| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08130084B2 |
Fault tolerant closed system control using power line communication
A method, system, and computer program product are provided for communicating to a powered element in a rack system. A controller injects communication data onto power lines that provides power to a plurality of powered elements. The powered elements determine if the communication data transmitted via the power lines should be used for configuration using an address embedded within the communication data. The powered elements compare an embedded target address within the communication data to the address of the particular element. If there is a match between the addresses, the corresponding powered element processes the communication data to configure the powered element. As a result, data may be communicated over the power lines thereby eliminating the need for separate communication lines. Thus, the amount of cables required to interconnect the powered elements of the distributed data processing system may be reduced by eliminating the communication lines from the system configuration. |
| US08130082B2 |
RFID system including a programmable RF tag
A radio frequency (RF) tag is provided with an antenna coil adapted and configured to wirelessly exchange data with a read/write terminal, a RF transmitting/receiving unit adapted and configured to modulate and demodulate data exchanged via the antenna coil, a protocol change field programmable gate array (FPGA) unit adapted and configured to selectably process data modulated or demodulated by the RF transmitting/receiving unit, and a memory unit adapted and configured to store data processed by the protocol change FPGA unit. Preferably, the protocol FPGA unit includes a plurality of differently programmed RF transport protocol circuits selected based on code data stored in the memory unit. |
| US08130078B2 |
RFID badge with authentication and auto-deactivation features
A radio frequency identification (RFID) badge is provided and includes a card, an authentication data acquisition and/or input device configured to receive inputted data unique to a holder of the card from the holder, an RFID tag having external system access information stored thereon, a controller configured to conduct an identification algorithm, during which the inputted data is compared with stored data, to thereby confirm that the holder is authorized to do so and to activate the RFID tag for a predetermined time upon such confirmation, a clip, which is structurally connected to the card and at least configured to cause the controller to conduct the identification algorithm and to deactivate the RFID tag, and a battery. |
| US08130076B2 |
Keyless entry device
A keyless entry device can accurately judge or determine whether a portable device exists inside or outside a vehicle. A vehicle-side controller includes a memory that stores an inside data group having a plurality of intensity information of a request signal transmitted from the plurality of transmitting antennas when the portable device is located along an inside of a vehicle. Also included is an outside data group having a plurality of intensity information of a request signal transmitted from the plurality of transmitting antennas when the portable device is located along an outside of the vehicle. The vehicle-side controller judges an area where the portable device exists from the intensity information of the request signal received from the portable device. The controller instantly judges the inside or the outside of the vehicle, when the portable device exists in an area apart from a boundary. The controller also judges which data group of the inside and outside data groups stored in the memory approximates the intensity information when the portable device exists in the vicinity of the boundary. |
| US08130071B2 |
Varistor comprising an insulating layer produced from a loading base glass
A varistor includes a ceramic base body having a surface. The varistor also includes an insulating layer on at least a portion of the surface of the ceramic base body. The insulating layer includes a base glass and filler. The filler includes 3Al2O32SiO2. |
| US08130069B1 |
Distributed gap inductor apparatus and method of use thereof
The invention comprises an electrical system including at least an inductor configured to carry a magnetic field of less than about thirty Gauss/Oersted. The inductor comprises an inductor core having a plurality of coated particles, each of a majority of the coated particles comprising: at least three layers, a first set of substantially magnetic alternating layers composed of an alloy, and a second set of substantially non-magnetic alternating layers, where the coated particles are about evenly distributed in the inductor core. Optionally, a thermal transfer agent is used to cool the inductor, where the thermal transfer agent includes at least one of: a thermally conductive potting material and a substantially non-conductive liquid coolant in direct contact with the inductor. Optionally, a cooling coil passes through the potting material and/or the liquid coolant. |
| US08130066B2 |
Wire winding device for a high power level transformer
Wire-holders are provided that confine a single wire over a limited arc section and that are interspersed with ferrite ingots that provide wire-ways for several wires are utilized in the winding of the coils of a transformer. A method for consistently producing windings having accurate wire placement on rotors, stators, and other electrical componentry is also provided. |
| US08130064B2 |
Switching device
The invention is directed to a switch assembly which can be used in situation in which the switch accommodates the flow of high voltage current. An actuator assembly with moveable contacts is moved by a motor driven armature. The moveable contacts are in electrical engagement with the stationary contacts when the armature is in the first position, and the moveable contacts are spaced from the stationary contacts when the armature is in the second position. By angling the stationary contacts and moveable contacts, the linear motion of the armature causes the moveable contacts to move across the surface of the stationary contacts as the armature approaches the first position. As all of the movements of the assembly are in a direction parallel to the axis of the armature, the assembly can be manufactured and operated reliably in a relatively small space. In addition, the linear movement on the angled contact provides for a positive electrical connection even in adverse environments. |
| US08130061B2 |
Filter
A filter being small and having a narrowband filter characteristic is achieved using interdigital-coupled resonators. A first resonator and a second resonator are configured using interdigital-coupled quarter-wavelength resonators respectively. In addition, the first resonator and the second resonator are disposed so as to extend along directions intersecting with each other at a predetermined angle θ. Thus, coupling between the resonators is reduced compared with, for example, a case that the first resonator and the second resonator are, as a whole, disposed in parallel to each other. The angle θ, with which the first resonator and the second resonator are disposed respectively, is adjusted, thereby coupling between the resonators may be made into a desired state. Thus, a desired narrowband filter characteristic is obtained. |
| US08130059B2 |
On chip slow-wave structure, method of manufacture and design structure
An on-chip slow-wave structure that uses multiple parallel signal paths with grounded capacitance structures, method of manufacturing and design structure thereof is provided. The slow wave structure includes a plurality of conductor signal paths arranged in a substantial parallel arrangement. The structure further includes a first grounded capacitance line or lines positioned below the plurality of conductor signal paths and arranged substantially orthogonal to the plurality of conductor signal paths. A second grounded capacitance line or lines is positioned above the plurality of conductor signal paths and arranged substantially orthogonal to the plurality of conductor signal paths. A grounded plane grounds the first and second grounded capacitance line or lines. |
| US08130058B2 |
Switchable tunable acoustic resonator using BST material
An acoustic resonator includes a first electrode, a second electrode, and a barium strontium titanate (BST) dielectric layer disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode, where the acoustic resonator is switched on as a resonator with a resonant frequency if a DC (direct current) bias voltage is applied across the BST dielectric layer. The acoustic resonator is also switched off if no DC bias voltage is applied across the BST dielectric layer. Furthermore, the resonant frequency of the acoustic resonator can be tuned based on a level of the DC bias voltage, with the resonant frequency increasing as the level of the DC bias voltage applied to the BST acoustic resonator increases. |
| US08130053B2 |
Tank tuning for band pass filter used in radio communications
A tuning method and circuit for an LC tank resonant circuit, including an inductor and a variable capacitor, are described. In a tuning mode, an RF input signal is applied to an input port of the circuit, and the RF output signal is monitored as a variable capacitor control input is varied. A peak output is detected, and the corresponding variable capacitor control input is stored, and applied to the variable capacitor in an operating mode. In one embodiment, the variable capacitor control input is adjusted for delay in the peak detection process. In one embodiment, the variable capacitor comprises a coarse capacitor and a fine capacitor; the tuning procedure is repeated for each capacitor; and both coarse and fine variable capacitor control inputs are stored and applied to the respective capacitors in operating mode. |
| US08130047B2 |
Open loop coarse tuning for a PLL
In many types of wireless applications (like wireless modems), it is important that the phase locked loops (PLLs) be able to synthesize clock frequencies in a wide tuning range. Because of the complexity of many conventional PLLs (which were deigned to cover wide tuning ranges), there was often a significant delay to achieve phase and frequency lock. Here, an open loop calibration system is provided to coarse tune a PLL very rapidly. Generally, this calibration system employs binary searches to coarsely adjust a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) from a VCO bank to within a predetermined range around a target frequency. |
| US08130046B2 |
Frequency calibration of radio frequency oscillators
A wireless communication device incorporating a set of comparators and logic interrupt into the local oscillator generation circuit block is described. In one design, the local oscillator circuit block includes a RF VCO with coarse and fine frequency tuning. The RF VCO fine frequency tuning signal is monitored continuously to determine if the control voltage is within specified limits. If the RF VCO fine frequency tuning voltage is too low or too high for the RF VCO to meet system requirements or lock on the current desired frequency, an interrupt signal is asserted. In response to the interrupt signal, a wireless communications processor or a hardware state machine initiates coarse frequency calibration of the RF VCO at the desired frequency. After coarse frequency calibration has completed, the RF VCO fine frequency tuning voltage is within specified limits and is continuously monitored. |
| US08130043B2 |
Multi-stage power amplifier with enhanced efficiency
A multi-stage RF/Microwave power amplifier circuit is provided that is capable of operating efficiently at multiple output power levels. The amplifier comprises first and second amplifying stages, an output impedance matching network connected to the output of first amplifying stage and an interstage impedance matching network connected between the outputs of said first and second amplifying stages. In a high power mode, the first amplifying stage is enabled and the second amplifying stage is disabled and the output and interstage impedance matching networks present a first value of the output impedance that improves the efficiency of the first amplifying stage. In a low power mode, the first amplifying stage is disabled and the second amplifying stage is enabled, and output and interstage impedance matching networks present a second value of the output impedance that improves the efficiency of the second amplifying stage. |
| US08130042B2 |
Methods and devices for leakage current reduction
Methods and devices for leakage current reduction are described. A regulator transistor is connected to a switch to bias the transistor with a first voltage during an ON state and a second voltage during the OFF state of the transistor. The switchable bias allows leakage current decrease and “on” resistance increase of the transistor. |
| US08130037B2 |
Apparatus and method for reducing current noise
An input bias current cancellation circuit includes reference transistors placed in series and a current summation network. The current summation network can be configured to sum the base currents of the reference transistors to produce a summed current. A current mirror can be provided to attenuate the summed current to produce input bias cancellation currents. The input bias cancellation currents can be provided to the base inputs of an input bipolar differential pair, thereby reducing input current noise. |
| US08130036B2 |
Input common mode circuit
A circuit provides a first current corresponding to the differential input Inn and Inp, and a second current corresponding to the common mode input Vcm. The circuit then mirrors the differential current and the common mode current to a third current and a fourth current. Based on the difference between the mirrored differential current and the mirrored common mode current, the circuit pulls up or pulls down these currents to balance the corresponding difference between the differential input and the common mode input. In effect, the circuit adjusts the input common mode voltage to a desired level, without providing an opportunity for it to rise to an unwanted level. |
| US08130035B2 |
Post amplifier with selectable gain
A selectable gain amplifier includes two or more selectable gain stages, each gain stage having a first input coupled to receive an input signal, a second input, and an output. The amplifier further includes and two or more feedback paths coupled between the outputs and the second inputs of the selectable gain stages. |
| US08130033B2 |
Switching low noise amplifier
Disclosed are embodiments of an integrated circuit device, method and design structure for selectively amplifying one of multiple received input signals. The embodiments incorporate at least two first stage transistors and a single second stage transistor. The first stage transistors are adapted to receive input signals from the same or different input signal sources and are each electrically coupled to the second stage transistor. A control circuit design is adapted to individually turn on a selected first stage transistor in conjunction with the second stage transistor, thereby activating a corresponding one of the cascode amplifiers and allowing the input signal received by the selected first stage transistor to be separately amplified. |
| US08130031B2 |
Tunable metamaterial
Examples of the present invention include a metamaterial comprising a plurality of resonators disposed on a substrate, the substrate comprising a dielectric support layer and a relatively thin semiconductor layer, having a Schottky junction between at least one conducting resonator and the semiconductor layer. The properties of the resonator may be adjusted by modifying the physical extent of a depletion region associated with the Schottky junction. |
| US08130029B2 |
Circuit for switchably connecting an input node and an output node
A switching circuit for switchably connecting an input node and an output node. The switching circuit comprises a switch operable to switchably connect the input node to the output node in response to a switching signal. A sensor is provided for sensing the voltage between the input and output nodes and providing a sense signal in response thereto. A driver coupled to the sensor adjusts the switching signal in response to the sense signal. |
| US08130027B1 |
Apparatus and method for the detection and compensation of integrated circuit performance variation
An apparatus and method for the dynamic detection and compensation of performance variations within an integrated circuit (IC) is provided to detect performance variations within the IC at any stage of test or operation. An arbitrary reference signal is utilized in conjunction with an internal oscillation device to establish a speed reference that may be used to characterize the IC. Dynamic detection and compensation may also be configured within a plurality of geographic locations within the IC, so that performance variations may be detected and compensated. Test data that is indicative of the IC's performance may be dynamically generated continuously, or at programmable intervals, so that performance variations caused by virtually any source may be substantially detected and compensated at any point in time of the IC's life cycle. |
| US08130025B2 |
Numerical band gap
A system includes a bandgap temperature sensor to generate multiple base-emitter voltages. The system also include a controller to detect the base-emitter voltages generated by the bandgap temperature sensor and to generate a bandgap reference voltage according to the multiple base-emitter voltage signals, the bandgap reference voltage having a voltage level that remains substantially constant relative to environmental temperature variations. |
| US08130022B2 |
Ultra-low current push-button switch interface circuit
Circuits and methods to achieve a switch interface circuit for a single pole, single throw (SPST) momentary push-button switch consuming a few tens of nanoamps whilst the push-button switch is closed, having low impedance input path when the switch is open in order to eliminate RFI interference have been achieved. The two states of the push-button switch, open and closed, maintain a low impedance path to one of the power supplies. The supply current is zero when the switch is open and is minimized whilst the switch is closed. The asynchronous edge triggered detection of the switch event allows an extended switch open to closed transition operation. |
| US08130021B2 |
Gain control with multiple integrators
A system according to one embodiment includes an analog input for receiving an analog signal; a variable gain amplifier coupled to the analog input; a first integrator coupled to the variable gain amplifier for controlling the gain of the analog signal; a second integrator generating control signals for controlling functions of the first integrator; a serializer for serializing the control signals; and a deserializer coupled to the serializer for deserializing the control signals and passing the deserialized control signals to the first integrator. |
| US08130013B2 |
Driving circuit of input/output interface with changeable output force
A driving circuit of an input/output (I/O) interface is provided. The driving circuit includes a main output stage and an enhancing unit. The main output stage receives at least one driving signal and outputs an output signal corresponding to an input signal accordingly. The enhancing unit is coupled to the main output stage. The enhancing unit receives and detects the level of the output signal so as to drive the output force of the main output stage in a first output level or a second output level, wherein the first output level is higher than the second output level. |
| US08130012B2 |
Buffer circuit of semiconductor integrated apparatus
A buffer circuit of a semiconductor integrated apparatus includes a control block configured to output a result of comparing an input voltage level and an output voltage level as a control signal, and a buffering block configured to generate an output voltage having the substantially same level as an input voltage in response to the control signal. |
| US08130007B2 |
Probe card assembly with carbon nanotube probes having a spring mechanism therein
Columns comprising a plurality of vertically aligned carbon nanotubes can be configured as electromechanical contact structures or probes. The columns can be grown on a sacrificial substrate and transferred to a product substrate, or the columns can be grown on the product substrate. The columns can be treated to enhance mechanical properties such as stiffness, electrical properties such as electrical conductivity, and/or physical contact characteristics. The columns can be mechanically tuned to have predetermined spring properties. The columns can be used as electromechanical probes, for example, to contact and test electronic devices such as semiconductor dies, and the columns can make unique marks on terminals of the electronic devices. |
| US08130001B1 |
System and method for detecting a protective device has limited or interrupted current it carries
A system and method monitors indicators including other-than-current indicators of protective devices such as cutouts and reclosers, to determine whether the protective devices are restricting, below their rated capacity, or interrupting, current they carry. The system and method dispatches a technician to such device. |
| US08129996B2 |
Method and apparatus for determining deterioration of secondary battery, and power supply system therewith
A method for detecting SOC and SOH of a storage battery includes: calculating an SOC value of the storage battery with use of an SOC calculation unit based on a measured voltage value or a measured current value of the storage battery and calculating an SOH value of the storage battery with use of an SOH calculation unit based on the SOC value; further calculating a new SOC value with use of the SOC calculation unit based on the SOH value and calculating a new SOH value with use of the SOH calculation unit based on the new SOC value, these further calculations of SOC value and SOH value being repeated a prescribed n times of at least one so as to obtain an nth calculated SOC value and an nth calculated SOH value; outputting the nth calculated SOH value as an SOH output value and outputting the nth calculated SOH value as an SOC output value; and storing the SOH output value into a memory. |
| US08129995B2 |
Apparatus and method for sensing battery cell voltage using isolation capacitor
An apparatus for measuring a battery cell voltage includes a battery having a cell group; a first switching unit for selectively connecting both terminals of each battery cell of the cell group to conductive lines; a first voltage charging unit connected between the conductive lines to primarily charge a cell voltage; a second voltage charging unit for relaying the charged voltage in the first voltage charging unit for secondary charging; a cell voltage sensing unit for sensing the voltage charged in the second voltage charging unit; and a second switching unit for interconnecting the voltage charging units in the charged voltage relaying mode and isolating the voltage charging units in the charged voltage sensing mode. This apparatus realizes isolation between a high voltage battery and a voltage sensing unit, thereby allowing voltage sensing of each battery cell included in a high voltage battery using a part with low withstanding voltage. |
| US08129994B2 |
Microresistivity imaging in conductive and nonconductive drilling fluid
A microresistivity logging tool includes a shield electrode deployed between a guard electrode and a return electrode. A measuring electrode is deployed in and electrically isolated from the guard electrode and first and second potential electrodes are deployed in and electrically isolated from the shield electrode. The tool further includes at least one switch configured to switch the tool between distinct first and second microresistivity measurement modes. The first measurement mode is configured for making microresistivity measurements in conductive (water based) drilling fluid and the second measurement mode is configured for making microresistivity measurements in non-conductive (oil based) drilling fluid, thereby enabling the tool to be utilized in either type of drilling fluid. |
| US08129992B2 |
Bore tube assembly
A wireless magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner bore tube assembly has a radio frequency (RF) antenna, a microwave antenna array and an electrical screen. The RF antenna is formed of a series of RF antenna elements, each comprising a rung. The rungs are spaced at intervals of substantially half of the wavelength of the frequency of operation of the microwave antenna array. The microwave antenna array is formed by a series of microwave antenna elements interleaved between the rungs and the screen acts as a reflector to reflect signals from the microwave antenna elements towards the center of the bore tube. |
| US08129988B2 |
Method and system for adjusting the sensitivity of a magnetoresistive sensor
The system for measuring high currents or magnetic fields using a magnetoresistive sensor (80) includes a device for applying a known predetermined magnetic bias field Hbias in a direction such that it has a non-zero component of the field perpendicular to a detection direction of the magnetoresistive sensor (80) that also corresponds to a direction of anisotropy of a layer of the magnetoresistive sensor, a device for measuring the variation in resistance of the magnetoresistive sensor (80) and means for determining the external magnetic field H to be measured from the measured resistance variation, the resistance of the sensor being subjected to a monotonic variation function. |
| US08129982B2 |
Voltage sensing circuits and methods for inverters
A voltage sensing circuit includes a voltage divider and a voltage rectifier. The voltage divider divides a first output voltage on a first output voltage line to a first divided output voltage. The voltage divider comprises a first metal foil and a first capacitor. The first metal foil and the first output voltage line can form a first capacitive component. The first capacitive component is coupled in series with the first capacitor. The first capacitive component and the first capacitor can generate the first divided output voltage. The voltage rectifier is coupled to the voltage divider and can rectify the first divided output voltage to a sensing voltage indicative of the first output voltage. |
| US08129981B2 |
Apparatus for detecting a fault in the balancing unit
An apparatus can be coupled to at least two lines for transmitting a differential signal, which is substantially symmetrical to a predefined reference potential, and/or for receiving such a differential signal. The apparatus includes a balancing unit, which can be coupled to the at least two lines and which includes a center tap. A monitoring unit is coupled to the center tap on the input side and is configured such that it monitors a center tap voltage between the center tap and the predefined reference potential and detects errors if the center tap voltage is greater than a predefined threshold value. |
| US08129980B2 |
AC electric quantity measuring device
In the present invention, a measured realtime accurate frequency is used to determine estimated instantaneous voltage/current time-series data for each phase component in accordance with the least-squares method. The estimated instantaneous voltage/current time-series data are used to determine effective voltage, effective current, instantaneous active electric power, instantaneous reactive electric power, effective active electric power, and effective reactive electric power of each phase component and symmetrical component. The measured AC electric quantities are applied to any type of electric power system control/protection apparatus. |
| US08129979B2 |
Arrangement for lightning detection at a wind turbine
An arrangement to detect a lightning strike in a wind turbine is provided. According to the arrangement, the wind turbines contains an ozone sensor. The ozone sensor is located close to a component of the wind turbine. The component is constructed and arranged in a way that a lightning current, which results from a lightning strike into the wind turbine, is conducted through the component. The component is constructed and arranged in a way that the lightning current results in a corona generating a certain amount of ozone gas, which is detected by the ozone sensor. |
| US08129978B2 |
Material detector
To realize a small size and high detection accuracy in a substance detection apparatus. A charge detection field effect transistor and a control circuit therefor are provided in each cell, and the control circuit controls the charge detection field effect transistor so that the drain-source voltage and the drain current of the charge detection field effect transistor are always maintained constant. The control circuit may be formed in a CMOS configuration including a small number of elements in a small area using a standard CMOS integrated circuit technique. |
| US08129976B2 |
Load control device having a gate current sensing circuit
A gate drive circuit for a controllably conductive device, such as a triac, includes a trigger circuit for conducting a gate current through a control input of the controllably conductive device, and a sense circuit operable to generate a control signal representative of the magnitude of the gate current. The controllably conductive device is adapted to be coupled in series between an AC power source and an electrical load for controlling the amount of power delivered to the electrical load. The controllably conductive device is operable to change from a non-conductive state to a conductive state in response to the gate current being conducted through the control input. A controller is operable to control the controllably conductive device via the gate drive circuit and to determine, in response to the magnitude of the gate current through the control input of the controllably conductive device, whether the controllably conductive device is presently conducting current to the load. |
| US08129973B2 |
Controlling a voltage regulator
A wireless system includes a radio and a voltage regulator, which provides a supply voltage to the radio. The voltage regulator includes a storage element, at least one switch that is coupled to the storage element and a controller. The controller operates the voltage regulator in a continuous mode of operation, operates the voltage regulator in a discontinuous mode of operation in response to an output current of the voltage regulator decreasing below a predetermined threshold; operates the switch(es) to energize the storage element in response to a detection of whether an output voltage is below a threshold level; operates the switch(es) to halt the energization of the storage element in response to detecting a current in the storage element reaching a predetermined current threshold; operates the switch(es) to energize and de-energize the storage element in the discontinuous mode of operation; and operates the switch(es) to energize the storage element in synchronization with a periodic clock signal. |
| US08129971B2 |
Multi-cell voltage regulator
In some embodiments, the number of active cells in a multi-cell voltage regulator is controlled so that the current-per-active-cell approaches a predefined target or to be within an acceptable range so that the active cells operate with suitable efficiency. |
| US08129967B2 |
Voltage regulator with self-adaptive loop
A voltage regulator includes an amplifier and a regulation loop. The regulator includes a first PMOS transistor connected to a terminal supplying an input voltage, a second PMOS transistor connected in series with the first PMOS transistor. A node between those two transistors defines an output terminal. A first source of a first polarization current of fixed value is connected to the gate of the first transistor, and a second source of a second polarization current of fixed value connects the second transistor to ground. A third NMOS transistor is connected between the two current sources. A circuit is provided to modify automatically at least one of the polarization currents in relation to the load current. |
| US08129963B2 |
DC to DC converter
The invention relates to a DC to DC converter comprising a DC to DC converter unit (DCW), a first field effect transistor (FET1) for the voltage conversion, a bipolar transistor (BP1) as a starting aid, and a second field effect transistor (FET2) for switching-off the bipolar transistor (BP1). Said bipolar transistor (BP1) is mounted in parallel with the first field effect transistor (FET1), and the second field effect transistor (FET2) is mounted upstream of the bipolar transistor (BP1). |
| US08129961B2 |
DC/DC-converter
The present invention relates voltage conversion device in which a regulated output voltage is supplied by current pulses generated by the voltage conversion device from a voltage source. In particular, the invention relates to an improved control of an pulse frequency modulation (PFM) operation mode in which the frequency of the generated current pulses is modulated to regulated the desired output voltage, namely how PFM pulses can be generated without the need for a high-frequency clock of a time controlled system. By having pulse phases are current mode controlled and providing a mode detector to generate the right kind of current pulse, the high-frequency clock is no longer needed. Further, the presented solution allows for a higher PWM as well as PFM frequency, the external components of the converter can be made smaller. Eliminating the need for a high-frequency clock makes the device simpler, smaller and more energy-efficient. |
| US08129955B2 |
Reset mechanism for a battery pack
A battery pack may include a plurality of battery cells; a discharge switch in series with the battery cells, a temperature sensor configured to sense temperature in the battery pack, and a battery control unit adapted to receive a signal indicative of temperature from the temperature sensor and operable to control the switch to interrupt current flow from the battery cells when the temperature exceeds an over-temperature threshold. The battery control unit may be adapted to receive a reset signal and operable to control the switch to restore current flow upon receipt of the reset signal and when the temperature is below an operating temperature threshold. |
| US08129944B2 |
Control device for a secondary battery and vehicle
A control device for a secondary battery includes an offset addition unit calculating an offset amount based on a plurality of voltage values sensed by a sensor, the number of a plurality of battery cells included in one battery block and a preset range, and adding an offset amount to the sensed voltage values, when a flag is turned on to indicate the fact the voltage value of one of the battery cells falls within a preset range, and also includes an I/O control unit controlling charge/discharge of the battery based on voltage values containing the offset amount added thereto. Even when the battery voltage is sensed a battery block at a time, the voltage value can be controlled a cell at a time. |
| US08129942B2 |
Contactless charging method for charging battery
A system, method and apparatus for contact-less charging of battery operated devices is presented. There is a host charger with a power converter and resonant tank circuit and a portable device where the battery is located, with a battery charging control IC. The method obviates the need for a voltage controller in each of both the host and the portable stages, thus decreasing complexity and increasing efficiency. The charging of the battery in the portable device is controlled by a charging controller therein, which is in continual electric communication with the host, whose output power the control IC dynamically monitors and controls. Two embodiments for the charging circuitry in the portable device are presented. In one embodiment component count is minimized but battery charging is not optimized when the battery voltage is very low. In the other embodiment charging efficiency is maximized regardless of the output voltage of the battery, but additional components are utilized. |
| US08129939B2 |
Slate wireless keyboard charging and connection
An approach is provided that determines whether keyboard power connection points included in a wireless keyboard are connected to system power connection points in a computer system. Power is sent from the computer system to the wireless keyboard. The power is transmitted through the system power connection points to the keyboard power connection points. Keyboard components included in the wireless keyboard are also powered using the power sent from the computer system. If the keyboard power connection points are not connected to the system power connection points, the keyboard components are powered included in the wireless keyboard by using a keyboard battery that is included in the wireless keyboard. One of the keyboard components that receives power is a wireless interface that connects the wireless keyboard to the computer system. |
| US08129933B2 |
Motor controlling method and apparatus thereof
A voltage detection section and current detection section detect a voltage and current supplied to a motor, and the detected voltage and current are supplied to a position detection section. An angular speed output from the position detection section is supplied to a differentiator to output an angular acceleration. A fundamental wave component extraction section extracts a fundamental wave component of the angular acceleration, and the extracted fundamental wave component is supplied to an amplitude adjustment section. The output of the amplitude adjustment section is subtracted from the average current command by a subtraction section. This subtraction result, current detection value, and the rotor position from the position detection section are supplied to a current control section to carry out the current control operation so as to obtain a current command. The current command is supplied to an inverter to control the voltage and current so as to suppress the speed changing due to the load torque changing. Thus, stability is improved, and a decrease in cost is realized. |
| US08129926B2 |
Light source control device
A light source control device is provided. A switching seat includes a switching key and a sensing device. A switching circuit is disposed between an external power source and a control circuit to disconnect or connect the external power source, and includes a mechanical switch, an electronic switch and a sensing unit. The mechanical switch is directly connected to the switching key, and is controlled to turn on or off by switching the switching key. The electronic switch is coupled to the sensing unit, and the sensing unit generates a sensing signal to control the electronic switch to turn on or off when the sensing device senses an excitation. The control circuit provides varied power supply to a light source according to the received signal. |
| US08129925B2 |
Terminal device and computer-readable storage medium
A terminal apparatus and a computer-readable storage medium capable of achieving reduction of power consumption by appropriately controlling lighting of a display unit are provided.A CPU lights or extinguishes a display unit after the end of an interrupt event in accordance with a lighting state (lighting, dim-lighting, being unlighted) of the display unit when the occurrence of the interrupt event is detected. It is therefore possible for the CPU to perform appropriate display control according to the lighting state when an interrupt event occurs. |
| US08129923B2 |
Switching circuit adapted in LED circuit
A switching circuit adapted in an LED circuit and an LED circuit are provided. The switching circuit has a mode-selecting circuit, a comparator and a control module. The mode-selecting circuit has a voltage-dividing module and a switch. The voltage-dividing module receives and divides a reference voltage to further generate a working voltage. The switch is connected to the voltage-dividing module, wherein the switch has an output. The comparator comprises a first input connected to the switch, a second input and a comparator output. During a measuring mode, the switch transfers the reference voltage and the second input is connected to the comparator output. During a working mode, the switch transfers the working voltage, the second input of the comparator receives an output voltage of the LED circuit and the control module generates a control signal according to the voltage of the comparator output to switch the LED circuit. |
| US08129922B2 |
Method for controlling a high-frequency transformer
A method for controlling a high-frequency transformer by which the acoustic transformer noises occurring during intermittent operation (burst operation) are reduced. This is achieved according to the invention by halving a length of the first and the last pulse of an AC voltage pulse train or the first and the last half-wave in the ON interval (Tn). This goes to avoid magnetizing peaks in the core that cause a major part of the background noise. |
| US08129918B2 |
Power supply, display device, and light source driving apparatus
A power supply is provided, which includes a DC-DC converter being supplied with an external DC input voltage and a first switching control signal and outputting a duty sensing signal of which a magnitude is varied in accordance with the first switching control signal, the duty sensing signal being indicative of a duty ratio of the first switching control signal, and the DC-DC converter converting the input voltage into a DC output voltage of a predetermined magnitude based on the first switching control signal; and a feedback controlling unit comparing the duty sensing signal with a first reference signal to adjust the duty ratio of the first switching control signal. |
| US08129914B2 |
Operating circuit for light-emitting diodes
An operating circuit for at least one light-emitting diode (LED) incorporates a switched-mode regulator circuit to which a DC voltage is fed and which provides a supply voltage for the at least one light-emitting diode (LED) by means of a coil (L1) and a switch (S1) clocked by a control unit (SR). When the switch (S1) is on, energy is built up in the coil (L1), which is discharged through the at least one light-emitting diode (LED) when the switch (S1) is off. The control unit (SR) determines the time period between the switch (S1) switching off and subsequently switching on depending on the voltage across the at least one light-emitting diode (LED) and a temporally constant characteristic parameter of the coil (L1). |
| US08129903B2 |
Organic electroluminescent display device
An organic electroluminescent display device is provided, which includes a substrate having anodes arranged thereon, a bank which defines a luminous region on the anode, an organic emitting layer formed in the luminous region, and a cathode formed on the bank and the emitting layer. A desiccant layer selectively formed on the bank with interposition of the cathode. |
| US08129899B1 |
Azafluorene derivative and organic light-emitting device using the derivative
A novel azafluorene derivative and an organic light-emitting device having the derivative are provided. The organic light-emitting device includes a pair of electrodes composed of an anode and a cathode one of which is a transparent or semi-transparent electrode, and an organic compound layer interposed between the pair of electrodes. The organic compound layer contains the azafluorene derivative represented by the following general formula (I): |
| US08129894B2 |
Carbide nanostructures and methods for making same
A structure includes a substrate and a metallized carbon nano-structure extending from a portion of the substrate. In a method of making a metallized carbon nanostructure, at least one carbon structure formed on a substrate is placed in a furnace. A metallic vapor is applied to the carbon nanostructure at a preselected temperature for a preselected period of time so that a metallized nanostructure forms about the carbon nanostructure. |
| US08129890B2 |
High-pressure discharge lamp having a starting aid
The invention relates to a high-pressure discharge lamp (1) having a burner (2), which is provided with a starting aid device (30, 32) for improving the starting behavior. Said device is configured according to the invention as a grid (30) encompassing the burner in the region of a ceramic (6) holding the burner (2) and having contact with a power feed (24). Said grid (30) acts as a starting aid and as protection against fragments in case of a burner explosion. |
