiconductor layer over a metal substrate includes providing a first support substrate and forming a P-type heavily doped (110) silicon layer overlying the first support substrate. At least a top layer of the first support substrate is removable by a selective etching process with respect to the P-type heavily doped (110) silicon layer. A vertical semiconductor device structure is formed in and over the (110) silicon layer. The vertical device structure includes a top metal layer and is characterized by a current conduction in a <110> direction. The method includes bonding a second support substrate to the top metal layer and removing the first support substrate using a mechanical grinding and a selective etching process to expose a surface of the P-type heavily doped (110) silicon layer and to allow a metal layer to be formed on the surface. |
| US08101495B2 |
MIM capacitors in semiconductor components
Structures and methods of forming an ideal MIM capacitor are disclosed. The single capacitor includes a first and a second metal structure overlying a substrate, a first dielectric material disposed between a first portion of the first metal structure and a first portion of the second metal structure. A second dielectric material is disposed between a second portion of the first metal structure and a second portion of the second metal structure. No first dielectric material is disposed between the second portion of the first and second metal structures, and no second dielectric material is disposed between the first portion of the first and second metal structures. The first and second dielectric material layers include materials with opposite coefficient of capacitance. |
| US08101492B2 |
Method for making semiconductor device
One or more embodiments relate to a method of forming a semiconductor device, including: providing a substrate; forming a gate stack over the substrate, the gate stack including a control gate over a charge storage layer; forming a conductive layer over the gate stack; etching the conductive layer to remove a portion of the conductive layer; and forming a select gate, the forming the select gate comprising etching a remaining portion of the conductive layer. |
| US08101491B2 |
Heterojunction bipolar transistor
According to an example embodiment, a heterostructure bipolar transistor, HBT, includes shallow trench isolation, STI, structures around a buried collector drift region in contact with a buried collector. A gate stack including a gate oxide and a gate is deposited and etched to define a base window over the buried collector drift region and overlapping the STI structures. The etching process is continued to selectively etch the buried collector drift region between the STI structures to form a base well. SiGeC may be selectively deposited to form epitaxial silicon-germanium in the base well in contact with the buried collector drift region and poly silicon-germanium on the side walls of the base well and base window. Spacers are then formed as well as an emitter. |
| US08101490B2 |
Method for manufacturing semiconductor device and apparatus for manufacturing same
A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device includes: irradiating a growth substrate with laser light to focus the laser light into a prescribed position inside a crystal for a semiconductor device or inside the growth substrate, the crystal for the semiconductor device being formed on a first major surface of the growth substrate; moving the laser light in a direction parallel to the first major surface; and peeling off a thin layer including the crystal for the semiconductor device from the growth substrate, a wavelength of the laser light being longer than an absorption end wavelength of the crystal for the semiconductor device or the growth substrate, the laser light being irradiated inside a crystal for the semiconductor device or inside the growth substrate. |
| US08101489B2 |
Approach to reduce the contact resistance
A method for fabricating a semiconductor device is disclosed. First, a semiconductor substrate having a doped region(s) is provided. Thereafter, a pre-amorphous implantation process and neutral (or non-neutral) species implantation process is performed over the doped region(s) of the semiconductor substrate. Subsequently, a silicide is formed in the doped region(s). By conducting a pre-amorphous implantation combined with a neutral species implantation, the present invention reduces the contact resistance, such as at the contact area silicide and source/drain substrate interface. |
| US08101485B2 |
Replacement gates to enhance transistor strain
Some embodiments of the present invention include apparatuses and methods relating to NMOS and PMOS transistor strain. |
| US08101481B1 |
Spacer lithography processes
A spacer lithography process for creating negative features such as, for example, cut-lines, or trenches, and holes is provided. The negative spacer lithography process may be utilized along with positive spacer lithography to fabricate electronic devices or the like. In one embodiment, a process is provided for fabricating a 6-transistor Static Random-Access Memory (SRAM) cell or arrays of 6-transistor SRAM cells using only, or at least primarily, positive and negative spacer lithography. |
| US08101476B2 |
Stress memorization dielectric optimized for NMOS and PMOS
A method for forming a tensile SiN stress layer for stress memorization enhancement of NMOS transistors with a high Si—H/N—H bond ratio that does not degrade PMOS transistors. A CMOS integrated circuit is processed through a NMOS source and drain implant but not through NMOS source and drain anneal. A SiN dielectric layer is deposited such that an area ratio of a Si—H peak to a N—H peak in a FTIR spectrum is greater than 7 and a tensile stress of the SiN dielectric is greater than 150 MPa. The CMOS integrated circuit is annealed after deposition of the SiN dielectric layer and the SiN dielectric layer is removed from at least a part of the integrated circuit. |
| US08101475B2 |
Field effect transistor and method for manufacturing the same
A field effect transistor (FET) and a method for manufacturing the same, in which the FET may include an isolation film formed on a semiconductor substrate to define an active region, and a gate electrode formed on a given portion of the semiconductor substrate. A channel layer may be formed on a portion of the gate electrode, with source and drain regions formed on either side of the channel layer so that boundaries between the channel layer and the source and drain regions of the FET may be perpendicular to a surface of the semiconductor substrate. |
| US08101468B2 |
Method of manufacturing a semiconductor device
The reliability of a semiconductor device which has the semiconductor components which were mounted on the same surface of the same substrate via the bump electrodes with which height differs, and with which package structure differs is improved. Semiconductor component 2 of WPP structure is mounted on the main surface of the interposer substrate which forms a semiconductor device via a plurality of bump electrodes. Semiconductor component 3 of CSP structure is mounted on the main surface of an interposer substrate via a plurality of bump electrodes with larger diameter and contiguity pitch than the above-mentioned bump electrode. And under-filling 4a and 4b mutually different, are filled up between the facing surfaces of this interposer substrate and semiconductor components 2, and between the facing surfaces of the interposer substrate and semiconductor components 3, respectively. |
| US08101466B2 |
SOI substrate and method for manufacturing SOI substrate
An SOI substrate and a manufacturing method of the SOI substrate, by which enlargement of the substrate is possible and its productivity can be increased, are provided. A step (A) of cutting a first single crystal silicon substrate to form a second single crystal silicon substrate which has a chip size; a step (B) of forming an insulating layer on one surface of the second single crystal silicon substrate, and forming an embrittlement layer in the second single crystal substrate; and a step (C) of bonding a substrate having an insulating surface and the second single crystal silicon substrate with the insulating layer therebetween, and conducting heat treatment to separate the second single crystal silicon substrate along the embrittlement layer, and forming a single crystal silicon thin film on the substrate having an insulating surface, are conducted. |
| US08101463B2 |
Method of manufacturing a semiconductor device
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device includes placing a chip on a carrier, and applying an electrically conducting layer to the chip and the carrier. The method additionally includes converting the electrically conducting layer into an electrically insulating layer. |
| US08101457B2 |
Mounting method, mounted structure, manufacturing method for electronic equipment, electronic equipment, manufacturing method for light-emitting diode display, and light-emitting diode display
Provided is a mounting method making it possible to, when an object such as an element, or more particularly, a microscopic object is mounted on a substrate, achieve mounting readily and reliably with high positional precision by: forming an element holding layer 12, which is made of a material whose viscosity can be controlled, on a substrate 11; controlling the viscosity of a first part 12a of the element holding layer 12, which includes a mounting region for an element, into a viscosity making the element naturally movable, and controlling the viscosity of a second part 12b of the element holding layer 12 outside the first part 12a into a viscosity making the element naturally immovable; and after mounting one element 13 in the first part 12a, controlling the viscosity of the first part 12a into the viscosity making the element 13 naturally immovable. |
| US08101455B2 |
Method of fabricating solar cell
A method of fabricating a solar cell is disclosed. The solar cell fabricating method includes forming a first transparent conductive layer on a transparent substrate, texturing an upper surface of the first transparent conductive layer using an etchant solution configured to contain an acid with a molecular weight of about 58˜300, forming a photoelectric conversion layer on the first transparent conductive layer, forming a second transparent conductive layer on the photoelectric conversion layer, and forming a rear electrode on the second transparent conductive layer. |
| US08101453B2 |
Image sensor and method for fabricating the same
An image sensor of a semiconductor and a method for fabricating the same includes a photodiode; an interlayer dielectric layer formed over the photodiode; a wave guide including an ion implantation layer formed in the interlayer dielectric; a color filter formed over the interlayer dielectric layer; and a micro lens formed over the color filter. |
| US08101452B2 |
Image sensor and method for manufacturing the same
An image sensor and a method for manufacturing the same are disclosed. The image sensor can include a passivation layer on a substrate having a pad area and a pixel area, a color filter layer on the passivation layer over the pixel area, a first low temperature oxide layer on the substrate including the color filter layer, and a low temperature oxide layer microlens on the first low temperature oxide layer. The low temperature oxide layer microlens can include a seed microlens and a second low temperature oxide layer on the seed microlens. The seed microlens can be formed from the first low temperature oxide layer. |
| US08101448B2 |
Manufacturing method of a gas sensor integrated on a semiconductor substrate
A method manufactures a gas sensor integrated on a semiconductor substrate. The method includes: realizing a first plurality of openings in the semiconductor substrate; realizing a crystalline silicon membrane suspended on the semiconductor substrate, forming an insulating cavity buried in the substrate; realizing a second plurality of openings in the semiconductor substrate, so as to totally suspend on the semiconductor substrate the crystalline silicon membrane; realizing, through a thermal oxidation process of the totally suspended crystalline silicon membrane, a suspended dielectric membrane; realizing, through selective photolithography, a heating element; realizing, through selective photolithography, electrodes and a pair of electric contacts; and selectively realizing, above the electrodes, a sensitive element by compacting layers of metallic oxide through a sintering process generated in the gas sensor by connecting the electrodes to a voltage generator. |
| US08101433B2 |
Semiconductor device and manufacturing method of the same
Provided is a semiconductor device having a pad on a semiconductor chip, a first passivation film formed over the semiconductor chip and having an opening portion on the pad of a probe region and a coupling region, a second passivation film formed over the pad and the first passivation film and having an opening portion on the pad of the coupling region, and a rewiring layer formed over the coupling region and the second passivation film and electrically coupled to the pad. The pad of the probe region placed on the periphery side of the semiconductor chip relative to the coupling region has a probe mark and the rewiring layer extends from the coupling region to the center side of the semiconductor chip. The present invention provides a technology capable of achieving size reduction, particularly pitch narrowing, of a semiconductor device. |
| US08101432B2 |
Method of repairing an image display unit
A method of repairing a defective one of devices mounted on substrate is provided. Devices are arrayed on a substrate and electrically connected to wiring lines connected to a drive circuit, to be thus mounted on the substrate. The devices mounted on the substrate are then subjected to an emission test. If a defective device is detected in this test, a repair device is mounted at a position corresponding to a position of the defective device. At this time, after wiring lines connected to the defective device are cut off, the repair device is electrically connected to portions of the wiring lines, the portions of the wiring lines being located at positions nearer to the drive circuit side than the cut-off positions of the wiring lines. Since a defective device is repaired by a simple step that is carried out by simply mounting and fixing a repair device without removal of the defective device, it is possible to eliminate the need of any complicated, microscopic work, for example, removal of the mounted devices, and/or selective removal or repair of an insulating layer. |
| US08101431B2 |
Integration of fluids and reagents into self-contained cartridges containing sensor elements and reagent delivery systems
Described herein is an analyte detection device and method related to a portable instrument suitable for point-of-care analyses. In some embodiments, a portable instrument may include a disposable cartridge, an optical detector, a sample collection device and/or sample reservoir, reagent delivery systems, fluid delivery systems, one or more channels, and/or waste reservoirs. Use of a portable instrument may reduce the hazard to an operator by reducing an operator's contact with a sample for analysis. The device is capable of obtaining diagnostic information using cellular- and/or particle-based analyses and may be used in conjunction with membrane- and/or particle-based analysis cartridges. Analytes, including proteins and cells and/or microbes may be detected using the membrane and/or particle based analysis system. |
| US08101429B2 |
Native analyte as a reference in lateral flow assays
This invention is directed to a lateral flow assay for detecting the presence of an analyte in a liquid test sample. The lateral flow assay represents an improvement in the ability to accurately and with high fidelity to detect the presence or absence of a target analyte in a liquid sample, in part, by encompassing a reference region of immobilized, non-diffusible analyte that allows for detection of any factors that interfere with the interaction and binding of the analyte to the labeled capture reagent. Any influences on the interaction and binding of the analyte that is free in solution in the liquid test sample to its complementary labeled reagent will be encountered in parallel in the binding between the immobilized analyte in reference region to the labeled reagent as it diffuses through the reference region. In one embodiment, the lateral flow assay of the invention is a urine-based human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) assay. |
| US08101417B2 |
Carbon measurement in aqueous samples using oxidation at elevated temperatures and pressures
Apparatus and methods for measuring the concentrations of organic and inorganic carbon, or of other materials, in aqueous samples are described, together with related, specially adapted components and sub-assemblies and related control, operational and monitoring systems. |
| US08101416B2 |
Compositions for detection and analysis of polynucleotides using light harvesting multichromophores
Methods, compositions and articles of manufacture for assaying a sample for a target polynucleotide are provided. A sample suspected of containing the target polynucleotide is contacted with a polycationic multichromophore and a sensor PNA complementary to the target polynucleotide. A signaling chromophore absorbs energy from the excited multichromophore and emits light in the presence of the target polynucleotide. The methods can be used in multiplex form. Kits having reagents for performing such methods are also provided. |
| US08101415B2 |
Calibration system for use with lateral flow assay test strips
A method of adjusting a final signal value measured on a lateral flow assay test strip, by: identifying a pre-determined calibration method for the test strip, wherein the pre-determined calibration method corresponds to the manufacturing lot from which the test strip has been made; measuring signal values while performing a lateral flow assay reaction on a test strip; determining a final signal value; and adjusting the final signal value based upon the identified pre-selected calibration method for the test strip. |
| US08101408B2 |
Insecticidal extract from legume plants and method of preparing the same
The invention may be summarized as follows. The present invention provides insecticides comprised of naturally-occurring compounds, such as, for example, PA1b-related peptides and terpenoid saponins. The present invention also provides for identification and characterization of a synergistic insecticidal effect between peptides and saponins extracted from plants. Furthermore, simplified extraction procedures are provided that avoid the use of a chloroform defatting step or a column chromatography step. |
| US08101405B2 |
Nanoparticulate affinity capture for label independent detection system
A biosensor article including a substrate having nanoparticles on the substrate surface, the nanoparticle including: a polymer of formula (I) where (x), (y), (z), R, R′, R″, S, W, and X, are as defined herein. Methods for making the biosensor article or cell culture article and methods for performing an assay of a ligand with the biosensor article are also disclosed. |
| US08101402B2 |
Medical device for analyte monitoring and drug delivery
The invention relates to an ingestible, implantable or wearable medical device comprising a microarray which comprises a bioactive agent capable of interacting with a disease marker biological analyte; a reservoir which comprises at least one therapeutic agent and is capable of releasing the therapeutic agent(s) from the medical device; and a plurality of microchips comprising a microarray scanning device capable of obtaining physical parameter data of an interaction between the disease marker biological analyte with the bioactive agent; a biometric recognition device capable of comparing the physical parameter data with an analyte interaction profile; optionally a therapeutic agent releasing device capable of controlling release of the therapeutic agent from the reservoirs; an interface device capable of facilitating communications between the microarray scanning device, biometric recognition device and the therapeutic agent releasing device; and an energy source to power the medical device. Specifically, the invention relates to a medical device capable of detecting an analyte in a bodily fluid comprising at least one microneedle capable of obtaining a sample of a bodily fluid, a first microchannel through which the sample flows and is in fluid communication with the at least one microneedle, a second microchannel in fluid communication with the first microchannel, through which a buffer flows, wherein the second channel comprises a microarray with a bioactive agent, a microarray scanning device to detect an interaction between the bioactive agent and the analyte in the bodily fluid; and an interface device. |
| US08101399B2 |
Artemisinic epoxide and methods for producing same
The present invention provides artemisinic epoxide, and methods of synthesizing artemisinic epoxide in a genetically modified host cell. The present invention further provides methods for producing artemisinin. The present invention further provides variant enzymes that catalyze the oxidation of amorpha-4,11-diene to artemisinic epoxide; nucleic acids encoding the variant enzymes; as well as recombinant vectors and host cells comprising the nucleic acids. |
| US08101391B2 |
Polypeptides having phytase activity and polynucleotides encoding same
The present invention relates to polypeptides having phytase activity. These polypeptides have an amino acid sequence which has at least 70% identity to either of three phytases derived from the bacterium Buttiauxella, and which comprises at least one of the following amino acids at the position indicated: 119N, 120L, and/or 121E. These phytases have an improved specific activity. Additional specific amino acid substitutions are also disclosed which characterize and distinguish additional phytases of the invention having improved properties such as temperature and/or pH stability, pH activity profile, temperature activity profile, substrate profile, improved performance in animal feed in vitro or in vivo. The invention also relates to isolated polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides, nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods for producing and using the polypeptides. |
| US08101390B2 |
Mutant-type acetyltransferase Mpr1
The present invention provides a mutant-type acetyltransferase Mpr1: which comprises an amino acid sequence of a yeast wild-type Mpr1 represented by SEQ ID NO:1, wherein at least one amino acid at positions 63 to 65 and 117 of the amino acid sequence is substituted and said mutant-type acetyltransferase Mpr1 exhibits a higher antioxidant capacity than the wild-type Mpr1. The mutant-type acetyltransferase Mpr1 of the present invention exhibits a higher resistance to oxidative stress compared to the wild-type Mpr1. The present invention further provides a gene encoding the mutant-type Mpr1, a vector comprising the gene and a yeast transformed with the gene. |
| US08101385B2 |
Materials and methods for the generation of transcripts comprising modified nucleotides
Materials and methods are provided for producing aptamer therapeutics having modified nucleotide triphosphates incorporated into their sequence. |
| US08101378B2 |
Dual expression vector system and screening methods
The present invention features vectors that contain a promoter effective for expression in bacterial cells and a promoter effective for expression in insect cells. The dual promoter system allows use of the same vector in both host cell systems so that construction of only a single vector is needed to express a polynucleotide inserted at a downstream cloning site. In preferred embodiments the vector is used to derive a recombinant baculovirus that is used to infect host cells. In particular vectors the promoters are a baculovirus polh promoter and a T7lac promoter. In particular vectors the promoter effective for expression in bacteria is positioned between the promoter effective for expression in insect cells and a cloning site. The invention also features various high throughput screening methods. |
| US08101377B2 |
Protein hydrolysates and method of making
Methods of making protein hydrolysates are described. The methods may include the steps of providing a solution comprising protein, and adjusting a pH of the solution to about 10.4 or more to form a basic protein solution. Additional steps may include adding a protease enzyme to the basic protein solution that converts at least a portion of the protein to protein hydrolysates. Protein hydrolysate compositions and water-soluble food additives are also described. The additives may include a mixture of protein hydrolysates formed by protein hydrolysis of a protein substrate. The protein hydrolysates may have an average molecular weight of about 2000 to about 10,000 Daltons. |
| US08101371B2 |
Methods for the diagnosis of genitourinary cancer
Methods for the diagnosis of genitourinary (GU) cancer are provided. In particular, urine has been found to contain significant levels of thromboxane receptor β (TPβ) methods for diagnosing GU cancer. Methods for assessing treatment, prognosing and staging GU cancers, as well as kits therefor, also are provided. |
| US08101368B2 |
Quantitation of cellular DNA and cell numbers using element labeling
Methods and kits for the quantitation of cellular DNA and cell numbers are provided. Passive element uptake, element-labeled DNA intercalators, and element labeled affinity reagents are used to quantify DNA and cells. The DNA and the cells are analyzed by elemental analysis, including ICP-MS. The methods and kits provide a fast and accurate analysis of cellular DNA and cell numbers. |
| US08101367B2 |
Antibodies specific to antigens of Bartonella henselae and use of these antigens in immunoassays
Disclosed are antibodies that bind to the antigenic proteins GroES, RpIL, GroEL, SodB, UbiG, the ABC transporter, and an expressed antigenic protein of unknown function (the “BepA” protein) of Bartonella henselae, and use of these antigenic proteins in immunoassays in order to determine whether a sample from a subject contains one or more of these antibodies. Presence of such an antibody in the subject indicates that the subject is or was infected with Bartonella henselae, or indicates that the subject has an increased likelihood of being infected presently or in the past with Bartonella henselae. Also disclosed are kits for performing immunoassays, wherein each kit contains one or more of these antigenic proteins and also contains the reagents necessary for conducting an immunoassay. |
| US08101361B2 |
Markers for diagnosis of pulmonary inflammation and methods related thereto
The present invention is related to the novel discovery of a number of genes that were identified as systemic markers of pulmonary inflammation. This discovery allows for development of a novel tool for reliable, rapid and efficient assessment of therapeutic responses and enables design of novel therapies targeted against diseases associated with pulmonary inflammation. In one embodiment, the present invention allows quantification of therapeutic response in patients who have a disease associated with pulmonary inflammation. In preferred embodiments, the genes are CD64, ADAM9, CD36, IL32, HPSE, PLXND1, HCA112, CSPG2, TLR2, and CD163. |
| US08101357B2 |
Method for inhibiting telomerase reaction using an anionic phthalocyanine compound
An object of the present invention is to provide a method for inhibiting a DNA extension reaction by telomerase.More specifically, the present invention relates to a method for inhibiting a DNA extension reaction by telomerase, the method being characterized by including the step of adding an anionic phthalocyanine to a solution containing telomerase, a DNA to be a substrate of a telomerase reaction, and dNTPs. |
| US08101354B2 |
Method for screening for a tobiano coat color genotype
A method for screening for a Tobiano genotype includes obtaining a nucleic acid from an equine animal, and analyzing the nucleic acid for the presence of an inversion in a chromosome ECA3q which is indicative of the genotype for Tobiano. The method includes detecting at least one of a telomeric breakpoint of an inverted ECA3q chromosome and/or a centromeric breakpoint of an inverted ECA3q chromosome. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid may be analyzed by the steps of hybridizing the group of probes or primers having the sequences set forth herein in SEQ ID NO:8, SEQ ID NO: 9, and SEQ ID NO: 10, or sequences complementary thereto, and preparing an amplification product. A 209 bp nucleic acid amplification product (SEQ ID NO:11) indicates the presence of the inversion. |
| US08101352B2 |
Detection of ESR1 amplification in breast cancer
The present invention relates to an in-vitro method of identifying a tumor resulting from a proliferative breast disease as responsive to anti-estrogen treatment. Further, the invention relates to an in-vitro method of identifying a candidate patient with a proliferative breast disease as suitable for anti-estrogen treatment. In a further aspect, the invention provides an in-vitro method of identifying an individual with a non-cancerous proliferative breast disease who is at risk of developing breast cancer. The invention also provides kits for performing the above methods. |
| US08101347B2 |
Method and compositions for immunization with the Pseudomonas V antigen
A method of inhibiting, moderating or diagnosing Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection is disclosed. In one embodiment, this method comprises inoculating a patient with an effective amount of PcrV antigen. |
| US08101342B2 |
DNA vaccine for treating or preventing cervical cancer comprising a gene encoding HPV protein
Disclosed herein is a DNA vaccine for treating cervical cancer including an E5 gene of human papillomavirus (HPV). Also, disclosed is a combination DNA vaccine for preventing and treating cervical cancer including a gene encoding HPV L1 and/or L2 along with the HPV E5 gene. |
| US08101341B2 |
Patterning process
A pattern is formed by coating a chemically amplified positive resist composition comprising a resin comprising acid labile group-containing recurring units and a photoacid generator onto a substrate, drying to form a resist film, exposing the resist film to high-energy radiation, PEB, developing to form a positive pattern, illuminating or heating the positive pattern to eliminate acid labile groups for increasing alkaline solubility and to induce crosslinking for imparting solvent resistance, coating a reversal film, forming a space pattern, and shrinking the space pattern. |
| US08101340B2 |
Method of inhibiting photoresist pattern collapse
A method of inhibiting photoresist pattern collapse which includes the steps of providing a substrate; providing a photoresist layer on the substrate; exposing and developing the photoresist layer; applying a top anti-reflective coating layer to the photoresist layer; rinsing the photoresist layer; and drying the photoresist layer. |
| US08101339B2 |
Photosensitive resin composition, photosensitive element comprising the same, method of forming resist pattern, and process for producing printed wiring board
A photosensitive resin composition according to the invention comprises (A) a binder polymer, (B) a photopolymerizing compound with an ethylenic unsaturated group and (C) a photopolymerization initiator, wherein component (B) contains a compound represented by the following general formula (I). [Wherein R1-R3 each independently represent a group represented by the following general formula (II): or the following general formula (III): and at least one of R1-R3 is a group represented by general formula (III).] |
| US08101336B2 |
Photocurable and thermosetting resin composition, cured product thereof, and printed circuit board
The present invention provides a photocurable and thermosetting resin composition having excellent surface curability and deep curability, allowing pattern formation with a laser beam having a wavelength of 350 to 410 nm, and being useful as a solder resist for laser direct imaging, the composition including a carboxylic resin (A), an oxime ester-based photopolymerization initiator (B) such as 2-(acetyloxyiminomethyl)thioxanthene-9-one, and another photopolymerization initiator than (B) such as 2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl-diphenyl-phosphine oxide, and a sulfur compound (E) such as 2-mercaptobenzothiazole. |
| US08101332B2 |
Negative-working lithographic printing plate precursor and method of lithographic printing using same