| US08129886B2 |
Apparatus and method for increasing sensitivity of ultrasound transducers
An acoustical stack for use within an ultrasound transducer that has a center frequency has a poled piezoelectric material layer and at least one impedance matching layer. The poled piezoelectric material layer has top and bottom sides and is formed of poled piezoelectric material that has a first acoustic impedance. The poled piezoelectric material layer has a first thickness and the acoustical stack has an output electrical impedance based on the first thickness. The impedance matching layers are configured to be attached to the top and bottom sides of the poled piezoelectric material layer and have second or third thicknesses. The impedance matching layers are formed of one or more materials that have an acoustic impedance substantially similar to the first acoustic impedance. The poled piezoelectric layer and impedance matching layers form an acoustic resonance thickness. The center frequency of the transducer is based on the acoustic resonance thickness. |
| US08129885B2 |
Electric generating unit as substitute for vehicle battery
An electric generating unit as a substitute for a vehicle battery includes a housing including an air pressure control member to control air pressure in an inner space of the housing, at least a diaphragm unit configured to sufficiently fluidly-insulate the inner space of the housing from outside of the housing and flexibly deformable by an inertia applied by a mass unit according to an external force so as to generate electricity, wherein the mass unit is formed on the diaphragm unit. |
| US08129876B2 |
Brazed joint between a cooling fluid box and an armature bar
A brazed joint between a cooling fluid box and an armature bar can comprise a cooling fluid box, a plurality of conductor strands, at least one side wall spacer, and at least one middle spacer. Each side wall spacer can have a tapered width and can be wedged between the plurality of conductor strands and an interior side wall of the cooling fluid box. Each middle spacer can have a tapered width and can be wedged between two columns of the conductor strands. The side wall spacers can taper in a direction opposite the taper of the middle spacers. In one embodiment, the cooling fluid box can move around the conductor strands. Each side wall spacer can be positioned against an interior surface of the cooling fluid box. Each middle spacer can be positioned between columns of conductor strands. The cooling fluid box can be withdrawn to a final position. |
| US08129874B2 |
Internal oil cooling via housing end brackets for an electric machine
A system for cooling an electrical machine is disclosed. The electrical machine includes a stator including a plurality of coils, an exterior housing, and an end cap. During operation of the electrical machine, a fluid is sprayed from the end cap onto the plurality of coils to carry away heat generated by the electrical machine. |
| US08129873B2 |
Stator coil coolant flow reduction monitoring
A coolant flow reduction monitoring system for a rotary electric machine having stator coils within a plurality of slots of a stator thereof is provided. The stator coils are cooled by a coolant flowing in a plurality of passages provided in the stator coils. The system includes an outlet temperature sensor for measuring a coolant outlet temperature of the coolant in an outlet of at least one of the plurality of passages, a slot temperature sensor for measuring a temperature in at least one slot at a location along a length of each slot and outside of the stator coils, and an inlet temperature sensor for measuring a coolant inlet temperature of the coolant. A coolant flow reduction monitor generates an alarm indicating a coolant flow reduction based on the at least one coolant outlet temperature, the at least one slot temperature and the coolant inlet temperature. |
| US08129872B2 |
Low profile d.c. brushless motor for an impeller mechanism or the like
An impeller and at least a portion of a cooperating peripheral volute may be integrated are integrally injection molded with, concentric outer rotor and inner stator assemblies, respectively, to achieve a low profile precision impeller mechanism based on an improved brushless D.C. motor with low length to diameter ratio and suitable for use in a variety of other applications. A rotating cap has an inner circumference which is molded about an outer ferromagnetic back ring that in turn supports a rotor magnet having a number of poles of alternating polarity and separated by a relatively small cylindrical air gap from a fixed stator assembly. The fixed stator assembly is integrally molded into a base housing having a bearing support that extends upwardly through the center of the stator assembly and that is rotatably coupled to a rotating shaft that extends downwardly from the center of the rotating cap. |
| US08129870B1 |
Asymmetric folded spring flexure suspension system for reciprocating devices
An asymmetric folded spring flexure suspension system can enable an ultra-compact linear reciprocative device wherein a reciprocative mass suspended from a base by a single folded flexure assembly extends in a single generally radial direction perpendicular to the intended travel path. The folded flexure assembly can be configured as three side-by-side stacks of flexure strips of spring material, tied together at a “yoke-idler” end; at the opposite “working” end, a central stack of nominal width is tied to the mass, and, flanking the central stack, a pair of half-width stacks are tied to opposite sides of the base. In an embodiment for active vibration control, a cylindrical enclosure, of magnetically-permeable material and attached to the working end of the flexure assembly, contains a driver system including an internally-mounted pair of permanent magnets that provide a magnetic flux gap and also constitute the main portion of the mass. Also within the enclosure, but supported from the base by rods extending up through clearance holes in the bottom cover/pole plate of the enclosure, is a single bobbin-mounted coil which, being located in the magnetic flux gap, drives reciprocation of the armature/mass enclosure in response to alternating electrical current applied to the coil. |
| US08129867B2 |
RF AC/DC coupling circuit using general purpose solid-state relay
A system and method for overcoming the parasitic elements associated with off the shelf or general purpose solid-state devices configured to operate as RF AC/DC signal coupling networks. An AC/DC signal coupling network may comprise a general purpose solid-state relay device and two inductors having values carefully chosen to compensate for the imperfections and intrinsic parasitic elements associated with the solid-state relay. The inductors may also have values carefully chosen to compensate for the parasitic elements of the neighboring or coupled circuit, and for the capacitance that is associated with the printed circuit board bond pad that is directly dependent upon the area of the pad and distance to the neighboring conductors. The inductors may cause the input path to become inductive as the signal frequency increases, and also improve the input return loss over the RF input range. |
| US08129866B2 |
Mass coupling at clocked HF-elements
A circuit for a fill-level measuring device is for the fast switching-on of a high-frequency element on a ground port is disclosed. The circuit comprises a switching unit with a circuit mass; a high-frequency element with a high-frequency mass; and a coupling element that couples the two masses together and at the same time insulates them from each other in a direct-current manner. In this way the switching unit can be arranged on the GND port of the HF-element, without influencing the HF characteristics of said HF element. |
| US08129860B2 |
Power over network methods and systems
Methods and systems for providing electrical power over a network configured to facilitate digital communications are described herein. In different aspects, the methods and systems may include a service provider network module configured to facilitate digital communications and having an autonomous power supply, and a network connection device operably connected to the service provider network module. The network connection device may include at least one network connection port configured to receive electrical power; and a power switching module coupled to the at least one network connection port and configured to switch from a primary power source to enable the network connection device to receive electrical power from the service provider network module via the at least one network connection port when electrical power from the primary power source is interrupted. |
| US08129858B2 |
Remote controlled extension cord with embedded housing for a remote control
A remote controlled extension cord. The extension cord has a wire attached to a plug with an integrated base. The base serves to cradle a remote control, which is used to turn power on/off to the extensions on the cord. The remote control can snap inside the base and can be easily pushed out. The base thereby serves as a convenient storage for the remote control in order to discourage the remote from getting misplaced. |
| US08129857B2 |
Semiconductor circuit
A first signal processing circuit performs predetermined signal processing on a first signal to provide a change to a characteristic value thereof, and then outputs a second signal. A second signal processing circuit performs predetermined signal processing on the second signal to provide a change to a characteristic value thereof, and then outputs a third signal. A first and a second switching power supplies respectively supply power supply voltages to the first and second signal processing circuits. An amount of change provided to the characteristic value of the first signal by the first signal processing circuit, and an amount of change provided to the characteristic value of the second signal by the second signal processing circuit, are dependent on the respective power supply voltages. Phases of the first and the second switching power supplies are respectively set such that an error between the amount of change in the characteristic value of the first signal and its target value, and an error between that of the second signal and its target value, are to be canceled out by each other. |
| US08129855B1 |
Portable turbine systems
Novel apparatus and techniques for harnessing wind and/or moving-liquid energy using one or more portable turbine systems are disclosed. One embodiment includes a portable stream turbine system having a hub with many paddles, held by an axle in a housing. The system further includes a disk fixed to the hub and extended out of the housing to be also fixed to a gear structure, which is connected to a generator. The output of the generator can be connected to electronics to perform different functions. Another embodiment includes a number of portable turbine systems removably attached together to form an array. In one example, the number of portable turbine systems in an array can be adjustable, depending on needs. The different embodiments regarding a stream turbine system can further include a floatation mechanism to keep the different embodiments afloat or partially afloat in a fluid. The different embodiments regarding a stream turbine system or an array of stream turbine systems can also include a drifting prevention mechanism to prevent the embodiments from being drifted away, and to substantially maintain the orientation of the embodiments in a fluid. |
| US08129853B2 |
Power converter for use with wind generator
In one embodiment, the present invention includes a turbine to generate mechanical energy from kinetic energy, a generator coupled to the turbine to receive the mechanical energy and to output multiple isolated supply powers, and multiple power stages each coupled to the generator. Each of the power stages may receive at least one of the isolated supply powers. |
| US08129849B1 |
Method of making semiconductor package with adhering portion
Disclosed are a semiconductor package and a method of making the same. In the semiconductor package, a substrate and a semiconductor die are covered with and encapsulated by vertically pressing thermosetting resin having fluidity in a predetermined temperature range and denaturalizing itself in gel. Thus, it is possible to reduce a thickness of the semiconductor package and prevent wire sweeping. |
| US08129848B2 |
Light emitting device having a plurality of light emitting cells connected in series and method of fabricating the same
Disclosed are a light emitting device having a plurality of light emitting cells connected in series and a method of fabricating the same. The light emitting device includes a buffer layer formed on a substrate. A plurality of rod-shaped light emitting cells are located on the buffer layer to be spaced apart from one another. Each of the light emitting cells has an n-layer, an active layer and a p-layer. Meanwhile, wires connect the spaced light emitting cells in series or parallel. Accordingly, arrays of the light emitting cells connected in series are connected to be driven by currents flowing in opposite directions. Thus, there is provided a light emitting device that can be directly driven by an AC power source. |
| US08129847B2 |
Interconnect and method for mounting an electronic device to a substrate
An interconnect for mounting an electronic device to a substrate includes a base layer between the electronic device and the substrate in electrical communication with integrated circuits on the electronic device, a phase change layer on the base layer made of a material which is liquid at normal operating temperatures of the electronic device and a retaining layer surrounding the phase change layer, and configured to retain the phase change layer in liquid form on the base layer. A method for mounting an electronic device to a substrate includes the steps of: forming a base layer on the device (or on the substrate); forming a phase change layer on the base layer; placing the phase change layer in contact with a corresponding electrode on the substrate (or on the device); and then forming a retaining layer between the device and the substrate configured to surround the base layer, the phase change layer, and the electrode, and to retain the phase change layer in liquid form between the base layer and the electrode. |
| US08129845B2 |
Semiconductor device and method of forming interconnect structure in non-active area of wafer
A semiconductor wafer includes a plurality of semiconductor die. Contact pads are formed on an active area of the semiconductor die and non-active area of the semiconductor wafer between the semiconductor die. Solder bumps are formed on the contact pads in both the active area of the semiconductor die and non-active area of the semiconductor wafer between the semiconductor die. The I/O terminal count of the semiconductor die is increased by forming solder bumps in the non-active area of the wafer. An encapsulant is formed over the solder bumps. The encapsulant provides structural support for the solder bumps formed in the non-active area of the semiconductor wafer. The semiconductor wafer undergoes grinding after forming the encapsulant to expose the solder bumps. The semiconductor wafer is singulated to separate the semiconductor die. The semiconductor die is mounted to a package substrate with solder paste or socket. |
| US08129837B2 |
Flip chip interconnection pad layout
A flip chip interconnect pad layout has the die signal pads are arranged on the die surface near the perimeter of the die, and the die power and ground pads arranged on the die surface inboard from the signal pads; and has the signal pads on the corresponding package substrate arranged in a manner complementary to the die pad layout and the signal lines routed from the signal pads beneath the die edge away from the die footprint, and has the power and ground lines routed to vias beneath the die footprint. Also, a flip chip semiconductor package in which the flip chip interconnect pad layouts have the die signal pads situated in the marginal part of the die and the die power and ground pads arranged on the die surface inboard from the signal pads, and the corresponding package substrates have signal pads arranged in a manner complementary to the die pad layout and signal lines routed from the signal pads beneath the die edge away from the die footprint. |
| US08129835B2 |
Package substrate having semiconductor component embedded therein and fabrication method thereof
A package substrate having a semiconductor component embedded therein and a method of fabricating the same are provided, including: providing a semiconductor chip with electrode pads disposed on an active surface thereof; forming a passivation layer on the active surface and the electrode pads; forming on the passivation layer metal pads corresponding in position to the electrode pads, respectively, so as for the semiconductor chip to be fixed in position to an opening of a substrate body; forming a first dielectric layer on the semiconductor chip and the substrate body; forming dielectric layer openings by laser and preventing the electrode pads from being penetrated by the metal pads; removing the metal pads and the passivation layer in the dielectric layer openings so as to expose the electrode pads therefrom; and forming a first wiring layer on the first dielectric layer for electrical connection with the electrode pads. |
| US08129833B2 |
Stacked integrated circuit packages that include monolithic conductive vias
Microelectronic packages are fabricated by stacking integrated circuits upon one another. Each integrated circuit includes a semiconductor layer having microelectronic devices and a wiring layer on the semiconductor layer having wiring that selectively interconnects the microelectronic devices. After stacking, a via is formed that extends through at least two of the integrated circuits that are stacked upon one another. Then, the via is filled with conductive material that selectively electrically contacts the wiring. Related microelectronic packages are also described. |
| US08129825B2 |
IC chip package employing substrate with a device hole
In one embodiment of the present invention, an IC chip mounting package includes a film base member and an IC chip connected via an interposer. Connecting terminals on the film base member side of the interposer are provided so as to have a pitch larger than that of connecting terminals of the IC. A device hole is opened to the film base member, and the IC chip is provided in the device hole. A distance between an inner lead leading end and a periphery of the device hole is set as not less than 10 μm. |
| US08129823B2 |
Materials, structures and methods for microelectronic packaging
Highly reliable interconnections for microelectronic packaging. In one embodiment, dielectric layers in a build-up interconnect have a gradation in glass transition temperature; and the later applied dielectric layers are laminated at temperatures lower than the glass transition temperatures of the earlier applied dielectric layers. In one embodiment, the glass transition temperatures of earlier applied dielectric films in a build-up interconnect are increased through a thermosetting process to exceed the temperature for laminating the later applied dielectric films. In one embodiment, a polyimide material is formed with embedded catalysts to promote cross-linking after a film of the polyimide material is laminated (e.g., through photo-chemical or thermal degradation of the encapsulant of the catalysts). In one embodiment, the solder resist opening walls have a wettable layer generated through laser assisted seeding so that there is no gap between the solder resist opening walls and no underfill in the solder resist opening. |
| US08129820B2 |
Semiconductor device
A bipolar transistor for semiconductor device has a collector region having a first conductivity type disposed on a surface of a semiconductor substrate having the first conductivity type. A base region having a second conductivity type is disposed in the collector region. An emitter region having the first conductivity type is disposed in the base region. A high concentration first conductivity type region for a collector electrode is disposed in the collector region. A high concentration second conductivity type region for a base electrode is disposed in the base region. The high concentration first conductivity type region for a collector electrode and the high concentration second conductivity type region for a base electrode contact directly with each other so that the collector region and the base region have a same potential. |
| US08129819B2 |
Method of fabricating integrated circuit including at least six linear-shaped conductive structures at equal pitch including at least two linear-shaped conductive structures having non-gate portions of different length
A layout of a cell of a semiconductor device is disclosed to include a diffusion level layout including a plurality of diffusion region layout shapes, including p-type and n-type diffusion regions. The layout of the cell also includes a gate electrode level layout is defined to include a number of linear-shaped layout features placed to extend in only a first parallel direction. Each of the number of the linear-shaped layout features within the gate electrode level layout of the restricted layout region is rectangular-shaped. Linear-shaped layout features within the gate electrode level layout extend over one or more of the p-type and/or n-type diffusion regions to form PMOS and NMOS transistor devices. A number of the PMOS transistor devices is equal to a number of the NMOS transistor devices in the cell. |
| US08129818B2 |
Power device
The present invention is a power device includes, a first conductive type semiconductor substrate, a second conductive type base region formed on a surface of the semiconductor substrate, a second conductive type collector region formed on a rear surface of the semiconductor substrate, a first conductive type emitter region formed on a surface of the base region, a trench gate formed via a gate insulating film in a first trench groove formed in the base region so as to penetrate the emitter region, a dent formed in the base region in proximity to the emitter region, a second conductive type contact layer formed on an inner wall of the dent, having a higher dopant density than that of the base region, a dummy trench formed via a dummy trench insulating film in a second trench groove formed at a bottom of the dent, and an emitter electrode electrically connected to the emitter region, the contact layer and the dummy trench, wherein the trench gate and the dummy trench reach the semiconductor substrate. |
| US08129816B2 |
Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the same
A semiconductor device including a semiconductor substrate; an element isolation region formed in the substrate including trenches formed at a first depth and being filled with an element isolation insulating film; an element forming region formed on the substrate and being surrounded by the trenches; a gate electrode formed along a first direction on the element forming region via a gate insulating film, the gate electrode extending over the element insulating film filled the trenches extending along a second direction; a source/drain region having a second depth less than the first depth formed in the element forming region beside the gate electrode and having an exposed surface exposed to a trench sidewall; wherein the upper surface of the element isolation insulating film exclusive of a portion underlying the gate electrode is located at a third depth greater than the second depth and less than the first depth. |
| US08129815B2 |
High-voltage transistor device with integrated resistor
A high-voltage device structure comprises a resistor coupled to a tap transistor that includes a JFET in a configuration wherein a voltage provided at a terminal of the JFET is substantially proportional to an external voltage when the external voltage is less than a pinch-off voltage of the JFET. The voltage provided at the terminal being substantially constant when the external voltage is greater than the pinch-off voltage. One end of the resistor is substantially at the external voltage when the external voltage is greater than the pinch-off voltage. When the external voltage is negative, the resistor limits current injected into the substrate. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. |
| US08129807B2 |
Electro-optical device and electronic apparatus
An electro-optical device includes a semiconductor layer including a channel region having a channel length along one of a first direction and a second direction, a source region having a source length along the second direction and electrically connected to a data line, a drain region having a drain length including a portion along the first direction and electrically connected to a pixel electrode, and a junction region formed between the channel region and the drain region, and bent in the drain region in plan view; a gate electrode including a main body portion facing the channel region with a gate insulating film interposed therebetween and an enclosure portion including an L-shaped portion enclosing the junction region along the portion bent in the drain region; and a sidewall portion rising or falling from the enclosure portion and including a portion arranged along the side of the second junction region. |
| US08129801B2 |
Discrete stress isolator attachment structures for MEMS sensor packages
A discrete stress isolation apparatus for a Micro Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) inertial sensor device having a mechanism die and a package. A capacitive device mechanism is formed in a substrate layer positioned between the mechanism die and package substrate. A discrete stress isolation structure is formed in the same substrate layer with but physically separated from the capacitive device mechanism. The discrete stress isolation structure is interposed between the mechanism die and the package substrate and provides the mechanical and electrical attachment therebetween. |
| US08129797B2 |
Work function engineering for eDRAM MOSFETs
Embedded DRAM MOSFETs including an array NFET having a gate stack comprising a high-K dielectric layer upon which is deposited a first metal oxide layer (CD1) then a conductive layer (TiN), and then a polysilicon layer (Poly). A logic PFET having substantially the same gate stack as the array NFET, and a logic NFET having a third gate stack comprising the high-K dielectric layer upon which is deposited the conductive layer (TiN) and then the polysilicon layer (Poly), without the first metal oxide layer (CD1) between the high-K dielectric layer and the conductive layer (TiN). The array NFET may therefore have a higher gate stack work function than the logic NFET, but substantially the same gate stack work function as the logic PFET. |
| US08129792B2 |
Semiconductor device and method for manufacturing the same
A semiconductor device includes n- and p-type semiconductor regions separately formed on a substrate, an interlayer insulator formed on the substrate and having first and second trenches formed to reach the n- and p-type regions. There are further included first and second gate insulators formed inside of the first and second trenches, a first metal layer formed inside of the first trench via the first gate insulator, a second metal layer formed in a thickness of 1 monolayer or more and 1.5 nm or less inside of the second trench via the second gate insulator, a third metal layer formed on the second metal layer and containing at least one of a simple substance, a nitride, a carbide and an oxide of at least one metal element of alkaline earth metal elements and group III elements, first and second source/drain regions formed on the n- and p-type regions. |
| US08129788B1 |
Capacitor triggered silicon controlled rectifier
A protection circuit and method are provided for protecting semiconductor devices from electrostatic discharge (ESD). Generally, the ESD protection circuit includes a silicon controlled rectifier (SCR) formed in a substrate and configured to transfer charge from a protected node to a negative power supply, VSS, during an ESD event, and a trigger device to activate transfer of charge by the SCR when a voltage on the protected node reaches a predetermined trigger voltage. The trigger device includes a gated-diode and MOS capacitor formed in a well formed in the substrate, the trigger device configured to inject electrons into the well during charging of the MOS capacitor, forward biasing a node of the SCR, hence allowing fast triggering of the SCR device. The trigger voltage can be set independent of a holding voltage by adjusting the length of the well and area of the capacitor. Other embodiments are also disclosed. |
| US08129785B2 |
Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device according to the present invention includes: a semiconductor layer of a first conductivity type; an annular deep trench penetrating the semiconductor layer in the depth direction to surround an element forming region; a drain region of a second conductivity type formed in a surface layer portion of the semiconductor layer in the element forming region; a drift region of the second conductivity type formed in the surface layer portion of the semiconductor layer to come into contact with the drain region in the element forming region; a body region of the first conductivity type formed in the surface layer portion of the semiconductor layer at an interval from the drift region in the element forming region; a source region of the second conductivity type formed in a surface layer portion of the body region; and a first high-concentration buried region, formed in the semiconductor layer between a portion opposed to the source region in the depth direction and the deep trench, having a higher impurity concentration than that of the semiconductor layer. |
| US08129780B2 |
Semiconductor device having a trench type high-power MISFET
The present invention provides a technique capable of attaining an improvement in current detection accuracy in a trench gate type power MISFET equipped with a current detection circuit. Inactive cells are disposed so as to surround the periphery of a sense cell. That is, the inactive cell is provided between the sense cell and an active cell. All of the sense cell, active cell and inactive cells are respectively formed of a trench gate type power MISFET equipped with a dummy gate electrode. At this time, the depth of each trench extends through a channel forming region and is formed up to the deep inside (the neighborhood of a boundary with a semiconductor substrate) of an n-type epitaxial layer. Further, a p-type semiconductor region is provided at a lower portion of each trench. The p-type semiconductor region is formed so as to contact the semiconductor substrate. |
| US08129777B2 |
Semiconductor device having a multi-channel type MOS transistor
In a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device, an active channel pattern is formed on a substrate. The active channel pattern includes preliminary gate patterns and single crystalline silicon patterns that are alternately stacked with each other. A source/drain layer is formed on a sidewall of the active channel pattern. Mask pattern structures including a gate trench are formed on the active channel pattern and the source/drain layer. The patterns are selectively etched to form tunnels. The gate trench is then filled with a gate electrode. The gate electrode surrounds the active channel pattern. The gate electrode is protruded from the active channel pattern. The mask pattern structures are then removed. Impurities are implanted into the source/drain regions to form source/drain regions. A silicidation process is carried out on the source/drain regions to form a metal silicide layer, thereby completing a semiconductor device having a MOS transistor. |
| US08129773B2 |
Fin-type field effect transistor
Disclosed herein are improved fin-type field effect transistor (FinFET) structures and the associated methods of manufacturing the structures. In one embodiment FinFET drive current is optimized by configuring the FinFET asymmetrically to decrease fin resistance between the gate and the source region and to decrease capacitance between the gate and the drain region. In another embodiment device destruction at high voltages is prevented by ballasting the FinFET. Specifically, resistance is optimized in the fin between the gate and both the source and drain regions (e.g., by increasing fin length, by blocking source/drain implant from the fin, and by blocking silicide formation on the top surface of the fin) so that the FinFET is operable at a predetermined maximum voltage. |
| US08129770B2 |
Semiconductor device and manufacturing method thereof
A semiconductor device includes a silicon substrate having an active region, a memory transistor having a pair of source/drain regions and a gate electrode layer, a hard mask layer on the gate electrode layer having a plane pattern shape identical with that of the gate electrode layer, and plug conductive layers each electrically connected to each of the pair of source/drain regions. An extending direction of the active region is not perpendicular to that of the gate electrode layer, but is oblique. Upper surfaces of the hard mask layer and each of the plug conductive layers form substantially an identical plane. This can attain a semiconductor device allowing significant enlargement of a margin in a photolithographic process, suppression of an “aperture defect” as well as ensuring of a process tolerance of a “short” by decreasing a microloading effect, and decrease in a contact resistance, and a manufacturing method thereof. |
| US08129769B2 |
Semiconductor device and manufacturing method thereof
A semiconductor device having a 6F2 memory cell whose size is defined by a numerical value of a design rule F, wherein: lower electrodes of capacitors included in the memory cell are supported by a support film; the support film is formed as a pattern combining a first support pattern (14x) linearly extending in a first direction and a second support pattern (14y) linearly extending in a second direction that crosses to the first direction; the support film is arranged such that the intervals of the first and second support patterns are both equal to or greater than 1.5F; and the interval of one of the first and second support patterns is greater than the interval of the other one of the first and second support patterns. |
| US08129768B2 |
Integrated circuit device, manufacturing method thereof, and display device
An integrated circuit device of the present invention includes a substrate on which at least two types of nano wire element are provided. These nano wire elements have functions and materials different from each other. The nano wire elements are constituted by nano wires having sizes differing depending on types of nano wire element. With this, it is possible to dramatically improve a function of the integrated circuit device, as compared with an integrated circuit device including a substrate on which one type of nano wire element is provided. |
| US08129762B2 |
Image sensor
A method is provided for processing a substrate. The substrate has at least one filter region, a plurality of bond pads, and a plurality of scribe lines arranged around the filter region and bond pads. A first planarization layer is formed above the substrate. The planarization layer has a substantially flat top surface overlying the filter region, the bond pads and the scribe lines. At least one color resist layer is formed over the first planarization layer and within the filter region while the first planarization layer covers the bond pads and the scribe lines. |
| US08129761B2 |
Contacts for CMOS imagers and method of formation
Low leakage contacts on leakage sensitive areas of a CMOS imager, such as a floating diffusion region or a photodiode, are disclosed. At least one low leakage polysilicon contact is provided over a leakage sensitive area of a CMOS imager. The polysilicon contact comprises a polysilicon region in direct contact with the area of interest (the leakage sensitive area) and a metal region located over the polysilicon region. The polysilicon contact provides an improved ohmic contact with less leakage into the substrate. The polysilicon contact may be provided with other conventional metal contacts, which are employed in areas of the CMOS imager that do not require low leakage. |
| US08129756B2 |
Integrated circuit including at least six linear-shaped conductive structures forming gate electrodes of transistors with at least two different extension distances beyond conductive contacting structures
A cell of a semiconductor device is disclosed to include a diffusion level including a plurality of diffusion regions separated by inactive regions. The cell also includes a gate electrode level including conductive features defined to extend in only a first parallel direction. Adjacent ones of the 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. The gate electrode level includes conductive features defined along at least four different virtual lines of extent in the first parallel direction. A width of the conductive features is less than a wavelength of light used in a photolithography process for their fabrication. |
| US08129755B2 |
Integrated circuit with gate electrode level including at least four linear-shaped conductive structures of equal length and equal pitch with linear-shaped conductive structure forming one transistor
A cell of a semiconductor device is disclosed to include a diffusion level including a plurality of diffusion regions separated by inactive regions. The cell also includes a gate electrode level 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. The gate electrode level includes conductive features defined along at least four different virtual lines of extent in the first parallel direction. The cell also includes a number of interconnect levels formed above the gate electrode level. |
| US08129754B2 |
Integrated circuit with gate electrode level including at least six linear-shaped conductive structures forming gate electrodes of transisters with at least one pair of linear-shaped conductive structures having offset ends
A cell of a semiconductor device is disclosed to include a diffusion level including a plurality of diffusion regions separated by inactive regions. The cell also includes a gate electrode level including a number of conductive features defined to extend in only a first parallel direction. Each of the conductive features within the gate electrode level is fabricated from a respective originating rectangular-shaped layout feature. The gate electrode level includes conductive features defined along at least four different virtual lines of extent in the first parallel direction. The cell also includes a number of interconnect levels formed above the gate electrode level. |
| US08129743B2 |
Light emitting device
A light emitting device includes a light emitting element, an element mounting board including a wiring layer on an element mounting surface thereof, and a sealing portion that seals the light emitting element. The light emitting element includes a contact electrode including a transparent conductive film, a transparent dielectric layer formed on a surface of the contact electrode and including a refractive index lower than the contact electrode, and a pad electrode electrically connected to the contact electrode. The light emitting element is flip-chip mounted on the wiring layer. A part of the transparent dielectric layer is formed between the contact electrode and the pad electrode. |
| US08129742B2 |
Semiconductor chip assembly with post/base heat spreader and plated through-hole
A semiconductor chip assembly includes a semiconductor device, a heat spreader, a conductive trace and an adhesive. The heat spreader includes a post and a base. The conductive trace includes a pad, a terminal and a plated through-hole. The semiconductor device is electrically connected to the conductive trace and thermally connected to the heat spreader. The post extends upwardly from the base into an opening in the adhesive, and the base extends laterally from the post. The conductive trace provides signal routing between the pad and the terminal using the plated through-hole. |
| US08129739B2 |
Semiconductor light emitting device and semiconductor light emitting device mounted board
In a semiconductor light emitting device having a matrix of a plurality of bumps composed of one n-bump formed on an n-electrode layer and of a large number of p-bumps formed on p-electrode layers, the occurrence of a faulty junction after mounting can be suppressed by placement of the n-bump at center of the bump array, because the position at the center is most resistant to occurrence of stress after the mounting. Employment of such a configuration of bump array increases reliability of mounting thereof while improving uniformity of light emission intensity in the semiconductor light emitting device having an increased size. |
| US08129733B2 |
Gallium nitride light emitting devices on diamond
Gallium nitride devices are formed on a diamond substrate, such as for light emitting diodes as a replacement for incandescent light bulbs and fluorescent light bulbs. In one embodiment, gallium nitride diodes (or other devices) are formed on diamond in at least two methods. A first method comprises growing gallium nitride on diamond and building devices on that gallium nitride layer. The second method involves bonding gallium nitride (device or film) onto diamond and building the device onto the bonded gallium nitride. These devices may provide significantly higher efficiency than incandescent or fluorescent lights, and provide significantly higher light or energy density than other technologies. Similar methods and structures result in other gallium nitride semiconductor devices. |
| US08129731B2 |
Light emitting diode lighting device
The present invention relates to a light emitting diode (LED) lighting device (10). The lighting device comprises a light guide plate (12), and a plurality of LEDs (16) accommodated in holes (14) arranged in the plane of the light guide. At least one hole has a first side facet (18) for coupling light from any LED in the hole into the light guide and a second opposite side facet (20) for coupling light out of the light guide. Further, the holes are arranged such that all first side facets are facing one direction. Such an LED based lighting device can be made thin and unobtrusive. |
| US08129728B2 |
Light emitting device and method for enhancing light extraction thereof
A method for enhancing light extraction of a light emitting device is disclosed. The method includes the steps of: providing a site layer on the light emitting device; placing a protection layer on the site layer; forming an array of pores through the protection layer and the site layer; and growing on the site layer an oxide layer, having a plurality of rods, each of which is formed in one of the pores. The shapes of the rods can be well controlled by adjusting reactive temperature, time and N2/H2 concentration ratio of atmosphere such that the shape and light escape angle of the rods can be changed. |
| US08129726B2 |
Light-emitting diode package having electrostatic discharge protection function and method of fabricating the same
A light-emitting diode (LED) package having electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection function and a method of fabricating the same adopt a composite substrate to prepare an embedded diode and an LED, and use an insulating layer in the composite substrate to isolate some individual embedded diodes, such that the LED device has the ESD protection. |
| US08129722B2 |
Light emitting display and method of manufacturing the same
A light emitting display and a method of manufacturing the same. The light emitting display includes a substrate, a plurality of first and second signal lines that cross each other on the substrate, a plurality of organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) coupled between the first signal lines and the second signal lines, a power source supply line for supplying a power source voltage to the OLEDs, and a plurality of inspection signal lines coupled to at least one of the first signal lines or the second signal lines. At least one of the inspection signal lines is discontinuous at a region overlapping the power source supply line and ends of the discontinuous inspection signal line at the region overlapping the power source supply line are coupled to each other through a conductive region under the inspection signal line. |