A negative-working lithographic printing plate precursor is disclosed that can be developed on the press without going through a development processing step, and a method of lithographic printing is also disclosed that uses this negative-working lithographic printing plate precursor. A negative-working lithographic printing plate precursor is provided that exhibits excellent on-press developability, nonimage area fine line reproducibility and printing durability and that resists the production of scum during on-press development. The negative-working lithographic printing plate precursor has a hydrophilic support and has thereon a photopolymerizable layer that contains at least one selected from the group consisting of a polymer compound that has an ethylenically unsaturated bond in the side chain position, a hydrophilic group and a sulfonamide group and a polymer compound that has an ethylenically unsaturated bond in the side chain position, a hydrophilic group and a cyclic structure derived from a maleimide. The method of lithographic printing uses this negative-working lithographic printing plate precursor. |
| US08101327B2 |
Overcoat for electrophotographic imaging member and methods of making and using same
Disclosed herein is an electrophotographic imaging member comprising a substrate, a charge transport layer and an overcoat layer formed by combining a film forming binder and a hole transporting hydroxy triarylamine compound having at least one hydroxyl functional group that is linked to a ring carbon of an aryl group by an alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms and is capable of forming at least one of a chemical bond and a physical bond with the film forming binder. Also disclosed is an electrophotographic imaging member with an overcoat layer formed by combining a film forming polycarbonate binder, a hole transport material, a surface energy reducing silicone material comprising a crosslinkable acrylate monomer, and a solvent. Coatings and methods of forming imaging members also are disclosed. |
| US08101319B2 |
Approach to make a high performance membrane electrode assembly (MEA) for a PEM fuel cell
An electrically conductive fluid distribution element for use in a fuel cell having a conductive non-metallic porous media having a surface with an electrically conductive metal deposited along one or more metallized regions. The metallized regions are arranged to contact a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) in a fuel cell assembly, and thus improve electrical conductance at contact regions between the MEA and the fluid distribution media. Methods of making such a fluid distribution element and operating fuel cell assemblies are also provided. |
| US08101317B2 |
Durable fuel cell having polymer electrolyte membrane comprising manganese oxide
Fuel cell membrane electrode assemblies and fuel cell polymer electrolyte membranes are provided comprising manganese oxides which demonstrate increased durability. Methods of making same are provided. |
| US08101316B2 |
Solid oxide fuel cell
The solid oxide fuel cell of the present invention has a substrate (1); an electrolyte (3) that is disposed on one surface of the substrate (1); and at least one electrode element E having an anode (5) and a cathode (7) disposed on the same surface of the electrolyte (3) with a predetermined space therebetween. |
| US08101308B2 |
Adaptive compressor surge control in a fuel cell system
A fuel cell system having an adaptable compressor map and method for optimizing the adaptable compressor map is provided. The method includes the steps of establishing an initial operating setpoint for an air compressor based on the adaptable compressor map; monitoring a surge indicator; adjusting the adaptable compressor map based on the monitored surge indicator; determining a desired operating setpoint based on the adjusted adaptable compressor map; and establishing an adapted operating setpoint for the air compressor based on the adaptable compressor map following the adjustment thereof. The steps are repeated until the adaptable compressor map for the air compressor is optimized. |
| US08101307B2 |
Fuel cell system with electrochemical anode exhaust recycling
A method of operating a fuel cell system includes providing a fuel inlet stream into a fuel cell stack, operating the fuel cell stack to generate electricity and a hydrogen containing fuel exhaust stream, separating at least a portion of hydrogen contained in the fuel exhaust stream using a high temperature, low hydration ion exchange membrane cell stack, and providing the hydrogen separated from the fuel exhaust stream into the fuel inlet stream. |
| US08101306B2 |
Fuel cell system with fuel reforming units
A fuel cell system and an operating method of the same. The fuel cell system includes a carbon monoxide adsorbing device that is disposed at an exit of a shift reactor and removes carbon monoxide which is not completely removed in the shift reactor. Therefore, a start-up time of the fuel cell system is remarkably reduced without poisoning catalysts of electrodes of the fuel cell. An overall volume of the fuel cell system can be reduced since the carbon monoxide adsorbing device is only operating during the start-up, and thus the fuel cell system can be economically manufactured and operated. Additionally, the carbon monoxide adsorbent can be regenerated, thereby increasing economic efficiency of the fuel cell system. |
| US08101305B2 |
Carbon fuel particles used in direct carbon conversion fuel cells
A system for preparing particulate carbon fuel and using the particulate carbon fuel in a fuel cell. Carbon particles are finely divided. The finely dividing carbon particles are introduced into the fuel cell. A gas containing oxygen is introduced into the fuel cell. The finely divided carbon particles are exposed to carbonate salts, or to molten NaOH or KOH or LiOH or mixtures of NaOH or KOH or LiOH, or to mixed hydroxides, or to alkali and alkaline earth nitrates. |
| US08101304B2 |
Process for the concentration of noble metals from fluorine-containing fuel cell components
The present invention relates to a process for the concentration of noble metals from fluorine-containing components of fuel cells, for example from PEM fuel cell stacks, DMFC fuel cells, catalyst-coated membranes (CCMs), membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs), catalyst pastes, etc. The process is based on an optionally multi-step heat treatment process comprising a combustion and/or a melting process. It allows an inexpensive, simple concentration of noble materials. The hydrogen fluoride formed during the heat treatment of fluorine-containing components is bound by an inorganic additive so that no harmful hydrogen fluoride emissions occur. The process can be used for the recovery of noble metals that are present as components in fuel cells, electrolysis cells, batteries, and the like. |
| US08101302B2 |
Redox shuttles for high voltage cathodes
Overcharge protection is provided for rechargeable electrochemical lithium-ion cells. The electrolyte in the provided cells contains a cyclable redox shuttle molecule that can operate in cells with high voltage cathode materials. |
| US08101299B2 |
Method for producing, maturing and drying negative and positive plates for lead accumulators
A method for producing, maturing and drying negative and positive plates for lead accumulators during which, in a pasting step, the plates are manufactured by introducing lead paste serving as an active material into an electrode support. The plates are directly placed one atop the other in stacks; the plates are matured at temperatures higher than 70° C. while maintaining a residual moisture of the active material, which prevents or reduces a spontaneous oxidation of the lead oxides, to form a porous cross-linked structure comprised of 3- and/or 4-basic lead sulfates, the 3- and/or 4-basic lead sulfates having a greater density than that of the active material that forms the starting material, and; the plates are dried to a desired final moisture while exploiting a permeability, which is suited for the active material due to the porosity resulting from the maturing, and the oxidation of lead remaining in the active material in the plate stack by applying an overpressure or underpressure, which has a pressure difference of more than 10 mbar between an inflow side and an outflow side of the plate stack, by means of oxygen-containing gas flowing through the active material. |
| US08101298B2 |
Method of fabricating fibres composed of silicon or a silicon-based material and their use in lithium rechargeable batteries
A method of fabricating fibres of silicon or silicon-based material comprises the steps of etching pillars on a substrate and detaching them. A battery anode can then be created by using the fibres as the active material in a composite anode electrode. |
| US08101297B2 |
Organic electrolytic solution and lithium battery using the same
An organic electrolytic solution including a lithium salt; an organic solvent including a high dielectric solvent and a low boiling point solvent; and an additive compound containing an electron withdrawing group and hydrocarbon-based substituents. A lithium battery using the organic electrolytic solution can have improved cycle characteristics and cycle life through preventing decomposition of the electrolyte. |
| US08101295B2 |
Lithium secondary battery
A lithium secondary battery has a wound electrode assembly (5). The wound electrode assembly (5) has a negative electrode (2) having a negative electrode active material layer containing a negative electrode active material capable of alloying with lithium and having a filling density of 2.0 g/cc or less, a positive electrode (1) having a positive electrode active material layer containing a positive electrode active material made of a transition metal composite oxide, a separator (3) disposed between the positive and negative electrodes and having a penetration resistance of 500 g or greater, and a cylindrical hollow space (14) at a winding axis and in the vicinity thereof, wherein the positive electrode (1), the negative electrode (2), and the separator (3) are spirally wound. A columnar center pin (15) having a diameter of from 75% to 95% of the diameter of the hollow space is disposed in the hollow space. |
| US08101293B2 |
System for altering temperature of an electrical energy storage device or an electrochemical energy generation device using high thermal conductivity materials based on states of the device
A method is generally described which includes altering temperature of an electrical energy storage device or an electrochemical electrochemical energy generation device, includes providing at least one thermal control structure formed of a high thermal conductive material, the high thermal conductive material having a high k-value. The high k-value is greater than approximately 410 W/(m*K). The thermal control structures are disposed adjacent at least a portion of the electrical energy storage device or the electrochemical electrochemical energy generation device. The thermal control structures are configured to provide heat transfer away from the portion of the electrical energy storage device or the electrochemical electrochemical energy generation device. Further, the method includes configuring a controller with a control algorithm to control the actions of a controllable fluid flow device as a function of current draw from the electrical energy storage device or the electrochemical electrochemical energy generation device, the electrical energy storage device or the electrochemical electrochemical energy generation device configured to provide electrical current and the controllable fluid flow device providing a fluid to the at least one thermal control structure. Further still, the method includes providing an electrical characteristic sensor coupled to the electrical energy storage device or the electrochemical electrochemical energy generation device and configured to sense at least one electrical characteristic of the electrical energy storage device or the electrochemical electrochemical energy generation device and to provide a signal representative of the at least one characteristic to the controller. |
| US08101290B2 |
Organic compound having electron-transporting and/or hole-blocking performance and its use and OLEDs comprising the compound
Disclosed herein are several organic compounds having electron-transporting and/or hole-blocking performance and their preparation method and use and the OLEDs comprising the organic compound. The organic compounds exhibit high ionization potential (IP), electron affinity (Ea), glass transition temperature (Tg) and high electron mobility, and are a kind of good electron-transporting material with good hole-blocking ability. The devices comprising these compounds as one of the emitting layer, electron-transporting layer (ETL) and hole-blocking layer (HBL) show improved efficiency and better color purity. |
| US08101287B1 |
Housing
A housing includes a substrate; a tin layer deposited on the substrate; a magnesium-tin layer formed between the substrate and the tin layer; a chromium layer deposited on the tin layer; a chromium-tin layer formed between tin layer on the chromium layer; and a chromium oxide or nitrogen layer deposited on the chromium layer. The substrate is made of magnesium or magnesium alloy; the tin layer is comprised of tin; the magnesium-tin layer is a magnesium-tin layer; the chromium layer is comprised of chromium; the chromium-tin layer is a chromium-tin layer; the chromium oxide or nitrogen layer is a chromium oxide nitrogen layer. |
| US08101282B2 |
Diffusers and methods of manufacture
Diffusers including of a plurality of protruded structures with each structure containing multiple rugged facets are disclosed. The diffuser may be fabricated by coating a mixture of materials on a carrier film, the mixture of materials including at least a first material that polymerizes upon irradiation and at least a second material that is incompatible with the first material in polymerized form, then selectively irradiating the mixture of materials to polymerize a portion of the mixture of materials to form polymerized structures, and finally removing that part of the mixture of materials not forming part of the structures. A transparent material may be coated over the structures. The overcoat material may further contain scattering elements such as glass beads or polymeric particles. |
| US08101279B2 |
Siloxane-based composition, which does not emit hydrogen, intended for molding/mold-release of pneumatic tires
The present invention relates to a composition I, in the form of an oil-in-water emulsion, based on siloxane and which does not emit hydrogen, comprising: (a) optionally a nonreactive linear polyorganosiloxane oil with lubricating properties, (a′) a reactive linear polyorganosiloxane oil containing at least two OH groups per molecule, (b) a polyorganosiloxane resin, (c) a crosslinking agent which is soluble in the silicone phase comprising at least two functional groups capable of reacting with the polyorganosiloxane resin (b); (d) a condensation catalyst capable of catalyzing the reaction of the constituent (b) with the constituent (c); (e) a surfactant; and (f) water, (a) and (a′) being mixed together before emulsification, in an (a)/(a′) ratio of between 0 and 10. |
| US08101278B2 |
Coated article with absorbing layer
A coated article is provided with an absorbing layer(s). The coating is, in certain example embodiments, designed so that significant changes in visible transmission can be made by adjusting thickness of the absorbing layer without significantly affecting certain other characteristics such as certain color values. Such coated articles may be used monolithically or in the context of insulating glass (IG) units in different embodiments of this invention, and may or may not be heat treated. |
| US08101277B2 |
Thermally formed, dimensionally and topographically exact, automotive protective film
A multi-protective layered film is thermally formed to the exact dimensions and topography of an automobile's headlights and fog lights, protecting the headlights/fog lights from gravel hits and weathering. The multilayered film comprises an aliphatic urethane layer, an adhesive layer, and a polyethylene liner. All three layers are vacuum molded to the exact dimensions and topography of a headlight/fog light. A method for the thermal forming of the film is also disclosed. |
| US08101272B1 |
Armor shell and fabrication methods
A refractory ceramic composite for an armor shell, comprising a ceramic core that is formable to replicate a portion of a three dimensional surface, e.g., of an aircraft, to provide ballistic protection. A method of making a shell of refractory ceramic armor capable of conforming to the geometry is provided. The shell is formed by forming a mold to replicate the surface area; arranging a ceramic core on the mold; and removing the mold to leave said ceramic core, and heat treating the ceramic core to a desired hardness. The ceramic core is in the shape of the surface area. |
| US08101271B2 |
PLA film comprising good antistatic properties