| US08129721B2 |
Semiconductor device and method for fabricating the same
The invention primarily provides gate electrodes and gate wirings permitting large-sized screens for active matrix-type display devices, wherein, in order to achieve this object, the construction of the invention is a semiconductor device having, on the same substrate, a pixel TFT provided in a display region and a driver circuit TFT provided around the display region, wherein the gate electrodes of the pixel TFT and the driver circuit TFT are formed from a first conductive layer, the gate electrodes are in electrical contact through connectors with gate wirings formed from a second conductive layer, and the connectors are provided outside the channel-forming regions of the pixel TFT and the driver circuit TFT. |
| US08129720B2 |
Double self-aligned metal oxide TFT
A method of fabricating metal oxide TFTs on transparent substrates includes the steps of positioning an opaque gate metal area on the front surface of the substrate, depositing transparent gate dielectric and transparent metal oxide semiconductor layers overlying the gate metal and a surrounding area, depositing transparent passivation material on the semiconductor material, depositing photoresist on the passivation material, exposing and developing the photoresist to remove exposed portions, etching the passivation material to leave a passivation area defining a channel area, depositing transparent conductive material over the passivation area, depositing photoresist over the conductive material, exposing and developing the photoresist to remove unexposed portions, and etching the conductive material to leave source and drain areas on opposed sides of the channel area. |
| US08129717B2 |
Semiconductor device and method for manufacturing the same
It is an object to provide a semiconductor device including a thin film transistor with favorable electric properties and high reliability, and a method for manufacturing the semiconductor device with high productivity. In an inverted staggered (bottom gate) thin film transistor, an oxide semiconductor film containing In, Ga, and Zn is used as a semiconductor layer, and a buffer layer formed using a metal oxide layer is provided between the semiconductor layer and a source and drain electrode layers. The metal oxide layer is intentionally provided as the buffer layer between the semiconductor layer and the source and drain electrode layers, whereby ohmic contact is obtained. |
| US08129708B2 |
Highly integrated phase change memory device having micro-sized diodes and method for manufacturing the same
A highly integrated phase change memory device and a method for manufacturing the same is disclosed. The highly integrated phase change memory device includes a semiconductor substrate having a cell area and a peripheral area with impurity regions formed in the cell area and extending in parallel to each other in a first direction to form a striped pattern. A gate electrode is formed in the peripheral area and dummy gate electrodes are formed in the cell area and extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction of the impurity regions. An interlayer dielectric layer pattern exposes portions of the cell area and the peripheral area and a PN diode is formed in a space defined by a pair of dummy gate electrodes and a pair of interlayer dielectric layer patterns. |
| US08129706B2 |
Structures and methods of a bistable resistive random access memory
Structures and methods to form a bistable resistive random access memory for reducing the amount of heat dissipation from electrodes by confining a heating region in the memory cell device are described. The heating region is confined in a kernel comprising a programmable resistive memory material that is in contact with an upper programmable resistive memory member and a lower programmable resistive memory member. The lower programmable resistive member has sides that align with sides of a bottom electrode comprising a tungsten plug. The lower programmable resistive member and the bottom electrode function a first conductor so that the amount of heat dissipation from the first conductor is reduced. The upper programmable resistive memory material and a top electrode function as a second conductor so that the amount of heat dissipation from the second conductor is reduced. |
| US08129694B2 |
Negative ion beam source vacuum method and apparatus used in conjunction with a charged particle cancer therapy system
The invention comprises a negative ion beam source vacuum method and apparatus used as part of an ion beam injection system, which is used in conjunction with multi-axis charged particle or proton beam radiation therapy of cancerous tumors. The negative ion beam source contains a vacuum chamber isolated by a vacuum barrier from the vacuum tube of the synchrotron. The negative ion beam source vacuum system preferably includes: a first pump turbo molecular pump, a large holding volume, and a semi-continuously operating pump. By only pumping ion beam source vacuum chamber and by only semi-continuously operating the ion beam source vacuum based on sensor readings about the holding volume, the lifetime of the semi-continuously operating pump is extended. |
| US08129689B2 |
Thermoelectric conversion device, and radiation detector and radiation detection method using the same
A radiation detector including a substrate; a first inclined thin film disposed on a first main surface of the substrate, and having crystal planes serving as a factor in inducing anisotropy; a second inclined thin film disposed on a second main surface of the substrate opposite to the first main surface, and having crystal planes serving as a factor in inducing anisotropy; a first electrode pair of electrodes disposed on the first inclined thin film, the electrodes being opposed to each other in a direction in which the crystal planes of the first inclined thin film are aligned inclined to the first main surface; and a second electrode pair of electrodes disposed on the second inclined thin film, the electrodes being opposed to each other in a direction in which the crystal planes of the second inclined thin film are aligned inclined to the second main surface. |
| US08129687B2 |
Lighting system, method of lighting, optical detector, and method of optical detection
There is provided a lighting system having a high spatial resolution appropriate to a high-frequency component by evanescent waves in a negative refraction lens. The lighting system includes a light emitter thin film (106) which includes a light emitting material which emits light when an energy is applied, a cathode (101) for applying an electron beam (102) which is the energy, to the light emitter thin film (106), and a negative refraction lens (110) which is formed of a material exhibiting negative refraction, and has an optical system for projecting light emitted from the light emitter thin film (106), on an object. |
| US08129684B2 |
Detection of hidden objects by terahertz heterodyne laser imaging
A THz-frequency heterodyne imaging method is used to remotely detect objects concealed in or under a person's clothing. One THz-frequency beam is scanned over a person being examined. A portion of the beam penetrates the persons clothing and is reflected by an object concealed under the person's clothing. The reflected portion the beam is mixed with another beam of THz-frequency radiation having a different frequency to provide a signal having an intermediate frequency (IF) including image data representative of the concealed object. |
| US08129683B2 |
Waveform information acquisition apparatus and waveform information acquisition method
Provided are an apparatus and a method which enable acquisition of a temporal waveform of a propagating terahertz wave by changing a propagation velocity of the terahertz wave. A waveform information acquisition apparatus includes a generation portion for generating a terahertz wave, a propagation portion for allowing the terahertz wave generated by the generation portion to propagate therethrough, a detection portion for detecting waveform information of the terahertz wave, a first delay portion for changing a propagation velocity of the terahertz wave, and a control portion for controlling the first delay portion to change the propagation velocity of the terahertz wave in the propagation portion, and acquires information regarding the temporal waveform of the terahertz wave detected by the detection portion. |
| US08129682B2 |
On-chip calibration system and method for infrared sensor
A radiation sensor includes an integrated circuit radiation sensor chip (1A) including first (7) and second (8) thermopile junctions connected in series to form a thermopile (7,8) within a dielectric stack (3). The first thermopile junction (7) is insulated from a substrate (2) of the chip. A resistive heater (6) in the dielectric stack for heating the first thermopile junction is coupled to a calibration circuit (67) for calibrating responsivity of the thermopile (7,8). The calibration circuit causes a current flow in the heater and multiplies the current by a resulting voltage across the heater to determine power dissipation. A resulting thermoelectric voltage (Vout) of the thermopile (7,8) is divided by the power to provide the responsivity of the sensor. |
| US08129679B2 |
Method for discrimination of backscattered from incoming electrons in imaging electron detectors with a thin electron-sensitive layer
Methods are disclosed for operating a device having a high energy particle detector wherein the particles create first incoming traversal events, outgoing backscatter events, higher-order in and out events and incoming events caused by particles which backscatter out of the device, hit nearby mechanical structures and are scattered back into the device. Exemplary method steps include discriminating incoming traversal events from outgoing backscatter events, higher-order in and out events and incoming events by limiting dose rate to a level at ensures that separate events do not overlap and discriminating events from background and from other events based on total energy in each event; discriminating backscatter events from incoming traversal events based on electron path shape; or determining that a first event and a second event are coincident with each other and separating incoming form backscatter events based on electron path shape and energy level. |
| US08129678B2 |
Method and apparatuses for ion cyclotron spectrometry
An ion cyclotron spectrometer may include a vacuum chamber that extends at least along a z-axis and means for producing a magnetic field within the vacuum chamber so that a magnetic field vector is generally parallel to the z-axis. The ion cyclotron spectrometer may also include means for producing a trapping electric field within the vacuum chamber. The trapping electric field may comprise a field potential that, when taken in cross-section along the z-axis, includes at least one section that is concave down and at least one section that is concave up so that ions traversing the field potential experience a net magnetron effect on a cyclotron frequency of the ions that is substantially equal to zero. Other apparatuses and a method for performing ion cyclotron spectrometry are also disclosed herein. |
| US08129674B2 |
Mass spectrometric analyzer
A tandem mass spectrometer comprising an ion source for ionizing a sample, an ion trap section for carrying out collision induced dissociation of the target ions thereby to produce fragment ions, a multi electrode collision section for conducting collision induced dissociation of fragment ions discharged from the ion trap section, a mass spectrometer section for conducting mass spectrometric analysis of the converged fragment ions. After the target ions selected by the ion trap section are subjected to collision induced dissociation, specific fragment ions among the fragment ions are selected and transferred to the multi electrode collision section thereby to carry out collision induced dissociation therein. |
| US08129670B2 |
Optical vector matrix multipliers
Improved optical vector matrix multipliers are disclosed. The multipliers comprise: a plurality of light sources, each operable to radiate light of intensity ui; fan-out optics arranged to expand the light radiated by the light sources in one dimension; a spatial light modulator comprising a plurality of light modulating zones, each zone receiving light from one of the light sources and being operable to modulate the intensity of said received light by a factor of vij; and fan-in optics arranged to focus the modulated light onto a plurality of light detectors. The fan out optics, spatial light modulator, and fan-in optics are arranged such that an intensity of light proportional to ∑ i u i v ij is received at each light detector; and the fan-out optics comprise guided-wave optical components. Specific embodiments are disclosed in which the fanout optics comprise optical splitters, or a partially guiding wedge prism. |
| US08129668B2 |
Solar tracking and concentration device
A solar tracking and concentration device, including a reflecting unit, a receiving unit, a controlling device, and a plurality of photo sensors, is provided. The receiving unit is used to receive the sunlight reflected and reflected by the reflecting unit. The receiving unit and the reflecting unit face each other. The receiving unit is adapted to move along a first direction. According to the position and the time of the reflecting unit, the controlling device controls a rotation angle of a support element and controls a first moving position of the receiving unit moving along the first direction, in which the support element supports the reflecting unit and the receiving unit. The photo sensors are used to detect the sunlight reflected by the reflecting unit to the receiving unit, and are adapted to output a first feedback signal to calibrate a direction of the receiving unit facing the reflecting unit. |
| US08129667B2 |
Sun-tracking controller for multiple solar collectors
A solar collector tracking system is provided for maintaining orientation of multiple solar collectors to the sun to provide optimal focusing of solar radiation on a receiver. The system includes a local controller circuit board that contains a sun-tracking algorithm to control the movement of multiple solar collectors to keep them optimally focused on the sun. The system also comprises a separate motor controller for each collector in data line connection with the local controller, and a motor for each collector in power connection with its motor controller. This isolates the local controller from the motor and protects the circuit board against power surges. The local controller allows effective field maintenance using field-replaceable components. Its circuit board is preassembled in a rugged, weather-proof cabinet to minimize the time and work required to prepare and install it in the field. The typical service life of this durable local controller is expected to be 30 years. |
| US08129665B2 |
Apparatus and method for heating or cooling an object using a fluid
An improved heating apparatus is aimed at optimizing heat transfer and delivering an optimal heating efficiency in comparison to conventional heating apparatus. The improved heating apparatus includes tubes that generate plume arrays of a fluid (e.g., a gas, such as air) that is heated in a conduit. The tubes introduce the heated fluid into a chamber of the heating apparatus. The fluid is returned to the conduit through a return opening in the chamber. The path that the fluid travels in the chamber, from the tubes to the return air opening, is provided such that optimized heat transfer and optimal heating efficiency are facilitated. |
| US08129663B2 |
Vacuum heating apparatus
Deterioration of an O ring due to radiation heating in a vacuum heating apparatus is prevented to allow heat treatment of a substrate with good annealing properties. The vacuum heating apparatus 1 includes a vacuum chamber 2 constituted by flanges 11 and 12 having an opening portion 9 and joined together, a turbo molecular pump 17 for exhausting gas from the vacuum chamber 2, and a heater base 3 for heating a substrate 5 placed in the vacuum chamber 2. Joint surfaces of the flanges 11 and 12 are sealed by an O ring 10. Further, bonding steps 13 are formed between the heater base 3 and the O ring 10 on the joint surfaces of the flanges 11 and 12, thereby preventing thermo-radiation from the heater base 3 from reaching the O ring 10 through the joint surfaces of the flanges 11 and 12. |
| US08129661B2 |
Professional hair iron
In a professional hair iron, a unit (U) is defined by a lower support element (2) and an upper support element (3) hinged together and movable between a rest, open position and an operation, closed position. Complementary facing plates (20, 30, 300, 333) are removably fastened to the support elements (2,3). Heating electric resistors (R) are inserted within the plates and at least one plate of the plates (20, 30, 300, 333) has a perforated portion connected to a supply pipe (C) in turn connected to a steam generator (G) to supply steam to the perforated portion so as to moisten a lock of hair laid between the plates fastened to the support elements (2,3). |
| US08129660B2 |
Buffer device for a welding wire and welding unit
The invention relates to a device for buffering a welding wire, whereby a wire buffer, in particular a wire buffer magazine is arranged between a wire advance device and a further wire advance device which is preferably arranged in the vicinity of a welding torch, or in the welding torch and the welding wire is run between the two wire advance devices in a wire core. According to the invention, a simple and compact a buffer device as possible and an improvement in the dynamic behaviour of the wire supply can be achieved, whereby the wire core is attached or fixed at one end and the other end thereof is free to move and the wire core with the welding wire is arranged such as to be free to move within a wire guide tube with a substantially larger cross-section than the outer diameter of the wire core and the buffer volume of the wire buffer magazine is defined by the cross-section and the length of the substantially larger wire guide tube. |
| US08129659B2 |
Apparatus having DC arc start in parallel with welder power supply
A DC arc start function for a welder. The arc start function is realized using a universal input DC regulator coupled to a DC to DC converter that produces a regulated DC voltage that is sufficient to strike an arc at an electrode of the welder. |
| US08129650B2 |
Method and device for stretching and/or separating wires
The methods and devices enable a reliable and rapid automatic threading process on spark-erosive wire-cutting machines with closed round guides without complicated entry of parameters. A heat-output control device with an optimized output characteristic curve is supplied from a DC voltage source of the erosion generator. Through an at least partial feedback loop of heating current and source voltage, the characteristic curve is modified in such a way that different wire types or different annealing lengths for the wire provide optimal results for stretching, straightening and separating the wire electrode without controlled intervention. With adaptive control it is possible to thread future wire types automatically without reprogramming. |
| US08129649B2 |
Magnetic arc welding method for workpieces with open cross-sections
A method for Magnetic Arc welding for metallic materials wherein at least one of the workpieces to be welded has an open cross-section. The method comprises bracing the two workpieces and moving them together, wherein the open cross-section of one workpiece is bridged by a metallic auxiliary part to form a conducting closed region, and after the activation of a magnetic field of a magnet coil system and of the current required for welding, the workpieces are placed with a defined spacing and an electric arc is ignited, the magnetic field of the magnet coil system sets the electric arc in rotation in order to uniformly heat the end surfaces to be welded, and subsequently, the surfaces, which are to be welded, of the workpieces are pressed against one another. |
| US08129648B2 |
Surge arrester having thermal overload protection
An overvoltage arrester includes at least two electrodes and a melt element that connects one of the electrodes to an outer terminal of the overvoltage arrester. An extinguishing device is designed to extinguish an electric arc. |
| US08129647B2 |
Insulating nozzle, comprising a first material and a second material
An insulating nozzle is formed with a first and a second material. The first material has a lower erosion resistance than the second material. The insulating nozzle has an insulating nozzle duct. The surfaces defining the insulating nozzle duct are at least partially made out of the second material. The insulating nozzle duct is formed with a hollow cylindrical section. An inner casing surface and an outer casing surface of the hollow cylindrical section is made out of the second material at least partially. |
| US08129644B2 |
Motor operator for switchgear for mains power distribution systems
A motor operator for switchgear for use in mains power distribution systems comprising a closed cabinet (5) with an operating shaft (53) protruding there from said operating shaft being rotatable at least between two positions and has a coupling part (2). The motor operator (6, 7) comprises a housing mountable on the external surface of the switchgear cabinet. A rotatable connection shaft (51) is connected to an electric motor via a drive mechanism, and has a first coupling part (52) to fit with the coupling part (2) of the switchgear in a non-rotational interlocking manner, and further has a second coupling part (54) extending from the housing to operate the contact of the switch manually and, for which purpose, the motor operator has a release mechanism releasing the connection shaft. The motor and the drive mechanism is designed as an electro-mechanical actuator with a rear mounting (23) for mounting the actuator in the housing of the motor operator and μ. front mounting (29) on the activation element (20) for connection of the activation element to the rotatable connection shaft (51). |
| US08129638B2 |
Switch comprising a coupling for fixing to an actuating device
A switch is disclosed, especially a position switch including a coupling for fixing a drive head to the base of a locking ring. The switch provides a technical solution to allow for a reliable operation of the switch and to simultaneously guide potentially damaging force effects from the drive head via the coupling to the housing of the switch. To this end, in at least one embodiment, first, second and third noses are used, which have an arrangement or shape enabling an essentially non-positive force transmission to be carried out. Furthermore, improved or even optimum handling by the user is ensured, especially for replacement of the drive head. |
| US08129633B1 |
Connector assembly suited for wet locations
An exemplary connector assembly includes a connector body, a compression nut, a compression ring, and a sealing ring. A conduit may be inserted through the compression nut and the connector body. The compression ring may include a circumferential gap between two complementarily interfittable circumferential ends to allow it to compress, and the sealing ring may vary in diameter along its axial length. As the connector body screws into the compression nut, the compression nut presses against the compression ring, which in turn pushes the sealing ring against the connector body. The connector body may include a connector chamfer. The sealing ring pressing against the connector body, preferably against the connector chamfer, forms a seal between the conduit and the connector body. The seal resists contaminants such as dust and moisture. Compression of the compression ring around the conduit helps secure the conduit to the compression nut and the connector body. |
| US08129632B2 |
Portable electronic device
In order to provide a portable electronic device improved in water tightness by a simple method, the portable electronic device includes: a housing assembled from a plurality of housing pieces via a sealing member and having a built-in electronic circuit; and a flat cable group in which a plurality of flat cables having a plurality of electric signal lines aligned and connected to the electronic circuit are stacked in a thickness direction, and adjacent flat cables are bonded to each other via an adhesive material at least at a point in an overall length, the flat cable group being integrally molded with the sealing member of the housing at the point. |
| US08129630B2 |
Angular seam for an electronic module
In one example embodiment, an angular seam includes a first complementary structure defined in a first shell of an optoelectronic transceiver module, and a second complementary structure defined in a second shell of the optoelectronic transceiver module. The second complementary structure is configured to receive the first complementary structure so that an angular seam is defined that is substantially non-transmissive to electromagnetic radiation. |
| US08129629B2 |
Arrangement for reducing the field strength on an electrode
An arrangement for reducing the electric field strength on the face of an electrode, wherein the face of the electrode is surrounded by at least one electric barrier, and a shielding electrode having a defined voltage potential is disposed in the vicinity of the face of the electrode. By using a retaining element that can be connected directly to the face of the electrode, the shielding wires can be quickly and easily positioned and fixed relative to the face of the electrode and the shielding electrode relative to the face. |
| US08129624B2 |
Pressure sensor
A pressure sensor includes a sense element port, a support ring and a plurality of interference fit slits to provide a flexible interference fit between the sense element port and the support ring to form a substantially flush lap joint. The sensor also includes an electronics board inside the support ring and attached to planar mounting tabs which provide a stable mounting. Gel flow barriers protect electronics board features from unwanted non-conductive gel. Double-ended symmetrical, tapered contact springs provide manufacturing cost savings and contribute to improved alignment of an interface connector of the sensor. |
| US08129623B2 |
Resin film, adhesive sheet, circuit board, and electronic apparatus
The invention relates to a resin film having a high adhesiveness to other materials, an adhesive sheet, a circuit board and an electronic apparatus in which an adhesive layer and the resin film are firmly adhered. A resin film (1) includes a plurality of projected portions (10) each having a filler (9) in an apex portion (10a) and a resin material. The projected portions (10) are formed on at least one surface of a sheet portion (16). |
| US08129621B2 |
Wire harness fixing tool
The fixing tool (40) of a wire harness (32) bundling a plurality of cables has a portion (42) for holding the wire harness (32), and two protrusions (44) protruding therefrom. The protrusion (44) includes a stretching portion (46) formed by stretching. Since the length from the base face (48) of the holding portion (42) to the stretching portion (46) is different in different protrusions (44), the timing at which each stretching portion (46) is inserted into a through hole (56) varies and thereby insertion load of the protrusion (44) can be reduced. Consequently, workability of a work for securing the wire harness (32) to a bracket (54) can be improved. |
| US08129616B2 |
Roll to roll manufacturing of organic solar modules
The invention discloses for the first time how an organic component can be produced in a process designed entirely as a roll-to-roll process. The advantage of the continuous production method described here is, further, that the active regions of the active semiconductor layer are not exposed to unprotected solvents and/or solvent vapors at any time during the production process. This makes it possible to produce a high-quality organic component. |
| US08129614B2 |
Single P-N junction tandem photovoltaic device
A single P-N junction solar cell is provided having two depletion regions for charge separation while allowing the electrons and holes to recombine such that the voltages associated with both depletion regions of the solar cell will add together. The single p-n junction solar cell includes an alloy of either InGaN or InAlN formed on one side of the P-N junction with Si formed on the other side in order to produce characteristics of a two junction (2J) tandem solar cell through only a single P-N junction. A single P-N junction solar cell having tandem solar cell characteristics will achieve power conversion efficiencies exceeding 30%. |
| US08129610B2 |
Thermoelectric transducer
A thermoelectric transducer is provided, where a decrease in conversion efficiency due to uneven characteristics of semiconductors is resolved and a decrease in adhesion strength between each element unit and an electrode due to a heat expansion coefficient between the respective thermoelectric transducers. In addition, an improvement of electro thermal conversion efficiency is intended by modifying the structure of the single device. Single element unit (13), which are made off semiconductor of the same type constructed of sintered body cells each containing oxide of a metal element, an oxide of a rare-earth element, and manganese are arranged on a board (5, 12) of a thermoelectric transducer (10). Film-shaped thin-film electrodes are arranged on cooling and heating surfaces so to be integral with the sintered body cell. On these sides, lead wires (16) are connected to each other in series. |
| US08129609B2 |
Integrated thermoelectric cooling devices and methods for fabricating same
Semiconductor integrated thermoelectric devices are provided, which are formed having high-density arrays of thermoelectric (TE) elements using semiconductor thin-film and VLSI (very large scale integration) fabrication processes. Thermoelectric devices can be either separately formed and bonded to semiconductor chips, or integrally formed within the non-active surface of semiconductor chips, for example. |
| US08129608B2 |
Automatic playing and recording apparatus for acoustic/electric guitar
Automatic playing and recording apparatuses for an acoustic/electric guitar allow a user to play in concert along with music of other musical instruments outputted by an automatic playing apparatus by adding the automatic playing apparatus to an acoustic/electric guitar, or to record/process user's guitar music or ensemble music and then reproduce/output the guitar music or the ensemble music according to user's need by adding a recording apparatus to an acoustic/electric guitar. The automatic playing and recording apparatuses for an acoustic/electric guitar comprise: a pre-amp for amplifying guitar music at a predetermined level, controlling the tone according to user's demand and then outputting the guitar music to a dedicated guitar amp; an automatic playing apparatus for storing an outer music file using the internal memory or converting an exterior music signal into a music file to thereby output the music file to the pre-amp; and a recording apparatus for storing an output of the pre-amp in the internal memory. Accordingly, the user can play in concert together with various musical instruments without adhering to time and place, and the user himself or herself can appreciate or listen to user's own guitar music or ensemble music with various musical instruments. |
| US08129607B2 |
Electromagnetic field pickup for musical instruments
An electromagnetic field pickup (10) for a musical instrument including an electromagnetic signal generator (12), an electromagnetic field transducer (18), a mixer (28), the electromagnetic signal generator (12), the electromagnetic field transducer (18) and the mixer (28) are respectively connected in series, the electromagnetic signal generator (12) is also connected directly to the mixer (28), so constructed and arranged that when power is supplied to the electromagnetic field pickup (10) an audio electrical signal of substantially same pitch, intonation and sustain as a vibrating element (22) of the instrument is generated. |
| US08129606B2 |
Musical tone signal-processing apparatus
A musical tone signal processing apparatus configured to freely expand or contract an acoustic image. A setting means may set a second reference localization, a first function that stipulates expansion of the boundary of one end of a direction range, and a second function that stipulates expansion of the boundary of an other end of said direction range. In addition, an output direction indicated by localization information of an extraction signal that exists in the direction range in which the conditions have been set in this manner is shifted by an acoustic image scaling means. The acoustic image in said direction range is expanded or contracted accordingly. In other words, the acoustic image formed by the extraction signal is expanded or contracted by shifting the output direction for each extraction signal extracted from within the direction range. |
| US08129601B2 |
Plants and seeds of hybrid corn variety CH538919
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH538919. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH538919, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH538919 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH538919. |
| US08129598B2 |
DNA recombination in eukaryotic cells by the bacteriophage PHIC31 recombination system
This invention provides methods for obtaining specific and stable integration of nucleic acids into eukaryotic cells. The invention makes use of site-specific recombination systems that use prokaryotic recombinase polypeptides, such as the ΦC31 integrase, that can mediate recombination between the recombination sites, but not between hybrid recombination sites that are formed upon the recombination. Thus, the recombination is irreversible in the absence of additional factors. Eukaryotic cells that contain the recombinase polypeptides, or genes that encode the recombinases, are also provided. |
| US08129592B2 |
Plant isoflavonoid hydroxylases and methods of use thereof
The invention provides plant isoflavonoid hydroxylase coding sequences. Also provided are constructs comprising these sequences, plants transformed therewith and methods of use thereof. In certain aspects of the invention, plants transformed with the nucleic acids are provided exhibiting improved pest and disease resistance. Plants provided by the invention may also exhibit improved nutritional qualities. |
| US08129589B2 |
Protoporphyrinogen oxidase having activity of imparting resistance against acifluorfen and gene thereof
Protoporphyrinogen oxidase having an activity of imparting acifluorfen resistance and gene thereof are provided. Cyanobacterium protoporphyrinogen oxidase gene is identified by introducing a protoporphyrinogen oxidase gene of Arabidopsis into cyanobacterium, disrupting a cyanobacterium gene with a transposon, selecting a mutant strain in which protoporphyrinogen oxidase gene is disrupted, identifying the disrupted protoporphyrinogen oxidase gene, and isolating the disrupted protoporphyrinogen oxidase gene. This procedure is effective as a gene isolation technique when a protein derived from other organism species that is homologous to a known protein (e.g., protoporphyrinogen oxidase from cyanobacterium) can not be found in a gene database of the other species. |
| US08129587B2 |
Zea mays seeds and plants with reduced expression of the ACS2 gene
The enzymes of the ACC synthase family are used in producing ethylene. Nucleotide and polypeptide sequences of ACC synthases, namely ACS2, ACS6, and ACS7 from Zea mays, are provided. Knockout plant cells having inhibition in expression and/or activity in an ACC synthase such as ACS2, ACS6, or ACS7 and knockout plants displaying a staygreen phenotype, a male sterility phenotype, or an inhibition in ethylene production are also provided, as are seeds obtained from such plants. Methods for modulating staygreen potential in plants, methods for modulating sterility in plants, and methods for inhibiting ethylene production in plants are also provided. |
| US08129586B2 |
Maize ethylene signaling genes and modulation of same for improved stress tolerance in plants
The invention provides isolated maize EIN3, ERF3, EBF1, EBF2, EIN5 nucleic acids which are associated with ethylene signaling in plants and their encoded proteins. The present invention provides methods and compositions relating to altering ethylene sensitivity in plants. The invention further provides recombinant expression cassettes, host cells, transgenic plants and antibody compositions. |
| US08129585B2 |
Methods for enhancing expression of secondary cell wall cellulose synthases in plants
Described are methods for making transgenic plants capable of expressing secondary cell wall cellulose synthases and methods of enhancing expression of secondary cell wall cellulose synthases in plants. Also described are plants produced by the methods. Plants comprising at least three exogenous polynucleotides encoding secondary cell wall cellulose synthases are also provided. |
| US08129583B2 |
Soybean cultivar 94130782
A soybean cultivar designated 94130782 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar 94130782, to the plants of soybean 94130782, to plant parts of soybean cultivar 94130782, and to methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing soybean cultivar 94130782 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 94130782, to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 94130782, 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 94130782 with another soybean cultivar. |
| US08129582B2 |
Absorbent article featuring a temperature change member
Disclosed is an absorbent article including a temperature change member. The temperature change member includes a matrix of fibers and temperature change material intermixed within the matrix of fibers. |
| US08129581B1 |
Hygienic absorbent with odour control
A superabsorbent material with enhanced odour control and control of bacterial growth comprises a non-acidic, alkali-neutralizing compound selected from acid anhydrides, lactides, lactones and hydrolysable esters, especially cyclic acid anhydrides, lactides and lactones of γ- or δ-carboxylic acids. The superabsorbent material can be used in hygiene products such as diapers. |
| US08129579B2 |
Activated oxidizing vapor treatment method
An oxidizing liquid (20), such as hydrogen peroxide, is vaporized (18) and the vapor is used to deactivate nerve gas, blistering gas, or other biologically active substances such as pathogens, biotoxins, and prions. A second chemical compound (42) in vapor, mist, or fog form is used in conjunction with the oxidizing vapor. In one embodiment, the second chemical preconditions the biologically active substances to be deactivated more efficiently by the oxidizing vapor. In another embodiment, the second chemical boosts the reactivity of the oxidizing vapor. In another embodiment, the other chemical reacts with the oxidizing vapor to form an intermediate compound that deactivates at least some of the biologically active substances. |
| US08129575B2 |
Fluid catalytic cracking of oxygenated compounds
A process is disclosed for fluid catalytic cracking of oxygenated hydrocarbon compounds such as glycerol and bio-oil.In the process the oxygenated hydrocarbon compounds are contacted with a fluid cracking catalyst material for a period of less than 3 seconds.In a preferred process a crude-oil derived material, such as VGO, is also contacted with the catalyst. |
| US08129574B2 |
Hydrogenation process for fluorocarbons
Disclosed is a process and apparatus for the catalytic hydrogenation of fluoroolefins to fluorocarbons where the reaction is carried out in a multi-tube shell and tube reactor. Reactions involving hydrogenation of fluoro-olefins are typically exothermic. In commercial processes where a fluoro-olefin C(n)H(2n−x)F(x) to C(n)H(2n−x+2)F(x) is hydrogenated (e.g. hexafluoropropylene to 236ea, 1225ye to 245eb, and the like), inadequate management or control of heat removal may induce excess hydrogenation, decomposition and hot spots resulting in reduced yields and potential safety issues. In the hydrogenation of fluoro-olefins, it is therefore necessary to control the reaction temperature as precisely as practical to overcome challenges associated with heat management and safety. |
| US08129569B2 |
Photolabile fragrance storage substances
Photolabile fragrance storage substances capable of the photo-induced release of cyclic compounds having semi-cyclic double bonds are described. Further described is a method for sustained scenting of surfaces and a method for production of said fragrance storage substances. |
| US08129563B2 |
Method for synthesizing allyl methacrylate
The present invention relates to a process for preparing allyl methacrylate, comprising the reaction of allyl alcohol with an ester of methacrylic acid, wherein the reaction is catalyzed by zirconium acetylacetonate. The process according to the invention enables particularly favorable preparation of allyl methacrylate with a very high purity. |
| US08129556B2 |
Process for preparing organosilanes
The invention relates to a process for preparing organosilanes of the general formula I by reacting (haloorganyl)alkoxysilane of the formula II with hydrous alkali metal hydrogensulphide, sulphur and alkali metal carbonate in alcohol, wherein the molar (haloorganyl)alkoxysilane of the formula II to alkali metal hydrogensulphide ratio is between 1:0.4 and 1:0.75, and the molar alkali metal hydrogensulphide to alkali metal carbonate ratio is between 1:0.5 and 1:1.5. |
| US08129554B2 |
Metal complexes
The present invention describes novel metal complexes. Compounds of this type can be employed as functional materials in a number of different applications which can be ascribed to the electronics industry in the broadest sense.The compounds according to the invention are described by the formulae (1) and (1a). |
| US08129550B2 |
Oxidation of 5-(hydroxymethyl) furfural to 2,5 diformylfuran and subsequent decarbonylation to unsubstituted furan
Alcohols are catalytically oxidized to aldehydes, in particular to benzaldehyde and diformylfuran, which are useful as intermediates for a multiplicity of purposes. The invention also relates to the polymerization of the dialdehyde and to the decarbonylation of the dialdehyde to furan. |
| US08129547B2 |
Anticoagulation of human blood ex vivo
The present invention relates to a method for the anticoagulation of human blood ex vivo in which blood calcium concentration remains the same, no thrombin is formed and thrombocyte function is not affected. The invention further relates to a blood coagulation factor Xa inhibitor that can be advantageously used in this method, an agent that contains an inhibitor of the blood coagulation factor Xa, and a kit for diagnosing cellular blood components. The anticoagulated blood obtained according to the invention can be used for examining cellular blood components, for example for the diagnosis of thrombocyte function. |
| US08129545B2 |
Antagonists of the magnesium binding defect as therapeutic agents and methods for treatment of abnormal physiological states
This invention provides a class of therapeutic compounds and methods for the treatment of mammals with physiological disorders, such as for example a frequently occurring type of essential hypertension, which are critically associated with the decreased binding of magnesium to the plasma membranes of their cells. These methods consist of administering to a mammal in need of such treatment a compound selected from a series of disubstituted trans, trans 1,3-butadienes, 1,3-disubstituted perhydrobutadienes, 1,2-disubstituted trans ethylenes and 1,2 disubstituted ethanes and disubstituted propanes, each of which embodies, in common, the unique structural feature essential for the biological activity of these compounds. This invention also provides for pharmaceutical formulations that employ these novel compounds. |
| US08129544B2 |
1-substituted-4-nitroimidazole compound and method for preparing the same
The present invention relates to a 1-substituted-4-nitroimidazole compound represented by the general formula (1) or a salt thereof, (wherein R is a hydrogen atom, a lower alkoxy group-substituted lower alkyl group, a phenyl-lower alkoxy group-substituted lower alkyl group, a cyano-substituted lower alkyl group, a phenyl-lower alkyl group which may have lower alkoxy groups as the substituents in the phenyl ring or a group of the formula —CH2RA; X is a halogen atom or a group of the formula —S(O)n-R1) and method for preparing the same. The compound of the formula (1) is a useful compound as an intermediate for synthesis of various pharmaceutical and agricultural chemicals, particularly, as intermediates for antitubercular agents. |
| US08129543B2 |
Cyclic guanidine ionic liquid
Disclosed is an ionic liquid which is stable over a wide potential range and exhibits a high ionic conductivity. The ionic liquid comprises a cyclic guanidine salt represented by the following formula (1): wherein R1 and R2 each is independently an alkyl group or an alkoxyalkyl group, X is a methylene group, an oxygen atom, a sulfur atom, or R3N; R3 is an alkyl group, an alkoxyalkyl group, or an acyl group; l, m, and n each is an integer in the range of 1-6; Y− is a monovalent anion such as (R4SO2)2N−, R4SO3−, R4COO−, BF4−, PF6−, NO3−, (CN)2N−, (CHO)2N−, NCS−, R4OSO3−, R4SO2S−, and a halogen ion. The ionic liquid is useful for a variety of electrolytes, particularly for electrolytes of electrochemical cells. |
| US08129542B2 |
Copper-catalysed ligation of azides and acetylenes
A copper catalyzed click chemistry ligation process is employed to bind azides and terminal acetylenes to provide 1,4-disubstituted 1,2,3-triazole triazoles. The process comprises contacting an organic azide and a terminal alkyne with a source of reactive Cu(I) ion for a time sufficient to form by cycloaddition a 1,4-disubstituted 1,2,3-triazole. The source of reactive Cu(I) ion can be, for example, a Cu(I) salt or copper metal. The process is preferably carried out in a solvent, such as an aqueous alcohol. Optionally, the process can be performed in a solvent that comprises a ligand for Cu(I) and an amine. |
| US08129541B2 |
5-phenylthiazole derivatives and use as PI3 kinase inhibitors
Compounds of formula I in free or salt form, wherein R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5 have the meanings as indicated in the specification, are useful for treating diseases mediated by phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase. Pharmaceutical compositions that contain the compounds and processes for preparing the compounds are also described. |
| US08129540B2 |
Methods for the synthesis of 1,2,4-oxadiazole benzoic acid compounds
Novel 1,2,4-oxadiazole benzoic acid compounds, methods of using and pharmaceutical compositions comprising an 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. |
| US08129539B2 |
Process for the preparation of 2-substituted-5-(1-alkylthio)alkylpyridines
2-Substituted-5-(1-alkylthio)alkylpyridines are produced efficiently and in high yield from a non-pyridine source by cyclization. |
| US08129537B2 |
Compounds as PDE IV and TNF inhibitors
This invention is directed to a [di(ether or thioether)heteroaryl or fluoro substituted aryl] compound or an N-oxide thereof or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, which is useful for inhibiting the production or physiological effects of TNF in the treatment of a patient suffering from a disease state associated with a physiologically detrimental excess of tumor necrosis factor (TNF).Compounds within the scope of the present invention also inhibit cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase, and are useful in treating a disease state associated with pathological conditions that are modulated by inhibiting cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase, such disease states including inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, in particular type IV cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase. The present invention is therefore directed to their pharmacological use for inhibiting TNF and/or cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase, pharmacological compositions comprising the compounds and methods for their preparation. |
| US08129536B2 |
Method for the purification of lansoprazole
The present invention relates to an improved process for the preparation of Lansoprazole of formula (I). More particularly, the present invention relates to a method for the purification of crude Lansoprazole in a solvent in presence of an alkali salt of an organic acid or in presence of an organic base such as piperidine or imidazole. |
| US08129535B2 |
Alkyl ether derivatives or salts thereof
An alkyl ether derivative represented by the general formula: wherein each of R1 and R2 represents one or more groups selected from a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, an alkyl group, an aryl group, an aralkyl group, an alkoxy group, an aryloxy group, an alkylthio group, an arylthio group, an alkenyl group, an alkenyloxy group, an amino group, an alkylsulfonyl group, an arylsulfonyl group, a carbamoyl group, a heterocyclic group, a hydroxyl group, a carboxyl group, a nitro group, an oxo group and the like; R3 is an alkylamino group, an amino group, a hydroxyl group or the like; the ring A is a 5-membered or 6-membered heteroaromatic ring or a benzene ring; each of m and n is an integer of 1 to 6; and p is an integer of 1 to 3, or its salt has activity to protect neurons, activity to accelerate nerve regeneration and activity to accelerate neurite extension and hence is useful as a therapeutic agent for diseases in central and peripheral nerves. |
| US08129534B2 |
Chemical compounds
The use of a compound of formula (I), Y is a single bond, C═O, C═S or S(O)m where m is 0, 1 or 2; the ring (II) is a 6 membered aromatic ring or is a 5 or 6 membered heteroaromatic ring; Z and Z′ are ═C— or —N— provided that both are not N; R1, R2 R3, R3a, R4, R8 and Ra are specified organic groups and n and p are independently 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4; or salts or N-oxides thereof or compositions containing them in controlling insects, acarines, nematodes or molluscs. Novel compounds are also provided. |
| US08129532B2 |
Amino(oligo)thiophene dyes, preparation thereof, and optical methods of use
Amino(oligo)thiophene dyes useful for studying the electrophysiology of organelles, cells, and tissues are described. Compared to previously known dyes, the amino(oligo)thiophene dyes exhibit improved (faster) response to membrane potential changes, as well as the ability to be excited by 1064 nanometer femtosecond pulses. Methods of preparing the amino( oligo )thiophene dyes are also described. |
| US08129528B2 |
Method for the use of [11 C] carbon monoxide in labeling synthesis of 11C-labelled amides using metal amides and photo-induced free radical carbonylation
Methods and reagents for photo-initiated carbonylation with carbon-isotope labeled carbon monoxide using weakly nucleophilic amines and alkyl/aryl iodides are provided. The resultant carbon-isotope labeled amides are useful as radiopharmaceuticals, especially for use in Positron Emission Tomography (PET). Associated kits for PET studies are also provided. |
| US08129522B2 |
Method for preparing a mixed solvate of olanzapine
An improved method is provided for preparing a mixed solvate of olanzapine/water/tetrahydrofuran in a proportion of 1:1:1/2. Said improvement is characterised in that said mixed solvate is basically prepared by means of methylation of the N-desmethylolanzapine with dimethyl sulphate, using tetrahydrofuran and water as solvents. |
| US08129521B2 |
One pot synthesis of tetrazole derivatives of rapamycin
A single-step, one-pot process to obtain zotarolimus and other rapamycin derivatives on large scale is presented, which improves currently available synthesis schemes. In one embodiment, dried rapamycin is dissolved in isopropylacetate (IPAc). The solution is cooled, and 2,6-Lutidine is added, followed slowly adding triflic anhydride at −30° C. Salts are then removed by filtration. Tetrazole, followed by a tert-base diisopropylethylamine (DIEA) is added to the triflate solution. After incubation at room temperature, the product is concentrated and purified by a silica gel column using THF/heptane as eluant. The fractions containing the product are collected, concentrated, and purified again using an acetone/heptane column. The product containing fractions are concentrated. The product is dissolved in t-BME and precipitated with heptane. The solids are dissolved in acetone, treated with butylated-hydroxy toluene (BHT), and the solution concentrated. The process is repeated twice with acetone to remove solvents. At least one stabilizing agent is added, such as BHT at 0.5% before drying. |
| US08129520B2 |
Methods and intermediates for the synthesis of dipyrrin-substituted porphyrinic macrocycles
The present invention provides dipyrrin substituted porphyrinic macrocycles, intermediates useful for making the same, and methods of making the same. Such compounds may be used for purposes including the making of molecular memory devices, solar cells and light harvesting arrays. |
| US08129517B1 |
Labeled solid supports for organic synthesis
The disclosed invention pertains to improved oligonucleotide manufacturing methods, including novel support compositions that are optionally labeled, their methods of preparation and use. The compositions and methods are particularly well suited for high throughput oligonucleotide manufacturing in that the automated support recognition facilitates loading of the wells with the proper supports. In addition, the labeled supports can be used to confirm that each well of a multi-well plate, such as a 96 or 384 well plate, was properly loaded. |
| US08129513B2 |
Plant senescence-inducible promoter
This invention provides a plant senescence-inducible promoter and its relevant recombinant plasmid and transgenic plant. |
| US08129507B2 |
Atopic dermatitis inducer
An atopic dermatitis inducer binding to a human own IgE antibody and activating mast cells and basophiles, which includes a purified human secretion fraction, or an antigenic molecule or an antigenic determinant in the purified fraction, and obtained through the following steps of: filtering a human secretion, removing insoluble matters and collecting the filtrate; mixing the filtrate with a ConA-affinity carrier and collecting the supernatant; and separating a component having a histamine-releasing activity from the supernatant by column chromatography. This inducer is effective in diagnosing and treating human atopic dermatitis. |
| US08129504B2 |
Oral delivery of modified transferrin fusion proteins
Pharmaceutical compositions containing modified fusion proteins of transferrin and therapeutic proteins or peptides with increased serum half-life or increased serum stability are disclosed. Preferred fusion proteins include those modified so that the transferrin moiety exhibits no or reduced glycosylation, but does exhibit binding to iron and/or the transferrin receptor. Such fusion proteins may be administered orally. |
| US08129501B2 |
Dispersion improver for gluten, and dispersion solution of gluten
Disclosed is gluten having good dispersibility in water. Also disclosed is a method for producing active gluten, a gluten-containing food or a gluten gel efficiently by using a gluten dispersion solution. Further disclosed is a method for producing a gluten hydrolysate efficiently by preparing a gluten dispersion solution in a simple manner and hydrolyzing the dispersion solution. Gluten, which normally forms an aggregate in water, can be dispersed readily by mixing gluten with a water-soluble polysaccharide containing galacturonic acid. The gluten dispersion solution thus prepared can be used to produce active gluten, a gluten-containing food or a gluten gel efficiently, and can be also used to prepare a gluten hydrolysate in a simple manner, efficiently and stably. |
| US08129499B2 |
Antiviral peptides against influenza virus
The present disclosure generally relates to peptides having antiviral properties. More particularly, the invention relates to peptides exhibiting activity against influenza viruses, to pharmaceutical compositions comprising the peptides, and to methods of using the peptides to prevent and/or treat influenza viral infections. |
| US08129475B2 |
Telechelic polyolefin
A process of preparing a telechelic polyolefin is disclosed by performing steps 1a, 2, and 1b in this order in the presence of an olefin polymerizing catalyst and subsequently performing step 3 if necessary. Step 1a involves reacting the olefin polymerizing catalyst with a polar-group-containing olefin (C). Step 2 involves reacting the resultant compound of step 1a with at least one olefin (D) selected from ethylene and olefins having 3 to 20 carbon atoms n times wherein n is an integer of 1 or more, provided that when n is an integer of 2 or more, the olefins (D) used in the respective contact operations are different in kind or composition. Step 1b involves reacting the resultant compound of step 2 with the same or different polar-group-containing olefin (C). Step 3 involves chemically converting the Y′ group in the general formula (II) to a different group. |
| US08129473B2 |
Polypropylene resin composition
A polymer blend includes a first random copolymer of propylene and one or more C2-C20 α-olefins other than propylene having a melting point of above 116° C. and up to about 145° C. and which constitutes from about 60 weight percent to about 95 weight percent of the composition, and a second random copolymer of propylene and one or more C2-C20 α-olefins other than propylene having a melting point of from about 70° C. to no more than 116° C. and which constitutes from about 5 weight percent to about 40 weight percent of the composition. The polymer blend includes a xylene soluble fraction having a weight average molecular weight of above about 100 kg/mol and an intrinsic viscosity of above about 1.0 dl/g. |
| US08129471B2 |
Polycarbonate-poly(ether-ester) copolymer composition, method of manufacture, and articles therefrom
A composition comprising: a polycarbonate comprising units derived from a bisphenol cyclohexylidene of the formula: wherein Rc1 and Rd1 are each independently C1-12 alkyl, Rc2 and Rd2 are each independently hydrogen or C1-12 alkyl, Rg is C1-12 alkyl or halogen, and t is 0 to 10; and a poly(ether-ester) copolymer comprising 40 to 60 wt % of polyester hard block units derived from a C6-C24 aromatic dicarboxylic acid or a C6-C24 alicyclic dicarboxylic acid and at least one glycol component, wherein when the C6-C24 aromatic dicarboxylic acid comprises terephthalic acid, isophthalic acid groups are present in an amount from 0 to 30 mole %, based on the total moles of isophthalic acid groups and terephthalic acid groups in the hard block units, and 40 to 60 wt % of polyether soft block units derived from poly(oxytetramethylene) glycol, wherein the molecular weight of the poly(oxytetramethylene) glycol groups is 300 to 1800 Daltons. |
| US08129470B2 |
Adhesive masses based on block copolymers of structure P(A)-P(B)-P(A) and P(B)-P(A)-P(B)
A pressure-sensitive adhesive comprising a blend of at least two components, one of which comprises a block copolymer having at least the unit P(A1)-P(B1)-P(A1) and the second of which comprises a block copolymer having at least the unit P(B2)-P(A2)-P(B2); the blend forming an at least two-phase system. |
| US08129465B2 |
Polymeric material and process for forming and using same
The present invention is directed to a polymeric material, particularly a thermoplastic material, the includes thermoplastic polyolefin and an elastomer. |
| US08129464B2 |
Low application temperature hot melt adhesive
A hot melt adhesive composition, comprising a blend of components including about 10% to about 40% by weight of an elastomeric block copolymer, preferably styrene-isoprene-styrene (SIS) or styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS), about 15% to about 70% by weight of a first midblock tackifying resin having a softening point of at least about 110° C. and having an aromatic content of at least about 1.5% by weight; about 0 to 55% of second midblock tackifying resin, about 5% to about 35% by weight of a plasticizer; and about 0% to about 20% by weight of an end block resin having a softening point lower than 125° C.; wherein the components total 100% by weight of the composition, the viscosity of the composition is equal to or less than about 20,000 mPa·s at 120° C., and is applied at a temperature lower that 150° C. and initial bond retention of the composition on elastic strands is at least about 60%. Also, the elastic modulus G′ of the composition is higher than about 5000 Pa, the vicous modules G″ is higher than about 50 Pa, and the tan delta value is between about 0.5 and about 60. Laminates, especially those used in disposable soft goods, and methods of making such laminates are also described. The adhesive composition and/or laminate may be used in making a variety of end products such as a disposable diaper, a sanitary napkin, a bed pad, a bandage, a surgical drape, a tape, a label, a plastic sheet, a nonwoven sheet, a paper sheet, a cardboard, a book, a filter, or a package. |
| US08129462B2 |
High temperature liner
The present invention is directed to an extrudable resin composition and a method of extruding the extrudable resin composition, comprising a high temperature engineering thermoplastic, one or more reinforcement components, an enhancing filler component, a polymeric lubricant, and an external lubricant, wherein the extrudable resin composition is capable of withstanding temperatures up to about 427° C. The invention is further directed to the use of the extruded pipes and/or lined pipes, produced according to the present method, in downhole tubular applications in oil and gas production; in line pipe, flow line, and transportation line applications in oil and gas production and supply operations; or in most any application where corrosive protection is required to transmit or store corrosive fluids, particularly at high temperatures. |
| US08129461B2 |
Silica-based coating composition and its use for coating cement-bonded objects
The invention relates to a composition comprising a binder, filler particles and water, wherein the binder comprises amorphous silica and a vinyl-functional silicone polymer. The invention also relates to a method of making this composition as well as to a method of coating a substrate comprising applying the composition onto the substrate. |
| US08129453B2 |
Method for preparing thermoplastic elastomer composition
Provided is a thermoplastic elastomer composition, which includes a halogenated isoolefin/para-alkylstyrene copolymer rubber dispersed in a polyamide resin in order to improve the fatigue durability of a polyamide resin, while maintaining high flowability of the polyamide. A thermoplastic elastomer composition comprising a continuous phase composed of a modified polyamide resin (A) and a dispersed phase composed of a halogenated isoolefin/para-alkylstyrene copolymer rubber (B) is provided. The modified polyamide resin (A) is a resin obtained by melt-kneading 100 parts by weight of a polyamide resin (C) with not less than 0.05 part by weight and less than 3 parts by weight a compound (D), such as a monofunctional epoxy compound, capable of binding to a terminal amino group of the polyamide resin at a temperature not lower than the melting point of the polyamide resin (C). The composition can be used as an inner liner of a pneumatic tire. |
| US08129450B2 |
Articles having a polymer grafted cyclodextrin
Durable and disposable articles are provided which include a thermoplastic polymer composition, which includes a blend of a polymer and a modified polymer. The modified polymer has covalently bonded pendant substituents derived from cyclodextrin. The articles can be a films, coatings, nonwoven webs, or monolithic articles. An article can have the polymer composition as one part of the article, such as in one distinct area of the article, or on the surface of the article, for example as a coating or surface film. The article can be, for example, a multilayer barrier film, a nonwoven sheet or pad, an absorbent article, or a storage container. |
| US08129449B2 |
Crosslinking systems for hydroxyl polymers
Crosslinking systems suitable for use in a polymer melt composition wherein the polymer melt composition comprises a hydroxyl polymer; polymeric structures made from such polymer melt compositions; and processes/methods related thereto are provided. |
| US08129448B2 |
Method of preparing polymer modified pigments
The present invention relates to a method of preparing a polymer modified pigment comprising the steps of, combining, in any order, a modified pigment comprising a pigment having attached at least one reactive group, a polymer comprising at least one functional group, and a non-reactive diluent, to form a reaction mixture, reacting the polymer and the modified pigment in the reaction mixture to form a mixture comprising the polymer modified pigment and the non-reactive diluent; and removing the non-reactive diluent from the mixture to form the polymer modified pigment. Also disclosed are the resulting polymer modified pigments and inkjet ink compositions comprising them. |
| US08129441B2 |
Low-viscosity coating compositions
The present invention relates to radiation-curable coating compositions which are of low viscosity and comprise (meth)acrylates and divinyl adipate. |
| US08129440B2 |
Antioxidant stabilized crosslinked ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene for medical device applications
An antioxidant combined with UHMWPE prior to subjecting the UHMWPE to crosslinking irradiation. In one exemplary embodiment, the antioxidant is tocopherol. After the antioxidant is combined with the UHMWPE, the resulting blend may be formed into slabs, bar stock, and/or incorporated into a substrate, such as a metal, for example. The resulting product may then be subjected to crosslinking irradiation. In one exemplary embodiment, the UHMWPE blend is preheated prior to subjecting the same to crosslinking irradiation. Once irradiated, the UHMWPE blended product may be machined, packaged, and sterilized in accordance with conventional techniques. |
| US08129435B2 |
Perfluoropolyether-modified polysiloxane, a method for preparing the same and a defoaming agent comprising the same
The present invention relates to a perfluoropolyether-modified polysiloxane represented by general formula (1): wherein Rf is a linear or branched perfluoroalkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms; X is a fluorine atom or a trifluoromethyl group; Q is a divalent organic group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms; R1, R2, and R3 are, independently of each other, an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms or an aryl group; a, b, c, and d are, independently of each other, an integer of from 0 to 200, provided that a total of a, b, c and d is 1 or larger; e is an integer of 0 or 1; and z is an integer of from 5 to 100; a method for preparing the same; and a defoaming agent comprising the same. |
| US08129430B2 |
Method of reducing phosphate nephropathy in a mammal
The present invention provides the invention provides methods of reducing phosphate nephropathy in a mammal suffering from impairment of renal function, including administering to the mammal an amount of citrate that is effective to reduce serum phosphorous concentration. |
| US08129425B2 |
Small organic molecule regulators of cell proliferation
The present invention makes available methods and reagents for modulating proliferation or differentiation in a cell or tissue comprising contacting the cell with a hedgehog agonist, such as the compounds depicted in FIGS. 32 and 33. In certain embodiments, the methods and reagents may be employed to correct or inhibit an aberrant or unwanted growth state, e.g., by antagonizing a normal ptc pathway or agonizing smoothened or hedgehog activity. |
| US08129424B2 |
Indole derivatives as histamine 3 receptor inhibitors for the treatment of cognitive and sleep disorders, obesity and other CNS disorders
This invention relates to compounds having pharmacological activity, to compositions containing these compounds, and to a method of treatment employing the compounds and compositions. More particularly, this invention concerns certain indole derivatives and their salts and solvates. These compounds have H3 histamine receptor antagonist activity. This invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions containing these compounds and to a method of treating disorders in which histamine H3 receptor blockade is beneficial. |
| US08129418B2 |
Macrocyclic compounds and methods of treatment
The instant invention describes macrocyclic compounds having therapeutic activity, and methods of treating disorders such as cancer, tumors and cell proliferation related disorders, or affect cell differentiation, dedifferentiation or transdifferentiation. |
| US08129417B2 |
Substituted octahydrocyclopenta[C]pyrrol-4-amines as calcium channel blockers
The present application relates to calcium channel inhibitors containing compounds of formula (I) wherein L1, L2, R1, R2, and R3 are as defined in the specification. The present application also relates to compositions comprising such compounds, and methods of treating conditions and disorders using such compounds and compositions. |
| US08129413B2 |
Crystalline forms of MC4R agonist and process for synthesis
The present invention relates to a process for producing N-{(1S)-1-[2-(1-{[(3S,4R)-1-tert-butyl-4-(2,4-difluorophenyl)pyrrolidin-3-yl]carbonyl}piperidin-4-yl)-5-chlorophenyl]ethyl}acetamide, and novel crystalline salts, hydrates, solvates, and polymorphic forms thereof. |
| US08129408B2 |
Pharmaceutical composition for piperidinoalkanol compounds
The invention provides a pharmaceutical composition in solid unit dosage form, comprising, a) a therapeutically effective amount of a piperidinoalkanol compound or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; and, b) at least one inert ingredient. |
| US08129407B2 |
Hemiasterlin derivatives and uses thereof in the treatment of cancer
The present invention provides compounds having formula (I): and additionally provides methods for the synthesis thereof and methods for the use thereof in the treatment of cancer, wherein R1-R7, X1, X2, R, Q, and n are as defined herein. |
| US08129404B2 |
Compounds and uses thereof
N-[3-(4-Cyano-1H-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridine-3-carbonyl)-2,4-difluoro-phenyl]-4-trifluoromethyl-benzenesulfonamide, N-[3-(4-ethynyl-1H-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridine-3-carbonyl)-2,4-difluoro-phenyl]-4-trifluoromethyl-benzenesulfonamide, and salts thereof, formulations thereof, conjugates thereof, derivatives thereof, forms thereof and uses thereof are described. In certain aspects and embodiments, the described compounds or salts thereof, formulations thereof, conjugates thereof, derivatives thereof, forms thereof are active on at least one Raf protein kinase. Also described are methods of use thereof to treat diseases and conditions, including diseases and conditions associated with activity of Raf protein kinases, including pain and polycystic kidney disease. |
| US08129401B2 |
Heterocyclic compounds useful for the treatment of inflammatory and allergic disorders: process for their preparation and pharmaceutical compositions containing them
The present invention relates to novel Phosphodiesterase type 4 (PDE4) inhibitors of the formula (1) and analogs, tautomers, enantiomers, diasteromers, regioisomers, stereoisomers, polymorphs, pharmaceutically acceptable salts, appropriate N-oxides, pharmaceutically acceptable solvates thereof and the pharmaceutical compositions containing them which are useful in the treatment of allergic and inflammatory diseases including asthma, chronic bronchitis, atopic dermatitis, urticaria, allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis, vernal conjuctivitis, eosinophilic granuloma, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, septic shock, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, reperfusion injury of the myocardium and reperfusion injury of the brain, chronic glomerulonephritis, endotoxic shock and adult respiratory distress syndrome. |
| US08129398B2 |
HIV integrase inhibitors
The disclosure generally relates to the novel compounds of formula I, including their salts, which inhibit HIV integrase and prevent viral integration into human DNA. This action makes the compounds useful for treating HIV infection and AIDS. The invention also encompasses pharmaceutical compositions and methods for treating those infected with HIV. |
| US08129395B2 |
4,5-disubstituted-2-aryl pyrimidines
4,5-disubstituted-2-arypyrimidines of Formula I and Formula II are provided: wherein R1, R2, R3, R8, R9, A and Ar are defined herein. Such compounds are ligands of C5a receptors. Preferred compounds of Formula I and II bind to C5a receptors with high affinity and exhibit neutral antagonist or inverse agonist activity at C5a receptors. The present invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds, and to the use of such compounds in treating a variety of inflammatory, cardiovascular, and immune system disorders. In addition, the present invention provides labeled 4,5-disubstituted-2-arylpyrimidines, which are useful as probes for the localization of C5a receptors. |
| US08129390B2 |
Carboxamide, sulfonamide and amine compounds and methods for using the same
Disclosed are carboxamide, sulfonamide and amine compounds, as well as pharmaceutical compositions and methods of use. One embodiment is a compound having the structure in which R1, R2, R4, D, E, J, T, p, q and x are as described herein. In certain embodiments, a compound disclosed herein activates the AMPK pathway, and can be used to treat metabolism-related disorders and conditions. |
| US08129388B2 |
Therapeutic agents useful for treating pain
The present invention discloses compounds of formula: where Ar1, Ar2, X, R3, and m are as disclosed herein or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof (a “Phenylene Compound”); compositions comprising an effective amount of a Phenylene Compound; and methods for treating pain and other conditions in an animal comprising administering to an animal in need thereof an effective amount of a Phenylene Compound. |
| US08129387B2 |
Substituted 5,6-dihydroimidazo[1,5-F]pteridines useful as protein kinase inhibitors
The present invention relates to substituted 5,6-dihydroimidazo[1,5-f]pteridines of formula I: which are useful as inhibitors of protein kinase. The invention also provides pharmaceutically acceptable compositions comprising said compounds and methods of using the compositions in the treatment of various disease, conditions, or disorders. The invention also provides processes for preparing compounds of the invention. |
| US08129386B2 |
Fused azole-pyrimidine derivatives
The present invention relates to novel fused azolepyrimidine derivatives, processes for preparing them and pharmaceutical preparations containing them. The fused azolepyrimidine derivatives of the present invention exhibit enhanced potency for phosphotidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) inhibition, especially for PI3K-γ inhibition and can be used for the prophylaxis and treatment of diseases associated with PI3K and particularly with PI3K-γ activity.More specifically, the azole derivatives of the present invention are useful for treatment and prophylaxis of diseases as follows: inflammatory and immunoregulatory disorders, such as asthma, atopic dermatitis, rhinitis, allergic diseases, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), septic shock, joint diseases, autoimmune pathologies such as rheumatoid arthritis, and Graves' disease, cancer, myocardial contractility disorders, heart failure, thromboembolism, ischemia, and atherosclerosis.The compounds of the present invention are also useful for pulmonary hypertension, renal failure, cardiac hypertrophy, as well as neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, diabetes and focal ischemia, since the diseases also relate to PI3K activity in a human or animal subject. |
| US08129385B2 |
Substituted 5-hydroxy-3,4,6,9,9a, 10-hexanhydro-2h-1-oxa04a,8a-diaza-anthracene-6,10-dioness
The present invention is directed to a class of substituted 5-hydroxy-3,4,6,9,9a,10-hexahydro-2H-1-oxa-4a,8a-diaza-anthracene-6,10-diones useful as anti-HIV agents. The compounds have the formula: Z═O; R20, R21, R22, R23, R24 and R25 independently are hydrogen, C1-C8 alkyl, (C6-C14)aryl-(C1-C8)alkyl, C6-C14 aryl, or alkoxy; the stereochemistry of an asymmetric carbon represented by * shows R- or S-configuration, or a mixture thereof; RX is hydrogen; R14 is hydrogen or optionally substituted lower alkyl; R3 is hydrogen; R1 is hydrogen or lower alkyl; R is halogen; and m is 1, 2 or 3; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. |
| US08129383B2 |
Aminopterin dosage forms and methods for inflammatory disorders
There is disclosed dosage forms and methods for treating a patient with an inflammatory disorder with a therapeutically effective amount of aminopterin, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, that achieve efficacy without concomitant toxicity. Specifically, there is disclosed a method for treating an inflammatory disorder in a patient with uninterrupted doses of aminopterin. |
| US08129381B2 |
Caspase inhibitors and uses thereof
The present invention relates to compounds of formula I: useful as inhibitors of caspases. The present invention also provides pharmaceutically acceptable compositions comprising said compounds, processes for preparing the compounds, and methods of using the compounds and compositions in the treatment of various diseases, conditions, or disorders. |
| US08129380B2 |
Phthalazinone derivatives
A compound of the formula (I): wherein: A and B together represent an optionally substituted, fused aromatic ring; X and Y are selected from CH and CH, CF and CH, CH and CF and N and CH respectively; RC is selected from H, C1-4 alkyl; and R1 is selected from C1-7 alkyl, C3-20 heterocyclyl and C5-20 aryl, which groups are optionally substituted; or RC and R1 together with the carbon and oxygen atoms to which they are attached form a spiro-C5-7 oxygen-containing heterocyclic group, which is optionally substituted or fused to a C5-7 aromatic ring. |
| US08129376B2 |
Piperidine derivatives as inhibitors of stearoyl-CoA desaturase
The present invention relates to piperidine derivatives that act as inhibitors of stearoyl-CoA desaturase. The invention also relates to methods of preparing the compounds, compositions containing the compounds, and to methods of treatment using the compounds. |
| US08129375B2 |
Isoindoline compounds and methods of their use
Provided herein are isoindoline compounds, pharmaceutical compositions comprising one or more of such compounds, and methods of their use for treating, preventing, or managing various diseases. |
| US08129373B2 |
Carbonyl compounds
Novel compounds of the formula (I), in which D, E, G, W, X, Y, T, R1 and R2 are as defined in Patent Claim 1, are inhibitors of coagulation factor Xa and can be employed for the prophylaxis and/or therapy of thromboembolic diseases and for the treatment of tumors. |
| US08129351B2 |
Immunostimulatory nucleic acid molecules
Nucleic acids containing unmethylated CpG dinucleotides and therapeutic utilities based on their ability to stimulate an immune response and to redirect a Th2 response to a Th1 response in a subject are disclosed. Methods for treating atopic diseases, including atopic dermatitis, are disclosed. |
| US08129346B2 |
Compounds for enzyme inhibition
Peptide-based compounds including heteroatom-containing, three-membered rings efficiently and selectively inhibit specific activities of N-terminal nucleophile (Ntn) hydrolases. The activities of those Ntn having multiple activities can be differentially inhibited by the compounds described. For example, the chymotrypsin-like activity of the 20S proteasome may be selectively inhibited with the inventive compounds. The peptide-based compounds include at least three peptide units, an epoxide or aziridine, and functionalization at the N-terminus. Among other therapeutic utilities, the peptide-based compounds are expected to display anti-inflammatory properties and inhibition of cell proliferation. |
| US08129340B2 |
Inhibitors of protein phosphatase 1, GADD34 and protein phosphatase 1/GADD34 complex, preparation and uses thereof
The present invention relates to the use of a protein phosphatase inhibitor selected from an inhibitor of the catalytic subunit of the protein phosphatase 1 (PP1), an inhibitor of GADD34 and an inhibitor of the PP1/GADD34 complex to prepare a pharmaceutical composition to prevent or treat a cancer in a mammal, wherein the pharmaceutical composition is intended for administration in combination with a product used in a treatment of a cancer. |
| US08129339B2 |
Microencapsulation and sustained release of biologically active polypeptides
The invention relates to compositions and methods for the sustained release of biologically active polypeptides. The sustained release compositions of this invention comprise a biocompatible polymer having dispersed therein a biologically active polypeptide, and a corticosteroid to modify the release profile and provide increased bioavailability. |
| US08129333B2 |
Antigen delivery vectors and constructs
The present invention relates to fluorocarbon vectors for the delivery of antigens to immunoresponsive target cells. It further relates to fluorocarbon vector-antigen constructs and the use of such vectors associated with antigens as vaccines and immunotherapeutics in animals. |
| US08129330B2 |
Polymer conjugates with decreased antigenicity, methods of preparation and uses thereof
Methods are provided for the preparation of conjugates of a variety of bioactive components, especially proteins, with water-soluble polymers (e.g., poly(ethylene glycol) and derivatives thereof), which conjugates have reduced antigenicity and immunogenicity compared to similar conjugates prepared using poly(ethylene glycol) containing a methoxyl or another alkoxyl group. The invention also provides conjugates prepared by such methods, compositions comprising such conjugates, kits containing such conjugates or compositions and methods of use of the conjugates and compositions in diagnostic and therapeutic protocols. |
| US08129328B2 |
Compositions comprising sulfonated estolides and alkyl ester sulfonates, methods of making them, and compositions and processes employing them
Compositions comprising sulfo-estolides and alkyl ester sulfonates are described. Detergent formulations, such as laundry detergents, softeners, and other materials, containing any of these materials are disclosed, as well as personal care formulations, hard surface cleaner formulations, and automatic dishwasher detergent formulations. Laundry methods employing these formulations are also disclosed. These formulations are useful as laundry detergents and can be biodegradable, heavy duty liquids, 2× or 3× and up to 6× concentrates, low foaming, and/or effective in a high efficiency washing machine. Methods for laundering fabrics with the compositions are also disclosed. |
| US08129324B2 |
Surfactant compounds
Fatty esters of oligoesters of a dicarboxylic acid and a polyol retaining at least one free hydroxyl group, particularly of the formula (I): R1—[OR2O—C(O)—R3—(O)C—]m—R4 (I), where R1 is H, a monocarboxylic acid group, or R6O—[C(O)—R3—(O)C]—; R2s are residues of polyols having at least one substituent free hydroxyl; R3s are hydrocarbylene; R4 is —OH, —OM where M is a salt forming metal, amine or ammonium, —OR6, or —OR2O—R7; R5 is C7 to C21 hydrocarbyl; R6 is C8 to C22 hydrocarbyl; R7 is H, or —C(O)R5; and m is 1 to 20; provided that at least one of R1 and R4 is or includes a C8 to C22 group, are surfactants. A range of surfactant properties can be obtained by varying the molecules within these ranges. Especially where R2 is derived from a higher polyol e.g. sorbitol, R3 is C2 to C6, and the fatty terminal group is C8 to C14, the products can be highly water soluble and effective oil in water emulsifiers. |
| US08129320B2 |
Lubricant oil compositions to optimize internal combustion engine performance
The present disclosure relates to lubricant oil compositions formed from base stock oils to optimize internal combustion engine performance. Base stock oils are identified that have selected cetane number characteristics and relatively reduced reactivity to improve their associated combustion characteristics and reduce engine knock without the need to modify the engine fuel or engine parameters such as compression ratio and/or ignition timing. The base stocks may specifically include esters of dicarboxylic acids, esters of trimellitic anhydride and/or alklyated naphthalene compounds. |
| US08129319B2 |
Lubricating composition
A lubricating composition comprising a base oil, (A) one or more kinds of compounds selected from phenolic antioxidants and aminic antioxidants, and (B) an ester compound having a disulfide structure is provided. The lubricating composition of the present invention has excellent stability against oxidation, prevents increase of acid value and sludge formation, and has low corrosivity to non-ferrous metals. |
| US08129316B2 |
Method of creating a carbon dioxide hydrate
A method of creating a carbon dioxide hydrate is disclosed. The preferred steps include supplying liquid carbon dioxide and a dissociation agent to a hydrocarbon hydrate, decomposing the hydrocarbon hydrate by the dissociation agent into a hydrocarbon gas and liquid water, and forming the carbon dioxide hydrate from the liquid carbon dioxide and the liquid water. The dissociation agent preferably is at least one of an inorganic salt, a surface active agent, a hydrate inhibitor, and an absorption solution. Furthermore, a substance composition of liquid carbon dioxide and the dissociation agent is described, which is provided for depositing carbon dioxide hydrate in a subterranean geological formation. Furthermore, a deposition device is described, which is configured for depositing carbon dioxide hydrate in a subterranean geological formation. |
| US08129314B2 |
Plant protection composition absorbates and products for plant protection
Absorbates having a high loading of particular substances for use in plant protection compositions, the use of a special process for the preparation of the absorbates and products for plant protection comprising the absorbates. |
| US08129310B2 |
Heat-sensitive transfer sheet
A heat-sensitive transfer sheet containing a base film, a dye layer formed over one surface of the base film and containing a heat-transferable dye and a resin, and a heat-resistant lubricating layer formed over the other surface of the base film and containing inorganic particles and a resin, wherein the inorganic particles contained in the heat-resistant lubricating layer has a Mohs' hardness of 3 to 7 and a mean particle size of 0.3 to 5 μm, and the ratio of the maximum width of each of the inorganic particles to the sphere equivalent diameter thereof is from 1.5 to 50. |
| US08129309B2 |
Heat-sensitive transfer sheet for use in heat-sensitive transfer system and image-forming method using heat-sensitive transfer system
A heat-sensitive transfer sheet, comprising a base film, at least three heat-sensitive transfer layers containing heat-sensitively transferable dyes and a resin, and a heat-resistant slipping layer, in which the at least three heat-sensitive transfer layers contains two or more dyes different from each other; the heat-sensitive transfer layers are provided on one face of the base film so as not to be superposed on one another; the heat-sensitive transfer layers contains, as the resin, at least one of a polyvinylbutyral resin and a polyvinyl acetacetal resin, each having a polymerization degree of 200 to 1,000; and at least one of the heat-sensitive transfer layers contains the polyvinylbutyral resin as described above and the polyvinyl acetacetal resin described above, and has a ratio of the polyvinylbutyral to the polyvinyl acetacetal different from those in the other heat-sensitive transfer layers. |
| US08129306B2 |
Non-platinum bimetallic polymer electrolyte fuel cell catalysts
A polymetallic nanoparticle alloy having enhanced catalytic properties including at least one noble metal and at least one base metal, where the noble metal is preferentially dispersed near the surface of the nanoparticle and the base metal modifies the electronic properties of the surface disposed noble metal. The polymetallic nanoparticles having application as a catalyst when dispersed on a carbon substrate and in particular applications in a fuel cell. In various embodiments a bimetallic noble metal-base metal nanoparticle alloy may be used as an electrocatalyst offering enhanced ORR activity compared to the monometallic electrocatalyst of noble metal. |