The invention relates to a multilayered, film which having a base layer and at least one covering layer, wherein the top layer contains at least one polymer of at least one aliphatic hydroxycarboxylic acid and 0.002 to 20% by weight starch-based particles relative to the weight of the covering layer. The film is characterized by good antistatic properties. |
| US08101268B2 |
Bone substitute material
A method of fabricating a bone substitute material comprises the steps of providing a foam material (3) having an open cell structure, distorting the shape of the foam material (3) and holding the material in a distorted shape, coating the walls of the cells of the foam material with a ceramic slip (5), removing the foam material, and sintering the ceramic slip to form a bone substitute material that is approximately a positive image of the distorted foam material (3). In another method, a granular bone material is formed from a multiplicity of pieces of foam that are not distorted. |
| US08101266B2 |
Multilayer printed circuit board
A multilayer printed circuit board includes a first printed circuit board, a second printed circuit board, an adhesive film, and a function layer. The adhesive film is sandwiched between the first printed circuit board and the second printed circuit board. The function layer is disposed between the first printed circuit board and the second printed circuit board for blocking water from passing therethrough and for screening electromagnetic interference between the first printed circuit board and the second printed circuit board. |
| US08101262B2 |
Fiber-reinforced plastic and process for production thereof
A fiber-reinforced plate-like plastic having a plate and a protrusion rising on the plate, wherein the plate and the protrusion each contain a laminated structure composed of plural reinforcing fiber sheets which each include many fibers of 10 to 100 mm in fiber length arranged in a fixed direction and at least two of the layers constituting the laminated structure are different in the direction of arrangement of reinforcing fibers and wherein at least part of the reinforcing fibers extend continuously from the plate to the protrusion and at least one of the layers constituting the laminated structure of the protrusion has a shape similar to the shape of the protrusion; and a process for the production of fiber-reinforced plastic which includes cutting a unidirectional prepreg sheet composed of many reinforcing fibers arranged in a fixed direction and a matrix resin into prepreg base material sheets with the above fiber length, laminating the prepreg base material sheets with the directions of arrangement of reinforcing fibers of the base material sheets being different from each other to form a prepreg laminate, and heating and pressure-molding this laminate in a mold provided with a recess for forming the production. |
| US08101257B2 |
Abrasion-resistant transfer printing structure
An abrasion-resistant transfer printing structure to transfer patterns and texts to a targeted object surface by press printing includes a hardened protecting layer and a release base layer. The hardened protection layer includes a first surface and a second surface. The first surface allows a transfer printing glue to be bonded to the targeted object to cover at least an area corresponding to the patterns and texts. The release base layer is located on the second surface of the hardened protection layer by a releasable manner and can be separated from the hardened protection layer by applying a release force after the press printing process is finished. Thus the hardened protection layer is exposed to isolate the patterns and texts from in contact with the exterior. The surface of the targeted object also is abrasion resistant. |
| US08101256B1 |
Label structure including a two ply reclosable flap
A label structure is disclosed for product packaging that includes a base panel having a front face and a rear face with an adhesive on the rear face. A first panel overlies a portion of the front face of the base panel, and has an inner page surface with an adhesive thereon. A laminating layer has a front face and a rear face with an adhesive on the rear face. The front face is adhered to the adhesive on the inner page surface of the first panel. A release layer is applied to a first region of the base panel that is overlaid by the first panel, with a second region of the base panel overlaid by the first panel being free of the release layer so that the portion of the laminating layer overlying the first region is releasable from adhesion to the base panel while a portion of the laminating layer overlying the second region is substantially permanently adhered to the base panel. |
| US08101254B2 |
Rubber composition, crosslinked product and foam thereof, molded product therefrom, and use thereof
The present invention provides a molded product exhibiting excellent various properties by improving compatibility of an ethylene/α-olefin/non-conjugated polyene copolymer with a polyolefin resin and a rubber composition for forming the molded product. The present invention further provides a molded product which comprises a rubber composition, is inhibited from fogging and tackiness and is excellent in mechanical strength and heat aging resistance. The rubber composition of the invention comprises an ethylene/α-olefin/non-conjugated polyene copolymer (A), and a polyolefin resin (B) having Mn of not less than 10,000 and/or an ethylene/α-olefin copolymer (C) having Mn of 2500 to 5000, and satisfies the following requirements: (1) a maximum value and a minimum value of an ethylene distribution parameter P of the component (A) have a relationship of Pmax/Pmin≦1.4, and (2) the B value of the component (C) ([EX]/(2[E]×[X])) ([E] and [X] are molar fractions of ethylene and the α-olefin of 3 to 20 carbon atoms, respectively, and [EX] is a fraction of dyad sequence of ethylene/α-olefin of 3 to 20 carbon atoms) is not more than 1.05. |
| US08101251B2 |
Chemically curing all-in-one warm edge spacer and seal
A water release agent that release water over an application temperature range in an amount sufficient to cure a composition is add to a curable composition containing 10 to 65 weight % of a moisture-curable, silane-functional, elastomeric, organic polymer; 0.1 to 3 weight % of a condensation catalyst; and (C) 15 to 25 weight % of a physical drying agent. When used as an edge-seal in an IG unit, the cured product of the composition performs the functions of sealing, bonding, spacing, and desiccating. |
| US08101248B2 |
Composition for forming substrate, and prepreg and substrate using the same
Disclosed herein is a composition for forming a substrate, including: a compound prepared by polymerizing a liquid crystal thermosetting oligomer having one or more soluble structural units in a main chain thereof and having a thermosetting group at one or more of two ends of the main chain thereof with a fluorine compound having a functional group which can react with the main chain of the liquid crystal thermosetting oligomer. |
| US08101247B2 |
Sub-micron laser direct write
A method of directing a pulse of laser energy though a workpiece. The workpiece has: a substrate that transmits the laser energy; focusing elements on a surface of the substrate proximal to the laser that focus the laser energy; and a coating on the substrate distal to the laser that absorbs a portion of the laser energy. Each focusing element focuses the laser energy to a point that removes or ablates a portion of the coating from the substrate to produce a hole in the coating. |
| US08101245B1 |
Plasma deposition of amorphous semiconductors at microwave frequencies
Apparatus and method for plasma deposition of thin film photovoltaic materials at microwave frequencies. The apparatus avoids deposition on windows or other microwave transmission elements that couple microwave energy to deposition species. The apparatus includes a microwave applicator with conduits passing therethrough that carry deposition species. The applicator transfers microwave energy to the deposition species to transform them to a reactive state conducive to formation of a thin film material. The conduits physically isolate deposition species that would react to form a thin film material at the point of microwave power transfer. The deposition species are separately energized and swept away from the point of power transfer to prevent thin film deposition. The invention allows for the ultrafast formation of silicon-containing amorphous semiconductors that exhibit high mobility, low porosity, little or no Staebler-Wronski degradation, and low defect concentration. |
| US08101244B2 |
Apparatus and method for producing or processing a product or sample
An apparatus and method are provided for producing a plurality of products or processing a plurality of samples via dispensing. The apparatus and method provide real-time monitoring of the products/samples and can provide real-time control. The apparatus and method can monitor the liquid both before and after it has been added to a carrier substrate. The apparatus and method can provide monitoring of each product/sample that is processed. |
| US08101243B2 |
Method of making sulfur-resistant composite metal membranes
The invention provides thin, hydrogen-permeable, sulfur-resistant membranes formed from palladium or palladium-alloy coatings on porous, ceramic or metal supports. Also disclosed are methods of making these membranes via sequential electroless plating techniques, wherein the method of making the membrane includes decomposing any organic ligands present on the substrate, reducing the palladium crystallites on the substrate to reduced palladium crystallites, depositing a film of palladium metal on the substrate and then depositing a second, gold film on the palladium film. These two metal films are then annealed at a temperature between about 200° C. and about 1200° C. to form a sulfur-resistant, composite PdAu alloy membrane. |
| US08101241B2 |
Crosslinking agent for a silicone composition which can be crosslinked at low temperature based on a hydrogenated silicone oil comprising Si-H units at the chain end and in the chain
The invention relates to crosslinkable or crosslinked silicone compositions capable of being used to form a water-repellent and release coating for a flexible support made of paper or of polymer, in particular a heat-sensitive flexible support. These compositions are of the type of those comprising crosslinking polyorganosiloxanes carrying SiH units and unsaturated, preferably vinylated, polyorganosiloxanes capable of reacting with the crosslinking agent by polyaddition in the presence of platinum to form the release crosslinked coating on the flexible support.The targeted aim is to make possible the instantaneous crosslinking at low temperature (85-90° C.) of such silicone compositions coated on flexible supports at a very high speed.To achieve this aim, the invention provides for the use of specific crosslinking agents composed of POSs hydrogenated at the chain end and in the chain.The invention also relates to the silicone compositions of solvent-free type or of emulsion type comprising the Si-Vi POS, the SiH POS crosslinking agent α,ω-bis(hydrodimethylsiloxyl)poly(hydromethyl)-(dimethyl)siloxane, and the platinum catalyst, inter alia.Applications: release silicone coatings obtained by crosslinking/polyaddition for heat-sensitive flexible supports, for example polymeric films made of polyethylene. |
| US08101235B2 |
Vaporization apparatus with precise powder metering
Apparatus for vaporizing a particulate material, comprising a metering apparatus including: a reservoir; a housing having an internal volume and first and second openings for respectively receiving and discharging the particulate material; a rotatable shaft disposed in the internal volume, the shaft having a smooth surface and a circumferential groove for receiving particulate material from the reservoir and for discharging the particulate material; the rotatable shaft and the internal volume cooperating such that the particulate material is transported by the circumferential groove and not along the remainder of the rotatable shaft; a scraper disposed in relation to the second opening, having at its end substantially the same cross section as the groove in the rotating shaft, the scraper cooperating with the groove to dislodge particulate material retained therein, and in response to the shaft rotating, delivers metered amounts of particulate material through the second opening; to the flash evaporator. |
| US08101234B2 |
Highly luminescent color-selective nanocrystalline materials
A nanocrystal capable of light emission includes a nanoparticle having photoluminescence having quantum yields of greater than 30%. |
| US08101233B2 |
Powder pump with vacuum filling
A powder supply system for a powder-coating installation, especially a parts painting installation using electrostatic powder, according to the invention, comprises a tank designed to contain the powder, means for feeding powder into the tank, means for injecting compressed air into the bottom of the tank in order to fluidize the powder, and an exit pipe in which the powder is entrained by the air from the tank, this pipe being connected to at least one powder using device situated at a distance, in particular a spray gun. The system also includes means for reducing the pressure in the tank below that of the feed means in order to fill the tank with powder. |
| US08101225B2 |
Aerated food product and a process for preparing the same
An aerated food product comprising at least 0.05 wt %, and preferably at most 50 wt %, of hydrophobic denatured protein particles whereby at least 50% of the number of said protein particles have in a hydrated state a diameter of more than 3 micron, and preferably less than 10% of the number of said protein particles have in a hydrated state a diameter of more than 300 micron. |
| US08101222B2 |
Beverage glass with internal decanting, filtering, mixing and aerating cell
A drinking container for decanting, filtering, mixing and/or aerating a beverage. The drinking container comprises a bowl having an upper opening and an aerating cell having a wall, an upper opening along the top of the cell and a plurality of openings or perforations through the wall. The cup-shaped cell has an upwardly facing hollow or concave configuration, optionally with a central upwardly extending protrusion, and is attached to and within the bowl, to decant, filter, mix and/or aerate a beverage that is poured through the bowl upper opening and into the cell upper opening, and subsequently flows through the at least one perforation into the bowl. Preferably, the drinking container is a wine glass having a base and stem supporting the bowl and the beverage is wine. |
| US08101220B2 |
Treatment to reduce microorganisms with carbon dioxide by multiple pressure oscillations
Apparatus and methods to non-thermally treat goods for human consumption with carbon dioxide. Apparatus and methods rely on multiple pressure changes of carbon dioxide to affect one of three processes. A first process rapidly freezes and thaws water on the surface of the goods in rapid succession multiple times to detrimentally affect pathogens. A second process raises the pressure and temperature of carbon dioxide to supercritical conditions to detrimentally affect the lipids in the membranes of pathogens. A third process adjusts the pressure to form a dense carbon dioxide liquid with a low pH that may also detrimentally affect pathogens. All processes may be repeated or performed in succession, or in any order. Optionally, thereafter, the goods may be stored at low temperature in substantially 100% carbon dioxide for further pathogen reduction. |
| US08101218B2 |
Nutritional beverage formulation
A nutritional beverage formulation for achievement of optimum health in an individual. |
| US08101217B2 |
Method for ethanol production and extraction
A method includes operating an apparatus having a mash circulating and recirculating system with pump and fermentation tank, an atmosphere circulating and recirculating system with blower for recirculating atmosphere between the tank and an ethanol-removal station, and an integrated refrigerating heat-transfer system with first coils remote from the tank for condensing out ethanol from the atmosphere, and second coils for warming the mash. The entire apparatus can be up-sized or down-sized for specific applications. In one form, the system includes electrically-driven pump, blower, and refrigeration compressors, with the external energy consumption being entirely electrical and kept surprisingly low. |
| US08101206B2 |
Method of attenuating swelling or inflammation