| US08129303B2 |
Pathogen-resistant fabrics
A pathogen-resistant fabric comprising one or more photocatalysts capable of generating singlet oxygen from ambient air. The pathogen-resistant fabric may optionally include one or more singlet oxygen traps. |
| US08129300B2 |
Porous, fired ceramic foam
The invention relates to a porous, fired ceramic foam having a total porosity of between 50 and 92% and an intergranular porosity of at least 5%. In particular, the invention relates to a recrystallised silicon carbide foam. |
| US08129297B2 |
Method and apparatus for heating nonwoven webs
A process for drying/heat-treating nonwoven webs in which the web is partially dried under tension in a first drying zone and further heat treated under low tension or in a substantially tensionless state a second drying zone. The process significantly reduces the occurrence of stretch-type defects in the nonwoven webs. |
| US08129296B2 |
Velour fabric articles having improved dynamic insulation performance
A velour fabric article consists of a fabric body having a technical face formed by a filament stitch yarn and a technical back formed by a filament loop yarn. The filament stitch yarn includes a heat sensitive material, e.g. a hot melt material or a heat shrinkable material, and/or an elastomeric material, such as spandex. The fabric body has a velour surface formed at at least the technical back. The fabric body has permeability of about 80 ft3/ft2/min, or less, under a pressure difference of ½ inch of water across the fabric body. |
| US08129295B2 |
Article of manufacture for warming the human body and extremities via graduated thermal insulation
An article of manufacture for warming human extremities via graduated thermal insulation with a blanket comprised of concentrations of and transitions to and from concentrations of various types of woven thread fabric or non-woven fabric, having various properties of thermal insulation. |
| US08129293B2 |
Impregnated flexible sheet material
A flexible sheet material useful as an energy absorbing material is impregnated with a dilatant silicone composition comprising the reaction product of a polydiorganosiloxane and a boron compound selected from boric oxide, a boric acid, a boric acid precursor, a borate or a partially hydrolysed borate. The silicone composition can be modified by reaction with a hydrophobic compound reactive with silanol groups to improve the resistance to washing. The flexible sheet can be a material, e.g. a fabric, having a negative Poisson's ratio. |
| US08129291B2 |
Method of depositing dielectric film having Si-N bonds by modified peald method
A method of forming dielectric film having Si—N bonds on a semiconductor substrate by plasma enhanced atomic layer deposition (PEALD), includes: introducing a nitrogen- and hydrogen-containing reactive gas and a rare gas into a reaction space inside which the semiconductor substrate is placed; introducing a hydrogen-containing silicon precursor in pulses of less than 1.0-second duration into the reaction space wherein the reactive gas and the rare gas are introduced; exiting a plasma in pulses of less than 1.0-second duration immediately after the silicon precursor is shut off; and maintaining the reactive gas and the rare gas as a purge of less than 2.0-second duration. |
| US08129289B2 |
Method to deposit conformal low temperature SiO2
Methods of controlling critical dimensions of reduced-sized features during semiconductor fabrication through pitch multiplication are disclosed. Pitch multiplication is accomplished by patterning mask structures via conventional photoresist techniques and subsequently transferring the pattern to a sacrificial material. Spacer regions are then formed on the vertical surfaces of the transferred pattern following the deposition of a conformal material via atomic layer deposition. The spacer regions, and therefore the reduced features, are then transferred to a semiconductor substrate. |
| US08129288B2 |
Combinatorial plasma enhanced deposition techniques
Combinatorial plasma enhanced deposition techniques are described, including designating multiple regions of a substrate, providing a precursor to at least a first region of the multiple regions, and providing a plasma to the first region to deposit a first material on the first region formed using the first precursor, wherein the first material is different from a second material formed on a second region of the substrate. |
| US08129286B2 |
Reducing effective dielectric constant in semiconductor devices
Method of manufacturing a semiconductor device structure, including the steps of providing a structure having an insulator layer with at least one interconnect, forming a sub lithographic template mask over the insulator layer, and selectively etching the insulator layer through the sub lithographic template mask to form sub lithographic features spanning to a sidewall of the at least one interconnect. |
| US08129283B2 |
Plasma processing method and plasma processing apparatus
The invention provides a plasma processing apparatus and a dry etching method for etching a multilayered film structure having steps with high accuracy. The plasma processing apparatus comprises a vacuum reactor 107, a lower electrode 113 placed within a processing chamber of the vacuum reactor and having a wafer 112 to be etched mounted on the upper surface thereof, bias supplying units 118 and 120 for supplying high frequency power for forming a bias potential to the lower electrode 113, a gas supply means 111 for feeding reactive gas into the processing chamber, an electric field supplying means 101 through 103 for supplying a magnetic field for generating plasma in the processing chamber, and a control unit 127 for controlling the distribution of ion energy in the plasma being incident on the wafer 112 via the high frequency power. |
| US08129282B2 |
Plasma etching method and computer-readable storage medium
In a plasma etching method, a substrate, on which an oxide film as a target layer to be etched, a hard mask layer, and a patterned photoresist are sequentially formed, is loaded into the processing chamber and mounted on a lower electrode. A processing gas containing CxFy (x is 3 or less and y is 8 or less), C4F8, a rare gas and O2 is supplied and a plasma of the processing gas is generated by applying a high frequency power to an upper or a lower electrode. Further, a high frequency power for bias is applied to the lower electrode, and a DC voltage is applied to the upper electrode. |
| US08129276B2 |
Void sealing in a dielectric material of a contact level of a semiconductor device comprising closely spaced transistors
In sophisticated semiconductor devices, a contact structure may be formed on the basis of a void positioned between closely spaced transistor elements wherein disadvantageous metal migration along the void may be suppressed by sealing the voids after etching a contact opening and prior to filling in the contact metal. Consequently, significant yield losses may be avoided in well-established dual stress liner approaches while, at the same time, superior device performance may be achieved. |
| US08129273B2 |
Semiconductor device and method for producing the same
In a semiconductor device which has through holes in an end face, in which a semiconductor element is fixedly mounted on a face of a substrate which has a wiring pattern, which is conductive to the wiring portion formed in the through hole, in at least one face, in which electrodes of the semiconductor element are electrically connected to the wiring pattern, and in which the face of the substrate which has the semiconductor element is coated with a resin, the through hole has a through hole land with a width of 0.02 mm or more, which is conductive to the wiring portion, in a substrate face, and the wiring portion and the through hole land are exposed. |
| US08129272B2 |
Hidden plating traces
A strengthened semiconductor die substrate and package are disclosed. The substrate may include contact fingers formed with nonlinear edges. Providing a nonlinear contour to the contact finger edges reduces the mechanical stress exerted on the semiconductor die which would otherwise occur with straight edges to the contact fingers. The substrate may additionally or alternatively include plating traces extending at an angle from the contact fingers. Extending at an angle, at least the ends of the plating traces at the edge of the substrate are covered beneath a lid in which the semiconductor package is encased. Thus, when in use with a host device, contact between the ends of the plating traces beneath the lid and contact pins of the host device is avoided. |
| US08129267B2 |
Alpha particle blocking wire structure and method fabricating same
An alpha particle blocking structure and method of making the structure. The structure includes: a semiconductor substrate; a set of interlevel dielectric layers stacked from a lowermost interlevel dielectric layer closest to the substrate to a uppermost interlevel dielectric layer furthest from the substrate, each interlevel dielectric layer of the set of interlevel dielectric layers including electrically conductive wires, top surfaces of the wires substantially coplanar with top surfaces of corresponding interlevel dielectric layers; an electrically conductive tot final pad contacting a wire pad of the uppermost interlevel dielectric layer; an electrically conductive plating base layer contacting a top surface of the terminal pad; and a copper block on the plating base layer. |
| US08129264B2 |
Method of fabricating a semiconductor device
A method of forming a dielectric layer having an air gap to isolate adjacent wirings or a gate stack of the semiconductor device is provided. A method of fabricating a semiconductor device includes providing a semiconductor substrate on which a plurality of wirings are formed adjacent to one another and forming a dielectric layer filling an upper portion of a space between the adjacent wirings to form air gaps by a thermal chemical vapor deposition method. |
| US08129257B2 |
Vertical outgassing channels
InP epitaxial material is directly bonded onto a Silicon-On-Insulator (SOI) wafer having Vertical Outgassing Channels (VOCs) between the bonding surface and the insulator (buried oxide, or BOX) layer. H2O and other molecules near the bonding surface migrate to the closest VOC and are quenched in the buried oxide (BOX) layer quickly by combining with bridging oxygen ions and forming pairs of stable nonbridging hydroxyl groups (Si—OH). Various sizes and spacings of channels are envisioned for various devices. |
| US08129247B2 |
Omega shaped nanowire field effect transistors
A method for forming a nanowire field effect transistor (FET) device includes forming a nanowire on a semiconductor substrate, forming a first gate structure on a first portion of the nanowire, forming a first protective spacer adjacent to sidewalls of the first gate structure and over portions of the nanowire extending from the first gate structure, removing exposed portions of the nanowire left unprotected by the first spacer, and epitaxially growing a doped semiconductor material on exposed cross sections of the nanowire to form a first source region and a first drain region. |
| US08129246B2 |
Advanced CMOS using super steep retrograde wells
The present invention is a method for forming super steep doping profiles in MOS transistor structures. The method comprises forming a carbon containing layer (110) beneath the gate dielectric (50) and source and drain regions (80) of a MOS transistor. The carbon containing layer (110) will prevent the diffusion of dopants into the region (40) directly beneath the gate dielectric layer (50). |
| US08129240B2 |
Methods of forming a plurality of capacitors
A method of forming a plurality of capacitors includes an insulative material received over a capacitor array area and a circuitry area. The array area comprises a plurality of capacitor electrode openings within the insulative material received over individual capacitor storage node locations. The intervening area comprises a trench. Conductive metal nitride-comprising material is formed within the openings and against a sidewall portion of the trench to less than completely fill the trench. Inner sidewalls of the conductive material within the trench are annealed in a nitrogen-comprising atmosphere. The insulative material within the array area is etched with a liquid etching solution effective to expose outer sidewall portions of the conductive material within the array area. The conductive material within the array area is incorporated into a plurality of capacitors. |
| US08129238B2 |
Semiconductor devices having dual trench, methods of fabricating the same, and electronic system having the same
A semiconductor device having a dual trench and methods of fabricating the same, a semiconductor module, an electronic circuit board, and an electronic system are provided. The semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate having a cell region including a cell trench and a peripheral region including a peripheral trench. The cell trench is filled with a core insulating material layer, and the peripheral trench is filled with a padding insulating material layer conformably formed on an inner surface thereof and a core insulating material layer formed on an inner surface of the padding insulating material layer. The core insulating material layer has a greater fluidity than the padding insulating material layer. |
| US08129237B1 |
Vertical light-emitting diode device structure with SixNy layer
A vertical light-emitting diode (VLED) structure fabricated with a SixNy layer responsible for providing increased light extraction out of a roughened n-doped surface of the VLED are provided. Such VLED structures fabricated with a SixNy layer may have increased luminous efficiency when compared to conventional VLED structures fabricated without a SixNy layer. Methods for creating such VLED structures are also provided. |
| US08129234B2 |
Method of forming bipolar transistor integrated with metal gate CMOS devices
A high-k gate dielectric layer and a metal gate layer are formed and patterned to expose semiconductor surfaces in a bipolar junction transistor region, while covering a CMOS region. A disposable material portion is formed on a portion of the exposed semiconductor surfaces in the bipolar junction transistor area. A semiconductor layer and a dielectric layer are deposited and patterned to form gate stacks including a semiconductor portion and a dielectric gate cap in the CMOS region and a cavity containing mesa over the disposable material portion in the bipolar junction transistor region. The disposable material portion is selectively removed and a base layer including an epitaxial portion and a polycrystalline portion fills the cavity formed by removal of the disposable material portion. The emitter formed by selective epitaxy fills the cavity in the mesa. |
| US08129233B2 |
Method for fabricating thin film transistor
A method for fabricating a thin film transistor (TFT) on a substrate includes forming a gate electrode; forming a semiconductor layer being insulated from the gate electrode and partially overlapped with the gate electrode; sequentially forming first and second gate insulating layers between the gate electrode and the semiconductor layer, wherein the first gate insulating layer is formed of a material different from the second gate insulating layer and at least one of the first and second gate insulating layers includes a sol-compound; and forming source and drain electrodes at both sides of the semiconductor layer. |
| US08129230B2 |
Underfill method and chip package
A method of fabricating a chip package is provided. The chip package includes a laminate, a chip and conductive elements interposed between the chip and the laminate by which signals are transmitted among the chip and the laminate. The method includes dispensing a first underfill in a space defined between opposing faces of the chip and the laminate and dispensing a second underfill at least at a portion of an edge of the chip, the second underfill including a high aspect ratio material. |
| US08129229B1 |
Method of manufacturing semiconductor package containing flip-chip arrangement
A metal leadframe to be used in manufacturing a “flip-chip” type semiconductor package is treated to form a metal plated layer in an area to be contacted by a solder ball or bump on the chip. The leadframe is then process further to form an oxide or organometallic layer around the metal plated layer. Pretreating the leadframe in this manner prevents the solder from spreading out during reflow and maintains a good standoff distance between the chip and leadframe. During the molding process, the standoff between the chip and leadframe allows the molding compound to flow freely, preventing voids in the finished package. |
| US08129227B2 |
Semiconductor device having grooved leads to confine solder wicking
A packaged surface-mount semiconductor device has the outer, un-encapsulated lead segments structured in five adjoining portions: The first portion protrudes from the encapsulation about horizontally; the second portion forms a convex bend downwardly; the third portion is approximately straight downwardly; the fourth portion forms a concave bend upwardly; and the fifth portion is straight horizontally. Each segment has across the width a first groove in the third portion, either on the bottom surface or on the top surface. Preferably, the groove is about 2 leadframe thicknesses vertically over the bottom surface of the fifth lead portion. When stamped, the groove may have an angular outline about 5 and 50 μm deep; when etched, the groove may have an approximately semicircular outline about 50 to 125 μm deep. A second groove may be located in the second segment portion; a third groove may be located in the transition region from the third to the fourth segment portions. |
| US08129226B2 |
Power lead-on-chip ball grid array package
A packaging assembly (30), such as a ball grid array package, is formed which distributes power across an interior region of an integrated circuit die (52) by using an encapsulated patterned leadframe conductor (59) that is disposed over the die (52) and bonded to a plurality of bonding pads (45) formed in a BGA carrier substrate (42) and in the interior die region, thereby electrically coupling the interior die region to an externally provided reference voltage. |
| US08129222B2 |
High density chip scale leadframe package and method of manufacturing the package
An integrated circuit package having a die pad with a first face and a second face, a plurality of inner leads, and a plurality of sides between the first face and the second face. The plurality of inner leads is disposed substantially co-planer with and substantially around the die pad. The package also comprises a plurality of outer leads disposed substantially co-planar with and substantially around the plurality of inner leads and the die pad, so that the sides of each of the plurality of outer leads are offset from the sides of each of the plurality of inner leads. A first adhesive layer disposed on the first face of the die pad and a second adhesive layer disposed on the first faces of each of the plurality of inner leads. An IC chip is coupled to the first face of the die pad through the first adhesive layer and to the plurality of inner leads through the second adhesive layer. The package further comprises wires linking the inner leads and outer leads to the IC chip. |
| US08129221B2 |
Semiconductor package and method of forming the same
Example embodiments relate to semiconductor packages and methods of forming the same. A semiconductor package according to example embodiments may include a printed circuit board (PCB), a first semiconductor chip mounted on the PCB, and a chip package mounted on the first semiconductor chip. The chip package may be in direct contact with the first semiconductor chip. |
| US08129215B1 |
Method for producing high temperature thin film silicon layer on glass
A method for producing a High Temperature Thin Film Layer On Glass (HTTFLOG) of silicon, which is a precursor component of thin film transistors (TFTs). The invention described here is a superior method of fabricating HTTFLOG precursor structures or components for liquid crystal displays (LCDs) with quicker production time and lower cost of manufacture while enabling a groundbreaking increase in small and large screen resolution. This invention is a new sub-assembly intended for original equipment manufacturer (OEM) consumption and inclusion in display products. |
| US08129213B2 |
Solid-state imaging device and method for manufacturing the same
Disclosed herein is a solid-state imaging device including: a semiconductor layer; a charge accumulation region configured to be formed inside the semiconductor layer and serve as part of a photodiode; and a reflective surface configured to be disposed inside or under the charge accumulation region and be so formed as to reflect light that has passed through the charge accumulation region and direct the light toward a center part of the charge accumulation region. |
| US08129211B2 |
Dye-sensitized solar cell comprising metal oxide nanoball layer and preparation method thereof
A dye-sensitized solar cell comprising a semiconductor electrode prepared by spraying a metal oxide nanoparticle dispersion on a conductive substrate using an electric field to form a metal oxide nanoball layer which is composed of agglomerated metal oxide nanoparticles and has a high porosity and specific surface area, exhibits improved photoelectric properties even when a gel or solid electrolyte is used. |
| US08129208B2 |
n-Type conductive aluminum nitride semiconductor crystal and manufacturing method thereof
This invention provides a self supporting substrate which consists of a n-type conductive aluminum nitride semiconductor crystal and is useful for manufacturing the vertical conductive type AlN semiconductor device. The n-type conductive aluminum nitride semiconductor crystal, by which the self supporting substrate is made up, contains Si atom at a concentration of 1×1018 to 5×1020 cm−3 is substantially free of halogen atoms and substantially does not absorb the light having the energy of not more than 5.9 eV. The self supporting substrate can be obtained by a method comprising the steps of forming an AlN crystal layer on a single crystal substrate such as a sapphire by the HVPE method, preheating the obtained substrate having the AlN crystal layer to a temperature of 1,200° C. or more, forming a second layer consisting of the n-type conductive aluminum nitride semiconductor crystal is formed on the AlN crystal layer in high rate by the HVPE method and separating the second layer from the obtained laminate. |
| US08129206B2 |
Light emitting diode package and method of making the same
The light emitting diode package of the present invention uses photosensitive materials to form phosphor encapsulations or a phosphor layer, which can be fabricated by means of semiconductor processes in batch. Also, the concentration of phosphors in individual regions can be accurately and easily controlled by a laser printing process or by light-through holes. Accordingly, the optic effects of light emitting diode packages can be accurately adjusted. |
| US08129203B2 |
Auto feedback apparatus for laser marking
A method of manufacturing integrated circuits includes measuring a reflectivity value of a wafer. An optimum energy level for laser marking the wafer is determined using the reflectivity value. A laser beam having the optimum energy level is then emitted to make laser marks on the wafer. |
| US08129199B2 |
Surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy using shaped gold nanoparticles
In one aspect, the invention relates to methods for enhancing a Raman signal comprising the steps of providing a sample comprising a metal surface, an analyte adhered to the surface, and a metallic nanoparticle coupled to the surface, wherein the nanoparticle has a plasmon resonance band; exposing the sample to incident energy of an excitation wavelength; and detecting the Raman signal of the analyte. In a further aspect, the invention relates to a compositiion comprising a metal surface, a functionalized self-assembled monolayer adhered to the surface, wherin the self-assembled monolayer comprises an analyte, and a cetyltrimethylammonium halide-capped metallic nanoparticle coupled to the surface. In a further aspect, the invention relates to a cetyltrimethylammonium bromide-capped gold nanoparticle and a method for preparing same. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention. |
| US08129198B2 |
Porous substrate plates and the use thereof
A substrate plate or device adapted for use with biological or chemical assays is disclosed. The device may take the form of a multi-well plate having a three-dimensional, porous layer as part of a support surface within each well for immobilizing probe species. The porous layer is characterized as having a plurality of interconnected voids defined by a matrix of contiguous solid material. A method and its variants are also described. |
| US08129197B2 |
Cholesterol loaded insect cell membranes as test proteins
The invention provides for a novel cholesterol loaded insect cell membrane preparation having an increased cholesterol level as compared to physiological cholesterol levels of insect cell membranes or to control insect cell membrane preparations without cholesterol loading, wherein said cholesterol loaded membrane preparation comprises an ABC transporter protein having an increased substrate transport activity due to increased cholesterol level of the membrane. The invention also relates to reagent kits comprising the preparations of the invention. The invention also relates to methods for manufacturing said preparations and methods for measuring any type of activity of the ABC transporters present in the cholesterol loaded membranes as well as studying or testing compounds and interaction of compounds and ABC transporters, in this assay systems. The invention also provides for a test system useful for testing whether ABC transporter proteins can be activated by cholesterol in an insect cell membrane. |
| US08129193B2 |
Thiol quantitation assays and related methods
The present invention is generally directed to thiol quantitation assays, methods of performing the assays, and compounds used in the assays. It is more specifically directed to assays that include one or more disulfides and related molecules and methods. The disulfides contain a FRET pair. |
| US08129189B2 |
Finite and multiple sterilization indication method for devices
The present invention relates to an indicator of sterilization and/or use, which may be affixed to or integrated in a limited use device. The indicator may include a plurality of layers wherein each of the layers includes a membrane. The indictor may also include indicia of the number of uses disposed between the layers. The membranes may breach upon the sterilization or use of the limited use device, wherein the device is exposed to a given environment, such as various gasses, steam, liquids, UV, plasma, etc. In addition, more than one membrane may be provided between each indicia, wherein each membrane may respond to a different environment. |
| US08129183B2 |
Method for stimulating dendritic cells and cell product thus obtained for the autologous immunotherapy of solid human tumours
In the ex vivo stimulation method of dendritic cells, the stimulation occurs with the lysate of tumor spheres (TS) of the solid tumors. |
| US08129182B2 |
Endocrine precursor cells, pancreatic hormone-expressing cells and methods of production
Disclosed herein are cell cultures and enriched cell populations of endocrine precursor cells, immature pancreatic hormone-expressing cells and mature pancreatic hormone-expressing cells. Also disclosed herein are methods of producing such cell cultures and cell populations. |
| US08129180B2 |
Protein exhibiting activity of pyrethrin biosynthetic enzyme, gene encoding the protein, and vector bearing the gene
The present invention relates to an enzyme determining amino acid sequences of an enzyme involved in pyrethrin biosynthesis and a base sequence of the gene thereof; constructing vectors bearing the gene and transformants; and extractable from plant bodies producing pyrethrin by applying such creative techniques to plant bodies with faster growth aiming to provide a method to efficiently produce pyrethrin; and the enzyme is a gene encoding a protein of the following (i) or (ii): (i) a protein consisting of an amino acid sequence shown in Sequence No. 1; or (ii) a protein consisting of an amino acid sequence including one or more of a substitution, deletion, insertion, and/or addition of amino acid in the amino acid sequence shown in Sequence No. 1, in which the protein exhibits activity of pyrethrin biosynthetic enzyme. |
| US08129177B2 |
Composting systems and methods
Systems and methods for automated, rapid composting are disclosed. An air-tight housing prevents odors from leaking out. The housing is thermally insulated to enable the compost to achieve sufficient temperatures for rapid composting. A chambered system, generally including an optional hopper, a reactor, and a cure tray, physically shields odorous material from the external environment. A mixing wand mechanically mixes and/or breaks up the compost material and enhances air flow therethrough. A drip tray segregates liquid byproducts from the solid compost material. An air pump draws in air, while a carbon filter may absorb odors before returning the air to the external environment. A motor provides mixing, and facilitates opening and closing of the two trap doors separating the chambers. An electronic controller automates the composting process while allowing certain settings to be adjusted. |
| US08129176B2 |
Integrated active flux microfluidic devices and methods
The invention relates to a microfabricated device for the rapid detection of DNA, proteins or other molecules associated with a particular disease. The devices and methods of the invention can be used for the simultaneous diagnosis of multiple diseases by detecting molecules (e.g. amounts of molecules), such as polynucleotides (e.g., DNA) or proteins (e.g., antibodies), by measuring the signal of a detectable reporter associated with hybridized polynucleotides or antigen/antibody complex. In the microfabricated device according to the invention, detection of the presence of molecules (i.e., polynucleotides, proteins, or antigen/antibody complexes) are correlated to a hybridization signal from an optically-detectable (e.g. fluorescent) reporter associated with the bound molecules. These hybridization signals can be detected by any suitable means, for example optical, and can be stored for example in a computer as a representation of the presence of a particular gene. Hybridization probes can be immobilized on a substrate that forms part of or is exposed to a channel or channels of the device that form a closed loop, for circulation of sample to actively contact complementary probes. Universal chips according to the invention can be fabricated not only with DNA but also with other molecules such as RNA, proteins, peptide nucleic acid (PNA) and polyamide molecules. |
| US08129175B2 |
Point source diffusion cell activity assay apparatus
Apparatuses and methods for determining whether a test compound solution induces cell activity, an embodiment of the method of the present invention comprising placing a test compound solution in contact with a cell suspension media containing cells, diffusing the test compound solution into the cell suspension from a point source, and detecting activity in the cells with respect to their distance from the point source. Detecting activity in the cells can involve detecting activity in a first group of the cells proximate to the point source, and detecting activity in a second group of the cells farther from the point source than the first group. |
| US08129173B2 |
Selective enzymatic esterification and solvolysis of epimeric vitamin D analog and separation of the epimers
Provided is a method of selectively enzymatically esterifying or selectively enzymatically solvolyzing epimers of analogs of vitamin D having a stereogenic center at C-24 that has a free or esterified OH group. The metod can be used, for example, for separating mixed epimers of the vitamin D analog. |
| US08129172B2 |
Process for the heterotrophic production of microbial products with high concentrations of omega-3 highly unsaturated fatty acids
Disclosed is a process for growing the microflora Thraustochytrium, Schizochytrium, and mixtures thereof, which includes the growing of the microflora in fermentation medium containing non-chloride containing sodium salts, in particular sodium sulfate. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the process produces microflora having a cell aggregate size useful for the production of food products for use in aquaculture. Further disclosed is a food product which includes Thraustochytrium, Schizochytrium, and mixtures thereof, and a component selected from flaxseed, rapeseed, soybean and avocado meal. Such a food product includes a balance of long chain and short chain omega-3 highly unsaturated fatty acids. |
| US08129171B2 |
Arabinose- and xylose-fermenting Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains
A S. cerevisiae strain expressing both arabinose and xylose utilization pathways, and in particular to a S. cerevisiae strain fermenting both arabinose and xylose to ethanol, and more particularly a S. cerevisiae strain with overexpression or upregulation of xylose- or aldose reductase (XR, AR) with xylitol dehydrogenase (XDH) together with overexpression or upregulation of genes forming an arabinose utilization pathway. The invention encompasses both laboratory and industrial strain having these properties. |
| US08129166B2 |
Immunogenic minicells and methods of use
The disclosed invention relates to immunogenic minicells cells (anucleated) and their use to induce an immune response from a subject. |
| US08129165B2 |
Borrelia antigens
The present invention relates to isolated nucleic acid molecules which encode a protein, isolated nucleic acid molecules which encode a hyperimmune serum reactive antigen, a vector which comprises such nucleic acid molecule, a host cell comprising such vector, a hyperimmune reactive antigen from Borrelia species, proteins which are preferably hyperimmune serum reactive antigens, hyperimmune serum reactive antigens, antigens, a process for producing such proteins, hyperimmune serum reactive antigens or antigens, a process for producing a cell which expresses such protein, hyperimmune serum reactive antigen or antigen, an antibody binding to such protein, hyperimmune serum reactive antigen or antigen, a hybridoma cell producing such antibody, methods for producing such antibody, a pharmaceutical composition comprising such nucleic acid molecule, protein, hyperimmune serum reactive antigen, antigen or antibody, the use of such nucleic acid molecule, protein, hyperimmune serum reactive antigen, antigen or antibody for the manufacture of a medicament, methods for identifying an antagonist capable of reducing or inhibiting the interaction activity of such protein, hyperimmune serum reactive antigen or antigen, methods for diagnosing an infection and methods for the treatment of an infection. More specifically such proteins, hyperimmune serum reactive antigens or antigens are produced by or associated with bacterial pathogens causing Lyme disease or bacterial infections caused by Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. |
| US08129163B2 |
Gene suitable for alcohol dehydrogenase, vector and transformant
An object of the present invention is to provide a novel alcohol dehydrogenase, a gene for the alcohol dehydrogenase, a vector including the gene, a transformant transformed with the vector, and a method for producing an optically active alcohol by utilizing them. A feature of the present invention directs to a novel polypeptide isolated from Candida maltosa, a DNA coding for the polypeptide, and a transformant producing the polypeptide. Another feature of the present invention directs to a method for producing an optically-active alcohol by reducing a carbonyl compound with the polypeptide or the transformant. |
| US08129160B2 |
Method of screening for inhibitors of glutaminyl cyclase activity
Novel glutaminyl-peptide cyclotransferase-like proteins (QPCTLs), which are isoenzymes of glutaminyl cyclase (QC, EC 2.3.2.5), and to isolated nucleic acids coding for these isoenzymes, all of which are useful for the discovery of new therapeutic agents, for measuring cyclase activity, and for determining the inhibitory activity of compounds against these glutaminyl cyclase isoenzymes. |
| US08129157B2 |
Anaerobic fermentation of glycerol
The invention relates to the development of appropriate cultivation conditions for a bacteria to grow anaerobically (fermentatively) on a glycerol substrate. The method requires culturing bacteria having a functional 1,2-propanediol pathway and a functional type II glycerol dehydrogenase-dihydroxyacetone kinase pathway in a culture medium containing high concentrations of glycerol, a neutral to mildly acidic pH, low levels of potassium and phosphate, and high levels of CO2, such that glycerol is thus converted into a desirable product, such as ethanol, hydrogen, formate, succinate, or 1,2-propanediol. |
| US08129156B2 |
Microorganisms for the production of 1,4-butanediol
The invention provides non-naturally occurring microbial organisms comprising a 1,4-butanediol (BDO) pathway comprising at least one exogenous nucleic acid encoding a BDO pathway enzyme expressed in a sufficient amount to produce BDO. The invention additionally provides methods of using such microbial organisms to produce BDO. |
| US08129155B2 |
Microorganisms and methods for conversion of syngas and other carbon sources to useful products
A non-naturally occurring microbial organism having an isopropanol, 4-hydroxybutryate, or 1,4-butanediol pathway includes at least one exogenous nucleic acid encoding an isopropanol, 4-hydroxybutryate, or 1,4-butanediol pathway enzyme expressed in a sufficient amount to produce isopropanol, 4-hydroxybutryate, or 1,4-butanediol. The aforementioned organisms are cultured to produce isopropanol, 4-hydroxybutryate, or 1,4-butanediol. |
| US08129152B2 |
Method of producing enantioselective immobilized candida rugosa lipase
Immobilization of Candida rugosa lipase on a carrier selected from the group consisting of macroporous adsorbent resin of the acrylic type, synthetic epoxy activated resin and Mg—Al-hydrotalcite enhances its enantioselectivity by six to seven folds. The immobilized Candida rugosa lipase is suitable for use in resolution of racemic alcohols and/or carboxylic acids, particularly in resolution of racemic menthol or production of menthyl esters. |
| US08129151B2 |
L-glutamic acid-producing bacterium and method for producing L-glutamic acid
L-Glutamic acid is produced by culturing in a liquid culture medium a microorganism belonging to the genus Pantoea or Serratia and having an ability to produce L-glutamic acid, which increases in an activity of enzyme catalyzing a reaction for L-glutamic acid biosynthesis or which decreases in or is deficient in an activity of an enzyme catalyzing a reaction branching from a pathway for L-glutamic acid biosynthesis and producing a compound other than L-glutamic acid, and collecting produced L-glutamic acid from the culture medium. |
| US08129148B2 |
Process for preparation of chondroitin fraction
Provided are a method for producing a fraction containing more than 50% of CH represented by the general formula (1), which comprises at least the step of allowing a glucuronic acid donor, an N-acetylgalactosamine donor, a saccharide receptor, a chondroitin polymerase derived from the Escherichia coli K4 strain, and Mn2+ at a final concentration of 0.02 to 100 mM to coexist, and performing a reaction thereof under conditions of 20 to 40° C. and pH 6 to 8 for 0.5 minutes to 4 hours, and a method for producing a fraction containing more than 50% of CH represented by the general formula (2), which comprises at least the step of performing the reaction under same conditions for 10 hours or longer, which enable industrial scale production of a CH fraction of a controlled even number saccharide and odd number saccharide content ratio by a simple procedure at a low cost. (GlcA-GalNAc)n (1) GalNAc-(GlcA-GalNAc)n (2) (In the formula, GlcA represents a glucuronic acid residue, GalNCAc represents a N-acetylgalactosamine residue, - represents a glycosidic bond, and n represents an arbitrary integer.) |
| US08129147B2 |
Meningococcal oligosaccharide linked polysaccharides and diptheria protein conjugate vaccine for all ages
Methods for producing quadrivalent meningococcal meningitis polysaccharide and conjugate vaccines for serotypes A, C, Y and W-135 disclosed. Neisseria meningitidis fastidious medium was designed to maximize the yield of capsular polysaccharides and generate minimal cellular biomass and endotoxin in a short duration of fermentation. The crude polysaccharides are isolated, purified, and mechanically depolymerized by sonication. These purified polysaccharides were found in human clinical trials to be safe and immunogenic against meningococcal disease caused by N. meningitidis A, C, Y and W-135 serogroups in sub-Saharan Africa. In the preferred embodiment, the polysaccharides are conjugated to carrier proteins of diphtheria or tetanus toxiod to an average molecular size of 5100 to 9900 Daltons and provide broad spectrum protection to humans of all ages. Accelerated polysaccharide production and the efficacy of the resulting vaccine are demonstrated. |
| US08129146B2 |
Method for making insulin precursors and insulin precursor analogues having improved fermentation yield in yeast
Novel insulin precursors and insulin precursor analogs comprising a connecting peptide (mini C-peptide) of preferably up to 15 amino acid residues and comprising at least one Gly are provided. The precursors can be converted into human insulin or a human insulin analog. The precursors will typically have a distance between B27 (atom CG2) and A1 (atom CA) of less than 5 Å. |
| US08129145B2 |
Production of glycoproteins
An improved system for large scale production of glycoproteins in cell culture is provided. In accordance with the present invention, cells expressing a glycoprotein are grown in media that contain manganese at a concentration of between approximately 10 and 600 nM. The use of such a system allows production of a glycoprotein with an increased glycosylation pattern and/or a glycosylation pattern that more accurately reflects the glycosylation pattern of the naturally occurring glycoprotein. A glycoprotein expressed in accordance with the present invention may be advantageously used in the preparation of pharmaceutical compositions. |
| US08129142B2 |
Mutations in ion channels
A method of identifying a subject predisposed to a disorder associated with ion channel dysfunction, comprising ascertaining whether at least one of the genes encoding ion channel subunits in said subject has undergone a mutation event as set forth in one of SEQ ID Numbers: 1-72. |
| US08129141B2 |
Fibrous protein fusions and use thereof in the formation of advanced organic/inorganic composite materials
The claimed invention provides a fusion polypeptide comprising a fibrous protein domain and a mineralization domain. The fusion is used to form an organic-inorganic composite. These organic-inorganic composites can be constructed from the nano- to the macro-scale depending on the size of the fibrous protein fusion domain used. In one embodiment, the composites can also be loaded with other compounds (e.g., dyes, drugs, enzymes) depending on the goal for the materials, to further enhance function. This can be achieved during assembly of the material or during the mineralization step in materials formation. |
| US08129139B2 |
Process for obtaining botulinum neurotoxin
Rapid, animal protein free, chromatographic processes and systems for obtaining high potency, high yield botulinum neurotoxin for research, therapeutic and cosmetic use. |
| US08129125B2 |
Gene and protein expression profiles associated with the therapeutic efficacy of EGFR-TK inhibitors
The present invention provides protein and gene expression profiles indicative of whether a patient afflicted with non-small cell lung cancer is likely to be responsive to treatment with a therapeutic compound that is a EGFR-TK inhibitor. By identifying such responsiveness, a treatment provider may determine in advance those patients who would benefit from such treatment, as well as identify alternative therapies for non-responders. The present invention further provide methods of using the gene and protein expression profiles, and assays for identifying the presence of a gene or protein expression profile in a patient sample. |
| US08129124B2 |
Agents and methods related to reducing resistance to apoptosis-inducing death receptor agonists
Provided herein is a method of reversing or preventing a target cell's resistance to a death receptor agonist. Also provided are methods of screening for biomarkers resistance of and monitoring resistance to death receptor agonists. Also provided are methods of selectively inducing apoptosis in a target cell, treating a subject with cancer, autoimmune or inflammatory diseases, comprising administering compositions provided herein. Further provided are compositions comprising agents that modulate CARD containing proteins. |
| US08129123B2 |
Methods for assessing atherogenesis by determining oxidized phospholipid to apolipoprotein B ratios
The present invention relates to the analysis of oxidized phospholipids (OxPL) on apolipoprotein B-100 in patients at high risk or with documented coronary artery disease (CAD) or acute coronary syndromes (ACS) such as unstable angina and acute myocardial infarction or suspected of being at risk for ACS. Such methods are useful for diagnostic purposes and for monitoring the effects of dietary interventions or with drugs such as statins. More particularly, the present invention relates to methods for determining OxPL/apoB ratios as indices of atherosclerosis regression and plaque stability. |
| US08129121B2 |
Regulation of lipid droplet formation by modulation of FIT1 and FIT2 and uses thereof
This invention provides methods of regulating fat storage in tissue by modulating the levels of Fibrate Induced Transcript 1 (FIT1) and/or Fibrate Induced Transcript 2 (FIT2), as well as diagnostic screens for disorders and conditions involving regulation of fat storage in tissue, assays for identifying agents that can regulate fat storage in tissue through modulating the levels of FIT1 and/or FIT2, and genetically altered mammals in which expression of FIT1 and/or FIT2 is altered in one or more tissue. |
| US08129115B2 |
Method of modifying nucleotide chain
A nucleotide chain to be modified, a nucleotide having a particular base that is different from bases constituting the nucleotide chain, an enzyme catalyzing addition of the nucleotide to the 3′-terminus of the nucleotide chain, a degrading enzyme acting specifically on the nucleotide, and a desired modifier for modifying the nucleotide chain are allowed to coexist in a buffer solution as a mixture solution such that: the nucleotide is added to the 3′-terminus of the nucleotide chain; the sequence of the added nucleotide is degraded to form, at the 3′-terminus of the nucleotide chain, a functional group capable of binding to the modifier; and the 3′-terminus of the nucleotide chain having the functional group thus formed is directly modified with the modifier. The reactions at three stages continuously proceed in the mixture solution. As a result, simplified procedures and reduced reaction time can be achieved. |
| US08129110B2 |
Probe, probe set, probe-immobilized carrier, and genetic testing method
A nucleic acid probe for classification of pathogenic bacterial species is capable of collectively detecting bacterial strains of the same species and differentially detecting them from other bacterial species. Any one of the base sequences of SEQ ID NOS. 43 to 45 or a combination of at least two of them is used for detecting the gene of an infectious disease pathogenic bacterium. |
| US08129109B2 |
Probe, probe set, probe-immobilized carrier, and genetic testing method
A nucleic acid probe for classification of pathogenic bacterial species is capable of collectively detecting bacterial strains of the same species and differentially detecting them from other bacterial species. Any one of the base sequences of SEQ ID NOS. 52 to 54 or a combination of at least two of them is used for detecting the gene of an infectious disease pathogenic bacterium. |
| US08129108B2 |
Probe, probe set, probe-immobilized carrier, and genetic testing method
A nucleic acid probe for classification of pathogenic bacterial species is capable of collectively detecting bacterial strains of the same species and differentially detecting them from other bacterial species. Any one of the base sequences of SEQ ID NOS. 40 to 42 or a combination of at least two of them is used for detecting the gene of an infectious disease pathogenic bacterium. |
| US08129107B2 |
Bisulfite conversion of DNA
The present invention relates to an improved method for the bisulfite conversion of DNA. In certain time-temperature ranges the efficacy of the bisulfite conversion is clearly improved. By combination with denaturating solvents, new reaction conditions and new purification methods the efficacy can be further increased The converted DNA can subsequently be analysed by different methods. The present invention facilitates the analysis of cytosine methylation. |
| US08129105B2 |
Method and apparatus for the non-invasive measurement of tissue function and metabolism by determination of steady-state fluorescence anisotropy
A non-invasive measurement of biological tissue reveals information about the function of that tissue. Polarized light is directed onto the tissue, stimulating the emission of fluorescence, due to one or more endogenous fluorophors in the tissue. Fluorescence anisotropy is then calculated. Such measurements of fluorescence anisotropy are then used to assess the functional status of the tissue, and to identify the existence and severity of disease states. Such assessment can be made by comparing a fluorescence anisotropy profile with a known profile of a control. |
| US08129104B2 |
Platelet preservation composition comprising a short to ultra-short acting antiplatelet agent and anticoagulant with hemoglobin
The present invention relates to compositions and methods for storing platelets to preserve the function and freshness of the platelets. More particularly, the present invention relates to the use of a preservative composition having an antiplatelet agent, an anticoagulant, and an oxygen carrier, for maintaining the freshness of platelets. Additionally, the composition may also contain an ultra-short acting broad spectrum anti-microbial agents. The preservative composition may be used to store platelets in a liquid state, a frozen state, or a freeze-dried state. |
| US08129103B2 |
Use of a platelet preservation composition comprising a short to ultra-short acting antiplatelet agent and anticoagulant with an oxygen carrier
The present invention relates to compositions and methods for storing platelets to preserve the function and freshness of the platelets. More particularly, the present invention relates to the use of a preservative composition having an antiplatelet agent, an anticoagulant, and an oxygen carrier, for maintaining the freshness of platelets. Additionally, the composition may also contain an ultra-short acting broad spectrum anti-microbial agents. The preservative composition may be used to store platelets in a liquid state, a frozen state, or a freeze-dried state. |
| US08129102B2 |
Method for harvesting and preparing porcine hearts for use in a cardiac surgical simulator
A method is described and disclosed for harvesting and preparing porcine hearts that may be used, among other things, as an improved analog of the human heart in cardiac simulator systems for training surgical personnel for performing beating heart surgery. |
| US08129101B2 |
Method for increasing the removal rate of photoresist layer
A method for increasing the removal rate of a photoresist layer is provided. The method includes performing a pre-treatment of a substrate, such as a plasma process, before forming the photoresist layer. The method can be applied to the fabrication of semiconductor devices for increasing the removal rate of the photoresist layer. |
| US08129098B2 |
Colored mask combined with selective area deposition
The invention relates to a process for forming a structure comprising (a) providing a transparent support; (b) forming a color mask on a first side of the transparent support; (c) applying a first layer comprising a deposition inhibitor material that is sensitive to visible light; (d) patterning the first layer by exposing the first layer through the color mask with visible light to form a first pattern and developing the deposition inhibitor material to provide selected areas of the first layer effectively not having the deposition inhibitor material; and (e) depositing a second layer of functional material over the transparent support; wherein the second layer of functional material is substantially deposited only in selected areas over the transparent support not having the deposition inhibitor material. |
| US08129095B2 |
Methods, photomasks and methods of fabricating photomasks for improving damascene wire uniformity without reducing performance
A method of improving damascene wire uniformity without reducing performance. The method includes simultaneously forming a multiplicity of damascene wires and a multiplicity of metal dummy shapes in a dielectric layer of a wiring level of an integrated circuit chip, the metal dummy shapes being dispersed between damascene wires of the multiplicity of damascene wires; and removing or modifying those metal dummy shapes of the multiplicity of metal dummy shapes within exclusion regions around selected damascene wires of the multiplicity of damascene wires. Also a method of fabricating a photomask and a photomask for use in improving damascene wire uniformity without reducing performance. |
| US08129094B2 |
Method for manufacturing a semiconductor device
A spacer is formed on side and top portions of a photoresist pattern after a mask process is performed so that the spacer may be used as an etching mask. The spacer is formed using a polymer deposition layer which is a low temperature oxide or nitride that can be deposited on side and top portions of the photoresist pattern at 75˜220° C. after the mask process is performed. A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device includes forming a bottom anti-reflection coating film on an etch-target layer, patterning a photoresist layer formed on the bottom anti-reflection coating film, forming an insulation layer on a patterned photoresist layer and the bottom anti-reflection coating film, etching back the insulation layer to form a spacer on sidewalls of the patterned photoresist layer, and etching the bottom anti-reflection coating film and the etching target layer exposed by the spacer to form a fine pattern. |
| US08129092B2 |
Resist pattern thickening material and process for forming resist pattern, and semiconductor device and method for manufacturing the same
The present invention provides a resist pattern thickening material, which can utilize ArF excimer laser light; which, when applied over a resist pattern such as an ArF resist having a line pattern or the like, can thicken the resist pattern regardless of the size of the resist pattern; which has excellent etching resistance; and which is suited for forming a fine space pattern or the like, exceeding the exposure limits. The present invention also provides a process for forming a resist pattern and a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device, wherein the resist pattern thickening material of the present invention is suitably utilized. |
| US08129087B2 |
Block copolymer and substrate processing method
A block copolymer that can form selectively a microphase-separated structure under exposure with an ultraviolet exposure device, and a substrate processing method by which a micropattern can be formed at a low cost on the substrate by using the block copolymer. The block copolymer has as a basic skeleton a hydrophobic block that has a repeating structure of a hydrophobic monomer and a hydrophilic block that has a repeating structure of a hydrophilic monomer having a hydrophilic functional group. At least some of the hydrophilic functional groups are covered with a hydrophobic protective group and the hydrophobic protective group, which covers the hydrophilic functional group, is dissociated from the hydrophilic functional group by light irradiation. The substrate processing method uses the block copolymer to form a micropattern on the substrate. |
| US08129084B2 |
Liquid developer, method for producing liquid developer, and image forming apparatus
A liquid developer includes: magnetic polymer particles including a magnetic material containing yttrium iron garnet (YIG), a polymer compound having a carboxylate salt structure, and a colorant; and a dispersion medium in which the magnetic polymer particles are dispersed. |
| US08129080B2 |
Variable resist protecting groups
A method and system for patterning a substrate using a dual-tone development process is described. The method and system comprise using a resist material having a polymer backbone with a plurality of protecting groups attached thereto to improve process latitude and critical dimension uniformity for the dual-tone development process. |
| US08129074B2 |
Crosslinked nano-inorganic particle/polymer electrolyte membrane for membrane electrode assembly
A crosslinked nano-inorganic particle/polymer electrolyte membrane composed of a polymer film substrate, graft molecular chains bound to the backbone skeleton of the polymer film substrate and comprising a vinyl monomer graft-polymerized, sulfonic groups bound to the graft molecular chains, and an inorganic material as nano-scale particles uniformly dispersed within a crosslinked structure ascribed to the backbone skeleton of the polymer film substrate and the graft molecular chains, wherein the backbone skeleton of the polymer film substrate, the graft molecular chains, and the nano-inorganic particles mutually construct a crosslinked structure. |
| US08129071B2 |
Hydrophilic layer for use in a fuel cell
A device that is useful for managing moisture content within a fuel cell assembly (24) includes a hydrophilic layer (46) between a solid reactant distribution plate layer and a hydrophobic layer (38) adjacent to a catalyst layer (34). In disclosed examples, the hydrophilic layer (46) is positioned relative to the reactant distribution plate to have a flow field configuration similar to that of the reactant distribution plate so that the hydrophilic layer does not interfere with reactant flow through the hydrophobic layer to the catalyst layer. A disclosed example includes a reactant distribution plate comprising a solid, non-porous material and the hydrophilic material to establish the hydrophilic layer (46). In another example, the hydrophilic layer (46) is applied to, secured to or positioned against of ribs of the reactant distribution plate. |
| US08129068B2 |
Fuel cell and fuel cell stack
A first separator and a second separator make up separator bodies having the same shape, which are oriented 180° opposite to each other. The first separator has first sandwiching sections sandwiching electrolyte electrode assemblies therebetween, along with fuel gas supply units. A fuel gas supply passage extends in a stacking direction through the fuel gas supply units. The second separator has second sandwiching sections and oxygen-containing gas supply units. An oxygen-containing gas supply passage extends in the stacking direction through the oxygen-containing gas supply units. |
| US08129066B2 |
Fuel cell exhibiting enhanced hydrogen distribution density
This invention provides a fuel battery comprising a solid polymer electrolyte membrane, an anode-side catalyst body and a cathode-side catalyst body disposed respectively on both sides of the solid polymer electrolyte membrane, and a fuel guide part in which the anode-side catalyst body is disposed opposite to the anode-side catalyst body on the opposite side where the anode-side catalyst body faces the solid polymer electrolyte membrane and which guides a fuel which has been externally supplied toward the center of the face of the anode-side catalyst body. |
| US08129061B2 |
Cooling device and cooling method for fuel cell
A cooling device for a fuel cell is provided which can maintain the electric conductivity of a liquid coolant within the predetermined range even if a load suddenly changes. In the cooling device for a fuel cell (10), the parameters (TH, TL) relating to the coolant temperature can be controlled so that the electric conductivity (S) at a target set temperature is maintained within a target electric conductivity range (Smax-Smin) based on the correlation between the parameters relating to the coolant temperature and the electric conductivity of the coolant. Because the electric conductivity is feed-forward controlled based on the correlation between the parameters relating to the coolant temperature and the electric conductivity of the coolant, the electric conductivity of the coolant can be reliably maintained within the target range even when electric conductivity with a comparatively poor responsiveness is controlled. |
| US08129058B2 |
Fuel cell system
The present invention is a fuel cell system comprising: a hydrogen generator including a reformer which has a reforming catalyst and carries out a reforming reaction using the reforming catalyst to generate a hydrogen-containing gas from a raw material, a shift converter which has a shift catalyst and carries out a shift reaction using the shift catalyst to decrease carbon monoxide in the hydrogen-containing gas, and a first temperature detector which detects a temperature of the shift converter; a fuel cell which uses the hydrogen-containing gas delivered from the hydrogen generator, to generate electric power; and a control unit, wherein: the control unit does not start delivering the hydrogen-containing gas from the hydrogen generator to the fuel cell when at least the temperature of the shift converter detected by the first temperature detector is not a stable determination temperature or higher; and the stable determination temperature is lower than a control temperature of the shift converter at the time of a normal operation. |
| US08129057B2 |
High efficiency fuel cell system
A technique includes operating a fuel cell, which produces an effluent flow. The technique includes routing the effluent flow through an electrochemical pump to extract fuel from the effluent flow and providing the extracted fuel to the fuel cell. |
| US08129054B2 |
System for adding sulfur to a fuel cell stack system for improved fuel cell stability
A system for adding sulfur to a fuel cell stack, having a reformer adapted to reform a hydrocarbon fuel stream containing sulfur contaminants, thereby providing a reformate stream having sulfur; a sulfur trap fluidly coupled downstream of the reformer for removing sulfur from the reformate stream, thereby providing a desulfurized reformate stream; and a metering device in fluid communication with the reformate stream upstream of the sulfur trap and with the desulfurized reformate stream downstream of the sulfur trap. The metering device is adapted to bypass a portion of the reformate stream to mix with the desulfurized reformate stream, thereby producing a conditioned reformate stream having a predetermined sulfur concentration that gives an acceptable balance of minimal drop in initial power with the desired maximum stability of operation over prolonged periods for the fuel cell stack. |
| US08129046B2 |
Intrinsically safe battery pack and system
A battery pack system may include a battery pack and a battery pack holder. The battery pack holder receives the battery pack and couples a battery pack terminal to a load associated with the battery pack holder. The battery pack includes an operation handle external to a battery pack housing. The operation handle is coupled to an operation member via an operation shaft that passes through the housing. A safety circuit of the battery pack couples power supplied by a battery to battery pack terminals based upon position of the operation handle. An operation member of the battery pack extends a locking member into an opening of the battery pack holder when the operation handle is in the engaged position, and retracts the locking member from the opening when the operation handle is in the disengaged position. |
| US08129040B2 |
Cutting tool
The invention provides a single or a multilayer PVD coated sharp edged cutting tool, which can at the same time exhibit satisfactory wear and thermochemical resistance as well as resistance to edge chipping. The cutting tool comprises a sintered body made of a cemented carbide, a CBN, a cermet or a ceramic material having a cutting edge with an edge radius Re, a flank and a rake face and a multilayer coating consisting of a PVD coating comprising at least one oxidic PVD layer covering at least parts of the surface of the sintered body. In one embodiment the edge radius Re is smaller than 40 μm, preferably smaller than or equal to 30 μm. The covered parts of the surface preferably comprise at least some parts of the sharp edge of the sintered body. |
| US08129038B2 |
Aromatic amine derivative and electroluminescence device using the same
Provided are a novel aromatic amine derivative having a specific structure and an organic electroluminescence device in which an organic thin layer comprising a single layer or plural layers including a light emitting layer is interposed between a cathode and an anode, wherein at leas one layer of the above organic thin layer contains the aromatic amine derivative described above in the form of a single component or a mixed component. Thus, the organic electroluminescence device is less liable to be crystallized in molecules, improved in a yield in producing the organic electroluminescence device and extended in a lifetime. |
| US08129033B2 |
Composition for improving the printability of coated paper
The present invention relates to improvement in printability of coated paper by adding composition comprising granular starch onto the paper, said composition being essentially free of mineral or synthetic pigment. |
| US08129030B2 |
Acrylic block copolymer composition and molded article thereof
[PROBLEMS] To provide a polymer composition that simultaneously has excellent paintability and high oil resistance and is also excellent in thin-wall moldability and flexibility; and a molded article produced by injection-molding of the composition and being suitable for composite-molded grips, automotive interior and exterior trims, and so on. [MEANS FOR SOLVING PROBLEMS] A polymer composition and a molded article that are comprising 33 to 67% by mass of a polybutylene terephthalate-based resin (A) and 67 to 33% by mass of an acrylic block copolymer (B); and in the acrylic block copolymer (B), two polymer blocks (b2) comprising a unit of methacrylic ester such as methyl methacrylate are bonded to the both ends of a polymer block (b1) comprising a unit of acrylic ester such as butyl acrylate, the total mass of the polymer block (b2) is 20 to 35% by mass with respect to the acrylic block copolymer (B), the weight-average molecular weight is 50000 to 100000, and the order-disorder transition temperature is 180 to 230° C. |
| US08129029B2 |
Erosion-resistant plasma chamber components comprising a metal base structure with an overlying thermal oxidation coating
An article which is resistant to corrosion or erosion by chemically active plasmas and a method of making the article are described. The article is comprised of a metal or metal alloy substrate having on its surface a coating which is an oxide of the metal or metal alloy. The structure of the oxide coating is columnar in nature. The grain size of the crystals which make up the oxide is larger at the surface of the oxide coating than at the interface between the oxide coating and the metal or metal alloy substrate, and wherein the oxide coating is in compression at the interface between the oxide coating and the metal or metal alloy substrate. Typically the metal is selected from the group consisting of yttrium, neodymium, samarium, terbium, dysprosium, erbium, ytterbium, scandium, hafnium, niobium or combinations thereof. |
| US08129020B2 |
Thermally expanded microspheres and a process for producing the same
Heat-expanded microspheres having high packing efficiency are produced by expanding heat-expandable microspheres, which include a shell of thermoplastic resin and a blowing agent encapsulated therein having a boiling point not higher than the softening point of the thermoplastic resin and have an average particle size from 1 to 100 micrometer, at a temperature not lower than their expansion initiating temperature, and the heat-expanded microspheres result in a void fraction not higher than 0.70. |
| US08129015B2 |
Modified moldable urethane with tunable haptics
The present invention relates to a slush moldable polymeric composition for forming a skin useable in interior trim components and methods of making the same. In at least one embodiment, the composition comprises a) from 50 to 99 wt. percent urethane elastomer, b) from 0.1 to 15 wt. percent propylene copolymer, c) from 0.1 to 25 wt. percent olefin modified thermoplastic, such as SEBS, and d) from 0.1 to 30 weight percent olefinic block copolymer, wherein the polymeric composition is slush moldable and vacuum formable. The modifiers include an olefin block copolymer (OBC) having a variable distribution of block lengths. The OBC is present in an amount from 0.1% to 30% of the total composition. The haptics of the polymeric composition is tunable by adjusting the amounts of the modifiers. |
| US08129014B2 |
Developing blade and its manufacturing method
A developing blade (11) comprises a blade member (14) located along one side edge of a support member (12) and having a surface shape defined by a maximum height roughness Ry of 0.35 to 4.5 μm and a length ratio under load tp (at a 30% cut level) of 15% or less. Such a developing blade is manufactured by bringing a top mold (2) having a mold surface (2A) with a cavity (4) formed for the formation of a blade member and a gate (6) in communication with the cavity (4) in alignment with a bottom mold (3) having a flat mold surface (3A) such that at least a part of the support member (12) is positioned in the cavity (4), clamping together both the top and bottom molds, and pouring a molding material from the gate (6) to fill in the cavity (4). |
| US08129013B2 |
Human-body aimed spacer, human-body aimed airflow passage, and general-purpose spacer
There is provided a human-body aimed spacer for restricting rugged feeling, which is flexible and light-weighted and requires only a smaller storage space. The spacer comprises a number of convex parts 20, and flexible connecting portions 26. The convex parts 20 each comprises: a frame-like portion 21 formed at a side contacting with a human body; four column portions 22, each having one end continuing to the frame-like portion, and each being formed to rise from the frame-like portion; and a rising-portion integrator 23 for interconnecting the other ends of the column portions 22 with one another. The flexible connecting portions 26 each interconnect adjacent ones of the frame-like portions 21 with each other. The spacer is configured to contact with a human body at the side where the frame-like portions 21 are formed, and to abut on a cushion or the like at the side where the rising-portion integrators are formed. |
| US08129012B2 |
Write-once optical record carrier for high-speed recording
The present invention relates to a write-once optical record carrier for high speed recording, in particular to a DVD+R disc. Such a record carrier comprises in general at least a substrate layer (3), a recording layer (2) of an organic dye material on top of the substrate layer (3) and a metal reflective layer (1) on top of the recording layer (2). In order to obtain a less steep temperature gradient at the interface between the recording layer (2) and the reflective layer (1) and thus to prevent mechanical stress leading to a delamination problem it is proposed to reduce the thickness of the metal reflective layer (1) to a range below 75 nm. A dielectric layer of a thickness below 50 nm between the recording layer (2) and the metal reflective layer (1) is also enclosed. |
| US08129011B2 |
Polymer seaming with diffusion welds
The present invention is a method for seaming a polymeric material. The method involves forming an interface between a plurality of separate polymeric sheets of materials. Next, heat and pressure are applied to facilitate the diffusion of the polymer molecules at the interface. A diffusion weld is made when the polymer molecules diffuse across the interface. |
| US08129009B2 |
Composition comprising ethylene copolymer
Disclosed are lamination processes using an ethylene copolymer to provide improved adhesion of foil to thermoplastic compositions (for example, polyester or polyolefins such as polyethylene and polypropylene). Also disclosed are multilayer structures comprising foil laminated to thermoplastic compositions using ethylene copolymer composition as a tie layer. These multilayer structures are useful as packaging films and industrial films. Also disclosed are packages that comprise these multilayer structures. |
| US08129008B2 |
Packaging material for battery case and battery case
A packaging material for battery cases according to the present invention including a heat resistant resin oriented film layer 2 constituting an outer layer, a thermoplastic resin non-oriented film layer 3 constituting an inner layer, and an aluminum foil layer 4 disposed between both the film layers is characterized in that as the heat resistant resin oriented film, a heat resistant resin oriented film having a shrinkage percentage of 2 to 20% is used. With this packaging material, excellent formability can be secured without coating slip characteristics imparting components and sufficient volumetric energy density can be obtained. |
| US08129007B2 |
Coextruded heat-shrinkable polyester film
Coextruded, biaxially oriented, heat-shrinkable films having a base layer comprising a polyester having an intrinsic viscosity greater than 0.75 and at least one outer heat-sealable layer directly adhered to the base layer are disclosed. The outer layer is heat-sealable and optionally peelable in particular to polyester containers. The invention further relates to a process for producing the film and to packages comprising a container, a product and the coextruded, biaxially-oriented heat-shrinkable film sealed onto the container. The packages are suitable for use with ready-prepared foods, so-called “ready-meals”, which are intended to be warmed in a microwave or in a conventional oven. |
| US08128995B2 |
Method of fabricating liquid crystal display panel for coating liquid on substrate
An apparatus for fabricating a liquid crystal display panel includes a slit nozzle for applying a photo-resist liquid on a substrate, a nozzle driver for driving the slit nozzle, an air intake for inhaling air and/or impurities on the substrate through the slit nozzle before photo-resist is deposited on the substrate, and a gas supplier for supplying a gas through one or more channels in the slit nozzle to the substrate after the photo-resist is deposited on the substrate. |
| US08128992B1 |
Method for insulating an appliance with an expanding insulating material
A method for filling the internal cavity of an appliance cabinet with an expanding foam material includes defining a pattern of fill holes in the outer cabinet wall at defined locations for injecting foam into identified sections of the cavity. Measured quantities of the foam material are injected into the fill holes in a sequential manner starting at one end of the cabinet and working towards an opposite end of the cabinet so as to sequentially deposit measured amounts of the foam material into the cavity against previously deposited sections of foam along the length of the cabinet while driving air within the cabinet towards a last section of the cabinet to be filled. |
| US08128990B2 |
Abrasion resistant coating composition
The invention provides a coating composition for an optical element, such as an ophthalmic lens. The coating composition includes a relatively rigid multifunctional monomer and a relatively flexible difunctional monomer. The rigid multifunctional monomer and the flexible difunctional monomer are capable of co-reacting to form an abrasion resistant coating on the optical element. The invention also provides a method of forming an abrasion resistant coating on an optical element, such as an ophthalmic lens. The method includes the steps of coating the optical element with a relatively rigid multifunctional monomer and a relatively flexible difunctional monomer, and polymerising the coating to form an abrasion resistant coating on the optical element. |
| US08128989B1 |
System, method, and probe for monitoring pH levels of a sample medium
A system for monitoring a pH level of a sample medium is disclosed herein as including a pH probe having a pH-sensitive electrode, a reference electrode and a temperature electrode arranged within a housing of the pH probe. The probe housing generally includes a flexible inner tube and a flexible outer tube, the inner tube being concentrically arranged within the outer tube. Preferably, a size of the probe housing minimizes the amount of trauma introduced by insertion of the pH probe into physiological tissues, muscles or fluids. The system also includes a processing means, which is coupled to the pH probe for determining the pH of the sample medium. A method of forming a pH-sensitive electrode, a method of manufacturing a pH probe, and a method for using a pH probe are also disclosed herein. |
| US08128986B2 |
Method for producing catalyst-layer-supporting substrate, method for producing membrane-electrode assembly and method for producing fuel cell
A method for producing a catalyst-layer-supporting substrate includes a lamination step of forming a laminate of metal catalyst layers and mixture layers on a substrate by repeating a first step and a second step plural times alternatively; and an acid treatment step of subjecting the laminate to an acid treatment, wherein the first step is a step of sputtering or depositing the metal catalyst layer that comprises a catalyst, and the second step is a step of sputtering or depositing the mixture layer of carbon and metal, the metal of the mixture layer including at least one element M selected from the group consisting of Sn, Al, Cu and Zn. |
| US08128985B2 |
Organic/inorganic white lighting device and method for making thereof
An organic/inorganic white lighting device is disclosed. The organic/inorganic white lighting device includes an anode, an organic/inorganic lighting layer, and a cathode. The organic/inorganic lighting layer is disposed between the anode and the cathode. The organic/inorganic lighting layer includes organic material and an inorganic micro/nano structure of Zinc Oxide (ZnO), wherein the organic material is capable of emitting blue light, the inorganic micro/nano structure of Zinc Oxide is capable of emitting green-yellow light, and the blue light and green-yellow light are mixed for generating white light. |
| US08128983B2 |
Coating comprising poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(lactide-glycolide-caprolactone) interpenetrating network
Methods for fabricating coatings for implantable medical devices are disclosed. The method comprises forming a coating on an implantable device comprising an interpenetrating network or semi-interpenetrating network. The interpenetrating network or semi-interpenetrating network comprises poly(ethylene glycol) and an aliphatic polyester copolymer. It is also provided an implantable device and a method of using the implantable device. |
| US08128978B2 |
Method for preventing off-flavor in beverage composition
A beverage composition is disclosed that comprises a mixture of a protein hydrolysate and vitamin B2, and also contains an amount of ascorbic acid sufficient to prevent the generation of an off-flavor when the mixture is exposed to light. The off-flavor generated upon exposure to light can be reduced in accordance with the beverage composition of the present invention. Also disclosed is a method for preventing an off-flavor in a beverage composition containing a protein hydrolysate and vitamin B2, and a process for producing a beverage composition containing a protein hydrolysate and vitamin B2. Furthermore, an agent for preventing an off-flavor in a beverage composition containing a protein hydrolysate and vitamin B2, wherein the agent comprises ascorbic acid as an active ingredient is disclosed. |
| US08128977B2 |
Reduced digestible carbohydrate food having reduced blood glucose response
Reducing the digestion of digestible carbohydrates in a digestible carbohydrate-based material, and reducing the absorption of the digestion product(s) of digestible carbohydrates (that is, simple sugars) within the small intestine. The undigested digestible carbohydrate and the unabsorbed digestion products pass through the small intestines and into the colon, where they are fermented. In effect, the food materials made by practicing the present invention cause a controlled amount of digestible carbohydrate to by-pass the small intestine, resulting in the fermentation of digestible carbohydrates in the colon. The invention also provides for processing of a digestible carbohydrate-based ingredient with a non-digestible food film material, to form a reduced digestible carbohydrate food having a protective food film network, which can inhibit or prevent digestion of the digestible carbohydrate. The present invention also provides for processing of a digestible carbohydrate-based ingredient with a non-digestible food film material, to provide a resulting reduced digestible carbohydrate food containing a viscosity-building component that contributes to the formation of a viscous intestinal chyme that can inhibit or prevent digestion of the digestible carbohydrate and can inhibit adsorption of digestion products of digestible carbohydrates in the small intestine. |
| US08128973B2 |
Medicated skin care preparation for promoting wound healing
Herbal skin care compositions for the promotion of wound healing is provided. |
| US08128970B2 |
Sesame seed derived pigments
The invention describes reduced sesame seed derived pigments and methods to prepare such pigments. |
| US08128969B2 |
Hypoglycemic composition containing acacia bark derivative
It is intended to provide a composition having an excellent hypoglycemic action without potential for adverse side effects and the like even if taken for a long period of time. The composition is a hypoglycemic composition containing an acacia bark derivative. |
| US08128968B2 |
Compositions and methods for treating Demodex infestations
Compositions containing about 0.6% to about 20% of tea tree oil are described. Some compositions are in the form of solutions, suspensions, spray, lotions, gels, pastes, medicated sticks, balms, cleansers (including shampoos and soaps), creams, or ointments. Also described are compositions and methods for use in treating ocular Demodex infestations and related conditions using such compositions. |
| US08128963B2 |
Methods for treating ischemic disorders using carbon monoxide
The present invention provides for a method for treating an ischemic disorder in a subject which comprises administering to the subject a pharmaceutically acceptable form of a selectin antagonist in a sufficient amount over a sufficient time period to prevent white blood cell accumulation so as to treat the ischemic disorder in the subject. The invention further provides a method for treating an ischemic disorder in a subject which comprises administering to the subject carbon monoxide gas in a sufficient amount over a sufficient period of time thereby treating the ischemic disorder in the subject. The invention further provides a method for treating an ischemic disorder in a subject which comprises administering to the subject a pharmaceutically acceptable form of inactivated Factor IX in a sufficient amount over a sufficient period of time to inhibit coagulation so as to treat the ischemic disorder in the subject. |
| US08128958B2 |
Sustained release pharmaceutical composition
The present invention provides a sustained-release pharmaceutical composition, characterized in that, there are contained tamsulosin or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and a carrier for a sustained-release pharmaceutical composition and the ratio (Cmin/Cmax ratio) of the plasma tamsulosin concentration at 24 hours after the administration of the preparation per os (Cmin) to the maximum plasma tamsulosin concentration after the administration (Cmax) is about 0.4 or more. |
| US08128957B1 |
Modified release compositions of at least one form of tramadol
The present invention relates to a modified release composition of at least one form of tramadol which is a delayed and extended release composition for oral administration suitable for once daily dosing. That composition comprises a core comprising at least one form of tramadol selected from the group consisting of tramadol, racemic mixtures thereof, enantiomers thereof, pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, and combinations thereof in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient. That composition further comprises a modified release coating which substantially surrounds said core. The compositions of the invention provide delayed and extended release of said at least one form of tramadol such that the mean plasma concentration of the at least one form of tramadol reaches a therapeutically effective level at a time which is after at least about 3 hours after first administration. |
| US08128953B2 |
Conductive therapeutic coating for medical device
An implantable medical device includes a housing and a coating disposed on the housing. The coating includes a conductive carrier and a therapeutic agent, e.g. an anti-infective agent such as silver particles. The conductive carrier can be any suitable conductive material, such as iridium oxide, titanium nitride, diamond-like carbon, graphite, polyaniline, platinum, carbon nanotubes, carbon black, platinum black, or poly 3,4,-ethylenedioxythiophene. Coatings containing iridium oxide and metallic silver particles are effective in inhibiting bacterial growth in vitro. |
| US08128952B2 |
Ligand-mediated controlled drug delivery
Disclosed are systems and methods that can be utilized to define and control the delivery rate of a biological agent from a carrier matrix such as a biocompatible hydrogel. The carrier matrices of the present invention can include ligands incorporated within the matrix at a predetermined concentration level (CLT). In addition, the ligands within the matrix can display a particular, predetermined affinity for the biologically active agents to be delivered by the system. In particular, the affinity between the ligand and the biologically active agent can have a known predetermined dissociation constant (KD). When utilizing the system, the agent can be incorporated within the matrix due to association of the agent with the ligand. In addition, the agent can be protected from side reactions due to the association of the agent with the ligand. Through particular selection of the parameters CLT and KD, the rate of release of the biologically active agent from the matrix can be controlled. The disclosed methods and systems can be advantageously used in both in vivo clinical settings and ex vivo settings, such as tissue engineering applications. |
| US08128942B2 |
Anti-sepsis conjugate vaccine
The present invention provides an immunogenic conjugate comprising biologically deacylated gram-negative bacterial moieties linked to D. discoideum proteinase 1, as well as novel subunits thereof, and methods of making and using the conjugates in vaccines to treat sepsis and other infectious complications. |
| US08128938B1 |
Influenza virus vaccine composition and methods of use
The present invention is directed to enhancing the immune response of a human in need of protection against IV infection by administering in vivo, into a tissue of the human, at least one polynucleotide comprising one or more regions of nucleic acid encoding an IV protein or a fragment, a variant, or a derivative thereof. The present invention is further directed to enhancing the immune response of a human in need of protection against IV infection by administering, in vivo, into a tissue of the human, at least one IV protein or a fragment, a variant, or derivative thereof. The IV protein can be, for example, in purified form or can be an inactivated IV, such as those present in inactivated IV vaccines. The polynucleotide is incorporated into the cells of the human in vivo, and an immunologically effective amount of an immunogenic epitope of an IV, or a fragment, variant, or derivative thereof is produced in vivo. The IV protein (in purified form or in the form of an inactivated IV vaccine) is also administered in an immunologically effective amount. |