The present invention provides a method of attenuating the formation or reducing the severity of swelling and/or inflammation in the tissue of a patient via applying a composition comprising a hydrophilic foam substrate and a polymeric hydrophilic agent to a portion of the surface of the skin in an amount and at a location sufficient to attenuate formation of or reduce the severity of swelling and/or inflammation. |
| US08101205B2 |
Controlled release composition
The invention relates to the field of pharmacology. More specific, the invention relates to a controlled release composition.This invention is related to a controlled release composition comprising a cross-linked gelatin and at least one therapeutic protein wherein the ratio of the average mesh size (ξ) of the gelatin matrix and the average hydrodynamic radius (RH) of the therapeutic protein is smaller than 2, preferably smaller than 1.5. |
| US08101203B2 |
Hard capsule composition and method of use
A method for making a clear hard vegetarian gelatin free two piece capsule by creating a first phase network system using a seaweed extract, a galactomannan extract and a rheology modifier. A filler is created for the first phase network by blending a water, a crystalline alcohol, a polysaccharide, and a sugar alcohol at a temperature less than 80 Fahrenheit. The filler is then mixed into the first phase network system forming a biphasic system. Capsules are then formed by dipping conventional moulding pins into the biphasic solution, blowing hot air on the dipped pins in a chamber with a humidity that is no more than 25 percent, blowing away water on the outer surface of the dipped pins to bond and lock moisture to the polysaccharide and removing the capsule pieces from the pins. The two piece capsule has an outer surface which is mechanically and dimensionally stable. |
| US08101192B2 |
Methods for producing an immune response to tuberculosis
Methods for producing an immune response to Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) are disclosed herein. In several examples, the immune response is a protective immune response. In additional embodiments, methods are disclosed for preventing an infection with Mtb, or treating an infection with Mtb. Pharmaceutical compositions for the prevention and/or treatment of tuberculosis are also disclosed. |
| US08101184B2 |
Treatment methods using Dkk-1 antibodies
The present invention provides antibodies and immunologically functional fragments thereof that specifically bind Dkk-1 polypeptides. The subject antibodies and fragments bind with high affinity to a conformational epitope located in the carboxy region of the Dkk-1 protein. Methods for preparing such antibodies or fragments thereof as well as physiologically acceptable compositions containing the antibodies or fragments are also provided. Use of the antibodies and fragments to treat various diseases including bone disorders, inflammatory diseases, neurological diseases, ocular diseases, renal diseases, pulmonary diseases and skin diseases are also disclosed. |
| US08101183B2 |
Variable region sequences of IL-31 monoclonal antibodies
The present invention relates to methods of treating pruritic diseases, including but not limited to Contact dermatitis, Atopic Dermatitis, Drug induced delayed type cutaneous allergic reactions, Toxic epidermal necrolysis, Cutaneous T cell Lymphoma, Bullous pemphigoid, Alopecia wereata, Vitiligo, Acne Rosacea, Prurigo nodularis, Scleroderma, Herpes simplex virus, or combination thereof by administering IL-31 monoclonal antibodies. The invention provides the hybridomas that generate the monoclonal antibodies and the amino acid sequences of the variable regions of the monoclonal antibodies and chimeric antibodies comprising the amino acid sequences of the light and heavy chain variable regions. |
| US08101182B2 |
Methods and compositions for treating allergic diseases
Disclosed in the present invention are antibodies that specifically recognize and antagonize human TSLP receptor, and methods of employing these antibodies to treat or ameliorate diseases or disorder mediated by TSLP signaling. |
| US08101171B2 |
Modulators of the development of mychorrizal fungi with arbuscules, and uses thereof
The identification of compounds, strigolactones, having the ability to stimulate the growth and/or development of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AM fungi). Such compounds are, for example, the natural strigolactones strigol, alectrol, sorgolactone, orobanchol, or their synthetic analogs GR7, GR24, Nijmegen-1, demethylsorgolactone. New ways of developing an agriculture that is more respectful of the environment, and permits the implementation, on a small or large scale, of advanced mycorrhization techniques aimed at optimizing the production of fungic inoculum, the use of AM fungi in soils or cultivation substrates, and intensifying the symbiotic interaction between these microorganisms and cultivated plants. |
| US08101169B2 |
Ocular gene therapy using avalanche-mediated transfection
The present invention provides a method of treating an ocular disease in a subject. In a first step, a nucleic acid is introduced into cells or a tissue. The nucleic acid is introduced by electron avalanche transfection. With this technique, a high electric field induces a vapor bubble and plasma discharge between an electrode and the surrounding medium. The formation of a vapor bubble generates mechanical stress. Plasma discharge through the ionized vapor in the bubble enables connectivity between the electrode and the surrounding medium, so that mechanical stress and electric field are applied simultaneously, which results in permeabilization of the cells or tissue. This permeabilization in turn allows the nucleic acid to enter the cell or tissue. Cells or tissue containing the nucleic acid are then transplanted into an ocular region of the subject. |
| US08101165B2 |
Use of immunogens to treat or prevent, in malignant tumors, the immune or vascular disorders induced by extracellular factors
The invention concerns vaccines comprising as an active principle an immunogen which is a cytokinetic factor or a cell regulating factor particularly transcriptional or another type of factor with immunosuppressive/apoptotic/angiogenic properties abnormally released in the extracellular (stromal) environment by cancer or stromal cells of malignant tumors, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier for inducing a systemic or mucosal immune response with secretory formation of class IgC or IgA neutralizing antibodies directed against the native factor, or which is derived from such a factor and the use of said immunogen to obtain a medicine for use as anticancer drug. |
| US08101164B2 |
Dual phase drug release system
The present invention relates to conjugate comprising a carrier substituted with one or more occurrences of a moiety having the structure (I): wherein each occurrence of M is independently a modifier having a molecular weight ≦10 kDa; denotes direct of indirect attachment of M to linker LM; and each occurrence of LM is independently an optionally substituted succinamide-containing linker, whereby the modifier M is directly or indirectly attached to the succinamide linker through an amide bond, and the carrier is linked directly or indirectly to each occurrence of the succinamide linker through an ester bond. In another aspect, the invention provides compositions comprising the conjugates, methods for their preparation, and methods of use thereof in the treatment of various disorder, including, but not limited to cancer. |
| US08101160B2 |
Formulations for use in inhaler devices
A formulation for use in an inhaler device comprises carrier particles having a diameter of at least 50 μm and a mass median diameter of at least 175 μm; fine particles of an excipient material having a mass median aerodynamic diameter of not more than 20 μm; and active particles. The formulation has excellent flowability even at relatively high contents of fine particles. |
| US08101150B2 |
Control of carbon nanotube diameter using CVD or PECVD growth
The diameter of carbon nanotubes grown by chemical vapor deposition is controlled independent of the catalyst size by controlling the residence time of reactive gases in the reactor. |
| US08101148B2 |
Process for the preparation of magadiite or kenyaite from an organic structuring agent comprising two terminal alcohol functions
Described is a process for the preparation of a crystallised lamellar solid formed by magadiite consisting of implementing in a step (i) mixing of at least one silica source, at least one salt of N,N,N′,N′-tetramethyl-N,N′-dibenzyloctanediammonium, at least one alkali and/or alkaline earth metal M and water and then implementing in a step (ii) hydrothermal treatment of said mixture until said crystallised lamellar solid constituted by magadiite is formed. |
| US08101147B2 |
Small pore molecular sieve supported copper catalysts durable against lean/rich aging for the reduction of nitrogen oxides
A method of using a catalyst comprises exposing a catalyst to at least one reactant in a chemical process. The catalyst comprises copper and a small pore molecular sieve having a maximum ring size of eight tetrahedral atoms. The chemical process undergoes at least one period of exposure to a reducing atmosphere. The catalyst has an initial activity and the catalyst has a final activity after the at least one period of exposure to the reducing atmosphere. The final activity is within 30% of the initial activity at a temperature between 200 and 500° C. |
| US08101144B2 |
Scrubber for removing heavy metals from gases
A wet scrubber for absorbing elemental heavy metal from a gas stream, a liquor for a wet scrubber, and a power-plant comprising a wet scrubber are described. The wet scrubber includes a vessel having a gas inlet and outlet. In the vessel is a liquor including a oxidizer capable of oxidizing the elemental heavy metal and an ionic liquid. The liquor is substantially free of any ligand capable of bonding an ion of the heavy metal. |
| US08101143B2 |
Process for producing lithium-containing composite oxide for positive electrode for lithium secondary battery
A process for producing a lithium-containing composite oxide for a positive electrode active material for use in a lithium secondary battery, the oxide having the formula LipNxMmOzFa (wherein N is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Co, Mn and Ni, M is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Al, alkaline earth metal elements and transition metal elements other than N, 0.9≦p≦1.2, 0.9≦x<1.00, 0 |
| US08101139B2 |
Microcapillary networks
Devices that include hosts having internal microcapillary networks are disclosed. The microcapillary networks are formed from interconnected passageways. The interconnected passageways may be formed by removing a fugitive material from a cured host material that forms the host. The resultant host material has many applications, including use as a microfluidic device in applications ranging from fluid mixing to structural repair. |
| US08101138B2 |
Centrifugal magnetic position control device, disk-shaped micro fluidic system including the same, and method of operating the compact disk-shaped micro fluidic system
A centrifugal micro fluidic system and a centrifugal magnetic position control device used in the centrifugal micro fluidic system for controlling the position of magnetic beads are provided. The centrifugal micro fluidic system comprising, a rotatable platform; a micro fluidic structure which is disposed in the platform; and a plurality of objects which include functional groups on surfaces thereof so as to capture a target material from the fluid and carry the target material while being suspended in and separated from the fluid in the micro fluidic structure, wherein the movements of the objects are controlled by a force affecting the objects differently compared to the force's effect on the fluid. When the objects are made of a magnetic material, the force may be a magnetic force applied by the centrifugal magnetic position control device. |
| US08101135B2 |
Desktop sterilizer for books
The present invention provides a desktop sterilizer for books. The sterilizer includes an openable main body which has a sterilization chamber therein and is closable by a door so as to be openable through an opening, and a book holder which is provided in the sterilization chamber to maintain the covers of a book in a state of being unfolded. The sterilizer further includes a sterilizing UV lamp which sterilizes the book, and an air discharger which is connected to a blower and blows air towards the proximal edges of pages bound to a book spine of the book held by the book holder, thus opening the pages of the book. The sterilizer further includes a static electricity generating unit which charges the book with static electricity, such that the pages of the book are laid open by a static electric repulsive force, an aroma generating unit which generates an aroma and supplies it into the sterilization chamber using the air discharger, and a control computer which controls the sterilizing UV lamp and the blower. |
| US08101130B2 |
Gas ionization source
A gas ionizer includes a photocatalyst activated with an electric field to emit electrons. The photocatalyst is also illuminated with an ultraviolet light source. The ionized gas is passed through a chamber between the photocatalyst and the ultraviolet light source. The photocatalyst may be titanium oxide. |
| US08101129B2 |
Nano filter structure for breathing and manufacturing method thereof
In a nano filter structure for breathing and a manufacturing method of the nano filter structure, a semiconductor process technology is used for manufacturing a nano filter structure comprising a top gate, a bottom gate, a plurality of sidewall gates and a plurality of supports. The sidewall gates include a plurality of filterable gratings, and the filterable gratings are controlled precisely to a nanoscale by a semiconductor process technology. Therefore, the nano filterable gratings can be manufactured easily and quickly, and the multilayer design of the filterable gratings enhances the aperture ratio of a filter material, such that users can inhale or exhale easily through the filter material. |
| US08101127B2 |
Fluid disinfection apparatus
A fluid disinfection module (10) comprises a first housing (12) and a second housing (20) arranged in spaced-apart relationship to each other. The first housing (12) includes tubular support members (28) and (28a) extending laterally therefrom for respective slidable mateable engagement with corresponding tubular support members (30) and (30a) also laterally extending from second housing (20), to vary the lateral distance x between the first and second housings (12) and (20). A locking device maintains tubular support members (28,28a) and (30,30a) in fixed relationship with respect to each other.First housing (12), second housing (20), and corresponding tubular support members (28,28a) and (30,30a) define a framework for supporting one or more ultraviolet radiation sources (18) and (26) that are detachably mounted at one end thereof to housings (12) and (20), respectively. Each of radiation sources (18) and (26) is preferably encased within a quartz sleeve (60), and communicates with one or more ballasts (80) disposed within or without their respective housings (12)(20) for supplying electricity to the radiation sources (18)(26). |
| US08101124B2 |
Method of freshening air
Air freshener products and methods for freshening air are disclosed. In some embodiments, the air freshening product may include a container for storing an air freshening composition that may contain compressed gas such as compressed air, nitrogen, nitrous oxide, inert gases, or carbon dioxide. When the container is completely filled with propellant and air freshening composition, the air freshening composition may be released from the container at a flow rate of from about 0.8 grams/second to about 1.5 grams/second, wherein the mean particle size of the released spray droplets is from about 10 microns to about 100 microns.The method of freshening air, in certain embodiments, provides improved delivery of an air freshening composition using a non-hydrocarbon propellant. If malodor counteractants are used, the method may also provide a reduction in malodors. |
| US08101123B2 |
Composite alloy bonding wire and manufacturing method thereof
A manufacturing method for a composite alloy bonding wire and products thereof. A primary material of Au and Ag is melted in a vacuum melting furnace, and then a secondary metal material of Pd is added into the vacuum melting furnace and is co-melted with the primary material to obtain a Au—Ag—Pd alloy solution. The obtained Au—Ag—Pd alloy solution is drawn to obtain a Au—Ag—Pd alloy wire. The Au—Ag—Pd alloy wire is then drawn to obtain a Au—Ag—Pd alloy bonding wire with a predetermined diameter. |