| US08128935B2 |
DNA sequence and recombinant production of the grass pollen allergen Phl p 4
The present invention relates to the provision of the genetic sequence of the major grass pollen allergen Phl p 4. The invention also covers fragments, new combinations of partial sequences and point mutants having a hypoallergenic action. The recombinant DNA molecules and the derived polypeptides, fragments, new combinations of partial sequences and variants can be utilised for the therapy of pollen-allergic diseases. The proteins prepared by recombinant methods can be employed for the in vitro and in vivo diagnosis of pollen allergies. |
| US08128933B2 |
Method of promoting bone growth by an anti-activin B antibody
In certain aspects, the present invention provides compositions and methods for promoting bone growth and increasing bone density. |
| US08128931B2 |
Intrathecal and intratumoral superantigens to treat malignant disease
The presence of tumor nodules in organs often results in serious clinical manifestations and the permeation by cancer cells of sheaths surrounding organs often produces clinical manifestations of pleural effusion, ascites or cerebral edema. The present invention addresses this problem by providing a method for treating minors comprising (a) intratumoral administration of a superantigen and/or (b) intrathecal or intracavitary administration of a superantigen directly into the sheath. Intratumoral superantigen results in significant and sustained reduction of the tumor size. Intrathecal administration produces significant sustained reduction of the fluid accumulation associated with clinical improvement and prolonged survival. Useful superantigen compositions for intrathecal and intratumoral injection include tumoricidally effective homologues, fragments and fusion proteins of native superantigens. Also disclosed is combined therapy that includes intratumoral or intrathecal superantigen compositions in combination with (i) intratumoral low, non-toxic doses of one or more chemotherapeutic drugs or (ii) systemic chemotherapy at reduced and non-toxic doses of chemotherapeutic drugs. |
| US08128927B2 |
Methods of using TGF-β 1 binding compositions
TGF-beta 1 binding compositions and reagents related thereto are provided. Methods of using such compositions for therapeutic purpose are also provided. |
| US08128926B2 |
Sp35 antibodies and uses thereof
Endogenous Sp35 is a negative regulator for neuronal survival, axon regeneration, oligodendrocyte differentiation and myelination. Molecules that block endogenous Sp35 function, such anti-Sp35 antibodies can be used as therapeutics for the treatment of neuron and oligodendrocyte dysfunction. The present invention provides antibodies specific for Sp35, and methods of using such antibodies as antagonists of endogenous Sp35 function. The invention further provides specific hybridoma and phage library-derived monoclonal antibodies, nucleic acids encoding these antibodies, and vectors and host cells comprising these antibodies. The invention further provides methods of promoting oligodendrocyte survival and myelination in a vertebrate, comprising administering to a vertebrate in need of such treatment an effective amount of an anti-Sp35 antibody. |
| US08128923B2 |
Renal carcinoma cell line and uses thereof
The present invention relates to a renal carcinoma cell line capable of activating the immune system in an antigen-specific manner. According to a further aspect, the invention also includes derivatives of the cell line that maintain said activation capacity. The invention also comprises a method for targeting and activating immune system cells against cells of clear cell renal carcinoma. Said method comprises the co-incubation of isolated immune system cells (dendritic cells, CD4+, CD8+ lymphocytes etc.) with cells of the RCC BA85#21 line in accordance with the invention in a suitable culture medium, for a time sufficient to obtain antigen specific cells. |
| US08128922B2 |
Superior molecular vaccine linking the translocation domain of a bacterial toxin to an antigen
Nucleic acids encoding a chimeric or fusion polypeptide which polypeptide comprises a first domain comprising a translocation polypeptide; and a second domain comprising at least one antigenic peptide are disclosed. The preferred translocation polypeptide is a bacterial toxin translocation polypeptide, such as domain II of Pseudomonas aeruginosa exotoxin A (ETA(dII)). Such nucleic acids, expression vectors thereof, and cells expressing these vectors are used as vaccine compositions in a method for enhancing an antigen specific immune response, a method of increasing the numbers of CD8+ CTLs specific for a selected desired antigen in a subject, or a method of inhibiting the growth of a tumor in a subject. |
| US08128919B2 |
Long-wearing cosmetic composition
The present invention relates to a cosmetic composition particularly useful for the application of color such as in a foundation, lip gloss, lip stick, mascara, eye shadow, blush, and nail polish, for example. A cosmetic composition according to the present invention includes a film-forming silicone-containing polyurethane having a viscosity from about 130,000 to about 2,500,000 cps, preferable from about 400,000 to about 2,500,000 cps and most preferably from about 750,000 to about 2,500,000. |
| US08128916B2 |
Aqueous fatty quaternary amine-containing carrier systems for water-insoluble materials
The present invention is drawn to a carrier composition containing: (a) at least one fatty quaternary amine compound; (b) at least one nonionic surfactant; (c) at least one anionic silicone; and (d) at least one water-insoluble material, and wherein the composition, when combined with an aqueous phase, forms an aqueous delivery system which is both stable, and clear to slightly hazy/limpid in appearance. |
| US08128914B2 |
Topical compositions containing CIS-6-nonenol and its derivatives and methods for treating skin
Cosmetic compositions comprising cis-6-nonenol and methods of using such compositions to impart anti-aging benefits to the skin are disclosed. Cis-6-nonenol is believed to have modulatory activity against at least one biochemical pathway implicated in skin aging. |
| US08128911B2 |
Antibacterial dentifrice exhibiting enhanced antiplaque and breath freshening properties
An abrasive dentifrice composition which effects enhanced antiplaque and breath freshening properties which comprises an orally acceptable vehicle containing a combination of a safe and effective amount of an antibacterial agent and at least two enzyme ingredients. |
| US08128910B2 |
Pesticidal aerosol composition
A pesticidal aerosol composition, containing 3-phenoxybenzyl ester compound represented by Formula (I): wherein, X represents a hydrogen atom or a cyano group; Z represents a hydrogen atom or a fluorine atom; and R1 and R2 each independently represent a hydrogen atom, a C1-C3 alkyl group that may be substituted with halogen atoms, or a halogen atom; 4-methoxymethyl-2,3,5,6-tetrafluorobenzyl 3-(2-cyano-1-propenyl)-2,2-dimethylcyclopropanecarboxylate, an organic solvent, and a propellant has an excellent pesticidal activity. |
| US08128909B2 |
Preparation of sterile aqueous suspensions comprising micronised crystalline active ingredients for inhalation
Disclosed is a process for the preparation of sterile aqueous suspensions based on active ingredients in the form of micronised crystalline particles designed for administration by inhalation. In particular, a process for the preparation of sterile aqueous suspensions based on pharmaceutical active ingredients in the form of crystalline hydrates is disclosed. |
| US08128906B2 |
Stabilized uncoated particles of reversed liquid crystalline phase materials
Uncoated particles of reversed cubic phase or reversed hexagonal phase material containing an active disposed within are provided. The uncoated particles have an ionic charge that is sufficient to stabilize them in dispersion in a liquid, e.g. a polar solvent. The active that is disposed within the particles may be, for example, a pharmaceutical or nutriceutical compound. |
| US08128905B2 |
Stabilized uncoated particles of reversed liquid crystalline phase materials
Uncoated particles of reversed cubic phase or reversed hexagonal phase material containing an active disposed within are provided. The uncoated particles have an ionic charge that is sufficient to stabilize them in dispersion in a liquid, e.g. a polar solvent. The active that is disposed within the particles may be, for example, a pharmaceutical or nutriceutical compound. |
| US08128899B2 |
Process and apparatus for utilizing oxygen-containing polymers
A process is described for converting and utilizing oxygen-containing polymers to form hydrogen and alkali metal carbonates, in which the polymers are brought into intimate contact with a melt mixture of alkali metal hydroxide and alkali metal carbonate to form hydrogen and alkali metal carbonate, and the alkali metal carbonate formed is removed from the reaction mixture during the reaction and alkali metal hydroxide is optionally metered in. The reaction is preferably carried out under conditions which lie on a point on the Liquidus line of the system. It is possible in accordance with the invention to process natural or synthetic polymers, for example polyester, polyether, wood, etc. It is particularly suitable for processing fiber-reinforced composite materials. Also described is an apparatus for performing the process according to the invention. |
| US08128895B2 |
Integrated production of FCC-produced C3 and cumene
Processing schemes and arrangements are provided for obtaining propylene and propane via the catalytic cracking of a heavy hydrocarbon feedstock and converting the propylene into cumene without separating the propane from the propane/propylene feed stream. The disclosed processing schemes and arrangements advantageously eliminate any separation of propylene from propane produced by a FCC process prior to using the combined propane/propane stream as a feed for a cumene alkylation process. A bottoms stream from the cumene column of the cumene alkylation process can be used and an absorption solvent in the FCC process thereby eliminating the need for a transalkylation reactor and a DIPB/TIPB column. |
| US08128891B2 |
Automated analyzer
An automated analyzer includes pipetting means for discharging a sample and reagent into an empty reaction vessel without causing contact to occur between the leading end of a sample probe and the bottom of the reaction vessel. The sample probe is inserted into the reaction vessel and then stopped when a bottom end of an outer pipe of the sample probe comes in contact with the top edge of the reaction vessel to maintain a fixed gap between the leading end of an inner pipe of the sample probe and the bottom of the reaction vessel. Further, an insulating material is disposed between the inner and outer pipes of the sample probe. |
| US08128889B2 |
Analyzing article, analyzer and method of analyzing a sample using the analyzing article, and a method of forming an opening in the analyzing article
The present invention relates to a technique for moving a mobile component such as a sample and a reagent, in an analyzing article. A method of analyzing a sample according to the present invention includes a first movement step of moving a mobile component from a fluid entrance port (61) to a first goal (511) in a passage (51), and a second movement step of moving the mobile component from the first goal (511) to a second goal (512) in the passage (51), in an analyzing article (Y1). The analyzing article (Y1) further includes a branch passage which branches from the first goal (511), and a first opening for releasing gas from within the branch passage. The first movement step is carried out by establishing communication between inside and outside of the branch passage via the first opening. The second movement step is carried out by providing a second opening downstream from the second goal (512) with respect to a flow direction of the mobile component, thereby establishing communication between inside and outside of the passage. |
| US08128886B2 |
Reactor for preparing organic peroxides via the intermediate of a solid hydroperoxide
A reactor which comprises a vessel (1) with a vessel bottom (2), a stirrer (3) arranged in the vessel, an emergency discharge valve (4) arranged in the vessel bottom for emptying the reactor in less than 600 seconds and at least one filtration device (5) arranged in the vessel bottom is suitable for the safe preparation of organic peroxides. The process for preparing an organic peroxide comprises the steps of preparing a solid hydroperoxide in the form of a suspension in the reactor, filtering the suspension through the filtration device (5) arranged in the vessel bottom (2) while retaining the solid hydroperoxide in the reactor and reacting the hydroperoxide with an alkylating agent, an acylating agent or a carbonyl compound. |
| US08128885B2 |
Microreactor and method for manufacturing same and method for manufacturing a substrate for a microreactor
The invention relates to a microreactor having a substrate (10, 20, 80) with at least one catalytically active material arranged in and/or on a cavity structure (14, 24, 84). The substrate (10, 20, 80) has a first layer (11, 21, 80) and optionally at least one additional layer (12, 22) of a ceramic material, with the first layer (11, 21, 80) being formed from a first component of a crystalline ceramic material and/or a glass material as the matrix and a second component of an additional crystalline ceramic material. The surface areas of the crystals and/or crystal agglomerates of the second component in the first layer (11, 21, 80) are etched out in at least some areas to form the cavity structure (14, 24, 84). |
| US08128883B1 |
Thermoelectric reformer unit for hydrogen production
A thermoelectric reformer unit-for dissociating fossil-based hydrocarbons, renewable hydrocarbons or hydrogen-containing inorganic compounds to produce hydrogen in a reactor using thermoelectric technology with thermoelectric materials to achieve very high conversion efficiencies. Thermoelectric reforming occurs in a reactor core containing a number of energy sources. These energy sources generate extremely high temperature heat that reacts with the fuels in its local surrounding areas. Since the heat is locally generated, it will not penetrate far within the reactor core that is surrounded by walls that act as a casing for the reformer. Synthetic gas produced in the reformer can be fed into internal combustion engines certain, types of fuel cells, or other energy conversion equipment without or with only limited levels of purification. Ancillary components are needed to produce high-purity hydrogen fuel for other types of fuel cells. |
| US08128881B2 |
Exhaust-gas converting apparatus
A storage catalyst 3 is constituted of a supporter substrate 30, which is formed of at least one member being selected from the group consisting of Al2O3, CeO2, ZrO2, TiO2 and zeolite, and whose specific surface area is 30 m2/g or more, and a coating layer 31, which includes a supporting powder including at least one member being selected from the group consisting of Al2O3, CeO2, ZrO2, TiO2 and zeolite, a storage material for storing NOx and SOx, the storage material being supported on the supporting powder, and a noble metal being supported on the supporting powder.Since the supporter substrate 30 has a large specific surface area, a supporting amount of the storage material for storing NOx and SOx augments remarkably. Therefore, an SOx storage amount of the storage catalyst, which is put in place on an upstream side of an NOx storage-and-reduction catalyst, augments, and thereby an NOx storage amount in low-temperature regions augments. |
| US08128877B2 |
Energy efficient polyolefin process
A manufacturing process for producing polyolefin, having a feed system, a reactor system including at least one polymerization reactor, a diluent/monomer recovery system, a fractionation system, and an extrusion/loadout system having an extruder. The manufacturing process is configured to consume less than 325 kilowatt-hours of electricity per metric ton of polyolefin produced. |
| US08128876B2 |
Apparatus for providing pollution free air
An apparatus for providing pollution free air to an individual includes an enclosed or semi-enclosed space or compartment for surround or partially surrounding an individual's head or upper body to separate the individual from polluted air. A filter assembly and fan forcing polluted air through the filter assembly and into the enclosure. The filter assembly includes a first filter for removing relatively large particles such as sand or dust from the polluted air while a second HAPA filter removes airborne allergens before forcing non-polluted air into the enclosed or semi-enclosed space. |
| US08128868B2 |
Grain refinement by precipitate formation in PB-free alloys of tin
Micro-addition of a metal to a Sn-based lead-free C4 ball is employed to enhance reliability. Specifically, a metal having a low solubility in Sn is added in a small quantity corresponding to less than 1% in atomic concentration. Due to the low solubility of the added metal, fine precipitates are formed during solidification of the C4 ball, which act as nucleation sites for formation multiple grains in the solidified C4 ball. The fine precipitates also inhibit rapid grain growth by plugging grain boundaries and act as agents for pinning dislocations in the C4 ball. The grain boundaries enable grain boundary sliding for mitigation of stress during thermal cycling of the semiconductor chip and the package on the C4 ball. Further, the fine precipitates prevent electromigration along the grain boundaries due to their pinned nature. |
| US08128866B2 |
Low transient and steady state thermal stress disk shaped components
A process for manufacturing a disk shaped component comprising fabricating a disk shaped component using a composite material having at least a first material and a second material, wherein the first material is disposed at and proximate to a center portion of the disk shaped component and the second material is disposed at and proximate to a rim of the disk shaped component, wherein the first material comprises a first coefficient of thermal expansion, a first stress value and a first oxidation resistance, and the second material comprises a second coefficient of thermal expansion, a second stress value and a second oxidation resistance, wherein the first coefficient of thermal expansion is greater than the second coefficient of thermal expansion, the first stress value is greater than the second stress value and the first oxidation resistance is less than the second oxidation resistance. |
| US08128865B2 |
Process of making a shrouded impeller
A method of fabricating a shrouded impeller is disclosed. The method includes providing an open faced impeller, the open faced impeller including a plurality of blades extending at least partially radially from a hub. The method also includes performing a first powder metallurgical process to form a first material over at least part of the open faced impeller. The method further includes forming a shroud circumferentially disposed about the hub and connected to one of more of the blades. Forming the shroud includes performing a second powder metallurgical process to metallurgically bond the shroud to at least some of the blades. |
| US08128862B2 |
Blast furnace gas burning facility and method for operating the same
The blast furnace gas burning facility prevents a wet type dust collector from freezing under such conditions that the temperature of blast furnace gas does not exceed the freezing lower-limit temperature of the wet type dust collector. The blast furnace gas burning facility 1 burns blast furnace gas discharged from a blast furnace by supplying the gas to a combustor 2 after removing dust with a wet type dust collector 7 and compressing the gas with a compressor 8. A fuel-gas heating channel 12 is disposed between the outlet side of the compressor and the inlet side of the wet type dust collector. When the temperature of the blast furnace gas flowing into the wet type dust collector is lower than a lower limit temperature, a high-temperature, high-pressure gas compressed by the compressor is diverged and supplied into the inlet side of the wet type dust collector. |
| US08128859B2 |
Method for forming pre-made pouches
An apparatus and method for forming cavities in pouches. The packages are used for packaging sterile medical products. The apparatus has a frame and a tongue plate member. A pouch is placed onto the tongue plate member to form a cavity into at least one side of the pouch. |
| US08128856B2 |
Release surfaces, particularly for use in nanoimprint lithography
A method to forming a pattern on a surface of a substrate, including the steps of providing a mold having a molding surface comprised of one or more protruding features and one or more recessed features for imprinting a pattern. The pattern comprising at least one feature having a lateral dimension of about 2000 nanometer or less. Providing a monomolecular anti-adhesive layer on the mold which is either continuous or discontinuous, prior to depositing a hardenable, flowable material onto the mold and recessed features. The mold and substrate are pressed together, while the flowable material hardens and adheres to the moldable material and the substrate. Upon separation of the mold and the substrate, the hardened material remains on the substrate. |
| US08128853B2 |
Fusion process for conduit
Disclosed is a method and apparatus for use in a fusion process for conduit. The method includes the steps of: removably positioning a first terminal edge of a first conduit portion with a first terminal edge of a second conduit portion; facing the terminal edges of the first conduit portion and the second conduit portion; aligning the terminal edges of the first conduit portion and the second conduit portion; melting at least a portion of the terminal edges of the first conduit portion and the second conduit portion; engaging the melted terminal edge of the first conduit portion with the melted terminal edge of the second conduit portion; maintaining pressure between the engaged terminal edges, thereby creating a fused joint area; and removing at least a portion of the resultant external bead extending around the fused joint area. A fusion apparatus for employing this method is also disclosed. |
| US08128849B2 |
Environmentally safe fire retardant protein free composition, a method of manufacturing thereof
A method for producing an all-purpose harmless fire retardant protein free composition that is adaptable to be incorporated intermediate or finished products comprising by A) adding acid to a sodium hydroxide solution to form a solution with a pH in the range of 1.0 to 3.0, the acid being selected from the group consisting of mono-carboxylic acid, anhydrous di-carboxylic acid and anhydrous tri- carboxylic acid and mixtures thereof, in an acetic acid solvent, B) adding tetra-sodium-pyrophosphate and water, C) adding calcium carbonates, and once composition C becomes clumpy D) pouring composition C out onto a drying bed, E) subjecting the composition from step D to grounding, milling or grinding to achieve particles of less than 0.020 mm, F) encapsulating the particles of E with a surface coating material being selected from polysaccharide, tristearate, a wax of a polyethylene based material, and mixtures thereof. |
| US08128845B2 |
Static dissipative polyacetal compositions
Polyacetal compositions comprising polyacetal, electroconductive carbon black, and substituted urea provide a combination of good static dissipation properties, good thermal stability during processing, and good stability to contact with fuel. |
| US08128842B2 |
Process for the preparation of an antistatic composition
The invention relates to the preparation of an antistatic composition comprising adding a liquid or a dissolved ionic substance to a porous polymer and processing the porous polymer together with further additives and further thermoplastic polymers in the melt. The invention relates also to the antistatic composition itself and to its use for rendering polymers antistatic. |
| US08128841B2 |
Composition for operation of evaporative cooling towers with minimal or no blowdown
A method and composition are provided for the operation of an evaporative cooling tower with minimal, or no, blowdown. In some embodiments, the method involves using sodium cation-exchanged softened water as makeup water for the cooling tower, providing a bypass filter for suspended solids removal from the cooling water, treating the cooling water with a composition for control of corrosion and deposition, and using an effective biocide for control of biological growth within the cooling tower system. In some embodiments, a composition is provided that comprises AMPS acrylic terpolymer, sodium silicate, phosphate ions, and polyphosphate ions. When dosed at the recommended levels, the composition controls corrosion of cooling system materials to generally acceptable levels in spite of the extremely corrosive environment resulting from the cycling of sodium cation-exchanged softened water in the cooling tower. |
| US08128838B2 |
Phosphorescent marine products
In one embodiment of the invention, a marine article of the invention includes a phosphorescent phosphor. A particularly advantageous phosphorescent phosphor comprises MAl2O4. As used herein, “M” is at least one cation selected from a group consisting of calcium, strontium, and barium. The phosphor comprises 0.001% to 10% of a europium activator, and 0.001% to 10% of at least one dopant selected from the group consisting of lanthanum, cerium, praseodymium, neodymium, samarium, gadolinium, dysprosium, holmium, erbium, thulium, ytterbium, lutetium, tin and bismuth as a co-activator, in terms of mol % relative to the metal element expressed by M. The phosphorescent marine article has an afterglow corresponding to a luminance of at least 0.3 mCd/m2 for at least 420 minutes. |
| US08128836B2 |
Electrolyte membrane and method of selecting the same
The present invention is to provide an electrolyte membrane which retains durability even after having undergone a dimensional change accompanying chemical deterioration caused owing to radicals having high oxidizing ability such as hydroxyl radicals (.OH) or peroxide radicals (.OOH), and the selecting method thereof.An electrolyte membrane has an amount of dimensional change in a plane direction between dimensions obtained in a dry state before and after carrying out the Fenton test, the amount of dimensional change before and after the Fenton test being smaller than an amount of maximum elastic deformation in a plane direction obtained in dry state before carrying out the Fenton test, provided that the Fenton test is carried out under the following condition, and the selecting method of the same. |
| US08128835B2 |
Deicing composition
A deicing composition is provided. The composition includes a potassium or sodium salt of a carboxylic acid and a lithium salt of a carboxylic acid or lithium nitrate, wherein the molar ratio of lithium to potassium or lithium to sodium is from 10 percent to 80 percent. |
| US08128834B2 |
Piezoelectric/electrostrictive porcelain composition and piezoelectric/electrostrictive element
A (Li, Na, K)(Nb, Ta)O3 based piezoelectric/electrostrictive porcelain composition obtained by adding a slight amount of a Mn compound to a perovskite type oxide containing Li, Na and K as A-site elements and contains at least Nb out of Nb and Ta as B-site elements, where a ratio of a total number of atoms of the A-site elements to a total number of atoms of the B-site elements is not smaller than 1. A composition of the perovskite type oxide as a principal component is represented by a general formula: {Liy(Na1-xKx)1-y}a(Nb1-zTaz)O3. The A/B ratio “a” preferably satisfies 1 |
| US08128831B2 |
Plasma etching method and computer-readable storage medium
A plasma processing apparatus includes a first and a second electrode disposed to face each other in a processing chamber, the second electrode supporting a substrate; a first RF power supply for applying a first RF power of a higher frequency to the second electrode; a second RF power supply for applying a second RF power of a lower frequency to the second electrode; and a DC power source for applying a DC voltage to the first electrode. In a plasma etching method for etching a substrate by using the plasma processing apparatus, the first and the second radio frequency power are applied to the second electrode to convert a processing gas containing no CF-based gas into a plasma and a DC voltage is applied to the first electrode, to thereby etch an organic film or an amorphous carbon film on the substrate by using a silicon-containing mask. |
| US08128823B2 |
Treatment assemblies
A fluid treatment assembly defines a treatment chamber and includes a treatment sub assembly positioned in an assembled condition in the treatment chamber. The treatment sub assembly includes a plurality of treatment members. The treatment assembly is arranged so that in use a fluid for treatment flows through the treatment members. |
| US08128821B2 |
Reverse osmosis system with control based on flow rates in the permeate and brine streams
A reverse osmosis system 110 includes a membrane chamber 112 having a feed line. The chamber 112 generates a permeate stream 114 and a brine stream 116 from the feed line 118. A feed pump 120 pressurizes the feed line 118. A first flow meter generates a first flow signal corresponding to a flow of fluid in the permeate stream 214. A booster device 172 has a turbine 176 in fluid communication with the brine stream 116 and a pump 174 in fluid communication with the feed line 118. A motor 178 is coupled to the turbine device 176 and a variable frequency drive 182 is attached to the turbine device 176 operating in response to the first flow signal. A second flow meter 218 generates a second flow signal corresponding to a flow of fluid in the brine stream 116 and a variable size nozzle 240 operates an opening in response to the second flow meter. |
| US08128813B2 |
Self cleaning system for swim spas and hot tubs
A self cleaning system for a swim spa and a hot tub including a container for holding water having a weight bearing floor and sides. A basin may be positioned in the floor of the container and is integral with the container. A perforated cover may be set into the basin. A suctioning means can be positioned in the basin under the perforated cover to allow for the suctioning of water and debris through the perforated cover. |
| US08128812B2 |
Floating materials removal system
This invention comprises a main rotating removal screen that catches floating materials such as big jellyfishes, wood chips, waste plastics and other things floating in water by endless rotation and including nets that move the floating materials caught to a position higher than the water surface, a receiving tray is provided for receiving the floating material caught by the main rotating removal screen and sending it to a discharge line, a secondary lifting device is provided that cooperates with above mentioned main rotating removal screen to lift and transfer the floating materials caught by the receiving tray, a water jet system is provided for dislodging any caught floating materials that is lifted higher than the receiving tray when it is hooked on the rotating removal screen and not released to the receiving tray, and a cutting water jet system is provided to cut oversized floating material into an acceptable size. |
| US08128810B2 |
Process for using catalyst with nanometer crystallites in slurry hydrocracking
A process and apparatus is disclosed for converting heavy hydrocarbon feed into lighter hydrocarbon products. The heavy hydrocarbon feed is slurried with a catalyst comprising iron oxide and alumina to form a heavy hydrocarbon slurry and hydrocracked to produce lighter hydrocarbons. The iron sulfide crystallites have diameters in the nanometer range. |
| US08128809B2 |
Ring opening process
A single stage process for desulfurization and ring opening of a sulphur containing hydrocarbon feedstock comprising: contacting said feedstock with hydrogen and a catalyst at a pressure of less than 100 bars wherein said catalyst comprises (I) a combination of molecular sieves consisting of at least one zeolite which has a faujasite structure and at least one fibrous zeolite which comprises essentially non-crossing one-dimensional channels and (II) a composition comprising at least one metal selected from group VIB of the periodic table and at least one metal from group VIII. |
| US08128807B2 |
FCC separator without a reactor
This invention is directed to a process for fluid catalytic cracking, including, fluidizing a hydrocarbon stream in a riser, cracking the hydrocarbon stream with catalyst in the riser to produce a cracked stream and spent catalyst, separating the cracked stream and the spent catalyst in a primary separator to obtain a cracked stream with a first concentration of spent catalyst, and transporting the cracked stream with the first concentration of spent catalyst through a conduit to a multi-cyclone separator comprising multiple cyclones extending through a tube sheet to obtain a cracked stream with a second concentration of spent catalyst. The invention is also directed to an apparatus for catalytic cracking including a riser, a primary separator, a disengagement vessel surrounding the primary separator to collect the catalyst, a gas conduit having a first end in fluid connection with the disengagement vessel, and a multi-cyclone separator comprising a plurality of cyclones. |
| US08128803B2 |
Method and system for determining the concentration of an analyte/enzyme complex or of an analyte/enzyme conjugate, especially for the electrochemical detection of the analyte, and corresponding measuring device
A method follow the change in concentration of a redox-active substance, whereby suitable potentials for a reduction process or an oxidation process are applied to the working electrode of a measuring device. The potential of the working electrode is pulsed and measuring phases and relaxation phases are alternately produced, the pulse lengths of measuring phase and relaxation phase being determined in a suitable manner. A rapid relaxation of the concentration gradient is electrochemically forced so that the measurement can be carried out on simple transducer arrays. A device for carrying out the method includes a transducer array in addition to a suitable potentiostat. The transducer array can be formed of a planar metal substrate on which at least one flexible insulator is disposed, the metal surface and the insulator surface being firmly linked. The transducer array can also be formed of silicone-based CMOS structures. |
| US08128802B2 |
Analysis apparatus and analysis method for glycosylated hemoglobin
Disclosed is a method for calculating a ratio of glycosylated hemoglobin with high accuracy by electrochemically detecting the concentration of fructosyl valine or fructosyl valyl-histidine in a sample. Also disclosed is an apparatus for assaying glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin simultaneously. Further disclosed are a method and an apparatus for removing hydrogen peroxide in a sample. |
| US08128793B2 |
Vertical substrate transfer apparatus and film-forming apparatus
To provide a vertical substrate transfer apparatus and a film-forming apparatus capable of, regardless of a carrying position of a substrate, subjecting either surface thereof to film-formation, and capable of supporting and carrying the substrate without interfering with a non-film-forming surface.A film-forming apparatus (1) according to the present invention includes a carrier (15) giving support so that either surface of a substrate (W) is processable, a first position changing section (3) changing a carrying position of the carrier (15), and a carrying chamber (9) housing the carrier, whose position is changed therein and which carries the carrier to a film-forming chamber (10). With the above construction, it becomes possible to subject either surface to film-forming processing regardless of the carrying position of the substrate (W). Further, it becomes possible to change a film-forming surface (Wa) in the course of carrying the substrate (W). Furthermore, it becomes possible to support the substrate (W) without causing the carrier (15) to interfere with a non-film-forming surface of the substrate (W). |
| US08128790B2 |
Plating apparatus and plating method
An apparatus that performs an electrolytic plating on a plating surface of a belt substrate is provided. The apparatus includes a plating tank, a conveyor device configured to carry a belt substrate through an interior of the plating tank, an immersed cathode power-supply section provided within the interior of the plating tank, an auxiliary cathode power-supply section provided within the interior of the plating tank, and short-circuit wiring configured to short-circuit the immersed cathode power-supply section to the auxiliary cathode power-supply section. A plating method for performing electrolytic plating on a plating surface of a belt substrate is provided. The method includes conveying the belt substrate through a plating tank, making the plating surface a cathode by contacting at least one of an immersed cathode power-supply section or an auxiliary cathode power-supply section with the belt substrate, and short-circuiting the immersed cathode power-supply section to the auxiliary cathode power-supply section. |
| US08128788B2 |
Method and apparatus for treating a process volume with multiple electromagnetic generators
A method and apparatus are described that couples a plurality of electromagnetic sources to a material for the purpose of either processing the material or promoting a chemical reaction. The apparatus couples various electromagnetic sources of various frequencies, including provision for static magnetic fields, radio frequency fields, and microwave fields, with the possibility of applying them all simultaneously or in any combination. |
| US08128783B2 |
Plasma generator and work processing apparatus provided with the same
A plasma generator is provided which includes: a microwave generation portion which generates a microwave; a wave guide for propagating the microwave; a plurality of plasma generation nozzles which are attached to the wave guide so as to be apart from each other in the direction where the microwave is propagated, receive the microwave, and generate and emit a plasmatic gas based on the energy of this microwave; and a plurality of stabs which correspond to a part or the whole part of the plasma generation nozzles and are each disposed in the wave guide so as to lie in a rear position a predetermined distance apart from each other in the direction where the microwave is propagated. |
| US08128782B2 |
Amine epoxy resin curing agent, gas barrier epoxy resin composition comprising the curing agent, coating agent, and adhesive agent for laminate
The present invention provides an amine based epoxy resin curing agent and an epoxy resin composition containing the curing agent. The epoxy resin composition has a high gas barrier performance, a long pot life, and utility as a coating material or an adhesive for laminates. The amine based epoxy resin curing agent is composed of a reaction product of (A), (B) and (D) or (A), (B), (C) and (D): (A) m-xylylenediamine or p-xylylenediamine; (B) a polyfunctional compound having at least one acyl group, which is capable of forming an amide group site through a reaction with a polyamine and forming an oligomer; (C) a monovalent carboxylic acid having from 1 to 8 carbon atoms and/or its derivative; and (D) a functional compound having at least one carbonate site represented by the formula (2), which is capable of forming a carbamate site represented by the formula (1) through a reaction with a polyamine: |
| US08128779B2 |
Method of making multilayer polyurethane protective film
A method of making a multilayer protective film. The method comprises: (a) forming a PU layer comprising an at least partially crosslinked polyurethane, the at least partially crosslinked polyurethane comprising at least one of a polyester-based polyurethane or a polycarbonate-based polyurethane; (b) forming a TPU layer comprising a polycaprolactone-based thermoplastic polyurethane; (c) forming a PSA layer comprising a pressure sensitive adhesive; (d) bonding one major surface of the PU layer to one major surface of the TPU layer; and (e) bonding the PSA layer to an opposite major surface of the TPU layer; wherein the TPU layer is sandwiched between the PU layer and the PSA layer. The multilayer film may be used to protect painted surfaces of vehicle body parts. |
| US08128776B2 |
Method for making a container lid formed as a laminate having a built-in opening feature
A container lid is formed as a flexible laminate of an upper layer and a lower layer and having a built-in opening feature. A pair of radially spaced concentric lines of weakness are formed in the laminate, an outer one of the lines of weakness being formed in the upper layer and an inner one of the lines of weakness being formed in the lower layer. The upper and lower layers in an annular region between the lines of weakness are readily peeled apart. The upper and lower layers outside the annular region are laminated together with an adhesive providing a bond with a greater peel strength than that required to separate the layers in the annular region. |
| US08128775B2 |
Process and apparatus for producing composite structures
A process and apparatus for producing perforated composite structures, such as acoustic skins suitable for aircraft engine nacelle and duct components. The process includes placing a mat member, a non-impregnated fabric member, and a resin film on a tool surface so that pins disposed on the mat member project through the fabric member and resin film to define holes therein. The fabric member is between the mat member and resin film, and the fabric member and resin film define a stack that conforms to the mat member and tool surface. A caul member is then placed on the stack so that apertures in the caul member are penetrated by the pins. The stack is heated to melt the resin film and cause molten resin to infuse the fabric member and yield a resin-infused fabric stack, after which the molten resin within the resin-infused fabric stack is at least partially cured. |
| US08128774B2 |
Process of manufacturing paperboard with textile surface
A process of manufacturing paperboard includes mixing a predetermined weight percentage of polypropylene and a predetermined weight percentage of polyethylene in a tank; heating the tank to a predetermined temperature for forming an adhesive of the polypropylene and the polyethylene; flowing the adhesive out of the tank to coat on an outer surface of an endless, continuous paperboard member moving thereunder; and moving an endless, continuous textile to place on the adhesive at a joining line of a pair of opposite rotating rolls so that the rolls press the textile, the adhesive, and the paperboard member to cause the adhesive to adhere the textile and the paperboard member together to produce the finished paperboard having a textile surface. |
| US08128765B2 |
Large grain cavities from pure niobium ingot
Niobium cavities are fabricated by the drawing and ironing of as cast niobium ingot slices rather than from cold rolled niobium sheet. This method results in the production of niobium cavities having a minimum of grain boundaries at a significantly reduced cost as compared to the production of such structures from cold rolled sheet. |
| US08128764B2 |
Titanium alloy microstructural refinement method and high temperature, high strain rate superplastic forming of titanium alloys
A method for refining the microstructure of titanium alloys in a single thermomechanical processing step, wherein the titanium alloy comprises boron. In some embodiments, the method comprises the steps of first adding boron to the titanium alloy then subjecting the boron-containing titanium alloy to a thermomechanical processing step. Also provided is a method for achieving superplasticity in titanium alloys comprising the steps of selecting a boron-containing titanium alloy, determining the temperature and strain rate necessary to achieve beta superplasticity, and applying sufficient temperature and strain rate to the boron-containing titanium alloy to deform the alloy to the desired shape. Also provided methods of forming titanium alloy parts and the parts prepared by these methods. |