| US08101120B2 |
Method for the heat treatment of a profile, device for the heat treatment of a profile and profile
A method and device for the heat treatment of a profile, in particular an extruded profile for aircraft. The profile may be formed by one or more different, in particular curable, aluminium alloys. The method provides that at least two regions of a profile are subjected to a different heat treatment. The device includes a first chamber that encloses a first region of a profile and a second chamber that encloses a second region of the profile, wherein different temperatures can be set in the first and second chambers. The profile has at least two regions that each have different material properties and are formed by differential heat treatment. |
| US08101115B2 |
Method for making three-dimensional preforms with cut fibers using electroluminescent devices
The present invention relates to methods of making preforms, fiber-reinforced molded articles and fiber mats, wherein the methods use electroluminescent devices such as LED's and/or quantum dots located on a surface of the mold. |
| US08101111B2 |
Method for the production of molded skins from a plurality of plastic materials having improved properties during airbag deployment at low temperatures
The invention relates to a method and a device for the production of plastic molded skins, which are formed by consecutively performing a plurality of partial melting processes of a plurality of plastic materials, wherein the first plastic material is applied to the mold as a plastic powder in a centrifugal molding method and the second plastic material by a spraying method. |
| US08101107B2 |
Method for producing pultruded components
A method for producing a pultruded component includes providing a plurality of fiber tows each formed of a plurality of fibers. The method also includes providing a first chamber and a second chamber for wetting the plurality of fiber tows with a polymeric resin precursor. The method further includes pulling the plurality of fiber tows through a first chamber to wet their exterior surfaces with the polymeric resin precursor, pulling the plurality of fiber tows through a second chamber to wet the plurality of fibers within each tow, and pulling the wetted plurality of tows and fibers through a curing die to form the pultruded component. |
| US08101105B2 |
Method for treating thermoplastic polyurethane golf ball covers
A method of forming a golf ball is disclosed herein. The method includes placing a golf ball precursor product with a thermoplastic polyurethane cover in a solution containing an isocyanate functionality reactive material. The precursor product is then removed from the solution and heated to remove solvent. The precursor product is then placed in an isocyanate solution. The precursor product is then removed and heated to remove solvent to prepare the precursor product for finishing. |
| US08101100B1 |
Method for processing and analyzing contaminated mixed waste plastics to produce reformulated, blended feed materials having a target density
A method for reformulating reclaimed, contaminated mixed waste plastics into useful articles wherein a plurality of batches of the mixed waste plastics are preprocessed to produce substantially homogeneous mixtures of a desired particle size range that are characterized according to their respective apparent densities, and are thereafter blended to produce a mixed plastic feed material having a target density predetermined to be desirable for reprocessing into at least one of such useful articles. |
| US08101089B2 |
Apparatus for aeration of contaminated liquids
Water decontamination systems including aerator modules are described herein. Such systems are capable of removing contaminants, including volatile organic compounds, from the water. Certain volatile organic contaminants can be removed at high efficiencies. The systems may be automated to remove the contaminants and produce cleaned water on a continuous basis. |
| US08101088B2 |
Method for depolluting aqueous media containing organic pollutants
The present invention relates to a process for decontaminating aqueous media comprising organic contaminants.The process is targeted at reducing the COD and/or the TOC of an aqueous medium comprising organic molecules. It consists in subjecting the aqueous medium to an electron beam generated by an electron accelerator in the presence of a catalyst and in then removing the precipitates formed from the treated solution, said catalyst comprising a metal ion persulfate and optionally an Fe(II) salt or an Fe(III) salt. |
| US08101086B2 |
Oil/water separation of full well stream by flocculation-demulsification process
A process for the separation of production fluids is provided. The production fluids comprise an oil/water emulsion stabilized with fine solids. The emulsion may further comprise asphaltenes and naphthenic acids and resins. The process includes subjecting the emulsion to a flocculating agent to flocculate solids within the emulsion, and separating water and solids from crude oil in a first separator. The process further includes subjecting the separated crude oil to a demulsifier after subjecting the emulsion to a flocculating agent, and further separating water from the crude oil in a second separator. A process for producing fluids from a hydrocarbon-bearing reservoir is also provided, using the separation processes herein. |
| US08101085B2 |
Process for treating animal husbandry effluent slurry by pre-treatment and electroflotation
Described is a process for treating an animal husbandry effluent slurry, such as hog manure, containing suspended solid particles. The process includes a) providing a liquid portion of the effluent, b) diluting the liquid to a Newtonian fluid, c) assuring the pH is under 10, d) adding to the fluid i) a soluble salt of alkaline earth metal (e.g. CaCl2) and ii) an insoluble basic salt of the same alkaline earth metal (e.g. CaCO3) to balance available cations and promote agglomeration of the suspended solid particles, e) adding a cationic coagulant to obtain a pre-treated destabilized colloid mixture with zero zeta potential value, and f) performing electroflotation to obtain a treated liquid and floated solids. |
| US08101084B2 |
Perchlorate ion trapping agent
The invention provides a heterocycle-substituted aromatic compound represented by the following Formula (I). In Formula (I), one of R2, R3, and R4 is Ry at a meta- or para-position with respect to Rx, R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5 not including Ry each independently representing a hydrogen atom, a substituted or unsubstituted aliphatic group having 1 to 30 carbon atoms, or a sulfonate group, where R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5 not including Ry are not hydrogen atoms all together; Rx and Ry each independently represent the following heterocyclic substituent, R6 and R7 in the heterocyclic substituents each independently representing a hydrogen atom or methyl group, and A representing a five-membered or six-membered heterocyclic group containing at least one nitrogen atom. |
| US08101080B2 |
Advanced biologic water treatment using algae
An advanced water treatment method processes a continuous flow of water in a sequence of stages including pre-filtering to remove solids, conditioning to adjust pH, blending with a recycled dense microalgae culture, and passing the resulting mixture through an enclosed, environmentally-controlled photobioreactor where nutrients, PCB's, trace metals and other pollutants and regulated compounds are taken up by the algae. The flow from the PBR is separated using cross-flow filtration to produce a treated water flow and a dense microalgae flow that is recycled to the blending stage upstream. Thus, whereas the algae is recycled, the water entering the system is treated by flowing sequentially through the stages of the system, without any recycling or repetition of treatment stages. |
| US08101079B1 |
On-site wastewater treatment using a functionalized green filtration media sorption field
Methods, system, compositions for a green sorption media for bioretention soil amendments in drainfields for on-site waste water systems filled with the green sorption media to foster an anaerobic or anoxic environment saturated. The green sorption media includes one or more recycled materials, including tire crumb, sawdust, orange peel, coconut husks, leaf compost, oyster shell, soy bean hulls and one or more naturally occurring materials including peat, sands, zeolites, and clay. The wastewater filtration system for a passive drainfield includes the green sorption material mixture, a cell including baffled compartments and a riser, the cell filled with green sorption material mixture to provide an alternating cycle of aerobic and anoxic environments, an influent distribution system to distribute the influent over the cell, and a piping system arranged for dosing the cell to sustain the functionality of the green sorption material mixture to remove nutrient content in wastewater. |
| US08101074B2 |
Permeate tube
A permeate tube for spiral wound membrane comprising at least one tubular unit, which unit has spaced along its length a plurality of permeate transfer means, and one or more external grooves forming flow channels connecting the permeate transfer means. The present invention relates further to a process for treating a material having a viscosity less than 50 cP by the use of a spiral wound membrane comprising a permeate tube having at least one tubular unit, which unit has spaced along its length a plurality of permeate transfer means, and one or more external grooves forming flow channels connecting the permeate transfer means, around the permeate tube are one or more permeate transfer leaves, one or more membrane leaves and one or more space leaves wound. The present invention relates also to a process of operating a spiral wound membrane. The present invention relates further to uses of the spiral wound membrane. |
| US08101073B2 |
Separating agent for solid-phase extraction
The present invention relates to a separating agent for solid-phase extraction which comprises core particles of a base material; a hydrophilic polymer layer formed on the surface of the particles; and a hydrophobic polymer layer formed on the surface of the hydrophilic polymer layer. The separating agent can be used in a cartridge or a column for solid-phase extraction and the latter can in turn be used in a variety of methods such as a method for concentrating a subject to be separated; a method for removing impurities; a method for solid-phase extraction of an environmental, medicinal and/or biological samples; and a method for pre-treating a protein component-containing sample. |
| US08101072B2 |
Phosphorous removal system
A phosphorus removal system is operable to remove phosphorus from an influent. The system includes a first section receiving the influent and discharging a first flow. A first coagulant inlet is positioned upstream of the first section and is in fluid communication with the influent to introduce a first coagulant selected to precipitate phosphorus. A second section receives the first flow and discharges a second flow, and a third section receives the second flow and discharges an effluent. A second coagulant inlet is positioned downstream of the first section and upstream of the third section to introduce a second coagulant selected to precipitate phosphorus. |
| US08101070B2 |
Wastewater treatment apparatus
A chemical/biological wastewater treatment apparatus employing rapid sludge chemical dewatering technology in conjunction with an environmental biological system for treating the separated treated wastewater by land applying it for the propagation of biosynthetic fuels and other plants; and/or passing it through aqueous plant, algae, or microbial reduction of the dissolved solids and ammonia for BOD compliance to produce water of sufficient quality to meet open stream and ocean effluent discharge requirements; and disposing of the high BTU low moisture solids. |
| US08101068B2 |
Constant specific gravity heat minimization
A process of regulating the water content of water-fluidized oil sand ore during processing of the ore is disclosed. The weight (mo) of a sample charge of oil sand ore having a bulk volume (Vt) is determined. The inter granular voids of the sample charge are then filled with water, and the weight (ma) of the added inter granular water is determined. A target specific gravity value (SGmix) is selected for the fluidized oil sand ore. The volume of additional water, ΔV, to add to a sample charge of bulk volume Vt, to achieve the target specific gravity value (SGmix) is calculated by solving the following equation: Δ V = V t · ( ( m o + m a ρ w · V t ) - SG mix SG mix - 1 ) + m a ρ w The determined volume ΔV of additional water per bulk volume Vt of oil sand ore to be processed is added to the oil sand ore, producing water-fluidized oil sand ore. The ore is then processed to concentrate the bitumen. |
| US08101064B2 |
Method of using a biosensor
A biosensor for determining the concentration of an analyte in a biological sample. The biosensor comprises a support, a reference electrode or a counter electrode or both disposed on the support, a working electrode disposed on the support, the working electrode spaced apart from the other electrode or electrodes on the support, a covering layer defining a sample chamber over the electrodes, an aperture in the covering layer for receiving a sample, and at least one layer of mesh in the sample chamber between the covering layer and the electrodes. The at least one layer of mesh has coated thereon a silicone surfactant. Certain silicone surfactants are as effective as fluorinated surfactants with respect to performance of biosensors. These surfactants, when coated onto the mesh layer of the biosensor, are effective in facilitating the transport of aqueous test samples, such as blood, in the sample chamber. |
| US08101063B2 |
Method of measuring quantity of substrate
A method of measuring a quantity of a substrate contained in sample liquid is provided. This method can reduce measurement errors caused by a biosensor. The biosensor includes at least a pair of electrodes on an insulating board and is inserted into a measuring device which includes a supporting section for supporting detachably the biosensor, plural connecting terminals to be coupled to the respective electrodes, and a driving power supply which applies a voltage to the respective electrodes via the connecting terminals. One of the electrodes of the biosensor is connected to the first and second connecting terminals of the measuring device only when the biosensor is inserted into the measuring device in a given direction, and has a structure such that the electrode becomes conductive between the first and second connecting terminals due to a voltage application by the driving power supply. |
| US08101057B2 |
Concentration and cleanup of nucleic acid samples
Methods and devices are described for concentration and cleanup of samples containing bio-molecule analytes (e.g., polynucleotides, such as DNA, RNA, PNA). Various embodiments provide for pH-mediated sample concentration and cleanup of nucleic acid samples with channel devices (e.g., cross-T format, microchannel devices). |
| US08101053B2 |
Axial flow electrolytic cell
An axial flow electrolytic cell includes an outer layer made of a polyolefin material and formed as a tube. An outer layer liner lines an inside surface of the outer layer. The outer layer liner is formed as a metal tube. A middle layer is mounted inside the outer layer. The middle layer further includes a middle flow inlet and a middle flow outlet. The middle layer is formed as a metal tube. An inside layer is mounted inside the middle layer. The inside layer has an inside flow inlet and an inside flow outlet. The inside layer is formed as a middle tube. The first electrical connector is mounted to the middle layer at a middle layer connection. The first electrical connector passes through the outer layer and outer layer liner at an outer layer opening. A second electrical connector mounts to the outer layer liner and the inside layer. |
| US08101052B2 |
Adjustable anode assembly for a substrate wet processing apparatus
An adjustable anode assembly for a wet processing apparatus to allow selective tuning of the electrical field density distribution within a wet process chemical of the apparatus, which in turn allows the process specification or specifications to be selectively varied across the process surface of a wafer when processed by the apparatus. The adjustable anode assembly includes an anode which may be divided into several plates, at least one of which is capable of being moved from a first plane to at least a second plane. |
| US08101051B2 |
Combustion gas generation device and on-vehicle combustion gas generation device using electrolysis
A large amount of a gas mixture of hydrogen and oxygen can be effectively generated over a long time. A positive electrode and a negative electrode are immersed in an electrolytic cell filled with an electrolytic solution, and a DC or AC voltage is applied across the two electrodes. A plurality of intermediate electrodes are arranged between the two electrodes. The electrolytic cell is sealed by a sealing cover. The gas mixture of hydrogen and oxygen generated by electrolysis is taken out through a discharge opening provided in the sealing cover. |
| US08101049B2 |
Method for producing low cost media
Disclosed is a method for the low cost manufacturing a plurality of rigid sputtered magnetic media disks of one or more sizes from a rigid sheet, in which one or more initial steps of preparing the media are performed while the media is in sheet form. The individual disks are then removed from the sheet, and final processing is performed individually on the disks. |
| US08101048B2 |
Purification process using microchannel devices
This invention relates to methods of removing impurities from compounds having similar volatilities to form ultra high purity compounds. |
| US08101045B2 |
Modifying agent for yankee coatings
The invention provides a composition of matter useful for producing very soft high grades of tissue paper. The composition of matter comprises an adhesive composition that includes a glycerol-based polyol. The glycerol-based polyol prevents the composition from becoming brittle and is non-volatile. This allows the composition to become rewetted after creping and allows for strong levels of adhesion even at high temperatures. |
| US08101044B2 |
Method of manufacturing bonded body and bonded body
A method of manufacturing a bonded body is provided. The method comprising: preparing a first base member and a second base member; imparting liquid repellency for a liquid material to at least a part of a bonding film non-formation region of the first base member to form a liquid repellent region thereon; supplying the liquid material onto the first base member to selectively form a liquid coating on a bonding film formation region of the first base member with the aid of the liquid repellency of the liquid repellent region; drying the liquid coating to obtain a bonding film on the bonding film formation region; and bonding the first base member and the second base member together through the bonding film due to a bonding property developed in the vicinity of a surface of the bonding film by applying energy thereto to thereby obtain the bonded body. |
| US08101042B2 |
Method for adhering silicone gels to plastics
A method for increasing the adherence of a silicone gel to a substrate using a primer material. The method is particularly useful for adhering a medical prosthesis to a human or animal body. |
| US08101040B2 |
Method for producing fusion-bonded body
A fusion-bonded body which includes a fusion-bonded part obtained by fusion-bonding to each other a first part to be fusion-bonded which comprises a first thermoplastic resin and first carbon fibers and a second part to be fusion-bonded which comprises a second thermoplastic resin and second carbon fibers. Also provided is a method for producing the fusion-bonded body which comprises a fusion-bonding step in which the first part to be fusion-bonded is brought into close contact with the second part to be fusion-bonded, an electric current is caused to flow through the two parts to generate heat and melt the first thermoplastic resin and second thermoplastic resin, and the molten resins are solidified to form a fusion-bonded part. |
| US08101038B2 |
Double-sided metal clad laminate and fabrication method thereof
The invention discloses double-sided metal clad laminates and fabrication methods thereof. A plurality of polyamic acid coatings is co-extruded on a first metal foil and heat imidization to provide a multilayer polyimide film. A second metal foil is hot pressed on the multilayer polyimide film, thus providing a double-sided metal clad laminate. The polyamic acid coatings include a first, a second, and a third polyamic acid coating with surface tensions of S1, S2, and S3, respectively, satisfying relations of S1>S2>S3, wherein the first polyamic acid coating is the coating directly applied on the first metal foil. |
| US08101034B2 |
Method for extending long-term electrical power cable performance
An improved method for imparting excellent long-term dielectric performance to an in-service electrical cable section having a stranded conductor surrounded by a conductor shield encased in a polymeric insulation and having an interstitial void volume in the region of the conductor, the cable section having an average operating temperature T is disclosed. The method comprises injecting a dielectric enhancement fluid composition into the interstitial void volume. |
| US08101032B1 |
Ethanol based gel fuel for a hybrid rocket engine
A cost-effective, renewable ethanol-based solid fuel compound, and method of making the fuel for hybrid rocket engines. Gelling agents, preferably methylcellulose can be used in conjunction with calcium acetate or calcium acetate alone make a stiff plastic out of ethanol to improve its properties for hybrid rocket engine. The increased stiffness of an ethanol-based fuel gel, increases yield stress that allows rapid acceleration of rockets. The low cost bio-fuel based on solidified ethanol rather than expensive petroleum derived substances lowers the cost of volume rocket launches, lowers the cost of access to orbit and provides safer sounding rocket flights into space. The resulting raw gel can further be mixed with a cross linking compound and water to form a stiffer material. Alternatively, the resulting raw gel can be frozen by liquid nitrogen. |
| US08101029B2 |
Weld metal of high-strength Cr-Mo steel
A weld metal of a high-strength Cr—Mo steel formed by shielded metal arc welding contains: 0.04 to 0.10% by mass C, 0.15 to 0.5% by mass Si, 0.5 to 1.0% by mass Mn, 2.00 to 3.25% by mass Cr, 0.9 to 1.2% by mass Mo, 0.01 to 0.03% by mass Nb, 0.2 to 0.7% by mass V, 0.003% by mass or below and above 0% by mass B, 0.02 to 0.05% by mass O, and the balance of Fe and inevitable impurities. A residual extracted by electrolytic extraction from only an unaffected zone of the weld metal contains precipitated Cr in a Cr content below 0.3% by mass, and precipitated Nb in a Nb content of 0.005% by mass or above. |
| US08101026B1 |
CPC (copper pipe cleaner) attachment for standard power drills
The invention is an elongated device which prepares pipes and fittings for bonding in a matter of seconds. This unit attaches to a drill and embodies brushes which clean both the interiors and exteriors of pipes and fittings varying in size. The vertical brush's unique folding assembly allows quick and easy access to the exterior brush without the removal of any parts. |
| US08101023B2 |
Preparation of membranes using solvent-less vapor deposition followed by in-situ polymerization
A system of fabricating a composite membrane from a membrane substrate using solvent-less vapor deposition followed by in-situ polymerization. A first monomer and a second monomer are directed into a mixing chamber in a deposition chamber. The first monomer and the second monomer are mixed in the mixing chamber providing a mixed first monomer and second monomer. The mixed first monomer and second monomer are solvent-less vapor deposited onto the membrane substrate in the deposition chamber. The membrane substrate and the mixed first monomer and second monomer are heated to produce in-situ polymerization and provide the composite membrane. |
| US08101021B2 |
Flow method and reactor for manufacturing nanocrystals
A population of nanocrystals having a narrow and controllable size distribution and can be prepared by a segmented-flow method. |
| US08101016B2 |
Precast concrete component material mixture and method of precasting
A precast concrete component material mixture and method of precasting, which is used to manufacture sleepers for transportation tracks, and related precast concrete components, are provided. The precast concrete component material mixture include: 891 to 963 kg/m3 of coarse aggregate(ca); 811 to 876 kg/m3 of fine aggregate(fa); pozzolan material containing 90 to 97 kg/m3 of fly ash and 31 to 34 kg/m3 of silica fume; cementing material containing 235 to 350 kg/m3 of cement and 78 to 117 kg/m3 of blast furnace slag; 122 to 165 kg/m3 of water; carboxylic acid superplasticizer, which is 0.7 to 2.0 wt % of the total usage of the pozzolan and cementing material; and steel fiber accounting for 0.5 to 1.0% of the total volume. |
| US08101015B2 |
Coatings and hard mask compositions for integrated circuit applications methods of production and uses thereof
A coating material is described herein that includes at least one inorganic compound, and at least one densifying agent, wherein the densifying agent increases the density of the coating material as compared to the density of the at least one inorganic compound. A method of producing a coating material is described herein that includes: providing at least one inorganic compound, providing at least one densifying agent, combining the at least one inorganic compound with the at least one densifying agent to form the coating material, wherein the densifying agent increases the density of the coating material as compared to the density of the at least one inorganic compound. |
| US08101011B2 |
Coloring matter, ink, ink for ink jet, ink jet recording method, color toner, and color filter
A coloring matter which has a good hue, and is capable of forming an image high in fastness property under various use conditions and environmental conditions, and particularly suitable for an ink. The coloring matter is represented by the following formula (I): wherein in the formula, G represents a heterocyclic group, and n represents an integer of 1 to 3; when n is 1, R, X, Y, Z, Q, and G each represents a monovalent group; when n is 2, R, X, Y, Z, Q, and G each represents a monovalent or divalent substituent, provided that at least one represents a divalent substituent; and when n is 3, R, X, Y, Z, Q, and G each represents a monovalent, divalent or trivalent substituent, provided that at least two each represents a divalent substituent, or at least one represents a trivalent substituent. |
| US08101007B2 |
Method for reduction treatment of electric furnace dust
The method includes the steps of: adding a carbonaceous material B and a binder C, and optionally water, to electric furnace dust A generated in a steelmaking electric furnace 1, to form a powdery mixture D having a water content of 0.5 to 3 mass %; compacting the powdery mixture D into a raw briquette E; and charging the raw briquette without drying into a rotary hearth furnace 5 and thermally reducing the raw briquette to obtain a reduced iron briquette F and a crude zinc oxide G. |
| US08101004B2 |
Process for manufacturing steel blanks
The invention relates to a manufacturing process for steel blanks. The invention relates in particular to a manufacturing process of a steel blank comprising electroslag remelting (ESR—ElectroSlag Remelting) or vacuum arc remelting (VAR—Vacuum Arc Remelting) to obtain very good mechanical properties. The blanks obtained can be used especially in the field of the manufacture of pressurised equipment elements and especially cannon tubes. |
| US08101003B2 |
Filter elements; air cleaner; assembly; and, methods
A filter cartridge, a safety element and fluid cleaner assembly are described. The fluid cleaner assembly generally includes a housing having a cover and a primary fluid cleaner section. The filter cartridge generally comprises z-filter media, arranged in a straight through configuration. Preferred cartridges include a seal gasket positioned to extend continuously around at outer perimeter of the straight through flow construction. The fluid cleaner assembly can have a precleaner positioned therein. Preferred features are described. Methods of assembly and use are also provided. |
| US08101002B2 |
Front access frame sealing mechanism for filter cassettes
A front access frame sealing mechanism for filter cassettes comprising at least one pair of posts extending inwardly from opposing sidewalls of a filter cassette housing wherein the posts have a head with a diameter exceeding that of the shaft of the post. At least one camming retainer is mounted adjacent each opposing sidewall about a post wherein each of camming retainer has a cam with a centrally oriented aperture with a diameter greater than the diameter of the post head for mounting about the posts. The cams have a flat portion and a extending handle portion, the flat portion becomes adjacent a sealing channel when in a sealing position. A sealing channel is adjacent each sidewall of the housing with a linear side adjacent front edges of at least one upstream filter cassette and having a channel holding each of the cams. |
| US08100994B2 |
Process for generating electricity and hydrogen that comprises a hybrid reformer
The invention relates to a process for co-generating electricity and hydrogen that comprises a stage a for steam reforming in the presence of water and oxygen of a hydrocarbon feedstock in which the O2/C molar ratio is to be between 0.003 and 0.2, and the H2O/C molar ratio is to be between 2 and 5, followed by a stage b for the production of electricity in a fuel cell that uses the hydrogen-rich gas that is obtained from stage a as a power source. |
| US08100991B2 |
Biomass gasification apparatus
A compact biomass gasification apparatus is capable of gasifying a wide variety of biomass materials, without regard to their size and/or the water content of those materials, and also capable of substantially removing the tar component generated in a gasification process.A biomass gasification apparatus primarily includes an externally heated rotary kiln-type thermal cracking unit (2) indirectly heating and thermally cracking a biomass material to generate a tar-containing pyrolysis gas and char from the biomass material, and a gasification unit (3) receiving the tar-containing pyrolysis gas and char from the thermal cracking unit (2) and thermally cracking the tar component in the pyrolysis gas and gasifying the char by an oxidation gas being introduced therein. |
| US08100990B2 |
Methods for integrated fast pyrolysis processing of biomass
Methods, process, apparatus, equipment, and systems are disclosed for converting biomass into bio-oil fractions for chemicals, materials, feedstocks and fuels using a low-cost, integrated fast pyrolysis system. The system improves upon prior art by creating stable, bio-oil fractions which have unique properties that make them individually superior to conventional bio-oil. The invention enables water and low-molecular weight compounds to be separated into a final value-added fraction suitable for upgrading or extracting into value-added chemicals, fuels and water. Initial bio-oil fractions from the process are chemically distinct, have low-water content and acidity which reduces processing costs normally associated with conventional bio-oil post-production upgrading since fewer separation steps, milder processing conditions and lower auxiliary inputs are required. Biochar is stabilized so that it can be handled safely. The integrated fast pyrolysis process includes biomass storage, preparation, pretreatment, and conversion, product recovery and processing to create and store stable biochar and bio-oil fractions. |
| US08100987B2 |
Cleaning fluid and methods
Cleaning fluids that include n-propyl bromide and an additive that includes a non-hazardous stabilizer component, a pH-balancing agent, an odor-controlling agent, or a combination thereof. Also included are a method for cleaning textile absorbers and removing extraneous substances therefrom using this and related cleaning fluids, such as by cleaning textile absorbers in a cleaning fluid that includes n-propyl bromide to remove a portion of the extraneous substances from the textile absorber, preferably wherein the cleaning fluid is substantially free of hazardous materials. |
| US08100986B2 |
Prosthetic finger