| US08128761B2 |
Carbonitriding method, machinery component fabrication method, and machinery component
A carbonitriding method that can improve the nitrogen permeating rate to render the carbonitriding process effective is directed to carbonitriding a workpiece formed of steel that contains at least 0.8 mass % of carbon by heating in an atmosphere including ammonia, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and hydrogen. The method includes an atmosphere control step, and a heating pattern control step. The atmosphere control step includes an undecomposed NH3 partial pressure control step, a CO/CO2 partial pressure control step, and an H2 partial pressure control step. The undecomposed NH3 partial pressure control step, the CO/CO2 partial pressure control step and the H2 partial pressure control step are carried out such that the partial pressure of hydrogen in the heat treatment furnace is at least 0.1 atmospheric pressure and not more than 0.3 atmospheric pressure, and γ defined by the following equation (1) is at least 2.0 and not more than 6.0, in the atmosphere control step. γ = a c * C NH 3 ( 1 ) where a c * = ( Pco ) 2 K × Pco 2 ( 2 ) PCO: partial pressure of carbon monoxide (atm); PCO2: partial pressure of carbon dioxide (atm), K: equilibrium constant at |
| US08128760B2 |
Permanent magnet and method of manufacturing same
By eliminating the necessity of a prior step for cleaning a sintered magnet before adhering Dy and/or Tb to the surface of the sintered magnet S, the productivity of a permanent magnet having diffused Dy and/or Tb into grain boundary phase is improved. Iron-boron-rare earth based sintered magnet (S) disposed in a processing chamber (20) is heated to a predetermined temperature. An evaporating material (V) which is made of a hydride containing at least one of Dy and Tb is disposed in the same or in another processing chamber and is evaporated to cause the evaporated evaporating material to the surface of the sintered magnet. Metal atoms of Dy and/or Tb are diffused into grain boundary phase of the sintered magnet. |
| US08128759B2 |
Permanent magnet and method of manufacturing same
By causing at least one of Dy and Tb to be adhered to the surface of an iron-boron-rare earth based sintered magnet of a predetermined shape, and is then to be diffused into grain boundary phase, a permanent magnet can be manufactured at high workability and low cost. An iron-boron-rare earth based sintered magnet is disposed in a processing chamber and is heated to a predetermined temperature. Also, an evaporating material made up of a fluoride containing at least one of Dy and Tb disposed in the same or another processing chamber is evaporated, and the evaporated evaporating material is caused to be adhered to the surface of the sintered magnet. The Dy and/or Tb metal atoms of the adhered evaporating material are diffused into the grain particle phase of the sintered magnet before a thin film made of the evaporated material is formed on the surface of the sintered magnet. |
| US08128749B2 |
Fabrication of SOI with gettering layer
An SOI substrate has a gettering layer of silicon-germanium (SiGe) with 5-10% Ge, and a thickness of approximately 50-1000 nm. Carbon (C) may be added to SiGe to stabilize the dislocation network. The SOI substrate may be a SIMOX SOI substrate, or a bonded SOI substrate, or a seeded SOI substrate. The gettering layer may disposed under a buried oxide (BOX) layer. The gettering layer may be disposed on a backside of the substrate. |
| US08128748B2 |
Aqueous two-component organoalkoxysilane composition
The present invention relates to aqueous two-component adhesion promoter compositions and also to their use in methods of adhesive bonding or sealing. Additionally it relates to packaging consisting of the two-component composition and also a pack having two chambers. The two-component adhesion promoter composition is composed of a first component K1 comprising at least one organoalkoxysilane S and at least one anhydrous surfactant T; and of a second component K2 comprising at least water and at least one acid, the acid being present in an amount such that, after components K1 and K2 have been mixed, the resulting mixture is acidic. |
| US08128746B2 |
Ink composition, ink jet recording method, method for producing planographic printing plate, and planographic printing plate
The invention provides an ink composition comprising a polymerization initiator, a (meth)acrylate having a double bond with a carbon atom having an sp3 hybrid orbital at an α position, and a colorant; an ink jet recording method using the ink composition; a planographic printing plate obtained by using the ink composition; and a method for producing the planographic printing plate. |
| US08128738B2 |
Method of drying an object and apparatus for performing the same
In a method of drying an object, a first drying fluid and a second dry fluid may be first heated to form a gas mixture. The gas mixture may be second heated to prevent the mixed gas from condensing. The second heated gas mixture may be filtered to remove impurities from the second heated mixed gas. The filtered mixed gas may be then applied to the object so as to dry the object. |
| US08128737B2 |
Absorbing PAHs from gas streams
A system, method and apparatus for treating a waste gas stream containing on or more hydrocarbon contaminants such polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH). The system, method and apparatus may include a heat treatment chamber having a recycling apparatus that includes a supply of a food oil solvent; a mixing device to mix the solvent with the waste gas stream. The system, method and apparatus dissolve the hydrocarbon contaminants from the gas stream into a solvent containing the food oil. |
| US08128736B2 |
Carbon dioxide production for enhanced oil recovery
A method for producing carbon dioxide by the steps of feeding a CO2-rich feed stream containing fuel gas to an oxygenated oxygen-selective ceramic bed to produce a product stream of carbon dioxide, water, and residual oxygen; adding oxygen to this product stream and feeding to an oxygen-depleted oxygen-selective ceramic bed and recovering carbon dioxide substantially free of oxygen and fuel gas. In an additional embodiment, nitrogen oxides are also removed from the fuel gas. |
| US08128732B2 |
Device and method for separating a flowing medium mixture into fractions
A device for separating a flowing medium mixture into at least two fractions, comprising rotating means (7) in the form of a rotating assembly of feed channels (6) for rotating the flowing mixture for separating, a feed for the medium mixture (5) for separating connecting to the rotating means, and an outlet connecting to the rotating means for discharging one of the fractions of the separated medium mixture, wherein the medium mixture can display a substantially turbulent flow during separation. Also disclosed is a method for separating a flowing medium mixture. |
| US08128729B2 |
Filter arrangement
A method of providing error correction to flow velocity readings of a fluid flowing through a filter arrangement for monitoring the service life of the filter, wherein a filter arrangement, comprising a filter and a sensor device is arranged downstream of the filter, the sensor device including at least one measuring sensor for detecting the flow velocity of the fluid which flows through the filter, and a further measuring sensor for measuring the air humidity of the fluid which flows through the filter. A reading of said second sensor element provides an error correction to the first sensor element. |
| US08128727B2 |
Method for collecting metal
It is an object of the present invention to collect a scarce metal such as iridium from a light-emitting element which is no longer used. A method for collecting a metal is provided in which an organic metal compound which can emit visible light from a triplet excited state at room temperature is heated, or an EL layer of a light-emitting layer containing an organic metal compound which can emit visible light from a triplet excited state at room temperature is dissolved in a solvent to form a solution, and the solution is heated, irradiated with microwaves or treated with acid water. According to the above method, resources of metals such as iridium or platinum, which are scarce metals, can be utilized efficiently. |
| US08128726B2 |
Method and device for admixture of powder in a liquid
A method and a device for admixture of powder in a liquid, whereby the method comprises that the liquid in a supply (14), influenced by underpressure in a crucible (12) to which the liquid is to be transferred, flows through a drain tube (6) out of the supply (14), the powder is dosed from a powder receptacle (1) and is driven by a gas, and the mixture of powder and gas is added to the liquid in the drain tube (6) and mixed therewith, whereupon the mixture flows into the crucible (12). The device comprises a supply (14) from which the liquid may flow and a receptacle (1) with powder, whereby a drain tube (6) connects the supply (14) with a receiving receptacle (12) which can be held at an inner underpressure. A device (4) for supply of a driving gas for the powder is connected to a mixing chamber (3) at an outlet from the powder receptacle (1), while the mixing chamber (3) is connected to the drain tube (6) for supply of powder to the liquid flowing in the drain tube. |
| US08128724B2 |
Non-cylindrical filter elements, and methods
A filter element that has at least two, planar, non-curved filtration panels. In a preferred embodiment, the filter element has three panels, providing a generally triangular filter element. The outlet aperture, from the filter element, generally follows the configuration of the filter. That is, a filter element having three filtration panels will have a generally three-sided outlet aperture. The outlet aperture preferably is not a true polygon, but rather, includes rounded or curved sides and/or corners. The filter element includes an outlet sealing configuration that may provide both axial and radial sealing to outlet ductwork. |
| US08128719B1 |
Filter element with percussion band
A filter element has a reinforcement band or ring along at least a portion of the perimeter thereof and performing a support function thereat preventing or minimizing damage upon attempted percussive cleaning of the filter element by service personnel striking the perimeter against an impact surface. Alternatively, a failure band or ring is provided along at least a portion of the perimeter and performs a designated failure function to a failure condition thereat upon attempted percussive cleaning, with the failure condition providing at least one of: a) an indication to service personnel that the filter element has been damaged and should not be re-installed; and b) a deformed condition preventing re-installation. |
| US08128716B2 |
Method and device for pyrolysis and gasification of substance mixtures containing organic constituents
A method serves for the pyrolysis and gasification of substance mixtures containing organic constituents. The organic substances (4) or the substance mixture containing the organic constituents are brought into contact with a heat transfer medium, for preference the ash (5) from a combustion reactor (2) in a pyrolysis reactor (1), for preference a shaft reactor and pyrolysed. The pyrolysis coke (10) derived from the pyrolysis is combusted in a combustion reactor (2), for preference a fluidised bed reactor, under the admission of air (11). In order to improve such a method, the raw gas (6) generated by the pyrolysis is purified in a crack reactor (3), for preference by a catalyst. |
| US08128715B2 |
Method and apparatus for producing wound electrode assembly, and method for producing battery
A method for producing a wound electrode assembly includes steps of: overlaying electrode strips (11, 13) and separator strips (12, 14) on each other, and winding the electrode strips (11, 13) and the separator strips (12, 14) on a take-up shaft (20) while pressing a pressing member (30) against the electrode strips and the separator strips. In the winding step, the pressing force of the pressing member (30) is increased with decrease in a tension T applied to at least one of the electrode strips (11, 13) and the separator strips (12, 14). |
| US08128714B2 |
Apparatus for manufacturing polycrystalline silicon thin film
Provided is an apparatus for manufacturing a polysilicon thin film by depositing an amorphous silicon thin film and an upper silicon dioxide substrate on a lower silicon dioxide substrate, forming a conductive thin film on the upper silicon dioxide substrate, and applying an electric field and performing Joule heating to crystallize the amorphous silicon thin film, the apparatus comprising power terminals for elastically contacting both upper ends of the conductive thin film and supplying power to the conductive thin film, and support members for elastically supporting the substrate such that the power terminals closely contact both upper ends of the conductive thin film to form a uniform electric field at the conductive thin film. Therefore, it is possible to apply an electric field to a conductive thin film and perform Joule heating to crystallize an amorphous silicon thin film, and support members are installed at both lower surfaces of a silicon dioxide substrate to elastically support the silicon dioxide substrate such that power terminals closely contact both upper ends of the conductive thin film, thereby forming a uniform electric field at the conductive thin film to efficiently perform crystallization within a short time. |
| US08128709B2 |
Functional foot cover
A cover for a foot prosthesis comprises an opening at a top end of the cover, which extends into a cavity formed within the cover, wherein the cavity is configured to receive a prosthesis therein. A wall surrounds the cavity and has the shape of a natural human foot. The wall has an inner surface and an outer surface. The wall also has a top section, a bottom section and a rear section. The bottom section defines a sole area having a toe section, a heel section, and a metatarsal region, wherein the sole area is provided with varying levels of stiffness configured to induce a desired rollover from heel-to-toe in a lateral-to-medial direction. |
| US08128707B2 |
Bladder reconstruction
The invention is directed to methods and devices for the reconstruction, repair, augmentation or replacement of laminarily organized luminal organs or tissue structures in a patient in need of such treatment. The device comprises a biocompatible synthetic or natural polymeric matrix shaped to conform to at least a part of the luminal organ or tissue structure with a first cell population on or in a first area and a second cell population such as a smooth muscle cell population in a second area of the polymeric matrix. The method involves grafting the device to an area in a patient in need of treatment. The polymeric matrix comprises a biocompatible and biodegradable material. |
| US08128702B2 |
Interspinous process implant having deployable wings and method of implantation
An embodiment of a system in accordance with the present invention can include an implant having a spacer with a thickness and a wing, wherein a first configuration of the wing has a first height substantially similar to the thickness and wherein the wing is adapted to be selectably arranged in a second configuration such that the wing has a second height greater than the first height. A periphery of the implant has a shape generally conformal with a shape of an inner surface of a cannula and a cross-sectional diameter smaller than an inner diameter of the cannula. The cannula is inserted such that a proximal end of the cannula is arranged between the adjacent spinous processes. The implant is then urged into position between the adjacent spinous processes by way of the cannula, and subsequently arranged in a second configuration to fix the implant in position. |
| US08128700B2 |
Allograft intervertebral implant and method of manufacturing the same
The present invention is directed to an allograft intervertebral implant sized and configured for insertion between adjacent vertebral bodies in a spinal fusion surgery. The implant is preferably manufactured from two or more pieces of allograft bone joined together by a joint, more preferably a dovetail joint. The dovetail joint being sized and configured to substantially follow the exterior shape or surface (e.g. perimeter) of the intervertebral implant. The intervertebral implant may also include one or more bone pins for joining the allograft pieces, the pins being inserted into the implant at an angle substantially perpendicular with respect to the dovetail joint. The intervertebral implant may also include one or more through-bores for receiving ostegenic or bone graft material. The intervertebral implant is preferably sized and configured for insertion during a T-PLIF or PLIF procedure. |
| US08128695B2 |
Auditory ossicle prosthesis with variable coupling surfaces
An auditory ossicle prosthesis (10) which comprises, at one end, a plate-shaped first securing element (11) for bearing on the tympanic membrane or on the footplate of the stirrup, and, at the other end, a second securing element (12) for mechanical connection to the ossicular chain or to the inner ear, and also a connection element (13) that connects the two securing elements so as to conduct sound, wherein the first securing element has a radially inner coupling area (14) for coupling the first securing element to the connection element, and also a plurality of web elements (15) for radial connection of the coupling area to radially outer portions (16) of the first securing element, is characterized in that the coupling area, the web elements and the radially outer portions are of such a geometric configuration, and their material so chosen, that a plastic deformation is effected by stretching or pushing together in the plane of the plate of the first securing element, by means of which plastic deformation the external diameter of the first securing element is permanently increased or reduced. This means that the number of different prostheses to be kept ready during an operation can be reduced to a single standard prosthesis, without losing the possibility of optimal adaptation of the prosthesis to the specific case of use. |
| US08128691B2 |
Device and method for improving the function of a heart valve
A device for improving the function of a heart valve comprises: a support member formed from a shape memory material, and a restraining member providing a restraining action on a course of the support member. The support member may abut one side of the valve conforming to the shape of the valve annulus upon said shape memory material assuming an activated shape while the restraining member restrains the course of the support member. The restraining action is removable for allowing the support member to assume a desired, altered course. The restraining member may be biodegradable to be degraded within a patient or may be detachable from the support member to be withdrawn. The support member according to another embodiment presents a shape change in that an increased cross-section is associated with a shortened length of the support member. The support member according to yet another embodiment has a first and a second activated shape. |
| US08128689B2 |
Bioerodible endoprosthesis with biostable inorganic layers
Medical devices such as endoprostheses (e.g., stents) containing one or more biostable layers (e.g., biostable inorganic layers) and a biodegradable underlying structure are disclosed. |
| US08128688B2 |
Carbon coating on an implantable device
A carbon coating on a stent having a bioactive agent covalently attached thereto and methods of making the same are described. The covalent attachment may be achieved via a photo-reactive chemical or a thermo-reactive chemical. In some embodiments, the carbon coating includes a diamond-like material. The bioactive agent may be heparin or superoxide dismutase enzyme or a mimetic thereof. |
| US08128685B2 |
Bifurcated stenting appratus and method
A bifurcated stent 10 and a stent configuration for manufacture of a bifurcated stent 10 are disclosed. The bifurcated stent 10 includes a first mono-tubular stent 12, a second mono-tubular stent 14, and a third mono-tubular stent 16 connected at their proximal ends to form the bifurcated stent 10. The first 12, second 14 and third 16 mono-tubular stents are connected using a first 32, second 34 and third 36 intraconnect extending from the proximal end of the first 12, second 14, and third 16 mono-tubular stents. A reinforcement member 130 may also be provided to reinforce the connection between the intraconnects 32, 34, 36. A reinforcing connector 112, 114, 116 may also be provided. |
| US08128681B2 |
Venous valve apparatus, system, and method
A venous valve with a tubular frame that includes an outer surface and an inner surface opposite the outer surface and defining a lumen, and a cover over at least the outer surface of the tubular frame, where the cover includes surfaces defining a reversibly sealable opening for unidirectional flow of a liquid through the lumen. A system with the venous valve and a catheter including a proximal end and a distal end, the venous valve located between the proximal end and distal end of the catheter. A method including forming the venous valve and reversibly joining the venous valve and a catheter. A method including positioning at least part of the catheter including the venous valve at a predetermined location and deploying the venous valve from the catheter at the predetermined location. |
| US08128679B2 |
Flexible stent with torque-absorbing connectors
Disclosed is a stent with a highly flexible structure that is configured to provide an elevated degree of vessel scaffolding and to absorb torque applied on the stent. The stent may include an essentially tubular body formed by a web structure that is composed of a plurality of longitudinally adjacent web rings, each including a plurality of web elements that are disposed circumferentially around the longitudinal axis of the stent and that are adjoined one to the other by a junction bend. Each junction bend in a first web ring is coupled to another junction bend in a neighboring ring by a connector having a step-wise configuration, in which a central segment of the connector is disposed essentially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the stent and may become twisted to absorb torque imposed on the stent. |
| US08128675B2 |
Cooling apparatus and method for reducing risk of male infertility in heated environments
Cooling apparatus (and method) for reducing the risk of, and/or alleviating, male infertility, particularly in a heated environment, includes: a pouch to enclose the scrotal area of the male user; a thermoelectric cooling device to be worn by the male user at a distance from the pouch; and a fluid pump also to be worn by the male user for pumping a cooling fluid from the cold side of the thermoelectric cooling device to the pouch, and a cooling fluid over the hot side of the thermoelectric cooling device to dissipate the heat generated therein to the atmosphere. The thermoelectric cooling device and pump are incorporated in a waistband to be worn around the waist of the male user. |
| US08128672B2 |
Wound care method and system with one or both of vacuum-light therapy and thermally augmented oxygenation
A system for treatment of a wound area of a patient including a first treatment pad comprising a plurality of Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) for cleaning and exposing a wound area to ultraviolet light, a second treatment pad comprising removal ports for exposing the wound area to a negative pressure, and a control unit interoperably connected to the first and second treatment pads for providing a negative pressure and the ultraviolet light to the wound area. |
| US08128666B2 |
Low profile screw anchor with variable axis/angle fixation
A low-profile bone anchoring system particularly suited to pelvis fixation in conjunction with spinal correction. The preferred embodiment utilizes screw fixation, followed by deployment of penetrating anchoring arms, expansion of outer sleeve, or both. The proximal ends of the screw anchors are preferably flush or deep to the bone surface. An internal screw mechanism is utilized to deploy side anchoring arms, or expansion of outer sleeve, or both. Serrated top edge interfaces with low profile variable axis/angled elbow (VAE), which has varying lengths/dimensions to accommodate anatomy and differing rod sizes. The VAEs preferably feature a serrated bottom edge to interface with anchor screw. Locking screw at elbow secures into inner threads of pelvis anchor screw. Each VAE captures a rod, end to end, or by passing rod through the side of elbow. |
| US08128663B2 |
Spine distraction implant
A spine distraction implant alleviates pain associated with spinal stenosis and facet arthropathy. The implant may provide a spinal extension stop while allowing freedom of spinal flexion. The implant includes a central portion and first, second, third, and fourth arms that extend away from the central portion to form two generally oppositely facing saddles. For some versions, one arm is longer than the other arms. For some versions, all the arms are of different length, with one of the arms being longer than the other three, and one of the arms being shorter than the other three. |
| US08128660B2 |
Inter-cervical facet joint implant with locking screw system
Systems and method in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention can include an implant for positioning within a cervical facet joint for distracting the cervical spine, thereby increasing the area of the canals and openings through which the spinal cord and nerves must pass, and decreasing pressure on the spinal cord and/or nerve roots. The implant can be inserted laterally or posteriorly. |
| US08128655B2 |
Method for creating a temporary hypobaric wound space in an intentionally left open surgical wound to diagnose substrate losses and prevent exogenous contamination with microorganisms
A hypobaric wound space is provided for prophylactic and diagnostic purposes in surgical wounds of the abdomen deliberately left open. The hypobaric wound space provided is established by a combination of an impermeable folio sheet or thin flexible membrane, tissue fluid absorbing gauze or sponge, a drain tube, and a suction device to create hypobaric conditions and prevent wound contamination and infection, and to collect wound fluid to diagnose protein, fluid and other substrate losses on a quantity and quality basis. More specifically the invention provided relates to postoperatively applying negative pressure to the wound space of any surgical wound that was deliberately left open by filling the wound space with medical gauze or any material that is capable of absorbing tissue fluid, sealing the wound space with an impermeable folio or flexible membrane by engaging the folio to the skin of surrounding wound edges, and evacuating air and tissue fluid from the wound space by continuous suction through a drain tube to protect the wound from contamination and infection, and to diagnose fluid and losses substrate losses on a quantity and quality basis. |
| US08128650B2 |
Medical instrument
A medical instrument has a handle arranged at the proximal end, a shank extending distally proceeding from the handle, and a movable jaw part arranged at the distal end of the shank. The shank is designed to be rigid and includes at least one proximal bend region and at least one distal bend region, in which the extension direction of the shank changes. A section of the shank in which the distal bend region is situated may be rotated about the longitudinal axis relative to a section of the shank in which the proximal bend region is situated. The jaw part is rotatable relative to the shank about its distal longitudinal axis at the distal end. |
| US08128648B2 |
Chest drainage and apparatus for the insertion thereof
An apparatus for the introduction of a drainage tube into a patient's chest cavity, comprising a housing having a distal end, a proximal end, and a longitudinal axis; a scalpel operable in a protruding position between a closed position in which the cutting portions are adjacent one another and adapted to make an incision in the dermis of the patient, and an open position in which the cutting portions are spaced from one another forming a scalpel passage along the longitudinal axis between the cutting portions. The apparatus further comprising a trocar comprising first and second trocar portions, each extending along the length of the trocar; the trocar being operable between an closed position wherein the first and second trocar portions are substantially adjacent one another, and a closed position in which the first and second trocar portions are spaced from one another and adapted for the introduction of the drainage tube therethrough. |
| US08128647B2 |
Surgical instrument for detecting, isolating and excising tumors
A cutter (8) is telescopically received in a cannula (9) and both the cutter and cannula are telescopically mounted on a tubular carrier (7). A detection device (6) may be inserted through the open-ended carrier, cutter and cannula to properly place the surgical instrument in alignment with the tumor to be excised. Positioning tines (80) may penetrate the patient to firmly locate the carrier in its proper position on the patient. The cutter and cannula are moved about the carrier and are pressed into the tissue of the patient with the expectation that the circular core (60) of breast tissue formed by the cutter will have clear margins about the tumor. If the tumor extends too close to the circular incision, the cannula may be rotated so that its sidewall opening (26) faces the side of the remaining tissue to be excised and the surgeon can pull the remaining tissue through the sidewall and excise it, thereby avoiding a separate and delayed surgical procedure. |
| US08128638B2 |
Handheld microdermabrasion device
In one embodiment, a handheld microdermabrasion device includes a treatment head and a motor for driving, e.g., oscillating or rotating, the treatment head to abrade or exfoliate the skin. The treatment head may be abrasive or non-abrasive, and includes a passage or opening in communication with a reservoir for containing a topical solution. As the skin is abraded by the treatment head, the topical solution from the reservoir is automatically dispensed through the opening in the treatment head. In some embodiments, the motor which drives the treatment head also drives a pump for moving fluid from the reservoir and through the treatment head. The topical solution may be abrasive or non-abrasive. In some embodiments, the topical solution is a therapeutic solution for treating the skin. |
| US08128637B2 |
Device for removing acrochordons
The invention relates to a device for removal of bothersome acrochordons or skin tags from the skin. The device has an adhesive surface which allows manipulation and locking of the skin tag in such a way that acrochordon ectomic strangulation can occur without anesthetic or risk for bleeding or infections. The device includes three parts with one or several surfaces, the edges of which can be pivoted, folded, rotated or bent in relation to each other, whereby a more or less elastic strangulation of the skin tag causes an occlusion of the blood flow. The skin tag is simultaneously sealed to the skin surface and concealed by the device which makes the painless ectomic process cosmetically acceptable. |
| US08128631B2 |
Apparatus and method for placing an implant in vivo
A system and method for placing an implant into or onto supporting bone, or between adjacent bones, without impaction is disclosed. The system includes an implant, a distracter, and a sleeve. Optionally, the invention includes an alignment guide, a surgical navigational tracker, and a bone displacer. The sleeve is structured to interpose the implant and supporting bone and provide a differential engagement force between the sleeve-implant interface and the sleeve-bone interface to preferentially move the implant into, onto or between supporting bone structures. |
| US08128626B2 |
System and method for delivery conformation and removal of intramedullary bone fixation devices
A bone fixation system and method for stabilizing a fractured bone by implantation into the intramedullary canal of an implant that is expanded by an implant deformation apparatus, or deformer. The deformer can use mechanical, pneumatic, or hydraulic expansion. Some deformers apply or remove heat. Some implants may include a support structure and a thermo-chemically activated matrix. The support structure may be radially expandable and contractible, and sufficiently flexible to be inserted into the intramedullary canal through an opening which is not parallel to the intramedullary canal. The matrix may attain a first thermo-chemical state via the addition of energy, and a second thermo-chemical state via the dissipation of energy. |
| US08128625B2 |
System and method for controlling electrode gap during tissue sealing
An electrosurgical system for sealing tissue is disclosed that includes an electrosurgical forceps. The forceps includes a drive rod and an end effector assembly coupled to the drive rod at a distal end thereof. The end effector assembly includes jaw members wherein longitudinal reciprocation of the drive rod moves the jaw members from a first position in spaced relation relative to one another to a subsequent position wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. Each of the jaw members includes a sealing plate that communicates electrosurgical energy through tissue held therebetween. The jaw members are adapted to connect to an electrosurgical generator. The system also includes one or more sensors that determine a gap distance between the sealing plates of the jaw members and a pressure applicator coupled to the drive rod. The pressure applicator is configured to move the drive rod in a longitudinal direction. The system further includes a controller adapted to communicate with the sensors and to control the pressure applicator in response to the determined gap distance during the sealing process. |
| US08128622B2 |
Electrosurgical pencil having a single button variable control
The present disclosure is directed to electrosurgical pencils having variable controls. In one aspect, the electrosurgical pencil, includes an elongated housing, an electrocautery blade supported within the housing and extending distally from the housing, the electrocautery blade being connected to a source of electrosurgical energy, an activation button supported on the housing, the activation button being movable from a first position to at least a subsequent position, and a transducer electrically connected between the activation button and the source of electrosurgical energy. The transducer is configured to transmit an electrical output signal to the electrosurgical energy source correlating to the movement of the activation button. The source of electrosurgical energy correspondingly supplies an amount of electrosurgical energy to the electrocautery blade dependant upon the electrical output signal. |
| US08128617B2 |
Electrical mapping and cryo ablating with a balloon catheter
In some implementations, a method of ablating body tissue includes (a) locating an inflatable balloon portion of a cryotherapy balloon catheter at a treatment site internal to a patient's body, and inflating the inflatable balloon portion; (b) employing electrodes that are disposed on an expandable surface of the inflatable balloon portion to electrically characterize body tissue at the treatment site; (c) ablating the body tissue by supplying a cryotherapy agent to the inflatable balloon portion to cool the body tissue to a therapeutic temperature; (d) employing the electrodes to determine whether the ablating caused desired electrical changes in the body tissue; and (e) repeating (c) and (d) when it is determined that the ablating did not cause the desired electrical changes. |
| US08128616B2 |
System, method and implantable device for delivery of therapeutic substance
A system and method for transitioning between therapeutic substances to be delivered at different flow rates to a patient. The first therapeutic substance is delivered to the patient at a known flow rate, a bridge duration equal to the known volume divided by the known flow rate is calculated; and the flow rate is controlled following introduction of a second therapeutic substance into the reservoir. If the second flow rate is lower than the first flow rate, delivery is begun of at least one of the first therapeutic substance and the second therapeutic substance at the second flow rate at least as soon as the bridge duration is over. Otherwise, delivery is begun of the at least one of the first therapeutic substance and the second therapeutic substance at the second flow rate at least as late as when the bridge duration is over. |
| US08128615B2 |
Wound cleansing apparatus with scaffold
An apparatus for cleansing and applying therapy or prophylaxis to wounds, in which irrigant fluid containing a physiologically active material from a reservoir connected to a conformable wound dressing and wound exudate from the dressing are recirculated by a device for moving fluid through a flow path which passes through the dressing and a means for fluid cleansing and back to the dressing. A biodegradable scaffold underlies the dressing on the wound bed to promote tissue growth. The cleansing means (which may be a single-phase, e.g. micro-filtration, system or a two-phase, e.g. dialytic system) removes materials deleterious to wound healing, and the cleansed fluid, still containing materials that are beneficial in promoting wound healing, is returned to the wound bed. The dressing, an assembly comprising the dressing and scaffold, and a method of treatment using the apparatus. |
| US08128601B2 |
Portal device
A portal device maintains an opening in the skin of a patient to allow for the passage of surgical device therethrough. Tabs disposed at one end of the portal device may be used to resist removal of the device, retract soft tissue from the operative site, and seal the opening to prevent the escape of gases or liquids. |
| US08128596B2 |
Disposable infusion device layered structure
A disposable infusion device comprises a reservoir that holds a liquid medicament, a pump that displaces the liquid medicament from the reservoir to the patient, at least one valve that conducts the displaced medicament from the reservoir, and a fluid conduit that conducts the medicament from the reservoir, to the pump, and to the patient. The device includes a layered structure that defines the reservoir, pump, valve, and fluid conduit. |
| US08128594B1 |
Safety syringe
A safety syringe includes a barrel, an inner tube movably mounted in the barrel, and an elastic member mounted on the barrel and connected with the inner tube to pull the inner tube outward relative to the barrel. Thus, the elastic member is made of plastic or rubber material to largely decrease the cost of fabrication of the safety syringe. |
| US08128593B2 |
Removing fluid from a bodily tissue via a catheter with circumferential concave grooves
Devices, systems, and methods for removing fluid from a bodily tissue. In at least one embodiment of a catheter for use with a vacuum source for removing fluid from a mammalian tissue, the catheter comprises an elongated tube comprising a proximal end, a distal end, an outer wall positioned circumferentially along a length of the tube, and an inner wall positioned circumferentially along the length of the tube and defining a lumen within the tube, wherein the inner wall defines at least one suction channel along the length of the tube, one or more apertures defined along the tube, wherein the one or more apertures extend from the outer wall of the tube to the inner wall of the tube, the one or more apertures present at or near the distal end of the tube, wherein at least one of the one or more apertures is/are in communication with the at least one suction channel, and a vacuum port in communication with the proximal end of the tube, the vacuum port being operatively connected to the at least one suction channel and capable of operative connection to a vacuum source. |
| US08128592B2 |
Methods and systems for performing submucosal medical procedures
Instruments, systems and methods are provided for performing submucosal medical procedures in a desired area of the digestive tract using endoscopy. Instruments include a safe access needle injection instrument, a submucosal tunneling instrument, a submucosal dissection instrument, a mucosal resection device. Systems include a combination of one or more of such instruments with or without injectable agents. Embodiments of various methods for performing the procedures are also provided. |
| US08128588B2 |
Ocular pressure regulation
This invention comprises a flexible ocular device for implantation into the eye formed of a biocompatible elastomeric material, foldable to a diameter of 1.5 mm or less, comprising a fluid drainage tube having at one end a foldable plate adapted to locate the device on the inner surface of the sclera in a suprachoroidal space formed by cyclodialysis, said drainage tube opening onto the disc at one end and opening to the anterior chamber when implanted into the eye at its other end, so as to provide aqueous pressure regulation. Also provided are methods for the treatment of glaucoma utilizing the flexible ocular device, and an ocular pressure spike shunt. |
| US08128587B2 |
Cable-based orthopedic bracing system
An orthopedic bracing system for providing support to a joint of an individual is provided. The bracing system includes a frame configured to conform to the individual's body and configured to contact the individual such that it can provide support to the joint. The frame has at least two portions configured to connect at least a first part of the individual's body to a second part of the individual's body. The bracing system further includes a cable interconnected to the frame, and an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the tightness level of the cable. |
| US08128581B2 |
Vacuum apparatus and method for treating sores
A device and method for the treatment of mouth sores or ulcers, such as canker sores. The device includes a vacuum bulb connected to a treatment tip via a fluid-tight conduit. The device allows for a vacuum to be applied to the area of a canker sore by positioning of the tip and actuation of the vacuum bulb. Through gentle application of a vacuum to the area afflicted with a canker sore, the sensitivity of the afflicted area is diminished and the healing process is significantly improved. The device preferably includes disposable applicator tips. |
| US08128580B2 |
Guide wire
A guide wire includes a wire body having an elongate reshapeable section at its distal part. The guide wire may include a surface of the reshapeable section being provided with a plurality of grooves extending in a direction different from the longitudinal direction of the reshapeable section. |
| US08128575B2 |
System and method for the automatic detection of the expiratory flow limitation
The present invention refers to a system and a method for the automatic detection of the expiratory flow limitation of a subject. In an embodiment thereof the system for the automatic detection of expiratory flow limitation of a subject comprises determining the respiratory impedance of the subject comprising an imaginary component and, eventually, of a real part or, at least, by applying a forcing signal with one or more spectral components to the airway opening of a subject combined with measuring time courses of pressure and flow at the airway opening; determining at least one index linked to respiratory impedance or pressure and flow time courses; indicating the positioning of at least one index in relation to a preset threshold value. |
| US08128573B2 |
Methods and apparatus for locating the fossa ovalis and performing transseptal puncture
A method of identifying the fossa ovalis in a patient by positioning one or more electrodes against the tissue of the interatrial septum of the patient and acquiring unipolar and/or bipolar electrograms of the tissue of the interatrial septum while moving the electrodes to a plurality of positions against the tissue of the interatrial septum. The fossa ovalis is identified on the basis of unipolar voltage reduction, signal fractionation, broadened signal, reduced signal slew rate, reduced local myocardial impedance, increased phase angle and/or increased pacing threshold. An apparatus for identifying the fossa ovalis is also provided. |