The invention relates to a prosthetic finger (1) with a proximal member (10), a medial member (20) and a distal member (30) that are mounted pivotably on one another, and with a motor (40) which is arranged in the prosthetic finger (1) and which, via a gear mechanism, rotates the medial member (20) relative to the proximal member (10), said medial member (20) accommodating a longitudinally movable balance arm (90) which is connected via levers (91, 93) to the proximal member (10) and to the distal member (30). |
| US08100985B2 |
Method for treating an implant, and such an implant
The invention relates to a method for treating an implant, and to an implant treated by said method. All or some of the outer surfaces of the implant are oxidized with a layer (1a) of substantial thickness and substantial porosity or pore volume. One or more CaP layers (12) are applied to the porous surface or surface of large pore volume. Bone-growth-stimulating agents (13), for example rh-BMP-2 or rh-BMP-7, are then applied to the CaP layer. The method and the device make it possible to support a maximum quantity of bone-growth-stimulating agent, which can be controlled in respect of its release function. |
| US08100984B2 |
Acetabular shell and liner with sterilization channels
A pre-assembled orthopaedic implant adapted for improved gas sterilization. The implant includes a first component adapted for assembly with a second component such that a mating surface of the first component is in close proximity with a mating surface of the second component. At least one gas conduit associated with the mating surface of the first component facilitates a sterilizing gas to penetrate into and dissipate from the interface defined by the mating surfaces. |
| US08100983B2 |
Intra-osseus fusion system
Generally, an intra-osseous fusion system which provides an implantable intra-osseous member and a method of implanting the intra-osseous member for bone on growth which retains an amount of digit curvature. |
| US08100979B2 |
Method and system for mammalian joint resurfacing
A method and system for the creation or modification of the wear surface of orthopedic joints, involving the preparation and use of one or more partially or fully preformed and procured components, adapted for insertion and placement into the body and at the joint site. In a preferred embodiment, component(s) can be partially cured and generally formed ex vivo and further and further formed in vivo at the joint site to enhance conformance and improve long term performance. In another embodiment, a preformed balloon or composite material can be inserted into the joint site and filled with a flowable biomaterial in situ to conform to the joint site. In yet another embodiment, the preformed component(s) can be fully cured and formed ex vivo and optionally further fitted and secured at the joint site. Preformed components can be sufficiently pliant to permit insertion through a minimally invasive portal, yet resilient enough to substantially assume, or tend towards, the desired form in vivo with additional forming there as needed. |
| US08100978B2 |
Prosthetic intervertebral discs having expandable cores that are implantable using minimally invasive surgical techniques
The described devices are spinal implants that may be surgically implanted into the spine to replace damaged or diseased discs using a posterior approach. The discs are prosthetic devices that approach or mimic the physiological motion and reaction of the natural disc. |
| US08100973B2 |
Cement-directing orthopedic implants
A cement-directing structure for use in cement-injection bone therapy includes a collapsible, self-restoring braided structure with regions of differential permeability to the bone cement. The regions of differential permeability may be provided by areas where the braided mesh density is greater or lesser than surrounding areas and/or by means of a baffle. After the structure is placed in a void within a bony structure, cement is injected into the interior of the structure then oozes out in preferred directions according to the locations of the regions of differential permeability. |
| US08100968B2 |
Apparatus and method for ligament fixation
A jamming retainer for fixing a ligament in a bone tunnel without excessive sideways pressure on the ligament that may result in tissue necrosis, the jamming retainer including a substantially rigid body with a bore or loop for receiving a ligament or tendon and a bore or ring for receiving a suture for towing the jamming retainer and ligament or tendon through a bone tunnel. Once positioned, the jamming retainer is fixed in the bone tunnel with an interference screw. |
| US08100964B2 |
Heart valve repair apparatus and methods
Valve repair apparatus and methods for ensuring proper coaptation and operation of the leaflets of a heart valve. Main aspects of the disclosure relate to devices including a support member configured for attachment to the heart valve annulus, a post extending from the support member away from the plane of the annulus and a connector coupled with the post and configured for attachment to at least one of the leaflets. The various embodiments may include a replacement heart valve connected with the support member for facilitating full replacement as opposed to near repair of an existing native heart valve. Various other devices include support structure and one or more posts connected to opposite sides of the support structure and extending from one side of the valve annulus to another to modify the shape of the annulus. |
| US08100962B2 |
Flow-deflecting prosthesis for treating venous disease
A flow-deflecting medical device comprising a support structure and at least one flow-deflecting member attached to the support structure. The flow-deflecting member is at least partially evertible between a first position and a second position. In the first position, antegrade flow contacts the antegrade surface of the flow-deflecting member, urging the flow-deflecting member proximally in the body vessel, such that antegrade flow is substantially uninterrupted. In the second position, retrograde flow contacts the retrograde surface of the flow-deflecting member, urging the flow-deflecting member distally in the body vessel, such that retrograde flow is received and redirected by the flow-deflecting member. Also provided is a method for treating a body vessel valve-related condition comprising implanting a flow-deflecting medical device proximal to a native valve. |
| US08100961B2 |
Elastin stabilization of connective tissue
A method and product are provided for the treatment of connective tissue weakened due to destruction of tissue architecture, and in particular due to elastin degradation. The treatment agents employ certain unique properties of phenolic compounds to develop a protocol for reducing elastin degradation, such as that occurring during aneurysm formation in vasculature. According to the invention, elastin can be stabilized in vivo and destruction of connective tissue, such as that leading to life-threatening aneurysms in vasculature, can be tempered or halted all together. The treatment agents can be delivered or administered acutely or chronically according to various delivery methods, including sustained release methods incorporating perivascular or endovascular patches, use of microsphere carriers, hydrogels, or osmotic pumps. |
| US08100957B2 |
System and method for determining and controlling core body temperature
Systems and methods for accurate temperature modification of a patient, or selected regions thereof, including inducing hypothermia. The temperature modification is accomplished using an in-dwelling heat exchange catheter within which a fluid heat exchange medium circulates. A heat exchange cassette attached to the circulatory flow lines of the catheter, the heat exchange cassette being sized to engage a cavity within a control unit. A temperature measurement scheme for obtaining body core temperature is provided, including methods of obtaining and analyzing temperature data to provide feedback to the control unit for use in controlling the heating and cooling of the heat exchange medium so as to heat or cool a patient to a desired target temperature. |
| US08100954B2 |
Orthopedic plate for use in small bone repair
The present invention relates to an orthopedic plate and screw system and instruments for surgical fixation of a small bone or bones. The plate facilitates three dimensional contouring to provide for a variety of applications and to accommodate individual variation in bone shape. The plate has a modified x shape including a central trunk portion including one or more screw holes along a longitudinal axis and a set of divergent upper and an oppositely extending set of divergent lower arms, each arm including screw holes which are placed at a radially equal distance but which diverging asymmetrically from the longitudinal axis relative to its paired upper or lower mate. The screws of the system are self-starting, self-tapping screws including the option of partial or full cannulation. |
| US08100949B2 |
Transverse rod connectors with osteoconductive material
The present application is directed to transverse connectors that connect first and second vertebral rods that extend along the spine. In one embodiment, the transverse connector includes an elongated base with a first receiver at a first section of the base to receive the first vertebral rod, and a second receiver at a second section of the base to receive the second vertebral rod. Osteoconductive material is positioned on at least the first receiver. |
| US08100947B2 |
Low profile pedicle screw and rod assembly
A pedicle screw and rod assembly is provided which has a low profile in the final assembled position. The pedicle screw includes a screw having a threaded portion and a head portion. A tulip is positioned on the head portion of the screw. A fastener assembly is coupled to the tulip and positioned to retain the tulip on the head portion. A rod retainer member is positioned inside the tulip and grips the rod, to hold it in position relative to the tulip assembly and pedicle screw. The top of rod retaining member is approximately equal in height to, or lower than the rod itself. This provides a low profile pedicle screw and rod assembly since the rod itself will normally be the uppermost member of the completed assembly. |
| US08100946B2 |
Polyaxial bone anchors with increased angulation
A polyaxial bone anchor includes an anchor head, an anchor member, a bushing, a sleeve and a fastener. The anchor head has a longitudinal bore and an inner spherical surface on a lower portion. The bushing is received within the longitudinal bore adjacent the lower portion and includes an exterior spherical surface for interacting with the inner spherical surface in the anchor head, an internal space defining an inner spherical surface for mating with a spherical head portion of the anchor member and a slot. The inner spherical surface of the bushing has a spherical centerpoint and the exterior spherical surface of the bushing has a spherical centerpoint. The spherical centerpoint of the inner spherical surface is vertically displaced toward the bottom end relative to the spherical centerpoint of the exterior spherical surface. The sleeve is received within the longitudinal bore. The fastener is mountable to the anchor head. |
| US08100939B2 |
Mechanical method and apparatus for sequential tissue fastening
A mechanical system for rotatably, sequentially securing opposing sides of a tissue wound with a fastener. An applicator apparatus is capable of imparting rotatable motion to a falcate tissue penetrator that sequentially pierces and carries a fastener into a first side and a second side of the tissue wound. The first side and second side of tissue can be simultaneously captured and positioned with respect to a tissue definition member or alternatively, the first tissue side and second tissue side can be individually, sequentially captured and positioned relative to the tissue definition member. The applicator apparatus can comprise a single fastener for small tissue wounds or resections or alternatively, the applicator can comprise a plurality of staged fasteners for use in closing a larger wounds or wounds with increased tension. |
| US08100936B2 |
Vein filter
A vessel filter comprising a first region and a second region wherein the filter is movable between a collapsed position for delivery to the vessel and an expanded position for placement within the vessel. A first region has a filter portion having a converging region at a first end portion to direct particles toward the center of the filter and the second region is flared in the expanded position to have a transverse dimension increasing toward a second end portion opposite the first end portion. The second region includes a vessel engaging portion at the second end portion. The second region includes a plurality of spaced apart struts with adjacent struts being joined. |
| US08100935B2 |
Embolectomy catheters and methods for treating stroke and other small vessel thromboembolic disorders
Embolectomy catheters, rapid exchange microcatheters, systems and methods for removing clots or other obstructive matter (e.g., thrombus, thromboemboli, embolic fragments of atherosclerotic plaque, foreign objects, etc.) from blood vessels. This invention is particularly useable for percutaneous removal of thromboemboli or other obstructive matter from small blood vessels of the brain, during an evolving stroke or period of cerebral ischemia. In some embodiments, the embolectomy catheters of this invention are advanceable with or over a guidewire which has been pre-inserted through or around the clot. Also, in some embodiments, the embolectomy catheters include clot removal devices which are deployable from the catheter after the catheter has been advanced at least partially through the clot. The clot removal device may include a deployable wire nest that is designed to prevent a blood clot from passing therethrough. The delivery catheter may include telescoping inner and outer tubes, with the clot removal device being radially constrained by the outer tube. Retraction of the outer tube removes the constraint on the clot removal device and permits it to expand to its deployed configuration. An infusion guidewire is particularly useful in conjunction with the embolectomy catheter, and permits infusion of medicaments or visualization fluids distal to the clot. |
| US08100934B2 |
Device for occlusion of a corporeal duct, in particular a varicose vein
The invention concerns a device formed with several yarns (2) knitted together so as to constitute a cylindrical elongated knitted fabric, that is a knitted fabric wherein the yarns (2) forming the stitches intersect substantially at the radially inner zone of said knitted fabric. The invention also concerns a device for setting in place, in the corporeal duct to be treated, an occluding device (1), comprising a longitudinal tube designed to contain the occlusive device when the latter is inserted into the duct to be treated. |
| US08100933B2 |
Method for treating obstructed paranasal frontal sinuses
A method of treating a patient's paranasal sinus, such as the frontal sinus, having an obstructed or narrowed naturally occurring ostium or nasofrontal duct which does not have scar tissue or granulation tissue. A balloon of a balloon catheter is inflated in the obstructed or narrowed naturally occurring ostium or nasofrontal duct to enlarge the ostium or nasofrontal duct. The ostium or nasofrontal duct remains enlarged after the balloon catheter is removed. |
| US08100928B2 |
Morcellator with detachable handle
A surgical morcellator includes a trocar body portion and a handle portion detachably mounted to the trocar body portion. The trocar body portion is relatively lightweight and may be used separately from the handle portion with other laparoscopic instruments while morcellation is not required during the surgical procedure. |
| US08100925B2 |
Methods and devices for treating obesity and GERD by intussuscepting a portion of stomach tissue
Described here are devices and methods for intussuscepting a portion of stomach tissue. Typically the intussusception is created at a position near, but distal to the gastroesophageal junction, and a pouch capable of storing a volume (from about 0 cc up to about 100 cc) is created proximal the intussuscepted tissue. In this way, the amount of food that may be ingested is reduced, helping to ameliorate GERD symptoms, and aiding in weight loss efforts. Some of the devices described here include an expandable member and at least one suction inlet. In these devices, the expandable member is expanded to create a proximal cavity into which the stomach tissue is pulled (e.g., using suction), thereby creating the intussusception. |